Noche Gitana at Tapas & Tintos

On Thursday, September 29, Tapas & Tintos Midtown, the second incarnation of the famed Española Way restaurant, will launch its new party series “Noche Gitana.”  

Owners Nicolas De Justo and Fernando Jimenez have partnered with wine distributor Hidalgo Imports, LLC to offer guests a 20 percent discount on a selection of traditional Spanish wines including Arviza Rioja, PradoRey, Fedriani Lafitte and Manzanilla La Gitana. Only available for purchase by bottle, Tapas & Tintos will offer each wine at a reduced price of $8 per glass, for oenophiles who wish to sample each selection. Executive chef Fernando Andres will create an authentic Spanish food and wine experience, preparing signature tapas to pair with each wine. Throughout the night, guests will enjoy live Flamenco performances and complimentary “Rebujitos,” a typical Spanish cocktail from Andalucía made with Manzanilla La Gitana wine, citrus soda and fresh mint. For more information call 305.392.0506 or visit www.tapasytintos.com.

Who Let the Incredible Dogs Out!

Incredible Dogs are taking over Bicentennial Park! Miami is hosting the talented world champion and “celebrity” canines when DOGS debuts for the first time in the U.S. Seen around the globe, this live touring production introduces audiences to an exciting dog show under the Big Top. DOGS will impress and entertain South Florida beginning September 28. Catch the show Wednesday through Friday at 7:30 p.m.; Weekends, Saturdays at 11:00 a.m., 3:00, and 7:00 p.m. and Sundays at 1:00 and 5:00 p.m.  Tickets range from $30 to $90 and may be purchased at Bicentennial Park, or by visiting www.theincredibledogs.com. A portion of the proceeds from the show will benefit the Humane Society of Greater Miami.

EPIC at LIV Fontainebleau 

On Saturday, October 1, Overtown Music Project presents EPIC, a mash up of big band and hip-hop, at LIV Fontainebleau, from 7:00 to 10p.m. Monie Love will host the event featuring an 18 piece big band helmed by Melton Mustafa. Libations will be provided by Status Vodka. Funds raised will go to a jazz and blues residency in Overtown.

Advance tickets are $40, $50 on the day of the event and can be purchased at

www.overtownmusicproject.org. For more info, contact amy@overtownmusicproject.org.

Happy 75^th Birthday Edward Villella! 

Miami City Ballet dancers, staff, friends and supporters will gather on Saturday evening, October 1 to celebrate and honor America’s most celebrated male ballet dancer, Company Founding Artistic Director Edward Villella, at a special 75^th birthday bash at Miami City Ballet studios in Miami Beach. The evening’s festivities will feature cocktails, dinner, dancing and a pre-screening of the WNET/ PBS National television special, “Great Performances: Miami City Ballet Dances Balanchine & Tharp.”  The festivities begin promptly at 6:00pm on October 1 with a cocktail reception sponsored by Bacardi U.S.A. Guests will then take to the 225-seat intimate studio theater for a special pre-screening of WNET/PBS program “Great Performances: Miami City Ballet Dances Balanchine & Tharp.”  The program includes a trio of signature works by George Balanchine and Twyla Tharp that will showcase the company’s critically acclaimed performances of Balanchine’s Square Dance and Western Symphony and Tharp’s “The Golden Section.”Following the screening, guests will enjoy dinner, dancing and tributes from some of Edward Villella’s closest friends and dance peers.  A special montage of the most memorable and outstanding moments in Villella’s illustrious career will be shown.  Tickets are $350, which go to support the artistic efforts of the company, and are available by calling Rebecca Interian at 305.929.7000, ext. 1408 or email rebecca@miamicityballet.org. 

A Cafeina Dynasty

Channel your inner Blake or Crystal Carringtion for Cafeina owner Ivette Naranjo’s “Dynasty”-themed birthday bash on Saturday, October 1 at 9 p.m. The Wynwood lounge will be transformed into the “Cafeina Manor,” guests are encouraged to dress their best 80s glam, shoulder pads included. A few quintessential fashion accessories will be provided to help set a mood of decadence and excess. Expect copious amounts of caviar, champagne and cocktails by SVEDKA, along with music by VJ Tom LaRoc. To RSVP contact Dynasty@TaraInk.com. 

