Happy Birthday Lucky Strike!

by: Mary Jo Shore

One of the advantages of the slow summer months is that we get to enjoy local spots and events that often get overlooked during the busy social season. Take Lucky Strike Lanes and Lounge, which just celebrated its fifth anniversary last Thursday. While South Beach is not typically hailed as a bowling destination, Lucky Strike has been attracting locals and celebs for half a decade, thanks to its cool vibe, great music, delicious food and excellent service.  Last Thursday’s party was a combination of all of the above, where more than 250 guests were treated to a ’50s pinup-themed party, which featured a photo booth, temporary tattoos by Ocho Placas, and old school tunes by DJ Di Marco spun old school tunes,  and of course, bowling.

The servers, made-up to resemble the likes of Bettie Page compliments of Miller’s Hair Studio, served up signature dishes including mac and cheese bites, bacon wrapped scallops, key west skewers, and pizza. Guests also enjoyed a a mini burger buffet and over-sized birthday cake, along with 1950s-inspired cocktails by Sailor Jerry, Jim Beam Red Stag and Crystal Head Vodka.

Guys and dolls created their own sliders with a mini-burger buffet and enjoyed passed appetizers of Lucky Strike signatures including  The evening benefitted the Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital with a silent auction that included custom-painted bowling pins designed by Ocho Placas, Ice-Watch timepieces; skincare products by SLEEKSKin; South Florida Boxing memberships; fragrances and apparel by True Religion and Ed Hardy; Miami International Wine Fair tickets; art classes at Art Center/South Florida; hotels and restaurant gift certificates and more. 

 Garden of Esvedra Masquerade Ball for Falling Whistles

Last Friday, former Prime 112 restaurateur Nelson Fox, opened up his waterfront manse for Esvedra furniture sculptor, Metis Tarta-Steck’s masquerade gala in celebration of her newest line, with proceeds of all sales going to Falling Whistles: A Campaign for Peace in the Congo. Fox’s home was transformed into Casa Esvedra, a pop-up gallery showcasing Steck’s gorgeous pieces, all of which were for sale. More than 700 guests wandered through the home, enjoying the sounds of a violin and cello, performing classical renditions of pop favorites, hors d’oeuvres, compliments of Segafredo, Zacapa Rum cocktails, and cotton candy for that small hint of “sweet” on a hot summer night. 

The Falling Whistles Campaign aims to cease the world’s largest and gravest war in the Congo. As an active contributor to this noblest of causes, Metis debuted an exclusive Swarovski embellished table for the organization during the ball.  To donate to Falling Whistles, visit: www.fallingwhistles.com. 

Dexter’s Killer Release Party

 Gearing up for its fifth season, the cast from the Showtime sensational hit series Dexter celebrated the fourth season Blu-ray and DVD release at The National Hotel Miami Beach on Saturday. Based in Miami, the Emmy-nominated show was celebrated with a sizzling South Beach party featuring models wrapped in cellophane and police tape, a dead guy (o.k. really a cute model-pretty good gig, huh?) floating in the pool, themed cocktails and lots of props, including four cabanas depicting gory crime scenes. Cast mates, David Zayas, Lauren Velez and C.S. Lee were terrific hosts, posing for photos, mingling with guests and dancing to music by DJ Jason Vernau.

Unfortunately, Michael C. Hall, who plays Dexter, the serial killer who kills serial killers- making the practice almost acceptable-was unable to attend. ​David Zayas, better known as the “macho” Detective Angel Batista, who was a cop for 15 years, was extremely outgoing, especially with the female guests at the party. After lots of tequila, delicious munchies and dancing, Zayas, Velez and Lee went for a late-night bite at STK Miami.