It is a rarity for a sports-related event to be featured in The Fix unless, of course, said event draws, say… an A-list crowd of VIPs and celebrities, an “orange” (team color) carpet and access to a swank lounge, such as the Ocean Drive Club, as did Monday night’s Dolphins Season Opener at Landshark Stadium.Celebrity arrivals were televised via the “jumbo-tron,” which was visible from the highway. Once inside, guests were escorted to the posh Ocean Drive Club, which was, well, characteristically “Ocean Drive.” From the lighting and cozy couches right down to the oddly interesting astro-turf upholstered ottomans.  Barton G. provided light-fare and there was free-flowing Landshark beer and the uncharacteristic, yet popular, champagne. Champagne at a football game? Talk about “swankified” SoBe tailgating! Celebs in attendance included: Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony, Venus and Serena Williams and Gloria and Emilio Estefan, who were all there showing support for their newly acquired Fins, along with Dan Marino, Tiger Woods, Steve Young, Stewart Scott and Lili Estefan. During the arrivals, Jimmy Buffet and his band played a short pre-game concert for “Parrot Heads” and Fins fans.

Earlier in the week, former “Mr. Ocean Drive,” (insert sarcasm font here) the shy subdued, Rich Santelises, celebrated his birthday at the upstairs lounge at Buzzy’s Burger and Beer Joint. Ultra-hip guests in attendance included: Jerry and Jacquelynn Powers, Lisa Pliner, Chapman Ducote, Michael Comras, David Resnick, Eric and CC Levin, Michael Capponi, Zoltan (who took the party photos) and Dan Goodstadt, to name a few. With his 1000-watt personality, Santelises, stood on a pedestal (o.k. coffee table) and ebulliently thanked each and every one of his friends individually then stated, “A mans riches (no pun intended) are defined by the quality of their friendships. The attendees here tonight illustrate that I am wealthy beyond means or need.”

Almost as cool as the guest list, is the laid-back atmosphere of Burger & Beer Joint. Reminiscent of Purdy Lounge a decade ago, (with better lighting) B &B boasts tasteful “garage sale décor,” a retro-chic vibe, great music, friendly staff and reasonably priced drinks. An added plus is the delicious food at great prices. Of course, the fact that you can “add truffles to anything” is a reason to visit all on its own. Downstairs there’s a casual restaurant with an extensive menu that even includes a 10 lb. burger (Don’t ask.), huge beer selection and plasmas for watching all your favorite teams this season.

Groove is in the Art

The brand-spanking new, Urbanite Bistro, a quaint, cozy resto-bar which looks like a typical, underground SoHo spot, invites you to embrace your inner “boho, artistic child” thanks to its rotating exhibits of local artwork, which are for sale and decorate its trendy, plum colored walls. Urbanite offers eclectic bistro fare, of which we recommend the shrimp corn dogs (how can you go wrong?), Pad Thai, and alligator egg-rolls (if you dare). How’s that for “eclectic? Of course, there are your usual meat and potatoes dishes and a variety of sandwiches and burgers. The place also features two stylish and well-appointed bars, perfect for a few cocktails before hitting neighboring clubs, Vagabond and Karu & Y. If you crave a little nosh during clubbing, return to Urbanite- the kitchen closes at 3:00.

To show its support of the local art scene, The Urbanite Bistro invites guests to a public arts reception on Tuesday, October 6 from 7:00- 9:00 p.m. This month this “rotating gallery” hosts provocative artwork by Latin American artists, Gabriela Sanchez-Vegas and Rudolf Kohn. Guests will receive an Urbanite VIP card, redeemable for a complimentary specialty cocktail during the reception. The Urbanite Bistro is located at 62 NE 14th Street. Reservations may be made by calling 305.374.0662 or visiting www.urbanitebistro.com. Valet parking is free.

