By: Maryanne Salvat

Saks Gives Back

This February, Saks Fifth Avenue will give 5% of all registered purchases made with a Saks Fifth Avenue credit card back to charity.  The donations will benefit certain local organizations, keeping support within each Saks Fifth Avenue store’s immediate community. Customers may select which local charity from Saks Fifth Avenue’s roster they wish to allocate their 5% contribution. Registration is one simple step at point of sale linking the customer account with their chosen charity. Saks Fifth Avenue Dadeland has partnered with the following charities from February 1 to 29: Grayvik Animal Care Center- ORCAT, the Jackson Memorial Foundation, Miami Science Museum, and University of Miami. Saks.com will also be supporting the program, with 5% of online purchases made using a registered Saks credit card, being donated to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Bass Museum of Art’s Beats after Sunset

This Friday, February 3, will serve as the unofficial re-launch of the monthly event Bass Museum of Art’s Beats after Sunset happy hour, with a new host committee and after party at Chalk Ping Pong & Billiards Lounge. In addition, the Bass Museum will have a ping pong table on site in the museum’s café. Exhibitions on view will be “Laurent Grasso: Portrait of a Young Man” and “Erwin Wurm: Beauty Business” (**note, Erwin Wurm’s “Drinking Sculptures” will be “activated” to assist in the happy hour fun).

Evenings at the Villa

Villa 221 has generated so much attention and interest from its guests that the owners have decided to continue the house party by officially opening its doors to the public on Friday and Saturday evenings with VILLA NIGHTS – a complete evening destination catering to VIPs, locals and visitors alike beginning at 9:00 p.m. The proprietors self-described “Casual Fridays” and their “Downtown’s Best Saturday” night represent what one might playfully refer to as the “un-club” and presents a no cover and no velvet rope mentality. For more information, visit www.villanights.com – the venue’s newly launched blog designed to be a portal dedicated to the nightlife at Villa 221.

Grand Opening of RX Pool Parties

The city buzz is electric, as Miami gears up for the highly anticipated 2012 Season 4 Grand Opening of RX Pool Parties on the Rooftop of The Gansevoort Hotel on Saturday, February 4 from noon to 8 p.m. As seen on the Travel Channel nationwide, and experienced by over 200,000 of the world’s most beautiful people, South Beach’s #1 weekly pool party returns for its fourth year with a celebration of epic proportions. Kicking of the festivities will be internationally renowned superstar DJ/Producer George Acosta launching his newly announced bi-monthly DJ residency with RX Pool Parties for the 2012 season. Performing along with George Acosta will be Miami’s own superstar DJ/Producer in the making, Justin Sheppard known locally as the city’s hottest new Space Terrace resident DJ. This powerhouse combination of music will undoubtedly kick the year off with an extravagance and sexiness level that is unparalleled by most, yet is always the standard at these wet & wild RX Pool Parties. For up-to-date information on ALL weekly RX events, please visit www.rxpoolparties.com.

Super Bowl Weekend 2012

The Mayfair Hotel & Spa presents a Super Bowl Viewing Party at the Rooftop Cabana Club, Sunday, February 5. Enjoy a full poolside menu, beer specials and $125 cabana rentals. Ladies wearing NFL attire receive a complimentary glass of Prosecco. Reservations are highly recommended.

Edge, Steak & Bar will host a Super Bowl viewing party at their beautiful marble-top bar or in one of the Private Dining Rooms (rental fee waived). The large private dining room can hold up to 22 people, and the smaller area can hold up to 10 people. It can be your own Private Super Bowl Party-with an inside

Chalk Ping Pong and Billiards Lounge will also be hosting a Super Bowl Viewing party on Sunday, February 5, from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m. The event sponsored by Grolsh and Bud Light will feature viewing packages starting at $25.  Bites will be provided by Shorty’s BBQ. For more information contact (305) 532-8662 or visit www.chalkmiami.com.

Sponsored by Heineken, the Rooftop at Gansevoort will be hosting a lavish Super Bowl Party beginning at 3:00 p.m. Cabana specials are available starting at $800 and include1 bottle of vodka, 2 Heineken Mini Kegs and 3 appetizers. For more information contact 305.604.6829 or visit www.togrp.com.

Haven Gastro-Lounge will also be offering Super Bowl specials on Sunday, February 5.  Call or text reservations to 305.987.8885, or visit www.havenlounge.com.

