Maryannesalvat@aol.com

BLT Prime’s Tailgate Season Kickoff Cooking Class & Lunch
September marks the official end of summer and the beginning of the long-awaited football season. To celebrate the summer and gridiron season, BLT Prime will help sharpen your grill skills with a fun, educational and charitable cooking class. Football foodies can pick up some tips from Chef Dustin Ward at BLT Prime’s Tailgate Season Kickoff Cooking Class & Lunch on Sunday, September 13 at 11:00 a.m. Transforming even the most grill-challenged into an accomplished grillmaster, Chef Dustin will demonstrate a delicious three-course meal comprised of some of the award-winning restaurant’s signature dishes, while guests indulge in complimentary beverages. The three-hour class includes a cooking demonstration on the Champion’s patio outdoor grills, followed by lunch and Dolphins vs. Redskins season opener watch party. BLT Prime has partnered with St. Jude’s Research Hospital for an afternoon of food, football and philanthropy. The class is priced at $75 per person, proceeds benefitting St. Jude’s. Space is limited; reservations required at 305.591.6606.

Taste Miami
On September 18 Taste Miami hosts a night of culinary stars benefiting The James Beard Foundation. The evening begins with a tasting reception featuring an exciting lineup of Miami’s finest chefs, including Timon Balloo, Cindy Hutson, Brad Kilgore, Giorgio Rapicavoli, and Cesar Zapata. Then, enjoy a unique four-course seated dinner designed by James Beard Award Winners Rocco DiSpirito and Christopher Lee, with Pastry Chef Sergio Navarro. We’re bringing these culinary stars together for an unforgettable, one-night-only dining experience emceed by award-winning Miami Herald food editor Evan S. Benn; for tickets and more information visit www.jbftasteamerica.org.
Bagatelle’s Miami Spice Menu
If you have any plans to try Bagatelle Miami Beach’s Miami Spice menus, why not spice up your visit with a stay at the stunning Villa Bagatelle, where luxe Frett linens and Champagne cockatils on the balcony make for a tres chic getaway. Now through September 30, 2015, book “Stay and Spice Up” at Villa Bagatelle and enjoy a 15% discount on its rack rate, plus complimentary valet parking. To view more specials please visit www.villabagatellemiamibeach.com/specials. In case you haven’t heard, the creators of the internationally acclaimed Bagatelle brand recently opened their first hotel property, Villa Bagatelle, right in the heart of South Beach. The boutique hotel is the perfect getaway that will definitely add some flavor to your Miami Spice experience. Please be advised that Miami Spice at Bistrot Bagatelle is only available during the week from Tuesday-Saturday.
Frank Sinatra’s Centennial Birthday at Fontainebleau Miami Beach

Fontainebleau Miami Beach commences the 100 day countdown to Frank Sinatra’s centennial birthday, which officially began on September 3. During the 100 days of unique programming to celebrate the legacy of Frank Sinatra, Fontainebleau pays tribute to the treasured singer with a lineup of events and activations that embrace a piece of Golden Era glamour. Representing a special time in Fontainebleau’s history, Sinatra vacationed at the iconic hotel in his permanent penthouse suite on the seventeenth floor while filming and performing at the property. The singer often headlined sold out midnight shows at the hotel’s La Ronde Supper Club, taking the stage alongside The Rat Pack’s Sammy Davis Jr., Dean Martin, Joey Bishop and Peter Lawford. Beloved movies, ‘A Hole in the Head’, ‘Tony Rome’, and ‘Lady in Cement’ were also filmed on property, and The Frank Sinatra Timex Show, ‘Welcome Home Elvis’ was broadcasted at the landmark hotel, breaking TV viewing records. Fontainebleau’s Frank Sinatra 100 Day Birthday Celebration will continue through December 12, 2015, which would be the singers 100th birthday, highlights include: For more information on Fontainebleau’s 100 day countdown to Frank Sinatra’s centennial birthday, visit www.fontainebleau.com or call 305.538.2000.
Debris Free Oceans Fashion Show & Fundraiser
Debris Free Oceans is a Miami-based non-profit organization whose mission is to inspire local communities to responsibly manage the lifecycle of plastics and waste as part of a global initiative to eradicate marine debris from beaches, reefs and oceans. In an effort to create awareness and raise money to assist in keeping our oceans clean, Debris Free Oceans is thrilled to present their first-ever sustainable Fashion Show & Fundraiser showcasing the hottest up & coming global brands dedicated to marine preservation. The event will be on Saturday, September 26, from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the Freehand Miami; this is a ticketed event that is open to the public. Ticket prices start at $30, which includes 2 complimentary Naked Turtle cocktails handcrafted by the mixologists at Freehand Miami, a Debris Free Oceans stainless steel tumbler, a $25 gift card to G-Star RAW at Lincoln Road or Aventura Mall, a 25% off coupon code for Mia Marcelle and an IMSY bracelet set made from reclaimed swimsuit materials. The event will also feature a silent auction for guests to bid on throughout the event.Tickets are limited. To purchase: http://www.debrisfreeoceans.org/tickets/ 100% of proceeds go directly to education & outreach funding for Debris Free Oceans. For additional information about Debris Free Oceans please visit www.debrisfreeoceans.com.

