If you're planning a winter vacation to sunny South Florida or if you're lucky enough to live there, exploring the area's bustling theatre and performing arts scene can be great fun. Miami is known as a haven for artistic expression and the city is home to some of the best performing arts venues in the country. Artists and performers flock to South Beach and Coconut Grove to find creative inspiration and soak up the Miami vibe.

To help you navigate the South Florida theatre scene, we're breaking down the best venues and shows you don't want to miss.

Best Performing Arts Venues

Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts
Miami, Fla.
The Adrieene Arsht Center is the focal point of the performing arts in South Florida. The center serves as both a showcase and laboratory, provide first-class facilities for smaller, emerging organizations as well as resident companies. Don't miss Joan Rivers live on stage on November 11.

Actors' Playhouse
Coral Gables, Fla.
You'll find exciting and critically-acclaimed dramatic and musical theatre on the stages of this magnificently restored venue.

New Theatre
Coral Gables, Fla.
The Miami New Times named New Theatre the 'Best Theater for Drama' in 2009. The shows often spill out into the audience in this cramped, yet intimate space, creating a magical and unique theatrical experience.

Florida Stage
Manalapan, Fla.
This is the only theater in South Florida that exclusively develops and produces new plays in a passionate and intimate environment. That means you can catch some great performances that you can't see anywhere else.

Gusman Center for the Performing Arts
Miami, Fla.
What began as a silent movie palace in 1926 has evolved into an iconic performing arts center that is now a Miami landmark. In the 1970s, the center was saved from demolition, extensively renovated and donated to the City of Miami. It is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Today, Maximum Dance Company, Florida Philharmonic and the Miami International Film Festival all call this theater their home.

GableStage
Coral Gables, Fla.
Founded as the Florida Shakespeare Theatre in 1979, this theatre has grown into a major cultural institution in South Florida. The year-round programming includes recent contemporary plays as well as educational theatre programs that include Shakespeare and the Classics.

Kravis Center for the Performing Arts
West Palm Beach, Fla.
The Kravis Center is one of the premier venues in Palm Beach County, showcasing local and regional arts organizations as well as national and international artists and companies. The schedule is always diverse with something for every taste.

Broward Center for the Performing Arts
Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
Theater, dance, music... it all happens here. This state-of-the-art facility features two theaters with over 3,000 seats, top-shelf catering and year-round world-renowned performances.

Can't-Miss Shows and Performances

Beethoven's Symphony No. 9 - Choral Ode to Joy - Palm Beach Opera
On December 11 and 13, The Palm Beach Opera will kick off the 2009/2010 season with this special presentation by the Palm Beach Opera Orchestra and the Palm Beach Opera Chorus and Soloists.

Reasons to be Pretty - GableStage
This Tony Award-nominated Broadway play is an edgy and dark comic love story that delves into the blue-collar world of ordinary people to explore the subjectivity of beauty and impossibility of love.

Two Jews Walk Into a War... - Florida Stage
Inspired by a true story, this wonderfully funny play tells the story of Ishaq and Zeblyan as they discover they are the last two surviving Jews in all of Afghanistan.

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With the long weekend bringing beautiful early fall weather to most of the country, it's the perfect time to grab a seat outside and indulge your voyeuristic side with a little game of eye spy.



Here are some of our favorite spots to people watch:

10. Yaffa's in New York, N.Y.
This quirky Tribeca cafe is kitschy and casual. The menu is inexpensive, the food is great and the outdoor tables offer a primo view of Greenwich Street.

9. Gemma in Miami, Fla.
This intimate lounge overlooks all the action on Miami's famed Lincoln Road.

8. The Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C.
From this scenic people-watching outpost, you'll be entertained by tourists amidst the beautiful backdrop of the nation's capital.

7. La Cita in Los Angeles, Calif.
When it comes to people watching in downtown L.A., there's no better place than La Cita's outdoor patio filled with hipsters.

6. Fisherman's Wharf in San Francisco, Calif.
Grab some ice cream at Ghiradelli Square, then perch yourself on a bench near the pier for some of San Francisco's most entertaining people watching.

5. Banq in Boston, Mass.
Air-kissing fashionistas and media darlings put on a show at this Washington Street eatery.

4. Martini Park in Chicago, Ill.
Chicago Magazine has ranked this hotspot as one of the best patios for people watching along River North.

3. Mon Ami Gabi in Las Vegas, Nev.
This sidewalk cafe has always been a favorite spot to watch the wild and peculiar Vegas crowd.

2. World Famous in San Diego, Calif.
Enjoy fresh seafood, hand cut steaks and hilarious people watching at this beach front restaurant.

1. Blue Water Grill in New York, N.Y.
New Yorkers know Blue Water Grill's outside corner table provides the ultimate vantage spot for people watching.

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A centuries-old Middle Eastern tradition is becoming increasingly popular in the United States: the hookah. Hookah bars seem to be popping up left and right, particularly in college towns and urban cities, as more people look for ways to spice up a typical night on the town.



Hookah lounges boast impressive menus with just about every flavor of tobacco, or shisha, you can possibly imagine. Choose from an array of fruit-flavored shisha including mango, strawberry and peach, or go for something sweeter like chocolate mint, orange cream or pina colada.

