Alex Rodriguez with Gloria and Emilio Estefan

 Celebs including New York Yankee Alex Rodriguez, actress Minka Kelly, actor Ryan Phillippe, media mogul and former Bacardi employee of 15 years Emilio Estefan, Latin music icon Gloria Estefan, NBA Legends Alonzo Mourning and Glen Rice, R&B singer Trey Songz, GREY GOOSE Rising Icons Jake Troth and Kenny Burns, DJ Irie, Susanne Birbragher, Donald and Lisa Pliner, Roy and Lea Black, and sports personality and former Miami Dolphin Jimmy Cefalo, attended Bacardi’s 150 Year Anniversary celebration at the historic Bacardi Building in downtown Miami, on Saturday night. 

Later that night, Ryan Phillippe went to WALL to party with friend and D.C. nightclub owner Patrick Osuna.

 Tommy Davidson performed for over an hour at Ricochet on Monday night as part of Ricochet’s monthly comedy show series. One guest kept yelling out, “I love you!” towards the end of the show which led Davidson to jump off the stage and order a Bombay Sapphire Martini for the fan, in hopes of keeping her quiet for a little bit. Tommy and the crowd ended the night in stitches as he closed with his Sammy David Jr. impersonation. 

The cast and crew of Basketball Wives taped an upcoming episode at our favorite South of Fifth restaurant, Symcha’s.  

Iggy Pop was seen dining at Villa Mayfair last week. 

Anna Kournikova and boyfriend Enrique Iglesias were spotted checking out Philippe Chow Miami’s new location on Ocean Drive.  The couple shared the hotspot’s signatures including dumplings, Satays, Lettuce Wraps, Peking Duck and for dessert: ice cream and pie.

Also at Philippe Chow Miami, Scotty and Larsa Pippen joined Lea Black, Kamal Hotchandani, Antonio Misuraca and a large group in the restaurant’s private wine room.

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Seeing the Light:  Bianca the Delano

On Thursday night, the highly anticipated Italian restaurant, Bianca opened at the Delano Hotel to the delight of over a thousand guests who made their way across the eternal lobby into the restaurant and braved the limestone along the pool for the indoor/outdoor celebration.

While celebrities and VIPs dined inside the restaurant and on the terrace, partygoers enjoyed bites, libations and musical performances by Chris Botti and Little Louie Vega, (strange bedfellows indeed) out by the pool.  Vega’s dance tunes were abruptly halted by Botti’s intoxicating trumpet, which was accompanied by a gorgeous violinist who played in the pool, yes, IN the pool.  The music was captivating, especially when Botti played the theme from Cinema Paradiso, one of our favorite movies of all time.  The performance brought on a melancholy mood which was quickly interrupted by the site of a group of drunken models traipsing through the pool- there are just certain elements of this iconic hotel that will never change.  After which, Little Louie Vega took over again and was joined by Michelle Rodriguez for his second live set.

Celebrities spotted at the party included: Mickey Rourke, Alex Rodriguez, Selita Ebanks, Jessica Stam, Entourage’s “E”, Kevin

Connolly, Evan Ross and Sammy Sosa, who dined alongside VIPs including: Jonathan Cheban, Ingrid Casares, Michael Capponi, Linley Edwards, Michael Gross, Courtland Lantaff, Andy Masi, Carlos Betancourt, Fernando Wong, Richie Akiva, Wayne Boich, Cynthia Marin, Mark Lehmkuhl, Antonio Martucci, Jason Odio, Bert Hedaya, Richard and Shelley Golden, Jorge and Darlene Perez, George Lindemann, Suzy Buckley, Jonathan and Criselda Breene, Daniela Swaebe, Michael Comras, Iran Issa-Kahn, Sam Robin, Suzy and Walid Wahab, Michael Gongora, Nicola Siervo, JP Oliver, James Cruz, Michael Drieling, Lisa Petrillo, David Grutman and Athina and Eduardo Marturet, to name a few.

