The center formerly known as the Carnival Center turned two this month, and what better way to celebrate than to open a stylish, beautiful and reasonably priced (no, your eyes do not deceive you) new restaurant in which you can dine before or after a show without ever leaving the building. Prelude, by Barton G. debuted last week with the flair and fanfare that typically accompanies a Barton G. event. The grand opening party included Geoffrey the giraffe, an orangutan, a fireworks display and, none other than the legendary Pointer Sisters.

Prelude offers fixed-price dining with a new-to-Miami twist. “Diner’s Decision” allows patrons the choice of any three dinner menu items for $39 or any two lunch/brunch items for $23 so you can choose 3 appetizers, 3 entrees (if you are just coming off of a juice fast) or 3 desserts. Also featured at Prelude will be South Florida’s most comprehensive by-the-glass wine list, with more than 90 selections available from state-of-the-art wine dispensers either by the taste, the half glass or the glass. For lighter appetites, an à la carte bar menu is available. What’s more, Prelude promises to get you in and out in less than an hour and 15 minutes, just in time for the show.

Expect a scaled-down version of Barton G.’s typical unusual, exaggerated food presentations, such as a wooden cutting board with your skirt steak, hand-blown glass platters and mini-cast-iron pots. Seatings start at 5:00 p.m. with the 6:15 p.m. slot reserved for ticket holders. The restaurant will also be open on days when there are no performances at the center. Don’t miss the beef Carpaccio appetizer, (we wish we would have ordered three of these), the goat cheese tortellini or the “menorah” of custards- with just about every imaginable flavor. Consider dining in a group so you can mix and match your appies, entrees and desserts and sample just about everything.

Just be sure not to over order- food is not allowed to be taken out of the restaurant as per Arsht Center rules, so forget about sneaking a dessert into the show- we already tried. Open Tuesdays through Sundays from 5:00 p.m. until late, dining hours at Prelude cater to folks who seek elegant fine dining in downtown Miami.

Celebrity Sightings:

Lance Bass hung out at the super-chic Club 50 at Viceroy Friday night drinking Atlantico daiquiris and dancing to Lady Gaga’s Paparazzi. Bass made the rounds, going to WALL and LIV on Saturday night and dropping by Pacific Time’s “About Last Night” party on Tuesday and later the Florida Room, after dining at Blue Door at the Delano.

On Friday night at WALL, Transporter’s Jason Statham joined buddy Nicola Siervo to watch “next big thing” R&B artist Chris Jones, son of Foreigner’s Mick Jones, perform tracks off his upcoming album. Also on hand was Jones’ producer, Scott Storch, and the ubiquitous, Lance Bass, who shared a VIP table with friends and showed off some fancy footwork to songs by Will.I.AM, Journey and Jay Z. Later in the night, Statham visited the newly-remodeled SET for its grand reopening to hear DJ Rony Seikaly spin a set of progressive house for the South Beach jet-set including Michael Capponi and SET owner Eric Milon.

J-Lo N.K.A. (now known as) “LOLA,” made an appearance at LIV on Saturday night. In the audience: Marc Anthony, Lance Bass, Kim Kardashian, and Reggie Bush. The former J-Lo greeted her fans and said thanks for coming out and supporting her new video, “Fresh out the Oven” featuring Miami’s own Pitbull, then danced to her remixes with husband, Anthony. According to an insider”I just don’t think “Lola” will ever be as fierce as Beyonce’s alter ego “Sasha” but I hope she proves me wrong.”

Also on Saturday night, Michael Jordan had dinner at Red, The Steakhouse with his girlfriend and a group of friends. Saturday Night Live funnyman, Kenan Thompson, took a table at Louis, sharing a bottle of Belvedere with local buddy Matt Heien, while cracking jokes with his waitress and pretty girls at neighboring tables.

Tennessee Titans, LenDale White and Bo Scaife, were seen having lunch at 8 oz. Burger Bar on Sunday. The Titans were enjoying a bye week and hoping to break their 0-6 record.

For the past two weeks, MTV’s Ibis Del Mar has been a fixture at Pacific Time’s “About Last Night party.” This week, she sat down with chef/owner Jonathan Eismann and VGeorgio Vodka founder, Victor Harvey, to tape interviews for her new MTV.com show, tentatively titled “Keeping it Real with Ibis.”

Making an appearance at the Tod’s boutique at Bal Harbour Shops: Vogue.com contributor/fashion consultant to the chic (…and the not so chic), Amanda Brooks, carrying a brown mink Tod’s bag. Brooks’ book (say that 5x fast), Love Your Style, was lauded by Anna Wintour, who called the book “candid, canny and cool.”

In a town where just about every night is Halloween, the official holiday just affords even greater numbers of regular folks the opportunity to don freaky, slutty, scanty, bizarre, over-the-top outfits- and to behave accordingly. Being that Halloween lands on a Saturday this year, there are a plethora of clubs and establishments vying for your haunted dollar.

Catalina Kicks it Off

The Catalina Hotel & Beach Club has partnered with the American Heart Association to invite guests to kick-off their Halloween weekend at South Beach’s hottest vampire garden party on Thursday, October 29^th from 9 p.m. to midnight. Hosted by Miss Elaine Lancaster, the True Beach Blood party will feature sexy vampires, free cocktails, served up by local boy-and-girl-about-town, Ariel Stein and Erin Newberg, food, live music and a True Beach Blood costume party. Guests are encouraged to find their inner vampire and dress the part to drink free all night. The hotel will also host a “sexiest vampire costume,” the winner of which will receive a two-night vacation package including dinner for two at the hotel’s signature restaurant, Kung Fu Kitchen & Sushi. Guests will also enjoy complimentary “bloody vampire” cocktails from 9 p.m. to 10 p.m. yummy bites all night including Hallo-weenies, Bloody Mariana Meatballs and Pumpkin Stuffed Ravioli. Ten percent of all proceeds for the evening will be donated back to the American Heart Association to help fight America’s #1 killer, heart disease.

