Splendor in the Garden at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden 

Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, together with Neiman Marcus Coral Gables, will host “Splendor in the Garden” on Thursday, January 26.  The afternoon will feature a reception in the Garden sponsored by Nicolas Feuillatte champagne followed by a seated luncheon and formal fashion show produced by Neiman Marcus Senior Vice President and Fashion Director, Ken Downing. In addition, Fairchild will honor a group of special women who have contributed significantly to Fairchild’s success and who have made “giving fashionable.” Those being honored are Penny Stamps, Jayne Abess, Pamela Garrison, Judy Kramer, Joyce Burns, Nancy Batchelor, Jennifer Buttrick and Brenda Nestor Castellano. All proceeds will benefit Fairchild’s numerous programs in conservation, science, children’s education and research. For ticket information and reservations please contact: sshubin@fairchildgarden.org or 305.667.1651, ext. 3375.

Roots of Hope “Youth Empowerment through Fashion & Music” 

On Saturday, January 28, at 10:00 p.m., Roots of Hope and Nicolita Swimwear partner up together to present an unforgettable night filled with music, dancing, and fashion at PAX Miami. The event will feature models wearing Nicole Di Rocco’s Nicolita Swimwear interacting with the crowd as the Latin sounds of Suenalo play on the stage. Suenalo’s music, inspired by Afro Cuban and Puerto Rican influences, and has been recognized as Best Latin Band in 2011 by Miami New Times, and Nicole’s swimwear line inspired by Cuban places and icons will give attendees an opportunity to immerse themselves in different aspects of the Cuban culture. They will also have a chance to speak with members of Roots of Hope and find out how they can get involved and help empower Cuban youth.

Gung Hay Fat Choy! Mandarin Oriental Celebrates Chinese New Year 

Mandarin Oriental, Miami has an array of celebratory offerings to honor the Chinese lunar calendar and usher in the Year of the Dragon.The Al Fresco Chinese New Year Party: on Saturday, January 28, from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m.  will include music, delicious Asian cuisine stations with open bar, a majestic dragon dance and entertainment, all set to the backdrop of Biscayne Bay and the Miami skyline. Tickets are $95 per person in advance or $110 at the door, plus tax and gratuity. There will be an art exhibition in the lobby from  January 23 through March 5 featuring the works of renowned Chinese Artist Fung Ming Chip, who specializes in Chinese calligraphy, considered in Asian culture to be one of the highest arts. The exhibition is curated by Vincent Tom and Christopher Thompson from Miami’s Crimson Gate Gallery. Additionally, Cafe Sambal will offer a celebratory a la carte menu nightly from January 23 through February 5, from 5:00 to 11:00 p.m. For dining reservations, tickets or any additional information, call 305.913.8358 or send an email to momia-restaurants@mohg.com.

Family Creativity Center at Bass Museum of Art

On Sunday, January 29, the Bass Museum of Art will introduce the Lindemann Family Creativity Center. The museum will commemorate the opening of the center with an inauguration ceremony and ribbon cutting at 12:30 p.m. followed by family activities from 12:00 to 4:00 p.m. as well as a fortune telling by artist David Rohn, also known as “The Amazing Ultran.” Regularly scheduled family day activities will also take place in the museum’s café from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. In addition, the Bass Museum of Art will introduce two new children’s programs with multiple sessions spanning February through May. The Bass Babies program for ages 2 – 4 will be held weekly on Tuesdays from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. and allow parents and their toddles to tap into their creative side while learning the basics of art. The Bass Buddies program for ages 4 – 6 will be held every other Saturday from 1:00 to 2:30 p.m. and will include specific art lessons that are paired with a fitting song. Other activities may include science experiments, slide shows, museum walks and short stories. Admission to the museum and activities are free of charge as always on IDEA@thebass family days.

Tommy Davidson at Ricochet Bar and Lounge

Impersonation guru Tommy Davidson joins the comedian line-up at Ricochet Bar & Lounge this month showing off his wit and innovative talent to the crowd. Best known as one of the original stars from In Living Color and his role in Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls, Davidson will perform live stand-up comedy at Midtown Miami’s newest culture-centric bar and lounge on Monday, January 30. Doors open at 8:00 p.m. with an anticipated, soon to be announced, opening act for Davidson. Tickets are only $25 per person, so don’t miss out on this extraordinary performance by a comedy legend. Purchase your tickets at http://ricochetlounge.com/#section8.

