Toronto import Gee Beauty is not only a makeup, salon, and skincare hub—it’s also the exclusive Florida home of Ela clutches. Why do we love Ela? For starters, each bag is made with buttery Italian leather, and hues range from scarlet red to cobalt blue to dainty peach.

All of Ela's silhouettes feature an asymmetrical flap and closure, as well as luxe, deep purple lining. Designer Ela Kowalewska was inspired to create her brand while working in public relations at Hermès Canada (hence the Gee connection).

In 2008, Kowalewska had a chance meeting with Jimmy Choo and received his coveted fashion blessing. She then partnered with marketing guru Martin Aldorsson to make her dream a reality. Her collection's signature piece is the M.I.L.C.K. minaudière. The acronym represents every woman’s on-the-go essentials: money I.D., lipstick, cell phone, and keys. 9700 Collins Ave., Bal Harbour, 305-863-3533

A photograph taken in Miami by Anne Valverde

The Design District's Markowicz Fine Art will host an opening reception for Anne Valverde's "Somewhere in America" exhibition on Thursday, August 9 at Villa Azur. The Paris-based photographer specializes in shooting urban landscapes and architectural gems around the world in cities like Miami, Hong Kong, and London.

Valverde's images are shot in black and white and then digitally colorized to create depth and contrast. "America" will remain on display through September 5, 2012. To attend the opening, RSVP to info@villaazurmiami.com. Cocktail attire is suggested. (7 PM) 309 23rd St., Miami Beach, 305-763-8688

The Dining Room at Vesper

SoFi’s The Dining Room has left its Washington Avenue space in favor of a pop-up at the Shelborne South Beach—replacing Vesper Brasserie. Now called The Dining Room at Vesper, the restaurant focuses on small plates and market-driven fare by chef Horacio Rivadero. Fans of the SoFi predecessor will be happy to find an extended wine list, alfresco seating, and new cocktails. Opening just in time to participate in Miami Spice, the restaurant will serve a special three-course menu ($39) through September. Menu options range from tamarind-glazed pork belly with blue potato purée to sweet potato gnocchi with beet tomato sauce and goat cheese foam. The grand finale? A milky caramel sponge cake with mango and apple granita. The Dining Room at Vesper will be open Tuesday to Saturday, from 6 PM to midnight. 1801 Collins Ave., Miami Beach, 305-397-8444

Michael Lemonis shooting Secret Millionaire in Miami

Camping World and Good Sam chairman and CEO Marcus Lemonis returned to his hometown of Miami to film this Sunday night's episode of Secret Millionaire, the ABC show which features self-made millionaires as undercover community volunteers. Born in Beirut-Lebanon, Lemonis was adopted by an American family as a baby and grew up in South Dade. Today, he lives in a luxurious Chicago abode and sits at the helm of a billion dollar business. We chatted with Lemonis about his experience on the show and what he hopes Miamians will gain from viewing it.

What prompted you to participate in Secret Millionaire?
MARCUS LEMONIS: A number of people had asked me to be a part of Undercover Boss and I elected not to do it for a couple of reasons. I was then approached by the folks at Secret Millionaire and I said, 'Yes, absolutely.' Philanthropy is a big part of my life, and a big part of my company's life.

How did you wind up shooting in Miami?
ML: I did not know where I was going until the morning of. I showed up at the airport and they told me that I was going to go to Miami—and it was literally like cutting white onions because I couldn't stop crying.

What was it like to come home?
ML: I've always tried explaining this to people, but Miami is a very unique city. If you're from there, there's just a certain kind of feeling it has that's different. It's a very tight-knit community. It's a little rougher than I would like it to be, but people look out for each other.

Who did you volunteer with?
ML: Neat Stuff, which provides brand new school uniforms to unprivileged families, NVEEE, which is a grassroots organization promoting anti-bullying, and New Journeys Transition Home, which helps young women transition out of the foster care system. As a person who survived being a potential orphan, that really struck a chord with me.  