Shisha smokers say sharing a hookah with friends is a fun and fresh new way to socialize while embracing multiculturalism at the same time. Patrons of hookah lounges will sit for hours smoking shisha, playing table games, enjoying live music, and noshing on traditional Persian dishes.

Many feel that hookah lounges have reinvented the nightlife and restaurant scene. It's an experience that, by its very nature, encourages social interaction and making new friends -- something that is often missing in the lives of busy Americans lost in cyberspace and chained to their computers and BlackBerrys. The hookah bar is all about immersing yourself in the experience and the tradition. As one hookah lover puts it, "You talk with young people, old people, all kinds of interesting types. Next thing you know three hours have gone by! There's really no other experience like it."

While smoking shisha seems to be a growing trend, hookah bars in some cities are going up in smoke. In Boston, a series of anti-smoking laws passed earlier this year will require all hookah bars to close within ten years. Similarly, in North Carolina, a smoking ban in restaurants and bars will go into effect in January, forcing hookah bars to either convert to a tobacco shop or shut down.

Here's the buzz on some of the best spots to smoke shisha coast to coast:

10. Tantra Restaurant & Lounge in Miami, Fla.
The vibe at Tantra exudes seduction. A live grass floor, waterfall and sensual music make this place hot, hot, hot.

9. Sphinx Café Hookah Bar in Pittsburgh, Pa.
Catering to the University of Pittsburgh college crowd, Sphinx Café is the city's only authentic Egyptian hookah bar and coffee house.

8. Gazuza in Washington, D.C.
Under the same ownership as D.C.'s trendy Chi-Cha Lounge, this Dupont Circle hookah lounge features sleek modern décor and an expansive second-story patio overlooking Connecticut Avenue.

7. Horus Cafe & Kebab House in New York, N.Y.
NYU students flock to this cafe for Mediterranean and North African bites, over 20 flavors of hookah, and DJs and belly dancers on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights.

6. Gypsy Café in Westwood, Calif.
All the hipsters head here for wonderfully smooth hookahs, first-rate food and impeccable service.

5. Zentra Hookah Bar in Chicago, Ill.
Located on West Weed Street, this exotic little hideaway is a great place to toke -- hookah, that is.

4. Layalena Restaurant in Tempe, Ariz.
There's nothing "college bar" about Layalena. This hookah lounge features belly dancing, high-quality tobacco, gourmet bites and a beautifully appointed décor.

3. Desert Nights in Redondo Beach, Calif.
Consistently rated among the best of the best in the LA area, Desert Nights keeps the hookah experience authentic with an impressive array of exotic shisha flavors in a casual, relaxed environment.

2. Cozy Café Hookah Lounge in New York, N.Y.
With over 69 flavors of hookah, this place keeps the shisha-loving crowd coming back for more. Don't miss the live belly dancing on Friday and Saturday nights.

1. Ali Baba's in Brentwood, Calif.
Rated by locals as the best hookah bar in the Bay Area, Ali Baba's varies their shisha flavors by season so there's always something new to smoke.

Click here for a directory of hookah bars in your state.

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Summer might soon be over in a flash, but the party will continue. Jazz music festivals are still going strong from now through the Fall season -- so make your way to your local music fest and enjoy the sounds of John Coltrane and Miles Davis ...

Oakland's 9th Annual Art & Soul
August 15-16
This fest brings an eclectic all-star lineup of 40 national recording artists to their stages. Multiple Grammy winner Shawn Colvin will be on the main stage while the funky brass sounds of Mo'Fone play at the Yoshi stage. For gospel lovers, Walter L. Hawkins headlines the wildly popular Gospel Stage. Kids can also hang out at the Family Fun Zone, which will include carnival rides, interactive art and face painting.

The Chicago Jazz Festival
September 4-6
This event has been a chi-town tradition for the last 30 years. Musical favorites include Ezperanza Spalding, the Gonzalo Rubalcaba Quintet, Madeleine Peyroux, Dee Alexander and The Jeff Parker Quartet.

The 52nd Monterey Jazz Festival
September 18-20
This, the longest-running jazz festival in the world, promises to be a jazz extravaganza. Over 500 top artists are performing in nine stages. Don't miss exciting acts such as Wynton Marsalis, Regina Carter, Kenny Barron, Susan Tedeschi, and Pete Seeger.

Berklee Beantown Jazz Festival
September 18-26
Boston's largest outdoor festival will draw over 70,000 jazz lovers as they enjoy the award-winning artists from all over the country. Families will be able to take their kids to the Target Family Park for some crafts, arts, and food.

The San Francisco Jazz Festival
October 10-November 21
Kicking off on Thelonious Monk's birthday, San Fran's fest will feature international artists such as Brazil's Gal Costa, Israel's Yasmin Levy and Cuba's Alfredo Rodriguez. Other luminary performers include Grammy award winner Keb' Mo', Solomon Burke, Ornette Coleman and Dee Dee Bridgewater.

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During August and September, some of the most frenzied and fantastical celebrations of theater, dance and music are unleashed in cities across the country. Behold, the fringe fest. There's nothing "normal" or "mainstream" about it. Instead, the festivities provide a welcome departure into an alternative theatrical world that is edgy, unusual and captivating.

