Joe’s Stone Crab – Some things change for the better, some things simply fade away… and then there is Joe’s – a landmark restaurant where presidents and kings, linebackers and lawyers sit shoulder to shoulder cracking rock hard crab claws and marveling at the well oiled machine that is the most successful dining room in the history of Miami Beach since 1913. Whether or not you believe the hype about the pricey crustaceans, stone crabs simply taste best at the restaurant that made them famous. Paired with the  famous chowder, the sizzling sides and a creamy slice of Key Lime Pie, there is simply no better taste of Miami Beach anywhere. Tip: If the “no reservations” line is too long, Joe’s Takeaway caters a fine SoBe picnic. Joe’s Stone Crab is at 11 Washington Avenue in South Beach.

Prime 112 – Standing at the bar at Prime 112 while waiting for a table is a lesson in popular culture. As you sip a perfectly dry martini and nibble a crisp strip of maple bacon, you are likely to see President Bill Clinton, Supermodel Giselle and Tom Brady, Sir Charles Barkley or the Kardashians wafting by on their way to a steaming bowl of lobster bisque, a double cut ribeye steak and a night at the center of the paparazzi universe. Imitated but never duplicated, Prime 112 maintains pride of place in the pantheon of local celebrity steakhouses after all these years. Tip: The awesome people watching patio tables are first come, first served. Prime 112 is at 112 Ocean Drive in South Beach.

Portions of the show’s third season finale were not only filmed on location at EPIC, but the hotel plays a pivotal role in the episode’s plot which involves a world-class terrorist threatening to detonate a bomb in Miami. Burn Notice is an action-packed original series about a blacklisted spy who uses his unique skills and training to help people in desperate situations, while avoiding getting caught in the crosshairs of those from his past.

Recently chosen as a Top 10 Luxury Hotel, a Top 10 Trendiest Hotel and a Top 25 Hotel in the U.S. by TripAdvisor® in its 2010 Travelers’ Choice® Awards, EPIC Hotel’s contemporary chic design has made it a popular location for film and production.  EPIC will be featured as the design inspiration of an upcoming episode of HGTV’s Color Splash, and has also served as the backdrop for music videos, and other entertainment production endeavors.

Managed by Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants, EPIC is located at the edge of the Miami River and Biscayne Bay, and combines the timeless style of a cosmopolitan boutique hotel with the amenities of a resort to create a sophisticated recreation oasis for guests amidst the energy and pulse of Miami. EPIC is located just a short distance from area beaches, local shopping districts and a thriving arts and culture scene, with many museums, restaurants, shops and theaters within walking distance. The hotel’s 411 rooms and suites are high on style, artfully designed by Cheryl Rowley, with furnishings that convey an understated sense of cool sophistication. All rooms and suites feature private balconies that provide breathtaking views of the city and bay.

EPIC is located at 270 Biscayne Blvd Way

As you step inside you’ll find dark red hues, shades of lavender and deep purple. The highly reflective black vinyl ceiling gives an illusion of being adrift as your eyes are drawn upward to the mirror image which is at once disorienting and entirely exhilarating. Hand cut Parisian crystal lamps add just the right complimentary golden glow and a sense of the ethereal to the deep underground lounge. Evoking the classic nightclub elegance of the 1920’s, bespoke attire for bartenders and wait staff evoke the classic elegance of the Prohibition era. Envisioned by internationally renowned designer, Callin Fortis, of Big Time Design Studios, “The B Bar is intentionally crafted with French mid century contemporary styling which rests delicately on top of true nightclub bones.”

The B Bar brings with it the historic art of the cocktail carried out with modern flair while maintaining the authentic tradition of a delicate swizzle. Specialty drinks require a brief shaking and careful straining of delicious hand-crafted cocktail menu. Hendricks Gin based Blue Velvet is infused with blueberries and raspberries and shaken extra cold with Luxardo Maraschino Original. Black Pearl combines Corner Creek Bourbon, fresh blackberries and elderflower liquor, while the signature Josephine pay homage to The Fabulous Ms. Baker, created with apricot liqueur and Thousand Flower runny honey. Whether a balance of sweet with the sour, light and refreshing, or kicking the flavor up a notch, they are all as inspired as the space itself, carefully crafted with precision down to an almost seemingly molecular level.

