Common Threads Cooking For Life Festival

Common Threads is bringing together some of the nation’s top culinary superstars for the debut of Cooking For Life Festival, April 17-19, in Miami. Attendees can expect a lineup of chef A-listers for a weekend celebration of healthy cooking full of VIP dinners, culinary bootcamps, beach yoga, a 5-star fundraising brunch and more! Hosted by Chef Michelle Bernstein and Superintendent of Schools Alberto Carvalho, the three-day, star-studded gourmet gathering will benefit Common Threads – a national non-profit empowering children and families to cook for life. To find out more & purchase tickets visit: www.commonthreads.org/events/cooking-for-life-festival​

ROCK ODYSSEY

The Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County closes its 2014-2015 Free Family Fest signature series with the return of ROCK ODYSSEY, a family-friendly original rock ‘n’ roll musical produced by the Arsht Center based on Homer’s Odyssey. The epic production will bring its thrilling score to the John S. and James L. Knight Concert stage on May 16 at 1:30 p.m. Originally created for fifth grade students as part of the Arsht Center’s Learning Through the Arts education initiative sponsored by Wells Fargo, ROCK ODYSSEY has wowed more than 175,000 students from public and private schools across Miami-Dade County free of charge since its debut in 2010. Admission to FAMILY FEST is FREE. However, First-Access Passes are required. First-Access Passes for the May 16 performance featuring ROCK ODYSSEY will be available beginning April 14. First-Access Passes can be reserved by calling the Adrienne Arsht Center box office at 305.949.6722 or online at www.arshtcenter.org (limit four per person). The passes provide patrons with first-access to seating in the theater. Seating is “first-come, first-serve” for the performance and passes do not guarantee a seat.

13^th Annual Galaxy Gala: Aqua Lumiere

The Patricia and Phillip Frost Museum of Science will host its stellar 13^th Annual Galaxy Gala: Aqua Lumiere on Saturday, April 18at Hilton Miami Downtown. The dynamic evening celebrates science’splay on the elements of light and water, with exciting technology and innovative features, including a water and light graffiti interactive experience by French artist Antonin Fourneau. The evening begins with a cocktail reception featuring live animals and an auction, followed by dining, dancing and entertainment from Drew T and DJ Blaze Carreras. As a special treat, Latin GRAMMY-nominated artist Debi Nova will take the stage for a special performance. Coinciding with the Galaxy Gala is the Museum’s Big Bang 2015: H2Glow after-party, hosted by the Frost Science Young Patrons. All proceeds from both events directly benefit the Patricia and Phillip Frost Museum of Science and its programs. Visit http://www.miamisci.org. Attire: Black tie optional/cocktail attire. Parking: Hilton Miami Downtown offers valet parking at their 1601 Biscayne Blvd. entrance. Valet will be available for $12. For your convenience, self parking is also available at the Omni Complex parking garage. Entrances are located at the main hotel entrance at 1601 Biscayne Blvd. as well as on 15th St. between Bayshore Drive and Biscayne Blvd. The hotel ballroom is located on the 7th floor of the parking garage. Self parking is $10.

American Social Brickell

American Social Brickell (AmSo), is known for their eclectic selection of craft beers and creative cocktails. Starting in April, the waterfront gastropub is sharing the breadth of their brew knowledge by giving guests the hop-portunity to meet, greet and learn from local breweries while sipping exclusive flavors on tap. On Tuesday, April 21 from 8:00 to 11:00 p.m., AmSo is hosting a Funky Buddha tap takeover showcasing South Florida’s largest brewery. Brewery representatives will be available to educate patrons on craft beers and their Oakland Park facility; for reservations, call 786.801.2466.

 Slow Food Miami Edible Gardens

On Friday, April 24 from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m., more than 20 of Miami’s best farm-to-table chefs will unite alongside Ambassador of the Evening Belkys Nerey to raise money for Slow Food Miami Edible Gardens and honor the 2014-2015 Snail of Approval winners. This year’s event, themed Freshest Night Out, will take place at the lush Miami Beach Botanical Garden. Tickets are $85 and can be purchased at freshestnightout.brownpapertickets.com.

