By: Maryanne Salvat 

Oberle Opticians and Ocean Drive Present Maybach Eyewear 

Oberle Opticians, a South Florida institution in fine optics and designer eyewear for more than two decades, has teamed up with Ocean Drive Magazine to present the latest collection from Maybach Eyewear. The event will take place Thursday, February 9, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at Oberle’s surfside showroom, located one half block south of the Bal Harbour Shops. Cocktails and hors d’oeuvres will be provided by celebrity chef Michael Mina’s Bourbon Steak. Proceeds from the evening will benefit the Rand Eye Foundation. To reserve your spot on the guest list, visit www.oberleopticians.com/maybachevent.

Terrace at Rik Rak and Varelli Designs 

To coincide with the debut of The Terrace at Rik Rak, an al fresco dining addition to Rik Rak’s existing indoor bar, Rik Rak will host trunk show for Varelli Designs on Friday, February 10 and Saturday, February 11 from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.  This two day event will feature the perfect combination of chic and cuisine. Browse through the dazzling assortment of jewelry and step outside to the charming Terrace at Rik Rak to enjoy a complimentary glass of wine and savor light bites, while enjoying the backdrop of Brickell Avenue’s sleek skyline. For more information, visit www.rikrak.com.

Be My Valentine: A Pop-Up Burlesque

Local Fitness Expert Janette Janero is thrilled to bring South Florida an open-to-the-public session of her “back by popular demand” Burlesque Fitness class. Traditionally only available to those with gym memberships at Florida International University’s Recreation Center, the special class, titled “Be My Valentine: A Pop-Up Burlesque Fitness Event,” will benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital via attendee donations and an on-site decorating station to make Valentine’s Day cards for the children at St. Jude’s. The class will be held on Saturday, February 11, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at FIU Recreation Center’s Room RC101. RSVP by calling 305.348.2575, or email abbi@sugarbombpr.com.

Classic Soul Symphony After Hours 

On Saturday, February 11, join the New World Symphony for the Classic Soul Symphony After Hours; the Symphony After Hours is a series of chic late-night parties featuring intriguing musical performances at beautiful and unique locations around town. Enjoy complimentary libations courtesy of Grey Goose Vodka, light bites, with tunes by Ike and Valerie Wood, and wonderful company at Maxine’s Pool Lounge at the Catalina Hotel. The party is free for all Friends of New World Symphony Members. Non-Members can purchase tickets for $40 each. For membership inquiries or After Hour Tickets, please contact Nathalie Cadet-James at Nathalie.CadetJames@nws.edu<mailto:Nathalie.CadetJames@nws.edu or call 305.428.6733.

Dine with the Dolphins

“Dine with the Dolphins” at Miami Seaquarium offers couples looking for a unique yet memorable Valentine’s Day experience, the opportunity to enjoy a delicious candlelight dinner under the stars in the company of some very special dolphins. From 8:00 to 10:00 p.m., this Valentine’s Day, Miami Seaquarium invites sweethearts to take a break from the ordinary and enjoy their Valentine’s Dinner overlooking the dolphins at Dolphin Harbor. And as an added bonus to the spectacular four course dinner that will be featured, for only $398 plus tax, the unique Valentine’s Day package includes two Sea Trek Reef Encounter and Dolphin Odyssey experience certificates, plus two annual passes to the park – a value of $695. The Sea Trek and Dolphin Odyssey gift certificates are good for up to one year from the time of purchase, while the annual passes are good until December 31, 2012. Space is limited. Reservations will be taken on a first come, first serve basis. To make reservations call 305-365-2501 or for more information visit https://www.facebook.com/events/341724992517562/.