The famed Edinburgh Festival Fringe, the world's largest arts fest, is taking place in Scotland August 7 - 31. But several American cities are giving Edinburgh a run for its money. Here's a look at some of the best fringe fests you don't want to miss:

Minnesota Fringe 2009

July 30 - August 9

Sold-out shows and astounding ticket sales marked opening weekend of Minnesota Fringe. This year's standout performances include "Bard Fiction," "The Harty Boys in the Case of the Limping Platypus" and "Tragedy of You."


Woodstock Fringe

August 8 - September 6

The 7th annual Woodstock Fringe starts with a bang with an opening night kick-off party at the Byrdcliffe Theatre featuring dinner, dessert, champagne and a cabaret sampler of artists appearing at the fest. But the real highlight will be "Out of the Box," a one-man show with the outlandish comedic clown Bob Berky, winner of the esteemed Edinburgh Festival Fringe First Award.

Boulder International Fringe Festival

August 12 - 23

This annual 12-day event brings live theatre, dance, circus art, media art, cinema, visual art and more to downtown Boulder. The festival benefits Boulder and the state of Colorado by harnessing cultural initiatives to help facilitate economic development in the region.

Fringe NYC

August 14 - 30

Hailed as New York's best staycation, Fringe NYC is the largest multi-arts festival in the country. More than 200 companies from all over the world perform for 16 days in more than 20 venues.

Indianapolis Theatre Fringe Festival

August 21 - 30

This year marks the fifth IndyFringe festival, a 10-day celebration that keeps getting better. Don't miss The Longest Dinner, a unique dining experience around one reeeaaaalllly long table featuring a three-course dinner prepared slow-food style accompanied by plenty of live music and fringe street theatre.


2009 Philadelphia Live Arts Festival & Philly Fringe

September 4 - 9
Philly Fringe brings a collection of the world's best contemporary artists to audiences in the City of Brotherly Love. The festival guide hits streets August 7 and in the meantime you can check out the Philly Fringe blog for the latest 411.

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Los Angeles is full of a billion interesting things to see and do, especially when it comes to nightlife. But it's not just the star-studded, velvet rope-type places that have all the fun. Dig a little deeper, and you'll find some cool spots that not only serve up a tasty drink, but offer you a uniquely themed environment in which to enjoy said libation. Some of the best?

Velvet Margarita Cantina
Walk through the front doors of the Velvet Margarita Cantina, and you'll be amazed - the exterior lends no hint to what awaits you inside. Embracing a "Dias de los Muertos" theme, shades of red and gold are bathed throughout, covering everything from the walls to the plush seating to the gilded frames that surround the flat-panel TVs on the walls. Stained glass decorates the bar, candlelight offers a mood-lighting glow, and then there's the bar offerings - about a million different kinds of tequila. Come for the gorgeous Mexican theming, stay for the margaritas!

Redwood Bar and Grill
Downtown Los Angeles plays home to Redwood, which has a storied history, having once been the bar of choice for L.A. Times writers back in the day. In fact, it used to be such a hub that the newsroom had a hotline directly to the bar so they could get in touch with their staff quickly in the event of a news emergency. Nowadays the bar has adopted a pirate theme, with bar seats made of barrels, tables shaped from ship steering wheels, and buried treasure mixed with nautical relics throughout the bar. Don't miss their sweet potato fries.

The Edison
Once you step inside Edison, you won't know whether to drink or stare. Everything about this 20s-themed bar is gorgeous - the "underground" feel, the exposed piping, bronze décor flanked by amber lighting, waitresses dressed in flapper gear pedaling carriages of glow-in-the-dark absinthe shots in beakers... there's not one thing about Edison that doesn't make you feel like you're in another era. Plan on making a night of it, and enjoying several of their St. Germain-infused cocktails.

The Bigfoot Lodge
This Los Feliz-area bar takes their theme to an entirely different level. If you really want to feel like you're somewhere other than an L.A. hotspot, Bigfoot Lodge is for you. Walking through their front door transports you into a log cabin-like atmosphere, complete with stuffed bears - some of which come to life to put on a show for you. And to complete the feel, drinks like the Toasted Marshmallow and Dudley Do Right put you in the mood for a campfire. Just don't impale yourself on the antlers hanging off the wall.

Saints & Sinners
If a 70s vibe is your thing, hit up Saints & Sinners in the Culver City/Mar Vista area. Complete with era-friendly décor, an indoor fire pit with comfy seating, kitschy lighting and stonework, you'd be forgiven if you felt like you were in a basement from your childhood (albeit a stylishly updated version of what you'd remember.) And the indoor fire action doesn't end with the pit - some of the bartenders are known to breathe it, too, putting on a Cocktail-style show when you order your drink.

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A favorite drink of Ernest Hemingway, the mojito has been making people happy for centuries. A mixture of light rum, sugar, lime juice, mint and sparkling water, the mojito can be traced back to a similar Cuban cocktail known as 'El Draque,' named in honor of Sir Francis Drake in the mid 1600s.

Fast forward to the 19th century when African slaves working in the Cuban sugar cane fields further refined the mojito when they discovered Guarapo, the juice of raw sugar cane. The sweetness of the nectar complemented the rum, tangy citrus and cool mint, creating the perfect combination of flavors.

Now step into the 21st century. The classic Cuban cocktail is taking America by storm and giving credence to the wise saying, 'everything old is new again.' According to Menu Insights, the number of American restaurants serving mojitos has increased by 350% over the last three years.

