Charles Cohen, Erick Winnick, Joe Fava, Henry Richardson, A Keith Powell, Donanne Ramos, Franco Planegonda, Jennifer Post, Kiran Shiva Akal, DJ Hay, Clodagh, Chad Oppenheim, Iran Issa Kahn, & Alison Antrobus

By:   Mary Jo Almeida-Shore 

Innovations in design are just causes for celebration- at the forefront of these are the designers themselves.  Over the course of the past few weeks, we have crisscrossed Miami to fete great designers- from the traditional sense of the word, such as those spotlighted at the Stars of Design Awards at DCOTA; to masters at the art of designing a great deal- such as at the Gilt Insider’s event; to Breguet’s breakthroughs in watch making.  We were fortunate to raise a glass among those who make this town prettier, more stylish, more comfortable and overall a much more enjoyable place to live.  

DCOTA’s Stars of Design Awards 

On Wednesday, February 1, the Design Center of the Americas (DCOTA) and Charles S. Cohen, Owner, CEO and President of Cohen Brothers Realty, hosted the Sixth Annual Stars of Design Awards, to highlight the work of some of the design industry’s leading professionals. For the first time, five young designers were recognized as “Stars on the Rise” for having already made a significant mark in the design world.  Read the rest here »

The Forge Restaurant | Wine Bar: Miami’s legendary landmark, The Forge Restaurant | Wine Bar, will feature an à la carte menu and special three-course “Lovers’ Menu” by Executive Chef Dewey LoSasso. Cost is $75 per person. In addition to The Forge’s glamorous dining room, guests are invited to dine among owner Shareef Malnik’s private wine collection in The Lafite Room. Chef Dewey LoSasso and sommelier Gino Santangelo will design a special eight-course menu for the couple that dines in the room that night. The cost begins at $5,000.  For reservations, call 305.538.8533 or www.theforge.com.

STK: Get caught in STK’s Love Triangle this Valentine’s Day. The opulent three-course menu will feature Roasted Heirloom Tomato Soup with fried oysters, chorizo, leeks and saffron, Seared Sea Scallops for Two with winter truffle, fingerling potato and black trumpet mushrooms, and the STK Love Triangle trio of desserts. For guests that wish to try another taste of STK the restaurant will offer its à la carte menu as well. For reservations, call 305.604.6988 or visit www.togrp.com.

Vesper American Brasserie: Vesper American Brasserie invites you to soak up its sensuous atmosphere while indulging in a four-course meal paired with a glass of Champagne. Cost is $80 per person. For reservations, call 305.341.1500 or visit www.shelborne.com.

Symcha’s: Come dine Valentines Evening with the one (s) you love, enjoy Symcha’s adored cuisine and cocktails and enjoy a complimentary glass of champagne and one of their signature, heavenly desserts.  Symcha’s is known for its romantic ambience, sit inside at one of the cozy candlelit tables or outside in their garden under the stars. For reservations call 305.604.0000 or visit www.Symchas.net.

Bar Tanaka: Bar Tanaka at Shelborne South Beach will feature a divine sushi feast by Chef Hiroyuki “Zama” Tanaka. The menu includes, but is not limited to, the Chef’s selection of eight pieces of sashimi and 12 pieces of Nigiri, as well as an assortment of Mochi ice cream for a decadent treat. Cost is $100 per couple for reservations, call 786.280.3333 or visit www.shelborne.com.

Mare Nostrum: Miami’s dining destination for fresh, delicious seafood is offering a romantic Valentine’s Day dinner menu bursting with freshness and flavor. The four-course prix-fixe menu will be available during regular dinner hours. Priced at $150 per couple, dinner includes a bottle of Moet Chandon Champagne per couple; tax and gratuity not included. The restaurant will also offer its a la carte menu.Valet and street parking are available. Reservations highly recommended at 786.691.2770, or visit www.marenostrumrestaurant.com.

