Tom Brokaw, Marc and Nick Buoniconti of the The Buoniconti Fund

By:  Dr. Mary Jo Almeida-Shore

Destination Fashion

Destination Fashion took over Bal Harbour Shops on November 10, with a star-studded, over-the-top party three years in the making. NFL Hall of Famer Nick Buoniconti and his son Marc of the The Buoniconti Fund (the fundraising arm of The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis) hosted the fantastic event, for which Barton G. transformed the luxury mall into a themed celebration, spotlighting “The Destinations” of locations from around the world such as Asia, Africa and the Americas, for over 2, 000 fashion-forward VIPs including celebrities, sports stars and philanthropists.  Guests enjoyed an Emilio Pucci’s Spring 2013 Fashion Show designed by Peter Dundas, a gourmet dinner, interactive destination party experience and private concert by Enrique Iglesias.  The successful fundraiser got off to a running start when long-time Buoniconti Fund Board Member and supporter, Christine E. Lynn, who was being presented with the Humanitarian Award, announced a gift of $25 million.  This staggering amount contributed in large part to the $31 million raised throughout the evening.  Micky and Madeleine Arison, received the Inspiration Award; Edie Laquer and the Laquer Foundation, received the Champion for a Cure Award; The Buoniconti Fund Award was granted to Paul and Swanee DiMare, and the Philanthropist Award was presented to Beatrice and Dr. Sanford Ziff. Read the rest here »

23rd Street Supper Club at Cafeina

On Thursday, November 29, Cafeina will present the 23rd Street Supper Club with live jazz by special guest Nicolle Chirino, daughter of the Cuban sensation, Willy Chirino. Guests will enjoy the classic experience of dinner and a show as they indulge in craft cocktails, delectable tapas or even the “Taste of Cafeina,” platter which includes the Boneless Crispy Baby Back Ribs, Coffee & Rum Braised Short Rib Mini Tacos, Stuffed Dates& Empanadas (available for $18 during Happy Hour or $25 after 8:00 p.m.) in the sultry, manor-esque lounge atmosphere. Early Happy Hour is from 5 to 8:00 p.m. and show times are at 8:00, 9:30 and 11:00 p.m. Reservations are not required, but preferred for large parties; info@cafeinamiami.com or 305.438.0792. 

LUCKYRICE Miami Epicurean Cocktail Feast

LUCKYRICE Miami Epicurean Cocktail Feast presented by BOMBAY SAPPHIRE East®to take place on Friday, November 30 from 7:30 to11:00 p.m. at the SoHo Beach House Miami Beach. Just days before Art Basel comes to town, the event will take over the private members club, with cocktails and bites spilling from the pool to the tiki hut and onto the beachfront marquee and ocean side fire pits. Tickets are available at www.luckyrice.com and are $88 for general admission and $150 for VIP (VIP access is from 7:30 to 8:30p.m.). Hosted by Susur Lee (Top Chef Masters) with Douglas Rodriguez (father of Nuevo Latino cuisine), the inaugural LUCKYRICE Miami event is a “Chino Latino” collaboration that celebrates Miami’s international fusion style. From the host chefs, expect a couple of roasted pigs (Chinese “char siu”-style from Susur and Cuban-style from Douglas), giant paellas and woks of rice, and a beachfront ceviche crudo bar.

ONE World AIDS Day at HaVen Gastro-Lounge

On Saturday, December 1, Erica Bovea, Dani Bernal, Betsy Skipp and Alexandra Gordon present the ONE World AIDS Day event at HaVen Gastro-Lounge from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., in hopes to bring together the community, educate, raise awareness and take action to ensure the Beginning of the End of AIDS. Admission is free and guests will enjoy one complimentary Belvedere cocktail in addition to HaVen’s new Happy Hour menu which features $5 to $7 bites and 2-4-1 cocktails. For advance reservations, call or text the HaVen iPhone at 305.987.8885 or visit www.havenlounge.com.

 Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden Butterfly Exhibit

Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden’s state-of-the-art DiMare Science Village, covering more than 25,000 square feet and featuring The Clinton Family Conservatory’s splendid butterfly exhibit, the Glasshouse Café, Windows to the Tropics Conservatory, and the Whitman Tropical Fruit Pavilion, will open to the public on Saturday, December 1.

