Coral Gables Restaurant Week...Why Not?

Food Lovers, which is just about everyone, would be happy to learn about Coral Gables Restaurant Week (if you haven't so already). It works just like Miami Spice, it has a pre-set, three-course menu for lunch and dinner. The only difference is that the restaurants are located in Coral Gables (duh).

It starts on June 1st and runs through June 14th and has the following delicious restaurants (some are among strictlyMIA faves) to chose from:

• Bangkok Bangkok II
• La Cofradia Ceviche Bar
• Le Provencal
• Ortanique on the Mile
• Por Fin

Point is, if you don't participate...you're dumb and we mean that in the nicest way possible.

For more info regarding the Coral Gables Restaurant Week, please call 305-569-0311 or visit their website.

This For You, Moms!

Moms around the nation can experience the ultimate Mom's nite out on Thursday, May 7th.

Locally hosted at Dadeland Mall, this "nite out" will feature great social networking opportunities with cooking demonstrations, a style presentation, complimentary wine and cheese samples by Winn-Dixie and more. Moms, there will also be giveways and shopping benefits (more reason for you to go and have fun!)

The event runs from 6 to 9 p.m. in the center of the mall.

For more local info, please visit Simon.com. For national info, visit Momsniteout.com.

Go ahead, you deserve it!

Vote for Your Favorite Miami Spot

944 Magazine is asking its readers to help them assemble thier May "944 Picks" Issue. All you have to do is visit www.944.com/picks and nominate your favorite spot in Miami.

Categories include:

- Eat This: Restaurants, Breakfast Spots and Mom-and-Pop Bistros
- Step Out: Nightspots, Best Rooftops, Dive Bars, Microbrews and Wine Bars
- Fashion Forward: Baubles, Duds and Designers
- Body Conscious: Trendsetting Salons, Spa and Yoga Studios
- Get Cultured: Music, Art and Architecture

Don't forget to pick up the May issue (coming out May 4th) and see if your nomination was chosen.

More Segafredo Goodness

Segafredo opened another door, this time on Española Way in the heart of South Beach. Expect the décor, menu, and chic atmosphere to be similar to their Brickell and Bal Harbour locations (already fab places especially for happy hour).

Parents & Dog lovers will be happy to know that Segafredo Española Way offers a children’s menu as well as a dog menu.

For more info, click here.

Segafredo Española Way: 500 Española Way

Attention Fashionistas: Classy, Landfill Chic Now Available

Remember the days when you would open your lunchbox and found an oh-so-tasty Capri Sun pouch next to your pan con bistec? (yes, my mom loved me!) Since then, I've been hooked on the goodness of the juice and many times stocked my mini-dorm room pantry with the pouches...after all, they were excellent mixers for my mocktails! But after all the joy they've brought to your life, the pouch was always destined to a grimy and non-environmentally conducive future in a landfill.

Well...not anymore! Capri Sun, in partnership with TerraCycle (an eco-company that has pioneered the concept that any disposable material can be reused and created into something of value) have teamed up in an effort to make the classic pouch a hot-item accessory for budding fashionistas!

Recently, the companies hosted a CAPRI SUN Ready to Re-Wear Runway Show hosted by teen sensation AnnaSophia Robb (Disney's Race to Witch Mountain). The best part of the event was a one-of-a-kind dress made entirely from Capri Sun pouches (modeled by 12-year-old Chantellyne Rivera of Miami, a member of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade). The dress is currently being auctioned off to benefit The Boys & Girls Club of America.

Visit http://www.ebaygivingworks.com/ and type in Capri Sun to bid on the dress!

It's All About....Doggy Style

If fashion and dogs are your addiction then you're in luck because Cabana One is hosting a fashion show this Friday, March 27.....with some very cute doggies.

From 7 to 9, catch these unsual models work the runway for "Rescues Rock the Runway" to showcase Toru's new Spring line (super chic and stylish doggie apparel). The event costs $25 and goes to benefit Paws 4 You. Included in your $25 are drinks, hors d' oeuvres, and prizes.

Following the fashion show starts Cabana's weekly Friday night party featuring the sounds of DJ Ethics.

More info on the Fashion Show, call 786.242.RESQ.

