By:  Mary Jo Almeida-Shore

maryjoshore@aol.com

Art Basel, the art world’s “Carnaval” disguised as an international art show (or vice versa) has arrived, with hundreds of events vying for space on our social calendar.  And while the actual showcase technically runs from December 2-5 (what we like to call the “100 hour day”) the requisite art celebrations and inebriation have been going strong since last weekend.   It seems there’s no end in sight- testing our endurance, social scheduling, and livers more and more each year (please let us know if any progress has been made with human cloning, oh, and add us to the transplant list.)

The world’s largest and most important art show gets bigger every year, especially since in addition to Art Basel itself, Vanguard, Scope, Verge, Pulse, Art Miami, Aqua, Design Miami and over 70 other satellite fairs have set up camp all over town.  Then there are pop-up shops and spas, such as Citrine by the Stones at Soho Beach House and the indulgent La Mer spa South of Fifth and new not-to-be missed restaurants, such as the Royal at the Raleigh, from John DeLucie, who owns NYC hotspots, The Lion and Waverly Inn, (we hear a reservation is harder to come by than snow on South Beach, but give it a shot!)  Also “popping up” for this week only is Paris nightclub transplant, Le Baron, which once again takes over the Florida Room.  Keeping the parties going late into the night are celebrity DJs such as Paul Oakenfold and Behrouz and Danny Tenaglia who will be spinning at WALL throughout the weekend and Kaskade at Arkadia. Read the rest of this entry »

Base Paint Tents

During the week of Art Basel Miami Beach 2010, November 30 through December 5,   join Fundación Manos del Sur and Step by Step Foundation, under the artistic direction of Antuan, as they unveil their latest collaboration, Base Paint Tents. The project will showcase an exhibition and cocktail event hosted by EPIC Residences on their Green. The project was conceived as a collaboration of international artists and nonprofit organizations to support the reconstruction of education in Haiti through art. The distinctive elements include creation and exhibition of the tents at a series of locations and then finally setting-up the finished tents in Haiti.  Artists participating include: Antuan and Elba Luis Lugo, Pedro Barbeito, Jose Bedia, Edouard Duval-Carrie, Jose Garcia Cordero, Nicolas Leiva, Leonel Matheu, Ruben Millares and Antonia Wright, Gean Moreno, and Damian Sarno,.  

On Sunday, December 5, FIU’s Frost Art Museum will host the Base Paint Models at FIU’s 8^th Annual Breakfast in the Park.  The event celebrates Art Basel Miami Beach 2010 with a complimentary breakfast that is open to the public.  Festivities begin a 9:30 in the morning and will run until noon.  For more information visit www.basepaint.org.

Eurocinema

Eurocinema, Miami’s newly launched and only foreign film channel available on-demand, will host an Art Basel-inspired cocktail party and viewing of its latest release, Avenue Montaigne on Wednesday, December 1  at 8 PM at The Rooftop at Gansevoort Miami Beach. Guests will experience the journey of a young woman as she arrives in Paris and embarks on a voyage into her dream world of glamour, luxury and the arts; as the story is projected onto the poolside bar’s main wall and streamed throughout its VIP cabanas. Complimentary Absolut cocktails & Perrier–Jouët champagne till 9 p.m., with reduced Absolut cocktails through 11 p.m.  Special guest DJ Joe Dert will spin an open format mix of house and euro-inspired beats. RSVP to Eurocinema@taraink.com. For more information please visit www.eurocinema.com. Gansevoort Miami Beach is located at 2377 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, FL 33139.

