Tinsley Mortimer and Brian Mazza

By:  Mary Jo Almeida-Shore

The week leading up to New Year’s Eve was so packed with celeb-filled events and celebrations that it made going out on the big night seem almost like overkill. From a penthouse party which included Beacher’s Madhouse Oompa Loompas which packed into a party bus to LIV;to the official grand opening of Lords South Beach Hotel, which was so packed that it seemed the penthouse terrace was going to go the way of the elevator from the Tower of Terror; to LeBron James’ star-studded birthday bash, South Beach got an electric awakening from its post-Basel slumber and bid adieu to 2010 in its typical mayhem and style.

Oh Lordy

Tinsley Mortimer, Richie Rich, Tracy Young and Lady Bunny hosted the coming out bash for Lords South Beach on Wednesday night. Read the rest of this entry »

On Tuesday, Cindy Crawford took a break to show passersby the latest collections from ICE-Watch during a commercial shoot taking place in Downtown Miami.

Saturday evening after casting a slew of models for Abercrombie’s upcoming campaign, famed photographer Bruce Weber, along with a group of 19, enjoyed dinner at STK.  Also at STK on Saturday was Real Housewife of NYC, Bethenny Frankel who dined with a friend and later tweeted about it.  Fellow “tweeter” JLO was spotted on Lincoln Road on Friday.

It’s no secret that we’re all a little boob-obsessed. What’s not to love about ‘em? How else would you explain the success of silicone, Girls Gone Wild, Maxim and Mardi Gras? And don’t even try to tell us that Dolly Parton is best known for her singing voice. But for millions of women, (and those who love them), boobs have become a source of trouble. Therefore, it’s fitting that October is dedicated to finding a cure for breast cancer and the 411 has compiled a list of events and organizations working towards this great cause. Here are some ways you can get involved this month.

Get Your Run On!

This Saturday, October 17, the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure® at Bayfront Park (301 North Biscayne Boulevard) takes place in Downtown Miami, anc includes a 5K Run/Walk and 1 Mile Fun Walk, Tot Run and Celebration.  The fun starts at 7:30 a.m. (registration at 6 a.m.) with an inspirational Survivor Procession and Ceremony. Whether you run, walk or stroll, (there’s even an option to sleep) you can make a difference.

Cost for the race is as follows:  5K Run/Walk ($27 by October 9; $30 by October 16; $35 on Race Day) One Mile Fun Walk ($27 by October 9; $30 by October 16; $35 on Race Day); Tot Run for ages 2-7 ($10 through Race Day); Sleep-In for the Cure ($27 through Race Day).

For more information, or to register for the race online, go to: http://www.komenmiaftl.org/ or call FootWorks at 305-666 -RACE (7223) for all Race related questions.

This year, a special local Race for the Cure® team has been formed named “Miles for Meredith & Brooke” in support of local girls, Meredith Israel, who will make an appearance with baby daughter, Niomi, and Brooke Pallot, who will also participate with daughter, Sora, in tow.  Team members are strongly encouraged to purchase a custom designed “Miles for Meredith & Booke” t-shirt to wear during the race.  This special team has gotten a slew of sponsors together and is even hosting a post-run party with food and cocktails after the race.

Contact race team co-captains: Jackie Mailhe, jackielisseth@gmail.com or Yami Alvarado, yami.alvarado@southbeachgroup.com to join the team, buy the special shirts and/or make donations.

Saks Key to the Cure

Saks Fifth Avenue Dadeland (7687 North Kendall Drive) will host the 2009 Key to the Cure charity-shopping weekend from October 15-18. A percentage of the weekend’s sales will benefit the new Baptist Health Breast Center. Saks Fifth Avenue Bal Harbour (9700 Collins Avenue) will participate in Key to the Cure by hosting an event alongside Sylvester’s Young Philanthropists in the cosmetics department on Saturday, October 17, from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. The $40 entry free will get you the limited edition Key to the Cure t-shirt and make-up by Dolce & Gabbana.  The party will feature entertainment, refreshments by Segafredo Bal Harbour, and goody bags with special gifts.  For more information contact Jeanne Kushner at jkushner@med.miami.edu or 305-243-9088

Saks will also offer a limited-edition Key to the Cure t-shirt designed by Michael Kors – for the entire month of October for $40 in Saks stores, Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5TH stores and on saks.com. Over 80% of the proceeds from each shirt sold will be donated to local charity partners. Supermodel Heidi Klum is the 2009 Ambassador for Saks Fifth Avenue’s Key to the Cure. In support of this program, Ms. Klum will appear in a national public service announcement (PSA) wearing the Michael Kors limited-edition t-shirt.

