Last Wednesday, Chef Michael White of Marea, Alto and Convivio in NYC and Ken Oringer of Clio, Uni, Coppa, Toro and La Verdad in Boston, both in town for the SoBe Wine & Food Festival, enjoyed dinner, margaritas and live music at El Scorpion’s Wednesday night Mexicali Blues party. The next night, Enrique Iglesias and Anna Kournikova had dinner at El Scorpion with a few friends ordering practically everything on the menu.
Eva Longoria and Emilio Estefan joined power couple and BFFs, JR and Loren Ridinger for a power lunch at Bongos Cuban Cafe on Friday to meet about the creation of the American Latino Museum, as per President Obama’s appointment. When asked about the lunch, JR Ridinger commented, “There was a special electricity in the room during the luncheon conference. Eva and Emilio are both so amazing and people feel so great around them, because they are so down to earth and normal and they were gathered together for a common cause.” Loren Ridinger added, “It was great being with Eva and Emilio because they set an amazing example for Latinos and make sure their voice is heard. I love them both because they work so many hours to do so much for so many people and they operate the same way when it comes to their friends. There has never been a time where I couldn’t call on either for anything.” We trust President Obama will concur.
Mr. Chow Miami served as a respite for top toques during SBWFF, including: David Burke, Sam Talbot, Daniel Boulud, and Todd English who dined at the South Beach hot spot.
On Saturday night, a slew of celebs and VIPs turned up for The Blacks’ Annual Gala hosted by Lea and Roy Black, including Grammy Award-Winning Artist Natalie Cole, Paulina Rubio, and Rick Ross, all of whom performed. Notable gala guests included Florida Governor Charlie Crist and first lady Carole Crist, Gloria and Emilio Estefan, Bobby Flay, Ana Cristina, Helio Castroneves, Joe Francis, Lennox Lewis, Alonzo Mourning and wife Tracy Mourning, Evelyn Lozado, Romero Britto, Maria Conchita Alonso, Alto Reed, DJ Irie, DJ Tracy Young, EJ Viso and Ron Duprat. Sean Penn dropped by LIV at the Fontainebleau for a bit, during the after party for the Black gala. We promise a full-story and lots of gala photos for next week’s fix.