DOC RIVERS

After beating the Boston Celtics in game 7 of the NBA Eastern Conference Finals on Saturday night, Lebron James stopped by our favorite private members club with an entourage to celebrate and wish yours truly a very happy birthday.  Here’s how it went down:

MJS:   “Thank you for winning tonight on my birthday.”

LJ:       “I did it for you, Happy Birthday!”

MJS:   “It’s about time.” (I don’t think he heard this last part, as he high fived and kissed my hand.  But seriously- SEVEN GAMES???!!!)

Alonzo and Tracy Mourning were also seen at the club that night.

Chris Bosh and his wife Adrienne celebrated the big win in style at Villa Azur Restaurant & Lounge. They shared signature dishes and toasted the Heat’s spot in the NBA Finals with Moêt & Chandon Rosé.

Over the bridge, Doc Rivers, Head Coach of the Boston Celtics was seen eating his sorrows away at Puerto Madero in Brickell. 

Chino y Nacho, Grammy and Latin Grammy winning celeb duo performed at the Johnnie Walker Black Label party “Conquista La Noche” at Grand Central on Friday night.   The VIP concert drew a full house of overjoyed fans, who cheered on as the celebs sang hits including “Tu Angelito” and “Niña Bonita” for over an hour.

Miami Beach developer Scott Robins launched his new venue, Studio 743, last Thursday night in the former Chaos nightclub space.  Robins hosted a sneak preview to a crowd of industry VIP’s, TV, film and event producers with a lavish party to show off his new 6,000 square foot event space on Washington Avenue. Cuisine Works handled all the nibbles for the night while Funkshioin’s Sale Stojanovic was responsible for the décor. The space is available for rent for photo shoots, special events and film shoots. Earlier this week, actress JoMarie Payton (who played Harriet Winslon on the TV show Family Matters) was seen scouting the space as a possible location to shoot her new upcoming television program.

Naomi Watts having dinner at Nikki Beach Cannes

Longtime Miami Beach residents and Nikki Beach owners Jack and Lucia Penrod along with their partner Eric Omoré celebrated 10 Years of having a pop-up location in Cannes, France during the this year’s 65th Annual Cannes International Film Festival which took place May 16 – 27. During the celebrity studied festival, the stars flocked to Nikki Beach’s two fabulous locations nestled right in the heart of all the action on the famous Boulevard de la Croisette, Nikki Beach La Plage at the Grand Hôtel, and Nikki Beach La Terrasse, a private space situated on the rooftop of the JW Marriott Cannes. Featuring the classic white décor prevalent at all Nikki Beach locations globally, Nikki Beach Cannes provided delicious cuisine, stellar European service and endless enjoyment during the sun-drenched days and sultry nights. Throughout the 2012 festival, notable guests including Eva Longoria, Naomi Watts, Paris Hilton, Kanye West, Kim Kardashian, Shemar Moore and LMFAO’s Redfoo spent time at Nikki Beach sipping on Piper Heidsieck champagne and dining on sushi and Petrossian caviar. The celebrities also checked out the Quintessentially Luxury Gifting Suite as well as the Hublot Watches and Bochic Jewellery on display.

Gabrielle Union hosts Hotel Noir presented by Grey Goose

By:  Mary Jo Almeida-Shore

Grey Goose Brings Hotel Noir to FDR

On Wednesday night, our favorite basement club, FDR at the Delano was transformed into “Hotel Noir,” for the launch of Grey Goose vodka’s latest flavor, Cherry Noir. To parallel the national television advertising campaign entitled “Hotel Noir,” the club was transformed into a seductive sanctuary draped in deep red hues and dim lights.  The best part was the library wall- complete with shelves lined with old hard-cover books-which was really a trap door leading to the clandestine back room.  The secret space took us back a decade to Liquid’s “Situation Room” where we spent many a night welcoming the sunrise- dancing to Old School Michael Jackson and Earth Wind and Fire.  We enjoyed the same type of music in the back room of FDR- which some partygoers dubbed- the “Harry Potter room.”     Read the rest here »

Dov Davidoff at The Improv Coconut Grove

Todd Weldon, Gray Corder, and Brian S. Long host a night at the Improv featuring Dov Davidoff from the Comedians of Chelsea Lately benefitting The Place of Dreams and The School of Dreams in Antigua, Guatemala (www.giveforward.com/theschoolofdreams) on Thursday, June 14, at 8:30 p.m. at the Improv, Coconut Grove. Tickets are on sale priced at $17 per person, 100% of proceeds go to The Place of Dreams/The School of Dreams). To purchase tickets, email Brian at MrLong@bl-pr.com. Each ticket will grant admission to this evening’s event as well as a VIP ticket to a future Improv event of your choice as well as free admission to the after-party at Mansion Nightclub South Beach. For more information or to purchase tickets contact Brian Long at 917.294.7370 or MrLong@BL-PR.com.

