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.

 On Thursday night, following Wayne Boich’s stellar cocktail party at his three story Murano Grande penthouse, LIV hosted a slew of celebrities as TIESTO spun at his sold out event.  Notables included: Adrien Brody, Vanessa Hudgens, and Michael Bay.  

Miami’s Zuma was a hot bed for celebrity sightings. On Friday night, Rosie O’Donnell and her fiancée Michelle were spotted enjoying the Alaskan king crab and the Yuzu Keylime Pie. Real Housewife of Atlanta, Nene Leakes and Real Housewife of Miami, Marysol Patton were also seen enjoying their evening telling jokes the entire night – the two ate together at Prime 112 the night before. Shakira was also spotted on Friday, as well as 90210’s Jessica Lowndes. Star Jones and Vivica A. Fox dined together on Sunday night.

Rosci, host of 106 & Park and Terrell Owens hosted the “Hennessy Takeover” event at Cameo wherehip hop heavyweight Rick Ross, DJ Khaled, Mike Epps, Maybach Music Group artist Stalley and FloRida were all in attendance. The Boss, Rick Ross, counted down to 2012, while the crowd toasted with glasses of Hennessy.  After the toast, Ross performed his hits “Imma Boss” and “On One”.  That night, 2012’s most expensive VIP table, costing a whopping $100,000 was purchased by a British businessman who wishes to remain anonymous.  The table was hosted by The Boss and came complete with 50 bottles of Moet Rose.

More than 1,000 guests joined Univision’s El Gordo y La Flaca co-host Lili Estefan, gathered to ring in 2012 at the fourth-annual Vitamin C Communications’ New Year’s Forever event at the historic Bath Club.

Saturday night’s sold out New Year’s Eve event at Bâoli-Vita was a fabulous way to ring in 2012.  The evening, fueled with champagne poured by “Crazy Angels” dressed in white, had a special guest performance by R&B artist Nelly.

Up and Coming artist Jake Miller, Jason Derulo, NeYo & DJ Irie performed at the Orange Drive Miami Beach Music Festival.

AtThe Forge Restaurant | Wine Bar, Chris Tucker dined with Al and Nancy Malnik, Shareef Malnik, Gabrielle Anwar and friends in the private wine cellar on New Year’s Eve.

Nikki Beach Saint Barth rang in the New Year with a performance by Wyclef Jean. 

CeeLo Green dined at Philippe Chow Miami over the weekend. He came in just before closing at 1 a.m. and Chef Philippe Chow personally cooked for him and his guests; Christopher Brian Bridges, also known as, Ludacris, was dining nearby with a large group including Marco Andretti.

Philippe Chow Miami’s signature satays were a hit at Sean “P. Diddy” Combs’ house for his private soiree on New Year’s Eve. Rihanna was seen noshing on the tasty treats.

NeYo and Jeniya Penrod

NeYo was at Nikki Beach Miami on Sunday, January 1, with his fiancée Tishawn along with a group of friends including “Cheetah Girl” Adrienne Bailon.

Our spy in L.A., fellow Miami Socialholic™ Maryanne Salvat, reports:  Maroone 5 front man Adam Levine was spotted with girlfriend, Victoria’s Secret Angel, Anne Vyalitsyna having lunch at Chateau Marmont.  Entourage’s Jerry Ferrara was seen at the JW Marriott LA, looking lean and fit after shedding 60 pounds.

Nereyda Gonzalez, Lawrence Binder, Peter Maxymych, Hadley Henriette, Marcella Novela, Mary Jo and Michael Shore, and Matthew Almeida

By:  Mary Jo Almeida-Shore

It’s like we always say:  “Wherever you go, there YOU are.” So it makes perfect sense that on the biggest party night of the year, while out-of-towners flocked to the big clubs and the hottest hotels on South Beach, many seasoned partygoers opted for more intimate private affairs rather than the high-priced, big-ticket parties (not that there’s anything wrong with those), choosing to check out hotspots like the revamped, sizzling, Shelborne; party palace, LIV; and our “home away from home” Soho Beach House on any night BUT New Year’s Eve. This is not to say that we didn’t make a pit-stop at the above on our NYE Party Patrol escapade- to bring you the inside info. But we were fortunate to ring in 2012 among two of our favorite ladies, Iran Issa-Khan and Marcella Novela, who hosted concurrent, exclusive, NYE soirees, filled with guests and surprises as special as the hostesses themselves. Regardless of how you chose to celebrate, one thing’s for sure, we hope you have a terrific year wherever and whoever you are.  It has definitely gotten off to a great start.  Here’s the lowdown on what went down.  Read the rest here »

By: Maryanne Salvat

Chalk Ping Pong and Billiards Lounge Grand Opening

Chalk Ping Pong and Billiards Lounge hosts its grand opening celebration, becoming South Beach’s first and only sanctuary to these time-honored games on Thursday, January 5. Managing partners Robert Chalk, Sayra Moto and Joseph Blount will be joined by Miami Beach Vice-Mayor Michael Gongora, who will present them with a certificate of recognition and preside over the lounge’s inaugural ribbon cutting ceremony. Local street artists Jessy Nite, George Sanchez Calderon, Pest 131, Pucho, Typoe, JillBird, and She Kills He of Primary Flight will also be on hand to unveil a custom paddle wall art installation. Along with complimentary ping-pong and billiards, guests at the event will enjoy cocktails by Absolut Vodka and Jose Cuervo Tequila, as well as music by DJs Keen One and Chris Oh of Primary Flight. The private grand opening begins at 9:00 p.m. and is by invitation only. Doors open to the public at 10:00 p.m., RSVP to RSVP@chalkmiami.com.

