Viviane and Marc de Kuyper, owners of Mandarine Napoléon

By:  Mary Jo Almeida-Shore 

Internationally renowned citrus liqueur Mandarine Napoléon hosted a private, spirited bash for its official U.S. launch at our favorite place on the planet, Soho Beach House on Tuesday, September 20.   The first spirit to combine mandarins and aged cognac, Mandarine Napoleon was created especially for Napoléon Bonaparte, and was his drink of choice, which is the reason for the party’s theme:   “The Hat is Back” in honor of the petit French ruler’s iconic, black bicorne chapeau.  This also explains the themed event’s costume de rigueur.  You guessed it- a hat!  The stylish guests complied, donning a wide variety of head attire- from feather headdresses, to Viking hats, to fedoras to co-host,  Susanne Birbragher’s mink headpiece, a throwback to the “Grand Puba” hat worn by Fred Flintstone, whom she calls “Pica Piedra (love that!).”  During the elegant dinner for 50 of Miami’s social elite, which was served amid twinkling trees on a perfect fall evening at Cecconi’s, we felt as though we were in a fairy-tale version of Iron Chef’s kitchen stadium, as each of the four courses served featured Mandarine Napoléon as a key ingredient, which was incorporated in a unique manner throughout the dishes and accompanying specialty cocktails.  Our favorite courses included the exquisite risotto with grilled shrimp and the succulent duck.  Of the seven signature cocktails, our top pick was the creamy Coco Napoleon, which was more like a delicious dessert, made with coconut milk, Martinique spiced sugar cane syrup, fresh squeezed lemon juice, mint leaves, a dash of orange bitters, and Mandarine Napoleon- of course. Hats off to Soho Beach House’s executive chef, Sergio Sigala and head bartender, Chris Hudnall!  Read the rest here »

 A South Beach Star at Books & Books

Local favorite and author James Cubby will be at Books & Books South Beach/Design Within Reach on Thursday, October 13 at 7:00 p.m. for a reading from his new novel, South Beach Star. There will also be a book signing and reception after the reading. Beverages compliments of Delaplaine Champagne. The event will be held at Design Within Reach which is adjacent to Books & Books Lincoln Road.

 Funkshion: Fashion Week Miami Beach 

Funkshion: Fashion Week Miami Beach celebrates its 8th year and 17th season from October18 through October 23. As with every year, FUNKSHION: Fashion Week Miami Beach fuses music and fashion and like no other city in the world.  MIAMI STYLE! FUNKSHION: Fashion Week Miami Beach venues include: The Setai Hotel in Miami Beach and The Moore Building in the famed Design District in Miami.   FUNKSHION: Fashion Week Miami Beach is a four day/evening long event providing an intelligent, innovative platform for progressive and established designers to showcase their collections to media, celebrities, international buyers, and select style makers. For a complete line-up and show listings visit WWW.FASHIONWEEKMIAMI.COM or WWW.FUNKSHION.COM.

Bass Museum of Art Pays Homage to Steve Jobs

The Bass Museum of Art, one of Miami Beach’s key cultural landmarks, pays homage to Steve Jobs, co-founder and former CEO of Apple, Inc., by prominently displaying Apple, a 38 X 38 inch silkscreen piece created by pop artist Andy Warhol. In light of Jobs’ recent death, the museum decided to honor the American inventor by sharing one of its contemporary works with its visitors. Warhol’s Apple is part of the artist’s famous 1985 Ads Portfolio which also includes works featuring brands such as Paramount, Chanel and Volkswagen. George Lindemann Jr., President of the Board of Directors of the Bass Museum of Art, is a fan of both men. “Apple represents the work of two creative geniuses who are no longer physically with us, yet remain very present,” adds Lindemann. Andy Warhol’s Apple is a piece of artwork from the permanent collection of the Bass Museum of Art and will be on view inside the museum’s new Chad Oppenheim designed lobby through Saturday, November 5.  

