Rik Rak Salon & Spa and Gilt City Miami

For the first time ever Rik Rak Salon & Spa and Gilt City Miami, the widely acclaimed online destination for luxury services and experiences, are teaming up to host the Spring Into Beauty event at Rik Rak’s newest location, JW Marriott Marquis Miami, on Thursday, May12, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Rik Rak and Gilt City friends will experience  an evening of lavish pampering, delicious treats and cocktails while toasting to guilty pleasures including Rik Rak’s wide spectrum of miniature luxury services including eyelash applications, manicures and neck & hand massages, while indulging in frosted treats from Buttercream Cupcakes & Coffee. For more information on this event or to RSVP, contact JWRIKRAK@ThePattonGroupInc.com. 

Sunset and Stone Crabs Soiree

As South Florida’s famous stone crab season comes to a close, ONE Bal Harbour is saying goodbye in style! This Saturday, May 14, from 4 to 8 p.m., the ultra-luxe property is hosting an all-you-can-eat stone crab extravaganza. Guests are welcome to get their fix of fresh stone crabs, enough to hold them over until the start of next year’s season, while enjoying spectacular views of the Atlantic. Cost is $75 per person. For more information, visit http://www.oneluxuryhotels.com.

Miguel Paredes Presents “Ghost Writer” at Wynwood Art Walk 

During May’s Wynwood Art Walk from 5:00 to 10:00 p.m., Miami-based pop and multi-media artist, sculptor and urban realist, Miguel Paredes, will present his latest piece of artwork, “Ghost Writer,” at his Wynwood gallery on Saturday, May 14. Paredes explains “Ghost Writer” is one of his most intricate pieces to date. Guests in attendance will enjoy light “Nuevo Latino” fare by De Rodriguez Cuba on Ocean and complimentary Chivas signature cocktails and Heineken beer.  Local DJ Ari X will provide the tunes for the evening. Those interested in attending, should confirm their RSVP by emailing: RSVP@miguelparedes.com. 

Chefs for a Cure 

Executive chef Paula DaSilva and 1500°, the popular new farm-to-table dining destination in the Eden Roc Renaissance Miami Beach, are hosting Chefs for a Cure, an exquisite five-course dinner prepared by a stellar line-up of star chefs and benefitting the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR), on Tuesday, May 17 at 7 p.m.   To honor a close friend who succumbed to the disease last year, DaSilva called on fellow chef friends – Dean Max of 3030 Ocean, Michael Bloise of American Noodle Bar, Timon Balloo of Sugarcane, Sean Brasel of Meat Market and Hedy Goldsmith, pastry chef at Michael’s Genuine Food & Drink – to come together and create something delicious for a wonderful cause. The dinner, complete with a reception co-sponsored by Maisons Marques & Domaines Champagne Louis Roederer, Sam Adams and Votan organic vodka, will take diners on a culinary tour of the best of Miami, with each course prepared by a different chef and paired perfectly with an array of amazing wines.  It is priced at $150 per person, exclusive of tax and gratuity.  Seating is limited and must be reserved in advance by calling Melissa Reilly at   305.674.5594.  Proceeds will go to the AACR in Leah Caputo’s name, there will also be a silent auction on-site to raise additional funds.

Cabernet is King at Morton’s The Steakhouse  

 On Wednesday, May 18, put your wine knowledge to the test by joining Morton’s The Steakhouse in Miami Beach for an interactive and engaging evening celebrating one the most popular varieties in wine selection, Cabernet Sauvignon. Chad Lipson, Certified Sommelier and General Manager of Morton’s The Steakhouse Miami Beach will be conducting a thorough presentation educating guests on an assortment of different Cabernets. The presentation will provide an overview of proper wine etiquette and terminology as well as suggest an array of delicious wine and food pairings. Before the presentation guests will sample select wines and Morton’s signature hors d’oeuvres.  The evening will conclude with a Morton’s Associate Sommelier presentation in which a certificate of course completion will be presented to each guest in attendance. Class cost is $49 per guest and runs from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. To reserve a seat visit www.mortonsmiamibeach.com; complimentary valet parking will be provided.                       

