By: Maryanne Salvat 

24 Hour Pet Adoption Match-A-Thon 

On Friday, March 30, join the Humane Society of Greater Miami, Miami-Dade Animal Services and The Cat Network, Inc., together with several local rescue groups for the very first 24 hour adopt-a-pet marathon where hundreds of deserving animals will be available for adoption. Refreshments and entertainment will be provided at the park for all ages.  The around the clock adoption event will begin at 11:59 p.m. at Tropical Park; Adoptions will start at $30. Free parking is available; admission is free. To get involved or for more information about the ASPCA ‘Mega Match-a-thon’ event, please visit www.humanesocietymiami.org, e-mail dani@humanesocietymiami.org or call 305.749.1825.

 Harding Dinner Series at 9517 

Chow Down Grill’s Chef Joshua Marcus, who has perfected his skills at BLT Steak, Timo and China Grill, and John Donovan, owner of the current “it-bar”, Blackbird Ordinary, have created a one-week-only gastronomic extravaganza that will temporarily take over the Surfside space you may know as Chow Down Grill. At the culinary helm is Chef Jeremiah Bullfrog of Gastropod fame, who will be “experimenting” with foods and flavors of the moment including the ubiquitous Beet Composition: black sesame soil, hibiscus gastrique, wood sorrel; Arepa 2012: popcorn milk pudding, queso blanco; and Cancha Duck Pastrami: pumpernickel streusel, mustard seed caviar, Brussels kraut. Serving up 10-20 tempting, thought-provoking dishes, guests can expect to see anything from green tomato chips to tubes of dough served with Chinese sausage cream. Beginning Friday, March 30, this exclusive “by reservation only” dinner will seat 22 people per seating; two seating per night 5:00 or 6:00 p.m. and 9:00 or 10:00 p.m., ending April 5. For just $79, each guest will have the opportunity to try some of the boldest dishes on the Miami culinary circuit to date, while getting up close and personal with one of the most innovative teams around.And for those who do not make reservations in time – there’s no need to worry, while the chance to partake in the “official” tasting dinner is off the table for now, there will be more than 20 seats made available nightly, where guests can eat from a special ala carte menu. This is just the first of many pop ups to be held here. Be sure to stay tuned for the announcement of future pop-up dining experiences that will a part of the “destined to be unforgettable” Harding Dinner Series at 9517. Visit www.hardingdinnerseries.com to make your reservation, for an up-to-date schedule of events, and more information on local guest chefs. For more information, visit www.hardingdinnerseries.com or contact the Harding Diner Series at 305.674.1674.

Flash Mob America with Timbaland 

On Friday, March 30 at 7:30 PM, Flash Mob America (www.flashmobamerica.com) will make history with Timbaland, other featured celebs, and world renowned Choreographer, Fatima Robinson, with a special flash mob, to be shown on a global outlet that will be seen by at least 100 million people worldwide. The flash mob will take place at a secret location in Miami (Rehearsals same day at 3:00 p.m.; Details to come after signing on. Those who wish to participate can sign up at: http://www.flashmobamerica.com/event-registration/timbalandfatima-robinson-flash-mob/.

The Ludus Athletics Model Beach Volleyball Tournament 

This weekend join Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Rookie of the Year 2012 Nina Agdal for the 3rd Annual Ludus Athletics Model Beach Volleyball Tournament on Saturday, March 31 and Sunday, April 1 on 11th and Ocean Drive. The event is open to the public where all of the top modeling agencies will form co-ed teams and compete in this amazing 2-day tournament. This year the tournament has partnered up with the National Volleyball League and their Olympic gold-medal Volleyball athletes will participate in the event by coaching each of these agency teams. Champions, Olympic US qualifiers and number four-ranked team in the world April Ross and Jennifer Kessy will be present at the event as two of the ten pro coaches representing the NVL. Proceeds from the event will benefit Models4Water. Finalists & winners will receive an all expense weekend getaway to the luxurious Bimini Bay Resort and Marina. Here, four teams will compete in a rematch at the resort’s grand opening of Therapy Beach Club, on one of the most beautiful beaches in the world; for more information on the event visit www.modelbeachvolleyball.com. 

The 5th Annual Nautica South Beach Triathlon 

On Sunday, April 1, celebrities, professional athletes, and corporate teams will meet on the sunny shores of South Beach for the 5th Annual Nautica South Beach Triathlon. The highly anticipated race expects to draw more participants than ever as 3,000 participants from over 21 countries will be joining the fierce competition.  The Nautica South Beach Triathlon benefits St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and a portion of the proceeds goes directly to pediatric cancer research.  Last year, the event raised $275,000 for St. Jude and organizers of the Nautica South Beach Triathlon, the sister event to the popular Nautica Malibu Triathlon, are expecting to raise more than last year and already the sign-up and registration numbers have exceeded 2011’s figures. Confirmed celebs participating this year include: Carolina Panther’s running back DeAngelo Williams, Burn Notice’s Jeffrey Donovan, The Today Show’s Natalie Morales, X-Men’s James Marsden, The Office’s Paul Lieberstein, Cougartown’s Josh Hopkins, Pirates of the Caribbean’s Greg Ellis, Traffic Light’s David Denman, and The Finder’s Geoff Stults and Mercedes Masohn, Josie Loren, star of ABC Family’s Make It or Break It, and Jake T. Austin, star of the Emmy winning, Wizards of Waverly Place  and the upcoming Huckleberry Finn.  In addition, pop/R&B singer-songwriter and actress, JoJo, will sing the national anthem; for more information on the triathlon visit www.nauticasobetri.com.

