Chef Aniece Meinhold

By: Maryanne Salvat

Bravo’s Best New Restaurant Viewing Party at the Federal Food Drinks and Provisions

Excited to celebrate their debut on Bravo’s Best New Restaurant, hosted by celebrity Chef Tom Colicchio, Chef/Owner/Contestant Cesar Zapata and GM/Owner/Contestant Aniece Meinhold, along with the rest of the crew at The Federal, Food, Drinks and Provisions, is hosting a special dinner and viewing party at the restaurant on Wednesday, January 28. Offered all night long – and throughout the week as the show repeats on Bravo – guests will have the option to enjoy the four-course menu specially prepared by Zapata and team on the Best New Restaurant’s second episode for $39.00 per person. For those who prefer to snack as they cheer for The Fed’s to defeat Austin, Texas heavy hitter Swift’s Attic, the restaurant will offer a special late night Happy Hour from 9:30pm – close, including $15 bottomless house wines and bubbly, $5 cocktails, $4 beers and a limited snacks menu. Telephone: 305.758.9559; www.thefederalmiami.com. 

Ball and Chain Introduces Ladies Night and Super Bowl Festivities

Tonight, January 28, ladies will receive complimentary mojitos from 8:00 to 11:00 p.m.  Ball and Chain will be hosting Miami local favorite SUENALO on January 30^th. Ball and Chain will also be hosting a Super Bowl viewing party with specialty cocktails and menus available. Anyone who reserves or purchases a table will automatically be entered into a drawing for a free pitcher of either Gronk Juice or Lynchburg Lemonade at the end of each quarter (a $100 value). Tables available for $150 package to include a specialty drink pitcher (either Gronk Juice or Lynchburg Lemonade), a bucket of beer and food platter with hot dogs, sliders and chicken wings.

The Jon Jay FMSbonds Celebrity Bowling Challenge

Jon Jay, St. Louis Cardinals outfielder, Miami native and Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade alumnus, will host The Jon Jay FMSbonds Celebrity Bowling Challenge. Proceeds will benefit Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade to support its many positive programs for thousands of area youth. Along with other Major League Baseball stars, Jay will bowl with attendees during the fun-filled fundraising event. The evening will include red carpet arrivals, cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, exciting bowling matches and more. Sponsorships are available. For sponsorship or additional event information, call Jennifer Brasile at CAA Sports at 212.277.9000 or jennifer.brasile@caa.com. To purchase individual tickets and more information, visit www.jonjaychallenge.com.

Christian McCulloch

Dolce&Gabbana Make Up Hosts Spring Looks Events with Christian McCulloch in Bal Harbour

Christian McCulloch is known for his keen eye in designing chic and sophisticated beauty looks for top celebrities and major publications. He has recently worked with: Scarlett Johansson, Kate Bosworth, Kate Hudson, Emma Stone, Michelle Williams, Katie Holmes, Christina Hendricks, Olivia Wilde and major publications such as: Vogue, Vanity Fair, and Marie Claire; On Saturday, January 31 from 12:00p.m. – 8:00p.m., McCulloch will be on-hand to introduce the Lifting Foundation & Primer and Skincare Collections creating custom makeup applications inspired by Spring Dolce&Gabbana beauty trends.Customers are invited to make an appointment with Christian and the team as he reveals his insider makeup tips and demonstrates the newest Dolce&Gabbana trends and application techniques.For appointments please call: 1 (305) 865 1100 ext. 5368

BLT Prime’s Rival Burgers Photo Contest

Football fans and foodies, rejoice! Throughout this week until Sunday, February 1, sports enthusiasts and burger lovers will get a chance to predict the winner of this year’s big game via BLT Prime’s Rival Burgers Photo Contest.  Super Bowl XLIX will take place between defending champion Seattle Seahawks and AFC champion New England Patriots in Glendale, Arizona. Guests can bring their A-game by ordering their choice between two rival burgers, representing Seattle and New England, to predict this year’s football champion for a prize.  Priced at $18 each, and available during lunch service only, the #BLTRivalBurgers include:

·the Seahawk – Angus Beef Patty, Hot Dog Links, Grilled Onion-Cream Cheese, Tomato, Lettuce, and Smoked Pepper Ketchup

·the Patriot – Crab Cake Sliders with Lump Crab Meat, Spicy Remoulade and Frisée

To enter, guests must order a Rival Burger and post their most creative snapshot onto Twitter, Instagram or on our Facebook page tagging @BLTPrimeMiami with the official hashtag #BLTRivalBurgers. Five winning photos will be announced the week following the big game and each winner will receive a $50 gift card, to use at ESquared Hospitality Restaurants. BLT Prime is located at the Trump National Doral Miami and is open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner.  For more information and reservations, call 305.591.6066.

