Brunello Cucinelli Boutique Grand Opening at Bal Harbour Shops

On Thursday, March 31st, Italian cashmere guru, Mr. Brunello Cucinelli, joined hosts, Leticia & Miky Grendene and Carole & Oscar Seikaly, to celebrate the grand opening of its newest boutique located at the legendary Bal Harbour Shops.

With over 200 guests, attendees included: HIH Princess Thi-Nga of Vietnam; Tennis Star – Gabriella Sabatini; News Anchor – Belkys Nerey; and Swimwear Designer – Ariel Stein; among other Miami socialites Lin Airson, Mari Alarcon-Grimalt, Laura Buccellati, Francesca Halpyrn, Fana Holtz, Lydia Touzet and Gigi & Randy Whitman gathered in the 1,600 square foot boutique for an evening of luxury, fashion and charity. A percentage of proceeds from the evening as well as the weekend were donated to the Jackson Memorial Foundation Guardian Angels benefiting Holtz Children’s Hospital.  

While enjoying hors d’oeuvres and white wines with an Italian twist, guests were able to meet and mingle with Mr. Brunello Cucinelli during his first trip to South Florida. Collections on display included the Spring/Summer 2011 men’s and women’s apparel as well as Brunello Cucinelli accessories which were displayed throughout the store. The evening was filled with the true Italian spirit that only Mr. Brunello Cucinelli could bring to Bal Harbour.

Lara and Fati Rosenberg

By: Maryanne Salvat and Mary Jo Shore

msalvat@miamisocialholic.com

MIYO Home owners, Fati Rosenberg and Stephanie Jourdan, opened their hearts and the doors to their fabulous showroom last Thursday to host a chic event to benefit the Juvenile Bipolar Research Foundation. The MIYO Home “Chair-ity” joined forces with eight local artists, including Iran Issa-Kahn, Seth Browarnik, Hillary Scrutis, Briggs Solomon, Fernando Wong, Robert Zemnickis and Thom Filicia, each of whom decorated a MIYO Home Chair with his own unique vision, using the Juvenile Bipolar Research Foundation for inspiration.  The one-of-a kind pieces were auctioned off at Thursday’s cocktail to raise over $30,000 for the foundation.

Well-heeled guests braved the decorative rocks in MIYO’s Zen Garden to admire the creative works such as the Patton Group’s, “Miami Housewives” chair, covered top to bottom with a collage of decoupage newspaper clippings and accentuated by a rhinestone pink flamingo in the middle, signed by the RHOM “fab four:” Lea Black, Alexia Echeverria, Adriana de Moura, and of course Marysol Patton, each of whom spent a good deal of time delighting in their carefully positioned press cut-outs.  Iran Issa-Khan’s chair incorporated her famed coral formations and included a list of well-known actors and artists suffering from the debilitating disorder. Celebrity photographer Seth Browarnik’s creation was positioned on a swatch of red carpet.  How apropos!

Fati Rosenberg, a long-time supporter of the cause said, “The Juvenile Bipolar Research Foundation is very near and dear to me. It’s the first charitable organization fully committed to furthering the study of early-onset bipolar disorder. I am appreciative to have the support of the artists who’ve contributed their talent and effort to help me draw awareness and educate our community about this debilitating condition.”  Read the rest here »

Eleazar Delgado Gallery Preview

Fine artist, Eleazar Delgado, whose latest collection is inspired by Miami’s history and vibrant colors, will host a ribbon cutting ceremony and VIP preview at his Wynwood studio (2703 N.W. 2nd Avenue) on Thursday, April 7 from 6:30-9:30 p.m. during which one of his paintings worth over $6, 000 will be donated to the American Red Cross to be auctioned at an upcoming gala. Delgado’s works pay homage to Miami’s original benefactors such as Julia Tuttle, Henry Flagler and Carl Fisher using doors as his canvas to symbolize the doors these prominent figures opened. The event is open to the public but RSVP is required. Contact JennyLee@jl-pr.com for further information and to RSVP.  