photo credit: World Red Eye

By: Dr. Mary Jo Almeida-Shore
“Neon or Nothing” was the theme of a party that would have been more aptly dubbed “Neon and Everything” for the copious amounts of fun it brought to Miami on a rainy August night.

TARA, Ink. principal and man-about-town, Nick D’Annunzio, well known for throwing over-the-top themed bashes (a hoedown, luau, burlesque and 1980s dance-a-thon about which we are still raving). For this year’s party, 300 of D’Annunzio’s closest friends traveled from near and far, dressing in their brightest neon, while braving a torrential summer rainstorm on Saturday, August 15 for NEON OR NOTHING NIGHT SWIM at Thompson Miami Beach.

VIPs ducked into a cabana and gathered around the The Thompson’s beautiful pool area, which had been illuminated with bright pink, blue and green lights, Read the rest here »

Maryannesalvat@aol.com

Now on its 14th year, the Miami Spice Restaurant Program, the popular restaurant promotion organized by the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB), offers diners an accessible way to experience more than 190 of the finest restaurants in the region, including 54 new 2015 participants. Miami Spice kicked off in August with dining deals that include lunch priced at $23 per person and dinner priced at $39 per person. Prices include an appetizer, entrée and dessert, and exclude alcohol, tax, tip and service charges. The celebrated restaurant program will continue to bring the heat up through September, presenting savvy diners with tempting culinary experiences at unbeatable prices. Miami Spice is proud to partner with Citibank, Stella Artois and Terrazas de los Andes on this year’s program. New participating restaurants include Tom Colocchio’s Beachcraft, CENA by Michy, Cleo, Corsair by Scott Conant, Coya, El Cielo, Fooq’s, Izzy’s Fish & Oyster, Klima Restaurant & Bar, Marion, Market at Edition, Morimoto, Piripi, Prime Fish, Quality Meats, the Redlander Restaurant at Schnebly Winery, Seagrape at Thompson Miami Beach, the Social Club, Stripsteak by Michael Mina, Tantalize Miami, Tamarina, Vagabond Restaurant and Bar, Via Verdi Cucina Rustica and Vintro Kitchen & Bar.

Additionally, the GMCVB has partnered with OpenTable, a leading online restaurant reservation site, throughout September to promote Miami Spice and the participating restaurants in Greater Miami and the Beaches. Residents and guests can visit the GMCVB’s dedicated website – www.iLoveMiamiSpice.com – which serves as a one-stop shop for additional information on the various dining experiences by neighborhood, restaurant menus and participating days, hotel packages culinary events and more.

