And if you don’t want to wait that long, you could always make your way down there tonight as from 6:00 – 9:00 pm, Vanilla Monk will be on stage. Vanilla Monk is a soulful, funky rock group from Fort Lauderdale. Hop on down to Centennial Square tonight on Clematis Street to join in some pre-holiday fun. It’s about to get crazy.

Post from: The South Florida Traveler

In addition to offering bargains on items being auctioned off and having items that are nearly impossible to get elsewhere (they did have a wii fit in their line-up going for just $75), the profits from these auctions go towards charity.  Their byline is ‘great deals, good causes, good gifts.’ It doesn’t matter where you live or what charities you support, you are sure to find something that you are passionate about. Some local charities with active auctions include Deliver the Dream, International Rhino Foundation and National Parkinson Foundation. Other charities include Boys & Girls Club, AIDS Network, First Night and Habitat For Humanity.

They also have a gift guide. Whether you are shopping for your neighbor, teacher, boss or loved one, you are able to narrow down that search. You can also search for once-in-a-lifetime experiences (think Paris culinary adventure), the cause you support or for a specific item. If you are in charge of raising funds for a specific charity, they have easy instructions and contact information on how to begin. To date, they have raised over $50 million. Now’s your time to join in the success.

Image Credit: by Bonnie @ flickr

Post from: The South Florida Traveler

Northwood Village is located 1 mile north of Palm Beach Lakes Blvd. in West Palm Beach between North Dixie Highway and Broadway. It resembles a small town community where gated communities are extinct (somewhere finally!), neighbors gather for block parties, and familiar faces frequent the local establishments. It’s also a nice place for the Palm Beach crowd to escape from the island.

If you haven’t made your way over to this area, this weekend is an ideal time to do so as they are hosting their monthly art and wine promenade on Friday night (ok so you already missed this, but they do it every month). They are also hosting a few grand openings this month.

• Tonight, the grand opening of Jade Kitchen. At the helm of chef/owner Wayne Devers, this hip New American restaurant offers inventive menu options without an expensive pricetag. Even better, they offer a great selection of wines by the glass. Come join in the fun at 6-8 pm tonight at 422 Northwood Road (561) 366-1185. They will be serving wine and hors d’oeuvres. Ribbon cutting at 6:30 pm.
• On Sunday, December 14th, just down the street from Jade at 404 Northwood Rd, Cafe Centro will be unveiling their piano bar. The grand opening will take place from 7:30 – 9:00 pm and will include cocktails, tapas, delightful sounds of the baby grand and a ribbon cutting ceremony at 8:30 pm. For dinner reservations, call Terry at 561-514-4070.

If you can’t make it out there this weekend, no worries as these are sure to be mainstays in Northwood.

Photo credit: WTL photos @ flickr

Post from: The South Florida Traveler

The movement of slow foods has been around officially since 1989, and it focuses on counteracting the effects of fast food, fast life and local traditions. Their goal is to reconnect people with the foods that are local, seasonal and sustainably grown through raising public awareness, improving access, advocating for locals farmers and focusing on the celebration of food as a cornerstone of American society. Although many chefs are strong advocates of the movement including Zach Bell from Cafe Boulud, Mark Lieberman from Forte and Dean Max from 3030 Ocean, there is still much room for growth in the area.

The Glades to Coast Convivium is a new chapter so right now is the ideal time to get involved, and from the event last night, people will be raving about it for awhile, or at least until January 15th when the next dinner takes place at 3030 Ocean.  And who wouldn’t have? Heirloom tomatoes and eggplant fresh from the farm, sturgeon and Florida pasture raised lamb, did you know that was possible to get these products locally grown in South Florida?

Here’s a list of some local vendors that you might want to look into:

• Farmhouse Tomatoes: Home of hydroponic heirloom beefsteak tomatoes that taste like the tomatoes grown a century ago.  Located in Lake Worth.
• Swank Farms: Husband and wife team Darren and Jodi Swank run this family farm in Loxahatchee. They produce HydroNatural greens, herbs and specialty produce without using pesticides, fungicides or herbicides. Available to local restaurants and consumers, their products last longer (up to 3 weeks) because they are harvested with roots attached.
• Deep Creek Ranch: Located in Deland, Florida, the provide registered Angus and South Poll cattle for breeding stock and for food.
• Mote Marine: Located in Sarasota, the Mote Marine Laboratory raises sturgeon in a safely, controlled indoor environment.
• Palm Beach Groves: Family owned gift fruit shippers located in Lantana. They have been around for over 60 years.
• Henry Davis Organic Selections: Bringing delicious wine to the table produced by small organic and biodynamic vineyards.

