August 2010 www.MiamiandBeaches.com
OUT AND ABOUT IN MIAMI
Thank you for your continued support of Miami! The monthly Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau Media Relation’s e-newsletter is filled with story leads you can develop,
including exciting news and events. Enjoy!
9th ANNUAL MIAMI SPICE RESTAURANT MONTH PROGRAM KICKS OFF THIS MONTH: Currently in its 9th year, the annual Miami Spice Restaurant Program launches August 1st with an array of new culinary additions. The program will take place August 1 – September 30, 2010. During that time, Greater Miami’s finest restaurants will offer three course prix fixe lunches, at $22 per person, and dinners at $35 (excluding taxes and gratuities). Each menu will include an appetizer, entrée and dessert offering an average discount of 30-50 percent off the regular value. For the first time ever, The Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB) sponsored a spectacular Miami Spice Kickoff Event & Fundraiser, held at the Miami Beach Convention Center in Hall D on Saturday, July 31, 2010. The event, which launched the much-anticipated Miami Spice Program showcased a sampling of delicious culinary specialties from Miami Spice participating restaurants. A VIP reception, hosted by Miami Spice presenting sponsor American Express, and official sponsors Moët Hennessy USA and Stella Artois, included an open bar and complimentary valet service. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Share Our Strength and Madison’s Wish. www.ILoveMiamiSpice.com.
THE SETAI LAUNCHES EXCITING THEME NIGHTS: As part of a summer-long celebration of its Fifth Anniversary, and on the heels of a new menu launch at its signature restaurant, The Restaurant at The Setai, one of Miami Beach’s most beautiful and acclaimed properties, is introducing a series of not-to-be-missed food, beverage and entertainment-oriented theme nights including Flavors of India – Wednesdays Launching August 4 – Every Wednesday night from 7pm to 11pm, Thursday Night Jazz at The Setai – Launching August 5, and Dim Sum and Champagne Fridays -Launching August 13. setaidining@ghmamericas.com or www.setai.com/anniversary
THIRD ANNUAL MIAMI SPA MONTH STILL RUNNING STRONG: Currently in its 3rd year, the annual Miami Spa Month program showcases Miami’s premiere spas which offer special treatments for $99. Greater Miami and the Beaches are renowned for its luxury spas that are ranked among the “Best Spas in America,” and are the favorites of spa connoisseurs throughout the world. Miami Spa Month will run July 1 – August 31, 2010. For an up-to-date list of participating spas visit www.MiamiSpaMonth.com.
‘EAT, PRAY, LOVE’ WEEKEND AT THE SONESTABAYFRONT HOTEL COCONUT GROVE: While most people cannot go to Indonesia, India and Rome where author Elizabeth Gilbert traveled to and serves as the backdrop for the blockbuster film ‘Eat, Pray, Love’, the Sonesta Bayfront Hotel Coconut Grove and the new Paragon Grove 13 luxury movie theater have created an exclusive weekend taking guests on a gastronomic and meditative voyage celebrating the debut of the movie August 13 – 15. The
special package, from $199 per person, includes relaxation and rejuvenation journeys offering snap shots mirroring themes from the film. www.sonesta.com/coconutgrove
‘MIAMI 443′ CAMPAIGN PROMOTES SUMMER TRAVEL: Now through Labor Day, ‘Miami 443′ campaign is offering a wide range of deals at dozens of hotels, restaurants and other area attractions that allow visitors to buy three and get one FREE. Spearheaded by the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau (GMCVB), the four-for-three promotion allows value-hunting families and friends to transform a brief three-day getaway to a relaxing four-day vacation. The Miami 443 campaign offers extraordinary value across a diverse spectrum of lodging and dining options, attractions and tours. Taken together, these deals make it possible for visitors to enjoy a world-class vacation in Miami this summer at a fraction of the regular price. For a sampling of the four-for-three deals now being offered visit, www.Miami443.com.
