By:  Mary Jo Almeida-Shore

(photo credits: Peter Wyatt Richardson, Greg Minasian, Nick McGlynn, Shayna Bataya, Justin Namon/WorldRedEye.com)

 A year to the day of what has become known as “The Great Storm of 2009,” the one that flooded every street of South Beach, turned Venetian Causeway into a “Venetian causeway,” crippled businesses for weeks and wreaked havoc on the Fontainebleau, yes, that storm- a different yet powerful storm took over as Hotel Thrillist Miami came to town.  While this storm kept structural damage to a minimum, 200 Thrillist enthusiasts including media, tastemakers, Thrillist editors and their friends, and 12 lucky contest winners, enjoyed complimentary rooms, free meals, free cocktails compliments of Corona and Bacardi, and events, such as Saturday’s pool party with live DJs, Equinox-sponsored massages, and a chi chi rooftop dinner on Saturday night. Read the rest here »

 Something New and Something Blue: Avatar and Miami Socialholic™ Party

 This Friday, June 11, SET nightclub will be transformed into the magical land of Pandora for an Avatar themed bash. Guests are encouraged to dress as their Avatar.

 From 10 p.m. to 12 a.m., free-flowing cocktails courtesy of Grey Goose Vodka will be served at SET in honor of the launch of Miami Socialholic™  Miami’s internationally acclaimed, new website.  RSVP is required by visiting www.miamisocialholic.com .

Quest at Cafeina

Cafeina will showcase the 2010 U.S. artistic debut by Los Angeles artist GIANNI, an installation, titled QUEST, which showcases GIANNI’s signature style of abstract expressionism, a hypnotic vision of textures and vibrant colors contrasted by streaks of high gloss black.  Cafeina will host a sneak preview of GIANNI’s work in its 1,000-square-foot art gallery on Friday, June 11 at 9 PM. GIANNI’s exhibition will officially open to the public during the Wynwood Art Walk on Saturday, June 12 and it will run through July 3, 2010. RSVP required to cafeina@taraink.com.  Guests may visit the gallery from Saturday, June 12 through Saturday, July 3 from 6:00 p.m. to midnight, and also by appointment at GIANNI@ArtByGianni.com

JB:  Your FIFA Headquarters

 As the 2010 FIFA World Cup quickly approaches, JB Kitchen & Bar in Brickell wants to extend its passion for creating delicious dishes onto the soccer field. For this special series of events, JB Kitchen & Bar is transforming its typically chic restaurant into every soccer fans Mecca. With a staff full of unwavering soccer enthusiasts, JB’s is sure to become Brickell and Downtown’s official headquarters for the FIFA World Cup. For game days, expect all staff members in their team jerseys, a wide selection of liquor and spirits, an outdoor area with a customized ready to use Astroturf soccer field, plenty of flat screen TV’s and projection screens for the best possible viewing experience, 2010 Playstation set ups, foosball tables, tournaments and more.  Its menu features a variety of food selections integrated with dishes from many of the countries that are playing, providing a unique edge and flavor guaranteed to please every palate.  Located on the ground floor of 1250 South Miami Avenue, JB Kitchen & Bar is open for lunch and dinner daily and recently introduced their Sunday brunch which is available until 5 p.m., for those who enjoy “sleeping-in!”

Giant Fleas Invade Wywood

This Saturday, June 12, Miami-based pop-artist and urban impressionist Miguel Paredes will unveil his Wynwood mural, “Pulgha World,” during the Art District’s “2nd Saturdays Art Walk.” The mural features Paredes’ iconic diminutive anime flea “Pulgha” and boasts multiple, vibrant flowers as well as the artist’s signature graffiti work. Paredes’ rebellious characters from his Los Niños collection are also featured on the 18 X 26 mosaic mural. “Pulgha World” is made up of 550 tiles and is set to add a playful splash of color to the urban streets of Wynwood. In addition, this mural will also serve as a preview to the artist’s private gallery located in the same street and opening later this summer. “Pulgha World” is located at 2311 NW 2^nd Ave. Miami, FL. 33127. The Art Walk is from 7:00 – 10:00 p.m. For more information on Miguel Paredes, please visit www.miguelparedes.com

Congratulations Nayib and Lara!

Extreme VIP guests just over the bridge on Star Island, enjoyed the wedding of Lara Coppola and Nayib Estefan, the son of Emilio and Gloria Estefan with an epic bash at the Estefans’ estate, boasting musical entertainment by the Misshapes and a bevy of celebrity guests, including Andy Garcia,  Lily Estefan, Danny Santiago, Belkys Nerey, Sammy Sosa, and Thalia, and A-listers including:  Jorge and Darlene Perez, Nick D’Annunzio, Tara Solomon, Jose Ortiz, Frank Amadeo, Mario Vergel and Sebastian Puga, to name a few.  While we can’t reveal all the details, we can say that Lara looked stunning in her Oscar de la Renta gown, the Estefan “ring-dogs” were escorted down the aisle by the Dog Whisperer, and that a full-piece Latin band had the crowd of 400 dancing all night.  To view some highlights of the magical evening click on the link nayib and lara’s wedding, courtesy of Jipsy Nefarious.