For more information, contact erin.kozlowski@southbeachgroup.com or visit www.catalinahotel.com.

Get Frisky

The Other Hollywood

Supermarket Creative, the Awarehouse and Gen Art have teamed up to bring back the “’Boo’ in Boogie Nights” this Halloween, with its first seventies-style disco and adult entertainment-themed party for all those who “dare to bare.”
The Other Hollywood will re-enact its own vignette in adult entertainment with a film set designed by Missoni Home, Todd Jameson (Nue Studio) and styled by Ford Artists, wardrobe by stylist Jessica Bosch and fashioned by American Apparel.  Acclaimed “porntographer,” Stian Roenning, will capture set positions formed by the chosen cast of The Other Hollywood actors, directed by Jose “El Rey,” featuring lead actress and special guest “fluffer,” Luscious Linda.www.theotherhollywood1972.com. The party takes place at the Awarehouse, 550 NW 29th Street, from 10:00 p.m.-3:00 a.m. Admission is $20 and includes cocktails all night by Le Blon and 42 Below. Tickets are available in advance at www.theotherhollywood1972.com.

Bunnies to the Shore

Beware: guests posing for photos on-set will have their semi-naked pictures posted the following day on the “Morning after Gallery” featured on the dedicated event website

Playboy’s Halloween party takes over the Shore Club on Saturday, featuring host playmates: “Miss December 2005” Christine Smith, “Miss November 2004” Cara Zavaleta, “Miss September 2009” Kimberly Phillips, “Miss November 2005” Raquel Gibson, “Miss October 2005” Amanda Paige, “Miss June 2004” Hiromi Oshima, “Miss October 2004” Kimberly Holland and “Miss February 1999” Stacy Fuson in full bunny gear and will offer a feel of Heff’s Mansion in the heart of South Beach.  General admission tickets go for $75. Buy themwww.playboyhalloweenparty.com and offer guests entry and open bar from 9:00 to 11:00 p.m.  VIP tickets, tables and beds are available upon request.

Hallo-W-een

Halloween newcomer, the W South Beach, will host “Mischieve in the Garden of Agave” on Saturday, along with Hornitos Tequila from 9:00-11:00 p.m. Guests will be offered a selection of complimentary, custom Hornitos cocktails also known as “Hornitails” including the Hornipolitain, Juan Collins, Hornijo and the Horni Wallbanger and enjoy sounds by DJ Stonerokk poolside while mermaids get trapped inside a steel cage in the pool.  In keeping with the Halloween holiday spirit, angel and demon go-go dancers will keep the party going amid spider webs, severed limbs and smoking cauldrons. The party continues at W’s WALL nightclub until 4:00 a.m. with DJ Andy Caldwell.

The Cat’s Meow

The Raleigh will transform its famous 6,000 square-feet penthouse into “The Cat’s Meow,” a 1920s speakeasy lounge, hosted by hip locals, Nick D’Annunzio, Jose Ortiz and Martin Krediet, celebrating all things that were taboo during the Prohibition Era.

Sexy flappers, ghoulish gangsters and everyone in between are all invited to dance from 9:00 p.m. until 3:00 a.m. Entrance fee is $20.00 and includes one complimentary premium cocktail ticket. In order to guarantee admission, pre-sale tickets are available at The Raleigh’s front desk or through e-mail at ttreland@raleighhotel.com. Table service is also available at $150.00.

Trick or Meat

If you want to catch the wildest parade this side of Fantasy Fest, reserve your premium seat at Meat Market on Lincoln Road, which will feature a special prix fixe menu for outdoor diners, created by chef/owner Sean Brasel. The perfect perch for people watching during Lincoln Road’s notorious Halloween night festivities, the $75 per person, three-course menu boasts Meat Market favorites, along with Halloween-inspired dishes. Reservations for the prix fixe meal are required and will be taken for two hour seating blocks at 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. Normal dinner hours and Meat Market’s delicious al la carte menu will be available inside. Meat Market is located at 915 Lincoln Road. Telephone: (305) 532-0088. www.meatmarketmiami.com.

On Tuesday, November 3, Meat Market celebrates its one year anniversary with a lavish Stag’s Leap wine dinner organized by sommelier Gabriel Varela and Sean Brasel. For this special dinner which starts at 7:00 p.m., Varela pairs Brasel’s bold, contemporary American cuisine with the award-winning wines of Stags Leap Wine Cellars. The five-course dinner menu with paired wines, priced at $125.00 per person excluding tax and gratuity.

Waxy’s

In the Brickell area, Waxy’s on the River, located at 90 SW 1^st Court, (Neo Vertika building) will host a bash starting at 10:00 p.m., featuring a live band, drink specials all night and a costume contest at midnight. Admission is free.

The Club Scene

While every club in town is hosting a Halloween party of some sort, here is a brief list of some of the most fun late-night offerings. Saturday, Mansion will be transformed into The House of Jigsaw in honor of the SAW VI movie release. Featuring a larger than life bloody décor, Mansion will feature giant syringes hanging from the ceilings, enormous dangling eyeballs, pigface masks, jumbo sized chains and hooks, a 3D jigsaw face hanging over the DJ booth,  red and white bloodied fabric, inflatable jigaw bones, and of course clips of SAW VI playing on Mansion’s movie theater screen. On Friday, October 30^th, Mansion celebrates the Saw VI movie release featuring a live performance by Fat Joe, presented by Don Cardona Tequila.

