By: Maryanne Salvat
The Fifth Annual Children Helping Children Program
Every year on May 5, Japan sets aside the day to celebrate children’s health, growth and happiness, and Benihana is bringing this holiday to life with its fifth annual Children Helping Children program, which supports St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. From now until May 5, children visiting any Benihana location can participate by drawing a picture to signify what “Children Helping Children” means to them. For each entry collected, Benihana will donate $1 to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. One winning entry will be selected from each restaurant to receive dinner for 8 people. In addition, 100 percent of the purchase price for all of the Benihana Kabuki Kids meals served on Children’s Day, May 5, will be donated to St. Jude.
Poseidon Greek Restaurant Celebrates Their Grand Opening
Poseidon Greek Restaurant & Outdoor Lounge has arrived bringing vibrant energy and Greek culture to South Beach. Guests are invited experience what authentic Greek cuisine is all about with indoor and outdoor seating. Executive Chef Demetrios Pyliots, takes pride in cooking with authentic Greek and natural ingredients such as Kalamata olives, oregano, rosemary and thyme that are grown and imported from Taygetos Mountain of Kalamata; pure Chios masticha, grown in the Skinos tree; and the Messinian Bay delicacy, a wild fish egg caviar and fresh fish imported from the Aegean Sea of Greece to name a few. Guest are in for a special treat at Poseidon’s Grand Opening Celebration as they will be able to try greek bites and cocktails on Wednesday, April 17; for more information visit: www.poseidonmiami.com.
The Cochon 555
On Sunday, April 21, the Cochon 555 tour will then land at the Four Seasons Miami with an impressive roster of gastronomic superstars: Aaron Brooks (Edge Steakhouse / Four Seasons), Timon Balloo (Sugarcane), Jeffrey McInnis (Yardbird), David Thomas (Bazaar) and Cesare Zapata (The Federak). Tickets start at $125 and include incredible pork dishes by some of the city’s best chefs, wine, mezcal and bourbon tastings, pork-spiked desserts and more. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit: www.cochon555.com.
Inaugural Gentlemen’s Night Out Presented by Turner Construction
On Thursday, April 18, join Michael Baiamonte, voice of the Miami Heat, for an exclusive, sophisticated gentlemen’s event featuring tastings of premium scotches, spirits and selections of the finest cigars. Featuring a silent auction and entertainment, this event serves as an opportunity for men to come together for networking, entertainment, camaraderie and philanthropy. An All in Fore the Kids event, the Inaugural Gentlemen’s Night Out Presented by Turner Construction raises funds to support the children and families at Miami Children’s Hospital. Gentlemen will have the opportunity to have their photo taken with the 1973 Vince Lombardi Trophy awarded to the Miami Dolphins after “The Perfect Season.” For more information, visit mchf.org/gentlemensnightout.
Miami Children’s 31st Annual Corporate Golf Invitational
On Friday, April 19, tee up for a good cause! Join business and community leaders as well as former Miami Dolphins player Dick Anderson to raise funds in support of the children and families at Miami Children’s Hospital. Enjoy a beautiful golf outing at the Biltmore Hotel and Golf Course and reception featuring a spectacular silent auction. Corporate groups and foursomes are invited to participate in this day-long event. Show off your driving skills and support a worthy cause. Not a golfer? No problem! Sponsorship, underwriting and volunteer opportunities are also available. The Miami Children’s 31st Annual Corporate Golf Invitational is an All in Fore the Kids event. For more information, visit mchf.org/corporategolf.
Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden Food & Garden Festival
On Saturday April 20 and Sunday, April 21, visit Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden for the annual Food & Garden Festival featuring the 34th Annual Spring Plant Sale to celebrate the arrival of spring.Sample delicious seasonal foods, learn how to care for and maintain your edible gardens throughout the summer months, and take home healthy plants grown by Fairchild and local plant societies. Food & Garden Festival is free for Fairchild members and children 5 and under. For nonmembers, admission is $25 for adults, $18 for seniors 65 and up, and $12 for children 6-17. Those who walk, bike, or take public transportation receive $5 off adult admission and $2 off child admission. Those with a Military ID have free admission, with $20 for their spouses and $10 for their children. For more information and a complete schedule, visit www.fairchildgarden.org.
