By: Mary Jo Almeida-Shore

We suspected Byblos was going to be something extra special when we attended the opening celebration in June, which featured everything from exquisite bites and drinks to a full concert by Marina and the Diamonds; on-the-spot poets and an A-list crowd. But we had no idea just how extraordinary this jewel of a restaurant would be. Fast forward a month later and we were treated to one of the most elegant, unique and outstanding dining experiences to date. Most noteworthy is the attention to detail that is prevalent throughout the entire Byblos experience- from the attentive staff (Arturo spoiled us) to the beautiful and eclectic, traditional one-of plates and silverware to the rituals, such as the French press service- served in antique tea cups; tableside spirit infused cold tea trolley and the desserts which are served atop a silver platter. Read the rest of this entry »

photo credit: World Red Eye

By: Dr. Mary Jo Almeida-Shore
“Neon or Nothing” was the theme of a party that would have been more aptly dubbed “Neon and Everything” for the copious amounts of fun it brought to Miami on a rainy August night.

TARA, Ink. principal and man-about-town, Nick D’Annunzio, well known for throwing over-the-top themed bashes (a hoedown, luau, burlesque and 1980s dance-a-thon about which we are still raving). For this year’s party, 300 of D’Annunzio’s closest friends traveled from near and far, dressing in their brightest neon, while braving a torrential summer rainstorm on Saturday, August 15 for NEON OR NOTHING NIGHT SWIM at Thompson Miami Beach.

VIPs ducked into a cabana and gathered around the The Thompson’s beautiful pool area, which had been illuminated with bright pink, blue and green lights, Read the rest of this entry »

photo courtesy: MiamiSocialholic.com

By: Mary Jo Almeida-Shore

South Beach came alive once again this July, as the swimwear industry’s most highly anticipated event, Swim Week Miami, returned for an action-packed four days and nights of designer runway shows, presentations and parties from Thursday, July 16- Sunday, July 19 at various hotels and venues throughout Miami Beach. Sexy styles were mixed with more functional pieces, color palates ranged from bright, to bold to lots of black, cut-outs prevailed among one piece suits as well as an emphasis on elegant swimwear that can double as cocktail attire-with a mere addition of a skirt or pants. Designers drew inspiration from faraway places and steamy Miami and incorporated captivating themes in their shows and presentations. Among the most memorable presentations, shows and parties: Mara Hoffman, Maaji, Mohini, DIJANA, Caffe, and Style Saves and Orlebar Brown.

Mara Hoffman’s Resort Swim 2016 Collection

The most strikingly beautiful presentation was that of Mara Hoffman, who unveiled her Resort Swim 2016 collection among the pristine landscaped gardens of Casa Casuarina, formerly known as the Versace Mansion. Millions upon millions of glistening, iridescent mosaic tiles which flank the mansion’s lawn and pool area provided the perfect backdrop, making for the most stunning presentation of the season. Read the rest of this entry »

By: Dr. Mary Jo Almeida-Shore

Dubbed “the party of the summer,” the annual Miami Celebrity Domino Night, benefiting Amigos for Kids drew a crowd of 1,700 supporters to Jungle Island on June 20, for a steamy party filled with food, fun, fanfare, dancing and of course, fierce domino competitions.

The party began with a blue carpet on Jungle Island’s first level, where celebrities and television personalities, including actress Elizabeth Gutierrez, Mexican actor Khotan, Univision Network anchor Maria Elena Salinas, Venezuelan actress Sonya Smith, Primer Impacto anchor Pamela Silva-Conde, singer Pablo Argenis, and Mexican TV host Maggie Jiménez posed and mingled with guests. Throughout the first floor of the venue, food stands from various restaurants and catering firms prepared delightful treats for partygoers. Our favorite? A Joy Wallace’s buttermilk fried chicken. Other standouts included Donut Divas’ fried Oreos in red velvet donuts (don’t judge!) and the Café & Sweets Bistro by Café La Carreta and Versailles Restaurant. Presenting sponsor Bacardí U.S.A. kept guests well-hydrated with free-flowing cocktails. Read the rest of this entry »

Jason Arasheben celebrated the opening of his eponymous store with a sexy “Eyes Wide Shut” themed party in the Design District’s Palm Court. Guests, who dressed in theme, enjoyed trying on the unique over-the-top jewelry and timepieces, favorites of numerous famous athletes and celebs including Iggy Azalea, Jennifer Lopez, John Legend, Madonna and Rihanna. Signature cocktails by Moscai and canapes were served by runway servers wearing leather and lace masks (and little else). Partygoers also sampled forbidden fruits from a living wall of edibles- modeled after the Garden of Eden and mixed and mingled to sultry house beats by DJ Tavin Reiter.

Fans of Jason of Beverly Hills in attendance alongside Founder, Jason Arasheben and wife, Lisa and Chief Operating Officer, Brandt Branand, included: Washington Wizards player Drew Gooden; NBA player Mickael Pietrus; Berthil Espegren, Benny Bloch, Brenda Nestor Castellano and Bobby Castellano, Carly Patterson, Christina Getty, Elysze Held, Fabian Basabe, Fabiana Bosca, Farah Abassi and Benny Aboud, Hello Campos, Hilda Morello, Petra Mason, Richard Jay-Alexander, Stephanie Gold, Vivienne and Cristian del Rio; Tara Solomon and Michael Leondas Kirkland.

Jason of Beverly Hills is located at 140 NE 39th Street, suite 124.

By: Dr. Mary Jo Almeida-Shore

How does a multi-media website that spotlights celebrities and parties throughout the country celebrate five years in business? With an over-the-top, champagne-soaked weekend filled with bashes, celebrities, and fun, of course.

For the momentous occasion, Seth Browarnik, dubbed the “Lensman of South Beach,” invited 500 of his closest friends to a “bash for the books” at South Beach’s most beautiful new hotel, the 1Hotel South Beach on Friday, May 29. As expected, a crowd ten times the size of the invitation list showed up, hoping to gain access to the private event. Those fortunate to be deemed worthy were treated to a night drenched in Moët & Chandon champagne, too many cocktails, music by Miami’s favorite DJ, Irie, spirited conversations and lots of dancing. An innovative photo booth allowed guests to capture and share their favorite party moment. Read the rest of this entry »