Now That's Italian...

Via Quadronno Cooking Class - June 4th
Add a little bit of “la dolce vita” to your summer. Sign up for the June 4th cooking class at Via Quadronno, an elegant Milanese restaurant located at the chi-chi Village of Merrick Park in Coral Gables. Chef Maurizio Florio will be demonstrating how to prepare dishes like octopus salad, ravioli alla Gorgonzola, and crême brulée. While they cook, students can enjoy a glass or two of Prosecco along with finger foods and white and red wines complimenting the different dishes. Not a bad way to spend a summer afternoon... Cost is $50 per person. Reservations are required. Email Francesco@ViaQuadronno.com or call (305) 476-1160.

Brickell Ave. Cocktail Trail

Downtown Miami's Brickell area is jumping on weekends, thanks to a slew of action-packed Happy Hours to suit every taste and budget. “After 6 at the Conrad” features $6 cocktails along with complimentary hors d’oeuvres and killer views from the hotel’s 25th floor at the Conrad Miami (1395 Brickell Avenue). Walking distance from the Conrad is Segafredo Brickell (1421 South Miami Avenue), whose yummy Italian menu and super-cool 2,000-square-foot night club space, Spazio Nero, attract the in-crowd. Badrutt’s Place (1250 S. Miami Avenue) is a high-end see and be seen spot. Hailing from St. Moritz, Badrutt's sports white leather banquettes, a Davidoff Cigar Lounge, DJ tunes and a Euro-trendy vibe that would make James Bond feel right at home. The new group of Brickell area lounges and restaurants have absorbed some of the overflow from ever-popular Novecento (1414 Brickell Avenue), the Argentine hangout whose daily Happy Hour welcomes 9-to-5ers (and everyone else) with comfy outdoor sofas and the best steak empanadas to be found outside of Buenos Aires.

Listen to…

Art in the Parks Father's Day Concert
Take Dad to a blockbuster live show featuring 10 of the best local Cuban artists playing their hearts out. “Cubiche” is a free outdoor concert presented by the City of Miami Beach and FUNDarte. Get ready to salsa, shake, rattle and roll at this not-to-be-missed show. 2 p.m. at North Shore Open Space Park, 86th Street and Collins Avenue, Miami Beach. FREE.

Summer Dance

Florida Dance Festival - June 11-21
Florida Dance Festival is the leading summer dance training program in the state and a much anticipated annual arts event in Miami. A diverse group of teachers, choreographers, students and performers come together to learn, perform and have fun. Performances take place June 11th - 21st at New World Theater in Downtown Miami and the Colony Theater on Miami Beach. For tickets, call (305) 647-1117 in Miami-Dade or Toll-free 1-800-252-0808.