What's Hot...

Flamenco Festival Miami - February 12-28, 2009


Three hot shows are coming to Downtown Miami's Arsht Center for the Performing Arts as part of the sizzling Flamenco Festival Miami. Latin spirit will take over the town during these dazzling performances by acclaimed international artists:

• Feb. 12: Antonio Gades Company performs Carmen in a passionate retelling of one of the world’s most tempestuous tales of love and seduction, betrayal and revenge.
  
• Feb. 19: Estrella Morente is pop culture royalty in Spain. Her albums are big hits, and it is actually her strong, luscious voice you hear when Penelope Cruz sings in Pedro Almodovar’s Volver.
  
• Feb. 28: Los Farruco - the first family of flamenco dance - is a famous gypsy dynasty known for its electrifying performances.
  

Tickets to one or all three shows are available at: http://www.arshtcenter.org/.

Downtown Glitz

EPIC Hotel Makes Its Mark

One of downtown's splashiest new addresses is 270 Biscayne Boulevard, home of EPIC - the stunning boutique waterfront hotel and condo located on the Miami River. The hotel's restaurant, Area 31, is on the 16th floor with sweeping views of downtown skyscrapers and boats gliding along the river. A balcony leads to outdoor dining, the pool area and more dazzling views. Area 31's menu is focused on fine seafood, which makes sense when you're in Miami surrounded by the bay and ocean. EPIC is one of Miami's most enticing new gathering spots.

Art on the Beach...

Miami Beach Festival of the Arts - February 7-8, 2009

If some of Miami's larger art shows make your head spin, then it's time to check out Miami Beach Festival of the Arts. This delightful annual show keeps things sane - enough art to please the senses, small cafes where you can stop for a bite, and hypnotic ocean views everywhere you look. The festival showcases juried artwork by more than 100 artists, including paintings, sculpture, glass, ceramics, jewelry, and photographs. There is live entertainment by local arts groups, an international food court and children's activities. Admission is free. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Collins Avenue at 73rd Street, Miami Beach.

Food, Wine and Waves

Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival - February 19-22, 2009

It's that time of year again - time for one of the nation's most fabulous foodie fests. On the beach, no less. Pick and choose before you buy your tickets: Grand Tasting Tent events, Kellogg's Kidz Kitchen, the BubbleQ, the Dolce Brunch hosted by Katie Lee Joel (wife of Billy), Cocktails with Sandra Lee, tons of terrific wine tastings, star chef dinners and more. What could be better than food and wine on South Beach when the rest of the nation is one Big Chill?