Miami Spice 2017
Now in its 16th year, the Miami Spice Restaurant Program produced by the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau(GMCVB) offers visitors and locals an accessible way to experience more than 250 of the finest restaurants in the region, including 55 new participants in 2017. Miami Spice kicked-off August 1^st and will run through September 30^th with dining deals that include lunch and brunch priced at $23 per person and dinner priced at $39 per person. Prices include an appetizer, entrée and dessert; alcohol, tax, tip and service charges are excluded. This year’s sponsors include Citibank®, Lyft, Chandon California, Fiji Water, Stella Artois, Terrazas de los Andes, Ketel One Vodka, Don Julio Tequila, Bulleit Bourbon and Zacapa Rum.

To spice up the second half of the program, participating restaurants are offering new takes on their Miami Spice menus. Among the restaurants launching new Miami Spice menus in September are Atlantikós, BLT Prime, BLT Steak, Blue Collar, Bulla Gastrobar, Candela Gastrobar, EDGE Steak & Bar, Fooq’s, Hakkasan, Komodo, Los Fuegos by Francis Mallmann, Lure Fishbar, Matador Room, Meat Market Miami Beach, Mignonette Uptown, Monty’s Coconut Grove, Novecento, Ortanique on the Mile, Pao by Paul Qui, Pisco y Nazca Ceviche Gastrobar, Son Cubano, StripSteak by Michael Mina, The Forge, TUYO and Toro Toro. For a full list of participating restaurants, Miami Spice menus and special events, please visit www.iLoveMiamiSpice.com.

Hurricane Irma Relief at Doheny Room

Beat the cabin fever while helping in hurricane relief efforts at the Doheny Room at the Delano. The party takes place Saturday September 16 at 10 p.m. The $20 door charge includes open Tito’s bar from 10 p.m. – midnight.   All proceeds of sales will benefit hurricane Irma clean up efforts
Music will be by Lokahontas x Goodgyldani

The Butcher Shop Beer Garden & Grill Re-launches Summer Specials and Happy Endings 

The Butcher Shop Beer Garden & Grill is re-launching its popular summer promotion this month, the summer fixe menu. Offered in addition to the restaurant’s regular à la carte menu, the summer fixe menus highlight some of The Butcher Shop’s signature dishes and offers a two course lunch option for $16 and three course dinner menu for $29. Promotion will run through the end of September. 

 Happy Endings, The Butcher Shop’s new late night happy hour takes place from 10pm to close every Sunday through Thursday and features discounted bites, $6 select cocktails and $6 select drafts.  New cocktails include: Ancho Lime Margarita (photo attached) – Tromba tequila, ancho lime syrup, orange liqueur, DR Dark & Stormy – Atlantico rum, lime juice and Fever Tree ginger beer, Dry Heat – Bombay dry gin, passion fruit, jalapeño and Texan Spritz – Tito’s vodka, Campari, St Germaine and sparkling wine.

Labor Day Specials at Ariete

The creative minds behind Ariete, restaurateur Jason Odio and Executive Chef Michael Beltran, have curated the perfect Labor Day Happy Hour. Ariete – not typically open on Mondays – will open its doors in honor of Labor Day on Monday, September 4th from 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Patrons will enjoy all-day Happy Hour specials such as $2 oysters, $10 Chug Burgers and $3 Fritas, as well as special pricing on other delicious favorites including grilled chicken wings, smoked fish dip and more. Select cocktails will be available for $7, along with $5 beers and a special Labor Day punch for $6. Ariete is located at 3540 Main Hwy, Coconut Grove, FL 33133.

Take a LYFT this Labor Day

As we head towards Labor Day, Lyft took a look at the top destinations Miamians and its visitors had been headed to this summer. “The increase we saw in Lyft ridership this summer shows that people are more interested in the convenience and ease of the ridesharing industry than ever before,” said Samuel Cohen, general manager of Lyft Florida.

As it turns out, airports, tourist spots, shopping locations, and more all made the list of Top 10 Lyft Destinations in Miami This Summer. The list follows.

1. Miami International Airport
2. Fort Lauderdale Airport
3. Aventura Mall
4. Walmart Supercenter (3200 NW 79th St)
5. Bayfront Park
6. Fontainebleau Miami Beach
7. Marlins Park
8. Department of Motor Vehicles at The Village Flea Market
9. University of Miami/Jackson Memorial Medical Center
10. Miami-Dade College (Wolfson Campus)

Source: Lyft

Available statewide across Florida, Lyft, the fastest-growing on-demand transportation service in the United States, has already given more rides this year than all of 2016 and provides over 1M rides a day.  The rideshare app has unveiled new rider options, to include Lyft Line, Lyft Lux and Lyft Lux SUV, to create a completely customizable passenger experience.

Craft Beer 5K Run

The Tank Brewing Company is joining forces with Frankie Ruiz, co-founder of the Miami Marathon, to bring the first ever Craft Beer 5K Run to South Florida. The race is open to everyone –including runners and beer lovers of all kinds– and will depart from The Tank Brewing Co. on Saturday, September 30 at 6:00 p.m. The net proceeds of the Run will benefit two South Florida-based nonprofit organizations, Amigos For Kids, an organization dedicated to child abuse prevention and strengthening families, and Live Like Bella Foundation, which supports childhood cancer research.

