Paul James, Marco Selva, Diane Kruger and Frits van Paasschen

By:  Mary Jo Almeida- Shore

Nothing says “We’ve arrived!” like a lavish, celeb-studded, gala opening bash for several hundred of Miami’s finest – especially when you throw in miles of decadent gourmet food, a live full-piece orchestra, champagne sabering, ten-minute fireworks display, and late night dance party.   Such was the case on Saturday night for the glitzy grand opening of the Yabu Pushelberg designed St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort, “the most anticipated hotel opening of 2012” according to Forbes magazine.  Touted as a
“peerless” (as in 24 hour butler service) “haven” (as in 1,000 feet of pristine beach) the resort’s opening bash heralded its debut in grandiose style.  Upon arrival, the chic guests admired the hotel’s posh lobby and bar area and followed the “yellow lit road” to a 1,000 foot seaside wonderland lined with food, cocktails, live music and fabulous people. All along the way- about every foot or so, there was a St. Regis staff member to greet and welcome guests to the property- who needs daily affirmations with that kind of love around?  Read the rest here »

By: Maryanne Salvat

RA Sushi Spring Luau Party

Throw on a Hawaiian print shirt and a lei and hula on over to RA Sushi in South Miami on March 22 from 8:00 p.m. to close for a Spring Luau Party. Sail away to an island paradise with beach themed décor, tropical food and drink specials, and a guest D.J. who will keep the tiki torches burning all night long. Enjoy a taste of the good life with RA’s Spring Luau Party specials. Try the Tropical Roll with cucumber, mango, and avocado, rolled and topped with spinach tempura bits, and spicy shrimp mixed with masago and mango salsa ($8). Munch on Pineapple Cheese Wontons, lightly fried wontons filled with cream cheese, scallions and pineapple, served with a roasted pineapple dipping sauce ($7). Savor the Spicy Pineapple Chicken, a mixture of ramen noodles, chicken, green and red bell peppers, onion, and a spicy chili sesame sauce, topped with black sesame seeds ($8). All of the Spring Luau Party cocktails are $8 each. Swim in to RA Sushi in South Miami afor some sun and fun. For more information, visit www.RAsushi.com.

Fairchild’s GardenMusic

Come and experience Fairchild’s GardenMusic Festival starting on Sunday, March 25. GardenMusic will bring the highest-quality and most exciting chamber music to South Florida by creating a powerfully immersive experience. By connecting music with the idyllic setting of Fairchild, musicians and other artistic disciplines will foster a collaborative and creative spirit and provide engaging and stimulating educational opportunities. Visitors will have the opportunity to meet and engage with the musicians, experiencing music on an intimate and personal level. In addition, a series of concerts will allow for a more traditional chamber music experience surrounded by the beauty of Fairchild.  Members: Tent seating, general admission, $25; Subscription to all four concerts, $75; Concert for Kids, free; non-members: Tent seating, general admission, $40; Subscription to all four concerts, $120; Concert for Kids, $25 for adults, $18 for seniors 65 and up and $12 for children 6-17. Children 5 and under are free. Tickets at 305.667.1651, ext. 3358 or www.fairchildgarden.org/GardenMusic.
The Barton G. Kids Hear Now Foundation: Party Over Hear!

On Friday, March 30, join the Kids Hear Now Foundation for the first ever “Party Over Hear!” celebration. Hosted by the legendary DJ Irie, guests will enjoy complementary bites and spirits courtesy of the master chefs and mixologists at Barton G. The event runs from 9:00 p.m. to midnight at the exclusive Villa By Barton G. Tickets are $175 for general admission and $500 for VIP, which includes a sit-down dinner, exclusive access to the VIP lounge and special surprises throughout the evening. Tickets can be purchased online at www.kidshearnow.org.

