By: Dr. Mary Jo Almeida-Shore

The highly-anticipated Amigos Night took place  on Saturday, September 30, at the Hangar in Coconut Grove.

The music and entertainment were extraordinary as were the food and cocktails. The crowd of more than 1000 guests was still dancing non-stop well passed 1 am to the incomparable music of the legendary DJ Irie.

Thanks to the support of Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, title sponsor, and Bacardi USA, presenting sponsor and all of the sponsors, guests and volunteers, the evening raised over 400 thousand dollars to benefit Amigos For Kids, whose mission is to prevent child abuse and neglect.

Amigos Night featured a culinary pavilion offering dinner by the bite from some of Miami’s favorite restaurants, live music and entertainment by Extasy and an insane “hora loca” late night. The dance floor was packed the whole night. Cocktails were free-flowing, domino tables were bustling and Versailles and Papa John’s doled out delicious treats well into the morning. 

Special guests included:  Alina Garcia, Vicki Lopez, and Raquel Regalado, Gloria Ordaz, Pamela Silva, Enrique Santos, Erika Ender, Jorge Masvidal, Ingrid Hoffman, Maria Elena Salinas, Teresa Rodriguez, Neida Sandoval, Anabelle Blum and Ana Quincoces tonnage a few.

Maggie Fresen, Board Chair, expressed her gratitude, stating, “On behalf of the Board of Directors and the thousands of children we are able to reach every year, we thank our sponsors and supporters who are vital to continuing Amigos’ mission. With their support, we cultivate unity and compassion, ensuring that children have the opportunity to grow, succeed, and build a brighter future.”

For more information and to make a donation, visit amigosforkids.org and follow @AmigosForKids on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

Amigos For Kids, a Miami-based nonprofit organization dedicated to preventing child abuse and neglect by valuing children, strengthening families, and educating communities, is proud to announce that its wildly popular signature annual fundraiser is back. The much anticipated return of Amigos For Kids’ Miami Celebrity Domino Night will take place the evening of Saturday, September 24, 2022 at Jungle Island. Read the rest of this entry »

The Beauty Symposium at Saks Bal Harbour

On Thursday, October 15, Saks Fifth Avenue Bal Harbour, Mount Sinai Comprehensive Cancer Center along with Media Partner Miami Magazine and Miami Fashion and Beauty Blogger Maria Tettamanti of TheWordyGirl.com present an interactive evening of Beauty, Bubbly and Bites highlighting the latest in beauty, skincare and fragrance. The lively panel discussion will feature leaders in the industry; Kate Oldham, SVP Beauty, Saks Fifth Avenue; Nance Hastings, GM North America & VP Global Education, Tom Ford; Laura Slatkin, CEO, Nest Fragrances; Tim Quinn, Celebrity Face Designer & VP of Creative Artistry, Giorgio Armani; Dennis Quan, National Sales Director, by Kilian and Amy Leitner, Account Exertive, Dior. Tastings provided by Makoto, Novecento Aventura, Morton’s The Steakhouse and Sugar Yummy Mama; cocktails provided by Southern Wine & Spirits of South Florida. A portion of the proceeds from the evening’s event will benefit Mount Sinai Comprehensive Cancer Center; Thursday, October 15 from 5:30-7:30 p.m.

The EDGE Charitable Foundation’s Tropical Miami Night Gala
Join the EDGE Charitable Foundation’s 8th Annual “Tropical Miami Night Gala” on Saturday, October 17, at The Hilton Miami Airport Hotel, from 7:00 p.m. – 12 midnight. The domino themed event will raise funds to benefit children who are homeless, unaccompanied, and victims of human trafficking, domestic violence or victimized in any other way. Don’t miss your chance to experience a tropical island lifestyle where domino tables, cocktails, music and good company are essential. Pre-sale tournament tickets start at $75 per person or $250 per domino table. General admission tickets cost $60. To purchase tickets, visit www.TheEdgeHelps.com.
The Habit Burger Now Open