Newly renovated SET will become an actual set, such as the one in the Phantom of the Opera. The décor will include hundreds of illuminated candles, candelabras, rose hanging from the ceiling, along with an oversized chandelier, jumbo masquerade mask, and holograph crosses. SET’s gorgeous staff will be decked out in signature Phantom costumes.  The previous night, celebrated Paris DJ, Antoine Clamaran, will spin for the “jet-set” crowd. In keeping with the theme, opera singers will join DJ Chicco Secci for an opera-house music fusion.

Louis Bar-Lounge celebrates Halloween with dramatic décor including black latex and spandex which will be stretched throughout the venue.

The Cameo Theatre makes a comeback on Saturday, thanks to the Opium Group, which is re-launching the hot-spot with a fun house theme. The party will feature theatrical aerial and trapeze shows, fetish performances, disco-ball decked little people, drag shows by superstars Daisy Dead Petals and Erika Norell, even door diva Chyna Girl will “man” the ropes.

Happy Hours

This Friday, 5300 Chop House at The Blue in Doral is having a Halloween happy hour from 5:00-8:00 p.m. Guests are invited to wear masks or headpieces- the best one wins a complimentary dinner for two at 5300 Chop House. The restaurant offers happy hour Monday – Friday 5:00-8:00 p.m., with $5 drinks, beers and bar bites.

Caviar Kaspia introduces the chicest Happy Hour in town, serving up decadent fare and specialty cocktails, Tuesday-Saturday from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday.  Order $8 cocktails including mojitos, martinis, bubbly, wine and beer and indulge in delectable menu selections priced at under $10.  Kaspia is located at 1220 Collins Avenue on Miami Beach inside The Webster boutique. General hours of operation are Monday from 11:00am to 4:00pm, and Tuesday Reservations are recommended for dinner and Sunday brunch: www.KaspiaMiami.com.

It’s no secret that we’re all a little boob-obsessed. What’s not to love about ‘em? How else would you explain the success of silicone, Girls Gone Wild, Maxim and Mardi Gras? And don’t even try to tell us that Dolly Parton is best known for her singing voice. But for millions of women, (and those who love them), boobs have become a source of trouble. Therefore, it’s fitting that October is dedicated to finding a cure for breast cancer and the 411 has compiled a list of events and organizations working towards this great cause. Here are some ways you can get involved this month.

Get Your Run On!

This Saturday, October 17, the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure® at Bayfront Park (301 North Biscayne Boulevard) takes place in Downtown Miami, anc includes a 5K Run/Walk and 1 Mile Fun Walk, Tot Run and Celebration.  The fun starts at 7:30 a.m. (registration at 6 a.m.) with an inspirational Survivor Procession and Ceremony. Whether you run, walk or stroll, (there’s even an option to sleep) you can make a difference.

Cost for the race is as follows:  5K Run/Walk ($27 by October 9; $30 by October 16; $35 on Race Day) One Mile Fun Walk ($27 by October 9; $30 by October 16; $35 on Race Day); Tot Run for ages 2-7 ($10 through Race Day); Sleep-In for the Cure ($27 through Race Day).

For more information, or to register for the race online, go to: http://www.komenmiaftl.org/ or call FootWorks at 305-666 -RACE (7223) for all Race related questions.

This year, a special local Race for the Cure® team has been formed named “Miles for Meredith & Brooke” in support of local girls, Meredith Israel, who will make an appearance with baby daughter, Niomi, and Brooke Pallot, who will also participate with daughter, Sora, in tow.  Team members are strongly encouraged to purchase a custom designed “Miles for Meredith & Booke” t-shirt to wear during the race.  This special team has gotten a slew of sponsors together and is even hosting a post-run party with food and cocktails after the race.

Contact race team co-captains: Jackie Mailhe, jackielisseth@gmail.com or Yami Alvarado, yami.alvarado@southbeachgroup.com to join the team, buy the special shirts and/or make donations.

Saks Key to the Cure

Saks Fifth Avenue Dadeland (7687 North Kendall Drive) will host the 2009 Key to the Cure charity-shopping weekend from October 15-18. A percentage of the weekend’s sales will benefit the new Baptist Health Breast Center. Saks Fifth Avenue Bal Harbour (9700 Collins Avenue) will participate in Key to the Cure by hosting an event alongside Sylvester’s Young Philanthropists in the cosmetics department on Saturday, October 17, from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. The $40 entry free will get you the limited edition Key to the Cure t-shirt and make-up by Dolce & Gabbana.  The party will feature entertainment, refreshments by Segafredo Bal Harbour, and goody bags with special gifts.  For more information contact Jeanne Kushner at jkushner@med.miami.edu or 305-243-9088

Saks will also offer a limited-edition Key to the Cure t-shirt designed by Michael Kors – for the entire month of October for $40 in Saks stores, Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5TH stores and on saks.com. Over 80% of the proceeds from each shirt sold will be donated to local charity partners. Supermodel Heidi Klum is the 2009 Ambassador for Saks Fifth Avenue’s Key to the Cure. In support of this program, Ms. Klum will appear in a national public service announcement (PSA) wearing the Michael Kors limited-edition t-shirt.