Pink Drinks

Two places where imbing is a good choice this month are the Gansevoort South and the Fontainebleau, where proceeds for specialty drinks go towards the cause. Plunge at the Gansevoort is serving the Pink Elephant – a fruity, pear vodka infused like cocktail, created by mixologist, Jay Law. For every drink sold, $1 of goes toward Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure in honor of our very own, Meredith Israel and Brooke Pallot. At the Fontainebleau, try the Pinkie Promise, a berry-pink, sweet concoction, with $1 of proceeds going towards finding a cure.

Bleau Goes Pink

Also at the Fontainebleau this month, all of the restaurants: Blade Sushi, Gotham Steak, Hakkasan and Scarpetta are offering the Bleau Goes Pink promotion: which includes a three course menu for only $39.00-talk about a value meal (less than 2 drinks at any club) and free valet parking. The best part is that $1.50 of each check goes toward Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Certain restrictions apply. For more details, go to: fontainebleau.com/pink.

Pink Cocktail Hour and Pink Auction

On October 24^th there will be a Main Street March through the streets of Miami Lakes, from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. (registration starts at 8:00) to show support for breast cancer awareness. Later that evening, The Spa at Shula’s will host the Pink Cocktail Hour and the Pink Auction from 7:00 to 9:00 pm. Participants can indulge in a variety of spa amenities, a signature Pink Cocktail and an assortment of hors d’oeuvres throughout the night. There will also be an auction, the proceeds of which will benefit the American Breast Cancer Foundation. For more information, contact: Barbara@prpeople.biz 786.303.8731.

Sweet Treats

Buttercream Cupcakes & Coffee (“Buttercream”) celebrates National Cupcake Day while paying homage to Breast Cancer Awareness Month this Sunday, October 18^th. Even the calorie conscious can make an exception as Buttercream’s will be giving away their all natural, trans-fat free cupcake minis.   Following the self indulgence, give back by picking up a to-go box of pink frosted chocolate and vanilla cupcakes ($2.75 each)-25 cents from each cupcake benefits the Susan G. Komen foundation. For more information, go to: www.buttercreamcupcakes.com.

Seems like Every Month is Hispanic Heritage Month

ESPN Deportes and the new Dolphins’ ownership celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month with a sophisticated gathering at Club 50 at Viceroy Miami on Sunday night. Dolphins Vice Chairman, Jorge Perez, hosted the party alongside Marc Anthony, Emilio Estefan, and ESPN Deportes General Manager, Lino Garcia. Guests included: singer/actress, Jennifer Lopez; Dolphins owner, Steve Ross; ESPN Deportes Monday Night commentators, Alvaro Martin and Raul Allegre, sideline reporter John Sutceliff; former Dolphins player, Nat Moore; former Mets player, Carlos Beltran; Dancing with the Stars’ Cristián De La Fuente; CSI Miami actress, Eva La Rue; and flautist Nestor Torres. The Latin celeb-infused event didn’t seem a whole lot different than any recent Dolphins game, being that most of the new minority-owners are, well, celebs and minorities. One of the evening’s highlights was a performance by Latin Grammy Award-winning Mexican pop-duo Jessie & Joy.

Coming Up:

Halloween is Wild

Start Halloweening early this year at Metro Zoo this Saturday, October 17 at the Monster Masquerade. For $65 per person, ($50 for ZSF members), which helps the Zoological Society of Florida in their mission of wildlife conservation and education, you get cocktails, food, costume contests and dancing.  The event is for adults, 21 and older, at Dr. Wilde’s Screamatorium and goes from 8 p.m. to midnight.   Tickets are available online at www.miamimetrozoo.com.

Signature Chefs

Start fasting folks, one of the premier events for those who love food and wine, (and let’s face it, who doesn’t?) takes over Jungle Island on Thursday, October 22.  The March of Dimes Signature Chefs & Wine Extravaganza will present stellar, local celebrity chefs, delicious food, a great variety of wines, and an array of fabulous auction items,with all proceeds benefiting the March of Dimes. Celebrity Honorary Chair Jackie Nespral of NBC 6 will emcee the event, which kicks off at 6:30 p.m. with an exclusive VIP Reception, followed by the eating extravaganza at 7:30.

