Celebrity Sightings

Posted by Maryanne Salvat On January - 10 - 2013ADD COMMENTS

ZoeActress Zoe Saldana, the Miami Heat’s Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade, along with their significant others: Adrienne Bosh and Gabrielle Union and supermodel, Karolina Kurkova, rang in the New Year at The James Royal Palm. Prior to the NYE countdown, Saldana enjoyed a private dinner with family and friends at CATCH Miami, before counting down the New Year poolside at The James Royal Palm, where she danced along to the sounds of female DJ duo, Nervo, who played a high-energy set under the stars.  CATCH Miami’s Executive Chef / season three Top Chef winner, Hung Huynh created a specialty menu especially for the beautiful actress. After welcoming the New Year, Saldana partied at SL Miami, also at the James, where she toasted with EMM Group owners Eugene Remm and Mark Birnbaum,( http://www.markbirnbaumemmgroupinc.com) SL Miami partners Michael Malone and Marko Gojanovic and The James Royal Palm’s General Manager, Patrick Hatton.

Paula Abdul spent her “last meal of 2012” at South Beach hotspot, SUSHISAMBA dromo alongside a restaurant regular and his family.  The four enjoyed favorites off of the New Year’s Eve menu.

Wilmer Valderrama and Eva Longoria were both seen dining at SUSHISAMBA dromo before taking off to Bimini to host the “From Bimini with Love” Bond 007 themed New Year’s Eve event at Bimini Bay Resort.

It seems that Hakkasan restaurant in the Fontainebleau Miami Beach has been the place to feast your eyes and your palate over the past week.  Just this Tuesday night, swoon-worthy, Oscar winner George Clooney (yes, you read that correctly), along with longtime friend, nightlife impresario (and husband to Cindy Crawford) Rande Gerber spent time at Hakkasan promoting their new tequila, Casamigos. They were on one stop of a national tour, along with other partner Mike Meldman. Grammy award-winning Mexican singer, Luis Miguel, was spotted dining with friends at Hakkasan on Wednesday.  Also at Hakkasan on Saturday night, was supermodel Adriana Lima who noshed on the duck salad, dim sum platter, Chilean sea bass and prawns.

Luis Miguel was also seen dining at the Forge Restaurant I Wine Bar last week.

The Catalina Hotel & Beach Club, together with renowned Miami Beach party aficionado, Gerry Kelly, threw a STUDIO 54 New Years Eve celebration, hosted by Karina Smirnoff, from Dancing with the Stars.

Zuma was a celeb magnet over the weekend.  Vince Vaughn was spotted with his father and guests, after the Sunday Heat Game; Genesis Rodriguez, was seen drinking “Zuma” Daigingo; Victoria Silvstedt, dined with a large group and Calvin Klein enjoyed dinner with friends.

Spotted at RA Sushi in South Miami over the weekend was Buffalo Bills Defensive Tackle and former University of Alabama alum, Marcell Dareus, who was in town to support his Crimson Tide at the BCS title game.

Cirque duSoleil: TOTEM

Posted by Maryanne Salvat On January - 10 - 2013ADD COMMENTS

totemCirque du Soleil is back in Miami with its astonishing and visually stunning production TOTEM, opening tonight under the trademark blue-and-yellow big top at Sun Life Stadium for a limited engagement through February 24, 2013. Tonight’s show marks the 1,000th performance of TOTEM since its World Premiere in April 2010 in Montreal, Canada. In over two years and a half, more than 2 million people in 14 cities in Canada, The Netherlands, the United Kingdom and the United States have been mesmerized by the TOTEM experience that The San Francisco Chronicle described as “whimsically seductive and the most enjoyable show to come along from Cirque du Soleil in quite awhile”, and The Toronto Star proclaimed as “spectacular, artful. Breathtaking and deliciously ironic”.