Pink Drinks

Two places where imbing is a good choice this month are the Gansevoort South and the Fontainebleau, where proceeds for specialty drinks go towards the cause. Plunge at the Gansevoort is serving the Pink Elephant – a fruity, pear vodka infused like cocktail, created by mixologist, Jay Law. For every drink sold, $1 of goes toward Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure in honor of our very own, Meredith Israel and Brooke Pallot. At the Fontainebleau, try the Pinkie Promise, a berry-pink, sweet concoction, with $1 of proceeds going towards finding a cure.

Bleau Goes Pink

Also at the Fontainebleau this month, all of the restaurants: Blade Sushi, Gotham Steak, Hakkasan and Scarpetta are offering the Bleau Goes Pink promotion: which includes a three course menu for only $39.00-talk about a value meal (less than 2 drinks at any club) and free valet parking. The best part is that $1.50 of each check goes toward Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Certain restrictions apply. For more details, go to: fontainebleau.com/pink.

Pink Cocktail Hour and Pink Auction

On October 24^th there will be a Main Street March through the streets of Miami Lakes, from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. (registration starts at 8:00) to show support for breast cancer awareness. Later that evening, The Spa at Shula’s will host the Pink Cocktail Hour and the Pink Auction from 7:00 to 9:00 pm. Participants can indulge in a variety of spa amenities, a signature Pink Cocktail and an assortment of hors d’oeuvres throughout the night. There will also be an auction, the proceeds of which will benefit the American Breast Cancer Foundation. For more information, contact: Barbara@prpeople.biz 786.303.8731.

Sweet Treats

Buttercream Cupcakes & Coffee (“Buttercream”) celebrates National Cupcake Day while paying homage to Breast Cancer Awareness Month this Sunday, October 18^th. Even the calorie conscious can make an exception as Buttercream’s will be giving away their all natural, trans-fat free cupcake minis.   Following the self indulgence, give back by picking up a to-go box of pink frosted chocolate and vanilla cupcakes ($2.75 each)-25 cents from each cupcake benefits the Susan G. Komen foundation. For more information, go to: www.buttercreamcupcakes.com.

Seems like Every Month is Hispanic Heritage Month

ESPN Deportes and the new Dolphins’ ownership celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month with a sophisticated gathering at Club 50 at Viceroy Miami on Sunday night. Dolphins Vice Chairman, Jorge Perez, hosted the party alongside Marc Anthony, Emilio Estefan, and ESPN Deportes General Manager, Lino Garcia. Guests included: singer/actress, Jennifer Lopez; Dolphins owner, Steve Ross; ESPN Deportes Monday Night commentators, Alvaro Martin and Raul Allegre, sideline reporter John Sutceliff; former Dolphins player, Nat Moore; former Mets player, Carlos Beltran; Dancing with the Stars’ Cristián De La Fuente; CSI Miami actress, Eva La Rue; and flautist Nestor Torres. The Latin celeb-infused event didn’t seem a whole lot different than any recent Dolphins game, being that most of the new minority-owners are, well, celebs and minorities. One of the evening’s highlights was a performance by Latin Grammy Award-winning Mexican pop-duo Jessie & Joy.

Coming Up:

Halloween is Wild

Start Halloweening early this year at Metro Zoo this Saturday, October 17 at the Monster Masquerade. For $65 per person, ($50 for ZSF members), which helps the Zoological Society of Florida in their mission of wildlife conservation and education, you get cocktails, food, costume contests and dancing.  The event is for adults, 21 and older, at Dr. Wilde’s Screamatorium and goes from 8 p.m. to midnight.   Tickets are available online at www.miamimetrozoo.com.

Signature Chefs

Start fasting folks, one of the premier events for those who love food and wine, (and let’s face it, who doesn’t?) takes over Jungle Island on Thursday, October 22.  The March of Dimes Signature Chefs & Wine Extravaganza will present stellar, local celebrity chefs, delicious food, a great variety of wines, and an array of fabulous auction items,with all proceeds benefiting the March of Dimes. Celebrity Honorary Chair Jackie Nespral of NBC 6 will emcee the event, which kicks off at 6:30 p.m. with an exclusive VIP Reception, followed by the eating extravaganza at 7:30.

Entertainment for VIP reception will include an instrumentalist from the New World Symphony.  In addition to countless culinary delights, guests will enjoy wines and champagnes from the world’s finest vineyards and distilleries, courtesy of Southern Wine and Spirits, as well as live and silent auctions.

Tickets for the event are $150 per person in advance, $175 per person at the door.  VIP tickets, which include the exclusive reception and extravaganza, cost $250 per person.  For more information, call (305) 477-1192 or visit www.marchofdimes.com/florida.

Celebrity Sightings:

Last Thursday, newly un-engaged, celebrity chef, Todd English, of Ft. Lauderdale’s Da Campo Osteria was seen dining with friends at Meat Market (insert cliché post break-up joke here). Watching “his Sox” play baseball, sipping on ice cold beer and noshing on Chef Sean Brasel’s Kobe beef sliders and the Caesar salad. Bernie Yuman was spotted at Meat Market on Saturday.

On Thursday night at LIV, Danny Wood, from NKOTB, (New Kids on the Block) and Indy Race Car sensation, Sarah Fisher, made an appearance at a celebration in honor of Susan G. Komen.

Her’s Race for the Cure party took place at Mandarin Oriental, on Friday, featuring Catt Sadler of E! News and E!’s Daily 10 and Indy Pro Series champion Alex “Pink” Lloyd who placed 8^th this past Saturday in Homestead.  A couple of days later, Sadler and beau, Brett Jacobsen, (CEO of Her pink energy drink) got engaged at the swank hotel.