Jungle Island’s Valentine VIP Safari Tour

The search is over with Jungle Island’s Valentine VIP Safari Tour from February 11 through February 14. Embark on a behind-the-scenes tour of the Jungle that brings you closer than ever to some of the world’s most rare and fascinating animals. The Safari Tour includes one-on-one encounters with the animals in the jungle including red-ruffed lemurs, Aldabra tortoises, kangaroos, capuchin monkeys, Andean condors and even the most lethal bird on the planet, the cassowary. For the animal lover and the adventurous, this is a once-in-lifetime experience. Also a part of the Valentine VIP Safari tour is a romantic lunch overlooking Flamingo Lake that includes hearts of love salad, a gourmet entrée, strawberry shortcake or key lime pie and a glass of sparkling champagne or a refreshing soft drink. And just for the special occasion, Valentine’s VIP Safari Tour is available for just $185 per person and includes all of the above plus a special souvenir t-shirt, a discount in the Island Treasures Gift Shop and admission to Jungle Island. Space is limited and must be booked in advanced. To make a reservation, call 305.400.7222 or visit our web site for additional information www.jungleisland.com.

Alex Rodriguez with Gloria and Emilio Estefan

 Celebs including New York Yankee Alex Rodriguez, actress Minka Kelly, actor Ryan Phillippe, media mogul and former Bacardi employee of 15 years Emilio Estefan, Latin music icon Gloria Estefan, NBA Legends Alonzo Mourning and Glen Rice, R&B singer Trey Songz, GREY GOOSE Rising Icons Jake Troth and Kenny Burns, DJ Irie, Susanne Birbragher, Donald and Lisa Pliner, Roy and Lea Black, and sports personality and former Miami Dolphin Jimmy Cefalo, attended Bacardi’s 150 Year Anniversary celebration at the historic Bacardi Building in downtown Miami, on Saturday night. 

Later that night, Ryan Phillippe went to WALL to party with friend and D.C. nightclub owner Patrick Osuna.

 Tommy Davidson performed for over an hour at Ricochet on Monday night as part of Ricochet’s monthly comedy show series. One guest kept yelling out, “I love you!” towards the end of the show which led Davidson to jump off the stage and order a Bombay Sapphire Martini for the fan, in hopes of keeping her quiet for a little bit. Tommy and the crowd ended the night in stitches as he closed with his Sammy David Jr. impersonation. 

The cast and crew of Basketball Wives taped an upcoming episode at our favorite South of Fifth restaurant, Symcha’s.  

Iggy Pop was seen dining at Villa Mayfair last week. 

Anna Kournikova and boyfriend Enrique Iglesias were spotted checking out Philippe Chow Miami’s new location on Ocean Drive.  The couple shared the hotspot’s signatures including dumplings, Satays, Lettuce Wraps, Peking Duck and for dessert: ice cream and pie.

Also at Philippe Chow Miami, Scotty and Larsa Pippen joined Lea Black, Kamal Hotchandani, Antonio Misuraca and a large group in the restaurant’s private wine room.

by: Mary Jo Almeida-Shore

Seeing the Light:  Bianca the Delano

On Thursday night, the highly anticipated Italian restaurant, Bianca opened at the Delano Hotel to the delight of over a thousand guests who made their way across the eternal lobby into the restaurant and braved the limestone along the pool for the indoor/outdoor celebration.

While celebrities and VIPs dined inside the restaurant and on the terrace, partygoers enjoyed bites, libations and musical performances by Chris Botti and Little Louie Vega, (strange bedfellows indeed) out by the pool.  Vega’s dance tunes were abruptly halted by Botti’s intoxicating trumpet, which was accompanied by a gorgeous violinist who played in the pool, yes, IN the pool.  The music was captivating, especially when Botti played the theme from Cinema Paradiso, one of our favorite movies of all time.  The performance brought on a melancholy mood which was quickly interrupted by the site of a group of drunken models traipsing through the pool- there are just certain elements of this iconic hotel that will never change.  After which, Little Louie Vega took over again and was joined by Michelle Rodriguez for his second live set. Read the rest of this entry »

by: Mary Jo Almeida-Shore

St. Regis Bal Harbour Opens

The posh St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort & Residences officially opened on Thursday, January 19, with markedly less fanfare. In lieu of a splashy party, guests enjoyed a daytime ribbon cutting ceremony and champagne-sabering, a tradition of the St. Regis brand. The ritual dates back to the time of Napoleon – tres cool.

