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/.

Kellan Lutz enjoying Bustelo

World Cup Soccer players, Luis Fabiano (Brazil) and Diego Forlan (Uruguay), were spotted, on different occasions, at Village of Merrick Park this weekend.   Lenny Kravitz enjoyed dinner at Mr. Chow ,  while Chicago Bulls legend and NBA hall-of-famer Scottie Pippen was seen dining at Todd English’s da Campo Osteria at the il Lugano Suite Hotel in Ft. Lauderdale this past weekend.  Coincidentally, the Kravitz and Pippen were also seen at Philippe’s Miami outpost this weekend as well. 

 Kellan Lutz, Twilight’s hunky vampire, was seen sipping a Bustelo Cool at Wired Café during Comic-Con in San Diego.  We wonder if he got hooked on the delicious stuff at our own Bustelo café at the Gansevoort.

Miami philanthropists and socialites, Elaine Lancaster and Dr. Julio Gallo jetted over to Vienna to co-host Europe’s Largest HIV/AIDS fundraiser, The Life Ball.  Lancaster and Gallo rubbed elbows and exchanged personal stories told by living legends,   Pattie LaBelle and Whoopi Goldberg, fellow Life Ball supporters.  This year’s ball rose over a “whooping” (typo intended) $2 million dollars.

Beach Ball Festival 2010

 Beach Ball Festival 2010

There’s no better complement to all the Swim week fun than a Beach Ball festival complete with unlimited Seven Tiki Spiced Rum cocktails, a Crunch Gym pre-game warm up and all the friendly beach ball competition you’ve come to love-from 40 teams comprised of over 600 players. The festival took place at the Gansevoort Hotel’s Beach Club once again this year, with Jerry’s Deli (team “Jerry’s Deli”) winning first place and taking home a Tiki Beach boat cruise provided by Tiki Beach: Joe’s Stone Crab (team “Joe’s Killer Claws”) coming at close second winning a year-long gym membership to Crunch for team members; and Ted’s Hideaway (team “Last Call”) taking home the bronze and a muscle milk summer gift pack. Bleau Bar dominated the mixology contest with their first place, award-winning cocktail worthy of, if not one, then all seven Tiki Gods. The secret ingredient:  Seven Tiki Spiced Rum,  of course. Read the rest here »

Anthony’s Coal Fire Pizza

 Starting this Wednesday, July 28, Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza introduces Coal Fired & Cocktails, a Wednesday night Happy Hour promotion at its newest restaurant in Kendall.   Starting at 5 p.m.  guests will enjoy complimentary samples of Anthony’s famous coal-fired Italian favorites and $5 specialty vodka drinks, including martinis such as the F.O.A. (Friends of Anthony) and the PizzaTini.  Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza is located at 12502 West Kendall Drive, one-half mile west of the Turnpike.  For more information, call (305) 273-8020 or visit www.anthonyscoalfiredpizza.com.

Circus, Circus at La Fee Verte

On Thursday, July 29 at 11 p.m., La Fee Verte, along with local entertainment production company Rainbow Circus present a Sexy Circus Slideshow – a one night only event extravaganza! Everyone in attendance will witness erotic numbers and be entertained by sexy freaks as well as the club’s tantalizing Madames du Mischief. The first show will begin promptly at midnight and feature human oddities, aerialists, hootchie-kootchie acts, and death defying deeds. Guests will also be treated to ear candy courtesy of DJ Sante and are encouraged to taste the club’s signature absinthe-based cocktails such as the Moulin Rouge or Devil’s Punch to enhance their experience. To attend this event, guests must to RSVP to info@clublafeeverte.com

  Happy Hour at the Webster

On Friday, July 30, The Webster will be launching happy hour on the Rooftop.   The blissful hours are from 6 to 10 p.m.  Drink specials include 2 for 1 house wine, beer, and call drinks. Complimentary hors d’oeuvres will be served until 8 p.m.  Guests will be treated to music spun by DJ Ethics. The Webster is located at 1220 Collins Avenue in Miami Beach.

