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.

The late 90s den for champagne and scene, Pearl Restaurant & Champagne Lounge, is back, in all of its stark white and orange glory. The original, a favorite of celebrities including Jennifer Lopez, Matt Damon, Paris Hilton, Janet Jackson and Sting returns thanks to owners, Jack and Lucia Penrod, who have hired renowned Chef Sylvain Noel to create a new exquisite menu of world cuisine served with an aesthetic flair, which is complimented by an extensive cocktail, wine and champagne menu.

Frequenters of the old Pearl will feel right at home in the 8,000 square foot space which still boasts the familiar yet chic all white décor with orange accents; Read the rest here »

First Annual Art Deco Jazz Week at The Betsy-South Beach

In conjunction with the Miami Design Preservation League’s annual Art Deco Weekend festivities, which this year, celebrates its 35^th year, The Betsy-South Beach, located on historic Ocean Drive, will celebrate with the First Annual Art Deco Jazz Week from Wednesday, January 11 through Sunday, January 15.  Art Deco Weekend, the largest and longest running festival on Miami Beach, closes Ocean Drive to traffic from Friday, January 13 – Sunday, January 15. In addition to musical performances, the weekend highlights include the Annual ADW parade, classic car show, lecture series, film series, antique vendors, guided tours, Art Deco and MiMo furniture exhibit, and more. The Betsy-South Beach, which presents a year-round calendar of arts, cultural and philanthropic events will enhance its regular Wednesday and Thursday night performance series with a number of additional acts in honor of the festival, featuring a line-up of notable performers. For more information call 305.760.8288 or visit online www.thebetsyhotel.com.

Meals on Wheels 

Join Apollo Bank this Thursday, January 12, from 11:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. for some of Miami’s best gourmet restaurants on wheels! Come enjoy munching on delicious food from Miami’s most popular food trucks, like Dim Ssam A GoGo, Latin House Grill, Jefe’s Original Fish Taco & Burger, Grill Master Cafe and Sugar Rush, and mingle with Brickell’s business and residential crowd. Apollo Bank is located at 1150 South Miami Avenue.

Before They Were Famous: Behind the Lens of William John Kennedy 

At the age of 81, fine art photographer William John Kennedy began an unprecedented journey and meteoric rise to fame. His recently published archive of negatives from 1963 and 1964, when he befriended and photographed rising stars Andy Warhol and Robert Indiana, was quietly introduced to the public by publisher KIWI Arts Group as a collection of silver gelatin prints at a pop-up gallery in Miami Beach last December. After six stops in major international cities and at SCOPE Miami during Art Basel Miami Beach, the collection finds a new temporary home aboard SeaFair during Miami International Art Fair (January 12 – 16, Booth #312), a five day extravaganza of art and culture situated along the waterfront near Bayfront Park. The curated, museum-style exhibition dubbed “Before They Were Famous: Behind the Lens of William John Kennedy” introduces the pivotal moments and players who shaped the course of American art in the second half of the 20^th century. From Kennedy’s images of the groundbreaking exhibit Americans 1963 at New York’s Museum of Modern Art, curated by the esteemed Dorothy Miller, to the artists with their iconic works—plus never-before-heard 1960s audio conversations between Warhol and artist Ultra Violet—the overall multimedia experience will transport visitors through an important piece of art history. Miami International Art Fair: Preview and KIWI Arts Group Champagne Reception on Thursday, January 12 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. (VIP, Press); Fair Hours are Friday, January 13 to Sunday, January 15 from noon to 10:00 p.m. and Monday, January 16 from noon to 7:00 p.m.; www.mia-artfair.com for tickets and fair information or call  305.200.3047 | www.kiwiartsgroup.com .

American Fine Wine Competition

The Fifth Annual American Fine Wine Competition is an extraordinary event that celebrates the finest wines produced in the United States. Presented by Patriot National Insurance Group (PNIG) and Patriot (PATNAT), the event itself is comprised of several events, culminating in a Gala celebration taking place on Thursday, April 19, 2012 at the Boca Raton Resort Club & Spa in Mizner Center. The Gala Dinner will feature all the wines entered into the Competition served along with a four-course dinner and live entertainment. Legendary chef Emeril Lagasse will make a special appearance on stage, during which he will prepare the evening’s main course during a live cooking demonstration. Tickets for the Gala Dinner are $300 per person. Prior to the Gala Dinner and other unique events hosted by the AFWC, an invitation-only VIP Reception, will take place this Thursday, January 12, at the Boca Raton Resort & Club. Telephone: 561.504.VINE; www.americanfinewinecompetition.com.

Robert Redford Honored at YoungArts Gala 

On January 14, YoungArts will honor actor Robert Redford with the Arison Award at “An Affair of the Arts” performance and gala at the Gusman Center for the Performing Arts starting  at 6:15 p.m. The gala evening kicks off with a street performance outside the historic Gusman Center in Downtown Miami. Attendees will then make their way into the theater for an interdisciplinary performance by YoungArts alumni from around the nation, this year featuring Marcus Canty, 2009 YoungArts Finalist in Voice in his first live performance since the X Factor, and a special awards ceremony honoring special guests Robert Redford, Doug Aitken and Robert L. Lynch. After that, it’s off to the J.W. Marriott Marquis for dinner, dancing and special presentations by YoungArts alumni. Grey Goose will keep guest hydrated through it all. Tickets for performance and awards ceremony are $20 ($10 for students with valid ID).  Tickets for the gala begin at $650, tables begin at $6,500, and corporate sponsorships are available. For more information, e-mail gala@youngarts.org.