Meat Market: Sizzle this Valentine’s Day at Meat Market, Lincoln Road’s bustling contemporary steakhouse. In addition to the regular a la carte menu, Executive Chef Sean Brasel has created a three-course prix-fixe dinner menu, priced at $95 per person; tax and gratuity not included. For more information and reservations please call (305) 532-0088, or visit

www.meatmarketmiami.com.

Rusty Pelican: The local favorite will be offering a romantic three-course, prix-fixe Valentine’s Day dinner menu filled with aphrodisiacal foods, as well as their regular a la carte dinner menu. The pre-fixe offerings will be available the weekend of February 10, 11, and 12, as well as on Valentine’s Day Tuesday, February 14, during their regular dinner hours. The pre-fixe dinner is priced at $85 per person; tax and gratuity not included.  For more information and reservations, please call (305) 361-3818, or visit http://www.therustypelican.com/rustypelicanmiami/.

The Dutch: The new hotspot will be celebrating Valentine’s Day on Tuesday, February 14, with a three-course, prix-fixe menu during their regular dinner hours, priced at $80 per person, plus tax and gratuity. There will also be a specialty wine pairing option priced at $40 per person. In addition, the full oyster bar menu will also be available for those who want an added course of shellfish offerings. For more information and reservations, call 305.938.3111 or visit www.thedutchmiami.com.

Quattro: On San Valentino, Tuesday, February 14, Quattro will be celebrating Cupid with specialty Tuscan a la carte offerings, in addition to their regular dinner menu. For more information and reservations, call 305.531.4833, or visit www.quattromiami.com.

Shelborne South Beach – Poolside: Shelborne South Beach will host a F*#k Valentine’s Day party complete with some provocative props. Models will adorn the venue as they pass out candy and toys and pose with guests in the “F*#k Valentine’s @ Shelborne” photo booth while a “little person” dressed as cupid “kisses” guests with Hershey’s kisses. For reservations, email vday@shelborne.com.

 Fadó: The Irish Pub is celebrating the romantic holiday with a “Tag-n-Shag” party at the Pub! Upon arrival, guests will receive a string of beads – blue for girls and pink for guys. Just before midnight, the guy or gal with the most beads will win a $100 AMEX gift card and a Stella Swag; second and third place winners will receive prizes as well. For reservations, call 786.924.0972 or visit www.fadoirishpub.com/miami.

WALL: The decadent boutique lounge inside W South Beach, will celebrate Valentine’s Day with its weekly Favela Beach party. Special guest DJs will include DJ Ruen and DJPS1. For table reservations, call 305.938.3130 or visit www.wallmiami.com.

A Valentine Extravaganza

The Miami Symphony Orchestra (MISO) invites you to share a Valentine’s Day gift of music with your special one. Music Director and Conductor Eduardo Marturet will present a bouquet of romantic melodies. One of the highlights of the evening will be the participation of violin virtuoso Ilya Kaler. For more information, visithttp://themiso.org.

By: Maryanne Salvat 

Oberle Opticians and Ocean Drive Present Maybach Eyewear 

Oberle Opticians, a South Florida institution in fine optics and designer eyewear for more than two decades, has teamed up with Ocean Drive Magazine to present the latest collection from Maybach Eyewear. The event will take place Thursday, February 9, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at Oberle’s surfside showroom, located one half block south of the Bal Harbour Shops. Cocktails and hors d’oeuvres will be provided by celebrity chef Michael Mina’s Bourbon Steak. Proceeds from the evening will benefit the Rand Eye Foundation. To reserve your spot on the guest list, visit www.oberleopticians.com/maybachevent.

Terrace at Rik Rak and Varelli Designs 

To coincide with the debut of The Terrace at Rik Rak, an al fresco dining addition to Rik Rak’s existing indoor bar, Rik Rak will host trunk show for Varelli Designs on Friday, February 10 and Saturday, February 11 from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.  This two day event will feature the perfect combination of chic and cuisine. Browse through the dazzling assortment of jewelry and step outside to the charming Terrace at Rik Rak to enjoy a complimentary glass of wine and savor light bites, while enjoying the backdrop of Brickell Avenue’s sleek skyline. For more information, visit www.rikrak.com.

