Grammy award winner Rudy Perez celebrated his birthday alongside Jamie Jo Harris at Cafeina on Thursday.  Enrique Marciano, one of the stars from the hit show “Without Trace” hit the Wynwood hot spot on Friday with an entourage of friends.  Actress and Covergirl spokesperson, Dania Ramirez was spotted at different locations in South Florida promoting the Covergirl Clean Make-up for Clean Water Program.  Ramirez enjoyed dinner at Mr. Chow on Saturday night. 

Benedikt Taschen of TASCHEN Books was also seen dining at Mr. Chow.

Saturday had its fair share Latin starpower. Daisy Fuentes, Juanes, Jeremias, Luis Fonsi, Victoria Gastaldi, along with Gloria and Emilio Estefan came out to support the Fed Ex/St. Jude’s Hospital Angels and Stars Gala at the Hotel InterContinental.

 Sean Penn made his rounds in South Beach during his volunteer efforts for earthquake relief in Haiti, making a pit stop at Coco de Ville in Miami Beach on Friday. The newest resident to the grief-stricken country was overheard saying he was so happy to now have a home in Haiti which allows him to spend even more time assisting in the rebuilding process. Refusing to pose for photos, opting instead to enjoy his singledom, chat up the ladies and drink a Grey Goose and tonic. Our spy tells us that a blonde with whom he was chatting allegedly left slyly a few minutes after Penn’s departure. The actor was also spotted at WALL at W South Beach on Saturday night.
 
Spotted at WALL at W South Beach this past Saturday: Dania Ramirez, Eros Ramazzotti, and Deryck Whibley from Sum 41.

Singer, Lucrecia performed on Saturday evening at the Adrienne Arsht Center.

On the most gorgeous day of the year, top socialites donned their most prestigious headdresses for the Vizcaya Preservation Lunch.  One of the most elegant events to date, the “Gatsby-esque” affair combined sophistication and style to the flourishing gardens of the historic estate.  Community leaders, philanthropists, and professionals came together to support the Vizcayan’s mission to protect and preserve this beloved, extraordinary landmark.  Neiman Marcus Bal Harbour along with Neiman Marcus Coral Gables joined forces to produce a spectacular preview of the latest spring trends showcasing designs from Chanel, Oscar de la Renta, Emilio Pucci, Versace, Zac Posen, Donna Karan, Carolina Herrera, Michael Kors, Dolce and Gabbana, Bottega Veneta, Balenciaga, Armani, and Roberto Cavalli just to name a few.

Guests were also treated to the delights of Ana Paz Cakes, Atlantico Rum, Chateau D’Esclans, Chanel Coco Rouge, Don Pepin Garcia, My Father Cigars, and Thierry’s Catering and Event Design. 

A Workout with a Treat

The Shop at Equinox  offers 50% off the best names in performance and fashion apparel, bags and accessories.   Starting today through Memorial Weekend, stock up on stylish gear from James Perse, Lululemon, and Splendid – just to name a few. 

Here’s an added bonus – save on full price apparel: 20% off when you purchase 2 items; 30% off when you purchase 3 items or more!   For more information  and locations in South Florida go to www.equinox.com.

Rebecca Romijn

Ryan Seacrest and Adrian Brody celebrated the birthday weekend of Wayne Boich at LIV.  Seacrest had the whole crowd sing “Happy Birthday” to Boich and said he was a true American Idol.

Brooke Hogan was at SET in honor of her 22 birthday, in the company of her father, Hulk and his new fiancé Jennifer.  Ten friends joined in the party, including Brooke’s choreographer Glenn Packard, drinking 901 Tequila while Brooke spun tracks from the DJ booth. 

Angie Chirino, daughter of legendary Grammy Award winning Cuban bandleader Willy Chirino, drew applause from fellow diners as she spontaneously burst into song after dinner and Mojitos at Chef Douglas Rodriguez’s Cuban restaurant at Miami’s Hotel Astor. 

