Gingi Beltran and Alicia Cervera at Wolfsonian Quince
By: Mary Jo Almeida-Shore
Wolfsonian Quinces
Nothing marks a coming of age like a good old fashioned Cuban Quinces. On Friday, November 12, the Wolfsonian Visionaries celebrated the museum’s milestone with a fantastic Quinceañera-themed party at the Fontainebleau- the most glamorous and fun Quinces we’ve ever attended, and by all accounts, one of the best parties of the year. From top to bottom, the elegant event was sensational, featuring gorgeous décor; an A-list crowd, who dressed to the nines for the occasion; fantastic food and “put on your red shoes and dance!” music by Grammy-nominated Conjunto Progreso led by Johnny Aguiló, who performed one of a kind traditional Cuban Son music and DJ Jody McDonald, a twenty year veteran of the turntables, who played all of our Old School favorites: (think roller skating circa 1980- in fact several guests “pretend skated” on the dance floor.) The chic crowd of 320 all but ignored the decadent dessert bar-as the music was too good to fully enjoy sitting down and broke curfew by dancing way past any respectable hour of guests typically found at Quinceañera celebrations. Read the rest here »
Angela Simmons, 23 year-old daughter of Hip Hop legend Rev Run/Joseph Simmons, dined at the new beachfront restaurant De Rodriguez Ocean last Wednesday night. The socialite, shoe designer and star of Run’s House had the seafood-centric restaurant prepare her a special vegetarian pasta dish.
LeBron James, along with fellow basketball pro Jerry Stackhouse, made their way to STK Miami. James requested his favorite table in the main dining room.
Favorite Latin duo Hansel and Raul hit the stage this weekend for the
Vegas-themed 50th birthday bash of Manny Gonzalez; surprising guests with an impromptu concert. Guests were treated to favorite hits “No Hay Cama Pa’ Tanta Gente” and “Maria Elena.”
Miami and Bal Harbour luminaries, Fana and Abel Holtz, Nancy and Jon Batchelor, Leila Chang-Ripich, Chip Brady, Bunny Bastian, Kirk Landon and Pam Garrison, Alan and Vivian Dimond, Sheila and Bill Steiner, Fran Fields and Sam Gordon, Dr. Shulamit and Chaim Katzman, Bob and Sookey Schwartz, Cindy Carr, Rosy Cancela and Max Berney, and Mari Alarcon Grimalt recently attended a gorgeous private dinner party for the Jackson Memorial Golden Angels. The event was sponsored by Florida Dental Benefits, Incorporated.
By: Maryanne Salvat
Let’s Get Funky Buddha
On Thursday, November 18, Nick Noyes a one-man-band phenomenon takes the Bamboo Stage at the Funky Buddha at 9 p.m. While rooted in acoustic folk he crosses genres and back again from funk, reggae and jam to dance and soul. The following night, Nov 19, Fusik and Brotherly Love Productions host the first 1vs1 B-Boy Battle at the same venue. The top break-dancers in South Florida will be getting together to battle over a $200 cash prize. Fusik has performed at similar events around the world including shows in Los Angeles, France, Spain and Italy and wants to bring that international vibe to South Florida. As always the BLP team holds down their Sunday Night Cookout at Hurricane Bar – this week’s featured artist is Aquaphonics, a uniquely funky electro-soul indie band . Free BBQ from 6 to 8 p.m. with music at 8:30.
Belle Coeur by Jamie Jo Harris
Jackie Abraham Fine and Estate Jewelry will host the official Miami launch party for jewelry line Belle Coeur by Jamie Jo Harris on Thursday, November 18, from 7 to 9 p.m. On the heels of two successful launch events at Blue & Cream in East Hampton and Fred Segal Santa Monica – where notable attendees included legendary pop icon Paula Abdul, among others – the luxury retailer will celebrate the Miami debut of the hit songwriter’s rocker-chic collection with an intimate reception and viewing. Guests will enjoy complimentary Solerno Blood Orange Liqueur cocktails and Belle Coeur branded bite-size sweets from 2 Girls and a Cupcake while perusing the line’s debut collection and mingling with designer Jamie Jo and her collaborator, celebrity jeweler Rosalina Lydster of Jewelry by Rosalina. To RSVP go to bellecoeur@taraink.com. Jackie Abraham Fine and Estate Jewelry, 1027 Kane Concourse, Bay Harbor Islands.