RIK RAK’S ANNUAL SALEabration EVENT

It’s that time of year, Rik Rak’s Annual SALEabration event, where Miami’s favorite salon will present their luxury take on a street fair.  On Friday, July 30 and Saturday, July 31, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., locals can enjoy up to 50 – 70% off clothing, accessories, shoes, make up, jewelry, sunglasses, and handbags from Roberto Cavalli and Vogue sunglasses to Pelle and Signature Report shoes, this SALEabration is NOT to be missed.  For more information go to www.rikrak.com.

 Kick-Off Party for Miami Spice
The Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau announces the first Miami Spice Kickoff Event & Fundraiser, to be held at the Miami Beach Convention Center in Hall D, on Saturday, July 31, from 7 to 10 p.m. which will showcase a sampling of delicious culinary specialties from Miami Spice participating restaurants, including: Michy’s, SRA. Martinez, BLT Steak, D. Rodriguez Cuba, Red -The Steakhouse, and Ocean Prime. A VIP reception, hosted by presenting sponsor American Express, and official sponsors Moët Hennessy USA and Stella Artois, will take place from 6 to 7 p.m. and will include an open bar and complimentary valet service.  Advance tickets, available now for purchase via TicketMaster are priced at $35 for general admission; $75 for the VIP reception. Tickets available at the door, will be priced at $50 for general admission; $100 for the VIP reception.  A portion of the proceeds will benefit Share Our Strength and Madison’s Wish.  For more information, contact: www.strengthflorida.org.

Grow, Restore, and Nurture and Exhale

Look and feel your best courtesy of Exhale, the mind body spa located at EPIC Hotel. This summer, guests can take advantage of the Summer Nails package – a G.R.N. (Grow, Restore, Nuture)  manicure and pedicure package for only $60 (an $83 value). Grow. Restore. Nurture (G.R.N.) by exhale is an eco-conscious, paraben-free skin care line mindfully designed to heal and transform the skin from the inside out.  This offer is valid until August 31 for nail services booked Monday through Friday.  Exhale at EPIC is located on the 16th floor of EPIC Hotel, 270 Biscayne Boulevard Way, Miami, FL 33131. For more information call 305.423.3900 or visit exhalespa.com. 

 Arm Candy and Luscious Legs at Equinox

 Just in time for summer, Equinox unveils two new classes, Arm Candy and Luscious Legs: a high enegy, low impact – more fun and less time – intensive approach to rapid toning for members who want to target their sunshine areas.  Arm Candy is a 30-minute, no impact class designed to get the arms, upper body and torso in the perfect shape for the today’s hottest strapless, spaghetti string and cap-sleeve tops and bathing suits. Luscious Legs is 30 minutes of multi-impact, shape shifting movement combining athletic drills and dance conditioning alongside Pilates and Yoga techniques.   Go ahead, show more skin this summer and enjoy the perks of a leaner, sleek (and sweet) physique! Equinox South Beach is located on 520 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, for more information call 305.673.1124     

 Sushi 101 

Miami Beach’s favorite multi-cultural restaurant, SUSHISAMBA dromo, is offering Floridians and visitors alike an opportunity to sample sake and learn special culinary techniques from the sushi and sake experts of SUSHISAMBA dromo.  The class will be offered bi-monthly and will be conducted under the leadership of SUSHISAMBA dromo’s beverage director, Mackenzie Parks.  Sushi & Sake classes will be held on Wednesday evenings at 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.  The two-hour class offers an educational experience, which includes five flights of sake and a sushi sampler platter for the reasonable price of $75 per person (tax and gratuity not included). Classes will begin August 11, 2010.    To reserve a space for one of the upcoming classes or to learn more, call SUSHISAMBA dromo at305.673.5337.