Very Social by Daniella Veras

Born and raised in New York and now resident of Downtown Miami, Dani Veras, is an Educator, Epicurean, Live Music Junkie, Incorrigible iPhoneographer, and Social Media Maven. A self-proclaimed sucker for charity,� she will walk / run / climb stairs / eat / drink for a good cause. Her varied background, knowledge base, and resourceful problem-solving earned her the sobriquet MacGyver of Business Development.

Her atomic energy, positive attitude and spirit are magnetic as she creates connections and builds relationships with ease. Dani can be found tweeting, tumbling, touting, instagramming, pinning, soundtracking and salsa-dancing all over Miami.
www.DaniMIAMI.com
Twitter@DaniellaVeras

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• Photographs from Marchio Ospitalita’ Italiana Award Ceremony at Mia Cucina 5/15/2013

  Italian cuisine has always been an important tool for the promotion of Italy and has effectively promoted not only Italian products but also the Italian economy and culture the world over. Italian cuisine is appreciated by Americans and local restaurants serving it are often preferred destinations for a fine dining experience. Thus restaurants have a significant role to play in this promotional exercise and thus it is required that those serving authentic Italian cuisine are recognized. It is with this purpose that Unioncamere and Assocamerestero in collaboration with Federazione Italiana Pubblici Esercizi and with the support of Istituto Nazionale Ricerche turistiche ...

• Photographs of Ultimate Miami Dessert Competition featuring Rob Schneider at Magic City Casino 05/04/2013

  

  ULTIMATE MIAMI DESSERT COMPETITION FEATURES ROB SCHNEIDER Rob Schneider performed at the Ultimate Miami Dessert competition where finalists will competed for a cash prize of $5,000 and the title of Ultimate Miami Dessert on Saturday, May 4  at Stage 305 at Magic City Casino – 450 NW 37 Avenue in Miami, FL 33125. The panel of judges at the Ultimate Miami Dessert competition included Where Magazine South Florida editor, Aurora Rodriguez, and radio personality and co-host of 610AM WIOD’s South Florida’s First News, Manny Munoz. For more information on and other event details, visit www.theultimatemiami.com or call 305-631-4536.   Ultimate Miami Dessert 2013 - Shelley Frievalt  

• Photographs of Ultimate Miami Comedian featuring Jon Lovitz at Magic City Casino 05/03/2013

  

  Miami’s Ultimate Comedian Forrest Shaw Crowned Emmy nominated comedian, Jon Lovitz, performed at the Ultimate Miami Comedian competition where finalists competed for a cash prize of $5,000 and the title of the Ultimate Miami Comedian.  The event took place on Friday, May 3 at 9pm at  Stage 305 at Magic City Casino.  The panel of judges at the Ultimate Miami Comedian included Where Magazine South Florida editor, Aurora Rodriguez and radio personality and co-host of 610AM WIOD’s South Florida’s First News, Manny Munoz. Forrest Shaw killed it, he was absolutely hilarious, joking about the onerous cost of organic food ( Do I want the $2 poisoned grapes or the ...

• Photographs from UnderGROUND Miami Annual Fundraiser to Benefit the Fertile Earth Foundation

  

  On Tuesday, April 30th, 2013, Fertile Earth Foundation (FEF), a Florida based 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, best known for its composting and waste reduction initiatives, along with The Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce hosted their 2nd Annual “Underground Miami” fundraising event  to benefit Fertile Earth. Fresh off their success with the Ladies of Manure 2013 Calendar, the ladies of FEF will got us to rethink all our waste with specially commissioned art installation made with — you guessed it — manure! “We want our community to remember that it is not waste until we waste it. We love doing things with a special ...

• Photographs from Brew at the Zoo 05/04/2013

  Miami’s largest beer festival returned last weekend, showcasing 100-plus local, international, and craft beers, live national acts, interactive games, animals, food and fun! New Times Brew at the Zoo featured national touring acts like Naughty by Nature, with hits like O.P.P and Hip Hop Hooray, performed live as well as Uncle Luke live on stage.   

• Photographs and Review of Cochon 555 at the Four Seasons Hotel Miami

  

    The EDGE Steak Bar Prevails at Cochon 555   If you are a swine lover, a bad Jew or just Cuban, you are going to feel like a jackass for missing Cochon 555 this past Sunday April 21st. Cochon 555 returned to Miami a second year in its five year history at the Four Seasons in Brickell. The traveling tour  gathers five chefs, five pigs, and five wineries at ten cities throughout the country promoting sustainable farming of heritage breed pigs. This gourmet exquisite tasting featured five of Miami’s most talented chefs in an epic pork cook off competition.  Each chef had to prepare ...