By: Dr. Mary Jo Almeida-Shore

One of the most highly anticipated hotel openings of the year took place on Wednesday, March 25, as the stylish and luxurious1 Hotel South Beach, opened its doors and celebrated with a 100/1 Event: a private rooftop party hosted by Barry Sternlicht, founder of Starwood Capital Group; Richard LeFrak, CEO of LeFrak; and Robert Sillerman, founder of SFX Entertainment.

Attendees included top influencers within fashion, entertainment and elected officials including: Tommy and Dee Hilfiger, Paris Hilton, DJ Bob Sinclar, DJ Paul Oakenfold, Miami Beach Mayor Phillip Levine, nightlife impresario brothers Daniel and Derek Koch; and restaurateur/chef and Bravo television personality Tom Colicchio, proprietor of Beach Craft, 1 Hotel South Beach’s signature eatery, which will open later this month. Read the rest here »

Andrea Bocelli joined Gloria Estefan, Andy Garcia, Jon Secada, Barry Gibb and the Miami Symphony Orchestra with performances at Hard Rock’s Rising Miami Beach Global Music Festival for the Miami Beach Centennial Celebration on Thursday, March 26.

CSI Miami actor David Caruso visited Bagatelle Miami Saturday, March 14.

Sofia Vergara, and her handsome fiancé, Joe Manganiello were spotted dining with friends at Zuma Miami. On a different night, Jane Fonda dined with her husband and friends, on the riverside terrace. Marc Anthony was also seen at Zuma with his wife and friends.

George Hamilton attended Seaspice’s Sunday brunch party.

Donald Trump, his daughter Ivanka and sons, Don Jr. and Eric Trump recently hosted the World Golf Championship-Cadillac Championship at Trump National Doral, featuring the top 50 golfers in the world.

Siena Tavern, one of Miami Beach’s newest hotspots, is excited to announce its recent partnership with South Florida-based non-profit organization Lauren’s Kids for the entire month of April—Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Siena Tavern has generously offered to give 20 percent of the recently launched Gelato-To-Go proceeds to Lauren’s Kids, whose mission is to prevent sexual abuse through education and awareness, and help survivors heal with guidance and support.

Gelato-To-Go is a new option for Siena Tavern “sweet-treat” lovers. Instead of dining in and waiting for dessert, you can pick up some fresh gelato and eat it in the comfort of your home. Available by the pint, for $10, customers can take home any flavor on the menu, including: vanilla bean, double chocolate, salted caramel, hazelnut, pistachio and crème brulee.

Join Young Friends of Garces Foundation for the Second Annual Fundraiser at Hip Philly in The Piazza on Friday, April 10. VIP Cocktail Hour – 9:00pm-10:00pm – showcasing local craft beer & cheese pairings from Dock Street Brewery, Yard’s Brewing Company, Conshohocken Brewing Company, and Evil Genius Beer Company.

General Admission – 10:00pm-1:30am will feature music, dancing, an open bar featuring Tito’s Handmade Vodka, and Bluecoat Gin as well as light snacks provided by Philly Pretzel Factory and Famous 4th Street Cookie Company.

Hurry up and get your tickets before they sell out! For tickets visit: http://www.garcesfoundation.org/welcome/

By: Maryanne Salvat

#FlyNYONMiami 

NYonAir, a custom aerial content agency specializing in breath-taking birds-eye-views and visuals of New York, is proud to announce the launch of its new consumer product offering, FlyNYON; and its first city expansion into the South Florida market. The newly introduced FlyNYON invites consumers and adventure seeking photographers to soar through the sky to capture original citywide aerial images – just like the pros. The company offers guests state of the art helicopter flights, guided by photo-centric pilots to position them above the city and shoot out of an open door, for one of the most distinct vantage points in the world. Affordably priced, this incredible experience allows photo-enthusiasts the rare chance to capture wide city shots that a million dollar penthouse just can’t offer. To kick-off in this new market, the promotion now includes an Instagram based consumer contest using campaign hashtag #FlyNYONMiami that will reward the best shots of Miami with complimentary “Photo Flights” at its invite-only launch event at the North Perry Airport on April 11; For additional details on the Instagram photo contest, visit: http://media.nyonair.com/flynyonmiami-contest/.