Be My Valentine: A Pop-Up Burlesque

Local Fitness Expert Janette Janero is thrilled to bring South Florida an open-to-the-public session of her “back by popular demand” Burlesque Fitness class. Traditionally only available to those with gym memberships at Florida International University’s Recreation Center, the special class, titled “Be My Valentine: A Pop-Up Burlesque Fitness Event,” will benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital via attendee donations and an on-site decorating station to make Valentine’s Day cards for the children at St. Jude’s. The class will be held on Saturday, February 11, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at FIU Recreation Center’s Room RC101. RSVP by calling 305.348.2575, or email abbi@sugarbombpr.com.

Classic Soul Symphony After Hours 

On Saturday, February 11, join the New World Symphony for the Classic Soul Symphony After Hours; the Symphony After Hours is a series of chic late-night parties featuring intriguing musical performances at beautiful and unique locations around town. Enjoy complimentary libations courtesy of Grey Goose Vodka, light bites, with tunes by Ike and Valerie Wood, and wonderful company at Maxine’s Pool Lounge at the Catalina Hotel. The party is free for all Friends of New World Symphony Members. Non-Members can purchase tickets for $40 each. For membership inquiries or After Hour Tickets, please contact Nathalie Cadet-James at Nathalie.CadetJames@nws.edu<mailto:Nathalie.CadetJames@nws.edu or call 305.428.6733.

Dine with the Dolphins

“Dine with the Dolphins” at Miami Seaquarium offers couples looking for a unique yet memorable Valentine’s Day experience, the opportunity to enjoy a delicious candlelight dinner under the stars in the company of some very special dolphins. From 8:00 to 10:00 p.m., this Valentine’s Day, Miami Seaquarium invites sweethearts to take a break from the ordinary and enjoy their Valentine’s Dinner overlooking the dolphins at Dolphin Harbor. And as an added bonus to the spectacular four course dinner that will be featured, for only $398 plus tax, the unique Valentine’s Day package includes two Sea Trek Reef Encounter and Dolphin Odyssey experience certificates, plus two annual passes to the park – a value of $695. The Sea Trek and Dolphin Odyssey gift certificates are good for up to one year from the time of purchase, while the annual passes are good until December 31, 2012. Space is limited. Reservations will be taken on a first come, first serve basis. To make reservations call 305-365-2501 or for more information visit https://www.facebook.com/events/341724992517562/.

Jungle Island’s Valentine VIP Safari Tour

The search is over with Jungle Island’s Valentine VIP Safari Tour from February 11 through February 14. Embark on a behind-the-scenes tour of the Jungle that brings you closer than ever to some of the world’s most rare and fascinating animals. The Safari Tour includes one-on-one encounters with the animals in the jungle including red-ruffed lemurs, Aldabra tortoises, kangaroos, capuchin monkeys, Andean condors and even the most lethal bird on the planet, the cassowary. For the animal lover and the adventurous, this is a once-in-lifetime experience. Also a part of the Valentine VIP Safari tour is a romantic lunch overlooking Flamingo Lake that includes hearts of love salad, a gourmet entrée, strawberry shortcake or key lime pie and a glass of sparkling champagne or a refreshing soft drink. And just for the special occasion, Valentine’s VIP Safari Tour is available for just $185 per person and includes all of the above plus a special souvenir t-shirt, a discount in the Island Treasures Gift Shop and admission to Jungle Island. Space is limited and must be booked in advanced. To make a reservation, call 305.400.7222 or visit our web site for additional information www.jungleisland.com.