Entertainment for VIP reception will include an instrumentalist from the New World Symphony.  In addition to countless culinary delights, guests will enjoy wines and champagnes from the world’s finest vineyards and distilleries, courtesy of Southern Wine and Spirits, as well as live and silent auctions.

Tickets for the event are $150 per person in advance, $175 per person at the door.  VIP tickets, which include the exclusive reception and extravaganza, cost $250 per person.  For more information, call (305) 477-1192 or visit www.marchofdimes.com/florida.

Celebrity Sightings:

Last Thursday, newly un-engaged, celebrity chef, Todd English, of Ft. Lauderdale’s Da Campo Osteria was seen dining with friends at Meat Market (insert cliché post break-up joke here). Watching “his Sox” play baseball, sipping on ice cold beer and noshing on Chef Sean Brasel’s Kobe beef sliders and the Caesar salad. Bernie Yuman was spotted at Meat Market on Saturday.

On Thursday night at LIV, Danny Wood, from NKOTB, (New Kids on the Block) and Indy Race Car sensation, Sarah Fisher, made an appearance at a celebration in honor of Susan G. Komen.

Her’s Race for the Cure party took place at Mandarin Oriental, on Friday, featuring Catt Sadler of E! News and E!’s Daily 10 and Indy Pro Series champion Alex “Pink” Lloyd who placed 8^th this past Saturday in Homestead.  A couple of days later, Sadler and beau, Brett Jacobsen, (CEO of Her pink energy drink) got engaged at the swank hotel.

At the Mondrian on Friday night, Muse and Better than Ezra were seen amidst a trendy crowd for the debut of photographer, Ben Watt’s, latest book, Lickshot. The book launch was held in conjunction with the release party for the Morgans Hotel Group CD No. 4, produced in collaboration with Musebox with cover art by Watts.

Saturday afternoon, popular Italian shoe designer, Giuseppe Zanotti, hosted an exclusive lunch and shoe signing at Saks Dadeland’s brand new shoe salon, 10022-SHOE. The handsome and friendly designer chatted with guests who bought out the store’s entire collection of Zanotti shoes! Not bad for one afternoon. Did someone say recession?

R & B singer, Mario, celebrated his album release on Sunday at LIV as female rap star, MC Lyte, celebrated her birthday. Mario serenaded Lyte with his rendition of “Happy Birthday.”

Naomi Campbell hung out with Marc Anthony and Jennifer Lopez at Club 50 on Monday before the Dolphins/Jets game.

If the shows at the Tents and Paris, the fashion world’s fabulous versions of Mardi gras and Carnaval combined, have left you fashionably jetlagged (even if only in your mind), you’ll be glad to know that we’re heating up the runways right in our own backyard. To boot, at least a few of these fashion fetes and shows are designed to benefit great causes not just to wear out the strip of that Black Card. Here’s to a stimulus plan that actually works, and is oh, so much fun!

One such fashion celebration was last week’s opening of the Carolina Herrera boutique in Bal Harbour followed by her runway presentation the next day. Making a pit stop in Miami in between her shows in New York and Paris, Herrera showcased her spring 2010 collection last Thursday, October 1^st, in support of the Guardian Angels, a branch of Jackson Memorial Foundation, which hosted its 11^th Annual Guardians of the Children luncheon at the InterContinental Hotel in downtown Miami. Herrera, who exudes a regal elegance which is personified by her designs and boutiques around the world, was on-hand to present a full runway fashion show, which was inspired by the intricate forms of woven Japanese baskets. The texture of the fabrics, the prints and the interlacing in the accessories are taken from patterns found in details of these baskets. Following the spectacular fashion show, the designer made a personal visit to Holtz Children’s Hospital where she met with all of the children, reviewing the sketches of budding designers and fans, as well as autographing teddy bears for the children to enjoy.