Bianca is operated by Las Vegas’ Light Group which is helmed by the fabulously British Andrew Sasson.  Those of you who have been around for a while may remember shouting out his name at Velvet and or Groove Jet back in the day, where Sasson manned the velvet ropes. Since then, Sasson and the Light Group own and operate a slew of venues in Las Vegas. 

The Morgan’s Hotel Group, who owns the Delano, had a brainstorm in involving the Light Group for the hotel’s much needed revamp. The brightest spark of the brainstorm bulb was the recruitment of South Beach alum, Chris Paciello who co-owned (along with Ingrid Casares) two of South Beach’s greatest and most famous nightclubs during the 1990s:  Liquid and Bar Room- hands-down, the best club of our time (somewhat biased opinion-but many would concur). No doubt, Paciello was responsible for much of the celebrity sparkle at Bianca’s opening; which he is sure to also bring to the soon-to-open FDR lounge in the former Florida Room underground space.  Incidentally, FDR stands for Franklin Delano Roosevelt, for whom the Delano was named.

In setting out to change the image of the Delano’s restaurants, bars and food, seeking a sexier, more glamorous décor the Light Group hired Sam Robin, world-renowned designer and Miami sweetheart, one of whose past projects was South Beach landmark and celebrity magnet, Joia Restaurant, one of our favorite haunts of all time, owned by Casares and Paciello in the late 90s (coincidence…we think not!).  Hailed by Travel Muse as a place where “Beautiful people enjoyed exquisite Tuscan cuisine in a chic South Beach setting” (thanks), Joia was “a place to see, be seen, and have an incredible Italian meal.”  It seems like the Light Group was spot-on in hiring Robin for the job.  Bianca offers the same casually-elegant vibe with an emphasis on workmanship and detail-right down to the engraved napkin rings, which is at the cornerstone of Robin’s designs- a key element in ensuring that Bianca becomes the celeb and pretty people “sandbox” that Joia once was.

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St. Regis Bal Harbour Opens

The posh St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort & Residences officially opened on Thursday, January 19, with markedly less fanfare. In lieu of a splashy party, guests enjoyed a daytime ribbon cutting ceremony and champagne-sabering, a tradition of the St. Regis brand. The ritual dates back to the time of Napoleon – tres cool.

St. Regis Global brand leader, Paul James, CEO of Starwood Vacation Ownership, Sergio Rivera and General Manager, Marco Selva were joined by notables including Bal Harbour Village Mayor, Jean Rosenfield, Christina Getty-Maercks, Susanne Birbragher, Executive Director of Tourism for Bal Harbour, Carolyn Travis, Lea Black and designers George Yabu and Glenn Pushelberg, who gathered for the unveiling of the 28th property in the St. Regis portfolio where butlers lined the grand entrance of the resort and residential property that soars above a 1,000 foot stretch of pristine shoreline as Mayor Rosenfield presented Selva with the Key to the Village.

Afterwards, the pair joined James and Rivera to cut the ribbon and welcome the noteworthy roster of attendees inside for a first look. Guests were given the opportunity to tour the landmark oasis that represents one of the most significant openings in the brand’s history. The St. Regis Bar was buzzing while guests enjoyed a selection of delicious hors d’oeuvres, the signature St. Regis Red Snapper Bloody Mary, and a live jazz band.

Absolut Vodka Miami Launch

Last week Absolut vodka, a crowd pleaser for decades, celebrated its own revamp of sorts with the launch of its sixth limited edition, city-inspired flavor—ABSOLUT MIAMI which comes in a gorgeous Art Deco designed bottle and tastes of passion fruit. Thousands of party people gathered on the lawn of the Fontainebleau to celebrate with free-flowing cocktails and terrific dance music while experiencing this key ingredient of Miami nightlife- Absolut vodka (responsible in part for certain club-goers’ progeny- TMI!).

The Absolut Miami launch party featured a special guest performance by singer/songwriter SANTIGOLD- who performed atop a custom designed Lucite stage and display case. Her indie songs and energy worked the crowd into a frenzy, especially when she invited guests to join her on-stage.

