Miami Addiction

Honest Tea Proves Miamians 92% Honest

 

Last Tuesday, Honest Tea rolled into Miami and eleven other cities to sell tea on the honor system while undercover cameras rolled.  

What residents actually ponied up a dollar bill, while others made a run for it?

Despite our city’s sometimes dubious reputation, Miami was the fourth least honest of the twelve cities, New York City was the least honest, and Chicago was the most honest at 99 percent –  those heavy winds probably prevented a quick getaway.

Honest Tea's social experiment was also for a good cause. The company matched the money collected, for a total of $10,000, and is donating it to three non-profit organizations.  A highlight reel from all twelve cities can be viewed on YouTube.

Mazel tov Chicago!  Miami? You've got some repenting to do.

Final Honesty Percentages: 

City	Percentage
Chicago	99
Boston	97
Seattle	97
Dallas	97
Atlanta	96
Philadelphia	96
Cincinnati	95
San Francisco	93
Miami	92
Washington, D.C.	91
Los Angeles	88
New York	86

For more information, visit www.honesttea.com

Photo Credit:  Honest Tea

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim Comes to Miami, July 14-18

The premier swimwear event in the world, Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim, comes to Miami this week, July 14-18.

Now in its seventh year, Swim showcases the 2012 work of over 30 designers from around the world, including Brazil, Colombia, Australia and the U.S. for five days of invitation-only fashion shows and events. 

This year's designers include Diesel, Norma Kamali Swimwear, Red Carter, LUXE by Lisa Vogel and Have Faith Swimwear.

Swim is attended by buyers, fashion industry press, celebrities and VIPs who descend on South Beach for the much anticipated annual event. 

For more information and schedule of events, visit: 

http://miami.mbfashionweek.com

Photo Credit: MB Fashion Week Swim

 

 

BGR The Burger Joint Opens on Miracle Mile in Coral Gables

BGR Burger

The burger wars in South Florida continue to heat up with the latest entry - BGR The Burger Joint on Miracle Mile in Coral Gables, which opened two weeks ago.

What makes BGR special? Its founder, Mark Bucher, longed to recreate childhood memories from  his Philadelphia neighborhood's barbecues. When he couldn't find the burgers he craved from those block parties, he decided to cook them up himself. 

The results are burgers made from naturally raised and antibiotic-free, grain-fed cattle served on buttery, toasted brioche buns with locally sourced tomatoes, and a frolicking joint with vintage rock band memorabilia, funky mosaic tabletops and classic music videos on large flat screen TVs.

The BGR menu includes veggie and turkey burgers, sliders and specialty burgers:  

• The Cuban - Topped with slow roasted pork, ham, sweet pickles, dijon mustard and swiss cheese, served on a brioche bun and grill pressed
• The Lobster - Lump claw and knuckle meat pulled from Maine Lobsters, served on slider buns with a special dressing and crisp cold lettuce
• The Wellington -  Made with black truffles, foie gras, roasted mushrooms, caramelized onions and blue cheese                             

BGR's side dishes include Yukon Gold, Sweet Potato Fries, Onion Rings and, get this - Sparagus Fries - large, grilled asparagus spears sprinkled with parmesan cheese.

We think that the Root Beer and Coke Floats, Bottled Vintage Sodas, Double Chocolate Chip Brownies and Cookies have something to do with Bucher's sense of nostalgia too.

BGR is open daily for lunch and dinner. Next up for the hamburger chain in Florida - a West Kendall location.

Visit their website for more information:  http://www.bgrtheburgerjoint.com/

Photo Credit:  BGR The Burger Joint

 

 

Miami's Marquis Residences Goes to the Dogs

No surprise that Aspen won "Best Dressed"

About 50 of Miami's cutest pups attended the third annual "Pet Party" at the Marquis Residences in downtown Miami recently.

The party introduced condo residents, guests and their "best friends" to some of the city's best pet service providers - dog walkers, groomers, veterinarians, dog trainers and, yes - pet photographers. Three of the four-legged friends walked away with prizes:

• Aspen, a Chihuahua, for “Best Dressed"
  
• Dory, a Pug, won "Best Trick" for her push-ups
  
• Dolce, another Chihuahua won “Sexiest Tail”

For more information on the pet-friendly Marquis Residences visit www.marquis-miami.com or call (305) 571-4000.

Photo Credit:  Marquis Residences

Free DoubleTree Cookies at CocoWalk Today

DoubleTree's Cookie CAREavan

Just what Miami's food truck community needed - a cooke truck! But hurry, it's here for one day only.