National Gay and Lesbian Task Force 15th Annual Miami Recognition Dinner

The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force is proud to present the 15th Annual Miami Recognition Dinner, sponsored by Wells Fargo, at Fontainebleau Miami Beach on Saturday, October 15. This annual fundraising event honors individuals for their outstanding contributions to the social, cultural, political and humanitarian needs of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community. This year’s honorees include local activist and attorney Georg Ketelhohn and Ben Cohen, international sports star and chairman of the Ben Cohen StandUp Foundation, the world’s first anti-bullying organization. The event will also feature a special appearance by actress Pam Grier, star of Showtime’s The L Word: Complete Series, the official stage sponsor for the evening. Tickets to the 15th annual Miami Recognition Dinner are $200 for general admission and $300 for VIP admission (which includes a private VIP cocktail reception and meet & greet prior to the dinner). For ticket information, visit www.thetaskforce.org/miami or call 305.571.1924. Become a fan of the Miami Recognition Dinner on Facebook by visiting www.facebook.com/MiamiDinner. 

Jazz Brunch at Solé on the Ocean

On Sunday, October 16, Solé on the Ocean, the boutique hotel in Sunny Isles Beach, will host a New Orleans-inspired “Jazz Brunch” to close out the 4th Annual Sunny Isles Beach Jazz Festival. Held at its beachfront lounge Alba from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., guests will enjoy traditional fare from “The Big Easy” while listening to the smooth sounds of The Frank Axtell Quartet jazz ensemble. The extensive brunch menu ($34.95 per person, excludes taxes and gratuity) will boast an array of breakfast and lunch fixings including Belgian Waffles; Biscuits with Gravy; Grits with Shrimp and Egg; Jambalaya; Creole Beef with Onions; paninis, fresh fruit and more. Unlimited Mimosas and Bloody Marys are available for an additional $10 (excluding tax and service fee). For Jazz Brunch and hotel reservations, call 786.923.9300 or email alba@soleoto.com. Valet is also available to diners at a discounted rate of $5.

ONEHOPE Pink Roll at RA Sushi

In support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, RA Sushi South Miami presents the ONEHOPE Wine and Pink Roll combination. For $15, patrons will enjoy a glass of ONEHOPE California Chardonnay and the Pink Roll:  shrimp, crab mix and combined with lettuce, avocado and cucumber wrapped in pink soy paper and served with a pink ribbon of strawberry sauce. All proceeds from the ONEHOPE Combination will benefit the National Breast Cancer Foundation® (NBCF).  This special will run from Saturday, October 1 through Monday, October 31. 

 Pink Package at Solé on the Ocean 

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Sunny Isles getaway Solé on the Ocean has created a special “Pink Package” benefitting the Susan G. Komen for the Cure® Miami/Ft. Lauderdale Affiliate. Guests who book the package during the month of October will receive a special rate on the hotel’s popular King Ocean View Room (single occupancy at $219; double occupancy at $229), a welcome pink Martini in Alba Lounge as well as a bottle of rosé Champagne and a pink M&Ms-styled amenity in-room upon arrival. Valet, resort fee, and all taxes are included in the price of the package.  A minimum of a two-night stay required; rates are based per room, per night. For more information, visit www.soleonthebeach.com.

I <3 Juernes at Cafeina

Cafeina Wynwood, is proud to present the launch of its “I <3 Juernes” party series, beginning on Thursday, October 6, at 9 p.m. The weekly happening, named after the Spanish-language fusion of “Jueves” and “Viernes”—Thursday and Friday—is devoted to celebrating the unofficial beginning of the weekend with an international twist. Guests will enjoy a variety of drink specials, DJs and live performances, each designed to fuel the festivities into the early morning hours. The initial installment will feature crossover beats by MTV Latin America’s in-house DJ sensation Mauricio Parra, who will set the tone for a night of dancing and revelry. A slew of specially priced spirits will be available. As an ode to age-old Latin machismo, groups of six or more ladies will receive a complimentary bottle of champagne. Last but not least, surprise guest musicians will take center stage in Cafeina’s outdoor garden to help patrons welcome Friday with a Miami-inspired soundtrack. For table reservations, contact info@cafeinamiami.com or call 305.438.0792.

Kids Eat Free in October at BGR Coral Gables

This October kids eat free every Wednesday at BGR The Burger Joint in Coral Gables and our favorite burger joint in town. The funky, rock n’ roll themed restaurant, known for innovative sandwiches made with top-quality ingredients, is offering a free kids meal with every purchase of a burger, fries and drink after 4 p.m. It’s a delicious dinner deal that will make both children and parents smile. Be sure to try the Wellington, which is prepared with black truffles and foie gras, or the Buffalo Blue (our personal favorite) or whatever the featured burger is. The special, which is for children under 12, consists of a soft drink, two delectable sliders or grilled cheese sandwiches and Yukon Gold fries, which can be topped with rosemary, garlic or parmesan for all those junior gourmands in training.  So aside from all this goodness, what sets BGR in the Gables apart from the zillion other burger joints in town? If you ask the kids, they will tell you it’s the state-of-the-art, $30, 000 Ferrari soda machine containing over 100 soda combinations. 

