July 4^th WALL Weekend

Miami co-owners Karim Masri, Nicola Siervo, Navin Chatani and Jarred Grant present a star spangled DJ lineup for Independence Day weekend. The 4,000-square-foot VIP hotspot and celeb favorite welcomes special guest performers and an array of local and national mix masters. On Thursday, June 30, kick-off Fourth of July weekend with DJ Sinatra’s hip hop and powerpop beats; Friday, July 1, Las Vegas’ master scratcher DJ Five mixes hip-hop, R&B, rock, house and everything in between; Saturday, July 2,Aussie twin sister tag-team NERVO blend sexed-up electro-house music on the turn tables; Sunday, July 3, Angel, Ramiro, Rick Sarille, Matt Werner and Rene guest host End Dependence presented by Voli Vodka with sounds by Derek Walin & Michael AnGelo. To reserve a table, email rsvp@wallmiami.com.

Aventura Mall Welcomes Louis Vuitton

Louis Vuitton announces its forthcoming move to the Aventura Mall in Miami, Florida. As of July 1, Louis Vuitton Aventura will be the latest addition to the Maison’s network of stores in North America and dramatically enhance the Louis Vuitton experience for Miami customers.The new Aventura location will replace Louis Vuitton’s Bal Harbour store, which will remain open through the end of June.While the temporary store opening in Aventura on July 1^st will house a full array of product categories and collections, a permanent Louis Vuitton store at Aventura Mall, adhering in design to the Maison’s very latest global store concept, is scheduled to open next Fall, 2012. It will offer a considerably larger retail experience than ever before to Louis Vuitton’s Miami customers, with an internal grand staircase linking the two floors, and a prominent exterior façade. 

Beats After Sunset at the Bass Museum of Art 

This Friday, July 1, the Bass Museum of Art celebrates its monthly first-Friday happy hour event, Beats After Sunset, from 8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Guests in attendance will be treated to a preview of the museum’s newest exhibit “Sandra Gamarra: At the Same Time (al mismo tiempo)” featuring works by Madrid-based Peruvian artist Sandra Gamarra created specifically for the museum. Gamarra is scheduled to be present during the reception. The exhibition extends throughout the first floor main entrance and exhibition area and will be on view Saturday, July 2, through Sunday, October 16. For her exhibition at the Bass Museum, the artist has created new paintings based on photographs taken of visitors looking at works in the museum’s Taplin Gallery, alluding to a spiritual relationship between the maker, the work, the viewer and the point at which they meet in the museum. In addition, art and design lovers will receive a sneak peek of the museum’s soon to be fully launched on-site boutique elemental@thebass. Lastly, all guests will enjoy beats by DJ Uchi Isabella (WVUM/NDM), complimentary mixologist cocktails, Magner’s Irish Cider and Perrier sparkling water. Asian eats will be provided by Yummy ChunBuns. The event is free for members and $8 for non-members. For more information, call 305.673.7530 or visit www.bassmuseum.org.

Fourth of July Weekend Specials

 National Hotel Miami Beach will host a patriotic poolside bash at its backyard oasis, Aqua Bar & Grill, and is also offering a special room rate of $179 for those that want to extend the celebration into the night. From 4:00 p.m. until sunset, guests will savor classic American barbeque fare ($34 per adult; $17 per child), and for an additional $34 sip unlimited specialty beverages (beverage special available from 4 to 7 p.m.), beer and wine while enjoying live entertainment by DJ Bryan alongside the hotel’s iconic 205-ft infinity pool. Upon nightfall, guests will be able to take advantage of the hotel’s beachfront access offering front row seats to Miami Beach’s sparkling fireworks display. Valet is also available at a discounted rate of $15. For reservations, call 305.532.2311 or visit www.NationalHotel.com.

Gibraltar at Grove Isle Hotel & Spa will host a bayside barbeque celebration from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. culminating in not one, but three of Miami’s best fireworks extravaganzas originating from downtown Miami, Key Biscayne and Miami Beach. For $20 per adult and $10 per child ($15 for adult members) guests will enjoy holiday staples including Angus Burgers, backyard BBQ chicken and baked beans, as well as beverage specials for an additional fee. For those who wish to turn the nation’s birthday into a weekend-long celebration, Grove Isle is offering 15% off the best available room rate (starting at $179 per night), 10% off spa services at The Spa, complimentary valet parking and a welcome bottle of wine (champagne if room is upgraded to the Luxury Bayfront Room). For barbeque reservations at Gibraltar, call 305.860.4381. For hotel reservations, call 800.884.7683 (guests should request the “Florida Resident’s Rate” when reserving the hotel stay; minimum of a two-night stay required). For more information, visit www.groveisle.com.