Chalk Miami Lounge Job Fair

Chalk Miami Lounge, a soon-to-open ping pong and billiards den, will host a job fair on Monday, October 3, from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at its 1234 Washington Avenue location in South Beach, formerly occupied by Washington Federal Bank. The fair, which aims to fill 50+ full- and part-time positions – ranging from bartenders, servers, hosts, ping pong fanatics, pool sharks, and more – is another sign of the slowly resurging Miami Dade economy, which ranked second in the state in job growth for August 2011 according to a report by The Miami Herald. The unemployment rate dropped more than it has in almost 20 years: from 13 percent in July to 12.2 percent in August.     

 “Chalk will be an unconventional lounge, an eclectic adult ‘rec room’ of sorts, and we are looking for creative individuals from all walks of life to help foster that experience, says managing partner Robert Chalk. “Ideal candidates will be locals with experience in the hospitality and services industry that know how to have fun.”Chalk is slated to open in October 2011. Prospective applicants who wish to get ahead of the curve are encouraged to email their resume and cover letter to info@chalkmiami.com.

Certified Pink Ribbon Pilates Program 

Pilates in the Grove along with its sister location, Pilates on the Beach, invites guests to celebrate the launch of their Certified Pink Ribbon Pilates Program on Wednesday, October 5. In honor of breast cancer awareness month, the studios have teamed up with the Rosenbaum Breast Center to benefit the Florida Breast Cancer Foundation. From 6 to 9 p.m., guests can enjoy performances by Ari Yoga, on-site dry styling by Blo – Blow Dry Bar, eye-lash demonstrations and makeup applications by Mary Kay, music by DJ Woozles Occult Sounds and raffle prizes along with complimentary cocktails by VeeV and hors d’oeuvres by The Grove Spot and Spartico. 100% of the proceeds will be donated to the Florida Breast Cancer Foundation. Ticket prices: $30 in advance, $40 at the door.  To reserve your ticket, call 305.446.6899 or email rsvp@cm-publicrelations.com. Tickets can also be purchased on Rue Miami:  www.ruelala.com/miami on Sunday, October 2.

Fontainebleau Goes Pink  

For the month of October, Fontainebleau Miami Beach is going pink! In support of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the legendary Miami Beach resort has partnered, for its third year, with the Miami/Ft. Lauderdale Chapter of the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation to help raise funds for breast cancer research and further increase awareness of the disease. To mark the occasion, Fontainebleau’s signature restaurants will offer special $39 three-course prix fixe dinner menus throughout October.  A portion of sales will be donated to Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Gotham Steak, Hakkasan and Scarpetta will feature delectable menus, including some signature dishes, for the cause. Each restaurant is offering menu wine pairings for an additional $20 or $30. The resort is also offering discounted valet parking ($12 with validation) to diners. The “Bleau Goes Pink” dinner menus are available Sunday – Thursday throughout the month of October. .  For reservations at Gotham Steak, Scarpetta, or Hakkasan, please call 877.326.7412.  For additional information on Fontainebleau Miami Beach, visit www.fontainebleau.com.

“Top Model” Tyra Banks was seen about town promoting her new book, Modelland.  The graceful beauty checked into the Mondrian South Beach and was seen having lunch at the popular Asia de Cuba. 

Internationally acclaimed artist Galeet Dardashti performed at the world premiere of Monajat at Next@19^th on Saturday, September 3.  A full house welcomed the Iranian composer and singer as she combined Persian melodies with electronic elements, accompanied by dynamic video projections designed by Dmitry Kmelnitsky.