Magic Johnson and Jerry Bruckheimer were spotted dining at Mr.  Chow on different nights last week.

South Florida based Bacardi had a huge presence at the Kentucky Derby this year.  The brand’s premium vodka, Grey Goose, joined forces with renowned couture milliner, Ellen Christine, to create a one-of-a-kind hat worn exclusively at the 136th running of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs. Actress and model Rebecca Romijn lent support by donning the custom designed hat at the prestigious race.

Alejandro Espinosa Rodriguez and friends

 
Pink Room celebrated its grand opening on Friday, a party eight months in the making, which on South Beach is really only like five minutes.  Heck, many clubs don’t even stay open that long!  Let’s hope that’s not the case for this 4, 300 square foot club on 7^th and Washington, which was packed to the rafters with an eclectic mix of Euro-types and the barely 21 set, who have yet to master the ebb and flow of the nightclub world, making it a challenge to move around.  The enormous DJ booth, (read stage) is surrounded by a jumbo tron which continuously projects digital images, further distracting the crowd.  Read the rest here »

By:   Mary Jo Almeida-Shore

maryjoshore@aol.com

 Eighth annual FedEx/St. Jude Angels & Stars Miami Gala 

 The Eighth annual FedEx/St. Jude Angels & Stars Miami Gala takes place at the Intercontinental Hotel (100 Chopin Plaza) on Saturday, May 15 from 7 p.m. until midnight.  The gala will definitely boast some Latin flavor, with hosts, Daisy Fuentes, Lili Estefan and Javier Romero, and Latin Grammy Award-winning singer and songwriter Juanes, who will receive the 2010 Al Rashid Hope Award.   A multitude of other Latin celebrities from the television and music industries will also be in attendance.

This year’s Masquerade- themed party is sponsored by Grey Goose and will include a silent auction and performances by some of today’s hottest Latin chart-topping artists.  Proceeds will support groundbreaking research and lifesaving care provided by St. Jude for children across the country and around the world. Individual tickets cost $350 and tables run from $3,500 to $25,000.  For more information, email Paola Cassana at paola.cassana@stjude.org or call 305.265.1371.  To make a donation, visit:  www.stjude.org/miamigala.

Have a “FAB” time at Fashion Art Ball!

 The 12th Annual Fashion Art Ball, will be held on Saturday, May 15, at 8 p.m. at the recently renovated Gansevoort Hotel in Miami Beach (2377 Collins Avenue). This wonderful, eclectic event will include a top-notch fashion show, a silent auction highlighting the works of local artists, and special entertainment. Guests will also be treated to an open bar, and food from local restaurants including B.E.D., Casale Pizzeria, David’s Café, Grill on the Alley, Meat Market, RA Sushi, Segafredo and Yogurbella. All proceeds benefit the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.  Willard Shepard from NBC6 and Buster from A3 TV will serve as emcees.

 The most fun and unique part of the gala is the fashion show, in which popular local guys (not necessarily models) strut their stuff on the runway. This year’s “Local Legends on the Runway” include: Cecil Barker, Jonathan Babicka, Nicolas Coeur De Roy, Sir. Michael Dreiling, Tony Gallo, Aric Gasper, Kamal Hotchandani, DJ Irie, Raul Leal, Keith Menin, Richard Millard, Eric Milon, Mark Tamis and several other South Beach luminaries.  F.A.B.’s host committee is pretty “fab” also: Nick D’Annunzio, Todd Goldenfarb, Lina Hargrett, Daymond John, Jeffrey Lubin, Erin Newberg, and Bobby Radical.  Read about and view photos of last year’s FAB, visit https://miamisocialholic.com/2009/05/beach-balls.

 General admission tickets cost $100 per person in advance, $150 at the door.  Tables of 10 with premier runway seating are available for $2,500.  For more information contact: Jennifer Tate at 954.739.5006, email jtate@cff.org.