While the classic mojito remains a refreshing favorite, exotic fruits are driving innovation on drink menus across the country. Mangos, pomegranates, blueberries and more are being mixed, muddled and stirred to create tropical versions of the classic mojito that are ideal for summer.

Here's a look at some of the best mojitos adorning cocktail menus across America:

Blueberry Yum Yum at the Hard Rock Hotel in Orlando, Fla.
Grab a seat at the Hard Rock's poolside bar and go bobbing for fresh blueberries in their signature cocktail, the Blueberry Yum Yum. Available in three sizes (16, 24 or 32 ounces) and made with blueberry vodka, club soda and mint, you better go big... or go home.

Pineapple Mojito at Spago in Las Vegas, Nev.
It's a good thing what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. This delicious blend of 10 Cane rum, pineapple puree, mint, fresh lime and club soda is so good, you'll be double-fisting them down.

Blackberry Mojito at Blue Fish in Dallas, Tex.
You thought sushi and sake was good? Sushi and a mojito may be even better. Wet your palate with Blue Fish's blackberry mojito, a delightful mixture of light rum, fresh blackberries, mint and club soda.

Raspberry Champagne Mojito at Olive in San Francisco, Calif.
Girls will go gaga for this bubbly beauty made with Bacardi Razz, raspberry liqueur, mint, fresh lime and, of course, champagne.

The O'jito at Libation in New York, N.Y.
Libation's O'jito, a cheerful concoction of orange-flavored rum, muddled tangerines and a splash of seltzer, will have you saying 'cheers' to seconds.

More Cool Summer Cocktails
- The Skinnygirl Margarita
- Stirrings Watermelon Martini
- Pommery's POP Champagne

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Let's daydream for a second: imagine you're the CEO of a multibillion-dollar company ... or maybe you were born to a rich oil tycoon ... perhaps you just won the lottery. Whatever the circumstance, you are rolling in the dough. And we mean rolling. The sky's the limit and nothing is out of reach.


With the means to indulge your every whim, how would you spend a night out on the town? From the priciest dinners to the most expensive nightclubs and hotel suites, here's a guide to living it up like a billionaire.

The mega-rich never step out on the town looking anything less than lovely. That's because they're soaking in the world's most expensive bath. Saunter in to Miami's Hotel Victor and luxuriate in 1,000 liters of Evian water sprinkled with rose petals for the small price of $5,000. You'll emerge refreshed, rejuvenated and ready to rock.

Next up: dinner. The super-wealthy eat like kings at the most extravagant restaurants in the country. At sushi restaurant Masa in New York City, dinner for one will set you back about $450. The fish is flown in directly from Japan and the menu features rare and pricey delicacies like white truffles.

Prefer meat to fish? Stop in for a Richard Nouveau Burger at New York's Wall Street Burger Shoppe. The $175 whopper is 10 ounces of Prime Kobe beef topped with 25 grams of black truffles, foie gras, aged Gruyere cheese and sprinkled with edible gold flakes.

But the super-wealthy never stay in one place for long. Hop on your Gulfstream and jet off to The Big Easy for dessert. Strawberries Arnaud, available only by special request at Arnaud's restaurant in New Orleans, consists of six port-marinated strawberries garnished with mint and cream and topped off with a five-carat pink diamond ring. What's a dessert for $1.4 million when you've got several billion?

Now it's time to party with the glitterati and rack up an insane bar tab at the hottest of hot spots. Dance the night away at Chicago's Reserve while you sip on $950 Red Ruby cocktails made of Grey Goose L'Orange vodka, Hypnotiq, orange juice, pomegranate liqueur, a splash of Dom Perignon and garnished with a one-carat ruby. And at Vegas' PURE nightclub in Caesars Palace, it's not uncommon to spend $20,000 to $50,000 popping bottles and dancing with models.

After being chauffeured around town in your drop-top Phantom, it's time to make the most important decision of the night: where to rest your most valuable asset, your head. For $25,000, you can shoot some hoops on the half-court in your living room before hitting the hay in the Palms Hardwood Basketball Suite.

Or, if you're seeking a little R&R, get back aboard your jet and cruise down to St. Barts for the ultimate escape. Eden Rock Hotel's Villa Rockstar will have you waking to the sound of the ocean and sweeping panoramic island views. The $21,380-a-night suite comes complete with a white-gold circular bathroom, a 20-seat Cinemascope screening room and a recording studio that houses the original console used to record John Lennon's Imagine. All you've gotta do now is sit back, relax and foot the bill.

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The recession has millions of Americans watching their wallets, choosing 'staycations' over vacations and cutting back on luxuries such as dining out. Broadway shows have seen a big dip in ticket sales as a result of the economy, and more people are looking for ways to enjoy a night out without breaking the bank.

Theatrical productions presented in small theaters of 100 seats or less, referred to as Off-Off Broadway, are a great alternative to big-city shows at big-city prices. In smaller theaters, actors rarely get paid. This mean smaller budgets, and smaller budgets mean bigger risks.

Small theater shows are the perfect platform for actors to experiment with new work and showcase fresh and innovative scripts. The best local talent takes center stage as opposed to imported actors from Hollywood and the Big Apple.

Off-Off Broadway productions also allow for an up-close-and-personal theater experience. Smaller venues create a more intimate setting that allows audience members to see the actors' expressions and catch all the action from close range.