Miami Children’s Museum 2012 Be A Kid Again Gala 

On Saturday, March 31at 6:30 p.m., the Miami Children’s Museum (MCM), will host its much anticipated 2012 Be A Kid Again Gala. This year’s 60s inspired theme, “All you need is love” will celebrate exceptional educational programming and showcase a far out live auction hosted by Dave Barry and Paul Castronovo. The night will also feature a one of a kind Silent Auction with a special Wine Auction chaired by Beverly and Bill Parker. Guests will groove the night away to a spectacular multimedia stage production by The Fab Four that will transport them back in time with iconic Beatles tunes. This year’s Be a Kid Again Gala will pay tribute to and honor renowned local artist, Romero Britto. MCM will honor Britto for his longstanding commitment and dedication to the Museum and to the children of South Florida.  All proceeds will benefit the Museum’s educational programming. For more information, contact Sarah Smith at 305.373.KIDS (5437), ext. 142 or ssmith@miamichildrensmuseum.org

 By: Maryanne Salvat 

Music Loves Fashion 

Man+Machine Presents MUSIC LOVES FASHION, the inaugural four-day showcase of international sounds from the underground and producer symposiums, taking place between 11:00am and 11:00pm each day from Wednesday, March 21st to Saturday, March 24th at The Raleigh hotel, sponsored by Belvedere Vodka and MOET. The week kicks-off on Wednesday, March 21 at 11:00am with the I ¤ AVICII Pool Party in association with At Night, ULTRA Pool and Ash Alliance, featuring an opening set by CAZZETTE AND FRIENDS, followed by hours of blissful tunes by the Swede himself; The Owsla Miami poolside party on Thursday, March 22, starting at 11:00am and presented by No Sugar Added, features the emerging electronic visionary and highly acclaimed Grammy Winner, SKRILLEX, amongst other supporting acts. Tickets are priced from $49.95 to $100 for general admission, with beds or tables starting at $3,000 (6 guests) and cabanas starting at $10,000 (20 guests) each served with magnums of Belvedere and Moet; for a complete schedule and more information visit www.musiclovesfashion.com .

Mondrian South Beach Line Up 

Mondrian South Beach hosts the finest 2012 line up the bay side has yet to see. Poolside partying will be open to the public beginning at noon, Saturday, March 24 and Sunday, March 25 with special performances by Mario Fischetti and Leo Janerio. Ending the week with a high note, Mondrian will feature a special pool party hosted by Michael Capponi and Michael Martin including sounds by Marc Sacheli and JP Rigaud.  Note: All events open to public and entrance is based on doormen discretion; cover charge for entry. For table reservations and for more information call 305.514.1940. 

Shore Club

Shore Club brings the best beats to South Beach, announcing a jam‐packed lineup for Winter Music Conference 2012 presented by Oversea Production USA. Top DJs from around the world will keep the party going day and night, indoors and out. For table reservations please call 786.276.6772; Events are open to hotel guests, VIP cardholders and table reservations only Monday through Saturday. Sundays are open to the public (doorman discretion) with a cover charge of $20.

 Chalk Ping Pong and Billiards Lounge

Chalk Ping Pong and Billiards Lounge, along with SuperMarket Creative and Nightdrive Miami, is proud to present its lineup of musical talent for Miami Music Week 2012. A slew of renowned and emerging DJs will take the helm at Chalk, the ultimate adult playground, to showcase the venue’s state-of-the-art audio and new music platform during the weeklong celebration of electronic and alternative music. For a complete line-up, schedule, and tickets visit www.Chalkmiami.com or contact info@chalkmiami.com.

Haven Gastrolounge

Executive Chef Todd Erickson and Haven Gastrolounge will be hosting a grand amount of WMC activities throughout the month of March; for a complete line-up of events visit www.Havenlounge.com. 

The Perry South Beach

The Rooftop at the Perry will be celebrating WMC with an exclusive list of DJ’s spinning all day long; for a complete line up visit www.RXpoolparties.com.

 High Bar at Dream Hotel

Dim Mak pool party, Obey the Kitty Miami Edition, presents secret unannounced guests along with Sidney Samson, Rehab, Joachim Garraud, Felix Cartal, Junior Sanchez, & more.Tickets can be purchased via www.wantickets.com & www.miamidreamsessions.com. 

