By: Maryanne Salvat

21st Annual Reach for the Stars Gala

Actors’ Playhouse and Lexus of Kendall Host the 21st Annual Reach for the Stars Gala Auction at the Miracle Theatre on Saturday, April 14. Attendees will have the chance to bid on over $300,000 worth of live and silent auction items while enjoying exquisite fare provided by 30 of Coral Gables’ finest restaurants and an open bar sponsored by Bacardi U.S.A. and Premier Beverage Company. Items for bid include international business class airline tickets, worldwide hotel travel packages and cruises, exclusive celebrity wine dinners at popular South Florida restaurants, jewelry, golf packages, fine art, home decor, sports collectors items, spa visits, objets d’art, couture clothing, membership gift certificates, and more. CBS4’s Former Chief Meteorologist Bob Soper, the official celebrity auctioneer for the past 21 years, will conduct the live auction with Artistic Director David Arisco. The popular auction is the major fundraising event for Actors’ Playhouse each year with funds going to the capital improvements of the historic Miracle Theatre and the operating costs of Actors’ Playhouse’s 25th Anniversary Season in 2012-2013. Items can be viewed on line at www.actorsplayhouse.org. Cost for the event is $150 per person, which includes gourmet dining, open bar sponsored by Bacardi U.S.A. and Premier Beverage Company, entertainment, silent auction and live auction; for tickets, call 305.444.9293, or purchase online at www.actorsplayhouse.org.

Friends of the NWS Season Finale

On Saturday, April 14, join the Friends of the New World Symphony at 9:00 p.m. for a sizzling night under the stars featuring the 8-piece Afro-Latin World Beat Sensation, Lanzallamas Monofonica, sumptuous light bites and cocktails courtesy of GREY GOOSE Vodka. Contact Nathalie Cadet at New World Symphony to purchase tickets, Nathalie.Cadet-James@nws.edu or call 305.428.6733.

Pool Party with Mario Lopez and GARNIER FRUCTIS

On Sunday, April 15, GARNIER FRUCTIS has teamed up with Mario Lopez to host a pool party to celebrate their newest launches from 2:00 to 7:00 p.m. Held at the renowned Fontainebleau Miami Beach, guests will soak up the sunshine at the hotel’s Arkadia Pool while being treated to hair styling services, mini-massages and acupressure treatments. Garnier Fructis celebrity stylist, Marc Mena, will also be on site leading the styling cabanas where guests will choose between four different beach styles using Garnier Fructis products. For more information, visit www.garnier.com.

Joe’s Boutique Opens in Aventura Mall

Joe’s, premium denim and contemporary lifestyle brand, establishes a presence in Miami after opening boutiques in New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago and Atlanta. The new retail location will launch its grand opening event for the brand’s sixth US location on Saturday, April 21, in Aventura Mall. The boutique will open to the public with the brands stylish Spring/Summer 2012 collection as well as entertainment by DJ Dutch.

A Night at the Museum

The Bass Museum of Art will host its annual fundraiser, “A Night at the Museum,” on Thursday, April 26, from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. The event is expected to attract more than 500 guests who will receive a private preview of “Charles LeDray: Bass Museum of Art,” curated by Bass Museum of Art Adjunct Curator, Steven Holmes. Artist Charles LeDray will be in attendance. Guests will explore the new exhibition while enjoying hors d’oeuvres by TiramesU; cocktails & refreshments from Mandarine Napoleon, Kanon Organic Vodka and Perrier; desserts by Stella’s Sweet Shoppe; and beats by Vida’s house DJ. Attendees will also be introduced to an innovative silent auction of custom art experiences, including a studio visit and catered lunch with artist Carlos Betancourt and a curator-led art day in New York City. Admission to the fundraising event is $175 for two and includes a Mummy Level Membership or renewal to the Bass Museum of Art for one year. Rubens Level Members or above receive complimentary admission for two, while those members below may upgrade. To RSVP, email rsvp@bassmuseum.org. For membership upgrades, email dwolpert@bassmuseum.org, visit www.bassmuseum.org, call 786.800.6302.

