Luis Rigual, Anne Owen, and Mimi Chacin

By: Mary Jo Almeida-Shore

Last Wednesday, Miami magazine hosted its 3^rd Annual “To Live & Dine in Miami” event to celebrate its restaurant issue, which spotlights some of Miami’s top toques and restos. A hungry crowd of 400 maneuvered its way up and around the historic Moore Building’s windy floors and steep steps for an evening of mingling, cocktails and bites and to relax in the cozy lifestyle lounges created by local design showroom, Planet Lighting. 

Participating chefs who thrilled our palates included:  Paula DaSilva (1500° at Eden Roc), Dewey LoSasso (The Forge Restaurant | Wine Bar), Joel Huff (Azul), Douglas Rodriguez (De Rodriguez Cuba on Ocean), Philippe Ruiz (Palme d’Or), Jeffrey Hundelt (Truluck’s Seafood, Steak and Crab House) and Crumb on Parchment. 

VIP guests included Miami magazine Publisher Anne Owen; the restaurant issue editorial team including Editor-in-Chief Luis Rigual; Senior Contributing Editor Riki Altman; dining critic Jen Karetnick; and Contributing Photographer Michael Pisarri.  Several award-winning chefs also attended including Michael Schwartz and Heidi Goldsmith of Michael’s Genuine Food & Drink; Jeff McInnis of Yardbird Southern Table & Bar; and Todd Erickson of Haven Gastro-Lounge. Miami Beach Vice Mayor, Michael Gongora; Majestic Properties’ Jeff Morr; Read the rest of this entry »

Not to be overshadowed by the countless steakhouses on the beach, Morton’s Miami Beach delivers the exceptional food and service for which the restaurant chain has been respected for over 30 years.  In short, it is a traditional staple for food connoisseurs in search of terrific food and friendly service at a reasonable price.  The classic steakhouse joins the 10th anniversary of the gastronomic event of the season, Miami Spice, with a menu that is as savory as its price point.  Offering a variety of steak, seafood, and poultry dishes with delicious sides and desserts, the quality of the food surpasses the quantity- which says a lot- as you will leave stuffed- for a mere 35 bucks. Noteworthy dishes include:  Morton’s signature chopped salad with Blue Cheese dressing, the single cut Filet Mignon with Béarnaise Sauce on the side, Potatoes Lyonnaise (sautéed in bacon fat with onions), and the double chocolate mousse.  Yes, ALL of this is included in the price.

Seasoned Sommelier Steven Hoyt will recommend the perfect bottle of wine to enhance the culinary experience and Christopher, top server, is quite the expert on dishes and specialties Morton’s Miami Beach has to offer.  Oh, and did we mention that the valet parking is free?  

For more information, visit: 

Morton’s Miami Beach/Miami Spice 2011

Bridesmaids star, Rose Byrne made her first visit to Miami Thursday night for the W South Beach’s Symmetry Live concert with electro-pop sensation, Theophilus London in celebration of the hotel’s two year anniversary. The Australian actress wore a delicate couture top and short leather skirt by her hometown designer Zimmermann. She lounged in a poolside cabana and made plans with friends for the rest of the weekend.

 Actresses from the new ABC series Charlie’s Angels, Minka Kelly and Annie Ilonzeh, dined at The Forge Restaurant | Wine Bar on Friday night.  Kelly, who happens to be Derek Jeter’s girlfriend and was named Esquire’s 2010 “Sexiest Woman” did not disappoint her admirers, looking stunning in a beige summer dress.  The girls arrived at 8 p.m. and sat in the main dining room. Despite missing the third “angel” from their trio, the two girls chatted all night, drank wine and shared everything from a few appetizers to entrees which including a stuffed lobster and a three mushroom risotto. 

Burn Notice actor, Jeffrey Donovan, was seen dining at the newly opened Vic & Angelo’s on Ocean Drive on Saturday night with his girlfriend who was accompanied by Ocean Drive magazine editor, Suzy Buckley.   

Teen heartthrob, Justin Bieber was in Miami visiting recovering music sensation, Sean Kingston.  Bieber was seen lounging by the pool in his skivvies and driving around Ocean Drive with Kingston before being mobbed by fans and requesting police protection.

Happy Birthday Nick D’Annuzio and Brian Antoni!

