BY LESLEY ABRAVANEL
lank@aol.com
For many Miami transplants, the World Cup means more than the Super Bowl and the Olympics combined. For that reason, several local spots are taking advantage of the monthlong soccer -- er, football -- fest, by transforming into World Cup headquarters, no country or team allegiance specified (though we can guarantee that Botequim Carioca, 900 Biscayne Blvd., will be Brazil's unofficial Miami HQ).
For a less raucous experience, consider The Ritz-Carlton Coconut Grove, Miami's Amadeus Bar. It's an unlikely spot to watch sports but will be transformed into the World Cup Lounge complete with plush sofas, high top tables, multiple flat screen TVs and cuisine from the various participating countries. The lounge will be open from 7 a.m.- 5 p.m. Friday through July 11 (big time difference between South Florida and South Africa) for the matches. A $15 per person cover charge includes either a continental breakfast buffet in the morning or snacks -- salad bar, pizza and local cuisine sampler -- for the afternoon games.
Opening at 7:30 a.m. beginning Friday is Mia at Biscayne, which will serve a special World Cup brunch menu until noon on weekdays. And although chef Gerdy Rodriguez's menu may have a Spanish affinity, Mia is an equal opportunity soccer-watching spot. The menu features dishes inspired by many top contenders, including Spain, Brazil, Argentina, France and the United States.
Over at 72nd Bar + Grill, you'll get half-price beers hailing from the countries playing each day from 2:30 p.m. until the game ends, from Friday through June 18. For example: When Uruguay plays France Friday, you get half off Pilsen and 1664.
Beginning at 10 a.m. Friday at JB Kitchen & Bar, a World Cup kickoff event features a mariachi band, women in body-painted team jerseys and DJ spinning tunes from Africa and Mexico. In addition: themed menus, World Cup Playstation Competitions and nightly drink specials. On days with more popular matches, JB opens as early as 7:30 a.m. At Mercadito Midtown on Friday, get all you can eat tacos for $25 per person during televised matches. For a complete list of matches, go to www.mercaditorestaurants.com .
Another tasty deal is Cocktails & Canapes, an American Institute of Wine and Food event at the Spire Bar & Lounge from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Thursday featuring small plates by Wish executive chef Marco Ferraro and a selection of signature cocktails and wine pairings for $45 per person for AIWF members or $55 for nonmembers. For tickets and memberships, call 954-396- 3875. A portion of every ticket sold goes to scholarships for local culinary students.
Also on Thursday is Hula Hula, a monthly aural homage to surf music, rockabilly, garage and '50s and '60s tunes, a refreshing departure from the usual dance/pop schlock, at Bar, 28 NE 14th St. in downtown Miami. Women sporting a flower (visibly) will get a free shot; Aloha burgers are just $2. No cover.
Celebrating an anniversary Saturday night is long-running mod squad scenefest Poplife, which will feature performances by headliners The Pains of Being, Pure at Heart, Surfer Blood and Hooray for Earth at 11 p.m. at the new event space, Grand Central, 697 N. Miami Ave. For tickets and information, go to www.epoplife.com.
Finally, Morena Restaurant and Lounge presents a tribute to Frank Sinatra by Jose Ivannes at 8 p.m. Friday. A prix fixe dinner menu is $18.75; after the tribute DJ Charly Coca spins Latin tunes. From Sinatra to salsa. Ah, Miami, a world cup in its own right.
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