Valentine’s Bidding  on CharityBuzz.com

Want a chance to shower your loved one with a fabulous Valentine’s Day gift?  CharityBuzz.com gives you an opportunity to support the local Miami non-profit Gene Spotlight by bidding on everything from taking your sweetie to a concert to meeting  country superstar Keith Urban (who’s married to Nicole Kidman), to experiencing the Dolphin Odyssey Experiences at Miami Seaquarium, where you and your guest get to swim with the Dolphins.  Bidding ends at noon, on Thursday, February 10. Happy bidding!  

Happy Birthday SET!

Join Stacy and Eric Milon, Michael Capponi, and Laurent Bourgade as they present a birthday party like no other.  Celebrate four years of revelry with internationally acclaimed celebrity DJ, Bob Sinclar; Alex Gaudino,   and Kim Fai.   The festivities begin at 11 p.m. on Friday, February 11, through   Sunday, February 13.  For more information or to purchase tickets visit   www.setmiami.com.

New at Lords

Lords South Beach,  launches two new events this weekend! On Friday, February 11, from 5 to 8 p.m., Lords will introduce its new weekly happy hour, “Bottoms Up,” to all hotel guests and those who love a stiff, but inexpensive cocktail after a long week at work. Everyone will enjoy $4 drinks and tantalizing small plate specials from the hotel’s restaurant, Cha Cha Rooster. Vintage vinyl tunes, 80s hits and Motown classics will be playing throughout the night to set the mood for the weekend. On Saturday, February 12, Lords, along with the ever-popular Edison Farrow’s SoBe Social Club will launch “Plastic,” a new monthly soirée celebrating the beauty of South Beach culture. Guests are invited to enjoy complimentary Finlandia vodka cocktails from 10:30  to 11:30 p.m. and dance the night away to the beats of NYC DJ Vito Fun (Splash, Griffin, Fire Island). Plastic begins at 10:30 p.m. inside of Cha Cha Rooster. Guests who don’t want the fun to end are encouraged to take advantage of Lords’ Valentine’s Day hotel package starting on Feb. 11. Each guest who books two nights will receive a third night for free. This offer also includes a welcome bottle of champagne and complimentary couple’s breakfast in bed. For reservations, call 877.448.4754 or visit www.lordssouthbeach.com. 

 Heart Celebrations

The Mandarin Oriental (500 Brickell Key Drive) is celebrating American Heart month this February by donating the proceeds from the sale of select Ehlers Estate wines served at its restaurants- Azul and Café Sambal to the Leducq Foundation for cardiovascular research.  There will be a tasting party on Friday, February 11 at the hotel’s Azul Champagne Bar from 6:30-8:30 p.m., where guests can enjoy hors d’oeuvres paired with Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon “1886,” and a Cabernet Sauvignon blend called “One Twenty Over Eighty” – all crafted by Kevin Morrisey of Ehlers Estate.  During the party, a gift will be made to the Miami chapter of the American Heart Association.  Tickets cost $30 per person.  For more information call 305.913.8386 or email aspang@mohg.com.

Heart Ball

The American Heart Association presents its Heart & Stroke Ball, this Saturday, February 12, at the stunning and shiny-new JW Marriot Marquis Miami (345 Avenue of the Americas). Festivities get underway at 6:30 p.m. with a cocktail reception and silent auction followed by a dinner program and brief stage presentation beginning at 8:00 p.m. and dancing throughout the evening.  Proceeds raised will help fund lifesaving research, education and community programs. Currently, more than $5.6 million have been reinvested into the South Florida community, funding highly meritorious research projects.  Tickets cost $1, 000.  For more information, call 305.631.4759 or visit www.heart.org/miamiheartball.

