The Great Chefs Event benefiting Alex’s Lemonade Stand and The Vetri Foundation

On Tuesday, June 9, The Great Chefs Event hosted by Chef Marc Vetri and Jeff Benjamin, co-founders of the Vetri Family restaurants and the Vetri Foundation for Children brings together more than 40 acclaimed chefs and mixologists from around the globe. Guests sample small plates prepared by each chef in the unique atmosphere of Urban Outfitters headquarters. In 2014, this event was attended by 1,200 guests and raised more than $750,000 for Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation & The Vetri Foundation for Children; for tickets visit: http://www.alexslemonade.org/campaign/great-chefs-event.

Alex’s Lemonade Stands across the Nation

Alex’s Lemonade Days are held each year during the second weekend of June commemorating the time of year when Alexandra “Alex” Scott held her annual lemonade stand. Her supporters across the country carry on this tradition during Lemonade Days weekend, this year during the weekend of June 12 through June 14, holding thousands of lemonade stands and grassroots events – all dedicated to fighting childhood cancer! CBS 3 and the CW Philly will host their 14-hour televised fundraiser that kicks off Alex’s Lemonade Days. CBS television personalities lead the effort, with special segments featuring Alex Scott and other childhood cancer heroes and their families. For more information visit: http://www.alexslemonade.org/

Alex’s “Original” Lemonade Stand will also be taking place on June 13. An uplifting, fun-filled, family-friendly day of remembrance at the school Alex once attended; this event is complete with food, games, crafts and raffles, held by Alex’s family and friends to raise money for childhood cancer research.

The James Beard Foundation’s (JBF) Better Burger Project™

The Village Whiskey will be participating in The James Beard Foundation’s (JBF) Better Burger Project™, a nationwide contest and challenge to make a “better burger” by blending ground meat with finely chopped, cultivated mushrooms to create a delicious, healthier, and more sustainable burger.

Chef de Cuisine Dave Conn has chosen to feature the Village Whiskey Woodland Jewel

Mushroom Burger, with Donko Shiitake Jus, Roasted Vidalia Onion, Shelburne Aged Farmhouse Cheddar ($21) to showcase a healthier burger, from now through July 31. Blending meat with mushrooms reduces calories, fat, and sodium while adding important nutrients like vitamin D, potassium, and B vitamins. A blended burger also brings more sustainable, plant-based items to menus allowing Americans to enjoy the taste and flavor of the burgers they love, knowing it’s a healthier and more sustainable preparation. America will vote for its favorites through an Instagram-based social media challenge. Diners can vote and support the Better Burger Project™ by visiting participating restaurants until July 31 and ordering the “better burger”; see participating restaurants at www.betterburgerproject.org.

By: Maryanne Salvat

A Taste of South Florida presented by Florida Blue

Culinary personality, restaurateur and New York Times best-selling author, Fabio Viviani returns to participate in the Orange Bowl Impact and Excellence Awards (The OBIES): A Taste of South Florida presented by Florida Blue as this year’s Celebrity Chef. The event takes place on Friday, May 29 at the Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center at 7:30 p.m. The OBIES: A Taste of South Florida presented by Florida Blue features a night of extraordinary food, entertainment and giving as the Orange Bowl Committee celebrates those who share organization’s values in giving back to the South Florida community. Many of the area’s top culinary chefs and restaurants will serve their best bites for the chance to be named Flavor of South Florida. A group of graduating high school senior student athletes from Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach Counties will receive scholarships and one outstanding South Florida resident will be honored with the 2015 Keith Tribble Community Service Excellence Award for the work he or she does to make a difference. Proceeds from The OBIES: A Taste of South Florida presented by Florida Blue will go toward Make-A-Wish Southern Florida, Special Olympics Florida and the Orange Bowl Leadership Academy; for more information and tickets visit: http://community.orangebowl.org/obies/ or call 305.341.4701. Stay connected by following @OrangeBowlOBIES.

Siena Tavern and GrubHub Delivery

If you feel like staying in and relaxing this summer, don’t worry! Thanks to GrubHub, Miami Beach’s favorite Italian eatery, Siena Tavern is now offering delivery and takeout services, making it swift and easy for guests to enjoy a flavorful feast in the comfort of their own home. Siena Tavern is quickly becoming the go-to spot all locals can depend on. Its convenient hours, beautiful ambiance, and new delivery / takeout options make it easy for its South of Fifth neighbors and visitors to enjoy delicious dishes and desserts.

And for dessert, Siena Tavern is offering their new Gelato to go pints, which complete the meal and beat the Miami Heat. Some flavors to choose from include Double Chocolate, Pistachio and the popular, Salted Caramel.

