By:  Mary Jo Almeida-Shore 

If Jeannie from the old I Dream of Jeannie series had an ornate little bar in that fabulous bottle of hers, we imagine it would resemble The Broken Shaker, the new pop-up bar at the quaint Indian Creek Hotel.  We are also fairly certain that she would never want to leave that bar, in fact, she would probably drag in Major Nelson, her evil brunette cousin and those nosy neighbors and they’d want to stay there too.  

The Broken Shaker is a collaborative effort between the Sydell Group’s Roy Alpert, formerly a consultant for the One Group and Ian Schrager’s Edition Brand, and Elad Svi and Gabriel Orta of the Bar Lab, who brought you masterfully created cocktails at the W South Beach Hotel’s Living Room. The trio physically created the Broken Shaker with their bare hands, designing and building the bar at back of the hotel.  Read the rest of this entry »

Melba Reyes and MCH Foundation President and CEO Lucy Morillo-Agnetti, Miami Children’s Hospital patient and Honorary “Shoe Guy” Joseph Reyes (center) presents thank you frames created by him and other patients to Wine, Women & Shoes Honorary Chair and CBS 4 Anchor Shannon Hori and Co-chairs Carola Pimentel and Criselda Breene

More than 400 ladies slipped into their stilettos and joined together at the Inaugural Wine, Women & Shoes for a day of shopping and fun with the common purpose of supporting world-class pediatric healthcare. BFFs, colleagues, daughters, mothers and grandmothers from throughout South Florida gathered at Coral Gables Country Club on February 8 to raise nearly a quarter of a million dollars to benefit Miami Children’s Hospital Foundation. Honorary Chair and CBS 4 Anchor Shannon Hori served as Mistress of Ceremonies. Attendees were treated to a never-before-seen trunk show featuring Christian Louboutin shoes and accessories. They also enjoyed a sophisticated day of wine tastings, a silent auction featuring lavish trips and experiences, a fashion marketplace and a fashion show presented by Neiman Marcus.

 “This is a fun-filled day of shopping and camaraderie,” said event Co-chairs Criselda Breene and Carola Pimentel. “At the same time we are here for a very serious cause because the women here today are able to make a major difference in the lives of so many children.” 

Guests had the opportunity to hear from Melba Reyes, who has two special needs children whose lives were both saved by the experts at Miami Children’s Hospital.

“On behalf of my entire family, I want to thank all of you who have made my children and all children a priority in your lives by being here today,” said Reyes. “If Miami Children’s was not here, I wouldn’t have my two miracles and I am eternally grateful for your support.” 

The luncheon was also highlighted by “Shoe Guys” representing area organizations like –the City of Miami Fire Department, United States Marines and Miami Children’s Young Ambassadors – who showed off the latest ladies fashions on a silver platter, literally. Two fashionistas were awarded with Neiman Marcus gift certificates for winning a shoe contest. Aimee Cogan won “Best Stiletto” and Alison Kunkel came home with the prize for “Best All-Around” shoes. Shoe judges included designer Lisa Pliner; Ocean Drive Editor Suzy Buckley; Inaugural Wine, Women & Shoes Committee member Christina Getty-Maercks; and Lucy Morillo-Agnetti, Miami Children’s Hospital Foundation President & CEO. 

“I’m very excited that we are able to bring together women of all generations for philanthropy, friendship and fun,” said Morillo-Agnetti. “It’s only natural that you are here to support Miami Children’s Hospital because our doctors and nurses provide the best pediatric care in Florida and expert subspecialized care to thousands of children worldwide.” 

Sponsors included Audi; Baudouin Croonenberghs; Capital Group Companies; CBS 4; Coral Gables Country Club; DJ Crespo; Delmonte; Estefan Enterprises; KARLA Conceptual Event Experiences; K&L Gates, LLP; Logistical Outsourcing; Menu Men, Inc.; Miyo Home; Montero Wolkov, LLP; Neiman Marcus; Ocean Drive Magazine; Victor & Tammy Napoli; Passion Growers, LLC; Premier Beverage; Tech-Optics, Inc.; Tui Lifestyle; Tui Pranich & Associates; Vattikuti Foundation; Vogue; and Isa & Ava Zucker. 