Tickets for these shows are also significantly less expensive. While Broadway tickets cost upwards of $75, you can get a front-row seat at a small theater production for anywhere from $10 to $30.

And what's more? You don't have to live in New York City to enjoy an Off-Off Broadway show. Here's a look at just a few of the best local theater venues across the country:

Atlanta

Alliance Theatre in Atlanta, Ga.

Actor's Express in Atlanta, Ga.


Boston

Boston Playwrights' Theatre in Boston, Mass.

New Repertory Theatre in Watertown, Mass.

Riverside Theatre Works in Hyde Park, Mass.


Chicago

Lifeline Theatre in Chicago, Ill.

Profiles Theatre in Chicago, Ill.


Dallas

Undermain Theatre in Dallas, Tex.


Detroit

Meadow Brook Theatre in Rochester, Mich.

Gem Theatre in Detroit, Mich.


Los Angeles

The Black Dahlia Theatre in Los Angeles, Calif.


Miami

New Theatre in Coral Gables, Fla.

Olympia Theater at the Gusman Center for the Performing Arts in Miami, Fla.


Minneapolis

Frank Theatre in Minneapolis, Minn.


New Orleans

LePetit Theatre in New Orleans, La.

Actor's Theatre of New Orleans in Metairie, La.


San Francisco

Intersection for the Arts in San Francisco, Calif.

New Conservatory Theatre Center in San Francisco, Calif.

Impact Theatre in Berkeley, Calif.


Seattle

ACT Theatre in Seattle, Wash.


Washington, DC

Atlas Performing Arts Center in Washington, D.C.

The Keegan Theater in Washington, D.C.

Theatre on the Run in Arlington, Va.

Search for more theatres near you.

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According to Andy Warhol, "In the future, everyone will be world-famous for 15 minutes." And he may have gotten that right. When it comes to the celebrity-owned restaurant, the same motto holds true.



Anybody who's anybody in Hollywood has a famous eatery to their name, but just as fame is fleeting, so are most of these restaurants. Here's a look at the best star-owned restaurants that have withstood the test of time:

10. Southern Hospitality in New York, N.Y.
Justin Timberlake puts the sexy back in barbecue at this drink-slinging, down-home restaurant. The warm, welcoming vibe and mouthwatering menu of pulled pork sandwiches, baby back ribs, BBQ chicken and Southern fried catfish keep both locals and celebs coming back for more.

9. Dressing Room: A Homegrown Restaurant in Westport, Conn.
Paul Newman left behind a legacy at this little hidden gem. A cozy intimate environment combined with a commitment to cooking food that recaptures the pure tastes of natural and organic ingredients make Dressing Room a mainstay in the world of celebrity restaurants.

8. Ana Mandara in San Francisco, Calif.
Appropriately named Ana Mandara, which refers to an ancient Vietnamese love story and translates to "beautiful refuge," this romantic and exotic restaurant will make for a memorable evening. Owned in part by Don Johnson and Cheech Marin, Ana Mandara's chef serves up A-list Vietnamese cuisine with a refreshingly modern twist.

7. Devito in Miami, Fla.
Miami sophisticates are flocking to Danny Devito's namesake restaurant. This chic eatery seamlessly blends elements reminiscent of an Old World Italian Chop House and the charm of 1940s Hollywood in a seductive South Beach setting.

6. Beso in Los Angeles, Calif.
Eva Longoria teamed up with celebrity chef Todd English to create a Hollywood restaurant that brings a Latin approach to traditional steakhouse cuisine. After a starry-eyed dinner for two, take your love upstairs to Kiss Lounge where you can sip champagne and dance the night away.

5. Straits in Atlanta, Ga.
Named after the Straits of Malacca, a waterway between Malaysia and Singapore, this upscale eatery is the vision of Grammy award-winning artist Ludacris and chef Chris Yeo. Together they've worked to blend the flavors and cooking styles of Thai, Indonesian, Chinese, Malay, Indian and Nonya cuisines to create a style of Singaporean cooking deserving of a standing ovation.

4. Dolce in West Hollywood, Calif.
The expansion of Dolce into Atlanta, Huntsville and Washington, DC is a testament to the restaurant's first-class service, outstanding menu of modern Italian tapas and drop-dead-gorgeous design. Co-owned by Ashton Kutcher, Wilder Valderrama and several other investors, Dolce is molto delizioso.

3. AGO in Las Vegas, Nev. and other locations
Robert De Niro and restaurateur Agostino Sciandri have brought their LA flagship restaurant to the streets of Sin City. Situated inside the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, If what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas, you can bet on AGO being a go for many years to come.

2. Nobu in New York, N.Y. and other locations
Between AGO and Nobu, De Niro knows the recipe for success when it comes to the restaurant biz. He first teamed with Nobu Matsuhisa in 1994 to open the Tribeca flagship and is now an investor in many of the other 17 Nobu locations around the world.

1. The 40/40 Club in New York, Las Vegas, Atlantic City and Chicago
The most paid man in hip-hop, Mr. Jay-Z, knows a thing or two about success. His 40/40 Club brings the sports bar experience to a whole new level of opulence. A premium Cognac room, LCDs and plasmas galore and a menu that pleases the discerning palate, this ultra-hip lounge is in it to win it.