The sound envelopes you, yet allows for casual conversation and the intimate space invites spontaneous close encounters, a rare treat on Ocean Drive. B Bar’s audience remains a mix of sophisticated locals, New Yorkers and an eclectic international crowd making it the most sought after night spot in South Beach.

Fortis is a nightlife legend, an industry leader, a creative visionary with resources spanning hospitality design worldwide with a hand on the pulse of the industry as it was, as it is, and as it will be. Fortis brings an insider’s sensibility combined with concept development and award-winning execution to this project which is unlike his other behemoth nightclub designs.

Enter the exclusive B Bar through The Betsy Hotel located on Ocean Drive and make your way through a hidden staircase that brings you to the lower level of The Betsy hotel from Wednesday through Saturday evenings 9:00 pm to 3:00 am   Visit www.bbarmiami.com

Ancient Japanese cooking utilized blazing hot stones to sear fresh seafood and meat to flavorful perfection. Called “Ishi Yaki,” the technique traces back to traditional fishermen who utilized stones hot from the ship’s oven to warm their lunch in wooden buckets. Back on shore, the fresh catch was grilled in the hollow of a red hot rock. In Japan’s Akita region, super heated stones were tossed into a vessel of soup and raw veggies causing them to boil. If you can’t afford the airfare to Akita, try Surfside’s newest Ishi Yaki style restaurant Stone Grill 95 where a searing lava rock is placed on your table to flash grill steaks, chops and sausages.

Stone Grill 95 features a reasonably-priced and perfectly simple menu of wine-friendly hot and cold tapas-style starters including spicy chorizo mussels, lamb merguez sausage and steak tartare all under $10. Sides of mashed potatoes, creamy corn, garlicky mushrooms and a variety of fresh veggies are $5 each. Main plates, grilled on lava rocks or prepared by Chef “Punchy” Ryan are locally-sourced and reflect the chef’s passionate personal collaboration with his South Florida purveyors.

A Texas boy, Chef “Punchy” really knows his way around beef. Working at the Ritz Carlton South Beach under Top Chef Jeff McInnis and John Suley, he began as a butcher and later followed Chef Suley to open Cafe Joley in Boca Raton. When Shore Club SkyBar manager Donato DeMartiis called to say he was partnering with Miami philanthropist Linda Rinaldi on a dream restaurant project, Stone Grill 95 took flight.

As a special tip to our readers, we thought to mention that Rinaldi hosts a Wednesday night “Sake-Tini” Happy Hour from 5-9pm featuring free tapas and a casual insider’s vibe. We invite you to experience the newest source of sizzlingly delicious beef at Surfside’s “soon to be famous” Stone Grill 95 before everyone else finds out about it…

Stone Grill 95 is located at 9487 Harding Avenue, Miami Beach (in the former La Rotisserie spot). 305-868-7667

Local entrepreneur Dan Sehres and Director of Marketing for The Raleigh, Martin Krediet partnered to give locals a home-away-from-home with a priced-right drink menu paired with endless conversation among friends.

Campy interiors by Robert Zemnickis simulate a 1970s Soho loft turned rec room, with scattered vintage pieces and plush sectionals, providing homey seating around a faux fireplace. Retro touches like shag carpets cushion the floor, while brick walls welcome guests to watch a concert, listen to groovy tunes, shoot pool (or the breeze), order great wine or a tableside keg.

Bar 721 opens on the heels of the City of Miami Beach’s plans to beautify North Lincoln Lane by widening sidewalks and lining the area with palm trees. The upgrades will turn a once sleepy alley into an extension of Lincoln Road where the casual beach dweller, urban professional or arts patron can comfortably stroll up and slip in before/after dinner or a performance.

Bar 721 is located at 721 N. Lincoln Lane, Miami Beach, Florida.

