Splendor in the Garden at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden 

Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, together with Neiman Marcus Coral Gables, will host “Splendor in the Garden” on Thursday, January 26.  The afternoon will feature a reception in the Garden sponsored by Nicolas Feuillatte champagne followed by a seated luncheon and formal fashion show produced by Neiman Marcus Senior Vice President and Fashion Director, Ken Downing. In addition, Fairchild will honor a group of special women who have contributed significantly to Fairchild’s success and who have made “giving fashionable.” Those being honored are Penny Stamps, Jayne Abess, Pamela Garrison, Judy Kramer, Joyce Burns, Nancy Batchelor, Jennifer Buttrick and Brenda Nestor Castellano. All proceeds will benefit Fairchild’s numerous programs in conservation, science, children’s education and research. For ticket information and reservations please contact: sshubin@fairchildgarden.org or 305.667.1651, ext. 3375.

Roots of Hope “Youth Empowerment through Fashion & Music” 

On Saturday, January 28, at 10:00 p.m., Roots of Hope and Nicolita Swimwear partner up together to present an unforgettable night filled with music, dancing, and fashion at PAX Miami. The event will feature models wearing Nicole Di Rocco’s Nicolita Swimwear interacting with the crowd as the Latin sounds of Suenalo play on the stage. Suenalo’s music, inspired by Afro Cuban and Puerto Rican influences, and has been recognized as Best Latin Band in 2011 by Miami New Times, and Nicole’s swimwear line inspired by Cuban places and icons will give attendees an opportunity to immerse themselves in different aspects of the Cuban culture. They will also have a chance to speak with members of Roots of Hope and find out how they can get involved and help empower Cuban youth.

Gung Hay Fat Choy! Mandarin Oriental Celebrates Chinese New Year 

Mandarin Oriental, Miami has an array of celebratory offerings to honor the Chinese lunar calendar and usher in the Year of the Dragon.The Al Fresco Chinese New Year Party: on Saturday, January 28, from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m.  will include music, delicious Asian cuisine stations with open bar, a majestic dragon dance and entertainment, all set to the backdrop of Biscayne Bay and the Miami skyline. Tickets are $95 per person in advance or $110 at the door, plus tax and gratuity. There will be an art exhibition in the lobby from  January 23 through March 5 featuring the works of renowned Chinese Artist Fung Ming Chip, who specializes in Chinese calligraphy, considered in Asian culture to be one of the highest arts. The exhibition is curated by Vincent Tom and Christopher Thompson from Miami’s Crimson Gate Gallery. Additionally, Cafe Sambal will offer a celebratory a la carte menu nightly from January 23 through February 5, from 5:00 to 11:00 p.m. For dining reservations, tickets or any additional information, call 305.913.8358 or send an email to momia-restaurants@mohg.com.

Family Creativity Center at Bass Museum of Art

On Sunday, January 29, the Bass Museum of Art will introduce the Lindemann Family Creativity Center. The museum will commemorate the opening of the center with an inauguration ceremony and ribbon cutting at 12:30 p.m. followed by family activities from 12:00 to 4:00 p.m. as well as a fortune telling by artist David Rohn, also known as “The Amazing Ultran.” Regularly scheduled family day activities will also take place in the museum’s café from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. In addition, the Bass Museum of Art will introduce two new children’s programs with multiple sessions spanning February through May. The Bass Babies program for ages 2 – 4 will be held weekly on Tuesdays from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. and allow parents and their toddles to tap into their creative side while learning the basics of art. The Bass Buddies program for ages 4 – 6 will be held every other Saturday from 1:00 to 2:30 p.m. and will include specific art lessons that are paired with a fitting song. Other activities may include science experiments, slide shows, museum walks and short stories. Admission to the museum and activities are free of charge as always on IDEA@thebass family days.

Tommy Davidson at Ricochet Bar and Lounge

Impersonation guru Tommy Davidson joins the comedian line-up at Ricochet Bar & Lounge this month showing off his wit and innovative talent to the crowd. Best known as one of the original stars from In Living Color and his role in Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls, Davidson will perform live stand-up comedy at Midtown Miami’s newest culture-centric bar and lounge on Monday, January 30. Doors open at 8:00 p.m. with an anticipated, soon to be announced, opening act for Davidson. Tickets are only $25 per person, so don’t miss out on this extraordinary performance by a comedy legend. Purchase your tickets at http://ricochetlounge.com/#section8.