VIPink at Soho Beach 

Ocean Drive magazine and Bright Pink will host a celebration of Breast Cancer Awareness Month for the ultimate “pink” cocktail party, VIPink. The event will be held on Thursday, October 6, from 7 to 10 p.m. at Soho Beach House.  The evening will feature a silent auction composed of luxury and lifestyle goods, “Bright-tini” cocktails by GREY GOOSE® Vodka as well as, wine, champagne and a variety of delectable desserts. Ocean Drive magazine is the exclusive media partner for VIPink Miami. All proceeds from the event will benefit Bright Pink’s educational and awareness programs. For additional details or to purchase tickets, visit: vipinkmiami11.eventbrite.com. 

ISA Boutique Breast Cancer Awareness 

ISA boutique in Midtown Miami is preparing to kick off Breast Cancer Awareness Month on Thursday, October 6, from 6 to 8 p.m., with their recently debuted monthly shopping party alongside host Annie Vazquez. Portions of the proceeds from this event will benefit the Florida Breast Cancer Foundation; the boutique will also be accepting donations the entire month of October.  Enjoy on-site dry styling by Blo – Blow Dry Bar (www.blomedry.com), eco-friendly cocktails courtesy of VeeV (www.veevlife.com), VIP cards and more.

South Florida’s Signature Chefs

One of South Florida’s most popular annual food and wine charity events, the March of Dimes Signature Chefs Auction, will return for its 14th year on Thursday, October 6, featuring signature chefs from dozens of Miami’s most popular restaurants.  The event, presented by Goya Foods, will be held at The Westin Colonnade Coral Gables.  Celebrity Emcee Jackie Nespral of NBC 6 will host the evening and Dr. Deise Granado-Villar of Miami Children’s Hospital will be honored for her continuous support of the March of Dimes. VIP Tickets for the event are $250 per person, which includes admission to the exclusive VIP Champagne Reception at 6:30 p.m.  General Admission (7:30 p.m.) tickets are $150 per person.   All proceeds from the event benefit the March of Dimes.  For more event information and sponsorship opportunities, call 305.477.1192 or visit marchofdimes.com/florida.

Walk by Faith with Mike Cardoso 

On Friday, October 7, The Stage will host a fundraiser to benefit Walk by Faith with Mike Cardoso from 6 to 10 p.m. Walk by Faith with Mike Cardoso is a charity to raise funds for stem cell advancement therapy.  A $15 donation includes appetizers and discounted drinks, along with live music by Jahfe.  Guests will also get a chance to bid on silent auction items including specialized sports memorabilia.  The event will be emceed by Jason Jackson from Miami Heat TV.  For more information, or to donate to Walk by Faith with Mike Cardoso, visit:  www.supportmikecardoso.com.

George Kotsiopoulos and Swarovski on Lincoln Road

On Tuesday, October 11, from 7 to 9 p.m., Swarovski on Lincoln Road, the leading designer and producer of fashion jewelry, celebrates Fall Fashion by hosting a style event with Fashion Expert George Kotsiopoulos.  The E! Style Expert will offer insider tips and celebrity red carpet style secrets, all while showcasing the latest trends in Fall Accessories. Refreshments will be provided; special gift with purchases over $150 (while supplies last).

Meat Market Wine Dinner

After two sold-out wine dinners this summer, Meat Market, Miami Beach’s contemporary American steakhouse, announces the third and final event in the 2011 series.  Organized by sommelier Sarah Almand and acclaimed chef/co-owner Sean Brasel, the final wine dinner will take place on Wednesday, October 19 at 7 p.m.  For the dinner, hosted by the United States Sommelier Association, Almand will pair Brasel’s modern American cuisine with 90 point plus bottles from California superstar producers. The reception & four-course dinner menu and correlating wines is priced at $95 per person, excluding tax and gratuity. Reservations for the wine dinner are limited and can be made by calling 305. 532.0088.  www.meatmarketmiami.com.  

Lights Out Miami! 