Coming Up:

Cutest Boy Bands this side of Liverpool

Adorable New York City-based, foursome, The Postelles, will perform their latest hits, including the single produced by The Strokes guitarist, Albert Hammond Jr., at Club 50 at Viceroy, on Friday, September 25, presented by Jose Cuervo Platino and Novel. Guests are invited to enjoy an open bar hosted by the premium tequila line, from 8:00-10:00 p.m. and drink specials throughout the evening. The Postelles, combine a unique blend of “feel good” retro and modern alternative pop. Viceroy Miami is located at 485 Brickell Avenue. Entrance is free. Please RSVP to info@novelcomm.com.

Another cute, young boy-band, the Heavy Pets will be performing at Tobacco Road on October 2 at 9:00 p.m. Word on the street is that they are “by far, the best local band!” The Heavy Pets just wrapped up concerts at Bonnaroo, Moe.Down and several other festivals this summer and they are starting a winter tour right after next week’s show. No RSVP required. Admission is only $6 at the door.

Something to Wine About

“Uncork the fun” at the 8th Annual Miami International Wine Fair this weekend at the Miami Beach Convention Center, where nearly 500 wine producers will be on-hand to showcase more than 1,500 wines from 20 different countries, making this event one of the largest wine fairs in America, and featuring wine tastings and seminars for oenophiles 21 and over.  Tickets are priced at $75 per person, with the proceeds going to benefit Educate Tomorrow, and include unlimited wine tasting and food sampling from Miami’s finest restaurants.  The fun starts Saturday, September, 25. For more information, visit http://www.miamiwinefair.com.

About Last Night

On Tuesday, September 29, acclaimed restaurant, Pacific Time, in the Design District, will be partnering with Thrillist.com to launch its weekly dinner party called, “About Last Night.” Chef Brian Bell will prepare small plates for guests as “paparazzi” snap their photos which will be uploaded to the Pacific Time Facebook page. Throughout the night Twitter followers can “tweet” about the place and Facebook fans can then check the “Morning After” albums to tag themselves and reconnect with friends they made the night before, ergo the name.  

In Fashion

The award-winning Venezuelan designer, Carolina Herrera, along with Maria Celeste Arraras and Lourdes Fanjul will celebrate the opening of the Carolina Herrera Bal Harbour Shops boutique and toast Herrera’s spring 2010 Collection on Wednesday, September 30, from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.

The day after her boutique opening, Herrera will present a full runway fashion show of her spring 2010 Collection in conjunction with Jackson Memorial Foundation’s 11^th Annual Guardian Luncheon benefitting Holtz Children’s Hospital, along with Shirley K. Fletcher, this year’s luncheon’s Honorary Chair to celebrate fashion n’ fun.  The luncheon starts at 11:00 a.m. at the InterContinental Hotel, 100 Chopin Plaza, Downtown Miami. Space is limited. To buy tickets contact: 305.355.4999, or visit www.jmf.org.

Celebrity Sightings:

Latin Grammy award nominee, Cucu Diamantes, surprised guests at Viceroy’s Club 50 on Thursday night with an impromptu performance. Bad boy, Joe Francis, best known for creating “Girls Gone Wild” partied at LIV both Friday and Saturday nights with a bevy of beautiful girls who weren’t as “wild” as you’d expect, or hope for that matter. On Saturday night, at Mansion, musician, Scott Weiland, debuted his clothing line, Weiland for English Laundry and performed a set of Stone Temple Pilots and Velvet Revolver songs to a packed crowd. Across town on Saturday, at Fort Lauderdale’s Dive Bar, NBA/ reality TV star, Dennis Rodman, was spotted getting down to Shak Nasti.

By: Mary Jo Almeida-Shore

The brand-spanking new, Urbanite Bistro, a quaint, cozy resto-bar which looks like a typical, underground SoHo spot, invites you to embrace your inner “boho, artistic child” thanks to its rotating exhibits of local artwork, which are for sale and decorate its trendy, plum colored walls.Urbanite offers eclectic bistro fare, of which we recommend the shrimp corn dogs (how can you go wrong?), Pad Thai, and alligator egg-rolls (if you dare). How’s that for “eclectic? Of course, there are your usual meat and potatoes dishes and a variety of sandwiches and burgers. The place also features two stylish and well-appointed bars, perfect for a few cocktails before hitting neighboring clubs, Vagabond and Karu & Y. If you crave a little nosh during clubbing, return to Urbanite- the kitchen closes at 3:00.