 

Written and directed by Robert Lepage, TOTEM traces the fascinating journey of the human species from its original amphibian state to its ultimate desire to fly. Inspired by many founding myths,TOTEM illustrates, through a visual and acrobatic language, the evolutionary progress of species. Somewhere between science and legend TOTEM explores the ties that bind Man to other species, his dreams and his infinite potential.

 

Due to strong demand, Cirque du Soleil is pleased to announce that 10 additional February performances have been added to the Miami engagement of TOTEM and are now available to the general public. Tickets for all performances from January 10 through February 24 can now be purchased at any time online at www.cirquedusoleil.com/totem.

 

TOTEM Additional Miami Performances

 

  • Wednesday, February 6 at 8pm
  • Thursday, February 7 at 7pm
  • Wednesday, February 13 at 8pm
  • Thursday, February 14 at 2pm and 7pm
  • Friday, February 15 at 4pm
  • Wednesday, February 20 at 8pm
  • Thursday, February 21 at 2pm and 7pm
  • Friday, February 22 at 4pm

 

For complete show schedule and ticket information, visit www.cirquedusoleil.com/totem

 

 

diego_exh_featBy: Maryanne Salvat

Diego Jacobson

Abstract Expressionist painter Diego Jacobson will host an invitation-only preview featuring 70 paintings including some never-before-seen artwork at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, January 11, at LMNT Arts Gallery, in Miami’s Wynwood District. For the first time, Jacobson’s works will be featured in a major retrospective show, which opens to the general public at 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 12, and will be exhibited through February 7. Titled “Everything is Perfect,” the exhibition is based on Jacobson’s philosophy on life, which is simply: “If everything is perfect, you can’t judge anything.” For Jacobson, every brushstroke is painful, but that didn’t stop the Miami resident from conquering dystonia, a crippling neurological disorder, to become one of the most celebrated Latino artists of his generation. Jacobson has been exhibited around the world, including leading Manhattan galleries and international shows in galleries and museums in Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Italy, Spain, Argentina, Peru and the Dominican Republic.

 

youngarts2An Affair of the Arts

On Saturday, January 12, An Affair of the Arts performance and gala is the culmination of YoungArts Week and the YoungArts signature program, which provides 150 of the nation’s most outstanding young talents in the visual, literary and performing arts with life-changing experiences, including master classes, workshops, performances and exhibitions. The evening will consist of an awards ceremony honoring director and choreographer Debbie Allen, Violinist Joshua Bell, and Actor Adrian Grenier for their artistic achievement and leadership in the arts, followed by a special performance by YoungArts Alumni beginning at 7:00 p.m. For more information, contact www.gala@youngarts.org.

62nd Annual Beaux Arts Festival of Art

The 62nd Annual Beaux Arts Festival of Art will bring more than 230 fine artists to the grounds of the Lowe Art Museum on the University of Miami campus during the weekend of January 19 and 20. Widely recognized as one of the region’s most popular outdoor art exhibitions and a South Florida tradition, the festival attracts thousands of visitors annually and offers works in 10 mediums for a variety of budgets. This year, artists hail from 30 states and abroad. Admission and parking are free. Proceeds benefit the Lowe Art Museum, which will be open to the public all weekend, and support bringing children from low-income schools on cultural field trips to the museum. For more sponsorship and general information, visit www.BeauxArtsMiami.org.

 

Skinny Pairing at RA Sushi

As January kicks off and New Year’s resolutions are in full-force, RA Sushi’s newest Skinny Pairing offer is the perfect meal for anyone counting calories. For just $18, guests can fill up on a Hitokuchi Sashimi and Shrimp Plate and a choice of one of three new low-calorie cocktails – Colada-teenie, Skinny Cucumberita or Blueberry Fizz.