WALL’s Weekend Lineup

WALL Miami and Karim Masri, Nicola Siervo, Navin Chatani and Jarred Grant present the entertainment lineup for this weekend, when the exclusive lounge inside W South Beach hosts a number of local DJ favorites. This Thursday, April 7, guest hosts Michael Capponi & Michael Martin bring you DJ Sinatra; Friday, Miami’s Mr. Mauricio will be spinning with a closing set by Triarchy; Saturday, Miss Cady’s Brazilian touch will set the vibe.  To reserve a table, email rsvp@wallmiami.com.

GBS Hosts Spring Money-Free Makeovers 

GBS in Aventura, will be honoring their annual Customer Appreciation Day on Thursday, April 7, from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Shoppers can discover new products while they enjoy complimentary hair, skin and make-up consultations from the most recognized and respected brands in the beauty industry.  Customers will be treated to a plethora of product samples and a 20 percent VIP discount on every product in the entire store. For more information call 305.931.5291.

LegalArt Residency Launch

On Thursday April 7, from 7:00 to10:00 p.m.,   join Miami’s top artists as they launch Private Eye: LegalArt Residency, the city’s only Live/Work residency. Go behind the scenes to see artist studios and bid on unique experiences with some of the city’s best known creative minds.  Located in a converted 1920’s warehouse, the Residency consists of seven artist studios plus communal living space. For tickets and details on the event visit:  www.legalartmiami.org.

Kids Eat Miami

Join Jungle Island along with Common Threads, a fundraiser that offers children in low socio-economic areas access to nutritional and cooking education, for KEM or Kids Eat Miami on Saturday, April 9 at 10:00 a.m.  KEM involves local restaurateurs and chefs who are focused on healthy eating and offer healthy fare. Tickets are $25 each and will grant visitors full access to the park and Kids Eat Miami. Tickets purchased through Leadership Miami will receive $10 off the Jungle Island adult ticket price. For more informationand to purchase tickets to this event, visit www.KidsEatMiami.com.

Family Day at Village of Merrick Park

The Village of Merrick Park invites guests to enjoy “Family Day,” an afternoon of shopping and fun for the entire family on Saturday, April 9 from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m.  The event will feature children’s activities throughout the center along with an interactive kids DJ and a scavenger hunt with prizes, celebrating the many children’s stores within the center such as Janie & Jack, Pottery Barn Kids and the recently opened Gymboree Play & Music and Pili Carrera. Another event component is a raffle benefitting the Children First Society for UM Pediatrics, a foundation dedicated to supporting the treatment and prevention of illnesses in children throughout South Florida and beyond.  Event is open to the public, for more information call 305.529.0200.

MAKI MADNESS Sushi Eating Contest at RA  

Calling all competitive eaters!  RA Sushi in South Miami invites everyone, from novice to professional food eaters, to enter its 3^rd annual MAKI MADNESS sushi-eating contest on Saturday, April 9, from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. Organized like a bracket system; this contest will take place in rounds and heats. During the first three rounds, the competitors who demolish two uncut RA Sushi signature Tootsy Maki rolls in the fastest amount of time during their heat advance to the next round. The grand prize eater will receive free sushi for a year, a $600 value, as well as bragging rights as the MAKI MADNESS champion.  2^nd place will win a $100 gift certificate, 3^rd place will receive a $50 gift certificate and 4^th place will get a $25 gift certificate.  All participants will receive a RA Sushi sweatband or t-shirt and participants who do not advance to the final four will receive Appetizer Cards for use during their next visit. MAKI MADNESS is limited to the first 40 entries. Applications are available at RA Sushi in South Miami or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/RAsushiSouthMiami.

Chef Michael Schwartz at the Biltmore Hotel

On Saturday, April 9 from noon to 2:00 p.m. at the Biltmore Hotel, Michael Schwartz, the executive chef/owner of Michael’s Genuine Food & Drink in the Miami Design District and Grand Cayman, will preside over an interactive cooking demonstration showcasing easy but elegant recipes taken from his debut cookbook, Michael’s Genuine Food: Down-to-Earth Cooking for People Who Love to Eat. Guests will enjoy Deutz Champagne while whipping up a splendid lunch at their tables led by Chef Schwartz. Immediately following the luncheon, Schwartz will sign copies of his cookbook, also available for purchase on-site. Tickets for Cellar Club Members cost $52; non-member tickets cost $65. Space is limited.  For reservations call (305) 913-3203 or go online to www.thecellarclub.com.

