Taste the sensations.

SAVOR
Mercadito
What: The Southern Mexican restaurant (New York City, Chicago) with 3-D graffiti-art walls and a fresh-market attitude opens today.
Why: Apple-almond guacamole, tilapia tacos with chile poblano and tomatillo-garlic mojo, and shrimp with tangerine and roasted jalapenos in citrus-guajillo broth. Plus, fresh fruit margaritas like pineapple cilantro and poblano blueberry.
When: Daily, 5 p.m.-midnight.
Where: 3252 NE 1st Ave., Midtown (786-369-0430).

Lazy Breakfast at La Marea 
What: For birds who don’t care about the worm, chef Gonzalo Rivera (a Michael Mina protege) starts the day late.
Why: Rice Krispies French toast with dulce de leche, bananas, and cocoa; crab cake Benedict with corn biscuit and cilantro hollandaise; and huevos rancheros on sweet potato tortilla.
When: Daily, 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m.
Where: The Tides, 1220 Ocean Dr., Miami Beach (305-604-5070).

ENTER
The Forbidden City
What: Asian-American singers, dancers, chorus lines, magicians, strippers, and musicians.
Why: Inspired by nightclubs and cabarets of 1930s-1950s San Francisco.
When: Sat., 7 p.m.-midnight.
Where: Kung Fu Kitchen & Sushi, 1720 Collins Ave., Miami Beach (305-534-7905).

CELEBRATE
Italian Artistry
What: A cooking demo and tasting by chef LeRoy Bautista of Angelique Euro Cafe, a sampling of seventeen Italian wines for $17, and a showcase of cars by (who knew?) the Alfa Romeo Owners Club.
Why: Proceeds benefit the Coral Gables Community Foundation.
When: Sat. Cooking demo, 4 p.m.; car display, 4-7 p.m.; wine tasting, 5-7 p.m.
Where: Demo, Mia Cucina, 107 Miracle Mile, Coral Gables (305-444-7383); cars, b/t Galiano St. & Ponce de Leon Blvd.; tasting, Angelique Euro Cafe, 117 Miracle Mile, Coral Gables (305-529-9922).

ATTEND
The Hearts and Stars Gala
What: Performance by founding Fugees member Pras; Grey Goose cocktails; and catering by Pasha’s, Dolores but You Can Call Me Lolita, and DeVito South Beach.
Why: Benefits The Little Lighthouse Foundation and Ronald McDonald House Charities of South Florida.
When: Sat., 7-11 p.m.
Where: Casa Malinka, 17 N. Hibiscus Island Dr., Hibiscus Island, Miami Beach. Tickets online at rmhcsouthflorida.org.

It’s a good weekend for an old-fashioned house party. And we have a slew of party-planning ideas to help you pull it off.

Photo: Courtesy of Mercadito