The center formerly known as the Carnival Center turned two this month, and what better way to celebrate than to open a stylish, beautiful and reasonably priced (no, your eyes do not deceive you) new restaurant in which you can dine before or after a show without ever leaving the building. Prelude, by Barton G. debuted last week with the flair and fanfare that typically accompanies a Barton G. event. The grand opening party included Geoffrey the giraffe, an orangutan, a fireworks display and, none other than the legendary Pointer Sisters.

Prelude offers fixed-price dining with a new-to-Miami twist. “Diner’s Decision” allows patrons the choice of any three dinner menu items for $39 or any two lunch/brunch items for $23 so you can choose 3 appetizers, 3 entrees (if you are just coming off of a juice fast) or 3 desserts. Also featured at Prelude will be South Florida’s most comprehensive by-the-glass wine list, with more than 90 selections available from state-of-the-art wine dispensers either by the taste, the half glass or the glass. For lighter appetites, an à la carte bar menu is available. What’s more, Prelude promises to get you in and out in less than an hour and 15 minutes, just in time for the show.

Expect a scaled-down version of Barton G.’s typical unusual, exaggerated food presentations, such as a wooden cutting board with your skirt steak, hand-blown glass platters and mini-cast-iron pots. Seatings start at 5:00 p.m. with the 6:15 p.m. slot reserved for ticket holders. The restaurant will also be open on days when there are no performances at the center. Don’t miss the beef Carpaccio appetizer, (we wish we would have ordered three of these), the goat cheese tortellini or the “menorah” of custards- with just about every imaginable flavor. Consider dining in a group so you can mix and match your appies, entrees and desserts and sample just about everything.

Just be sure not to over order- food is not allowed to be taken out of the restaurant as per Arsht Center rules, so forget about sneaking a dessert into the show- we already tried. Open Tuesdays through Sundays from 5:00 p.m. until late, dining hours at Prelude cater to folks who seek elegant fine dining in downtown Miami.

Celebrity Sightings:

Lance Bass hung out at the super-chic Club 50 at Viceroy Friday night drinking Atlantico daiquiris and dancing to Lady Gaga’s Paparazzi. Bass made the rounds, going to WALL and LIV on Saturday night and dropping by Pacific Time’s “About Last Night” party on Tuesday and later the Florida Room, after dining at Blue Door at the Delano.

On Friday night at WALL, Transporter’s Jason Statham joined buddy Nicola Siervo to watch “next big thing” R&B artist Chris Jones, son of Foreigner’s Mick Jones, perform tracks off his upcoming album. Also on hand was Jones’ producer, Scott Storch, and the ubiquitous, Lance Bass, who shared a VIP table with friends and showed off some fancy footwork to songs by Will.I.AM, Journey and Jay Z. Later in the night, Statham visited the newly-remodeled SET for its grand reopening to hear DJ Rony Seikaly spin a set of progressive house for the South Beach jet-set including Michael Capponi and SET owner Eric Milon.

J-Lo N.K.A. (now known as) “LOLA,” made an appearance at LIV on Saturday night. In the audience: Marc Anthony, Lance Bass, Kim Kardashian, and Reggie Bush. The former J-Lo greeted her fans and said thanks for coming out and supporting her new video, “Fresh out the Oven” featuring Miami’s own Pitbull, then danced to her remixes with husband, Anthony. According to an insider”I just don’t think “Lola” will ever be as fierce as Beyonce’s alter ego “Sasha” but I hope she proves me wrong.”

Also on Saturday night, Michael Jordan had dinner at Red, The Steakhouse with his girlfriend and a group of friends. Saturday Night Live funnyman, Kenan Thompson, took a table at Louis, sharing a bottle of Belvedere with local buddy Matt Heien, while cracking jokes with his waitress and pretty girls at neighboring tables.

Tennessee Titans, LenDale White and Bo Scaife, were seen having lunch at 8 oz. Burger Bar on Sunday. The Titans were enjoying a bye week and hoping to break their 0-6 record.

For the past two weeks, MTV’s Ibis Del Mar has been a fixture at Pacific Time’s “About Last Night party.” This week, she sat down with chef/owner Jonathan Eismann and VGeorgio Vodka founder, Victor Harvey, to tape interviews for her new MTV.com show, tentatively titled “Keeping it Real with Ibis.”