Splendor2nd Annual Splendor in the Garden

Fashion will flourish at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden on Thursday, January 24 at 11:00 a.m. for the 2nd Annual Splendor in the Garden fashion show and luncheon. In partnership with luxury specialty store Neiman Marcus Coral Gables and co-chaired by Swanee DiMare and Frances Sevilla-Sacasa, the garden will blossom into a fashion hotspot as models stroll the runway in the latest spring trends. Ken Downing, Neiman Marcus’s senior vice president and fashion director, will present “The Best of Spring 2013,” an exclusive preview of the season’s newest styles. In addition to the fashion show, the 2013 Fairchild Philanthropy Honorees will be recognized: Maria Alonso, Anne Baddour, Bunny Bastian, Paula Brockway, Terry Buoniconti, Martha Clinton and Jan Risi Field. Tickets for Splendor in the Garden are $250 for preferred seating and $300 for runway seating. The tickets include a champagne reception, seated luncheon, fashion show and awards presentation. Complimentary garden tours are available during the reception. All proceeds benefit Fairchild’s conservation, science, education, and research programs. To purchase tickets, contact Susannah Shubin at sshubin@fairchildgarden.org or call 305.667.1651, extension 3375. For more information on Splendor in the Garden, visit www.fairchildgarden.org.

Pawpurrazzi

Pawpurrazzi, now in its fifth year as a major gala, will be held at Jungle Island on January 25 at 7:00 p.m. More than 500 luminaries with their dogs are expected to attend, dressed to the nines. Chairpersons of the event, Pat and Milton Wallace and Bunny Bastian, are putting together a spectacular event, not to be missed. The highlight of the event is the “Great Pets Who Walk In Front of Great People” show where more than 30 exclusive guests and their furry friend(s) are featured on the runway. Tickets are $550, $750 and $1000 per person. There is an exciting raffle where guests have an opportunity to win a two year lease on a 2013 MINI Cooper; MSC Poesia Seven Nights Caribbean Cruise; or a Champagne and Wine Surprise Package. One raffle ticket costs $250; three are $500; and seven are $1,000. For further information call Laurie Hoffman at 305.749.1815 or email at laurie@humanesocietymiami.org.

 

2nd Annual Celebrity Bowling Challenge

On January 26, Jon Jay, St. Louis Cardinals outfielder and Miami native, will host his 2nd Annual Celebrity Bowling Challenge. Proceeds will benefit Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade to support its many positive programs for 10,000 area youth. Along with other Major League Baseball stars, Jay will bowl with attendees during the fun-filled fundraising event. The evening will include red carpet arrivals, cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, exciting bowling matches and more. Sponsorships are available. Individual tickets: $450 per bowling team (five guests will be matched with a celebrity) and $100 per person (singles will be randomly matched with other single entries/celebrities.) World Series Sponsorship ($5,000): Corporate/logo recognition on all marketing materials, corporate signage and the opportunity to include corporate products and/or literature during the event, 12 autographed baseballs by Jay and all MLB players in attendance, two bowling teams (10 people total).Extra Innings Lane Sponsorship ($1,500): Corporate/logo recognition on all marketing materials, the opportunity to include corporate products and/or literature during the event, one bowling team (five people). For sponsorship or additional event information, call Tom Hagan at CAA Sports at 212.277.9000 or thagan@caa.com. To purchase individual tickets and more information: visit www.jonjaychallenge.com.