Inventive Art Class at the Bass Museum of Art

The Bass Museum of Art will host an Inventive Art Class on Sunday, January 8, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m., as part of its successful IDEA@thebass program. Students ages 5 to 11 will work as a team with a parent or guardian to solve a design challenge. This month’s challenge will be to teach students how to create their own flipbook and Zoetropes. Class begins promptly at 2:00 p.m. and has a series of planned activities until 4:00 p.m.  IDEA@thebass is an interactive program that was developed to promote design-thinking skills, support creativity, and personal expression. The Inventive Art Classes are held on the second Sunday of every month and feature various design challenges meant for children and their parents or guardians to complete as a team. Inventive Art Classes are limited to 30 students and advance registration is required. Admission to the classes is free for dual/family members and $10 per child for non-members.

Kreiss and Alonzo Mourning Celebrate Launch of Design District Showroom

Kreiss, the internationally acclaimed home furnishings and design powerhouse along with retired NBA All-Star and philanthropist Alonzo Mourning, will celebrate the arrival of its Design District showroom on Tuesday, January 10, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. Guests will welcome the luxury brand’s new Miami location, which will offer the company’s casual yet elegant handmade furniture, fabrics, finishes, fine linens, accessories and exclusive design services, with eco-friendly cocktails courtesy of VeeV, hors d’oeuvres and a sneak peak of three new collections. In honor of the grand opening, The Norman and Eileen Kreiss Foundation has designated the Honey Shine Mentoring Program as the event’s beneficiary. Handcrafted from natural materials, including hand-carved woods, organic patterns and textures, and earth-inspired colors and hues, Kreiss furnishings serve as a warm, inviting backdrop for those who enjoy the privileged, active and free-spirited lifestyle of the quintessential Californian. For more information or to rsvp contact Kreiss@taraink.com or call 305.864.3434 ext. 199.

Come Together and Feed South Florida

Members of the South Florida community are invited to join the fight against hunger and attend Feeding South Florida’s (formerly Daily Bread Food Bank) “Come Together” evening event on Thursday, January 12. Celebrating its 30^th anniversary, Feeding South Florida is hosting a soiree at the Margulies Collection Warehouse, which will feature food, spirits, incredible artwork, live entertainment, some of South Florida’s top chefs, and more. Proceeds/sponsorships will benefit Feeding South Florida; a not-for-profit organization that feeds South Florida’s hungry in order to improve their lives. Attendees should dress for the “Come Together” event however they feel comfortable – from jeans to tuxedos. “Come Together” event chairs are Maria R. Millares, president of the Board of Directors for Feeding South Florida; Chef Allen Susser, one of South Florida’s top chefs; and Terry Zarikian of China Grill Management and New York’s City Harvest. Current event sponsors are JM Family and Millares & Company; in-kind sponsors are The Margulies Collection at the Warehouse, VSBrooks Advertising, Panache Party Rentals, Le Basque, Bacardi, Southern Wine & Spirits, Shutter Box Photo Booth, VOSS Water and Neiman Marcus.Also participating in “Come Together” are some of the South Florida’s top restaurants including China Grill, Asia de Cuba, Egg & Dart, City Hall, Mercadito, Ortanique on the Mile, Chef Allen, D Rodriguez Cuba on Ocean, Scarpetta, The Forge, La Palme D’Or Restaurant at the Biltmore, Makoto, 1500° at Eden Roc Renaissance Miami Beach and Whisk Gourmet Food & Catering.Feeding South Florida’s mission is to feed South Florida’s hungry in order to improve their lives. It does this by distributing food and groceries through its network of not-for-profit organizations, educating the public about the issue, and engaging our community in the fight to end hunger. Event is from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m.; individual tickets are $125. To RSVP and/or for sponsorship information, contact Jessica Diaz at 954.518.1839 or Jdiaz@feedingsouthflorida.org, or visit www.feedingsouthflorida.org.

Mommy & Me Tea at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden

Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden will hold a special Mommy & Me Tea on the veranda and in the ballroom of the Jean Ellen Dupont Shehan Visitor Center on Sunday, January 15. Mothers, daughters and grandmothers will all delight in the ambiance of Afternoon Tea served at beautifully set tables, complete with fine china, by the delightful Fairchild volunteers. The menu includes scones, mini tea sandwiches, cookies and petit fours. Live music by local guitarist Rob Friedman is sure to enhance the guests’ experience. Tea service begins at 3:00 p.m. Cost per person is $27 for members, $37 for non-members and $17 for children 12 and under. For more information and reservations, please call Marnie Valent at 305.667.1651 ext. 3359.