On Saturday, November 22,  head to the rooftop of the Collection Building  for the launch of  Love & Wine – an event that brings together exclusive wine and spirit producers, leading figures in the culinary scene, live entertainment and local influencers in one of the city’s most posh rooftop settings. Attendees will enjoy the characteristically breezy atmosphere unique to South Florida in the fall season while iconic labels such as Moët, Johnnie Walker Gold Label, and Ketel One, provide unique opportunities to taste select wines & spirits that have brought them worldwide acclaim. Guests will also have access to other wine and premium spi- rits while indulging in flavors from the most widely recognized kitchens in Miami. Ameri- can chef and television personality, Ralph Pagano will host the Love & Wine- Cooking with Love stage which will feature cooking demonstrations from various well known Miami chefs like; Dustin Ward, Richard Hales and Giorgio Rapicavoli. Pagano appeared on the first season of Hell’s Kitchen and hosted the series Pressure Cook on MOJO HD. He also challenged chef Bobby Flay on the American version of Iron Chef. Participating restaurants showcasing their kitchens include; BLT Prime, Batch Gastropub, Cibo Wine Bar, Love is Blind and more.  For more information visit:  http://www.rooftopaffair.com.

By: Dr. Mary Jo Almeida-Shore

Arguably the best party of the year, the 20th Annual InterContinental Miami Make-A-Wish Ball, an elegant “Oz Reimagined”-themed gala, took place on Saturday, November 1, welcoming nearly 1,000 guests, who gathered to dine, dance and donate to one of the worthiest causes: the Make-A-Wish foundation. The highlight of the glamorous celebration, was a thrilling concert by the “Queen of Motown,” Diana Ross- the most outstanding performance we’ve seen at a party since Donna Summer performed at Destination Fashion in 2007 (this writer’s first official social column for The SunPost). Ross, dazzling in a red, bejeweled halter pantsuit, wrapped in red organza, entered the stage singing “I’m Coming Out” and had guests enthralled as she performed other chart-topping hits such as,”Baby Love,” “Upside Down,” “Do You Know,” “Stop-in the Name of and “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough.” And while Ross’ performance was the crown jewel of the Ball, there was plenty of glittery goodness leading up to the concert. From the gold carpet, to the cocktail reception filled with culinary delights created by InterContinental Miami Executive Chef Alexander Feher, including seafood served on an ice bar shaped like the trees from OZ, to the premier items at the Ball’s silent auction, and special appearances by Dorothy and her crew, the Wicked Witch and Glenda and the “Voice of Oz” that summoned revelers to the Main Ballroom for dinner- the night was filled with the enchantment we’ve come to expect from the unparalleled Make A Wish Ball. Inside the Ballroom, guests were captivated by both the splendor of the room’s white-on-white decor and the beauty and wit of Gabrielle Anwar, who returned for the fourth consecutive year as Celebrity Emcee and Auctioneer. In what has become a Ball tradition, Gabrielle and fiancé,  Ball Chair, Shareef Malnik opened the night’s festivities with a creative dramatic moment. This year’s involved Gabrielle engaged in steamy dialogue with a faceless “Oz” – actually the voice of  Shareef — who eventually revealed himself, emerging from underneath the voluminous skirt of Gabrielle’s emerald green ball gown, eliciting a roar of laughter from the room and setting the stage for the more serious task of raising money for Wishes. A touching moment came courtesy of South Florida Wish recipient Nicole Graziano, who sang a touching rendition of “Somewhere over the Rainbow.” Read the rest here »

By: Dr. Mary Jo Almeida-Shore
For over 13000 people, who traveled from all parts of the country to gather at the American Airlines Arena on October 24 and 25, Oprah Winfrey’s The Life You Want Weekend was nothing short of transformational. Amid laughter and tears and music, dancing, personal reflections, meditation, testimonials and even exercise, we embarked on a multi-sensory, emotional journey toward fulfillment. The weekend opened on Friday night, October 24, as Oprah entered the stage of a pitch black arena- with the words, “What will you do-with the energy that is you?.” At that moment, to the surprise of the crowd- the silicone wristbands which were given to each guest upon entry, lit up in bright white light- illuminating the giant space- like a sky full of stars.   Next- everything went black and Oprah said, “No matter how dark the night gets, the sun will always rise again.” Read the rest here »

 By: Maryanne Salvat

Give Miami Day

On Thursday, November 20 a unique 24 hour online “give-a-thon,” now in its third year, sponsored by the Miami Foundation will be happening between 12:00 a.m. and 11:59 p.m. Donators can log on to www.givemiamiday.org and designate ReServe South Florida so that contributions may be matched! The support on Give Miami Day goes directly to underwrite ReServists placed as tutors, mentors and administrative support staff at Miami Beach Senior High School, Miami Children’s Initiative and St. Thomas University. Your Investment in ReServe South Florida on Give Miami Day is a QUADRUPLE win!