Today, Friday, June 10th from noon to 6:00 p.m., the DoubleTree by Hilton will give away its famous chocolate chip cookies from their Cookie CAREavan at CocoWalk in Coconut Grove.

The cookies are part of  the hotel chain's branding, which welcomes guests worldwide with fresh-baked cookies at check-in. The Miami stop is one of 50 around the U.S and is part of  the cookie's 25th celebration.

We don't know if this campaign will actually get "heads in beds", as they say in the lodging industry, but it's sure to set Cookie Monster out on an exhausting road trip.

For further information on the Cookie CAREavan, visit their Facebook page:

http://www.facebook.com/DoubleTree

Photo Credit:  DoubleTree Hotel

 

NIVEA Introduces New Product Line with Soiree at W Hotel South Beach

NIVEA introduced its new line of products, Hydra IQ Technology, recently with a fete that welcomed local beauty editors, bloggers and digital influencers.

Pampered guests enjoyed complimentary manicures, product trials and signature cocktails at one of the W Hotel's cozy bungalows. 

NIVEA Hydra IQ Technology uses a breakthrough technology that works to balance the skin's moisture level.  The new products include:

• NIVEA Express Hydration Body Lotion
• NIVEA Express Hydration Freshening Gel
• NIVEA Touch of Cashmere Body Wash
• NIVEA Touch of Serenity Body Wash

For further information about NIVEA Hydra IQ Technology, visit www.NIVEAusa.com

Photo Credit:  Tomas Loewy

Lee Schrager and Gilt City Miami Curate our City's Best

Lee Schrager

One of South Florida's favorite man-about-town, Lee Schrager, who founded the South Florida Wine and Food Festival, recently partnered with luxury online discounter, Gilt City, as its Chief Lifestyle Adviser to bring us the best Miami has to offer - at a more affordable price.

This week, Schrager's forays include exclusive, one-of-a-kind experiences at Michy's, Forge Restaurant & Wine Bar and, our personal favorite, Cowshed Spa, which is usually only available to Soho Miami Beach club members.

With this access, at these prices, no reason to feel guilty Miami!

http://www.giltcity.com/miami

Photo Credit:  Gilt City

How to Watch the Royal Wedding

Who needs to trek to London when you can watch the royal wedding at a viewing party on the beach?

The National Hotel is honoring William and Kate’s nuptials with a traditional English breakfast at The Restaurant from 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. with fried eggs, English-style sausage, crispy fried bacon, browned mushrooms, black pudding, browned half tomatoes and fried bread.

The breakfast is $24 and guests can watch the festivities on a large projector screen.

If you’d prefer to skip the live viewing, the hotel's Blues Bar will loop the footage throughout the day and offer Kir Royal cocktails for only $6.

The National Hotel Miami Beach is located at 1677 Collins Avenue. For further information, call  (305) 532-2311 or visit www.NationalHotel.com

If you’d prefer to celebrate the big occasion at home, Julie Subotky, the author of Consider it Done offers television viewing party tips:

• Invitations - Even if you're E-mailing the invitations,  go all out with a royal or wedding theme. 
• Themed costumes – It’s a wedding, ask your guests to dress accordingly, or at the very least, don a proper English hat.
• Food - Serve tea and crumpets on your nicest china, and champagne, of course.
• Entertainment - Create wedding-themed games that will keep your guests entertained. Display a large photo of Kate and William, have guests take photos with the bride and groom, print them out, and frame them.  They can serve as instant party favors.

For more party ideas, check out “Consider it Done: Accomplish 228 of Life’s Trickiest Tasks” www.consideritdone.com/book/.

Photo Credit:  Mario Testino

Meet Nicole Richie at Aventura Mall on Friday, April 29

Everyone’s favorite boho-chic mom, Nicole Richie, will be making a personal appearance at Koko & Palenki’s Aventura Mall location on Friday, April 29 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Nicole will sign autographs and showcase pieces from her spring line of the House of Harlow 1960.

As if being the wife of rock star Joel Madden and mother to their two adorable tods, Harlow and Sparrow, weren’t enough, Nicole launched House of Harlow in 2009, which now includes women’s wear, jewelry, shoes and sunglasses. 

Nicole’s appearance is the first in a series that will bring fashion icons and celebrities to the high-end boutique’s South Florida locations, which also carry Michael Kors, Tory Burch, Badgley Mischka, Marc by Marc Jacobs and Stuart Weitzman.