At the Mondrian on Friday night, Muse and Better than Ezra were seen amidst a trendy crowd for the debut of photographer, Ben Watt’s, latest book, Lickshot. The book launch was held in conjunction with the release party for the Morgans Hotel Group CD No. 4, produced in collaboration with Musebox with cover art by Watts.

Saturday afternoon, popular Italian shoe designer, Giuseppe Zanotti, hosted an exclusive lunch and shoe signing at Saks Dadeland’s brand new shoe salon, 10022-SHOE. The handsome and friendly designer chatted with guests who bought out the store’s entire collection of Zanotti shoes! Not bad for one afternoon. Did someone say recession?

R & B singer, Mario, celebrated his album release on Sunday at LIV as female rap star, MC Lyte, celebrated her birthday. Mario serenaded Lyte with his rendition of “Happy Birthday.”

Naomi Campbell hung out with Marc Anthony and Jennifer Lopez at Club 50 on Monday before the Dolphins/Jets game.

By: Mary Jo Almeida-Shore

It seems as though we have been receiving an inordinate number of birthday invitations over the past couple of weeks. We can only surmise that the frigid January temperatures (about 75 in Miami but chillier points north) a few decades ago  resulted in extra canoodling for warmth among the parents of more than a few friends and local personalities, making for some fun and interesting birthday gatherings, to fete our favorite Libras. From Hadley Henriette’s Cuban-Chinese themed party, to Michael Valdes’ soiree in which the best-dressed guests received prizes, to Gino Campodonico’s outlandish Barbie-themed bash at the dollhouse, which featured Lady Gaga impersonator, Rosie Herrera, (who just received rave reviews for her directorial/producer debut with Various Stages of Drowning: A Cabaret performed earlier this year the Adrienne Arsht Center), Libras celebrate creatively.  Other locals celebrating their birthdays this month include: Katrina Campins, Navin Chatani, Erica Freshman, Michael Madd, Hassan Radouane and Angela Santopinto, all of whom hosted a Libra Zodiac party at Red, the Steakhouse on Wednesday.  More birthday parties are in the works for Michael Leonidas Kirkland, Vanessa Poskanzer, and Max Shore.

About Last Night…Dates, Nudies and Cheeks

It’s hard to resist a party named after one our favorite 80’s classics, About Last Night.  Enter Pacific Times’ celebrated chef, Jonathan Eismann, with provocatively named, scrumptious dishes such as the gnudi (pronounced “nudie,”) “dates” and “grouper cheeks” and we are hooked.  O.K., so the food names aren’t so funny in the cold light of day, but they were pretty amusing amidst the glam/hipster (which we’ve recently come to identify as any cute 20/30-something donning a fedora and/or decorative neck fabric) crowd that packed the Design District eatery for the weekly “About Last Night” party, which could be easily confused for the set of a photo shoot or show on the WB, except for the fact that food was present even though the model-types seemed to be more on a liquid diet (duh).  The premise behind the party is that guests spend the night Tweeting and updating their Facebook posts.  How this is different from any other party, fashion show, restaurant outing, date, movie watching, back scratching, driving experience…took us a minute to figure out. Turns out the party’s unique draw, aside from the hot crowd and outstanding food is that the event itself is a Facebook/Twitter “friend” so those who’ve enjoyed a few too many libations and/or suffer short-term memory loss can piece the night together the next morning. (Not necessarily a good thing.) Inaugural hosts Sean Drake and Michelle Leshem drew in a great crowd including Tara Solomon, Nick D’ Annunzio, Megan Harris, Sam Baum, David Glass, Jose Ortiz, Jacquelynn Powers, Eric Newill, Bill Kearney, Debbie Ohanian and Manny Hernandez.  It comes as no surprise that the outstanding food created by Eismann, which is served in style by adorable, friendly waiters resulted in a shout out for Pacific Time by Esquire Magazine as one of the “Best New Restaurants in the U.S.” To be blunt, and quote a fellow diner whom shall remain nameless, “Flavors of orgasmic proportions.”

Coming Up:

Ladies Lunch

Ladies Lunch was recently held at Smith & Wollensky, and offered a terrific opportunity to network with women from all different careers and occupations-not that we ever need a reason to “lunch.” At the gathering, each attendee brought materials and causes to share with the group during a 30-second introduction. Which brings us to our point: if you’re ever in need of a divorce attorney, life coach, or locksmith (certain situations may call for all three), Ladies Lunch is the place to make your connections. The next lunch will be held on Thursday, October 8, at La Goulue in Bal Harbour Shops and will feature Michelle Marchand, an expert in training and development, who will get the ladies involved and inspire the group to get motivated. The next Ladies Lunch South Beach will be held on Thursday, October 15. The SoBe Luncheon will feature guest speaker Pat Morgan of Smooth Sailing Success who will discuss Empowering Women to Be More, Create More Fun & Build Better Relationships. We highly encourage you to bring plenty of business cards. For more information, please contact events@m3events.net or 305-865-5733.

Perks for those in the Biz

A Fish Called Avalon’s executive chef, Brian Cantrell, invites those in the bar, nightclub, hotel and restaurant industries to experience the restaurant’s award-winning cuisine by offering specialty items including wine by the glass or bottle, beer, well cocktails and all signature appetizers at half off the menu price on Monday nights. The 20 year-old South Beach landmark offers modern American seafood with tropical influences and sleek minimalist décor.  It is open daily from 6:00-11:00 p.m. For restaurant reservations please call 305.532.1727.  Visit www.afishcalledavalon.com for more information.