Helmut Newton: A Liberating Focus

In an artistic coup that is anticipated to create a major statement as an exciting preview to the official December 6 kick off of Art Basel, owner Naomi Wilzig announces an arrangement with Austria’s Museum der Moderne (MAM) to present Helmut Newton: A Liberating Focus, the first Miami solo show of the world-famed photographer, opening Monday, December 3, at 9:00 p.m., at World Erotic Art Museum (WEAM). Working at French Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar, Newton was to begin a lifelong career as a photo/artist and, historically, the iconic photographer who shook off all constraints via his broad view of capturing the provocative worlds of beauty, eroticism, humor, money, power and at times, violence. Most recently, 200 original and vintage prints were shown in a retrospective at Paris’ Grand Palais. In Berlin, the Helmut Newton Foundation, Museum of Photography, is exhibiting “White Women, Sleepless Nights, Big Nudes.”

World Erotic Art Museum is located at 1205 Washington Avenue. Open Monday- Thursday, 11 A.M- 10 P.M.; Friday & Saturday, 11 A.M. to Midnight.  Tickets are $15. No one under 18 admitted. Further information is available by calling 305-532-9336 or via www.weam.com. Entrance is free during Art Basel week for Art Basel VIP card holders and for accredited press.

STOMP 

From December 4 through 9, STOMP an explosive, provocative, sophisticated, sexy, utterly unique performance will be showing at the Adrienne Arsht Center. The international percussion sensation has garnered an armful of awards and rave reviews, and has appeared on numerous national television shows. The eight-member troupe uses everything but conventional percussion instruments – matchboxes, wooden poles, brooms, garbage cans, Zippo lighters, hubcaps – to fill the stage with magnificent rhythms.  As USA Today says, “STOMP finds beautiful noises in the strangest places.”  Tickets start at $26 a ticket. Performances are Tuesday through Saturday Evenings at 8:00 p.m., Sunday at 7:30pm and Saturday and Sunday Matinee at 2:00 p.m. Tickets are available by calling (305) 949-6722 or by logging on to www.arshtcenter.org. 

Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center 20^th Anniversary Gala 

The Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center will celebrate its 20th anniversary at its 2012 gala on Saturday, December 8, at the JW Marriott Marquis Miami and Hotel Beaux Arts. Gala guests will enjoy a reception with a luxury silent auction, dinner and an After Party. The highlight of the evening will be a performance by two-time Tony-award winner Sutton Foster. The 2012 gala includes an option to attend just “The Party” which includes a reception, the stage show and the After Party. Nearly 1,000 guests are expected to gather from Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties to increase cancer awareness and raise funds for cancer research. A highlight of the Gala is the awarding of the Caroline Halpern Award for exemplary service to The Harcourt M. and Virginia W. Sylvester Foundation and Stuart A. Miller and the Jay Weiss Scientific Award to W. Jarrard Goodwin, M.D.To inquire about sponsorships/underwriting opportunities, donating auction items, or purchase a ticket, visit www.miami.edu/sylvestergala or call the Sylvester Development Office at 305.243.9088.

  “Ménage à Twist” Yoga at the Standard

Grab a friend, a lover or the nosy neighbor down the hall for a “Ménage à Twist” on Friday, December 7, whoen The Standard Spa and Ayama Yoga Founder Mariano (Mano) Ardissone host a workshop featuring asanas for singles, couples and threesomes. This engaging 120-minute yoga class will explore various postures and flow sequences with partners in unique ways that offer greater assist, adjustment and connection.  Paired in groups of twos and threes, partners will work together to go deeper into poses while building a sense of trust, compassion and intimacy with others.Before and after class, students can enjoy complimentary use of the spa’s Hamam, sauna and steam rooms.  Part of The Standard Spa’s H2-OM yoga series, this one night workshop is open to the public and the cost is $30.  For more information, visit http://www.ayamayoga.com.

For those of you that will reach your turkey, mashed potato, and gravy limit by Saturday evening, make sure and try out Joey’s Italian Café Sunday Brunch and Thasos in Fort Lauderdale. Enjoy!

