Help with the Oil Spill at JB

JB Kitchen & Bar (1250 South Miami Avenue) will host the Oil Spill Relief Happy Hour alongside the accredited National Wildlife Federation (NWF) and a team of young professionals, invites South Florida residents to a charitable happy hour event on Thursday, August 12 from to 9 p.m., featuring music by popular local fixture DJ Ethics. JB Kitchen & Bar will donate a percentage of the proceeds from drink sales and a select menu of appetizers towards funding the rehabilitation of wildlife and the environmental cleanup of the affected area. There will be additional donation opportunities at the venue, as well as information on how to further get involved with the NWF. For more information or to make reservations call 305.415.0071 or visit www.jbkitchenandbar.com .

Celebs at City Oyster & Sushi Bar

On Thursday, August 12, head to City Oyster & Sushi Bar (213 Atlantic Avenue in Delray Beach), where celebrities including Olympic Medalist Dara Torres, LPGA Golfer Kurt Bagwell and local philanthropists will tend bar and serve guests their favorite cocktails at a fundraiser for Palm Beach County JDRF Ride to Cure cyclists – who will cycle 72 miles around Lake Tahoe in September to raise money for Type I Diabetes research. Complimentary hors d’ oeuvres will be provided by City Oyster & Sushi Bar and all tips will be donated to JDRF. There will also be a raffle with great prizes. The fun starts at 5:30 p.m. and goes until 7:30.  Call 561.686.7701 or visit www.jdrf.org/greaterpalmbeach

The 4th Annual “CHAMPIONS OF BUSINESS” Luncheon

 Young and notable business professionals from around the community will join the  Emerging Leadership Council of the Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce (MBCC) to experience and learn from the best of the best at the 4th annual “Champions of Business” Luncheon on August 13.  Individuals will have an opportunity to not only enjoy the divine creations of the newly improved and most iconic restaurant in town, The Forge Restaurant | Wine Bar, but interact with a discussion by a panel of champions in their field.   This year’s 2010 “Champions of Business” panelist discussion will begin at 11:30 am and will be moderated by Michelle Villalobos, principal of Mivista business skills training, and Willard Shepard, investigative reporter for NBC 6. Panelists include: Ricky Arriola,  President & CEO of Inktel Direct Corp, Misha Kuryla-Gomez, owner and creator of Misha’s cupcakes, and Shareef Malnik, owner of The Forge Restaurant | Wine Bar.  The event is open to the public and tickets are available starting at $60 for Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce members and $75 for guests, with sponsorship opportunities starting at $700.  For more information or to RSVP, call Valerie Rasken at 305-695-6833 or valerie@miamibeachchamber.com.

 Paredes Fine Arts Studio Opening and After Party

 Celebrated local pop and multi-media artist, sculptor and urban impressionist, Miguel Paredes, will continue making his mark in the Wynwood Arts District with the opening of his first solo gallery Paredes Fine Arts Studio on Saturday, August 14 during the district’s monthly “2^nd Saturdays Art Walk.” Paredes is scheduled to be present on opening night and be part of the gallery’s cocktail reception at 8 p.m. which is open to the public. The artist will exhibit select pieces and sculptures from collections such as Boroughs, Digital Art, Pop Collages, Urban Dreams and Los Niños. Guests should confirm their attendance by emailing: RSVP@miguelparedes.com .   All guests are also invited to attend Paredes’ official after-party at Florida Room located inside South Beach’s Delano hotel.  After-party event begins at 11 p.m. and guests must RSVP to LoveCat at lovecatllc@gmail.com.

 Gold-Diggers Cut-A-Thon

Camelot Salon & Spa (2600 Galiano Street, Coral Gables) is sponsoring The Gold-Diggers, Inc.’s Third Annual Cut-A-Thon charity event on Sunday, August 15, from 12:00 to 4:00 p.m. for a salon experience like no other, all in the name of charity.  Guests at the salon can receive a haircut for $20, nail polish change for $5 and/or a relaxing chair massage for $10.  Gourmet “couture” will be served from Cupcakes Nouveau and Giardino Gourmet Salads; fitness tips from Gables Fitness. The Gold-Diggers, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) organization, now in its 33^rd year, and has raised over one million dollars for its beneficiaries, The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of South Florida and The Food for Life Network.  The Gold-Diggers, Inc. is made up of 40 women from Miami-Dade and Broward Counties who raise money for these charities through fall fundraisers and their annual spring musical revue.  Visit www.gold-diggers.org for more information or www.camelotspa.com.