 Archdiocese Gala

The Archdiocese of Miami Gala, to benefit the Leadership Learning Center at St. John Bosco and the Pierre Toussaint Leadership Learning Center will take place on Saturday, April 9 at the JW Marriott Marquis (345 Ave Of The Americas). The Learning Centers offer unique after school program for at-risk kids. The gala begins with a cocktail reception and silent auction at 7 p.m. followed by dinner and dancing at 9 p.m. Table sponsorships run from $5,000 to $25,000. Individual tickets cost $400. For further information contact Martha Velasquez at mvelasquez@theadom.org or 305.762.1051.

Heart of a Chef

Heart of a Chef, the “foodalicious” festival which children and adults have come to love takes over the Miami Science Museum (3280 S. Miami Avenue) from 4:30-7:30 p.m. on Sunday, April 10. The emphasis again this year is on the prevention of childhood obesity and the promotion of a heart-healthy lifestyle. Activities will include free food tastings, wine with the wildlife (can’t wait to see how that goes), healthy substitution seminars, chef cook-offs between Whole Foods vs. Le Cordon Bleu, Miami Dade Senior High and 1500^◦ Executive Chef & Hell’s Kitchen runner up Paula DaSilva vs. 1500^◦ Sous Chef and fellow Hell’s Kitchen contestant,  Ben Walanka.  Also, Slow Food Movement, will present “What’s In Your Lunch Box.” Advance tickets cost: $25 for adults ($30 at the door); $10 for children ($12 at the door). A family package which includes two adults and two children may be purchased for $50. Kids under 5 may enter for free. Once inside all activities are free of charge.  To purchase tickets and for more information go to: www.heartofachef.org.

Sounding Off For a Cure: VABC Benefit Concert

Thursday, April 14 at 7:00 p.m., The Fillmore Miami Beach at The Jackie Gleason Theatre will host a star-studded charity event for Voices Against Brain Cancer.  The benefit will feature performances by artists whose lives have all been affected by brain cancer including The Beach Boys, Gloria Gaynor, Lou Gramm, and The Osmond Bothers. All of the evening’s performances will be accompanied by the Frost School of Music’s Henry Mancini Institute Orchestra. Additionally, performers will make a special tribute to George Harrison, Celia Cruz, Bob Marley and Nara Leão, all of whom have lost their battle to brain cancer.  Guests will enjoy cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and a live and silent auction followed by unforgettable performances. Voices Against   Brain Cancer is a non-for-profit public charity; one hundred percent of the ticket sales and auction proceeds will support innovative research and programs for brain cancer.  General Admission tickets cost $150/ $300 for VIP tickets and may be purchased online at www.voicesagainstbraincancer.org   or by calling 800.745.3000.

Frozen Treats at TCBY Coral Gables

TCBY at the University Center Shops will open its first Florida location featuring the brand’s new self-serve concept and sleek look on Thursday, April 14, in Coral Gables directly across from the University of Miami. The grand opening event will be a fun-filled evening from 4 to 8p.m. with music and entertainment, everyone will receive a free 3oz. frozen yogurt.  Hosted by owner, Florida native and UM alum, Margo Wolfe, along with Miami’s own Y-100 radio station, TCBY will introduce its revamped image. 

Taste and Toast: United Way Miami Wine and Food Festival

On Thursday April 14, join the United Way Miami Wine and Food Festival and Merrick Park Coral Gables for some of the best wines from around the world and gourmet treats from top local restaurants at this chic outdoor event.  Featured wines will be available for purchase to enjoy at home.  VIP tickets are $150 per person, $75 for general admission.  For more information, visit www.miamiwinefestival.com.