Celebrity Sightings:

Rapper, Ludacris, was at Meat Market last week, celebrating his birthday and drinking his new cognac. Later in the week, Jared (of Subway fame) dined at Meat Market with five friends. He had the wedge salad and Kobe skirt steak. Sounds like that might be a great addition to the Subway menu. Sing it, 50…50 dollar foot-long!

Josh Groban hung out at W South Beach’s WALL nightclub on Friday night – showing up late with a group of friends. He took two tables and sipped on Grey Goose and Patron. Saturday night, Pete Wentz left his show in West Palm Beach to head down to LIV and DJ at the Ocean Drive Magazine Fall Fashion event for Chloe. Wentz asked party guest, Michael Jordan, for a photo but was denied by security.

Earlier on Saturday, Michael Jordan had dinner with Miami Heat/LA Lakers coach, Pat Riley, at Mr. Chow. Later on, Jordan visited Louis with his girlfriend, Miami girl, Yvette Prieto, where he was low-key, enjoying a bottle of Macallan’s 15 Year old Whisky and puffing on a stogie at a table across from the DJ booth, as his party danced around him and ordered cocktails. Generous as usual, Jordan over-tipped his waitress by $100 dollars.  On the same night, designers, Julian Chang and Karelle Levy along with reality star, Michael Cohen, celebrated Hadley Henriette’s birthday at her gorgeous North Bay home.

The Chapelle Show’s, Charlie Murphy, (fans, insert your Rick James impersonation here, “I’m Rick James, B$%ch”) enjoyed a quiet dinner at Houston’s Coral Gables on Sunday night.

Last, because of chronological order, NOT order of significance, former President, Bill Clinton, dined and enjoyed a cigar (how cliché) at Acqualina Resort & Spa on Tuesday night. The former President was served food from Il Mulino. According to the staff, he was extremely friendly.

It is a rarity for a sports-related event to be featured in The Fix unless, of course, said event draws, say… an A-list crowd of VIPs and celebrities, an “orange” (team color) carpet and access to a swank lounge, such as the Ocean Drive Club, as did Monday night’s Dolphins Season Opener at Landshark Stadium.Celebrity arrivals were televised via the “jumbo-tron,” which was visible from the highway. Once inside, guests were escorted to the posh Ocean Drive Club, which was, well, characteristically “Ocean Drive.” From the lighting and cozy couches right down to the oddly interesting astro-turf upholstered ottomans.  Barton G. provided light-fare and there was free-flowing Landshark beer and the uncharacteristic, yet popular, champagne. Champagne at a football game? Talk about “swankified” SoBe tailgating! Celebs in attendance included: Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony, Venus and Serena Williams and Gloria and Emilio Estefan, who were all there showing support for their newly acquired Fins, along with Dan Marino, Tiger Woods, Steve Young, Stewart Scott and Lili Estefan. During the arrivals, Jimmy Buffet and his band played a short pre-game concert for “Parrot Heads” and Fins fans.

Earlier in the week, former “Mr. Ocean Drive,” (insert sarcasm font here) the shy subdued, Rich Santelises, celebrated his birthday at the upstairs lounge at Buzzy’s Burger and Beer Joint. Ultra-hip guests in attendance included: Jerry and Jacquelynn Powers, Lisa Pliner, Chapman Ducote, Michael Comras, David Resnick, Eric and CC Levin, Michael Capponi, Zoltan (who took the party photos) and Dan Goodstadt, to name a few. With his 1000-watt personality, Santelises, stood on a pedestal (o.k. coffee table) and ebulliently thanked each and every one of his friends individually then stated, “A mans riches (no pun intended) are defined by the quality of their friendships. The attendees here tonight illustrate that I am wealthy beyond means or need.”

Almost as cool as the guest list, is the laid-back atmosphere of Burger & Beer Joint. Reminiscent of Purdy Lounge a decade ago, (with better lighting) B &B boasts tasteful “garage sale décor,” a retro-chic vibe, great music, friendly staff and reasonably priced drinks. An added plus is the delicious food at great prices. Of course, the fact that you can “add truffles to anything” is a reason to visit all on its own. Downstairs there’s a casual restaurant with an extensive menu that even includes a 10 lb. burger (Don’t ask.), huge beer selection and plasmas for watching all your favorite teams this season.

Groove is in the Art

The brand-spanking new, Urbanite Bistro, a quaint, cozy resto-bar which looks like a typical, underground SoHo spot, invites you to embrace your inner “boho, artistic child” thanks to its rotating exhibits of local artwork, which are for sale and decorate its trendy, plum colored walls. Urbanite offers eclectic bistro fare, of which we recommend the shrimp corn dogs (how can you go wrong?), Pad Thai, and alligator egg-rolls (if you dare). How’s that for “eclectic? Of course, there are your usual meat and potatoes dishes and a variety of sandwiches and burgers. The place also features two stylish and well-appointed bars, perfect for a few cocktails before hitting neighboring clubs, Vagabond and Karu & Y. If you crave a little nosh during clubbing, return to Urbanite- the kitchen closes at 3:00.

To show its support of the local art scene, The Urbanite Bistro invites guests to a public arts reception on Tuesday, October 6 from 7:00- 9:00 p.m. This month this “rotating gallery” hosts provocative artwork by Latin American artists, Gabriela Sanchez-Vegas and Rudolf Kohn. Guests will receive an Urbanite VIP card, redeemable for a complimentary specialty cocktail during the reception. The Urbanite Bistro is located at 62 NE 14th Street. Reservations may be made by calling 305.374.0662 or visiting www.urbanitebistro.com. Valet parking is free.