• GREAT ESTATES OF SPAIN: GRANDES PAGOS DE ESPAÑA
Saturday, September 26 at 11:45 a.m. ($40)

Comprised of 20 wineries from 17 provinces, Grandes Pagos de España was founded on the principle of promoting terroir1 and the pursuit of excellence through the relationship of wine and its place of origin. Join Carlos Falcó, Marqués de Griñón and president of Grandes Pagos de España, in this tasting of the country’s most highly acclaimed wines including the Aalto 2006 (94 Points, Robert Parker); Finca Valpiedra 2005 (93 Points, Wine Spectator) and Pagos de Familia Marqués de Griñón Syrah 2004 (93 Points, Wine Enthusiast), to name a few.

• YOU BE THE JUDGE: AN INTRODUCTION TO EVALUATING WINE
Saturday, September 26 at 3:30 p.m. (Free for fair ticket holders)

What makes a wine “fine?” Certified Wine Judge, Michael Schaefer, will guide enthusiasts through the winemaking process, introducing and elaborating upon the factors that play a role in making a wine smell and taste the way it does.

• CASTILLA-LA MANCHA WINES: FROM VALUE TO COLLECTOR-WORTHY WINES
Saturday, September 26 at 4:45 p.m. ($20)

Castilla-La Mancha is one of the greatest wine growing regions in Spain and the largest single wine producing region in the world. Industry authority Robert Parker recently stated that Spain would be the next star in the universe of wines and Castilla-La Mancha has risen to those expectations. From value-priced to collector wines, tastings will include: Vinos de Alborea, Bodega La Remediadora, Vinícola de Castilla, Bodegas San Dionisio, Bodegas Pedroheras, Vinos Coloman, Vinícola de Tomelloso, Bodegas La Defensa, Vinícola de Villarrobledo and Union Campesina Iniestense.

• ORGANIC WINES: THE WAY NATURE INTENDED
Sunday, September 27 at 11:45 a.m. ($20)

Join AMG Organic Imports owners, Marco and Alejandra Ferreira and Romero & Miller’s Eric Miller as they showcase their outstanding portfolio of organically produced wines from Chile, Argentina and Spain.

• TASTE THE WARMTH: AN EXPLORATION OF THE WINES OF SOUTHERN FRANCE sponsored by the French Ministry of Agriculture in cooperation with SOPEXA USA.
Sunday, September 27 at 2:45 p.m. ($20)

Discover wines from France’s sun-kissed Southern regions of the Rhône Valley, Provence and the Languedoc-Roussillon; and experience the richness of terroir as expressed in the “warm weather” grape varieties of Syrah, Grenache and Carignan, among others.

• SUSHI & SAKE: THE WORLD’S MOST REFRESHING PAIRING
Sunday, September 27 at 4:45 p.m. ($20)

SUSHISAMBA dromo’s sake sommelier Midori Roth will present a tutorial on the history of sake, its production process and provide tips on different pairings while guests sample various grades of sake. SUSHISAMBA dromo signature bites will be paired

Trade: Sat & Sun (11AM – 4PM) FREE*

General Public: Sat & Sun (4PM – 7PM)

Regular Price: $75 / per person per day

Discount offered: 15% (Code: LWE)

If you missed the Opening Night screening at the Miami International Film Festival, you can still catch “The Fashion Movie of the Year.”

SYNOPSIS
Shown in film festivals around the world to wide acclaim, VALENTINO THE LAST EMPEROR is a feature film that has captured the hearts and imaginations of audiences.

Directed by Matt Tyrnauer, the film takes the viewer inside the singular world of the legendary designer Valentino.
With unprecedented access, VALENTINO THE LAST EMPEROR follows the Italian maestro for the final two years of his celebrated career, capturing the end of an era in global fashion.

But at the heart of the film is a love story: the unique relationship between Valentino and his business partner of 50 years, Giancarlo Giammetti.

