In Miami's fleeting restaurant industry, establishments that last beyond a decade are often unheard of. Making it into adolescence is usually deemed a miracle. Yet China Grill in South Beach has stood the test of time: after an astounding 17 years on Fourth Street and Washington Avenue, the Miami Beach landmark will close its doors this weekend. Saturday, April 28, will be the last day to dine at the South Beach outpost before it relocates inland to Brickell. The new location is slated to open by year's end, when it will also debut a revamped menu.

To mark its almost two-decade run, the Asian-inspired eatery reduced the prices on a selection of Champagnes, sakes, and wines to its 1995 price tags. Dom Pérignon ($260), Pouilly-Fuissé ($40), and Sonoma Valley ($40) are among the brands included in the closing special. Since opening, China Grill has been credited as one of the first iconic restaurants on Miami Beach, serving über A-listers like Oprah, Will Smith, and George Clooney over the years. Go, say your goodbyes, and dine like its 1995. 404 Washington Ave., Miami Beach, 305-534-2221

John Stapleton

As a senior artist for M.A.C. Cosmetics, John Stapleton has prepped and primed the faces of stars like Sienna Miller and Kelly Osbourne. He credits his success to a "wandering imagination and a steady hand" and is always encouraging his clients to take risks with their makeup. "Be creative, take chances," said Stapleton, "it all washes off at the end of the day."

Despite the fact that he spends most of his time doing makeup for photo shoots and runway shows, Stapleton knows what it takes to bring high fashion trends into everyday beauty routines. Here, he give us the scoop on Osbourne’s signature neon lipstick shade and recommendations for concealer, primer, and mascara that will never melt or run under the Miami sun.

What are some of your favorite spring beauty trends and how should they be worn?
JOHN STAPLETON: One of the strongest trends we noticed backstage [for spring 2012] is what we are calling ‘athlete skin.’ It’s that perfect skin with touches of glow—dewy with strong contours. Try using a powder like Mineralize Skinfinish in Soft and Gentle on the high planes of the face, around the cheekbones, nose, and brow bone. Then pump up the contours, temples, and under the cheekbones with a bronzer.

What about lip color?
JS: The concept of neons were also a strong influence this season, so choosing a bright lipstick is a great statement for spring. On Kelly Osbourne, I often use M.A.C. lipstick in So Chaud, it is a gorgeous, bright neon-orange that makes a splash.

On the streets of Miami, which makeup and style trends do you see and love?
JS: The use of color. Miami women have always been hip to throwing on a colored pump with a neutral outfit. There's a great casual-meets-couture vibe in Miami. Some of the ongoing trends are perfect for Miami, like gorgeous skin tones with bright lips or a colored eyeliner.

Stapleton’s Makeup Musts for Miami’s Hot, Humid Weather

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“Prep and Prime Face Protect SPF 50 is a great start to every makeup routine. This primer helps foundation stick better to your skin and evens out the complexion. The SPF is the added protection every Miami woman should have.”

 

“Pro Longwear Concealer has an eight-hour wear and holds through any sweaty situation. A little goes a long way.”

 

“Zoom Waterfast Lash Mascara is a rich black waterproof mascara that's gentle on lashes. There's no smudging or running. It also adds a touch of glamour with a fantastic brush that separates lashes and adds volume.”

 

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Nacho Figueras at Miami Beach Polo World Cup

100 Unforgettable Dresses                                                                                       
Thursday, April 26, 5–7 PM 
Author and InStyle fashion director Hal Rubenstein will make a stop at Coach inside Aventura Mall to sign copies of his book, 100 Unforgettable Dresses. Guests can chat with Rubenstein about the book’s iconic dresses, including gems worn by Marilyn Monroe, Princess Diana, Sarah Jessica Parker, and more. 19501 Biscayne Blvd., Aventura, 305-935-7549

Heart of a Chef
Sunday, April 29, 4–7 PM
Two of Miami's top chefs will go head-to-head in the name of heart health this Sunday at Fairchild Botanical Gardens. Giorgio Rapicavoli, winner of the Food Network’s Chopped and owner/executive chef of Eating House, will battle Joshua Wahler, Crave Restaurant's executive chef and a former Hell's Kitchen contestant, to help raise money for the Florida Heart Research Institute. The family-friendly event will also feature interactive food demonstrations and wellness seminars. $25 for Fairchild members; $30 for non-members. 10901 Old Cutler Rd., Coral Gables, 305-667-1651; heartofachef.org