On Thursday, October 20, chefs, servers and diners will be challenged to explore new approaches to fine dining in the dark, in a dynamic environment. Lights Out Miami presented by Ability Explosion – a non-profit organization committed to highlighting the capabilities of the differently-abled is breaking down barriers.  Service staff at all participating restaurants receive Orientation and Mobility Training sponsored by Miami Light House for the Blind.  This valuable component plays an important part in expanding the skills and the minds of the front line service providers while creating a fun and enlightening experience. Menus range in price from $55 – $135 depending on the restaurant and what is being offered.  Participating restaurants, tickets and information are available on line at www.AbilityExplosion.org.

Some of our favorite designs this season included Mercedes-Benz presents designer, Derek Lam; Diane von Furstenberg, DKNY, Michael Kors, Nanette Lepore, Milly by Michelle Smith, Marc Jacobs, Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein, Naeem Khan, and Carolina Herrera.

Derek Lam

Diane von Furstenberg

DKNY

Michael Kors

Nanette Lepore

Milly by Michelle Smith

Marc Jacobs

Ralph Lauren

Calvin Klein

Naeem Khan

Carolina Herrera

photo courtesy of getty images

Noche Gitana at Tapas & Tintos

On Thursday, September 29, Tapas & Tintos Midtown, the second incarnation of the famed Española Way restaurant, will launch its new party series “Noche Gitana.”  

Owners Nicolas De Justo and Fernando Jimenez have partnered with wine distributor Hidalgo Imports, LLC to offer guests a 20 percent discount on a selection of traditional Spanish wines including Arviza Rioja, PradoRey, Fedriani Lafitte and Manzanilla La Gitana. Only available for purchase by bottle, Tapas & Tintos will offer each wine at a reduced price of $8 per glass, for oenophiles who wish to sample each selection. Executive chef Fernando Andres will create an authentic Spanish food and wine experience, preparing signature tapas to pair with each wine. Throughout the night, guests will enjoy live Flamenco performances and complimentary “Rebujitos,” a typical Spanish cocktail from Andalucía made with Manzanilla La Gitana wine, citrus soda and fresh mint. For more information call 305.392.0506 or visit www.tapasytintos.com.

Who Let the Incredible Dogs Out!

Incredible Dogs are taking over Bicentennial Park! Miami is hosting the talented world champion and “celebrity” canines when DOGS debuts for the first time in the U.S. Seen around the globe, this live touring production introduces audiences to an exciting dog show under the Big Top. DOGS will impress and entertain South Florida beginning September 28. Catch the show Wednesday through Friday at 7:30 p.m.; Weekends, Saturdays at 11:00 a.m., 3:00, and 7:00 p.m. and Sundays at 1:00 and 5:00 p.m.  Tickets range from $30 to $90 and may be purchased at Bicentennial Park, or by visiting www.theincredibledogs.com. A portion of the proceeds from the show will benefit the Humane Society of Greater Miami.

EPIC at LIV Fontainebleau 

On Saturday, October 1, Overtown Music Project presents EPIC, a mash up of big band and hip-hop, at LIV Fontainebleau, from 7:00 to 10p.m. Monie Love will host the event featuring an 18 piece big band helmed by Melton Mustafa. Libations will be provided by Status Vodka. Funds raised will go to a jazz and blues residency in Overtown.

Advance tickets are $40, $50 on the day of the event and can be purchased at

www.overtownmusicproject.org. For more info, contact amy@overtownmusicproject.org.

Happy 75^th Birthday Edward Villella! 

Miami City Ballet dancers, staff, friends and supporters will gather on Saturday evening, October 1 to celebrate and honor America’s most celebrated male ballet dancer, Company Founding Artistic Director Edward Villella, at a special 75^th birthday bash at Miami City Ballet studios in Miami Beach. The evening’s festivities will feature cocktails, dinner, dancing and a pre-screening of the WNET/ PBS National television special, “Great Performances: Miami City Ballet Dances Balanchine & Tharp.”  The festivities begin promptly at 6:00pm on October 1 with a cocktail reception sponsored by Bacardi U.S.A. Guests will then take to the 225-seat intimate studio theater for a special pre-screening of WNET/PBS program “Great Performances: Miami City Ballet Dances Balanchine & Tharp.”  The program includes a trio of signature works by George Balanchine and Twyla Tharp that will showcase the company’s critically acclaimed performances of Balanchine’s Square Dance and Western Symphony and Tharp’s “The Golden Section.”Following the screening, guests will enjoy dinner, dancing and tributes from some of Edward Villella’s closest friends and dance peers.  A special montage of the most memorable and outstanding moments in Villella’s illustrious career will be shown.  Tickets are $350, which go to support the artistic efforts of the company, and are available by calling Rebecca Interian at 305.929.7000, ext. 1408 or email rebecca@miamicityballet.org. 