Art of Night: The DJ Series

Hennessy Black is thrilled to present visionary nightlife photographer Seth Browarnik in Art of Night: The DJ Series, his newest exhibit paying tribute to nightlife’s key players – the DJs. Hennessy Black and Browarnik, who has been capturing DJs since the inception of his career, will pay tribute to those he has photographed and befriended since electronic music began making its mark on nightlife. On display at the Shelborne South Beach, the Hennessy Black Gallery will showcase Seth’s pulsating photography and the artistry of the DJ during the week of Miami’s famous music gatherings, Winter Music Conference and Ultra Music Festival. Beginning March 22 and continuing through March 25, the first-ever exhibit will have a three daylong display at the Hennessy Black Gallery inside of the recently renovated Shelborne South Beach Resort, where collectors will have the opportunity to purchase any of the 25 prints.  Browarnik has partnered with Gen Art and electrostub.com to donate a portion of the proceeds of the exhibit to help market and launch the career of Felix Cartal, an emerging DJ releasing his new album, Different Faces, out March 27. As day turns into evening, each night of the exhibit, the Hennessy Black Gallery will transform into an exclusive VIP lounge for approximately 250 guests, including Browarnik’s celebrity companions and some of the DJs featured.

Unplugged and Uncorked Thursdays

Essenisa’s newest happy hour, Unplugged & Uncorked Thursdays, offers 50% off wines (BTG or bottle).The wines are selected for being organically grown or farmed, sustainably farmed, or biodynamic. What does this mean? The wines are not only amazing; they are produced by environmentally responsible wineries. Essensia’s new Signature Chef, Julie Frans, designed a fantastic selection of $9 bar bites lounge menu for the happy hour including Duck Confit Flatbread Pizza, Mini Lamb Sliders, Thai Rock Shrimp Fritters, Prosciutto Wrapped Chicken on Bamboo Skewers and a Cheese & Charcuterie Sampler. Finally, local musicians will set the tone for Unplugged & Uncorked Thursdays. Expect different musical genres and musicians on a weekly basis. The happy hour will be held every Thursday night from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Essensia Lounge. Valet parking is $9.00 for Unplugged & Uncorked guests. For more information visit www.thepalmshotel.com  or call 305.908.5458.

PADDYTHON at Fadó Irish Pub & Restaurant

Fadó Irish Pub & Restaurant will roll out the barrels, pump up the pipe and amplify the pub culture in South Florida for its second-annual, weeklong St. Patrick’s Day training schedule in preparation for its PADDYTHON event. The brave are invited to take part in the series of events leading up to the PADDYTHON that combines drinking, competition, intellect and charity into a week surely to bring on camaraderie and debauchery amongst all guests.The five-room pub recently celebrated its one year anniversary, and has plans to take that successful celebration to new heights. From March 10 through March 17, Fadó Irish Pub & Restaurant has organized multiple events for patrons to learn more about the Irish culture and meaning of St. Patrick’s Day through food, friends, festivities and fun! For a complete calendar of events visit www.fadoirishpub.com.

Gold-Diggers for a Great Cause 

The Gold-Diggers are back for a great cause! On Sunday, March 18, don’t miss out on a chance to receive a new hairstyle, nail polish change or massage from one of Miami’s talented stylists for a small donation. This festive event provides an enthusiastic environment in which all proceeds benefit The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Southern Florida Chapter, and Food For Life Network. Alongside The Gold-Diggers, a woman’s organization dedicated to helping these charities, you will be able to make a contribution and look gorgeous doing it. To make an appointment call Stacy at 786.239.1317 or fire911sir@yahoo.com. Appointments and Walk-Ins Welcomed! Hair Cut $25 * Blow Dry $20 * Nail Polish Change $5 Chair Massage $1 per minute.

