Caged Women at Cafeina 

Join photographer Jordan Michael Zuniga for the debut of his latest works, Women in Cages, at Wynwood’s Cafeina with a VIP cocktail reception to benefit People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) on Thursday, August 11, from 7 to 10 p.m. The exhibition explores the politics surrounding the treatment of animals, and his subjects are some of Miami’s most well-known faces, including: Brooke Hogan, Ines Rivero, Katrina Campins, Michelle Pooch and Tara Solomon, who have undressed for the exhibit as part of PETA’s “I’d Rather Go Naked than Wear Fur” campaign. Eighty percent of the proceeds from all sales of these photographic works will be donated to PETA. This powerful, sensual exhibition will be on display through September 10.  The opening cocktail and exhibit are free and open to the public.  For more information and to RSVP contact Brian Long at mrlong@bl-pr.com or call 917.294.7370.  You may also RSVP by contacting Omar DeWindt at TARA, Ink. at omar@taraink.com or 305.864.3434 ext. 157.

Bark at the Ball Park 

Take your pooch to watch the Florida Marlins game for a change of venue that also benefits a worthy cause. The Marlins battle the San Francisco Giants on Friday, August 12, at 7:10 pm, at Sun Life Stadium and help raise money for the Humane Society of Greater Miami. Tickets are only $12 for adults, $6 for kids and $6 for dogs. Doggie pools, water dishes and a dog-walking area will be available throughout the game.  Proceeds from all dog tickets will benefit the Humane Society of Greater Miami.  To purchase tickets contact Cynthia Coutard at 305.749.1842 or Cynthia@humanesocietymiami.org.  Group tickets are also available by calling 305.626.SAVE. Dog owners must carry proof of the rabies vaccination with them to the game. Download and sign the Waiver document from the website- www.humanesocietymiami.org and bring the form with you to the game.

Wine Depot Hosts Champagne Ruinart 

On Tuesday, August 16, Wine Depot will host a wine/champagne tasting focusing on Champagne Ruinart from the region of Reims. From 6 to 8 p.m., guest can enjoy complimentary wines from this area. Wine Depot will be focusing on different regions every Tuesday, until the end of August. Reservations are required and can be made by visiting marketing@winedepotmiami.com. 

Sloane Square Barbers & Shoppe Opens in Coral Gables 

On August 18, Sloane Square Barbers & Shoppe opens its doors in downtown Coral Gables. A membership-focused club, with non-member a la carte service, Sloane Square captures the timeless, authentic barbershop experience by combining a rich mix of modern amenities and classic style.  Opening the flagship store in Miami Beach only eleven months ago to much acclaim, the South Beach locale was named one of “America’s Five Best Barbershops” by Travel & Leisure Magazine in 2010. The opening will go from 10:00 a.m. to closing.  For more information, visit www.sloanesq.com. 

Mayfair Launches Saturday and Sunday Pool Party 

Stepping away from South Beach pool parties, Mayfair Hotel hosts “Splash at the Mayfair” every Saturday this summer. Bringing the sun-filled-day to life, Ren Albieri aka “DirtyClean” and Darrell Robinson aka “DJ FOXX,” who have a profound understanding of club dance music, will provide sounds to kick off the weekend. The pool party will be filled with drink specials and good vibes, while giving free Special Cocktails for ladies from 4 to 6 p.m. and UM students a 10% discount with ID.

For a more exclusive and relaxed event, Mayfair Hotel and Spa will also be hosting a full-service, invite-only Sunday pool party at the rooftop pool and cabana lounge . The ultimate luxury Bohemian hotel is calling back the stylish Sunday setting honoring its original status as the most coveted social destination in Miami, along with its celebrated four-diamond service. The Mayfair rooftop will be open through September 24; guests can experience an array of specialties including private cabanas, magazines, frozen grapes, aroma-soaked wet towels, Evian mister, lotion, and much more.  The invite-only list is open to loyalists and local influencers who fill out commentary cards at Chef Jonathan Eismann’s Spartico Restaurant.  For more information, visit www.mayfairhotelandspa.com or call 786.514.9886. 

Miami Spice at db Bistro Moderne 

For the months of August and September, db Bistro Moderne joins Miami Spice, with a scrumptious three-course meal for lunch or dinner. Located inside the JW Marriott Marquis Miami, Daniel Boulud’s eatery offers a seasonal menu by Executive Chef, Jarrod Verbiak, featuring dishes such as Ceviche du Jour, Roasted Snapper, Spinach Farfalle and Tarte Fine. For a complete Miami Spice menu, visit www.MiamSpicedbbistromoderne.com. 

db Bistro Moderne also introduces summer happy hour offering half-off specialty cocktails such as the Grapefruit Blossom and the Ultimate Filthy Martini; half-off beer, wine, sake and premium offers; light bites for $7 including Beignets de Brandade, Pommes Souffle and half-priced raw bar items such as oysters clams and ceviche; and half-off sweet treats such as Blueberry Shortcake, Madeleines and much more. On Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, renowned DJ Pierre Zonzon will spin from 5 to 8.pm., and db Bistro Moderne will bring in different liquor sponsors like Kettle One, Johnnie Walker, Don Julio, every Thursday during happy hour. Reservations are recommended, visit www.DanielNYC.com. 

