Author: Betty Alvarez

Picnic hosts Miami Beach Resident Appreciation Day By Betty Alvarez

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On August 12th, Picnics hosted a Miami Beach Resident Appreciation Day. It was a way to thank the residents that live on Miami Beach. With the constant change of residents in South Beach, the diner decided to host a special events for all Miami Beach Residents to come mingle, relax, and unwind with their fellow neighbors.

Picnic served an open bar and passed appetizers from 7-8 p.m.

Picnic Miami is a New York Style diner in the heart of South Beach. It brings an imaginative new concept in dining by offering casual American food in a casual home setting. The popular corner spot has an all day casual menu that can be enjoyed inside or our where you can mix and mingle with a fun loving crowd in a child and sexy vibe.

Picnic is located at 1400 20th Street at Bay Road. For more information on the restuarant please call (305) 673-4755 or visit their wwebsite www.picnicmiami.com

Photographs by Betty Alvarez

Lucky Strikes Lanes & Lounge 5 Year Anniversary By Betty Alvarez

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On August 12 Lucky Strikes and Lanes celebrated their 5 year anniversary in style. Guests were welcomed by a 1950’s theme party in which the staff dressed up in the illustrious era. There were Pin-up makeovers by Miller’s Studio, Temp tatoos by Ocho Flacas among other surprises. Music by DJ DiMarco. Custom made pins were auctioned off to benefit Jo DiMaggio Children’s Hospital Foundation.

Drinks for the evening were sponsored by The Original Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum, Red Stag whiskey and Crystal Head vodka. A delectable make your own burger buffet was offered among the passed appetizers sampling the many types of food that Lucky Strikes offered.

But an anniversary would not be complete wihout a cake so the evening ended with a big Lucky Strikes cake presntation in which all guests nibbled a piece of it.

Lucky Strikes Lane & Lounge is located at 1691 Michigan Avenue, Miami Beach. For more information please call (305) 532-0307 or visit their website at bowlluckstrike.com

Photographs by Betty Alvarez and Rebecca G.

Blue Martini Kendall Celebrated its Grand Opening By Betty Alvarez

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Premiere Martini Lounge Brings Convenience, Entertainment and an Economic Boost to the ‘burbs’. Blue Martini is proud to bring Kendall residents its collection of delicious martinis, tasty dishes and exciting live entertainment. Located at the newly renovated The Palms at Town & Country Shopping Center, Blue Martini is destined to become the Mecca of entertainment and nightlife for suburban Miami.

The premiere martini lounge, Blue Martini has locations in Boca Raton, Fort Lauderdale, Las Vegas, Miami, Naples, Orlando, Phoenix, Tampa and West Palm Beach. For their newest venture, Blue Martini chose the suburban area of Kendall for its location, demographic that fit with their primary customer base, and a genuine need in the community for an entertainment venue of a higher-caliber. “For years this tight-knit, largely Latin American community has enjoyed a utopian-like life, but for any sort of diversion or nightlife, residents have needed to travel to Brickell, South Beach or the Grove” explained CEO Mark E. Vasu. “Now not only will Blue Martini Kendall give residents convenient entertainment but our presence will bring an economic boost to the community in the form of added jobs and revenue” continued Vasu. Blue Martini expects to bring nearly eighty jobs to the Kendall area and with such a successful history it’s likely the Kendall location will be the jump off point for a renaissance in downtown Kendall.

Blue Martini hosted a Grand Opening Party for the public on July 30th, 2010. It gave guests the chance to take in the 8500 square foot entertainment haven and all its amenities. Blue Martini prides itself on offering patrons an ‘upscale environment with a local bar mentality’. Designed for comfort, the lounge’s soft lighting creates a friendly environment while smooth lines provide a sexy backdrop. The forty martini menu is all encompassing focusing on quality, with bartenders using only the best ingredients and keeping with the latest cocktail trends to create palate pleasers, like the signature Blue Martini. A simple menu offers great food for a great value easily paired with one of their delightful drinks, favorites include the Seared Tuna and Beef Tenderloin.

One of only two new retail developments under construction in all of Miami-Dade County, The Palms at Town & Country recently celebrated the completion of its first phase with the opening of two nationally recognized retailers. The Palms is quickly paving its way as the new downtown Kendall. “With the successful opening of Nordstrom Rack and Loehmann’s, we are looking forward to the next influx of specialty retailers including Blue Martini,” says Michael Longmore, Executive Vice President with Jones Lang LaSalle. “The Palms at Town & Country’s unique combination of ideal proximity to neighboring residents, ease of access from the region and the strong national anchor tenants provides the perfect location for Blue Martini,” says Michael Longmore, Executive Vice President with Jones Lang LaSalle.

Located at 8405 Mills Drive #205, Blue Martini Kendall is open 7 days a week, from 4pm until 4am. Blue Martini Kendall launched a schedule of events that includes an “In the Biz” night for hospitality industry people, a Ladies night and a 7 day a week happy hour. For more information visit www.bluemartinilounge.com or call 305.630.2583.