St. Regis Global brand leader, Paul James, CEO of Starwood Vacation Ownership, Sergio Rivera and General Manager, Marco Selva were joined by notables including Bal Harbour Village Mayor, Jean Rosenfield, Christina Getty-Maercks, Susanne Birbragher, Executive Director of Tourism for Bal Harbour, Carolyn Travis, Lea Black and designers George Yabu and Glenn Pushelberg, who gathered for the unveiling of the 28th property in the St. Regis portfolio where butlers lined the grand entrance of the resort and residential property that soars above a 1,000 foot stretch of pristine shoreline as Mayor Rosenfield presented Selva with the Key to the Village. Read the rest of this entry »

By: Maryanne Salvat

Saks Gives Back

This February, Saks Fifth Avenue will give 5% of all registered purchases made with a Saks Fifth Avenue credit card back to charity.  The donations will benefit certain local organizations, keeping support within each Saks Fifth Avenue store’s immediate community. Customers may select which local charity from Saks Fifth Avenue’s roster they wish to allocate their 5% contribution. Registration is one simple step at point of sale linking the customer account with their chosen charity. Saks Fifth Avenue Dadeland has partnered with the following charities from February 1 to 29: Grayvik Animal Care Center- ORCAT, the Jackson Memorial Foundation, Miami Science Museum, and University of Miami. Saks.com will also be supporting the program, with 5% of online purchases made using a registered Saks credit card, being donated to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Bass Museum of Art’s Beats after Sunset

This Friday, February 3, will serve as the unofficial re-launch of the monthly event Bass Museum of Art’s Beats after Sunset happy hour, with a new host committee and after party at Chalk Ping Pong & Billiards Lounge. In addition, the Bass Museum will have a ping pong table on site in the museum’s café. Exhibitions on view will be “Laurent Grasso: Portrait of a Young Man” and “Erwin Wurm: Beauty Business” (**note, Erwin Wurm’s “Drinking Sculptures” will be “activated” to assist in the happy hour fun).

Evenings at the Villa

Villa 221 has generated so much attention and interest from its guests that the owners have decided to continue the house party by officially opening its doors to the public on Friday and Saturday evenings with VILLA NIGHTS – a complete evening destination catering to VIPs, locals and visitors alike beginning at 9:00 p.m. The proprietors self-described “Casual Fridays” and their “Downtown’s Best Saturday” night represent what one might playfully refer to as the “un-club” and presents a no cover and no velvet rope mentality. For more information, visit www.villanights.com – the venue’s newly launched blog designed to be a portal dedicated to the nightlife at Villa 221.

Grand Opening of RX Pool Parties

The city buzz is electric, as Miami gears up for the highly anticipated 2012 Season 4 Grand Opening of RX Pool Parties on the Rooftop of The Gansevoort Hotel on Saturday, February 4 from noon to 8 p.m. As seen on the Travel Channel nationwide, and experienced by over 200,000 of the world’s most beautiful people, South Beach’s #1 weekly pool party returns for its fourth year with a celebration of epic proportions. Kicking of the festivities will be internationally renowned superstar DJ/Producer George Acosta launching his newly announced bi-monthly DJ residency with RX Pool Parties for the 2012 season. Performing along with George Acosta will be Miami’s own superstar DJ/Producer in the making, Justin Sheppard known locally as the city’s hottest new Space Terrace resident DJ. This powerhouse combination of music will undoubtedly kick the year off with an extravagance and sexiness level that is unparalleled by most, yet is always the standard at these wet & wild RX Pool Parties. For up-to-date information on ALL weekly RX events, please visit www.rxpoolparties.com.

Super Bowl Weekend 2012

The Mayfair Hotel & Spa presents a Super Bowl Viewing Party at the Rooftop Cabana Club, Sunday, February 5. Enjoy a full poolside menu, beer specials and $125 cabana rentals. Ladies wearing NFL attire receive a complimentary glass of Prosecco. Reservations are highly recommended.