BankAtlantic Center Opens The Vault 

On August 22, BankAtlantic Center introduces a brand new “special offers” program named THE VAULT. BankAtlantic Entertainment Arena and National Hockey Team brand is the first of its kind to customize a program for its fans, local businesses and charitable causes through a daily deal platform. Every day, The VAULT will open with a new deal from one of its many collaborators, including: Equinox, Revolution Live, Game-Time, and America’s Backyard. In addition to the daily deal program, The VAULT will donate a portion of its sales to the community’s most worthwhile charities through the formation of the DCI Cares Foundation. Members will have the opportunity to participate in a unique experience every month, and will automatically be entered into the special giveaways monthly.  This month’s special experience includes a limo ride and dinner with Miami Heat center, Alonzo Mourning and his wife, Tracy at the newly- opened Mister Collins restaurant at ONE Bal Harbour Resort and Spa. The event will benefit the Lauren’s Kids Foundation in an effort to help stop and prevent childhood abuse.  New customers can sign up for THE VAULT, at www.vaultoffers.com or by visiting THE VAULT kiosks at the BankAtlantic Center in Sunrise. For more information, contact Michael Leitman at 954. 554.0291 for business inquiries about joining THE VAULT.

Luis Rigual, Anne Owen, and Mimi Chacin

By: Mary Jo Almeida-Shore

Last Wednesday, Miami magazine hosted its 3^rd Annual “To Live & Dine in Miami” event to celebrate its restaurant issue, which spotlights some of Miami’s top toques and restos. A hungry crowd of 400 maneuvered its way up and around the historic Moore Building’s windy floors and steep steps for an evening of mingling, cocktails and bites and to relax in the cozy lifestyle lounges created by local design showroom, Planet Lighting. 

Participating chefs who thrilled our palates included:  Paula DaSilva (1500° at Eden Roc), Dewey LoSasso (The Forge Restaurant | Wine Bar), Joel Huff (Azul), Douglas Rodriguez (De Rodriguez Cuba on Ocean), Philippe Ruiz (Palme d’Or), Jeffrey Hundelt (Truluck’s Seafood, Steak and Crab House) and Crumb on Parchment. 

VIP guests included Miami magazine Publisher Anne Owen; the restaurant issue editorial team including Editor-in-Chief Luis Rigual; Senior Contributing Editor Riki Altman; dining critic Jen Karetnick; and Contributing Photographer Michael Pisarri.  Several award-winning chefs also attended including Michael Schwartz and Heidi Goldsmith of Michael’s Genuine Food & Drink; Jeff McInnis of Yardbird Southern Table & Bar; and Todd Erickson of Haven Gastro-Lounge. Miami Beach Vice Mayor, Michael Gongora; Majestic Properties’ Jeff Morr; Read the rest here »

Not to be overshadowed by the countless steakhouses on the beach, Morton’s Miami Beach delivers the exceptional food and service for which the restaurant chain has been respected for over 30 years.  In short, it is a traditional staple for food connoisseurs in search of terrific food and friendly service at a reasonable price.  The classic steakhouse joins the 10th anniversary of the gastronomic event of the season, Miami Spice, with a menu that is as savory as its price point.  Offering a variety of steak, seafood, and poultry dishes with delicious sides and desserts, the quality of the food surpasses the quantity- which says a lot- as you will leave stuffed- for a mere 35 bucks. Noteworthy dishes include:  Morton’s signature chopped salad with Blue Cheese dressing, the single cut Filet Mignon with Béarnaise Sauce on the side, Potatoes Lyonnaise (sautéed in bacon fat with onions), and the double chocolate mousse.  Yes, ALL of this is included in the price.

Seasoned Sommelier Steven Hoyt will recommend the perfect bottle of wine to enhance the culinary experience and Christopher, top server, is quite the expert on dishes and specialties Morton’s Miami Beach has to offer.  Oh, and did we mention that the valet parking is free?  

For more information, visit: 

Morton’s Miami Beach/Miami Spice 2011

Bridesmaids star, Rose Byrne made her first visit to Miami Thursday night for the W South Beach’s Symmetry Live concert with electro-pop sensation, Theophilus London in celebration of the hotel’s two year anniversary. The Australian actress wore a delicate couture top and short leather skirt by her hometown designer Zimmermann. She lounged in a poolside cabana and made plans with friends for the rest of the weekend.

 Actresses from the new ABC series Charlie’s Angels, Minka Kelly and Annie Ilonzeh, dined at The Forge Restaurant | Wine Bar on Friday night.  Kelly, who happens to be Derek Jeter’s girlfriend and was named Esquire’s 2010 “Sexiest Woman” did not disappoint her admirers, looking stunning in a beige summer dress.  The girls arrived at 8 p.m. and sat in the main dining room. Despite missing the third “angel” from their trio, the two girls chatted all night, drank wine and shared everything from a few appetizers to entrees which including a stuffed lobster and a three mushroom risotto. 

