Work of Genius

Work of Genius features twelve artists, each with their own distinct style, competing against each other but maintaining the ability to work in harmony.  The artists have been assigned their own walls within the Eden Roc and, using the landmark hotel as inspiration, they will paint various images that will add color and sparkle to the grounds.  Guests of the Eden Roc will be able to observe the artists at work and witness the creation of these unique murals, which will encompass a combined area of over 200 square feet.

Three of the twelve artists are South Florida natives and/or residents, linking this new reality series to our community. The talented artists represent different regions and nationalities and include Ako Eyong, a native of Cameroon who currently resides in Los Angeles; S. Ross Browne, a resident of Virginia; Kasha Cichon from New York and originally from Poland; Minsk-born Katia Danilova, a resident of Miami; West Palm Beach resident Bobby Franano, Brooklyn-born Barry Gross, Los Angelean Dan Henigman, Sicilian Claudia La Bianca, Uruguayan Alex Morales, North Carolina resident Tim Petrinec, Cuban-born Cesar Santos and Miami native Talia Rodriguez.

The artists on Work of Genius will attempt to produce works of art in different styles, forms, and mediums all while on the clock and under the scrutiny of the show’s celebrity panel and guest celebrity mentors.  Television viewers will be asked to vote on their favorite artists and the results will help determine the eventual winner, who will receive a grand prize of $100,000 and a new automobile, as well as a prominent exhibition in a prestigious art gallery.

“Never underestimate the power of a small group of passionate and dedicated people” says Gino Cabañas, creator and executive producer of Work of Genius.

Work of Genius is produced by The Vine Studio, LLC, a Latin-run studio and production company with offices in Los Angeles and Miami.

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New Miami Beach Reality Show: Work of Genius at Eden Roc Hotel

Designs from 10 newcomers will be presented on the runways alongside prominent swimwear designers and brands such as Tibi, ANK by Mirla Sabino, True Religion Swimwear, Ed Hardy Swimwear, Poko Pano, Xtra Life LYCRA®, Cia.Marítima and Luli Fama.

New retailers and designers debuting collections include…

L*Space by Monica Wise, this season’s Mercedes-Benz Presents designer, is constantly in demand by Hollywood’s hippest stars. Cameron Diaz, Jessica Alba and the covers of dozens of magazines across the globe have featured Monica Wise’s delectable bikinis in stunning fabrics. Her fit cannot be beat in gorgeous mix and match prints and solids.

Bohéme Boutiques offers a way to step into Bohemia. With designer swimwear, cover ups and accessories, they are the only Key Biscayne boutique to carry Pucci, Catherine Malandrino and Missoni Sport.

Caffé Swimwear designer Paula Saavedra combines deep passion, and her South American roots with current fashion trends, and produces swimwear with an exotic flare. She has elevated the bathing suit to high fashion status with chic, sexy and undeniable stylish swimwear for women.

Marysia Swim’s Maria Dobrzanska Reeves started her line after attending the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in Los Angeles. A former ballerina, she debuted her swimwear collection in the summer of 2008, with the same precision and disciplinary skills she used in dancing.

Crystal Jin Eley attended Parson’s The New School for Design and chose to launch a swimwear line for two reasons, necessity and her outdoor roots. She never could find styles, colors and fabrics which matched with her personal taste and as a result has created her luxurious Crystal Jin swimwear line.

Aqua Di Lara’s award winning designer Reyhan Sofraci unveiled edgy and original high-fashion styles unlike anything seen before in the high-end swimwear industry in 2005. The line was created to satisfy the demands of his fashion conscious clientele. He combines aesthetic beauty, unique styles and comfort and quality.

Tori Praver Swimwear’s designer, Tori Praver grew up in Hawaii and began her modeling career when she was discovered at 13. Her active lifestyle of yoga, surfing and traveling, has served as inspiration for her collection which makes women feel comfortable, confident and sexy.

Mara Hoffman, an alumnus from Parsons School of Design, has designed collections which feature hand-dyed fabrics and original silk prints. Her inspiration comes from nature, her world travels and her fantasies.

