By:  Mary Jo Almeida-Shore

This week, eating takes a back burner to dancing, as DJs from all over the globe descend on the South Beach sand to spin and make us spin.  In addition to WMC this year, Miami Music Week, which includes the Ultra Music Festival (3/25 – 3/27) will be held from March 22-27, so expect even more great music events in the weeks to come.

While giving you an entire line-up is next to impossible, here’s a short list of places you can go to find out where to wear out your dancing shoes. 

The official website and registration information for WMC can be found at:  http://wintermusicconference.com/.

WALL Miami’s line-up includes European DJs/ producers Yves Larock and Wally Lopez on Friday, March 11 and the exclusive Sleaze Records Miamication Party on March 12, which will feature the crème de la crème of WMC’s DJs such as Miami’s own Cedric Gervais, MYA performing “Love is the Answer” live, Kurd Maverick and Sultan.  Visit http://www.wallmiami.com/ for more information.

The 4AM New York City DJs will be at Soho Beach House on Thursday, March 10.  RSVP to info@4am.tv or visit www.4AM.tv for more information.

Sharam will be at Mansion on Friday and Paul Van Dyk will be there on Saturday. Visit www.theopiumgroup.com for details.

LIV and Arkadia at the Fontainebleau are hosting a slew of musical performances.  For information, visit: http://livarkadia.wantickets.com/.

For all of the great events at the Lords Hotel, visit:  www.Lordssouthbeach.com

By: Maryanne Salvat

Msalvat@miamisocialholic.com

Kosta: House of Ceviche & Seafood

Kosta: House of Ceviche and Seafood- Brickell’s newest eatery, celebrates its official grand opening on Thursday, March 10, from 8 to 10 p.m.  Guests are invited to enjoy complimentary bites, wine and beer, along with live performances and music by DJ Albert Day.  Kosta opened its doors in February 2011 and presents a delectable array of the ages-old South American culinary style that involves a modern preparation of fresh seafood and ceviche. Situated behind Downtown Miami’s financial district and just blocks away from Mary Brickell Village, Kosta is open daily for lunch and dinner. RSVP required,   kosta@cm-publicrelations.com. 

Red Light, Green Light at RA Sushi

Beginning this Thursday night, March 10, RA Sushi South Miami introduces, Red Light/Green Light – a new twist on singles night! If you’re single, you’ll receive a green bracelet, and if you’re taken, you’ll receive a red bracelet. Choose your color and let nature take its course! In addition, guests will enjoy hot tunes courtesy of a special guest DJ from 8 p.m. to midnight, and take advantage of RA’s drink and food specials including a Single Roll (Tempura calamari, kani kama crab mix & cream cheese rolled & topped with spinach tempura bits; drizzled with a sweet eel sauce) and Taken Roll (Shrimp tempura, spicy kani kama crab mix & cucumber rolled & topped with red beet tempura bits; drizzled with a sweet eel sauce), $4 Well Drinks, $5 Kirin and Kirin Lights, and $5 Apple Martinis and Cosmopolitans. Guests are also invited to pair their “liquid courage” with some delicious bites from RA’s sushi and dinner menus as the full menu will be available until midnight. For more information visit www.RAsushi.com.

The Betsy Hotel Hosts a Book Signing for South Beach: Stories of a Renaissance

As part of its Philanthropy, Arts and Culture Program, The Betsy Hotel joins Books & Books and the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau to host acclaimed authors Charles J. Kropke and Eleanor Goldstein, authors of South Beach: Stories of A Renaissance, for a book signing on Thursday, March 10, 2011 from 6 to 8 p.m. Guests will enjoy the original artwork and photographs of Joe Davis and Petra Mason. The event is free and open to the public. RSVP to artsandculture@thebetsyhotel.com.  

DJ Jazzy Jeff and DJ Irie

For all you Fresh Prince fans, Gerber Group’s Whiskey Blue & Living Room presents, DJ Jazzy Jeff and the one and only, DJ Irie, on March 11, at 9 p.m.  For advanced tickets ($20) or to reserve a table, call 954.414.8302 or visit www.wantickets.com/wbftl. 

Red Cross Ball

The American Red Cross of Greater Miami & the Keys will hold its 29^th Annual Ball on Saturday, March 12 at 7 p.m. at the JW Marriott Marquis Miami (255 Biscayne Boulevard Way).  For almost 30 years, the Red Cross Ball has been considered among Miami’s most prestigious social fundraising events. The elegant evening will be attended by more than 400 prominent and affluent members of the social set, who will enjoy exquisite food, elegant décor, music and dancing.  Chaired by Miami philanthropists Frances and Eugenio Sevilla-Sacasa, this year’s gala will raise funds for the vital life-saving services of the American Red Cross. This year, for the first time, guests will be able to bid on silent auction items through the use of an iPod Touch.  Tickets cost $1,000 per couple. To reserve your seats, contact Kenia Tedesco at 305.728.2512 or e-mail TedescoK@usa.redcross.org or visit www.southfloridaredcross.org.