Edge, Steak & Bar will host a Super Bowl viewing party at their beautiful marble-top bar or in one of the Private Dining Rooms (rental fee waived). The large private dining room can hold up to 22 people, and the smaller area can hold up to 10 people. It can be your own Private Super Bowl Party-with an inside

Chalk Ping Pong and Billiards Lounge will also be hosting a Super Bowl Viewing party on Sunday, February 5, from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m. The event sponsored by Grolsh and Bud Light will feature viewing packages starting at $25.  Bites will be provided by Shorty’s BBQ. For more information contact (305) 532-8662 or visit www.chalkmiami.com.

Sponsored by Heineken, the Rooftop at Gansevoort will be hosting a lavish Super Bowl Party beginning at 3:00 p.m. Cabana specials are available starting at $800 and include1 bottle of vodka, 2 Heineken Mini Kegs and 3 appetizers. For more information contact 305.604.6829 or visit www.togrp.com.

Haven Gastro-Lounge will also be offering Super Bowl specials on Sunday, February 5.  Call or text reservations to 305.987.8885, or visit www.havenlounge.com.

Duffy’s Sports Grill in North Miami Beach, South Florida’s largest waterfront sports grill, offers Duffy’s game time specials including $11 domestic beer buckets, $15 premium beer buckets and their infamous 2 for 1 happy hour, good for everything in house, starting at 4:00 p.m. With 200 huge Plasma TVs and the best value in town, make Duffy’s your Super Bowl XLVI headquarters. As the big game approaches, make sure to “Like” Duffys’ Sports Grill’s Facebook page to enter into their Super Bowl Facebook contest. One lucky Duffy’s fan will win the “Ultimate Big Game Party” complete with a 50-inch Plasma TV and Duffy’s party platters for 15 people, all delivered by the Duffy’s MVP Street Team. Numerous other daily bonus prizes will be given away to Duffy’s fans including Duffy’s gift cards, autographed Miami Dolphins memorabilia and Duffy’s gear. For more information call or contact 305.760.2124 or visit www.DuffysMVP.com.

The Closet Boutique

The Closet Boutique is excited to invite local fashionistas to a private Valentine’s Day shopping experience featuring the debut of David Jon Acosta’s new line, Our Prince Of Peace. Guests are welcomed Thursday, February 9, from 6 to 9 p.m. to shop for the “woman in your life”. The Closet Boutique is stocked with high end accessories, diamond crusted “LOVE” bracelets, personalized monogram necklaces, ruby red clutches, and sexy scented candles. Meet with local fashion designer David Jon Acosta to view his latest collection featuring bold printed leggings, bandeau tops, and complex textile mini’s. Enjoy complimentary champagne with chocolate covered strawberries as you shop for the perfect Valentines date ensemble for a romantic dinner or a night out on the town. For more information on The Closet Boutique’s Valentines Shopping Event contact Jennifer Henry at Jennifer@modmediamiami.com or 305-799-6484.

The Lion King Arrives in South Florida

Disney Theatrical Productions, Broadway Across America and the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County announced that tickets for the long-awaited production of The Lion King will go on sale to the public on Saturday, February 11. Tickets will be available for purchase in person at the box office starting at 8:00 a.m., online at www.arshtcenter.org and by phone at 11 a.m. Miami’s most eagerly awaited stage production will begin performances at the Adrienne Arsht Center on Tuesday, May 15 for a limited engagement of four weeks through Sunday, June 10. Ticket buyers are invited to special box office festivities starting at 8 a.m. on Saturday, February 11 at the Adrienne Arsht Center’s Ziff Ballet Opera House. Ticket buyers in line will receive complimentary breakfast and live entertainment provided by local media partners including HOT 101.5 FM, COAST FM and The Miami Herald. The first person in the ticket line will be gifted with an autographed souvenir Lion King book; the first 100 ticket buyers get a Lion King CD; and all other ticket buyers will receive Lion King T-shirts, (one item per order, while supplies last). Parking in Lot C will be free of charge. Regular box office hours are Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.