• Review of 2013 South Beach Comedy Festival

  South Beach Comedy Festival 2013 was a Riot As seen on on Hedonist/Shedonist Besides intense, euphoric, mind-numbing orgasms, laughter is most likely humanity’s favorite activity. We had the distinct pleasure of attending the South Beach Comedy Fest this past week and absolutely adored it. The event, hosted by Comedy Central, is in its eighth magical year and is a veritable treat for South Beach. Aubery Kessler did a phenomenal job running it and we would like to take this opportunity to thank her and her team for their superb work. There were shows at The Fillmore at the Jackie Gleason Theater, the Colony ...

• Photographs from Inaugural Dishcrawl Miami

  The First Ever Miami Dishcrawl Was A Blast Who doesn’t love a pub crawl? With the exception of recovering alcoholics, mormons, fanatical Muslims, or otherwise lame people– Everyone loves a fucking pub crawl. That’s why we were elated at the notion of a Dishcrawl, a group of foodies crawling to multiple restaurants to pound some damn good food. Dishcrawl made it’s Miami debut, Wednesday, April 17th where more then 30 guests bounced around Bickell sampling it’s fares. This time we crawled through Brickell visting EDGE Steak and Bar, Vapiano, OTC (Over the Counter) and The Hoxton. Check out our full review at www.HedonistShedonist.com

• Photographs of Fabulous Miami Monthly Multichamber Event @ MPP Brickell Restaurant – April 3

  Fabulous Miami Monthly Multichamber Event @ MPP Brickell Restaurant – April 3 The Chambers of Argentina, Camacol, Coconut Grove, Colombia, Chile, Greater Doral, Downtown Miami & Brickell, Ecuador, Haiti, Honduras, Junior Chamber International, Medley,Nicaragua, Panama, Peru, Poland, Sweetwater, along with Brickell Rotary Club, celebrate the Monthly Multichamber of Commerce networking event. Mix and mingle with local professionals, promote your business, share your ideas, expand your network and have fun!  

• Photographs of Spoken Soul Festival & Brunch

  Spoken Soul Festival is three days of philanthropy, showcase, and support. The main SWAN Spoken Soul Showcase Vol. 6 celebrates SWAN DAY 2013. Support Women Arts NOW! Winner of Miami New Time’s “Best of Miami” Best Event to Meet Intelligent Women, is featured some of the most talented women artists of South Florida. This free event showcased twelve women artists inside the historic Gibson Miami Showroom. For more information, check out: www.spokensoulfestival.com Spoken Soul Festival Gibson Miami Showroom 2751 North Miami Avenue Miami, FL 33127 www.spokensoulfestival.com  

• Photographs of The Big Bliss at the Center of Grace

  So many times we forget that unless we take care of ourselves, we can’t fully help anyone else.  Enter The Big Bliss —  a spiritual spa day that will give you access to more peace, balance, and bliss. Join Hay House Author, Jennifer Grace, and her Dream Team of Wisdom Professors and Wellness Wizards who will work their magic to deliver you a day of rejuvenation and retreat. Day/Weekend Passes all included a delicious Raw Foods Lunch, Gentle Movement Classes, Healing Sessions, Complimentary Massage, and Transformative Workshops such as: Yoga Journaling Healing Your Soul Workshop Psychic Readings Sound Healings Guided Meditations Self Discovery Workshops Manifesting Ceremonies Compassionate Communication Workshop Liberation Breathwork Energy Medicine and more!

• Adventures of the Foodaholic’s 1 Year Anniversary Celebration at NoVe Kitchen & Bar

  

  If you are looking for a verified, solid restaurant to devour some complimentary cuisine and drinks, do we have a marvelous tip for you! Find a food bloggers party and get your freeloading-ass on that coveted guest list! We had the privilege of attending Maria, The Foodaholic’s, First Blogiversary celebration for Adventures of the Foodaholic at NoVe Kitchen and Bar on March 13th. Maria’s blog, ”Adventures of the Foodaholic”,  is a joy to peruse, loads of real informative reviews, solid tips and upcoming not-to-be-missed events.  One can sense the sincere passion she infuses in her eloquent, saliva-inducing prose. Sweet, vivacious and funny, Maria ...

• Photographs of Sprung! Spring Beer Festival 3/9/2013

  

  Beer festivals are a lot like open-minded college girls & South Beach guys — they can go either way. Sometimes they blow (as did a recent local beer festival that shall remain nameless) - or as is the case with, Sprung! Spring Beer Festival, they can kick major ass. This past Saturday, March 9th Coconut Grove’s Peacock Park hosted 150 spring and summer craft beers from well-known, talented breweries like Sierra Nevada, Brooklyn Brewery, Kona, Magic Hat, Shiner, Shipyard and many more. We love to support small businesses as well as people doing what they are truly passionate about. That is why we were very ...