 Trina Turk Luncheon on Gilt Miami 

Gilt’s local curators have put together an all-star line-up of their Miami favorites in dining, beauty, fitness, and fashion as a reflection of member’s top picks. First up this is a Gilt City exclusive event, tickets to the Trina Turk Luncheon and Colores del Verano New Collection Preview Trunk Show Shopping Event on Thursday, April 5 from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. The $50 event ticket includes a three-course meal, glass of champagne, non-alcoholic beverages, informal modeling collection and overview and meet-and-greet from Tina herself. Ticket sales are available on Gilt City Miami: http://www.giltcity.com/miami/trinaturkluncheon. 

Cecconi’s  Sunday Brunch

Cecconi’s Miami Beach presents the launch of “Sunday Feast,” the first-ever brunch series at the intimate outdoor restaurant nestled on the ground floor of Soho Beach House beginning at 11:00 a.m. The brunch series will feature an extensive buffet designed by Executive Chef Sergio Sigala and Pastry Chef Oscar Bonelli, along with live music. The indulgent buffet-style spread is comprised of five staple categories featuring new options and older favorites, including an Egg Station, omelet or scrambled, made to order with bacon, avocado and additional accompaniments; Sweets Station, waffles and ricotta pancakes, pastries and fresh-baked croissants, and homemade torta; Raw Bar, oysters, salmon tartar, shrimp and fish salad; Carving Station, complete with roasted beef and pork, quinoa salad, meatballs and macaroni and cheese; and a traditional Cold Cuts spread. The $35* feast includes one complimentary Bellini, or a glass of orange or grapefruit juice. A full a-la-carte cocktail menu is available, as well as tableside Bloody Mary cocktails handcrafted by Cecconi’s mixologists via a roving cart. Reservations are encouraged at 786.507.7902 or miami@cecconisrestaurant.com *Tax and gratuity are additional. The cost includes 50% off valet parking.  

The 18^th annual Bali Ha’i Party 

The 18^th annual Bali Ha’i Party – presented by Grove Village On Grand and Whole Foods Market – will take place Sunday, April 1, 2012, from 5 to 8 p.m. South Florida’s favorite garden party/food & wine fundraiser is held at The Kampong, an exotic botanical oasis in Coconut Grove that offers the perfect setting for the event, which features exquisite wines, champagnes and exotic libations along with tempting culinary samplings from 30 top South Florida restaurants. In addition, a cornucopia of luxurious auction items will be available for bidding by event participants. And for 2012, event producers are thrilled to announce Stephanie Sayfie-Aagaard, social writer for The Miami Herald’s Steph Sez column will be guest emcee. VIP tickets are $250.00 per person and include VIP Lu`au Party at the Point from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m. and the Main Event from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. VIP Platinum Tickets for $300.00 include the Main Event and Lu`au Party at the Point plus the Tiki Lounge Party at the Point at 8:00 p.m. Main Event tickets, $150.00 per person ($175.00 per person the day of the event), include main event from 5 to 8 p.m. VIP ticket sales – limited to 250 guests – and VIP Platinum ticket sales – limited to 50 guests – are not available the day of the event. 70% of the cost of tickets is a tax deductible contribution. Complimentary parking with shuttle service for event guests will be provided at Plymouth Congregational Church; for more information visit www.balihaiparty.com.

 Mercedes-Benz Swim, Splash, and Play 2012 

Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Swim 2012 descends upon the South Beach sands this weekend with an action-packed schedule of over 20 shows and presentations, featuring designs from top swimwear brands including: Poko Pano, Mara Hoffman, Red Carter, Norma Kamali, Luli Fama, Trina Turk, and this year’s Mercedes-Benz featured swimwear line Luxe by Lisa Vogel. The annual fashion showcase, which takes over the Raleigh from July 14 through July 18, is the world’s leading swimwear designer platform-and it happens here, in our own backyard. For a complete line-up and schedule visit: http://miami.mbfashionweek.com/. 

While the shows at the Raleigh are private, the Setai sets the stage for top-tier designers presented by Funkshion, including: Marc Jacobs Resort Wear, Cosabella, Cosmopolitan Summer Splash, and Chloe. Visit www.fashionweekmiami.com , for more information on Funkshion shows. 

May the Fashion Force Be With You 

Style-setters prepare! As part of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim 2012, the German luxury car maker will be chauffeuring its own version of the “fashion police” all throughout Miami in a wrapped Mercedes-Benz, dubbed the “Fashion Force.” The select group of fashion-savvy specialists will be patrolling neighborhoods of their choice, scouting for the fashion forward.  If you are ‘pulled over’ by the style authorities for looking good, you will be shot (by a camera) and rewarded with a limited edition pair of Havaianas!  

