The Super Bowl blew through town last week, taxing my endurance, bank account and liver (Forget the guest list, just add me to that transplant list will you?). And in addition to the game, there were celebrity appearances, concerts and parties, parties, parties! Since the helicopter and speed boat were in the shop, I couldn’t make it to EVERYTHING, but managed to put together a “short” recap of who was where and what they were doing. Unless otherwise noted most of the A-list celebrities (and B and C for that matter) spent most of their time at the parties they attended just hanging and milling about, as if they were a display at the Museum of Natural History. The biggest bashes in terms of shear number of guests (Bashes for the Masses) were thrown by ESPN, MAXIM, TAO and Playboy. Notable concerts included: Rhianna, Marc Anthony at the Icon Brickell, JLO in a cat suit at LIV, Ne-Yo at ESPN at the Fontainebleau, Wycleff Jean and Snoop Dogg at the 944 Hotel on separate nights, and an impromptu concert by Wycleff Jean at the Florida Room during which Queen Latifah and Robin Thicke jumped on-stage. Read the rest here »
Earlier in the week, a chic crowd of over 700 gathered for the official opening of the Webster rooftop, the majority of which wasn’t even aware that there had been a football game played in Miami a few days before. Guests clamored into the stairwell to access the minuscule, (1,100 square foot, do the math- it was a tight squeeze) chili rooftop of the boutique. Upstairs, patient attendees enjoyed Grey Goose cocktails, small bites from Kaspia, and music by DJ Jeffrey Tonneson. The VIP list, included Barbara Becker, Sam Robin, Jonathan and Criselda Breene, Merle Weiss, Iran Issa Khan, Susie and Walid Wahab, Markus Ketty, Tui Pranich, Jeffrey Koffman, Glenn Albin, Juan Carlos Arcille-Duque, Ambra Medda, Jamie Jo Harris, Jillian Jacobson-Altit, Susan Birbragher, James and Samantha Wall, Lolo Sudarsky, and Webster owners: Laure Hériard Dubreuil, and Frederic Dechnik. The Webster rooftop is open 6 days a week, Tuesday through Sunday, serving lunch and dinner from Kaspia and full bar service. Bottle service is also available.
The New World Symphony took over the Gusman Center on Valentine’s eve presenting Vivace: “Great Loves of the Silver Screen” better known as “catnip for romantics.” Brilliant musical performances by the orchestra accompanied some of Hollywood’s most memorable movie scenes from love stories, starting with the Titanic anthem “My Heart Will Go On”. The handsome and charming, Academy Award-winning director, David Frankel (The Devil Wears Prada, Marley & Me) served as emcee and made snarky and funny comments before and after each performance. For instance, Frankel proclaimed he was “King of the World” after the Titanic number and described Madame Bovary as “a film about frustrated peasant woman who slept around and then committed suicide- Perfect for Valentine’s Day.” Other favorite music and film clips included Dr. Zhivago and A Time for Us. Following the performances, guests many of whom channeled their inner Golden-Era film legend, crossed the street on a red carpet to the Alfred I. DuPont Building, which had been transformed into a 21st century speakeasy. A jubilant, energetic vibe permeated the entire evening. Attendees included Martin Rozenblum, Claudia Cisneros, Rita Cabasés, Gordon Myers, Lourdes & Timothy Collett, Lin and Sarah Arison, Neisen & Ana Kasdin, Howard & Mary Frank, Gerald & Jane Katcher, Mario & Lourdes de Armas, Woody and Judy Weiser, Matthew & Jennifer Buttrick, Stanley & Gala Cohen, Edward Shumsky & Sue Kronick, Adam & Chanin Carlin, Bob & Diane Moss, Jody Wolfe, Diane Sepler, Sheldon & Florence Anderson, Sari & Dr. Arthur Agatston, Beau Beasley, Anne Owen & Alan Roth, Vanessa & Gary Ressler, Lisa Schejola Kin & Jeffrey Akin and Irene & Rod Sintow, David Restainer & Sandra Hernandez, Florencia Ximenez-Marcos & Xavier Gonzalez, Orlando Gonzales, Marcia Martinez & Michael Laas, Aaron Resnick, Chad Turner and Alia Dia.