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There is just so much to see, eat, and do in the City by the Bay. If you're fortunate enough to drop by San Francisco anytime soon, here are some fun and must-go places to eat, drink, and be merry:

Foodies can't miss the Ferry Building Marketplace. If you don't have time to eat everything this city has to offer, don't miss this is an absolute gem. Check out their weekend Farmer's Market, grab some lunch at the new Cane Rosso, or nosh on some cupcakes from Miette.

For other incredible dinner options, Perbacco has some delicious house-made Italian pastas, Sutro's serves up to-die-for seared scallops, and Bushi-Tei has a foie gras-kabocha pot de creme. Romantics on a date can head to Clementine for a good French prix fixe. For adventurous fish lovers, get the Suspicious Fish Dish at Weird Fish. If you still have room left over, get some famous Sacripantina at Stella Pastry in North Beach.

After dinner, get a password and grab secret cocktails at Bourbon & Branch. If that's not enough imbibing for you, head over to the swanky Clock Bar for some amazing cocktails. For the night owls, RN74 has $3 Kronenburgs, every night after 10PM.

Need more entertainment? Check out the only-in-San Fran Beach Blanket Babylon show, or catch the dinner theatre show at Teatro ZinZanni. If you're craving live music the glam Starlight Room plays swing and jazz all night long on weekends.

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Glitzy nightlife, white sandy beaches, vibrant city streets lined with Art Deco buildings, scantily-clad bikini babes rollerblading down Ocean Drive ... there's no denying Miami has a vibe and culture all its own, attracting visitors from all over the globe.



From arts and culture to dining and nightlife, check out this quick guide to Miami's best attractions:

Best Gelato
Summertime in Miami means one thing for sure: it's hot enough to fry an egg on the sidewalk! So while you're strolling around the streets, stop in and cool off at Coco Gelato. This place serves up homemade Italian ice cream in more flavors than you can count and indulging in a scoop is Miami tradition.

Best Raw Food Restaurant
It's not uncommon to have dinner right next to a celebrity at this healthy hot spot. Everyone from Mariah Carey to Harrison Ford has been spotted here. With seating for just 90 people, Escopazzo is quaint, warm and intimate. Using only the finest organic ingredients, the menu is a celebrated journey of flavor and taste.

Be sure to check out the restaurant's legendary selection of entirely vegan raw food dishes. Delightfully healthy menu items such as lasagna made with organic tomatoes and cashew "ricotta" and a marinated Portobello with jicama "risotto" are favorites among the Hollywood crowd.

Best New Restaurant
Hailed for changing the face of Chinese cuisine in England, the brainchild of Hakkasan has brought his award-winning restaurant stateside. Miami is one lucky city to be home to Hakkasan's U.S. debut. Seductively lit dining alcoves and fabulously inventive Chinese dishes make this new addition to the Miami restaurant circuit a can't-miss spot.

Best Brunch Spot
You better be hungry when you arrive at The Biltmore for their famed Sunday Champagne Brunch. You'll be so overwhelmed by the mind-boggling array of foods, you'll need at least three plates full to fit everything you want to try. Omelets, sushi, salads, meats, pastas and caviar ... you name it, it's there. Just make sure you save room for the desserts. Fruit tarts, parfaits, cakes, a chocolate fondue fountain ... can we say food coma? Oh but it's so worth it.

Best Dance Club
Miami's most beautiful flock to Set, the sexy ultra-lounge where you can party the night away until the wee hours of the morning. There is always a superstar DJ spinning the latest tunes for Set's high-end clientele. Opulence abounds with partygoers dressed to the nines and an atmosphere outfitted in luxury. It can be annoyingly difficult to get in, so get there early or know someone at the door.

Best Poolside Bar
If you're ready to escape the craziness of South Beach, the poolside bar at the Mandarin Oriental is refreshingly low-key. Sit back, relax and look out over the infinity pool to views of the city skyline and the glint of the afternoon sun reflecting off the tranquil bay waters. Take a stroll up to the M Bar, with outdoor seating above the pool deck, and choose from the dizzying list of 250 different martinis. You'll be feeling good in no time.

Best Art Museum
The Frost Art Museum reopened its doors last November to much acclaim. The building itself is a site to be seen. Featuring a Chinese granite exterior, the 46,000 square foot concave-shaped space includes a towering atrium, a floating stairwell and more than 10,000 square feet of exhibition space. The summer exhibition schedule is quite impressive and the best part? Admission is free.

Best Designer Clothing Boutique
The Webster, now in its new South Beach location, highlights the best in men's and women's high-end clothing and accessories from fashion-forward labels such as Balenciaga, Marc Jacobs, Stella McCartney and Yves Saint Laurent. The endless racks are enough to make even the most die-hard shopper hungry for a snack. Well Webster shoppers are in luck: The store is also home to the newly-opened famous Parisian restaurant Caviar Kaspia.

Best Place to People Watch
Nothing beats people watching in South Beach. From the wildly eclectic to the just plain weird, you'll see it all on Ocean Drive. Grab a seat and a bite to eat on the patio at News Café, where Gianni Versace had his last meal, and get your camera ready. You'll find yourself there for hours.

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Diners are getting creative when it comes to dining out during tough economic times. There are stories of people cutting costs by ordering two appetizers instead of an entrée or satisfying hunger by grabbing a snack at home and ordering less at the restaurant.