The post-race celebrations will include a festival with local breweries offering a sampling of their brews, food by-the-bite, live music, and games.  Participating breweries include The Tank Brewing Company, MIA Beer Company, Funky Buddha Brewery, J. Wakefield Brewing, Biscayne Bay Brewing Company, Concrete Beach Brewery, Wynwood Brewing, 26 Degree Brewing Company and Miami Brewing Company. Training runs will be coordinated at all participating breweries from now until race day.

Supporting sponsors and partners include Ryder, MBF Healthcare Partners, Gold Coast Distributors, Altadis U.S.A. Premium Cigar, Goya Foods, Crown Wine and Spirits, Professional Bank, Republica, and Ocean Mazda. Sponsorship opportunities are still available. For more information, contact info@TheTankBrewing.com

Those interested in registering for the South Florida Craft Beer Run, should visit SouthFloridaCraftBeerRun.com.  The $30 registration fee includes race t-shirt, medal, and one complimentary beer, along with other swag. For an additional $10 donation, participants will receive a pair of Live Like Bella commemorative socks to sport on race day.

Guests are invited to share photos and comments using #SFLCraftBeerRun and #SipAndDiscuss on The Tank’s social channels: @TheTankBrewing on Instagram, The Tank Brewing Company on Facebook, and @TheTankBrewing on Twitter, as well as the corresponding social channels of all participating breweries.  

Sun-Kissed by Clarins

As summer slips by- maintain that sun-kissed skin into the fall with Clarins gorgeous summer collection.   The stunning  Bronzing and Blush compact and the summer-inspired eyeshadow palette will enhance your summer glow. The waterproof gold and copper eye liners are silky and flattering to perfectly highlight the eyes while you splash in the pool and ocean.  Be sure to protect your skin with Clarins tinted sunscreen- with a light, smooth finish, it covers any imperfections while protecting your face from any harmful rays. Look to Clarins to make this summer, one of endless beauty.

Let’s Extend Summer with Oka-B Foot Candy

Recently featured on Good Morning America Oka-B offers an array of comfortable, color-fast sandals for all seasons. Part of the Okabashi Brand, Oka-B was launched by the Irvani family in 2006 first as a spa and gift boutique item, and since then, they have expanded into jelly flats, wedges, and even international distribution! Filling her father’s proverbial shoes, Sarah Irvani will be taking the helm as CEO of Oka-B, leading the women-centric team dedicated to bringing you fashionable, functional styles. Whether you’re hiking a backwoods trail, strolling the boardwalk, or enjoying a night on the town, Oka-B are shoes you and your feet can feel good about. Visit https://www.oka-b.com for more information on these durable designs.

MIAMI, FL – JULY 22: Leighton Meester attends Sunglass Hut MADE FOR SUMMER during SWIMMIAMI on July 22, 2017 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Alexander Tamargo/Getty Images for Sunglass Hut)

On July 22, the delightful Leighton Meester shared her favorite sunnies for summer at Lincoln Road’s Sunglass Hut Flagship store during her #MADEFORSUMMER event. Known as the fan-favorite, Blair Waldorf on Gossip Girl, Meester is now starring in Fox’s hit show Making History and loving every moment.

Some her favorite picks for the season included: Ray Ban’s Emma Style (exclusively at Sunglass Hut), Michael Kors Gold Aviators, and Dolce & Gabbana Oversized Round frames.

South Beach came alive once again this July, as the swimwear industry’s most highly anticipated event returned. Fans of sun, skin and designer swimsuits delighted in five days of fabulous fun and fashion. From runway shows at the Setai to the Funkshion tents, guests enjoyed a weekend filled with fun and style.

Style Saves Hosts 7th Annual Style Saves Swim

Style Saves hosted its 7^th annual fashion show, Style Saves Swim, at the Setai Miami Beach. Over 500 guests enjoyed a spectacular showcase with styles from Alice and Olivia, iShine365, Two Piece Mafia, and Kendra Scott. The most refreshing part of the show was that pieces from each collection were modeled by women of all shapes and sizes. At the end of the show, each model sported a bathing suit with the words “love your body,” a perfect ending to a great evening. All funds raised during Style Saves Swim supported its Back-to-School event, offering students the opportunity to “shop” uniforms, accessories, and school supplies in a department store-style environment before heading back to school. This benefits more than 3,000 students from organizations including Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Miami, Miami Children’s Hospital Foundation, Educate Tomorrow, Hope For Miami, Miami-Dade Public Schools, and many more.