Members of the Inaugural Wine, Women & Shoes Committee included Co-chairs Criselda Breene and Carola Pimentel and Norma Jean Abraham, Gingi Beltran, Michele Benesch, Susanne Birbragher, Carolina Arellano Cejas, Heidi Charalambides, Andria Miyares, Fiorella De Satory, Cristina Echavarria, Christina Getty-Maercks, Gotmar Giron Ocariz, Beatriz Bravo-Gutierrez, Iran Issa-Khan, Gaby Jimenez, Irene Korge, Alison Kunkel, Nicole Lozano, Nancy Lopez Levy, Andrea Maenz, Belen Martinez-Christensen, Lily Moskovitz, Bronwyn Miller, Bridget Murphy, Tammy Napoli, Leticia Pfeffer, Terry Schecter, Jackie Silverman, Blair Sonville, Molly Snyder, Lauren Sturges-Fernandez, Maria Elena Uzcategui, Saoussan Wahab, Siri Willoch, and Jocelyn Woolworth. 

Miami Children’s Hospital Foundation has announced this will be an annual event and Wine, Women & Shoes Palm Beach benefiting Miami Children’s Hospital Foundation will debut on Thursday, November 15 at Mar-a-Lago.

photo courtesy: Mitchell Zachs and Yamila Lomba

By: Maryanne Salvat 

Art Wynwood

 Art Wynwood takes place this President’s Day Weekend, from February 16 through February 20. Held in the spacious 100,000-square-foot Art Miami Pavilion the inaugural five-day International Contemporary Art Fair will showcase a compelling array of cutting-edge, contemporary and modern artwork by both emerging and established artists from more than 50 galleries, including “the flying murals of Wynwood” commissioned by the district’s own Tony Goldman. Art Wynwood will feature paintings, photography, sculpture, art video and new media, conceptual art and urban street art by 500 artists from 13 countries: Argentina, Austria, Canada, China, France, Germany, Ireland, Mexico, Spain, the Netherlands, Venezuela, United Kingdom and the United States. With representation from 100 cities from around the world, including 50 across the U.S., Art Wynwood will further distinguish the Wynwood Arts District as a leading cultural destination for acquiring contemporary art. VIP Private Preview will be held throughout the weekend, beginning on this Thursday, February 16, from 6:00 to 10:00 p.m. For more information and a full schedule of events visit www.art-wynwood.com.

YachtAid Global

Join YachtAid Global (YAG) and Hope International for a charitable evening high in the sky above South Beach overlooking Biscayne Bay in designer penthouses with spectacular terraces while contributing to a sea worthy cause mixing, mingling and enjoying sights and scenery from the Isle of Capri on Friday, February 17 at 8:00 p.m.  YachtAid Global is dedicated to delivering humanitarian, developmental and conservation aid via yachts to isolated/underprivileged coastal communities worldwide. Guest list is limited to 200 guests, to reserve your spot rsvp to hopeamerica@aol.com. Tickets are priced at $100 per person; complimentary valet will be available; for more information visitwww.yachtaidglobal.org. YAG is … “Changing the World without Changing Course.”

Join Forces with the Pink Army

The Pink Army needs you! Join the Pink Warriors this weekend to help spread the word on early breast cancer detection.  Help these courageous women on a mission to reach their goal, “Our 2012 goal is to photograph 3,000 women in 30 cities in Mexico and the United States and reach a total of 5,000 women who make up what we call The Pink Army (PINK WARRIORS) who are commitment to spreading the message of awareness for early detection of breast cancer”. The Photo Shoots are scheduled for Friday, February 17 from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m., Saturday, February 18, 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Sunday, February 19 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The Photo Shoot will take place at Baby Sensory 1800 S.W. 1st Avenue, Suite 307.All shots will be taken from the chest up and participants will be lightly painted. If you would like more information, contact me Jennifer Heegaard at Jennifer@jejeconsulting.com or Sandra Duque at sandyduquqe@hotmail.com.

