"Art in the Park" presents the Florida Grand Opera
March 6, Sunday, 4-6pm
This event is free to the public. Takes place at Collins Park at Collins Avenue and 21/22nd Streets.

National Wine Week at Smith & Wollensky
March 7-11
Sample 10 wines for $10 with the purchase of a lunch entree. For more details, click here.

"Art in the Park" presents Frozen Music Sound Installation
March 13, 12pm-4pm
This event is free to the public. Takes place at Collins Park at Collins Avenue and 21/22nd Streets.

Audition to Sing National Anthem at Sony Ericsson
March 19, Saturday
The Sony Ericsson Open is hosting a talent search where one lucky winner will have the opportunity to sing the National Anthem prior to the Friday, March 25 evening session.


The contest will be held at Dos Caminos, Ft. Lauderdale on Saturday, March 19 and will begin promptly at 8pm. All eligible contestants must be at least 16 years old and legal residents who live within 250 miles of Miami; and must sign-up at the contest location no later than 8pm to participate. All contestants will have a chance to sing one song up to two minutes in length in front of a panel of three judges and the Dos Caminos crowd.

The selected winner will not only receive the opportunity to sing on Stadium Court at the Sony Ericsson Open on Friday, March 25, but will receive four (4) tickets to the Friday evening session, and an all-access tour of the tournament.

Dos Caminos, (Sheraton Fort Lauderdale) 1140 Seabreeze Blvd., Fort Lauderdale; 954-727-7090


Antoon Vanderborght - Belgium’s First Prize Winner Guitarist in Concert
March 19th, Saturday
The Miami Classical Guitar Society presents the fourth concert of its International Guitar Masters and Laureates Series 2011 featuring Antoon Vandeborght, Belgian virtuoso guitarist. His concert will take place at the Episcopal Church Center in the University of Miami Campus, 1150 Stanford Drive, on Saturday, March 19th, at 8 pm. Tickets cost $20 at the door, and $15 members, students, seniors. Parking is free. For more information, call 305-412-2494, or visit http://www.miamiguitar.org/

Antoon Vandeborght is undoubtedly Belgium’s leading young guitarist, 1st Prize Winner of 16 of the most important international guitar competitions, including the 2009 Premio Andres Segovia (Spain), 2009 Ciudad de Coria (Spain), Concurso Internacional José Tomás (Spain), Enschede (Netherlands), Mercatalli (Italy), among others. Audiences and juries all around the world have much valued his interpretive qualities, and his sensibility and capacity to transmit his music to the public.

KISS A GOAT
2011 Miami International Agriculture and Cattle Show
March 19, 20 (Saturday & Sunday)
The Miami International Agriculture & Cattle Show, now in its fourth year, attracts visitors from all over the world and features a host of fun activities for the whole family. Browse exhibitor displays of plants and fresh produce, enjoy live entertainment and sample the array of foods offered by vendors. Each day there will be local horse clubs demonstrating all kinds of cultural equestrian traditions, and new this year is the equestrian trail where you can see blacksmiths fitting horses with horseshoes, craftsmen making saddles and leather wear, artists painting horse portraits, and more. Saturday features a professional polo exhibition match, and on both days there will be the Medieval Times Spectacular, complete with medieval pageantry, where knights compete in jousting and sword fighting tournaments on horseback. Children will enjoy the cowboy horseback rifle and revolver shooting skills contest, cattle herding exhibition, petting zoo and pony rides. Admission and parking are free, and all proceeds from concessions will benefit children afflicted with autism through the South Florida Autism Charter Schools. Open Sat from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sun from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Ronald Reagan Equestrian Center
Tropical Park
7900 S.W. 40th Street, Miami
305-222-2116

Tennis: Sony Ericsson Open
March 21-April 3
Get set for the Sony Ericsson Open, one of the most glamorous events on the ATP Tour, offering a complete entertainment experience with high fashion, fine food, fabulous shopping and celebrity musical performances. With the likes of Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, Andy Roddick, Andy Murray, Serena Williams, Venus Williams, Maria Sharapova and Kim Clijsters on hand, you'll see the top players in the world competing for one of the most prestigious titles in tennis. The Sony Ericsson Open always delivers the best tennis action imaginable, and you never know who you'll bump into on the tournament grounds. Ticket packages are available starting at just $82. http://www.sonyericssonopen.com/
Crandon Park Tennis Center
7300 Crandon Boulevard, Key Biscayne

White tents erected on the beach like giant sugar cubes are the telltale signs that the SoBe Wine & Food Festival is underway. One of the most coveted star-studded events in South Beach that draws people from across the nation, rich people.

Going back to its origins, the festival offered sampling of foods from Miami's finest restaurants and wine labels under one big tent.  Tickets were an affordable $75 a piece. Even then the lines for each station serpentined like a tangled necklace and the attendees bumped elbows along the way perhaps stumbling from over indulgence of wine and bubbly.

Much has changed since those days.  Today, tickets are a stratospheric $300+ for the Grand Tasting village. Other private festival events will torpedo your recessionary budget into a bleak depression.