White Sands Australia is an edgy new contemporary swimwear and resortwear line by designer Leah Madden. The collection, while glamorous with an eye to fashion, also makes a nod to the carefree Australian lifestyle.

Vitamin A designer Amahilia Stevens, an Art Center College of Design alum, combines her California roots and her background in fine art with her global, jet setting perspective. Amahilia’s bikinis are a personal obsession.

V Del Sol’s creative director and co-founder Veronique de la Cruz feels that true beauty is a state of mind and it shines from the inside out. From the beaches of Guadeloupe where she designed her own bathing suits, as a little girl, her collection offers sexy, soft swimwear with silky support, making women feel and look great.

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim begins with a poolside show by Bohéme Boutiques and an official kick-off party on July 15th, followed by four consecutive days of shows and presentations featuring L*Space by Monica Wise, this season’s Mercedes-Benz Presents designer, Tibi, Caffé Swimwear, Marysia Swim, Crystal Jin, ANK by Mirla Sabino, True Religion Swimwear, Red Carter, Aqua di Lara, Tori Praver Swimwear, Mara Hoffman, Ed Hardy Swimwear, White Sands Australia, Poko Pano, Xtra Life LYCRA®, Vitamin A, Cia.Marítima, Luli Fama and V Del Sol.

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim, presented at Miami Beach’s historic hotel, The Raleigh, offers multiple venues, the Cabaña Grande, the Beachway and the Oasis, in addition to The Raleigh’s Penthouse event space. Over the course of five days, 12,000 journalists, buyers and VIPs will be in South Florida to experience the most elite swimwear event in the country.

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Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim: Fifth Season in Miami Beach

As you make your way around the city this weekend, add a few minutes to your travel times as traffic should be a bit more intense and street closures for fireworks on Ocean Drive make parking even more of a challenge.

Enjoy the holiday!

Thursday July 2

Breakfast

Cafe at Books & Books/ 933 Lincoln Road / While the popular book shop has moved behind the scenes at the Art Deco Sterling Building, the sidewalk cafe still manages to bring in a crowd of decidedly hip shoppers who turn out early to cruise boutiques like BASE and DWR nearby. Grab a table, a latte and a fresh pastry and see who’s-who in the fashionable crowd.

Lunch

Wish / 801 Collins Avenue / Attractive and friendly servers make a meal at Wish a special occasion no matter the time of day. This quiet oasis on a busy corner of South Beach serves creative New American cuisine on a terrace near a romantic little fountain or in a second covered deck area where a balmy day makes for a perfect escape. Add to the vacationy vibe by popping up to the roof deck at the Spire Lounge to see what the city looks like from on high.

Afternoon Action

Palms / 3025 Collins Avenue / Spending the weekend in flip flops and sunscreen sounds simply perfect! Grab a drink at the Palms “Sip and Spa” party starting at 6pm and sway to the subtle stylings of Miami’s own DJ Billy Paul who captures the laid back vibe of a balmy South Florida Thursday at this chill soiree.

*Special Evening Action thru July 5…
FUERZA BRUTA at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts will extend through August 2. A special promotion including a $10 discount on tickets, autographed merchandise drawing and a nightly meet and greet with the cast in the G Lounge is only available through July 5. Please note, there is no show on July 4th.

Performances are Tuesdays through Sundays at 7:30 p.m.; and Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 and 10 p.m.  Single ticket prices are $63.75 and $73.75 including a $3.75 facility fee. Tickets can be purchased through the Adrienne Arsht Center box office at 305.949.6722 or online at www.arshtcenter.org. Groups of 15 or more, please contact 786.468.2326. For more information and video clips please visit www.fuerzabruta.net.

Cocktails

Halo Lounge / 1625 Michigan Avenue / This popular and sophisticated gay-friendly lounge on Lincoln Road offers the perfect sunset respite from a day of shopping on the Mall. Nice atmosphere, friendly service, a chill music mix and a lively crowd make for a fun happy hour or pre-dinner drink.

Dinner

Casa Tua / 1700 James Avenue / A hidden treasure in a city known for beautiful spaces, this upscale Italian eatery caters to romantic diners, celebrity trysts and a party crowd late night. What sets Tua apart is the food which shines from start to finish. Pricey and posh, this is a lovely place for a special night out on South Beach.

