Over 1000 guests flew in from all over the globe for nightlife impresario/ philanthropist/entrepreneur (Swiss Army Knife) Michael Capponi’s 40^th birthday party benefit at Capitale in New York City on May 4- a veritable who’s who of the city’s top nightlife heavyweights, models, celebrities and promoters.  No stranger to extravagant birthday bashes, Capponi has celebrated past birthdays in a tree-house mansion in Nygard Cay; aboard a pirate ship at the now defunct Jimbo’s; and in an airplane hangar at Opa Locka airport to name a few.  We had no doubt that Capponi would pull out all the stops for his latest milestone, which, as expected, would require an airplane ride.

This year’s Jacmel Carnaval themed event shone a spotlight on Capponi’s progress in providing quality education, diverse vocational training, industry development and job creation in Haiti throughout his 60 trips to the island nation since the devastating earthquake in January 2010. Capponi created the Haiti Empowerment Mission, to which Capponi’s guests donated a whopping $120, 000. 

 The grand affair, hosted by Donna Karan and Maria Bello was co-hosted by prominent nightlife industry figures,  Mark Birnbaum and Eugene Remm of EMM Group, Richie Akiva and Ronnie Madra of Butter Group, Valmira Mavraj and Sarah Bromley of VIEvents, Jeffrey Jah and Mark Baker of The Double Seven; and Seth Greenberg, Valerie Post, Peri Callimanopulos, and Dayssi Kanavos, who along with special guests including The Today Show’s style contributor, Jill Martin, New York Fashion Week producer, Fern Mallis, and Consul General of Haiti in New York, Charles Forbin enjoyed an evening filled with performances by Jacmel Carnaval dancers, authentic Haitian cuisine, cocktails and music by Haitian musicians Melky Jean and DJ Jus-Ske. Silent auction items included works by Peter Tunney and Haitian artist, Philippe Dodard (both in attendance) and nightlife experiences at exclusive clubs such as LIV, Set, and Lavo, and a night out with Michael himself.  Ludus, Marquis Vodka, Capponi Construction Group and Capitale sponsored the party, so that 100% of the evenings proceeds could go to the foundation.

 After a VIP cocktail reception and silent auction, the glamorous crowd moved to the main ballroom for the party where Capponi gave an emotional speech highlighting the importance of the Haiti Empowerment Mission.  He gave special recognition to Donna Karan, saying, “I’ve been with Donna many times in Haiti, she is an incredible inspiration to me, someone I really look up to, admire and hope to emulate one day. Donna always talks about death and birth.  When there is the death of something there is the birth of something else. Ironically my 40th birthday party is here with all of you in New York City. In my long nightlife career, we got caught up at a very young age which led to troubles, addictions, and loss of businesses, reputations, friends and dignity, things had gotten so bad for me that I found myself homeless and in the blizzard of 1996, in the streets of the East Village, begging to buy drugs, today nothing makes me more proud to have overcome that and channel my energy and my past addictions into creating real positive change for this world.”

Capponi thanked his friends for their overwhelming support, for flying in from so many cities to celebrate this milestone birthday, which he wished was his thirtieth, and encouraged the crowd to plan a trip to Jacmel, Haiti, when the time is right and the infrastructure, new roads and airport are in place. “Haiti is one of the most beautiful countries in the world- its beaches are on par with some of the greatest destinations. The culture, the arts and crafts and the music is something so special that I am almost at a loss to explain it to you, but one day when you all visit Haiti you will understand.”

“I promise you that Haiti will have a great impact on your life, there is something so magical about it, that nowhere else in the Caribbean you will find. It’s the true, last remnants of an African civilization in our hemisphere.”           

He closed the speech by thanking his beautiful mother, Danoushka Capponi, who “has been through all of it with me, thick and thin.”

Then, to the sounds of pounding drums, Capponi presented the annual Jacmel Carnaval, one of the most famous carnivals in Haiti, led by Algeba and the Brooklyn Recycle Project.  Haitian musician, Melky Jean performed as native Haitian dancers, wearing colorful Carnaval attire, playing horns, and hoisting large paper mache faces in the air, led the masked crowd in an impromptu conga line around the huge space.

