The 2016 Philadelphia Flower Show

The 2016 PHS Philadelphia Flower Show is finally here! The annual treat celebrates the centennial of the National Park Service and our country’s majestic landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture through March 13 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. This year’s theme is “Explore America”, from Acadia and Cape Cod, to Valley Forge and Shenandoah, to Yellowstone, Yosemite and other iconic parks and historic sites, American beauty and glory will serve as inspiration for exhibits created by the nation’s premier floral and garden designers. For more information or to buy tickets visit: http://theflowershow.com/

 
Jose Garces Guest Chef at Pat’s King of Steaks

On March 14, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m., Chef Jose Garces will be a guest chef at Pat’s King of Steaks! He will be preparing the JG Cheesesteak: provolone fondue, To-Jo wild mushrooms, caramelized onions, black truffle, with Pat’s rib eye and rolls. The sandwich will be sold for $10. All proceeds will benefit the Garces Foundation. One lucky cheesesteak customer will receive two tickets to the Garces Foundation’s Think Local, Give Local Benefit on March 18 at the Loews. The tickets are valued at $300.

Garces Foundation Presents Think Local, Give Local

Garces Foundation presentsThink Local, Give Local on Friday, March 18 from 7:30 p.m.-10:30 p.m. at the Loews Philadelphia Hotel, 1200 Market Street. Tickets are $150 General Admission. $250 V.I.P. Admission: receive exclusive access to the after party on the 33^rd floor and a preview tasting. Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/garces-foundation-benefit-tickets-20798751626; Cocktail attire.

The benefit will feature tastings from the area’s brightest chefs and a food themed silent auction to benefit the lives of Philadelphia’s immigrant community.  Chef Jose Garces has handpicked a group of local chefs to deliver an unforgettable epicurean experience, which will highlight Philadelphia’s unique culinary talent.  Throughout the evening guests will enjoy cocktails made with local spirits, local beer, locally created décor elements and more. Entertainment will be provided by American Deluxe, with pop up performances from the Philadelphia Girls Choir and Flamenco troupe De Luna a Lunares. Denise Fike will provide complimentary fashion illustrations of each guest . Guests will enjoy a Tito’s Vodka Lounge and signature cocktail station from Philadelphia Distilling with mixology demonstrations and tastings. A farm stand exhibit will offer guests tastings from local independent makers of gourmet products such as Weckerly’s Ice Cream, Baba’s Brew, Subarashii Kudamono Gourmet Asian Pears, and Gilda’s Biscotti. Billy Harris and Alicia Vitarelli from 6ABC will emcee.

By: Dr. Mary Jo Almeida-Shore

South Florida’s culinary scene is as multicultural as its residents and visitors. Over the past several years, the ethnic food that forms part of daily life in Miami—the Cuban ventanita, Chinese takeout, the rare but occa­sional Jewish deli, neighborhood Italian joint—has risen to a new and exciting level. Every day, restaurateurs and chefs are making new strides with remarkable entries into the market. While this proliferation reflects the evolution of South Florida’s multicultural population, it is also the result of experimental diners who are seeking an elevated dining experience, beyond a traditional, authen­tic cultural meal.

“There has never been a better time to be a food lover in South Florida,” Larry Carrino, president of Brustman Carrino Public Relations, proudly avers. “For food enthusiasts, it’s a great time to be here—we have everything at our fingertips.” Carrino explains that twenty years ago, before culture and media (which are inextri­cably linked) influenced the food scene in Miami, his former busi­ness partner, Susan Brustman, would joke about having to go home to New York to get a good meal. The food culture that started in the 80s has grown leaps and bounds. Restaurants of note have become interesting, beyond just putting out good food. In the 80s, options were basic. In the recent past, chefs and their food have become precise, delivering an elevated dining experience.  Read the rest here »

Destination Fashion

The Buoniconti Fund to Cure Paralysis, the fundraising arm of The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, together with leading fashion destination, Bal Harbour Shops, will host one of Miami’s most anticipated social events of the year, Destination Fashion 2016, on Saturday, March 5, at Bal Harbour Shops. Following the red carpet, invited guests will enjoy a private dinner and fashion show featuring the Spring 2016 Collection of “King of Cashmere” Brunello Cucinelli. Following dinner, guests will enjoy after-hours access to Bal Harbour Shops, as retailers open for special displays and silent auctions. The evening culminates with a special live performance by Pitbull!