Paredes   Fine Art Gallery Unveiled

Fresh from his successful Art Basel Miami Beach 2010 exhibitions and events, Miami-based pop and multi-media artist, Miguel Paredes will unveil the new  Paredes Fine Art Gallery, on Saturday, February 12 from 7:00 to 11:00 p.m. coinciding with the neighborhood’s monthly “2nd Saturdays Art Walk.”  The new 5,500 square foot gallery located at 173 NW 23^rd Street is a distinct upgrade in size compared to Paredes’ former 1,700 square foot space around the block. The new gallery will be home to the artist’s previous popular works, a small retail boutique featuring his art and colorful merchandise, as well as revisited pieces from his 90s collections such as Boroughs, Urban Dreams, New York Stories and Culture in a Bag. In addition, Paredes will reveal his first functional 3D interior mural-wrapped room entitled Brownstone Lounge.   Guests will enjoy music spun by international Buddha Lounge DJ, Sam Popat and local DJ, Ari X, along with complimentary “Sapphire Dhiva” signature cocktails sponsored by Bombay Sapphire, Heineken art bars and Appleton Rum drinks. Light fare will be provided by Vinyl & Kai, Miss Yip, National Hotel Miami Beach, Kind Healthy Snacks and Sweet Street petite desserts. Guests should confirm their attendance by emailing: RSVP@miguelparedes.com.

Liquid Courage and Love Bites at RA Sushi South Miami

On Sunday, February 13, from 8 p.m. to midnight, RA Sushi in South Miami will host a Valentine’s Day Meet Market where singles can strut  their stuff and peruse the selection of South Miami’s finest bachelors and bachelorettes in the red hot sea of singles. Mr. and Mrs. Right are invited to take a dose of “liquid courage” with their choice of specialty beverages ranging from an Icebreaker ($4) and Love Potion #9 ($6) to a Rum-antic ($6) as well as enjoy “love bites” including Me-so Hungry Soup ($2), R-eel Love Roll ($4), Cupid Crunch Roll ($5), Hey Toots-y Maki ($5), a Draggin’ Me Down Roll ($6), and some RAckin’ Shrimp ($7).  And if one’s stomach isn’t the way to his heart, Cupid will be on-site to make introductions while a guest DJ spins heart-pounding beats. For more information visit RA online at www.RAsushi.com.

Cheers to Chef Michael Schwartz

James Beard Award-winning chef, Michael Schwartz, presents the   debut of his cookbook , MICHAEL’S GENUINE FOOD: Down-to Earth Cooking for People Who Love to Eat, on-sale nationwide on February 15.  Schwartz will celebrate his book launch  by traveling to New York City for a series of promotional events including: a dinner at the James Beard House on Thursday, February 17 at 7:00 p.m., and an evening as guest chef at chef Jimmy Bradley’s kitchen at The Harrison on Friday, February 18, with Food & Wine magazine.  After an appearance on the CBS Early Show on Saturday, February 19 at 8:00 a.m., he returns to Miami that evening for his first official South Florida signing at Books & Books, 265 Aragon Avenue in Coral Gables at 7:00 p.m.  Free and open to the public, with a potluck party featuring a parade of dishes from the book prepared by local devotees and restaurant regulars, live jazz, and drinks found in the book, the event will bear the hallmarks of the Michael’s Genuine experience – community and great food.

Miss Yip Yip Hooray!

On Friday, February 18, the owners of the Prive Group and Miss Yip Chinese Café in South Beach are thrilled to announce the official grand opening of the distinguished Chinese eatery’s second location, 900 Biscayne Boulevard in Downtown Miami. The ribbon cutting ceremony begins at 4 p.m. with a ceremony by Mayor Tomas Regalado and Commissioner Marc Sarnoff.  Guests are invited to enjoy complimentary cocktails and Chinese delights from 4 to 7 p.m., with music by DJ Ethics. To RSVP for the grand opening event visit missyip@cm-publicrelations.com or call 305.358.0088.