Seafolly and MAAJI

Australian swimwear brand, Seafolly celebrated its inaugural Miami Beach Swim Week appearance along with Swim Week favorite,

MAAJI.  The “Colombian Magic Meets Australian Summer” themed runway show at The Setai opened up with Seafolly’s Summer 2017 collection and closed with MAAJI’s return to Colombian roots magic. The mix of vibrant colors and whimsical patterns created the most enjoyable shows during Swim Week. Guests sipped champagne provided by Chandon California as models, including former Miss Universe, Gabriela Isler Morales and Thais Martins, strutted down an illuminated pink runway. The shows wrapped up with an after party featuring a concert by Latin Grammy Award-winning Colombian group ChocQuibTown that had guests dancing on the runway. 

Seafolly Summer 2017

MAAJI Summer 2017

MIAMI BEACH, FL – JULY 10: Giancarlo Stanton arrives at the T-Mobile Presents Derby After Dark at Faena Forum on July 10, 2017 in Miami Beach, Florida. (Photo by John Parra/Getty Images for T-Mobile)

By:  Dr. Mary Jo Almeida-Shore      

On Monday, July 10^th, T-Mobile celebrated the 2017 MLB All-Star Week with T-Mobile presents Derby After Dark

 hosted by Giancarlo Stanton (Miami Marlins) at the Faena Forum in Miami Beach. The exclusive invite-only

 event following the T-Mobile Home Run Derby featured a headlining performance by DJ Irie, as well as

 appearances on the magenta carpet by athletes, VIP guests, and fans.  The event was a family affair for

 actor Miles Teller as he arrived on the magenta carpet with his family and friends, including girlfriend

 Keleigh Sperry and parents Merry and Mike Teller.

The Bachelorette Rachel Lindsay happily posed for photos on the magenta carpet in a flouncy magenta dress by Naven. The charismatic and gorgeous attorney wouldn’t reveal her final choice but did mention how thrilled and excited she is and that she can’t wait to just go out in public with her fiancée, to walk her dog together and just grab a cup of coffee. She also told this writer how difficult it has been for her to say “goodbye” to each contestant and what a whirlwind opportunity the show has provided her.

 Close friends, Christina Milian and Karrueche danced to the beats of DJ Irie at Giancarlo Stanton’s table.

Also spotted were MLB players Charlie Blackmon (Colorado Rockies), Nelson Cruz (Seattle Mariners), A.J.

Ramos (Miami Marlins), Miguel Sanó (Minnesota Twins), Luis Severino (New York Yankees), Justin Turner (Los

 Angeles Dodgers), and NFL player Jameis Winston (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) who came out to support event

 host Giancarlo Stanton (Miami Marlins) and celebrate T-Mobile’s efforts to give fans more ways than ever to

 #ScoreUnlimited baseball during MLB All-Star Week.

In addition to the aforementioned, notable guests at T-Mobile’s stellar celebration included: Trap Beckham (Def Jam Recordings Artist), Billy Brown (How To Get Away With Murder), Michael Cudlitz (The Walking Dead), Keleigh Sperry (Model), Karrueche Tran (Claws), Charlie Blackmon (Colorado Rockies), Nelson Cruz (Seattle Mariners), A.J. Ramos (Miami Marlins), Ryen Russilo (ESPN), Miguel Sanó (Minnesota  Twins), Luis Severino (New York Yankees), Justin Turner (Los Angeles Dodgers) and Jameis Winston (Tampa Bay Buccaneers).

Andre Berto, Tenlle Joy, Michael Capponi, Carole Radziwill, Adam Kenworthy, Andro Nodarse-Leon and Shalimar Rivera

By: Dr. Mary Jo Almeida-Shore

Michael Capponi celebrated his 45^th birthday and the grand opening of his latest project, the El San Juan Beach Club in grand style with a weekend extravaganza filled with parties, decadent food, award-winning entertainment, celebrities and surprises.  Not one to do anything small, Capponi (the human “Swiss Army Knife”) has celebrated his past birthdays with thousands of his closest friends in a treehouse mansion on Nygard Cay, an airplane hangar, a 150 foot yacht, alongside Donna Karan at famed nightclub, Capitale in New York,  and at mansion after mansion after mansion. His parties are typically themed-from 007 to Alice in Wonderland to 1930s to masquerade- which requires his stylish guests to scramble for a costume in the spring. Well worth the effort, Capponi’s parties are the talk of the season.

It came as no surprise that the festivities over Memorial Weekend and the El San Juan Hotel and Beach Club, were nothing short of spectacular. In a recent social media post, Capponi wrote, “No one plans to fail, he just fails to plan.” One can say that his impeccable planning throughout his projects, from his years as a nightlife impresario, to his charity efforts in Haiti to his successful construction and development corporation to this latest project at the El San Juan Hotel- Capponi’s strategic vision leads to success and all who are lucky to know him reap the benefits.

Joining Capponi for the three day celebration were seasoned nightlife impresario, Eric Milon, Capponi’s partner at the Deck at Island Gardens and partner/co-creator for the El San Juan Beach Club, and Puerto Rico nightlife guru and Brava Nightclub owner, Shimmy Mchugh, models, Victoria’s Secret Angels, Socialites and celebrities: Jencarlos Canela, Real Housewife of New York City Carole Radziwill, Andre Berto and Amber Arbucci.

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