Just in time for Fall, no pun intended, Ice-Watch® has created a whole new line of arm candy sure to brighten any wardrobe all year round.  The multicolored timepieces are water resistant, perfect for dreary rainy days, and feature luminous hands with a magnified calendar, for those early winter sunsets.  The best part, each Ice-Watch® is packaged in a collectable, reusable “becubic” case that doubles as a coin bank making it both fashionable AND environmentally conscious.  Ice-Watch® is sold in over 50 countries around the world and recently debuted in the United States in December 2009. Since it’s unveiling, Ice-Watch® has become a popular accessory among celebrities and fashion icons such as, Paris Hilton, Jennie Garth, Felicity Huffman, Gilles Marini, Ali Landry, Craig Robinson, Rex Lee, and Evan Handler.  With an array of colors from pastels to fluorescents, Ice-Watch® definitely has something for everyone.  For more information visit www.ice-watch.com  

By:  Maryanne Salvat

Just when you thought things couldn’t get any hotter or spicier, South Florida gears up for the 9^thannual Miami Spice Restaurant Month.   Joining the delectable venture is the highly revered Fontainebleau Resort.  Gotham Steak, Scarpetta and Hakkasan, as well as its modern American café Vida,are all offering $35 three-course prix-fixe dinner menus. In addition, Hakkasanis offering an impressive family-style Dim Sum lunch menu for only $22. The iconic resort is also providing discounted valet parking to restaurant patrons. The prix-fixe prices do not include tax and gratuity and reservations are highly recommended.  Here is a quick preview of the Miami Spice menu offered at these fine dining establishments from August 1 through September 30, 2010.  Warning: Mouth-watering may occur as you read through. Read the rest here »

Allison Weiss Brady, Chris Bosh, and Chip Brady

Jeffrey Donovan

Jeffrey Donovan, our favorite Burn Notice front man, was seen dining solo at Macaluso’s last Tuesday night,   where he enjoyed the eatery’s famous homemade meatballs (yum!).

During the Webster Rooftop Happy Hour, which was very popular,  Pharrell  Williams  shopped throughout the boutique.

Rapper TI was seen dining at Philippe with a group of friends this past Sunday^.

Last week, Miami’s finest headed up to the Hamptons where the Heat’s Chris joined Tracy Wilson Mourning, Donna Karan, a pregnant and just-married Alicia Keys with new husband Swizz Beatz, John Legend, Jason Binn, and host Anthony Anderson to celebrate South Florida’s Allison & Chip Brady who were being honored at  Russell Simmons‘ RushPhilanthropic.org annual “Art for Life” gala.  The event, with auction items by country singer Keith Urban, celebrity chef Todd English, and John Legend, was co-sponsored by LSN Partners, a business development firm in Miami and Fort Lauderdale, Target, and Bounty. 

Donna Karan

 Bosh

 While making his acceptance speech as co-honoree, Swizz Beatz’s handsome young son Prince Nasir stepped up to the podium to announce to the art-loving crowd that his favorite artists were “Swizz Beatz and Basquiat”.

The Bradys continue their charitable endeavors by co-hosting a September 10th shopping event at De Beers to benefit GeneSpotlight.org as part of Bal Harbour Shops’ “Fashion Night Out.”

Recycle the Zoo Doo!

Zoo Miami needs your votes to win a $250,000 grant from the Pepsi Refresh Project to purchase a large-scale accelerated composter that will allow them to recycle herbivore waste and landscape debris and turn it into a fertilizer.  This will reduce the Zoo’s environmental impact and expenses by lessening the use of commercial fertilizers, mulch, landfill space and by reducing disposal quantities.  The Pepsi Refresh Project is a program that provides grants each month to projects that benefit others in a neighborhood, city or on a national level.  Projects are voted on by the public and the ideas with the most votes receive the grant. Voting runs through August 31, 2010, so vote once a day to help make this happen.  Go to http://www.refresheverything.com/zoodoo  and Click” Vote for this idea”.

 A Birthday Bash at La Fee Verte  

On Saturday, August 7th at 9 p.m. La Fee Verte, South Florida’s first and only tease burlesque and absinthe club, will host and celebrate one of the most popular parties of the summer – the birthday of TARA, Ink’s principal, Nick D’Annunzio. Miami’s list of Who’s Who are encouraged to channel their favorite Parisian icon and dress in the haute-est fashion while enjoying complimentary  V Georgio Vodka cocktails and hors d’oeuvres courtesy of French Bistro Lemon Twist. Everyone in attendance will witness a performance by lead temptress Nicole Soden of the club’s tantalizing Madames du Mischief and dance the night away to the beats of South Florida’s latest stylish DJ duo Ess & Emm (Sasha Lauzon and Michelle Leshem, Canadian-Miamian transplants).  In lieu of gifts, the guest-of-honor has requested that party-goers consider making a donation to his charity of choice, The Susan G. Komen Foundation in honor of his late mother Gail Paglia.  To RSVP to this event go to NJD@taraink.com or call 305.864.3434 ext. 255.

Lucky Strike Saves the Day

Lucky Strike Lanes and Lounge has come up with the perfect cure for the “I’M BORED!”  blues that Moms throughout South Florida dread when Summer arrives.  Every Wednesday through August 11^th, LSL&L offers a “Mommy and Me” program for only $15 per child (advance purchase) or $20 (same-day purchase) where Moms and tots can enjoy unlimited bowling and shoe rental, baskets of fresh popcorn and hot pizza, soft drinks, and cartoons and kids’ movies displayed on Lucky Strike’s 22 state-of-the-art projection screens.  For more information call 305.532.0307.