Sixth Annual Stars of Design Awards

On Wednesday, February 1, Design Center of the Americas (DCOTA) and Charles S. Cohen, Owner, CEO and President of Cohen Brothers Realty, will shine a spotlight on the design world’s leading professionals with the Sixth Annual Stars of Design Awards. A ceremony and reception will be held on day one of the Design Center’s two-day WinterMarket in honor of the design luminaries, at which time guests will celebrate with live music, performances, hors d’oeuvres and beverages courtesy of 42 Below, Alacrán Tequila, Mandarine Napoléon and Société Perrier. The 2012 Stars of Design Award Honorees are: Clodagh, Chad Oppenheim, Jennifer Post, Kiran Shiva Akal, Franco Pianegonda, DJ Hay, Iran Issa Khan, and Henry Richardson. This year, DCOTA will add a new facet to its Stars of Design Awards, the “Stars on the Rise” category, which will honor five designers forty years of age or younger, who have already made a significant mark in the design world. The 2012 Stars on the Rise are: Alison Antrobus, Eric Winnick, Joe Fava, A. Keith Powell and Donanne Ramos. The award ceremony begins at 5:30 p.m. with a cocktail reception following at 7:00 p.m.; to RSVP contact 954.920.7997 extension 240 or adriana@taraink.com .

National Frozen Yogurt Day

National Frozen Yogurt Day is on Monday, February 6 and Yogurtland is celebrating this day by offering FREE frozen yogurt to everyone who visits any of the 160+ locations across the country! Yogurtland will be giving away 5 oz. cups of frozen yogurt from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. in each participating location for one day only.

by: Mary Jo Almeida-Shore and Maryanne Salvat 

The Bank Nightclub

 This Thursday, November 10, join The Bank Nightclub for its grand opening to the public at 11:00 p.m.  The modern speakeasy is located Downtown at 139 NE 1^st Street in the historic Dade Commonwealth Building and features an ambiance and décor that exudes Capone-esque swagger, prohibition era-themed mixology, cocktail servers dressed as flapper girls, and an actual bank vault that doubles as a VIP room. For more information, visit www.thebankmiami.com.

MonoVisioN  at  DCOTA

Design Center of the Americas (DCOTA) and Charles S. Cohen, Owner, CEO and President of Cohen Brothers Realty, are pleased to announce the Center’s newest exhibit, MonoVisioN, a selection of architectural and lifestyle photographs by distinguished photographer Scott Frances. A VIP reception celebrating the show’s opening will be held on Wednesday, November 16. MonoVisioN, available for viewing in Atrium A until Wednesday, February 15, 2012, showcases 68 large-scale works reflecting the synthesis of Frances’ interests in carefully balanced composition. This precise use of atmospheric and naturally motivated light is evidenced throughout the exhibit and in featured photographs of celebrity homes, including those of Jennifer Anistion and Estee Lauder, among others. With a journalist’s need to tell a story simply, along with his passion for the decorative arts, his imagery bridges recurring themes throughout art history.

The Divorcée Sale

Marriage may not be forever, but style is. The Divorcée Sale, the traveling shopping event where fabulous Divorcées shed their past wears to benefit a great cause, touches down in Miami at the iconic Delano, November 11 through 13. Shoppers will be whisked up to Delano’s chic penthouse where they will have the opportunity to snap up designer bags, clothes and accessories from Balenciaga, Tory Burch, Marc Jacobs, Lanvin, YSL, Miu Miu, Burberry, Chanel, Diane von Furstenberg and more at seriously slashed prices.  Plus, 25% of proceeds benefit The Breast Cancer Research Foundation. The Friday night kickoff from 6:00 to 10:00 p.m. includes plenty of passed champagne and swag bags for all. The first 50 shoppers to arrive on Saturday and Sunday will also receive gift bags, so rise and shop! For more information and tickets visit  thedivorceesale.com.

 JLM’s Miami Magic Gala

 The Junior League of Miami (JLM), presents the 8^th Annual Miami Magic Gala: Diner de Têtês French Masquerade this Friday, November 11, at the InterContinental Hotel Miami, (100 Chopin Plaza) at 7 pm, bringing a night of Parisian sophistication and glamour that includes dinner, dancing and all things French (well, maybe not ALL things). Honoring the significant community leaders who, through their volunteerism, have made a considerable impact on our community, the event will also celebrate the Junior League of Miami’s 85th year of serving the Miami-Dade community. This year’s honorees include Michael Capponi, Mike Eidson and Loren Ridinger.