To show its support of the local art scene, The Urbanite Bistro invites guests to a public arts reception on Tuesday, October 6 from 7:00- 9:00 p.m. This month this “rotating gallery” hosts provocative artwork by Latin American artists, Gabriela Sanchez-Vegas and Rudolf Kohn. Guests will receive an Urbanite VIP card, redeemable for a complimentary specialty cocktail during the reception. The Urbanite Bistro is located at 62 NE 14th Street. Reservations may be made by calling 305.374.0662 or visiting www.urbanitebistro.com. Valet parking is free.

Shoe addicts rejoice! Saks Fifth Avenue Dadeland has revamped and expanded its shoe department to mirror the famous shoe salon in New York. You know the one with its own zip code. The one you visit EVERY time you’re in the Big Apple. The one where we met Lindsay Price, Molly Sims, Lorraine Bracco, Nina Garcia, Stuart Weitzman, Betsey Johnson, Nigel Barker, Gloria Reuben, Bobby Flay, Stephanie March, Perrey Reeves, Pamela Roland and Wendy Williams at the unveiling of the Wizard of Oz Ruby Slipper collection during the New York Fashion Week kick-off last season. Yes, that one. Now there’s a mini one right in our own back yard. We hear Imelda Marcos is shopping for a place in the greater Kendall area.

Dadeland’s 10022-SHOE will have shoe mavens flocking to its stunning new shoe haven, complete with three chandeliers, floating glass bubbles and over 1,000 shoes. New brands include Brian Atwood, Camilla Skovgaard and Elizabeth and James, which will join current favorites, CHANEL, Christian Louboutin, Jimmy Choo, Prada and Giuseppe Zanotti, who will host a shoe signing on Saturday, October 10. Shoes are displayed like works of art (as they should be) on various posh surfaces, such as white glass, antique mirror, limestone, white Carrera marble and grey stained wood, and on modern tables from Eero Saarinen and Warren Platner. You can try on the masterpieces on stylish vintage furniture pieces and custom-designed curved banquettes.

So if Miu Mius, Valentinos, Givenchys and of course, those red-soled wonders make you simply swoon, put Dadeland’s 10022-SHOE salon on your itinerary. Oh, and be sure to give our best to Imelda. Read the rest of this entry »

So it seems that anyone with a star on Hollywood Boulevard, recording contract or fashion line was either in Toronto for the film festival or in New York for Fashion Week, the US Open and/or the VMAs, thus rendering our “Celebrity Sightings,” section null and void.  Not sure that next week will be a whole lot better, being that the Emmy’s, with their requisite pre and post parties are taking place, points west of the 305.  However, being that the name of this column is the “411,” and that those of us in the know consider Miami the “sixth borough,” we feel obliged to inform you that on Saturday night, Andre Balazs opened up the Boom Boom Room, in his Standard Hotel in the Meatpacking District.  Touted as the “Biggest opening since Studio 54” by celebrity photographer, Patrick McMullan.  So, to make ourselves feel just a little bit less bummed (all right, slightly bitter) about not being there, and so that we (you) can talk about it as though you actually were (after a few vodka sodas, who really knows the difference?) we will expand our “Celebrity Sightings” for the week to include some of the fun NYC. 

Mama Mia!