What was the biggest take-away from the experience?
ML: I learned that I-95 is more of a dividing line than I wish it was. I learned that the amount of homeless in downtown Miami is absolutely shocking. The people of Miami are as warm and loving as I had imagined them to be, but I didn't realize the extent of it. I really saw the heart and the soul of the city. I saw a wide variety of ages, races, and religions involved in these organizations. And they had no common thread other than the fact that they had this belief in what was going on in the city.

What changes would you like to see take place in Miami?
ML: I went down to Overtown one morning and it was not part of the production schedule. I ended up breaking down with the amount of homelessness I saw. At one point, I looked up and saw the Government Center in downtown. I looked over at several of the homeless men I was with and said, 'Do you know the mayor of Dade County can see you from his office? What do you think he is thinking right now?' I want the people of Miami to see this and say, ‘This cannot happen in our town and not on our watch.’

Secret Millionaire airs Sundays at 8 PM on ABC

The Pride cocktail at Dream South Beach

Dream South Beach hotel's rooftop rendezvous point, Highbar, is serving a new series of cocktails inspired by the seven deadly sins. Pride, wrath, gluttony, lust, envy, greed, and sloth tantalize the taste buds with Belvedere Vodka, Leblon cachaça,and Jameson Irish Whiskey bases. Seven deadly sins cocktails are aptly priced at $7 during Highbar’s seven day a week sunset happy hour (7-9 PM). So go ahead, pick your poison. 1111 Collins Ave., Miami Beach, 305-673-4747; highbarmiami.com

Idle Warship

This week, the Adrienne Arsht Center announced its new Live at Knight concert series, a musical mash-up that will welcome celebrated artists like Talib Kweli, Esperanza Spalding, and Diego el Cigala to the John S. and James L. Knight Concert Hall. Arsht Center president and CEO M. John Richard said the artists were selected for their "eclectic sounds and transformational storytelling," thus reflecting Miami's diverse cultural melting pot.

Performing as duo act Idle Warship, Talib Kweli and Res will kick off the series on October 19. Brazilian pop sensation Lenine will follow on October 26, proceeded by Spanish flamenco singer and Grammy-winner Diego El Cigala on November 20. Calypso Rose will ring in 2013's performances in February, followed by Kodo in March and jazz starlet and best new artist Grammy-winner Esperanza Spalding in April. Additional artists will be announced in the coming months.

Tickets are on sale now for Arsht members. Diego el Cigala tickets will available to the public on August 6. Tickets may be purchased through the Adrienne Arsht Center box office or online. 1300 Biscayne Blvd., Miami, 305- 949-6722

Paddle boarding at The Standard

Cigars Under the Stars
Thursday, August 2, 7 PM
The Biltmore's Cascade and The 19th Hole will transform into a Latin-inspired social hour every Thursday in August. The sunset soirée will feature live music, extended happy hour specials, and hand-rolled cigars. 1200 Anastasia Ave., Coral Gables, 305-445-1926; biltmorehotel.com

Marc Anthony and Chayanne
Friday & Saturday, August 3 & 4, 8 PM
Latin music icons Marc Anthony and Chayanne will take up a weekend residency inside the AmericanAirlines Arena for the Miami leg of their Gigantes tour. Mexican musician Marco Antonio Solís will also join the Puerto Rican mega-stars on stage. 601 Biscayne Blvd., Miami, 786-777-1000; ticketmaster.com

Paddle 4 People
Saturday, August 4, 9 AM
The third annual Paddle 4 People fundraiser hits the water in support of Adopt Together, an organization that helps provide financial support for families choosing adoption. After completing the seven-mile course, participants can hit The Standard hotel pool deck for an afternoon barbecue. The organization requests a $50 donation to participate, which includes refreshments, gift bag, and T-shirt. Paddle board rentals ($20), barbecue admittance ($10), and raffle tickets ($5) will be sold separately. 40 Island Ave., Miami Beach; paddle4people.com  

Ayama Yoga
Sunday, August 5, 4–6  PM
Ayama Yoga Center, one of Miami's premiere yoga studios, is teaming up with TourdeFIT.com to present two hours of complimentary yoga programming. Studio director Mariano Ardissone will begin the evening with a wellness lecture, followed by a one-hour vinyasa class led by Miriam Lach. Reservations are required. 2250 N.E. 163rd St., North Miami Beach, 305-932-7755; tourdefit.com/ayamayogaevent