Coming Up:

Cutest Boy Bands this side of Liverpool

Adorable New York City-based, foursome, The Postelles, will perform their latest hits, including the single produced by The Strokes guitarist, Albert Hammond Jr., at Club 50 at Viceroy, on Friday, September 25, presented by Jose Cuervo Platino and Novel. Guests are invited to enjoy an open bar hosted by the premium tequila line, from 8:00-10:00 p.m. and drink specials throughout the evening. The Postelles, combine a unique blend of “feel good” retro and modern alternative pop. Viceroy Miami is located at 485 Brickell Avenue. Entrance is free. Please RSVP to info@novelcomm.com.

Another cute, young boy-band, the Heavy Pets will be performing at Tobacco Road on October 2 at 9:00 p.m. Word on the street is that they are “by far, the best local band!” The Heavy Pets just wrapped up concerts at Bonnaroo, Moe.Down and several other festivals this summer and they are starting a winter tour right after next week’s show. No RSVP required. Admission is only $6 at the door.

Something to Wine About

“Uncork the fun” at the 8th Annual Miami International Wine Fair this weekend at the Miami Beach Convention Center, where nearly 500 wine producers will be on-hand to showcase more than 1,500 wines from 20 different countries, making this event one of the largest wine fairs in America, and featuring wine tastings and seminars for oenophiles 21 and over.  Tickets are priced at $75 per person, with the proceeds going to benefit Educate Tomorrow, and include unlimited wine tasting and food sampling from Miami’s finest restaurants.  The fun starts Saturday, September, 25. For more information, visit http://www.miamiwinefair.com.

About Last Night

On Tuesday, September 29, acclaimed restaurant, Pacific Time, in the Design District, will be partnering with Thrillist.com to launch its weekly dinner party called, “About Last Night.” Chef Brian Bell will prepare small plates for guests as “paparazzi” snap their photos which will be uploaded to the Pacific Time Facebook page. Throughout the night Twitter followers can “tweet” about the place and Facebook fans can then check the “Morning After” albums to tag themselves and reconnect with friends they made the night before, ergo the name.  

In Fashion

The award-winning Venezuelan designer, Carolina Herrera, along with Maria Celeste Arraras and Lourdes Fanjul will celebrate the opening of the Carolina Herrera Bal Harbour Shops boutique and toast Herrera’s spring 2010 Collection on Wednesday, September 30, from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.

The day after her boutique opening, Herrera will present a full runway fashion show of her spring 2010 Collection in conjunction with Jackson Memorial Foundation’s 11^th Annual Guardian Luncheon benefitting Holtz Children’s Hospital, along with Shirley K. Fletcher, this year’s luncheon’s Honorary Chair to celebrate fashion n’ fun.  The luncheon starts at 11:00 a.m. at the InterContinental Hotel, 100 Chopin Plaza, Downtown Miami. Space is limited. To buy tickets contact: 305.355.4999, or visit www.jmf.org.

Celebrity Sightings:

Latin Grammy award nominee, Cucu Diamantes, surprised guests at Viceroy’s Club 50 on Thursday night with an impromptu performance. Bad boy, Joe Francis, best known for creating “Girls Gone Wild” partied at LIV both Friday and Saturday nights with a bevy of beautiful girls who weren’t as “wild” as you’d expect, or hope for that matter. On Saturday night, at Mansion, musician, Scott Weiland, debuted his clothing line, Weiland for English Laundry and performed a set of Stone Temple Pilots and Velvet Revolver songs to a packed crowd. Across town on Saturday, at Fort Lauderdale’s Dive Bar, NBA/ reality TV star, Dennis Rodman, was spotted getting down to Shak Nasti.

By: Mary Jo Almeida-Shore

So it seems that anyone with a star on Hollywood Boulevard, recording contract or fashion line was either in Toronto for the film festival or in New York for Fashion Week, the US Open and/or the VMAs, thus rendering our “Celebrity Sightings,” section null and void.  Not sure that next week will be a whole lot better, being that the Emmy’s, with their requisite pre and post parties are taking place, points west of the 305.  However, being that the name of this column is the “411,” and that those of us in the know consider Miami the “sixth borough,” we feel obliged to inform you that on Saturday night, Andre Balazs opened up the Boom Boom Room, in his Standard Hotel in the Meatpacking District.  Touted as the “Biggest opening since Studio 54” by celebrity photographer, Patrick McMullan.  So, to make ourselves feel just a little bit less bummed (all right, slightly bitter) about not being there, and so that we (you) can talk about it as though you actually were (after a few vodka sodas, who really knows the difference?) we will expand our “Celebrity Sightings” for the week to include some of the fun NYC. 

Mama Mia!