Making an appearance at the Tod’s boutique at Bal Harbour Shops: Vogue.com contributor/fashion consultant to the chic (…and the not so chic), Amanda Brooks, carrying a brown mink Tod’s bag. Brooks’ book (say that 5x fast), Love Your Style, was lauded by Anna Wintour, who called the book “candid, canny and cool.”

In a town where just about every night is Halloween, the official holiday just affords even greater numbers of regular folks the opportunity to don freaky, slutty, scanty, bizarre, over-the-top outfits- and to behave accordingly. Being that Halloween lands on a Saturday this year, there are a plethora of clubs and establishments vying for your haunted dollar.

Catalina Kicks it Off

The Catalina Hotel & Beach Club has partnered with the American Heart Association to invite guests to kick-off their Halloween weekend at South Beach’s hottest vampire garden party on Thursday, October 29^th from 9 p.m. to midnight. Hosted by Miss Elaine Lancaster, the True Beach Blood party will feature sexy vampires, free cocktails, served up by local boy-and-girl-about-town, Ariel Stein and Erin Newberg, food, live music and a True Beach Blood costume party. Guests are encouraged to find their inner vampire and dress the part to drink free all night. The hotel will also host a “sexiest vampire costume,” the winner of which will receive a two-night vacation package including dinner for two at the hotel’s signature restaurant, Kung Fu Kitchen & Sushi. Guests will also enjoy complimentary “bloody vampire” cocktails from 9 p.m. to 10 p.m. yummy bites all night including Hallo-weenies, Bloody Mariana Meatballs and Pumpkin Stuffed Ravioli. Ten percent of all proceeds for the evening will be donated back to the American Heart Association to help fight America’s #1 killer, heart disease.

For more information, contact erin.kozlowski@southbeachgroup.com or visit www.catalinahotel.com.

Get Frisky

The Other Hollywood

Supermarket Creative, the Awarehouse and Gen Art have teamed up to bring back the “’Boo’ in Boogie Nights” this Halloween, with its first seventies-style disco and adult entertainment-themed party for all those who “dare to bare.”
The Other Hollywood will re-enact its own vignette in adult entertainment with a film set designed by Missoni Home, Todd Jameson (Nue Studio) and styled by Ford Artists, wardrobe by stylist Jessica Bosch and fashioned by American Apparel.  Acclaimed “porntographer,” Stian Roenning, will capture set positions formed by the chosen cast of The Other Hollywood actors, directed by Jose “El Rey,” featuring lead actress and special guest “fluffer,” Luscious Linda.www.theotherhollywood1972.com. The party takes place at the Awarehouse, 550 NW 29th Street, from 10:00 p.m.-3:00 a.m. Admission is $20 and includes cocktails all night by Le Blon and 42 Below. Tickets are available in advance at www.theotherhollywood1972.com.

Bunnies to the Shore

Beware: guests posing for photos on-set will have their semi-naked pictures posted the following day on the “Morning after Gallery” featured on the dedicated event website

Playboy’s Halloween party takes over the Shore Club on Saturday, featuring host playmates: “Miss December 2005” Christine Smith, “Miss November 2004” Cara Zavaleta, “Miss September 2009” Kimberly Phillips, “Miss November 2005” Raquel Gibson, “Miss October 2005” Amanda Paige, “Miss June 2004” Hiromi Oshima, “Miss October 2004” Kimberly Holland and “Miss February 1999” Stacy Fuson in full bunny gear and will offer a feel of Heff’s Mansion in the heart of South Beach.  General admission tickets go for $75. Buy themwww.playboyhalloweenparty.com and offer guests entry and open bar from 9:00 to 11:00 p.m.  VIP tickets, tables and beds are available upon request.

Hallo-W-een

Halloween newcomer, the W South Beach, will host “Mischieve in the Garden of Agave” on Saturday, along with Hornitos Tequila from 9:00-11:00 p.m. Guests will be offered a selection of complimentary, custom Hornitos cocktails also known as “Hornitails” including the Hornipolitain, Juan Collins, Hornijo and the Horni Wallbanger and enjoy sounds by DJ Stonerokk poolside while mermaids get trapped inside a steel cage in the pool.  In keeping with the Halloween holiday spirit, angel and demon go-go dancers will keep the party going amid spider webs, severed limbs and smoking cauldrons. The party continues at W’s WALL nightclub until 4:00 a.m. with DJ Andy Caldwell.