Nicole is also heavily involved in charitable and environmental causes. Ten percent of the proceeds from Friday’s event will benefit the Richie Madden Children’s Foundation.

For more information visit www.kokopalenki.com, or to RSVP Email:  rsvp@kokopalenki.com.

The Aventura Mall is located at 19501 Biscayne Boulevard in Aventura, Florida.

The Society - Making the Arts Fabulous in Miami

What did you do last Thursday?

If you were a member of The Society, a private club that brings people together for cultural pursuits, you would have caught the new fashion documentary “Bill Cunningham, New York” at Wynwood’s O Cinema while sipping Zacapa Rum, nibbled on organic hors d'oeuvres and taken home gift bags courtesy of DKNY Hosiery.

With chapters in Toronto and New York City, The Society launched last year in Miami with a fancy soiree at the Ten Museum Park penthouse of fashion and jewelry designers, Naeem and Ranjana Khan in downtown Miami. 

Oh, you didn't make that either?

Serving as its playground, The Society holds activities and events throughout Miami that help entertain, educate and enlighten its members.

Past events have included fencing lessons with an Olympic silver medalist, Spanish and DJ classes, photography lessons in the park and political discussions.

At only $125 for an annual membership, The Society is an affordable luxury, but you'll need an existing member to get you in.  

For membership information, visit http://www.thesocietyglobal.com/, you'll want to hurry before their next event.

Until then, here are some photos from Thursday:

"Bill Cunningham, New York” premiered at Wynwood’s O Cinema

The Society Founders: Ashleigh Dempster and Amanda Blakley

Daniel and Marcella Novela, Edison Lorenzo

Over 100 members of The Society attended the film premiere

Photo Credit:  Ian Witlen

Take a Yacht to See the World’s Top Tennis Players

Overlooking ONE Bal Harbour

If you’d prefer to sail into the Sony Ericsson Open taking place until April 3, ONE Bal Harbour Resort & Spa has a package you'd no doubt like to take a swing at.

The package includes a yachting excursion through Biscayne Bay, complete with champagne and light appetizers; luxury suite accommodations; two tickets to the game; and complimentary transportation to the Bal Harbour Shops and South Beach area.

ONE Bal Harbour opened in 2009 as the first new luxury hotel in Bal Harbour in almost 50 years. With poolside cabanas, along private Jacuzzis, a 750-square foot  beach with lounge chairs, personal shoppers, butler service, a $4 million international art collection, and a 10,000 square-foot waterfront spa, the five-acre property channels a chic, hushed version of a South Beach resort - not your grandparent’s Bal Harbour.

The Sony Ericsson package details include:  

• Two Sony Ericsson tickets (Stadium play) for the Semi-Final on April 1, Session 21 - Men's Singles, Semifinals / Women's Doubles, Semifinals, with VIP access to The Terrace  
• Ground transportation back to ONE Bal Harbour from the Sony Ericsson
• Complimentary transportation to the Bal Harbour Shops
• Complimentary shuttle service to South Beach
• Complimentary beach lounges and umbrellas
• Complimentary daily buffet breakfast for two
• Complimentary Wi-Fi
• Minimum 3-Nights Stay

Package rates start at $1,245 per room, double occupancy.

ONE Bal Harbour is located at 10295 Collins Avenue in Bal Harbour, Florida. For more information call (305) 455 - 5400 or visit www.oneluxuryhotels.com

Photo Credit:  ONE Bal Harbour

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Celebrate Earth Day with Four Seasons Miami's Earth Hour Menu

Acqua at Four Seasons Hotel Miami

The Four Seasons Hotel Miami is taking part in Earth Day with Earth Hour.

On Saturday, March 26, the hotel's signature restaurant, Acqua, will turn off all its lights and light up dozens of candles.

Beginning at 8:30 p.m., the restaurant will offer a three-course menu consisting of organic and sustainable ingredients which may be paired with the restaurant's large selection of "green" wines. 

A portion of the $42 prixe fix menu will benefit the WWF Global Conservation, which organizes the worldwide event. 

Diners partaking of the Earth Hour menu will take home a soy-based, essential oil candle free of  artificial additives. 

The restaurant's regular menu will also be available - Acqua is known for its innovative, contemporary cuisine with a dash of Miami zest.  

For further information or reservations, call (305) 381-3190 or visit www.fourseasons.com/miami

Photo Credit:  Four Seasons Hotel Miami

 

Celebrity Chefs in the Making

Jeff McInnis keeps it hot at Gigi

The South Beach Wine and Food Festival is only a week away, and we'll be covering and recapping all the mayhem.  