By:  Mary Jo Almeida-Shore 

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week took over New York City from September 8-15, with a line-up of 99 designers showing their spring 2012 collections in Lincoln Center and various other venues throughout Manhattan.  Amid the silks, chiffons, organza,  floral prints, neon colors, geometrical shapes, and pastel prints that graced the runways, Mercedes-Benz showcased its latest fashion statement, the 2012 SLS AMG Roadster (think Barbie DREAM CAR on steroids) and C63 AMG Coupe, two all new models available later this year. Our favorite designers this season included Mercedes-Benz presents designer, Derek Lam; Carolina Herrera, Diane von Furstenberg, Nanette Lepore, Pamela Rolland, Milly by Michelle Smith and Diesel Black Gold (especially since Gerard Butler! was sitting front row).   Enjoy our stories about a few of the stellar parties we attended and a little bit about the lounges- the other side of Fashion Week. Read the rest of this entry »

The Current Event  

On Thursday, September 22 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., join Neiman Marcus Coral Gables and Miami magazine, along with host Shireen Sandoval of WSVN’s Deco Drive, for an evening of shopping and upscale revelry. Sit front row for a fashion show featuring the hottest fall trends and an exclusive preview of the new Rachel Zoe Collection. Dress in your best ensemble and enter the “Dress to Impress Rachel Zoe” competition for the chance to win a $1,000 shopping spree. I die! Sip wines by VOGA Italia and enjoy light bites by BGR The Burger Joint, La Cofradia, The Local, Red Koi Thai & Sushi Lounge and Seasons 52. The Current Event benefits the Young Patrons of Miami Science Museum. Spend $350 in Contemporary Sportswear or Dress Collections and receive an exclusive Rachel Zoe Collection handbag. To RSVP, please call 786.999.1003 or email rsvpcoralgables@neimanmarcus.com.

Violetas Boutique Hosts Grand Opening in Coral Gables

 Join Patricia Anton Himmel and Patricia Kronfle to celebrate the grand opening of their new home and décor boutique VIOLETAS. Specializing in unique home expressions, furnishings, accessories and remarkable gift items, VIOLETAS will kick-off its unveiling with a cocktail soiree on Thursday, September 22 at 7:00 p.m. Guests will enjoy an evening of shopping, featuring exclusive lines and curiosities collected from around the world, while indulging on decadent cocktails and scrumptious bites.  A portion of the evening proceeds will benefit IKF Wonderfund – a program of Jackson Memorial Foundation. To attend the event RSVP to Violetas@THEPATTONGROUPINC.com.

Miami City Ballet’s Upper Room 

Miami City Ballet’s Upper Room – a dedicated group of art & culture lovers in their 20s and 30s – kicks off MCB’s 2011-12 season with a party on Friday, September 23 at Performing Arts Exchange, 337 S.W. 8^th Street, beginning at 8:30 p.m. An exciting night of mixing and mingling with MCB dancers and other young professionals awaits: indulging on scrumptious cocktails and decadent light bites and dancing to the sounds of Spam All Stars and their unique blend of improvisational electronic elements and turntables with Latin, funk, hip hop and dub to create what they call an “electronic descarga.” The party is free for current MCB’s Upper Room members and $15 for non-members. Non-members who purchase a membership before or at the party will be waived the $15 cover. RSVP by calling 305.929.7000, ext. 1446 or email upperroom@miamicityballet.org.

Miami International Wine Fair’s 10th Anniversary After Party  

TEMPO Miami celebrates the Miami International Wine Fair’s 10th Anniversary After Party & TobaccoRum Miami preview party, in partnership with Cigar Snob magazine and sponsored by Rums of Puerto Rico on Saturday, September 24 at 9:00 p.m.  The swanky, open-to-the-public, soiree welcomes industry professionals, wine connoisseurs, cigar aficionados and rum lovers alike to a night set to the sounds of live music from Bikini Jazz, with wine and tobacco painting demonstrations by artist GAPAL.  Guests will also have the chance to sip wines from the just-wrapped Florida International Wine Challenge, sample chocolate rum cake from the famed Tortuga Rum Cake company and visit cigar and rum exhibitors to taste, test and learn to pair cigars with rums.The event will act as a preview to the first annual TobaccoRum Miami exposition, slated to take place this coming December during Art Basel. Tickets for the 10th Anniversary After Party & TobaccoRum Miami soiree are priced at $50 per person and can be purchased by visiting www.miamiwinefair.com. 