The Cat’s Meow

The Raleigh will transform its famous 6,000 square-feet penthouse into “The Cat’s Meow,” a 1920s speakeasy lounge, hosted by hip locals, Nick D’Annunzio, Jose Ortiz and Martin Krediet, celebrating all things that were taboo during the Prohibition Era.

Sexy flappers, ghoulish gangsters and everyone in between are all invited to dance from 9:00 p.m. until 3:00 a.m. Entrance fee is $20.00 and includes one complimentary premium cocktail ticket. In order to guarantee admission, pre-sale tickets are available at The Raleigh’s front desk or through e-mail at ttreland@raleighhotel.com. Table service is also available at $150.00.

Trick or Meat

If you want to catch the wildest parade this side of Fantasy Fest, reserve your premium seat at Meat Market on Lincoln Road, which will feature a special prix fixe menu for outdoor diners, created by chef/owner Sean Brasel. The perfect perch for people watching during Lincoln Road’s notorious Halloween night festivities, the $75 per person, three-course menu boasts Meat Market favorites, along with Halloween-inspired dishes. Reservations for the prix fixe meal are required and will be taken for two hour seating blocks at 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. Normal dinner hours and Meat Market’s delicious al la carte menu will be available inside. Meat Market is located at 915 Lincoln Road. Telephone: (305) 532-0088. www.meatmarketmiami.com.

On Tuesday, November 3, Meat Market celebrates its one year anniversary with a lavish Stag’s Leap wine dinner organized by sommelier Gabriel Varela and Sean Brasel. For this special dinner which starts at 7:00 p.m., Varela pairs Brasel’s bold, contemporary American cuisine with the award-winning wines of Stags Leap Wine Cellars. The five-course dinner menu with paired wines, priced at $125.00 per person excluding tax and gratuity.

Waxy’s

In the Brickell area, Waxy’s on the River, located at 90 SW 1^st Court, (Neo Vertika building) will host a bash starting at 10:00 p.m., featuring a live band, drink specials all night and a costume contest at midnight. Admission is free.

The Club Scene

While every club in town is hosting a Halloween party of some sort, here is a brief list of some of the most fun late-night offerings. Saturday, Mansion will be transformed into The House of Jigsaw in honor of the SAW VI movie release. Featuring a larger than life bloody décor, Mansion will feature giant syringes hanging from the ceilings, enormous dangling eyeballs, pigface masks, jumbo sized chains and hooks, a 3D jigsaw face hanging over the DJ booth,  red and white bloodied fabric, inflatable jigaw bones, and of course clips of SAW VI playing on Mansion’s movie theater screen. On Friday, October 30^th, Mansion celebrates the Saw VI movie release featuring a live performance by Fat Joe, presented by Don Cardona Tequila.

Newly renovated SET will become an actual set, such as the one in the Phantom of the Opera. The décor will include hundreds of illuminated candles, candelabras, rose hanging from the ceiling, along with an oversized chandelier, jumbo masquerade mask, and holograph crosses. SET’s gorgeous staff will be decked out in signature Phantom costumes.  The previous night, celebrated Paris DJ, Antoine Clamaran, will spin for the “jet-set” crowd. In keeping with the theme, opera singers will join DJ Chicco Secci for an opera-house music fusion.

Louis Bar-Lounge celebrates Halloween with dramatic décor including black latex and spandex which will be stretched throughout the venue.

The Cameo Theatre makes a comeback on Saturday, thanks to the Opium Group, which is re-launching the hot-spot with a fun house theme. The party will feature theatrical aerial and trapeze shows, fetish performances, disco-ball decked little people, drag shows by superstars Daisy Dead Petals and Erika Norell, even door diva Chyna Girl will “man” the ropes.

Happy Hours

This Friday, 5300 Chop House at The Blue in Doral is having a Halloween happy hour from 5:00-8:00 p.m. Guests are invited to wear masks or headpieces- the best one wins a complimentary dinner for two at 5300 Chop House. The restaurant offers happy hour Monday – Friday 5:00-8:00 p.m., with $5 drinks, beers and bar bites.