Belve Music Lounge presents Ruckus

 Belvedere Vodka played host to one of the hottest (literally and figuratively), most buzzed about experiences during Ultra Music Festival, the Belve Music Lounge at the W South Beach Hotel & Residences. Guests had the opportunity to dance, sample cocktails, take photos at the Belvedere photo booth, take a dip in the private pool, all while listening to  DJ sets including: Blaqstarr, Skrillex, Ruckus, Chuckie, Miss Nine, Dirty Vegas, Roger Sanchez, Moguai, Nervo, Sand er van Doorn, Adrian Lux, Liquid Tod and more.   Other celebrity guests included Tommy Lee, Bob Sinclar, Deadmau5, Carl Cox, Kaskade, Deadmau5, Diplo, and Richie Rich.

Celebrity Apprentice leading contender, Lil’ Jon was sighted at WALL at W South Beach, kicking-off Miami Music Week with a late night DJ set at the exclusive nightclub, which was a celeb Mecca all weekend.  Pro-football stars Miles Austin and Reggie Bush were also spotted at WALL on Friday night. Bush hung out at the same VIP table as Gossip Girl star Jessica Szohr. On Saturday night, Naomi Campbell and her fiancé dropped in for Swedish House Mafia’s Masquerade Motel after party, where guests received glow-in-the-dark RumbaTime watches upon entry.   

 Martin Short, Paul Shaffer and Eugene Levy dined together at Zuma in celebration of Short’s birthday which was on March 26. Camilla Belle was spotted at the table next to the trio. Short continued his 60th birthday celebration with Eugene Levy and Paul Shaffer at The Forge Restaurant | Wine Bar over the weekend.  The three amigos were having so much fun enjoying dinner and wine, that Short was surprised when the restaurant brought out a cake for his birthday.  The entire restaurant burst into song and sang “Happy Birthday” to the comedian. 

Zuma was tennis star central last week and weekend.  On Wednesday night, Roger Federer dined with his wife, while at another table Ana Ivanovic enjoyed the Black Cod (our favourite) with a friend. The handsome #41 ranked Feliciano Lopez from Spain was with a few friends at another table and liked the rock shrimp so much they requested 3 orders of it. On Friday night, #1 ranked tennis player Rafael Nadal dined at Zuma while Naomi Campbell and Donny Deutsch dined nearby (separately).

Eric Morillo celebrated his birthday at LIV in between DJ sets- and was treated to an oversized cake, from which a scantily dressed girl popped out. Diddy, Naomi Campbell, will.i.am and apl.de.ap were on-hand for the celebration.

At Gansevoort rooftop, Armin van Buuren, voted #1 DJ by DJ Mag, celebrated the launch of his new footwear and apparel collection, called Q by Armin. DJ Armin distributed signed shoes to guests at the party.

Federer was seen enjoying the Miami Heat vs. Houston Rockets game at the AAA.

Gibraltar Bar at Grove Isle Launches Happy Hour

Every Thursday, Gibraltar Bar at Grove Isle Hotel & Spa in Coconut Grove will be offering happy hour specials for guests who crave light bites and cocktails after the daily grind. Whether catching up with a friend or co-worker, Gibraltar Bar is setting the scene for the idyllic post-work wind-down amongst spectacular views of the bay. From 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., the happy hour will feature two-for-one champagne flutes and two-for-one well drinks, in addition to a select menu of signature small plates. Gibraltar is located at Grove Isle Hotel & Spa in Coconut Grove, Florida. Open seven days a week, Gibraltar serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. Sunday brunch is also available from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The bar opens Sunday through Thursday from 5 to 11 p.m.; and Friday and Saturday from 5 p.m. to midnight. For reservations or more information, please call 305.857.5007 or visit www.groveisle.com.