What's all the fuss? The Food Network is now the sponsor of the festival which means a swarm of celebrity chefs descend into Miami. Bobby Flay, Rachel Ray, Emeril Lagasse, Paula Deen and others.  Sure I enjoy these chefs and still have all the ingredients collecting dust in my cupboard for a red cake recipe from Paula Deen. But let's face it, who has time? Although I love Rachel Ray's 30-minute recipes which fit my busy lifestyle.  But my sofa's distance from my 40" flatscreen fulfills my celebrity-proximity need.

Moving onto the Grand Tasting village, upon entering say hello to Mr. Elbow again.  A little pushing and shoving is expected. And yes, you paid a handsome price to be treated like a sardine.

With a dimunitive name (the "ito"), Mercadito was not a dollhouse-size storefront with even smaller interior. Quite the opposite. The unpretencious entrance doors gave way to a chic market. Yes, upholstered bench seats meet decorative weaved basket-light fixtures dangling from the ceiling. And the bar was even more impressive.

Cozy entrance sitting area for drinks and appetizers

Christine sitting at table with bar in background

The restaurant was large and must hold over 70 people. The waitress that served us shared that famed pop singer Shakira, was recently here.

Scanning the various "guacamoles" as a starter, we opted for the traditional one with avocado versus the more adventurous flavors of pumpkin or pomegranate.  It was perfect!

Lately I have been sampling ceviches from different restaurants. More recently I had the ceviche at the famous Joe's Stone Crab restaurant in South Beach. It was disappointing. They were clearly missing an ingredient but I could not pin point it.  After a long work day, I needed an uplifting evening. Please, Poseidon, don't fail me!




"Dorada" ceviche

So next, I ordered a fish ceviche "dorado" which consisted of mahi-mahi, avocado, tomato, and orange-chile de arbol broth. No fishy taste, light, not too tangy and refreshing. I loved it.

For my choice of meat, my taste buds leapt at the "carnitas de puerco" taquizas. Translation: braised pork flour tacos.  The dish, to my surprised was an appetizer size. However, the meat was flavorful, succulent and the three sauces enhanced the flavors with a mild or bold flavor.  I skipped the tortillas that accompanied the pork. I was already brimming carbs from chips and guacamole.




"Carnitas de puerco" taquizas

Passing up dessert was quickly negated when the dessert menu was presented and the first item "flan de cajeta" cried my name.  A lover of goat's cheese, I was drawn by the ingredients of goat's milk, orange crystallized topping and dusted coffee.

Flan de cajeta

High marks for the food flavors, it met or exceeded expectations. Unfortunately I give low marks for value. The pork carnitas was priced at $21.  Highly overpriced. 

Mercadito is definitely out of my moderate-priced budget. For indulgence, I would rather go to Michael's Genuine Food or Asia de Cuba at the Mondrian. The trend of loud music was rampant at Mercadito that once again I felt I was 42 years old going on 80. 

As a marketing professional I see that restaurants are excluding an older clientele with money to spend. By reducing the  music volume that still exudes ambiance but does not overpower the sensitivities of clients, should be the goal.

Mercadito Midtown
3252 NE First Avenue
Miami, FL  33137
786-369-0430

TANGO LESSONS EVERY TUESDAY
Tuesday nights

"Alma de Tango" features World Tango Champion Monica Llobet.

Bringing the romance, passion, and elegance of the tango to South Florida. Every Tuesday night enjoy the intimate atmosphere of a Buenos Aires milonga transported to the beautiful Danielson Gallery inside the historic Biltmore Hotel. From beginning basic steps and technique to advanced musicality, select your dance level and continue dancing the night away in a milonga style open dance for all enriched by top tango orchestras to nuevo tango by innovative musicians. No Argentinean night is complete without tango and a selection of fine wines. The Biltmore is also raffling away a brunch for 2 certificate!

Advance Group Class 8:00pm -9:00pm
Beginner Group Class 9:00pm - 10:00pm
Milonga dance for all 10:00pm- 1:00am

$20.00 for class and milonga, cash bar
Biltmore Hotel at 1200 Anastasia Avenue, Coral Gables, FL 33134
Contact: monicallobet@yahoo.com

Shameless Burlesque at Transit Lounge
February 11, Friday
Soothe your broken heart or celebrate that love affair with "dangerfun", naughty-but-nice spankings, sparkly pasties and tassels galore. The ladies of Shameless Burlesque invite you to a special evening in downtown Miami at Transit Lounge. 729 SW 1st Avenue. Click here for the invitation.

"ART IN THE PARK" presents Romeo and Juliet
February 12 & 13, 3pm
A free cultural event in Miami Beach. The play takes place at Flamingo Park at Meridian and 12th Street. For  more information contact 305-673-7577.

Lincoln Road Walking Tour (FREE)
February 12, 10am-12pm
Join Garden guides in a free walking tour of Lincoln Road Pedestrian Mall focusing on the trees, plants, and architectural visions of Morris Lapidus and Raymond Jungles. Gather at 10AM on Lincoln Road at Washington Avenue. Refreshments will be served at the end of the tour.