Caviar Kaspia introduces the chicest Happy Hour in town, serving up decadent fare and specialty cocktails, Tuesday-Saturday from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday.  Order $8 cocktails including mojitos, martinis, bubbly, wine and beer and indulge in delectable menu selections priced at under $10.  Kaspia is located at 1220 Collins Avenue on Miami Beach inside The Webster boutique. General hours of operation are Monday from 11:00am to 4:00pm, and Tuesday Reservations are recommended for dinner and Sunday brunch: www.KaspiaMiami.com.

It’s no secret that we’re all a little boob-obsessed. What’s not to love about ‘em? How else would you explain the success of silicone, Girls Gone Wild, Maxim and Mardi Gras? And don’t even try to tell us that Dolly Parton is best known for her singing voice. But for millions of women, (and those who love them), boobs have become a source of trouble. Therefore, it’s fitting that October is dedicated to finding a cure for breast cancer and the 411 has compiled a list of events and organizations working towards this great cause. Here are some ways you can get involved this month.

Get Your Run On!

This Saturday, October 17, the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure® at Bayfront Park (301 North Biscayne Boulevard) takes place in Downtown Miami, anc includes a 5K Run/Walk and 1 Mile Fun Walk, Tot Run and Celebration.  The fun starts at 7:30 a.m. (registration at 6 a.m.) with an inspirational Survivor Procession and Ceremony. Whether you run, walk or stroll, (there’s even an option to sleep) you can make a difference.

Cost for the race is as follows:  5K Run/Walk ($27 by October 9; $30 by October 16; $35 on Race Day) One Mile Fun Walk ($27 by October 9; $30 by October 16; $35 on Race Day); Tot Run for ages 2-7 ($10 through Race Day); Sleep-In for the Cure ($27 through Race Day).

For more information, or to register for the race online, go to: http://www.komenmiaftl.org/ or call FootWorks at 305-666 -RACE (7223) for all Race related questions.

This year, a special local Race for the Cure® team has been formed named “Miles for Meredith & Brooke” in support of local girls, Meredith Israel, who will make an appearance with baby daughter, Niomi, and Brooke Pallot, who will also participate with daughter, Sora, in tow.  Team members are strongly encouraged to purchase a custom designed “Miles for Meredith & Booke” t-shirt to wear during the race.  This special team has gotten a slew of sponsors together and is even hosting a post-run party with food and cocktails after the race.

Contact race team co-captains: Jackie Mailhe, jackielisseth@gmail.com or Yami Alvarado, yami.alvarado@southbeachgroup.com to join the team, buy the special shirts and/or make donations.

Saks Key to the Cure

Saks Fifth Avenue Dadeland (7687 North Kendall Drive) will host the 2009 Key to the Cure charity-shopping weekend from October 15-18. A percentage of the weekend’s sales will benefit the new Baptist Health Breast Center. Saks Fifth Avenue Bal Harbour (9700 Collins Avenue) will participate in Key to the Cure by hosting an event alongside Sylvester’s Young Philanthropists in the cosmetics department on Saturday, October 17, from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. The $40 entry free will get you the limited edition Key to the Cure t-shirt and make-up by Dolce & Gabbana.  The party will feature entertainment, refreshments by Segafredo Bal Harbour, and goody bags with special gifts.  For more information contact Jeanne Kushner at jkushner@med.miami.edu or 305-243-9088

Saks will also offer a limited-edition Key to the Cure t-shirt designed by Michael Kors – for the entire month of October for $40 in Saks stores, Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5TH stores and on saks.com. Over 80% of the proceeds from each shirt sold will be donated to local charity partners. Supermodel Heidi Klum is the 2009 Ambassador for Saks Fifth Avenue’s Key to the Cure. In support of this program, Ms. Klum will appear in a national public service announcement (PSA) wearing the Michael Kors limited-edition t-shirt.

Pink Drinks

Two places where imbing is a good choice this month are the Gansevoort South and the Fontainebleau, where proceeds for specialty drinks go towards the cause. Plunge at the Gansevoort is serving the Pink Elephant – a fruity, pear vodka infused like cocktail, created by mixologist, Jay Law. For every drink sold, $1 of goes toward Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure in honor of our very own, Meredith Israel and Brooke Pallot. At the Fontainebleau, try the Pinkie Promise, a berry-pink, sweet concoction, with $1 of proceeds going towards finding a cure.