 Arts and Crafts at Buck15

During the months of August and September, Buck15 will be hosting monthly art competitions where locals are given a sneaker and t-shirt to use as a blank canvas.  T-shirts, sponsored by Puma, will be given out the first weekend in August to anyone that wants to participate. Artists have until August 6^th to hand in their masterpieces, which will be displayed on the walls of Buck15 along with voting cards throughout the month.  Buck15 patrons will have until August 24^th   to vote for their favorite piece.  The winner will be announced that evening at 11:30pm, and will be awarded a $75 gift certificate to La Epoca Department Store, located at 200 East Flagler Street in Downtown, and a $75 bar comp to Buck15.  “Celebrity” Judges include: Craig Stevens, Daisy D and Maisi Baserva.  For art inquiries, contact Cesar@Buck15.net.

FENOMinal Tasting

On Saturday, August 7, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., fenom Modern Absinthe – the clear, modern absinthe that exclusively hit the South Florida market in May is offering free samplings this weekend . Locals are invited to stop by and sample what is becoming the perfect choice for at home cocktails or for an evening out!  Attendees can sample the product and even purchase a bottle! You can learn what mixes best with this hot, new spirit as well as what this absinthe craze is all about.  The tasting will be hosted by Flamingo Liquors, 1505 Bay Road, Miami Beach.  For more information call 305.510.2919.

 EAT, PRAY, LOVE in Coconut Grove

While most of us can’t afford to travel to Indonesia, India, and Rome, the setting for Elizabeth Gilbert’s famed novel, Eat, Pray, Love, the Sonesta Bayfront Hotel Coconut Grove and the new Paragon Grove 13 luxury movie theater have created an exclusive weekend taking guests on a gastronomic and meditative voyage celebrating the debut of the movie August 13 – 15. The special package, from $199 per person, includes relaxation and rejuvenation journeys offering snap shots mirroring themes from the film. EAT: Friday, August 13 guests check-in to the Sonesta Bayfront Coconut Grove before heading to the new Paragon Grove 13. There they can sit back and indulge in an Italian “picnic dinner” from the comfort of their own seats while sipping on their choice ofchampagne or wine as they watch ‘Eat, Pray, Love’ in a private theater.  Special handmade canolis will await them to finish off the night in their Sonesta Bayfront Coconut Grove hotel room.  PRAY: Saturday, August 14 guests will cleanse mind, body and soul by practicing wellness and meditation at DHARMA STUDIO, located in the heart of Coconut Grove. A special Indian-inspired prix fixe dinner menu will be enjoyed at the Sonesta’s Panorama restaurant offering spectacular views of Coconut Grove’s sailboat bay. LOVE: Sunday, August 15 is the day for romantic discovery as guests are invited to explore the bohemian and intimate corners of Coconut Grove by bike*, foot or sailing* around Biscayne Bay.  Reserve online: www.sonesta.com/coconutgrove with a code: EPL08, or call 1.800.SONESTA (766.3782).

 Camelot Salon and Spa

Camelot Salon & Spa in Coral Gables is sponsoring The Gold-Diggers, Inc.’s Third Annual Cut-A-Thon charity event. Centrally located in the heart of Coral Gables, Camelot Salon & Spa is opening its doors on Sunday, August 15, 2010 from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM for a salon experience like no other, all in the name of charity.  Guests at the salon can receive a haircut for $20, nail polish change for $5 and/or a relaxing chair massage for $10.  Gourmet “couture” will be served from Cupcakes Nouveau and  Giardino Gourmet Salads; fitness tips from Gables Fitness. The Gold-Diggers, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) organization, now in its 33^rd year, and has raised over one million dollars for its beneficiaries, The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of South Florida and The Food for Life Network.  The Gold-Diggers, Inc. is made up of 40 women from Miami-Dade and Broward Counties who raise money for these charities through fall fundraisers and their annual spring musical revue.  Visit www.gold-diggers.org for more information or Camelot Salon & Spa, 2600 Galiano Street, www.camelotspa.com,  305-986-3133.

Lobster 305

Kitchen 305 at the Newport Beachside Hotel & Resort invites those with big appetites and a love for seafood to enjoy a delicious, all-you-can-eat Maine lobster dinner every Wednesday for $35 now through October (and then Stone Crabs).  For a little more than the market price of a tail, guests can fill themselves with as much of this scrumptious crustacean as they can palette. Alongside the “Maine” act, the restaurant will serve-up a bowl of New England Clam Chowder soup and a Wedge Salad with Applewood smoked bacon.  The dinner special includes fresh bread and a choice of two sides including rice pilaf, mashed potatoes, coleslaw, grilled Portobello mushrooms, charred-cheddar wrapped beefsteak tomatoes, and creamed spinach. In addition, Kitchen 305’s supper club guests can enjoy live music and entertainment, enticing cocktail choices and kid-friendly menu options.  For more information, visit http://kitchen305.newportbeachsideresort.com/.