Amigos for Kids hosts Miami's Most Popular Fundraiser: ING Miami Celebrity Domino Night

Sazoneros! It's that time of the year when Miami's hottest celebs, socialites and domino players unite for a wonderful cause: to prevent child abuse and neglect in our communities. Amigos for Kids is celebrating their 20th anniversary by presenting their annual ING Miami Celebrity Domino Night on Saturday, June 18th, at Jungle Island. This year's grand event is sure to keep you dancing! DJ Irie will be spinning his beats and Grammy Award winning singer, Albita, will add a special touch of sazon with a live performance. Guests will also enjoy an open bar courtesy of Bacardi USA, a stellar silent auction and a Food Pavillion featuring the best restaurants in South Florida. Amigos for Kids is a nonprofit organization that is dedicated to preventing child abuse and neglect by valuing children, strengthening families and educating communities. Since this is their largest fundraising event of the year, it is a great opportunity to join this cause by attending the event or donating online. Tickets start at $150 per person so make sure you save your spot. Guests should arrive in Tropical Chic Attire. Make your grandparents proud and practice your domino skills before the big event...good luck!

Save-the-Date: Coral Gables Restaurant Week

If you're a food lover in South Florida, get ready to experience Coral Gables Restaurant Week 2011 on June 6th through 19th. There are more than 30 restaurants ready to indulge your taste buds so watch out! This annual event is presented by Bacardi U.S.A., Inc. in an effort to offer local consumers specially-priced three course menus at an array of Coral Gables’ finest restaurants. If you haven't checked out some hot spots in the Gables, here's your chance to get a taste of fab restaurants like Anacapri on Ponce, Angelique Euro Cafe, Bangkok Bangkok, Benihana, California Pizza Kitchen, Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar, Fritz & Franz Bierhaus, Graziano’s Restaurant, Hawa Fusion, Morton’s The Steakhouse, Norman’s 180, Ortanique on the Mile, Pardo’s Peruvian Cuisine, Pasha’s, Randazzo’s Little Italy, Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse, Seasons 52, Talavera Cocina Mexicana and Tarpon Bend Raw Bar & Grill (to name a few). During the two weeks, participating restaurants will offer special three-course lunch and dinner menus and guests (21 years of age and older) will have the opportunity to try the Original BACARDI® Mojito Cocktail or a glass of MARTINI® Prosecco wine, the official cocktails of Coral Gables Restaurant Week, at participating restaurants with full bars. Restaurant Week menus are available for both lunch and dinner depending on the restaurant, and are now available online at www.coralgablesrestaurantweek.com. Advance reservations are recommended as many restaurants book completely during this popular promotion.

Brendan O'Hara & The Big Bounce play at Gibraltar to support the NephCure Foundation

On Thursday, June 3rd, the NephCure Foundation and the Leading Ladies League hosted an event called "Soiree on the Isle" to raise awareness and funds for kidney disease research in Miami. The event was held at The Gibraltar Restaurant inside of the Grove Isle Hotel & Spa located at Four Grove Isle Drive. During the event, guests sipped on cocktails provided by Bacardi and tasty appetizers by Chef Jeff O’Neill. There was also a special live performance by Brendan O'Hara & The Big Bounce (pictured above) who providing an AMAZING set of songs from their latest album called "Champagne and Apple Juice." If you think that's a fun title, wait till you hear this album!!! To listen to their repertoire of songs or to learn more about The Big Bounce, visit http://www.brendanohara.org/. Catch The Big Bounce every Tuesday at the Delano Hotel as they perform LIVE at The Florida Room from 10 p.m. till 12 midnight. Here are pictures from last night's soiree:
Chanel Caton, Vice President of the Leading Ladies League, along with Kelley Ramer from the NephCure Foundation. All of the proceeds from the event benefited The NephCure Foundation's mission to exclusively support research seeking a cause and cure for two potentially devastating kidney diseases: Nephrotic Syndrome and Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis (FSGS). To find ways to get involved or to donate online, visit http://www.nephcure.org/. I love how their website actually has a virtual research center with a doctor who walks you through the online directory of recent studies.

The talented musicians from The Big Bounce: Patrick Converse (Trumpet), Brendan O'Hara (Singer, Guitarist and Piano) and Corell Brown (Drums). Cheers to a great performance!!

Left: Nick Cindic, Independent Art Consultant, raffled a few paintings from his personal art collection during the event. Right: Yours truly along with Miguel Nunez!

Brendan O'Hara joins guests at the event after completing his live set. Since I'm incredibly impressed by the brilliance of Brendan and The Big Bounce, here is a video to give you a taste of their sazon...enjoy!