Bleau Goes Pink

Also at the Fontainebleau this month, all of the restaurants: Blade Sushi, Gotham Steak, Hakkasan and Scarpetta are offering the Bleau Goes Pink promotion: which includes a three course menu for only $39.00-talk about a value meal (less than 2 drinks at any club) and free valet parking. The best part is that $1.50 of each check goes toward Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Certain restrictions apply. For more details, go to: fontainebleau.com/pink.

Pink Cocktail Hour and Pink Auction

On October 24^th there will be a Main Street March through the streets of Miami Lakes, from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. (registration starts at 8:00) to show support for breast cancer awareness. Later that evening, The Spa at Shula’s will host the Pink Cocktail Hour and the Pink Auction from 7:00 to 9:00 pm. Participants can indulge in a variety of spa amenities, a signature Pink Cocktail and an assortment of hors d’oeuvres throughout the night. There will also be an auction, the proceeds of which will benefit the American Breast Cancer Foundation. For more information, contact: Barbara@prpeople.biz 786.303.8731.

Sweet Treats

Buttercream Cupcakes & Coffee (“Buttercream”) celebrates National Cupcake Day while paying homage to Breast Cancer Awareness Month this Sunday, October 18^th. Even the calorie conscious can make an exception as Buttercream’s will be giving away their all natural, trans-fat free cupcake minis.   Following the self indulgence, give back by picking up a to-go box of pink frosted chocolate and vanilla cupcakes ($2.75 each)-25 cents from each cupcake benefits the Susan G. Komen foundation. For more information, go to: www.buttercreamcupcakes.com.

Seems like Every Month is Hispanic Heritage Month

ESPN Deportes and the new Dolphins’ ownership celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month with a sophisticated gathering at Club 50 at Viceroy Miami on Sunday night. Dolphins Vice Chairman, Jorge Perez, hosted the party alongside Marc Anthony, Emilio Estefan, and ESPN Deportes General Manager, Lino Garcia. Guests included: singer/actress, Jennifer Lopez; Dolphins owner, Steve Ross; ESPN Deportes Monday Night commentators, Alvaro Martin and Raul Allegre, sideline reporter John Sutceliff; former Dolphins player, Nat Moore; former Mets player, Carlos Beltran; Dancing with the Stars’ Cristián De La Fuente; CSI Miami actress, Eva La Rue; and flautist Nestor Torres. The Latin celeb-infused event didn’t seem a whole lot different than any recent Dolphins game, being that most of the new minority-owners are, well, celebs and minorities. One of the evening’s highlights was a performance by Latin Grammy Award-winning Mexican pop-duo Jessie & Joy.

Coming Up:

Halloween is Wild

Start Halloweening early this year at Metro Zoo this Saturday, October 17 at the Monster Masquerade. For $65 per person, ($50 for ZSF members), which helps the Zoological Society of Florida in their mission of wildlife conservation and education, you get cocktails, food, costume contests and dancing.  The event is for adults, 21 and older, at Dr. Wilde’s Screamatorium and goes from 8 p.m. to midnight.   Tickets are available online at www.miamimetrozoo.com.

Signature Chefs

Start fasting folks, one of the premier events for those who love food and wine, (and let’s face it, who doesn’t?) takes over Jungle Island on Thursday, October 22.  The March of Dimes Signature Chefs & Wine Extravaganza will present stellar, local celebrity chefs, delicious food, a great variety of wines, and an array of fabulous auction items,with all proceeds benefiting the March of Dimes. Celebrity Honorary Chair Jackie Nespral of NBC 6 will emcee the event, which kicks off at 6:30 p.m. with an exclusive VIP Reception, followed by the eating extravaganza at 7:30.

Entertainment for VIP reception will include an instrumentalist from the New World Symphony.  In addition to countless culinary delights, guests will enjoy wines and champagnes from the world’s finest vineyards and distilleries, courtesy of Southern Wine and Spirits, as well as live and silent auctions.

Tickets for the event are $150 per person in advance, $175 per person at the door.  VIP tickets, which include the exclusive reception and extravaganza, cost $250 per person.  For more information, call (305) 477-1192 or visit www.marchofdimes.com/florida.

Celebrity Sightings:

Last Thursday, newly un-engaged, celebrity chef, Todd English, of Ft. Lauderdale’s Da Campo Osteria was seen dining with friends at Meat Market (insert cliché post break-up joke here). Watching “his Sox” play baseball, sipping on ice cold beer and noshing on Chef Sean Brasel’s Kobe beef sliders and the Caesar salad. Bernie Yuman was spotted at Meat Market on Saturday.

