Fabrizio Cocchi,Paolo,Nadine,and Daniel Borgomanero

On Wednesday, April 27, C&C Art and Accessories, Nadine Curmi Borgomanero and Fabrizio Cocchi hosted a celebration to commemorate the unveiling of the Design Districts latest Italian showroom, MADinitaly. 
 
The private event drew support from a number of notables including famed Tod’s baron Diego Della Valle and his wife Barbara, renown Italian editor Carlo Rossella,  Venetian restaurateur Miky Grendene, La Perla heiress Martina Borgomanero and husband Fabian Basabe, fashion photographer Iran Issa-Khan, Italian Real Estate Mogul Daniela Bonetti, and international socialites Carole Seikaly, Maria Lowe, Francesca Halpern, Emmanuelle & Joane Della Valle, Paula Lieto, Giampiero Di Persia, Diane Ovadia,  and Massimo Barracca. 
 
Indulging in light bites and champagne, guests previewed the unique furniture offerings, home accents, pop-themed art and speciality linens – infused with innate Italian Flair.  The vibrant and playful lines of the furniture as well as the unexpected combinations of colors and textures reflect multiple high design influences of Italian interior designer Fabrizio Cocchi, from cutting-edge contemporary to classic.  Located at 4 Northeast 39th street, the 2,000 square-foot space boasts a perfect balance of eclectic and contemporary touches.

Eco Lifestyle Gala

The 2^nd Annual Green Drinks Eco-Lifestyle Gala will take place Thursday, May 19 at 6:30 p.m. at the exclusive Boca Raton Resort & Club (501 East Camino Real). The event is designed to honor environmental stewardship and support socially conscious causes through fundraising and community support. This year, Green Drinks will recognize celebrity actress and philanthropist, Patricia Arquette, with its prestigious Eco-Lifestyle Pioneer Award for her work with GiveLove, a non-profit Haiti relief organization she founded in 2010. The event will support GiveLove’s work to improve housing and sanitary conditions in Haiti, as well as Global Green USA’s greener rebuilding efforts in Haiti.  The event organizers promise an impressive line-up of live musicians and entertainers, including NYC Comedian Jessica Kirson, DJ Mark Leventhal, and renowned Native Rock musician, Robby Romero. Tickets for the gala are a bargain at $75 per individual ticket; $125 per couple.   Tables of 10 can be purchased for $500. A wide range of sponsorship opportunities are available, from Presenting Sponsor to Exhibitor and Gift Bag Sponsors. For more information on sponsorships or to purchase tickets, contact April Milliken Trigg at april@eventologie.com or 404. 627. 4630 ext. 204.  For more information visit:   http://www.ecolifestylegala.com or http://www.southfloridagreendrinks.org.

MIAMI PRO-AM Dance Styles Expo

Local artist and urban realist Miguel Paredes and his nationwide graphic design and printing company, PK Graphics, are the presenting sponsors for the 15^th annual MIAMI PRO-AM Dance Styles Expo, the first break dance conference in the world and longest running hip-hop dance competition in the US east coast. 2011’s expo begins on Friday, May 20 and runs through Sunday, May 22 at various South Florida locations. For additional information or bookings, and a complete listing of events visit: www.hiphopelements.com.

The Shane’s Champagne Brunch

The Ronald W. Shane Center (6500 Indian Creek Drive) invites you to its Champagne Brunch on Sunday, May 22, where you’ll get to nosh on food by Joe’s Stone Crab and enjoy a silent auction, live music and a rowing exhibition.  The fun starts at 11 a.m. and benefits the Shane Center, home of the Miami Beach Rowing Club, a non-profit organization which funds rowing scholarships for underprivileged youth.  The event will honor the center’s many founders and donors who have shaped the facility since its inception in 1991.  Tickets for the Champagne Brunch cost $100 per person.  For further information, contact Diana Maldonado at 305.861.8837.  To purchase tickets online, go to www.shanecenter.com/events.

