Gerry Kelly and guests celebrate

By:  Mary Jo Almeida-Shore

Of the decades to which we wish we could time travel on a regular basis, the 1970s tops the list, specifically the halcyon days of Studio 54.  Last Saturday night, we got our birthday wish, thanks to the creative genius of nightlife guru Gerry Kelly who threw a Studio 54 Disco birthday extravaganza at Trio on the Bay, which he graciously shared with his faux, Gemini wonder twin- yours truly. All we can say is that this party was a Disco-heavenly, dance-until-you-can’t-walk, sweat-right-through-your-polyester-leopard-jumpsuit, in-traction-the-next-day, Rolling on the Floor –LITERALLY, Did-that-really-happen?-  kind of night! Truly unparalleled with regards to pure, unadulterated dancing fun!  Over 1,500 guests filled the enormous space and vast outdoor area, at Kelly’s latest nightlife venture, to delight in outrageous performances and an ambience that can only be created by a master of nightlife, such as Kelly, whose nightlife resume includes seven years in Ibiza managing Pacha and fifteen years on South Beach overseeing legendary clubs such as Bash, Read the rest here »

Katy Perry

The Miami Dolphins Foundation hosted FinsWeekend last weekend and raised more than $600,000 for the Miami Dolphins Foundation, whose mission is devoted to providing and supporting signature education, health, youth athletic programs and volunteer activities that inspire and engage communities throughout Florida.  NFL Hall of Famer and Miami Dolphins legend Dan Marino was among the special guests throughout the weekend.  The winning golf team was comprised of Dolphins quarterback Chad Henne, Tony Segreto, Jack Paltani and Mike Mominey, who edged out the team from Doctor’s Hospital Center which was comprised of Dolphins wide receiver Roberto Wallace, Bob Gilardi, Greg Minerva and Roberta Stokes. Former Dolphins wide receiver Nat Moore’s team finished third.  Moore was joined on the course by Mitch Hoffman, Denis LaPolice and Chris LaPolice.

Dolphins’ fullback Lousaka Polite was named the winner of the 2010 Nat Moore Community Service Award at the awards dinner that evening. Polite received the trophy from Head Coach Tony Sparano and is the first back to back winner of the prestigious community service award since former linebacker and current Dolphins pass rush coach Bryan Cox took home this honor in 1994 and 1995.

Newlyweds, Russell Brand and Katy Perry had dinner with friends Sunday night at Prime One Twelve, in celebration of Perry’s concert the night before. 

Actress Vivica Fox, and E! News’ Giuliana Rancic hosted Sunday’s Catwalk for Charity, a fashion show fundraiser at The JW Marriott Hotel Miami.

Christian Slater was seen at Prime Italian over the weekend

Bal Harbour Welcomes MISTER COLLINS

Bal Harbour welcomes a new American classic to the neighborhood! MISTER COLLINS will make its debut at ONE Bal Harbour Resort & Spa for both locals and international jetsetters alike on Thursday, June 16. MISTER COLLINS offers flavorful, home-style American cuisine with a focus on fresh, local, high-quality ingredients and exceptional execution. The menu is peppered with bold favorite: a well-seasoned Prime New York Strip, sous vide Pop’s Pork Chop, Mac and Cheese, True Maryland Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes, and a fruit-forward Ahi Tuna Salad. Every aspect of the meal is hand-crafted on-site from scratch, from the dressings and ketchup, right down to the chocolate ice cream that sits atop the decadent 99% Peanut Butter Pie. For more information, visit www.ONELuxuryHotels.com or call 305.455.5460.

RA Sushi Honors International Sushi Day  

On June 18, RA Sushi in South Miami is celebrating International Sushi Day, an informal holiday created to encourage sushi lovers around the world to eat more sushi. In honor of this special day, anyone who “likes” RA Sushi in South Miami on Facebook can print a special offer good for one complimentary Tootsy Maki.To make this holiday even more official, RA Sushi has declared June 18 as International Sushi Day in the 2011 Chase’s Calendar of Events, the most comprehensive and authoritative reference book available on special events, worldwide holidays, civic observations, and more. The complimentary Tootsy Maki certificate must be printed and redeemed between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. on Saturday, June 18, International Sushi Day. It is valid at RA Sushi in South Miami. 

Father’s Day 2011 Restaurant Round Up!

Il Corso Trattoria will offer a special a la carte brunch with an array of Italian favorites.  Start with their gamberoni al limone: sautéed jumbo shrimp with lemon butter sauce and sautéed shallots; or their antipasto di la casa: salame, sopressata, coppa, gorgonzola dolce, ciligiene, taleggio, marinated baby tomatoes and baby arugula; or opt for a soup, salad or pizza.  Entrees include risottos such as bistecca alla griglia e risotto: grilled flat iron steak with creamy herb risotto; or frutti di mare e risotto: sautéed shrimp, mussels with spicy tomato marinara, herb risotto, an array of Chef LeRoy’s signature pasta dishes along with several meat, fish or chicken entrees to choose from.  For more information, call 305.603.7137.