Wear your chicest black or white attire to this party, which will be emceed by NBC reporter Amara Sohn, and plan to enjoy an exclusive VIP reception; special awards presentation; whimsical performance provided by the Rainbow Cirque Troupe; silent auction with more than forty carefully selected items; “Rumor Has It/ FIAT” VIP lounge featuring the new Fiat model; “Superlative Awards” for most creative attire; tunes from French DJ Pierre Zon Zon; and exciting raffle prize items including, “The Art of the Sabrage: Grand Cuvee private in-home champagne party” provided by Christolfe and a Tourneau ladies watch; and a special H&H jewels raffle.  Tickets range in price from $85 to $150.  To purchase tickets, or to receive more information about JLM, visit www.jlmiami.org.

MOCA’s Mystery Dates 

The Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) invites you to its annual Mystery Dates extravaganza on Saturday November 12.  The excitement begins with cocktails at the museum (770 NE 125 Street) in North Miami at 7 pm, followed by concurrent dinner parties in private homes from Golden Beach to Coral Gables. After dinner, you are invited to reconvene with other guests for a late-night dance party at The Setai, (2001 Collins Avenue). 

“What is the mystery?” you ask.  Well, you will not know the exact location of your fabulous dinner until you arrive at the cocktail.  One thing is for certain: each dinner host lives in a glamorous Miami residence and has pretty smashing taste so you should be delighted regardless of where you end up!  The dinner hosts include:  Jason Atkins, Tania and Robert Bassan, Sam Burstyn, Robert Blumenthal, Olympia de Castro & Gustavo Hernandez, Felipe Grimberg & Eduardo Ojeda, Sofia Joelsson, Gloria & Sergio Leyva, Kathryn & Dan Mikesell, Dale & Richard Newberg, Marcella & Daniel Novella, Hal Philipps, Dr. Leigh Silverston, Adriana & Michael Stein, & Billy Weisman.

Tickets are priced at $175 with a discount of $50 for MOCA Shaker and above members.  A limited number of packages of ten tickets are for sale for $1,250. For more information, about the MOCA Shakers and Mystery Dates contact MOCA at 305. 893.6211 or visit www.mocanomi.org.

Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony at Village of Merrick Park 

 On Thursday, November 17, Village of Merrick Park kicks off the joyous season with its most beloved of events, the annual Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony. For the fourth time, Village of Merrick Park is environmentally friendly by lighting its 50-foot tree with 55,000 LED light bulbs. The Master of Ceremonies for this magical evening will be Belkys Nerey, Head News Anchor at FOX WSVN Channel 7. Festivities begin at 6:30 p.m., including a musical performance by the Coral Gables High School Choir and a holiday greeting from Santa Claus, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and other character favorites. Throughout The Garden live entertainment including stilt walkers and jugglers will take place. Other children’s activities will include a sugar cookie decoration station provided by Williams-Sonoma and an arts & crafts station provided by Gymboree Play & Music and Pottery Barn Kids, among other exciting surprises. Gather your family around the breath-taking tree for your first memorable photograph of the season.  The tree will be lit at approximately 7:45 p.m. Bring an unwrapped gift to donate to The Voices for Children Foundation, an organization dedicated to raising funds for abused and neglected children in Miami-Dade County.   

Sofia Vergara at BeLive 

BeLive is back to celebrate its 5^th Anniversary Fundraising Gala at the Ritz-Carlton, South Beach (1 Lincoln Road) on Thursday, November 17 at 7 pm.  Chairing this year’s gala is Lauren Santo Domingo and the Co-Chair (whom we’ve been told will be in attendance) is the Emmy and Golden Globe nominated actress from Modern Family, Sofia Vergara. If you can pull away from Ms. Vergara, even for a moment, you may have the chance to bid on one-of-a kind items during the silent auction, such as  Wayuu Mochilas created by Internationally renowned designers. This year, BeLive welcomes designers: Yves Saint Laurent, Givenchy, Christian Dior, Christian Louboutin, Herve Leger, Helmut Lang, and Theskeyns Theory to name a few. During the party, Food Network’s Simply Delicioso star, Ingrid Hoffmann, will be creating sumptuous signature cocktails.  Also expect a concert by Latin Grammy Award winner, Fonseca, a delicious dinner, live entertainment, fashion show by the Webster and much more.    Individual tickets cost $500. For more information, contact Ximena Acosta at ximena@belivecolombia.org or visit:  www.belive.com. Over the past four years, BeLive has raised over $2.5 million dollars towards the betterment of the lives of over 100, 000 Colombians.

