By: Maryanne Salvat 

Now @ Village of Merrick Park 

Village of Merrick Park announces the debut of its new signature event, In the Now @ Village of Merrick Park. The center’s first annual two-day fashion and trend event on May 3 and May 4 is designed to introduce fashion connoisseurs to the latest collections at Village of Merrick Park, while raising funds for charity. The inaugural event will include a special appearance by Nigel Barker, celebrity fashion photographer, former America’s Next Top Model judge and currently the host of The Face on the Oxygen Network. Barker will be on hand to take photos with some top shoppers from the day at Village of Merrick Park, and discuss the latest beauty and fashion trends from around the world. In the Now @ Village of Merrick Park will also feature runway shows by Neiman Marcus and Nordstrom, as well as in-store experiences, trunk shows and more. Guests will meet style icons and have access to what’s usually reserved for fashion insiders during Fashion Week. During the weekend event, Barker will unveil his latest photo exhibition RAW: Presented by Rock Paper Photo, with 10 percent of all sales of the photos going to benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, which is internationally recognized for its pioneering work in finding cures and saving children with pediatric cancer and other catastrophic diseases. The opening cocktail on Friday, May 3 will serve as the official kick-off to the St. Jude Miami gala, FedEx/St. Jude Angels and Stars. The dynamic host committee for In the Now @ Village of Merrick Park is hosted by St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital’s Executive Committee.

2nd Annual Cinco de Mayo at Brickellfest 

Brickell-fest presents the 2nd Annual Cinco de Mayo festival sponsored by Dos Equis on May 5. The 2nd annual celebration entices locals to celebrate Cinco de Mayo the right way with 22,000 square feet of entertainment, margaritas, mariachis, mini-wrestlers, a mechanical bull, Mexican bites, music and much more!Doors open at noon families with children are welcome to attend the fiesta before 6pm, children under 10 years of age are granted free admission.For adults who want the “VIP Treatment” Brickell Fest welcomes them inside a tent with a private entrance, private bar, beer garden, priority seating, private restroom and much more. Admission tickets range from $28.00 to $56.00 including admission cost and a complimentary beer or margarita.

Claws for Kids 2013

Back by popular demand after a very successful inaugural “Claws for Kids” last May 2012, make sure that you mark your calendars and SAVE THE DATE for Sunday, May 5, for the second “Claws for Kids” at Joe’s Stone Crab in Miami Beach. 100% of all funds raised will benefit Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade’s new 11,000-sq.-ft. state-of-the-art South Beach location. The new Club will feature a teen center, state-of-the-art computer lab, teaching kitchen for children, homework rooms, games rooms and a creative arts room, and serve approximately 400 children from the local area.

Guests can look forward to delicious stone crabs and other signature Joe’s cuisine without the wait right before stone crab season ends, while enjoying the jazz sounds of Leo Casino. For Ticket and sponsorship opportunities, contact Astrid H. Ehrenstein, Director of Special Events & Development at 305.446.9910 ext. 30 or at aehrenstein@bgcmia.org. 

The Honey Shine 11th Annual Hats Off Luncheon 

Honey Shine, a mentoring program and not-for-profit organization that encourages girls and young women by enlightening their paths and empowering their futures, announced today the return of its 11th Annual Hats Off Luncheon at Jungle Island’s Treetop Ballroom at 10:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, May 7. Each year Tracy Wilson Mourning, founder of Honey Shine, along with current Lady Bug members and friends of the program, don their favorite hats and attend the luncheon, which serves as the premier fundraising event to continue enriching the lives of the young girls enrolled in the program, known as the “Honey Bugs.” This year’s luncheon features award-winning journalist Louis Aguirre, anchor of DECO Drive and WSVN TV FOX 7 and two of Honey Shine’s Honey Bugs, Yolanda Jiron, age 18, and Quanthavia Stalworth, age 17. Miss Stalworth and Miss Jiron will also share their personal stories of success and serve as Mistress’ of Ceremonies. More than 600 guests will enjoy the theme of this year’s luncheon, “Peace, Love, Honeyshine,” which boasts colorful, retro chic 60’s décor, a welcome reception, a silent auction featuring designer and vintage handbags, vacation stays, jewelry and more, a luncheon, and the always-anticipated “Honey Bug” Showcase – a catwalk fashion show sponsored by Aventura Mall that features select Honey Bugs, who have exemplified exceptional participation and improvement in grades. Participating models will be outfitted by Gap retail stores, who will showcase its casual Spring/Summer collection and Bloomingdale’s who will also donate items from its current spring collection. Guests are encouraged to dress casual chic and participate by wearing their favorite hats. Tickets to the luncheon cost $125 and memberships to Honey Shine begin at $250. RSVP rsvp@honeyshine.org or 305.854.2444.