Nat Moore Florida Golf Classic Celebrity Weekend

Hall of Famers Bobby Bell, Richard Dent, Artis Gilmore and Moses Malone are just a few of the more than 70 current and legendary sports personalities, actors and entertainers who will attend the 2012 Nat Moore Florida Golf Classic Celebrity Weekend benefiting the Nat Moore Foundation.  The three-day golf and party extravaganza will take place Saturday through Monday, March 17 through 19.  This year, the Celebrity Party will be held at the exciting and entertaining Seminole Hotel & Casino and the golf tournament will once again be held at the world renowned Doral Golf Resort & Spa.  The fun-filled festivities include the Wii sports-themed Celebrity Party and Auction on Saturday, Corporate Skins Game on Sunday, and the golf tournament on Monday. Proceeds from the event will enable the Nat Moore Foundation to continue to provide educational scholarships for high school graduates and support for disadvantaged children and youth in South Florida. To learn more and to become a sponsor, contact the Nat Moore Foundation by phone at (305) 770-0995 or by e-mail at info@natmoorefoundation.net.

27th annual Winter Music Conference at WALL Miami

WALL Miami, in conjunction with partners Belvedere Vodka and Atrium boutique, is proud to announce its lineup of international DJs for the 27th annual Winter Music Conference beginning on Friday, March 16. A multidimensional cast of renowned talent, including Bobby Burns, Pete Tong, Sidney Sampson, Quintino, Seth Troxler, Michael Brun, LA Riots, Jessica Who and many more will descend on the impenetrable nightspot inside W South Beach for a weeklong celebration of electronic and alternative music. Additionally, fashion brand Real Eyes Realize has partnered with Atrium boutique to design two limited-edition “Music Saved My Life”-inspired T-shirts that will be available for purchase throughout the week; for a complete listing of scheduled special performances visit www.wallmiami.com. Tickets can be purchased at www.wanttickets.com or via the WALL iPhone application at http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/wall-miami-beach/id439021888; Guest list and table reservations only; to reserve a table email rsvp@wallmiami.com.

Alicia John-Powell aka Miss Basia Comes to South Florida

On Friday, March 23, gracing more than 5 million television sets in 14 islands across the Caribbean, CEO of Basia TV, Alicia John-Powell aka Miss Basia, wraps up her successful sixth season of “The Basia Show” at her new, permanent location at Kikor Studio in Miami, Florida. This open-to-the-public show can hold 70 audience members. Guests will be treated to giveaways including a two night stay at Cocodimama beachfront hotel in the Bahamas. The show has successfully been in production for two-and-half-years and is part of the Basia Group of Companies, established and currently headquartered in Miami, Florida. The company is run by John-Powell and her husband, former West Indian Cricketer, Ricardo Powell. The day-time talk show offers an open-format, conversational tone where Miss Basia interviews international and Caribbean celebrities, while keeping her mission of promoting breast cancer awareness at the forefront; taping times: 11:30 a.m./1:30 p.m./3:30 p.m. To be a part of the studio audience contact: shaun@basiatv.com / 305.316.2985 or events@rockawaypr.com / 305.751.9641.

Deering Seafood Festival

Steel drums, Junkanoo musicians and Florida’s freshest fish and seafood are all a part of the 8^th Deering Seafood Festival on Sunday, March 25. Restaurants and caterers line Seafood Alley and local celebrity chefs Giorgio Rapicavoli Miami’s first winner of TV Food Network’s Chopped (Eating House), Kareem Anguin (Oceanaire Seafood Room) and Simon Stowjanovic (Altamare) prepare their specialties in the cooking demo tent. On the main stage, Pan Paradise Steel Band and Caribbean Crew each perform their reggae/calypso sound, followed by Mr. Nice Guy. In the Lil’Shrimp Kids Zone the Discovery Cove offers hands-on adventures, and unlimited fun on the inflatables. The activities offer something for every age with pontoon boat rides, an Artists’ Village, and nature hikes and tours of the historic homes. Admission: Adults $15 in advance online/ $25 at the gate, Child $5 ages 4-14, and Foundation Members Free, includes park entrance and all activities, excluding food, drink, pontoon rides and rock wall. For more information call 305.235.1668 ext. 263 or log on to: www.deeringseafoodfestival.org.  Proceeds from the event benefit the Deering Estate Foundation.