Feel the Force at the Patricia and Phillip Frost Museum of Science

Warning! You are now entering the danger zone! On Saturday, May 30, just before the start of hurricane season, the Patricia and Phillip Frost Museum of Science will reveal to visitors the science behind hurricanes and other powerful weather hazards at a free event, “Feel the Force: Hurricanes and Other Hazards.” On Saturday, families can enjoy a ton of free activities.

Sponsoring partners are FIU’s International Hurricane Research Center, Miami-Dade County Emergency Management, and the Florida Division of Emergency Management.

“Feel the Force: Hurricanes and Other Hazards” Family Day; 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., free admission; Museum is open 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.; Learn more at www.miamisci.org or call 305.646.4200.

Fresh American Bistro Barbeque Benefits  Surfers Healing Foundation

On Saturday, May 30, Fresh American Bistro announces its official kick-off to summer with a beach party and poolside barbeque. The evening’s menu, curated by Fresh American Bistro’s Executive Chef Philippe Ruiz, will include the chef’s famous pork and beef sliders, along with spicy sausages and chicken kabobs. The evening will include live music by The Rhythmatics, Rythmation Band and Monsieur Zon Zon. Champagne will be provided by Nicolas Feuillatte along with a chance to enter-to-win a surfboard signed by roster of pro-surfers. All of the evening’s proceeds will go to benefit the Surfers Healing Foundation, an organization dedicated to enriching the lives of people living with autism by exposing them to the unique experience of surfing. The barbeque will precede a surf camp event that will take place on Sunday, May 31, during which autistic children will receive surfing lessons by pro-surfers such as Blake Michaels, Bucky Barry, Raul Gonzalez, Ossian Farmer and Che Pilago to name a few; for more information visit: visit www.soleontheocean.com.

A Celebration at Yardbird Southern Table & Bar

Miami’s Southern hospitality hotspot, Yardbird Southern Table & Bar, warmly welcomes Lee Brian Schrager, founder and director of South Beach Food & Wine Festival and author of Fried & True, into the restaurant to celebrate Lee’s birthday with his favorite dishes. Guests can mix and mingle with Lee’s friends and family at this honorary guest supper event. The dinner will take place on Wednesday, May 27, at 7:30pm. Tickets are $55 per person and guests may reserve a seat, at runchickenrun.com/blog/ or call 305.538.5220. 

PAMM Participates in Blue Star Museums

PAMM is proud to announce its participation in Blue Star Museums, a national collaboration among the National Endowment for the Arts and the Department of Defense that honors all active duty military personnel and their families with complimentary museum admission from Memorial Day to Labor Day.  PAMM kicks-off its participation in this great program with a special Memorial Day celebration on the terrace under the hanging gardens and overlooking the beautiful Biscayne Bay. Music by local indie folk band, The Wynwoods, and BBQ and drink specials starting at $5, by Verde Restaurant and Bar, will set the stage for the beloved American holiday. Inside the galleries, guests can participate in a scavenger hunt, exploring PAMM’s exhibitions by Nicolas Lobo, Antoni Tàpies, Iman Issa, Eugenio Espinoza and more. The event is open to the public with museum admission and free for active duty service members and their families with U.S. Military Identification, as well as for those who arrive by Metromover with proof of transport; for more information, visit www.pamm.org. 

Brownes Merchants & Trading Co.

Coachella may have come and gone, but Brownes Merchants & Trading Co. is recreating the trendsetter’s paradise with a Miami twist on Thursday, May 28 from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at its South Beach location. Beauty buffs looking to achieve a trendy, festival-ready style (frolicking in the desert not required) will enjoy complimentary makeup and nail polish touchups with the latest haute hues from Nars, before topping off their look at the Brownes’ bohemian braid bar. Those looking to indulge in the ultimate festival fashion trend can stop by the Lulu DK metallic jewelry tattoo station for a gratis application of their favorite design. Children are welcome to attend. To keep energy high and good vibes flowing, Brownes’ team of knowledgeable hair, skin and nail experts will be on-hand to provide complimentary brow, paraffin, massage and facial mini-treatments and sample swag bags, while guests sip on summer-fresh rose. Those looking to satisfy their sweet tooth can take matters into their own hands at the DIY cotton candy corner. Since no festival would be complete without a quintessential display of boho baubles, Brownes’ has teamed up with local designers to host a pop-up jewelry bazaar to cater to shopper’s every need. In addition, Brownes will offer 10 percent off all retail purchases from their expertly-curated product assortment of beauty brands including Briogeo, Molton Brown, Nars, Skinceuticals, Diptyque, Caudalie, Red Flower, Escentric Molecules, Bumble & Bumble, Bliss and more; For more information, check out Brownes online at www.BrownesBeauty.com.

Bar Volver Guest Bartender Series

Bar Volver will host Franky Bradley’s Adam Borrow as part of their guest bartender series on Wednesday May 20 from 5:00 to 7:30 p.m. Specialty drinks and bar bites will be available.