Keeping Cool with Bubbly

To keep cool this summer, HIGHBAR and Tudor House at the Dream Hotel will be offering a free flowing champagne happy hour for the ladies from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

The ONE Group and STK Miami also present the launch of “Magnum Mondays,” a weekly dinner party series featuring upgrades on Veuve Clicquot Champagne, available on Mondays throughout the month of June. Dinner reservations are encouraged and available via open table. For more information, call 305.604.6988 or online www.stkmiami.com.

Amigos for Kids Presents Celebrity Domino Night

It’s DOMINO time!  Amigos For Kids, the nonprofit organization that aims to prevent child abuse and neglect by valuing children, strengthening families and educating communities, is ready to host its signature annual fundraiser, ING Miami Celebrity Domino Night. The popular event will take place on Saturday, June 16 at 8:00 p.m. at Jungle Island. The evening will feature celebrities, an open bar courtesy of presenting sponsor, Bacardi USA, and a luxurious silent auction display. ING Miami Celebrity Domino Night will also entertain guests with a live performance by one of Miami’s hottest bands, the Celia Cruz All-Stars. To become an Amigo by donating your time or other resources to children in need, call 305.279.1155 or visit http://amigosforkids.org/ .

TRUE WEST at the Miami Theater Center

Miami Theater Center, formerly known as The PlayGround Theatre, proudly presents a staged reading of Pulitzer Prize winner Sam Shepard’s TRUE WEST, a tale of two estranged brothers who unexpectedly reconnect after five years, Saturday, June 16at 8:00 p.m. in The SandBox, the theater’s 50-seat venue. Directed by Stephanie Ansin, and starring Miami’s own Louis Aguirre and Aaron Glickman, TRUE WEST will transport audiences into a world of sibling rivalry, transformation, and an intense battle of ideals. Proceeds will benefit Miami Theater Center, the new home of The PlayGround Theatre. Louis Aguirre and Aaron Glickman will perform key roles, Austin and Lee, respectively. The production will also feature Howard Elfman in the role of film producer Saul Kimmer and Linda Bernhard as the brothers’ mother. Tickets are $50 per person and may be purchased at the door or for reservations contact jackie@theplaygroundtheatre.com or call 305-751-9550 ext. 234. Food, refreshments, and a DJ will be offered. Proceeds will be donated to Miami Theater Center. Visit www.theplaygroundtheatre.com for up-to-date information.

Dinner and a Show at Frenchies American Diner

On Thursday, June 21 at 7:00 p.m., join Frenchies American Diner in Coral Gables as they present 12 Footstool Comedies that are sure to knock your socks off. Prior to the performances, Frenchies will be offering a $38 per person prix fixe dinner menu with a choice of appetizers, entrees and desserts. Seating is limited, reservations strongly suggested, for more information call 305.442.4554. 

Vernissage at Villa Azur

On Thursday, June 21 at 7:00 p.m., Villa Azur together with Avant Gallery will be hosting a cocktail reception with passed hors’ d’oeuvres, wine and champagne to celebrate the installation of “The Photography of Guy Le Baube,” which will be on display for a month at Villa Azur. To RSVP and attend the event call 305.763.8688 or by email: info@VillaAzurMiami.com.

Gerry Kelly’s ROYAL Birthday X-TRAVAGANZA

Join Gerry Kelly for his “ROYAL Birthday X-TRAVAGANZA” on Saturday, June 23 at Trio on the Bay. In the spirit of Kelly’s legendary Studio 54 Birthday celebrations — always the summer’s most anticipated spectacle — the cast of the ’70s disco-inspired smash hit, The Donkey Show will make a very special appearance before the show officially opens at the Adrienne Arsht Center this summer. The venue will be transformed by the acclaimed set decorators 3DX Design in majestic red and magnificent gold colors. Kelly has also teamed up with choreographer and producer, Pamela Canellas to present a bevy of breathtaking shows with the royal touch of “pomp and circumstance.”;Musical orchestration for the evening by DJ Smiley spinning open format on the patio and DJ Nyx spinning Studio 54 classics in the main room. For guests that would like to dine before the celebration, Trio on the Bay has created a special 3-course menu, for $39 per person. The official celebration begins with Red Carpet arrivals at 10:00 p.m. followed by an open SX Cocktail Reception until 11:00 p.m. For table service, Trio on the Bay will provide SX bottle specials throughout the evening (2 bottles for $250). For dining or table reservations, call 305.866.1234.