Art Industry Thursdays
Cafeina and WEC jazz up Art Industry Thursdays this week with a live performance by Angela Laino. The soulful singer will take center stage at 10:30 p.m. in the Wynwood den’s 5,000-square-foot garden, while DJ NuE-DiTTy spins inside the lounge. Art Industry specials this week include $3 Blue Moon beers and a special “Member’s Only” menu for all WEC Perks Card holders (speak softly when requesting it). The party starts at 8 p.m. RSVP to cafeina@taraink.com with your artistic affiliation to register your WEC Perks Card.
EH Team! Friday
Anthony Spinello, Qpony, and Cafeina will be hosting the November version of EH TEAM! Friday. Drink specials will be offered in honor of Spinello’s birthday bash with complimentary libations provided by Canadian Mist Black Diamond Whiskey from 9 to 10 p.m. ESS and EMM, along with Maxwell Blanford, will provide the exquisite sounds. Complimentary naturalization and disco-ization cards will be provided to “non- Canadians” in relation to the bill SB 1070. EhTeam naturalization cards will be taken at the venue; guests will receive complimentary cocktail specials with the card and reduced entry to upcoming special events.
Rock the House at Kitchen 305
On Friday, November 19, from 7 to 9 p.m., join Kitchen 305 as it opens its doors for a night of live rock and roll entertainment, a special dance performance and celebrity guests to help raise money for young cancer patients. The Rock the House: Party Like a Rock Star charity event will be hosted by Interscope Record’s Rev Theory lead singer, Rich Luzzi, and Miss Maxim USA, Tami Donaldson, with a special performance by Detour, Los Angeles’ newest and most energetic performance show. In addition, DJ Mike Palmieri, who has quickly gained notoriety in Los Angeles and Miami nightlife scenes, and veteran drummer Tye Mohawk will play together in an energetic live music show accompanied by rock star dancers, bottle service and drink promotions and an all-you-can-eat stone crab dinner special. Guests will enjoy surprise rock star VIP appearances throughout the evening and the chance to win an authentic Rev Theory electric guitar, which will be signed and raffled off for charity. All proceeds will benefit the Rock Cancer campaign for the Broken Bones Foundation and SeventyK, a cancer advocacy group for adolescents and young adults. Exclusive Rock Cancer bands will be distributed to everyone who donates to the cause. The evening’s festivities will be dedicated to Taylor Biardi and Marika Jorgensen, two people close to Rev Theory who lost their battles against cancer. A suggested donation of $10 at the door will go directly to benefit the cause. For dinner reservations and bottle service, call 305.749.2110.
Gloria Estefan and Roberto Cavalli Team Up
On Friday, Nov. 19, fashion designer, Roberto Cavalli and 7-time Grammy Award winner, Gloria Estefan will present an evening under the stars for Miami’s top philanthropists, socialites and celebrities. The event starts off with a cocktail party, followed by dinner and a Roberto Cavalli 2011 spring collection runway show at Villa Vecchia, (4821 Pine Tree Drive) the Miami Beach estate of Miami philanthropists Norma and Luis Quintero. Net proceeds from the event will benefit The Gloria Estefan Foundation and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Additionally, during the event, 10 Miami philanthropists will receive the prestigious Starfish Award, an annual award that recognizes exemplary women who contribute to local, national and international communities. Tickets to this stellar event are priced from $500 per individual ticket to $10, 000 for a front row VIP table for 10 that includes 10 VIP invites to Vernissage during Art Basel and inclusion in media correspondence and invitations.
For tickets and more information, contact Lori Sundermier at gefoundation@estefan.com or call 305-695-7015.
On Saturday, November 20 at 7 p.m., head to the Miami International Book Fair for some good old fashioned controversy. Next@19th hosts Miryam Kabakov, author of Keep Your Wives Away from Them: Orthodox Women, Unorthodox Desires, as she discusses the topic of queerness in the Orthodox Jewish community, opening minds and breaking barriers. For more information go to www.nextat19th.org.
