One Stop Safety Shop at Give Wink

Join Aventura’s Give Wink on Thursday, August 25 from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., for a one-stop Safety Shop to help South Florida parents learn how to better protect their children. Collaborators include Guard-A-Kid, One Beat CPR, and My Privates are Private author, Stacey Honowitz who will be offering services, tips, and advice all day long. Guard-A-Kid, members of the nation’s most highly-recognized Child Identification and Child Safety Program, will be on site with special packages that include two ID cards with finger prints of their little ones. This information is automatically dispersed nationwide if a kidnapping occurs; packages start at $22. One Beat CPR, certified CPR trainers, will be giving quick consultations on how to use CPR for emergency situations. Groups of 8 or more who register at Give Wink will receive 15% off CPR training classes, and Stacey Honowitz, author of My Privates are Private will be signing books at Give Wink and explaining the importance of open communication between kids and their parents. For more information visit, www.GiveWink.com.

Miami Recognition Dinner “Sparkle” Preview Party

Join the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force for the official Miami Recognition Dinner “Sparkle” Preview Party on Thursday, August 25, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at South Beach hotspot Vice Lounge Miami. Sip and socialize as event details are unveiled and meet committee members, table hosts and Task Force supporters. Last year’s Miami Recognition Dinner was the most successful ever, raising more than $410,000. Attendees will have the opportunity to purchase tickets and tables to this year’s dinner taking place on Saturday, October 15, at the Fontainebleau Miami Beach.  Guests will be treated to a complimentary open bar courtesy of 42 BELOW Vodka and light bites by Vice Lounge from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. Cocktails, beer and wine will be available at half-price from 8:00 to 9:30 p.m. There is no cost to attend – to RSVP please rsvp@theTaskForce.org.

The Power of Music at the Stage

 On Friday, August 26 from 6 to 10 pm, you are invited to sip, mingle and boogie at the Stage (170 NE 38 Street), while supporting music programs for the foster youth of The Motivational Edge.  The evening will include live performances by Sekajipo genes, the Jungle, and Jordan Robinson and will feature beer and drink specials.  

WMC co-founder, DJ Bill Kelly will spin a set and the Motivational Edge’s youth will display their skills.  Spam All Stars will also be performing at around 7 p.m. There will be raffles and a silent auction, so bring plenty of business cards and your credit card.  There is a $15 suggested minimum donation at the door. RSVP to Info@TheMotivationalEdge.com or 305.350.3950

Ibiza Animal House Birthday Celebration at WALL

WALL Miami lounge co-owner Nicola Siervo, along with Karim Masri, Navin Chatani and Jarred Grant, will host an Ibiza Animal House-themed birthday celebration at the Miami Beach hotspot on Saturday, August 27 at 11:00 p.m. International mix masters Iban Mendoza (Spain) and Neverdogs (Italy) will be on tap for the evening to make their U.S. debut with the signature Balearic beats of the south of Spain. Guests are also encouraged to dress the part and channel their animal instincts, further adding to the Ibiza flare, and will receive complimentary animal masks upon entry. RSVPs and table reservations are encouraged by contacting rsvp@wallmiami.com or via the WALL iPhone application, available at www.itunes.com.

Big Birthdays at Bongos

Fabulous Drag Queens Elaine Lancaster and Kitty Meow will celebrate their birthdays with a party on August 27 at Bongos Hard Rock Hollywood.  This year’s theme is Reverse It- and the “hostesses” promise to bring you all of the great music of the 1990s.  The celebration starts with dinner at 9 p.m. followed by DJ sets by Bill Hallquist and shows throughout the evening.  For more information, call 305.791.3040.  Reservations are highly recommended.

Ultimate Girls’ Night Out and Launch of InterviewHer.com

In the first installment of what will become a monthly series of events, InterviewHer.com invites Miami’s most in-the-know women to attend an exclusive event to celebrate beauty, fashion and success. Tagged as “The Ultimate Girls’ Night Out,” will be hosted at Cafeina Wynwood Lounge on Thursday, September 1, from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. Jenny Ortiz, a former recruiter, has created an editorial-based website that features insightful and in-depth interviews with powerful female entrepreneurs. Following almost two years of building a loyal following and network, InterviewHer.com has taken connecting women to the next level with the recent launch of the InterviewHer.com interactive website. Guests will enjoy specialty beauty services, discounted shopping, and   exclusive bites and cocktails furnished by Cafeina from 7:00   to 8:00 p.m., along with cake pops to satiate sweet cravings.VIP ticket holders will receive goodie bags stuffed with full-size, custom-created beauty products, specialty discounts, lifestyle products and more. Tickets are available for purchase at http://wwwinterviewher.eventbrite.com/. General admission tickets are $12 in advance and $20 at the door (cash only); VIP tickets are available for $20 in advance and $30 at the door (cash only). Tickets are required for admission. 
A portion of the event proceeds will benefit FINCA, an international micro-finance organization that provides financial services to the world’s lowest-income entrepreneurs.