Here in Downtown, Miami, there are definitely a few spots worth mentioning.  Mia Biscayne opened with much fanfare in the form of searchlights, throngs of people outside the velvet ropes and special musical guests last Wednesday.  This latest addition to the downtown club scene features
a restaurant, live music venue, nightclub and outdoor terrace that just screams “happy hour” to those who work and/or play in the downtown/Brickell area.  Conceptually, it’s a like Karu and Y, but with a cozier feel, better service and much more convenient (read less life threatening) location.  The premise is that Mia is an ideal place to spend an entire evening, where you can grab a good meal, have some cocktails and stay to dance until 5:00 a.m. Upon arrival, we were personally greeted by the adorable Executive Chef, Gerdy Rodriguez, a young-Tyler Florence type, who looks like he stepped out of one of those reality cooking shows.  Rodriguez credits his Cuban upbringing for his flavorful fusion concoctions, which include the Mia roll, lobster topped with spicy tuna, crispy plantains (yes, mariquitas), scallions and avocado cream (our favorite), Kobe sliders and piping hot Manchego cheese and Serrano ham croquettes (close second).  Another highlight unique to Mia Biscayne is the I-Bar, a translucent runway installation that club goers control by touching, kind of like laser light show meets giant IPOD touch.   Talk about ADHD helper- now if only we could send texts on the thing.  Hunky award-winning actor/singer, Jencarlos Canela, and American Idol’s Christina Christian performed live, and DJ George Morel provided the sounds for guests such as Dr. Sanford Ziff; Tara Solomon and Nick D’Annunzio, and notable political figures, Mayor of West Miami, Cesar Carasa, Commissioner, Rebeca Sosa, Commissioner Tomas Regalado and Mayor of Hialeah, Julio Robaina – all of whom presented the owner of MIA, Luis Arias, with a proclamation to the city.

 Get Stoned

Another terrific downtown offering is mySpa at the InterContinental Miami, where we got one of the best massages ever.  While admittedly not a spa person due to limited attention span, (I was tempted to roast weenies on the little grill in the sauna and channeled Seinfeld’s Elaine Benes in the steam room) I enjoyed the simplicity and elegance of mySpa and the hot stones massage got the creative juices flowing (I mentally wrote 2/3 of this column on the table)!  My only complaint:  that the massage didn’t last all day.  Hopefully they’ll consider our suggestion and create a 24 hour massage.  A definite bonus for “football widows”, who will have reason to look forward to Sundays this season, is that mySpa is offering the Sunday’s Fabulous Football Survival Package, which includes a 60 minute myMassage (we definitely recommend the hot stones) followed by a 60 minute True Transformation Facial, for $160.00, a 20% savings, not bad considering the price of a game ticket these days.   ”Widows” can “grieve” together by taking advantage of all spa amenities including sauna, steam, fitness center or just relax poolside with a cocktail in hand.  Now that’s what I call a support group!  For more information, visit www.myspymiami.com.

Disco Baby

Badrutt’s Place, coined ”the European gem in the heart of Brickell,” premiered Disco Baby Supper Club on Saturday, with Master DJ, Mark Leventhal spinning all the songs we grew up loving and pretending to hate during the failed “Disco Sucks” campaign.  During the party, guests enjoyed full menu items as well as delicious tapas, including Chef Mario Da Como’s signature selections, such as shrimp, Carpaccio, crab cakes, cheeseburger bites, spicy meatballs, and pepper crusted beef medallions with horseradish sauce.  We must warn you that while the food is delicious, you may be too busy dancing to even notice it. So don’t over order and wear comfortable shoes.  Badrutt’s plans to throw the 70s themed party on a regular basis, so start grooming your afro wig and buffing your platforms, Disco Baby!  Stay tuned for upcoming dates.

Spin Spin Sugar

Socialite/singer/songwriter Jamie Jo Harris rocked the tables (Mac book) at Wall on Friday night, joining the ranks of gorgeous DJ Divas:  Tracy Young, Eve Salvali and Sky Nellor and showing, yet again that girls can rule the tables too, with all due respect to our favorite local guys, Irie, Dert, Leventhal, Kurtz, Johnny the Boy and Ruckus.  VIPs including Fabian Basabe, Eric Meier, Jose Ortiz, Lance Burstyn, Rich Santelises, Jerry Powers, Nicola Siervo, Karim Masri, Eric Levin, Tara Solomon, Nick D’Annunzio, Mark Leventhal and Harris’ parents, Fran and Mel Harris, danced to her chart-topping single “U Turn Me On,” a pop duet alongside Barry Gibb, and other hits masterfully mixed by Harris. Absent from the spinning debut was Harris’ collaborator, nine-time Grammy Award-winning music producer Rudy Perez, who was summoned at the last minute by superstar client,  Beyonce Knowles (darn VMAs on the same weekend !).