The 54th Annual Vizcayan Ball
On Saturday, November 20 at 7 p.m., join the Vizcayans as they honor James Murphy at beautiful event set in the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens: the 54th Annual Vizcayan Ball. The event this year is being sponsored by Jaguar Corporate, along with LAF/CO Santa Maria Novella. For more information or to RSVP contact Sonia Gibson at Sonia@soniagibsonpr.com or call 305 458-5003. The attire is Black tie.
A Real Thanksgiving at Camillus House
On Tuesday, November 23, for the second year in a row, Chef Antaun Teasley, one of the preferred chefs at Club Play, will make Thanksgiving dinner for 500 people at the Camillus House starting at 4 p.m. To raise funds for this meal, A Good Cause Dinner Gala was held at Club Play in South Beach. Volunteers are needed the day of the dinner. For information on how you can help out, contact Cherry Wells at 786-797-8270 or go online to youngchefcatering@gmail.com.
Thanksgiving at Meat Market
Meat Market, Lincoln Road’s haute see-and-be-seen steakhouse, is celebrating Thanksgiving with an exciting line-up of mouthwatering specials from chef/owner Sean Brasel and pastry chef Vincent Pantoliano. Featuring gourmet twists on traditional favorites, Meat Market’s a la carte style menu offers composed turkey dishes, a three-tiered mixed grill and two dessert choices. The regular a la carte menu is also available. The Meat Market Thanksgiving menu is available on Thursday, November 25 from 5 p.m. to midnight. Meat Market is located at 915 Lincoln Road on Miami Beach. For more information call 305.532.0088 or visit www.meatmarketmiami.com.
Thanksgiving in a Box
Chef/owner Howie Kleinberg and the rest of the pack at Bulldog Barbeque, the smoking hot barbeque joint in North Miami, are offering a stress-free holiday season, they have put together a delicious down-home Thanksgiving dinner, to go, complete with all the fixings. For only $20 per person, guests can pre-order and pick up a full meal that is sure to impress. For more information call 305.940.9655 or visit www.bulldog-bbq.com.
Lorie Lester Studio + Boutique Grand Opening
On Thursday, November 11, from 7 to 9 p.m., contemporary sportswear designer Lorie Lester will host the grand opening of her Studio + Boutique along with Ginger Harris, Jennifer Halegua and Nathalie Pozo. Guests are invited to enjoy bites and complimentary cocktails by Solerno Liqeuer, sweet treats by 2 Girls and a Cupcake and 30 percent off select items throughout the store. The indoor/outdoor affair will feature beats by DJ Keen One so guests can mingle and peruse Lorie Lester’s collection of colorful dresses and tops. The all-in-one boutique also features a studio and cutting room, where Lorie designs and makes all alterations in-house and hard-to-find accessories, handbags and eyewear from a unique mix of up-and-coming brands including Mike Street Wear Brand, Formal Street Wear Brand, Beautiful People Handbags, Gorjana Jewelry and Ankora Jewelry. For more information or to RSVP, visit lorielester@taraink.com or call 305.864.3434 ext. 122. Lorie Lester Studio + Boutique is located at 6301 Biscayne Boulevard, suite 103.
Secondhand Serenade at Whiskey Blue
On Thursday, November 11 at 7 p.m., W Fort Lauderdale and Whiskey Blue invite guests for an exclusive live performance by recording artist Secondhand Serenade. John Vesely, the man behind Secondhand Serenade, will perform an intimate acoustic guitar set including “Fall for You” and “Your Call” in a rare, unplugged performance andt treat guests to songs from this third album, Here Me Now, released earlier this year. Admission to the performance is free, RSVP is highly recommended due to limited seating. For more information visit Wfortlauderdale.events@whotels.com.
