By: Mary Jo Almeida-Shore
On the evening of the summer solstice, Grey Goose vodka aptly kicked off the first official day of summer with a “Summer Soiree” alongside Ocean Drive magazine around the Arkadia pool at the Fontainebleau Hotel. Nearly 300 guests stayed “cool” (we use that term loosely as it IS summer in Miami) by sipping cocktails and sucking the very dangerously delicious Grey Goose popsicles .
Those willing to brave the crowd and the long line were treated to BBQ sliders and hot dogs from Gotham Steak which were cooked to order on an outdoor grill. Many opted instead to play with the props around the pool deck, such as the beach balls, and the hunky lifeguard- who dominated the party from an actual lifeguard stand- only making things even hotter! The other topic of conversation of the night was the popsicles, which were served from a branded novelty ice cream push-cart by a beautiful Grey Goose spokes model. See below for the recipes so that you too may create these tasty summer treats for an upcoming summer soiree- Le Citron Frozen Fresh Berry Lemonade, La Poire Frozen Frenchy (the favorite of the night) and L’Orange Frozen Summer. As for the eye candy- we are still working on a recipe for that one.
Diageo’s Spirited Cocktail Dinner
Another fabulous albeit more subdued and exclusive sipping extravaganza took place on Tuesday June 14 as Diageo and the InterContinental Miami hosted the Spirited Cocktail dinner, which showcased Diageo’s reserve brands: Ketel One Vodka, Don Julio Tequila, Bulleit bourbon, Zacapa 23 rums at the InterContinental’s spectacular roof top garden and Table 40, a stunning, enclosed, rectangular event space, with floor-to-ceiling windows that provide sweeping views of the skyline and the bay.
The dinner was a creative collaboration between the Executive Chef of Table 40 and the Bar Lab mixologists, who created a cocktail pairing menu utilizing the fresh herbs from the garden and each of Diageo’s signature spirits to delight the palates of those in attendance. The night started with a tour of the InterContinental’s rooftop herb garden which was planted in honor of Earth Day last year and is now in full bloom. After some mingling, guests were escorted into Table 40, where each Diageo ambassador presented his brand while guests savored each specialty drink and corresponding food pairing. This dinner was spirited in all respects- fantastic presentations, lively conversation and a feast for the senses.
Spanish Invasion
Great sips and snacks were enjoyed in a less formal setting last Thursday, this time with Spanish flare, as one of South Beach’s long-standing culinary staples, Tapas & Tintos, celebrated its grand opening in Midtown. An estimated 600 lively guests joined owners Nicolas De Justo, Fernando Jimenez and Jorge Bermúdez for the wild, Spanish Carnival-themed event. The restaurant’s authentic Sangria was free flowing and guests noshed on complimentary tapas and fresh paella made on the terrace by Executive Chef Fernando Andres. Partygoers were also treated to live music by Spanish rock band Mundos Unidos, fire jugglers and Flamenco performances by Luis Linares “El Tiburon” and his dancers.
Once the clock struck midnight, the owners led a spell-binding, traditional Conjuro ceremony where a Queimada – a beverage resulting from setting fire to Galician grappa mixed with sugar, coffee beans and pieces of fruit – was prepared as they chanted an incantation against evil spirits. Guests were encouraged to participate and drink the exotic blend – talk about ending the night with a bang! Tapas & Tintos Midtown is located at 3535 NE 2nd Ave. For more information, please call 305.392.0506 or visit www.tapasytintos.com.
DJ Irie!
Miami’s own DJ Irie hosted an action- packed, celebrity weekend for the seventh year, to benefit the IRIE Foundation and Make-A-Wish of Southern Florida. Presented by Sugartime Sports, the antics commenced on Thursday night with an exclusive kick-off party held at the Crown Royal Black Lounge at Mokai. On Friday, our favorite and most ebullient Celebrity Apprentice contestant, Lil Jon, lit up the celebrity golf tournament at the Melreese Country Club. Those with stamina enjoyed a Flo Rida concert at LIV nightclub that night and “relaxed” on Saturday afternoon at Arkadia Pool, as New Era took over. Saturday night, Grey Goose and Heineken closed out the weekend at Arkadia Lounge.
Grey Goose Popsicle Recipes:
Grey Goose Le Citron Frozen Fresh Berry Lemonade
.75 oz. Grey Goose Le Citron
5 Raspberries Muddled
4 oz. Simply Lemonade
Grey Goose La Poire Frozen Frenchy
Pour .5 oz of Cranberry in all the molds first and freeze for 4 hours
.75 oz. Grey Goose La Poire
3.25 oz. Pineapple Juice
.5 oz. Water
.5 oz. Monin Pure Cane Syrup
Grey Goose L'Orange Frozen Summer
.5 oz. Grey Goose L'Orange
.25 oz. Licor 43
.5 oz. Water
.25 oz. Monin Pure Cane Syrup
3.5 oz. Simply Orange Juice