Photographs By Betty Alvarez

The Exclusive Launch Celebration of Ritmus in Brickell at Sci Sci By Betty Alvarez

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The exclusive launch celebration of Ritmus in Brickell was held on August 6th at Sci Sci near Brickell. This event was hosted by Miguel Valenzuela, Bryan Pena from BP Media and Partners and Scott Meszanos. Guests walked the Red Carpet and savored dinner and cocktails which started at 9 p.m. Brugal Signature cocktails and appetizers were also served for guests to enjoy. Lounge Music at the terrace was played by Gustavo Geeh and Latin World Rhythm was played inside the establishment by DJ George Ferrero.

Ritmus in Brickell is held every Friday at Sci Sci located at 1053 SE 1st Avenue. For more information please call (305) 381-4420 or visit www.sciscigroup.com

Photographs by Betty Alvarez

Shoot Miami Photography Exhibit at UVA Restaurant and Lounge by Betty Alvarez

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Shoot Miami Photography group had its second photography exhibit on August 6th, 2010 at UVA Restaurant and Lounge in Coral Gables. Many supporters came by to see the exhibits by its members. As the night was continuing more people started to fill the restaurant as well as enjoying Uva Restaurant’s Happy Hour at the bar. Last year they had a full house with over 300 people attending and many members sold their winning photographs. This year the exhibit is being displayed in conjunction with Coral Gables Gallery night. The exhibit will be based on one theme “Human Nature”.

For more information please visit www.shootmiami.net or email ZiZi Zabaneh, organizer of Shoot Miami at zizizabaneh@gmail.com

Photographs by Betty Alvarez

Greater Miami Visitors and Convention’s Bureau 1st Miami Spice Kickoff Event and Fundraiser By Betty Alvarez

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The Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB) held the 1st Miami Spice Kickoff Event & Fundraiser. Held at the Miami Beach Convention Center on July 31, the event, launched the much-anticipated 9th annual Miami Spice Restaurant Program and will showcased a sampling of delicious culinary specialties from Miami Spice participating restaurants. A VIP reception, hosted by Miami Spice presenting sponsor American Express, and official sponsors Moët Hennessy USA and Stella Artois, included an open bar and complimentary valet service. A portion of the proceeds benefited Share Our Strength and Madison’s Wish.

“The GMCVB is grateful for the enthusiastic participation of our restaurant partners, our sponsors and the generous assistance of the Miami Beach Convention Center,” said Steven Haas, chairman of the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau. “We are proud to bring our community together for this 1st annual event in celebration of Miami’s renowned culinary experience.”

Some of the destination’s top restaurants onboard for the launch event included Michy’s, Sra. Martinez, BLT Steak, D. Rodriguez Cuba, Red -The Steakhouse, and Ocean Prime, among many others.

The ninth annual Miami Spice Restaurant Program takes place August 1st – September 30th 2010. During that time, Greater Miami’s finest restaurants will offer three course prix fixe lunches, at $22 per person, and dinners at $35 (excluding taxes and gratuities). Each menu will include an appetizer, entrée and dessert offering an average discount of 30-50 percent off the regular value. For further information on Miami Spice and the launch event, please visit www.iLoveMiamiSpice.com

Photographs by Betty Alvarez Copyright 2010

City of Miami Official 114 Birthday Celebation By Betty Alvarez

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Fellow Miamians gathered together to celebrate Miami’s Birthday in an evening filled with all the sights sounds and tastes of our Magic City. Guests enjoyed the live performances by Suenalo, and DJ Spam, tastings from local restaurants. Cocktails were served compliments of Grey Goose Vodka and more. Rudy Gil from Secret Society took us back to our younger years singing the hit songs that made him famous. Jon Secada made the honors to sing “Happy Birthday” to Miami. Finally, guests enjoyed the coconut rum cake made from the exquisite hands of the pastry chef of the Hotel Intercontinental.

Photos by Betty Alvarez

Inca Collection at Setai part of Miami Swim Week By Betty Alvarez

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On July 16, 2010 Setai on Miami Beach hosted a fashion show for the Inca collection part of Miami Swim week Guests were treated tastings of Hendrick’s cocktails. Although the show started at 11:45 p.m., it was worth the wait. The show started with a spectacular fire dancer followed by Conga dancers and Conga drum beaters. The actual swimsuit fashion show displayed vibrant colors and a vast array of stylish swimwear.

Photographs by Betty Alvarez

Men’s Swimsuit Show Ignited Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim Runway Swell Suits Miami 2011 Debuts All Male Swimwear Group Show By Betty Alvarez

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The annual Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week SWIM made a big splash this year in Miami with the much-anticipated debut of Swell Suits Miami 2011 – the first all male swimwear group show to hit the runway. Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week SWIM was a “by invitation only” event featuring worldwide top swimwear designers showcasing their collections in two runway venues, the Cabaña Grande and the Oasis, as well as Raleigh’s pool and penthouse.