Burn Notice actor, Jeffrey Donovan, was seen dining at the newly opened Vic & Angelo’s on Ocean Drive on Saturday night with his girlfriend who was accompanied by Ocean Drive magazine editor, Suzy Buckley.   

Teen heartthrob, Justin Bieber was in Miami visiting recovering music sensation, Sean Kingston.  Bieber was seen lounging by the pool in his skivvies and driving around Ocean Drive with Kingston before being mobbed by fans and requesting police protection.

Happy Birthday Nick D’Annuzio and Brian Antoni!

On Saturday, August 6 at 8 p.m., Cafeina Wynwood Lounge, the Miami Art District hotspot, in conjunction with The Overthrow, will celebrate the birthdays of TARA, Ink. co-principal Nick D’Annunzio and Brian Antoni, author of South Beach: The Novel. Cafeina will be transformed into a “Chicken Ranch” of sorts, an homage to the ‘80s cult classic The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas. Guests are encouraged to channel their inner country while enjoying complimentary Svedka vodka cocktails and music by DJ Troy Kurtz and Pirate Stereo. Surprise guests Elaine Lancaster as Dolly Parton, Maryel Epps as “the Madame”, and the Angel Squads Massage Angels as ladies of the night, will be on hand to rev up heart rates. In addition, there will be a haystack photo booth vignette by Pics Boutique, bull rides and a digital art exhibition by Martin Kaupp, who will also present a pop cowboy portrait featuring birthday boy D’Annunzio. In lieu of gifts, the guests of honor have requested that partygoers consider making a donation to their charity of choice, Make-A-Wish Foundation of Southern Florida, 297 NW 23^rd St., Miami, FL 33127. RSVP is required to birthday@taraink.com.

Mixology at the National Hotel Miami Beach

National Hotel Miami Beach announces the launch of its new mixology series showcasing creative cocktails by acclaimed mixologist Julio Cabrera. Held in the Martini Room at Blues Bar every Monday, the event will lift spirits with Cabrera’s signature hand-crafted libations, live entertainment and tempting tapas – all to the tune of special theme, which will change on a weekly basis. From 7:00 until 11:00 p.m., Cabrera will entertain guests with his extensive repertoire of colorful cocktails, each for $12, including Flamingo Mojitos, Pasion Cariocas, Jamaica Juleps, Mango-Cilantro Margaritas and – in a tribute to salsa songstress Celia Cruz – Asucas, to name a few. Imbibers may also nibble on the week’s specialty menu, featuring items such as Lime Ceviche, Avocado Steak Tar-Tar, Plaintain Chips with Latin Dip, and more, starting at $6 each from 8:00 until 10:00 p.m., live music in sync with the chosen weekly theme, as inspired by Miami’s vibrant history, will furthermore make for a less-manic and a more-merry Monday. Valet will be offered at a discounted rate of $10. For general inquiries, call 305.532.2311 or visit www.NationalHotel.com.

Sake, Maki, & Roll Sushi School at China Grill Hilton

China Grill Hilton Ft. Lauderdale Marina is launching Sake, Maki & Roll Sushi School on Saturday, August 13, from 3:30 to 5:00 p.m. On the second Saturday of every month, guests are invited to a tasting and teaching program at the popular dining destination that includes sake sampling, instructions on the art of sushi making and a delicious meal of maki, sushi and tempura that the students will assist in preparing. The class begins with a crash course on sake including how it’s made and the history of the Japanese libation, followed by a tasting of five Ty-Ku Sakes and Liqueurs paired with signature selections from the restaurant including Tuna Tartare on Wonton Crisps, Salmon Crudo and Dancing Unagi. While enjoying the pairings, pupils will learn the basics for at-home sushi preparation – from tools and traditions to different types of sushi and, of course, a lesson in one of the most important components, the sushi rice. The class then continues with hands-on sushi rolling instruction from Executive Sushi Chef Songphon Rawangphan. The session concludes with a demo of Ty-Ku sake fusion cocktails that are all 100 calories or less and a bite of dessert. All students will also receive a take home gift for their hard work. To reserve your seat call 954.759.9950, limited space is available; tickets are $59 plus tax.

Hurricane Specials at Solé on the Ocean

Solé on the Ocean is finally giving South Floridians and Miami-bound travelers a reason to celebrate Hurricane Season with the debut of its Hurricane Season Specials. The announcement comes at the perfect time, with the naming of the Atlantic Ocean’s latest disturbance, “Emily.” Upon the naming of a storm (as previously determined by the National Hurricane Center), guests may take advantage of  the special perks or discounts corresponding with the particular name of the storm by just mentioning it, and will receive 30% off any room rate, complimentary valet, suite upgrades and much more. Even better, should there be more than one named storm out and about at the time of booking, guests are able to apply all applicable perks and discounts. 5% off all room reservations will also be donated to a hurricane relief fund. Stays must be booked during Hurricane Season, which ends November 30. To book, guests must call the hotel directly at 786.923.9300.