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 »

By:  Mary Jo Almeida-Shore

Pitbull’s Fontainebleau Takeover

International recording artist and performer, Pitbull hosted an over-the-top Labor Day Bash at the Fontainebleau Miami Beach for the official launch of Voli light vodka. “Mr. Worldwide” formerly “Mr. 305” (talk about a super-sized status upgrade) produced a weekend long extravaganza designed to put Voli, his new liquor brand billed as the world’s first line of low calorie vodkas on the radar of partygoers from near and far.  The vodka is produced in Cognac, France, so what better place to launch it than at the Fontainebleau, no?  Yes, it seems, as the enormous hotel sold out (!) for the weekend which offered guests access to Pitbull’s invitation only events, offered exclusively to hotel guests and select VIPs, which may or may not have included Lindsay Lohan.  Read the rest of this entry »

 Elaine Lancaster celebrated her birthday with fellow Drag Diva extraordinaire, Kitty Meow (a fellow Virgo) at Bongos Cuban Café at the Hard Rock Hotel.  And while it’s uncommon for any Diva to share the spotlight, these two decided to celebrate together, as they have been dear friends since way before La Lancaster swam ashore on our Golden Beaches. 

Lancaster was a frequent visitor to Miami Beach back in the day, when Kitty was one of the Queens of everything nightlife. The two were destined to become friends says Elaine. “We were both so full of life and light that it would either be ‘best of friends’ or worst of foes.’” Fortunately, they hit it off instantly and have remained very close to this day. Read the rest of this entry »