Oh Jack Ambassadors

By:  Mary Jo Almeida-Shore

While the biggest frights this Halloween weekend came courtesy of the weather, enthusiastic partygoers braved gale force winds, torrential downpours, lighting and floods to get their spook on.  Some of the best parties included the Heroes and Villains bash at Soho Beach House, the “Oh Jack”— Jack the Ripper-themed Halloween party at Highbar at Dream South Beach, the Little Lighthouse Foundation’s “Nightmare Above Lincoln Road” at the garage at 1111 Lincoln Road and Michael Capponi and the Opium Group’s Angels and Demons party in a mansion on Pine Tree Drive.  But, regardless of the party’s theme, Halloween means one thing on South Beach- “Go naked!” (and accessorize)- Making for lots of treats and tricks on this hallowed weekend.  So, in the spirit of all of the ghoulish fun, enjoy the photos of the Cheap Tricks, Eye Treats, and Freaks- who came out at night- in droves.

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 By:  Mary Jo Almeida-Shore

Renowned international DJ, Bob Sinclar (World Hold On) along with co-owners Andre Boudou, Gregory Boudou, and Pierre Denain re-opened Amnesia Miami one of the nightlife staples from the halcyon days of South Beach, with much fan fare, light shows, confetti canons, enigmatic thrills and possibly a few spills (as the club boasts multiple levels and lots and lots of steps) over the weekend.

Amnesia Miami officially opened on Friday, October 21, after a VIP preview Thursday night, at the 136 Collins Avenue building – the same spot where Amnesia originally reigned over Miami’s night scene from 1993 -1996.  Many of us, who are older than we care to admit, remember seeing Sly Stallone hanging out in the VIP room there, not to mention the infamous foam parties on Sunday afternoons.  Coincidentally, we don’t remember a whole lot of other stuff that went down at “Amnesia”- probably for the best.

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Bonnie Clearwater, Angelo Ricasa, Ivonne Ronderos, and Meredith Becker

By:  Mary Jo Almeida-Shore

MOCA Mystery Dates Kick-off

The Museum of Contemporary Art’s (MOCA) young, hip “Shakers” threw a bash for 400 at newly minted Miami Beach lounge The Well, to kick-off ticket sales for their annual highly-anticipated, Mystery Dates fundraiser, to be held on November 12.  On the soggy evening, the artsy patrons came out in droves to fill the relaxed yet stylish space and enjoy Grey Goose vodka cocktails, while chatting excitedly about the upcoming Mystery Dates event, which consists of a series of glamorous dinner parties held concurrently at the homes of private art collectors and designers around Miami.  The mystery is that guests have no idea as to where they will be dining until the night of the actual event. Read the rest of this entry »

By:  Mary Jo Almeida-Shore

Soho Beach House’s One Year Birthday Bash

It’s a sweet, sweet life for members of the Soho Beach House (SBH) especially when the House throws one of its famous bashes.  Such was the case on September 27 when the SBH celebrated its one year anniversary with a Willy Wonka themed party.  It seemed like a “world of pure imagination” to lucky members and their guests who were greeted by Oompa Loompas at the door, one of whom was atop a 15 foot- 1,000 + cupcake display, ala Cupcake Wars.

Similar to last year’s founders’ party, the House pulled out all the stops, just as most of the founding members’ dues are up for renewal (Coincidence? We think not!).  Guests were treated to limitless seafood, steaks, the best black truffle risotto we’ve ever had (where the chef was doling out the truffles as if they were chocolate sprinkles) and just about every other delicacy imaginable- including Cecconi’s signature wood oven pizzas, meatballs, paella and our favorite- the Serrano croquettes.  Not to mention, that in keeping with the theme, the sweets were abundant, and available throughout every nook and cranny of the property.   We’re talking an ice cream stand at the valet!  But unlike the Founder’s party last year, there was such an energy and buzz in the air throughout the night, as you couldn’t walk two steps without running into an old friend or many new friends with whom you’ve spent countless good times at this very place. Read the rest of this entry »

Viviane and Marc de Kuyper, owners of Mandarine Napoléon

By:  Mary Jo Almeida-Shore 

Internationally renowned citrus liqueur Mandarine Napoléon hosted a private, spirited bash for its official U.S. launch at our favorite place on the planet, Soho Beach House on Tuesday, September 20.   The first spirit to combine mandarins and aged cognac, Mandarine Napoleon was created especially for Napoléon Bonaparte, and was his drink of choice, which is the reason for the party’s theme:   “The Hat is Back” in honor of the petit French ruler’s iconic, black bicorne chapeau.  This also explains the themed event’s costume de rigueur.  You guessed it- a hat!  The stylish guests complied, donning a wide variety of head attire- from feather headdresses, to Viking hats, to fedoras to co-host,  Susanne Birbragher’s mink headpiece, a throwback to the “Grand Puba” hat worn by Fred Flintstone, whom she calls “Pica Piedra (love that!).”  During the elegant dinner for 50 of Miami’s social elite, which was served amid twinkling trees on a perfect fall evening at Cecconi’s, we felt as though we were in a fairy-tale version of Iron Chef’s kitchen stadium, as each of the four courses served featured Mandarine Napoléon as a key ingredient, which was incorporated in a unique manner throughout the dishes and accompanying specialty cocktails.  Our favorite courses included the exquisite risotto with grilled shrimp and the succulent duck.  Of the seven signature cocktails, our top pick was the creamy Coco Napoleon, which was more like a delicious dessert, made with coconut milk, Martinique spiced sugar cane syrup, fresh squeezed lemon juice, mint leaves, a dash of orange bitters, and Mandarine Napoleon- of course. Hats off to Soho Beach House’s executive chef, Sergio Sigala and head bartender, Chris Hudnall!  Read the rest of this entry »

By:  Mary Jo Almeida-Shore 

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week took over New York City from September 8-15, with a line-up of 99 designers showing their spring 2012 collections in Lincoln Center and various other venues throughout Manhattan.  Amid the silks, chiffons, organza,  floral prints, neon colors, geometrical shapes, and pastel prints that graced the runways, Mercedes-Benz showcased its latest fashion statement, the 2012 SLS AMG Roadster (think Barbie DREAM CAR on steroids) and C63 AMG Coupe, two all new models available later this year. Our favorite designers this season included Mercedes-Benz presents designer, Derek Lam; Carolina Herrera, Diane von Furstenberg, Nanette Lepore, Pamela Rolland, Milly by Michelle Smith and Diesel Black Gold (especially since Gerard Butler! was sitting front row).   Enjoy our stories about a few of the stellar parties we attended and a little bit about the lounges- the other side of Fashion Week. Read the rest of this entry »