Sixth Annual Stars of Design Awards

On Wednesday, February 1, Design Center of the Americas (DCOTA) and Charles S. Cohen, Owner, CEO and President of Cohen Brothers Realty, will shine a spotlight on the design world’s leading professionals with the Sixth Annual Stars of Design Awards. A ceremony and reception will be held on day one of the Design Center’s two-day WinterMarket in honor of the design luminaries, at which time guests will celebrate with live music, performances, hors d’oeuvres and beverages courtesy of 42 Below, Alacrán Tequila, Mandarine Napoléon and Société Perrier. The 2012 Stars of Design Award Honorees are: Clodagh, Chad Oppenheim, Jennifer Post, Kiran Shiva Akal, Franco Pianegonda, DJ Hay, Iran Issa Khan, and Henry Richardson. This year, DCOTA will add a new facet to its Stars of Design Awards, the “Stars on the Rise” category, which will honor five designers forty years of age or younger, who have already made a significant mark in the design world. The 2012 Stars on the Rise are: Alison Antrobus, Eric Winnick, Joe Fava, A. Keith Powell and Donanne Ramos. The award ceremony begins at 5:30 p.m. with a cocktail reception following at 7:00 p.m.; to RSVP contact 954.920.7997 extension 240 or adriana@taraink.com .

National Frozen Yogurt Day

National Frozen Yogurt Day is on Monday, February 6 and Yogurtland is celebrating this day by offering FREE frozen yogurt to everyone who visits any of the 160+ locations across the country! Yogurtland will be giving away 5 oz. cups of frozen yogurt from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. in each participating location for one day only.

We fully expected to be smitten on Saturday night at the YoungArts “An Affair of the Arts” Gala, where one of our favorite actors of all-time, Robert Redford, was honored with the Arison Award.  What we didn’t expect was that we would have the honor of meeting the Sundance Kid and gushing, shamelessly, about the fact that we are lifelong, card-carrying members of the Robert Redford fan club.  The still-gorgeous-as-ever, septuagenarian actor, director, activist and founder of Sundance Institute+ Film Festival humbly listened and even indulged us in a photo- a privilege reserved to very few on that stellar evening.   

Prior to the gala, more than 800 A-list guests, including prominent artists, community leaders, philanthropists and celebrities, gathered for the performance and awards presentation at the historic Gusman Center for the Performing Arts where visual artist and 1986 YoungArts winner Doug Aitken was presented with the Alumni Award; and arts administrator Robert L. Lynch, president and CEO of Americans for the Arts, received the YoungArts Leadership Award. Read the rest here »

Dwayne Wade

By:  Mary Jo Almeida-Shore

To ease the pain of entering a new decade, Dwyane Wade’s family and friends (and by “friends” we mean sponsors such as Hublot and The Collection) celebrated the basketball star’s birthday with a weekend filled with festivities, beginning with a surprise brunch hosted at the W Hotel by his mother Jolinda and sister Tragil. The intimate gathering included Wade’s girlfriend, Gabrielle Union and featured a performance by Grammy Award-winning singer Yolanda Adams.

On Sunday night a slew of celebrities including the usual suspects, teammates Lebron James, Chris Bosh and Udonis Haslem as well as Pat Riley, DJ Irie and Usher feted Wade at the Setai’s courtyard with free-flowing Hennessy and Belvedere and special surprise performances from Kelly Rowland, T.I., Common and Rick Ross.

The evening began with a special “30 for 30” dinner at the Setai hosted by Dom Perignon, Belevedere and Hennessy, during which the vintage champagne producer presented Wade with a bottle of 1982 Dom Perignon, in honor of his birth year. After dinner, the party moved to the courtyard where Wade was greeted by over 300 friends and VIP guests. One of the biggest surprises was the all-new 2012 McLaren MP4-12C supercar, customized just for Wade, which was perched on a platform on the pool awaiting Wade’s arrival. Ken Gorin, president and CEO of The Collection had the car airlifted onto the hotel pool earlier in the day. Read the rest here »

Loren and Kate Kreiss with Tracy and Alonzo Mourning

Earlier in the week, home furnishings powerhouse, Kreiss, celebrated the arrival of its Design District showroom, with a cocktail hosted by retired NBA All-Star Alonzo Mourning and his fabulous wife, Tracy Wilson Mourning to benefit the Honey Shine Mentoring Program, founded by Tracy more than a decade ago. The event attracted more than 300 design-minded trendsetters who enjoyed eco-friendly cocktails courtesy of VeeV, hors d’oeuvres by MG Events and beats by DUTCH. 

Special guests included: photographer Iran Issa-Khan, outdoor living designer Fernando Wong, NIBA Home owner Nisi Berryman, stylist Elyze Held, philanthropist Jennifer Valoppi, Miami Beach Commissioner Michael Gongora; Barbara Becker, Kate Kreiss, Amaris Jones, Tara Solomon and Nick D’Annunzio. 