On Saturday, August 6 at 8 p.m., Cafeina Wynwood Lounge, the Miami Art District hotspot, in conjunction with The Overthrow, will celebrate the birthdays of TARA, Ink. co-principal Nick D’Annunzio and Brian Antoni, author of South Beach: The Novel. Cafeina will be transformed into a “Chicken Ranch” of sorts, an homage to the ‘80s cult classic The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas. Guests are encouraged to channel their inner country while enjoying complimentary Svedka vodka cocktails and music by DJ Troy Kurtz and Pirate Stereo. Surprise guests Elaine Lancaster as Dolly Parton, Maryel Epps as “the Madame”, and the Angel Squads Massage Angels as ladies of the night, will be on hand to rev up heart rates. In addition, there will be a haystack photo booth vignette by Pics Boutique, bull rides and a digital art exhibition by Martin Kaupp, who will also present a pop cowboy portrait featuring birthday boy D’Annunzio. In lieu of gifts, the guests of honor have requested that partygoers consider making a donation to their charity of choice, Make-A-Wish Foundation of Southern Florida, 297 NW 23^rd St., Miami, FL 33127. RSVP is required to birthday@taraink.com.

Mixology at the National Hotel Miami Beach

National Hotel Miami Beach announces the launch of its new mixology series showcasing creative cocktails by acclaimed mixologist Julio Cabrera. Held in the Martini Room at Blues Bar every Monday, the event will lift spirits with Cabrera’s signature hand-crafted libations, live entertainment and tempting tapas – all to the tune of special theme, which will change on a weekly basis. From 7:00 until 11:00 p.m., Cabrera will entertain guests with his extensive repertoire of colorful cocktails, each for $12, including Flamingo Mojitos, Pasion Cariocas, Jamaica Juleps, Mango-Cilantro Margaritas and – in a tribute to salsa songstress Celia Cruz – Asucas, to name a few. Imbibers may also nibble on the week’s specialty menu, featuring items such as Lime Ceviche, Avocado Steak Tar-Tar, Plaintain Chips with Latin Dip, and more, starting at $6 each from 8:00 until 10:00 p.m., live music in sync with the chosen weekly theme, as inspired by Miami’s vibrant history, will furthermore make for a less-manic and a more-merry Monday. Valet will be offered at a discounted rate of $10. For general inquiries, call 305.532.2311 or visit www.NationalHotel.com.

Sake, Maki, & Roll Sushi School at China Grill Hilton

China Grill Hilton Ft. Lauderdale Marina is launching Sake, Maki & Roll Sushi School on Saturday, August 13, from 3:30 to 5:00 p.m. On the second Saturday of every month, guests are invited to a tasting and teaching program at the popular dining destination that includes sake sampling, instructions on the art of sushi making and a delicious meal of maki, sushi and tempura that the students will assist in preparing. The class begins with a crash course on sake including how it’s made and the history of the Japanese libation, followed by a tasting of five Ty-Ku Sakes and Liqueurs paired with signature selections from the restaurant including Tuna Tartare on Wonton Crisps, Salmon Crudo and Dancing Unagi. While enjoying the pairings, pupils will learn the basics for at-home sushi preparation – from tools and traditions to different types of sushi and, of course, a lesson in one of the most important components, the sushi rice. The class then continues with hands-on sushi rolling instruction from Executive Sushi Chef Songphon Rawangphan. The session concludes with a demo of Ty-Ku sake fusion cocktails that are all 100 calories or less and a bite of dessert. All students will also receive a take home gift for their hard work. To reserve your seat call 954.759.9950, limited space is available; tickets are $59 plus tax.

Hurricane Specials at Solé on the Ocean

Solé on the Ocean is finally giving South Floridians and Miami-bound travelers a reason to celebrate Hurricane Season with the debut of its Hurricane Season Specials. The announcement comes at the perfect time, with the naming of the Atlantic Ocean’s latest disturbance, “Emily.” Upon the naming of a storm (as previously determined by the National Hurricane Center), guests may take advantage of  the special perks or discounts corresponding with the particular name of the storm by just mentioning it, and will receive 30% off any room rate, complimentary valet, suite upgrades and much more. Even better, should there be more than one named storm out and about at the time of booking, guests are able to apply all applicable perks and discounts. 5% off all room reservations will also be donated to a hurricane relief fund. Stays must be booked during Hurricane Season, which ends November 30. To book, guests must call the hotel directly at 786.923.9300.

