By: Maryanne Salvat

msalvat@miamisocialholic.com

Smokey Bones Bar & Fire Grill

Spook the house down at Smokey Bones Bar & Fire Grill’s “Spooky Bones” Halloween bash on Friday, October 28. The neighborhood restaurant and bar will host a ghoulish costume party with all “Fire Starters” dressing in their best Halloween getups. From 9:00 p.m. until close guests will enjoy signature “All Day, Every Day” drink specials. Smokey Bones encourages guests to enter its costume contest for a chance to win a $100 gift card, which will be awarded to the sexiest, scariest and most originally dressed. For more information, call 954.474.3711 (Plantation) or 561.383.8240 (Wellington). 

Mercadito Midtown Day of the Dead

Beginning Saturday, October 29, Mercadito Midtown will commemorate the Day of the Dead with costumes galore, entertainment, themed cocktails, festive food specials and more. Mercadito along with Citrus Miami, will host the first annual Day of the Dead costume party on Saturday, October 29. Beginning at 10:00 p.m., guests arriving in full costume will be treated to a complimentary shot of tequila. Live music and entertainment will keep guests grooving into the wee hours. Extending the celebration into the week, guests can enjoy a spooky concoction created by the acclaimed Tippling Bros., the Blood Bite – a combination of tequila, orange juice, grenadine, and jarritos tamarindo. Reservations are strongly recommended for the week’s festivities, and can be made by calling 786.369.0430. 

 Nightmare Above Lincoln Road

The annual Nightmare Above Lincoln Road is a special, charity Halloween Event benefiting The Little Lighthouse Foundation, Inc., an organization assisting children and their families in South Florida who struggle with medical, educational, emotional and financial challenges. On Saturday, October 29, costumed guests will mix and mingle with demonic dancing girls and fire performers, sip cocktails from a large central “Fire Bar” courtesy of GREY GOOSE Vodka, and enjoy food stations from Miami Beach’ finest catering companies and local restaurants. During the past 10 years, GREY GOOSE Vodka has helped charities to raise more than $1 billion dollars. Event begins at 8:00 p.m., general admission tickets are $100 and VIP tickets are $150. VIP tables are also available starting at $2500.  For more information please contact: Jason Venger – info@thelittlelighthouse.org or at 786.368.5494 or – www.thelittlelighthouse.org <http://www.thelittlelighthouse.org>  

Monsters Ball at Cafeina 

The Wynwood lounge and art gallery presents Monsters Ball on Saturday, October 29 with a spooktacular costume contest giving away $500 for 1^st prize, $250 for 2^nd prize and a complimentary SVEDAK bottle and VIP table for  3^rd prize. Guests will enjoy complimentary SVEDKA Monster Mash martinis from 9:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. VJ Tom LaRoc and DJ A-Train will spin monstrous beats inside and out while frightening 8mm shorts play in the haunted garden movie theater. A freakish monster exhibit will be on display in the gallery. Event admission is $5, for more information and table reservations, call 305.438.0792 or visit www.cafeinamiami.com. 

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ONEHOPE Pink Roll at RA Sushi

In support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, RA Sushi South Miami presents the ONEHOPE Wine and Pink Roll combination. For $15, patrons will enjoy a glass of ONEHOPE California Chardonnay and the Pink Roll:  shrimp, crab mix and combined with lettuce, avocado and cucumber wrapped in pink soy paper and served with a pink ribbon of strawberry sauce. All proceeds from the ONEHOPE Combination will benefit the National Breast Cancer Foundation® (NBCF).  This special will run from Saturday, October 1 through Monday, October 31. 

 Pink Package at Solé on the Ocean 

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Sunny Isles getaway Solé on the Ocean has created a special “Pink Package” benefitting the Susan G. Komen for the Cure® Miami/Ft. Lauderdale Affiliate. Guests who book the package during the month of October will receive a special rate on the hotel’s popular King Ocean View Room (single occupancy at $219; double occupancy at $229), a welcome pink Martini in Alba Lounge as well as a bottle of rosé Champagne and a pink M&Ms-styled amenity in-room upon arrival. Valet, resort fee, and all taxes are included in the price of the package.  A minimum of a two-night stay required; rates are based per room, per night. For more information, visit www.soleonthebeach.com.