Photo Credit: Robyn Gallagher @ flickr

Post from: The South Florida Traveler

•  Robb & Stucky Culinary Center in Palm Beach Gardens. Tonight Chef Christian will be whipping up some holiday hors d’oeuvres from 6:00 – 8:00 pm. Can’t make it tonight, no worries, as classes are held a few times a week. Events range from basic culinary skill classes, to cooking with strawberries to many wine and/or beer dinners. The facility is even available for private events. Check out their website for more information and a schedule of classes. (12/11 is holiday cookies and edible ornaments, 12/16 is elegant holiday feasts and the 20th is a steakhouse beer dinner)
• In the Kitchen in Tequesta. Owner Lenore Pinello is passionate about the kitchen, cooking and has enough energy to keep you intrigued for hours. She holds weekly classes, dinners and invites visiting chefs into the center. Classes are small and intimate, but definitely worth the drive. Make your way up to In the Kitchen on 12/18 for Divas Naughty or Nice: A cocktail party class, on the 19th for a lunch in the kitchen with Chef Joseph or on the 20th for Christmas Cookies. For a full list, visit In the Kitchen online.
• Chef Jean-Pierre’s cooking school has been around since 1997. His resume also includes such stints as hosting a show on PBS titled “Incredible Cuisine,” and appearances on the Today Show, Larry King Live and Lifetimes’s Crook and Chase, there is a reason why this school is still going strong. He hosts classes on a near daily basis ranging from a series of basic skills classes to Thai cooking classes. Take a look at his schedule online. Upcoming classes include: 12/16 intro to Thai, 12/17 More 20 Minute Recipes, and 12/18 Great Menu to Entertain.
• Other Places to Look: Whole Foods, Williams-Sonoma, Eleanor Hoh – Wok Cooking Classes, Casa Toscana and more.

Photo Credit: Karma’s a B. @ flickr

Post from: The South Florida Traveler

Do you want to make yourself happy? Attend the Sweet Dreams event at the Seminole Casino Coconut Creek. From December 12th – 28th, the casino will play host to one of the hottest events to nurture your sweet tooth: rich chocolate, smooth caramels – it just sounds delicious.

• When: 12/12 – 12/28
• Time: Th-Sat 6:00 – 10:00 pm, Sun 1:00 – 5:00 pm
• Cost: $35 with proceeds to benefit the Ronald McDonald House

In addition, some big names in the culinary world will be there.

• Ted Allen on 12/12 – 12/13: Say hello to the host of Food Detectives and a featured judge of Top Chef and Iron Chef America.
• Mr Food on 12/18: TV chef and author of 30+ cookbooks
• Keegan Gerhard on 12/20: Host of Food Network Challenge
• Jacques Torres on 12/27: Star of Chocolate with Jacques Torres on the Food Network

Photo Credit: Geknoppel @ flickr

Post from: The South Florida Traveler

This 501c3 began in 1947 when Major Bill Hendricks, USMCR and a group of Marine Reservists collected over 5,000 toys and distributed them to needy children in the Los Angeles area. Through time, this program has grown and over 370 million toys have been distributed to over 173 million needy children.  Their goal is to deliver a message of hope, through a new toy at Christmas, to needy youngsters so they will grow into productive, responsible, patriotic citizens and community leaders. Throughout the months of October, November and December toy drives are held to insure that children everywhere will receive a package on Christmas morning. Drop-off points are available throughout the country, making it easy to donate to those in need. For more information, about local drop-off locations, visit them online: West Palm Beach, Miami-Dade County and Broward, and Martin County.

In addition, many events are being held to collect more gifts. What a great reason to enjoy a night out!

• Toys For Tots at Blue Martini in Fort Lauderdale: Bring a toy on any Tuesday in December and you will receive a complimentary cocktail. They are also hosting a celebration party on Sunday, December 14th from 3 – 7:00 pm.
• Free Mojitos at Ola: Bring in an unwrapped Toy For Tots (min. $20 value) and receive a complimentary mojito or holiday cocktail. This offer is valid from Mon, December 9th – Wed, December 24th.