Super Bowl Sunday Fun day at The Rum Line

Miami Beach’s favorite new watering hole, The Rum Line,will celebrate the big game on Sunday, February 1.  The Caribbean-inspired al fresco bar will offer an array of specialty libations from award-winning bar director Robert Ferarra, along with sumptuous small plates, seafood and snacks. Featuring a 60-inch screen and multiple viewing areas, The Rum Line is the perfect perch to watch the New England Patriots take on the Seattle Seahawks, and of course the Katy Perry halftime show.  Discounted libations will include $4 beer and $8 daiquiris, mojitos, Cuba libres and rum Old Fashioneds.  Guests can also indulge in Ferrara’s signature cocktails including including The Donkey Kong with Monkey Shoulder Scotch, Banane du Brasil, Orgeat and lime; the Green Eyed Bandit with Avuá Cachaça, fresh kale, cucumber juice and lime; and the Cargo Ship with Ron Zacapa 23, Batavia Arrack, Panther Coffee reduction and mole bitters, served in a Talisker Storm rinsed glass. A menu of tropical small plates and fresh seafood will also be on offer including Tuna & Salmon Tacos; Grilled Shrimp Skewers with mango salsa; Crispy Oysters; Baby Back Ribs with guava BBQ sauce and more.For private event inquiries or table reservations for large groups, call 305.695.0110.

4^th Annual Wine, Women & Shoes Presented by Sergio Rossi

On Wednesday, February 4 join the 4^th Annual Wine, Women & Shoes (WW&S) presented by Sergio Rossi, benefiting the children and families at Miami Children’s Hospital. Created for women who enjoy fine wine, great style, and supporting a noble cause, the fabulous event will be held at the JW Marriott Marquis in Downtown Miami on Wednesday, February 4. WW&S is one of the fastest-growing charity event series in the country and has become a big hit in South Florida. Last year, WW&S helped Miami Children’s Hospital raise nearly half a million dollars in a single afternoon with nearly 500 fashionable women of South Florida in attendance.  Sergio Rossi, renowned for its craftsmanship and feminine designs, presents the 2015 WW&S event. Guests will be treated to a sophisticated day of wine tasting, a silent auction featuring one-of-a-kind items, a delicious lunch, as well as a fashion show with featured items from Neiman Marcus Coral Gables. The “Shoe Guys” will also be in attendance, showcasing the latest women’s fashions on silver platters. Media sponsors include iHeart Radio and Ocean Drive Magazine. For more information about WW&S 2015 or MCH Foundation, contact Lisbet Fernandez-Vina at 786.268.1845 or visit  mchf.org/winewomenandshoes.

Matisyahu: Barefoot Concert Series on Sole on the Ocean

Reggae sensation Matisyahu headlines the latest installment of Sole on the Ocean’s Barefoot Concert Series on Sunday, February 15. In addition to Matisyahu, the Barefoot Concert Series will feature Bushwood, a six-piece reggae rock band, whose high energy and signature style have been igniting stages all across South Florida. Known for their ability to perfectly blend funk and reggae, this band loves to perform, and knows how to put on a great show. The event will take place beachside complete with stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. Monsieur Zonzon will provide additional musical entertainment in form of a DJ set. Guest are invited to enjoy refreshing cocktails and culinary treats from a specialty menu curated by the executive chef Phillipe Ruiz, who helms Sole on the Ocean Resort and Spa’s new restaurant Fresh American Bistro.

Link to purchase tickets: http://www.wantickets.com/events/ShowEvent.aspx?eventId=175191

John Colabelli, Jeff Benjamin, Garrett Snider, Marc Vetri

On Wednesday, January 21, the Garrett Getlin Snider Foundation, the Vetri Foundation for Children and Philadelphia’s top VIPs, philanthropists and chefs gathered at the Rittenhouse Hotel for a very special evening hosted by Garrett Snider, to benefit Vetri Foundation for Children. Guests enjoyed cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, while learning about the Vetri Foundation’s “Eatiquette” program. “Eatiquette” helps schools provide healthy, scratch made meals while working within the federal guidelines for the National School Lunch Program. Students eat family style, allowing them to practice life skills such as teamwork, communication, manners and portion control while receiving fresh, nutritious lunches; For more information, visit www.vetrifoundation.org. Read the rest here »