Reid & Fiorentino

Various well-known athletes and sports legends gathered over the weekend for the sixth annual Reid & Fiorentino Call Of The Game Dinner & Celebrity Golf Classic including: Dan Marino, Pierre Garcon, AJ Duhe, Benny Blades, Brandon Fields, Bob Brudzinski, Bryant Salter, Dan Carpenter, Darrell Fullington, Darrell Malone, Darryl Talley, Darryl Williams, Derrick Rogers, Dick Anderson, Don Nottingham, Eddie Hill, Freddie Banks, George Mira, Higgy, James Pruitt, Jason Jackson, Jed Weaver, Jeff Cross, Joey Cornblit, John Congemi, John Crotty, John Denney, John Harris, John L. Williams, Jose Paneda, Keith Askins, Keith Sims, Ki-Jana Carter, Larry Ball, Larry Little, Lorenzo Hampton, Mark Duper, Mike Inglis, Mike Miller, Mike Williams, Nat Moore, Nicko McBrain, OJ Anderson, OJ McDuffie, Patti Rizzo, Oronde Gadsen, Q Hill, Randall Hill, Reggie Givens, Rich Romano, Shane Battier, Shawn Wooden, Steve Whitaker, Terry Kirby, Tony Nathan, Troy Drayton, Valeria Ochoa, Walter Briggs, Lamar Thomas, Eddie Brown, Bernard Ford and Woody Bennett. During the dinner gala, a number of prestigious awards were presented for excellence and leadership in the community. Former Miami Dolphins Hall of Fame quarterback and NFL/College Football Analyst for almost three decades, Bob Griese, was presented with the Don Shula Sports Legend Award. Broadcaster, Joe Rose, received the Sonny Hirsch Excellence in Sports Broadcasting Award, and  Bill Fauerbach and Publix were presented with the Community Service Award.  The inaugural Jim Mandich Courage and Commitment Award was presented to Nick Buoniconti and Marc Buoniconti by Jim Mandich’s three sons – Michael, Mark, and Nick, for their outstanding work with The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis and The Buoniconti Fund to Cure Paralysis. Father and son both took to the stage to give moving thank you speeches in front of an admiring audience that included Miami HEAT icon, Alonzo Mourning and coach, Eric Spoelstra.

Mr. Chris Bridges, aka Ludacris, spent Sunday at the Rx Pool Party series at the Rooftop of the Perry Hotel. The musician was spotted in a VIP cabana with a body guard, his cousin, and his girlfriend having lunch and watching college basketball poolside.

 Gretchen Rossi from Real Housewives of Orange County dined at Sugarcane raw bar grill on Wednesday night with her boyfriend Slade. They arrived with a few friends around 10 p.m. She tweeted “@sugarcanerawbar having an amazing diner with amazing friends!”

Lisa Hochstein, Alexia Echevarria, Karent Sierra, & Friend

By:  Mary Jo Almeida Shore

Tis the season:  to get dolled up in the name of charity.   Amid the club and restaurant openings, snowbirds and spring breakers, Miami socials are triple booked with galas.  Here’s a short list of some of our favorites so far.

Hearts and Stars Gala

On Saturday night, more than 1,000 guests gathered at George Wallner and Malinka Max’s gorgeous waterfront estate, Shangri La on Hibiscus Island for the Little Lighthouse Foundation’s Third Annual Hearts and Stars Gala– which was more of a swank South Beach bash than a traditional gala.  Co-founders Robert Sena, Aaron Resnick, Charlie Venturi and Aracibo Quintana and 20 co-hosts created a club-like atmosphere that included mini-lounges with white leather couches and cocktail tables, multiple bars and terrific dance music by DJ Louis Dee. Read the rest here »