To make a donation or for more information about the Haiti Empowerment Mission, email: Danouska@haitiempowermentmission.com.

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Brilliance New York Boutique + Salon

Brilliance New York Boutique + Salon is celebrating the grand opening of its Lincoln Road boutique and salon on Wednesday, May 16 from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. Brilliance New York’s two-story facility is the ultimate destination for all things beauty. Guests will get a sneak peek at the boutique’s latest expansion of its full-service salon, while indulging in mini-makeovers, a Q&A with celebrity hair stylists, raffles, light bites provided by West Avenue Café, cocktails and more.  RSVP to BrillianceNY@taraink.com.

Haven Gastro-Lounge One Year Anniversary

Join Haven Gastro-Lounge for its one year anniversary bash this Thursday, May 17 at 10:00 p.m. The high-tech hotspot on Lincoln Road will celebrate the milestone with a public party featuring complimentary cocktails by Grey Goose Vodka until midnight, in addition to music by DJs Al B Rotten and Johnny Strokes. Guests will also enjoy small bites as a limited complimentary preview of Chef Todd Erickson’s new menu, which will be available for purchase beginning Friday, May 18; RSVP to RSVP@havenlounge.com is encouraged.

10^th Annual FedEx/St. Jude Angels & Stars Gala 

On Saturday, May 19, the 10^th Annual FedEx/St. Jude Angels & Stars Gala celebrates the 50^th anniversary of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital led by Latin power couple and event chairs Juanes and Karen Martinez. This year’s event will also include live performances by Latin sensation David Bisbal, Vicente Garcia and others. This year’s honoree is Latin Grammy Award-winning singer and songwriter Juan Luis Guerra who will receive the 2012 “Al-Rashid Hope Award” for his unwavering commitment to providing resources to needy children in the Dominican Republic and Latin America, particularly in the areas of health, sports and education.

The star-studded event also will include a special recognition to television personality and entrepreneur Daisy Fuentes, who was one of the first celebrities to support the gala. Award presenters will include Latin personalities Giselle Blondet, Julian Gil, Blanca Soto, Pamela Silva Conde, and Raul Gonzalez of Univision, among others. To purchase tickets, get information on sponsorship opportunities or donate items for the silent auction, call (800) 278-3383, email paola.cassana@stjude.org or visit www.stjude.org/miamigala.   

 Soyka Unveils New Menu 

Soyka, a staple on Biscayne Boulevard’s food scene since 1999, will unveil its newly updated menu boasting classic and new dishes on Tuesday, May 22, with fashion and music live performances and video presentations by Chef Christian Martin. 
Menu prices apply but guests who attend on Tuesday between 6:00 and 9:30p.m. receive a $20 gift certificate that can be used during future visits. Appetizers range from $7 to $14, entrees from $8 to $32 with burgers and pizzas averaging $13. RSVP to soykaevents@graspagroup.com or call 305.759.3117.

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Eighth Annual Miami Beach Polo World Cup  

The sport of kings returned to South Beach for the eighth consecutive year featuring top polo players from around the globe for the Maserati Miami Beach Polo World Cup which took place from Thursday, April 26through Sunday, April 29 featuring eight women’s teams in a one-day series of round-robin championship matches and a three-day men’s tournament. 

Thousands of polo enthusiasts enjoyed a series of lifestyle daytime and evening VIP events such as fashion shows by La Martina and Blank Silk, shopping, cocktails and gourmet food by Kung Fu Sushi in the Catalina Hotel and Kone Sushi- which made for lots of revelry in between and long after the chukkers.

Despite wind and soggy conditions, the teams fought and frolicked in the sand until Mother Nature forced the matches to come to an abrupt halt when the rain and the winds off of the Atlantic Ocean were too much for the Miami Beach polo arena, forcing the cancellation of the final three matches of the tournament on Sunday, April 29.

 “It’s not unprecedented,” said Miami Beach Director of Polo, Alex Webbe. “Major tournaments have been rained out in the past, and will get rained out in the future.  But the celebrations surrounding the event continue.”  Webbe explained from the festivities of Sunday’s post-event soiree at The Raleigh hotel on Miami Beach.