On Thursday night at LIV, Danny Wood, from NKOTB, (New Kids on the Block) and Indy Race Car sensation, Sarah Fisher, made an appearance at a celebration in honor of Susan G. Komen.

Her’s Race for the Cure party took place at Mandarin Oriental, on Friday, featuring Catt Sadler of E! News and E!’s Daily 10 and Indy Pro Series champion Alex “Pink” Lloyd who placed 8^th this past Saturday in Homestead.  A couple of days later, Sadler and beau, Brett Jacobsen, (CEO of Her pink energy drink) got engaged at the swank hotel.

At the Mondrian on Friday night, Muse and Better than Ezra were seen amidst a trendy crowd for the debut of photographer, Ben Watt’s, latest book, Lickshot. The book launch was held in conjunction with the release party for the Morgans Hotel Group CD No. 4, produced in collaboration with Musebox with cover art by Watts.

Saturday afternoon, popular Italian shoe designer, Giuseppe Zanotti, hosted an exclusive lunch and shoe signing at Saks Dadeland’s brand new shoe salon, 10022-SHOE. The handsome and friendly designer chatted with guests who bought out the store’s entire collection of Zanotti shoes! Not bad for one afternoon. Did someone say recession?

R & B singer, Mario, celebrated his album release on Sunday at LIV as female rap star, MC Lyte, celebrated her birthday. Mario serenaded Lyte with his rendition of “Happy Birthday.”

Naomi Campbell hung out with Marc Anthony and Jennifer Lopez at Club 50 on Monday before the Dolphins/Jets game.

If the shows at the Tents and Paris, the fashion world’s fabulous versions of Mardi gras and Carnaval combined, have left you fashionably jetlagged (even if only in your mind), you’ll be glad to know that we’re heating up the runways right in our own backyard. To boot, at least a few of these fashion fetes and shows are designed to benefit great causes not just to wear out the strip of that Black Card. Here’s to a stimulus plan that actually works, and is oh, so much fun!

One such fashion celebration was last week’s opening of the Carolina Herrera boutique in Bal Harbour followed by her runway presentation the next day. Making a pit stop in Miami in between her shows in New York and Paris, Herrera showcased her spring 2010 collection last Thursday, October 1^st, in support of the Guardian Angels, a branch of Jackson Memorial Foundation, which hosted its 11^th Annual Guardians of the Children luncheon at the InterContinental Hotel in downtown Miami. Herrera, who exudes a regal elegance which is personified by her designs and boutiques around the world, was on-hand to present a full runway fashion show, which was inspired by the intricate forms of woven Japanese baskets. The texture of the fabrics, the prints and the interlacing in the accessories are taken from patterns found in details of these baskets. Following the spectacular fashion show, the designer made a personal visit to Holtz Children’s Hospital where she met with all of the children, reviewing the sketches of budding designers and fans, as well as autographing teddy bears for the children to enjoy.

“It was wonderful to be able to show the spring collection to the Jackson Memorial Foundation’s Guardian Angels to benefit the Holtz Children’s Hospital. Children’s charities are so important to me. After the show I was taken for a tour of Holtz Children’s Hospital and the amazing medical facilities and I had the opportunity to meet the very impressive doctors and patients they help –the children were incredible. The whole experience was something really special to me.” Read the rest of this entry »

One special fashion celebration was last week’s opening of the Carolina Herrera boutique in Bal Harbour followed by her runway presentation the next day. Making a pit stop in Miami in between her shows in New York and Paris, Herrera showcased her spring 2010 collection last Thursday, October 1^st, in support of the Guardian Angels, a branch of Jackson Memorial Foundation, which hosted its 11^th Annual Guardians of the Children luncheon at the InterContinental Hotel in downtown Miami. Herrera, who exudes a regal elegance which is personified by her designs and boutiques around the world, was on-hand to present a full runway fashion show, which was inspired by the intricate forms of woven Japanese baskets. The texture of the fabrics, the prints and the interlacing in the accessories are taken from patterns found in details of these baskets. Following the spectacular fashion show, the designer made a personal visit to Holtz Children’s Hospital where she met with all of the children, reviewing the sketches of budding designers and fans, as well as autographing teddy bears for the children to enjoy.