 Base Paint | The Auction

On Wednesday, May 25, from 7:00 to 11:00 p.m., Ideobox Artspace, SaludArte Foundation, Fundación Manos del Sur, Step by Step Foundation, and Curators Antuan & Tanya Brillembourg join forces as they prepare for Base Paint | The Auction event to benefit the Base Paint Project.  The tents have arrived in Haiti and will be installed this summer as part of a secondary school on the property of L’Athletique d’Haiti. The funds raised will help to finance the new school’s operational costs and ensure the continuation of the work that was begun with the Base Paint Tents.   The contemporary art auction and curated exhibition will be held in Wynwood at Ideobox Artspace and is open to the public with complimentary admission. Base Paint | The Auction will feature over 45 artists that have generously donated works of art to help raise these funds.  For a list of artists and auction pieces, visit www.basepaint.org. While guests view the silent auction and place bids at Ideobox Artspace, the space will host a variety of refreshments and entertainment.  On hand to set the vibe will be famed band Miami City Mix and later in the evening DJ Umber Bandi-Ville will be mixing beats. Artist Leni Ibarguengoytia will unveil her event installation on crate boxes which will act as lounge areas.  Bacardi cocktails sponsored by a private donor will be available to quench the thirst of those who savor Diego’s Andalucia Tapas & Deli’s paella and Zucchero Ristorante Bistro’s hors d’oeuvres. For more information on the foundation, visit www.lathletiquedhaiti.org.

Dennis Rodman at Rocco's Tacos and Tequila Bar

Breaking In actor Christian Slater had dinner with power attorney and philanthropist Jim Ferraro at The Forge Restaurant | Wine Bar. Slater’s friend, Burn Notice star Gabrielle Anwar and beau/ Forge owner, Shareef Malnik joined Slater and Ferraro at their table.

Malnik and Anwar were spotted later in the week being very hands on at The Forge’s new Craft Table during the Sunday brunch, where kids have the opportunity to create art projects from organic glue, recycled paper, non-toxic poster paint and fresh flower petals.  Malnik prides himself on opening the Forge’s doors to families and their little ‘foodies-in-training.’  “It’s a great feeling to know that we are offering them a new outlet for exploring food and art,” said Malnik.

Grey’s Anatomy actress Ellen Pompeo and her husband Chris Ivery dined at Zuma Miami on Sunday evening for Mother’s Day.

Tennis super star sisters Venus and Serena Williams celebrated Cinco de Mayo at Rocco’s Tacos & Tequila Bar in West Palm Beach. The pair danced to tunes by DJ Adam Lipson while sipping on Rocco’s homemade Margaritas. Meanwhile, NBC-star turned reality-TV star Dennis Rodman entertained onlookers at the Rocco’s Tacos on Las Olas Boulevard. 

Last Saturday, Eva Longoria performed a task at STK Miami alongside team-mate JR Ridinger during the Rally for Kids with Cancer Scavenger Cup. As her onsite task, Longoria was challenged to test her taste buds and guess the ingredients in the Secret Sauce that makes STK’s Lil’ BRGRs so irresistible. Longoria’s guess came closest to the actual sauce, and she scored the most points for that round.  According to our source, when one of the judges revealed to Longoria that he was impressed with the fact that she had layered the mini burger correctly, the stunning star simply stated “I learned that from working at Wendy’s!” Longoria lost the overall cup this year to Team Market America 2, composed of Amber Ridinger, fiancé Duane McLaughlin and Michael Yo.  That didn’t stop her from co-hosting a winners’ brunch for the team, along with JR and Loren Ridinger, at The Forge Restaurant | Wine Bar the following morning.

Heather Bailey, Tracy Wilson Mourning, Ayana Rodriguez, and Nadine Valme

By:  Mary Jo Almeida-Shore

 More than 500 of Miami’s leading ladies kept their hats on under the big top for the circus-themed Hats Off luncheon hosted by Tracy Wilson Mourning at Jungle Island on Tuesday, May 3, the Honey Shine Mentoring Program’s premier fundraising event.  Circus performers, colorful animal statues, a cotton candy vending machine, snow cones, circus fare and Grey Goose cocktails added excitement to the already whimsical afternoon, which began with a silent auction filled with so many name-brand and hand-crafted items that even Mourning delayed her entrance into the actual luncheon to bid on several terrific bargains. 

