The most celebrated dining event in the summer kicks off July 31. It's Miami Spice where you can indulge in the finest cuisine prepared by world-renowned chefs at Miami's top restaurants and prices are recession-friendly. It's an epicurean delight in tropical paradise. Click here for more information.

Click here for participating restuarants.

August, Miami Spice
The most celebrated dining event across South Florida for the months of August AND September. Savor cuisine prepared by Miami's top chefs at their perspective highly-regarded restaurants for a reduced price. Miami Spice is a pre-fix 3- course menu including appetizer, entree and dessert. Portions may be smaller than the regular price but it's still a great way to sample the savory fare without overeating or overspending. Lunch is $22 and Dinner is $35 not including tax or gratuity. Click here for more information.

August, Free Sundays at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Gardens
Every Sunday is a revolving door of activities from plant sales, to live music from a barber quartet or soloist, to a yoga class, and more. Take advantage of these free Sundays with a friend or the family and plan in advance. Click here for more information.

August 27, Conscious Bite Out
Introducing a new social, dinner club solely for vegetarians or those seeking for a healthier eating style but with plenty of flavors. Conscious Bite Out has thought of everything from organic wines, to grass-fed beef, local fresh fish, free-range chicken, naturally sweetened desserts and more.  To see the salivating and exalted menu from the last dinner, click here.  It takes place the last Friday of every month at the Sacred Place.  Next dinner event is August 27, 7:30pm. Tickets are $60 per person. For reservations please call 305-608-9101 email consciousbiteout@gmail.com.

Join fellow Miamians as we celebrate Miami’s Birthday in an evening filled with all the sights, sounds, and tastes of our Magic City. Downtown Miami’s Best 2010 Awards will be presented at the event.

The celebration will get started at 6pm to the sounds of DJ Le Spam as guests enter center court to enjoy an open bar courtesy of GREY GOOSE Vodka® and tastings from over fifteen local restaurants. There will also be many celebrities delivering special birthday messages digitally on the giant screens. A fellow downtowner and recording artist will be performing for the first time an original song "Downtown Miami", dedicated to all of us who live, work and/or play in DWNTWN. A gigantic cake in the shape of the American Airlines Arena will then be at the center of the celebration, courtesy of the InterContinental Hotel, to sing happy birthday with a VERY special guest. The celebration will then be anchored by a live concert by one of our favorite bands Suenalo! who will bring their high-energy, eclectic sounds that represent the very essence of Miami
 
Tickets are $25 and 100% of proceeds benefit a number of charities--you pick the charity!

Best Buddies, Charlee Homes for Children, Hands on Miami, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Miami Marine Stadium, and the YWCA.
 
Date: July 28
Time: 6pm-9pm
Location: American Airlines Arena, Bayfront Downtown Miami
 
CLICK HERE for more information and to purchase tickets.
 
Happy Birthday Miami!
 
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Friday: July 23

PONTE VEDRA CHAMBER 2010 GOLF TOURNAMENT
Swing on into the 2010 Ponte Vedra Chamber Golf Tournament held at TPC Sawgrass. The cost is $695 for a foursome or $185 per person - golf package includes 18 holes of golf - scramble format, PGA Tour clinic, lunch and dinner, six party holes, an awards ceremony, and much more. For more information, call 904.285.2004

MURDER IN THE OLDE CITY
St. Augustine's Raintree Restaurant and the Limelight Theatre are teaming up to bring patrons the acclaimed murder mystery, "Murder in the Olde City" for the very first time! Set in 1880's St. Augustine, this powerful tale of murder, scandal, love, and deceit is presented in an entertaining 'you are there' style of staging. Based on a true story of love, hate, and revenge in the year 1886, and told with a seamless combination of history, theatre, and storytelling, the audience becomes the jury! Featuring a sumptuous sit-down dinner and professional performers in full period attire, this promises to be the hit of the season!. Tickets are $35 per person all inclusive, with adult beverages also served separately. Dinner will be served at the Raintree Restaurant (102 San Marco Avenue) at 7 p.m. with the show to follow at 8 p.m. Tickets can be purchased in advance at the Limelight Theatre (11 Old Mission Avenue) during their regular box office hours: Tuesday-Friday 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Saturday 2 p.m.-6 p.m. and at the Raintree Restaurant on the day of the event. Please call 904- 825-1164 for reservations, or 904-347-5103 for more information.