96 minutes – USA – Color – in English/Italian/French with English subtitles

What the critics are saying
“Flawless” TIME
“I am mesmerized. I love this movie.” Jeffrey Lyons, NBC Reel Talk
“Pure escapist fun…” The New York Times
“Amazing… you will adore this.” New York Magazine
“Fused with wit and self-deprecating humor. The film captures the deep-seated relationship of two men” André Leon Talley, Vogue

The artists chosen for this series were selected for their diversity of form and strength of execution. The engaging video presentation features artists who have shown internationally at important museums and galleries and are currently doing amazing projects worldwide. The program includes Miami artists Jiae Hwang and Nicholas C. Raftig III, who are currently showing in the recently-opened Abstract Cinema and Technology.

Other artists include: Skip Arnold, Ingibjörg Birgisdottir, Jen DeNike, Martin Durazo, Jesse Reding Fleming, Kate Gilmore, Jiae Hwang, David Jones, Annika Larsson, Shana Moulton, Julie Orser, Nicholas C. Raftig III, David Raymond, Mariah Robertson, Jim Roche, Jimmy Joe Roche, Brandon Rosenbluth, Oscar Miguel Santos a.k.a. Sister Mantos, Aaron Garber Maikovska, Julia Sherman and John Sturgeon.

Compiled by, The Company,  an LA-based art gallery in Chinatown that shows international artists, has a focus on video and performance art, and has a residency program for curators and artists, is owned by two former Miami residents, Anat Ebgi and Annie Wharton.

WHEN:
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
8:00 PM – 9:00 PM

WHERE:
Sagamore, The Art Hotel
1671 Collins Ave
Miami Beach, FL 33139

Kindly RSVP to INFO@THECOMPANYART.COM

Executive Chef John Critchley has prepared an assortment of breakfast favorites and signature dishes with two unique buffet lines. The cold buffet line includes “house baked” breakfast breads, cured meats and cheeses, a ceviche bar (shrimp, tuna, oysters and conch) and domestic caviar and blinis. The hot buffet line includes waffles, cooked-to-order three-egg omelettes, Eggs Benedict, steak frites (flat iron steak, shoe-string fries and red wine sauce), grilled corvina (paired with Salsa Verde) and baked rigatoni (pink sauce and lamb sausage). Guests can choose to sit indoors or take in the views on the outdoor terrace and pool deck with breathtaking views of the Miami River and Biscayne Bay.

Area 31 on the 16th floor of the Epic Hotel, delivers a menu of fresh, premium seafood prepared with a Mediterranean influence.  The restaurant, which debuted December 15, features seafood from its namesake region Fishing Area 31, the ecologically sound marine waters of the Western Central Atlantic including the entire Florida coast, Central America and northern South America, with its menu created by rising star John Critchley. The menu is complemented with a wine list assembled by Master Sommelier Emily Wines along with an innovative cocktail list from Master Mixologist Jacques Bezuidenhout.

For more information, please call Area 31 at 305.424.5234 or visit www.area31restaurant.com. Area 31 is located on the 16th Floor of the Epic Hotel at 270 Biscayne Blvd. Way. Miami, Florida 33131.

Nolan’s first solo show in a gallery, this exhibition is a compilation of many years of seeing and capturing everyday things in a manner that makes them worthy of our special attention.  A mother of seven grown children, Nolan photographs the corners of her home with a poetry that emphasizes the beauty in these quotidian places and objects. With a life and soul beyond their stillness, her images depict people, places and things with intimacy and personal narrative.  In her own words, “the secrets of life are lodged in ordinariness.”

Nolan’s work is included in collections such as the MOMA in New York, SF Moma and the National Museum of Women in the Arts.  She most recently participated in By and About Women, a portfolio of 10 photographs which included notable women photographers such as Helen Levitt, Carrie May Weems, and Mary Ellen Mark. Nolan has received numerous grants and awards including the South Florida Cultural Consortium Fellowship.

Partial proceeds of sales will benefit the Lotus House Women’s Shelter where Nolan volunteers as art director.

February 14 – April 4, 2009  For more info, please contact the gallery 786-486-7248.