The lovely Loren Kreiss, Managing Director of Kreiss Enterprises shared the following about the stylish gathering at the 3,800-square-foot showroom, “I’m thrilled with the turnout and reception for the grand opening of our Design District location. The crowd’s palpable energy, coupled with the inspiring support for Honey Shine, made this a truly memorable occasion.”

Blo has landed in Midtown

Celebrate the hottest hairspray-fueled party of the year at Ricochet Bar & Lounge on Thursday, January 19. Blo Blow Dry Bar has opened its second Miami location (and 18th in the world!) in Midtown. A team of” bloers” will be offering signatures styles at the braid bar followed by a personalized caricature as a keepsake. While getting coifed and calibrated to insanely chic, guests will enjoy Blo-gasim’s, lite bites, raffles, prizes and more. In honor of Dress for Success, proceeds will be donated to the international non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of women located in 110 cities across 12 countries. Dress for Success depends on a team of qualified, passionate and dedicated individuals, organizations and companies, each of whom plays an indispensable role in their success. The event is from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m., to rsvp visit blomidtown@taraink.com.

Pawpurrazzi at Jungle Island 

Join Pawpurrazzi as it celebrates its fourth year as a major gala benefitting the Humane Society of Greater Miami. Held at Jungle Island on January 20, at 7:00 p.m., more than 500 people with their dogs are expected to attend, dressed to the nines. Bone-afide Chairpersons of the event, Pat and Milton Wallace, Bunny Bastian, along with Honorary Chairperson Nora Bulnes, Co-Chairwomen Marisa Cisneros-Rizzon, and Ann Rubino, are putting together a spectacular event, not to be missed, including a performance from the movie The Aristocats. The Humane Society of Greater Miami is dedicated to placing every dog and cat into a loving home, and to promoting responsible pet ownership and spay/neuter programs. More than 300 homeless dogs, cats, puppies and kittens are cared for every day in its shelter. Tickets are priced at $550, $750 and $1000 per person. For more information or to purchase tickets visit http://www.humanesocietymiami.org/.

Fairchild’s International Chocolate, Coffee and Tea Festival

Chocoholics take note! FairchildTropicalBotanic Garden’s International Chocolate Festival starts tomorrow and runs for three days—Friday, Saturday and Sunday, January 20 through 22. Now it its sixth year, it’s a chocolate lover’s must attend event and this year it’s bigger and better than ever!

For three days visitors will be immersed in the wonderful and diverse world of chocolate, coffee and tea—from chocolate treats to tree sales, delicious cups of coffee and soothing cups of tea, cooking demonstrations to fun and educational kid’s activities, and so much more.So come get a taste of chocolates, coffee, tea from around the world and join in on the celebration of that divine tropical plant, Theobroma cacao, the source of chocolate! The International Chocolate Festival is a must attend event in South Florida! The Festival it is in its sixth year with over 12,000 visitors attending last year. This year, the Festival will take place Friday, Saturday and Sunday, January 20, 21 & 22, 2011 from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, 10901 Old Cutler Road, Coral Gables, 33156. Admission is $25 adults, $18 seniors, $12 children 6-17 and free to children 5 and under and Fairchild members. Eco-discount: If you ride your bike, walk or use public transportation, receive $5 off for adults and $2 off for children. It’s Fairchild’s way of thanking you for contributing to conservation. For more information,  visit www.fairchildgarden.org.

Lunch at Philippe Chow Miami  

Celebrity hotspot Philippe Chow Miami, which reopened in South Beach to much acclaim at 36 South Ocean Drive in November 2011, has introduced a three-course lunch special available Monday through Saturday from 12:00 to 3:00 p.m. The prix fixe lunch menu, which rolled out Monday, January 16, features signature Philippe Chow favorites as well as vegetarian-friendly dishes and is available in addition to the full menu. The special three-course menu, which is available for parties of eight or fewer, offers: Appetizers including House Salad, Chicken Satay, Crispy Seaweed, Vegetable Dumplings and Chicken Lettuce Wraps; Entrees including Chicken and Broccoli, Crispy Beef, Beijing Chicken, Steamed Sea Bass with Black Bean and Garlic Sauce and a Tofu Vegetarian Plate, all served with white rice; and Dessert, including Sorbet or Ice Cream by Pastry Chef Keith Freiman, served with Coffee or Chinese Tea. The restaurant is also introducing a $29 “Power Lunch” that uses the same prix fixe menu and includes a martini, perfect for executives who wish to impress. For further information, visit www.philippechow.com.