Miami Beach Polo World Cup
Thursday through Sunday, April 26-29
The world's finest polo players will descend upon our shores for the 2012 Miami Beach Polo World Cup. The ongoing competition will take place between 20th and 22nd Streets, directly behind The Setai South Beach. Stick around afterward to partake in myriad event-themed soirées and VIP receptions. miamipolo.com

Miami Gay and Lesbian Film Festival                                                                  
Friday through Sunday, April 27–May 6
The Fourth Annual Miami Gay and Lesbian Film Festival will kick-off this Friday with an awards gala and screening of Kawa at the Colony Theatre. The festival will continue through May 6 with an internationally diverse selection of films debuting at a variety of local theaters. mgiff.com

Vintage Salon Pop-Up
Thursday through Saturday, April 26-28, 9AM
The second edition of the Vintage Salon pop-up will take up a weekend-long residency at Lester's in Wynwood. This time around, founder Dina Johnson-Milewski is curating pieces that perfectly embrace the spring/summer season. Expect crop tops, swimwear, and sundresses by designers like Jean Paul Gaultier, Valentino, Halston, and more. 2519 N.W. 2nd Ave., Miami, 305-456-1784; lestersmiami.com

Isabel Aguiar

Since opening in early 2011, Isa Boutique has been a go-to for cult-favorite indie fashion labels in the growing Midtown Miami area. At the helm of it all is owner Isabel Aguiar, a Spanish-born beauty who has spent most of her life calling Miami home. And her roots in South Florida’s fashion community are deep. We caught up with Aguiar to get her opinion on which local designer items are essential to every Miami woman’s wardrobe and what fashion possessions she can't live without.

What are some of your favorite spring trends and how would you style them?
ISABEL AGUIAR: I love a long pleated skirt in either a vibrant color or floral print, paired with nude pumps, gold accessories, and a simple top.

What style staples should every Miami woman have in her closet and why?
IA: Gold flat sandals, white Siwy Denim, a nude pump, a long printed silk dress, a natural nude clutch, and a nude or brown leather belt—all of which are perfect for a leisurely Saturday at La Piaggia, or Sunday brunch.

Who are some of your favorite local designers and what makes them so unique?
IA: I love Ramona LaRue by Arianne's use of gorgeously unique, eye-catching prints. Lucky for us, we get them in before anyone else. I also love Kai Lani Swimwear because their bottoms don't hug your hips and they flatter every body type. And I adore Bianca Coletti, Aquarius, and Je T'aime jewelry.

What sets Miami style apart from the rest of the country?
IA: Our weather allows us to explore and play with hot and sexy trends. 

What are three fashion posessions you can't live without?
IA: Siwy Denim, because of their amazing fit. My nude pumps from Schultz go with everything. I also can't go without an effortlessly chic Tara dress.

3400 N. Miami Ave., 786-558-8027

An artwork to be auctioned at the Locust Projects fundraiser

This Saturday (April 28) Locust Projects will host its 10th Annual Spring Fling Fundraiser with an Arabian Nights-inspired soirée atop the 1111 Lincoln Road Garage. Belly dancers and DJ Hotpants will entertain guests as they sip cocktails and sample nibbles from Harry's Pizzeria, Misha's Cupcakes, Shake Shack, and Yardbird

One of the first warehouses in the once desolate Wynwood neighborhood to be converted into an artistic hub, Locus Projects is a non-profit exhibition space that welcomes emerging artists to create, develop, and harbor their visions without any sales requirements.

Keeping focus on the art, the celebratory event will include a “Who Done It” blind auction highlighting pieces from previous artists in residence. (Artist names will be revealed after pieces are sold.) Works on auction range from street photography to abstract installations and will be presented in 8x10 format for bidding. Curious bidders can get a sneak peak of available works online. 

The festivities will also feature a silent luxury auction with items by Oscar de la Renta, Stella McCartney, Niba Home, and more. Tickets for are $100 for Locust members and $125 for non-members and can purchased online. 6:30–9:30 PM. 1111 Lincoln Rd., 7th Floor, Miami Beach, 305-576-8570. 

A sampling of vegetarian dim sum at Hakkasan

Unbeknownst to most Miami foodies, Haute Chinese eatery Hakkasan has a special dim sum tasting menu ($28) that is only available during lunchtime on weekends. Available in four courses, the menu includes a plethora of tasty dim sum options with preparations ranging from pan-seared to deep-fried to barbecued to steamed.