BAD COMPANY AT ST. AUGUSTINE AMPHITHEATRE
The original members for the British Supergroup Bad Company reunite for this special concert featuring their best-known hits including "Can't Get Enough", "Feel Like Makin' Love", "Rock 'N' Roll Fantasy" & "Bad Company". The show starts at 8 p.m. St. Augustine Amphitheater is located at 1340 A1A in St. Augustine. Tickets are $85, $65, $49 & $39. For more information call 904.471.1965 or visit www.StAugAmphitheatre.com



Friday and Saturday: July 23 & 24

PRO RODEO AT ST. JOHNS COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS
This Western-inspired event will feature entertainment for all ages including bull riding, rodeo clowns, team and calf roping, and barrel racing. Local youth will be invited to compete in youth barrel racing and roping competitions. The action all takes place at 8 p.m. at the St. Johns County Fairgrounds; located at 5840 State Road 207 in Elkton. Tickets are $12 for adults and $7 for children 6 to 11, 5 and under are free. For more information, call 904.471.1965 or visit www.stjohnscountyfairgrounds.com .


Saturday: July 24

ST. AUGUSTINE GARRISON AT FORT MOSE
Experience living history demonstrations conducted by authentic colonial Spanish reenactors on the last Saturday of each month. The demonstration take place at 11 a.m. Fort Mose is located 15 Fort Mose Trail in St. Augustine. Admission is $4 per vehicle or $2 for pedestrians or bicyclists. For more information, call 904.823.2232.

SUBLIME PERFORMS WITH ROME AT ST. AUGUSTINE AMPHITHEATRE
Original members of the multi-platinum artist Sublime, Eric Wilson & Bud Gaugh will take the stage with a new lead singer/guitar player, Rome. This is the band's first outing in 14 years. Hits include "Santeria", "Wrong Way", "What I got", "Date Rape", "40 oz to Freedom" and many more. The show starts at 6:30 p.m. at the St. Augustine Amphitheatre, located at 1340 A1A in St. Augustine. Tickets are $49.50, $39.50 & $29.50. VIP Tickets are available for $100 and include a meet and greet with the band, laminate pit ticket, and a specialty tour item. For tickets and more information call 904.471.1965 or visit www.StAugAmphitheatre.com


Sunday: July 25

GUANA FULL MOON KAYAK TOUR
Experience a natural exploration of the pristine waters of the Guana River in an extraordinary ambient twilight setting of the sun over the Guana River while the full moon rises over the Atlantic Ocean. Osprey, bald eagles, and many other estuary dependent species salute the sunset over the Guana River on this two-hour exploration of the GTM Research Reserve. This 2-hour tour departs from the GTM Research Reserve Dam, located at 505 Guana River Road in Ponte Vedra Beach at 7:30 p.m. Ticket are $50 per person. For more information, call (904)347-1565 or register online at www.RippleEffectEcotours.com.


SUNSET/MOONRISE TOUR
Be a guest of the St. Augustine Lighthouse and enjoy viewing the sunset and moonrise from the most unique perspective in all of St. Augustine! This special event includes a champagne toast, provided by San Sebastian Winery, atop the tower and an informative overview of the history of the St. Augustine Light Station. The tour takes place from 7:30 to 9 p.m. at the St. Augustine Lighthouse located at 81 Lighthouse Avenue in St. Augustine. The fee is $25 for non-museum members and $20 for members. www.staugustinelighthouse.com. For reservations, call 904.829.0745.

NASA's Kennedy Space Center and Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex have unveiled a new exhibit, Science on a Sphere, at the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame in Titusville. Science on a Sphere is a global display that takes visitors on a three-dimensional journey around the world and throughout the solar system via dynamic, animated images of the atmosphere, oceans and planets.

This engaging new exhibit at the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame will allow students and the general public to examine the planets and moons of our solar system. Guests will be able to learn how space technology can aid in meteorological sciences such as hurricane prediction and global weather trends. The images are displayed onto the surface of a six-foot in diameter suspended sphere in a darkened room, and visitors can walk around the entire globe for a complete perspective of the phenomenon being viewed

Admission is $38 + tax for adults and $28 + tax for children ages 3-11, and includes the Shuttle Launch Experience, Kennedy Space Center Tour, 3D IMAX space films, Astronaut Encounter, all exhibits, and the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame.

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A family-owned, slow-food eatery with global influences (the chef’s formerly of Table 8 and Manhattan’s Eleven Madison), Il Mercato Cafe is just across the Broward border and opens its doors today.

Savory menu items include seared hanger steak with peppercorn Roquefort sauce, grilled mahi with minted three-bean mash, pappardelle with Bolognese-style ragu (starters, $5-$11; main courses, $8-$19; half portions are available).

Hours are
Sun.-Thurs., 11 a.m.-3 p.m. & 5-10 p.m.;
Fri., 11 a.m.-3 p.m. & 5-11 p.m.;
Sat., 5-11 p.m.

Il Mercato Cafe and Wine Shop
1454 E. Hallandale Beach Blvd.
Hallandale Beach

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Escape the heat in the middle of the day and watch the sizzle indoors.

Macy’s Home Store at Aventura Mall will host Marko Krancher of Acqua Restaurant at the Four Seasons Miami for a cooking demonstration.