La Martina Miami Beach Polo World Cup
The Polo Life, LLC presents the ninth annual La Martina Miami Beach Polo World Cup, the world’s largest and most prestigious Beach Polo competition, taking place from April 25 to April 28 between 20th and 22nd Streets on the sands of South Beach, Florida. Tickets are now on sale at www.miamipolo.com. The four-day, globally renowned sporting event, considered the most coveted of its kind, features top polo players from around the world competing in two tournaments for both men and women. As part of the daily experience at this year’s event, Aventura Mall will be the official retail partner for the design and creation of the retail village within the venue between 20th and 22nd Streets on the sands of South Beach. Existing retailers at Aventura Mall will have a presence at the retail village, allowing attendees to browse and purchase dozens of the their favorite brands, including the latest from TAG Heuer, while taking a break from watching some of the world’s top polo players. Courtesy cocktails will be provided by GREY GOOSE Vodka in the VIP tent throughout the four days. General admission to both competitions and adjacent retail village is free, and concessions will be available to purchase. A limited number of VIP tickets are available that allows entrance to the shaded grandstand, where complimentary food and beverages are served. Ticket prices are $100 for Thursday, April 25th and $130 for Friday, April 26th through Sunday, April 28th. Children 12 to 18 years-old pay half the adult ticket price and children younger than 12 years-old receive free admission. A percentage of all ticket sales will go to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Miami, the tournament’s official charity partner. A three-day VIP pass can be purchased for $375. A four-day VIP pass can be purchased for $450 at www.miamipolo.com; for more information on the tournament and the events or to purchase VIP tickets, visit www.miamipolo.com or call 305-538-3809. For further information on The Polo Life, visit www.thepololife.com.
Fertile Earth Foundation
On Tuesday, April 30, from 6:00 until 10:00 p.m., Fertile Earth Foundation (FEF), a Florida based non-profit organization, best known for its composting and waste reduction initiatives, will host their 2nd Annual “Underground Miami” fundraising event along with The Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce benefitting the organization. Fresh off their success with the Ladies of Manure 2013 Calendar, the ladies of FEF will get you to rethink all your waste with specially commissioned art installation made with, you guessed it, manure! Held at The Palms Hotel and Spa, Underground Miami will also feature an exotic invasive species dinner by Signature Chef Julie Frans of Essensia Restaurant, Chef Todd Erickson of Haven and award-winning Miami Chef Kris Wessel of Florida Cookery. On the menu are Lion Fish, Wild Boar, Snake Head Fish, Python and more. Another highlight of the evening will be a “Cow Chip Tossing Contest” between Miami Beach Mayoral Candidates. Jerry Libbin has issued a challenge to all Candidates to participate. There will also be a silent and live auction. Ticket prices range between $75 and $125. Early bird discounts available for $50 and $87.50 until April 16;for tickets go to: http://www.fertileearth.org/shop-events.
Culture Your Canine
You and your four-legged friend can attend a one-of-a-kind shopping experience when you attend Culture Your Canine on Thursday, May 2 in Coral Gables benefiting the animals at the Humane Society of Greater Miami. (Note: Only well behaved, vaccinated, and leashed dogs are invited.)Guests will browse the wonderful selection of items available at Fine Line Furniture and Accessories, Filomena Fernandez Clothing Boutique, The Americas Collection Fine Arts Gallery, and Gallilani, all located at 4217 and 4213 Ponce De Leon Boulevard. Each showroom will provide music, drinks and light bites and cocktails courtesy of GREY GOOSE Vodka. There will also be a fabulous silent auction and raffle. There is a $15 fee at the door and 15% of all sales made that evening will benefit the organization as well. RSVP@Fineline.us. Visit www.humanesocietymiami.org to pre-register and make your donation online. For additional information, contact Dani Kandera at the Humane Society of Greater Miami at PetNet@humanesocietymiami.com.