The Webster drew quite the VIP crowd to its grand opening on Monday.  With a caviar café and three floors of stunning clothes and accessories for women and men, the Webster inaugurated its permanent locale with a soiree that was more bash than boutique opening.  It seemed everyone we’ve ever met anywhere (with the exception of those traveling abroad) braved the elements to celebrate and marvel at the pricey designer duds. Guests experienced the first tastes of Caviar Kaspia, with passed hors d ‘oeuvres including Bilinis with Taram and Chives, Mini Creamer Twice Baked Potato, Crème Fraiche, Caviar, Foie Gras on Toast and Guerande Salt and Salmon Balik Lillipop, Lemon and Chive Aioli provided by the renowned Parisian institution located on the ground floor of The Webster.   The party was only supposed to go until nine, but was still hopping after ten o’clock, due perhaps to the free flowing Grey Goose and the “Webster Cocktails” (a mix of vodka, champagne, and Remy Cointreau violets and pearls), and the fact that it was actually indoors, where temperatures are actually bearable. Among the many notable guests at the Webster grand opening: Lennox Louis, Aaron Young, Louis Morais, Danny Santiago, Nathan Browning & Rebecca de Ravenel, Red Carter, Markus Ketty, Craig Robins, Iran Issa Khan, Sam Robin, Louis Aguirre, Michy & Leticia Grendene, Jonathan & Criselda Breene, Shareef Malnik, Ugo Colombo, Gary & Dana Shear, Robert Wennet & Mario Cader-Frech, Nicole Lozano, Michelle Areces-Zandy, Ariel Stein, Hernan Arriaga, Gigi Ganatra & Alex Duff, Tommy & Michelle Pooch, Donald & Lisa Pliner, Jillian Jacobsen-Altit, Alejandro Chaban, Cynthia Olavaria, Kevin & Rebecca Bruk, Tony Goldman, Mehmet Bayraktar, Ricardo Dunin & Stefanie de la O, Juan Carlos Arcila-Duque, Walid & Susie Wahab, Brooke Soffer, Andrea Aberegg,  Laura Bucellati, Alison & Mark Zhuk, Sanford Ziff, Hello Campos, Dr. Julio Gallo, and Kelly Gold.

Thursday, May 21, Norma A. Quintero, Julie Todaro, Karen Gottlieb, Nicole Lozano, Beth Tasca, and Marilyn Wagner hosted an exclusive luncheon and fashion show at Villa Vecchia to benefit Young Patronesses of the Opera.  After lunch, guests were treated to a runway presentation of the Luca Luca fall 2009 collection, wherein 1930’s styled, red-lipped, gorgeous models graced the catwalk. Raul Melgoza, Luca Luca’s new creative director made his first Florida appearance.  Many of the attendees then placed personal orders in which a portion of the proceeds will benefit the Young Patronesses of the Opera charity.

Meat Market, Miami Beach’s hottest dining destination is getting even hotter, just in time for summer, with the launch of Meat and Greet, a fabulous new Happy Hour held every Friday from 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.  Guests can cozy up to the bustling bar – the perfect perch for watching beautiful people – order one of Meat Market’s sexy signature cocktails and enjoy complimentary sequel.  Other two-for-one deals are offered on the oysters and shrimp from the Crudo Bar, and ceviche samplers are specially priced.

 Meat Market signature cocktails, created by general manager and bar chef Sonny Gorushanovich, include house infusions such as the 915 Spicy Mango Martini – mango-infused vodka, mint, mango puree and dragon chili; Cucumber Mojito – cucumber-infused vodka, strawberries, basil, mint and sugar; Bohemian Delight – grilled pineapple-infused vodka, coconut-infused pomegranate glaze and pomegranate liquor; and Martini de Chevre – Chevre d’or cheese-infused vodka, lemon grass, pink and black peppercorns, fennel, dry vermouth and blue cheese olives.  Signature martinis such as the Passion Lychee Martini – orange and citrus flavored vodkas, lychee juice, passion fruit puree, Cointreau and Chambord; Moulin Rouge – vodka, Cointreau, Chambord, pineapple, orange and lemon juices and orange bitters; and Market Caipirinha – cachaca, wild berries, mint, brown sugar, fresh lime and lemon-lime soda.

 Embracing a sultry, comfortable modernism that reflects its landmark South Beach location at 915 Lincoln Road, Meat Market’s Crudo Bar opens nightly at 5 p.m.; the full dinner menu is served from 6 p.m. – midnight, Sunday – Thursday; and 6 p.m. – 1 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday.  Telephone: 305.532.0088.
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Big on enthusiasm and actual musical talent, The Band from TV, comprised of Greg Grunberg, Adrian Pasdar, Teri Hatcher, James Denton, Bob Guiney and Jesse Spencer along with Louise Griffiths (model/actress) rocked the Shore Club Saturday night with their garage band antics, and to quote Paula Abdul from American Idol, “really had fun up there and made the songs their own.” The Band’s energy was evidently contagious, as the packed crowd jumped, sang, danced and shouted requests. Audience favorites included: The Who’s Teenage Wasteland, Kid Rock’s All Summer Long, Elvis Presley’s Viva Las Vegas, and Bruce Springsteen’s version of Presley’s Pink Cadillac, The Charlie Daniels Band’s The Devil Went down to Georgia and to end, Twist It (Shake Your Tail feather) from the Blues Brothers. Teri Hatcher, who sang her heart out and was joined by her daughter onstage, was hot, literally, ending her performance with a dive into the pool. Other band mates followed her lead, ending the concert with a splash. All proceeds from the evening went to the band members’ favorite charities.

 Living in Miami gives us gals, and fellow shoe freaks, the excellent excuse to wear gorgeous sandals throughout the year and we have J&A Shoes to thank for providing the flirty footwear.    Based in Los Angeles, J&A Shoes have been worn and adored by the likes of Gwen Stefani, Smiley Miley Cyrus, Toni Colette, and Melissa George just to name a few.   J&A Shoes manufactures three popular shoe collections that combine classic style and comfort to any wardrobe, Athena Alexander, Callisto of California, and Lia Bijou.  These are sold in Nordstrom and local favorite Shoes To You boutique located in the Bird Road Art District.

As a full-blown recessionista, I take pride in finding places to dine that are delicious and easy on the billfold. La Nueva Argentina is a hidden treasure on Sunset Drive and 102 avenue. Caddy corner to Sports Grill and Don Burrito, locals line up at the door and are greeted with friendly faces as they are seated in the extremely clean dining area, (something we should all be aware of since Dirty Dining has become a household phrase). The menu is quite extensive considering the size of the kitchen and the prices on the menu; the Churrasco was large enough to share generously, along with two sides. There is also a wide variety of wines and beer available. The restaurant has it’s own miniature supermarket/deli where authentic Argentinean products can be purchased and take away orders can be placed or picked up. Lunch menu also available.

La Nueva Argentina

10121 S.W. 72 Street

305.274.4887