
Michael Shore, Ivette Naranjo and "birthday girl" Mary Jo Shore at Cafeina
Birthdays can be stressful, especially for Geminis, who take them way too seriously- wanting to do too many (often opposing) things at once to celebrate. So for one Gemini in particular, it seemed fitting that the perfect place to honor the annual calendar date would be one, which much like those who share the Zodiac sign, is really lots of different places-all in one. What better space than a clubby yet “chill” lounge/restaurant/loft/outdoor terrace/garden/art gallery, serving the best food this side of anywhere? You know the place, it’s tucked away in a little crook of Wynwood, known only to those in the know- those who read the 411, and 944, and the Herald and the New Times, and Black Book…well you get it. Of course we are talking about Cafeina– where owner, Ivette Naranjo hosted one of your favorite local columnist’s birthdays on Friday night. The birthday coincided with Cafeina’s monthly “Eh Team!” Canadian nu disco-themed night and featured Canadian-Miamian musical duo Ess & Emm (Sasha Lauzon and Michelle Leshem) on the turntables, an accessory showcase by H.O.W.L. (Handle Only With Love), which raffled off several one-of-a-kind pieces, specialty cocktails, and an array of Executive Chef Guily Booth’s delectable treats, including: Sea bass, crab cakes, Manchego-chorizo stuffed bacon-wrapped dates, and Kobe sliders. YUM!
And speaking of eclectic, the crowd was a mix of socialites, locals, hipsters, party people –and all of the above- including: Tara Solomon, Danny and Merle Weiss, Sam Robin, D. Ashlee Harrison, Michael Kirkland, Marnie Howard, Todd Davis, Manny Hernandez, Mariana Loumiet, Jipsy, Bill Kearney, Michelle Leshem, Sean Drake, Maxwell Blandford, Erica Freshman, Spring Keys, Adriana Aragon, Omar Dewindt, Gino Campodonico, Joseph Quinones, DJs Laura and Amber, Kiki Valdes, Aramis Lorie, and about 500 of the birthday girl’s family and friends, including fellow Socialholics, Maryanne Salvat and Joe Almeida.
Cafeina (which is Spanish for caffeine) is said to “relieve fatigue, stimulate the senses and heighten the mood.” This is true for the lounge as well- the ideal place to take the stress out of yet another 25th birthday celebration.