For more information: http://www.themiamiproject.org/events/destination-fashion/

Miami International Film Festival’s Opening Night Party 

Miami Dade College’s Miami International Film Festival kicks off its Opening Night with incredible back to back parties! Join the Miami International Film Festival’s Opening Night Party returns to its traditional venue, the Historic Alfred I. Dupont Building. But first, catch the screening of MY BIG NIGHT at the Olympia Theater at Gusman Center and then the party kicks off after the film. The party promises to ring in the new Festival with glitz and cheer, boasting rocking music, cuisine, cocktails, and dancing, similar to a glittering NYE bash.  The events kick off the Festival’s CINEDWNTWN series, sponsored by Miami’s Downtown Development Authority.  You must be 21+ to attend the party.

Finish off the night at the Pérez Art Museum Miami’s largest fundraiser of the year’s After Party! Join cultural philanthropists, artists, civic leaders and arts supporters at Miami’s flagship art museum for an unforgettable evening in honor of artist Chuck Close.

This premium package includes one ticket to Miami International Film Festival’s Opening Night Film, MY BIG NIGHT, screening at 7:00 p.m., one ticket to My Big Party opening night event at 9:00 p.m., and one ticket to the Remix After Party at PAMM at 10:30pm.

WEBSITE: http://2016.miamifilmfestival.com/events/my-big-party-pamm-remix/

TICKET PRICE: $225

 Larry Harlow and Marlow Rosado at El Tucán

Two Tropical Latin music titans, Larry Harlow and Marlow Rosado, will electrify the city of Miami with their musical prowess during a landmark concert at Marlow Rosado’s venue of residency, El Tucán. Their performance celebrates the release of their highly-anticipated concept album, Harlow Marlow Volume 1, a namesake melodic crusade, devised to secure the legacy of “Salsa Dura” (hardcore Salsa.).

El Tucán is sophisticated cabaret that echoes Cuba’s influence on Hollywood’s golden era, often frequented notables including actor Will Smith and Victoria Secret model, Adriana Lima; to Latin entertainment’s most luminescent stars. Tickets are available at ElTucanMiami.com. Harlow Marlow Volume 1, will be available for purchase on March 11, 2016. The duo will kick off the Harlow Marlow Tour in Puerto Rico on March 4, 2016, and will also bring their sizzling salsa act to Tampa, April 9th and other cities, including New York.This is Marlow Rosado’s fourth album and first recording with new material in over a decade for  Larry Harlow, an epic studio return for this artist who has over fifty records under his belt.

Second Annual Mediterranean Feast

The Social Club and High Tide, both at Kimpton’s Surfcomber Miami South Beach Hotel, are extending a special Friends of the Feast ticket discount for the highly anticipated Second Annual Mediterranean Feast, to be held on Thursday, February 25, 2016 from 9:30 p.m.—12:30 a.m. Active from February 1-12, 2016, early bird ticket buyers can use coupon code FRIENDSOFTHEFEAST at www.mediterraneanFeast.EventBrite.com for a $20 discount off the otherwise $95 ticket price.

SiriusXM’s FOOD TALK with Geoffrey Zakarian

On Friday, February 26, celebrate this year’s South Beach Wine & Food Festival with the biggest “Chef-lebrities” in the culinary world for an exclusive behind-the-scenes live recording of SiriusXM’s FOOD TALK with Geoffrey Zakarian. Zakarian welcomes Rachael Ray, Martha Stewart, Guy Fieri, Giada DeLaurentiis, Valerie Bertinelli, Anne Burrell, Alex Guaranschelli, Tyler Florence, Margaret Zakarian, Marc Murphy, Scott Conant, Jean-Georges Vongerichten, Jeremy Ford, Food Network Magazine’s Maile Carpenter and The New York Times’ Sam Sifton. The recording will run from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. at The Sandbox, Miami Beach Edition.

