Alex Rodriguez, Soraya Rivera-Moya, Mayor Carlos Gimenez, and Ronald McDonald

On Saturday, November 3, Ronald McDonald House Charities of South Florida celebrated its 30^th Anniversary at the Moore Building in the Miami Design District. More the 450 supporters of the charity enjoyed a festive and delightful event contributing to the $140,000 raised, aiding in RHMC mission of helping South Florida’s children live happier and healthier lives. The celebration culminated a yearlong 30^THAnniversary fundraising campaign, which raised more than $500,000 for the charity. 

Mayor Carlos Gimenez was on hand to announce the  proclaimation of “Ronald McDonald House Charities of South Florida Day” in both Miami-Dade and Broward Counties.

 Two South Florida favorites – DJ Bounce from the American Airlines Arena’s Grey Goose Lounge and the high octane Latin fusion of “Locos Por Juana” – helped keep the energy level high all night long for the event guests and families staying at the two South Florida Ronald McDonald Houses. 

While the money raised from the 30^TH Anniversary Celebration will help RMHC get closer to its goal of building a third Ronald McDonald House inSouth Florida, RMHC Executive Director, Soraya Rivera-Moya says the event was also able to connect charity’s donors and sponsors with the families they support through RMHC’s various programs. 

“The greatest reward from our 30^TH Anniversary Celebration was seeing the joy and gratitude on the faces of the families staying at our two Houses,” says Rivera-Moya. “We thank our year long and event sponsors and corporate partners as they truly believe in our mission. The “Heart Chain Celebration on Saturday was all about the families, volunteers and donors together as one big family.”

By: Maryanne Salvat

Hurricane Sandy Relief: Miami Beach Cares

On Thursday, November 8, join Miami Beach Mayor Matti Bower and Vice Mayor Michael Gongora for a  Miami Beach Cares charity event benefitting victims of Hurricane Sandy at W South Beach. All profits will be donated to the American Red Cross. Join in and support this great cause at 2201 Collins Avenue at 10:00 p.m. to help the American Red Cross with their mission to help the people impacted by this storm. Please RSVP@capponigroup.com or contact 305-695-4410.  A $20 donation is suggested at the door.

  Read the rest here »

The Eden Roc Renaissance has added a “twist” to the Presidential Elections of 2012. A concotion of politically correct cocktails are now available at the Miami Beach hot spot to enjoy as you wait to see who will be our next fearless leader. For those that opt for a more casual venue and prefer to stay at home, we have included a list of beverage options below; shaken or stirred, we are sure they will delight regardless of your political view.  

Filibuster

1 oz Knob Creek Bourbon

1 oz Campari

1 oz Sweet Vermouth 

Stir ingredients over ice in a mixing glass then strain into an ice-filled rock glass or serve straight up. Garnish with orange twist and cocktail cherry.

Across the Aisle

2 oz/ 60 ml Bulleit Bourbon

¼ oz / 7 ml Hum Spirit (produced in Chicago with rum, cardamom, hibiscus and other spices)

1 ea. Sugar Cube, Soaked with Angostura Bitters

1 ea. Lemon Peel

1 splash Club Soda

Float of Champagne

Place the bitters-soaked sugar cube at the bottom of a rocks glass with the lemon peel and muddle with a splash of club soda (1/4 oz) to release lemon oils and dissolve sugar. Add Hum Spirit and bourbon, fill up with ice, stir well and serve with a float of champagne. Garnish with orange slice and Luxardo Maraschino cherries. 

Balanced Budget

1 oz / 30 ml Cîroc Berry Vodka

1 oz / 30 ml DeKuyper Blue Curaçao

¼ oz / 22 ml Luxardo Maraschino Liqueur

1 oz / 30 ml Soft-Whipped Cream Flavored With Strawberry or Pomegranate Puree*.

In a mixing glass filled with ice, stir the first three ingredients then strain into a flute glass. Use the bowl of a bar spoon to pour the lightly whipped berry-flavored cream. Garnish with half strawberry on the rim.

* Note: to make 1 cup of strawberry or pomegranate flavored whipped cream, shake 4 oz of heavy whipping cream with 4 oz puree. Shake WITHOUT ice. Pay attention not to whip the cream too much, it has to be fluffy and runny. Store the flavored cream in the shaker in the refrigerator. 

The Lobbyist

2 oz / 60 ml Belvedere Bloody Mary Vodka

1 oz / 30 ml Martini &Rossi Dry Vermouth

2 dashes Fee Bros. Zesty Pickle Brine 

Stir vodka, vermouth and pickle brine together in a mixing glass filled with ice, then strain into a chilled cocktail glass or serve on the rocks.

Garnish with gherkin and lemon twist. 

Punching Gnomes

1 ½ oz / 45ml Red Stag Spiced with Cinnamon

1 ½ oz / 45 ml Sweet Vermouth

¾ oz / 22 ml Lemon Juice

¼ oz / 7 ml Pasteurized Egg White –Optional (to create a nice froth)

Fill up with Sparkling Wine or Prosecco

Shake all ingredients (except sparkling wine) with ice, then strain into a flute glass previously rimmed with cinnamon sugar. Garnish with cinnamon sugar on the rim and oils released from twisted lemon peel. 