Nightlife

Mansion / 1235 Washington Avenue / Thursday’s hot new party “In the Studio” features top recording artists crafting a night of music and mayhem at South Beach’s hottest night spot. Ginuwine celebrates the release of his new album, “A Man’s Thoughts” with DJ Fellin on deck, a bevy of beautiful dancers and house assassins DJ Affect and Konflikt on hand to move you all night long.

Friday July 3

Breakfast

News Cafe / 800 Ocean Drive / Early morning on Ocean Drive finds the Deco District restocking and readying for another busy day. A sidewalk table at this popular 24-hour eatery offers the perfect vantage point for watching the neighborhood shake itself back to life. Grab a paper and a pot of coffee and linger for a while with the quirky cast of characters at the News.

Lunch

Thai House South Beach/ 1137 Washington Avenue / Any culture famous for it’s hangover soup is OK in our book. The lunch specials at this popular Thai restaurant are a great opportunity to share and sample. Paired with soup or a salad, the tastes of ginger and lemongrass make for a refreshing departure from everyday fare. Offering both meat and vegetarian entrees, diners can moderate just how hot and spicy they dare to go.

Afternoon Action

Carlton Hotel / 1433 Collins Avenue / A marathon 96-hour Fourth of July celebration called “New York City Meets Miami” kicks off it’s 3 day pool party at the Carlton Hotel with guest appearances by New York DJs Camilo, NYSE and Abrupt versus the 305’s own DJ Kaiser. Single event passes start off at only $35 but an all-inclusive party pass includes a trip through South Beach nightspots Dream (tonight), Ink (Saturday) and Hed Kandi for the Sunday farewell cocktail event.

Cocktails

Room / 100 Collins / A local’s secret hideout, Room is a tiny storefront that is “blink and you missed it” small but filled with big potential. A nice rock music mix, beer and wine served with no attitude and a young and attractive crowd make Room an easy and affordable option for happy hour or a late night nip.

Dinner

La Locanda / 413 Washington Avenue / A quiet family-style Italian eatery with an insider’s vibe, La Locanda makes delicious pasta, a hearty veal chop and desserts worth saving room for (if you can). The friendly owner oversees a capable waitstaff and ensures your meal moves along seamlessly.

Nightlife

Shine / 1801 Collins Avenue / The Shelborne celebrates the season with “Ecco Beach,” a hot party with free drinks from 10-midnight and a lineup of top talents presented by Behrouz including DJs Josh Wink and Jon Cowan on deck. Join host Biz Martinez for a rocking night on the beach.

Saturday July 4

Breakfast

Big Pink / 157 Collins Avenue / Budget-conscious visitors flock to Big Pink where most entrees are large enough to share. With a buzzy atmosphere, a full bar and an overstuffed pastry case, deciding what to eat for breakfast may take longer than you thought it might. Crunchy waffles, overstuffed omelet’s and fat breakfast burritos are definitely the way to go.

Lunch

The Spot / 1570 Alton Road / A brand new contender at lunchtime or late night, The Spot offers fresh seafood with a Cajun twist and a perfect respite on a busy holiday weekend. From Po’Boys to hush puppies, a great casual meal awaits you on the west side of the city today.

Afternoon Action

Surfcomber / 1717 Collins Avenue / Everyone’s in the pool celebrating today so hop to the Doubletree for the 5th Annual IndepenDANCE Pool and Beach Party featuring Denny Tenaglia and Victor Calderone spinning from 11am to 11 pm. This is the main event for South Beach revelers so be sure your bikini is tight and your sunscreen is right. Twelve hours of sun, sand, surf and sexy makes this THE place to be for the Fourth of July!

Cocktails

Bleau Bar / 4441 Collins Avenue / The focal point in the main lobby of the hotel is bathed in blue light, shimmers from all sides and welcomes guests to surrender to the surreal undersea world that is the Fontainebleau Resort by night. Always busy, the room fills with a great looking crowd overflowing from nearby LIV nightclub.