PARTY AT MIAMI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT’S NORTH TERMINAL: Through the end of August, passengers traveling through Miami International Airport’s North Terminal this summer can experience the sights and sounds of South Florida every weekend afternoon without ever leaving the airport. Westfield Concessions Management, which operates several stores at MIA, has partnered with the airport to host South Florida-themed passenger events every Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday from noon to 3:00 p.m. Weekends in August will include a variety of musical performances, entertainment, food samples and contests.
MIAMI SPICE CELEBRATION PACKAGE FROM MANDARIN ORIENTAL, MIAMI: In conjunction with Miami Spice restaurant month sponsored by the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau, Mandarin Oriental, Miami offers the “Miami Spice Celebration” package providing a summer getaway of luxury and culinary delights. From August 1 to September 30, 2010, guests can savor this gourmet package with luxurious accommodations for two nights, American breakfast daily and choose from the three-course Miami Spice dinner menu at the high-energy Azul restaurant or the Miami Spice lunch or dinner menu at the waterfront Café Sambal. Additionally, the hotel’s concierge will provide his favorite picks from participating Miami Spice restaurants. Rates for the “Miami Spice Celebration” package based on double occupancy are from USD 548 for a two-night stay. The Miami Spice menus are available Monday through Friday at Azul and Sunday through Thursday at Café Sambal.
www.mandarinoriental.com
FALL FOR THE ARTS FESTIVAL: In an effort to celebrate the rich artistic and cultural tapestry of the performing arts in Miami, The Miami Herald, El Nuevo Herald, and the Adrienne Arsht Center join forces to present the first ever full-day festival spotlighting Miami’s arts and service organizations. For one day only, September 12th, the Adrienne Arsht Center and surrounding streets of Downtown Miami will come alive with a massive celebration of Miami’s artistic pulse. 13th Street will be closed to traffic and filled with performances on the FALL FOR THE ARTS FESTIVAL stages. Performers, artistic leaders, and community service partners will all collaborate in a grand-scale celebration of the coming arts season in South Florida. FALL FOR THE ARTS FESTIVAL is a free festival and will unite the local community in a unique and special way, offering organizations the opportunity to showcase their performing arts offerings and community service opportunities. www.arshtcenter.org
KIMPTON’S EPIC HOTEL OFFERS ‘KING-SIZED’ SAVINGS TO MIAMI HEAT SEASON TICKET HOLDERS AND FANS FORTUNATE TO SNAG TICKETS FOR THE UPCOMING 2010/2011 SEASON: With published reports of a sell-out of season tickets for the upcoming Miami Heat 2010/2011 season, those enviable season ticket holders, and fans who book their stay through www.MiamiHeat.com, are eligible to receive savings fit for a king from Kimpton’s EPIC Hotel, the top-rated hotel for luxury, style and service located within walking distance of the American Airlines Arena in Downtown Miami. With the new season set to begin this October, EPIC is extending a discount of 20% off the best available rate to season ticket holders who book a stay at the hotel during one of the 2010/2011 season Miami Heat home games. Season ticket holders also receive a complimentary appetizer at the hotel’s critically-acclaimed Mediterranean-inspired premium seafood restaurant, Area 31, and a complimentary upgrade based on availability, when they present their season ticket holder credentials at check-in. All other Miami Heat fans who book their stay at EPIC through the Miami Heat website (under Promotions tab) are also eligible to receive the 20% best available rate savings. To apply 20% best available rate savings, use booking code: HEAT. And for those out-of-towners in need of extra “leg-room”, EPIC offers 13 specialty “tall rooms” with longer beds, king-sized for taller guests. EPIC’s tall beds are 9″ longer than its standard size beds, measuring 72″ wide x 89″ long. “Mascots” are also welcome courtesy of EPIC’s pet-friendly policy, which ensures all pet guests receive a pet bed, treats and toy upon arrival. www.epichotel.com
Calendar of Events:
Miami Spice Restaurant Month Aug. 1- Sep. 30 www.ilovemiamispice.com
9th Miami Salsa Congress Aug. 4 – Aug. 8 www.miamisalsacongress.com