By: Mary Jo Almeida-Shore
A Burlesque Anniversary for Cafeina
To say that Cafeina’s VIP anniversary party was a blast would be an understatement. In fact we can’t recall a time over the past three years when we haven’t had the time of our lives at the chic, original Wynwood lounge (which moonlights as a gallery, garden, restaurant and event space). It’s hard to believe that it’s been three years since the grand opening blow-out, which featured a liger (You read that correctly). This year’s celebration featured carnal pleasures versus carnivores, but was equally exciting. For the bash, owner and founder Ivette Naranjo, invited Burlesque- dancers who could have doubled for Dita Von Teese– to heat up an already saucy party with performances that captivated the crowd. DJ A train kept the music playing while servers served up complimentary artisanal cocktails designed by Bar Lab veteran, David Boxwill and Latin-infused bites by Chef Diego Pasqualicchio from Cafeina’s new menu. The event also marked the official debut of The Mezzanine, a gorgeous second floor lounge transformed by interior designer Todd Corder. The new space is reminiscent of a 1920’s speak-easy- complete with one-off antique furnishings and also boasts a newly constructed private bar. The Mezzanine holds up to 50 guests, making it ideal for special events and group gatherings.
“I wanted to honor our pioneering spirit by re-inventing ourselves yet again,” says Naranjo, who first opened Cafeina’s oversized steel doors during Art Basel Miami Beach 2009, making it the first official lounge in the burgeoning district to carry a full liquor license. “It’s been an amazing ride these past few years and I look forward to being part of the Arts District’s emergence as a fixture in Miami’s cultural landscape.”
Terry O’Neill’s It Girls & Boys
A jet-set crowd gathered at NEST in the Design District for legendary British photographer, Terry O’Neill’s It Girls & Boys, exhibition of iconic photographs on Thursday, April 11. Many of the attendees were, in fact, “IT” boys and girls, dressed in their finest designer duds and engaged in stimulating conversations about their “IT” lifestyles. The jetlagged, O’ Niell was on-hand for the show which was curated by The Little Black Gallery of London exclusively for NEST. For the unveiling of this unique stateside exhibit, the artist personally introduced a 35 piece photography collection – and never before seen pieces – that will be on display and available for purchase at NEST until the end of June.
Well-known for photographing countless icons in unconventional or candid settings, O’Neill’s portraits are highly collectible. It Girls & Boys features some of O’Neill’s most famous and memorable portraits including images of Audrey Hepburn, Brigitte Bardot, Elizabeth Taylor, Frank Sinatra, Rolling Stones, Paul McCartney, David Bowie, Keith Richards and Raquel Welch – among many others. Our favorites included a bikini clad Sofia Loren, and an intimate moment between Elizabeth Taylor and David Bowie. Throughout the evening, O’Neill also signed copies of his most recent photography book All About Bond that celebrates the legacy of James Bond.
Going Greek at Poseidon
Poseidon Greek Restaurant and Outdoor Lounge officially opened its doors on Washington Avenue in Miami Beach with a party featuring a live performance by a violinist with an electric violin, belly dancer and great food and music. Miami Beach Mayor Matti Herrera Bower and Vice Mayor, Michael Gongora officially inaugurated the restaurant, with a ribbon cutting ceremony. Co-owner, Vasillis Pyliotis and his brother,Chef Demetrios Pyliotis are excited to share their concept with Miami. “Miami is such a vibrant city and we wanted to create a place where locals and tourists can enjoy great tastings of authentic Greek cuisine at a great price.” Over 250 guests dined at Poseidon, for the opening, experiencing the taste of authentic Greek ingredients, with which Chef Demetrios Pyliotis has created a menu comprised of Greece’s finest: Kalamata olive oil (bottled and exported by the Pyliotis family), krocus kozanis, fresh fish imported from the Aegean Sea and the best Moussaka and Baklava we’ve ever tasted.