 Kampong Moonlight Concert

On Saturday, May 15th, starting at 8 pm, Grey Goose vodka will host the last of four highly acclaimed concerts at The Kampong featuring South Florida Jazz legend Joe Donato.  Billing itself as Miami’s newest upscale venue for fine jazz and live music, The Kampong transforms itself into the tropical ultra-chic K Lounge for the evening. The recently added covered pavilion with stage, designed by noted Miami architect Max Strang, provides near-perfect acoustics and is the ideal small setting for the live-music aficionado. “Sitting in the K Lounge, surrounded by lush, fragrant gardens and listening to crickets chirping to the tempo of the amazing music is a sublime experience,” said Vivianne Swietelsky, Kampong Fellow and Chair of the Moonlight Concert committee. “Proceeds from Moonlight Concerts @ The Kampong are used to support The Kampong living collections and educational programs. Tickets are available by calling The Kampong at 305.442.7169 or online at http://kampongevents.ntbg.org. The Kampong, located on Biscayne Bay in the heart of Coconut Grove, is one of five tropical gardens and three preserves of the National Tropical Botanical Garden. It is on the National Register of Historic Places.

 Vinyl & Kai- Your new Digs for Fun and Grub

Vinyl & Kai, situated on Washington Avenue, presents a refreshing new alternative and social mix to the South Beach scene — good food combined with live music at affordable prices.  The space is intimate and inviting and will give the creative of South Florida a reason to make Washington Avenue their new destination for breakfast, lunch, dinner or cocktails. The unique atmosphere at Vinyl & Kai imparts a casual ambiance with comfort dining and friendly service that has guests returning regularly on a weekly basis. Vinyl & Kai introduces two weekly happy hours every Monday through Friday from 4pm – 7pm and offers half off drinks and appetizers.  Those “in the biz” can enjoy happy hour late night from 2am – 4am with a pay stub or business card.
                       

Tuesday is Karaoke and Ladies’ night 10pm – 2am.  Ladies receive complimentary premium well drinks from 9pm – midnight.  Karaoke and DJ are provided by Kara-O-King.  Poker night is Wednesday, with “No Limit Texas Hold ‘Em” tournaments from 8:30 pm – 5am.  Players can win bar tabs, mystery box prizes, bounty rounds and earn points towards a chance to win a trip to Las Vegas for the World Series of Poker Bracelet event.  Weekly drink specials and munchies are available until 5am.   Located at 1131 Washington Avenue, Vinyl & Kai offers an array of dishes in a quintessential indoor and outdoor space and is sure to become a local’s favorite in the South Beach neighborhood. www.vinylkai.com.  Vinyl & Kai is open daily from 11am – 5am and now offers delivery in Miami Beach up to 81st.

 Rap, Hip Hop and R&B at Play

Play Nightclub has joined forces with one of the top Urban promotional marketing groups in the country. This is the group that created the popular Forge Sundays and Karu & Y Thursdays, and who are the current promoters for LIV on Sunday nights, arguably the hottest party in South Beach. Now the group will be presenting a brand new party on Friday Nights at Play Nightclub bringing in the spectacular acts and celebrities. Play has hosted a bevy of athletes, entertainers and celebrities including Trey Songz, Chris Brown, Venus and Serena Williams, Drake, Nikki Minaj, Dwyane Wade and Udonis Haslem of the Miami Heat, Lil Wayne and many more.

Tired of paying beaucoup bucks to hear the best R&B artists in concert? Then head for Play Nightclub in South Beach on Thursday nights starting at 10pm. Top R&B names will be performing every week with Jodi and the TKO band. Past entertainers have included Bobby V; Lloyd, and RL from Group Next. Admission is $20 on Thursday nights.  Play Nightclub is located at 1045 5^th Street (Lenox and fifth) with a convenient attached parking lot. For table reservations please call 305-532-4340.