Miami International Boat Show
February 17-21
Miami's largest exhibition of boats and yachts also includes free sailboat rides and seminars. Plan ahead. Click here for more information.

America's Top Model Audition
February 19
If you are female, between the ages of 18-27 and a US CITIZEN (not resident) and want to see if you have the look and are ready to take a couple of months to compete on the reality show, please click here.

Walk for the Dogs
February 19, 8:30am, Bayfront Park
Presented by Pet Supermarket, the Walk for the Animals is dedicated in memory of Randy Reed, an animal lover and dedicated volunteer of the Humane Society. Activities include a bounce house and inflatable basketball court, face painting, arts and crafts, games and more for the kids, with plenty of prizes and product samples from the event sponsors. There will be a special Bakery Tent where you can get pastries and a great cup of coffee. The 1-mile stroll around the park - with or without a dog - begins at 10 a.m., followed by award presentations. The minimum donation for walkers is $50 for a single and $100 for a family with 2 adults and 2 children. Register as a walker or get information about forming your own official Walk Pack. Contact Ricki@humanesociety.org

Andrea Vettoretti, Classical Guitar Concert
February 19, 8pm
The Miami Classical Guitar Society is pleased to present the third concert of its International Guitar Masters Series 2011, featuring the solo recital of Italian virtuoso Andrea Vettoretti. Winner of twelve National and International Competitions, including Città di Ravenna; the “Subinates prize” in Switzerland; and the XV edition of the prestigious A.R.A.M. of Rome, Andrea Vettoretti is one of the most renowned guitarists in Europe. The concert takes place Saturday, February 19th, 8:00 PM, at the Società Dante Alighieri (Alliance Française), 618 SW 8th Street; Miami, FL 33130. Tickets cost $20 at the door, and $15 members, students, seniors. Parking is free. For more information, call 305-412-2494, or visit http://www.miamiguitar.org/.

Coconut Grove Arts Festival
February 19, 20, 21
One of the famed events in Miami. Celebrating its 48th anniversary in 2011, the Coconut Grove Arts Festival® is one of the nation’s premier outdoor fine Arts Festivals. The Festival showcases the works of over 360 of the finest artists and craftsmen in the world. A signature event of the South Florida cultural calendar, the Arts Festival offers visitors the opportunity to meet with exhibiting artists, sample fine cuisine, enjoy live entertainment and take a walk through history. $10.00 admission.

For a Valentine evening you'll never forget, the ladies of Shameless Burlesque invite you for dangerfun, naughty-but-nice spankings, comedy, live music, sparkly pasties, and tassels galore.

Friday, Saturday and Sunday: February 4-6


ST. PHOTIOS PILGRIMAGE WEEKEND
Join the annual pilgrimage celebrating of the feast of the patron of the St. Photios Greek Orthodox National Shrine in St. Augustine. The dedication begins at 5 p.m. on Friday with a Trisagion at the Tolomato Cemetery on Cordova Street followed by a reception at the St. Photios Chapel, 41 St. George Street. Saturday at 5:30 p.m., Great Vespers and a Blessing of the Loaves take place at the Chapel. Then, on Sunday at 8:30 a.m., Orthos and Divine Liturgy take place at the Shrine Chapel and the National Shrine Day Feast takes place at the Casa Monica Hotel at 12:30 p.m. Tickets to the feast are $50 per person. For more information, please call 904.829.8205 or e-mail info@StPhotios.com.


CAT ON A HOT TIN ROOF
Actors with a Cause will present Tennessee Williams' classic Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, directed by award-winning playwright Lorraine Portman in the Flagler Room at the former Ponce de Leon Hotel (Flagler College). The performances begin at 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and at 4 p.m. on Sunday. Each performance will be in celebration and to benefit the retirement of Rabbi Samuel Cywiak, 91, who has served the Congregation Sons of Israel in St Augustine since 1992. Tickets are $25 per person. For tickets and reservations, call 386-313-1792.


Saturday: February 5

ST. AUGUSTINE'S ORIGINAL CHOCOLATE TOUR
Learn the history of chocolate and chocolate making while sampling truffles, pastries and gooey delights from the finest chocolatiers on this exciting tour presented by Old Town Trolleys. The tours depart from the Old Town Trolley Welcome Center located at 27 San Marco Avenue at 1:30 p.m. Tickets are $60 per person. The tour includes stops and samples at Raintree Restaurant, Hilton Bayfront Aviles Restaurant, Casa Monica Hotel, Claude's Chocolates, Peterbrooke's Chocolates, and St. Augustine's original chocolatier, Whetstone's Chocolates. For more information and reservations, call 904.829.3800 or visit www.TrolleyTours.com/st-augustine/tour-chocolate.asp.


RSVP CHOCOLATE & BEYOND GALA
Join in a lovely evening of decadent chocolate and other culinary delights! Enjoy live and silent auctions, art show, contest and, of course, chocolate. The Chocolate Gala events take place at the St. Augustine Shores Riverview Club, located at 790 Christina Drive in St. Augustine. Tickets are $20. For more information and full event details or to order tickets, call RSVP at 904.547.3945.