By: Maryanne Salvat

Michael Capponi’s 40th Birthday Celebration

Book your tickets now for entrepreneur, nightlife impresario/philanthropist Michael Capponi’s 40th Birthday Celebration which we’ve mused about for years. Contrary to our initial belief, Capponi is not having his 40th bash somewhere in outer space. Instead, he is only having us travel a couple of thousand miles for the grand affair.

On Friday, May 4, Capponi will transform New York hotspot, Capitale for the celebrity studded event, which will feature a Jacmel Carnaval theme. Hosted by fellow philanthropists, Donna Karan and Maria Bello, along with musical performances, cocktails, and dancing, this one’s sure to be unforgettable. Many of you may recall some of Capponi’s past birthday parties, including the one in the tree-house mansion in Nygard Cay; the pirate party at Jimbo’s or the 1930s soiree in an airplane hangar at Opa Locka airport. In lieu of gifts, Capponi has asked guests to make donations to the Haiti Empowerment Mission. For more information and/ or to attend contact: rsvp@capponigroup.com or call 305.695.4410.

Maserati Miami Beach Polo World Cup

The Polo Life, LLC announces the eighth annual Maserati Miami Beach Polo World Cup, the world’s largest and most prestigious Beach Polo competition, taking place from Thursday, April 26 through Sunday, April 29 between 20th and 22nd Streets on the sands of South Beach. Maserati, the award-winning automotive manufacturer of sports-luxury cars, celebrates its inaugural year as Title Sponsor and establishes an unmistakable Italian flair in race bred luxury vehicles, alongside a gallant troupe of thoroughbred horses.The four-day, globally renowned sporting event, considered the most coveted of its kind, features top polo players from around the world competing in two tournaments for both men and women. The Maserati South Beach Women’s Polo Cup IV takes place on Thursday, April 26, featuring eight women’s teams in a one-day series of round-robin championship matches. Last year’s winning team of Tara Lordi, Melissa Hornung and Angela York, will defend their title as 2011 champions, while competing against the highly touted Cecilia Cochran, Tiffany Busch and Natalia Baecher, among others, who are all expected to play in this year’s tournament. The Maserati Miami Beach Polo World Cup – a three-day men’s tournament, now in its eighth year, starts on Friday, April 27 through Sunday, April 29. Six teams will include some of the world’s top-ranked players, including Rico Mansur from Brazil, who will be making his second appearance at this year’s event, following his recent return from Brazil after competing in a charity fundraiser exhibition match for Prince Harry’s foundation. Last year’s champions, The Raleigh, led by team captain, Bash Kazi, will return to defend their 2011 title, and favorites including Luis Escobar, Nic Roldan, John Gobin, Kris Kampsen and Pelon Escapite are all anticipated to return to battle for this year’s coveted trophy. For tickets and a complete schedule of events, visit www.miamipolo.com or call 305.538.3809.

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Heart of a Chef

Eat, play and be healthy at Heart of a Chef (HOAC), a unique culinary experience presented by Florida Blue and Whole Foods Market taking place on Sunday, April 29, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden. HOAC is a family-friendly food festival focused on the prevention of childhood obesity, which has been known to lead to heart disease. At this fun, interactive event, activities for all ages including food and wine tastings and educational seminars, all designed to heighten awareness and give children and their parents the tools to make health-conscious decisions while adopting a heart healthy lifestyle. Tickets for HOAC are $30 per person; the purchase of one adult ticket includes admission for two children. For more information and tickets visit www.heartofachef.org.

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Claws For Kids

Last call before stone crab season ends! Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade’s first annual “Claws for Kids” fundraising brunch on Sunday, May 6, 11:30 a.m. at Joe’s Stone Crab in Miami Beach will provide the perfect opportunity to enjoy delicious large stone crabs and other signature Joe’s cuisine without the wait. All event proceeds from the private event will benefit Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade’s new 11,000-sq.-ft. state-of-the-art South Beach location. Joe’s will open up their restaurant for brunch on May 6 only for supporters of Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade’s “Claws for Kids.” “Claws for Kids” sponsorship opportunities are available. Table sponsorships include $10,000 Jumbo Claw Sponsor, $5,000 Large Claw Sponsor; and $2500 Select Claw Sponsor; A Key Lime table for 10 guests is priced at $1500; a Hash Brown Table for $1200. Individual tickets are $150.Menu items include large stone crabs, hash brown potatoes, creamed spinach and Key Lime pie. For those who don’t eat stone crabs, main course options include top sirloin, salmon and broiled chicken. Red, white, and sparkling wines are included in the ticket price. For more information about sponsorships, underwriting or tickets, contact Astrid H. Ehrenstein at 305.446.9910 ext. 30, or via email at aehrenstein@bgcmia.org.

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Ray Allen, Brendan Bass, and Paul Price of the Boston Celtics were spotted dining (at different tables) at STK Miami. Derrell Revis and Laveranues Coles of the NY Jets were also at STK enjoying the scrumptious menu.