Popular South Beach resto-bar, Burger & Beer Joint, celebrates Independence Day with menu specials and hot rods beginning Sunday, July 3 through Monday, July 4. Guests in attendance can enjoy “Starter Promos” such as a 10-piece Country Fried Chicken platter with a side of honey ($10); a 10-piece BBQ Wing Basket with a side of blue cheese and celery ($10) or a hearty Red Bean Soup with beef and ciabatta bread toasts ($6). Entrée options include a gooey BBQ Pulled Pork Grilled Cheese sandwich made with Texas Toast Bread, arugula, grilled onions, jalapeño jack cheese and served with a side of coleslaw and mac ‘n’ cheese ($16) and a Chimichurri Steak Sandwich made with ciabatta bread, an 8 oz skirt steak, spinach, fried egg and served with french fries. With the purchase of either sandwich special, guests will receive a complimentary glass of Sam Adams draft beer. In addition, automobile aficionados can partake in B&B’s monthly daytime cruise in and car show “Overdrive Sundays” party starting at noon. Guests will have the opportunity to show off their classic cars, cruisers, hot rods or bikes at the restaurant for a chance to win the “People’s Choice Award” (based on votes). All “Overdrive” participants receive 25% off their entire bill. Space is limited and registering in advance is encouraged. For more information, call 305.672.3287 or visit www.burgernbeerjoint.com.

Kevin Bacon

Dancer, Singer, American Idol and X-Factor Judge and fellow Gemini, Paula Abdul made a surprise appearance at last Sunday’s performance of Dance Town’s Live to Dance at the Miramar Cultural Center.  Celebrating her birthday and supporting her friends Manny and Lory Castro, Artistic Directors and owners of Dance Town, Abdul attended the entire performance and joined the owners on-stage prior to the second half, praising the performers and the work being done by the company.  The audience responded by giving her a standing ovation and singing Happy Birthday.  Dance Town will be part of the Miramar Cultural Center’s upcoming season, so sign up to receive information about performances at www.MiramarCulturalCenter.org or call (954) 602-4500.   

Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes dined at Lario’s Miami Beach over the weekend, with a few members of the Rock of Ages cast including Julianne Hough and Malin Akerman. Holmes was also spotted with daughter, Suri on the beach during the day as well.

Selena Gomez was at Macy’s at Miami International Mall promoting her new movie.

Celebrated fathers at the Pampers’ sponsored cook-out at the Newport Beachside Resort last Wednesday included Mario Manuel Cristobal, head coach of the Florida International University football team; Michael Grieco, president of BNI Premier; Russ Koonin, founder of Ferraro Law Firm and co-founder of Playgroup Connect; Dan Sweeney, editor of City Link magazine; Matt Pack, celebrity fitness trainer and founder of Primal Fit Miami; David Bernard, co-founder and president of Miami International Wine Fair and founding partner and president of Vinamericas, Inc.; and Eduardo Hapke, founder and publisher of Hispanic Target, Target Style and Target Autos and Tourism.   

Academy Award-winning actor Kevin Bacon was spotted with a guest sipping Botran Rum mojitos at Brasserie Beaumarchais in New York at the launch party for Moves magazine’s summer issue with Jessica Chastain on Tuesday, June 14.  The Miami-based brand showcased its recent national strides treating more than 150 attendees to two of signature cocktails:  the Botran Rum Mojito and The Tulula.  Stay tuned for more exciting national initiatives by the brand Miamians know and love, including a Botran Tiki Lounge at Tales of the Cocktails July 20-24 in New Orleans, LA. 

In honor of the 15th anniversary of Zo’s Summer Groove, Alonzo Mourning Charities proudly announces 14 time Grammy® award winner Alicia Keys as the headlining performance for the Benefit Dinner and Gala. For the first time ever, the concert will open to the public benefiting Overtown Youth Center and Honey Shine Mentoring Program. For General Admission tickets visit: http://www.hardrocklivehollywoodfl.com/events.php.   Stay tuned for more details about the weekend.