T.J.Maxx Opens 20^th Location in The Fountain Square

T.J.Maxx, one of the nation’s largest off-price retailers, is adding a new store in Miami, making it the 20^th store in the Miami/Fort Lauderdale area. The Fountain Square, W Flagler Street location opens at 8:00am on Sunday, April 12 – offering shoppers a wide selection of high quality and brand name items from fashion and accessories to beauty, pet products, toys, home essentials and more!

Along with the new store, the majority of stores in the Miami/Fort Lauderdale market will be joining in the grand opening festivities for a Maxx Miami Celebration! All participating stores will open at 8 a.m. on Sunday, April 12, and the first 1,000 customers at each store will receive a free reusable bag. There will also be live entertainment, gift card prizes, giveaways and of course, incredible merchandise at all participating stores that will allow shoppers to personalize the moments in their life that matter most to them!

Kone Sushi

Those who love sushi already know the name Kone Sushi by heart.  Recognized in South Beach as the best sushi for two years in a row, the popular restaurant is now making its way inland to the diverse foodie scene of Downtown Miami.  Since their opening in September 2009, founders The Medeiros and Partners have made it their mission to bring a unique and delicious Japanese and Brazilian fusion that delights locals and travelers alike. Kone Sushi offers weekly specials that will make a loyal customer out of almost anyone.  With at least four new specials a week, there is an abundance of new mouth-watering plates to try. Monday through Thursday you can enjoy their incredible all-you-can-eat sushi dinner specials for only $28.95 from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. Ladies enjoy the same amazing all-you-can-eat sushi special on Tuesdays for only $20.

PhilanthroFest

PhilanthroFest, the nation’s largest community engagement festival, presents their carnival-inspired event to connect people, passion and philanthropy. PhilanthroFest will take place on Saturday, April 11, at Museum Park from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. with the goal of connecting potential volunteers, donors and supporters to causes and non-profit organizations. PhilanthroFest will bring together dozens of artists, over 100 causes, and thousands of attendees looking to engage and learn about what the community has to offer and ways to give back. By transforming 30 acres at Museum Park into a carnival dreamland, PhilanthroFest will offer locals the opportunity to dream, create and inspire while enjoying an interactive experience with food, music and dance performances, games, live giveaways and special surprises throughout the day. Organizations will share their mission, offerings and engagement options in the various Community Walks featuring causes focused on City & Environment, People & Education, Innovation & Entrepreneurship, Health & Wellness and Arts & Culture.

Modern Garden 

Carlos and Maryam Miranda proudly announce the opening to the public of their new venture Modern Garden, a hot stone and crudo lounge with newly appointed Chef Benjamin Goldman. Voted and featured as part of Miami’s Zagat 30 under 30, the young and enterprising Chef Goldman curated the cuisine at Modern Garden to feature select crudos — a contemporary interpretation of exquisite raw fish and seafood dressed with infused oils, citrus and fresh herbs. Guests who prefer their selections cooked can order from Modern Garden’s signature hot stone selections, searing both seafood and premium meats on the 850-degree volcanic stone slabs, conveniently at their table. The combined experience of the sizzle of meat on the hot stone, the fun of interaction with the cuisine, and the delectable result is all part of Modern Garden’s appeal. Modern Gardenis open for dining Tuesday through Saturday noon to 12:00 a.m.; for reservations call: 305.440.4200.

Bottomless Mimosas at The District 

You may be familiar with The District’s bottomless mimosas served during their world famous brunch every Saturday and Sunday. The famed boozy special is now kicking off your weekend a day early. Introducing bottomless mimosas, now served Fridays from 12:00 to 6:00 p.m. weekly.

The Village at Gulfstream Park Celebrates 5 Years!

Discover The Village at Gulfstream Park, a lavish open-air retail, dining and entertainment center anchored by the legendary Gulfstream Park Racetrack and Casino. Celebrating its five year anniversary this year, The Village at Gulfstream Park offers an exciting array of adult and kid-friendly venues including signature restaurants, outdoor cafes, nightclubs, art galleries, fashion retailers, sports bars, a new state-of-the-art bowling alley, and a fabulous selection of home design stores. There is truly something for everyone to enjoy at The Village at Gulfstream Park; for store hours, upcoming events and additional information, visit www.thevillageatgulfstreampark.com or call 954-378-0900.