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.

Ultra-hip, trendy hotspot, Cafeina, named for its caffeine-infused liquors and specialty cocktails, is our latest, favorite hang-out, located deep in the heart of Wynwood (you won’t find it unless you are consciously looking -we typically use landmarks such as the overturned truck and funky green and red patterned building to know we’re on the right track).

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Cafeina- A much-needed Jolt!
Ultra-hip, trendy hotspot, Cafeina, named for its caffeine-infused liquors and specialty cocktails, is our latest, favorite hang-out, located deep in the heart of Wynwood (you won’t find it unless you are consciously looking -we typically use landmarks such as the overturned truck and funky green and red patterned building to know we’re on the right track).  This boîte reminds us of cozy Nobu on west 57 Street in NYC, with its low lighting, oversized lamps and comfy couches.  We also love the loft and huge outdoor area and the attached art gallery, currently displaying the work of Carlos Alves.

We dragged took a group to Cafeina over the weekend to “enjoy” the arctic weather and the Wynwood Art Walk.  Despite the jokes about the crack-houses and seedy environs, the consensus was that Cafeina rivals any South Beach lounge and that the food blows the competition away!  This is due to the creativity and expertise of the charming, executive chef, Guily Booth, who “wo-mans” the tiny kitchen, creating signature international tapas, including sea bass skewers, mini-madness grilled sandwiches and crab cakes, lauded by Martha Stewart as “the best she’s ever had.” Come to think of it, they’re the best we’ve ever had too.  Booth’s cooking style is as unique as her warm and funny personality.  She will mingle with guests and offer to cook up whatever they are craving- whether or not it’s the menu.  And should you be celebrating a birthday, you may even be surprised by Booth’s original coffee cupcakes.

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Opened December 2008, Joey’s Italian café is the first restaurant to open in Wynwood since the area began its transformation into a hip Arts District, nearly a decade ago.

The affordable, chic restaurant is owned by Joey Goldman and wife Thea. Joey is a principal in Goldman Properties, which rejuvenates urban areas and transforms them into thriving global destinations.
To that end, Joey’s serves Wynwood’s burgeoning arts community with a fine-tuned menu of healthy, classic dishes from Venice and other culturally rich Italian regions.The restaurant encompasses 1,600 sq. ft. and seats 75 inside and on the private al fresco terrace that has become a favorite among artsy locals and tourists.  Joey’s, located at 2506 N.W. 2nd Avenue, in Wynwood, serves lunch Monday – Friday, dinner Monday – Saturday.