Photo Credit: mysza831 @ flickr

Post from: The South Florida Traveler

Here are some options:

• 131 Projects presents Paradise Lost at Buck 15 at 9:00 pm tonight, December 3rd: As part of Art Basel, 15 artists were invited to interpret the literary piece Paradise Lost for a showcase at Buck 15. What is Paradise Lost? It’s the epic poem by poet John Milton published in 1667 depicting the temptation of Adam and Eve by the angel.  To further go into detail, Jame Kelly published an article in Time Magazine in 1961 by that same name examining Miami as a cross between a tourist city and a crime capital, ie. loss due to temptation. Buck 15 is located at 707 Lincoln Road (above Miss Yip) in Miami Beach. There will be a performance by Jose el Rey at 12:00 am.
• Ruthless & Toothless at the Townhouse Hotel – Check out this visual interpretation of Ruthless & Toothless with works of art by Chris Garver, Darren Brass, Yoji Harada of TV’s Miami Ink, James Hamilton and Mike Walls. Doors open at 8:00 pm. The Townhouse Hotel is located at 150 20th Street in Miami Beach.
• Dolce Industry Wednesdays welcome Art Basel Miami Beach Vernisagge After Party. Get inspired by the works of Jean-Michel Basquait, Marcela Di Santo, John Berry, Thomas Brewitz, Dmitri, Laurence Gartel and Marc Marshall. Visuals will be presented by Psyberpixie and a fashion show and body painting will be presented by Baye. All of this takes place at Gemma Lounge located at 529 Lincoln Road in South Beach. RSVP to 786-285-5976.

Photo Credit: ninahale @ flickr

Post from: The South Florida Traveler

• When: Wednesday, December 3rd
• Time: 6:00 – 8:00 pm
• Where: Ortanique on the Mile, 278 Miracle Mile in Coral Gables, 305-446-7110
• Cost: $35

Buy your tickets now.

Here’s a look at the scrumptious menu:

Viognier, Russian River Valley, Catie’s Corner Vineyard
Green Apple Brie Tartlettes with Lavender Honey

Pinot Noir, Saralee’s Vineyard
Tuna Tartare Spoons with Bacon Butter

Pinot Noir, Widdoes Vineyard
Creamed Spinach Stuffed Mushrooms

Pinot Noir, Dutton Ranch, Morelli Lane Vineyard
Coffee & Cocoa Rubbed Pork Tenderloin
With Chipotle Honey Glaze

Syrah, Sonoma Coast, Stage Gulch Vineyard
Cherrywood BBQ Salmon Puffs

Syrah, Russian River Valley, Trenton Station
Braised Short Ribs with Truffled Crostini

Syrah, Russian River Valley, Alegria Vineyard
Triple Chocolate Bites with Amarena Cherries

Lost Canyon is best known for producing small lots of vineyard designated Pinot Noir and Syrah from the Russian River, Sonoma Coast and Los Carneros.  This stellar winery has nurtured a passion for crafting the finest wine since 1978. Their Pinot Noir just won a bronze medal at the American Fine Wine Competition.

Post from: The South Florida Traveler

• Come down to Worth Avenue on Tuesday, December 2nd for The Worth Avenue Promenade and Town of Palm Beach Tree Lighting ceremony. The stores will extend their hours and will be offering free refreshments. While you are there, enjoy the complimentary music from local bands and choral groups. There will even be live ballerinas dancing in the windows. After the tree lighting ceremony, Santa will be available for some holiday surprises. Starts at 6:00 pm.
• On December 3rd, there will be a tree lighting ceremony at Burns Road Community Center in Palm Beach Gardens. Music, jugglers, Santa and snow – They will all be there. Takes place at 6:00 pm, 4400 Burns Road in Palm Beach Gardens.
• On December 4th, make your way down to Delray Beach for the 100-foot tree lighting ceremony. Watch in amazement as the 3,000 hand-fluffed branches, 39,500 ornaments and the 15,500 lights come to life. Even more amazing, is that there will be a place for outdoor ice skating – even in Florida! This event starts at 5:00 pm and takes place at Old School Square, 51 North Swinton Avenue.
• On the weekend, head up to Stuart. Festivities begin on Friday, December 5th, with the Soroptomist Christmas parade ending in the historic downtown. Saturday during the day, head on over to Hobe Sound and Indiantown as their holiday parades are scheduled. During the evening, head on over to the shores of the Manatee Pocket in Port Salerno as there will be a military flyover by four F-18 jets. At 6:00 pm, there will be a boat parade featuring boats of all sizes to rev up that holiday cheer. The evening will conclude with an 8:00 pm fireworks display.
• If you are located further south, you might want to check out the Holiday Fantasy of Lights taking place in Tradewinds Park in Coconut Creek now until January 4th. Daily from 6:00 – 10:oo pm, cars can make their way through this winter wonderland of more than 2 miles of illuminated lights.  Cost is $12 for vehicles with 20 passengers or less.

photo credit: mandj98 @ flickr

Post from: The South Florida Traveler