Once inside the main ballroom, guests delighted in the wall-to-wall circus décor: tabletops adorned with colorful linens, with centerpieces comprised of hand-painted hat boxes surrounded by circus treats including animal crackers, peanuts, and cracker jacks and a stuffed circus animal wearing a Honey Shine t-shirt on each chair.  Read the rest of this entry »

Rik Rak Salon & Spa and Gilt City Miami

For the first time ever Rik Rak Salon & Spa and Gilt City Miami, the widely acclaimed online destination for luxury services and experiences, are teaming up to host the Spring Into Beauty event at Rik Rak’s newest location, JW Marriott Marquis Miami, on Thursday, May12, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Rik Rak and Gilt City friends will experience  an evening of lavish pampering, delicious treats and cocktails while toasting to guilty pleasures including Rik Rak’s wide spectrum of miniature luxury services including eyelash applications, manicures and neck & hand massages, while indulging in frosted treats from Buttercream Cupcakes & Coffee. For more information on this event or to RSVP, contact JWRIKRAK@ThePattonGroupInc.com. 

Sunset and Stone Crabs Soiree

As South Florida’s famous stone crab season comes to a close, ONE Bal Harbour is saying goodbye in style! This Saturday, May 14, from 4 to 8 p.m., the ultra-luxe property is hosting an all-you-can-eat stone crab extravaganza. Guests are welcome to get their fix of fresh stone crabs, enough to hold them over until the start of next year’s season, while enjoying spectacular views of the Atlantic. Cost is $75 per person. For more information, visit http://www.oneluxuryhotels.com.

Miguel Paredes Presents “Ghost Writer” at Wynwood Art Walk 

During May’s Wynwood Art Walk from 5:00 to 10:00 p.m., Miami-based pop and multi-media artist, sculptor and urban realist, Miguel Paredes, will present his latest piece of artwork, “Ghost Writer,” at his Wynwood gallery on Saturday, May 14. Paredes explains “Ghost Writer” is one of his most intricate pieces to date. Guests in attendance will enjoy light “Nuevo Latino” fare by De Rodriguez Cuba on Ocean and complimentary Chivas signature cocktails and Heineken beer.  Local DJ Ari X will provide the tunes for the evening. Those interested in attending, should confirm their RSVP by emailing: RSVP@miguelparedes.com. 

Chefs for a Cure 

Executive chef Paula DaSilva and 1500°, the popular new farm-to-table dining destination in the Eden Roc Renaissance Miami Beach, are hosting Chefs for a Cure, an exquisite five-course dinner prepared by a stellar line-up of star chefs and benefitting the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR), on Tuesday, May 17 at 7 p.m.   To honor a close friend who succumbed to the disease last year, DaSilva called on fellow chef friends – Dean Max of 3030 Ocean, Michael Bloise of American Noodle Bar, Timon Balloo of Sugarcane, Sean Brasel of Meat Market and Hedy Goldsmith, pastry chef at Michael’s Genuine Food & Drink – to come together and create something delicious for a wonderful cause. The dinner, complete with a reception co-sponsored by Maisons Marques & Domaines Champagne Louis Roederer, Sam Adams and Votan organic vodka, will take diners on a culinary tour of the best of Miami, with each course prepared by a different chef and paired perfectly with an array of amazing wines.  It is priced at $150 per person, exclusive of tax and gratuity.  Seating is limited and must be reserved in advance by calling Melissa Reilly at   305.674.5594.  Proceeds will go to the AACR in Leah Caputo’s name, there will also be a silent auction on-site to raise additional funds.

Cabernet is King at Morton’s The Steakhouse  

 On Wednesday, May 18, put your wine knowledge to the test by joining Morton’s The Steakhouse in Miami Beach for an interactive and engaging evening celebrating one the most popular varieties in wine selection, Cabernet Sauvignon. Chad Lipson, Certified Sommelier and General Manager of Morton’s The Steakhouse Miami Beach will be conducting a thorough presentation educating guests on an assortment of different Cabernets. The presentation will provide an overview of proper wine etiquette and terminology as well as suggest an array of delicious wine and food pairings. Before the presentation guests will sample select wines and Morton’s signature hors d’oeuvres.  The evening will conclude with a Morton’s Associate Sommelier presentation in which a certificate of course completion will be presented to each guest in attendance. Class cost is $49 per guest and runs from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. To reserve a seat visit www.mortonsmiamibeach.com; complimentary valet parking will be provided.                       