This year the HEYS Luggage team took top honors in the elite women’s division scoring a hard-fought 3-1 win over Lufthansa Private Jet with team captain Cecelia Cochran garnering MVP honors. Bulgari managed a 1-0 defensive victory at the expense of the Ciroc team.

Maserati, The Raleigh and Yellow Cab all scored wins during the matches on Friday and Saturday and were looking forward to finding out who would take home the World Cup when Mother Nature intervened. The men’s competition found three teams tied with 2-0 records following the first two days of play.

“In the eight years we have been staging the competition, this year’s event was the most talked-about.” said Bruce Orosz, founder of The Polo Life. “The feedback from our sponsors, the players and spectators has been tremendous and the weather in no way dampened anyone’s spirits over the three days of play.”
“The sport of Polo and Maserati share the qualities of passion, excitement and elegance,” commented Andrea Soriani, Director of Marketing and Communications, Maserati North America. “Miami Beach Polo exceeded our expectations in terms of the ardent engagement of the community, not to mention the vast participation from the South American audience. This event is truly unique.”

The weekend revelry included a private event, hosted by Maserati and Bulgari, to present the Octo Maserati timepiece at the Setai hotel, on Friday, April 26, as well as an exclusive fashion show by Meghan Walsh, daughter of John Walsh, to showcase her “Blank Silk” line of Indian-inspired daytime and eveningwear at the Perry on Saturday, April 28.  Big Sisters of Greater Miami and The Voss Foundation were the tournament’s official charity organization, receiving a portion of funds raised through ticket sales from the event.

Ocean House Makes a Splashy Debut

Last Wednesday, Ocean House, Miami Beach’s newest private beachfront residence in the South of Fifth neighborhood, made its debut with an exclusive housewarming celebration where more than 450 South Florida influencers joined owner, iStar Residential, for a night of fanfare, featuring simultaneous guest experiences that showcased the sophisticated Ocean House lifestyle.

Following a turquoise carpet arrival, a fleet of butlers welcomed guests with champagne in the grand salon while X Factor contestant, Brendan O’Hara played the white baby grand piano. Following a turquoise carpet arrival, a fleet of butlers welcomed guests with champagne in the grand salon.  With an event legend in hand, guests embarked on a tour of Ocean House, in which they learned tricks from a pool shark in the billiards room, watched classic films in the screening room, posed for a sketch artist in the living room, relaxed with mini-treatments in the spa and noshed on hors d’oeuvres created especially to complement each experience. After exploring Ocean House’s warm and refined environments, guests settled into plush cabanas on the beachside pool deck, where they enjoyed beats by DJ Irie and unwound with Caribbean-inspired fare from the enormous grill and cocktails courtesy of Stoli Elit, Glenfiddich and the Balvenie.

Guests were wowed when they visited the Artefacto/Steven G-designed model homes – two of Ocean House’s 18 sprawling beachfront residences – where high-end, island-inspired fashion presentations captured Ocean House’s resort-like vibe. Models showcasing the latest runway looks, by Bika and Peixoto as styled by Katharine Rubino of Neiman Marcus Coral Gables, along with champagne and a Milagro Tequila bar, and delicious bites by Bianca and Philippe Chow Miami made added to the experience as guests admired the sleek, custom-made designs of the 4,654-square-foot Artefacto residence.  

VIP guests in attendance included iStar Financial’s Anthony Burns, George Helmstetter and Niels Sorensen; Cervera Real Estate’s Alicia Cervera Lamadrid and Sildy Cervera; The Y Group’s John Yanopoulos; Ocean House designer Alison Antrobus; Artefacto’s Paulo Bacchi; designer Steven G; restaurateur and Ocean House resident Myles Chefetz; UBS Financial Services’ Wyatt Larson; THE COLLECTION’s Ken Gorin; Comras Company’s Michael Comras; SK Captial’s Barry Siadat; H&H Development’s Harvey Hernandez; interior designer Sam Robin; jewelry designer Daniela Swaebe; Fortune International Realty’s Edgardo Defortuna and wife Ana Cristina; Emmy Award-winning producer Lisa Petrillo; Flagler Group’s Ricardo Dunin, and many more. 