An Evening in Vienna

On Saturday, January 21, the Miami Symphony Orchestra presents their annual New Year’s concert, ¨An Evening in Vienna¨; Waltzes, overtures and other lively dances, all conducted by the master himself, Eduardo Marturet. With his charming and energetic form, Marturet conducts the orchestra including the audience making it a unique and uplifting experience. The Swarovski Company, visiting from Austria, will present the Miami Symphony Orchestra with a one-of-a- kind handmade crystallized baton. It will be a token of appreciation given to the symphony ambassadors including, Carolina Herrera, Mark Rosenberg, Actor Andy Garcia, President Jose Maria Aznar, and Bob Abreu, among others. For tickets, visit www.arshtcenter.org.

Year of the Dagon at Hakkasan

Fontainebleau Miami Beach’s Hakkasan will celebrate the Year of the Dragon with seven days of menu specials. The celebration will include entertainment and auspicious traditions designed to help ward off evil spirits and bring happiness, wealth and longevity in the New Year, which begins officially on Monday, January 23. On Sunday, January 22 at 9:00 p.m. sharp, a colorful thrilling dragon dance, performed by local Kung Fu experts, will begin at Bleau Bar and make its way to Hakkasan. The procession will include traditional jumps and quick acrobatic maneuvers and will be accompanied by drum, gong and cymbal players. Menu specials at Hakkasan will be available Sunday, January 22 through Sunday, January 29. In addition to a special a la carte menu which includes traditional dishes such as Four Happiness Special Dim Sum Platter, Braised Abalone with Seafood in Pumpkin Lotus Bowl and Drunken Prawn Fire in Clay Pot, Hakkasan will offer a limited edition family-style menu celebrating the New Year ($128 per person). Reservations are recommended and can be made by calling 1.877.326.7412.

Paco Fonta at the Bass Museum of Art

On Sunday, January 22 at 3:00 p.m. the Bass Museum of Art will present a concert by internationally recognized flamenco guitarist, singer and composer Paco Fonta. Paco Fonta will perform a guitar recital contrasting traditional pieces with original, contemporary compositions. The purity of form and rhythm in Fonta’s playing is imbued with flamenco essence from the root. The concert is limited to 70 guests. It is free for members and $10 for non-members.

On Saturday afternoon, Robert Redford dined in Altamare’s private dining room.  He and his guests enjoyed a slew of seafood specialties, while sipping on Prosecco and Chardonnay. 

Carlos Moya has become a frequent visitor to Jeronimo’s Bar.  On several occasions last week, Moya was seen with his longtime girlfriend (with whom he has a daughter) Spanish actress Carolina Cerezuela and bar owner Jeronimo Hirschfeld.  

Jersey Shore’s Angelina Pivarnick was spotted at STK Miami Monday night, enjoying cocktails with three girlfriends at the bar. Onlookers say Pivarnick, who is currently in a legal battle over a Staten Island mall fight last November, was low key and did not interact with other guests. Separately in attendance at STK was San Antonio Spurs baller Tony Parker. Parker and seven other team mates – in town to play the Miami Heat Tuesday – enjoyed a magnum bottle of Moet Chandon champagne (the effects of which may or may not have been responsible for the Heat’s unprecedented comeback during the game). 

Across town at Chalk Ping Pong and Billiards Lounge over the weekend was Food Network star Dave Lieberman. Lieberman held court at a VIP table and enjoyed a few rounds of ping-pong, which is a little-known aphrodisiac, with a slew of female admirers. He was overheard discussing his work on a follow-up book to his recent best-seller Young and Hungry: Making the Most of Fresh and Affordable Food.  

Actress Gabrielle Union got her hands and feet all dolled up for her beau’s weekend activities at Midtown’s Nail Bar & Beauty Lounge last week. 

On Thursday night famed chef Philippe Chow and his wife were spotted dining at The Forge Restaurant | Wine Bar. They indulged in the signatures including the Lobster PB&J, Kale and Spaghetti and Snapper in a Bag, paired with glasses of wine.  

At another table, Yehuda Berg, author and co-director of the Kabbalah Center was onsite enjoying wine and small bites, while also signing copies of his book. 

On Saturday, socialite Sandra Levy dined at the Forge with Barry Gibb and a group of five, who spent some time at the Wine Bar to watch a little of the NFL playoff game then moved to their table where they enjoyed stone crab claws along with dinner and wine. 

Over the weekend, Front Management hosted a birthday bash for Christian Alexander at hotspot Vesper American Brasserie at Shelborne South Beach with a guest list of Miami’s VIPs including Bruce Weber, Romero Britto, Elsa Benitez, Ines Rivero, Anthony & Lina Shriver, Greg Lotus, Michael Stanley, Danny Santiago, Michelle Leshem, Sean Drake, Claudia Garces, Lance Parker, James Kirk, TJ Sabo, Luis Toro, John McSweeney and the many gorgeous models and staff of Front Management. and more.  The party took over the restaurant and bar, and guests noshed on the restaurant’s signature dishes.