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Crunchy zucchini flowers stuffed with ricotta and Maine lobster at Bianca

 

Bianca’s signature truffle tagliatelle

 

Creamy oysters Rockefeller at Red, The Steakhouse

 

Decadent steak tartare at Red, The Steakhouse

 

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Miami Spice doesn’t kick off until tomorrow, but we got a first look at the three-course offerings at a few of Miami Beach’s hottest haunts. Several restaurants will serve signature dishes, while others will introduce new menu items. Here’s a first look: 

Red, The Steakhouse
With possibly the most extensive Miami Spice menu, Red will highlight new specialties each week. A classic steakhouse menu will start things off, followed by seafood and Italian additions. Starters will include juicy yet light steak tartare, creamy oysters Rockefeller, and buttery escargot. Mains range from churrasco to Lone Mountain Wagyu to a surf and turf option with lobster. Àla carte upgrades on premium cuts and larger portion sizes may be ordered as well. 119 Washington Ave., Miami Beach, 305-534-3688; redthesteakhouse.com

Bianca at the Delano Hotel
Miami Spice diners can choose from six dishes at Bianca. Highlights include crunchy zucchini flowers stuffed with ricotta and Maine lobster, hearty veal ravioli, and Bianca’s signature truffle tagliatelle. There will also be a $30 wine pairing available. 1685 Collins Ave., Miami Beach, 305-674-5752; delano-hotel.com

Asia de Cuba at the Mondrian Miami South Beach Hotel
Asia de Cuba will serve things up family-style, breaking down their menu by party size. To start, parties of two have their choice of two appetizers, two entrées, and one side (increments increase with party size). Order the wild salmon ceviche or picadillo-style tuna tartare to start, but save room for the sweet and savory char sui short ribs and tender Cuban barbecue chicken. 1100 West Ave., Miami Beach, 305-514-1940; chinagrillmgt.com

Miami Spice will continue through September 30, 2012. All dinner menus are $39, exclusive of beverages, tax, and gratuity.

Luxury car enthusiasts can make their racing dreams come true on Saturday, August 4, when Imagine Lifestyles hosts its Super Car Race Track Event at the Homestead Speedway. Participants can select between the Ferrari F430, Ferrari California, Ferrari 599, Lamborghini LP-560, or Lamborghini Gallardo and then hit NASCAR's famed track for 4.6 mile joy ride.

Time slot assignments are between 9 AM and 10 PM, and guests may buy additional driving time online or onsite. Photos and videos of the excursions will be available for purchase post-race. All participants will have a professional driver sitting shotgun unless a less intensive "ride along" experience is preferred. Tickets begin at $79 and can bought here. One Speedway Blvd., Homestead, 305-230-5000

Tom Ford’s recently opened beauty counter at Neiman Marcus Bal Harbour carries the designer’s full color collection and is the first of its kind in Miami. Ford’s cosmetics range, which began with lipsticks and expanded to makeup and skincare, is a favorite among beauty editors and celebrities alike. He approaches makeup as wardrobe for the face—highlighting a woman’s facial planes while also nourishing her skin.

Sixteen shades of nail polish ($30, each) sit alongside 18 luscious lipsticks ($48, each) in hues like Cherry Lush, Violet Fatale, and Wild Ginger at Ford’s Bal Harbour counter. And beyond those eye-catching favorites, signature skincare products like an Intensive Infusion Concentrate Extreme Serum ($250) and Illuminating Protective Primer ($70) seek to add youth and radiance to skin.

Shoppers can also select from two distinct, buildable foundation forms: The Foundation Stick ($78) doubles as a concealer and is best for less oily skin, while the classic Traceless Foundation ($78) can be layered for total coverage. However, Ford's best beauty gadget is by far the Brow Sculptor ($42), a triple-threat beauty tool combining a calligraphy tip shaper, grooming brush, and sharpener in one. 9700 Collins Ave., Bal Harbour, 305-865-6161