Solé On the Ocean Says “Aloha” to Summer 

Solé On the Ocean, an ultra-contemporary boutique hotel in Sunny Isles Beach, will say “Aloha” to summer with a Hawaiian-themed luau on Saturday, September 24, from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. at its beachfront lounge Alba Mare. In addition to getting lei-ed upon arrival, guests will celebrate the spirit of the islands – or isles – with traditional fare, live music and performances, paddle boarding, a limbo contest and a tropical swimwear presentation. Hula girls and a fire dancer will spark the festivities with colorful performances, while the Aloha Boyz strum their ukuleles and Dutch spins island beats. Party-goers will sip on Mai Tais and feast on Hawaiian-inspired fare, including a fire-roasted pig with traditional trimmings such as shrimp fried rice, mixed vegetables and Polynesian potato salad. ‘Hula’ good times with ensue with an informal fashion showcase by Poko Pano swimwear and a limbo contest, the winner of which will receive a complimentary weekend stay at Solé On the Ocean. Ark Paddleboards will also be onsite to offer both novice and experienced paddle boarders the chance to make waves on the ocean. The cost of entrance is $25 per person and includes unlimited fare, one Mai Tai and valet. Guests are invited to extend their stay from sundown to sunrise with 20% off the standard room rate, which begins at $139.00. A portion of proceeds from sales will benefit Plastics Free Ocean, an organization dedicated to raising awareness about the risks of improper and excessive use of plastics to human health, wildlife and the environment. For luau and hotel reservations, call 786.923.9000 or email alba@soleoto.com. Advance purchase of admission to the luau is strongly recommended.

Papi Underwear Celebrates Hispanic Heritage 

In honor of Hispanic Heritage, Macy’s department store along with Papi Underwear has unveiled their second annual Hispanic Heritage collection.  Papi’s Hispanic Heritage collection is made in Cool Pass fabric, a poly/spandex blend that features qualities such as moisture wicking, quick dry and breathable for the utmost in comfort and protection for men, the group consists of Brazilian trunks and matching tanks and is available in an array of colors and designs that represent the flags of different Latin American countries.  Merchandise is available at www.papiinc.com, select Macy’s stores nationwide, and several other retailers across the country.  Brazilian trunks retail for $24 each and tanks retail for $29 each. 

Basketball super hero turned Hanes undies spokesman Michael Jordan dined with friends at Rocco’s Tacos & Tequila Bar in West Palm Beach over the weekend. Jordan chatted with excited fans while enjoying Rocco’s authentic Mexican cuisine.

Transformers’ director Michael Bay and football star Reggie Bush were spotted at LIV over the weekend, enjoying DJ sets by internationally renowned DJ Avicii over the weekend. 

Mega TV’s Maria Elvira Salazar was spotted at Cleber Lopez Salon in Coral Gables.

By:  Mary Jo Almeida-Shore

Pitbull’s Fontainebleau Takeover

International recording artist and performer, Pitbull hosted an over-the-top Labor Day Bash at the Fontainebleau Miami Beach for the official launch of Voli light vodka. “Mr. Worldwide” formerly “Mr. 305” (talk about a super-sized status upgrade) produced a weekend long extravaganza designed to put Voli, his new liquor brand billed as the world’s first line of low calorie vodkas on the radar of partygoers from near and far.  The vodka is produced in Cognac, France, so what better place to launch it than at the Fontainebleau, no?  Yes, it seems, as the enormous hotel sold out (!) for the weekend which offered guests access to Pitbull’s invitation only events, offered exclusively to hotel guests and select VIPs, which may or may not have included Lindsay Lohan.  Read the rest of this entry »