Presenting: Barton G. The Restaurant

Posted by Maryanne Salvat On January - 2 - 2013ADD COMMENTS

Barton G. Weiss is well known for his extravagant events and over-the-top creations and the newest additions to the menu at Barton G. The Restaurant do not fall short- adding elements of surprise as well as fanciful treats to your palate. On our recent visit, Chef Jeff O’Neill – the Executive Chef at The Villa and Barton G. – delighted us with brand new menu items including: Zen Scallops served alongside a Buddha; a very Tipsy Tuna; The Upper Crustacean (popcorn shrimp served with gourmet popcorn); Lobster Pop-Tarts brought to your table in a retro toaster; Lobster Apicius served with a Roman Soldier’s helmet, and The Great American Filet (served with a 3-foot fork); we can’t make this up, you have to see it to believe it! More of an experience than a dinner, the entertaining madness surrounds you as plates are served to resounding reactions by other diners, (gawking and “oohs and aahhs” are encouraged), and everyone in the restaurant seems to participate in the party.  Also be sure to enjoy the famous nitro cocktails, both beautiful and delicious and served with as much whimsy as the food. Our dessert experience was quite extraordinary, we were treated to the “Purebred” Pudding in a stainless steel doggy dish with French bulldog creamers, filled with chocolate and vanilla crème anglaise and the Chocolate Indulgence (Valrhona Chocolate brownies) served in a treasure chest with an actual shovel and map of Barton G.’s other dining endeavors. As with the food, the service was impeccable.  Leo, our server was well versed and enthusiastic about our dishes as he explained every fabulous detail. Expanding to the Los Angeles area, Barton G. The Restaurant is a Miami destination that will fill your evening with a magical atmosphere that you will never forget.

 

Have a Fabulous New Year’s Eve

Posted by Maryanne Salvat On December - 28 - 2012ADD COMMENTS

 2013 new year sparklerBy: Dr. Mary Jo Almeida-Shore and Maryanne Salvat

 

Tosca

Revel in the spirits of Jay Gatsby during a New Year’s Eve soiree that will be true to his extravagant form. The Great Gatsby themed party at Tosca will feature a decadent menu consisting of the world’s finest imported delicacies and   the evening will encompass the essence and glamour of the 1920s. Reign in the New Year in your finest 1920s attire as you cheer to another year of fun and excitement with a champagne toast at midnight. For $245 per person, you receive a ten-course meal including the finest daily imported ingredients including: Sevruga Caviar and Todo Crudo Seasoned with Yuzu, Maine Sea Scallops still in Shell with Champagne Sauce, Seared Authentic Kobe Ribeye and Chocolate Mousse made with premium Vintage Valrhona Gran Couva Chocolate and Crunchy Pearls. With one intimate seating for the night beginning sharply at 9:00 p.m., the exclusive evening will be one not to be forgotten. For reservations, call 786.216.7230 or visit www.toscamiami.com. Read the rest here »

Art Basel Miami 2012: Celebrity Take-over

Posted by Maryanne Salvat On December - 18 - 2012ADD COMMENTS

157967695VA065_Haute_LivingBy:  Dr. Mary Jo Almeida-Shore Haute Living magazine kicked off Art Basel with an event Vogue called one of the most anticipated of the week. The dinner party hosted by Daphne Guinness, Dom Pérignon and Roger Dubuis in celebration of Guinness’ collaboration with Swiss watchmaker Roger Dubuis called The Velvet Collection, which was Haute Living’s Basel Issue Cover story. Sixty guests gathered in the courtyard of the posh Villa Azur restaurant on December 5, at a table covered with violet roses to matched Guinness’ Haute Living cover shot taken by Nick Knight. Even Martha Stewart could resist snapping a few photos of the table. The elegant party was crawling with celebrities, VIPs and A listers as guests included Martha Stewart, Karolina Kurkova, Russell Simmons, Ray Allen, Lea Black, Marysol Patton, Stephen Dorff, IWC President Gianfranco D’Attis,street artist, Alec Monopoly, DJ Irie and, of course,Ms. Guinness herself. Dom Pérignon showed off a bottle with a glowing label by fellow creative soul, David Lynch. Earlier in the day, Diane von Furstenberg’s launched her limited edition Evian bottle at a lunch at Soho Beach House alongside guests Russell Simmons, Chelsea Handler and Andre Balazs.

On Thursday, December 6 – the official start of art Basel 2012 and Tony Goldman’s birthday – Goldman Properties CEO Jessica Goldman Srebnick hosted a dinner at Wynwood Walls with the artists of the Walls, almost all of them past and present, to pay tribute to Tony, who passed away on September 11, 2012. Read the rest here »
Sponsors