Mansion 360

Miami’s elite turned out en masse on January 21 to celebrate Mansion nightclub’s mega revamp and grand reopening. The “new” Mansion includes outrageous lighting and sounds, which drew throngs of fans for two nights of special performances by Deadmau5, who reportedly charged over $200k. The opening was a cross between Walt Disney World’s Electrical Parade, The Wizard of Oz and a South Park episode- with psychedelic robots, “little people” in silver futuristic suits and Deadmau5’s deformed Mickey Mouse-esque logo-characters, who entertained Miami’s VIPs on the opening night of Mansion’s rebirth.

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Saks Gives Back

This February, Saks Fifth Avenue will give 5% of all registered purchases made with a Saks Fifth Avenue credit card back to charity.  The donations will benefit certain local organizations, keeping support within each Saks Fifth Avenue store’s immediate community. Customers may select which local charity from Saks Fifth Avenue’s roster they wish to allocate their 5% contribution. Registration is one simple step at point of sale linking the customer account with their chosen charity. Saks Fifth Avenue Dadeland has partnered with the following charities from February 1 to 29: Grayvik Animal Care Center- ORCAT, the Jackson Memorial Foundation, Miami Science Museum, and University of Miami. Saks.com will also be supporting the program, with 5% of online purchases made using a registered Saks credit card, being donated to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Bass Museum of Art’s Beats after Sunset

This Friday, February 3, will serve as the unofficial re-launch of the monthly event Bass Museum of Art’s Beats after Sunset happy hour, with a new host committee and after party at Chalk Ping Pong & Billiards Lounge. In addition, the Bass Museum will have a ping pong table on site in the museum’s café. Exhibitions on view will be “Laurent Grasso: Portrait of a Young Man” and “Erwin Wurm: Beauty Business” (**note, Erwin Wurm’s “Drinking Sculptures” will be “activated” to assist in the happy hour fun).

Evenings at the Villa

Villa 221 has generated so much attention and interest from its guests that the owners have decided to continue the house party by officially opening its doors to the public on Friday and Saturday evenings with VILLA NIGHTS – a complete evening destination catering to VIPs, locals and visitors alike beginning at 9:00 p.m. The proprietors self-described “Casual Fridays” and their “Downtown’s Best Saturday” night represent what one might playfully refer to as the “un-club” and presents a no cover and no velvet rope mentality. For more information, visit www.villanights.com – the venue’s newly launched blog designed to be a portal dedicated to the nightlife at Villa 221.

Grand Opening of RX Pool Parties

The city buzz is electric, as Miami gears up for the highly anticipated 2012 Season 4 Grand Opening of RX Pool Parties on the Rooftop of The Gansevoort Hotel on Saturday, February 4 from noon to 8 p.m. As seen on the Travel Channel nationwide, and experienced by over 200,000 of the world’s most beautiful people, South Beach’s #1 weekly pool party returns for its fourth year with a celebration of epic proportions. Kicking of the festivities will be internationally renowned superstar DJ/Producer George Acosta launching his newly announced bi-monthly DJ residency with RX Pool Parties for the 2012 season. Performing along with George Acosta will be Miami’s own superstar DJ/Producer in the making, Justin Sheppard known locally as the city’s hottest new Space Terrace resident DJ. This powerhouse combination of music will undoubtedly kick the year off with an extravagance and sexiness level that is unparalleled by most, yet is always the standard at these wet & wild RX Pool Parties. For up-to-date information on ALL weekly RX events, please visit www.rxpoolparties.com.

Super Bowl Weekend 2012

The Mayfair Hotel & Spa presents a Super Bowl Viewing Party at the Rooftop Cabana Club, Sunday, February 5. Enjoy a full poolside menu, beer specials and $125 cabana rentals. Ladies wearing NFL attire receive a complimentary glass of Prosecco. Reservations are highly recommended.