8th Annual Vizcaya Preservation Luncheon

On March 1, Vizcaya Museum and Gardens will welcome South Florida’s boldest fashion-forward supporters to its 8th Annual Vizcaya Preservation Luncheon, known informally as “The Hat Luncheon.”  Each year this must-go event attracts 300 guests from Miami, Palm Beach and New York for a beautiful, stylish day including a champagne lunch and informal modeling in Vizcaya’s European-style grounds. The Preservation Luncheon raises funds to preserve and protect Vizcaya Museum and Gardens for the community and future generations to come. Founded in 2009, the luncheon is a friend-raiser and fund-raiser to support the preservation of Vizcaya.Tickets can be purchased online for $350 per person, tables for 10 guests for $3,500 and premier James Deering tables of 10 for $5,000. For more information about the Preservation Luncheon, visit www.vizcayapreservation.org  email events@vizcaya.org.

Pérez Art Museum Gala

On March 4, Pérez Art Museum will host Miami’s largest fundraiser of the year, conceptualized by Lee Brian Schrager. The magical evening features three exclusive experiences that showcase the world-class museum’s unique architecture and Miami’s position as an international art capital. Join cultural philanthropists, artists, civic leaders and arts supporters at Miami’s flagship art museum for an unforgettable evening in honor of artist Chuck Close; Chef’s Table – seated dinner (Sold Out) Supper Club – dinner lounge ($750 per ticket; $10,000 private lounge seating for ten with bottle and butler – limited availability) Remix – after party. For more information contact: gala@pamm.org.

Juniper on the Water, a hidden gem located off of the Intracoastal Waterway, offers diners an unforgettable view and a unique ambience. Whether looking to hear great live music, catch a glimpse of the romantic Intracoastal waterfront, or enjoying the elegant dining room inside, Juniper on the Water will surpass all expectations.

About a year ago, owners Scott, Sho and Chris put their heads together and transformed an industry passion into reality. Juniper, meaning strength and “to bloom or flourish”, symbolizes the vision, heart and culinary passion combined by the owners. Read the rest here »

Bass Ball

Experience the art, the fun and glamour this Saturday, February 20 at The Bass Ball fundraiser with keep The Ball rolling…, an upbeat after party to benefit the Bass Museum of Art. The evening begins at 9:00 p.m. with a sensational performance by South African artist Athi-Patra Ruga. Experience for yourself why Ruga has captivated the art world with his portrayal of a vivid utopia told through fantastic costumes and sensuous choreography. Enjoy the thrill of a contemporary art auction with original works by Daniel Arsham, Tracey Emin and Paola Pivi and more. Dress code for the evening is Whimsical Black Tie. Prizes will be awarded for the Most Creative, Most Outlandish, Best Couple and Most Elegant. Complimentary valet parking is included. Purchase tickets at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/keep-the-ball-rolling-tickets-19966773156?aff=eac2.

Crash the Fire Kitchen – Carnivores Only!

Crash the Fire Kitchen – Carnivores Only!, a not to be missed chef collaboration between Francis Mallmann of Los Fuegos, Paul Qui of Pao by Paul Qui at The Dome and Gabriel Ask, Executive Chef of Faena Hotel Miami Beach.  Offering a special menu available, to the public for one night only at Los Fuegos at Faena Hotel Miami Beach on Wednesday, February 24^th.  The price is $195 per person with seating starting 6:00 pm to 11:00 pm.  Reservations can be booked by calling Los Fuegos at 786.655.5600.

SOBEWFF 2016

The Food Network & Cooking Channel South Beach Wine & Food Festival presented by FOOD & WINE (SOBEWFF^®) is celebrating its 15^th anniversary February 24 – 28, 2016, and continues to expand upon upgrades to its signature Miami Beach event.  The Festival’s signature white tents are home to the Goya Foods Grand Tasting Village featuring MasterCard Grand Tasting Tents & KitchenAid^® Culinary Demonstrations taking place Saturday, February 27 and Sunday, February 28, and are flanked by the sparkling waters of the Atlantic Ocean and the iconic Art Deco cityscape spanning between 10^th Street & 13^th Street on Ocean Drive. Tickets for this event, and many more, are available online at sobefest.com or by calling 877.762.3933.