Eco Lifestyle Gala

The 2^nd Annual Green Drinks Eco-Lifestyle Gala will take place Thursday, May 19 at 6:30 p.m. at the exclusive Boca Raton Resort & Club (501 East Camino Real). The event is designed to honor environmental stewardship and support socially conscious causes through fundraising and community support. This year, Green Drinks will recognize celebrity actress and philanthropist, Patricia Arquette, with its prestigious Eco-Lifestyle Pioneer Award for her work with GiveLove, a non-profit Haiti relief organization she founded in 2010. The event will support GiveLove’s work to improve housing and sanitary conditions in Haiti, as well as Global Green USA’s greener rebuilding efforts in Haiti.  The event organizers promise an impressive line-up of live musicians and entertainers, including NYC Comedian Jessica Kirson, DJ Mark Leventhal, and renowned Native Rock musician, Robby Romero. Tickets for the gala are a bargain at $75 per individual ticket; $125 per couple.   Tables of 10 can be purchased for $500. A wide range of sponsorship opportunities are available, from Presenting Sponsor to Exhibitor and Gift Bag Sponsors. For more information on sponsorships or to purchase tickets, contact April Milliken Trigg at april@eventologie.com or 404. 627. 4630 ext. 204.  For more information visit:   http://www.ecolifestylegala.com or http://www.southfloridagreendrinks.org.

 A Flare for Design

Those with a flair for design and fashion will enjoy, A Flare for Design (intentional spelling) on May 19. This special event will bring together the design community, socialites, celebrities and business professionals for an evening of fashion, fun and fundraising combined with high design at the Design Center of the Americas (DCOTA 1855 Griffin Road) from 7 to 9 p.m.  The evening will include a fashion show featuring national luxury fashion brands and a silent auction, while showcasing the latest interior design trends.  A performance by Resse Bridges of the Grammy Award winning band, Dirty Vegas will delight music lovers as well.  All proceeds will benefit The Lupus Foundation of America, S.E. Florida Chapter.  To purchase tickets which start at just $75, visit www.aflarefordesign.com, email flare@lupusfl.org, or call 561.279.8606

The Art of Found Objects

On Friday, May 20 at 7 p.m., The Art of Found Objects, The Education Fund’s annual charity auction and event, celebrates its 25^th anniversary with food by local celebrity chefs, live music from the New World School of the Arts and an auction lot that includes over 200 one-of-a-kind works by Miami-Dade County Public Schools teachers and students. To celebrate this milestone 25 local leaders will be honored, all of whom are products of the Miami-Dade County Public School System. A powerful mix of luminaries, art collectors, business leaders and philanthropists are expected to celebrate this momentous occasion. The event will be held at the Moore Building, tickets start at $100, and can be purchased at www.educationfund.org or by calling 305-892-5099 ext 23.

 George St -Pierre the Welter Weight Champion of the UFC and Gerald Bunsen of Law and Order dined with a group of 10 in the main dining room of Eden South Beach on Monday night.

A motherly Paulina Rubio was seen kicking back with her newborn and husband on the couch of the Air Europa VIP suite on the second day of this year’s inaugural Beach Soccer Worldwide Miami Cup.  

After a weekend of rallying, Eva Longoria made an appearance at Williams-Sonoma at The Falls on Sunday to sign her new cookbook, Eva’s Kitchen.

David Blaine showed up unexpectedly at Stephen Starr’s Steak 954 on Saturday night. He performed card tricks for his companions and onlookers.

 Actor, James Franco, stopped by the New World Center as part of O, Miami, to read some poetry during the poetry festival this weekend.

ABC’s Private Practice actor Taye Diggs was spotted at Equinox South Beach on Saturday. The actor spent about 2 hours at the gym sporting extremely large headphones.

Cited for doing good are Miami-based non-profit Gene Spotlight, which has just hit the $100,000 fundraising mark in under a year thanks to the support of the NBA, Florida Marlins, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and Russell Simmons.