Lunch in the Garden
The Second Annual Vizcaya Preservation Luncheon at the historical gardens at Vizcaya Museum and Gardens (3251 South Miami Avenue) will take place on Friday, February 26, 2010 starting at 11:00 a.m. on The Casino Mound for cocktails and garden tours and continue at the Formal Gardens, from 12:30 to 4:00 p.m., with a luncheon al Fresco. Women are encouraged to wear hats and men to dress “dapper.” Neiman Marcus will be providing an informal fashion presentation showcasing spring 2010 collections from luxury brands and Atlantico Rum will provide the cocktails. The goal of the Vizcaya Preservation Luncheon is to introduce guests to the splendor of Vizcaya’s gardens as originally intended, and raise funds to further the mission of The Vizcayans: to protect, preserve and restore the estate including the gardens. Ticket prices are $250 for individuals. For more information, contact (305) 856-4866 or www.vizcayans.org.
Fish + Wine
Miami’s Area 31 at Kimpton’s EPIC Hotel is hosting its inaugural “Fish + Wine” dinner on Thursday, February 25, hosted by Executive Chef John Critchley and Master Sommelier Emily Wines, the four-course dinner will feature fresh-caught, sustainable seafood paired with boutique wines and will benefit the Marine Mammal Conservancy. The MMC is a local nonprofit whose mission is to protect marine mammals and their habitats through research, rescue, rehabilitation, release and education. Visit www.marinemammalconservancy.org for more information. The price is for $175 per person, limited to 150 people. For guests interested in the dinner menu’s fish selection, a VIP experience is available for a maximum of 16 people that includes a boat excursion and lunch aboard a private charter with Executive Chef John Critchley which includes a tour of Miami’s finest fishing markets as well as tips on picking premium fish to be featured in the pairing dinner. The VIP experience costs $275 per person including dinner. For more information and reservations, call 305.424.5234 or visit www.area31restaurant.com.
Blacks are Back for the Fifteenth Year
The Blacks’ Annual Gala benefiting at-risk kids in need through The Consequences Charity & Project Medishare for Haitian relief efforts will take place on February 27th, at the Fontainebleau Miami Beach. This is one star-studded gala you won’t want to miss. This year’s celebrity performers include Grammy Winner Natalie Cole Latin Pop Sensation Paulina Rubio, Platinum Recording Artist Rick Ross, TV/Latin Music sensation, Jencarlos Canela, saxophonist, Alto Reed, and music by well-known DJs: Entice, Irie and DJ Tracy Young. In addition to appearances by Real Housewives from Bravo Network, an exhibition boxing match featuring top heavyweight boxer Fres “Fast Fres” Oquendo, Andrei “The Pitbull” Arlovski, presented by David Goldberg and Oquendoberg Productions. And the list goes on, past years have seen the likes of Patti LaBelle, Lil Wayne, Pamela Anderson and Barry Gibb to name a few. For a recap of last year’s gala, go to https://miamisocialholic.com/2009/04/back-in-black/
100% of the ticket sales and auction proceeds go directly to Educate Tomorrow, I Have a Dream, and Project Medishare founded by Dr. Barth Green. Individual tickets go for $500 per person/$1,000 for preferred seating and VIP packages range from $2, 500 – $25, 000. For more information visit www.theblacksannualgala.org. For tickets please email jasonfclarke@hotmail.com.
Queen Latifah worked out with a personal trainer at Equinox South Beach over the weekend, which we assume facilitated her choice of wearing skinny jeans during her “America, the Beautiful” performance on Super Bowl Sunday. Also, Dallas Cowboy’s Miles Austin visited The Spa at Equinox South Beach post workout to enjoy a 90-minute rub down.