Interns and Scandals 

2 oz / 60 ml Avión Reposado Tequila

2 oz / 60 ml Chipotle-Orange-Lime Mix*

Float (1/4 oz / 7 ml) of Grand Marnier 

Shake all ingredients with ice, then strain into a chilled martini glass or serve on the rocks. Garnish with orange twist and fresh mint.

*Chipotle-Orange-Lime Mix (1 cup-4 servings):

5 oz / 150 ml Freshly Squeezed Lime Juice

15 bar spoons Orange Marmalade

¾ oz / 22 ml Tabasco Chipotle Sauce

Blend ingredients without ice (add some agave nectar if needed to be sweeter) until smooth.

Scallywagger

1 ½ oz / 45 ml Maker’s Mark (or Knob Creek Rye for a spicier taste)

1 oz / 30 ml Pama Pomegranate Liqueur

½ oz / 15 ml Maple Syrup

2 wedges Orange, cut in halves

2 wedges Lemon, cut in halves

In a mixing glass, muddle the citrus wedges with maple syrup, then add Pama and whiskey. Shake with ice and pour (do not strain) into a wine glass (or rocks glass).

Garnish with orange and lemon slices (if wheels are not available) on the rim. 

Capitol Hill

1 oz / 30 ml Bulleit Bourbon

1 oz / 30 ml Cruzan Single Barrel Rum

1 oz / 30 ml Martini Rossi Sweet Vermouth

2 dashes Bitter Truth JT Decanter’s Bitters

Bitter Truth is distributed by Domaine Select Wine Estates

In a mixing glass add all ingredients with ice and stir, strain and pour into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with orange slice with star anise.

Danell Leyva, who won the bronze medal at the London 2012 Summer Olympics for men’s gymnastics, was honored at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade’s gala on Saturday October 20, at the Four Seasons Hotel.  Leyva was granted the Hometown Hero Award. The gala was emceed by Lynn Martinez, co-anchor of WSVN’s Deco Drive and celebrity chef Ralph Pagano. 

Also on that Saturday, The Miami Heat’s Ray Allen dined with friends at Villa Azur, staying until closing time.  A source says he was discreet but very approachable. 

R. Kelly celebrated the after party for his concert at LIV on Sunday, October 21. Although he did not perform, he popped champagne bottles with friends and danced and embraced the cheerful crowd.  

Lauren Tannehill, the new spokesperson for Duffy’s Sports Grill, was spotted in West Palm Beach last weekend. She’s on schedule to film some upcoming commercials to promote some new, healthy menu items.

By:  Mary Jo Almeida-Shore 

If we hadn’t been right smack in the middle of October- engaged in a frantic hunt for the perfect Halloween costume- we could have sworn that the über private, tres chic, fashionably fabulous grand opening party for the Louis Vuitton Miami Design District store on October 18, was an Art Basel gathering, complete with all of the elements we’ve come to expect.  With an exclusive A+ guest list comprised of an international jet set crowd, including artists, photographers, writers, designers, art collectors and the generally and genetically gifted, (dressed to the nines); the unveiling of an original, custom designed graffiti wall mural by celebrated graffiti writer, RETNA, AKA, Marquis Lewis; oh, and the free flowing Ruinart Champagne, Louis Vuitton symbolically planted its flag, claiming its territory in its new digs.  Read the rest here »

Make-A-Wish Gala 2012

One of the most highly anticipated events of the social season, the Annual InterContinental Miami Make-A-Wish Ball will take place on Saturday, November 3, at the InterContinental Miami. Expect over-the-top décor at this Indian-themed ball, inspired by India’s vibrant colors, animated street markets, opulent soirees and jubilant Bollywood music. Melanie Amaro, first season winner of The X Factor and South Florida native, will perform, and Burn Notice star Gabrielle Anwar, will return as the celebrity auctioneer for the Ball, which will be chaired by Shareef Malnik, owner of The Forge Restaurant l Wine Bar. The party starts with a lavish cocktail, (we’re talking stone crabs) featuring an auction of premier items before moving onto dinner, with background music by Miami Heat DJ, DJ Irie and live-auction bidding on items such as exotic wheels, (think Ferraris and Aston Martins); glittering jewels; and international travel to the some of the world’s premier destinations. After the auction, guests will be entertained by a live performance.  Immediately following the Ball guests can party until the early morning hours at the after party in the Make-A-Wish Nightclub. Tables, wishes and other sponsorship opportunities can be purchased by calling 954.967.9474. For tickets to the Make-A-Wish Nightclub contact 305.695.4410.