Info on Bottle & Table Reservations for Cabana, contact Amanda Garcia at amandag360@yahoo.com

Cabana One at the Mayfair Hotel: 3000 Florida Ave.

Cheap drinks till 2 AM and not at a Dive Bar? Tell me more...

Forget the smokey bar scene, this week's best "hump day" happy hour is happening at the River Lounge. Located at the Epic Hotel in Brickell, the new lounge will be hosting a soft-opening on Wednesday, March 25th from 4 PM to 2 AM with discounted drinks for those that RSVP to the event.

This newcomer to the Miami happy hour/nightlife scene promises to be Miami chic with its towering windows and schnazzy décor (including a circular bar, balcony, and cozy spots). Oh, and wait…a patio allowing us to brave the humidity for romantic, wind-blowing in your hair dates or the oh-so-sexy (or not-so-sexy) smoke. Offering both classy and adventurous drinks as well as yummy delicacies with a bar menu from restaurant Area 31, we think River Lounge is on its way to becoming the next “it” place. Sigh...a new place with a nice ambiance.

Plus, with cheap drinks running till 2 AM (FYI a ploy to lure us….which works), those cozy spots seem just right for a drunken make-out session for those whose happy hours end up being more than just an hour. Here's to a happy hump day!

Some details
Address: Epic Hotel, 270 Biscayne Blvd. Way
Date: March 25th
Time: 4 PM to 2 AM
RSVP: 305-698-2384

An Event Short

This event doesn't need an explanation....all you need to know is that wine will be involved.

This Thursday, March 26: Coral Gables Wine and Food Festival will be up and running for its 6th year.

A Bloody Good Time

Twilight fans, who have been anxiously awaiting the DVD release this March 21, can finally sink their teeth into it!

Walmart in Doral is hosting a midnight Twilight party for those waiting for the midnight DVD release. The best part is that the first 50 fans in line will receive an exclusive Twilight party park with everything you need to have the ultimate viewing party.

"Twilight stores" have already been set-up in the giant retailer nationwide. You can find items like: Twlight apparel, bags, music, and books.

The DVD goes on sale tomorrow at MIDNIGHT!

Doral Walmart: 8651 NW 13 Terr

A Seafood Affair

I've been slacking on my end of the posts this week but luckily we have Ms. Vaselina to keep us entertained. However, I'm back (please hold your excitement) and I have a new, low-key, cheap event for your family next SUNDAY funday.

The Deering Estate is hosting thier 5th Annual Deering Seafood Festival on the Bay. The festival features live music, art exhibits, the Lil Shrimp Kids Zone, boat rides, and tours of the historical Deering Estate and more.

Our favorite part because we love eat is the fact that there will be live cooking demos from local chefs representing these fab restaurants:

• Oceanaire
• Ortanique on the Mile
• Bizcaya (Ritz-Carlton)

Tickets are $15 for adults and $5 for children over the age of 4.

Click HERE for more info on the event and the types of seafood that will be served.

Deering Estate:16701 SW 72 Ave.

St. Patty's in Miami

This year's St. Patty's Day should be like all of the other ones: green and full of alcohol resulting in uselessness at work the next day.

strictlyMIA has put together a list of suggestions for you on your quest for a good time this March 17th. In the end, we know that when you're with the right people you'll have fun no matter where you go.

Our Top Pick:

Although we are big fans of John Martin's annual St. Patrick's Day Festival in the Gables, its time to move on. This year we are trying something different and heading out to Irish Times' block party in South Miami starting at 6 pm.

Irish Times: 5350 Sunset Dr.

Other Suggestions:

• John Martin's: 253 Miracle Mile
• Duffy's Tavern: 2108 SW 57 Ave.
• The Playwright: 1265 Washington Ave.
• Waxy O' Connors: 1248 Washington Ave.
• Churchills: 5501 NE 2nd Ave.

MTV Wants You to Get Nailed

Get your 15 minutes of fame and become America's newest kind of celebrity, a Reality TV one.

MTV is now casting for their new salon based reality TV series, Nail'd, here in Miami Beach.

They are looking for people who have "BIG" personalities, attractive (shouldn't be too hard here in Miami), and outgoing.

The open casting call is this Saturday, March 14th from 6 pm to 9 pm.

Honeydoo Salon

1460 Washington Ave.