The Miguel Paredes National Gallery

On Wednesday, December 1, join Miguel Paredes as he unveils his latest creation at the National Hotel.  The South Beach destination has   been  transformed in to the Miguel Paredes National Gallery and will celebrate with an opening reception featuring complimentary cocktails by Bombay Sapphire, beats by Buddha Bar DJ Sam Popat and select works by Hernan Miranda.  The event will run from 8 to 11 p.m.    The following evening,   Paredes along with famed rock photographer Danny Clinch will unveil several collaborative works featuring subjects such as Jack Johnson and the Beastie Boys. The event will feature complimentary cocktails by Dewars and beats by DJ Sam Popat.  This event will also run from 8 to 11 p.m. and both will take place at the National Hotel.  For more information visit  www.miguelparedes.com.

Through William Chewning’s Eyes

On Thursday, December 2, explore and experience the elements of nature through the eyes of William Chewning as he displays his newest collection, “William Chewning’s Big Ideas.”  Back to Art Basel Miami Beach 2010, for the second year,  Chewning will captivate his audience at his 1,800 square foot showroom filled with various abstract pieces, each of which were created using reoccurring imagery, realism, environmental elements and allegorical references. 

Join Chewning for an Art Basel cocktail reception from 7 to 9 p.m. as he reveals a compelling and original “vocabulary” of ideas through the translation of his own life experiences.  Miami Design District 126^th NE 40^th Street or for more information contact Erica@ThePattonGroupInc.com.

Original Penguin Miami’s 5^th  Anniversary

E!’s Michael Yo will host the Original Penguin Miami’s 5th Anniversary on Thursday, December 2, from 6 to 9 p.m. Complimentary cocktails and champagne will be served courtesy of 42Below Vodka and Korbel.  Enjoy 30% off the entire store as you snack on Pirate’s Booty treats while local favorite DJ Dank spins great tunes.  To RSVP visit OPGMIAMI@TARAINK.com or call 305.864.3434 x257.

Art Basel and Angelique Euro Café

Angelique Euro Café is excited to bring a little piece of Art Basel to Coral Gables on Thursday, December 2, as they proudly showcase the original and uplifting art work by local Venezuelan artist, Valentina Ramos; which will remain in display through the 5th of December.  Angelique invites its patrons to celebrate their one-year anniversary and enjoy an evening filled with art, wine and live music beginning at 6:30pm with the sultry notes of RK Duo.  At 7pm, the Battle of the Grapes wine tasting will begin as Angelique highlights California’s other grapes.  For more information visit www.AngeliqueEuroCafe.com.

 Cafeina Presents: Three Stooges We Love

Cafeina invites you to celebrate Three Stooges We Love, a night of art, photography & the written word honoring Patrick McMullan, Brian Antoni, and Robert Chambers on Thursday, December 2,  at 11 p.m. Guests will enjoy complimentary Solerno cocktails until midnight and music by special guest DJ Jeffrey Tonnesen. For one-night only, McMullan will showcase So80s on the garden wall, a compilation of classic photos capturing icons of that decade Madonna, Andy Warhol and Liza Minnelli. Antoni will also host a VIP signing of South Beach the Novel and will donate a percentage of book proceeds to The Trevor Project.  And Robert Chambers will present a sculpture installation. To RSVP go to  cafeina@taraink.com or for more information visit www.cafeinamiami.com.

Barbara Hulanicki Presents “FLASH”

Internationally acclaimed fashion illustrator and designer, Barbara Hulanicki, will host her first-side exhibit at Calix Gustav Gallery. The show, aptly titled FLASH, will feature a series of colorfully infused images reflecting the artist’s life experiences as well as her wild and free imagination.  The opening reception will be held on Saturday,   December 4,   from 6 to 9 p.m.  The exhibition will be featured through February 4, 2011.  To RSVP go to Hulanicki@TARAINK.com. Calix Gustav Gallery, 98 N.W. 29 Street.

Stone Crab Feast at Kitchen 305

Stone crabs lovers are invited to come dip and dance at “The Show” taking place every Friday at Kitchen 305 in the Newport Beachside Hotel & Resort.  The Show features weekly live entertainment to go along with an all-you-can-eat stone crab feast for $42 per person. Make sure to get your fill in before the season for stone-crabbin’ is over!  

