People We Love Goes Mad

Cafeina goes “Mad” for Calix Gustav Gallery owner/curator Amanda Fernandez-Leon on Thursday, July 22 at 9 p.m. Fernandez-Leon opted for a Mad Men-inspired theme in honor of her favorite drama, the three-time Golden Globe winning show which premiers its 4^th season on AMC the following Sunday. In sync with the stylized and provocative series that follows Madison Avenue marketing executives in a 1960’s Manhattan, guests are encouraged to dress the part, read: plaid jackets, fedoras and skinny ties for the gents; along with cocktail dresses, white gloves, Jackie O. hairdos, and red lipstick for the ladies. The soirée will also feature complimentary period-inspired libations including Vodka Gimlets and the Tom Collins.  Don Draper look-alikes encouraged!

Ole!

Just when you thought South Florida couldn’t get any hotter, ONE Kitchen & Bar hosts a night of Passion & Flamenco that is sure to spice up any summer weeknight! On Wednesday, July 28^th   at 6 p.m., hotel guests and patrons are invited to an evening filled with live seductive Flamenco dance performances, while enjoying sultry Sangria cocktails and tapas.  Complimentary valet will be provided.  For more information go to   www.OneLuxuryHotels.com or call 305.455.5400.

Eat Up for a Great Cause 

For those of us that enjoy the experience of a culinary adventure, Share Our Strength’s 2010 Taste of the Nation Miami (2010 TOTN), is a foodie’s dream for a great cause.  Slated for Thursday, July 29 at Fairmont Turnberry Isle, longtime sponsor Whole Foods Market (WFM), announces a roster of top chef participants who will be conducting complimentary cooking demonstrations at their Aventura and Coral Gables stores every Tuesday in July from 7 to 8 p.m.  Each live cooking demo is free of charge and will last approximately one hour, including cooking and time for Q&A. This is a unique “sneak peak” of the astounding talent that TOTN Miami brings together to raise critical funds needed to help end childhood hunger. Making the demos even more exciting, all attendees will have a chance to win VIP entrance to 2010 TOTN Miami.  Two gift certificates for VIP entrance for two will be selected from a drawing of all attendees at the final demo at both stores on July 27.  Winners need not be present at drawing. To purchase tickets to this year’s Taste of the Nation event on July 29 at the Fairmont Turnberry Isle, call 1.877.26.TASTE or visit www.strengthflorida.org. General admission is $95 per ticket; VIP tickets are $195 each.

Kick-Off Party for Miami Spice
The Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau announces the first Miami Spice Kickoff Event & Fundraiser, to be held at the Miami Beach Convention Center in Hall D, on Saturday, July 31, from 7 to 10 p.m. which will showcase a sampling of delicious culinary specialties from Miami Spice participating restaurants, including: Michy’s, SRA. Martinez, BLT Steak, D. Rodriguez Cuba, Red -The Steakhouse, and Ocean Prime. A VIP reception, hosted by presenting sponsor American Express, and official sponsors Moët Hennessy USA and Stella Artois, will take place from 6 to 7 p.m. and will include an open bar and complimentary valet service.  Advance tickets, available now for purchase via TicketMaster are priced at $35 for general admission; $75 for the VIP reception. Tickets available at the door, will be priced at $50 for general admission; $100 for the VIP reception.  A portion of the proceeds will benefit Share Our Strength and Madison’s Wish.  For more information, contact: www.strengthflorida.org.

“LeBroyal” Treatment

 Seven Seas Spa & Salon at Newport Beachside Hotel and Resort welcomes Lebron James with a pampering package inspired by the Miami Heat’s newest superstar. The exclusive package features innovative combinations of spa, sport and lazy leisure at affordable prices that allow anyone to relax like an NBA superstar without requiring the salary of one.  The King James package includes a 30 minute signature massage, 25 minute “MAN”icure, 30 minute personal training session, 30 minute jet-ski rental, AVEDA gift package, and a six pack of beer all for $149.  The Spa is also offering The Heat is On massage specials including six, 60 minute massages for $350 and six, 30 minute massages for $200. For appointments call 305.749.2100 or visit www.newportbeachside.com for more information.

 Happy Hour at the Webster

 On Friday, The Webster will be launching happy hour on the Rooftop.   The blissful hours are from 6 to 10 p.m.  Drink specials include 2 for 1 house wine, beer, and call drinks. Complimentary hors d’oeuvres will be served until 8 p.m.  Guests will be treated to music spun by DJ Ethics.  Due to the lovely South Florida weather, Happy Hour at the Webster has been pushed to next Friday, July 30. 