Walk for the Animals

Walk for the Animals, presented by Pet Supermarket, is scheduled for Saturday, February 18, 2012 at Bayfront Park and is an exciting and worthwhile activity for the entire family–and, of course–dogs. The Walk is the Humane Society of Greater Miami’s largest annual community event, attracting over 3,000 people. This year’s Grand Marshall is District 4 Miami-Dade County Commissioner, Sally A. Heyman. The Leader of the Pack is Associate Vice President and Controller of University of Miami, Theresa L. Ashman, and for the fourth year, the event’s emcee is WTVJ – NBC-6 meteorologist, Ryan Phillips. There will be fun-filled activities for the entire family, including all furry friends. Sponsors will be offering music, games, prizes, product samples, and great food. There will be a special Bakery Tent filled with mouth-watering pastries to be enjoyed with a fabulous cup of Coffee Brake coffee. Registration opens at 8:30 a.m. and entertainment will be provided from 9:00 a.m. ‘til noon. The one-mile stroll around the park (with or without a dog) begins at 10 a.m. The minimum donation for an individual walker is $50 and includes a Walk t-shirt, a fabulous goodie bag and doggie bandana. Or, form a Pack (team) with your family and friends and receive personalized Pack goodies! Big Dog Packs are for walkers 18 years of age and over and Proud Pup Packs for those under 18. The Pack raising the most money will be recognized at the event with a special surprise. For more Walk information, visit www.humanesocietymiami.org, or to register, go to www.firstgiving.com/hsgm.

Miami Science Museum Galaxy Gala & Big Bang Event 

Join the Miami Science Museum for the Annual Galaxy Gala & Big Bang Saturday, February 18 at the JW Marriott Marquis Miami & Hotel Beaux Arts. This year’s 10th Annual Galaxy Gala will feature a cocktail reception and silent auction followed by a seated dinner, extraterrestrial-themed décor, live music, dancing and a laser entertainment experience, immediately followed by the Big Bang, a high-energy dance party designed for the young and influential professionals of Miami. The Galaxy Gala and Big Bang will shine the spotlight on the 60+ year mission of the Miami Science Museum and kickoff a week-long schedule of groundbreaking festivities for the new $275 million Museum waterfront project, the Patricia and Phillip Frost Museum of Science in downtown Miami. Ticketing information is as follows, Galaxy Gala: Ruth Robinson (305) 646-4249 rrobinson@miamisci.org; Big Bang: Tony Lima (305) 646-4209 tlima@miamisci.org; Event & Tickets Website: http://www.miamisci.org/www/gala_intro.php.   

What Women Want at Nikki Beach  

Nikki Beach Miami announces “What Women Want”, their signature fashion series; this year Nikki Beach Miami presents Furla and I, the spring 2012 handbag and accessory line on Saturday, February 18, from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m., with a stunning fashion show to enjoy. Guests are encouraged to join Nikki Beach Miami for dinner before the show, at the beachfront restaurant. The Furla collection for spring-summer 2012 is a rich travel diary filled with visual and tactile notes on the Mediterranean and Italian tradition. What Women want and Nikki Beach proudly support the American Heart Association and their Go Red For Women campaign, promoting heart health awareness. Furla has graciously donated one if its stunning red handbags to a gift basket which will also have several other wonderful items and will be raffled off to one lucky winner. Nikki Beach will donate all raffle proceeds to the American Heart Association All guests joining us for dinner will enjoy a complimentary welcome glass of champagne! For more information visit www.nikkibeachmiami.com. 

Mardi RA

RA Sushi in South Miami brings Mardi Gras to you on Tuesday, February 21 from 7:00 p.m. to close celebrating its version of Fat Tuesday with “Mardi RA.” During the event, enjoy food and drink specials, festive décor and entertainment. Get in the spirit by dressing in Mardi Gras attire and throwing on some colorful beads. A special guest D.J. will keep the crowd going all night long. Take a bite out of the Big Easy with a variety of spicy food specials made just for the occasion. Stop in to RA Sushi in South Miami and enjoy one of these Southern spirits with a special twist, or mix one up at home for your own celebration. www.rasushi.com.

 Hogzilla Celebrates Fat Tuesday

On February 21, Hogzilla’s Inspired Barbeque celebrates Fat Tuesday encouraging partygoers to have as much fun as humanly possible before the need to feel bad about it and repent the following day. In true Mardi Gras spirit, Hogzilla’s will be partaking in excessive indulgences with crawfish eating contests, hot sauce challenges and a chance to win a $100 bar tab. Ladies are welcome to drink free from 9:00 to 11:00 p.m. Oh yes, beads are included!