On Sunday, April 1, Miami Beach welcomed the Nautica South Beach Triathlon for the fifth year in a row. Athletes, corporate teams,  professional and amateur tri-athletes and famous faces including The Today Show’s Natalie Morales, X-Men’s James Marsden, The Office’s Paul Lieberstein and David Denman, Cougartown’s Josh Hopkins, Pirates of the Caribbean’s Greg Ellis, and The Finder’s Geoff Stults and Mercedes Masohn, Burn Notice’s Jeffrey Donovan, ABC Family’s Make It or Break ItJosie Loren, the star of the Emmy winning, Wizards of Waverly Place and the upcoming Huckleberry Finn Jake T. Austin, Carolina Panther’s running back DeAngelo Williams and WWE six-time world champion Dave Bautista were some of the celebrities who participated in this year’s event. Pop singer and songwriter JoJo, kicked-off the day’s events by performing the national anthem. Over 3,000 participants came out to challenge the currents of the Atlantic Ocean and take to the streets of South Beach to raise money for pediatric cancer research at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Comedian and actor, Bob Saget, wrapped up the day with an award ceremony as well as a $401,422.00 check presentation to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.

Mark Wahlberg was seen dining with Entourage producer Eric Weinstein on Friday at night at Scott Conant’s Scarpetta at the Fontainebleau Miami Beach. On Sunday night, Tyra Banks, of America’s Top Model was also spotted at Scarpetta, with a handsome Latin heartthrob, “cozying up to each other over dessert.” According to our source.

Real Housewives of Miami, Karent Sierra, Lea Black, and Joanna Krupa

By:  Mary Jo Almeida-Shore

If there’s ever a good time to be on the “Black list” it’s for the highly anticipated, annual bash known as The Black Gala, hosted by power-couple Lea and Roy Black.  And if you are “blacklisted” because you are, in fact, “under suspicion, disfavor, censure…” as per the dictionary definition – famed attorney, Roy Black is definitely ONE person with whom you should spend an evening.  In our book, being on the Blacks’ list means that you are one of the lucky few (hundred) invited to participate in an unforgettable night of performances, dancing, gourmet food and bidding on one-of-a-kind auction items.

In its 18^th year, the Black Gala, which was held at the Fontainebleau Hotel took place right smack in the middle of the Winter Music Conference and rivaled many of the musical performances and Madonna’s surprise appearance at Ultra-which occurred simultaneously. After all, the Blacks had a QUEEN! attend and perform at their gala. So what if it was Queen Latifah, rather than an actual queen? Can you think of any queen with such fabulous style, matched only by her incredible pipes?  The Blacks’ guests were also treated to an unforgettable concert by Tony Bennett– whose legendary voice was accompanied by a full-piece orchestra- the presence of which caused a last-minute rearrangement of the tables and dance floor.  No one seemed to mind- as the crowd was blown away by Bennett’s moving performance, which ended with a live rendition of “Who Can I Turn To?” a duet by Bennett and Latifah, which had only been performed live once before. Read the rest here »

By: Maryanne Salvat

All Hail Queen Lounge

Queen Lounge, an intimate cocktail and gastro-lounge will celebrate its official grand opening on Thursday, April 5. The 4,000-square-foot venue pays homage to the power and glamour of women in art, music and fashion throughout history. Founded by European nightlife savant Sanaa Moussaoui and managing partner, Miami native Maria Ortiz, the multi-room venue features superior handcrafted cocktails by mixology master Thomas Merolla and small plates by Executive Chef Matthew Goldberg. The lounge boasts a 30-item cocktail menu featuring “Timeless Truths” and Queen Lounge Signature Cocktails, created by head mixologist Thomas Merolla, a previous contributor to the illustrious bar menus of staple South Beach hotels including Delano, Mondrian, and W South Beach. Queen Lounge is open seven days a week from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m. The kitchen is open until 10:00 p.m. Guests can unwind and enjoy $5 cocktails and tapas from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. daily during The Ultimate Happy Hour. For private bookings and advance reservations, contact 305.397.8056, info@queenlounge.com or visit www.queenloungemiami.com.

Operation HOPE TOTE

Miami Rescue Mission will be hosting Operation HOPE TOTE, their annual Easter/Passover event, on Friday, April 6. The event is open to thousands of homeless and needy families in the Miami area. The goal of Operation HOPE TOTE is to provide basic, personal hygiene items to thousands of needy men, women, and children in our communities starting this Easter and Passover Season. Items needed include: toothpaste, toothbrush, soap, shampoo, deodorant, new underwear, new socks, disposable razors, diapers, baby wipes, sanitary napkins, and lotion. Please note, the Capponi Group will be accepting hygiene products and/or monetary donations to purchase the items for the HOPE TOTE. To learn more about the Operation HOPE TOTE, visit: http://miamirescuemission.com/hopetote.htm. Drop off products to 228 5th Street Miami Beach, Florida 33139. If you have any questions, call 305.695.4410.