Duffy’s Sports Grill in North Miami Beach, South Florida’s largest waterfront sports grill, offers Duffy’s game time specials including $11 domestic beer buckets, $15 premium beer buckets and their infamous 2 for 1 happy hour, good for everything in house, starting at 4:00 p.m. With 200 huge Plasma TVs and the best value in town, make Duffy’s your Super Bowl XLVI headquarters. As the big game approaches, make sure to “Like” Duffys’ Sports Grill’s Facebook page to enter into their Super Bowl Facebook contest. One lucky Duffy’s fan will win the “Ultimate Big Game Party” complete with a 50-inch Plasma TV and Duffy’s party platters for 15 people, all delivered by the Duffy’s MVP Street Team. Numerous other daily bonus prizes will be given away to Duffy’s fans including Duffy’s gift cards, autographed Miami Dolphins memorabilia and Duffy’s gear. For more information call or contact 305.760.2124 or visit www.DuffysMVP.com.

The Closet Boutique

The Closet Boutique is excited to invite local fashionistas to a private Valentine’s Day shopping experience featuring the debut of David Jon Acosta’s new line, Our Prince Of Peace. Guests are welcomed Thursday, February 9, from 6 to 9 p.m. to shop for the “woman in your life”. The Closet Boutique is stocked with high end accessories, diamond crusted “LOVE” bracelets, personalized monogram necklaces, ruby red clutches, and sexy scented candles. Meet with local fashion designer David Jon Acosta to view his latest collection featuring bold printed leggings, bandeau tops, and complex textile mini’s. Enjoy complimentary champagne with chocolate covered strawberries as you shop for the perfect Valentines date ensemble for a romantic dinner or a night out on the town. For more information on The Closet Boutique’s Valentines Shopping Event contact Jennifer Henry at Jennifer@modmediamiami.com or 305-799-6484.

The Lion King Arrives in South Florida

Disney Theatrical Productions, Broadway Across America and the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County announced that tickets for the long-awaited production of The Lion King will go on sale to the public on Saturday, February 11. Tickets will be available for purchase in person at the box office starting at 8:00 a.m., online at www.arshtcenter.org and by phone at 11 a.m. Miami’s most eagerly awaited stage production will begin performances at the Adrienne Arsht Center on Tuesday, May 15 for a limited engagement of four weeks through Sunday, June 10. Ticket buyers are invited to special box office festivities starting at 8 a.m. on Saturday, February 11 at the Adrienne Arsht Center’s Ziff Ballet Opera House. Ticket buyers in line will receive complimentary breakfast and live entertainment provided by local media partners including HOT 101.5 FM, COAST FM and The Miami Herald. The first person in the ticket line will be gifted with an autographed souvenir Lion King book; the first 100 ticket buyers get a Lion King CD; and all other ticket buyers will receive Lion King T-shirts, (one item per order, while supplies last). Parking in Lot C will be free of charge. Regular box office hours are Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Chef Lorena Garcia

Utilísima, the only 24-hour, 100% original, Spanish-language lifestyle network, hosted a select few to the special launch of Chef Lorena García’s new show, “Lorena En Su Salsa.” One of the country’s leading chefs, Lorena has participated on several reality shows including: Top Chef, The Biggest Loser, and America’s Next Great Restaurant. The Venezuelan power house’s new series will be shot entirely in Miami in a custom built studio designed by Lorena herself and will spotlight the many rich culture’s of the Magic City’s people. 

Manu Ginobili, from the San Antonio Spurs was in town to play the Miami Heat, and on Tuesday he visited db Bistro Moderne for lunch with his family and friends and ordered Duck Confit as his main course. While in town, he also visited the JW Marriott Marquis Miami’s 19th floor basketball arena (frequented by Miami Heat players as well) and the Jim McLean indoor golf school.

Athina Marturet, Maestro Marturet, and Christian Meischel

The Adrienne Arsht Center was packed to the rafters on Saturday January 21 for the Miami Symphony Orchestra’s (MISO) annual gala concert, An Evening in Vienna, where more than 3,000 of Miami’s social elite gathered to witness an unprecedented occasion.  On this special evening, the House of Swarovski presented MISO’s Music Director and Conductor Eduardo Marturet, with a one-of-a-kind crystal baton.   Christian Meischel, Swarovski’s project manager, flew in from Austria especially for this momentous occasion, as the baton is the first-ever of its kind.   

