The Men In Black 3 Miami Red-Carpet screening featuring Pitbull started off with a surprise flash mob, as more than 130 suited agents invaded Lincoln Road to perform a choreographed routine to the hit song “Back in Time.” Pitbull himself came out to witness the action as he greeted fans along the way, enjoying the sight of the huge crowd of dancers and onlookers alike having fun with his latest tune. Following the flash mob, the recording artist took a few moments to thank everyone for coming out and supporting his film, signed posters, and greeted the hundreds of fans in attendance.

Pitbull then joined fellow celebs, rapper, Trina; Braylon Edwards, NFL Player, DJ Chino; Phresh Kidd Ice, musician, and Ted Lucas, founder of Slip N’ Slide Records for photos before dropping a signed photo of himself in the MIB3 time capsule.

The Miami Dolphins Foundation just completed its largest fundraising event of the year, FinsWeekend, which took place from May 17 through 19, at Turnberry Isle Miami and the Miami Beach Marina. The three-day extravaganza featured an exciting weekend of golf, fishing and celebrities. Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross, CEO Mike Dee, GM Jeff Ireland, Sr. VP/Dolphin great Nat Moore and Head Coach Joe Philbin took part in the event with a host of players including Reggie Bush, Matt Moore, Cameron Wake, Karlos Dansby. Miami Dolphins cheerleaders, Big 105.9 host Paul Castronovo participated in activities. In all, FinsWeekend raised more than $600,000 for the Miami Dolphins Foundation, whose mission is devoted to providing and supporting signature education, health, youth athletic programs and volunteer activities that inspire and engage communities throughout Florida. For more information about Fins Weekend and other charitable events hosted by the Miami Dolphins, call the Community Relations department at (305) 943-7200 or visit dolphins.com.

The JW Marriott Marquis Miami (Hotel Beaux Arts) hosted the 10th annual FedEx/St. Jude Angels & Stars Miami Gala on Saturday night, for which a slew of high-profile individuals gathered to celebrate the 50th anniversary of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.  A-list celebs staying at the hotel over the weekend included Colombian music sensation Juanes and Grammy-winning, Spanish pop singer David Bisbal, both staying at the Hotel Beaux Arts, and Dominican, singer songwriter Juan Luis Guerra.  Other celebrities attending the gala included: Ricky Martin, Alejandro Sanz, DJ David Guetta, TV personality actress, Giselle Blondet, and Daisy Fuentes, to name a few.  Check back next week for gala coverage and photos. 

While staying at the Hotel Beaux Arts on Saturday, Grammy award-winner Juan Luis Guerra had an early dinner at db Bistro Moderne. Later that evening, Latin Grammy winner Juanes also dined at db Bistro Moderne with Miss Universe 2001 Denise Quinones and guests.

 We had the distinct pleasure of joining the exquisite, Maggie Henriquez, President and CEO of Krug Champagne a couple of weeks ago at an exclusive luncheon at Conrad Miami, where Henriquez entertained a small group of journalists who tasted Krug’s newly released Vintage 2000, Vintage 1998, and Krug’s signature Grand Cuvee and legendary Rose. Henriquez took the lively group (which became livelier after every sip) through a journey which included the Maison’s long history and Krug’s unique approach. A born storyteller, the brilliant Henriquez captivated us with exciting anecdotes about each of the vintages, which she described with the reverence and knowledge of a mother describing each of her children. Krug’s newest innovation includes the recently launched bottle ID codes which enhance the tasting experience by highlighting the unique characteristics, history, and tasting notes for each bottle of Krug disgorged after 2011.

The afternoon was an enlightening and delicious journey of Krug’s generous spirit and philosophy of uncompromised excellence.

By: Maryanne Salvat 

Exhale Mind Body Spa Launches Tata Harper Pure Facial 

Tata Harper the eco-friendly skin care line and Exhale Mind Body Spa are thrilled to announce the launch of the all natural Pure Facial with Tata Harper’s newly formulated back-bar products, available for aesthetician use only. The luxurious and may I say quite relaxing, facial consists of cleansing, exfoliation, beta hydroxyl, hyaluronic acid, collagen reinforcement, moisture retention, lipids, omegas and an infusion of antioxidants, all enjoyed with signature aromatherapy. (It will make you feel and look many years younger). Tata Harper products are also available for purchase at exhale locations. Founder Tata Harper redefined natural skincare with her eponymous line, which offers innovative products that are 100% natural and 100% effective. “Our mission to support overall well being with our nontoxic products that are results oriented, is very much in line with exhale’s mission,” says Harper. “We strive to encourage a healthier lifestyle for consumers everywhere through our business, and Exhale’s transformational programs and therapies work toward that as well.”; for more information on the skincare line, visit www.tataharperskincare.com or to schedule an appointment with Exhale Mind Body Spa, www.exhalespa.com. 

Nicky’s Week at RA Sushi

RA Sushi will host its eighth annual “Nicky’s Week” fundraiser Sunday, May 27, through Saturday, June 2, to benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, one of the world’s premier centers for research and treatment of pediatric cancer and other deadly diseases since it opened 50 years ago. The Scottsdale-based restaurant and bar will donate 100 percent of the proceeds from the sale of a variety of menu items and beverages to St. Jude to help support the hospital’s lifesaving mission. Since its inception, Nicky’s Week has raised more than $943,000 for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and RA Sushi hopes to surpass the $1 million mark this year.The special Nicky’s Week menu, available at RA Sushi in South Miami includes: Edamame, Tootsy Maki, Shrimp Nigiri, Pork Gyoza, Chicken Yakitori, Garlic Citrus Yellowtail Tapas, plus a variety of select beverages. All 25 RA Sushi locations in Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Kansas, Maryland, Nevada and Texas will participate in the fundraiser.