Joey’s Italian Café Offers Sunday Brunch 

Joey’s Italian Café, the affordable contemporary eatery that helped to shape Wynwood into a dining and entertainment destination, will now open its doors on Sundays from noon until 10:00 p.m. offering an Italian-style brunch menu, as well as lunch and dinner.  The offerings are reflective of Executive Chef Ivo Mazzon’s experience and background in the Veneto region of Italy, and feature a selection of brunch staples, as well as rustic Italian country dishes, at prices designed to encourage repeat Sunday visits.  A recent patio renovation now offers patrons an open-air feel complete with twinkling lights and a new outdoor sound system. Joey’s Italian Café, located at 2506 N.W. 2nd Avenue in Wynwood, serves lunch Monday –Friday, and dinner Monday – Saturday. Now open Sundays noon until 10 p.m.  Joey’s offers a full service bar, lineup changes weekly. No cover or minimum. Valet parking available.  For more information call 305.438.0488 or visit www.joeyswynwood.com. 

Thasos 

Thasos, Fort Lauderdale’s highly-anticipated indoor/outdoor new dining destination, has officially opened its doors.  Sophisticated and contemporary, embracing the hospitality and spirit of the Greek islands with the service and style of an elegant restaurant & lounge, Thasos is a passion project conceptualized by co-owners Gus Leontarakis and Sophia Mylona.  Serving dinner nightly, Thasos offers a selection of time-honored Greek favorites and innovative dishes, all made from scratch in-house.  A native of Thasos, Greece, Leontarakis has been a successful businessman for more than 50 years; Mylona, his partner in life and business, is a seasoned traveler, passionate foodie who carries a Master’s Degree in Nutrition from New York University and an exacting palate.  For the restaurant, the duo wanted to bring a taste of the Greek island to Fort Lauderdale but infuse it with casual elegance, a unique brand of Greek chic. Consulting chef Giorgio Bakatsias of Giorgio’s Hospitality Group, the acclaimed restaurateur who introduced South Florida to rustic Greek cuisine in the 90s, is the creative culinary master whose passionate Zen approach to food has earned him critical acclaim for more than 30 fine dining restaurants, food venues, and gourmet markets including the original Giorgio’s Mediterranean Village in South Florida as well as many successful ventures in North Carolina.  According to Mylona, “Giorgio treats food the way he treats life, with a perfect balance of yin and yang.  We knew we wanted his understated philosophy and great wisdom to be a part of this dream.”  For Thasos, Bakatsias brought in executive chef William D’Auvray, an industry veteran with close to 30 years’ experience in the business and the most talented chef that Bakatsias has worked with.  D’Auvray’s creative, yet approachable dishes reflect the bounty of seafood that comes from the Mediterranean as well as an array of meats prepared on the wood-burning rotisserie. Everything is made in-house and many of the fresh ingredients come directly from Thasos, including the spices, herbs and olive oil.  Plates stay true to their ingredients, allowing flavors to shine without heavy sauces and creams.

Thasos is located at 3330 East Oakland Park Boulevard, just off A1A.  Dinner is served seven nights a week, beginning at 5 p.m. Reservations Suggested. Telephone: (954) 200-6006. www.thasostaverna.com.

H&M, Hennes and Mauritz, one of the world’s largest fashion retailers known for offering high fashion at affordable prices, celebrated its debut in Miami Beach on Wednesday, November 7^th, with an extravagant event featuring a live performance by Florida native, Flo Rida. Chace Crawford of Gossip Girl, Matthew Morrison of Glee, Paz de la Huerta of HBO’s Boardwalk Empire, were among the 1,000 guests who attended the party held at the new 24,000 square foot multi-level store at the historic art deco Lincoln Theatre on Lincoln Road.

Flo-rida and six guests had dinner at STK Miami Thursday night.

