More than two hundred guests braved a monsoon on Sunday to attend one of the premiere events of the year: the InterContinental Miami Make-A-Wish Ball Garden Party at Al and Nancy Malnik’s, oceanfront estate in Palm Beach. Not sure if the monsoon was in keeping with this year’s Asian theme- we wouldn’t put it past them. But despite the rain, guests were in good spirits, some joking about getting splashed by the mermaid in the fountain on the way in. The intimate gathering was the first event of the year in honor of the highly anticipated annual ball, to be held Saturday, November 6, 2010.

Adding some “Hooo-aah!” to this year’s garden party was Burn Notice star, Gabrielle Anwar, who originally gained fame for her Tango scene alongside Al Pacino in the Golden Globe winning film, Scent of A Woman. Anwar was canoodling with Shareef Malnik and playing with her son and daughter and the clan of Malnik children throughout the afternoon. When the party was over, Anwar and Shareef left together, schlepping a car seat and stroller for Shareef’s 9 month-old grandson, whom Shareef kept on his hip the entire day. Talk about “doting”-very endearing indeed. (Incidentally, Shareef has six siblings ages 11 and under- among the world’s youngest “great aunts and uncles!”) The youngest Malnik was enthralled with the gorgeous Geisha girls at the party. That’s one fruit that’s fallen close to home.

Also adding flair to the party was a flamboyant (and frisky) Don King, who delightfully posed for photos with several female attendees. Other notable party guests included Norman Wedderburn, President/CEO of the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Southern Florida; Robert Hill, Gala Host and General Manager of InterContinental Miami, Rene Ruiz, Brad Rosenblatt, Jillian Jacobson, Erika Shriftman Koopman, Tara Solomon and Nick D’Annunzio. Guests were treated to Rising Suns, a specialty cocktail designed by The Forge Restaurant & Wine Bar’s mixologist; hors d’oeuvres; beats by DJ Joe Dert and a performance by Japanese Taiko drummers Fushu Daiko. This year’s goal is to grant 525 wishes. You can help make that happen by contacting the Foundation at (888) 773-WISH or visiting:

The Art of Partnering Miami City Ballet presents The Art of Partnering on April 23 from 6-10:30 p.m., offering singles a unique opportunity to create their own “pas de deux” at a glamorous event at Miami City Ballet studios featuring a cocktail reception, an intimate performance and talk about the ‘The Art of Partnering’ by Miami City Ballet Founding Director Edward Villella; and an after party immediately following at Grove, W South Beach. Miami City Ballet is located at 2200 Liberty Ave., Miami Beach. Tickets cost $100. For more information, email rrobinson@miamicityballet.org or call 305-929-7017.
Barton G. Kids Hear Now Foundation Gala
On Saturday, April 24 at 7:30 p.m., Barton G. Weiss will host his annual gala for the Kids Hear Now Foundation at his latest venue, The Villa By Barton G., formerly the Versace Mansion (1116 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach). The gala’s theme will be “An Evening of Grand Splendor” with proceeds going towards funding further research technology and treatment in the field of cochlear implants for the thousands of newborns born each year with profound hearing loss. Kids Hear Now provides cochlear implants for the underprivileged as well. Cocktail attire is requested for the party. Tickets cost $1, 250 per person. For more information contact 305.576.3006 or email: foundationevents@kidshearnow.org.

Miami Children’s Museum Gala

The Miami Children’s Museum celebrates its 25th Anniversary with a gala on April 24 at the museum (980 MacArthur Causeway). The celebration includes a reception at 6:30 pm, which will take place throughout the museum’s 14 galleries, dinner outside at 8:00 catered by the Ritz Carlton South Beach and a concert by the Average White Band. Tickets cost $500 per person/ $5, 000 for tables of ten. Sponsorship opportunities are also available. To RSVP for the event, contact Kelly Bresnahan at 305.373.KIDS (5437), ext. 142 or email kelly@miamichildrensmuseum.org.

Bastos Design and D.Stern at Club 50

Luxury jewelry brands Francisca Bastos Design and D. Stern Jewelers will present their latest pieces at an exclusive showcase on Tuesday, April 27 at Club 50 at Viceroy Miami, from 5 pm to 7:30 pm with a portion of the jewelry sales benefitting the Humane Society of Greater Miami Adopt-A-Pet. Guests can enjoy well drinks, beer and wine for only $5 until 10 pm. The event is free and open to the public. RSVP is a must to 305.777.2340 x1042 or rsvp@getinkpr.com.