Celebrity Sightings:                                        

The requisite slew of celebrities flocked to South Beach, creating quite the buzz on the sandy terrain during the swimsuit bonanza.  Front row at Mercedes-Benz Presents Designer, Trina Turk’s show:  a very mature and quite handsome Bow Wow with his gorgeous on and off girlfriend Angela Simmons, daughter of famed Rev Run and niece of music/fashion mogul Russell Simmons. That same evening John Legend  and Christine Teigen, were spotted enjoying Grey Goose cocktails and socializing with Lance Bass at the Gansevoort rooftop for the Ocean Drive/Irina Shayk cover party. At the Bank United Center, Latin celebrities: Shakira, Juanes, Pitbull, and Selena Gomez took the stage for the 7^th Annual “Premios Juventud” presented by Univision.

On Friday, Lance Bass and Pheobe Price were front and center at the Ed Hardy 2011 Swimwear show, where Corde “Spank” Broadus, a.k.a. Snoop Dogg’s son, walked the runway, for the debut of his modeling career.  Over at Plunge, Entourage’s “Mrs. Ari Gold”,   Perrey Reeves took to the catwalk in support of good friend and designer Michelle Jonas.  Reeves wore a white and gold Grecian dress which was custom made just for her.  The Kardashian Sister Trio: Kim, Khloe, and Kourtney, along with teen queen Selena Gomez, made an appearance at the Beach Bunny Swimwear Show.  The “Dash” sisters presented pieces created for their collection.  W Hotels Global Fashion Director, Amanda Ross, and UK-based swimwear designer, Melissa Odabash, hosted a private dinner in a W South Beach Hotel & Residences penthouse to celebrate the designer’s swim week show, as well as her exclusive pieces for the soon-to-debut W Vieques Global Glam Resort Collection. A group of select VIPS – including actress Lindsay Price (of Lipstick Jungle fame), designer and model India Hicks, Frederic Dechnik and Laure Heriard of The Webster, Paul Bacardi and Food Network star, Ingrid Hoffman, LA socialites Jill Roberts & Sarah Emaunuel, Dee Poon, Susanne Birbragher, Vogue LatinoAmerica’s Eva Hughes, and Ocean Drive’s Suzy Buckley– sipped Grey Goose Vodka cocktails and champagne while W’s Global Music Director, Michaelangelo L’Acqua, spun tunes from the recently launched

 Symmetry CD.  At WET and WALL, The Daily celebrated the kick-off party for Mercedes-Benz Fashion Swim 2011. Spotted at W South Beach this weekend, for WALL’s one-year anniversary party, which coincided with the birthday celebration for Jilian Sanz,  Florida International Magazine’s fashion editor: Lorenzo Martone, Lance Bass, Jessica White, Tori Praver, Julie Henderson, Dennis Rodman, and Wilmer Valderrama. Grammy award winner Mya and Apprentice season 5 winner, Sean Yazbeck, along with favorite local celebrities Belkys Nerey, Mario Vergel, and Louis Aguirrre attended the Carrera Sunglass Escape Soiree hosted by Solstice Sunglasses Boutique. Gloria Estefan was spotted enjoyed dinner at Zuma Miami.

At the Seminole Hard Rock and Casino, basketball icon, and one of the Three Kings for the Miami Heat, Dwyane Wade, made a rare public appearance on the red carpet with girlfriend and actress, Gabrielle Union. The couple joined Alonzo Mourning during Summer Groove Comedy Jam. The show featured comedians: George Wilborn, Damon Williams, Gary Owen, Tyler Perry, and Red Grant.

On Saturday, super model Hilary Rhoda attended The One Group’s LifeStyle Retreat Lounge during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Swim Week.

Girl Next Door Kendra Wilkinson was also in Miami Beach at the LifeStyle Retreat Lounge for the signing appearance of her new book Sliding Into Home and took a break to satisfy her craving for STK’s Lil Big Macs.

On Sunday, the Neon Trees had an exclusive performance at the W South Beach before jumping into the pool when the rain started coming down!

With Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim in full force, EPIC Hotel played host its fair share of celebs including Brandon Marshall, Wide Receiver for the Miami Dolphins, Chris Johnson, of the Tennessee Titans, Mike Walker, of the Jacksonville Jaguars, and Boyz 2 Men front men Wayne Morris and Shawn Stockman.  DJ Clue, a.k.a. Ernesto Shaw was also a guest at EPIC. 

Swim Week Edition

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim returns for the sixth year to celebrate all-things steamy, sexy and swim with five days of runway shows.  The annual fashion showcase, which takes over the Raleigh from July 15-19 is the world’s leading swimwear designer platform-and it happens here, in our own backyard.  While the shows at the Raleigh are private, the Gansevoort Miami Beach is taking part in their in the festivities to bring you top-tier designer fashions. Other accessible shows, brought to you by Funkshion, will take place at the Setai. Visit http://funkshion.com/ for more information. To view a recap of last year’s Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim, click: https://miamisocialholic.com/07/skin/.