Just a “stones” throw-away from the ocean, Kitchen 305 will serve-up claws in batches of five, accompanied by a bowl of New England Clam Chowder and a Wedge Salad with Applewood smoked bacon.  Endless refills are welcomed if there’s still room after the fresh bread and choice of two sides from another grand selection including rice pilaf, mashed potatoes, coleslaw, grilled Portobello mushrooms, charred-cheddar wrapped beefsteak tomatoes and creamed spinach. For table reservations, call 305.749.2110.
  

Roots In The City Farmers Market Re-opens  

Roots In The City Farmers Market will re-open for business on Wednesday, December 8, 2010 at noon. Launched with the support of Wholesome Wave Foundation, the market debuted to national attention in April 2010 as the only wholly local farmer-operated market in Miami and the first urban farmer’s market in Florida to double the value of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits (also known as food stamps) towards the purchase of locally-grown produce.  Roots In The City Farmers Market is located in Overtown, at the corner of Northwest Second Avenue and Tenth Street, and will be open to the public every Wednesday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. through early summer 2011.

Gingi Beltran and Alicia Cervera at Wolfsonian Quince

By:  Mary Jo Almeida-Shore

Wolfsonian Quinces

Nothing marks a coming of age like a good old fashioned Cuban Quinces.  On Friday, November 12, the Wolfsonian Visionaries celebrated the museum’s milestone with a fantastic Quinceañera-themed party at the Fontainebleau- the most glamorous and fun Quinces we’ve ever attended, and by all accounts, one of the best parties of the year.  From top to bottom, the elegant event was sensational, featuring gorgeous décor; an A-list crowd, who dressed to the nines for the occasion; fantastic food and “put on your red shoes and dance!” music by Grammy-nominated Conjunto Progreso led by Johnny Aguiló, who performed one of a kind traditional Cuban Son music and DJ Jody McDonald, a twenty year veteran of the turntables, who played all of our Old School favorites:  (think roller skating circa 1980- in fact several guests “pretend skated” on the dance floor.) The chic crowd of 320 all but ignored the decadent dessert bar-as the music was too good to fully enjoy sitting down and broke curfew by dancing way past any respectable hour of guests typically found at Quinceañera celebrations.  Read the rest of this entry »

Angela Simmons, 23 year-old daughter of Hip Hop legend Rev Run/Joseph Simmons, dined at the new beachfront restaurant De Rodriguez Ocean last Wednesday night. The socialite, shoe designer and star of Run’s House had the seafood-centric restaurant prepare her a special vegetarian pasta dish.

LeBron James, along with fellow basketball pro Jerry Stackhouse, made their way to STK Miami. James requested his favorite table in the main dining room.

Favorite Latin duo Hansel and Raul hit the stage this weekend for the Vegas-themed 50^th birthday bash of Manny Gonzalez; surprising guests with an impromptu concert.  Guests were treated to favorite hits “No Hay Cama Pa’ Tanta Gente” and “Maria Elena.”

Miami and Bal Harbour luminaries, Fana and Abel Holtz, Nancy and Jon Batchelor, Leila Chang-Ripich, Chip Brady, Bunny Bastian, Kirk Landon and Pam Garrison, Alan and Vivian Dimond, Sheila and Bill Steiner, Fran Fields and Sam Gordon, Dr. Shulamit and Chaim Katzman, Bob and Sookey Schwartz, Cindy Carr, Rosy Cancela and Max Berney, and Mari Alarcon Grimalt recently attended a gorgeous private dinner party for the Jackson Memorial Golden Angels.  The event was sponsored by Florida Dental Benefits, Incorporated.

