On Tuesday, June 17, Ivette Arango, Carolina Argiz, Celia De Sola, Kristin Pearce, and Jennifer Sazant hosted the kick-off party for the Sagamore Girls Night Out Getaway and the launch of Tatiana Boncompagni’s latest book, Hedge Fund Wives. The party was well-attended by socialites and “Hedge Fund Wives-types,” who may or may not have been enjoying the delicious hors de oeuvres, free-flowing Martini and Rossi sparkling rose and pampering from Rik Rak salon- hard to tell, thanks to all the Botox-infused faces.  The charming, critically acclaimed, Tatiana Boncompagni signed each and every book and mingled with guests. Ever-gracious designer, Red Carter was on-hand to showcase his 2010 summer collection.  The Sagamore Hotel will host similar monthly-themed parties throughout the summer. Stay tuned.

Argentina’s Fuerza Bruta, a multi-sensory Cirque du Soleil-style show (minus the annoying clowns) has taken Miami by storm, after rave reviews in other cities, such as New York and London.  Now it’s our turn to be entranced and literally drenched, by the “erotic, hypnotic, aquatic” party.  The experience can be compared to being in a Brazilian nightclub, which just happens to be inside of an insane asylum and includes a fun house and gigantic, transparent pool on the ceiling.  The mental patients, we mean, performers, bigger on brute strength and bravado than on actual talent, engage in a series of physical challenges, including:  aquatic acrobatics in a clear, plastic, pool suspended above the heads of the audience; running on a conveyor belt while brick walls crash into them; and dancing atop rafters, while breaking stuff on one another’s heads, to name a few.  If you go, be aware of the fact that you will enter the Arsht Center through the service entrance, and must remain standing for the 60 minute show. Oh yes, and you will be exposed to lots of splashing, debris, uncontrollable dancing and one-of-a-kind experiences. So go prepared!  The website for the show actually lists several “things you should know before you go,” to which we would add that being at least a little buzzed would greatly enhance your experience.  Consider spending time at the G- Lounge prior to the show.  Conceived by Barton G, who knows that a surreal performance deserves a surreal pre and post party space, G Lounge is an enormous cinderblock and chrome fan-lined warehouse which is the official pre- and post-party for the show. G- Lounge’s vibe parallels the futuristic intensity of Fuerza Bruta’s flying dancers and experimental beats and features space-age cocktails, signature bites, hypnotic lights and Euro-dance music to keep you dancing long after the show.    Fuerza Bruta and the G Lounge experiences end July 5.  For more information, contact: Arsht Center for the Performing Arts,  (305) 949-6722 or arshtcenter.org.

Viceroy Fridays at Club 50 officially launched last Friday night, a weekly party hosted by some of Miami’s most influential socialites.  The scene was sort of like a speakeasy, fifty stories above the city, thanks to the sultry, sexy sounds of Kamikaze and the Big Bounce and a host of beautiful faces, young and seasoned, which graced the gorgeous space.  The concept behind the party, is to have a “group of  ‘bright young things’ hosting their friends for evening of like-minded, socially relevant, industry heavy hitters drinking and dancing amongst the stars, no less,” says the glamorous Jilian Sanz, fashion editor of Florida International Magazine, who was one of the party’s hosts. “In a nut shell, Club 50 is right where we belong!”  Beautiful and humble, what a combination! After the live performances, the adorable, Troy Kurtz, who’s as easy on the eyes as he is on the ears, took over the tables and got everyone dancing.   According to Jochy Ortiz, one of the party’s promoters, “Club 50 is Miami’s epicenter for power players and hipsters. This premiere lush lounge is unlike others in the area. Influenced by similar lounges in New York and South Beach, Club 50 invites guests to listen to top DJs and live performances while overlooking the city’s famed skyline.” Be advised:  You must be a pretty young thing or be accompanied by one to enter. South Beach Veteran Johnny Rhodes keeps a tight door, like the one he kept at the Shore Club in yesteryear. For information and table reservations contact 305.503.4400 ext. 7138.

The party continued at Louis at the Gansevoort on Saturday night, as Jochy Ortiz hosted “Round 2,” to celebrate one local columnist’s birthday, which shall remain nameless (but you can probably guess whom by looking at the photos or by-line above).  As expected, the party was out of this world, featuring hilarious party antics, Napoleon dancing atop the bar, tambourines, great music and all the decadence for which Louis is well-known.

 The Yard House in Coral Gables has become the destination for happy hour lovers and diners from all around South Florida.  With a measly three-hour wait on a random weeknight, it has certainly created quite a buzz on the restaurant radar.   The menu of American cuisine includes an impressive selection of appetizers, (my personal favs seared ahi sashimi and the classic sliders, ask for the wasabi basil pesto sauce on the side), salads (don’t miss the grilled hearts of romaine), pastas, sandwiches (roast beef dip is delectable), individual-size pizzas, seafood, steaks (the mouth watering pepper crusted filet), ribs and chops.   The portions are plentiful, large enough to share for those of us on a budget.  For beer connoisseurs, each Yard House location features a transparent keg room containing more than 600 barrels, some 1,000 gallons of beer, and endless fleets of tap handles – 100 to 250 – depending on the location. 

Yard House also offers happy hour specials that are quite delightful.  For those needing an afternoon fix, happy hour begins at 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., and for the late night munchies, from 10 p.m. to Midnight.  Select appetizers are half off and drink specials are also offered.

 For more information go to  http://www.yardhouse.com/food.asp