I <3 Juernes at Cafeina

Cafeina Wynwood, is proud to present the launch of its “I <3 Juernes” party series, beginning on Thursday, October 6, at 9 p.m. The weekly happening, named after the Spanish-language fusion of “Jueves” and “Viernes”—Thursday and Friday—is devoted to celebrating the unofficial beginning of the weekend with an international twist. Guests will enjoy a variety of drink specials, DJs and live performances, each designed to fuel the festivities into the early morning hours. The initial installment will feature crossover beats by MTV Latin America’s in-house DJ sensation Mauricio Parra, who will set the tone for a night of dancing and revelry. A slew of specially priced spirits will be available. As an ode to age-old Latin machismo, groups of six or more ladies will receive a complimentary bottle of champagne. Last but not least, surprise guest musicians will take center stage in Cafeina’s outdoor garden to help patrons welcome Friday with a Miami-inspired soundtrack. For table reservations, contact info@cafeinamiami.com or call 305.438.0792.

Kids Eat Free in October at BGR Coral Gables

This October kids eat free every Wednesday at BGR The Burger Joint in Coral Gables and our favorite burger joint in town. The funky, rock n’ roll themed restaurant, known for innovative sandwiches made with top-quality ingredients, is offering a free kids meal with every purchase of a burger, fries and drink after 4 p.m. It’s a delicious dinner deal that will make both children and parents smile. Be sure to try the Wellington, which is prepared with black truffles and foie gras, or the Buffalo Blue (our personal favorite) or whatever the featured burger is. The special, which is for children under 12, consists of a soft drink, two delectable sliders or grilled cheese sandwiches and Yukon Gold fries, which can be topped with rosemary, garlic or parmesan for all those junior gourmands in training.  So aside from all this goodness, what sets BGR in the Gables apart from the zillion other burger joints in town? If you ask the kids, they will tell you it’s the state-of-the-art, $30, 000 Ferrari soda machine containing over 100 soda combinations. 

VIPink at Soho Beach 

Ocean Drive magazine and Bright Pink will host a celebration of Breast Cancer Awareness Month for the ultimate “pink” cocktail party, VIPink. The event will be held on Thursday, October 6, from 7 to 10 p.m. at Soho Beach House.  The evening will feature a silent auction composed of luxury and lifestyle goods, “Bright-tini” cocktails by GREY GOOSE® Vodka as well as, wine, champagne and a variety of delectable desserts. Ocean Drive magazine is the exclusive media partner for VIPink Miami. All proceeds from the event will benefit Bright Pink’s educational and awareness programs. For additional details or to purchase tickets, visit: vipinkmiami11.eventbrite.com. 

ISA Boutique Breast Cancer Awareness 

ISA boutique in Midtown Miami is preparing to kick off Breast Cancer Awareness Month on Thursday, October 6, from 6 to 8 p.m., with their recently debuted monthly shopping party alongside host Annie Vazquez. Portions of the proceeds from this event will benefit the Florida Breast Cancer Foundation; the boutique will also be accepting donations the entire month of October.  Enjoy on-site dry styling by Blo – Blow Dry Bar (www.blomedry.com), eco-friendly cocktails courtesy of VeeV (www.veevlife.com), VIP cards and more.

South Florida’s Signature Chefs

One of South Florida’s most popular annual food and wine charity events, the March of Dimes Signature Chefs Auction, will return for its 14th year on Thursday, October 6, featuring signature chefs from dozens of Miami’s most popular restaurants.  The event, presented by Goya Foods, will be held at The Westin Colonnade Coral Gables.  Celebrity Emcee Jackie Nespral of NBC 6 will host the evening and Dr. Deise Granado-Villar of Miami Children’s Hospital will be honored for her continuous support of the March of Dimes. VIP Tickets for the event are $250 per person, which includes admission to the exclusive VIP Champagne Reception at 6:30 p.m.  General Admission (7:30 p.m.) tickets are $150 per person.   All proceeds from the event benefit the March of Dimes.  For more event information and sponsorship opportunities, call 305.477.1192 or visit marchofdimes.com/florida.

Walk by Faith with Mike Cardoso 

On Friday, October 7, The Stage will host a fundraiser to benefit Walk by Faith with Mike Cardoso from 6 to 10 p.m. Walk by Faith with Mike Cardoso is a charity to raise funds for stem cell advancement therapy.  A $15 donation includes appetizers and discounted drinks, along with live music by Jahfe.  Guests will also get a chance to bid on silent auction items including specialized sports memorabilia.  The event will be emceed by Jason Jackson from Miami Heat TV.  For more information, or to donate to Walk by Faith with Mike Cardoso, visit:  www.supportmikecardoso.com.