Chef Krancher will prepare a bittersweet chocolate angel food cake with a luscious warm chocolate milk chaser, espresso whip and white Godiva chocolate anglaise. Chef Krancher has mastered the creation of more than 30 divine desserts for the hotel’s Sunday brunch and the decadent menu at the Acqua Restaurant.

DATE: Saturday, July 24
TIME: 1pm
PLACE: Macy’s Aventura Mall Home Store
The Kitchen at The Cellar, 2nd Floor
19535 Biscayne Boulevard
Miami, FL 33180

At the opposite end of town, meet and watch Master Chef Oscar Veneziani of Crepemaker in the act!
Chef Veneziani will demonstrate how to make sweet and savory crepes, perfect for summer get-togethers! To round out that perfect summer, representatives from LA Fitness, Lancome and Aruj Salon & Spa will also be on hand with fitness, beauty and spa tips.


DATE: Saturday, July 24
TIME: 1pm
PLACE: Macy’s Dadeland Mall Home Store
The Kitchen at The Cellar, 2nd Floor
7675 SW 88th Street
Miami, FL 33156

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On Tuesday, July 20, the Miami Design Preservation League (MDPL) is proud to host Dr. Adrienne von Lates, Director of Education at the Bass Museum of Art, for a special lecture on Egyptian Revival architecture in the U.S.  As you may know, architecture in the U.S. throughout its young history was influenced by a myriad of cultures and phenomena. Art Deco in South Beach was also influenced by the discovery of King Tut's tomb! To learn more take my Art Deco Walking Tour.

July is Miami Spa Month where premiere spas throughout the paradise of South Florida offer special treatments for just $99 (tax and gratuity are not included). It's like Christmas in July! There's still two weeks left!

Is your skin sun dreary or lackluster? Well try the 24 Karat facial called Golden Radiance at the Elemis Spa in Coral Gables to rejuvenate and add a little shine.


As you enter the Asian-inspired spa, change into silk-ala-Empress style (not cotton) robes. The skin therapist will meticulously apply thin sheets of 24 karat gold to your forehead, nose, chin and cheeks and massage them into the skin. While the gold properties works its magic, your feet and scalp undergo a tingling massage. When it’s over, your skin should feel tighter and carry a glow, and you may even notice fewer wrinkles thanks to gold’s minerals and anti-inflammatory qualities.

Normally priced at $325 for the 60 minute treatment, this radiant facial is only $99 during Miami spa month.

Elemis Spa
330 San Lorenzo Avenue
Coral Gables, FL  33146
305-774-7171

Be sure to check other delicious, luxurious treatments. Click here for a list of participating spas. Check back regularly as new ones are added.

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Friday: July 16


MURDER IN THE OLDE CITY
St. Augustine's Raintree Restaurant and the Limelight Theatre are teaming up to bring patrons the acclaimed murder mystery, "Murder in the Olde City" for the very first time! Set in 1880's St. Augustine, this powerful tale of murder, scandal, love, and deceit is presented in an entertaining 'you are there' style of staging. Based on a true story of love, hate, and revenge in the year 1886, and told with a seamless combination of history, theatre, and storytelling, the audience becomes the jury! Featuring a sumptuous sit-down dinner and professional performers in full period attire, this promises to be the hit of the season!. Tickets are $35 per person all inclusive, with adult beverages also served separately. Dinner will be served at the Raintree Restaurant (102 San Marco Avenue) at 7 p.m. with the show to follow at 8 p.m. Tickets can be purchased in advance at the Limelight Theatre (11 Old Mission Avenue) during their regular box office hours: Tuesday-Friday 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Saturday 2 p.m.-6 p.m. and at the Raintree Restaurant on the day of the event. Please call 904- 825-1164 for reservations, or 904-347-5103  for more information.


Friday and Saturday: July 16 & 17


INCEPTION AT IMAX
Be among the first to see Christopher Nolan's newest film, Inception,on the largest screen in northeast Florida. The film, starring Leonardo DiCaprio will premiere at the 2D World Golf Hall of Fame IMAX Theater at noon, 4, 7 and 10 p.m. On Saturday beginning at 5:30 p.m., the IMAX Theater will host a "Protect Your Thoughts" event before the 7 p.m. showing of Inception. Guests can arrive early to enjoy a variety of activities including spinning the red dice upon arrival for a chance to enter the theater early and get the first "Kick"-back seats; solving mazes; challenging others in a top-spinning contest with Cobb's silver top; answer "Dream or Reality" trivia and more! Tickets for the special engagement film will be $13 for adults, $12 for seniors, students and military and $10 for children. For more film information, show times and to purchase tickets, visit http://www.worldgolfimax.com/.

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It's more than a barbershop. It's a bartender, butler and barber all rolled into one.