 Educate Tomorrow “I Love the 80s” 

If you love the 80s, then head to the “I Love the 80s” Gala on January 14 to benefit Educate Tomorrow, a non-profit organization whose mission is to create independence for disadvantaged and foster youth through education, mentoring, and life skills training. The festivities will take place at a luxurious private bay front estate (17575 Old Cutler Road) and feature cocktails from Grey Goose and Bacardi, 80s tunes, and a silent auction.  So throw on your favorite 80s garb and big hair and brush up on your Rubik’s Cube skills. Regular tickets cost $150; VIP tickets are $250. All of the proceeds from ticket sales, auction items and sponsorships will directly benefit Educate Tomorrow. For more information, visit www.EducateTomorrow.org or call 305.374.3751. 

Be a Voice, Build a Dream Gala

Voices For Children Foundation, the fundraising arm of the 11^th Judicial Circuit Guardian ad Litem Program, is proud to announce that the 2012 “Be a Voice, Build a Dream Gala,” will be held on Saturday, January 14, at Mandarin Oriental, Miami. The magical evening will begin at 7:00 p.m. with cocktails, Padron Cigars and a silent auction. Following the cocktail hour, guests will be invited into the main ballroom for an evening of dinner and dancing, along with entertainment and a live auction led by BIG 105.9 Radio’s Paul Castronovo and Co-Chair Jeff Berkowitz. This year’s event will honor Paul & Swanee Dimare, influential leaders and inspiring philanthropists of the South Florida community, with the 2012 Humanitarian Award. South Florida’s own CBS Channel 4 News Anchor, Shannon Hori, will serve as the evening’s Mistress of Ceremony. Individual tickets for the Gala are $500 and $1,000 for premier seating. To learn more about underwriting opportunities and sponsorships, or to purchase a table and/or tickets to this exclusive event, call 305.324.5678 or email TRodriguez@voices4.org.

Wings Down Under: A Parrot Feeding Adventure

Zoo Miami is proud to present its latest interactive exhibit – Wings Down Under: A Parrot Feeding Adventure – at its Australian lobe. This free-flight, 1,656-square-foot aviary houses over 300 brightly colored birds including – cockatiels, parakeets, and rosellas, all parrots native to Australia. Upon arrival, guests will be surrounded by the sounds of the birds chirping and singing in the aviary’s peaceful environment encircled with a lush landscape inspired by the Australian Outback. For $3, guests can purchase a seed snack to feed the birds. The friendly birds will fly and perch on visitors’ arms or hands (and sometimes heads) in order to nibble on the treats. In addition to being a fun exhibit, Wings Down Under: A Parrot Feeding Adventure, is a learning experience. Zoo staff is available at the site to answer any questions and educate the public about the birds’ habitat and behaviors, as well as issues, concerns and challenges facing birds in the wild. The exhibit is open daily from noon to 4:30 pm. Sponsorship opportunities are available. For more information visit www.zoomiami.org.

Neiman Marcus Bal Harbour played host to an exclusive, invitation-only, luncheon in honor of Miami City Ballet and its dancers on Thursday, November 17^th . The event began with an intimate cocktail reception as guests mingled amongst the beautiful couture on the 2^nd floor of the store. Guests enjoyed a delicious gourmet lunch as they viewed a stunning fashion presentation highlighting the latest Fall and Holiday 2011 collections from various designers that can be found at Neiman Marcus. Miami City Ballet supporters including Francinelee Hand, Bobi Eroncig, Darla Karlton, Dr. Amy Buchman and Lynne Steinfurth took part in a behind the scenes Q & A discussion hosted byPlum TV personality Gerard Bush and three of the Miami City Ballet’s dancers: Principal Dancer Tricia Albertson, Principal Soloist Didier Bramaz and Corps Dancer Adrienne Carter. The dancers shared secrets about their careers at the Miami City Ballet. They gave an exciting account of their experiences this past July when the company made its debut in Paris, France at the famed 2500 seat Théâtre du Châtelet, performing to standing ovations and sold-out houses. Miami City Ballet’s next presentation is their spectacular holiday production of George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker™ December 15-18 at the Adrienne Arsht Center, Ziff Ballet Opera House in Miami and December 21-24 at the Broward Center, Au-Rene Theater in Fort Lauderdale. Tickets range in price from $20 to $68 and are available by calling the Miami City Ballet Box Office at (305) 929-7010, toll-free (877) 929-7010 or visit www.miamicityballet.org. Group Discounts (10 or more) are available by calling (305) 929-7001 or toll-free (877) 929-7001. You can join Miami City Ballet on Facebook, follow the Company on Twitter or subscribe to the MCB Blog.