George Kotsiopoulos and Swarovski on Lincoln Road

On Tuesday, October 11, from 7 to 9 p.m., Swarovski on Lincoln Road, the leading designer and producer of fashion jewelry, celebrates Fall Fashion by hosting a style event with Fashion Expert George Kotsiopoulos.  The E! Style Expert will offer insider tips and celebrity red carpet style secrets, all while showcasing the latest trends in Fall Accessories. Refreshments will be provided; special gift with purchases over $150 (while supplies last).

Meat Market Wine Dinner

After two sold-out wine dinners this summer, Meat Market, Miami Beach’s contemporary American steakhouse, announces the third and final event in the 2011 series.  Organized by sommelier Sarah Almand and acclaimed chef/co-owner Sean Brasel, the final wine dinner will take place on Wednesday, October 19 at 7 p.m.  For the dinner, hosted by the United States Sommelier Association, Almand will pair Brasel’s modern American cuisine with 90 point plus bottles from California superstar producers. The reception & four-course dinner menu and correlating wines is priced at $95 per person, excluding tax and gratuity. Reservations for the wine dinner are limited and can be made by calling 305. 532.0088.  www.meatmarketmiami.com.  

Lights Out Miami! 

On Thursday, October 20, chefs, servers and diners will be challenged to explore new approaches to fine dining in the dark, in a dynamic environment. Lights Out Miami presented by Ability Explosion – a non-profit organization committed to highlighting the capabilities of the differently-abled is breaking down barriers.  Service staff at all participating restaurants receive Orientation and Mobility Training sponsored by Miami Light House for the Blind.  This valuable component plays an important part in expanding the skills and the minds of the front line service providers while creating a fun and enlightening experience. Menus range in price from $55 – $135 depending on the restaurant and what is being offered.  Participating restaurants, tickets and information are available on line at www.AbilityExplosion.org.

 Caged Women at Cafeina 

Join photographer Jordan Michael Zuniga for the debut of his latest works, Women in Cages, at Wynwood’s Cafeina with a VIP cocktail reception to benefit People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) on Thursday, August 11, from 7 to 10 p.m. The exhibition explores the politics surrounding the treatment of animals, and his subjects are some of Miami’s most well-known faces, including: Brooke Hogan, Ines Rivero, Katrina Campins, Michelle Pooch and Tara Solomon, who have undressed for the exhibit as part of PETA’s “I’d Rather Go Naked than Wear Fur” campaign. Eighty percent of the proceeds from all sales of these photographic works will be donated to PETA. This powerful, sensual exhibition will be on display through September 10.  The opening cocktail and exhibit are free and open to the public.  For more information and to RSVP contact Brian Long at mrlong@bl-pr.com or call 917.294.7370.  You may also RSVP by contacting Omar DeWindt at TARA, Ink. at omar@taraink.com or 305.864.3434 ext. 157.

Bark at the Ball Park 

Take your pooch to watch the Florida Marlins game for a change of venue that also benefits a worthy cause. The Marlins battle the San Francisco Giants on Friday, August 12, at 7:10 pm, at Sun Life Stadium and help raise money for the Humane Society of Greater Miami. Tickets are only $12 for adults, $6 for kids and $6 for dogs. Doggie pools, water dishes and a dog-walking area will be available throughout the game.  Proceeds from all dog tickets will benefit the Humane Society of Greater Miami.  To purchase tickets contact Cynthia Coutard at 305.749.1842 or Cynthia@humanesocietymiami.org.  Group tickets are also available by calling 305.626.SAVE. Dog owners must carry proof of the rabies vaccination with them to the game. Download and sign the Waiver document from the website- www.humanesocietymiami.org and bring the form with you to the game.

Wine Depot Hosts Champagne Ruinart 

On Tuesday, August 16, Wine Depot will host a wine/champagne tasting focusing on Champagne Ruinart from the region of Reims. From 6 to 8 p.m., guest can enjoy complimentary wines from this area. Wine Depot will be focusing on different regions every Tuesday, until the end of August. Reservations are required and can be made by visiting marketing@winedepotmiami.com. 