By:  Mary Jo Almeida-Shore

Maryjoshore@aol.com

The New World Symphony held its official housewarming party to celebrate its new home in the shiny new architectural marvel designed by Frank Gehry last week with much fanfare by way of nightly concerts, a picnic on the lawn and grand opening gala.  On Tuesday, January 25, guests were invited to the first official concert in the hall followed by cocktails on the lawn for the inauguration of the state of the art external video wall, SoundScape and premier of Chronograph, a NWS-commissioned video mural on the New World Center’s projection wall by artist and filmmaker Tal Rosner and artist C.E.B. Reas.  Throngs of guests and passers-by gathered to enjoy the party on the front lawn of the building -which is actually a city park.  Invited guests were given a picnic mat, boxed dinner, and free flowing cocktails and invited to partake in the celebration on the grass or the picnic tables while enjoying the video installations and later dancing to the Latin sounds of the band Tiempo Libre.   Read the rest of this entry »

Barry Manilow

Ben Silverman, former co-chairman of NBC Entertainment and Universal Media Studios, was spotted at Soho Beach House during the National Association of Television Program Executives (NATPE) at a party last Tuesday night. Silverman is known for having produced such shows as The Office, Ugly Betty, The Tudors, and The Biggest Loser. Silverman was joined by his father, famed composer Stanley Silverman. Also in the House, John Walsh, Chris Bosh, Jon Feltheimer, CEO of Lionsgate and various other TV execs.

Britney Spears stayed at the Newport Beach Hotel and Resort, along with boyfriend, Jason Trawick. The couple was for in town for a wedding over the weekend and spent some time partying at LIV on Friday night.

Barry Manilow belted out some of his greatest hits this weekend at the Bank United Center in Coral Gables. Fanilows were overwhelmed with emotion throughout the performance as they stood up and sang along to many classic hits. Even though Manilow is in his late sixties, the timeless entertainer put on quite the show.

by: Maryanne Salvat

Rally for Kids at STK  

On Thursday, February 3, join The ONE Group’s STK Miami at Gansevoort Miami Beach as they dish out some stiff competition for a poker and pool tournament in honor of Rally for Kids with Cancer Foundation, encouraging locals to help kids in Miami fight cancer.  From 7 pm to 9 pm, STK Miami will be offering guests complimentary cocktails courtesy of GREY GOOSE vodka to pair with light bites from a special “game night” menu prepared by executive chef Ralph Pagano.  Seats can be purchased at www.rallyforkids.com for a donation of $75 and all proceeds will benefit the Rally for Kids with Cancer Foundation.  The chips will begin to fall at 7 pm sharp and with enticing grand prizes at stake, at 10 pm – winners take all.  For more information call 305.604.6832 or visit www.theonegroup.com/stkmiami.  

Happy Chinese New Year! 

Miss Yip will ring in the Chinese New Year and the Year of the Rabbit at both of their locations in Miami Beach and Downtown on Thursday, February 3.  At their newly opened outpost at 900 Biscayne Boulevard in Downtown Miami, guests are invited to come early and stay late as they host a three day celebration, from Thursday through Saturday, with lion dances each evening, DJ’s, great food and drink specials. Prix fixe menus for large parties will be available. Their original Lincoln Road locale at 1661 Meridian Avenue is celebrating the New Year & introducing Shanghai Nights, an amazing evening beginning at 10:30pm full of performers, Asian costumes, lion dances & more. Patrons can indulge themselves in the spectacular atmosphere and dance to the music of DJ’s Daisy D and Jenni Foxx under the red light colors of Asia. Complimentary hors d’oeuvres will be served. Miss Yip, Downtown location,  Thursday, February 3 through Saturday, February 5, and Miami Beach location Thursday, February 3, at 10:30pm.

Angels at Vita by Baoli

On Thursday, February 3, join Angel Squads as they launch the latest European trend on South Beach at Vita by Baoli.   Angel Squads, a new Miami Beach-based promotional agency, is the first U.S. company to utilize this European concept of incorporating massage into nightlife. Angel Squads’ team of trained Massage Angels (read: hot girls in black leggings and white corsets) can now be found at numerous nightclubs and restaurants in South Beach including: Coco de Ville, Philippe, Rok Bar, SET, Tantra and WALL. The girls offer 10 minute relaxing chill neck, shoulder and Indian head massages. The service is free to the venue and customers are only asked to tip the Angels whatever they feel the massage is worth.   Vita is graciously offering complimentary cocktails and light bites by Executive Chef Marc Debas from 8 to 10 PM, and international mix-master DJ N’DY will provide beats for the evening. Angel Squads founders will also be on-site to formally introduce the entire team of Angels (20+). RSVP for the event is recommended at angelsquads@taraink.com. For more information on Angel Squads, visit www.angelsquads.com.