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Iran Issa-Khan at Books & Books Coral Gables

On Friday, May 11, join Iran Issa-Khan for an intimate lunch, celebrating her first book of photography. Lunch from the Books & Books cafe will be served at 12:00 p.m. followed by a presentation and Q&A with the artist. Cost for the event is $25.

Style Rack at Chalk Ping Pong & Billiards Lounge

On Saturday, May 12, at 10:00 p.m. join Chalk Ping Pong & Billiards Lounge along with Valerie Durado for the Style Rack shopping event. The fashion soiree will feature a trunk show by local designers Mandalynn, RDo, Fake Frivolity & Pop-Up Vintage Boutique Shop bar. Proceeds from the event will benefit the South Florida Cancer Association. Other fabulous hosts for the launch event include:  Kat Turner, Emma Lucia Jauregui, Mariana Loumiet, Ninoska Osorio and Cristina Menendez and Heather Hannon; to attend the event or for more information contact Mariana@ChalkMiami.com.

Celebrate the Spirit of Community with Cabot Creamery Cooperative 

The 2012 Community Tour created by Cabot Creamery Cooperative has partnered with Volvo Ocean Race Miami to celebrate those who give their heart, time and skills to strengthen communities. The two-month program kick off on May 12 at 10:00 a.m. at Downtown’s Bicentennial Park, and continues up the East Coast, following the route of the East Coast Greenway culminating in Portland, Maine, on July 7, the International Day of Cooperatives. The Tour features eight major weekend stops in key cities along the northerly route, including Charleston, Durham, Fredericksburg, Wilmington, New York City, Providence and lastly, Portland. Additionally, smaller weekday events will take place at stops along the route between the key cities. While events and activities will vary by market, the overall theme of cooperatives, community service and volunteerism will be the hallmark of each celebration. This festival full of entertainment will consist of sailing and extreme water sports activities, educational programs for children of all ages, interactive pavilions, 3- D Marine Cinema of the global race, live musical acts, water sports, a classic steamboat race, an antique auto show and more. In the center of all this excitement, The Cabot Community Tour will host a Cabot Village that will include cooking and cheese-making demonstrations, a photo booth, a milk truck from the Florida Dairy Farmers and other activities designed to bring families and friends together to celebrate the spirit of community. Guests will also gather as 80 bikers kick off their 2,300 mile journey up the East Coast Greenway, the traffic-free path linking cities from Florida to Maine. For more information, visit www.communitytour.coop.

Mother’s Day 2012!
 

Dancing with Moms

Forget the decorative candles, the flowers and the overly-scented beauty products. This Mother’s Day give your mom the gift of Dance with Body & Soul’s special class, “Dancing with the Moms”.Body & Soul along with instructor Jay Marcos will be hosting a special VideoSync class in honor of the women who bestowed us all with the gift of life. Your mom will have a blast in the popular aerobics dance class feeling like she is a star in a high-energy music video. Marcos’ enthusiastic instruction and mix of hip-hop, R&B, pop, rock and country music come together for a riveting hour of cardiovascular dance. The class will take place in Body & Soul’s extra large studio equipped with nightclub style lighting and a revolving disco ball.At $22 per person for non-members, Dancing with the Moms is the perfect supplement to the usual Mother’s Day dinner or card. What more of a bonding experience can you ask for than moving and shaking to the tunes of Rihanna, Usher, Shakira, Maroon 5 and Diana Ross alongside your mother for an hour straight? Guaranteed to be the best gift she’s received in ages, you are almost certain to become the favorite child. If you feel like sharing the love, feel free to bring your sister, aunt and best friend as well. Pre-registration is required. Reserve your and your mother’s spots by calling 305.441.BFIT (2348). 

 Mother’s Day Tea at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden

Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden will hold a special Mother’s Day Tea on the veranda and in the ballroom of the Jean Ellen Dupont Shehan Visitor Center on Sunday, May 13. Mothers, daughters and grandmothers will all delight in the ambiance of afternoon tea served at beautifully set tables, complete with fine china, by the delightful Fairchild volunteers. The menu includes scones, mini tea sandwiches, cookies and petit fours. Live music by local guitarist Rob Friedman is sure to enhance the guests’ experience. Tea service begins at 3:00 p.m. Cost per person is $27 for members, $37 for non-members and $17 for children 12 and under. For more information and reservations, call Marnie Valent at 305.663.8059.