In the meantime, check out three Miami celebrity chefs in the making at Food & Wine’s The People’s Best New Chef 2011: Gulf Coast:

Jeff McInnis of Gigi

Marco Ferraro of Wish 

Timon Balloo of Sugarcane Raw Bar Grill

Congratulations to all, but only one can win! To vote for your favorite, please visit the link below.

http://www.hauteliving.com/2011/02/haute-dining-three-chefs-from-miami-in-the-running-for-food-wines-the-peoples-best-new-chef-2011/

Miami has had a lot of great restaurant openings lately, who else would you have voted for?

Photo Credit: Miami New Times

 

Miami Finally Gets Its Own Real Housewives!

The Miami Housewives

The Real Housewives franchise is FINALLY coming to our shores, and it's premiering February 22nd!  Bravo just released the names of the cast,  as well as a sneak preview. 

So who's on the show?

Two basketball wives, Larsa Pippen and Cristy Rice; Marysol Patton, a publicist with her own firm; Alexia Echevarria, executive editor of Venue magazine; Adriana DeMoura-Sidi, a full-time mom and Coral Gables gallery owner; Lea Black, a Miami socialite and wife of famous criminal attorney, Roy Black, with special appearances by South Beach's favorite drag queen, Elaine Lancaster. 

Thank you Bravo, we can't wait to waste our time watching this!

Check out today's coverage:

WPLG, Channel 10's snarky (hilarious)  slide show:

http://www.justnews.com/slideshow/entertainment/26734357/detail.html

E! News' recap and sneak preview:

http://www.eonline.com/uberblog/watch_with_kristin/b224150_bravo_announces_real_housewives_of.html#ixzz1CxNB2rKs 

Miami Herald:

http://www.miamiherald.com/2011/02/03/2049039/make-way-for-the-real-housewives.html

Los Angeles Times:

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/showtracker/2011/02/welcome-to-miami-the-newest-edition-of-the-real-housewives-franchise.html

Photo Credit:   Bravo

 

 

Conrad Miami Unveils New Sign, $25 Spa Treatments and $15 Chef's Lunch Boxes

 

Conrad Miami's new six-foot sign will hang off the hotel's 35th level  

Conrad Miami on Brickell Avenue is lighting up our skyline with a shiny, new red sign.  The sign is being installed on the north side of the building and is part of the hotel's upgrades. In keeping with the Conrad's commitment to the environment, the sign is made up of 999 energy-efficient LEDS.

To coincide with the hotel's refurbishment, it is introducing  “Smart Luxury”, a series of specials that feature $25 manicures, pedicures, facials or massages at The Spa, as well as  "Chef's Lunch Box", a complete business lunch that includes appetizer, entree and dessert for $15. 

The specials are valid until February 11.

For more information, visit www.conradhotels.com

Photo Credit:  Conrad Miami

 

 

The New Dali Museum - Artwork Worth the Drive

Staircase at The Dali Museum

St. Petersburg, Florida recently inaugurated the much-anticipated Dali Museum, which was specifically designed to display the vast collection of art that could no longer be accommodated within the original building.

The $36 million, 66,000 square-foot space in honor of the Spanish artist was relocated eight blocks north and holds 2,100 pieces, the largest acquisition of Salvador Dali's work, surpassing the Dali Theatre and Museum in Figueres, Spain.

The new Dali neighbors some of St. Petersburg’s most highly-regarded museums, the Museum of Fine Arts, Morean Arts Center, the Chihuly Collection, as well as the Florida Holocaust Museum, one of the largest in the United States.

If visiting later in the year, the nearby Tampa Museum of Art is exhibiting a collection of Edgar Degas' paintings and sculptures from March 12-June 19.

St. Petersburg is approximately four hours from Miami. Besides the arts, the area features some of the country’s best beaches and a vibrant downtown scene with restaurants and shops, making the drive more than worthwhile.

The Dali Museum

www.thedali.org

Museum of Fine Arts

www.fine-arts.org

Morean Arts Center

www.moreanartscenter.org

Chihuly Collection

www.chihulycollectionstpete.com

Florida Holocaust Museum

www.flholocaustmuseum.org

Tampa Museum of Art

www.tampamuseum.org

St. Petersburg Convention and Visitors Bureau:

www.visitstpeteclearwater.com

Photo Credit: Gizmodo

 

 

 

 

 

See Florida Like a Celebrity

Kelly Slater grew up surfing on Cocoa Beach

Travel + Leisure asked some of Florida's most renowked citizens about their favorite spots around the state. 