Happy Hour at the Bass Museum of Art

On Friday, April 1, from 8:00 to 10:00 p.m., the Bass Museum of Art in Miami Beach celebrates another installment of their monthly happy hour “Beats After Sunset @ the Bass.” Launched earlier this year, the successful happy hour takes place at the museum’s terrace and attracts art and music hipsters. Scheduled on the first Friday of every month, the event serves complimentary specialty cocktails generously sponsored by Herradura Tequila, Pabst Blue Ribbon beer, and Vitamin Water. Beats will be provided by DJ Yanni Difranco. This week’s “Beats After Sunset @ the Bass” will also serve as the opening reception for the museum’s latest exhibit, Come Together: Frances Trombly and Leyden Rodriguez-Casanova.  Admission to the museum is free for members, $8 for non-members.  Bass Museum of Art is located on 2100 Collins Avenue, for more information call 305.673.7530 or visit www.bassmuseum.org. 

Annual Blacks Gala

Lea and Roy Black present one of the most anticipated star-studded events of the season, The Blacks’ Annual Gala: “That’s What Friends Are For” benefiting the Juvenile Services Department of Miami-Dade through the Consequences Charity & Foundation, with performances by Dionne Warwick, Pharrell Williams, and Pitbull, (strange bedfellows) indeed, at Eden Roc Renaissance Miami Beach on Saturday, April 2, at 7:00 p.m.  The annual gala raises funds for over 7,500 at-risk youths providing funds for educational opportunities. Tickets start at $650 per person for preferred seating, and $1,250 for VIP. Tables are available in varying seat configurations, starting at $3600. Ticket purchases can be made only by phone at 305.443.8980 or by email at fairchildforconsequences@gmail.com or by going on line to www.theblacksannualgala.com.  Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. 

Miami Beach Cinematheque 

 The Miami Beach Cinematheque will host the opening of its latest art exhibit PIMPWAVES by Italian photographer, filmmaker and artist Leonardo Casali, on Wednesday, April 6, from 7 to 10:30   p.m.  Along with PIMPWAVES, Casali will also be showcasing some of his newest imagery including MOONCAP and a video projection entitled ALPHABE DREAM. Guests in attendance will enjoy light fare and drinks courtesy of Nespresso. Exhibit will be on view through May 31. An RSVP to info@mbcinema.com for opening night is necessary. MBC’s gallery hours are Monday through Friday from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and before scheduled films.

1500°Hosts Wine Maker Dinner

1500° at the Eden Roc Renaissance Miami Beach, the farm-to-table eatery is hosting their first ever wine maker dinner on Thursday, April 7 with Rolando Hererra of Mi Sueño Winery.  Organized by 1500° beverage director Julian Uribe, the dinner explores five Mi Sueno award-winning wines, each accompanied by the exquisite cuisine of talented executive chef Paula DaSilva.  A reception with passed canapés begins at 6:30 p.m., with 7:00 p.m. seating.  The four-course dinner menu with paired wines is priced at $120.00 per person, inclusive of tax and gratuity.  1500° at the Eden Roc Renaissance is located at 4525 Collins Avenue on Miami Beach.  Reservations for the Mi Sueño Wine Dinner are limited and can be made by calling 305.773.1045 or visit www.1500degreesmiami.com.

Spa for a Cause 

The Seven Seas Aveda Spa and Salon is helping South Floridians celebrate Earth Month with special promotionally priced spa services starting at $50. Guests can feel good about pampering themselves as 20% of all proceeds from eco-friendly spa treatments will be donated to Aveda supported clean water projects at home and around the world.  The spa is also aiding in efforts to raise funds and awareness for Parkinson’s Disease. Spa-goers will be rewarded with complimentary services and Aveda products with every purchase of a Seven Seas ‘beauty-to-benefit’ gift certificate package.  A portion of proceeds from sales will be donated to the National Parkinson Foundation. To kick off the month-long promotions and welcome the partnership, the Seven Seas Aveda Spa and Salon will host a Get Pampered for Parkinson’s Disease Cocktail Celebration with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres provided by Kitchen 305 and the Newport Beachside Hotel & Resort on Thursday, March 31 from 7:00 to 10:00pm. To RSVP, email rsvp@cravingssouthflorida.com.  For appointments call 305.749.2100 or visit www.sevenseasspasalon.com for more information.