Carnaval at SUSHISAMBA dromo

Join SUSHISAMBA dromo for the annual Carnaval celebration that will exhilarate all your senses. On Tuesday, February 21, beginning at 9:00 p.m., SUSHISAMBA will host a special Carnaval festivity to mark Rio de Janeiro’s most extravagant celebration. In addition to the delectable menu specials, revelers will enjoy live performances by shimmering samba dancers dressed in elaborate garb, the beats of booming batucada drummers, dj’s and more. In addition to the regular menu, guests can cheer on the night with a tasty Carnaval Cocktail $12 (leblon, domaine de canton, fresh kiwi and champagne) and the following Carnaval specials:The Carnaval menu includes King Crab Palmito Salad of heart of palm, papaya, passionfruit vinaigrette and candied cashew ($20); Copacabana Crispy Red Snapper with lime, chili, cilantro and coconut rice ($35); Carnaval Roll of tuna, salmon, shrimp, yellow chimichurri and Brazil nut ($15); and Banana Split of doce de leite ice cream, coconut mochi and yamazaki cream ($14). SUSHISAMBA dromo will broadcast a live feed of the celebration in Rio de Janeiro, bringing the energy and excitement of the world’s largest party straight to the heart of South Beach.  For more information on the Brazilian celebration, visit www.sushisamba.com.

Blush Wednesdays at Villa Mayfair

On Wednesdays  the fabulous Villa Mayfair will be hosting their very new “Blush Wednesdays” which is a decadent Wednesday of free Rose + Rose champagne for ladies all evening in addition to a $35 prix fixe menu prepared by Michelin star Chef Frederic Joulin for all the ladies. The vibe is fantastic, the food is outrageously good and with cocktail stars like John Lermayer, voted #1 bartender in Miami, and Nick Nistico, multiple award winning mixologist, behind the bar and the in house dj spinning it is the recipe for the perfect Wednesday night both sexes. To RSVP go to VillaMayfair@OceanDrive.com.

Paula Abdul

Paula Abdul made use of her newly found time off to hit South Beach where she indulged in a huge Oreo Frozen Hot Chocolate at Serendipity 3- our newest favorite outpost for dessert heaven.

Larry David was spotted at WALL last Thursday.  Earlier in the evening he was seen dining at Zuma. Also at Zuma that night was Kim Kardashian, dining with Jonathan Cheban and Larsa and Scottie Pippen.

Charles Cohen, Erick Winnick, Joe Fava, Henry Richardson, A Keith Powell, Donanne Ramos, Franco Planegonda, Jennifer Post, Kiran Shiva Akal, DJ Hay, Clodagh, Chad Oppenheim, Iran Issa Kahn, & Alison Antrobus

By:   Mary Jo Almeida-Shore 

Innovations in design are just causes for celebration- at the forefront of these are the designers themselves.  Over the course of the past few weeks, we have crisscrossed Miami to fete great designers- from the traditional sense of the word, such as those spotlighted at the Stars of Design Awards at DCOTA; to masters at the art of designing a great deal- such as at the Gilt Insider’s event; to Breguet’s breakthroughs in watch making.  We were fortunate to raise a glass among those who make this town prettier, more stylish, more comfortable and overall a much more enjoyable place to live.  

DCOTA’s Stars of Design Awards 

On Wednesday, February 1, the Design Center of the Americas (DCOTA) and Charles S. Cohen, Owner, CEO and President of Cohen Brothers Realty, hosted the Sixth Annual Stars of Design Awards, to highlight the work of some of the design industry’s leading professionals. For the first time, five young designers were recognized as “Stars on the Rise” for having already made a significant mark in the design world.  Read the rest of this entry »

The Forge Restaurant | Wine Bar: Miami’s legendary landmark, The Forge Restaurant | Wine Bar, will feature an à la carte menu and special three-course “Lovers’ Menu” by Executive Chef Dewey LoSasso. Cost is $75 per person. In addition to The Forge’s glamorous dining room, guests are invited to dine among owner Shareef Malnik’s private wine collection in The Lafite Room. Chef Dewey LoSasso and sommelier Gino Santangelo will design a special eight-course menu for the couple that dines in the room that night. The cost begins at $5,000.  For reservations, call 305.538.8533 or www.theforge.com.

STK: Get caught in STK’s Love Triangle this Valentine’s Day. The opulent three-course menu will feature Roasted Heirloom Tomato Soup with fried oysters, chorizo, leeks and saffron, Seared Sea Scallops for Two with winter truffle, fingerling potato and black trumpet mushrooms, and the STK Love Triangle trio of desserts. For guests that wish to try another taste of STK the restaurant will offer its à la carte menu as well. For reservations, call 305.604.6988 or visit www.togrp.com.