The Olde Bar Launches Brunch

Garces Group announces that The Olde Bar, located at the former Old Original Bookbinder’s at 125 Walnut Street in Old City will now be open for weekend brunch, as well as serving a new cocktail menu. Brunch and cocktail menus are available upon request.

Nic Grooming Barbershop

Nick Berardi, along with sons Joey and Nicky, announce the launch of Nic Grooming, their new barber shop located at 267 South 20^th Street in Rittenhouse. The Berardi family has been at the helm of Philadelphia’s beauty scene since the mid-1970s and also owns Rittenhouse mainstay Richard Nicholas Hair Studio, a cut and color studio located at 1716 Sansom Street and are the founders of the international beauty industry event and online community called Scissorcandy. Walk-ins are preferred, but day of appointments are available by calling 215.732.7767. Hours are 10:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. on Sundays.

Banyan Fest: Teens Against Distracted Driving

On May 16, Banyan Fest will be a 100% community-oriented, charitable event with all proceeds donated to Teens Against Distracted Driving (T.A.D.D.). With the participation of local music talent and the support of Mayor Lerner, the Youth Advisory Council and other local small business owners and sponsors, this evening of music is sure to be a great success! Banyan Fest will be held at the Banyan Bowl outdoor amphitheater in Pinecrest Gardens, located at 11100 Red Road, Pinecrest. Festival will run from 6:30-10:00 p.m. and tickets will be sold at the door for $10.00. Banyan Fest is a not-for-profit, community-supported, charitable EDM music event for teens, with proceeds being donated to Teens Against Distracted Driving (T.A.D.D). For more information, visit jbenzadon@aol.com or elliott@gfxcorp.com.

13th annual FedEx/St. Jude Angels and Stars Gala

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, ® where no family ever receives a bill for treatment,travel, housing or food, will celebrate its 13th annual FedEx/St. Jude Angels and Stars Gala, at the JW Marriott Marquis Miami at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 16. The event, co-founded by Daisy Fuentes, is dedicated to support children fighting cancer and other life-threatening diseases.

Chilean-born television icon Don Francisco will be recognized for his world-wide commitment to giving back to others. Don Francisco is the host of “Sábado Gigante,” Univision’s longest-running program that will end its successful on-air stretch of more than 53 years this coming September. Don Francisco will join approximately 600 guests for an evening of celebration that includes a special testimony by a

St. Jude family, live and silent auctions, and a performance by one the most famous groups of Cuban reggaton in today’s music industry, Gente D’ Zona. The evening will also feature live performances by Latin crossover R&B star Frankie J., and the man known as the “DJ of the Stars,” DJ Africa. Also, television and radio personalities Cristián de la Fuente, Karla Monroig, Ismael Cala, Alberto Sardiñas, Enrique Santos, Gaby Espino, Lili Estefan, and Rashel Diazwill serve as celebrity award presenters.

In the past, the gala has honored some of the most recognized and celebrated artists in Latin music and entertainment for their humanitarian work, such as Romero Britto, Juanes, Emilio and Gloria Estefan, Luis Fonsi, Juan Luis Guerra, Tommy and Thalia Mottola, Chef Adrianne Calvo and Coach Don Shula.

For more information about tickets, sponsorships and auction items, visit www.stjude.org/miamigala or contact Carolina Masri at (800) 278-3383 or carolina.masri@stjude.org.

Big Hats and Bow Ties Brunch

The Miami Symphony Orchestra (MISO), together with Conductor Eduardo Marturet, requests your presence for a special “MISO Brunch” presented by estiatorio Milos by Costas Spiliadis at 730 1st Street, Miami on Saturday, May 30.This unique fundraiser will take you on a musical journey into Greece’s hospitality as it’s meant to be experienced – unpretentious in style, uncompromising in service. The islands of Greece are crowned by an unspoiled estiatório, offering the rich bounty of local seas and vineyards. This visual feast will be equally unforgettable, enhanced by Greece’s time- honoured ingredients of sun and salt-flecked surf. Tickets:$350/pp call: 305.275.5666.

RA Sushi Supports “Nicky’s Week”

RA Sushi will host its largest annual fundraiser, “Nicky’s Week,” from Monday, May 25, through Sunday, May 31, to help kids battling cancer and other life-threatening diseases. In its 11th year, the weeklong fundraiser benefits St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital^®, where thanks to community support, no family ever receives a bill from St. Jude for anything including treatment, travel, housing or food, so that they can focus on helping their child live. During Nicky’s Week, RA Sushi will donate 100 percent of sales from a variety of menu items and beverages to St. Jude to help support the hospital’s lifesaving mission. Since its inception, Nicky’s Week has raised more than $1.5 million because unlike any other hospital, the majority of funding for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital comes from individual contributions.