Masquerade in the Gardens

Pinecrest Gardens South Florida will host its inaugural “Masquerade in the Gardens” benefit gala on Saturday, November 3 at 7:00 p.m. The fundraiser aims to support conservation of the celebrated property and its various educational initiatives, including activities for special needs students and various free cultural programs for public schools. Guests will be greeted at the entrance with a personal photo on the red carpet while being serenaded by Venezuelan recording artist Thania Sanz. The black tie-optional soiree will continue under the stars on the property’s Lakeview Terrace, set affront a backdrop of live music by renowned jazz diva Debby Orta. Cocktails courtesy of Bacardi, gourmet fare by Macy’s Catering, and decadent sweets by Lily Pâtisserie’s gourmet cookies, Sinful Sweets pastries, and Filled & Frosted cupcakes, along with colorful entertainment including stilt-walkers, jugglers and fire-eaters. The celebration will continue in the meadow, which will be transformed into an enchanting open-air dance floor, where guests can dance to the sounds of the Continental Brass Band and emcee DJ Mike Pileggi. Tickets for “Masquerade in the Gardens” are $150 per person and are available by calling 305.669.6990. For more information on Pinecrest Gardens, please visit www.pinecrest-fl.gov. 

H&M at Lincoln Road Officially Opens

H&M at Lincoln Road will officially open Thursday, November 8 at noon and will provide Miami Beach shoppers access to the latest fashion at the best prices. This location will make internationally influenced trend pieces and updated basics accessible to all in the Miami metropolitan area. H&M at Lincoln Road will offer collections for the whole family including ladies, men, young ladies and young men, with separate “store within store” sections for accessories. This unique location will carry the Swedish retailer’s top men’s and women’s fashion collections, providing even more Floridian shoppers access to the latest fashion and newest trends at the best prices.

Destination Fashion 2012

One event that happens once every three years and leaves the social set longing for its return is Destination Fashion, presented by Micky and Madeleine Arison, which benefits The Buoniconti Fund to Cure Paralysis. So much goes on at this event that it seems like a party marathon.In addition to a celebrity concert performance by Enrique Iglesias, Saks Fifth Avenue Bal Harbour is presenting Emilio Pucci’s Spring 2013 Fashion Show Designed by Peter Dundas, and lots of celebrity attendees. NBC News icon Tom Brokaw will Emcee and Honorary Chairs are Academy Award winner Tommy Lee Jones and his wife Dawn and International Polo sensation Nacho Figueras and his wife Delfina Blaquier.Celebrities and notables will travel through “Destinations” in Bal Harbour Shops and feast on gourmet cuisine, enjoy live interactive entertainment, and witness the presentation of the 2012 Women of Substance & Style, and this year’s Honorees at this high-profile affair.This year’s Destination Fashion, presented by Micky and Madeleine Arison, will take place on Saturday, November 10, 2012 at Bal Harbour Shops located at 9700 Collins Avenue. Reserve your tickets now by contacting Stephanie Sayfie Aagaard at (305) 243-4656 or saagaard@miami.edu or visiting www.thebuonicontifund.com/fashion. 

The Wolfsonian Visionaries Host The Art of Illumination  

On November 10, from 9:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m., The Wolfsonian Visionaries will host their third annual fundraising event, The Art of Illumination, to benefit The Wolfsonian–Florida International University. The event, which will focus on the power and beauty of light with LED light installations from local artists and designers featured throughout the venue, will be held at the historic Moore Building in the heart of Miami’s famed design district. The evening coincides with the museum’s seventeenth anniversary and will feature signature dishes from Miami’s top restaurants and caterers, as well as top shelf spirits from Bacardi, music, and entertainment. The evening’s theme of illumination is inspired by the Arts of Illumination: Illuminating the Arts, an exterior facade project funded in part through a Knight Arts Challenge grant with support also provided by the Jerome A. Yavitz Charitable Foundation, Isabel and Marvin Leibowitz, and the National Endowment for the Arts. The Visionaries challenged a small group of Miami-based artists, designers, and creatives to rethink the influence and everyday use of light with LED installations to be auctioned off at the event. Participants were invited to design an object using Lighting Dynamics LED strip lighting in a way that promotes ambiance, beauty, and innovation. All proceeds from the silent auction will benefit The Wolfsonian. Participating designers include: AECOM, Matthew Anders, Architectonica Interiors, Johanna Boccardo, Rene Gonzalez Architect, rGLOBE, Alexis Cogul Lleonart, Lopez / Jaimes, NC-Office, and Chad Oppenheim. The Lighting Design Challenge is conducted in conjunction with, and with support from, FIU’s School of Architecture.

The Art of Illumination host committee includes Susanne Birbragher, Rene Gonzalez, Iran Issa-Khan, Jaime Odabashian (Visionaries Co-Chair), Douglas Scott (Visionaries Co-Chair), Olga Granda-Scott (Event Chair), Michelle Areces, Nisi Berryman, Viviane de Kuyper-Verduyn, Joshua Dunkelman, Eunique Fowler, Michele Hanash, Sandra Montenegro, Erika Morales, Aimet Oberhausen, Quetsy & Aaron Puckett, Lucia Schito, and Jesse Stolow. Tickets are $150 each. For more information about The Art of Illumination, or to purchase tickets, contact Kelsey Kyle at kelsey@thewolf.fiu.edu or 305.535.2626. Tickets can also be purchased online at wolfsonian.org/111012.