Kone Spiced Up Menu

For those who want to take advantage of an even better price than that of Miami Spice- head to Downtown Miami’s Kone sushi restaurant. Throughout September, Kone Sushi will offer a special “Spiced Up Menu” for only $30 per person. The special will include five mouthwatering courses, including appetizers such as Miso Soup and/or House Salads and fan favorites: Rock Shrimp, Fish Carpaccio, Master Ohata Roll (Mo Roll- shrimp tempura, avocado, cream cheese, scallions topped with roasted salmon masago and cusabi sauce.) in addition to the MO roll- we recommend ordering our favorites- the Crunchy Monster and the Shaggy Dog. Don’t forget dessert- three sweet little kones or Nutella Pie. Yummy! Voted Miami Beach’s “Best Sushi” for two years in a row, the Brazilian inspired restaurant will have your taste buds tingling with excitement. Don’t miss this phenomenal opportunity to enjoy this great meal with family and friends until September 30. For more information, visit: http://konesushi.com/come-try-our-kone-spiced-up-menu/

Swine Serves up Southern Hospitality and Spice

Upscale southern restaurant, Swine Southern Table & Bar has debuted 3-course Miami Spice menus for both lunch and supper, featuring seasonal, locally-sourced ingredients in dishes that showcase their signature Southern cuisine. Highlights on the dinner menu include: 1855 Black Angus Burnt Ends -creamy cornbread, Swine BBQ sauce, spiced corn nuts; Low & Slow Ribs – competition rub, cider vinegar mop, homemade pickles, and the decadent Death By Chocolate – rich chocolate brownie, chocolate pudding, chocolate ice cream, chocolate sauce, Coco Puffs- all for only $39 per person, Sunday through Thursday. Lunch favorites, proved at $23 Monday-Friday include: Fried Green Tomato or Crispy Pork Caesar Salad; Swine Burger – (one of the best burgers in town) short rib, brisket, and smoked pork blend, thick-cut house-smoked bacon, pickle, lettuce, tomato, American cheese, Swine special sauce, and Jack & Cookies – freshly baked cookies, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee honey milk.
Additionally, in conjunction with the Miami Spice menus, Swine is also offering their Summer of Wine specials, featuring an exclusive list of wines $30 and under, through September. These wines serve as a great complement to the Miami Spice menu and are available to guests dining with the regular menu, as well. To see the full Swine Miami Spice menus, visit: http://www.runpigrun.com.

River Seafood & Oyster Bar

If you haven’t been yet, now is the perfect time to plan your trip to Chef Bracha’s River Seafood & Oyster Bar as this year’s Miami Spice event is well underway! The iconic downtown Miami seafood restaurant has stood its ground since 2003 serving loyal patrons seven days a week. The River Oyster Bar uses the freshest product available to create a menu of dishes reflecting Chef Bracha’s decidedly modern twist on classic seafood cuisine. The restaurant has earned critical acclaim and has become a major downtown Miami dining destination.

The River and other Miami hotspots will be offering three-course lunch and dinner special meals until September 30th with lunch priced at $23 and dinner $39. A sneak-peak at the dinner menu includes: a Creamy Sea Urchin Polenta, Spiny Lobster Flatbread or Oyster Ceviche for appetizers; Sea Scallops a la Plancha, Fisherman’s Grouper Stew, Large Braised Shortribs for entrée, and the New York strip-priced at just $30 that rivals those served at the best steak houses in town; and for dessert, the Meyer Lemon Cheesecake, A Slice of Summer Sundae or Peanut Butter Mousse. These mouth-watering choices offer a diverse selection of some of the River’s favorite dishes.

Maryannesalvat@aol.com

Capretto Shoes Hosts Jerome Rousseau

Capretto Shoes will host talented footwear designer, JeromeRousseau on September 1st from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The event will preview Jerome’s latest visions from his exclusive Pre-Fall 2015 collection. Jerome will be signing any pairs bought on that day. The event will preview Jerome’s latest visions from his exclusive Pre-Fall 2015 collection and he will be signing any pairs bought on that day. On Wednesday September 2, Jerome will be joined by model, blogger and contributing editor of Vogue Mexico, Jenny Lopez as they host Fashion for Breakfast from 9:30 – 11:00 am at the SoHo Beach House in Miami Beach. Haute Living Magazine Contributing Editor and RAC owner, Regina Arriola Cauff, will moderate the trendy panel.