By:  Mary Jo Almeida-Shore

Sir Richard Branson’s 25 Year Old Virgin 

Sir Richard Branson, Founder of Virgin Atlantic Airways, greeted Miami from the wing of a 747 while carrying British singer, Sarah Harding, on the runway at Miami International Airport to kick off a two-day celebration of 25 years of connecting Miami and London on Wednesday June 15.  The next morning, as press and hotel guests gathered on the outside terrace of the Mondrian Hotel, facing Biscayne Bay, Branson drove a speed boat, which was chasing another boat, in a mock Miami Vice style chase.  After passing the onlookers twice, Branson picked up a megaphone, demanded that the other boat stop, then proceeded to board it and “arrest” supermodel Karolina Kurkova with gold handcuffs he purchased at the Mondrian’s vending machine. After posing for photos, the pair disembarked and jumped in the Mondrian’s pool. Read the rest of this entry »

“The Originals!” Screening at Tobacco Road

Join Tobacco Road for a screening of Emeril Lagasse’s new show “THE ORIGINALS! “ featuring the one and only, Tobacco Road, on Thursday, June 23 at 8:00 p.m. Guests will sample Emeril’s favorite foods from Tobacco Road’s grill & smoker and the newly bottled Tobacco Road BBQs – perfected over 100 years! Drink specials and $11.99 BBQ Sampler available; Live Music by Jazz Band Big Pappa E!

Haiti Means Business at the Soho Beach House 

This Saturday, June 25 at 7:00 p.m., join Michael Jean Francois Capponi and General Consulate of Haiti in Miami, Ralph Latortue, for a private reception in honor of Michel Martelly, President of the Republic of Haiti celebrating Haiti Diaspora Day. The event will be hosted at the Soho Beach House and marks the unveiling of the “Haiti Means Business” Campaign. Minimum suggested tax-deductible donations of $500 to benefit The President’s National Education Fund (checks payable to: T.L.H.S. for the Arts & Social Justice). RSVP no later than June 24, for more information contact Bernice.fidelia@presidentmartelly.ht or call 305.900.9191. 

Irie Weekend

 
Miami’s own DJ Irie will be his hosting his 7th Annual three-day, action-packed charity weekend from June 23 through June 25. The 2011 Irie Weekend presented by SugarTime Sports will commence Thursday night with an exclusive kick-off party at Mokai, which will be transformed into the Crown Royal Black Lounge.  On Friday, June 24, is the golfing event- a celebrity golf tournament at the Melreese Country Club where Irie and New Era will make a special announcement.  That night, Irie will host a welcome concert at LIV nightclub powered by Verizon, Heineken and Premier Beverages before taking over Arkadia pool and lounge on Saturday afternoon, alongside New Era.  This year DJ Irie is pleased to announce the creation of his own charity, the Irie Foundation- which will be on the receiving end of all of the proceeds raised throughout the weekend. Ticket prices vary among the different events.  For more information, visit  irieweekend.org. 

Mayfair Hotel & Spa Offers -Romance Month 

Heat Up the Night includes: 4 Welcome Drinks; Japanese Soaking Tub set up; New Indulgence Passion Kit  – Specifically designed for the playful side of you and your partner, spark your passions with everything you’ll need to create a sexy fun-filled escapade. Gifts include: Liquid Bliss Massage Oil, Liquid Ecstasy Lubricant, Ooh La La Feather Tickler, Wire Fire Personal Massager, Premium Mints, Art D’Amour Chocolate Body Frosting, Naughty-and-Nice Passion Dice, Playful Wild Cards, Lacy Eye Mask, and The Guardians; Valet Parking ; Breakfast in Bed; and Late Check out 4:00 p.m.
Remember the Romance includes: 4 Welcome Drinks; Japanese Soaking Tub set up; New Indulgence Romance Kit – Within this keepsake box you’ll discover everything you’ll need to transform an evening or weekend getaway into a memorable adventure. Gifts include: Ooh La La Feather Tickler, Liquid Bliss Massage Oil, Premium Mints, Garden of Eden Rose Petal Sachet, Peekaboo Garter, Liquid Serenity Bubble Bath, Love Light Flameless Candle, Playful Wild Cards, and Kiss-Me-Here Body Dust; Valet Parking; Breakfast in Bed; and Late Check out 4:00 p.m. Rates from $209; To book your reservation call toll free: 1.800.433.4555 or Mayfair Hotel: 305.441.0000. 