Chris Bosh strolled into The Forge Restaurant | Wine Bar very late night on Friday with his fiancé, Adrienne Williams, and a party of eight, after making an appearance at the “Let Them Eat Cake” Party.
 
 Emeril Lagasse visited Miami’s oldest bar, Tobacco Road, which is on its 98th year in Miami.  Emeril spent the entire day cooking with the chefs over the outdoor smoker, partied with guests at happy hour and finished up the evening by joining the band to play the drums with local Blues legend, Big Pappa E!

STK Miami’s executive chef (also formerly of Hell’s Kitchen) Ralph Pagano hosted a sold-out dinner with Top Chef Masters runner-up Rick Moonen on Saturday night where both joined forces and created a “Surf & Turf” dinner featuring oysters, Sea Scallops and Filet Mignon with Foie Gras.  Pagano was spotted around the beach interviewing chefs including Emeril Lagasse , Guy Fieri, Alain Ducasse, and Fabio Vivani.
Anne Burrell dined at STK on Saturday night with Claire Robinson. Robert Irvine from Kitchen Impossible  was at the bar with owner of The One Group,  Celeste Fierro, having cocktails and nibbling on select dishes sent out by Chef  Pagano, including his famed Lil’ Burgers.
On Saturday, February 26, Geoffrey and Margaret Zakarian,  chef and owner of Lambs Club and The National in NYC as well as a star on the Food Network’s, Chopped, hosted a private luncheon at Soho Beach House.  The elegant, private lunch included guests such as Martha Stewart, Ted Allen, Alfred Portale, Alex Guarnaschelli, Susan Magrino, Wylie Dufresne, Bruce Bromberg (Blue Ribbon Sushi), and Food Network magazine editor-in-chief, Maile Carpenter.
 
Fat Joe and Timbaland were seen at the Grey Goose lounge in the AAA during the Miami Heat game against the New York Knicks.

Alain Ducasse, Martha Stewart, Rachael Ray, Lee Schrager, and Emeril Lagasse

By:  Mary Jo Almeida-Shore and Maryanne Salvat

More than 53, 000 guests gathered– on the sand, in hotels, in a parking garage, on a rooftop, and just about every nook and cranny of South Beach – to sip, savor and delight in delicious flavors-for the Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival (SBWFF), which for ten years has turned eating (and drinking) into a competitive sport. And while our jeans are just a little bit tighter and our livers have seen better days, we can’t help but delight in the reverie of this year’s revelry.

The jury is still out on the weekend’s best event- but our top three would have to include: the festival’s 10th Year Anniversary Party, Let Them Eat Cake, hosted by Emeril Lagasse and Martha Stewart in the seventh floor of the 1111 Lincoln Road parking garage; Perrier-Jouët BubbleQ, hosted by Bobby Flay and the Cosmopolitan Hotel Las Vegas party on the New World Center rooftop. Read the rest here »

Romance   In A Can 5^th Anniversary Party

On Thursday, March 3 at 7 p.m., Red Chemistry, Inc. presents the 5^th Anniversary Party for the “Romance In A Can” Foreign Film Festival.   The festivities will be held at the Angler’s Boutique Resort, guests will enjoy Chamarré wines, champagne, hors d’oeuvres, and screenings of international shorts.  The event cost is $15.   Romance In A Can will showcase its film program at various locations including the Colony Theater, Miami Beach Cinematheque, Miami Beach High School, Alliance Francaise, Coral Gables Art Cinema (in collaboration with the Video on Demand Channel eurocinema) and FIU South Campus. For more information call 786.594.5888.

Jazz at B Bar

The wildly popular B Bar at The Betsy Hotel weekly jazz series continues through March with the smooth vocals of artists such as Maryel Epps on March 3, Nicole Henry on March 17, and Michelle Manzo on March 31.   B Bar, the glamorous yet inviting lounge nestled inside the historic Betsy Hotel on South Beach, is the perfect intimate gathering spot.  Jazz and songwriters perform at 9 p.m. in one of South Florida’s most beautiful rooms. For more information call 305.760.8288 or visit online www.thebetsyhotel.com.  Schedule changes weekly. No cover or minimum.