H&M Pop Shop on Lincoln Road photo: Alex Tamargo

“Forget the rules, if it makes you happy, wear it!” reads the sign on the wall at the fantastic, brand new H&M pop-up shop just off of Lincoln Road.  It seemed like a delightful figment of our imagination as we approached the store last Thursday morning and saw the famed bright red letters “H & M” on the rooftop.  “Happy” was just the mood inside the store for the private preview- “ecstatic” actually. Partly because the select few who were invited to this “fashion field trip” for a sneak peek of Swedish global retailer  Hennes and Mauritz’s latest fashion forward outpost were among our most fashionable friends, who were like kids in a candy store, and also because we were drinking champagne at 11 a.m. on a stormy Thursday.  In case you didn’t notice, we used the word “fashion” three times in that last sentence- that’s because it’s all about trendy, affordable, fashion (there’s that word again) at H& M. Read the rest here »

By: Maryanne Salvat 

“Bring Me Food” Wednesdays at Cecconi’s 

Cecconi’s Miami Beach is proud to introduce Bring Me Food (BMF) Wednesdays, a new family-style dinner series featuring a four-course prix fixe ($35*) menu by Executive Chef Sergio Sigala and Pastry Chef Oscar Bonelli. Designed as an indulgent spread reminiscent of old-school Italian suppers, guests will enjoy a different menu each week that showcases staple dishes and fresh, seasonal produce and fare.

The feast will commence with a glass of Italian sparkling wine, served upon arrival with an assortment of appetizers. The second course will consist of two hearty pastas, presented in oversized rustic bowls. Three entrees, to be shared by the table, will include a selection of Cecconi’s signature pizzas and a variety of meat and seafood dishes. The feast concludes with three tantalizing desserts. Reservations are encouraged at 786.507.7902 or miami@cecconisrestaurant.com.

The District Factory 

On Saturday, June 9 from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m., Gallery Walk’s most anticipated evening shopping event and mash-up, The District Factory, will feature a growing list of local designers and artists who continue to keep Miami on the forefront of fashion. Leading the charge, as special guest host, popular Miami Blogger, Annie Vazquez, The Fashion Poet, will help usher in June’s installment of talented artists showcasing their inspirations including art, jewelry, apparel, reconstructed vintage, and so much more. Welcomed by presenting sponsor Mercedes-Benz of Coral Gables, shoppers can also expect to be entertained by the sounds of Scratch DJ Academy’s DJ I.A.N., Société Perrier infused cocktails, snacks by Pop Chips, a Midtown Nail Bar & Beauty Lounge, and an indie “Factory Flick” courtesy of O Cinema. To add, the Factory will feature artwork by post-pop artist Carol Adrianza and art installations by Taylor Kienholz of Pencils and Saw blades. Phuc Yea!, Miami’s first “pop-up” restaurant, best known for their modern interpretation of traditional Vietnamese cuisine, makes a comeback cameo. The District Factory will once more donate a portion of the proceeds to Dress for Success Miami to support their mission of providing training and clothing to individuals struggling to secure and retain employment; for more detailed information visit www.districtfactory.com.

France vs. Italy Cook-Off

Culinary maestro Angelo Elia, chef/owner of South Florida’s acclaimed Casa D’Angelo restaurants, D’Angelo Pizza ∙ Tapas ∙ Wine Bar and D’Angelo Trattoria, will go head to head with culinary educator and dear friend, Chef Jean Pierre of Jean Pierre’s Cooking School, when the two face-off for a France vs. Italy cook-off on Monday, June 11, at Casa D’Angelo in Fort Lauderdale. The fourth annual fun-filled competition promises an evening of sumptuous cuisine, wines, education and lots of laughter. The four-course cooking demo and dinner features a taste of both Italy and France – two appetizers, two fish, two meats and two desserts. Each course will be paired with corresponding French and Italian wines. The chefs will guide guests through their preparations and the evening will culminate with a vote to determine which cuisine reigns best. The cook-off is priced at $145 per person, excluding tax and gratuity. Seating is limited. To reserve your seat, call Casa D’Angelo at 954. 564.1234.