StripSteak by Michael Mina introduces a lavish Sunday Brunch, putting a fresh spin on the brunch concept for the legendary Fontainebleau Miami Beach hotel.  Offered every Sunday, for $68 per person, excluding tax and gratuity, guests will be greeted with the restaurant’s signature cocktail, the fizzy Bellboy, before indulging in freshly baked breads, choice of appetizer and entrée, an endless circulating seafood cart and a bountiful dessert station complete with artisanal pastries and Greek yogurt parfait bar. Additional small plates such as Truffled Mac & Cheese, Michael Mina’s Famous Duck Fat Fries and Tempura Maitake Mushrooms with Salted Plum are available for the table to share for an additional $8 each. Brunch takes place every Sunday from 11:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.  For reservations, call 877.326.7412. For more information visit www.fontainebleau.com/StripSteak.

Executive chef/partner Craig Koketsu

Fourth Wall Restaurants president and founder Michael Stillman, along with chef/partner Craig Koketsu have announced that the celebrated New York restaurant group will open the second location of its popular New York flagship, Quality Meats in the heart of South Beach.  Rising star chef Patrick Rebholz, until recently chef de cuisine at Charleston’s legendary Peninsula Grill, will lead the kitchen. This is Fourth Wall’s first foray outside of New York City; although Stillman and his father, legendary restaurateur Alan Stillman are no strangers to South Florida as they were the original owners of Smith & Wollensky at South Pointe Park when it opened in December 1997.

Located at the former Bancroft Hotel, an historic Art Deco gem that is being re-envisioned by Stillman and longtime design collaborators AvroKO, Quality Meats Miami Beach will retain the classic Deco features of the building while infusing it with the feeling of family owned butcher shops that are the trademark of the Quality Meats brand.  Credited by New York magazine as… a radical reinterpretation of stodgy old formulas, the steakhouse equivalent of the next new thing… Quality Meats’ menu emulates the New York flagship, offering a modern approach to the classic steak house.  Espousing the tenets of classic butchery, many of the large cuts on the menu are cured, smoked or aged in-house, along with house made charcuterie which will be available on its own or as part of composed plates along with selected cheeses.  With the ability to create charcuterie onsite, offerings will eclipse the usual fare with options such as coppa, smoked soppressata, duck bacon, Quality Meats bologna – the restaurant’s very own mortadella made with pepper jack cheese and pistachios – and a cured, not cooked, foie gras torchon. Read the rest here »

Jasmine Stewart, Gino Campodonico, Rachael Russell, Jhon Santos, & Netty Del

On Thursday, January 15^th, British lifestyle brand Ted Baker London celebrated the opening of its new Miami Beach store with a private preview event. Miami influencers Gino Campodonico, Netty Del, Juanjose Rangel, Rachael Russell, Jhon Jairo Santos  and Jasmine Stewart were on-site at 1111 Lincoln Road to lead the celebration. The store opened to the public the following morning on Friday, January 16^th.

Among the guests in attendance Thursday evening were Paul Griffin (‎EVP of Retail at Ted Baker London – North America), Candela Ferro (Telemundo Host/Model), Pablo Duggan (Argentine TV Host), Laurencio Adot (Fashion Designer) and Nina Surel (artist), to name a few. Specialty frozen cocktails with Zacapa Rum were served, accompanied by a special performance by The French Horn. Illustrator Mia Mandela customized Ted Baker totes for guests with their very own self portrait.

The new 1,743 square foot space draws inspiration from Miami’s vibrant art deco architecture and colorful surroundings that Florida offers.The store’s design celebrates the Sunshine State’s glorious weather while giving a nod to Ted’s British heritage. Kitschy cocktails and cocktail umbrellas adorn the space, while images of British beach huts can be seen on the wall through the warped nature of a glass tumbler. Launching with Ted’s Spring Summer ’15 womenswear, menswear and accessories collections, the new store is the perfect setting to launch Ted’s newest collection.

During opening weekend, shoppers enjoyed a special gift with purchase along with giveaways and complimentary refreshments, while one lucky winner received a $1,000 Ted Baker shopping spree.

Smashed Flamingo

Weekend warriors rejoice – South Beach finally has its own beer garden for happy hour festivities and chill Friday night vibes. Smashed Flamingo takes over the outdoor garden next to Mokai at 235 23^rd Street, featuring a full scale bourbon bar and craft beers, along with delicious barbecue every Friday from 6:00 until 11:00 p.m. Guests can relax at picnic tables and wooden porch swings under string lights and the stars above, while rocking out to old school tunes and vibrant beats. Classic board games like Connect 4 and Knock Hockey will be on hand, as will pink flamingo décor as homage to the parties Smashed Flamingo name. Each week, the barbecue offering will rotate – kicking off January 23^rd with a traditional Caja China. No entry fee. Drinks and barbecue plates are $8.00 each;

For more information visit smashedflamingo.com and facebook.com/smashedflamingo.

