Tara Solomon, Nick D'Annunzio, and Brian Antoni

By:  Mary Jo Almeida-Shore

There are a multitude of ways to celebrate a summer birthday in Miami- hosting a
“Best Little Whorehouse in Texas” party is simply the most “obvious;” especially if you are a seasoned party pro whose party planning rap sheet spans the globe.  Such is the case for PR Guru, Nick D’Annunzio, and author, Brian Antoni, (a self-professed party addict) whose themed birthday parties have become the climax of the summer each year.  This year’s bash at Cafeina was no exception- with a theme to entice even the least enthusiastic partygoer, as evidenced by the more than 800 guests who channeled their “inner” harlot or just threw on a plaid shirt and boots and gathered throughout Cafeina’s haystack-laden, two story lounge, outdoor garden and gallery, which just happened to have a mechanical bull as its centerpiece.  Perhaps it was the whimsy- the toy cap guns and cowboy hats, which were gifted to all of the guests, or maybe it was the two-liter bottles of Svedka, which were generously poured and consumed, but folks lined up by the hundreds for a chance to be flung from the aforementioned bull. Read the rest of this entry »

Luis Rigual, Anne Owen, and Mimi Chacin

By: Mary Jo Almeida-Shore

Last Wednesday, Miami magazine hosted its 3^rd Annual “To Live & Dine in Miami” event to celebrate its restaurant issue, which spotlights some of Miami’s top toques and restos. A hungry crowd of 400 maneuvered its way up and around the historic Moore Building’s windy floors and steep steps for an evening of mingling, cocktails and bites and to relax in the cozy lifestyle lounges created by local design showroom, Planet Lighting. 

Participating chefs who thrilled our palates included:  Paula DaSilva (1500° at Eden Roc), Dewey LoSasso (The Forge Restaurant | Wine Bar), Joel Huff (Azul), Douglas Rodriguez (De Rodriguez Cuba on Ocean), Philippe Ruiz (Palme d’Or), Jeffrey Hundelt (Truluck’s Seafood, Steak and Crab House) and Crumb on Parchment. 

VIP guests included Miami magazine Publisher Anne Owen; the restaurant issue editorial team including Editor-in-Chief Luis Rigual; Senior Contributing Editor Riki Altman; dining critic Jen Karetnick; and Contributing Photographer Michael Pisarri.  Several award-winning chefs also attended including Michael Schwartz and Heidi Goldsmith of Michael’s Genuine Food & Drink; Jeff McInnis of Yardbird Southern Table & Bar; and Todd Erickson of Haven Gastro-Lounge. Miami Beach Vice Mayor, Michael Gongora; Majestic Properties’ Jeff Morr; Read the rest of this entry »

"Mercedes-Benz Presents" designer Lisa Vogel

By:  Maryanne Salvat and Mary Jo Almeida- Shore

From Road To Runway 

Lisa Vogel’s swimwear line, Luxe, was honored as this year’s “Mercedes-Benz Presents” designer.  A self-professed “car chick” Vogel’s fondest memories are of riding around in her dad’s Mercedes as a child, she told an exclusive group at the Mercedes-Benz kick-off lunch at Kane Steakhouse.  Vogel explained that convertibility in design and functionality were the inspiration for her designs.  The sexy, yet sophisticated styles can be converted to fit and flatter any woman.  With the use of luxurious, free flowing fabrics, coupled with one-of-a-kind accessories and hand braided details, Vogel’s line is practical yet contains pieces that resemble high fashion couture.  With a contemporary color palate of sea foam, coral, along with neutrals, multi-colored prints and feather accents, Vogel’s 70s inspired line infuses textiles, chiffon and moldable fabrics, to create a multi-use line for the modern woman. During the luncheon at Kane, Mercedes-Benz unveiled the all-new 2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe and SLK-Class cars, which, like Vogel’s designs, also emphasize style and functionality while maintaining the sleek design, impecccable workmanship and power for which the German luxury car brand is well-known. Guests were treated to a preview of the newest addition to the collection. Read the rest of this entry »

By:  Mary Jo Almeida-Shore and Maryanne Salvat

“Swim Week is Here!” -four words every fan of fashion, fun, and “fabulosity” long to hear every summer. Thanks to Presenting Sponsor, Mercedes-Benz, thousands now flock to Miami in July, at the time of year when temperatures can be likened to those of the center of the earth; and locals feel palpable excitement, rather than a desperate longing to flee. This year’s shows were hotter than ever- so we’ve decided to highlight our favorites in two different editions of the Fix. Be sure to check back next week for more sizzling Swim Week stories and celebrity sightings.

Diesel

Edgy jeans designer Diesel, kicked-off Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim 2012 (MBFWS) in style on Thursday night, despite sweltering heat, with a show that represented all things South Beach- from adorable prints such as palm trees to solid styles comprised of pastels, with lots of blue on the color palate in addition to bright orange on the chiseled Hulk-like male models, who were among the most striking we have seen at any show during MFWS. The suits were practical and seemed comfortable but the biggest wow factor came from actresses Jessica Szohr and Kristin Cavallari who closed the show. Read the rest of this entry »

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Force, along with your favorite Miami Socialholics, patrolled the streets of Miami Beach during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim   searching for the hottest style-setters in the Magic City.  The  “fashion police” squad checked in at the Standard Hotel during its Sunday Barbeque and the Dream Hotel Highbar Rooftop for the Norma Kamali presentation, shooting a few of the fashion-savvy guests.  Those captured by the style authorities were rewarded with a pair of limited edition Havaiana flip-flops embellished with a special charm in the form of a badge- made for Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim 2012   and an exclusive invitation to the Fashion Force culmination event hosted by celebrity stylist, Danny Santiago in the Mercedes-Benz Star Lounge at the Raleigh Hotel.

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bI’my:Mary Jo Shore

Taste of the Nation

The Fairmont Turnberry Isle resort was filled with the aromas and sounds of searing, sizzling, sautéing and grilling last Thursday as 40 of the hottest chefs from top Miami restaurants showcased popular menu samplings for the 24th annual Taste of the Nation, South Florida’s premier culinary benefit Share Our Strength, which seeks to end childhood hunger.

Over 500 supporters crowded the resort, breaking promises to personal trainers, cardiologists, nutritionists and then some, to delight in dishes such as steak and truffle mash from Gotham Steak, pork belly topped with chicharrón (hmmmm, a chicharron WITH a chicharron) from Bourbon Steak, Trio on the Bay’s delicious shrimp cake, shrimp & grits from The Forge, lobster tacos from Joe’s Stone Crab, pate from DB Bistro, Carpaccio from Steak 954, and a memorable popcorn milkshake by the Tudor House at the Dream Hotel (which will have its grand opening this Saturday). Read the rest of this entry »