"Mercedes-Benz Presents" designer Lisa Vogel

By:  Maryanne Salvat and Mary Jo Almeida- Shore

From Road To Runway 

Lisa Vogel’s swimwear line, Luxe, was honored as this year’s “Mercedes-Benz Presents” designer.  A self-professed “car chick” Vogel’s fondest memories are of riding around in her dad’s Mercedes as a child, she told an exclusive group at the Mercedes-Benz kick-off lunch at Kane Steakhouse.  Vogel explained that convertibility in design and functionality were the inspiration for her designs.  The sexy, yet sophisticated styles can be converted to fit and flatter any woman.  With the use of luxurious, free flowing fabrics, coupled with one-of-a-kind accessories and hand braided details, Vogel’s line is practical yet contains pieces that resemble high fashion couture.  With a contemporary color palate of sea foam, coral, along with neutrals, multi-colored prints and feather accents, Vogel’s 70s inspired line infuses textiles, chiffon and moldable fabrics, to create a multi-use line for the modern woman. During the luncheon at Kane, Mercedes-Benz unveiled the all-new 2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe and SLK-Class cars, which, like Vogel’s designs, also emphasize style and functionality while maintaining the sleek design, impecccable workmanship and power for which the German luxury car brand is well-known. Guests were treated to a preview of the newest addition to the collection. Read the rest of this entry »

Maria Menounos , Shay Todd, and Adrienne Bailon

Last week at Villa Vecchia, the estate of Norma Quintero, designer Shay Todd showcased her 2012 Resort and Swimwear collection to editors, socials and celeb gal pals, Maria Menounos and Adrienne Bailon during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim 2012.

 Cosmopolitan en Español hosted their 5th Annual ‘Summer Splash’ at the Setai hotel.  Those who stepped out in style were notable VIPS and celebrities including Rock of Ages star Diego Garcia, supermodel and one of People magazine’s most beautiful people Omyra Mota, singer Jon Secada, actor Alejandro Chaban, NFL greats, Chip Vaughn of the Indiana Colts and Ahmed Bradshaw from the New York Giants and fashion designers:  Lisa Pliner, Inca Swimwear founder Stacy Josloff, Nani and Kaki Lopez of N&K Designs, and Maya Swimwear designer Carolina Dinardi.  Also seen in the packed-house was Haven owner, Michael Bowles.

This past weekend, Alicia Keys was red-carpet ready for her performance at the Zo’s Summer Groove Benefit Dinner Gala. Keys took the stage wearing a Louis Vuitton Tiger Tweed Lurex Jacket and Silk Lurex Pants.  Guests at Zo,s Summer Groove included Cee-Lo Green, Dave Chappelle and Carlos Mencia.

Jennifer Lopez

Jennifer Lopez, with manager, Benny Medina; her stylist and a

group of six girls dined at The Forge Restaurant | Wine Bar at 10:30 p.m. Friday night to celebrate part one of Lopez’s birthday weekend.  Towards the end of dinner, Lopez was surprised with a birthday chocolate soufflé for dessert.  Lopez celebrated round two of her birthday on Tuesday at Scarpetta in the Fontainebleau.

On Saturday night, tennis pro, Gabriela Sabatini, dined with three friends at db Bistro Moderne in the JW Marriott Marquis.

Several cast members of Rock of Ages reportedly partied at Lucky Strike on Saturday night, including Tom Cruise, Paul Giamatti, Bryan Cranston, Malin Akerman, Julianne Hough and boyfriend, Ryan Seacrest.

Seacrest and Derek Hough, Dancing with the Stars dancer and Julianne’s brother, were spotted at WALL lounge at the W Hotel in South Beach.  

Avoiding Miami’s sweltering heat wave, The Real Housewives of Orange County’s Alexis Bellino, who was in town to both launch her new clothing line Alexis Bellino and celebrate her husband’s birthday, spent her time cooling off at National Hotel Miami Beach and other Miami hot spots. The couple dined at The Forge Restaurant | Winebar, where she became so enamored with the s’more soufflé and he with the enomatic wine machine, that they were overheard saying that despite having dined in a variety of Miami restaurants, the culinary landmark was by far their favorite experience and in a league of its own. Afterwards, Bellino and husband stopped by WALL for some celebratory cocktails.

 Local favorite, Chef Michelle Bernstein made a special appearance on Good Morning America.  The seasoned James Beard award-winning chef tackled filleting a Florida lionfish and preparing it to perfection.