By:  Mary Jo Almeida-Shore

Sir Richard Branson’s 25 Year Old Virgin 

Sir Richard Branson, Founder of Virgin Atlantic Airways, greeted Miami from the wing of a 747 while carrying British singer, Sarah Harding, on the runway at Miami International Airport to kick off a two-day celebration of 25 years of connecting Miami and London on Wednesday June 15.  The next morning, as press and hotel guests gathered on the outside terrace of the Mondrian Hotel, facing Biscayne Bay, Branson drove a speed boat, which was chasing another boat, in a mock Miami Vice style chase.  After passing the onlookers twice, Branson picked up a megaphone, demanded that the other boat stop, then proceeded to board it and “arrest” supermodel Karolina Kurkova with gold handcuffs he purchased at the Mondrian’s vending machine. After posing for photos, the pair disembarked and jumped in the Mondrian’s pool. Read the rest here »

“The Originals!” Screening at Tobacco Road

Join Tobacco Road for a screening of Emeril Lagasse’s new show “THE ORIGINALS! “ featuring the one and only, Tobacco Road, on Thursday, June 23 at 8:00 p.m. Guests will sample Emeril’s favorite foods from Tobacco Road’s grill & smoker and the newly bottled Tobacco Road BBQs – perfected over 100 years! Drink specials and $11.99 BBQ Sampler available; Live Music by Jazz Band Big Pappa E!

Haiti Means Business at the Soho Beach House 

This Saturday, June 25 at 7:00 p.m., join Michael Jean Francois Capponi and General Consulate of Haiti in Miami, Ralph Latortue, for a private reception in honor of Michel Martelly, President of the Republic of Haiti celebrating Haiti Diaspora Day. The event will be hosted at the Soho Beach House and marks the unveiling of the “Haiti Means Business” Campaign. Minimum suggested tax-deductible donations of $500 to benefit The President’s National Education Fund (checks payable to: T.L.H.S. for the Arts & Social Justice). RSVP no later than June 24, for more information contact Bernice.fidelia@presidentmartelly.ht or call 305.900.9191. 

Irie Weekend

 
Miami’s own DJ Irie will be his hosting his 7th Annual three-day, action-packed charity weekend from June 23 through June 25. The 2011 Irie Weekend presented by SugarTime Sports will commence Thursday night with an exclusive kick-off party at Mokai, which will be transformed into the Crown Royal Black Lounge.  On Friday, June 24, is the golfing event- a celebrity golf tournament at the Melreese Country Club where Irie and New Era will make a special announcement.  That night, Irie will host a welcome concert at LIV nightclub powered by Verizon, Heineken and Premier Beverages before taking over Arkadia pool and lounge on Saturday afternoon, alongside New Era.  This year DJ Irie is pleased to announce the creation of his own charity, the Irie Foundation- which will be on the receiving end of all of the proceeds raised throughout the weekend. Ticket prices vary among the different events.  For more information, visit  irieweekend.org. 

Mayfair Hotel & Spa Offers -Romance Month 

Heat Up the Night includes: 4 Welcome Drinks; Japanese Soaking Tub set up; New Indulgence Passion Kit  – Specifically designed for the playful side of you and your partner, spark your passions with everything you’ll need to create a sexy fun-filled escapade. Gifts include: Liquid Bliss Massage Oil, Liquid Ecstasy Lubricant, Ooh La La Feather Tickler, Wire Fire Personal Massager, Premium Mints, Art D’Amour Chocolate Body Frosting, Naughty-and-Nice Passion Dice, Playful Wild Cards, Lacy Eye Mask, and The Guardians; Valet Parking ; Breakfast in Bed; and Late Check out 4:00 p.m.
Remember the Romance includes: 4 Welcome Drinks; Japanese Soaking Tub set up; New Indulgence Romance Kit – Within this keepsake box you’ll discover everything you’ll need to transform an evening or weekend getaway into a memorable adventure. Gifts include: Ooh La La Feather Tickler, Liquid Bliss Massage Oil, Premium Mints, Garden of Eden Rose Petal Sachet, Peekaboo Garter, Liquid Serenity Bubble Bath, Love Light Flameless Candle, Playful Wild Cards, and Kiss-Me-Here Body Dust; Valet Parking; Breakfast in Bed; and Late Check out 4:00 p.m. Rates from $209; To book your reservation call toll free: 1.800.433.4555 or Mayfair Hotel: 305.441.0000. 

Mayfair Hotel Hosts “Pupperoni” 

On Saturday, June 25, Mayfair Hotel hosts “Pupperoni” for people and their dogs, benefiting Spay Neuter Miami Foundation–a new organization dedicated to the prevention of unwanted pets. From 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., guests will enjoy a day filled with wine, bubbly, beer, pizza and accessories for dogs and their owners by Vanderbitch. Event costs $30 per person, to rsvp visit, RSVP@zm-pr.com.

Smokey Bones Bar & Fire Grill BURGER BATTLE

Calling all competitive eaters!  Smokey Bones Bar & Fire Grill, the restaurant and bar specializing in good food, good drinks and good times, invites everyone from novice to professional food eaters to enter its BURGER BATTLE eating contest on Wednesday, June 29, from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. Smokey Bone’s BURGER BATTLE is offering this culinary consumption competition in honor of its new build-your-own burger menu launching early June 2011. BURGER BATTLE is accepting 40 to 70 entries at each location. Applications are available at all Smokey Bones Bar & Fire Grill locations throughout the United States or via email at SmokeyBones@taraink.com.  The fee for participation is $10, with $2 of the proceeds being donated to Homes for Our Troops, a non-profit organization dedicated to building specially adapted homes for severely injured veterans. Deadline to register is Tuesday, June 28  and all eaters must be at least 18 years old to participate.

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 »