The Habit Burger Grill in Miami is now open and serves fresh, made-to-order chargrilled burgers and sandwiches featuring USDA choice tri-tip steak, grilled chicken and sushi-grade tuna cooked over an open flame. In addition, it features fresh made-to-order salads and an appealing selection of sides, handmade shakes and malts. The Habit was named the “Best Tasting Burger in America” in July 2014 in a comprehensive survey conducted by one of America’s leading consumer magazines. French fries, onion rings, sweet potato fries and tempura green beans are 100% trans-fat free, cooked in soybean oil. The first Habit Burger Grill opened in Santa Barbara, California in 1969 and has since grown to 120 restaurants in 12 markets throughout California, Arizona, Florida, Nevada, New Jersey and Utah. The Habit Burger Grill Miami will be located at Fountain Square, 9971 West Flagler Street. More information is available at www.habitburger.com.
New Theatre and Mina’s Mediterraneo Present PLAYte

New Theatre and Mina’s Mediterraneo have paired good food and entertainment in a joint venture dubbed PLAYte, a dinner theatre experience. Mina’s Mediterraneo, for $45 audiences will sip wine and dine on a chef selected three course meal in the restaurant’s inviting terrace. Choose from the Chef’s menu selection of 3 appetizers, 3 entrées and 2 desserts. After the reading they will be invited to participate in an engaging talk back offering invaluable insight for the playwright. The Playte series takes place on the third Wednesday of every month – the next one is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, October 21st. For tickets or more information, visit www.new-theatre.org; New Theatre productions may contain adult material, language and/or situations.

Pink Party at Dadeland Mall

Beautiful fashions, better cause! Dadeland Mall invites the community to a Pink Party on Thursday, October 22 from 6-8 p.m.; throughout the event, shoppers will have the opportunity to shop retailer collections, visit sponsor tables, enjoy pink cocktails, experience make-up demonstrations, receive a complimentary gift bag and register for fabulous prizes! In honor of breast cancer awareness month, attendees are invited to leave a Message of Strength on the Dadeland Mall Tree of Hope. This message is an opportunity to show support for those in the community who have been diagnosed with breast cancer. Local blogger and stylist, Stephanie Pernas of A Sparkle Factor, will host the fashionable evening. As emcee, Stephanie will discuss fall trends from Dadeland Mall retailers and will offer style advice for every shape, style and budget. Free and open to the public.

By:  Mary Jo Almeida-Shore 

Amigos For Kids joined MIYO Home to host the 2014 official launch event for the annual ING Miami Celebrity Domino Night on Thursday, April 3rd at the elegant, one-of a kind furniture store, owned by the equally enchanting,  Fati Rosenberg.  MIYO Home hosted the intimate cocktail reception to unveil “Untouched” by Noelia Madiedo, a captivating exhibition of travel photography. The event, in collaboration with Amigos For Kids, Miami-based non-profit organization committed to child abuse awareness and prevention, also kicked off the upcoming annual ING Miami Celebrity Domino Night. MIYO Home donated a percentage of the evening’s proceeds to Amigos For Kids.  Read the rest of this entry »

By: Maryanne Salvat

MIYO Home Presents Noelia Madiedo: “Untouched”

MIYO Home is proud to present Noelia Madiedo: “Untouched,” an exhibition of travel photography exclusively for MIYO Home. On Thursday, April 3, MIYO Home is teaming up with Amigos For Kids, anon-profit organization committed to child abuse awareness and prevention, to kick-off the annual ING Miami Celebrity Domino Night. To commemorate the upcoming annual signature fundraiser ING Miami Celebrity Domino Night, MIYO Home will donate a portion of the evening’s proceeds to Amigos For Kids. For the unveiling of the photography exhibit, Noelia Madiedo will personally introduce 25 limited and numbered works in editions of 19 that will be on display and available for purchase at MIYO Home until June 2014. 