The course categories themselves are individually named after an aspect of Chinese lore, so don’t be taken aback when they’re referred to as either dynasty, emperor, temple, or forbidden. Highlights include roasted duck and scallop shu mai; Jasmine tea-soaked ribs with Singapore vermicelli; classic Cantonese sweet and sour pork; and stir-fried pumpkin in black bean sauce. The price is based on a two-guest minimum per table and excludes beverages, tax, and gratuity. Saturday, Sunday; NOON–3 PM. 4441 Collins Ave., Miami Beach, 786-276-1388

Newly revamped boutique fitness facility Body & Soul is officially open for business in Coral Gables. The 10,000 square-foot modern warehouse space was designed by health club hospitality guru Rudy Fabiano and features a training floor, cardio mezzanine, lounge area, Tina B. clothing boutique, and three studio rooms—plus a juice bar coming soon.

Body & Soul's eclectic fitness class offerings range from yoga and Zumba to more unique specialty workouts, like VideoSync: A high-intensity, music video-style dance segment led by professional dancer and VideoSync creator J. Marcos. Adrenaline seekers can test their athleticism and strength inside the Bells & Ropes course, which incorporates kettlebell training with the nationally recognized Battling Ropes workout.

Those looking for a complete holistic health makeover can also enroll in the gym’s 30 Days to Summer ($149 per week; $172.50 per week for non-members) lifestyle initiative. The month-long program, which launches April 30, includes a daily meal delivery plan via Smart Bites To Go, private personal training sessions and courses, motivation lectures, and more.

To get things off to a VIP start, Body & Soul marked its reopening with a celebrity soirée last week. Guests included producer Pharrell Williams, Yankee great Jorge Posada, NFL receiver Santana Moss, and crooner Cris Cab. Here’s hoping we’ll be seeing some of those famous faces around the juice bar soon. 3138 S.W. 38th Ct., Miami, 305-441-2348

White-Gold Chopard Imperiale

When Chopard reopens at Bal Harbor Shops this Wednesday, it will do so with this stunning new Chopard Imperiale timepiece ($26,430) as its latest gem. The Swiss watchmaker’s new yellow-gold watch is understated luxury at its best. Note the amethyst lug, mother of pearl dial, and chic dagger-shaped hands.  

Also new to the boutique is its design: architect Thierry W. Despont modeled the new store as an eco-friendly spectacular where the drama of diamonds and the fine art of watch-making merge with state-of-the-art technology. To properly reintroduce the boutique to Bal Harbor, Chopard president and CEO Marc Hruschka will host a private cocktail reception benefiting the Bass Museum of Art later this week. 9700 Collins Avenue, Bal Harbour

Ariana Reines

This Wednesday, Brooklyn poet and author Ariana Reines will perform her unique brand of spoken word during the final week of The Betsy Hotel’s National Poetry Month program. Through a partnership with the University of Wynwood, The Betsy invited four talented poets to stay in its Writer’s Room, an intimate working space intended to nurture and harbor creative musings, for the month-long program. Poets in residency have included Melissa Broder, Reginald Dwayne Betts, Malachi Black, and, now, Reines.

Reines will recite the works she’s been crafting during her week in the Writer’s Room this Wednesday at B Bar (7 PM). An official closing event will take place April 29, featuring readings by Ecco Press publisher/editor in chief and poet Daniel Halpern, MacArthur Genius Grant recipient and Knight Fellow Campbell McGrath, and University of Wynwood director P. Scott Cunningham. 1440 Ocean Dr., 305-760-6902

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With a name like Unico (Spanish for “only”) expectations for Milagro’s new small-batch tequila are considerably high. After getting a taste of the micro-distilled joven, imbued with hints of caramel, vanilla, and black pepper, we’re happy to report that Unico lives up to its name.

And speaking of our Unico tasting, it took place at Rocco’s Tacos and Tequila Bar, the only establishment in Florida where you can taste the tipple. (The restaurant chain has a total of four locations in Florida, all of which serve Unico.) Rocco’s purchased exclusive rights to carry the spirit in the Florida market and, with only 1,200 bottles in existence, supply is limited.

The taco and tequila bar's Fort Lauderdale outpost was the first to officially debut the spirit and marked the occasion by hosting a delectable dinner pairing during the ongoing Las Olas Food and Wine Festival. You can order a statuesque bottle of Unico for $600, or enjoy it by the glass for $75. 1313 E. Las Olas Blvd., Ft. Lauderdale, 954-524-9550