58th Annual Vizcaya Ball

The 58th Annual Vizcaya Ball is taking place this Saturday, November 22, at 7:00 p.m. The 58th Annual Vizcaya Ball’s theme is “Vizcaya, The Jewel of South Florida.” The black-tie event will include a stylish cocktail reception; catering by A Joy Wallace Catering, Design & Special Events; floral arrangements by Bayfront Floral and Event Design; entertainment by The Chase Band; a sensational silent auction and much more; Individual tickets from $600 and tables with 10 guests from $6,000. Vizcaya Ball tickets and tables can be purchased online. For more information about the Vizcaya Ball, contact Miriam Barcia at 305.860.8420 or miriam.barcia@vizcaya.org.

18^th Annual Best Buddies Miami Gala

Best Buddies International, agroundbreaking nonprofit founded in 1989 by Anthony K. Shriver to establish a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment and leadership development for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, is pleased to announce its 18^th Annual Best Buddies Miami Gala  at The Fontainebleau Miami Beach on Friday, November 21. This year’s Gala will celebrate the organization’s expansion into Southeast Asia. Some of the night’s notables include: Gala Co-Chairs Danny Porush, Linda Coll, Romero Britto, Marc Leder, Alvaro Noboa, Abigal & FJ Pollack, May Liang & Jim Lintott, Anthony K. Shriver, Alina Shriver, Dr. Steven Silverman, Don Soffer and Donna & George Zoley; past Miami Heat star Alonzo Mourning; Actor Verne Troyer; U.S Olympic gold medalist Carl Lewis; Tour de France cycling legend George Hincapie; andMiss Universe 2013 Gabriela Isler.

24 Hours in Mexico

Following a whirlwind 24-hour trip to Mexico, photographer Seth Browarnik has curated an original series of images of the FACUNDO Rum Collection, the first luxury collection of sipping rums from BACARDÍ, to form a stunning 30+ photography exhibit bringing the “art of rum” to life. These photographs tell the story of not only the meticulous production process of hand bottling the FACUNDO Rum Collection, a product sourced from the Bacardi family’s Private Reserves, but of the community, the heritage, and artistry one finds along the way. Accompanied by BACARDÍ Brand Master David Cid, Browarnik traveled to Tultitlán, the BACARDÍ aging & blending facility where FACUNDO is bottled. They also stayed in La Galarza, a historic BACARDÍ distillery that showcases the rum company’s commitment to heritage and the legacy of founder Don Facundo Bacardi Massó. During the trip, Browarnik discovered what’s really behind the rum barrel: the people, the history, and the passion that is involved in the art of rum-making. Open to the public for one day only in the Miami Design District, guests can experience the intimate journey Browarnik captured firsthand. Guests will also be able to experience the four variants from the FACUNDO Rum Collection neat or on the rocks as they view the photographs and relive the story as told though the exhibit. Open to the Public by RSVP Only – Saturday, November 22, from 12:00p.m. to5:00 p.m. RSVP to facundorum@hs-pr.com to attend the “24 Hours in Mexico” Photo Exhibition. Limited availability, guests must RSVP to attend the public exhibition.

VINTRO Hotel & Kitchen

A Rustic Mediterranean Feast – Sunday Brunch

Head to VINTRO Hotel & Kitchen for a Rustic Mediterranean feast created by Executive Chef Keith Suarino. Curate your perfect plate from VINTRO Kitchen’s expansive brunch buffet of sophisticated, ingredient-based cuisine, with options including a raw seafood bar, grilled Mediterranean meats and seafood paella, or delight your palette with specialty “From the Kitchen” brunch plates such as stuffed French toast with Nutella and bananas. Top it all off as you savor bottomless mimosas and white-wine sangria and take in breathtaking views of the Collins Canal from VINTRO Kitchen’s outdoor terrace. Brunch is served every Sunday from 12pm-4pm and costs $75 per person. For reservations, call 305.704.3680. For menus and more information, visit VINTRO Hotel & Kitchen online atwww.vintrohotels.com.

Sign Up for InList

InList is a members-only mobile app that curates the hottest venues nightly in cities such as New York, Miami, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Aspen, London, Paris, Milan, St. Tropez, Ibiza, Stockholm, Moscow, Tel Aviv, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Bali, São Paulo, Monte Carlo, Sydney, Hong Kong, Courchevel, Punta del Este, and St. Barths. A special events section features worldwide music festivals. The app’s reservation platform makes booking upscale nightlife and special event reservations easier than ever. Currently the app recommends over 200 exclusive venues across its 22 cities. Mr. Capponi and Mr. Kimbrell have assembled a worldwide network of top club owners and promoters. More information is available at www.inlist.com.

By: Maryanne Salvat

STRIPSTEAK By Chef Michael Mina Opens

The highly anticipated STRIPSTEAK by Chef Michael Mina will open its doors at the iconic Fontainebleau Miami Beach on Thursday, November 13. The innovative and contemporary steakhouse will offer a dynamic dining scene and progressive beverage program with a nod to the elegance of the Art Deco era. Created by Michael Mina and executed by chef de cuisine Derrick Roberts, the vast menu runs the gamut. Guests can enjoy signature specials that go far beyond traditional steakhouse fare, a bounty of meats and fish prepared on the wood-burning grill and an expansive raw bar; for more information visit: www.fontainebleau.com/stripsteak.