Willy Martin, Maria Gabriela de Faria, Raquel Rojas and Sol Rodriguez from the Nickelodeon Latin TV show Grachi attended a benefit at Haven gastro-lounge on Thursday evening. Maria, Raquel, and Sol walked the carpet and posed for the cameras together. All of the teen stars shared a table inside. Willy Martin won a dinner for two at Juvia in the raffle. Other celebs in attendance included: Ivan Rusilko, Mr. USA; Candela Ferro, model/journalist and boyfriend, actor/singer, Khotan Fernandez.

Brazilian heartthrob/actor Rodrigo Santoro was spotted at WALL over the weekend. The 300 star caused a bit of a stir with a number of Brazilian models who were also partying at the celebrity hotspot. He’s currently filming 300: Battle of Artemisia, a follow-up to the 2006 blockbuster in which he plays the villain, Persian leader Xerxes.

Tennis Star Boris Becker and his family dined at Monty’s South Beach. Miami Dolphin, Reggie Bush was also spotted at Monty’s over the weekend.

Extra’s Mario Lopez hosted the Garnier Fructis pool party at the Fontainebleau’s Arkadia pool on Sunday afternoon.

David Neville and Marcus Wainwright of Rag & Bone

By:  Mary Jo Almeida-Shore 

Rag & Bone at the Soho Beach House

Gorgeous, “skinny-bones” sashayed down the runway in beautiful “rags” modeling the latest collection by British designing duo, Marcus Wainwright and David Neville, of designer label Rag & Bone on Thursday evening at Soho Beach House. The Grey Goose vodka was as free flowing as the brightly- colored fabrics, in yellow, orange and turquoise, the perfect palate for a place where summer lasts all year.  One look even featured turquoise and orange together- perhaps in homage to the Miami Dolphins?

Over 300 guests filled the area surrounding the downstairs pool for the show, which took place on a platform atop the pool and was presented by Saks Fifth Avenue Bal Harbour and Ocean Drive magazine. Read the rest here »

Iran Issa-Khan Book Signing at the Webster 

On Thursday, April 19, join the Webster boutique for a celebratory event in honor of famed photographer and artist Iran Issa-Khan. Issa-Khan will be signing her first book entitled Photographs on the Second Floor Salon from 7 to 9 p.m. There are a limited number of books with a special print available for purchase. Grey Goose vodka is providing the cocktails and catering will be provided by the talented Michelle Areces of Petit Pois.  RSVP to iran@thewebster.com. 

Color A Cause 

The Color Queen, Joey Mugica, is proud to announce the first ever COLOR A CAUSE, on Thursday, April 19. The event will take place at Pearl, from 8:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. The originally inspired images will feature and honor some of Miami’s most dynamic and renowned women, including successful philanthropists, businesswomen, journalists, socialites, reality stars, artists, designers and entertainers. COLOR A CAUSE will benefit Dress for Success Miami, which provides professional attire for economically disadvantaged men and women. There is a suggested minimum $20 entry ticket payable at the door during the night of the event. Miami’s diva extraordinaire, Ms. Elaine Lancaster, will provide the evening’s entertainment. To prepare the ladies for this momentous occasion, Tim Quinn, International Celebrity Face Designer for Giorgio Armani Cosmetics and his team will be available at Saks Fifth Avenue, Bal Harbour from 12 to 5 p.m., to create that special Color Look for the evening;  honorees and guests will be gifted a $25 gift card available at the counter. 10% of the day sales from the Gift Card will benefit Dress For Success Miami.  RSVP to rsvp@coloracause.com. 

Young Patrons Happy Hour – 2^nd Annual Great Energy Challenge 

On Thursday, April 19, The Young Patrons challenge you to an energy happy hour. Join the YP’s for networking and interactive challenges to see who the greenest young professionals in Miami are. Food trucks will be at the event catering to the crowd, 21 and older. A $15 entry fee will charged for admission and will include open bar and entrance to the museum. For more information, contact Adriana Oliva at 305-646-4248 or aoliva@miamisci.org. 

2012 American Cancer Society Gala

The 2012 American Cancer Society Gala will take place on Saturday, April 21, at the elegant InterContinental Miami. About 500 influential leaders of Miami’s social and corporate communities will gather for a night of elegance, exquisite food, breathtaking décor, and live entertainment. The cocktail reception and silent auction will start at 7:00 p.m., followed by dinner and dancing at 8:30 p.m. Chairpersons for this year’s black-tie fundraiser are Lourdes and Felipe Valls and Co-Chairs are Madeline and Pedro Munilla. Marile and Jorge Luis Lopez will serve as Honorary Co-Chairs. The silent auction will feature items such as airline tickets, jewelry, golf packages, sports collector’s items, spa packages, and couture fashion. During the live auction, guests will be challenged to raise money for the American Cancer Society’s Reaching Out to Cancer Kids (R.O.C.K.) Programs. Every year, the gala presents a testimonial showcasing R.O.C.K. Programs. For more information contact Carmen Piles, Gala Manager, at 305-779-2861 or carmen.piles@cancer.org. 