Vesper American Brasserie: Vesper American Brasserie invites you to soak up its sensuous atmosphere while indulging in a four-course meal paired with a glass of Champagne. Cost is $80 per person. For reservations, call 305.341.1500 or visit www.shelborne.com.

Symcha’s: Come dine Valentines Evening with the one (s) you love, enjoy Symcha’s adored cuisine and cocktails and enjoy a complimentary glass of champagne and one of their signature, heavenly desserts.  Symcha’s is known for its romantic ambience, sit inside at one of the cozy candlelit tables or outside in their garden under the stars. For reservations call 305.604.0000 or visit www.Symchas.net.

Bar Tanaka: Bar Tanaka at Shelborne South Beach will feature a divine sushi feast by Chef Hiroyuki “Zama” Tanaka. The menu includes, but is not limited to, the Chef’s selection of eight pieces of sashimi and 12 pieces of Nigiri, as well as an assortment of Mochi ice cream for a decadent treat. Cost is $100 per couple for reservations, call 786.280.3333 or visit www.shelborne.com.

Mare Nostrum: Miami’s dining destination for fresh, delicious seafood is offering a romantic Valentine’s Day dinner menu bursting with freshness and flavor. The four-course prix-fixe menu will be available during regular dinner hours. Priced at $150 per couple, dinner includes a bottle of Moet Chandon Champagne per couple; tax and gratuity not included. The restaurant will also offer its a la carte menu.Valet and street parking are available. Reservations highly recommended at 786.691.2770, or visit www.marenostrumrestaurant.com.

Meat Market: Sizzle this Valentine’s Day at Meat Market, Lincoln Road’s bustling contemporary steakhouse. In addition to the regular a la carte menu, Executive Chef Sean Brasel has created a three-course prix-fixe dinner menu, priced at $95 per person; tax and gratuity not included. For more information and reservations please call (305) 532-0088, or visit

www.meatmarketmiami.com.

Rusty Pelican: The local favorite will be offering a romantic three-course, prix-fixe Valentine’s Day dinner menu filled with aphrodisiacal foods, as well as their regular a la carte dinner menu. The pre-fixe offerings will be available the weekend of February 10, 11, and 12, as well as on Valentine’s Day Tuesday, February 14, during their regular dinner hours. The pre-fixe dinner is priced at $85 per person; tax and gratuity not included.  For more information and reservations, please call (305) 361-3818, or visit http://www.therustypelican.com/rustypelicanmiami/.

The Dutch: The new hotspot will be celebrating Valentine’s Day on Tuesday, February 14, with a three-course, prix-fixe menu during their regular dinner hours, priced at $80 per person, plus tax and gratuity. There will also be a specialty wine pairing option priced at $40 per person. In addition, the full oyster bar menu will also be available for those who want an added course of shellfish offerings. For more information and reservations, call 305.938.3111 or visit www.thedutchmiami.com.

Quattro: On San Valentino, Tuesday, February 14, Quattro will be celebrating Cupid with specialty Tuscan a la carte offerings, in addition to their regular dinner menu. For more information and reservations, call 305.531.4833, or visit www.quattromiami.com.

Shelborne South Beach – Poolside: Shelborne South Beach will host a F*#k Valentine’s Day party complete with some provocative props. Models will adorn the venue as they pass out candy and toys and pose with guests in the “F*#k Valentine’s @ Shelborne” photo booth while a “little person” dressed as cupid “kisses” guests with Hershey’s kisses. For reservations, email vday@shelborne.com.

 Fadó: The Irish Pub is celebrating the romantic holiday with a “Tag-n-Shag” party at the Pub! Upon arrival, guests will receive a string of beads – blue for girls and pink for guys. Just before midnight, the guy or gal with the most beads will win a $100 AMEX gift card and a Stella Swag; second and third place winners will receive prizes as well. For reservations, call 786.924.0972 or visit www.fadoirishpub.com/miami.

WALL: The decadent boutique lounge inside W South Beach, will celebrate Valentine’s Day with its weekly Favela Beach party. Special guest DJs will include DJ Ruen and DJPS1. For table reservations, call 305.938.3130 or visit www.wallmiami.com.

A Valentine Extravaganza

The Miami Symphony Orchestra (MISO) invites you to share a Valentine’s Day gift of music with your special one. Music Director and Conductor Eduardo Marturet will present a bouquet of romantic melodies. One of the highlights of the evening will be the participation of violin virtuoso Ilya Kaler. For more information, visithttp://themiso.org.