Sushi Samba was celeb-central during Super Bowl week, starting on Wednesday when Ross Mathews, correspondent a.k.a. “Ross the Intern” from The Tonight Show with Jay Leno; Elizabeth Berkley (Lisa Turtle from Saved by the Bell); and national correspondent for Fox News, Phil Keating. Mathews, a personal friend of Sushi Samba Managing Partner, Matthew Johnson, “crossed the bridge” earlier that afternoon to check-out Sugarcane raw bar grill, the latest concept from the Sushi Samba group that opened in January 2010. Katie Cassidy was at Sushi Samba on Thursday as was Wilmer Valderrama, who returned Friday night; seen schmoozing with Cassidy and later sending over a round of shots. The Wayans brothers were also spotted at Sushi Samba on Saturday. On Sunday, the Wayans bowled the night away at Lucky Strike Lanes with a Super Bowl party that started at 6:00 p.m. until after midnight. Other celebrities spotted at Lucky Strike included Richard Marshall from the Carolina Panthers and DeSean Jackson from the Philadelphia, Randy McMichael from the St. Louis Rams, Charles Godfrey from the Carolina Panthers, and Antoine Walker, a retired basketball player formerly of the Boston Celtics, Dallas Mavericks, Atlanta Hawks, Miami Heat and Minnesota Timberwolves.
Over at the Alene Too pop-up shop at the 944 Hotel at the Eden Roc: TV personality Lo Bosworth from The Hills who texted friend Stephanie Pratt to “hurry over.” Stephanie Pratt and co-star Lo arrived late and had the boutique re-opened.
Condoleezza Rice dined with a friend at Todd English’s da Campo Osteria for lunch on Sunday. The former Secretary of State was diplomatic as usual, acting graciously with the restaurant staff while feasting on items off the northern-Italian inspired menu pre-Super Bowl.
Coco de Ville, the new hotspot at the Gansevoort hosted Gossip Girl’s Ed Westwick who arrived unannounced with a group of friends on Saturday night.
On Thursday night, a bunch of stars from the upcoming movie Grown Ups dined at STK, including: Chris Rock, Adam Sandler, David Spade and Kevin James. Adam Sandler danced to the DJ’s music and cracked jokes at the table while cutting his steak and the entire table commented on the server’s striking resemblance to fellow funny man Eddie Murphy. Tuesday night, “quasi celebs” Mike “The Situation” and Pauly D. from Jersey Shore came in for dinner at STK for their last night in Miami.
At Tao’s Super Bowl pop up party at the W South Beach’s Wall nightclub, celeb DJ Swizz Beatz, producer of Jay Z’s Empire State of Mine, played the song over and over again for Alex Rodriguez and Derek Jeter, who were sitting across from each other, but never said hello. Dave Annable, of hit show, Brothers and Sisters, and his new girlfriend Odette Yustman walked the red carpet hand in hand.
Chris Rock arrived at TAO’s Super Bowl party asking for good friend Jamie Foxx. After learning he was not in the building, he opted to sit with fellow funny guy David Spade until Jamie Foxx finally joined him and then they both
jumped on the mic, with Chris Rock singing the Run DMC song line I’m the KING of ROCK.
Kristen Cavallari was ecstatic after visiting the Motorolla gifting suite by the pool at TAO’s pop-up Super Bowl party at W South Beach where she received her new Droid phone.
After last week’s season premiere marking the shows final season, “Lost” actor Josh Halloway attended TAO’s pop- up Super Bowl party at W South Beach’s Wet & Wall.
Chase Crawford being swarmed by a sea of girls asking for his newly gifted Motorola Droid phone at Tao’s pop-up Super Bowl party at W South Beach.