PONKO Swimwear Fashion Show Hosted by Adriana de Moura

Michael Capponi and Michael Martin, along with W South Beach Hotel & Residences present a fashion-forward event with “The Real Housewives of Miami’s” Adriana de Moura, on Thursday, March 3, from 10 p.m. to 12 a.m.  As the new face of NEW YOU Magazine and cover girl for the Spring edition of PONKO Swimwear, de Moura will host a private cocktail with editor-in-chief, Peter Mansfield. The evening will showcase a full-scale fashion show to unveil the first swimwear line of luxury brand PONKO, ‘Je Suis Jalouse de Toi’ (‘I am Jealous of You’). Complimentary manicures, delicious cupcakes, and sweet treats will be provided.   WET W South Beach Hotel & Residences is located on 2201 Collins Avenue.  To RSVP or for table reservations call 305.695.4410 or RSVP@capponigroup.com. 

Carnaval On The Mile

Carnaval week begins this Friday, March 5, with Art in the Park at 7p.m. on Ponce Circle with live entertainment, followed by a weekend of fun on the Mile!  The event is open to the public and includes great bands, art, food, and drinks.  For more information visit   www.carnavalmile.com.     

 Red Koi Mobile Food Truck

 Red Koi Thai & Sushi Lounge is proud to announce the debut of its gourmet mobile food truck, The Red Koi, launching on Saturday during Carnaval On The Mile from 10 a.m. to midnight, and Sunday,  March 6, from 10a.m. to 8p.m. and will be located on the corner of Douglas Road and Miracle Mile each day. The Red Koi menu offers a fusion of authentic Thai and Japanese flavors, with items like the signature Bangkok Shrimp Tacos, Shrimp Shumai, Pad Thai, several types of sushi boxes, and their refreshing Lychee Lemonade, all reasonably priced. Food truck aficionados can also indulge in the sweet life with delicious desserts like Red Koi’s famous Wontonameras and Thai Donuts. For more information or to follow the truck schedule go to www.redkoilounge.com.       

 JUST AS YOU WERE: Jipsy Debuts First Solo Show

Miami-based photographer, Jipsy, will celebrate the opening of her first solo show, Just As You Were, on Tuesday, March 8 at 7:00 p.m. at Wynwood’s Butter Gallery. Guests will enjoy champagne and wine selections throughout the night. The exhibit will remain on view through April 2, free and open to the public by appointment. Just As You Were was curated from thousands of photographs taken by Jipsy herself from 2005 to the present. A prominent nightlife fixture since arriving to Miami in 1996, Jipsy’s photos tell a story with captivating colors, stories and characters. Jipsy has photographed hundreds of events and parties around the country. For more information on Jipsy, please visit www.nefariousgirl.com or find her on Facebook. Fans can also follow her nightlife exploits on Twitter at @nefariousgirl.

 Citizens Interested in Arts (CIA) 2011 Luncheon

Acknowledging her more than 40 years as South Florida’s peerless presenter of classical music and dance, Judy Drucker, internationally famed impresaria and friend to scores of the world’s most honored musical artists, will be the recipient of the Citizens Interested in Arts (CIA) 2011 Champion of the Arts Award at the organization’s annual fund-raising membership luncheon on Tuesday, March 8,  at Fontainebleau Hotel. Now in its 12 year, the 2011 CIA luncheon, chaired by Lenore Toby-Simmons with Hollis Friemark, co-chair, will mark another step forward in their ever-growing reputation as one of the key South Florida organizations that devote total efforts and funds to financially support the diverse array of performance and visual arts organizations that color our community. To date, CIA, with a membership numbering nearly 300 volunteers with no paid employees, has recorded $600,000 in grants. Reservations are $85 with Patron tickets $100. Checks may be payable to Citizens Interested in Arts, Inc., attention Madelyn Fradkin 20350 West Country Club Drive #4-119  Aventura, Fl, 33160 or by calling Lenore 305.733.0061.

Andy Cohen

Last week, staying under the radar and rarely stepping foot outside his three-story penthouse suite at the National Hotel, R&B crooner Brian McKnight celebrated his girlfriend’s birthday by simply ordering room service and enjoying his luxurious room.

Also staying at the Art Deco property was The Real Housewives of New York City’s Countess Luann de Lesseps and her daughter, who spent the majority of their time lounging by the hotel’s infinity pool. The duo occasionally went out on the town on the rented bikes from the hotel, even hitting up STK on Saturday night, where onlookers say Countess Luann looked “fresh and rested.”

Chelsea Handler’s beloved sidekick, Chuy was the host at Mansion and Steve Nash was spotted at WALL Miami enjoying Belvedere Vodka last Friday.

On Valentine’s Day, Timbaland had dinner with his wife at STK Miami.

Housewives hunk, Andy Cohen, was on-hand at the official launch party for the Real Housewives of Miami onlast Monday night at the Eden Roc Hotel and Residences, along with all of the housewives with the exception of Larsa Pippen, Days of our Lives Arianne Zucker, Galen Gering, and Sammy Sosa.