Earth Day Activities  

Miami Science Museum 

On Saturday, April 21 beginning at 12 p.m. the Miami Science Museum is encouraging members of the community to take its “Great Energy Challenge” and celebrate Mother Earth this Earth Day weekend. At the 2^nd Annual Great Energy Challenge, members of the community will form teams to spin, dance, yo-yo, read and scavenge their way around the Museum’s Energy Tracker exhibit, as well as create a “green” structure out of the Museum’s recycled junk. The top two teams will then face off in an Environmental Jeopardy Brain Challenge, which will decide the Green Champion! Members of the first place team will take home Nokia C5-03 Smartphones.  Members of the community can gather up family and friends to form a team. Also, community teams (including teams of middle, high school & college students, community organizations and non-profits) and corporate teams can participate. Four people per team, ages 8 and up. Team registration begins at 11 a.m. on the day of the event. Event sponsorship opportunities are available at www.miamisci.org. For sponsorship opportunities, visit www.miamisci.org. For more information about the event and to see if your team qualifies, contact Adriana Oliva 305-646-4248 or aoliva@miamisci.org.

Earth Day at Fairchild 

On Monday, April 23, from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Fairchild Tropical Botanical Garden will be celebrating Earth Day granting free admission to the public. Enjoy 83 acres of tropical paradise right in your own backyard! This is the perfect opportunity to walk Fairchild’s grounds, have a family picnic, admire the monumental sculptures of Will Ryman and Dale Chihuly or simply sit on a bench and read your favorite book. In addition to free admission, guests can take advantage of the following special offers on April 23: walking and tram tours, 50% membership for new members only, and 10% off for membership renewals and rejoining members. 

Kickoff the Great American Bake Sale

To kickoff this year’s Great American Bake Sale and Taste of the Nation, local chefs from around Miami and Fort Lauderdale including Allen Susser, Paula Da Silva from 1500 Degrees, Andre Bienvenu of Joe’s Stone Crab, and Clay Conley of Buccan are getting together to fill boxes with food for the hungry at Feeding South Florida from 10 a.m. to noon on Monday, April 23. Several food trucks will also be in attendance to serve lunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The public is invited to volunteer alongside these chefs. To RSVP, email jbalhon@strength.org.

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson stopped by the Forge Restaurant | Wine Bar on Thursday night to celebrate the big honor of being named CinemaCon’s “Action Star of the Year.” The former UM student has been taking Miami by storm and took some time to indulge at The Forge with a friend – taking a break from filming his new Michael Bay directed film, Pain and Gain.

Comedian Dave Chappelle was spotted in South Beach last Thursday, first at local bar Foxhole before swinging by WALL. On-lookers say he was very sociable but low key in demeanor, wearing a black tank top, jeans and holding a black motorcycle helmet. Chappelle, who was accompanied by a male friend, hung out at the owner’s VIP table for about an hour just chatting, drinking water and enjoying the DJ. Twitter reported seeing him at a Palm Beach McDonald’s the following morning.

This year’s Sony Ericsson Open set an all-time attendance record with 325,000 guests and a record 14 session sellouts. Celebs in attendance included:  Jimmy Buffet ; Marc Cohen, Grammy-Award winning artist; actress, Melissa Hurd; actor, Carlos Gomez;Boyd Tinsley, Jonathan Cheban, Dirk Nowitzki, Rashad Evans, Kelly Rowland and NFL Players: Bryant McKinnie (Baltimore Ravens), Christian Ponder (Minnesota Vikings),Abram Elam (Dallas Cowboys) and Jon Beason (Carolina Panthers).

Yolanda and Jeff Berkowitz

By:  Mary Jo Almeida-Shore 

“It’s never too late to have a happy childhood,” mused Miami Children’s Museum (MCM) Chairman, Jeff Berkowitz as he addressed an animated crowd of 600 on Saturday, March 31 at the museum’s annual Be A Kid Again Gala, which was held in a gorgeous tent on Watson Island, home to MCM.  This year’s whimsical theme, “All You Need is Love” transported guests, most of whom dressed in their best 60s chic, back in time with a 60s/Beatles theme complete with old records, Beatles glasses, moustaches, a red double-decker bus, and fields of Driscoll’s strawberries as parting gifts. 

The party started in the actual museum, where guests got to tour the exhibits while sipping cocktails- which, incidentally, adds a whole new level of fun to the museum visit.   (A few moms who visit the museum regularly with their children suggested that there should be a permanent “bar installment” just for the parents.) 

After the cocktail reception, guests were escorted into the expansive tent for the party, for which MCM pulled out all the stops (which resembled the London Underground stops) with high-top and lounge tables in lieu of regular ballroom tables and a fun-filled buffet by Chef David Schwadron which included burgers, hot dogs, coconut shrimp, and fish and chips instead of the typical banquet food.  This kept people on their feet, chatting and dancing throughout the night. Read the rest here »