3rd Annual Golden Key 5K

The 3rd annual Golden Key 5K to celebrate heart and skin health will be held this Saturday, April 7. The event is a collaborative effort between University of Miami undergraduate and medical students. UM dermatologists will be on site giving free skin cancer screenings and all proceeds will go to support melanoma skin cancer research at the University of Miami and a program called Team for Life that helps get life-saving heart defibrillators out into Miami. The run/walk will take place at Crandon Park South on Key Biscayne. Race day registration and packet pick-up begin at 6:30am and the race start time is 8:00am. Private skin screening stations will open after the race. An awards ceremony will also be held after the race. All participants receive free t-shirts. Early online registration is $20 for individuals and $15 for UM students. Race day registration is $25 for individuals and $20 for UM students. For more information, and to register, visit www.GoldenKey5k.com.

The District Factory 

In honor of Andy Warhol’s famed studio “The Factory”, The District Factory, an evening shopping event & mash-up, set to launch Saturday, April 14, from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. in the Miami Design District, during Art & Design Night, shines a spotlight on the emerging designers and artists who are single-handedly manufacturing the hottest trends. Partners of this eagerly anticipated launch include Miami Design District, MIAMI Magazine, and Mercedes-Benz of Coral Gables. Receiving a portion of the evening’s proceeds is Dress for Success Miami. To learn more about The District Factory, visit www.DISRTICTFACTORY.com.

Food and Garden Festival at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden

Come see what’s cooking at Fairchild during a celebration of fresh fruits and vegetables and the gorgeous gardens they grow in on Saturday and Sunday, April 14 and 15. Gather new tips and recipes from our popular culinary demonstrations taught by local chefs using local products. Go green at the farmers’ market where local growers showcase the best organic fruits, vegetables and herbs available in South Florida. Sample a variety of spring beers and summer ales at the Beer Garden. There’ll even be a Spring Flower Market where you can buy beautiful fresh cut flowers! All weekend, children will enjoy hands-on activities and special culinary programs just for them. Invite the whole family to come out and learn how to cook and enjoy food that is fabulously fresh, healthy and in season! For more information visit: www.fairchildgarden.org .

Driven to Dine

Driven to Dine is a one-of-a-kind, luxurious dining experience taking place on Saturday, April 14. It kicks off with an exclusive cocktail reception where guests will sample an array of wines and spirits compliments of Total Wine, enjoy delectable appetizers provided by Le Cordon Bleu, and participate in a live auction. After the reception, guests will gather into groups of 8 and select a sealed envelope containing the name of one of several top restaurants in South Florida. With their destination unknown, diners will adjourn to a stretch limousine, which will ferry them to the restaurant for an elegant multi-course, heart healthy dinner sure to please their palates. After an amazing meal, limos will return guests to the place of origin. The FHRI hand-selected some of South Florida’s most prestigious restaurants to partner with in this year’s Driven to Dine. They include: 1500˚ at Eden Roc Renaissance Miami Beach, CRAVE, db Bistro Moderne, Edge, Steak & Bar at the Four Seasons Miami, Flemings Prime Steakhouse, La Cofradia, RED The Steakhouse, Tudor House, Truluck’s and J&G Grill at the St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort. Tickets for Driven to Dine cost $5,000 per limo, which seats 8 guests; or $625 per person. the cocktail reception, at a private residence, will begin at 5 p.m. Tickets cost $5,000 per limo, which seats 8 guests, or $625 per person; to purchase tickets visit www.heartofachef.org.

The Third Annual Dream Makers Gala

The Foundation of Debbie’s Dream (CSC) will host the third annual Dream Makers Gala on Saturday, April 21, at the Westin Diplomat Resort & Spa in Hollywood beginning at 7:00 p.m. Co-Chairs Susie Alvarez Cope, Jason Chalik, and Ani Solarana hope to exceed the $180,000 raised at last year’s Gala. “Expect the Unexpected” is the evening’s theme. The event will begin with cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and silent auctions followed by dinner, dancing, fabulous live auctions, and award presentations. Lisa Petrillo, Entertainment Reporter at CBS4, will be the guest speaker. Award recipients being honored at this year’s Gala for their dedication and commitment to CSC’s mission include Michael A. Choti, MD, from Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine; Mary Lynn Swartz, former CEO of Westside Regional Medical Center; Jennifer Kapp, CSC Board of Directors; and Meredith Clements, Society Scene Editor of the Sun-Sentinel. Tickets for the Gala are $175 per person, and sponsorships range in price from $600 to $25,000. To become a sponsor or to purchase tickets, call 954.475.1200 or email Events@CantStomachCancer.org.