Dinner

Hakkasan / 4441 Collins Avenue / Fine dining meets Chinese cuisine at Alan Yau’s brand new temple of pricey Cantonese chow perched atop the Lapis Spa building at the Fontainebleau Resort. Start with bamboo baskets of tender steamed dumplings and move boldly through the 5 spiced duck breast or the premium Peking duck served with golden osetra caviar. Not for the faint of heart nor tight or budget, this is the Emperor’s New Hotspot for bold flavors, exotic spices and exceedingly high prices. 786-276-1388

Nightlife

LIV / 4441 Collins Avenue / The Fontainebleau books the big boys and tonight’s no exception as Erick Morillo rolls into the spotlight for a night of July 4th revelry that brings the fireworks inside @ LIV. Traveling the club world from Ibiza to Europe, from New York to South Beach, platinum selling artist Morillo is recognized as the ultimate remix master! A note to our RedBull sipping frugal friends who can’t afford to party at LIV – Morillo will light up the Terrace at Space (34 NE 11 Street) for an after party starting around 2am and carrying on until the last man is standing sometime Sunday afternoon.

Sunday July 5

Brunch

A La Folie / 1701 Purdy Avenue / Everything charming about the original location on Espanola Way has translated to the new west side location where the bayside view, local clientele and soothing music makes for a perfect escape from the touristy scene. With fillings both sweet and savory, an overstuffed crepe and a bowl of foamy latte makes a perfect brunch without the parking hassles of the Deco District.

Afternoon Action

Blade / 4441 Collins Avenue / Celebrate the season poolside at the Fontainebleau where the hip holiday crowd gathers for “Just Add Water,” a weekly party featuring DJs Mike Deuce and Induce who spin for this afternoon’s BBQ from 2pm until sundown. The highlight of the summer season is a relaxed policy at most resorts for locals and visitors who want to pop in for a swim without forking over the big bucks for a room.

Cocktails

Clevelander / 1020 Ocean Drive / Sunday afternoons at the Cleve are starting to resonate with locals who hang out in the lobby bar watching sports on all the brand new TVs. A second level Music Box area attracts a sexy beachy crowd sipping drinks over looking the central pool bar. Everywhere you wander offers a new vista of the just-completed renovation and a great new place to toast the end of a fun South Beach day.

Dinner

Texas de Brazil  / 300 Alton Road / Two words of advice, “Come Hungry” are all we need to say before sending you off on a trip to South America via this popular Brazilian grill. With delightful caipirinhas (think margaritas and tread lightly) a bountiful salad bar and all you can eat sizzling grilled meats, this is a Sunday family-style dinner that sticks to the ribs and sends you to bed with a satisfied smile.

Nightlife

SET / 320 Lincoln Road / Sundance Sundays are always the hottest way to extend your weekend just a few hours longer, but tonight’s addition of TV Rock makes this a night to remember! GQ DJ of the Year Grant Smillie and Ivan Gough dominated the charts with monster tracks like “Flaunt It, Been a Long Time and Happiness.” Spinning along side Stephan Luke at SET brings our Fourth of July weekend into a full circle of fun!

Have a Great Weekend!

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Weekend in Miami Beach: Happy July 4th

Friday – NYC Meets Miami

Saturday – The 5th Annual IndepenDANCE Pool Party
South Beach regulars are quickly scooping up advance tickets for the Big Pool and Beach Party at the Doubletree Surfcomber where SuperStar DJs Danny Tenaglia and Victor Calderone spin a non-stop 12-hour dance party that promises to keep you moving rain or shine!

Join Deco Drive’s Buster as he hosts a wet and wild Fourth of July filled with hot bodies, tiny bikinis and a thumping dance beat that will rival the fireworks at the finale! Summer heats up at the Surfcomber pool and beach club starting at 11am with cool drink specials and a no-holds-barred party crowd.

The Surfcomber is located at 1717 Collins Avenue and the 12-hour party starts at 11am.

Saturday is an All-Nighter with Erick Morillo at LIV & SPACE
Club fans will line up early to be sure they’ve got a spot on the dance floor at the Fontainebleau’s main event Saturday July 4th featuring international DJ Erick Morillo. The SuperStar DJ brings the beats to the beach tonight and then takes the show across Biscayne Bay to SPACE for an after party on the Terrace that promises to rock through Sunday afternoon.