But diners aren't the only ones getting creative. Restaurateurs are offering all kinds of dining incentives and deals, but it's the recent resurgence of the happy hour menu that's really got us smiling. From New York to Los Angeles and stops in between, here's a look at the best happy hour deals coast to coast:

10. Superior Grill in New Orleans, La.
New Orleans is the town of happy hours, but it's this one in particular that really stands out. Famous for fresh, delicious and - dare we say - healthy Mexican food, Superior Grill offers drink and food specials every day from 4:30PM - 6:30PM.

9. Sol Irlandes in Dallas, Tex.
Locals know this is one of the best hangouts in town. Sol Irlandes is known for great food, great drinks and an atmosphere that guarantees a good time. Stop in during the week for plenty of happy hour specials.

8. Latitude in New York, N.Y.
Serving up happy hour specials seven days of the week and until 8PM on Fridays, this hot spot is full of bargains. Be sure to sample one of their five fabulous martinis before 6PM. Watermelon, lychee, raspberry, strawberry and pomegranate martinis are only $3 at 3PM, $4 at 4PM and $5 at 5PM.

7. Casey Moran's in Chicago, Ill.
Casey Moran's, situated right across the street from Wrigley Field, offers $2 burgers and half-price appetizers on Thursdays, and a fantastic $5 brunch menu on Saturdays and Sundays.

6. Chef Geoff's in Washington, D.C.
This well-known Washington restaurant is offering extended happy hours at both the downtown and Tenleytown locations. You can score a juicy burger for just five bucks or your own personal pizza for $8. And the best part? You can wash it all down with a super-sized 34-ounce draft beer for only $7.95.

5. Yard House in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.
This casual-yet-upscale eatery boasts a transparent keg room with 600 barrels of beer and anywhere from 150 to 250 on-tap brews. But it's not just the beer that brings in the crowds. The menu of pizzas, salads, pastas, steaks, seafood and more is enough to make anyone's mouth water. Stop in weekdays between 3PM and 6PM for bargain beers and select half-price appetizers.

4. BOKA Kitchen + Bar in Seattle, Wash.
BOKA Kitchen knows how to blend lounge, bar and restaurant with beauty. At this sleek spot, grilled Angus burgers, Dungeness crab, bacon mac 'n cheese, truffled fries and more tasty bites are all half price on Sundays and Mondays from 3:30PM to close, Tuesdays through Fridays from 3:30PM to 6PM and 10PM to close, and Saturdays from 5PM to 7PM and 10PM to close.

3. McCormick & Schmick's in Los Angeles, Calif.
McCormick & Schmick's can be pricey, but they've got a happy hour menu that's world famous. Menus change daily, but nothing's over $5 and you can almost always tuck into a massive gourmet cheeseburger with fries for a minimal $2.95.

2. Two in San Francisco, Calif.
Two is the second incarnation of Hawthorne Lane with - yep, you guessed it - TWO chefs. Serving up California comfort food reminiscent of a home-cooked meal, you can feast on all kinds of soul-satisfying creations. Stop in Monday through Saturday beginning at 5:30PM for their "Five for $5" menu offering five delicious dishes such as spicy onion soup, anchovy pizzetta and roasted Peking duck for just five bucks.

1. Le Central in Denver, Colo.
Le Central has always been known as affordable, but now owner Robert Tournier is really getting down and dirty. Every Thursday through Sunday from 3PM to 5PM, you choose from 20 different small plates for $2 or less. You can't beat fine French cuisine - or any cuisine for that matter - at prices like that.

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You mother always told you to eat your vegetables, but what if you choose to drink them? And not in that V-8 way, either. A number of crafty drink masters have figured out new and inventive ways to work fresh veggies into your favorite libations, reinventing the average cucumber, tomato and even rhubarb into a tasty liquid treat.

So tuck into one of these awesome veggie cocktails and rest easy knowing you're getting your five-a-day!

Boston's Liberty Hotel has a Make Your Own Bloody Mary Bar, featuring options like dill pickle spears, jalapeño and garlic-stuffed olives, pepperocini peppers, celery stalks and more. It only runs Sundays from 12 to 3 pm, so make sure you get there early!

Both Restaurant Kelly Liken and Rick & Kelly's American Bistro in Vail and Edwards, Colorado have a mix of incredible veggie cocktails. There's the Tomato Consommé Cocktail, with ripe tomatoes, green jalapeno and garlic shaken with garlic for an awesome martini. The Rhubarb Mint Julep takes fresh rhubarb puree and blends it with Wild Turkey burbon, mint leaves, ice and club soda, while their award-winning Cucumber Lime Cocktail mates cucumbers with simple syrup, water, limes and Tanqueray 10 Gin. Yum!

L.A.'s Westside Tavern has several veggie libation creations courtesy of nationally renowned mixologist Ryan Magarian. His faves? The Carrot & Cilantro Caipirinha, with cilantro sprigs, Boca Loca cachaco, lime juice, carrot juice and Angostura bitters. Then there's the Pepper Smash, with pressed spearmint, Aviation New Western dry gin, lemon and bell pepper juices, homemade clover honey syrup, and a slice of bell pepper floating on top. And lastly, the Moscow Mule: vodka, pureed ginger, lime juice, and club soda.