Up in the penthouse at the W for the Audi party: Hillary Swank, Kate Walsh, Rob Lowe, Taylor Lautner, and Kellan Lutz. At Mr Chow – Swank, Brett Ratner, Jamie Foxx, Serena Williams, Todd English, Michael Bay, and Jillian from The Biggest Loser.
Valentine’s Day the Right Way
If waiting two hours for a table and overpaying for a “prixe fix” menu are not exactly your idea of romance, consider The New World Symphony’s (NWS), first annual Vivace benefit, bringing the glamour and romance of old Hollywood to 21st century Miami this Saturday, February 13. This pre-Valentine’s celebration begins at 7:00 p.m. at the Gusman Center (174 East Flagler Street) with a performance titled “Great Loves of the Silver Screen.” A one-of-a-kind full-orchestral concert, with projected excerpts from classic films like Doctor Zhivago, Madame Bovary, Brigadoon and King Kong and the songs of cinematic favorites such as Titanic’s “My Heart Will Go On” and “A Time For Us” from Franco Zeffirelli’s Romeo and Juliet.
Immediately following the concert, Vivace patrons will enjoy a Golden Era-themed red-carpet party at The historic Alfred I. Dupont Building, where they will get a chance to mingle with the NWS Fellows, sip classic cocktails, dine on exquisite cuisine, bid on unforgettable silent auction items and share a dance with their Valentine.
Adding to the Hollywood Glamour of the evening, Academy Award-winning director David Frankel will serve as Master of Ceremonies. Frankel is internationally renowned for his film and television projects including Marley & Me, The Devil Wears Prada, Miami Rhapsody the Emmy winning series’ Band of Brothers and Entourage and the Academy Award winning short Dear Diary.
Individual tickets for the Vivace benefit, which include the concert and the post-performance party, are $750 with special packages available from $5,000 to $50,000. Concert-only tickets, priced at $77 and $42 are also available by calling 305-673-3331. For additional information on Vivace, please contact Rebecca Mandelman at 305-428-6733.
The Anti-Valentine
Single and Fabulous (www.FabulousAlways.com) founders Tiffany Rosen and Erin Newberg present the Second Annual Anti-Valentine’s day soiree “LOVE IS A BATTLFIELD.” The event will take placed this Saturday, February 13th at 9:00 p.m., at Louis lounge at the Gansevoort South Hotel. According to Rosen and Newberg, “For those of you who are single and dreading the upcoming ‘Hallmark holiday’ here’s your chance to turn Single Awareness Day (aka V-Day) into an opportunity to celebrate ‘singledom!’” The event costs only $20 but RSVP is mandatory to attend. For more info and to RSVP, contact Tiffany@fabulousalways.com.
Romance in Art
Calix Gustav Gallery is pleased to announce the launch of its newest exhibition “Basics,” showcasing works by classically trained emerging artists who utilize contemporary subject matters. Hosted by Miami Art Guide and coinciding with Wynwood’s monthly Art Walk, Calix Gustav Gallery will host an opening reception on Saturday, February 13, 2010 from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Guests will enjoy live entertainment by Florida International University’s School of Music and Miami Symphony, as well as complimentary cocktails courtesy of V Georgio Vodka.
Visit www.calixgustav.com. Events are open to the public – RSVP to calix@taraink.com or 305.864.3434 ext. 157.
Happy Hour for a Cause at Viceroy Miami’s Club 50
Every Thursday, 5% of Club 50’s proceeds benefit a local cause or organization. Last season’s Happy Hour with a Cause donated over $35,000 to such charities as Big Brothers Big Sisters, UM-NSU Center for Autism & Related Disabilities, United Way of Miami-Dade and the Sabrina Cohen Foundation. From 6:00 – 9:00 p.m., guests can enjoy drink specials including $5 well spirits, beer and house wine as they unwind at Miami’s ultimate rooftop bar and lounge. For the Happy Hour charity schedule go to: http://viceroymiami.com/cuisine/club_schedule.html.