LIV is located at 4441 Collins Avenue on Miami Beach and SPACE is Downtown at 34 NE 11th Street. The after party starts at 2am until 2pm Sunday afternoon so be sure to wear your sunglasses!

Have a Great Holiday Weekend!

Post from: South Beach USA - Having Fun / Wish You Were Here

July 4th Party Plans are RED HOT!

July gives stressed out locals and visitors a chance to visit the Agua spa at the Delano and Mondrian Hotels, the Ritz Carlton of South Beach and Key Biscayne and the dazzling new Ikon at the Viceroy Downtown to experience a big day of pampering for a very small price. The miamispamonth.com website provides a list of over 2 dozen luxury locations and the treatments they are offering at discount prices. We’re loving the idea of a morning on the  rooftop of the Delano Hotel having a 60 minute Thai massage or an afternoon at the 25,000 sq.ft. Willow Stream at the Fairmont Turnberry Isle having a fabulous facial. Best of all, the Willow Stream offer includes access to any class at the fitness club and use of the Cascata pool for the day – now that’s all inclusive!

Busy executives in Miami’s Brickell financial district can pop over to the Mandarin Oriental at lunchtime and have a pick me up facial or a full mani/pedi in just 60 minutes. Guests at the newly renovated Fontainebleau can check out the brand new two-level spa facilities and locals can enjoy full access to the Lapis Spa’s 5,800 sq.ft. fitness club and a day at all of the Fontainebleau pools as well. Grab a table at La Cote and feel like you’re vacationing on the South of France!

While some Miami area spas are not  yet confirmed, the current lineup includes:

• Agua, Delano
• Agua, Mondrian South Beach
• Aquanox Spa, Trump International Beach Resort
• Biltmore Spa, Biltmore Hotel
• The Boutique Spa at The Ritz-Carlton Coconut Grove, Miami
• Canyon Ranch Miami Beach Wellness Spa, Canyon Ranch Miami Beach
• Emena Spa
• ESPA at Acqualina
• Explore Spa, Le Meridien Sunny Isles Beach
• Jurlique Spa, Mayfair Hotel & Spa
• Lapis Spa, Fontainebleau Miami Beach
• mySpa, Intercontinental Hotel
• The Palms Spa, The Palms Hotel & Spa
• The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Key Biscayne
• The Ritz-Carlton Spa, South Beach
• Spa 101, Hilton Bentley Miami/South Beach
• TheSpaAtDavidBartonGym, Gansevoort South
• Spa at Casa Grande, Casa Grande Suite Hotel
• Spa at Doral, Doral Golf Resort & Spa, A Marriott Resort
• Spa at Icon Brickell, Viceroy Hotel Miami
• The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, Miami
• Spa at The Setai
• Spa at Shore Club
• Spa at Shula’s, Shula’s Hotel & Golf Club
• Spa Suites at Eden Roc, Eden Roc A Renaissance Beach Resort
• Spa Terre, Grove Isle Hotel & Spa
• Spa V, Hotel Victor
• The Standard Spa
• Uhma Organic Spa
• Willow Stream Spa, The Fairmont Turnberry Isle Resort & Spa

Many South Florida hotels are offering discounted summer  room rates so  it’s possible to combine your spa month service with a night or weekend at participating properties to create a  pampering mid-summer “Staycation.” Why not find some friends and plan a girl’s getaway or that special someone who would really appreciate a romantic couple’s escape. Miami Spa Month is the perfect opportunity to remind your friends, loved ones and yourself how good it feels to be rubbed in all the right places.

Miami Spa Month is organized by the Greater Miami Convention & Visitor’s Bureau and offers selected spa treatments at properties all over South Florida for $99 during the month of July 2009. See the miamispamonth.com website for special offers, blackout days and additional participants.

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July is Miami Spa Month

The ultimate in fashion fantasy, a savory, two-piece edible replica of the 2010 “Trellis” suit will be unveiled on a basking beauty soaking up the sun of Lincoln Road.  Inspired by the urban streets and influenced by Japan, Brazil and Peru, “oh so sweet” tropical hues represented by dual-colored beets, dark hues by blueberries and greens by banana leave accents. 