Throughout the evening, the charismatic and energetic Marturet, wearing royal blue crystallized Donald Pliner loafers to match the stage lights, encouraged the audience to share in his enthusiasm, which even resulted in a broken baton! Fortunately, said baton was not the Swarovski baton, which had yet to be presented.  The crowd obliged, clapping to the Polka, and dancing to the upbeat tempos, and delighting to the waltzes, and great overtures.  Read the rest here »

Splendor in the Garden at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden 

Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, together with Neiman Marcus Coral Gables, will host “Splendor in the Garden” on Thursday, January 26.  The afternoon will feature a reception in the Garden sponsored by Nicolas Feuillatte champagne followed by a seated luncheon and formal fashion show produced by Neiman Marcus Senior Vice President and Fashion Director, Ken Downing. In addition, Fairchild will honor a group of special women who have contributed significantly to Fairchild’s success and who have made “giving fashionable.” Those being honored are Penny Stamps, Jayne Abess, Pamela Garrison, Judy Kramer, Joyce Burns, Nancy Batchelor, Jennifer Buttrick and Brenda Nestor Castellano. All proceeds will benefit Fairchild’s numerous programs in conservation, science, children’s education and research. For ticket information and reservations please contact: sshubin@fairchildgarden.org or 305.667.1651, ext. 3375.

Roots of Hope “Youth Empowerment through Fashion & Music” 

On Saturday, January 28, at 10:00 p.m., Roots of Hope and Nicolita Swimwear partner up together to present an unforgettable night filled with music, dancing, and fashion at PAX Miami. The event will feature models wearing Nicole Di Rocco’s Nicolita Swimwear interacting with the crowd as the Latin sounds of Suenalo play on the stage. Suenalo’s music, inspired by Afro Cuban and Puerto Rican influences, and has been recognized as Best Latin Band in 2011 by Miami New Times, and Nicole’s swimwear line inspired by Cuban places and icons will give attendees an opportunity to immerse themselves in different aspects of the Cuban culture. They will also have a chance to speak with members of Roots of Hope and find out how they can get involved and help empower Cuban youth.

Gung Hay Fat Choy! Mandarin Oriental Celebrates Chinese New Year 

Mandarin Oriental, Miami has an array of celebratory offerings to honor the Chinese lunar calendar and usher in the Year of the Dragon.The Al Fresco Chinese New Year Party: on Saturday, January 28, from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m.  will include music, delicious Asian cuisine stations with open bar, a majestic dragon dance and entertainment, all set to the backdrop of Biscayne Bay and the Miami skyline. Tickets are $95 per person in advance or $110 at the door, plus tax and gratuity. There will be an art exhibition in the lobby from  January 23 through March 5 featuring the works of renowned Chinese Artist Fung Ming Chip, who specializes in Chinese calligraphy, considered in Asian culture to be one of the highest arts. The exhibition is curated by Vincent Tom and Christopher Thompson from Miami’s Crimson Gate Gallery. Additionally, Cafe Sambal will offer a celebratory a la carte menu nightly from January 23 through February 5, from 5:00 to 11:00 p.m. For dining reservations, tickets or any additional information, call 305.913.8358 or send an email to momia-restaurants@mohg.com.

Family Creativity Center at Bass Museum of Art

On Sunday, January 29, the Bass Museum of Art will introduce the Lindemann Family Creativity Center. The museum will commemorate the opening of the center with an inauguration ceremony and ribbon cutting at 12:30 p.m. followed by family activities from 12:00 to 4:00 p.m. as well as a fortune telling by artist David Rohn, also known as “The Amazing Ultran.” Regularly scheduled family day activities will also take place in the museum’s café from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. In addition, the Bass Museum of Art will introduce two new children’s programs with multiple sessions spanning February through May. The Bass Babies program for ages 2 – 4 will be held weekly on Tuesdays from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. and allow parents and their toddles to tap into their creative side while learning the basics of art. The Bass Buddies program for ages 4 – 6 will be held every other Saturday from 1:00 to 2:30 p.m. and will include specific art lessons that are paired with a fitting song. Other activities may include science experiments, slide shows, museum walks and short stories. Admission to the museum and activities are free of charge as always on IDEA@thebass family days.