Taperia Raca 

Chef Giorgio Rapicavoli and business partner Alex Casanova, the talented young duo behind Coral Gables’ foodie favorite Eating House, launch their latest concept, Taperia Raca, a casual and fun Spanish tapas restaurant and wine bar, Friday, March 28 at 7010 Biscayne Boulevard, in the heart of Miami’s MiMo District on the Biscayne Corridor.A trip to laidback Spain, the cozy restaurant seats 16 inside and offers an expansive outdoor garden seating 40. Inspired by the laidback atmosphere of the Corridor, area vintage stores and quirky architectural motifs, Rapicavoli and Casanova put art and music at the center of the experience with brick lined walls, cardboard bullheads and a custom made mural to the tune of Spanish reggae music. Taperia Raca accepts reservations via CityEats. Telephone: 305.751.8756. Website: www.taperiaraca.com. Twitter/Instagram: @Taperia_Raca. 

Funkshion: Fashion Week Miami Beach

Funkshion: Fashion Week Miami Beach celebrates its 26^th season this week in South Beach.  As with every year, FUNKSHION: Fashion Week Miami Beach, will fuse music and fashion like no other city in the world does!!  FUNKSHION: Fashion Week Miami Beach is a four day/evening long event for designers to showcase their new collections. As with every season, they allow the general public to attend free of charge. Highlights will include HOLT, Miami Based; KrelWear, and also a Del Wear swim show with a live band made up totally of Military Veterans hosted by producer Stephan Morris.   Guests can rsvp at:  WWW.FASHIONWEEKMIAMI.COM Or  WWW.FUNKSHION.COM.

 An Intimate Evening with Roger Sanchez

Grammy Award winner and architect of the electronic dance music movement, Roger Sanchez, will be giving an exclusive performance at The Setai this Thursday March 27 from 9:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. With Opening sets by Joey Grenier and Lupe Fuentes, revelers can expect an unforgettable night of musical boundaries being pushed. RSVP a MUST and table reservations strongly advised as capacity is limited. RSVP/Table Reservations: Setai@statusluxurygroup.com

Feel the Heat at Cafeina

Cafeina is feeling the Heat this Thursday as Game 5 the NBA finals is broadcasted live on the garden wall. Guests will enjoy $3 selected beers including Modelo Especial, Amstel Light, Heineken and Corona, $4 Heat Slammer Shooters, and $4 tequila shots all night. Food specials include ½ dozen chicken wings ($6) or one dozen chicken wings ($10). 80s and 90s cover artist Alvy Perdomo will keep patrons grooving all night. Reserve prime seating by calling 305.438.0792 or info@cafeinamiami.com.

Fins Weekend 

The Miami Dolphins Foundation will host “Fins Weekend” on June 9-11, the organization’s signature fund-raising event featuring current players, alumni, cheerleaders.  The festivities begin on Thursday, June 9, with the Celebrity Draw Party at Fairmont Turnberry Isle (19999 West Country Club Drive). The party will include cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and interactive games. On Friday, June 10, Dolphin players and alumni hit the green at Fairmont Turnberry Isle’s award-winning golf course for the FinsWeekend Golf Tournament followed by a luncheon presented by Doctors Hospital Center for Orthopedics and Sports Medicine to announce the winners.  Later that evening, the popular Hook & Tackle Captain’s Party will take place at the Miami Beach Marina. The following morning, on Saturday, June 11, amateur and professional anglers will meet at the Miami Beach Marina for the Miami Dolphins Foundation Fishing Tournament presented by eDiets.com, followed by “Hooters Weigh-in” and the Scott Financial/HMY Awards Ceremony to find out who walked away with the biggest catch and bid on fabulous live auction items. This years’ grand prize is a trip for four on the team charter to a regular season Miami Dolphins away game. For more information about the weekend, please call the Community Relations department at (305) 943-7200 or visit www.finsweekend.com. 