Here in Downtown, Miami, there are definitely a few spots worth mentioning.  Mia Biscayne opened with much fanfare in the form of searchlights, throngs of people outside the velvet ropes and special musical guests last Wednesday.  This latest addition to the downtown club scene features
a restaurant, live music venue, nightclub and outdoor terrace that just screams “happy hour” to those who work and/or play in the downtown/Brickell area.  Conceptually, it’s a like Karu and Y, but with a cozier feel, better service and much more convenient (read less life threatening) location.  The premise is that Mia is an ideal place to spend an entire evening, where you can grab a good meal, have some cocktails and stay to dance until 5:00 a.m. Upon arrival, we were personally greeted by the adorable Executive Chef, Gerdy Rodriguez, a young-Tyler Florence type, who looks like he stepped out of one of those reality cooking shows.  Rodriguez credits his Cuban upbringing for his flavorful fusion concoctions, which include the Mia roll, lobster topped with spicy tuna, crispy plantains (yes, mariquitas), scallions and avocado cream (our favorite), Kobe sliders and piping hot Manchego cheese and Serrano ham croquettes (close second).  Another highlight unique to Mia Biscayne is the I-Bar, a translucent runway installation that club goers control by touching, kind of like laser light show meets giant IPOD touch.   Talk about ADHD helper- now if only we could send texts on the thing.  Hunky award-winning actor/singer, Jencarlos Canela, and American Idol’s Christina Christian performed live, and DJ George Morel provided the sounds for guests such as Dr. Sanford Ziff; Tara Solomon and Nick D’Annunzio, and notable political figures, Mayor of West Miami, Cesar Carasa, Commissioner, Rebeca Sosa, Commissioner Tomas Regalado and Mayor of Hialeah, Julio Robaina – all of whom presented the owner of MIA, Luis Arias, with a proclamation to the city.

 Get Stoned

Another terrific downtown offering is mySpa at the InterContinental Miami, where we got one of the best massages ever.  While admittedly not a spa person due to limited attention span, (I was tempted to roast weenies on the little grill in the sauna and channeled Seinfeld’s Elaine Benes in the steam room) I enjoyed the simplicity and elegance of mySpa and the hot stones massage got the creative juices flowing (I mentally wrote 2/3 of this column on the table)!  My only complaint:  that the massage didn’t last all day.  Hopefully they’ll consider our suggestion and create a 24 hour massage.  A definite bonus for “football widows”, who will have reason to look forward to Sundays this season, is that mySpa is offering the Sunday’s Fabulous Football Survival Package, which includes a 60 minute myMassage (we definitely recommend the hot stones) followed by a 60 minute True Transformation Facial, for $160.00, a 20% savings, not bad considering the price of a game ticket these days.   ”Widows” can “grieve” together by taking advantage of all spa amenities including sauna, steam, fitness center or just relax poolside with a cocktail in hand.  Now that’s what I call a support group!  For more information, visit www.myspymiami.com.

Disco Baby

Badrutt’s Place, coined ”the European gem in the heart of Brickell,” premiered Disco Baby Supper Club on Saturday, with Master DJ, Mark Leventhal spinning all the songs we grew up loving and pretending to hate during the failed “Disco Sucks” campaign.  During the party, guests enjoyed full menu items as well as delicious tapas, including Chef Mario Da Como’s signature selections, such as shrimp, Carpaccio, crab cakes, cheeseburger bites, spicy meatballs, and pepper crusted beef medallions with horseradish sauce.  We must warn you that while the food is delicious, you may be too busy dancing to even notice it. So don’t over order and wear comfortable shoes.  Badrutt’s plans to throw the 70s themed party on a regular basis, so start grooming your afro wig and buffing your platforms, Disco Baby!  Stay tuned for upcoming dates.

Spin Spin Sugar

Socialite/singer/songwriter Jamie Jo Harris rocked the tables (Mac book) at Wall on Friday night, joining the ranks of gorgeous DJ Divas:  Tracy Young, Eve Salvali and Sky Nellor and showing, yet again that girls can rule the tables too, with all due respect to our favorite local guys, Irie, Dert, Leventhal, Kurtz, Johnny the Boy and Ruckus.  VIPs including Fabian Basabe, Eric Meier, Jose Ortiz, Lance Burstyn, Rich Santelises, Jerry Powers, Nicola Siervo, Karim Masri, Eric Levin, Tara Solomon, Nick D’Annunzio, Mark Leventhal and Harris’ parents, Fran and Mel Harris, danced to her chart-topping single “U Turn Me On,” a pop duet alongside Barry Gibb, and other hits masterfully mixed by Harris. Absent from the spinning debut was Harris’ collaborator, nine-time Grammy Award-winning music producer Rudy Perez, who was summoned at the last minute by superstar client,  Beyonce Knowles (darn VMAs on the same weekend !).

In other spinning news:  David Barton is kicking off his new spinning program with his Tour de Barton spinning competition, in keeping with his goal of helping you, “look better naked.”  On Saturdays through the end of September, members and non-members will spin to win prizes including memberships, spa treatments, guest passes, apparel, and more. To sign up contact DavidBartonGym at

Gansevoort South (305) 534-1660.

Celebrity Sightings:

Seen getting down at the Boom Boom Room:  Madonna, Jon Bon Jovi, John Stamos, Josh Hartnett, Calvin Klein, Donna Karan, Jude Law, Lindsay Lohan, Nacho Figueras, Nicky Hilton, Rachel Zoe, and Tory Burch, to name a few.  At Marc Jacobs’ after party at Hiro Ballroom: Janet Jackson, Lindsay Lohan, Mischa Barton, Rachel Zoe, Russell Simmons, Ciara, Estelle and Rufus Wainwright joined the 700 (of 1000) invitees who were allowed into the hot, sticky party, where Lady Gaga performed toned down versions of “Just Dance” and “Poker Face”  Notably absent, Madonna, who attended the show but skipped the party.

A few local celebrity artists joined forces to help the Miami Children’s Museum celebrate its first annual Family Carnival on Sunday.  Romero Britto, Alex Yanes and the guys from Ruthless and Toothless joined young fans in creating murals that will be displayed at the museum.

By:  Mary Jo Almeida-Shore