By:  Mary Jo Almeida-Shore

In South Beach where it’s perpetually New Year’s Eve,  you will find an onslaught of places to pop your bottles in the ice and get “snizzled and sizzled” as the clock strikes 12 and you usher in 2011, albeit at 1000% mark-up.  We trust that you have been eating your Wheaties, taking your vitamins and have stashed away some cash to blow on the big night, so we are providing you with a short list of parties that may actually be worth said cash.  After all, is two months’ salary too much to spend on the most fun night you won’t remember? Happy New Year! 

Bringing much needed New York sparkle to the Delano this year are famed New Yorkers Susanne Bartsch and Patricia Field, (yes, THE Sex and the City stylist) with their Modern Royal Court for the perennial NYE star studded count down to 2011. This Royal Court will pull some ingenious creative stunts, to justify the hefty ticket price and front door thrashers to thwart off the inevitable crashers. Lucky partygoers who obtain access will be treated to six different themes on the fully transformed beach front property including the Patricia Field Lobby Lounge, the Clans in the Court, Harlots in the Orchard, Disco Dungeon in The Florida Room, Swan Lake at the Pool and the Bloody Mary Beach Bar.  Count down to 2011 will be brought in by the voice in drag Joey Arias’ midnight musical expressions and water impressions of Swan Lake at the pool and Bloody Mary Beach Bar.  Bartsch is known to provide the unexpected so anticipate other live performances and surprises. The party begins at 9 pm, with an open bar from 9 pm to 1am.  To purchase tickets which cost $325 call 305.674.6152 or visit: Nye.delano@morganshotelgroup.com.

New York party maker, Alan Philips of the Sky Group along with our beloved Alan-  (Roth that is  and David Schulman, Josh Shames, Tommy Pooch and Mondrian in South Beach will present a celebration, for those looking for something a bit more “authentic” this New Year’s Eve at the Mondrian on West Avenue.  Philips and the gang invite you to, “Eschew your need for commercial indulgence, and join us as we welcome downtown Manhattan to South Beach.”  NYE at the Mondrian with host Chloe Sevigny and will feature musical performances by Andrew Wyatt of Miike Snow and the sounds of DJ Paul Sevigny and The Misshapes. This party will be topped off with an awesome fireworks display where the rockets burst just over guests’ heads as well as a sweeping view of the Miami skyline and the many other fireworks displays throughout the city- making this venue one of the best spots for watching the Magic City’s sky become lit up with beautiful colors and sounds to signal the end/beginning of the calendar year. Partygoers will be able to do some wrist curls at the open bar from 9pm to 1am. Tickets go for $300.  To get yours, visit: www.newyearseve.morganshotelgroup.com<http://www.newyearseve.morganshotelgroup.com.

One party we told you to put on your radar a while back was the much-buzzed about celeb-fest happening at the W South Beach.  Grammy nominated recording artist, Drake, will be ringing in the New Year with a live performance at Wet to be followed by more fun at WALL with New York-based DJs, 4AM Phresh, Sinatra and Jacomino. For last minute tickets go to:  www.wmiami2011.com     

If you are interested in nightclub adventures, consider the Opium Group’s lineup which features something for everyone. From a Pink Everything bash at Mansion, to a Playboy party with Lil Jon at Cameo, to the “Don’t Tell My Booker” party at SET and parties at Mokai and Opium Hard Rock, the themes seem to run the gamut. Get more information and buy tickets at www.theopiumgroup.com/nye2011/special.

For hassle-free action off of South Beach consider heading to Cafeina in Wynwood where there will be no door drama, cover charge or line, all at the same price we’ve come to love the other 364 days of the year.  Cafeina’s cool vibe will be the chill choice for NYE.  This Wynwood location will be welcoming the New Year with a live feed of Times Square and the Ball Drop on the Garden Wall.  Sounds will be played by DJ Troy Kurtz and A Train.   Reasonable bottle service specials include two bottles of Kettle One for $250.  The party begins at 9 pm and goes to 5 am.  

Celebrity Sightings:

Kevin Bacon and wife Kyra took their two children, Travis and Sosie to Eden South Beach-owned by one of New York’s Top Master chefs, Christopher Lee.

Last week, our favorite swashbuckler Johnny Depp, a Miramar native, snuck into Sun Life Stadium via police escort to cheer on the Miami Dolphins (Who knew he was a Dolphin fan??!!) The gorgeous and talented actor provided eye candy for the disappointed Dolphin fans.  Depp is reportedly a lifelong fan who wears his Dolphin socks every day.