SBE Founder, Chairman and CEO Sam Nazarian, along with SLS Hotel South Beach partners Philippe Starck, José Andrés and Lenny Kravitz, welcomed celebrities, media and more than 1,000 “elite influencers” to celebrate the grand opening of SLS Hotel South Beach on Thursday night. Famed daughter of Bruce Willis and Demi Moore, Rumer Willis and Capital Cities ended the night with private musical performances on a floating stage over the pool. Bravo’s The Real Housewives of Miami Lea Black, Ana Quincoces, Adriana De Moura, and Lisa Hochstein; Miami Dolphin Reggie Bush and girlfriend Lilit Avagya and VIPs including Roy Black, Jeremy Shockey, Jonathan Cheban, John Gidding, Dallas Austin, Donald and Lisa Pliner, Micky and Madeleine Arison, David and Angella Nazarian, Tracy Mourning, David Edelstein, Edgardo DeFortuna, Belkys Nerey, Lisa Petrillo, Jorge and Darlene Perez, Lauren Foster, Michael Gongora, Laura Buccellati, Nick D’Annunzio and Tara Solomon, and Gary and Dana Shear were on-hand for the official grand opening.

Earlier on Thursday evening, the Recent Cinema from Spain Film Series hosted a red-carpet opening night gala to kick off the four-day film series. Celebrities spotted at the celebration included: Unit 7, actor Antonio de la Torre; Winning Streak, actor Lluis Homar, and BRAVO’s Real Housewives of Miami stars, Marysol Patton and Ana Quincoces. Other notables in attendance included Miami’s General Consul of Spain Cristina Barrios, Nacho Cano, Nicolas Vallejo Nagera “Colate”, and Telenovela star Gabriel Valenzuela.

This past Sunday night Lil Wayne along with Fat Joe and Sean Kingston joined rapper French Montana for his birthday party at Bamboo Miami Beach.

By:   Mary Jo Almeida-Shore 

The InterContinental Miami, awash in fuchsia lighting, became a colorful scene out of a Bollywood movie on Saturday, November 3, for the 18th Annual InterContinental Miami Make-A-Wish Ball, complete with gigantic murals of Buddha, an authentic, New Delhi-style Indian street-market, filled with  baskets of spices, fruits, and vegetables (intermingled with silent-auction stands); lavishly, costumed dancers, ornate parasols, brilliantly hued flowing fabrics and an elaborate Indian street parade, led by an elephant, which escorted guests into the main ballroom- a kaleidoscope of colors, resembling a massive, traditional Indian tent.   Think:  Indian wedding meets Bollywood movie. Read the rest here »

By: Maryanne Salvat 

Best Buddies 16^th Annual Miami Gala

Continuing its active role in Best Buddies, Zenith is sponsoring their 16^th Annual Miami Gala, which is to take place at Marlins Park on Friday, November 16. The high-profile event will feature a silent auction, followed by a cocktail party, gourmet dinner and concert by The Far East Movement and SkyBlu of LMFAO. Jean-Frédéric Dufour, CEO of Zenith Watches, will serve as Vice Chair of the Gala, which will have a festive Russian theme celebrating Best Buddies’ expansion into the country. The event will serve as host for more than 800 prominent local and international guests, including business leaders, sports figures, celebrities and select media. Expected attendees include: Gala Co-Chairs Andy Abboud, Romero Britto, Marc Leder, May Liang & Jim Lintott, Tom Murphy, Anthony K. & Alina M. Shriver, and Don Soffer; actors James Caan, Christian Slater, Verne Troyer and Erik Valdez; actresses Vivica A. Fox and Lauren Potter; photographer and filmmaker Bruce Weber; Miss USA Olivia Culpo; and Miss Teen USA Logan West.  For more information visit: www.bestbuddies.org/bash.

BeLive 2012: A Philanthropic Night for Colombia 

On Friday, November 16, join BeLive 2012: A Philanthropic Night for Colombia hosted by Humberto Rodriguez Calderon and Candela Ferrro at the JW Marriott Marquis Miami. BeLive announces a spectacular star-studded evening filled with Colombian culture, including 2 stunning silent auctions featuring Project Emerald and artisan pieces by Artesanias de Colombia, an exquisite Runway Fashion Show with the unveiling of the 2013 MOOI collection, by renowned Designer Nicolas Felizola, a private concert by no other than internationally acclaimed, El Caballero de Salsa, Gilberto Santa Rosa and the presentation of the 2012 BeLive Award to Catalina Escobar, semi-finalist for the CNN Heroes Award. After raising over $3M for the past five years, and changing the lives of so many Colombians in need, BeLive has once again brought together four prominent Colombian non-profit organizations-Give to Colombia, Fórmula Sonrisas, Genesis Foundation and ArtNexus Foundation- to change and impact the lives of the most vulnerable communities with A Philanthropic Night for Colombia.