Miami Socialholic™  founders/ SunPost 411 and Go! columnists,  will be on the Force on Sunday, July 17, from 4-6 p.m. all over South Beach.  So gear up Miami, and look out- we are coming for you!  

Fashion Force photos will be available in our Glam Cam next week. Be sure to log on.

Style Saves, Inc. Launches at SOHO Beach House 

SOHO Beach House, in conjunction with Miami Swimwear, hosts the launch of Style Saves, Inc., a non-profit charity founded by fashion stylist Rachael Russell with The Miami Foundation, on Friday, July 15. The intimate fashion event will feature a trendsetting fashion show held on the ground level of SOHO Beach House in the Tiki Bar and is set to begin with cocktails at 8:00 p.m. The premiere fashion show will kick-off with men’s swimwear designer Papi Underwear, followed by Trina Turk Swimwear, with jewelry by B.Rawlings, and the grand finale will be presented by Neiman Marcus, Bal Harbour, with styling by the host herself, Rachael Russell. A private reception will be held following the fashion show on the 8th floor club pool deck of SOHO Beach House where luxury goods and services will be silently auctioned. All proceeds from the event will go to benefit Style Saves’ students. Tickets are selling for $50 in advance, and $75 at the door, this includes entry into the main fashion event, and the private reception afterwards. Tickets for the private reception are available for $30. The first 100 guests to arrive at the event will receive a complimentary Neiman Marcus gift bag.  For further information, contact Jeffrey Rodriguez at Press@stylerr.com. 

Hot Nights, Cool Jazz at the Bass Museum 

Famed local jazz artists make noise for Friday night happy hour at the Bass Museum of Art will resume its celebrated “Hot Nights, Cool Jazz”  concert series on Friday, July 15 through August 26, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.  The six-week summer series will run every other Friday evening and will feature some of the best contemporary Jazz artists in South Florida. The ever-popular happy hour and jazz night kicks off with the Martin Bejerano Trio this Friday, July 15. “Hot Nights, Cool Jazz” is free for museum members and $10 for non-members. Jazz Happy Hour offers complimentary beverages courtesy of Rex-Goliath Wines. Seating is limited.

Nycked Swimwear/Resort 2012 Presentation

Join Nycked Swimwear/Resort 2012, Nars Cosmetics, Cutler Hair, and Lycra for a Swim Week presentation at The Grove in W South Beach on Saturday, July 16, promptly at 8:00 p.m.  New York based designers,  Lorenzo Martone and Jules Kim interpret the usage of Lycra fabric to communicate the versatile mobility of swim materials. Guests will enjoy complimentary libations, champagne and canapés. Following the presentation, an after party will be held at WALL W South Beach, which will also celebrate its 2 year anniversary with beats by international DJ superstar Sharam at 11:00 p.m. To attend the event, visit rsvp@wallmiami.com.

La Piscine at the Mondrian Hotel

On Sunday, July 17, Beach, Muse Luxury Group and VIP Magazines will host “La Piscine”, a jam-packed day of full-scale fashion shows to complement Miami Swim Week. CEO and founder of VIP Magazines, Michael Martin is certain the event should not be missed. The fashion shows will begin at 3:00 p.m. and commence every hour on the hour, featuring high-end designers Fenster, PONKO, and By Misha. Complimentary gift bags will be provided for each designer’s show with reservation. To rsvp, contact info@museluxurygroup.com.

 Meat Market’s Wine Dinner with Étude Winery 

Chef and co-owner Sean Brasel along with, savvy sommelier, Sarah Almand present Meat Market’s second wine dinner with Étude Winery of Carneros in Napa Valley.  The four-course dinner will take place on Wednesday, July 20, at 7:00 p.m. The event is priced at $95 per person, excluding tax and gratuity. Reservations for the Étude Wine Dinner are limited and can be made by calling 305. 532.0088.

By:  Mary Jo Almeida-Shore

Iran Issa-Khan and Greg Gorman

While the stars shone brightly in Hollywood this weekend during the Golden Globes, we had our own share of Hollywood glam at DCOTA during the VIP preview gala for its latest DesignHouse, centered around the Golden Age of Hollywood, and the 200 piece retrospective by Hollywood photographer, Greg Gorman, entitled A Distinct Vision 1970-2010.

More than 700 art and design lovers, including a multitude of artists and designers, gathered at Design Center of the Americas on Tuesday, January 18 to celebrate the debut of  DCOTA’s latest DesignHouse, wherein 20 of South Florida’s top design firms proved that film and design go together like champagne and stone crabs- or something like that.  The exhibit features 20 installations inspired by iconic films that “influenced a universal culture and transformed a way of life,” merging the creative disciplines of film and design and demonstrating the visual impact that environments have in telling a story. (Just think, what would Casablanca have been without Rick’s Café or Psycho without the shower?) Read the rest of this entry »