Kitchen 305 All-You-Can- Eat Mother’s Day Brunch

Keeping with tradition, Kitchen 305 hosts an all-you-can-eat Mother’s Day champagne brunch for $29.95 per person on Sunday, May 13 from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Guests will enjoy live music and free flowing champagne throughout the day. To ensure this holiday brunch is extra special, moms receive a long stem rose and a $25 gift card to the Seven Seas Aveda Spa & Salon to use on a future visit. For reservations please call 305.949.1300.             

 Mother’s Day at SUGARCANE  

Midtown Miami’s sweetest sensation, SUGARCANE raw bar grill, is the destination of choice for moms to kick back, eat well and be spoiled for a while this Mother’s Day.  “A greatest hits of delicious dishes;” as quoted by Dana Cowin, editor-in-chief of Food & Wine, SUGARCANE raw bar grill’s Chef de Cuisine, Timon Balloo, will prepare five brunch specials in addition to the regular brunch menu.  For reservations and brunch specials contact 786.369.0353 or visit www.sugarcanerawbargrill.com. 

Mama Knows Best at Café Prima Pasta

We all know Italian mothers have a special way around the kitchen and Mama Cea of Café Prima Pasta is no exception with her traditional award-winning cuisine, which for the last 19 years has made celebrities such as Matt Damon, Lenny Kravitz and Dwayne Wade regulars of the family owned and operated restaurant. Prima Pasta will be celebrating Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 13 with their regular menu plus some new dinner specials;early bird families can enjoy half off regular menu items from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. Free-flowing champagne and long stem roses will be hand delivered to mom throughout the evening. Reservations recommended, visit www.primapasta.com.

The Forge Restaurant | Wine Bar.

 Celebrate Mother’s Day at Miami’s legendary landmark, The Forge Restaurant | Wine Bar. The customized menu will feature an array of hot and cold dishes by Executive Chef Dewey LoSasso including offerings such as Almond Seared Chicken Paillard, Malted Berry Pancakes and Organic Egg Roll Ups. This family oriented menu is sure to please all palates and will leave your entire family feeling wholesome and happy.

*Cost is $55 per person (menu attached)

For reservations, call 305.538.8533 | www.theforge.com | 432 41^st Street, Miami Beach, FL 33140

Cecconi’s Miami Beach. Cecconi’s at Soho Beach House will celebrate Mom with an intimate outdoor brunch. An egg station, sweet station, raw bar, cold-cut corner and carvin station will offer a variety of delectable selections. Guests can customize every dish as chefs will be on-hand prepared with the freshest ingredients.

*Cost is $35 per person

For reservations, call 786.507.7902 | www.cecconismiamibeach.com | 4385 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, FL 33139

RA Sushi. Go back in time and connect with memories of your youth with old family and friends at RA Sushi’s popular happy hour. Far east-inspired drinks will tantalize your senses as rolls and salads with taunt your taste buds. The menu includes favorites like Tuna Tataki, Shrimp Tempura Roll, Spicy Sesame Chicken Wings and Salmon Carpaccio with drinks such as Hot Sake, Shiso Naughty, Emperor’s Cucumberita, Kirin and Samurai Cowboy to name a few.

*Cost is $3 – $7 per item

For reservations, call 305.341.0092 | www.rasushi.com | 5829 SW 73^rd Street, South Miami, FL 33143

Vesper American Brasserie. Vesper American Brasserie’s brunch will take Mom on an adventure this Mother’s Day – after all, you have to walk through the kitchen to get to your table! Bond over Applewood Smoked Bacon & Link Sausage, Smoked Salmon, Stuffed Tomatoes with Tuna or Chicken Salad or Italian Cured Meats. If those choices don’t tickle your senses, an omelet station with all your favorite toppings will be there too!

*Cost is $48 per person

For reservations, call 305.341.1500 | www.shelborne.com | 1801 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, FL 33139

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