 Jay-Z held court at LIV at the Fontainebleau until just after 4 am for the highly anticipated Imagine Sundays party which he was scheduled to co-host with Kanye West, who was a no-show.   The party was to promote Jay-Z and West’s new album, “Watch the Throne.”  In lieu of performing, Jay-Z hung out behind the DJ booth and spent an unprecedented $250, 000 on Belvedere and Armand de Brignac champagne- setting the record for the most money ever spent by an individual at LIV, on a single night. The mogul reportedly left a $50,000 tip.   

Earlier in the week, Pete Wentz and his band, Black Cards performed at LIV.

Not a “sighting” per se, nor technically a “celebrity” (but it IS summer in Miami so pickings are slim)- Mike “The Situation” Sorrentino & Boca Tanning Club announced a partnership last week, so expect to see a lot more of this extra crispy Jersey Shore “star,” who coined the acronym, “GTL” (Gym, Tan, Laundry).  Sorrentino says the “T” now officially comes courtesy of Boca Tanning.

Criselda Breene, Lara Shriftman, Kate Betts, Sarah Harrelson, Iran Issa-Khan

By:  Mary Jo Almeida-Shore

Everyday Icon at Mister Collins

Last Tuesday, amid tropical storm warnings and torrential downpours, a stellar group converged at Mister Collins inside ONE Bal Harbour Resort & Spa for the launch of fashion journalist and style guru, Kate Betts’ celebrated book, Everyday Icon, Michelle Obama and the Power of Style.  At the elite gathering, hosted by a very svelte, Lara Shriftman; Iran Issa-Khan, Sarah Harrelson and Criselda Breene, the charming author mingled with guests and shared anecdotes about the arduous process behind writing and rewriting her book (20+ revisions) and chatted about the book’s behind-the-scenes accounts of the First Lady’s fashion statements. Strikingly dressed like a style icon herself, Betts wore a summer caftan by Jeannie McQueeny, pants by Derek Lam and RK Reed Krakoff heels.  Betts’ beautiful six-year old daughter was also dressed to the nines at the party.  Read the rest here »

Join the Marli Foundation at Smith & Wollensky 

The Marli Foundation, a South Florida-based organization focused on national ovarian cancer awareness, will host Marli’s Birthday Gala- a fundraising event at Smith & Wollensky (1 Washington Avenue) on August 20 starting at 6 pm.  The elegant evening will feature cocktails, delectable food, and live and silent auctions including luxury items such as sport memorabilia, jewelry, and vacations. 

Portrait and still-life painter Christopher Still will be the honorary guest speaker. Still is best known for his large-scale works such as the collection of murals commissioned by the Florida House of Representatives for the House Chambers, in the State’s Capitol.

The event is open to the public and includes cocktails and dinner at a cost of $300 per couple; $1000/Table of six (includes ¼ page ad in event program) or $1200/Table of six (includes full page ad in event program).  Semi-formal attire is requested. For more information contact: Claudia Rey at 305.905.1997 or email: messagefrommarli@gmail.com. 

Kimberly Shenker-Bacardi hosts a Celebration for Food for the Poor

 
On August 20, a birthday celebration will be held in honor of Miami philanthropist Kimberly Shenker-Bacardi at Bang & Olufsen’s Lincoln Road Showroom. The festivities will recognize the dedication and commitment of Kim’s Good Karma Group helping those in need, celebrating life, positive energy, good karma, and the betterment of our community. Guests will enjoy lively music, dancing, hors d’ oeuvres, cocktails, auction items, live entertainment, and the company of dedicated community members and leaders.  Tickets are $50, with 100% of funds going to Food for the Poor, an organization that Kim has worked with many times and one of the world’s highest rated charities.  To RSVP and purchase tickets, visit www.foodforthepoor.org/kimsbirthday. 

Back to School Special at OYE Cuban Grill

OYE Cuban Grill, Miami’s first and only fast-casual Cuban eatery is kicking off the school year by offering 25% off any menu item to students with a valid school ID. Starting August 22nd Monday through Friday from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m., OYE is satisfying kids after school hunger with mouth-watering Cuban dishes that are made-to-order and prepared fresh daily. OYE has an extensive selection of afternoon snacks to munch on including Croqueta Preparada, The OYE Wrap with juicy churrasco and sweet plantains or a baked empanada with picadillo or chicken. Offering express check-out for kids on the go or tableside service with free Wi-Fi, students can sit back, eat a snack and get their homework done.