Edge, Steak & Bar will host a Super Bowl viewing party at their beautiful marble-top bar or in one of the Private Dining Rooms (rental fee waived). The large private dining room can hold up to 22 people, and the smaller area can hold up to 10 people. It can be your own Private Super Bowl Party-with an inside

Chalk Ping Pong and Billiards Lounge will also be hosting a Super Bowl Viewing party on Sunday, February 5, from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m. The event sponsored by Grolsh and Bud Light will feature viewing packages starting at $25.  Bites will be provided by Shorty’s BBQ. For more information contact (305) 532-8662 or visit www.chalkmiami.com.

Sponsored by Heineken, the Rooftop at Gansevoort will be hosting a lavish Super Bowl Party beginning at 3:00 p.m. Cabana specials are available starting at $800 and include1 bottle of vodka, 2 Heineken Mini Kegs and 3 appetizers. For more information contact 305.604.6829 or visit www.togrp.com.

Haven Gastro-Lounge will also be offering Super Bowl specials on Sunday, February 5.  Call or text reservations to 305.987.8885, or visit www.havenlounge.com.

Duffy’s Sports Grill in North Miami Beach, South Florida’s largest waterfront sports grill, offers Duffy’s game time specials including $11 domestic beer buckets, $15 premium beer buckets and their infamous 2 for 1 happy hour, good for everything in house, starting at 4:00 p.m. With 200 huge Plasma TVs and the best value in town, make Duffy’s your Super Bowl XLVI headquarters. As the big game approaches, make sure to “Like” Duffys’ Sports Grill’s Facebook page to enter into their Super Bowl Facebook contest. One lucky Duffy’s fan will win the “Ultimate Big Game Party” complete with a 50-inch Plasma TV and Duffy’s party platters for 15 people, all delivered by the Duffy’s MVP Street Team. Numerous other daily bonus prizes will be given away to Duffy’s fans including Duffy’s gift cards, autographed Miami Dolphins memorabilia and Duffy’s gear. For more information call or contact 305.760.2124 or visit www.DuffysMVP.com.

The Closet Boutique

The Closet Boutique is excited to invite local fashionistas to a private Valentine’s Day shopping experience featuring the debut of David Jon Acosta’s new line, Our Prince Of Peace. Guests are welcomed Thursday, February 9, from 6 to 9 p.m. to shop for the “woman in your life”. The Closet Boutique is stocked with high end accessories, diamond crusted “LOVE” bracelets, personalized monogram necklaces, ruby red clutches, and sexy scented candles. Meet with local fashion designer David Jon Acosta to view his latest collection featuring bold printed leggings, bandeau tops, and complex textile mini’s. Enjoy complimentary champagne with chocolate covered strawberries as you shop for the perfect Valentines date ensemble for a romantic dinner or a night out on the town. For more information on The Closet Boutique’s Valentines Shopping Event contact Jennifer Henry at Jennifer@modmediamiami.com or 305-799-6484.

The Lion King Arrives in South Florida

Disney Theatrical Productions, Broadway Across America and the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County announced that tickets for the long-awaited production of The Lion King will go on sale to the public on Saturday, February 11. Tickets will be available for purchase in person at the box office starting at 8:00 a.m., online at www.arshtcenter.org and by phone at 11 a.m. Miami’s most eagerly awaited stage production will begin performances at the Adrienne Arsht Center on Tuesday, May 15 for a limited engagement of four weeks through Sunday, June 10. Ticket buyers are invited to special box office festivities starting at 8 a.m. on Saturday, February 11 at the Adrienne Arsht Center’s Ziff Ballet Opera House. Ticket buyers in line will receive complimentary breakfast and live entertainment provided by local media partners including HOT 101.5 FM, COAST FM and The Miami Herald. The first person in the ticket line will be gifted with an autographed souvenir Lion King book; the first 100 ticket buyers get a Lion King CD; and all other ticket buyers will receive Lion King T-shirts, (one item per order, while supplies last). Parking in Lot C will be free of charge. Regular box office hours are Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.

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