Homes of Desire

Miami Heats Up in August! August 2nd, 2012

Although the summer is winding down, and back-to-school time is around the corner, Miami’s social calendar is showing no signs of slowing down!  I am always checking www.miami.com for updates on what to do and where to go in our gorgeous city, and here is what they recommend we check out this month (I’m especially excited for the Home Show!):

MIAMI Spice Aug. 1 – Sept. 30 Where: Various participating restaurants throughout Miami. More information at www.iLoveMIAMISpice.com.

Calling all foodies! Get up close and personal with some of Miami’s top dining locales during Miami Spice, a two month promotion where participating restaurants offer up discounted three-course meals (lunches $19 or $23, dinners $33 or $39) featuring signature dishes and specialties prepared by world-renowned chefs. Participating this year are Miami traditions like The Capital Grille and Smith & Wollensky, celebrity magnets like db Bistro Moderne and Scarpetta, date night favorites like Fontana at the Biltmore, hip trendy spots like Wynwood Kitchen & Bar and Sugarcane and many more.

The Donkey Show Through August 12 Where: Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts, 1300 Biscayne Blvd., Miami; www.arshtcenter.org.

It’s not just opera, ballet and symphony happening at the Arsht  Center. This summer the Performing Arts Center will be converted into a  huge shrine to disco with the arrival of the celebrated spectacle, The Donkey Show.  Complete with disco balls, barely-dressed divas, roller skaters, hustle  queens and a sprinkling of Shakespearean magic, this party will have  the audience dancing to disco hits as the show unfolds around them.

Miami Spa Month Through August 31 Where: Various participating spas around Miami and Miami Beach. Complete list at www.miamispamonth.com.

Some of Miami’s fanciest spas are  offering treatments at a reduced rate of $99 through the end of August. Participating venues  include uber chi chi spots like Lapis at the Fontainebleau, The Standard Spa, Biltmore Spa, The Spa at Doral and many more. Each venue has its own menu of discounted treatments, for example The Standard Spa offers the Hamam Spa Ritual – a 45-minute massage followed by the  Turkish Hamam rub and scrub and finished off with the Herbal Bath. All  that for only $99.

Miami Salsa Congress Aug. 1-5 Where: Various venues around Miami Beach. More information at miamisalsacongress.com.

Salsa lovers from across the country converge at the annual Miami Salsa Congress, a five-day Latin music and dance conference that features workshops, competitions, parties, fashion shows, galas and more. Local and international performers, world-class dance instructors, DJs, dance teams and Latin bands will come together to enjoy a packed itinerary of non-stop salsa action.

Miami/Bahamas Goombay Festival Aug. 2-5 Where: Grand Avenue and Douglas Road (SW 37 Avenue) through Margaret Street, in Coconut Grove.

The Miami/Bahamas Goombay Festival is an annual celebration that was initiated in 1976 by descendants of Bahamian immigrants that features a colorful parade of energetic, brightly costumed people dancing to rhythmic sounds, vendors offering authentic Bahamian and American cuisine, live music, arts & crafts and Junkanoos.

African Diaspora Dance & Drum Festival of Florida Aug. 3-5  Where: Little Haiti Cultural Center, 212-260 NE 59th Terr., Miami. More information at 305-978-3866 or  adddff.DelouAfrica.org.

Featuring workshops from world renowned artists from West Africa and the Caribbean, a symposium, a concert extravaganza, vendor market place, children’s village, a raffle drawing, an award presentation and a cultural reception.

Burger, Beer & Balls Bash presented by The MIAMI Taste of Brickell Food & Wine Aug. 4 Where: Miami Circle, 401 Brickell Ave., Miami; www.TasteofBrickell.com.

Local chefs come together in a celebration of meatballs and hamburgers with the public serving as judge and jury as they sample creations from over 30 restaurants and then vote for their favorites. Also, check out the burger eating contest, live music and Miami Marlins giveaways. Wash it all down with a nice cold beer and feel the satisfaction of knowing that a portion of the proceeds of this feeding frenzy will benefit The Boys and Girls Club of South Florida.

Brazilian Film Festival of Miami Aug. 17-25 Where: Films will be shown at The Colony Theatre, and at Miami Beach Cinematheque. More information at www.brazilianfilmfestival.com  or 305-600-3347.

Florida has become a second home to many Brazilians, who have brought with them both their cash and their film industry, which makes a sojourn every year to showcase around two dozen of the most acclaimed Brazilian films at this annual festival. The itinerary includes competitive screenings, special screenings, parties and cocktails.

XVII International Ballet Festival of MIAMI Aug. 24 – Sept. 16  Where: Various venues throughout South Florida. More information at www.InternationalBalletFestival.org.

The annual festival gathers classical ballet and contemporary dance companies as well as talented young competitive dancers from around the world for two weeks of performances, galas, and workshops.

MIAMI Home Design & Remodeling Show Aug. 31- Sept. 4 Where: Miami Beach Convention Center, 1901 Convention Center Dr., Miami Beach. More information at www.Homeshows.net.

Need a few tips for that big home remodel? Looking for the latest in home gadgetry? Want some tips on a new floor plan for the family room? The Home Design and Remodeling Show is the place to be. The event features vendors showcasing fine home furniture, accessories, remodeling, interior design, kitchens and baths, appliances, home theaters, home improvements, pools and spas, patios, landscaping, and an array of products and services for the interior and exterior of the home.

Categories: City News, Dining & Entertainment

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