A Cafeina Dynasty

Channel your inner Blake or Crystal Carringtion for Cafeina owner Ivette Naranjo’s “Dynasty”-themed birthday bash on Saturday, October 1 at 9 p.m. The Wynwood lounge will be transformed into the “Cafeina Manor,” guests are encouraged to dress their best 80s glam, shoulder pads included. A few quintessential fashion accessories will be provided to help set a mood of decadence and excess. Expect copious amounts of caviar, champagne and cocktails by SVEDKA, along with music by VJ Tom LaRoc. To RSVP contact Dynasty@TaraInk.com. 

Chalk Miami Lounge Job Fair

Chalk Miami Lounge, a soon-to-open ping pong and billiards den, will host a job fair on Monday, October 3, from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at its 1234 Washington Avenue location in South Beach, formerly occupied by Washington Federal Bank. The fair, which aims to fill 50+ full- and part-time positions – ranging from bartenders, servers, hosts, ping pong fanatics, pool sharks, and more – is another sign of the slowly resurging Miami Dade economy, which ranked second in the state in job growth for August 2011 according to a report by The Miami Herald. The unemployment rate dropped more than it has in almost 20 years: from 13 percent in July to 12.2 percent in August.     

 “Chalk will be an unconventional lounge, an eclectic adult ‘rec room’ of sorts, and we are looking for creative individuals from all walks of life to help foster that experience, says managing partner Robert Chalk. “Ideal candidates will be locals with experience in the hospitality and services industry that know how to have fun.”Chalk is slated to open in October 2011. Prospective applicants who wish to get ahead of the curve are encouraged to email their resume and cover letter to info@chalkmiami.com.

Certified Pink Ribbon Pilates Program 

Pilates in the Grove along with its sister location, Pilates on the Beach, invites guests to celebrate the launch of their Certified Pink Ribbon Pilates Program on Wednesday, October 5. In honor of breast cancer awareness month, the studios have teamed up with the Rosenbaum Breast Center to benefit the Florida Breast Cancer Foundation. From 6 to 9 p.m., guests can enjoy performances by Ari Yoga, on-site dry styling by Blo – Blow Dry Bar, eye-lash demonstrations and makeup applications by Mary Kay, music by DJ Woozles Occult Sounds and raffle prizes along with complimentary cocktails by VeeV and hors d’oeuvres by The Grove Spot and Spartico. 100% of the proceeds will be donated to the Florida Breast Cancer Foundation. Ticket prices: $30 in advance, $40 at the door.  To reserve your ticket, call 305.446.6899 or email rsvp@cm-publicrelations.com. Tickets can also be purchased on Rue Miami:  www.ruelala.com/miami on Sunday, October 2.

Fontainebleau Goes Pink  

For the month of October, Fontainebleau Miami Beach is going pink! In support of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the legendary Miami Beach resort has partnered, for its third year, with the Miami/Ft. Lauderdale Chapter of the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation to help raise funds for breast cancer research and further increase awareness of the disease. To mark the occasion, Fontainebleau’s signature restaurants will offer special $39 three-course prix fixe dinner menus throughout October.  A portion of sales will be donated to Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Gotham Steak, Hakkasan and Scarpetta will feature delectable menus, including some signature dishes, for the cause. Each restaurant is offering menu wine pairings for an additional $20 or $30. The resort is also offering discounted valet parking ($12 with validation) to diners. The “Bleau Goes Pink” dinner menus are available Sunday – Thursday throughout the month of October. .  For reservations at Gotham Steak, Scarpetta, or Hakkasan, please call 877.326.7412.  For additional information on Fontainebleau Miami Beach, visit www.fontainebleau.com.

“Top Model” Tyra Banks was seen about town promoting her new book, Modelland.  The graceful beauty checked into the Mondrian South Beach and was seen having lunch at the popular Asia de Cuba. 

Internationally acclaimed artist Galeet Dardashti performed at the world premiere of Monajat at Next@19^th on Saturday, September 3.  A full house welcomed the Iranian composer and singer as she combined Persian melodies with electronic elements, accompanied by dynamic video projections designed by Dmitry Kmelnitsky.