 MISO for the Family

The Miami Symphony Orchestra (MISO), Jungle Island and the Bass Museum of Art present “MISO for the Family” on Saturday, January 24 and Sunday, January 25. This year marks the third annual free concert in Collins Park, and the first inaugural performance at Jungle Island’s Parrot Bowl amphitheater. Under the direction of Music Director and Conductor Eduardo Marturet and Assistant Conductor Marco Real-d’Arbelles, the program includes Haydn’s “Toy” Symphony in C Major, plus a rare two-piano performance of Saint-Saëns’ popular Carnival of the Animals by the 2013 Bronze Award winners of the Dranoff International 2 Piano Competition, Sebastian and Barbara Bartmann of duo Impuls. South Florida models/actresses Barbara Becker and Athina Klioumi join the cast to narrate Saint-Saëns’ humorous work, putting a fun twist on an already delightful “grand zoological fantasy.”   Paying tribute to the City of Miami Beach’s 100th Anniversary, Sunday’s concert will top off an afternoon of special activities at the Bass Museum including tours of the exhibition One Way: Peter Marino at 12:30, 1:30 and 2:30 p.m. and the museum’s monthly IDEA@thebass Family Day that will be held from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m., with art projects and gallery games for kids that explore the theme “Making Music.” IDEA@thebass Family Day is offered at no charge, and entrance to the museum will be free all day. Tickets to Jungle Island are $30 for one adult/child, and $15 for each additional child (*price includes free admission to the park). Tickets to the Gusman Concert Hall are $20-$65. Admission to Sunday’s concert at Collins Park is free and open to the public.

courtesy of celebweddings.blogspot.com

#101GayWeddings

The 14^th annual Food Network & Cooking Channel South Beach Wine & Food Festival presented by FOOD & WINE is pleased to partner with Chef Art Smith as he hosts #101GayWeddings at The James Royal Palm on Saturday, February 21.  A longtime friend of the Festival, Smith’s social media driven campaign to celebrate the legal passing of marriage equality in the State of Florida with a free wedding for 101 couples in the beautiful James Breezeway is the perfect addition to the star-studded weekend.

The Festival, alongside Smith and The James Royal Palm, will issue a social media driven campaign to release 50 passes to the public to attend the wedding reception with a guest.  Winners have the ability to make an optional direct donation to the LGBTQA Club at Florida International University (FIU). Following the wedding, newlyweds and winners of the social media driven campaign will enjoy a cocktail reception featuring bites from a handful of South Florida chefs and dance party featuring DJ Chi Chi Larue. FIU’s LGBTQA Club will be on-site to raise additional funds for the organization.

La Nuit en Rosé Food & Wine Festival

La Nuit en Rosé is the world’s first Food & Wine Festival dedicated to Rosé Wine and Rosé Champagne, bringing together the largest gathering of rosé wine producers and rosé wine lovers. Anything but a typical wine tasting, La Nuit En Rosé is a full culinary experience and a lavish lifestyle celebration. With more than 60 rosé wines and rosé Champagne, La Nuit en Rosé is the largest-ever gathering of rosé producers in the world. The 2015 season will start off in Miami, from January 30 to February 1 at the recently opened Miami Beach EDITION, one of South Beach’s most affluent hotels. La Nuit en Rosé Miami offers a variety of ways to celebrate pink wine, for a complete listing of the eventful weekend visit: http://nuitrose.com.

Living Room Introduces New Libations

Living Room the modern, nighttime playground located at the W South Beach Hotel & Residences, continues to earn raves and accolades for its sophisticated cocktails and sultry ambiance, including Zagat’s “Best Hotel Bars in Miami (2014)” and Food & Wine Magazine’s “2012 Fifty Best Bars in America.”  Known for their visually stunning artisanal concoctions, the cocktail team at Living Room has just rolled out a new cocktail menu, certain to please even the most discerning imbiber.   In addition to the Living Room favorites, new offerings include globally-inspired cocktails, such as the Portobello Road, named after London’s historical antique market, featuring gin, basil, cold-pressed apple and lemon juices, cucumber, jalapeño and an array of fresh berries.  Cold pressed juice cocktails include the Rosewood –gin, pressed yuzu juice, elderflower liqueur and jasmine bitters; and the El Camino – reposado tequila, lime, sage, red bell pepper, cinnamon syrup and cold pressed carrot juice. For more information call 305.938.3000.

