By: Maryanne Salvat

RA Sushi Spring Luau Party

Throw on a Hawaiian print shirt and a lei and hula on over to RA Sushi in South Miami on March 22 from 8:00 p.m. to close for a Spring Luau Party. Sail away to an island paradise with beach themed décor, tropical food and drink specials, and a guest D.J. who will keep the tiki torches burning all night long. Enjoy a taste of the good life with RA’s Spring Luau Party specials. Try the Tropical Roll with cucumber, mango, and avocado, rolled and topped with spinach tempura bits, and spicy shrimp mixed with masago and mango salsa ($8). Munch on Pineapple Cheese Wontons, lightly fried wontons filled with cream cheese, scallions and pineapple, served with a roasted pineapple dipping sauce ($7). Savor the Spicy Pineapple Chicken, a mixture of ramen noodles, chicken, green and red bell peppers, onion, and a spicy chili sesame sauce, topped with black sesame seeds ($8). All of the Spring Luau Party cocktails are $8 each. Swim in to RA Sushi in South Miami afor some sun and fun. For more information, visit www.RAsushi.com.

Fairchild’s GardenMusic

Come and experience Fairchild’s GardenMusic Festival starting on Sunday, March 25. GardenMusic will bring the highest-quality and most exciting chamber music to South Florida by creating a powerfully immersive experience. By connecting music with the idyllic setting of Fairchild, musicians and other artistic disciplines will foster a collaborative and creative spirit and provide engaging and stimulating educational opportunities. Visitors will have the opportunity to meet and engage with the musicians, experiencing music on an intimate and personal level. In addition, a series of concerts will allow for a more traditional chamber music experience surrounded by the beauty of Fairchild.  Members: Tent seating, general admission, $25; Subscription to all four concerts, $75; Concert for Kids, free; non-members: Tent seating, general admission, $40; Subscription to all four concerts, $120; Concert for Kids, $25 for adults, $18 for seniors 65 and up and $12 for children 6-17. Children 5 and under are free. Tickets at 305.667.1651, ext. 3358 or www.fairchildgarden.org/GardenMusic.
The Barton G. Kids Hear Now Foundation: Party Over Hear!

On Friday, March 30, join the Kids Hear Now Foundation for the first ever “Party Over Hear!” celebration. Hosted by the legendary DJ Irie, guests will enjoy complementary bites and spirits courtesy of the master chefs and mixologists at Barton G. The event runs from 9:00 p.m. to midnight at the exclusive Villa By Barton G. Tickets are $175 for general admission and $500 for VIP, which includes a sit-down dinner, exclusive access to the VIP lounge and special surprises throughout the evening. Tickets can be purchased online at www.kidshearnow.org.

Miami Children’s Museum 2012 Be A Kid Again Gala 

On Saturday, March 31at 6:30 p.m., the Miami Children’s Museum (MCM), will host its much anticipated 2012 Be A Kid Again Gala. This year’s 60s inspired theme, “All you need is love” will celebrate exceptional educational programming and showcase a far out live auction hosted by Dave Barry and Paul Castronovo. The night will also feature a one of a kind Silent Auction with a special Wine Auction chaired by Beverly and Bill Parker. Guests will groove the night away to a spectacular multimedia stage production by The Fab Four that will transport them back in time with iconic Beatles tunes. This year’s Be a Kid Again Gala will pay tribute to and honor renowned local artist, Romero Britto. MCM will honor Britto for his longstanding commitment and dedication to the Museum and to the children of South Florida.  All proceeds will benefit the Museum’s educational programming. For more information, contact Sarah Smith at 305.373.KIDS (5437), ext. 142 or ssmith@miamichildrensmuseum.org

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. 

Read the rest of this entry »

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.

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.

Now through December 23, RA Sushi in South Miami is teaming up with the Toys for Tots Program by giving away one complimentary appetizer per table that donates a new and unwrapped toy (minimum donation value of $10.00). With a good deed checked off the list, it’s time for a well-deserved Christmas in Tokyo cocktail – RA’s seasonal Asian twist to the champagne cocktail.