Commerce in New York City also plays with cucumber and ginger in three of their popular drinks. The East Side has gin, fresh cucumber, mint, lime and soda, while the Nor'Easter boasts rum, fresh ginger, lime, soda, mint. And then there's the Fresh Ginger Presbyterian: bourbon, fresh ginger, lemon and ginger ale. Can you taste the hangover already?

The Plunge rooftop bar in Miami's Gansevoort South has a veggie drink named For Your Eyes Only, with Hendricks Gin, English Cucumber, Fresh Lemon Juice, Italian Basil, Agave Nectar and Champagne. It's the perfect poolside drink.

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Everyone loves a good party, and this year's Cinco de Mayo will prove to be a fun time. Celebrate Mexico's cultural heritage with tequila shots, food, cocktails, music, and more with the following party spots:

Cabrito in NYC is celebrating their one year anniversary in conjunction with Cinco de Mayo. They will do weekday $9 brunch drink special (choice of 3 Bloody Mary's, Sangrias, or Mimosas), a specialty Nuevo Paseo cocktail, and happy hour drink deals ($3 Coronas, $5 margaritas).

Firehouse Tavern will have a special deal - $15 will get you get an order of their signature nachos and two Firehouse margaritas. For the truly ambitious, add a shot of tequila for only $1 per shot. For the truly festive drinkers, Virgil's will be offering the tasty Mexican Margarita Trifle, a colorful triple frozen combo of strawberry, watermelon, and mango margaritas.

Maison 140's Bar Noir in LA serves organic tequila cocktails such as the Nobelita (Casa Noble, pomegranate, organic OJ) and the refreshing Casa 140, which features fresh mint plucked from Maison 140's own back garden.

Adobo and De Cero of Chicago will have variations of the classic margarita while Fuego Mexican Grill is offering complimentary Margarita samplers, live mariachis, giveaways, and more.

Elixir Bar in San Francisco will offer a fiery Rancho Ancho made with organic watermelon, agave nectar, Ancho chile powder, lime, and Ocho Blanco Tequila (new premium single estate). For the highrollers, The Penthouse ($28) is a luxurious take on the Manhattan. On the other side of town, Tommy's Mexican offers drinks from an insane collection of 350 types of tequila.

If you still haven't found a place to party for the Fifth of May, search here for somewhere near you.

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The month of May is celebrated worldwide as Celiac Awareness Month. If you're one of the 15 million people suffering from gluten allergies, May is geared at sharing awareness of celiac disease and gluten sensitivities. It's hard to dine out dine out without getting sick- this autoimmune disease damages the intestines when proteins from wheat, rye or barley are eaten.

Here are many options for a stress-free, tasty, and healthy dining experience:

With the exception of tortillas, Chipotle offers burrito bowls and salads from their 100% gluten-free menu (including sauces and salsas). There is no hidden gluten, and they will even change gloves upon request to avoid gluten contamination from handling tortillas.

Don't want to eat out? New celeb favorite Locali Conscious Convenience in LA provides fixings for a gluten-free meal to be eaten at home. The eco-convenience store has a 100% gluten-free deli and sells gluten-free pastas, sandwiches, and beers. They also carry baked goods from local gluten-free bakeries.

Jimmy Buffett's national chain Cheeseburger in Paradise offers gluten-free island specialties such as the bunless Caribbean Chicken Sandwich, a jerk-seasoned chicken breast with melted Swiss cheese, roasted bell peppers, and red pepper aioli.

If you love your cocktails and can't tolerate regular grain-distilled vodkas, KAI Vodka is a handcrafted spirit that's made from the precious yellow-blossom rice (grown only in northern Vietnam). The premium vodka also features a Lychee flavor. Try the Lychee Kama "Kai" zi at Morels French Steakhouse & Bistro in Las Vegas, or try it at 13 Café & Lounge in Tampa.

Fine dining doesn't have to be miserable either. Masa's Restaurant in San Francisco offer many gluten-free items in their regular menu, and a fully tailored one can be specially requested. Zaré at Fly Trap offers a tasty selection of Smoked Trout, Baby Octopus and Calamari, or Pistachio Meatballs. You won't miss the gluten!

For the sweet tooth, Oakland's Mariposa Baking Company makes wheat-free brownies, cakes, and cheesecakes to satisfy sugar cravings. They also make pizza, bread and bagels at their bakeshop.


Other resources for Celiacs:
www.glutenfreeceliacweb.com, www.GLUTEN.net, www.glutenfreepassport.com

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It's time to dance! For those who are yearning to be like Fred Astaire (or Paula Abdul), there's tons of free events going on during National Dance Week (April 24 - May 3). Get your heart rate up, and get inspired to learn a new art form.

For ten days, the public gets to attend all dance-related events. Try a beginner tango class, or check out a ballet demo. Take advantage of this wonderful week and discover new ways of stimulating your body, mind and spirit.

Here's a sampling of what's going on in the world of dance:

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The Royal/T is one of those hybrid kinds of places, but with a twist. It's not your usual restaurant/bar or bookstore/coffee shop, it's more a café, concept shop and art exhibition space with a Japanese pop-culture influence, all encapsulated in 10,000 square feet. But while the café has staff decked out in Lolita-like waitress dresses inspired by Japanese cosplay, the cuisine runs the gamut from French to Japanese to California's best.

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