The Miami Marlins are set to kick off their historic 2012 baseball season against the defending World Champion St. Louis Cardinals on Wednesday, April 4 at Marlins Park. The inaugural Miami Marlins Opening Night at the state-of-the-art Marlins Park will feature three fan giveaways: a Commemorative Lanyard presented by Miccosukee Resort & Gaming and Pepsi, a Tic Tac Pack (to be utilized in fan participation with a special pregame ceremony) and a commemorative Opening Night Marlins Playbill. A special edition of the Marlins Magazine will also be available throughout the ballpark. The first pitch for Opening Night is set for 7:05 P.M. and ESPN will carry the nationally-televised game. Ballpark gates at Marlins Park will open at 4:00 P.M. and on-site parking garages will open at 3:00 P.M. For parking and transportation information, fans can visit www.marlins.com/parking. Fans are encouraged to be in their seats no later than 6:15 P.M. for the inaugural Opening Night pregame ceremonies, with never-before-seen special events presented by 19 time Grammy award winning producer and Miami’s very own Emilio Estefan. Pregame ceremonies will include a video and on-field tribute to Miami, full team lineups for the Marlins and Cardinals, the debut of the new Marlins theme song, Marlins Tonight, legendary musician Jose Feliciano performing the National Anthem, a Fireworks Spectacular, a flyover with four F-16’s from Homestead Air Reserve Base and much more.As part of the historic celebration, MLB Commissioner Bud Selig and Marlins Owner Jeffrey H. Loria, together with Miami-Dade County and City of Miami Commissioners and representatives will be part of a ribbon cutting ceremony at 11:00 A.M., on the West Plaza. Opening Night at Marlins Park will also include a pregame party on the West Plaza from 4 P.M. to 7 P.M., featuring live music on the Main Stage with renowned artists. Fans are encouraged to stay for the post-game party on the West Plaza with live music and entertainment, immediately following the game. The game will be broadcasted on WAXY 790 AM and WAQI 710AM (Spanish).

On Tuesday night, Rémy Martin presented Chris Bosh’s 28th Birthday Celebration at the ‘Chris Bosh Supper Club’ at Miami’s Prelude by Barton G. Complete with blackjack and craps tables, guests enjoyed signature “Boardwalk Bosh” Rémy Martin cocktails while flapper girls and dapper waiters offered guests cigars to highlight the playful 1920s theme.  The Boshs’ were joined by the newly-engaged LeBron James and Savannah Brinson, who sat together with Wade.  Bosh’s “Boardwalk Empire” got underway with more Rémy Martin cocktails as comedians DeRay and Gary Owen took to the stage. DeRay poked fun at LeBron’s blazer matching the tablecloth and then asked Adrienne what she was expecting, to which she replied excitedly, “A boy”. Rémy Martin then presented Chris with his birthday present – a surprise performance by Grammy-winning artist, Chrisette Michelle, who wrapped up the evening by singing “Happy Birthday” to Chris.

On Sunday, award-winning hip hop artist, Wyclef Jean closed out Miami Music Week performing an intimate 4 hour set at Ricochet Bar & Lounge presented by CîROC Vodka. Dedicating his “raw” performance to Whitney Houston, Wyclef pulled guests on the stage during “Hips Don’t Lie” and taught a female fan how to play guitar while performing one of his famous tracks. Later, Wyclef took a break from his set by joining fans at the bar for a CîROC coconut specialty cocktail.

Celebrities including Tony Bennett, Queen Latifah and Deborah Cox performed at the fabulous, over-the-top Black Gala on Saturday night. Check back next week for photos and a rundown of the gala details.

DJ Armand Van Helden stopped into The Forge Restaurant | Wine Bar with two others and tried out some of Chef Dewey’s new vegetarian dishes.

Supermodels Irina Shayk and Anne V – also known as Cristiano Ronaldo and Adam Levine’s girlfriends – stopped by The Forge Restaurant on Friday night for dinner to celebrate Anne V’s bday.

Paris and Nicky Hilton were spotted in the VIP booth at Ultra Music Festival with Paris’ boyfriend DJ Afrojack noshing on bites by Philippe Chow.  Lil Jon was also seen devouring Philippe Chow owner Stratis Morfogen’s delicious satays.

The Shelborne South Beach weekend’s lineup included famed DJs Armand Van Helden, Bob Sinclar (who created such a stir that the Fire Marshall had to close down the door) and Sander Kleinenberg.