In other spinning news:  David Barton is kicking off his new spinning program with his Tour de Barton spinning competition, in keeping with his goal of helping you, “look better naked.”  On Saturdays through the end of September, members and non-members will spin to win prizes including memberships, spa treatments, guest passes, apparel, and more. To sign up contact DavidBartonGym at

Gansevoort South (305) 534-1660.

Celebrity Sightings:

Seen getting down at the Boom Boom Room:  Madonna, Jon Bon Jovi, John Stamos, Josh Hartnett, Calvin Klein, Donna Karan, Jude Law, Lindsay Lohan, Nacho Figueras, Nicky Hilton, Rachel Zoe, and Tory Burch, to name a few.  At Marc Jacobs’ after party at Hiro Ballroom: Janet Jackson, Lindsay Lohan, Mischa Barton, Rachel Zoe, Russell Simmons, Ciara, Estelle and Rufus Wainwright joined the 700 (of 1000) invitees who were allowed into the hot, sticky party, where Lady Gaga performed toned down versions of “Just Dance” and “Poker Face”  Notably absent, Madonna, who attended the show but skipped the party.

A few local celebrity artists joined forces to help the Miami Children’s Museum celebrate its first annual Family Carnival on Sunday.  Romero Britto, Alex Yanes and the guys from Ruthless and Toothless joined young fans in creating murals that will be displayed at the museum.

By:  Mary Jo Almeida-Shore

Here in Downtown, Miami, there are definitely a few spots worth mentioning. Mia Biscayne opened with much fanfare in the form of searchlights, throngs of people outside the velvet ropes and special musical guests last Wednesday. This latest addition to the downtown club scene features a restaurant, live music venue, nightclub and outdoor terrace that just screams “happy hour” to those who work and/or play in the downtown/Brickell area. Conceptually, it’s a like Karu and Y, but with a cozier feel, better service and much more convenient (read less life threatening) location. The premise is that Mia is an ideal place to spend an entire evening, where you can grab a good meal, have some cocktails and stay to dance until 5:00 a.m. Upon arrival, we were personally greeted by the adorable Executive Chef, Gerdy Rodriguez, a young-Tyler Florence type, who looks like he stepped out of one of those reality cooking shows. Rodriguez credits his Cuban upbringing for his flavorful fusion concoctions, which include the Mia roll, lobster topped with spicy tuna, crispy plantains (yes, mariquitas), scallions and avocado cream (our favorite), Kobe sliders and piping hot Manchego cheese and Serrano ham croquettes (close second). Another highlight unique to Mia Biscayne is the I-Bar, a translucent runway installation that club goers control by touching, kind of like laser light show meets giant IPOD touch. Talk about ADHD helper- now if only we could send texts on the thing. Hunky award-winning actor/singer, Jencarlos Canela, and American Idol’s Christina Christian performed live, and DJ George Morel provided the sounds for guests such as Dr. Sanford Ziff; Tara Solomon and Nick D’Annunzio, and notable political figures, Mayor of West Miami, Cesar Carasa, Commissioner, Rebeca Sosa, Commissioner Tomas Regalado and Mayor of Hialeah, Julio Robaina – all of whom presented the owner of MIA, Luis Arias, with a proclamation to the city.

And the Social Season is no exception. With Labor Day behind us, it’s time to put away those white shoes and prepare for the onset of the “Season,” which is rapidly approaching. If this summer, which is usually a quiet time to relax, travel and rest our overly-taxed livers is any indication of what’s to come, we are in for more fun parties, openings and events than we can fathom, as several of the hotels, restaurants and clubs which opened quietly this summer prepare for huge official opening bashes this fall. In the meantime, consider getting involved and having some fun while you’re at it.

United We Serve Volunteer Miami Day

On Friday, September 11, the Adrienne Arsht Center is hosting its inaugural United We Serve Volunteer Miami Day from 12:00-6:00 p.m. to cap off President Barack Obama’s United We Serve summer volunteer initiative. Keynote speaker Mayor Carlos Alvarez, leading non-profit organizations and leaders, and the Adrienne Arsht Center will join forces to inspire volunteers to continue their efforts and others to become volunteers with free activities, performances, business and volunteering seminars, Adrienne Arsht Center tours, prizes, and much more.