Thanks 4 Giving with the Black Eyed Peas

This Thanksgiving honor our armed forces through a program called “Thanks 4 Giving” and also receive an added bonus to use as you wish.   The Black Eyed Peas in conjunction with Sun Life Stadium are offering a fantastic deal that will create a special night for the men and women in the military and their families to share a once in a lifetime concert experience:  the Black Eyed Peas’ final performance of 2011 with special guests Sean Kingston, Cee-Lo Green, T-Pain, Flo-Rida, Jason Derulo and hosted by Queen Latifah, Wednesday, November 23 at Sun Life Stadium (2269 NW 199 Street). Here’s how “Thanks 4 Giving” works:  you buy forty (40) 400 Level tickets for $1,000 that will be donated to the military and their families and in return, receive four (4) floor concert tickets valued at $395 at no additional charge.  What a great deal!  Use the tickets yourself or donate them- either way, you win.  To make it a “Good, Good, night for members of our troops and your fab four, visit: http://www.sunlifestadium.com/Tickets4Charity or call 305.943.1501.  This offer is not available through Ticketmaster.

By: Maryanne Salvat
Share Our Strength’s Taste of the Nation Miami

Share Our Strength’s Taste of the Nation Miami joins forces with over 40 of South Florida’s hottest chefs and mixologists, to take a stand against childhood hunger. On Thursday, July 7, satiate your palate for a great cause, raising critical funds needed to end this significant crisis. In its 24th year, Share Our Strength’s Taste of the Nation Miami returns to the legendary Fairmont Turnberry Isle. This special evening – themed “Don’t Ignore the Signs”after Share Our Strength’s national campaign – will be emceed by Emmy award-winning TV anchors Laurie Jennings and Calvin Hughes of WPLG Miami, and will showcase the latest cuisine, the best wines & spirits, live music, and an impressive array of silent and live auction items. General admission is $100 per ticket ($125 at the door); VIP tickets are priced at $200 each ($250 at the door). Tickets may be purchased by calling 1-877-26-TASTE or visiting www.strengthflorida.org.
 

South Miami’s Taste of the Town

On Saturday, July 9, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m., South Miami opens its doors and kitchens for a culinary experience under the stars.  Held on the rooftop of the parking garage overlooking the city, guests will sample culinary delights by many of the area’s popular restaurants, including Segafredo South Miami, Casa Lario’s, Casa Toscano, Cervezas, Dan Marino’s, Fox’s Lounge, Fresh Dash, Gardner’s Market, Irish Times, OMG Burgers, Outback Steakhouse, Power Pizza, Shula’s 347, Sole Trattoria, Swensen’s, Whisk Gourmet Food and Catering, and many more. Zoo Miami’s Ron Magill will be the Master of Ceremony for the evening and local bands will provide live entertainment. Advance tickets are $25 per person, $40 per couple; VIP Packages available for $50 per person, includes  special seating area, complimentary cocktails, in addition to the samplers, beer and wine.  To pre-purchase tickets online, visit www.mdparks.org. 
Proceeds from the event will benefit the Parks Foundation of Miami-Dade and the Million Trees Miami Project.

Miguel Paredes Unveils Superhero

Miguel Paredes will unveil his newest piece of artwork, Superhero, at his Wynwood gallery on Saturday, July 9, from 5:00 to 10:00 p.m. during the neighborhood’s popular Second Saturday Art Walk. At the premiere, guests will enjoy refreshing nitro ice cream treats (liquid nitrogen ice cream with premium fruity and nutty mix-ins), compliments of HaVen Gastro-Lounge. In addition, complimentary Zignum Mezcal signature cocktails will be available, along with beer from the Heineken Light art bar, a selection of Rex Goliath wines and sparkling water courtesy of Perrier. Local DJ Ari X will provide the tunes for the evening. PK Graphics is also a sponsor and supporter of the event. Those interested in attending should confirm their RSVP by emailing RSVP@miguelparedes.com.

Fairchild’s Mango Brunch

This Sunday, July 10, Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden celebrates the Mango in conjunction with their International Mango Festival.  The highly anticipated brunch brings together some of Miami’s best chefs to create original and amazing mango dishes. Guests can expect mouthwatering dishes prepared by : Chef Sean Bernal of The Delano, Chefs Frank and Andrea Randazzo of Creative Tastes Catering, Chef Ralph Pagano of STK Miami, Chef Tom Parlo of The Biltmore Hotel, Chef Allen Susser, and Chef Gail Goetch of Essensia at The Palms Hotel.  Tickets are $100 for Fairchild members, $125 for non-members, to reserve seats call 305.663.3358 or visit www.fairchildgarden.org.