Read the rest of this entry »

By: Mary Jo Almeida-Shore

As summer drags on and kids prepare to go off to school next week, locals strive to find creative ways to entertain themselves amidst the mugginess, summer storms and a sluggish social calendar. The good news is that although celeb sightings are scarce this time of year, fun times can still be had at hotels such as W South Beach, various wine dinners, cool restaurants offering terrific deals and events such as RA Sushi’s Anniversary Party and the Brickell Art Crawl.

W South Beach has served as a ground zero of sorts for socialites and A-listers over the past couple of weeks. Gigi Levangie Grazer recently hosted a party for the Miami launch of her fourth book, Queen Takes King, alongside tastemakers including Alejandra and Tico Torres, Lisa Pliner, Eva Chow, Fernanda Dormit, Francesca Leoni, Frederic Dechnik, Hernan Arriaga, Karim Masri, Laure Hériard Dubreuil, Leslie Wolfson, Paul Bacardi, Richard David Story, Rita Schrager, Sam Robin, Sarah and Jason Callender, Sarah Harrelson, Suzy Buckley, Valeria and Ugo Campello, and Nicola Siervo, who celebrated his birthday last Saturday at W South Beach with a dinner at Solea and a party at Wall. In honor of the title of her sexy new novel, the striking Grazer was dressed like a queen. All of the servers wore silver tiaras as they passed the party food and cocktails on wooden chess boards, instead of trays. Grazer’s guests were treated to GREY GOOSE La Poire Peartinis, Caipiroskas and hors d’ oeuvres from Soleà, while Grazer mingled and signed copies of Queen Takes King.

The following day, luxury, fashion, lifestyle “expert” and author, Lara Shriftman, co-founder of PR firm, Harrison & Shriftman held a Day of Beauty for forty five of her closest friends at, you guessed it, the W South Beach. The lucky ladies were treated to a day of beauty, shopping, gifting, and relaxation, oh and let’s not forget the delicious lunch and cocktails. Guests also received astrology readings by Barbie Leyva and makeovers. When asked about the party, Shriftman, with baby Lucas on her hip, explained, “All of these activities and treatments created an ambiance of feminine worldliness, allowing all the guests to feel relaxed and effortlessly beautiful.” Upon leaving the party, each guest received a suitcase (yes, you read correctly) of fabulous gifts, including products, clothing, and gift certificates! Friendship definitely has its privileges.

Coming Up

Don’t Miss RA’s Sake-Tea-Ni

RA Sushi in South Miami’s celebrates its one year anniversary this Thursday, August 20, from 7:00-10:00 p.m. The theme for the restaurant’s special celebration is a “Mad Hatter’s Sake-Tea-Ni Party” complete with themed food and cocktails, dance beats by DJ Johnny the Boy and local celebrity drag queen Daisy Deadpetals reigning as the night’s “Queen of Hearts!” The party will boast everything from wild and crazy hats worn by staff, to a “Pin the Grin” on the Cheshire Cat game, flavored hookahs, and themed décor throughout.  Specially priced rolls and cocktails will be available throughout the night, with $ 2.00 from the purchase of each menu item going to The Wellness Community of Greater Miami.

Badrutt’s is the Place to be for the Brickell Art Crawl

Badrutt’s Place, the European gem in the heart of Brickell, will be the focal point during the Brickell Art Crawl, this Friday, August 21, from 6:00-9:00 p.m. The Crawl is part of the highly- anticipated celebration of the recently completed Heineken Miami Mural, designed by Kiki Valdez. The works of other local artists will be revealed as well, with art installations by Carlos Lizano, Damien Cruz, Ruben Ubiera, Victor Payares and Renier Gamboa. Four other restaurants including Segafredo, Novecento, Piola and Dolores Lolita, will participate in the crawl, with Badrutt’s Place at the center being that it is located exactly at the halfway point. While at Badrutt’s, make sure to take advantage of the weekly happy hour and enjoy 2-for-1 cocktails, wine, and a beer along with a specially designed bar menu created by internationally renowned mixologist and chef Mario Da Como.  We highly recommend staying for dinner and sampling Da Como’s delicious creations and charming “table-side” manner. Some of our favorites include: tiradito, shrimp, risotto, crab cakes, cheeseburger bites, albondiga ‘Jeremy style’ tomato dip and pepper crusted beef medallions with horseradish sauce. To get more of a sophisticated dining experience make sure to get to Badrutt’s by 8:00 p.m. At around 11:00 p.m., the party bus arrives and the entire vibe changes, as the DJ and party people take over.