Mayfair Hotel Hosts “Pupperoni” 

On Saturday, June 25, Mayfair Hotel hosts “Pupperoni” for people and their dogs, benefiting Spay Neuter Miami Foundation–a new organization dedicated to the prevention of unwanted pets. From 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., guests will enjoy a day filled with wine, bubbly, beer, pizza and accessories for dogs and their owners by Vanderbitch. Event costs $30 per person, to rsvp visit, RSVP@zm-pr.com.

Smokey Bones Bar & Fire Grill BURGER BATTLE

Calling all competitive eaters!  Smokey Bones Bar & Fire Grill, the restaurant and bar specializing in good food, good drinks and good times, invites everyone from novice to professional food eaters to enter its BURGER BATTLE eating contest on Wednesday, June 29, from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. Smokey Bone’s BURGER BATTLE is offering this culinary consumption competition in honor of its new build-your-own burger menu launching early June 2011. BURGER BATTLE is accepting 40 to 70 entries at each location. Applications are available at all Smokey Bones Bar & Fire Grill locations throughout the United States or via email at SmokeyBones@taraink.com.  The fee for participation is $10, with $2 of the proceeds being donated to Homes for Our Troops, a non-profit organization dedicated to building specially adapted homes for severely injured veterans. Deadline to register is Tuesday, June 28  and all eaters must be at least 18 years old to participate.

Gerry Kelly and guests celebrate

By:  Mary Jo Almeida-Shore

Of the decades to which we wish we could time travel on a regular basis, the 1970s tops the list, specifically the halcyon days of Studio 54.  Last Saturday night, we got our birthday wish, thanks to the creative genius of nightlife guru Gerry Kelly who threw a Studio 54 Disco birthday extravaganza at Trio on the Bay, which he graciously shared with his faux, Gemini wonder twin- yours truly. All we can say is that this party was a Disco-heavenly, dance-until-you-can’t-walk, sweat-right-through-your-polyester-leopard-jumpsuit, in-traction-the-next-day, Rolling on the Floor –LITERALLY, Did-that-really-happen?-  kind of night! Truly unparalleled with regards to pure, unadulterated dancing fun!  Over 1,500 guests filled the enormous space and vast outdoor area, at Kelly’s latest nightlife venture, to delight in outrageous performances and an ambience that can only be created by a master of nightlife, such as Kelly, whose nightlife resume includes seven years in Ibiza managing Pacha and fifteen years on South Beach overseeing legendary clubs such as Bash, Read the rest of this entry »

Katy Perry

The Miami Dolphins Foundation hosted FinsWeekend last weekend and raised more than $600,000 for the Miami Dolphins Foundation, whose mission is devoted to providing and supporting signature education, health, youth athletic programs and volunteer activities that inspire and engage communities throughout Florida.  NFL Hall of Famer and Miami Dolphins legend Dan Marino was among the special guests throughout the weekend.  The winning golf team was comprised of Dolphins quarterback Chad Henne, Tony Segreto, Jack Paltani and Mike Mominey, who edged out the team from Doctor’s Hospital Center which was comprised of Dolphins wide receiver Roberto Wallace, Bob Gilardi, Greg Minerva and Roberta Stokes. Former Dolphins wide receiver Nat Moore’s team finished third.  Moore was joined on the course by Mitch Hoffman, Denis LaPolice and Chris LaPolice.

Dolphins’ fullback Lousaka Polite was named the winner of the 2010 Nat Moore Community Service Award at the awards dinner that evening. Polite received the trophy from Head Coach Tony Sparano and is the first back to back winner of the prestigious community service award since former linebacker and current Dolphins pass rush coach Bryan Cox took home this honor in 1994 and 1995.

Newlyweds, Russell Brand and Katy Perry had dinner with friends Sunday night at Prime One Twelve, in celebration of Perry’s concert the night before. 

Actress Vivica Fox, and E! News’ Giuliana Rancic hosted Sunday’s Catwalk for Charity, a fashion show fundraiser at The JW Marriott Hotel Miami.

Christian Slater was seen at Prime Italian over the weekend