Nothing like a sexy mix of food and fashion to get you in the mood for Ed Hardy’s Swimwear Fashion Show at the Raleigh Hotel at 7pm.

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Miami Beach’s Contribution to World Culture: The Edible Bikini

June 25-28 turns out to be a whirlwind of activities including a day at the races, a night at the movies, and a chance to party with the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Models. Add to that a spin around town with Shaq, Dwayne Wade and Alonzo Mourning and a TRANSFORMERS cast party with Miami’s own SuperStar Director Michael Bay and you’ve got a pretty full dance card…

Let the weekend begin!

Thursday June 25

Breakfast

The Standard Hotel / 40 Island Avenue / What better way to kick off a South Florida weekend than a healthy breakfast by the bay followed by a spa day at one of the loveliest and most laid back health clubs in the city. Sun, steam and socialize with the day-pass crowd who love to drink and get their yoga on at this groovy day camp for grownups.

Lunch

Mondrian / 1100 West Avenue / Vacations don’t get much better than the poolside menu at the Sunset Lounge where the ahi tuna crudo and the duck confit Cuban sandwich truly dazzle. The endless vista of Biscayne Bay is as dazzling as the whimsical white-on-white decor. Order a cocktail, check out the crowd and enjoy the day!

Evening Action

Wolfsonian Collection / 1001 Washington Avenue / They say that learning about the past helps us avoid the same mistakes in the future. Take that to heart tonight as South Beach’s favorite art museum screens “The Crash of 1929,” a documentary chronicling the financial collapse through the eyes of the descendants of real investors who lived through the depression. Naturally, the movie is free.

Cocktails

Monty’s Raw Bar / 300 Alton Road / As the sun sets over Biscayne Bay, there’s music playing and a lively, beachy crowd at Monty’s at the Marina on South Beach’s busy west side. Enjoy drink specials by the public pool and a chance to sample peel & eat shrimp and fresh clams and oysters too.

Dinner

Shiso / 1418 20 Street / This popular Japanese pub has a full time sushi chef creating traditional and innovative maki rolls for a knowing crowd of attractive west side regulars who drift in from Sunset Harbour. With a cozy and casual atmosphere, Shiso makes tropical cocktails and fresh seafood nibbles nightly.

Nightlife

Black Sheep Bar / 721 Lincoln Lane / Remember the good old days at Laundry Bar? Well the best of times returns as the reborn club welcomes drum and bass fiend Andy C to the decks for a night of booming beats and a chance to dance with all those old familiar faces. If you haven’t had a chance to check out Black Sheep yet, just follow the smiling faces to Lincoln Road.

Friday June 26

Breakfast

Epicure Market / 1674 Alton Road / Morning eye-openers from NY deli style bagel sandwiches to oven-fresh pastries and freshly brewed coffee await you at this popular gourmet market which offers both eat in and takeaway service all day long. We find ourselves mesmerized by the prime meats, the fully cooked entrees, the homestyle soups and those GIANT cocktail-ready prawns.

Lunch

Balans / 1022 Lincoln Road / Summertime drink tip – Watermelon Mojitos! Balans is one of our Go-To spots on steamy Lincoln Mall and their latest innovation makes us crave a shady spot under the canvas market umbrellas for a crisp salad and a healthy pour of the most refreshing summer cocktail we’re tried so far this season.

Afternoon Action

Club 50 / 485 Brickell Avenue/ Everyone is talking about the Viceroy Hotel, the hip new property at the top of Brickell Avenue where guests rocket up 50 floors to the exclusive cocktail lounge overlooking the entire city. Tonight’s Viceroy Wine Series gets rolling from 5-7pm with Tuscan vintner Sandro Chia from Castello Romitorio Winery who will pour his finest vintages and share his passion for the region’s best wines. Admission is free with a reservation at 305-5034400

Cocktails

Clevelander / 1020 Ocean Drive / Everyone’s favorite Friday night hangout has happy hour pricing starting at 4pm. Enjoy the poolside scene, fun crowds and a bouncy college party vibe 7 days a week. The Cleve is Back!