Eco Lifestyle Gala

The 2^nd Annual Green Drinks Eco-Lifestyle Gala will take place Thursday, May 19 at 6:30 p.m. at the exclusive Boca Raton Resort & Club (501 East Camino Real). The event is designed to honor environmental stewardship and support socially conscious causes through fundraising and community support. This year, Green Drinks will recognize celebrity actress and philanthropist, Patricia Arquette, with its prestigious Eco-Lifestyle Pioneer Award for her work with GiveLove, a non-profit Haiti relief organization she founded in 2010. The event will support GiveLove’s work to improve housing and sanitary conditions in Haiti, as well as Global Green USA’s greener rebuilding efforts in Haiti.  The event organizers promise an impressive line-up of live musicians and entertainers, including NYC Comedian Jessica Kirson, DJ Mark Leventhal, and renowned Native Rock musician, Robby Romero. Tickets for the gala are a bargain at $75 per individual ticket; $125 per couple.   Tables of 10 can be purchased for $500. A wide range of sponsorship opportunities are available, from Presenting Sponsor to Exhibitor and Gift Bag Sponsors. For more information on sponsorships or to purchase tickets, contact April Milliken Trigg at april@eventologie.com or 404. 627. 4630 ext. 204.  For more information visit:   http://www.ecolifestylegala.com or http://www.southfloridagreendrinks.org.

 A Flare for Design

Those with a flair for design and fashion will enjoy, A Flare for Design (intentional spelling) on May 19. This special event will bring together the design community, socialites, celebrities and business professionals for an evening of fashion, fun and fundraising combined with high design at the Design Center of the Americas (DCOTA 1855 Griffin Road) from 7 to 9 p.m.  The evening will include a fashion show featuring national luxury fashion brands and a silent auction, while showcasing the latest interior design trends.  A performance by Resse Bridges of the Grammy Award winning band, Dirty Vegas will delight music lovers as well.  All proceeds will benefit The Lupus Foundation of America, S.E. Florida Chapter.  To purchase tickets which start at just $75, visit www.aflarefordesign.com, email flare@lupusfl.org, or call 561.279.8606

The Art of Found Objects

On Friday, May 20 at 7 p.m., The Art of Found Objects, The Education Fund’s annual charity auction and event, celebrates its 25^th anniversary with food by local celebrity chefs, live music from the New World School of the Arts and an auction lot that includes over 200 one-of-a-kind works by Miami-Dade County Public Schools teachers and students. To celebrate this milestone 25 local leaders will be honored, all of whom are products of the Miami-Dade County Public School System. A powerful mix of luminaries, art collectors, business leaders and philanthropists are expected to celebrate this momentous occasion. The event will be held at the Moore Building, tickets start at $100, and can be purchased at www.educationfund.org or by calling 305-892-5099 ext 23.

 George St -Pierre the Welter Weight Champion of the UFC and Gerald Bunsen of Law and Order dined with a group of 10 in the main dining room of Eden South Beach on Monday night.

A motherly Paulina Rubio was seen kicking back with her newborn and husband on the couch of the Air Europa VIP suite on the second day of this year’s inaugural Beach Soccer Worldwide Miami Cup.  

After a weekend of rallying, Eva Longoria made an appearance at Williams-Sonoma at The Falls on Sunday to sign her new cookbook, Eva’s Kitchen.

David Blaine showed up unexpectedly at Stephen Starr’s Steak 954 on Saturday night. He performed card tricks for his companions and onlookers.

 Actor, James Franco, stopped by the New World Center as part of O, Miami, to read some poetry during the poetry festival this weekend.

ABC’s Private Practice actor Taye Diggs was spotted at Equinox South Beach on Saturday. The actor spent about 2 hours at the gym sporting extremely large headphones.

Cited for doing good are Miami-based non-profit Gene Spotlight, which has just hit the $100,000 fundraising mark in under a year thanks to the support of the NBA, Florida Marlins, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and Russell Simmons.