Tommy Davidson at Ricochet Bar and Lounge

Impersonation guru Tommy Davidson joins the comedian line-up at Ricochet Bar & Lounge this month showing off his wit and innovative talent to the crowd. Best known as one of the original stars from In Living Color and his role in Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls, Davidson will perform live stand-up comedy at Midtown Miami’s newest culture-centric bar and lounge on Monday, January 30. Doors open at 8:00 p.m. with an anticipated, soon to be announced, opening act for Davidson. Tickets are only $25 per person, so don’t miss out on this extraordinary performance by a comedy legend. Purchase your tickets at http://ricochetlounge.com/#section8.

Sixth Annual Stars of Design Awards

On Wednesday, February 1, Design Center of the Americas (DCOTA) and Charles S. Cohen, Owner, CEO and President of Cohen Brothers Realty, will shine a spotlight on the design world’s leading professionals with the Sixth Annual Stars of Design Awards. A ceremony and reception will be held on day one of the Design Center’s two-day WinterMarket in honor of the design luminaries, at which time guests will celebrate with live music, performances, hors d’oeuvres and beverages courtesy of 42 Below, Alacrán Tequila, Mandarine Napoléon and Société Perrier. The 2012 Stars of Design Award Honorees are: Clodagh, Chad Oppenheim, Jennifer Post, Kiran Shiva Akal, Franco Pianegonda, DJ Hay, Iran Issa Khan, and Henry Richardson. This year, DCOTA will add a new facet to its Stars of Design Awards, the “Stars on the Rise” category, which will honor five designers forty years of age or younger, who have already made a significant mark in the design world. The 2012 Stars on the Rise are: Alison Antrobus, Eric Winnick, Joe Fava, A. Keith Powell and Donanne Ramos. The award ceremony begins at 5:30 p.m. with a cocktail reception following at 7:00 p.m.; to RSVP contact 954.920.7997 extension 240 or adriana@taraink.com .

National Frozen Yogurt Day

National Frozen Yogurt Day is on Monday, February 6 and Yogurtland is celebrating this day by offering FREE frozen yogurt to everyone who visits any of the 160+ locations across the country! Yogurtland will be giving away 5 oz. cups of frozen yogurt from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. in each participating location for one day only.

We fully expected to be smitten on Saturday night at the YoungArts “An Affair of the Arts” Gala, where one of our favorite actors of all-time, Robert Redford, was honored with the Arison Award.  What we didn’t expect was that we would have the honor of meeting the Sundance Kid and gushing, shamelessly, about the fact that we are lifelong, card-carrying members of the Robert Redford fan club.  The still-gorgeous-as-ever, septuagenarian actor, director, activist and founder of Sundance Institute+ Film Festival humbly listened and even indulged us in a photo- a privilege reserved to very few on that stellar evening.   

Prior to the gala, more than 800 A-list guests, including prominent artists, community leaders, philanthropists and celebrities, gathered for the performance and awards presentation at the historic Gusman Center for the Performing Arts where visual artist and 1986 YoungArts winner Doug Aitken was presented with the Alumni Award; and arts administrator Robert L. Lynch, president and CEO of Americans for the Arts, received the YoungArts Leadership Award. Read the rest here »

Dwayne Wade

By:  Mary Jo Almeida-Shore

To ease the pain of entering a new decade, Dwyane Wade’s family and friends (and by “friends” we mean sponsors such as Hublot and The Collection) celebrated the basketball star’s birthday with a weekend filled with festivities, beginning with a surprise brunch hosted at the W Hotel by his mother Jolinda and sister Tragil. The intimate gathering included Wade’s girlfriend, Gabrielle Union and featured a performance by Grammy Award-winning singer Yolanda Adams.

On Sunday night a slew of celebrities including the usual suspects, teammates Lebron James, Chris Bosh and Udonis Haslem as well as Pat Riley, DJ Irie and Usher feted Wade at the Setai’s courtyard with free-flowing Hennessy and Belvedere and special surprise performances from Kelly Rowland, T.I., Common and Rick Ross.

The evening began with a special “30 for 30” dinner at the Setai hosted by Dom Perignon, Belevedere and Hennessy, during which the vintage champagne producer presented Wade with a bottle of 1982 Dom Perignon, in honor of his birth year. After dinner, the party moved to the courtyard where Wade was greeted by over 300 friends and VIP guests. One of the biggest surprises was the all-new 2012 McLaren MP4-12C supercar, customized just for Wade, which was perched on a platform on the pool awaiting Wade’s arrival. Ken Gorin, president and CEO of The Collection had the car airlifted onto the hotel pool earlier in the day. Read the rest here »