Sloane Square Barbers & Shoppe Opens in Coral Gables 

On August 18, Sloane Square Barbers & Shoppe opens its doors in downtown Coral Gables. A membership-focused club, with non-member a la carte service, Sloane Square captures the timeless, authentic barbershop experience by combining a rich mix of modern amenities and classic style.  Opening the flagship store in Miami Beach only eleven months ago to much acclaim, the South Beach locale was named one of “America’s Five Best Barbershops” by Travel & Leisure Magazine in 2010. The opening will go from 10:00 a.m. to closing.  For more information, visit www.sloanesq.com. 

Mayfair Launches Saturday and Sunday Pool Party 

Stepping away from South Beach pool parties, Mayfair Hotel hosts “Splash at the Mayfair” every Saturday this summer. Bringing the sun-filled-day to life, Ren Albieri aka “DirtyClean” and Darrell Robinson aka “DJ FOXX,” who have a profound understanding of club dance music, will provide sounds to kick off the weekend. The pool party will be filled with drink specials and good vibes, while giving free Special Cocktails for ladies from 4 to 6 p.m. and UM students a 10% discount with ID.

For a more exclusive and relaxed event, Mayfair Hotel and Spa will also be hosting a full-service, invite-only Sunday pool party at the rooftop pool and cabana lounge . The ultimate luxury Bohemian hotel is calling back the stylish Sunday setting honoring its original status as the most coveted social destination in Miami, along with its celebrated four-diamond service. The Mayfair rooftop will be open through September 24; guests can experience an array of specialties including private cabanas, magazines, frozen grapes, aroma-soaked wet towels, Evian mister, lotion, and much more.  The invite-only list is open to loyalists and local influencers who fill out commentary cards at Chef Jonathan Eismann’s Spartico Restaurant.  For more information, visit www.mayfairhotelandspa.com or call 786.514.9886. 

Miami Spice at db Bistro Moderne 

For the months of August and September, db Bistro Moderne joins Miami Spice, with a scrumptious three-course meal for lunch or dinner. Located inside the JW Marriott Marquis Miami, Daniel Boulud’s eatery offers a seasonal menu by Executive Chef, Jarrod Verbiak, featuring dishes such as Ceviche du Jour, Roasted Snapper, Spinach Farfalle and Tarte Fine. For a complete Miami Spice menu, visit www.MiamSpicedbbistromoderne.com. 

db Bistro Moderne also introduces summer happy hour offering half-off specialty cocktails such as the Grapefruit Blossom and the Ultimate Filthy Martini; half-off beer, wine, sake and premium offers; light bites for $7 including Beignets de Brandade, Pommes Souffle and half-priced raw bar items such as oysters clams and ceviche; and half-off sweet treats such as Blueberry Shortcake, Madeleines and much more. On Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, renowned DJ Pierre Zonzon will spin from 5 to 8.pm., and db Bistro Moderne will bring in different liquor sponsors like Kettle One, Johnnie Walker, Don Julio, every Thursday during happy hour. Reservations are recommended, visit www.DanielNYC.com. 

BankAtlantic Center Opens The Vault 

On August 22, BankAtlantic Center introduces a brand new “special offers” program named THE VAULT. BankAtlantic Entertainment Arena and National Hockey Team brand is the first of its kind to customize a program for its fans, local businesses and charitable causes through a daily deal platform. Every day, The VAULT will open with a new deal from one of its many collaborators, including: Equinox, Revolution Live, Game-Time, and America’s Backyard. In addition to the daily deal program, The VAULT will donate a portion of its sales to the community’s most worthwhile charities through the formation of the DCI Cares Foundation. Members will have the opportunity to participate in a unique experience every month, and will automatically be entered into the special giveaways monthly.  This month’s special experience includes a limo ride and dinner with Miami Heat center, Alonzo Mourning and his wife, Tracy at the newly- opened Mister Collins restaurant at ONE Bal Harbour Resort and Spa. The event will benefit the Lauren’s Kids Foundation in an effort to help stop and prevent childhood abuse.  New customers can sign up for THE VAULT, at www.vaultoffers.com or by visiting THE VAULT kiosks at the BankAtlantic Center in Sunrise. For more information, contact Michael Leitman at 954. 554.0291 for business inquiries about joining THE VAULT.