Chinese New Year at Café Sambal

On Saturday, February 5,  from 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m., join the Mandarin Oriental for a Chinese New Year celebration.  Guests will enjoy festive delicacies, captivating lion dance performances, lively Oriental-style music and Asian artistry on the outdoor terrace of Café Sambal with fantastic views of sparkling Biscayne Bay.  The restaurant will be elegantly adorned with authentic red and gold lanterns, ornate candles and other traditional Chinese decorations.  The talented Mandarin Oriental culinary team will prepare an array of tantalizing Chinese specialties to be enjoyed in a family-style dining experience. True to tradition, rousing lion dance performances will capture the spirit of the season – it is said to bring good luck to households and the businesses they visit.  All guests will receive a ‘red packet’ filled with wishes of good health and good fortune. Guests can also find out what the Year of the Rabbit has in store for them with a complimentary fortune telling reading. For dining reservations, call 305. 913.8358.   Café Sambal is located at Mandarin Oriental, 500 Brickell Key Drive.

Super Bowl XLV at Burger & Beer Joint

Burger & Beer Joint has quickly become the neighborhood hotspot for locals at both the South Beach and Brickell locations. With adjacent “Sports Bars” at each joint, the restaurant is proud to celebrate Super Bowl XLV this upcoming Sunday, February 6.  It is the ideal spot to sit back and cheer on your favorite team on any or all of the 14, 42-inch plasma televisions or the super-sized, nine-foot projection screen. In addition, Burger & Beer Joint Brickell will be offering their guests an opportunity to win the Ultimate Super Bowl Package: Front row seats located in the Sports Bar!  Each guest who orders a bucket of five Miller Lite or Coors Light beer bottles ($15) any day this week leading up to Super Bowl Sunday, will be automatically entered in the giveaway. The winner and three of his or her closest friends will have the best seat in the house as they get their own personal couch (no obstructed views here!), a $100 bar tab and catered service. The winner will be announced at noon on game day. Burger & Beer Joint South Beach fans will be able to indulge in their own great game day specials and enjoy full access to the upstairs viewing sports lounge. For $20, each guest will receive their choice of a Miller Lite, Heineken Lite or Coors Lite beer bottle and a “Halftime Buffet” area including irresistible bites such as: beer braised chicken wings in a bourbon barbecue sauce, twice baked potato salad, four cheese mac ‘n’ cheese and a “Build Your Own Burger” bar boasting all the necessary ingredients to create your perfect Super Bowl feast.

Botran Rum Bartenders Challenge

Botran Rum puts Miami’s elite bartenders to the test with its cocktail competition on Tuesday, February 8, at The Florida Room in Miami Beach’s Delano Hotel (1685 Collins Avenue).  Judged by some of Miami’s favorite and most charismatic industry experts, 10 bartenders will vie for $1,000 cash, an Apple iPad (16 GB) valued at $500 and a $250 gift certificate to CocktailKingdom.com.  The elimination rounds take place behind closed doors but opens up to the public at 9:00 p.m. for an “Iron Chef” style mix-off.  A staple on Tuesday night’s social calendar, the Delano will invite guests to “pour” into The Florida Room for live music by The Big Bounce.  Specialty cocktails such as the Botran Reserva Apple Ginger Snap and the Botran Solera Perfect Storm will be available for $10 until midnight.

Thomas Collins and Lesley Blume

By Mary Jo Almeida-Shore

The Society Literary Salon

The Society Literary Salon featuring Vogue contributor/Huffington Post columnist and author Lesley Blume’s latest book Let’s Bring Back took place at the library of the Soho House last Thursday, to celebrate the book launch.  Blume’s most recent work presents “a sophisticated, stylish cultural encyclopedia of nostalgia celebrating forgotten objects, curiosities, pastimes, fashions, words, landmarks, and personae from bygone eras.”  Read the rest of this entry »