Swell Suits Miami 2011 features the exclusive Spring/Summer swimwear collections of designers Naila, Olasul and parke & ronen. The show premiered on July 16 at 8 PM at the Oasis in the historic Raleigh Hotel in Miami Beach.

“This marks the launch of menswear getting the much-deserved attention in this all-important show,” said the producers of Swell Suits. “We are so excited to be making fashion history and believe this premiere marks a significant milestone that is greatly welcomed by the fashion community and IMG (the producers of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week SWIM).”

Men’s swimwear has come a long way in the last century. In the 1930s, men were still wearing full-body swimwear designed for modesty. Today, men’s swimwear offers versatile cuts, lengths, color and materials all designed to complement one’s physique.

This year’s featured Swell Suits Miami designers have established a design ethic with focus on detail and use of the finest materials.

Inspired by nature, Naila is oriented toward eco-friendly and innovative materials. Naila will be launching the first ever made recyclable and environmentally friendly men trunk short. Exclusively handmade in Italy, each piece in the collection features refined details, sleek silhouettes and European cuts in vibrant colorful palettes. Additional to the men line, Naila also carries an uber-chic women line and miniature version of daddy’s bathing suit.

Peruvian-born designer Lorenz Korder’s Olasul swimwear collection celebrates the unique Peruvian surf culture. Made from the highest quick-drying materials, the Olasul collection has been described as “chicly understated” with bold, funky colors. “Each piece tells a story and harkens back to a time and place where surfing was a gentleman’s sport,” Korder said.

parke & ronen – an exclusively all-male swimwear line – has grown to be a pioneer in the men’s swimwear world and a leader in the industry since 1997. The company has created a name for itself by reinventing the 50’s style men’s swim short with the creation of its signature Snap! Short. The company offers a range of styles, from knee-grazing board shorts to sexy briefs.

Randolph Engineering, as a sponsor of Swell Suits Miami will accessorize the models with their sleek lines of handcrafted premium sunglasses and shooting eyewear. Dee & Co. Hair Studio will work the backstage doing hair and makeup; owner of Dee & Co. Hair Studio and celebrity hair stylist, Dee Adames is also the winner of Bravo’s TV hit “Shear Genius” season 2.

Photographs by Betty Alvarez

Come to Life event at River Lounge at Epic Hotel by Betty Alvarez

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Guests enjoyed a wonderful night at River Lounge in the lovely Epic Hotel with the Event Come to Life. With a $20 donation, all invited guests enjoyed complimentary appetizers and $5 cocktails. Marnie Howard author of Giving is Living: 101 Easy Ways to Practice effortless generosity was on hand and copies of her book were being sold at the event. Also, well-renowned artist George Rodez displayed his works in a silent auction benefitting Take Stock in Children. The wonderful saxophone music by Jon Saxx delighted guests as they enjoyed the wonderful delectable food by Karl Catering.

Take Stock in Children is a solution to overcoming child poverty, academic failure and youth crime. The TSIC of Miami-Dade program has approximately 500 studens currently enrolled. Since 1995, the program has impacted the lives of nearly 17,500 students in Florida

Sponsors for Come to Life were Take Stock in Children, Miami Dade College, The Florida Lottery, Miami Finance Forum, Epic Hotel, Jon Sax and Rodezart.com Gallery


Photographs by Betty Alvarez

Make at Wish Foundation Kick off event at Hotel Intercontinental Miami

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InterContinental Miami hosted its kick-off celebration to commemorate the upcoming 16th Annual InterContinental Miami Make-A-Wish Ball benefiting the Make-A-Wish Foundation® of Southern Florida on Thursday, May 27 at InterContinental Miami. The private cocktail reception, to be attended by more than 200 of South Florida’s leading philanthropists, will honor the highly anticipated annual Ball, which will be held on Saturday, November 6, 2010.
The Ball’s “Three Amigos” – Norman Wedderburn, President/CEO of the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Southern Florida; Shareef Malnik, Ball Chairman and proprietor of The Forge Restaurant | Wine Bar; and Robert Hill, Gala Host and General Manager of InterContinental Miami – will make exciting announcements throughout the event, including the selected theme for the upcoming ball and a list of highly coveted items that will be up for bid at the live auction. Guests enjoyed cocktails and hors d’oeuvres while being entertained with beats by DJ Irie and a slideshow from last year’s Ball.

Last year’s 15th Annual InterContinental Miami Make-A-Wish Ball raised more than $1 million for children in need across South Florida. The night’s events, which included a Beatles-inspired cocktail reception and dinner, musical performance by Beatlemania Now, live auction emceed by Pamela Anderson and 2nd Annual InterContinental Miami Make-A-Wish Nightclub, successfully kept The Power of a Wish® alive.

The Make-A-Wish Foundation of Southern Florida grants the wishes of children who have life-threatening medical conditions, to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy. Covering a 13-county territory of Southern Florida, the chapter’s goal is to grant more than 525 wishes this year. For more information, contact the Foundation at (888) 773-WISH or log on to www.sfla.wish.org.

Photos by Betty Alvarez


Copyright 2010 Betty Alvarez