Taste of South Florida

The Taste of South Florida at the Ritz Carlton Ft. Lauderdale Beach will be held on September 12, and features top local “celebrity” chefs, Christian Clair, Angelo Elia, Dean Max, Gordon Maybury, Farid Qualidi, John Schupbach and Susie Stallings preparing an upscale, delectable five course meal. Expect fabulous food, a live band to entertain guests and a terrific auction. Tickets for the culinary extravaganza cost $250 per person and benefit the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. To purchase tickets and for more information, contact: jkotler@cff.org or call (954) 739-5006.

Fun for the Whole Family

The Miami Children’s Museum is hosting a carnival on Sunday, September 13, from 1:00-6:00 p.m., where kids can enjoy pony rides, magicians, stilt walkers, bounce houses, slides, face painting, interactive game booths, balloon artists, and participate in art and music projects. For the adults, Bloomingdale’s soothing spa area is offering treatments and services and Kiehl’s, beauty product samples, delicious gourmet Starbucks coffee and snacks and a silent auction. As an added bonus, adults may drop kids (ages 4-9) at the MCM staff-supervised play area and explore the Carnival on their own! The ticket price, $35for children 1-12, $50 for adults and children 13 and up, includes: unlimited BBQ, Vitamin Water, ice cream by Farm Stores, and soft frozen lemonades by Del’s Lemonade and an I AM THE MAVEN stylish, reusable shopping bag and Gift Cards for the best “Maven-Approved” local businesses. A $500 package includes:  4 tickets to the event, 1 family membership to the Museum and an exclusive Romero Britto tin. All proceeds benefit the Miami Children’s Museum. For tickets and information, please contact 305-373-5437, extension 146.

ArtCenter South Florida’s Children’s Story Time Fundraiser

On Thursday, September 17, 2009 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., Club 50 at the Viceroy will host a party in support of the ArtCenter South Florida’s Children’s Story Time program. Complimentary Chopin Vodka cocktails will flow from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and $10 Moet Hennessy drink specials all evening to promote youth literacy. For more information, call: 305. 674.8278 or go to www.viceroymiami.com, www.artcentersf.org.

Dress to Thrill

Giving bargain shopping a whole new dimension is this year’s highly anticipated annual Fashionably Conscious which returns for its third year this month. This year’s host committee, including Darlene Perez, Raysa Fanjul, Sarah Arison, Lourdes Jofré-Collett, Natasha and Lena Lowell, Suzy Buckley, have already donated more signature pieces than ever before – ranging from Catherine Malandrino, Carlos Miele, Dolce & Gabanna, David Meister and Prada dresses to Chanel shoes; Tod’s and Christian Dior bags; an Angel Sanchez ball gown; Roberto Cavalli and Gucci pants; and St. John, Fendi, Badgley Mischka, Carolina Hererra, Richard Tyler and YSL suits. And being that these ladies seldom, if ever repeat an outfit, you can bet the stuff is almost as new as the day they bought it. All clothing and jewelry will be on sale to guests at discounted prices, ranging from $1 to $500- talk about recessionista-friendly. The weekend event will kick off with a VIP cocktail/preview sale on Friday, September 18, 4:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. featuring a happy hour sponsored by Peroni, at a $25 entrance fee. Saturday’s all-day sale goes from 10:00 a.m.- 6:00 p.m. and has a reduced $10 entrance fee. All proceeds will go directly to fund Coconut Grove Cares’ The Barnyard Community Center, which offers free after-school and summer Programs for over 250 children, and provides a much-needed safe haven for the West Grove community. The shopping spree takes place at Mary Brickell Village-901 S. Miami Ave. Suite 147.

For more information visit www.coconutgrovecares.org, call (305) 446-6216, or contact fashionablyconscious@gmail.com, 305.372.2502.