By: Maryanne Salvat

Let’s Get Funky Buddha

On Thursday, November 18, Nick Noyes a one-man-band phenomenon takes the Bamboo Stage at the Funky Buddha at 9 p.m. While rooted in acoustic folk he crosses genres and back again from funk, reggae and jam to dance and soul. The following night, Nov 19,  Fusik and Brotherly Love Productions host the first 1vs1 B-Boy Battle at the same venue. The top break-dancers in South Florida will be getting together to battle over a $200 cash prize. Fusik has performed at similar events around the world including shows in Los Angeles, France, Spain and Italy and wants to bring that international vibe to South Florida. As always the BLP team holds down their Sunday Night Cookout  at Hurricane Bar – this week’s featured artist is Aquaphonics, a uniquely funky electro-soul indie band . Free BBQ from 6 to 8 p.m. with music at 8:30.

Belle Coeur by Jamie Jo Harris

Jackie Abraham Fine and Estate Jewelry will host the official Miami launch party for jewelry line Belle Coeur by Jamie Jo Harris on Thursday, November 18, from 7 to 9 p.m. On the heels of two successful launch events at Blue & Cream in East Hampton and Fred Segal Santa Monica – where notable attendees included legendary pop icon Paula Abdul, among others – the luxury retailer will celebrate the Miami debut of the hit songwriter’s rocker-chic collection with an intimate reception and viewing. Guests will enjoy complimentary Solerno Blood Orange Liqueur cocktails and Belle Coeur branded bite-size sweets from 2 Girls and a Cupcake while perusing the line’s debut collection and mingling with designer Jamie Jo and her collaborator, celebrity jeweler Rosalina Lydster of Jewelry by Rosalina.  To RSVP   go to bellecoeur@taraink.com.   Jackie Abraham Fine and Estate Jewelry,   1027 Kane Concourse, Bay Harbor Islands.

Art Industry Thursdays

Cafeina and WEC jazz up Art Industry Thursdays this week with a live performance by Angela Laino. The soulful singer will take center stage at 10:30 p.m. in the Wynwood den’s 5,000-square-foot garden, while DJ NuE-DiTTy spins inside the lounge. Art Industry specials this week include $3 Blue Moon beers and a special “Member’s Only” menu for all WEC Perks Card holders (speak softly when requesting it). The party starts at 8 p.m.  RSVP to cafeina@taraink.com with your artistic affiliation to register your WEC Perks Card.

EH Team!  Friday

Anthony Spinello, Qpony, and Cafeina will be hosting the November version of EH TEAM!  Friday.  Drink specials will be offered in honor of Spinello’s birthday bash with  complimentary libations provided by Canadian Mist Black Diamond Whiskey from 9 to 10 p.m.    ESS and EMM, along with Maxwell Blanford, will provide the exquisite sounds.   Complimentary naturalization and disco-ization cards will be provided to “non- Canadians”   in relation to the bill SB 1070.    EhTeam naturalization cards will be taken at the venue; guests will receive complimentary cocktail specials with the card and reduced entry to upcoming special events.

Rock the House at Kitchen 305 

 On Friday, November 19, from 7 to 9 p.m., join Kitchen 305 as it opens its doors for a night of live rock and roll entertainment, a special dance performance and celebrity guests to help raise money for young cancer patients. The Rock the House: Party Like a Rock Star charity event will be hosted by Interscope Record’s Rev Theory lead singer, Rich Luzzi, and Miss Maxim USA, Tami Donaldson, with a special performance by Detour, Los Angeles’ newest and most energetic performance show.  In addition, DJ Mike Palmieri, who has quickly gained notoriety in Los Angeles and Miami nightlife scenes, and veteran drummer Tye Mohawk will play together in an energetic live music show accompanied by rock star dancers, bottle service and drink promotions and an all-you-can-eat stone crab dinner special.  Guests will enjoy surprise rock star VIP appearances throughout the evening and the chance to win an authentic Rev Theory electric guitar, which will be signed and raffled off for charity.  All proceeds will benefit the Rock Cancer campaign for the Broken Bones Foundation and SeventyK, a cancer advocacy group for adolescents and young adults.  Exclusive Rock Cancer bands will be distributed to everyone who donates to the cause.  The evening’s festivities will be dedicated to Taylor Biardi and Marika Jorgensen, two people close to Rev Theory who lost their battles against cancer.  A suggested donation of $10 at the door will go directly to benefit the cause.  For dinner reservations and bottle service, call 305.749.2110.