Later that night, a group of 25 gathered at Coco de Ville to celebrate Burn Notice star, Navi Rawat’s birthday.  Cast mate, Jeffrey Donovan joined in the festivities, along with Brawley Nolte (Nick Nolte’s son) Nick D’Annunzio, Tara Solomon and Jose Ortiz.

 Celebrity Sightings:

In addition to those mentioned above, J Cole and Kat Deluna performed and hung out with the Thrillist gang all weekend.  Two famous soccer players dined at Mr. Chow this past weekend:  Zlatan Ibrahimovic from the Swedish team and Allesandro Nesta from the Italian team.  Both will be playing in the World Cup this year in South Africa.

Daisy Casuso, Tracey Mourning, and Leslie Wolfson

 A special group of influential ladies gathered at a special luncheon at the Forge Restaurant I Wine Bar as Shareef Malnik and Sue Miller welcomed the Women’s Council for Educational Change. The organization focuses on giving children the opportunity to succeed and to make a difference for generations to come.  During the luncheon, Executive Chef Dewey LoSasso served Forge favorites including chilled red and yellow tomato gazpacho with chive oil, lobster and shrimp salad, and lemon fennel panna cotta.  VIP ladies in attendance included Alicia and Veronica Cervera, Lisa Pliner, Lydia Touzet, Tara Solomon, Tracy Mourning, Dr. Leslie Bauman, Nancy Batchelor, Norma Quintero, Norma Jean Abraham, Leslie Wolfson, Michelle Rubell, Daisy Casuso, Arlene Chaplin and Judy Weiss.

JR Ridinger, Tony Parker, Loren Ridinger, and Eva Longoria

Last weekend, Tony Parker celebrated his birthday at STK at the Gansevoort alongside his wife, Eva Longoria, Scottie and Larsa Pippen and their best friends, Market America Moguls, JR and Loren Ridinger.  The group had a blast at the dinner party, which also served as an “unofficial temporary farewell” to the Ridingers, who will be yachting and summering in New York.  Auf Wiedersehen, Ridingers!

Carlos “El Pibe” Valderrama

 Wednesday, legendary Colombian soccer player Carlos “El Pibe” Valderrama made a guest appearance at Grove Liquors signing autographs and socializing with fans.  Valderrama has partnered with Hennessy in honor of the upcoming World Cup. 

The holiday weekend had its fair share of buzz-worthy celebs. Plunge, at the Gansevoort Rooftop, was ground zero for Chris Brown, TI, Busta Rhymes, Terri Kirby, D’Shaun Jackson, Troy Grant, and Thomas Jones. 

Nikki Reed

 Cedric Gervais performed at LIV to a crowd of overzealous fans.  Nikki Reed, a.k.a. Rosalie Hale of the Twilight Saga was also spotted at LIV last weekend, celebrating her birthday. 

 Lil Jon and Tayo Otiti were seen at Mokai.  Otiti was also spotted at Louis.  

 Eliza Orlins of Survivor fame was taking in some sun poolside at the Mondrian. 

Sharon Gless

 Sharon Gless, the former Cagney and Lacey star who currently plays Jeffrey Donovan’s on-screen mom in the hit show Burn Notice, celebrated her birthday at the Forge Restaurant I Wine Bar along with two friends on Sunday night.

By:  Mary Jo Almeida-Shore

Brotherly Love brings Live Music all over Town

 Brotherly Love Productions presents another weekend of great live music, kicking it off Friday with Southern-rock jammers Cypress at The Funky Buddha (www.thefunkybuddha.com).  This will be their final show with founding member/guitarist Bill Talley.  Opening act Diocious will hit South Florida with two additional shows. The psychedelic funk-rock trio plays Titanic Brewery on Saturday (www.titanicbrewery.com), and they’re the featured artists at BLP Sunday Cookout at Hurricane Bar in Delray Beach (www.hurricanelounge.com).

 TahDah!

 Hot on the heels of an outstanding cover story by the Miami SunPost, Shareef Malnik announces the official unveiling of the new façade of The Forge Restaurant | Wine Bar on Tuesday, June 8 at 7:30 p.m. The exterior redux, inspired by the architecture of the French-Neoclassical period was conceptualized with the original Forge in mind, but with modernized touches to match the modified interior. The public unveiling and ribbon-cutting ceremony comes after receiving rave reviews following the reopening of the award-winning restaurant.  Representatives from The City of Miami Beach will also issue a proclamation to Malnik, Chef Dewey LoSasso and The Forge family, presenting them with The Forge’s sixth key to the city.  This project was realized by project manager Allegra Parisi of Apartment A, KCS Construction, designer Francois Frossard and Capponi Construction under the direction of Shareef Malnik.  The Forge Restaurant | Wine Bar is located at 432 W 41^st Street.  For more information, contact: 305.538.5833.

 Big Names Join Forces for Miami Socialholic™ Party at SET

 Miami’s hottest new website,  Miami Socialholic™ is hosting a launch party and you are invited!  The Opium Group’s, Eric Milon, along with Michael Capponi, two of the biggest names in nightlife, present Miami Socialholic’s official launch party at SET, on Friday, June 11^th. The party starts at 11 and goes all night with a complimentary vodka bar for the first hour or two (check back next week for more details).  Visit www.miamisocialholic.com  to RSVP for this fabulous celebration.