By: Maryanne Salvat

 John Frieda Tours Miami

John Frieda is embarking on their annual salon tour again this summer (the 18-wheeler that’s turned into a salon on wheels traveling across the country) and they’re coming to Miami’s own Aventura Mall this weekend, May 26 and 27. The tour kicked off in New York with special guests, Kourtney and Khloé Kardashian, and will be hitting the road until the end of July stopping in markets like Dallas, Seattle, Minneapolis, LA and Chicago to give women access to the top stylists in the country—for FREE. As always, consumers can pop in to the “Destination: Style” salon for free hair consultations and styles (no cuts or colors!) from the top stylists and colorists from the John Frieda salons in New York and LA as led by celebrity stylist Harry Josh (clients include Gwyneth Paltrow, Gisele Bundchen, Ellen Pompeo, Amanda Seyfried,  etc). In addition to the style makeovers, consumers will receive advice on hair COLORING since John Frieda is now offering an at-home hair color (Precision Foam Colour). We’ll have tons of technological devices throughout the salon (iPads, virtual tables, etc) that feature “shade advisors” to help them select the best shade for them. For more information on the tour, visit www.johnfrieda.com.

The Fox Hole at Cafeina

Join Cafeina on Saturday, May 28, for Fox Hole, a special Memorial Day Weekend celebration benefiting The Armed Forces Foundation. The Wynwood Art District hotspot invites guests to honor our nation’s fallen soldiers through a spectacle of sight and sound. Patrons will enjoy music by Winter Music Conference DJ Bill Kelly, along with beats by Stingray and DJ A-Train. Indie-rock band Addax will take the stage in the garden. Sword-wielding fire dancers and a sexy burlesque troupe in military fatigues, whose performance will be capped off by a fireworks display, will provide additional firepower. Admission to the event is $5.00 at the door or free with military identification. All guests will enjoy complimentary “American Flag” shooters from 8 to 9 p.m., along with food and drink specials throughout the evening. Active U.S. military personnel receive complimentary Cherry Bomb shots until 10 p.m. Cafeina will also raffle off a $50.00 bar tab to one lucky guest, with proceeds benefiting The Armed Forces Foundation.  For table reservations, contact info@cafeinamiami.com or call 305.438.0792.

Cooking Class with Chef Jonathan Eismann

On   June   4, 11, and 18, get to know the secrets behind nationally recognized Spartico at Mayfair Hotel & Spa in Coconut Grove with a personal cooking class with Chef Jonathan Eismann. Dubbed by Miami New Times as creator of Miami’s best pizza, Chef Eismann welcomes guests into his world and reminds each that “The secret ingredient to pizza is the hand that makes it.” For $50,(adults) and $35(children), guests will be greeted with their own Spartico apron, four course meal and learn the tricks of the trade at the new phenomenal Italian trattoria. Adults will enjoy four glasses of wine along with experience, along with use of an Ambrogi wood-burning oven, seasonally harvested grains and an award-winning chef’s personal instruction. Guests will then enjoy their own-made pizza for lunch!  Classes start at 12:30p.m., reservations required. For more information, call 305.779.5100.

SEE Boutique: Hip Without the Rip

SEE, the largest optical boutique retailer in the U.S., is bringing its innovative, one-of-a-kind collection to Sunset Drive in South Miami. SEE and its founders, Richard and Shelley Golden, will host a grand opening at the new boutique on Tuesday, June 7, from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. Guests will enjoy specialty cocktails by ZIGNUM Mezcal and Japanese-fusion tapas by RA Sushi in South Miami. SEE will donate 10 percent of the evening’s sales (as well as all sales through Saturday, June 11) to Cedars-Sinai Women’s Cancer Research Institute. Offering fashionable, original eyewear is not SEE’s only focus, Richard Golden has also created a “gouge-free environment” for people who appreciate trendy, luxury eyewear without an absurd price, sourcing directly from the world’s most forward-thinking designers enables SEE to bring true value to the consumer. For more information, visit www.seeeyewear.com.

Lunch with Jeb Bush and Michelle Rhee

On Thursday, June 16, from 11:30 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. at The Four Seasons Hotel, former Governor of Florida, Jeb Bush and Michelle Rhee, founder and CEO of Students First, a movement dedicated to transforming public education throughout the United States, will have a bipartisan discussion to elevate the need to work collaboratively on improving the nation’s public education system. Guests will enjoy a beautiful luncheon while listening to key speakers discuss important issues in today’s education. All proceeds will go to benefit education reform. General admission tickets are $150 per person; Benefactor tickets are $750 per couple, which includes  priority seating and private champagne reception with the speakers from 11:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. For more information visit:  www.marcoislandacademy.com or call 239.404.3622.