Sales, special events, and more from the people who make Biscayne Times possible

Take it easy by purchasing your Valentine presents at the Shops at Midtown Miami (3401 N. Miami Ave.; 305-573-3371), where you can get a complimentary gift wrap at Imagine when you show your Midtown receipts. Feel free to pick up something fun for yourself while you wait.

While you’re at Midtown, why not grab a meal at new BT advertiser Sakaya Kitchen (305-576-8096)? Their pan-Asian “comfort” food allows diners to enjoy sustainable, organic meals in a fast, inexpensive, and casual setting. Choose from sushi, rolls, kimchee, and other Asian favorites. An extensive sake and beer list will compliment your entire day.

Grill Master Don Julio at Gaucho Ranch (7251 NE 2nd Ave., Loft 113; 305-751-0775) wants to let you in on a tempting secret: Throughout February, BT readers can invite themselves to the Friday Night Tastings and sample the juicy and flavorful grass-fed beef Gaucho sells. It’ll be cooked over an open wood fire in a festive atmosphere. But you must call or e-mail ahead and mention Biscayne Times to take advantage of these parties. Mention the BT at their retail store as well, so when you buy that grass-fed skirt steak, you’ll get a second one 50% off, or a third one free.

Decided to sell off that old watch? With commodity prices up, you’d be foolish not to, but where can you get a good price? Try Gold and Diamond Buyers (13722 Biscayne Blvd.; 954-678-1097), a brand-new Biscayne Times advertiser. They not only offers the best prices, but BT readers who mention this “BizBuzz” column will receive an additional 10% on their diamonds, gold, silver, jewelry, coins, and of course, watches. Experience the difference of a professional and fair evaluation from these diamond and precious metal specialists.

Remember the O. Henry story “Gift of the Magi”? With Valentine’s Day coming, you won’t need to hock your watch to afford stylist-to-the-stars Hannah Lasky at Hannah & Her Scissors (611 NE 86th St.; 305-772-8426). Mention the BT and get your loved ones Valentine’s certificates at 20% off.

Show off that new hairdo later as you and your honey enjoy a Valentine’s Day dinner cruise on Biscayne Bay. For only $49.95 plus tax, City Light Cruises (1717 N. Bayshore Dr.; 305-372-5040) offers a romantic evening that includes a hot buffet, two complimentary drinks, dancing, and entertainment as you float across the beautiful bay. Boarding is at 6:00 p.m.; the cruise ends at 9:30 p.m.

Early birds should be happy to see the return of the breakfast special at Bagels and Company (11064 Biscayne Blvd.; 305-892-2435). For a ridiculously low $2.99 you can enjoy two eggs, homefries, and a bagel or toast until 11:00 a.m. Late-risers don’t fret: David Cohen’s popular “Bail-Out Special” is still available through February 28. Every Wednesday or Thursday (excluding holidays) between 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., diners get a half-priced entrée from the Bail-Out menu with beverage purchase.

Just two blocks from the Arsht Center, Urbanite Bistro (62 NE 14th St.; 305-374-0662) has been thrilling diners with its natural, organic, and hormone-free offerings since last fall. For Valentine’s weekend, though, Chef Imbarlina presents “All Aphrodisiac” evenings on Friday, February 12, and Saturday, February 13, featuring special tastings, entrées, and desserts. Don’t forget to take advantage of their free valet service or pre-performance dinner and parking voucher on any evening.

When the Royal Bavarian Schnitzel Haus (1085 NE 79th St.; 305-754-8002) offers you a little of their schnitzel for Valentine’s Day, of course they mean a veal cutlet, not anything too naughty. Owner Alex Richter’s Exotic Valentine’s Dinner (motto: For Lovers and other Strangers!) offers up a five-course meal for $99 per couple. Alex recommends making your reservations early for this 6:00 p.m. feast on Sunday, February 14! The outside beer garden will be available for smoking patrons.

Speaking of munchies: How’s that post-holiday diet working out? Need extra help? M Power Project Fitness (9301 NE 6th Ave.; 305-758-8600) is holding an open house for one and all on the weekend of February 26, 27 and 28. Check out their personal trainers, new equipment, and other services, then make use of their coupon to get either three months free on an annual membership or training package.

Drop in Sunday, February 21, 3:00 p.m. at St. Martha Church (9301 Biscayne Blvd.; 305-751-0005), when New York’s Metropolitan Klezmer brings its eclectic exuberance to South Florida music fans. Considered one of the best Klezmer outfits in the nation, the group’s repertoire includes wedding dances, folk tunes, Hannukah fare, prayer melodies Ladino jazz, tangos, and ballads. Tickets are $10 for general admission or $20 for Blue Circle.

Did your honey go overboard on the gift-giving? We mean really overboard? New BT advertiser Biscayne Industrial Park (1850 NE 144th St.; 586-1656) can help you store that stuff with their warehouse-lease blowout that starts at only $5.95 per square foot. They are conveniently located across the street from Costco and offer 30-foot ceilings, fenced yards, and great security.

Of course you could just try buying a bigger house. Call new BT advertiser Bobby Consolo at Turnberry International Realty (305-799-5053; This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ) for all your real estate needs. He has some beautiful finds waiting for you.

The law firm of Steven K. Baird, P.A. (166 NE 96th St.; 305-754-8170) has a lot to celebrate this month. Not only is the business and real-estate law office marking 12 years of service, Steve was also honored by Florida CEO magazine as one of the top lawyers in the area -- for the third time in a row. Also Martindale-Hubbell recently awarded him the highest honor the peer-review service can bestow. So drop on in if you need tip-top legal services.

Studies show that dancing is good for the heart. Extending that logic means that dancing is good for your Valentine too! Even more logical: getting $5 off any dance class at the North Miami Arts Collective (845 NE 125th St.; 786-238-1264). Even smarter: If you sign up for any class, you’ll get 10% off your purchases at the adjacent Dancewear Gallery. Check their website for a full listing of adult and kid classes.

Now that you’ve danced your rear off, it’s time to put it back on with a delicious pie from Luna Corner Pizza (6815 Biscayne Blvd.; 305-507-9209). The MiMo District location is the first one in the U.S. for this Italian eatery that serves specialty pies such as the Parmigianino, the Salame Piccante, the Salciccia, and other Italian favorites.

Finally, new BT advertiser G-Coffee (3507 NE 163rd St., Intracoastal Mall; 305-956-5556) invites you to drop in for a visit and a taste of their white mocha sunset, rocking java, chocolate macadamia nut, café Milano, café Borgia, or delicious smoothies, pastries, baked goods, and panini.

Something special coming up at your business? Send info to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . For BT advertisers only.