Dinner

Sra. Martinez / 4000 NE 2 Avenue / Miami’s favorite Chef Michy makes a dedicated effort to update her tapas menu at this popular Design District meeting place where guests can create a mix & match meal of small plates with a Neo-Spanish vibe. Start with the house pisco sour and see where the evening take you.

Nightlife

IRIE Weekend / 1235 Washington Avenue / Sports fans have a chance to dance with their idols this weekend starting at tonight’s Mansion party with legendary Miami Heat DJ IRIE who spins for his all star friends before Kevin Rudolf’s live performance. His hit single “Let it Rock” (featuring Lil Wayne) zoomed to the top of international record charts last month and this party promises to keep you dancing all night long.

Saturday June 27

Breakfast

Oliver’s / 959 West Avenue / Sipping champagne for no reason at all strikes us as the perfect way to start a lazy Saturday. That’s why Oliver’s captures a festive and laid-back crowd who enjoy sidewalk dining and a see-and-be-seen atmosphere of locals and visitors nearly every day of the week. If the umbrella tables on West Avenue are filled, the atmosphere inside is cool and inviting as well.

Lunch

Raleigh Hotel / 1775 Collins Avenue / The glamorous Old Florida feel of the swimming pool at this classic Art Deco hotel makes us long for the days of Esther Williams and the Million Dollar Mermaid. Guests can enjoy a delicious meal on the patio overlooking the swanky and sinuous curves of this dazzling aquatic playground where Karl Lagerfeld recently staged his resort fashion show. Don’t miss it!

Afternoon Action

Homestead Miami Speedway / 1 Speedway Boulevard, Homestead/ Since 1984, the CCS club-level racing organization brings sportsmen and hobbyist motorcycle enthusiasts (who use their own funds and need for speed) to the track for the annual Motorcycle Daredevil Championship Cup Series. Today’s time trials determine the line up for tomorrow’s long day of races. Parking and kids admission is free.

Cocktails

Abbey Brew Pub / 1115 16 Street / After a busy day shopping on Lincoln Road, we like to pop into the dark cool reaches of this genuine craft brew pub for a blast of air conditioning and the $3.50 beer happy hours from 4-7pm. House blended micro-brews are always a great discovery and Brewmaster Ray really knows his stuff!

Dinner

Michael’s Genuine Food & Drink / 130 NE 40 Street / Foodies flock to Michael’s Genuine on a regular basis because Miami’s beloved chef updates the menu in synch with the seasons and his daily discoveries at the marketplace. Passionate presentations and an enthusiastic wait staff make lunch or dinner at Michael’s a culinary adventure. Solo diners at the bar are always loud and lively.

Nightlife

LIV @ Fontainebleau / 4441 Collins Avenue / Saturday nights at LIV are summer’s hottest ticket and tonight’s cast party for Mega-Director Michael Bay’s sizzling blockbuster movie “TRANSFORMERS: Revenge of the Fallen” should keep sci-fi buffs glued to the 9pm red carpet to catch a glimpse of the sexy young cast. Stars, cars and killer robots promise to make this popcorn cruncher of a movie a multi-million dollar hit!

Sunday June 28

Brunch

Nemo / 100 Collins Avenue / We waited a moment too long and missed a spot on the reservation books for Father’s Day brunch so we decided to hit this all-you-can-eat gourmet buffet this weekend instead. Sit in the shade of a giant twinkle-lit tree and help yourself to fresh salads, eggs benedict, French toast, made-to-order omelets, sushi and an enormous dessert bar. Best of all, the selection will please meat lovers, vegetarians, moms, kids and finicky eaters too.

Afternoon Action

Boteco / 916 NE 79 Street / Miami’s favorite indoor/outdoor bar brings a Brazilian holiday to life! Festa Junina celebrates country life with forro dancing, fair-style booths and games, authentic cuisine and, as the night wears on, live bands and lots of caipirinhas! Check out this Upper East Side family-friendly event from 2-11pm.