• Photographs from 2nd Annual HeartCamp Unconference at Hotel Urbano Brickell

  The 2nd Annual HeartCamp Unconference at Hotel Urbano Brickell on Saturday, February 2, 2013.   HeartCamp is held during American Heart Month they discussed the physical, emotional, spiritual and creative aspects of the heart, with a focus on relationships of all kinds — relationship to the heart, body, self, others and soul. Topics include heart health, nutrition, sex, romance, career, parenting and many more.  

• Photographs from Yelp’s Streetopia

  …and on the Eighth Day God Created Yelp by Ari Kane (@Aricurian) and Daniella Veras (@DaniellaVeras & @_DaniMiami) For all the competition about which new tech company reigns supreme we have a memo for you: Yelp Rules. Forget Facebook, LinkedIn, Groupon etc. Nobody treats their members better than Yelp. Yelp has a sterling reputation for great reviews and throwing badass parties for its special members. This past Thursday, January 31st they pulled off one the best events of the year, Streetopia leaving all guests with smiling faces and protruding, satiated bellies. Though the event was only open to Yelp members it reached capacity ridiculously quickly. Streetopia ...

• Photographs of Betty Alvarez’s Birthday Party at Crave on 1/29/13

  Check out these pics of Betty Alvarez’s Birthday Party at CRAVE in Village of Merrick Park, Coral Gables on Tuesday, January 29, 2013.  Happy Birthday Betty!! Huge thanks to CRAVE, Freedom Concierge Services and Mega City Events.  

• Photographs of Grand Opening at the Hoxton featuring Cat Shell

     

• Photographs of 7th Annual International Chocolate Festival

  by Ari Kane (@Aricurian) We spent this past lovely winter Saturday, January 25th at the serene Fairchild Botanic Garden for its 7th Annual International Chocolate Festival.  The Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden is a tropical oasis off of Old Cutler Road that sports a beautiful collection of trees, plants and wildlife. The chocolate festival was an event for all ages held over three days. The venue provided chocolate tastings, Whole Foods sponsored chocolate beer tastings, a chocolate themed spa, chocolate plants, food trucks, educational seminars, cooking classes for adults and children. Truly a delight for all things chocolate! In addition to the ...

• Photographs from PULSE 2.0: Late Night at the New World Symphony

  by Ari Kane (@Aricurian) & Daniella Veras (@DaniellaVeras & @_DaniMiami) Pulse is a once-a-year cross-genre event at the New World Center.  Pulse 2.0 featured Miami-based DJ Sean Drake who joined the New World Symphony for an amazingly unique musical night. Pulse also featured a vocalist for the first time – world renowned-native Miami soprano Elaine Alvarez, her celestial voice reverberated throughout the adoring crowd   The event was designed to integrate contemporary classical music with electronic music into an evening-long presentation to help attract new audiences to the art form. Mission accomplished, Pulse.  The crowd was an eclectic mix of Miami socialites, icons, ...

• Photographs Venue Magazine Cover Launch Party at The Hoxton

  So after the lovely engagement party, fundraiser celebrating Barcardi heir Gian Luis Barcardi and his lovely fiancee Kazandra Vega, we swung by The Hoxton (formerly Lucky Clover) to join in on the fun and festivities at Venue Magazine’s Cover Launch Party. The site has been transformed from Irish Pub  to swanky Hampton’s Beach House.  Beautiful people were abound, including my favorite housewife and Executive Editor for Venue Magazine, Alexia Echevarria. She is always so warm and friendly every single time I’ve seen seen her.  Enjoy the images and hope to see you around town… Photo Credit: Daniella Veras (@DaniellaVeras & @_DaniMiami)  

• Photographs of Philanthropic Engagement Celebration for Gian Luis Bacardi and Kazandra Vega 1/12/13

  Gian Luis Bacardi, heir to the Bacardi global spirits and beverage conglomerate, will celebrate his engagement to fiancé, Kazandra Vega, on the evening of January 12, 2013 at the newly-opened Safi Restaurant in downtown Miami. Along with commemorating the love story of the young couple, the evening will served as an occasion to honor the charitable work of eight distinguished South Florida women and support Food for the Poor, an applauded non-profit that Gian’s mother, Kimberly Bacardi, has championed for many years. In lieu of gifts, Gian and Kazandra have decided to use the occasion of an engagement party to raise ...

• Evo Love Exhibit at the Eleazar Delgado Studio.