Outdoor Chic at DCOTA

Join Joe Fava, Lara Shelton from La Plates, artist Ashley Longshore, and Omar Guzman of Liquid Art Pools as they join forces at DCOTA on Wednesday, July 13, from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m, to present a dynamic conversation about improving outdoor living environments. The conversation will include landscaping, and alfresco entertaining.  Whether on a city terrace or a big backyard, it’s all about stylish outdoor living! Lunch will be held at INSIDE OUT, Suite B-216 and is free and open to the public. To RSVP, contact marketing@DCOTA.com.

Bowling For Rhinos

On Friday, July 15, get out your bowling shoes for the annual Bowling for Rhinos Fundraiser, benefitting the South Florida Chapter of AAZK’S rhino conservation projects. Bird Bowl, AAZK, and Zoo Miami invite everyone for a night of excitement that includes: bowling, raffles, and a silent auction.  Registration opens at 6:30 p.m. and is open to the public.  The “Bowl-a-thon” runs from 8 to 9:30 p.m.; tickets cost $35.00 per bowler, for more information call 305.251.0400 or sfaazk@yahoo.com.

 
Papi Makes a Splash at Swim Week

Miami-based, papi (intentional lowercase) will be among the first brands featuring both underwear and swimwear during Miami Fashion Week Swim.  The papi label will be showcased at the Miami Beach Convention Center featuring its 2011 underwear collection and the debut of papi swimwear which will be available both in stores and online at www.papiinc.com in early 2012.  Additionally, papi will be part of a group show at the exclusive Soho Beach House (4385 Collins Avenue) on Friday, July 15 at 8 p.m. along with Mercedes Benz 2010 featured designer, Trina Turk and designs sold at Neiman Marcus. Proceeds from the show will benefit Style Saves, a not for profit organization that provides needy students with funding for school clothes. Tickets cost $50 in advance, $75 at door and $30 for the after party only. For more information, contact Edison Lozada at elozada@isaco.com.

On January 12, Clo and Charles S. Cohen, owners of DCOTA (Design Center of the Americas), hosted a private grand opening gala to celebrate the launch of the first ever DCOTA DesignHouse.  A crowd of 400 social and design luminaries from Miami to Palm Beach gathered to view the cutting edge designs and to toast the 2010 Stars of Design:  Sam Robin, Max Strang, Carlos Betancourt, Nicholas Varney, Jeff Blakely, Robin Hill, Laura Paresky Gould and Vladimir Kagan, who were honored on the same evening.  Among those in attendance for this fabulous event: Charles S. Cohen, Erika and Vladimir Kagan, Robin Hill, Brad Ford, Brian Patrick Flynn, Sophie Donnellson, Julia Noran, Norma Quintero, Tina Carlo, James W. Murphy, Nicole Lozano, Diane and Aristotle Aris, Gary Hutton, James Wall, D. Ashlee Harrison, Jilian Sanz, Irvin Lippman, Diane Sepler, Jeff Blakely, Phoebe Howard, Bonnie Barnett and Robert Kagan, Jeff and Gina Sabean, Katie Vecellio, Iran Issa Khan, Marnie Goldberg, Michael Kirkland and Sandy Krakoff.

This gala benefited three outstanding museums, representing each of the three counties of South Florida, The Norton Museum of Art, Palm Beach; the Fort Lauderdale Museum of Art, Broward; and the Vizcaya Museum, Miami/Dade. The entire run of the DesignHouse will also benefit these outstanding cultural institutions.  DesignHouse will be open daily, Monday through Friday, from 10:00 a.m. through 4:00 p.m., through June 11, and select Saturdays throughout the run (Saturday, February 6- Saturday March 6, and April 10).

Spilling Secrets

Secrets of Aspen, VH1’s new docu-soap aired its first episode on January 3^rd, at 10:00 p.m. The show, which is set in Aspen, Colorado, stars two Miami natives: social butterfly, Erin Newberg, and interior designer, Benjamin Alopari, commonly referred to as  “BenErin,” who appear for the first time on episode 2, airing Sunday, January 10. Newberg and Alopari are throwing a party to celebrate the launch of the new series at Burger and Beer Joint on Sunday at 9:00 p.m. The event is sponsored by Moet & Chandon.

Luminaries will Shine at DCOTA

Design Center of the Americas will celebrate the fourth annual Stars of Design Awards, and the opening of the inaugural DCOTA DesignHouse on Tuesday, January 12.

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