This Week's Soiree on the Isle: A Benefit for the NephCure Foundation in Coconut Grove

I love sharing great events around town so here's one you cannot miss! On Thursday, June 3rd, gather your friends and attend Soiree on the Isle: A Benefit for the NephCure Foundation (6-9 p.m.). This event is taking place at The Gibraltar Restaurant at Grove Isle Hotel & Spa (pictured above) located at Four Grove Isle Drive. Enjoy delicious cuisine provided by Chef Jeff O’Neill, spirits by Bacardi and a performance by music master Brendan O’Hara & The Big Bounce. There will also be a variety special raffle surprises from the vault of Art Consultant Nick Cindric. The NephCure Foundation exclusively supports research seeking a cause and cure for two potentially devastating kidney diseases: Nephrotic Syndrome and Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis (FSGS). Television star Gary Coleman, who recently passed away, actually suffered from the kidney disease FSGS. There are so many people who live with this disease so help make a difference by contributing to the NephCure's research fund. The suggested donation for the event is $30 and all proceeds benefit NephCure’s mission. For more information about this foundation or to donate online, visit http://www.nephcure.org/. It is important to help raise awareness, save kidneys and save lives!

Event of the Week: Viscaya Museum & Gardens hosts an "Evening Under the Stars"

The stars came out to shine last night...literally! On Thursday, May 13th, Miami's trendsetters and philanthropists attended an "Evening Under the Stars" to help maintain, protect and preserve the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens. Upon entering this enchanting estate built by agricultural industrialist James Deering in 1916, guests were led into the indoor courtyard where they could browse through the silent auction. During the night, four rooms on the first floor of the main home were open for visitors. Since Vizcaya happens to be built right along a beautiful bay, it was the perfect night to feature some of Miami's premiere restaurants like El Scorpion, Sugarcane and Palme d"or at the Biltmore Hotel. The best part: enjoying wines from around the world and a variety of Bacardi spirits. It was definitely evident that Miami's sazon had taken over Mr. Deering's estate for the night!

The silent auction included a collection of Romero Britto's artwork.

Carlos Maxwell, Mariana Rodriguez and Carlos Catire were among the guests at Vizcaya. Mariana is the television host of "Acceso Total" on Telemundo (every Monday through Friday at 11:30 a.m.). To check out her entertainment show, visit http://bit.ly/dxvb1u.

Left: Indoor courtyard with live entertainment. Right: Wardrobe Stylist, Natalie Grass, from Stylish Miami along with yours truly! For more information on how you can get personal fashion advising, visit Stylish Miami on Facebook http://bit.ly/afWfIz.

Aslynn Rivera and Arelis Aleman enjoying their evening at Vizcaya.

Ana and Alfredo de Armas as they strolled through the gardens.

With the beautiful, Lana DeSimone. Lana works closely with the Boys and Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade and is the Chair for their annual gala. Of course, Lana gave me the inside scoop so save the date: this year's gala is set for November 6th at the Ritz Carlton in Coconut Grove. For event updates, log on to http://www.bgcmia.org/.

I hope you enjoyed this post! Vizcaya Museum & Gardens is located at 3251 South Miami Avenue and is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Take advantage of this local beauty and bring your friends for a personal tour of the estate and gardens. For more information or to see a list of events, check out http://www.vizcayamuseum.org/. Cheers to a great night and to protecting Mr. Deering's legacy!

An "Evening Under the Stars" at Vizcaya in Miami

Do you feel like you never take the time to appreciate the beautiful night skies in Miami? Join one of the most unique festivals in town called an "Evening under the Stars" at the Vizcaya Museum & Gardens! On Thursday, May 13th, enjoy an evening at this historic landmark as they open its gates for an unforgettable experience. This year's 13th annual Food and Wine Festival will feature Miami's top-tier restaurants, premium spirits from Bacardi and a wide selection of wines from around the world. For those who are looking for an entertaining night: take advantage of the rare nighttime tours of Vizcaya's Main House and Gardens. If you're in the mood to shop, then browse through their exclusive Silent Auction which will include exotic trips, luxurious jewelry and one-of-a-kind art. Who knows? You may walk out of Vizcaya with stunning jewels from Judith Ripka or artwork by famed Miami artist Romero Britto. There will also be live performances all around the grounds and dance music provided by DJ Crunchtime. Sounds like a fancy celebration! Vizcaya is located at 3251 South Miami Avenue and the event runs from 7:30 p.m. till 11 p.m. Tickets cost $65 for members, $85 for non-members and $95 at the door. For a list of participating restaurants or to purchase your tickets, visit http://www.vizcayaunderthestars.com/. Prepare yourselves for a spectacular night at this grand estate!