Take the Plunge at the Gansevoort

On Friday, designer Christian Audigier, showcases the tattoo-inspired Ed Hardy collection with a pool party from 12 to 4 p.m.  That evening,  Michelle Jonas Travelwear will unveil its Spring 2011 collection as  Perrey Reeves, aka Entourages’ ”Mrs. Ari Gold”, will take the catwalk as the show’s celebrity model .  The show begins at 10:30 p.m.  On Saturday, True Religion Swimwear takes the stage and  hosts  a pool party from 12:00 to 4:00 p.m.  And on Sunday, Miami’s own Lourdes “Luli” Hanimian and brother-in-law Augusto Hanimian, will celebrate the Luli Fama 2011 fashion show after party at Coco de Ville.  All of these events are open to the public, for more information and a complete listing of events contact Jackie Mailhe at Jackie@taraink.com.

Webster Pro Surf Shop

On Thursday, the posh Webster Boutique along with fenom Modern will convert its first floor into a modern day Pro Surf Shop.  The Boutique will debut  hard-chosen pieces from exclusive surf inspired gear, ready-to-wear accessories, art, and boards from many brand name designers (portion of the proceeds benefit the Surfrider Foundation).   The event is from 7pm -9pm, RSVP is required at surf@thewebstermiami.com . 

On Friday, the Webster will present the Matthew Williamson Pop-Up Shop from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. to RSVP and for more information contact:  edison.l@quintessentially.com.

Dog Days of Summer

The Village of Merrick Park (358 San Lorenzo Ave) invites you to Doggy Days of Summer throughout July and August. Bring your pooch to The Garden at the Village of Merrick Park and enjoy special promotions and doggy treats at select retailers and restaurants. Receive a complimentary professional photo of your four-legged friend with a purchase of $25.00 or more. With a $5 donation enter your pooch in the doggy parade and receive a complimentary bandana. All proceeds will benefit the Humane Society of Greater Miami, which will be taking part in the kick-off with an adopt-a-thon on site. The doggy parade will begin at 3:00 pm in The Garden. Prizes will be awarded for top 3 categories: 1. Best attire 2. Best owner/dog look alike 3. Best personality.   Doggy Days will be held on the following dates:  Sunday July 18^th, 25^th and August 1^st from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m.  For more information visit: http://www.villageofmerrickpark.com/.

The Dynamic Trio, better known as: Wade, Bosh, and James, were spotted all around Miami, following the spectacular news for the Miami Heat.   Sightings started out on Thursday night at the W Hotel’s Mr. Chow.  Chris Bosh held a private dinner and viewing of LeBron James’ big decision. Guests in attendance included Bosh’s family and friends, Director Michael Bay, Senator Chris Smith, Recording Industry heavy weight Steve Rifkind, and  Congressman Kendrick Meek to name a few.

Fher Olvera

On Friday night, the Trio, accompanied by Udonis Haslem were joined by the Rileys and Arisons, at Prime Hotel & Lounge, Prime 112’s hot, new location on Miami Beach, toasting to the team’s future success with a round of fenom Modern Absinthe. 

Coach Erik Spolstra was also spotted out and about on Friday night at South Miami’s RA Sushi.  Spolstra arrived with a large group and enjoyed a late dinner celebrating the Heat’s newest additions.  James had lunch at Garcia’s seafood restaurant over the weekend. He even took the time to go in the kitchen to thank “Mama Garcia” who had sent over some of her special dishes for James to enjoy.

Fher Olvera, the lead singer from Mana, was at Morena on Saturday night with a group of friends drinking and having a good time well past 3:00 a.m.

Sanford Ziff, Lucie Arnaz, and Harry (K.C.) Wayne Casey

By:  Mary Jo Almeida-Shore

It was the “GOOOOAAAAL!” heard around the world, followed by an “OLE!” that continues to resound in the ears, minds and hearts many Latin-Americans for whom Spain is considered “La Madre Patria.”  The World Cup victory marked the culmination of a month-long celebration of the ethnic diversity so prevalent in Miami.  This week in particular showcased such diversity with the presentation of Babalu at the Adrienne Arsht Center and the opening of the Drexel Irish Pub, located on Espanola Way, which, interestingly opened on Bastille Day! Talk about a “cultural kaleidoscope.”

Babalu: We’re “HOME!”

One of the highlights of the week was  Babalú – A Tribute to the Music of Desi Arnaz, at the Arsht Center for the Performing Arts, created by and starring Arnaz’s daughter, Lucie Arnaz; son, Desi Arnaz Jr. and Broadway heavyweights: Raúl Esparza and Valarie Pettiford. Read the rest of this entry »