The Week in Review

Last week was relatively quiet, due in part to the fact that the Hamptons is THE place to be on Labor Day Weekend, with the exception of the MOCA Shakers cocktail and Rene Ruiz’s ultra-exclusive birthday party. On Thursday night, over 300 arts-minded guests enjoyed one of the most beautiful sunsets of the summer at Club 50 at the Viceroy for the MOCA Shakers,’ kick-off of the Museum of Contemporary Art ‘s upcoming fundraiser Mystery Dates. The fundraiser will be held on Saturday November 7 and the mystery is which glamorous dinner party in the home of some of Miami’s most intriguing collectors and designers,  guests will attend as locations will only be revealed during a cocktail reception that evening. For more information, contact: MOCA at 305 893 6211 or visit www.mocanomi.org.

Rene Ruiz’s birthday celebration last Saturday, hosted by Brad Rosenblatt and Fabian and Martina Basabe at the Basabes’ cozy yet posh restaurant, Da Vittorio drew an eclectic, A-list crowd including Roy and Lea Black, Iran Issa Khan, Oscar and Ellen Feldenkreis, Lisa Petrillo and Willliam McCue, Judge Larry King, Mayor Donald Slesnick and Wife Jeanette Slesnick, Deborah Scarpa and Rolando Castro, David and Michelle Adler, Attorney Michael Rose, Barbara Havenick, Attorney Patrick Cordero and wife, Ana, Dr. Steven Kerr and wife, DJ, Richard and Jennifer Postrel, Gino and Denise Dimare, Emily Marquez, Nick D’Ánnunzio, Daniela Marese, and Daniel Simon, to name a few. Guests who turned out to toast the charming designer seemed to be having a great time from the moment they walked through the door. There was a continuous din throughout the evening, composed of laughter and glasses clinking as everyone mingled, danced and enjoyed some of the designer’s favorite dishes at Da Vittorio, such as Bocconcini di Mozzarella, Agnello Scottadito, Cotoletta alla Milanese and Spiedini di Gamberi e Calamari. We could translate some of these, but that would spoil the fun, since they are now our favorites as well, and we highly recommend you make a reservation right away (305 445-8783)! After Ruiz blew out his birthday candles, he was serenaded by none other than Elizabeth Caballero, renowned Cuban-American soprano, who surprised the crowd with her powerful voice.

Coming Up:

New to the Tables

Singer/songwriter Jamie Jo Harris will headline as guest DJ at Wall Lounge at W South Beach on Friday, September 11. Harris, who recently became the newest lifetime member of the Songwriters’ Hall of Fame, just held a hit performance the after party for the movie premier of “Homecoming” at Pink Elephant. Part of her repertoire includes a selection of hand-picked beats including her chart–topping debut single, “U Turn Me On,” a pop confection duet with former Bee Gee, Barry Gibb.

Celebrity Sightings:

On Friday at Mansion, hit maker Keri Hilson, looking hot in a one piece jumpsuit, performed her track “Knock You Down” for the packed house with a special encore, when Ne-Yo surprised her and took to the stage to join her in a duet, sending the crow into frenzy.  The chart-topping duo sang and danced while Hilson snapped pictures of the audience with her camera phone. Guests who showed up to celebrate the weekend-long launch of V. Georgio vodka which started at Blade pool on Friday night and ended on Sunday at the Harvey estate included:  Poe Boy, Brisco, recording artist, Jason Allen, of the Miami Dolphins, Mike Rumph, Pro Football player, Cess Silvera, Grand Master D, from Whodini (celebrity D.J.), CBS anchor, Jawan Strader, Orande Gadston, Miami Dolphin great, and Bradford Cohen, former Apprentice contestant.

Sunday night was like the “Who’s Who” of the Hip Hop community at LIV with  Drake, Lil Wayne, Jermaine Dupri and Trey Songz in the house. The party  coincided with the filming of the video for Drake’s new song featuring Lil Wayne and Kanye West. On Sunday at Opium Hard Rock, Belvedere presented Young Jeezy to the Broward set, where the chart topper sang his hit “Who Dat” to a packed crowd. Later in the evening, Jeezy relaxed with a group of friends 50 people thick, sipping on Belvedere and hanging on to the microphone to shout out the crowd. On Monday, Jeezy took his show to Mansion, where he performed his hit “President” and kept the party going until 5:00 a.m.