New York City residents are accustomed to enjoying the finer things in life, like a plethora of options for exquisite cuisine. The James Beard Foundation is recognizing the drive and determination of these restaurants and their chefs by selecting some of our favs as finalists for the most coveted prize in the industry. These restaurants provide their guests with nose-flaring aromas, mouth-watering bites, and throat-soothing drinks on a regular basis.

Miami and L.A. are at the center of sizzling style and their dining venues are no different, with ravishing restaurants like Lucques and Mr Chow at W South, among a bevy of too many others to list here. Back in February, the James Beard Foundation made their first cuts for the 2010 awards, announcing the semi-finalists. Monday was round two on the chopping blocks. Sadly, a slew of some of our favorite chefs and restaurants did not survive the blade, so it will be up to a select few to bring home the ultimate prize in the culinary world.

The culinary world awaited as the James Beard Foundation announced the finalists for their coveted awards yesterday and several restaurants from our beloved San Francisco area are among those chosen few. Local celebrity chefs like Gary Danko, Charles Phan, and Nancy Oakes have made this exclusive list by providing the city with incredible and innovative eateries.

No, the new thing to do isn’t actually to Dine and Dash, but to Drive and Dine. The Peninsula Beverly Hills is offering an unusual and highly desirable opportunity to guests of its legendary Sunday brunch at The Belvedere, thanks to its partnership with the Automobile Driving Museum. Museum docents will moonlight as chauffeurs every Sunday through April 25, from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., and drive lucky guests around Beverly Hills in restored classic cars.

Handbag aficionados, rejoice: Judith Leiber is offering appointments for the ultimate preview of her Fall 2010 collection at her Madison Avenue locale. Leiber has so generously decided to showcase her newest creations including bags, belts, gloves, and minaudieres, and is taking reservations for some exclusive time in the boutique on Thursday, March 25, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

It was ideal that the night of March 13 was a breezy and rather chilly one, because in the heart of Miami’s Design District, things were heating up. The stage was set for the Custo Barcelona Fall/Winter 2010 runway show, “Hairy Metal,” which was the closing event of Funkshion Fashion Week.

As an extension of our Haute 100 list, we proudly present to you the five wealthiest people that call Miami home.

Here is a list of the top five wealthiest people living in the City of Angels.

Ultimate gated lakefront estate with designer finishes, sandy beachfront, private pier, and 2 buoys.