By:  Mary Jo Almeida-Shore

This weekend’s news ran the gamut- from the wedding bells heard around the globe, to the beatification of Heaven’s next saint, to the assassination of world’s worst sinner.  Without a doubt, history was made in a few short days.  One newsworthy event took place right in our own backyard, as the most thrilling and highly-anticipated charity event of the season, The Rally for Kids with Cancer Scavenger Cup brought celebrities such as Eva Longoria, Jamie-Lynn Sigler, Christina Milian and Ivan Sergei and locals, such as power couple, Market America Founders, JR and Loren Ridinger, together for a two-day thrill ride throughout Miami, with the goal of raising much needed funds for local pediatric cancer organizations. Read the rest here »

The “Cinco de Mayo” Run Down

Cafeina and Jose Cuervo present “Subterraneo,” a special Day of the Dead-themed (Mexican national holiday) celebration in honor of Cinco de Mayo. The themed soiree will feature live performances in the garden by Latin rock bands The Spam All Stars and Suenalo, along with beats by DJ A-Train and Mia Moretti in the lounge. The Wynwood hotspot will be transformed into a mysterious villa-Subterraneo, with abundant Marigold flowers, eerie candles, and glow performances throughout the night. Cafeina mixologists will offer reduced price Jose Cuervo cocktails and a specialty $5 menu featuring dishes such as El Muerto, slowly roasted mini pork tacos with Jose Cuervo tequila cream & pico de gallo, Mexico Lindo, homemade tortilla chips with refried beans, guacamole & jalapeno cheese dip, All Saints Beef taquitos with Avocado, sour cream & cilantro, and more. Guests that RSVP will receive a complimentary Jose Cuervo cocktail before 11:30 PM. To RSVP, contact info@cafeinamiami.com or call 305.438.0792.

Burger & Beer Joint in Brickell is throwing a fiesta! The neighborhood hotspot will celebrate the upcoming Mexican holiday with an outdoor food station complete with flat-top grills serving 4 oz. Mexican-inspired burgers. Mouth-watering options include the Fajita Burger, prime Angus beef, sautéed onions, red peppers, jalapeño jack and Pico de Gallo on Ciabatta bread and a Tostada Burger, prime Angus beef, refried beans, shredded cheddar cheese, ranchero salsa and sour cream served on tostada – both options are $6. Drink specials include $7 Margaritas and Mojitos; 5 bottles of Corona, Corona Light or Modelo for $20 and $2 Jose Cuervo Jello Shots. Guest will also enjoy music, piñatas filled with adult goodies and fun costumes. The event will take place at Mary Brickell Village’s courtyard from 6:00 p.m. to midnight. For reservations call 305.523.2244.

Grab your sombrero and celebrate Cinco de Mayo with Salsa Fiesta Urban Mexican Grill. The festivities begin at 11a.m. and will include food and drink specials. Patrons can enjoy 2 for 1 Mexican burritos, along with 2 for 1 beers and margaritas all day. Visit www.salsafiestagrill.com for more information.

 Rosa Mexicano, the modern Mexican eatery, will celebrate the triumph of the battle of Puebla, with its 9th Annual Festival. This not-to-be-missed, day-long Mexican party, set to take place at the restaurant’s locations in Mary Brickell Village and Lincoln Road, kicks-off at 11:30 a.m. In addition to the restaurant’s a la carte menu, a special holiday menu will be available during lunch and dinner service, featuring an amazing array of made-to-order, authentic Mexican specialties, prepared with the freshest ingredients available. Starting at 4 p.m., guests who visit the Mary Brickell Village restaurant can enjoy festivities either in the dining room or on the outdoor patio, where a Mexican-style street festival will offer bar specials, food stations featuring the restaurant’s signature guacamole en molcajete served with perfectly crisp chips, and mouth-watering tacos; along with an ice cream cart, serving up an innovative selection of Rosa Mexicano’s house-made ice creams and sorbets, will all be available for purchase.