Maya Tapas & Grill is giving dad a complimentary steak for lunch or dinner at both locations on Miami Beach.  This family-run restaurant gives fathers the option of choosing either their signature NY Strip or Skirt Steak.  Fathers must be accompanied by their entire family.For more information, visit www.mayatapasandgrill.com.

POC American Fusion Buffet & Sushi: From 11:30a.m. until 10p.m., dad can enjoy the ultimate feast POC style with more than 120 items on display for just $28.99 per person.  Father’s Day specials include lobster, baked Scottish salmon, roasted rack of lamb, kanisu rolls, lobster rolls, baby tuna sashimi and Korean BBQ short ribs. For more information, visit www.pocbuffet.com.

The National Hotel Miami Beach will treat Dad to a hand-rolled stogie, all-he-can-drink beer bar (Dads only!) and specialty grill station. Also featuring a traditional brunch menu for $39 per adult and $19.50 per child (add $10 for unlimited Mimosas and Bloody Marys; $10 for Dad’s beer bar), National Hotel’s Father’s Day celebration will satisfy all of Dad’s temptations. For reservations, call 305.532.2311.

Drinks of the Grove at the Burgundy Room

Next Tuesday night, June 21, at 7p.m., The Burgundy Room will host the first annual The Drinks Of The Grove.  Mixologists (bartenders) from local Coconut Grove bars and restaurants will compete for the best summer cocktail.   This is open to the public and drinks are only $25 for 10 drink tickets, so bring a friend.  Winner will be determined by the mixologist with the most drink tickets. The competition will be followed with Karaoke with a live band playing behind the brave singers!  For more information call 305.846.9315 .

Patricia Arquette

By:  Mary Jo Almeida-Shore

2011 Eco-Lifestyle Gala  

South Florida Green Drinks’ 2^nd Annual Eco-Lifestyle Gala, paid tribute to environmentally-minded actress, Patricia Arquette, at the picturesque five-star Boca Raton Resort & Club a couple of weeks ago. Guests enjoyed organic cocktails and delicious hors d’oeuvres poolside overlooking the scenic Intracoastal while marveling at a gorgeous sunset.  After the cocktail and silent auction, witty rising-star NYC comedian Jessica Kirson took stage inside the resort, to entertain the hip, eco-conscious crowd of 500, several of whom ventured all the way to Boca from South Miami. 

Marci Zaroff and Yalmaz Siddiqui, co-founders of South Florida Green Drinks, served as the gala’s emcees and welcomed the evening’s honorary host, Patricia Arquette, who gave a heartfelt presentation on the dire conditions in Haiti, following the devastating earthquake that hit the poverty stricken country in 2010. Read the rest here »

Feel the Heat at Cafeina

Cafeina is feeling the Heat this Thursday as Game 5 the NBA finals is broadcasted live on the garden wall. Guests will enjoy $3 selected beers including Modelo Especial, Amstel Light, Heineken and Corona, $4 Heat Slammer Shooters, and $4 tequila shots all night. Food specials include ½ dozen chicken wings ($6) or one dozen chicken wings ($10). 80s and 90s cover artist Alvy Perdomo will keep patrons grooving all night. Reserve prime seating by calling 305.438.0792 or info@cafeinamiami.com.

Fins Weekend 

The Miami Dolphins Foundation will host “Fins Weekend” on June 9-11, the organization’s signature fund-raising event featuring current players, alumni, cheerleaders.  The festivities begin on Thursday, June 9, with the Celebrity Draw Party at Fairmont Turnberry Isle (19999 West Country Club Drive). The party will include cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and interactive games. On Friday, June 10, Dolphin players and alumni hit the green at Fairmont Turnberry Isle’s award-winning golf course for the FinsWeekend Golf Tournament followed by a luncheon presented by Doctors Hospital Center for Orthopedics and Sports Medicine to announce the winners.  Later that evening, the popular Hook & Tackle Captain’s Party will take place at the Miami Beach Marina. The following morning, on Saturday, June 11, amateur and professional anglers will meet at the Miami Beach Marina for the Miami Dolphins Foundation Fishing Tournament presented by eDiets.com, followed by “Hooters Weigh-in” and the Scott Financial/HMY Awards Ceremony to find out who walked away with the biggest catch and bid on fabulous live auction items. This years’ grand prize is a trip for four on the team charter to a regular season Miami Dolphins away game. For more information about the weekend, please call the Community Relations department at (305) 943-7200 or visit www.finsweekend.com. 