Cocktails

Sunset Lounge / 1100 West Avenue / By Sunday afternoon, there is a mellow post-beach vibe at the Mondrian where the view over the Bay can not be beat. Find a friend and grab a seat on the pool deck to appreciate why the west side of town is the hot new destination on South Beach. Cheers!

Dinner

Sardinia Enoteca Ristorante / 1801 Purdy Avenue / Sunday suppers like Mama used to make often feature a hearty red sauce and lots of lovin’ from the oven. Sardinia manages to capture that vibe with their regional Italian menu and hearty oven roasts that stick to your ribs. Wine enthusiasts who attend monthly seminars often return at week’s end to sample a favorite vintage and hearty, family-friendly portions served by some of the nicest hosts in town.

Nightlife

Mansion / 1235 Washington Avenue / Nothing says SUMMER quite like the sexy Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Girls who manage to make mere scraps of shimmering lycra look like Paradise! If you like the tawny skin, the dangerous curves and the silky smiles of this year’s models, hit Mansion tonight for Jessica White’s birthday bash featuring gorgeous dancers and Mr. Mauricio spinning a hot hip hop set. Denver Bronco star Renaldo Hill and Miami Dolphin Ronnie Brown will host tonight’s party!

Have a Great Weekend!

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Weekend in Miami Beach: June 25-28 2009

A seasoned guide will point out the highlights and history of the area and help you see how remarkable the natural elements surrounding Key Biscayne can be when you’re up close and personal. Guests should bring along bottled water, a towel, some sunscreen, and be prepared to get wet!

The tour meets at 10:30am this Sunday, June 28 at the Lighthouse Cafe at Bill Baggs State Park, 1200 South Crandon Boulevard in Key Biscayne.

For more information on this and other exciting Green South Florida Tours, log onto DragonflyExpeditions.com or call 305-361-5811

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See Miami Like a Native with Green Tours this Weekend

Saturday morning, sports fans will flock to the Miami Beach Golf Club to check out the celebrity golf tournament teeing off at 1pm. Sunday, it’s time to make a big celebrity splash in the pool at the Shore Club where LMFAO performs and the hot bodies start strutting their stuff at high noon. This 3-day bash reminds us all just how many important friends DJ IRIE truly has!

On the guest list so far, IRIE is expecting D-Wade, Shaq, Zo, Jonathan Vilma, Kevin Rudolf, Joey Fatone, Chris Kirkpatrick, Akin Ayodele, Nate Jones, Kerry Rhodes, Alfonso Ribeiro, and LFMAO. Expect plenty of unannounced special guests at each of the 3 events.

Mansion is located at 1235 Washington Avenue on South Beach. IRIE spins Friday night, June 26 with special guest Kevin Rudolf.

The Miami Beach Golf Club is located at 2301 Alton Road on Miami Beach. Registration starts at noon and tee time is 1pm Saturday June 27.

The Shore Club is located at 1901 Collins Avenue on Miami Beach. LMFAO performs at noon Sunday June 28.
For more information, check out IRIEweekend.com

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Hometown Heroes: It’s IRIE Weekend

To offer a little perspective, Fatboy Slim (Norman Cook) draws crowds of a quarter million people at gigs like the open air dance fest on the UK’s Brighton Beach. DJ Paul Oakenfold may well be the biggest booking for the Gryphon Nightclub to date. This London born DJ sets world records for CD sales and club booking fees and will be opening for Madonna on the summer leg of her 2009 European tour. The top-rated house and trance master has remixed tracks for Snoop Dogg, U2, the Cure and Massive Attack and is called upon to provide soundtracks for such mega movies as “The Matrix Reloaded.”

Simply put, if you’re excited about the world music scene and want a chance to dance to two of it’s biggest stars back-to-back in South Florida, this weekend is your big chance!

LIV at the Fontainebleau is located at 4441 Collins Avenue in Miami Beach. Shinichi Osawa opens Friday night, June 19.

Gryphon Nightclub adjoins the Seminole Hard Rock Casino at 5711 Seminole Way in Hollywood. Liquid Todd opens Saturday night, June 20.

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Ready to Rumble: Fatboy Slim vs. Paul Oakenfold