Cellar 1954 Wine & Dinner Series

Paying homage to Fontainebleau Miami Beach’s opening in 1954, Cellar 1954 Wine & Dinner Series is a monthly event that pairs the world’s most prestigious wines and winemakers with the award-winning cuisine of Fontainebleau Miami Beach’s signature dining destinations. The 2015 line-up features exclusive pairings at the hotel’s acclaimed signature restaurants with vintners from Italy, Spain, California and Australia. This year’s series kicks off at Scarpetta, the hotel’s award-winning Italian restaurant on Sunday, January 25. Diners will enjoy a decadent four-course menu prepared by chef de cuisine Marlon Rambaran complimented by hand-selected Giacomo Borgogno e Figli wines from the Piedmont region of Italy. Each of the four courses will be paired with a different varietal from the prestigious label. Priced at $215 per person, excluding tax and gratuity, the luxurious evening will begin at 7:30 p.m. in the restaurant’s private dining room. For questions, please call 877.326.7412. Reservations are required and can be made by visiting www.Fontainebleau.com/cellar1954. 

6^th Annual Ark of Taste Benefit Dinner

Slow Food Miami, the 100 percent volunteer non-profit dedicated to planting a fresher future for our children, announces its 6^th annual Ark of Taste Benefit Dinner will be held Tuesday, January 27^th at Paraiso Bay in Miami’s Edgewater neighborhood. After 5 years of plated dinners, Slow Food Miami’s 2015 event looks to the future with a refreshed, convivial format featuring all of The Genuine Hospitality Group restaurants and their chefs at the site of Schwartz’s future waterfront restaurant on Biscayne Bay. At the forefront of the meal is the Ark-nominated Florida stone crab, sourced from Miami’s own George Stone Crab. The star of the evening will be accompanied by locally-sourced ingredients including items from Michael’s Genuine Food & Drink chef de cuisine Niven Patel’s backyard and other farms served by Farm to Kitchen, a local produce distributor.All proceeds will benefit Slow Food Miami’s Edible School Garden Program.The evening will begin at 6:30 p.m., so that guests can savor spectacular views of the glowing sunset skies over the Bay, while enjoying a spirited cocktail hour featuring specialty libations courtesy of GREY GOOSE Vodka, sustainable wines by Stellar Wines, and passed hors d’oeuvres prepared by Chef Molly Brandt of Restaurant Michael Schwartz at The Raleigh.  An interactive and social dining experience unfolds with indoor and outdoor stations featuring each of The Genuine Hospitality Group restaurants and their chefs including Michael’s Genuine Food & Drink/Chef de Cuisine Niven Patel, The Cypress Room/Chef de Cuisine Roel Alcudia and Harry’s Pizzeria/Chef de Cuisine Daniel Ramirez. Schwartz will join The Genuine Hospitality Group’s Executive Chef Bradley Herron to preview some food inspired by Paraiso Bay and its restaurant, slated to open in early 2016. Executive Pastry Chef Hedy Goldsmith will offer passed desserts for a sweet cap on a delicious evening to remember. Each will showcase their individual style of local-sourcing with dishes that either feature the Florida stone crab or complement it with seasonal ingredients. This time around, Slow Food Miami turns its attention to stone crabs, a natural fit for Ark of Taste because it acts as an important reminder that the tasty crabs are seasonally-protected to ensure sustainability. Consumers are so used to stone crab season that they forget or are unaware what a rare, local product it is – highly allocated and always in danger of disappearing. By promoting and eating Ark products, Slow Food Miami and its supporters help ensure they remain in production, in the grocery isle, and on the plates of America’s best restaurants.

Tickets are $195 per person and can be purchased at miamisarkoftaste.brownpapertickets.com.

Bagatelle Launches “Destination St. Barths”

Renowned restaurant Bagatelle is launching “Destination St. Barths,” which is an amazing sweepstake promotion with villa WIMCO from St. Barths occurring from the 12^th of January to January 31^st. WIMCO Villas set in the luxurious St. Barths offers the best location for an unrivaled escape, crystal clear waters, white sands, tropical trees, and beautiful people.

Registration on the landing page is necessary in order to win the following prizes:

The winner will get a dinner for 4 at Bagatelle St. Barths, and a 7 night stay in a WIMCO villa including gourmet groceries and concierge service.

The runner-up prizes include a gift certificate for a $500 dinner in a Bagatelle location in the United States (NYC, Miami or LA, among others).

Please find below the link of the landing page to register for the sweepstakes: http://www.wimco.com/specials/promotions/bagatellexwimco.aspx