The First Annual Catwalk for Charity 

The First Annual Catwalk for Charity will be hosted by E!’s, Giuliana Rancic, and Vivica A. Fox, on Sunday, June 12 at 12 p.m at the JW Marriott in Brickell.  Catwalk for Charity will benefit the children of Little Haiti and assist in establishing a boarding school within Haiti. Featured designers include local favorite Gabriella Arango, and exotic skins handbag designer, Francoise Elizee. For more information on this event, visit, www.breakfastwithsantafl.org or call 305.310.7557. 

Fashion Fun for Sylvester 

The Miami Style will present a fashion show by JB Couture by Judith Barnes at the Double Tree Hotel’s Grand Ballroom (1717 North Bayshore Drive) on June 12, from 5 -10 p.m. to help raise awareness and funds for the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center.  Guests can enjoy a special performance, wine and  hors d’ oeuvres. The cost for entry is $50/ $75 per couple and proceeds will be donated to cancer research. To RSVP, email katherine@blinkpr.com. 

Summer Brunch at Essensia  

Essensia is unveiling a new Sunday brunch a la carte menu, to be offered alongside their extensive breakfast buffet. Available every Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., brunch features a selection of wholesome, seasonal, and natural gourmet brunch favorites, smoothies and natural cocktails in a leisurely and relaxed ambiance ideal for families and larger parties. The breakfast buffet costs $24 per person and $12 (per child 12 yrs & under). A la carte Sunday brunch menu prices range from $6 to $18. Valet parking is discounted to $9 for brunch patrons.  For reservations call 305.908.5458 or visit www.essensiarestaurant.com.  Indoor and outdoor seating is available. 

Mayfair Hotel Craft Beer Tasting

Mayfair Hotel in Coconut Grove leads the trend launching Craft Beer Tastings, offering a sampling of over 40 craft beers from favorite local microbreweries plus bites from local eatery, Trattoria Spartico, at just $20 per person. A certified Cicerone, a sommelier of brewskies, who has been a craft beer enthusiast for 10 years, will be conducting tastings every third Wednesday of the month, beginning on June 15. Fresh Beer, an innovative company who supplies beer straight from the brewery to achieve ultimate perfection, will be rotating selections from a vast array of microbrews. Limited seating; reservation required 305.779.5100.

Grand Opening of Il Corso Trattoria

Il Corso Trattoria owners Geovanna  Accetta and Yamil Yordi have teamed up with nationally renowned chef, LeRoy Bautista, formerly of Angelique Euro Café, to bring bona fide Italian cuisine to Coral Gables. Taking place on Thursday, June 16, the grand opening celebration begins with a ribbon cutting ceremony at 6 p.m. with Mayor Jim Cason.  Guests are invited to enjoy complimentary wine, domestic draft beer, Wodka Vodka cocktails and antipasti along with live music until 10 p.m. RSVP to ilcorso@cm-publicrelations.com or call 305.603.7137.  

Play Dominoes with the Amigos 

Amigos for Kids celebrates its 20th anniversary this year at the highly-anticipated annual fundraiser, the ING Miami Celebrity Domino Night on Saturday, June 18 at 8 p.m. at Jungle Island.  Expect a buzzing domino club, live entertainment, dinner-by-the-bite by Miami’s most prominent chefs and restaurants, open bar courtesy of Bacardi U.S.A., live entertainment by Albita and a stellar silent auction featuring Cuban art, sports memorabilia and much more.  One more thing:  be sure to wear comfortable shoes- the dancing goes all night at this party!  Tickets cost $150 in advance and $175 at the door. Domino tables for four are priced at $1,000 each. Proceeds from tickets and domino tables will benefit Amigos For Kids™. For more information, or to purchase tickets, call Amigos For Kids™ at 305-279-1155 or visit www.amigosforkids.org.  

Schools Out, Spa Summer  

To thank educators for their contributions to the community, the Seven Seas Aveda Spa and Salon is hosting a summer-long, teacher appreciation promotion from June 10 to August 21.  Select luxury spa treatments will be offered at the discounted rate of $20.11 to celebrate the end of the 2010-2011 academic year.  Guests will also receive complimentary steam, glass of champagne, beach deck access, and free valet parking. For more information call 305.749.2100.

Miami Heat Coach, Eric Spoelstra was spotted enjoying a salad at Hillstone Coral Gables on Saturday night.

Pharrell dined at Zuma on Saturday night and enjoyed the rock shrimp and beef tenderloin.

On Monday night, fashion designer Naeem Khan – whose designs are a favorite among Michelle Obama, Eva Longoria and Carrie Underwood, was seen at Zuma, dining with a group of friends.

Last Wednesday, Chad Ochocinco, Cincinnati Bengals all-pro wide receiver and fiancé of Vh1’s spicy cast member Evelyn Lozada was spotted at Equinox South Beach.