 Gloria Estefan and Roberto Cavalli Team Up

On Friday, Nov. 19, fashion designer,  Roberto Cavalli and 7-time Grammy Award winner, Gloria Estefan will present an evening under the stars for Miami’s top philanthropists, socialites and celebrities.  The event starts off with a cocktail party, followed by dinner and a Roberto Cavalli 2011 spring collection runway show at Villa Vecchia, (4821 Pine Tree Drive) the Miami Beach estate of Miami philanthropists Norma and Luis Quintero. Net proceeds from the event will benefit The Gloria Estefan Foundation and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Additionally, during the event, 10 Miami philanthropists will receive the prestigious Starfish Award, an annual award that recognizes exemplary women who contribute to local, national and international communities.  Tickets to this stellar event are priced from $500 per individual ticket to $10, 000 for a front row VIP table for 10 that includes 10 VIP invites to Vernissage during Art Basel and inclusion in media correspondence and invitations.

For tickets and more information, contact Lori Sundermier at gefoundation@estefan.com or call 305-695-7015.

Next@19^th

On Saturday, November 20 at 7 p.m., head to the Miami International Book Fair for some good old fashioned controversy.  Next@19th hosts Miryam Kabakov, author of Keep Your Wives Away from Them: Orthodox Women, Unorthodox Desires, as she discusses the topic of queerness in the Orthodox Jewish community, opening minds and breaking barriers.  For more information go to www.nextat19th.org.

The 54^th Annual Vizcayan Ball

On Saturday, November 20 at 7 p.m., join the Vizcayans as they honor James Murphy at beautiful event set in the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens:  the 54^th Annual Vizcayan Ball.  The event this year is being sponsored by Jaguar Corporate, along with LAF/CO Santa Maria Novella.  For more information or to RSVP contact Sonia Gibson at Sonia@soniagibsonpr.com or call 305 458-5003.  The attire is Black tie.

A  Real Thanksgiving at Camillus House

On Tuesday, November 23, for the second year in a row, Chef Antaun Teasley, one of the preferred chefs at Club Play, will make Thanksgiving dinner for 500 people at the Camillus House starting at 4 p.m.  To raise funds for this meal, A Good Cause Dinner Gala was held at Club Play in South Beach. Volunteers are needed the day of the dinner. For information on how you can help out, contact Cherry Wells at 786-797-8270 or go online to youngchefcatering@gmail.com.

Thanksgiving at Meat Market

 Meat Market, Lincoln Road’s haute see-and-be-seen steakhouse, is celebrating Thanksgiving with an exciting line-up of mouthwatering specials from chef/owner Sean Brasel and pastry chef Vincent Pantoliano.  Featuring gourmet twists on traditional favorites, Meat Market’s a la carte style menu offers composed turkey dishes, a three-tiered mixed grill and two dessert choices.  The regular a la carte menu is also available. The Meat Market Thanksgiving menu is available on Thursday, November 25 from 5 p.m. to midnight. Meat Market is located at 915 Lincoln Road on Miami Beach. For more information call 305.532.0088 or visit www.meatmarketmiami.com.

Thanksgiving in a Box

Chef/owner Howie Kleinberg and the rest of the pack at Bulldog Barbeque, the smoking hot barbeque joint in North Miami, are offering a stress-free holiday season,   they have put together a delicious down-home Thanksgiving dinner, to go, complete with all the fixings.  For only $20 per person, guests can pre-order and pick up a full meal that is sure to impress.  For more information call 305.940.9655 or visit www.bulldog-bbq.com.