The Wolfsonian Quinces
The Wolfsonian museum will celebrate its 15th birthday with a Miami-style quinceañera at the Fontainebleau Miami Beach (4441 Collins Avenue), on Friday November 12 at 8 p.m. The party is being hosted by The Wolfsonian Visionaries, a new group of members who are passionate about design and interested in working with the museum to develop innovative events, strengthen community ties and raise funds to support museum exhibitions and activities. The evening will include a silent auction as well as music by Miami’s own Grammy-nominated Latin jazz band, Conjunto Progreso, led by Johnny Aguiló, and DJ-about-town Jody McDonald. No word on whether anyone will be brought in on a chariot, or pop out of a giant clam shell, as in the Quinces we attended in our youth, but this sure sounds like a unique twist on the typical gala experience. Tickets for the Wolfsonian Quince cost $250 per person or $2,500 for a table for 10. For more information, call 305.535.2631 or e-mail ian@thewolf.fiu.edu.
Pianist Markus Gottschlich: Jazz | World Concert
On Friday, November 12, the Byron Carlyle Theater hosts Austrian pianist, composer, and recording artist Markus Gottschlich. Gottschlich leads a group of local and international musicians will debut the songs of his upcoming album along with guest performer, Raj Bhandari (who performs with Shakira). Tickets cost $20 ($15 for seniors and students). For more information, visit www.colonyandbryrontheaters.com or call 305.674.1040.
Urban Impressionism: Miguel Paredes
On Saturday, November 13, from 7 to 11 p.m., Paredes Fine Arts Studio will be open to the public offering guests a chance to view never-before-seen art work while enjoying live music and complimentary cocktails by Alambiqu Mixology, Grey Goose, Plymouth Gin, Beefeater Gin, Appleton Estates Rum and Ice Tropez.
Paredes will present guests with a sneak preview of several signature pieces that will be showcased during his Art Basel exhibits including pieces from his popular Los Ninos, Boroughs and Pulgha & Birds series, a sculpture version of his painting, In the Name of America, that has never been shown in Miami and a first look at his new series, Elements of an Artist.
Shop to Stop MS
The University of Miami MS Center for Excellence and the National MS Society, South Florida Chapter, in association with Miami magazine will host the second annual Shop to Stop MS on Wednesday, November 17, from 6 to 9 p.m. at Saks Fifth Avenue, Dadeland. Local tastemakers and MS activists will be invited to enjoy 15% off purchases throughout the store while sipping fine wine, sampling cookies, confections and hors d’oeuvres by caterer Fare to Remember. Tickets to the event cost $50 in advance and $60 at the door; in addition, guests will receive a $25 Saks gift card to use anytime. 5% of the event sales will benefit the National MS Society, South Florida Chapter and the University of Miami MS Center for Excellence. Guests will also have the opportunity to buy raffle tickets at the door for a chance to win a bevy of prizes and gifts from the likes of Estee Lauder, Bulgari and even a pair of tickets to a Miami Dolphins home game. For more information and to purchase tickets call 305 243.1388.
SUGARCANE Launches Weekend Brunch
Sugarcane Raw Bar and Grill invites patrons to enjoy weekend brunch starting at 11:30 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. True to the tapas-style theme, the new selection brunch dishes were created with sharing in mind. Thoughtfully prepared by Executive Chef Timon Balloo, ingredients are seasonal-sourced with farm-to-table-style preparations when available. Chef Balloo will be changing the menu regularly to reflect the season’s finest ingredients. Brunch goes until 5 p.m. For more information, visit www.sugarcanerawbargrill.com.
Gloria Estefan and Roberto Cavalli Team Up
On Friday, November 19, fashion designer, Roberto Cavalli and Gloria Estefan will present an evening under the stars for Miami’s top philanthropists, socialites and celebrities. The event starts off with a cocktail party, followed by dinner and a Roberto Cavalli 2011 spring collection runway show at Villa Vecchia, (4821 Pine Tree Drive) the Miami Beach estate of Miami philanthropists Norma and Luis Quintero. Net proceeds from the event will benefit The Gloria Estefan Foundation and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Additionally, during the event, 10 Miami philanthropists will receive the prestigious Starfish Award, an annual award that recognizes exemplary women who contribute to local, national and international communities. Tickets to this stellar event are priced from $500 per individual ticket to $10, 000 for a front row VIP table for 10 that includes 10 VIP invites to Vernissage during Art Basel and inclusion in media correspondence and invitations.
For tickets and more information, contact Lori Sundermier at gefoundation@estefan.com or call 305-695-7015