Kelly Slater, World Cup champion;  Dara Torres, Olympian; Bruce Weber, celebrity photographer; Judge Judy; an actual Pulitzer and others obliged. 

Here are their tips, from where to stay,  shop, eat and golf, from Key West to the Gulf Coast.

http://www.travelandleisure.com/articles/celebrity-travel-guide-to-florida

The Palms Hotel & Spa Helps Raise Awareness of Cervical Cancer Month

 

Essensia Lounge in The Palms Hotel & Spa

Did you know that January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month?

SoBe Gynecology and the American Cancer Society are helping raise awareness on the prevention and treatment of cervical cancer, the second cause of women’s cancer worldwide.

Join them on Thursday, January 27 at The Palms Hotel & Spa during the hotel's popular Sip & Spa, the weekly happy hour held in their Essensia Lounge.

Party for a good cause, enjoy mini-spa treatments courtesy of The Palms Spa, an Aveda spa, complimentary signature cocktail for the first hour and 50% off drinks and appetizers.  The event is from 6pm to 10pm,  so get there early!

The Palms Hotel & Spa is located at 3025 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach. For more information visit www.sobegyn.com, www.cancer.org or www.thepalmshotel.com.

Photo Courtesy:  The Palms Hotel & Spa

 

 

Two Miami Icons Head North to Museum of Art Fort Lauderdale

A rendering of the Museum of Art Fort Lauderdale's new outdoor plaza

Books & Books, the independent retailer that spearheaded Miami Book Fair International, and Chef Allen Susser, one of Miami’s original celebrity chefs, head north to the Museum of Art Fort Lauderdale, Nova Southeastern University this week.

The festivities celebrating the two new partnerships begin tomorrow, Thursday, January 13, through, Sunday, January 16 and will include a special appearance by Chef Allen, complimentary museum admission, a meet and greet with local authors, live music and family activities.

Books & Books' new retail store will offer authors’ readings, children’s programming, live music, as well as books not traditionally found in a museum. The museum’s educational partnership with Nova, as well as its downtown Fort Lauderdale location, were a draw to Mitchell Kaplan, its owner.

Chef Allen Susser will bring his signature New World cuisine to museum visitors, highlights will include Lime Roasted Turkey & Manchego Cheese with Mojo Aioli sandwiches; Tuna & Chayote Salad with Key Lime Mayo & Plantain Chips; and Fresh Tropical Fruit Tart, Dark Chocolate Filled Jumbo Cupcake, and Chocolate Cheesecake for desserts.

The two additions complete the million-dollar renovation of the museum’s outdoor plaza, which the museum hopes will transform its entrance into a public gathering space open to all.

If you are unable to make it to the museum this week, its next exhibit, Vatican Splendor, runs January 29 - April 24, and is one of the largest collections of art, documents and historically significant objects from the Vatican ever to tour North America. It includes Papal jewels, uniforms from the Swiss Guard, as well as the bone fragments of Saint Peter and Saint Paul.

For further information, or a schedule of events, visit http://moaflnsu.org.

Photo Credit:  Museum of Art Fort Lauderdale, Nova Southeastern University

 

New World Symphony Gets a Frank Gehry-designed Building on January 25

Interior Performance Space, Panels are Activated During Concerts

Miami is getting its very own Frank Gehry-designed building by way of the New World Symphony. The celebrated architect is known for the Guggenheim Bilbao, the Walt Disney Hall in Los Angeles and the Art Gallery of Ontario in his native Toronto. It will be his first commission in Florida. 

The internationally respected New World Symphony is America's only full-time orchestral academy and had outgrown its current Lincoln Theatre facility.

The new 100,000 square-foot project includes:

• 757-seat Concert Hall with 360-degree Projection Capability
• Glass Curtain Wall that Allows Views of the Building's Interior
• An Adjacent 2 1/2 Acre, Public Urban Park 
• Exterior Projection Wall where Visitors can View Live Concerts and Films 
• Gehry-designed Public Parking Garage

The new facility is located north of Lincoln Road, off Washington Avenue at 500 17 Street. 

The doors open on Tuesday, January 25 with a grand opening ceremony, concerts on January 26, 27 and 28, a black-tie gala on Saturday, January 29 and a community open house with two free performances on Sunday, January 30.

For more information and a schedule of events and concerts, visit http://www.nws.edu/

Photo Credit:  New World Symphony