Chamber Gala- The People Show 

Every year, the Miami Beach Convention center houses a number of noteworthy exhibits, Art Basel, the Car Show, the Boat Show, the Home Show…to name a few.  On Saturday, May 8, the Convention Center was home to the “People Show”, as 900 of the most influential Miami Beach and Miami-Dade county business professionals came together for the Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce 88^th Annual Dinner gala honoring local luminaries for their outstanding contributions to the community. 

The cabaret-themed ball was reminiscent of Miami Beach’s heyday, with sparkly, black table cloths, white feather centerpieces, cigar rollers, gin martinis, and an 18-piece swing dance band. Michael Aller, “Mr. Miami Beach”, served as Master of Ceremonies, welcoming guests to the “Cabaret” and putting on a full blown show, starting with his glitzy rendition of “Life is a Cabaret” that would have put Liza  to shame.  This year’s Gala Service Awards recipients included William D. Talbert, III, CDME, Elsie Sterling Howard, The Steinberg Family and Boucher Brothers Management Incorporated. [smooth=id:125;]

MCM – Fun for all Ages 

On Saturday, April 24, the Miami Children’s Museum (MCM) held its annual gala in honor of its 25 year anniversary.  Over six hundred guests were able to “play” in the museum’s galleries while enjoying cocktails and delicious bites before heading outside to the enormous tent for dinner catered by the Ritz Carlton South Beach’s celebrity chef, Jeff McInnis and Executive Chef Thomas Connell and a concert by the Average White Band.  The high point of the evening was the $1 million donation by philanthropist Gloria Martin for the launch of MCM’s Capital Endowment Fund Campaign. The Knight Foundation committed $100,000 to the campaign.  This added to the $750,000 that was raised by the spirited live auction for the museum’s programming.  Notable guests at the MCM gala included: Nicole Miller, Romero Britto, Lisa and Donald Pliner, Gisela and Diego Lowenstein, Tracy Mourning, Gloria Martin, Jeff and Yolanda Berkowitz, Claudia Potamkin, Lisa Schejola Akin and Jeffrey Akin, Richard and Susan Lampen, Mo Abety, Evan and Stephanie Reed, FJ and Abigail Pollak, and Richard and Sandy Berkowitz.[smooth=id:126;]

Saturday’s Fashion Art Ball (FAB) hosted by Michelle and Tommy Pooch and Alan Roth was the hottest party of the week.  Perhaps it was the burlesque show, the gorgeous women’s fashions, or the stylishly dressed and dynamic Legends on the Runway.  But more likely, the fact that the air conditioning in the “newly remodeled” Gansevoort Hotel wasn’t working (insert snarky comment here!) added to the sweltering temperature. Whatever the exact reason may have been, it was a “sauna in there.”  The shvitzing, energetic crowd, didn’t seem to mind too much, though, keeping cool with abundant cocktails Read the rest here »

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. [smooth=id:127;]

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.