Latin American crooner Luis Miguel was spotted dining at The Forge with a small group in the glass-enclosed Board Room. 

Singer, Carlos Vives was spotted at the JW Marriott Marquis for the Latin Billboard Conference. Prior to his big performance on the show, Carlos participated on the celebrity panel the same day his latest studio album, Corazon Profundo hit stores. Full of energy, he shared his excitement about his return to the music scene and spoke about his two new hit singles. He has no plans to slow down with his first tour in ten years starting up this June.

In town for the Loews Hotel’s ‘Girlfriends Getaway Weekend’, Millionaire Matchmaker Patti Stanger dined at Meat Market on Friday night with a couple of pals, including PR maven and Kim Kardashian bestie, Jonathan Cheban. Stanger and Cheban were also spotted at Serendipity 3, where Cheban is a regular, for dinner and a selection of desserts including the signature Frrrozen Hot Chocolate. 

Music industry executive, Clive Davis wrapped up his Sunday night after a long weekend in Miami at Serendipity 3.

Amber Valletta & Rohan Marley

By:  Mary Jo Almeida-Shore 

“Everyone can do one thing to help the environment and to improve the planet,” said Yalmaz Siddiqui, Office Depot’s Director of Environmental Strategy, as he addressed a stylish, enviro-conscious crowd at the Forge Restaurant/Wine Bar during this year’s Eco-Lifestyle Gala on April 20.  In its third year, the gala, hosted by South Florida Green Drinks, aims to raise awareness and to benefit Global Green USA and Dream In Green’s efforts to “green” South Florida Schools.

The event offered an opportunity to expand the environmental audience throughout South Florida’s communities while also honoring those whose commitment to an eco-lifestyle has helped ignite change and innovation. The 2013 Eco-Lifestyle Award honorees included Supermodel , actress, and Eco-Activist, Amber Valletta, and Rohan Marley, Eco-Pioneer and founder of the organic coffee company, Marley Coffee.

The party began with a VIP reception at the stunning Terra Veritatis, the newly renovated home of William H. Dean who served as Honorary Event Chair along with Capponi Group Founder and renowned philanthropist, Michael Capponi. Guests enjoyed light fare and stimulating conversations while sipping sparkling wine and cocktails before moving on to the awards dinner in the East Room of the Forge. Forge owner Shareef Malnik and girlfriend, actress Gabrielle Anwar once again lent their support to SFGD’s Eco-Lifestyle Gala and to SFGD co-founders Marci Zaroff and Yalmaz Siddiqui. Read the rest here »