LUCKYRICE Festival’s 5th Anniversary Celebration

LUCKYRICE Festival’s 5th Anniversary Celebration presented by BOMBAY SAPPHIRE East and hosted by Iron Chef, Masaharu Morimoto, hitting Miami on Saturday, November 15 from 7:30 to 11:00 p.m. Tickets are now on for the culinary spectacular at www.luckyrice.com. After five years of increasing hype and (sold-out) popularity in NYC, LA, Vegas and SF, the nation’s preeminent celebration of Asian food and cocktail culture, known as LUCKYRICE, will be taking over The Raleigh Hotel Pool and Oasis. Once again, LUCKYRICE will bring together renowned chefs and mixologists from Miami’s exploding culinary scene alongside international celebrity chefs to create the ultimate Asian cocktail + culinary experience.  This year’s feast will return to Miami Beach at The Raleigh Pool and Oasis, combining the best of LUCKYRICE with Asian-meets-Latino bites and globally spirited cocktails from Miami’s finest chefs and mixologists. Participating chefs/restaurants include: Masaharu Morimoto, Khong River House, Hakkasan, Juvia, The Bazaar by Jose Andres, The Federal, SUSHISAMBA, Katsuya, Lure Fishbar, Barley & Swine, along with 8 celebrated mixologists who will serve a total of 16 custom cocktails featuring BOMBAY SAPPHIRE East and other spirits. Dress code: Firecracker or Chili Pepper Red (suggested); VIP Tickets: $150 and general admission $88.

The Butcher Shop Debuts Happy Hour & Weekend Brunch 

The Butcher Shop Beer Garden & Grill in Wynwood is launching a weekday happy hour followed by brunch later this week. On Monday through Friday, guests can enjoy half-off select draft beers, house wine and well drinks starting at 4:00 p.m. along with a selection of specially priced bar bites.  Happy hour ends at 9:00 p.m. on Mondays and at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday through Friday. Beginning this weekend, brunch will be offered from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday.   The Butcher Shop has been bringing the lost art of buying from a traditional meat market to Miami since its inception in the fall of 2013. Located in Wynwood, the full service butcher shop, eatery and German-style beer garden is an extension of father and son team Igor and Fred Niznik’s Palm Beach staple, Charlie’s Old Fashioned. For more information, visit www.thebutchershopmiami.com or call 305.846.9120.

Valentino Cucina Italiana to Host Piemonte Wine Dinner 

On Monday, November 17, meet Executive Chef & Owner of Valentino Cucina Italiana, Giovanni Rocchio, as he guides you through this exceptional dining experience featuring an Innovative Cuisine with a Modern Italian Twist. The artful Italian dining experience will be paired through every course with fine wines made in the Piemonte region of Italy which is located in the northwestern corner of Italy. Cost per person $225 includes tax and gratuity; for more information call 954.523.5767.

Bake A Difference

On Saturday, November 22, children and families will be setting up baked good stands throughout the Miami area to benefit Miami Children’s Hospital and its Comprehensive Epilepsy Program. Thanks to the support of our patients, caregivers, doctors and those wishing to make a difference, we will have the distinct opportunity of coming together as a community. Participants only need to devote their day, or even a few hours, to make a difference in the lives of others.  Your contributions will support our Together For The children, The Campaign for Miami Children’s Hospital.  Bake a Difference is here to help share with your children, grandchildren and teens that coming together as a community we can all make a difference in the health and happiness of children everywhere.

Baubles, Bubbly, Brunch + Boisset

On Friday, November 7, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m., local favorite Joan Shepp will host Baubles, Bubbly + Boisset. Guests will have the chance meet and greet Jean-Charles Boisset, the owner of more than 20 wineries around the world and the recipient of the prestigious Jefferson Award from the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts for their Bacchanal Wine Auction fundraiser and sip hand-selected vintage champagne. Along with classic bubbly, patrons will view timeless pieces from iconic designers including Oscar de la Renta , Chanel, and Yves Saint Laurent selected by one of the “Dukes of Melrose”, Cameron Silver of Decades, the exclusive vintage boutique in Los Angeles. The event is free and open to the public and champagne will be poured while supplies last.

On Saturday, at 10:00 a.m. join Jean-Charles Boisset for an unforgettable VIP brunch, pairing delectable items from Rittenhouse’s finest chefs with sparkling wines from the JCB Collection. Chef Sam Noh at Rouge will combine the sweet and savory smoked salmon with caviar, a lemon creme fraiche, on a Parmesan butter “cookie” and brioche toast, strawberry compote, champagne whipped cream paired with JCB 69 Cremant de Borgogne Rose; 11:00 a.m. Chef Eli Kulp at a. Bar, will create high street pastry with sea bream ceviche paired with JCB 21 Cremant de Borgogne Brut; 12:00 p.m. Chef Jon Cichon at the Library Bar at The Rittenhouse Hotel will prepare coddled egg, black trumpet mushroom and parmesan paired with Charles de Fere Brand Reserve Blanc de Blanc Brut. The event is $75/person and tickets can be purchased at http://pafa.ticketleap.com/brunchcrawl/