MOCA Mystery Dates

MOCA Mystery Dates is one of Miami’s most innovative fundraisers and has been a sell-out every year since it was first held six years ago. On Saturday, November 17, the evening begins with a cocktail party with hors d’oeuvres and music at MOCA where guests learn which of 12 amazing homes they will be having dinner. Hosts are an interesting mix of business and creative entrepreneurs who share a love of entertaining and art, and have been building their collection for years. Hosts will offer tours of their collection and share with guests how they incorporate culture and design into their lives. After dinner the group will reconvene for a late night rendezvous at The Shore Club on South Beach. All this for ONLY $150 if you are a Shaker member, or $200 if you are not. With all the great events MOCA has planned for members during Art Basel Miami Beach, joining the Shakers is better than ever. Proceeds from Mystery Dates benefit MOCA exhibitions of emerging and experimental art. To purchase tickets visit: http://mocanomi.org/. 

2^nd Annual St. Jude Latin Music Half Marathon 

Lace up your running shoes on Sunday, November 18 for the 2^nd Annual St. Jude Latin Music Half Marathon taking place on Miami Beach. The course starts on iconic Ocean Drive in South Beach and features more than six miles of oceanfront running. Enjoy spectacular views of the Port of Miami cruise ship terminal, Star, Palm, Hibiscus, and Fisher Islands and the dramatic downtown skyline before return a unique finish line on the sand at Lummus Park. Over 4,000 registered participants are expected in the half marathon and relay; St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital^®, one of the world’s premier centers for the research and treatment of pediatric cancer and other deadly childhood diseases, is the new title partner as well as the official benefiting charity of the race.  For more information visit: http://runrocknroll.competitor.com/miami-beach.  

Thanksgiving at Kitchen 305 

Executive Chef Chris Wong has planned a Thanksgiving dinner designed for families and friends to enjoy at Kitchen 305. A combination of international gourmet cuisine and American holiday favorites, Wong is serving a hearty, all-you-can-eat Thanksgiving feast for $35 per person. The holiday meal begins with a choice of starters from the cold bar including cranberry and tangerine compote, Sicilian olive salad with artichoke hearts, imported artisanal and domestic cheeses, an assortment of pates and traditional dilled Icelandic gravlax with champagne mustard sauce. Diners will enjoy a carving station of oven-roasted turkey with Gilbert gravy, clove-studded, Smithfield Ham with maple glaze, prime rib with horseradish mouselline and herb roasted salmon topped with grain mustard cream sauce and salmon caviar. Turkey day trimmings include spicy andouille and oyster corn bread stuffing and toffee candied yams with pecan glaze and apple cured bacon and walnuts. An array of confections from apple and pear cobbler with Jack Daniel’s sauce, mini fresh fruit tartlets, flourless chocolate cake and old fashioned pumpkin pies promise to satisfy the sweet tooth. Celebrate the holidays with the Kitchen 305 family by calling 305.949.1300 for reservations.

Bill Hansen Raises Funds for His House Children’s Home 

Caterer, teacher and entrepreneur Bill Hansen and his Catering Management class at the Chaplin School of Hospitality and Tourism Management will hold a fund raiser to benefit His House Children’s Home on Thursday evening, November 29from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the Kovens Conference Center on FIU”s Biscayne Bay Campus in North Miami. Guest will enjoy hors d’oeuvres and cocktails during a silent auction with many exciting items. Tickets are $20 per person. His House Children’s Home provides residential care for abused, neglected and drug exposed children in a campus setting. The goal is to restore the emotional and physical well being of children through an array of services in a loving and nurturing environment. For further information contact Hansen at the Chaplin School of Hospitality and Tourism Management call 305.338.1897 or email bill@billhansencatering.com.