Sizzling Summer Steals

Start Wining

Canyon Ranch Grill invites guests to “Name that Grape” during an evening showcase of fine sustainable, organic and biodynamic wines. On August 20, guests will be guided by wine professionals through a tasting and Q & A session as they sample delicious hors d’oeuvres by Executive Chef Elizabeth Barlow. This month, guests will participate in a “blind tasting” featuring six anonymous wines. The guest that correctly guesses the most wines at the end of the evening wins a free bottle when dining at the Grill. The tasting begins at 6:00 p.m. and tickets are just $20 including complimentary valet parking. Call 305.514.7165 to RSVP.

On August 25, Eos continues its monthly wine dinner series with specially selected wines from the Tuscan Hills region. Guests will enjoy a delicious reception and multi-course dinner paired with five wines from Tuscany’s western border, a region recognized for its use of traditional grape varieties in its production of high quality Italian wines. The featured wines including the Chianti Classico by Fontodi 2005 and the Brunello di Monalcino by Tenuta Friggiali 1999 are ideal compliments to Chef Michael Psilakis’ signature dishes – Muscovy duck breast with dried cherry bordelaise, radicchio and truffled potato, and the grilled dry aged sirloin among others. Reception begins at 7:00 p.m. Tickets are $95. For reservations, please call 305.503.4400, ext. 7151.

Meat Market, continues its popular monthly Wine Dinner series, organized by sommelier Gabriel Varela and rising star chef/co-owner Sean Brasel, on Tuesday, August 25, 2009, with a 7:00 p.m. reception and 8:00 p.m. seating. The third of many wine dinners, Varela pairs Brasel’s bold, contemporary American cuisine with the award-winning wines of Château St. Jean winery. The five-course dinner menu, with paired wines, priced at $160.00 per person, inclusive of tax and gratuity.

Step Aside Kernel Sanders

Chef Michelle Bernstein has rolled out a special summer menu at Michy’s, her flagship Miami restaurant. Every Wednesday night, Bernstein is cooking up an endless fried chicken feast, priced at just $33 per person. In addition to the artery-clogging fried chicken, the Wednesday night smorgasbord features a bottomless parade of sides: biscuits n’ gravy, coleslaw, and watermelon Greek salad. The dinner includes a slice of luscious dark chocolate cream pie.

Celebrity Sightings

Mos Def brought down the house during his performance at the Arsth Center over the weekend. Miami-Dade County Mayor, Carlos Alvarez, walked down the aisle at Mansion’s celebrated dinner theatre show, Tony N’ Tina’s Wedding, on Saturday night with his entire family. The Mayor feasted on an Italian spaghetti dinner and wedding cake, and partook in the interactive show, dancing in the conga line with 200 other “wedding crashers” to the tune of “HOT HOT HOT.”  Last week, retired football player Warren Sapp keep things “kosher” at Rare kosher steak house with two guests.

Kayne West and John Legend shot their new music video at LIV Sunday night. West’s girlfriend, Amber, danced the whole time cheering on her boyfriend, while the crowd went nuts. Last Sunday, Ludacris and Manezane of The Runners partied at LIV’s Imagine Sundays. Rapper, Pitbull, received a Key to the City on Wednesday. Pitbull will perform along with Crystal Waters, Doug E. Fresh and Anita “You Can Ring My Bell” Ward for 944’s Nightlife Issue Celebration at LIV this Thursday.