City Theatre’s 17^th Annual SUMMER SHORTS FESTIVAL

The Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County proudly presents City Theatre’s 17^th annual SUMMER SHORTS FESTIVAL, South Florida’s fast and furiously fun program of the nation’s hottest short plays, staged in the intimate Carnival Studio Theater (Ziff Ballet Opera House) from June 1 through17. Under the new direction of Producing Artistic Director John Manzelli, the sizzling 17^th season of the company’s acclaimed SUMMER SHORTS FESTIVAL features fifteen performances of eight original short plays – some raucous, others innovative and poignant, but with the ultimate goal to make audiences laugh. Tickets are $35, and may be purchased through the Adrienne Arsht Center box office by calling 305.949.6722, or online at www.arshtcenter.org.

By:  Mary Jo Almeida-Shore

Over 1000 guests flew in from all over the globe for nightlife impresario/ philanthropist/entrepreneur (Swiss Army Knife) Michael Capponi’s 40^th birthday party benefit at Capitale in New York City on May 4- a veritable who’s who of the city’s top nightlife heavyweights, models, celebrities and promoters.  No stranger to extravagant birthday bashes, Capponi has celebrated past birthdays in a tree-house mansion in Nygard Cay; aboard a pirate ship at the now defunct Jimbo’s; and in an airplane hangar at Opa Locka airport to name a few.  We had no doubt that Capponi would pull out all the stops for his latest milestone, which, as expected, would require an airplane ride.

This year’s Jacmel Carnaval themed event shone a spotlight on Capponi’s progress in providing quality education, diverse vocational training, industry development and job creation in Haiti throughout his 60 trips to the island nation since the devastating earthquake in January 2010. Capponi created the Haiti Empowerment Mission, to which Capponi’s guests donated a whopping $120, 000.  Read the rest here »

Brilliance New York Boutique + Salon

Brilliance New York Boutique + Salon is celebrating the grand opening of its Lincoln Road boutique and salon on Wednesday, May 16 from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. Brilliance New York’s two-story facility is the ultimate destination for all things beauty. Guests will get a sneak peek at the boutique’s latest expansion of its full-service salon, while indulging in mini-makeovers, a Q&A with celebrity hair stylists, raffles, light bites provided by West Avenue Café, cocktails and more.  RSVP to BrillianceNY@taraink.com.

Haven Gastro-Lounge One Year Anniversary

Join Haven Gastro-Lounge for its one year anniversary bash this Thursday, May 17 at 10:00 p.m. The high-tech hotspot on Lincoln Road will celebrate the milestone with a public party featuring complimentary cocktails by Grey Goose Vodka until midnight, in addition to music by DJs Al B Rotten and Johnny Strokes. Guests will also enjoy small bites as a limited complimentary preview of Chef Todd Erickson’s new menu, which will be available for purchase beginning Friday, May 18; RSVP to RSVP@havenlounge.com is encouraged.

10^th Annual FedEx/St. Jude Angels & Stars Gala 

On Saturday, May 19, the 10^th Annual FedEx/St. Jude Angels & Stars Gala celebrates the 50^th anniversary of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital led by Latin power couple and event chairs Juanes and Karen Martinez. This year’s event will also include live performances by Latin sensation David Bisbal, Vicente Garcia and others. This year’s honoree is Latin Grammy Award-winning singer and songwriter Juan Luis Guerra who will receive the 2012 “Al-Rashid Hope Award” for his unwavering commitment to providing resources to needy children in the Dominican Republic and Latin America, particularly in the areas of health, sports and education.

The star-studded event also will include a special recognition to television personality and entrepreneur Daisy Fuentes, who was one of the first celebrities to support the gala. Award presenters will include Latin personalities Giselle Blondet, Julian Gil, Blanca Soto, Pamela Silva Conde, and Raul Gonzalez of Univision, among others. To purchase tickets, get information on sponsorship opportunities or donate items for the silent auction, call (800) 278-3383, email paola.cassana@stjude.org or visit www.stjude.org/miamigala.   

 Soyka Unveils New Menu 

Soyka, a staple on Biscayne Boulevard’s food scene since 1999, will unveil its newly updated menu boasting classic and new dishes on Tuesday, May 22, with fashion and music live performances and video presentations by Chef Christian Martin. 
Menu prices apply but guests who attend on Tuesday between 6:00 and 9:30p.m. receive a $20 gift certificate that can be used during future visits. Appetizers range from $7 to $14, entrees from $8 to $32 with burgers and pizzas averaging $13. RSVP to soykaevents@graspagroup.com or call 305.759.3117.

By:  Mary Jo Almeida-Shore

Eighth Annual Miami Beach Polo World Cup  

The sport of kings returned to South Beach for the eighth consecutive year featuring top polo players from around the globe for the Maserati Miami Beach Polo World Cup which took place from Thursday, April 26through Sunday, April 29 featuring eight women’s teams in a one-day series of round-robin championship matches and a three-day men’s tournament. 

Thousands of polo enthusiasts enjoyed a series of lifestyle daytime and evening VIP events such as fashion shows by La Martina and Blank Silk, shopping, cocktails and gourmet food by Kung Fu Sushi in the Catalina Hotel and Kone Sushi- which made for lots of revelry in between and long after the chukkers.

Despite wind and soggy conditions, the teams fought and frolicked in the sand until Mother Nature forced the matches to come to an abrupt halt when the rain and the winds off of the Atlantic Ocean were too much for the Miami Beach polo arena, forcing the cancellation of the final three matches of the tournament on Sunday, April 29. Read the rest here »