Even more convincing is the name of the store. Not Mr. Jeeves, or Nigel, but close! Your barber of-all-trades shop is called Sloane Squares Barbers and Shoppe! How British! How regal!

This establishment opens today in Miami Beach. Upon your visit, unwind with a glass of beer or scotch at the bar, then settle into a leather-studded, old-school barber chair and relax with a rub down shoulder massage.

Snip-snip-snip and your looking dapper with a fresh haircut, sideburns tapered and whiskers shaved. Before heading back to the office or a date with your wife, refresh your mouth with ginger-scented European toothpaste--just one of a few toiletries to elevate the experience.

If you're a manly gentleman who appreciates regularly-scheduled services for maintaining your autos, toys, and grooming, then sign up for the monthly service at $86. Come in as often for that scotch, rub and haircut.
Sign me up--but wait I'm a female. Aah an idea has sprungeth forth!

Sloane Squares Barber & Shoppe
1322 Alton Road
Miami Beach, FL  33139

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The Cocoa Beach Surf Museum celebrates female surfers with a new exhibit dedicated to Florida Women of the Waves on Saturday, July 24.

This exhibit truly carries at its heart the concept of presenting surfing from the unique female perspective. The exhibit will be managed by an all-female curator team of surfers Melody DeCarlo and Sharon Wolfe-Cranston, and will feature photography, newsprint articles, event memorabilia, surf boards, extensive biographies and histories showcasing accomplishments of female surfers and the influence they have had across the globe.

The exhibit opening will be held on Saturday, July 24, from 7p.m. to 10 p.m. at The Cocoa Beach Surf Museum inside the Ron Jon Surf Shop Rental Center . Guests will enjoy light refreshments and live music.

http://www.cocoabeachsurfmuseum.org/

You don't want to miss Fairchild's mango mania at the 18th Annual Mango Festival. It's raining, dripping, drinking, eating and auctioning exotic mangos. This year features the Mangos of India.

CLICK HERE for the complete schedule of events for the weekend, July 11 and 12th.

Nestled like a charm in a bracelet of downtown high rises, Le Boudoir is a boutique cafe located in the financial district of downtown Miami.


Upon entering, the brown and pink decor enchants and inspires. Booth seating in bubble gum pink color, tufted headboards in faux leather contrasting the espresso brown tables exude a chic Parisian lady's dressing room (hence the name Boudoir) in contemporary style. Absorbed in decor details and making mental notes for my next decorating venture, I almost forgot the reason for my visit--to have lunch.


Owner and chef Vincent Benoliel has successfully blended fresh ingredients, clever concepts and a delightful ambiance to create a memorable affair. Le Boudoir is famous for its  Tartines on "Pain Poilane". Translation: open -faced sandwiches on French sourdough bread. If the decadent bread is tipping the caloric scales, then rest assured the salads are an excellent alternative. Prepared daily, Le Boudoir follows the French countryside tradition of using simple and fresh ingredients to enhance the meal.

Watching our girlish figures and with pending 4th of July food to implode our diets, both my friend and I ordered salads. My selection was the B Cobb --a mix of mesclun lettuce, avocado, blue cheese, bacon, bits, shrimp, blue crab and mango. Absolutely delicious. The avocado and mango were a perfect Miami incorporation.


Adrienne ordered the Salade Nicoise. Overall, her rating was average but she enjoyed the plentiful fresh tuna.



Browsing through the breakfast menu with pictures of puffed croissants and white swirl mugs of dark coffee you could practically smell the aroma of bread and capuccino.

But there's nothing like a French pastry dessert! Try their mini macarons (not to be confused with macaroons). Baked to look like petite sandwiches in sherbert pastel colors, these sweet desserts are crunchy on the surface with a moist center. Originating in Italy, Queen Catherine de Medici introduced it in France in the 16th century where it transformed from a dry half biscuit to two domes of a sandwich with the added chewy center. A burst of sweetness in every bite, one is enough. Enjoy flavors of Pistachio, Almond, Orange Ganache, Coffee and many more.


Le Boudoir is only open for breakfast and lunch. Arrive early for the lunch hour because seating is limited!
Locations in Brickell and Coral Gables. Check their website for details. http://www.leboudoirmiami.com/

Bon Apetit!

Schakolad Chocolate Factory is opening its doors for children ages 6 to 14 to learn how to make, mold and decorate chocolate! Pre-register for this fun and educational 45 - 60 minute event for $9.50 per child.

Wednesday, July 14th @ 3 pm
Thursday, July 22nd @ 11 am
Tuesday, July 27th @ 3 pm
Tuesday, August 3rd @ 11 am
Tuesday, August 10th @ 3 pm
Thursday, August 19th @ 11 am

REGISTER NOW!
davie@schakolad.com


http://www.schakolad.com/store20



7740 Nova Drive
Davie, FL 33324
Tel. 954.472.6155