Alex Rodriguez with Gloria and Emilio Estefan

 Celebs including New York Yankee Alex Rodriguez, actress Minka Kelly, actor Ryan Phillippe, media mogul and former Bacardi employee of 15 years Emilio Estefan, Latin music icon Gloria Estefan, NBA Legends Alonzo Mourning and Glen Rice, R&B singer Trey Songz, GREY GOOSE Rising Icons Jake Troth and Kenny Burns, DJ Irie, Susanne Birbragher, Donald and Lisa Pliner, Roy and Lea Black, and sports personality and former Miami Dolphin Jimmy Cefalo, attended Bacardi’s 150 Year Anniversary celebration at the historic Bacardi Building in downtown Miami, on Saturday night. 

Later that night, Ryan Phillippe went to WALL to party with friend and D.C. nightclub owner Patrick Osuna.

 Tommy Davidson performed for over an hour at Ricochet on Monday night as part of Ricochet’s monthly comedy show series. One guest kept yelling out, “I love you!” towards the end of the show which led Davidson to jump off the stage and order a Bombay Sapphire Martini for the fan, in hopes of keeping her quiet for a little bit. Tommy and the crowd ended the night in stitches as he closed with his Sammy David Jr. impersonation. 

The cast and crew of Basketball Wives taped an upcoming episode at our favorite South of Fifth restaurant, Symcha’s.  

Iggy Pop was seen dining at Villa Mayfair last week. 

Anna Kournikova and boyfriend Enrique Iglesias were spotted checking out Philippe Chow Miami’s new location on Ocean Drive.  The couple shared the hotspot’s signatures including dumplings, Satays, Lettuce Wraps, Peking Duck and for dessert: ice cream and pie.

Also at Philippe Chow Miami, Scotty and Larsa Pippen joined Lea Black, Kamal Hotchandani, Antonio Misuraca and a large group in the restaurant’s private wine room.

by: Mary Jo Almeida-Shore

Seeing the Light:  Bianca the Delano

On Thursday night, the highly anticipated Italian restaurant, Bianca opened at the Delano Hotel to the delight of over a thousand guests who made their way across the eternal lobby into the restaurant and braved the limestone along the pool for the indoor/outdoor celebration.

While celebrities and VIPs dined inside the restaurant and on the terrace, partygoers enjoyed bites, libations and musical performances by Chris Botti and Little Louie Vega, (strange bedfellows indeed) out by the pool.  Vega’s dance tunes were abruptly halted by Botti’s intoxicating trumpet, which was accompanied by a gorgeous violinist who played in the pool, yes, IN the pool.  The music was captivating, especially when Botti played the theme from Cinema Paradiso, one of our favorite movies of all time.  The performance brought on a melancholy mood which was quickly interrupted by the site of a group of drunken models traipsing through the pool- there are just certain elements of this iconic hotel that will never change.  After which, Little Louie Vega took over again and was joined by Michelle Rodriguez for his second live set. Read the rest here »

by: Mary Jo Almeida-Shore

St. Regis Bal Harbour Opens

The posh St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort & Residences officially opened on Thursday, January 19, with markedly less fanfare. In lieu of a splashy party, guests enjoyed a daytime ribbon cutting ceremony and champagne-sabering, a tradition of the St. Regis brand. The ritual dates back to the time of Napoleon – tres cool.

St. Regis Global brand leader, Paul James, CEO of Starwood Vacation Ownership, Sergio Rivera and General Manager, Marco Selva were joined by notables including Bal Harbour Village Mayor, Jean Rosenfield, Christina Getty-Maercks, Susanne Birbragher, Executive Director of Tourism for Bal Harbour, Carolyn Travis, Lea Black and designers George Yabu and Glenn Pushelberg, who gathered for the unveiling of the 28th property in the St. Regis portfolio where butlers lined the grand entrance of the resort and residential property that soars above a 1,000 foot stretch of pristine shoreline as Mayor Rosenfield presented Selva with the Key to the Village. Read the rest here »