Solé On The Ocean Introduces “Industry Night” 

Solé On The Ocean is proud to announce the launch of its “Industry Night” party series, held every Tuesday from 7:00 to 11:00 p.m. at its chic second floor lounge Alba. Beginning August 23, employees of all hospitality and services arenas including hotels, restaurants, bars, nightclubs and beyond will enjoy fifty percent off all food, beer, wine and well liquors, in addition to a reduced priced menu of signature cocktails. Industry personnel are asked to present a business card or valid work identification to redeem the discount. Complimentary valet parking is available with social media check-in (Facebook, Twitter, Foursquare). To RSVP, call 305.935.4777, or email alba@soleontheocean.com. 

City Hall Dining In the Dark 

City Hall the new bustling eatery on Biscayne Boulevard has joined Lights Out Miami to host a night of dining in the dark benefitting Ability Explosion, an organization dedicated to raising awareness and bettering the lives of individuals with disabilities. The actual date for the charity event is October 20 with over 100 local participants; luckily curious diners will have a chance to preview the City Hall experience on Wednesday, August 24. Guests will enjoy cocktails and hors d’ oeuvres upon arrival and once seated at their dinner table, they will be blindfolded while served a three course, wine-paired mystery dinner. Those who have the savviest taste buds will be awarded a special prize. To make things even more exciting for guests, City Hall’s wait staff will be outfitted with night-vision goggles to help guide diners through the event. The dinner begins at 7:00 p.m. and is specially priced at $85 per person, inclusive of tax and gratuity. Reservations are required, to purchase tickets, call Irene at 305.389.0009 or irene@abilityexplosion.org. 

ICE-WATCH® Hosts Exclusive Trunk Show at Bloomingdale’s 

Ice-Watch® is hosting a three-day trunk show featuring the international brand’s newest collections of fun and fashionable timepieces for the season at Bloomingdale’s Aventura Mall on August 25, 26, and 27 beginning at 10:00 a.m.  Renowned Illustrator and graffiti artist Jessy Nite will be on hand to tag, sign and customize each Ice-Watch purchase from 3 p.m. to 6p.m. on Thursday, August 25 and Saturday, August 27.  Ice-Watch fans include celebrities such as Paris Hilton, Ashley Greene, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Audrina Patridge, Felicity Huffman, Taye Diggs, Terrel Owens, Jennie Garth, Cindy Crawford and Cheryl Hines.  For more information, visit www.ice-watch.us or call 305.792.1134.

Niko Theodoroou & Costa Grillas

by: Mary Jo Almeida-Shore

Egg & Dart, the Miami Design District’s new, chic Greek restaurant and bar, opened its doors with an exclusive preview for the Friends of the South Beach Wine & Food Festival on Tuesday, August 2. Egg & Dart is truly a family affair- handsome Greek co-owners Costa Grillas and Niko Theodorou, are longtime friends whose families have owned Greek restaurants in Greece and the United States for decades. The two friends married gorgeous Greek sisters and Theodorou’s mother Vagia, who runs a catering company in Athens and a restaurant in Tzia, created the menu and helms the kitchen.  How’s that for a big fat Greek All in the Family sitcom? 

Guests started the evening sipping the signature cocktail, the unique “Greek Salad” (a bizarre take on the Bloody Mary made up of Ambler gin, pepperoncini, feta stuffed Kalamatas), as well as sampling tasty bacalao and zucchini croquettes.  Next, we were treated to a family-style dinner featuring the eatery’s signature Greek dishes including an array of dips and spreads; Greek salad; grilled octopus (our favorite) and lamb with eggplant mash; and loukoumades – authentic Greek donuts drizzled with honey and walnuts and served a la mode.  

“It was an honor to be welcomed to Miami by this prestigious group of philanthropists and foodies,” said Grillas.  “We were happy to introduce the Friends to our restaurant and philosophy.”  Egg & Dart is officially open to the public for dinner nightly starting at 5 p.m.  The restaurant is located at 4029 North Miami Avenue in the Miami Design District.

Tara Solomon, Nick D'Annunzio, and Brian Antoni

By:  Mary Jo Almeida-Shore

There are a multitude of ways to celebrate a summer birthday in Miami- hosting a
“Best Little Whorehouse in Texas” party is simply the most “obvious;” especially if you are a seasoned party pro whose party planning rap sheet spans the globe.  Such is the case for PR Guru, Nick D’Annunzio, and author, Brian Antoni, (a self-professed party addict) whose themed birthday parties have become the climax of the summer each year.  This year’s bash at Cafeina was no exception- with a theme to entice even the least enthusiastic partygoer, as evidenced by the more than 800 guests who channeled their “inner” harlot or just threw on a plaid shirt and boots and gathered throughout Cafeina’s haystack-laden, two story lounge, outdoor garden and gallery, which just happened to have a mechanical bull as its centerpiece.  Perhaps it was the whimsy- the toy cap guns and cowboy hats, which were gifted to all of the guests, or maybe it was the two-liter bottles of Svedka, which were generously poured and consumed, but folks lined up by the hundreds for a chance to be flung from the aforementioned bull. Read the rest here »