Nick D’Annunzio, Ivette Naranjo, & Tara Solomon

By: Mary Jo Almeida-Shore

 A Burlesque Anniversary for Cafeina 

To say that Cafeina’s VIP anniversary party was a blast would be an understatement.   In fact we can’t recall a time over the past three years when we haven’t had the time of our lives at the chic, original Wynwood lounge (which moonlights as a gallery, garden, restaurant and event space).  It’s hard to believe that it’s been three years since the grand opening blow-out, which featured a liger (You read that correctly).  This year’s celebration featured carnal pleasures versus carnivores, but was equally exciting. For the bash, owner and founder Ivette Naranjo, invited Burlesque- dancers who could have doubled for Dita Von Teese– to heat up an already saucy party with performances that captivated the crowd. DJ A train kept the music playing while servers served up complimentary artisanal cocktails designed by Bar Lab veteran, David Boxwill and Latin-infused bites by Chef Diego Pasqualicchio from Cafeina’s new menu.  The event also marked the official debut of The Mezzanine, a gorgeous second floor lounge transformed by interior designer Todd Corder.  The new space is reminiscent of a 1920’s speak-easy- complete with one-off antique furnishings and also boasts a newly constructed private bar.  The Mezzanine holds up to 50 guests, making it ideal for special events and group gatherings. Read the rest here »

Tracy Morgan courtesy of Twitter

Comedians, Tracy Morgan and Sarah Silverman stayed at The Raleigh this past weekend during South Beach Comedy Festival.

Alonzo and Tracy Mourning hosted a luncheon at Prime 112 to announce The Mourning Family Foundation’s official rebrand from Alonzo Mourning Charities on Tuesday, April 16. The luncheon served as the backdrop to unveil the new MFF logo, announce the launch of its website and recognize and thank its new leadership team, Board of Directors and select sponsors.   

Desmond Child, CEO and co founder of the Latin Songwriters Hall of Fame; Rudy Perez, co-founder of the Latin Songwriters Hall of Fame; actor Andy Garcia, and singers Natalie Cole and Paulina Rubio along with Draco Rosa and Ruben Blades attended Tuesday night’s Latin Songwriters Hall of Fame at the New World Symphony.  Mayoral candidate, Michael Gongora welcomed the star-studded crowd and presented keys to the city to inductees, which included Julio Iglesias and Jose Feliciano. 

American actress and model Amber Valetta attended the private EcoLifestyle Gala in the East Room of The Forge Restaurant | Wine Bar on Saturday evening. (Check back next week for full gala coverage.) 

In support of the 2013 ConAgra Foods Child Hunger Ends Here campaign, singer, Tori Kelly visited Glory Temple, Agency of Feeding South Florida- the third stop on her Fill a Heart Tour. Tori will be making stops at nine cities across the nation to lend her hand at local food banks, as part of ConAgra Foods ongoing partnership with Feeding America. She will complete each visit with a performance of her original song “Fill a Heart”, written specifically for the Child Hunger Ends Here campaign. “Fill a Heart” is available for sale on iTunes today and a portion of the proceeds will be donated through Tori’s partnership with ConAgra Foods’ Child Hunger Ends Here campaign.

By: Maryanne Salvat

Lilac And Lilies Boutique Hosts Jennifer Zeuner

Now that spring has finally sprung, Lilac And Lilies Boutique is teaming up with celebrity jewelry designer Jennifer Zeuner to host an exclusive trunk show party on Thursday, April 25 from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. Guests will have the rare opportunity to meet and get styled by Zeuner while enjoying cocktails, light bites and 15% off of her new spring accessories.  The event is free and open to the public. Zeuner’s latest collections range from delicate gold chains with fun, feminine charms to bold, thick silver chains with chunky aqua quartzes. Zeuner’s designs demonstrate a fresh approach to organic contrast. Popular amongst celebrities, including Rihanna, Jennifer Lopez and Alessandra Ambrosio, Zeuner’s jewelry carries a unique look of freedom and creativity that promises to add punch to any spring ensemble; to RSVP, email Kelli@LilacAndLilies.com or call 954.530.3109.

 Guerlain Presents “I Want Candy” at Saks Fifth Avenue

Starting April 25, look out for lots of color on the ground floor of Saks Fifth Avenue Kendall location as Guerlain kicks off the weeklong “I Want Candy” mega event to launch the much-anticipated Gloss d’Enfer lipgloss and lacquer collection. The first 200 customers at the event will receive a mini Gloss d’Enfer in Candy Stripe, a lustrous and wearable fuchsia. During this weeklong celebration, Guerlain experts will be on hand to create personalized palettes using the Gloss d’Enfer collection. What better way to ring in Spring than by adding a splash of excitement and “wow” to any make-up regimen. Guerlain’s new ultra-vibrant and undeniably gorgeous shades make accessorizing any look simple and accessible. To make it all a little sweeter, all customers will receive an exclusive and luxurious brush set with any $400 Guerlain purchase.