“It was wonderful to be able to show the spring collection to the Jackson Memorial Foundation’s Guardian Angels to benefit the Holtz Children’s Hospital. Children’s charities are so important to me. After the show I was taken for a tour of Holtz Children’s Hospital and the amazing medical facilities and I had the opportunity to meet the very impressive doctors and patients they help –the children were incredible. The whole experience was something really special to me.”

VIPs in attendance at this year’s luncheon included: Carolina Ferreiro-Diaz, event chair, Cindy Davis Carr, this year’s Guardians of the Children Honoree, Shirley K. Fletcher, Honorary Chair, and committee members, Vivian Adrian, Mari Alarcon-Grimalt, Angela Andrade, Fanny Dascal, Silvia Rios Fortun, Alina Gallart, Fana Holtz, Aslynn Rivera, Marilyn Samlut and Gloria Sesana, along with Chris Riley, Alexia Echavarria, Lisa Pliner, Marlen Pernetti, Loretta Nunez, Rolando Rodriguez, President and CEO of Jackson Memorial Foundation and President and CEO of Jackson Health Systems, Dr. Eneida Roldan and Channel 10 anchor, Laurie Jennings, who served as emcee.

The previous night, Herrera celebrated the opening of her most recent boutique at Bal Harbour Shops with a standing-room only crowd. The event, which, by all accounts was packed to the hilt, was co-hosted by Maria Celeste Arraras and Lourdes Fanjul. Over 300 adoring fans including Emilia and Pepe Fanjul, artist Iran Issa-Khan, socialite Margarita Ziqq and jewelry designer Carole Seikaly packed the intimate 2000 square foot boutique, (that’s about 6.6 square feet per person, without a stitch or seat in the store) the Designers’ fourth free standing boutique to open in the United States boutique. Herrera donated 10% of the proceeds from boutique sales from Wednesday- Saturday to the Guardian Angels.

“I started doing this because I loved fashion,” she says.  “But I had no idea what it would become.” This goes to show that you just never know. On June 2, 2008, the Council of Fashion Designers of America honored Herrera with the Geoffrey Beene Lifetime Achievement Award. Herrera’s got numerous projects in the works, including new fragrances, a breast cancer awareness campaign, and her ongoing work as Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations.

By: Mary Jo Almeida-Shore

It seems as though we have been receiving an inordinate number of birthday invitations over the past couple of weeks. We can only surmise that the frigid January temperatures (about 75 in Miami but chillier points north) a few decades ago  resulted in extra canoodling for warmth among the parents of more than a few friends and local personalities, making for some fun and interesting birthday gatherings, to fete our favorite Libras. From Hadley Henriette’s Cuban-Chinese themed party, to Michael Valdes’ soiree in which the best-dressed guests received prizes, to Gino Campodonico’s outlandish Barbie-themed bash at the dollhouse, which featured Lady Gaga impersonator, Rosie Herrera, (who just received rave reviews for her directorial/producer debut with Various Stages of Drowning: A Cabaret performed earlier this year the Adrienne Arsht Center), Libras celebrate creatively.  Other locals celebrating their birthdays this month include: Katrina Campins, Navin Chatani, Erica Freshman, Michael Madd, Hassan Radouane and Angela Santopinto, all of whom hosted a Libra Zodiac party at Red, the Steakhouse on Wednesday.  More birthday parties are in the works for Michael Leonidas Kirkland, Vanessa Poskanzer, and Max Shore.