Paulina Rubio

On Friday, Haute Living magazine, hosted its second annual “Haute 100” issue release party celebrating Miami’s most influential people at the Mondrian South Beach. The “hot” list included Emilio Estefan, Paulina Rubio, JR & Loren Ridinger, Jorge Perez, Keith Menin, Marc Roberts, Lea Black, James Ferraro, Jerry & Sandi Powers, Ricky Arriola, Sean Wolfington, Raul Casares, Brenda Nestor & Robert Castellano, Don & Katrina Peebles, and Mike & Alicia Piazza to name a few.

At LIV at the Fontainebleau on Saturday night, former President, Bill Clinton kicked off his third annual Clinton Global Initiative. Clinton socialized with top donors and VIPs, including Pharrell, gave an inspiring speech, and introduced N.E.R.D., who performed for the event. Clinton had previously hosted a private dinner for 50 guests at Scarpetta, including UM president and former Secretary of Health and Human Services Donna Shalala and Hangover star Heather Graham. Clinton was quite the gentleman, despite his playboy reputation, sipping nothing but water and Diet Coke all night.

Also on Saturday night, Tinsley Mortimer was spotted at Coco de Ville dancing with friends.
On Sunday, President Clinton along with Alonzo Mourning, Patrick Cobbs, Lousaka Polite, Nat Moore, Nnamdi Asomugha, Kacey Rogers, and Greg Camarillo assisted in revamping the Homestead Homeless Complex, a transitional housing facility, with the aid of 100 University of Miami Students.
Lil Jon, who has apparently become an STK regular, was spotted at the steakhouse over the weekend with a party of 8. Also at STK was Miami’s own DJ Irie.

In the heart of Coral Gables, a charming European bistro has found its home.  Angelique EuroCafe is a little piece of heaven where you can enjoy the delectable creations by Chef LeRoy Bautista who originally hails from New Orleans.  The menu offers European dishes primarily from Spain, France, Belgium and Italy.  Owners Yolanda and Carlos Rossi have created a warm and intimate atmosphere that you would experience while strolling the streets in Europe. According to Mrs. Rossi “it embodies the unique and complete European neighborhood cafe experience – a welcoming place where guests can indulge in simple and alluring flavors, sip favorite beverages and socialize with friends”. 

 The wine bar is extensive, taking you through the wineries of Italy, France, South Africa, Germany, and of course our very own California.  Meals are paired with wines that enhance flavors and textures. To start, amuse your bouche with the Gruyere Gougeres, a French cheese puff served with a sweet marmalade that has a little cayenne kick (compliments of the chef). The truffle gnocchi (a fan favorite) is a must; they are tiny scrumptious pillows of Mascarpone Cream with Black Truffle and Amaretti Crumbs (having a moment).  The mouth watering Branzino, better known as Italian Sea Bass, is served on a bed of fried garbanzos, baby spinach, tomato, capers, shallots and white wine.  The Gambas Angelique has a Spanish flair, served with saffron rice in a light sauce of Bass ale, Worcestershire, garlic, and butter.

 The experience will leave you feeling ‘cest magnifique! For more information go to www.angeliqueeurocafe.com.

Roberto Coin

We recently had an opportunity to meet and interview Roberto Coin at a “meet and greet” event hosted by Saks Fifth Avenue. 

Roberto Coin is synonymous with uniqueness, style and beauty. The elegance of Coin’s chic creations is attributed to his Italian heritage.  According to Coin, “Italians were the original architects, artists, painters; we designed the jewels for the monarchs”.  Coin is as passionate about life and learning, as he is about his jewelry.  Confessing that he is an avid “people watcher”, he enjoys human interaction and reaction.  The main focus of each line is to create an “emotional act to satisfy sentiments, reward oneself, to create happiness and memorable moments.”    His distinctive style conjures up the past and “creates happy memorable moments”.

 In 1996, Roberto Coin adopted the ruby as his signature, setting the precious stone inside each piece of his jewelry collection. The legend of the ruby is quite romantic; Egyptians believed that wearing it near their skin would promote a long, healthy and happy life.  Burmese warriors inserted rubies into their skin to protect them in battle, and women in ancient times used it to promote fertility, banish evil thoughts and reconcile disputes.

 The Roberto Coin line introduces 400 to 600 new models every year, continuously reinventing his “one of a kind” jewelry.  You can find his line exclusively at Saks Fifth Avenue by clicking: http://www.saksfifthavenue.com