Ball & Chain Celebrates 80 Years!
Ball & Chain, the notable and world famous live music venue located at 1513 Southwest 8th Street, is thrilled to present their first annual three-day music festival in honor of the venue’s 80th Anniversary this Labor Day Weekend in September, Friday, September 4 through Sunday, September 6, 2015 . The historical hotspot originally opened its doors in September 1935 as a live jazz music venue closing its doors in the 1950s. The retro jazz bar on Calle Ocho was reopened with an authentic Cuban flare meticulously redecorated in iconic 1950s Miami style by new ownership Ben Bush, Zack Bush and Bill Fuller in September 2014. This is the first multiple-day musical driven event to celebrate the venue’s 80th birthday. The anticipated live performances will start on Friday at 10:00 p.m., Saturday at 10PM and Sunday (13 Shows) from Noon to 3:00 a.m. Special 80th Anniversary cocktails will be added to the menu and available for purchase during the festival. All attending guests will be eligible for exclusive giveaways and raffles; For additional information about Ball & Chain please visit www.ballandchainmiami.com. This is event is free and open to the public.

The Salon by InStyle

JCPenney and InStyle magazine have partnered to open The Salon by InStyle, a new cutting-edge salon concept reinventing the traditional salon experience with contemporary aesthetics including modern wall textures and colors, new décor elements and state-of-the-art styling equipment. JCPenney and InStyle also teamed up to create the Salon by InStyle Trend Book which showcases signature styles and the latest, fall runway trends curated by JCPenney stylists combined with the insight of the hair and beauty editors at InStyle. The Trend Book is available on jcpenney.com and on display at Salon by InStyle locations. The Salon by InStyle inside JCPenney opened its first 15 locations on July 17th across the greater areas of Los Angeles, Miami, Chicago and Dallas. The remaining 825 JCPenney salons will undergo a national rebranding in 2016. The Salon by InStyle locations in greater Miami include: JCPenney inside the Boynton Beach Mall in Boynton Beach, Pembroke Lanes Mall in Pembroke Pines, and Dadeland Mall in Miami.

We were most impressed by the taste, quality and variety of the dishes at award-winning, casual restaurant, M.E.A.T. Eatery And Taproom, located in Islamorada in the Florida Keys.   The cool joint is the brainchild of restaurateurs Chef George Patti and Sommelier Thomas Smith. Three years after their collaboration on the popular Caribbean/Asian Fusion restaurant, Tasters Grille & Market which opened 2009 in Key Largo, the pair decided to move forward on their fast casual concept M.E.A.T., which opened in July 2012. It is their vision of the next generation of food, incorporating fresher and more flavorful options for diners than the standard fast food establishments as the public becomes more health conscious and educated on food through media such as the Travel Channel, Food Network, various other TV food shows and the internet through videos, social networks, shows, tweets and blogs. It also provides more intimate service than most other fast casual establishments through its “taproom” service. Read the rest here »

photo courtesy: MiamiSocialholic.com

By: Mary Jo Almeida-Shore

South Beach came alive once again this July, as the swimwear industry’s most highly anticipated event, Swim Week Miami, returned for an action-packed four days and nights of designer runway shows, presentations and parties from Thursday, July 16- Sunday, July 19 at various hotels and venues throughout Miami Beach. Sexy styles were mixed with more functional pieces, color palates ranged from bright, to bold to lots of black, cut-outs prevailed among one piece suits as well as an emphasis on elegant swimwear that can double as cocktail attire-with a mere addition of a skirt or pants. Designers drew inspiration from faraway places and steamy Miami and incorporated captivating themes in their shows and presentations. Among the most memorable presentations, shows and parties: Mara Hoffman, Maaji, Mohini, DIJANA, Caffe, and Style Saves and Orlebar Brown.

Mara Hoffman’s Resort Swim 2016 Collection

The most strikingly beautiful presentation was that of Mara Hoffman, who unveiled her Resort Swim 2016 collection among the pristine landscaped gardens of Casa Casuarina, formerly known as the Versace Mansion. Millions upon millions of glistening, iridescent mosaic tiles which flank the mansion’s lawn and pool area provided the perfect backdrop, making for the most stunning presentation of the season. Read the rest here »