Haven on Lincoln Road

Haven, an intimate, contemporary food lounge, is set to bring its mix of cutting-edge design, international cuisine and creative cocktails to South Beach’s busiest business district with its opening May 6. The most recent project by hospitality designer and tech-savvy entrepreneur Mike Boles, the new venue at 1237 Lincoln Road will feature state-of-the-art sight and sound installations while still retaining a warmth and accessibility he believes will appeal to both locals and out-of-towners. . For special bookings and advance reservations, call or text the Haven iPhone at 305.987.8885 or visit www.havenlounge.com

Chef Sean Brasel Heads to the Biltmore Hotel  

Chef/Owner Sean Brasel of the glamorous steak house, Meat Market on South Beach takes a trip south to the spectacular Biltmore Hotel for an Interactive Culinary Demonstration on Saturday, May 7, from noon to 2:00 p.m.  Guests will sip Champagne and cook along with chef Brasel as they prepare a splendid lunch at their tables, including Achiote marinated scallops with pineapple-macadamia nut salsa and sweet balsamic glaze; and Pink peppercorn crusted filet mignon medallion with blue crab and frisée mango salad. Cellar Club Members are $52 and non-members and resort guests are $65 per person.  Reservations are required, 305.913.3203 or www.thecellarclub.com.

ArtCenter/South Florida: 9th Annual Winning Art

 ArtCenter/South Florida presents an evening of prizes, cocktails, music and the chance to win fine art from the organization’s 40 professional artists-in-residence. Celebrating the 9th Annual Winning Art!  ArtCenter’s big draw takes place on Saturday, May 7 at 7:00 p.m. at 800 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach.  Wild on South Beach hostess and local celebrity Elaine Lancaster will be the diva emcee, patrons can try their luck on silent auction items including a seven-day cruise and gift certificates from top restaurants, salons and personal trainers.  Cocktails are complimentary, DJ Herbie James will spin soulful, lively beats, and hors d’oeuvres are provided by SUSHISAMBA dromo. Raffle tickets priced at $10, include a chance to bid on an art piece of choice donated by an established or emerging professional resident artist and entrance to the event. Works are on view at www.artcentersf.org and the main gallery until May 8.
 

Fashionably Conscious Fundraiser

 The highly anticipated annual Fashionably Conscious fundraiser, featuring donated designer items from the coveted closets of Miami’s leading socialites—and now CEOs—returns on Friday, May 13 and Saturday, May 14 at Shops at Mayfair. This year’s expanded host committee includes Raysa Fanjul, Darlene & Jorge Perez, Margarita Codina, Karla Dascal, Laura Buccellati, Brian Ehrlich, Lourdes Jofre-Collett, Mark Ferrari, Amy Hollub, Sue Kronick, Alan Randolph, Debra Scholl, Jolie Souto, Susanna Shubin, Annie Vasquez, Kim Wood, and more. Collections already include items from Prada, Armani, Christian Dior, Emmanuel Ungaro, Jimmy Choo, Trina Turk, Elie Tahari and vintage Besty Johnson, along with a brand new Tricia Fix gown. All clothing and accessories will be on sale to guests at discounted prices, ranging from $1 to $500. The weekend event will kick off with a Friday VIP Preview Sale from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m., $25 entrance fee, granting first access to fashions, gift bags and libations sponsored by Peroni. Saturday’s all-day sale, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., has a reduced $10 entrance fee. All proceeds will go directly to fund Coconut Grove Cares’ The Barnyard, which offers free after-school and summer programs for over 250 children, and provides a much-needed safe haven for the West Grove community.  For more information, contact fashionablyconscious@gmail.com for any assistance.

By:  Mary Jo Almeida-Shore

The seventh annual AMG Miami Beach Polo World Cup– the largest beach polo tournament in the world, brought a whole lot of riding, romping, kicking, rearing, and occasional biting to the sands behind the Setai hotel over the weekend- and we are not only referring to the horseplay. Thousands of polo enthusiasts, gussied in their polo finery, gathered in the VIP tent for four gorgeous days of socializing, sipping Grey Goose cocktails, dancing, and, cheering on their favorite players from around the globe. 

Mercedes-AMG performance brand returned for a second season as title sponsor of the world-class sporting event, which benefitted Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Miami and the National Foundation for Missing and Exploited Children.  Alongside the well-trained thoroughbred horses at the matches, Mercedes-AMG displayed its own brand of “horsepower”- high performance vehicles including the SLS AMG Supersports car and the all-new 2012 CLS63 AMG, with engines designed for peak performance- built for speed, stamina, agility and maneuverability much like that of the polo pony.  Read the rest here »