About Last Night…Dates, Nudies and Cheeks

It’s hard to resist a party named after one our favorite 80’s classics, About Last Night.  Enter Pacific Times’ celebrated chef, Jonathan Eismann, with provocatively named, scrumptious dishes such as the gnudi (pronounced “nudie,”) “dates” and “grouper cheeks” and we are hooked.  O.K., so the food names aren’t so funny in the cold light of day, but they were pretty amusing amidst the glam/hipster (which we’ve recently come to identify as any cute 20/30-something donning a fedora and/or decorative neck fabric) crowd that packed the Design District eatery for the weekly “About Last Night” party, which could be easily confused for the set of a photo shoot or show on the WB, except for the fact that food was present even though the model-types seemed to be more on a liquid diet (duh).  The premise behind the party is that guests spend the night Tweeting and updating their Facebook posts.  How this is different from any other party, fashion show, restaurant outing, date, movie watching, back scratching, driving experience…took us a minute to figure out. Turns out the party’s unique draw, aside from the hot crowd and outstanding food is that the event itself is a Facebook/Twitter “friend” so those who’ve enjoyed a few too many libations and/or suffer short-term memory loss can piece the night together the next morning. (Not necessarily a good thing.) Inaugural hosts Sean Drake and Michelle Leshem drew in a great crowd including Tara Solomon, Nick D’ Annunzio, Megan Harris, Sam Baum, David Glass, Jose Ortiz, Jacquelynn Powers, Eric Newill, Bill Kearney, Debbie Ohanian and Manny Hernandez.  It comes as no surprise that the outstanding food created by Eismann, which is served in style by adorable, friendly waiters resulted in a shout out for Pacific Time by Esquire Magazine as one of the “Best New Restaurants in the U.S.” To be blunt, and quote a fellow diner whom shall remain nameless, “Flavors of orgasmic proportions.”

Coming Up:

Ladies Lunch

Ladies Lunch was recently held at Smith & Wollensky, and offered a terrific opportunity to network with women from all different careers and occupations-not that we ever need a reason to “lunch.” At the gathering, each attendee brought materials and causes to share with the group during a 30-second introduction. Which brings us to our point: if you’re ever in need of a divorce attorney, life coach, or locksmith (certain situations may call for all three), Ladies Lunch is the place to make your connections. The next lunch will be held on Thursday, October 8, at La Goulue in Bal Harbour Shops and will feature Michelle Marchand, an expert in training and development, who will get the ladies involved and inspire the group to get motivated. The next Ladies Lunch South Beach will be held on Thursday, October 15. The SoBe Luncheon will feature guest speaker Pat Morgan of Smooth Sailing Success who will discuss Empowering Women to Be More, Create More Fun & Build Better Relationships. We highly encourage you to bring plenty of business cards. For more information, please contact events@m3events.net or 305-865-5733.

Perks for those in the Biz

A Fish Called Avalon’s executive chef, Brian Cantrell, invites those in the bar, nightclub, hotel and restaurant industries to experience the restaurant’s award-winning cuisine by offering specialty items including wine by the glass or bottle, beer, well cocktails and all signature appetizers at half off the menu price on Monday nights. The 20 year-old South Beach landmark offers modern American seafood with tropical influences and sleek minimalist décor.  It is open daily from 6:00-11:00 p.m. For restaurant reservations please call 305.532.1727.  Visit www.afishcalledavalon.com for more information.

Celebrity Sightings:

Rapper, Ludacris, was at Meat Market last week, celebrating his birthday and drinking his new cognac. Later in the week, Jared (of Subway fame) dined at Meat Market with five friends. He had the wedge salad and Kobe skirt steak. Sounds like that might be a great addition to the Subway menu. Sing it, 50…50 dollar foot-long!

Josh Groban hung out at W South Beach’s WALL nightclub on Friday night – showing up late with a group of friends. He took two tables and sipped on Grey Goose and Patron. Saturday night, Pete Wentz left his show in West Palm Beach to head down to LIV and DJ at the Ocean Drive Magazine Fall Fashion event for Chloe. Wentz asked party guest, Michael Jordan, for a photo but was denied by security.

Earlier on Saturday, Michael Jordan had dinner with Miami Heat/LA Lakers coach, Pat Riley, at Mr. Chow. Later on, Jordan visited Louis with his girlfriend, Miami girl, Yvette Prieto, where he was low-key, enjoying a bottle of Macallan’s 15 Year old Whisky and puffing on a stogie at a table across from the DJ booth, as his party danced around him and ordered cocktails. Generous as usual, Jordan over-tipped his waitress by $100 dollars.  On the same night, designers, Julian Chang and Karelle Levy along with reality star, Michael Cohen, celebrated Hadley Henriette’s birthday at her gorgeous North Bay home.

The Chapelle Show’s, Charlie Murphy, (fans, insert your Rick James impersonation here, “I’m Rick James, B$%ch”) enjoyed a quiet dinner at Houston’s Coral Gables on Sunday night.

Last, because of chronological order, NOT order of significance, former President, Bill Clinton, dined and enjoyed a cigar (how cliché) at Acqualina Resort & Spa on Tuesday night. The former President was served food from Il Mulino. According to the staff, he was extremely friendly.