Daisy Casuso, Tracey Mourning, and Leslie Wolfson

 A special group of influential ladies gathered at a special luncheon at the Forge Restaurant I Wine Bar as Shareef Malnik and Sue Miller welcomed the Women’s Council for Educational Change. The organization focuses on giving children the opportunity to succeed and to make a difference for generations to come.  During the luncheon, Executive Chef Dewey LoSasso served Forge favorites including chilled red and yellow tomato gazpacho with chive oil, lobster and shrimp salad, and lemon fennel panna cotta.  VIP ladies in attendance included Alicia and Veronica Cervera, Lisa Pliner, Lydia Touzet, Tara Solomon, Tracy Mourning, Dr. Leslie Bauman, Nancy Batchelor, Norma Quintero, Norma Jean Abraham, Leslie Wolfson, Michelle Rubell, Daisy Casuso, Arlene Chaplin and Judy Weiss.

On the most gorgeous day of the year, top socialites donned their most prestigious headdresses for the Vizcaya Preservation Lunch.  One of the most elegant events to date, the “Gatsby-esque” affair combined sophistication and style to the flourishing gardens of the historic estate.  Community leaders, philanthropists, and professionals came together to support the Vizcayan’s mission to protect and preserve this beloved, extraordinary landmark.  Neiman Marcus Bal Harbour along with Neiman Marcus Coral Gables joined forces to produce a spectacular preview of the latest spring trends showcasing designs from Chanel, Oscar de la Renta, Emilio Pucci, Versace, Zac Posen, Donna Karan, Carolina Herrera, Michael Kors, Dolce and Gabbana, Bottega Veneta, Balenciaga, Armani, and Roberto Cavalli just to name a few.

Guests were also treated to the delights of Ana Paz Cakes, Atlantico Rum, Chateau D’Esclans, Chanel Coco Rouge, Don Pepin Garcia, My Father Cigars, and Thierry’s Catering and Event Design. 

Chic youngsters, Jonah and Isabella Koopman; Audrey and India Harrelson; Kito, Bella and Sophia Brod; Max and Rocco Shore and Abie and Scarlett Dornbusch were joined by other fashionable tots, with parents in tow, for the launch of One Bal Harbour’s kid’s program.  Other special guests included Nobu’s Richie Notar, celeb chef Ingrid Hoffman, FOX 7’s Belkys Nerey, Richard David Story of Departures, Jason Binn, Alejandra Torres, ONE Bal Harbour Resort & Spa hoteliers, Juan and Jorge Arevalo, Jillian Jacobson-Altit and Sarah Harrelson. The fun-filled afternoon included rides, Nobu sushi rolling, custom t-shirt creations courtesy of C By Me, and fun and healthy treats. Guests made on-site donations that benefited the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Southern Florida, which grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy.

As if we needed another reason to break free from the work day routine for an extended lunch, Ladies Lunch tempts us more each month, as the perfect way to get the girls together and disconnect from the hustle and bustle that goes along with a career oriented lifestyle. The social soirees are held every month at different locations, ladies are encouraged to bring any materials or causes they would like to discuss and share with the group. 

Ladies Lunch provides a forum for networking with a slew of local characters from all professions, including: museum curators, socialites, professional polo players, gorgeous bakers (Kosher and Greek), personal trainers, and stay at home moms that enjoy racing high speed motor boats. 

March’s luncheon took place on Thursday, March 18^th at the group’s new location, Morton’s on Brickell. Some of the attendees included Committee Members Sage Hoffman & Irene D’auria; Speaker of the month Carol Hoffman-Guzman; Miami “people broker” Heather Davis and Naomi Wilzig, Owner/Curator of the World Erotic Art Museum.

So if you are looking to update your phone tree with a list of multitasking super women, this is the place to make your connections. The next lunch will be held on Thursday, April 22- location is TBA so be sure to check back.

 We highly encourage you to bring plenty of business cards.For more information, please contact events@m3events.net or 305-865-5733.

Model dressed in GAP

 This year The PlayGround Theatre literally rocked the Ritz-Carlton South Beach on Sunday with its annual Tea at the Ritz to raise funds for its education and outreach programs.  Barton G. known for his creative genius of “all things delicious,” produced a rockin’ roll event with Guitar Hero and Band Hero stations where fans channeled their inner rock star.  The Ritz-Carlton South Beach served up scrumptious kid friendly bites, including  sliders, bite sized pizza, and an ice cream bar with every mix in imaginable.  Also in the “scrumptious” category was WSVN/Deco Drive’s Louis Aguirre, who served as Master of Ceremonies to the annual Fashion Show featuring styles from the Gap, IOS of Coconut Grove, and Kidding Around, amping up the already excited crowd. The highlight of the Tea was when LIVE! School of Music students took the stage and played old school ballads such as the ever popular “Sweet Child of Mine” and Joan Jett’s “I Love Rock and Roll.”  The pint-sized rock stars were a hit, working the kids and their parents into frenzy. 

Chef Colagreco

The W Hotel is known for its celebrity-packed parties and its over the top service, but recently we had the pleasure of enjoying an elegant luncheon hosted by Graffigna Wines of Argentina, featuring a beautiful (yes, the dishes were visually stunning) lunch prepared by world-renowned chef,  Mauro Colagreco of Mirazur located in Menton, on the Côte d Azur .  

With the aid of Victor Marcantoni, Graffigna’s enologist, each dish was paired with the perfect wine to best bring out its essence and flavors.

 The Graffigna Centenario Pinot Grigio 2009 was paired with the delectable oysters in a shallot cream with pears and garden cress and the giant prawns in an osetra caviar broth.

The Graffigna Grand Reserve Torrontes 2009, our personal favorite, was paired with scallops in cream with Vitelotte potatoes and Moroccan lemons. One of the prettiest and most delicious dishes we’ve had in some time.

Graffigna Grand Reserve Malbec 2006 and the Graffigna Centenario Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 complimented the pork belly with orange, lime, and wasabi.

The grand finale was  the ivoire chocolate millefeuille,   which we were unable to try.  If we ever find ourselves in Chef Colagreco’s neighborhood in the lovely French Riviera, we’ ll make sure and drop by Mirazur for a taste of the decadent dessert.

Overall, the Graffigna luncheon was sensational, with a great mix of delicious wines and dishes and an interesting international crowd.  Graffigna Wines are available in select stores in Miami.  Colagreco is Graffigna’s chef ambassador as part of its commitment to “dare to be different” and based on the menu that I enjoyed and tasted they seem to be headed in the right direction.