  Made a quick cameo at the Evo Love Exhibit at Eleazar Delgado Studio in Wynwood last week. Sadly, I missed the drummers, the dancers, and the live psychic readings. I did get to check out this very vibrant installation that was reminiscent of a real, neighborhood botanica. It’s only going on for a couple more days, so be sure to swing by…  

• The Dome Restaurant Presents Moscow Disko Wednesdays 1/9/13

  The Dome Restaurant, Bar & Lounge, an environmentally conscious, farm-to-table eatery and caviar bar on Miracle Mile, is thrilled to announce Moscow Disko – a new weekly party celebrating food, music, and the arts, all in the heart of Coral Gables. Hosted by local author, Ily Goyanes (Miami New Times, Miami International Book Fair, Girls Who Score: Hot Lesbian Erotica) and musically curated by Billboard DJ and Producer, Maximus 3000 (Miami Beach Pride, White Party, Winter Music Conference), Moscow Disko guarantees a memorable evening for sassy socialites and blithe bohemians alike. Expect The Dome’s exquisite edibles on hand, plus a reverse ...

• Ultimate Miami Food Truck Competition at Magic City Casino

  Food Truck Culinary Mastery on Display at Magic City Casino by Ari Kane (@Aricurian) & Daniella Veras (@_DaniMiami) There are few better ways to start off the New Year then forsaking your weight loss resolutions and devouring exquisite food like a starving Rwandan.  This past Saturday, January 5th we were granted this opportunity courtesy of Magic City Casino and Ultimate Miami. The Ultimate Miami Food Truck Battle was the third part of a seven part series held by Ultimate Miami.  Previous events include Ultimate Miami Band and Ultimate Miami Bartender. Upcoming events will include Ultimate Miami Voice, Ultimate Miami Comedian, Ultimate Miami ...

• Erin MIA’S Birthday * Fashion Forward * A Spring 2013 Runway Fashion Show to Benefit KGKG ‘Food For The Poor’

  Erin MIA’S Birthday * Fashion Forward * A Spring 2013 Runway Fashion Show to Benefit KGKG “Food For The Poor” at Dapur Asian Tappas Restaurant/Lounge, 1620 N Federal Highway, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33005 A Spring 2013 Runway Fashion Show with Special Guest Host, Miss South Florida USA, Gianina Acevedo.Nicole Shelley Models Presents: Ready to Wear Spring 2013 Runway Fashions by: * Lingerie/Swimwear by Lingerini www.Lingerini.co * Designer Eyewear by InSight Optics * Contemporary Ready-to-Wear by Elektrik Boutique * Decadent Evening wear by SHA DIAZ Couture Hair by Nolan Vincent Salon & Spa Makeup by Eliza Cosmetics Hosted by: Jennifer Judice, Rick Morgan, Nicole Shelley, Maritza Bedoya, Kimberly Bacardi & Kim’s Good Karma ...

• The Half-Naked Truth About Miami Velvet

  by Ari Kane (@Aricurian) & Daniella Veras (@_DaniMiami) When one first arrives to this 20,000 square foot spot, it is much like any other weekend at a swanky nightclub.  Dozens of well-dressed patrons wait in line to enter past the enormous black-suited gatekeepers.  Scantily clad women in mile-high heels and sultry teeny dresses arrive arm-in-arm with their companions. Yes, we are all very familiar with this typical Miami scene.  What you may not be familiar with is this is Miami Velvet. Just off the Palmetto Expressway, Miami Velvet is a swinger’s club, safely nestled in its own secluded corner and with good ...

• Burgerliscious – The Second Course

  

  by Ari Kane (@Aricurian) & Daniella Veras (@_DaniMiami) Burgerlicious, living up to its catchy name, was truly defuckinlicious. This scrumptious soiree was held outdoors at the Ponce Circle Park in Coral Gables.  The beautiful balmy winter night was ideal for this epicurean grilling forgy (food orgy).  The crisp, cool weather gave South Floridians a chance to don their finest skiwear while New Yorkers rocked their “You Call This Cold?” t-shirts.  This venue, unlike past burger shindigs, did not leave the attendees smelling like the Eau de Ronald McDonald.  Over 20 competing restaurants, Sam Adams Beer, Naked Grape Wine and Ben & Jerry’s Ice ...

• New Soul Of Miami Contributor: Daniella Veras

  

  Welcome to new contributor: Dani Veras Born and raised in New York and now resident of Downtown Miami, Dani Veras, is an Educator, Epicurean, Live Music Junkie, Incorrigible iPhoneographer, and Social Media Maven. A self-proclaimed “sucker for charity,” she will walk / run / climb stairs / eat / drink for a good cause. Her varied background, knowledge base, and resourceful problem-solving earned her the sobriquet “MacGyver of Business Development.” Her atomic energy, positive attitude and spirit are magnetic as she creates connections and builds relationships with ease. Dani can be found tweeting, tumbling, touting, instagramming, pinning, soundtracking and salsa-dancing all ...