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
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.

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.

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