Harry Connick Jr. to Perform at the Adrienne Arsht Center Gala

Harry Connick, Jr., one of the entertainment world’s most celebrated, multifaceted talents will take the stage of the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts on Miami-Dade County’s John S. and James L. Knight Concert Hall for a special performance at the Center’s 2013 Gala on Friday, April 26. Connick, recipient of three Grammy Awards, three Emmy Awards and two Tony Award nominations, will perform an intimate show for Miami’s philanthropic, business and civic leaders. Gala proceeds will support the Center’s mission-driven arts education and community outreach programs. The 2013 Gala will take place at the John S. and James L. Knight Concert Hall, where the venue’s orchestra level will be transformed into “a festival floor” – creating an elegant evening and offering guests a memorable, intimate experience in a world-class setting. The event’s attire is black tie optional. Limited table sponsorship opportunities are available for $50,000, $25,000 and $15,000 and individual tickets are available for $2,500. For more information about corporate and individual sponsorship opportunities or to RSVP for the event, call 786.468.2020 or email advancement@arshtcenter.org.

Dolcevita Cashmere Opening

Dolcevita Cashmere has made a huge impact on the U.S. market; winning the “Pret-a-Porter Designer of the Year” 2013 at Miami International Fashion Week and being featured in the Wall Street Journal. Now the brand known for innovating new applications in cashmere will be opening its doors this Friday in the Design District. See for yourself how they prove that cashmere is no longer just for gloves and scarves.  For more information, contact:  nick.betancourt@yahoo.com.

Locust Projects’ 10^th Annual Spring Fling

On Saturday, April 27 from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m., a who’s who of art collectors will converge on the seventh floor of the sexy, 1111 Lincoln Road Building on Miami Beach for the Locust Projects’ tenth annual Spring Flingevent. A host committee including power-house names like Christies, Mario Cader-Frech, Debra & Dennis Scholl, Sotheby’s, The Related Group, Susie & Walid Wahab/ Wahab Construction, teamed up for the planning of this signature event, which consistently attracts a diverse and enthusiastic group of South Florida’s top collectors, enthusiasts, and hipsters. In signature Locust Projects fashion, Spring Fling attendees will have all of their senses tickled as they are treated to delectable treats from Michael Schwartz’s Design District brainchild, Harry’s Pizzeria, Miami Beach’s Shake Shack, Khong River House, Yardbird, Macchialina, Swine and Misha’s Cupcakes. The Luxury Goods Silent Auction will feature auction items like gift certificates to Marni, Todd’s and Neiman Marcus. Guests can also dance to music.But the highlight of the evening is Locust Projects’ newly formatted Silent Art Auction featuring hand-picked and internationally-renowned artists such as Hernan Bas, Nathan Carter, Francesca DiMattio, Kate Gilmore, Jon Pylypchuk, Retna, Cristina Lei Rodriguez and Andrew Schoultz. Purchase tickets online: http://www.locustprojects.org/events/event/spring-fling-fundraiser/Ticket (per person) $150 / $125 Locust Projects Member.

Fashion for Cancer at Filomena Fernandez Boutique

On Saturday, April 27 from 2:30 to 5:00 p.m., Filomena Fernandez Boutique will host a fashion event benefitting the Children’s Cancer Caring Center, Inc. A very special fashion show featuring Cancer Survivors from the CCCC family will take place at 3:00 p.m.; to RSVP contact dania@blinkpr.com.  A $45 donation per person is required at the door (tax deductible); All donations and 15% of shopping proceeds go to the Children’s Cancer Caring Center, Inc.