The First Annual Catwalk for Charity 

The First Annual Catwalk for Charity will be hosted by E!’s, Giuliana Rancic, and Vivica A. Fox, on Sunday, June 12 at 12 p.m at the JW Marriott in Brickell.  Catwalk for Charity will benefit the children of Little Haiti and assist in establishing a boarding school within Haiti. Featured designers include local favorite Gabriella Arango, and exotic skins handbag designer, Francoise Elizee. For more information on this event, visit, www.breakfastwithsantafl.org or call 305.310.7557. 

Fashion Fun for Sylvester 

The Miami Style will present a fashion show by JB Couture by Judith Barnes at the Double Tree Hotel’s Grand Ballroom (1717 North Bayshore Drive) on June 12, from 5 -10 p.m. to help raise awareness and funds for the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center.  Guests can enjoy a special performance, wine and  hors d’ oeuvres. The cost for entry is $50/ $75 per couple and proceeds will be donated to cancer research. To RSVP, email katherine@blinkpr.com. 

Summer Brunch at Essensia  

Essensia is unveiling a new Sunday brunch a la carte menu, to be offered alongside their extensive breakfast buffet. Available every Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., brunch features a selection of wholesome, seasonal, and natural gourmet brunch favorites, smoothies and natural cocktails in a leisurely and relaxed ambiance ideal for families and larger parties. The breakfast buffet costs $24 per person and $12 (per child 12 yrs & under). A la carte Sunday brunch menu prices range from $6 to $18. Valet parking is discounted to $9 for brunch patrons.  For reservations call 305.908.5458 or visit www.essensiarestaurant.com.  Indoor and outdoor seating is available. 

Mayfair Hotel Craft Beer Tasting

Mayfair Hotel in Coconut Grove leads the trend launching Craft Beer Tastings, offering a sampling of over 40 craft beers from favorite local microbreweries plus bites from local eatery, Trattoria Spartico, at just $20 per person. A certified Cicerone, a sommelier of brewskies, who has been a craft beer enthusiast for 10 years, will be conducting tastings every third Wednesday of the month, beginning on June 15. Fresh Beer, an innovative company who supplies beer straight from the brewery to achieve ultimate perfection, will be rotating selections from a vast array of microbrews. Limited seating; reservation required 305.779.5100.

Grand Opening of Il Corso Trattoria

Il Corso Trattoria owners Geovanna  Accetta and Yamil Yordi have teamed up with nationally renowned chef, LeRoy Bautista, formerly of Angelique Euro Café, to bring bona fide Italian cuisine to Coral Gables. Taking place on Thursday, June 16, the grand opening celebration begins with a ribbon cutting ceremony at 6 p.m. with Mayor Jim Cason.  Guests are invited to enjoy complimentary wine, domestic draft beer, Wodka Vodka cocktails and antipasti along with live music until 10 p.m. RSVP to ilcorso@cm-publicrelations.com or call 305.603.7137.  

Play Dominoes with the Amigos 

Amigos for Kids celebrates its 20th anniversary this year at the highly-anticipated annual fundraiser, the ING Miami Celebrity Domino Night on Saturday, June 18 at 8 p.m. at Jungle Island.  Expect a buzzing domino club, live entertainment, dinner-by-the-bite by Miami’s most prominent chefs and restaurants, open bar courtesy of Bacardi U.S.A., live entertainment by Albita and a stellar silent auction featuring Cuban art, sports memorabilia and much more.  One more thing:  be sure to wear comfortable shoes- the dancing goes all night at this party!  Tickets cost $150 in advance and $175 at the door. Domino tables for four are priced at $1,000 each. Proceeds from tickets and domino tables will benefit Amigos For Kids™. For more information, or to purchase tickets, call Amigos For Kids™ at 305-279-1155 or visit www.amigosforkids.org.  

Schools Out, Spa Summer  

To thank educators for their contributions to the community, the Seven Seas Aveda Spa and Salon is hosting a summer-long, teacher appreciation promotion from June 10 to August 21.  Select luxury spa treatments will be offered at the discounted rate of $20.11 to celebrate the end of the 2010-2011 academic year.  Guests will also receive complimentary steam, glass of champagne, beach deck access, and free valet parking. For more information call 305.749.2100.