“It was wonderful to be able to show the spring collection to the Jackson Memorial Foundation’s Guardian Angels to benefit the Holtz Children’s Hospital. Children’s charities are so important to me. After the show I was taken for a tour of Holtz Children’s Hospital and the amazing medical facilities and I had the opportunity to meet the very impressive doctors and patients they help –the children were incredible. The whole experience was something really special to me.” Read the rest of this entry »

One special fashion celebration was last week’s opening of the Carolina Herrera boutique in Bal Harbour followed by her runway presentation the next day. Making a pit stop in Miami in between her shows in New York and Paris, Herrera showcased her spring 2010 collection last Thursday, October 1^st, in support of the Guardian Angels, a branch of Jackson Memorial Foundation, which hosted its 11^th Annual Guardians of the Children luncheon at the InterContinental Hotel in downtown Miami. Herrera, who exudes a regal elegance which is personified by her designs and boutiques around the world, was on-hand to present a full runway fashion show, which was inspired by the intricate forms of woven Japanese baskets. The texture of the fabrics, the prints and the interlacing in the accessories are taken from patterns found in details of these baskets. Following the spectacular fashion show, the designer made a personal visit to Holtz Children’s Hospital where she met with all of the children, reviewing the sketches of budding designers and fans, as well as autographing teddy bears for the children to enjoy.

“It was wonderful to be able to show the spring collection to the Jackson Memorial Foundation’s Guardian Angels to benefit the Holtz Children’s Hospital. Children’s charities are so important to me. After the show I was taken for a tour of Holtz Children’s Hospital and the amazing medical facilities and I had the opportunity to meet the very impressive doctors and patients they help –the children were incredible. The whole experience was something really special to me.”

VIPs in attendance at this year’s luncheon included: Carolina Ferreiro-Diaz, event chair, Cindy Davis Carr, this year’s Guardians of the Children Honoree, Shirley K. Fletcher, Honorary Chair, and committee members, Vivian Adrian, Mari Alarcon-Grimalt, Angela Andrade, Fanny Dascal, Silvia Rios Fortun, Alina Gallart, Fana Holtz, Aslynn Rivera, Marilyn Samlut and Gloria Sesana, along with Chris Riley, Alexia Echavarria, Lisa Pliner, Marlen Pernetti, Loretta Nunez, Rolando Rodriguez, President and CEO of Jackson Memorial Foundation and President and CEO of Jackson Health Systems, Dr. Eneida Roldan and Channel 10 anchor, Laurie Jennings, who served as emcee.

The previous night, Herrera celebrated the opening of her most recent boutique at Bal Harbour Shops with a standing-room only crowd. The event, which, by all accounts was packed to the hilt, was co-hosted by Maria Celeste Arraras and Lourdes Fanjul. Over 300 adoring fans including Emilia and Pepe Fanjul, artist Iran Issa-Khan, socialite Margarita Ziqq and jewelry designer Carole Seikaly packed the intimate 2000 square foot boutique, (that’s about 6.6 square feet per person, without a stitch or seat in the store) the Designers’ fourth free standing boutique to open in the United States boutique. Herrera donated 10% of the proceeds from boutique sales from Wednesday- Saturday to the Guardian Angels.

“I started doing this because I loved fashion,” she says.  “But I had no idea what it would become.” This goes to show that you just never know. On June 2, 2008, the Council of Fashion Designers of America honored Herrera with the Geoffrey Beene Lifetime Achievement Award. Herrera’s got numerous projects in the works, including new fragrances, a breast cancer awareness campaign, and her ongoing work as Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations.

So it seems that anyone with a star on Hollywood Boulevard, recording contract or fashion line was either in Toronto for the film festival or in New York for Fashion Week, the US Open and/or the VMAs, thus rendering our “Celebrity Sightings,” section null and void.  Not sure that next week will be a whole lot better, being that the Emmy’s, with their requisite pre and post parties are taking place, points west of the 305.  However, being that the name of this column is the “411,” and that those of us in the know consider Miami the “sixth borough,” we feel obliged to inform you that on Saturday night, Andre Balazs opened up the Boom Boom Room, in his Standard Hotel in the Meatpacking District.  Touted as the “Biggest opening since Studio 54” by celebrity photographer, Patrick McMullan.  So, to make ourselves feel just a little bit less bummed (all right, slightly bitter) about not being there, and so that we (you) can talk about it as though you actually were (after a few vodka sodas, who really knows the difference?) we will expand our “Celebrity Sightings” for the week to include some of the fun NYC. 

Mama Mia!

Here in Downtown, Miami, there are definitely a few spots worth mentioning.  Mia Biscayne opened with much fanfare in the form of searchlights, throngs of people outside the velvet ropes and special musical guests last Wednesday.  This latest addition to the downtown club scene features
a restaurant, live music venue, nightclub and outdoor terrace that just screams “happy hour” to those who work and/or play in the downtown/Brickell area.  Conceptually, it’s a like Karu and Y, but with a cozier feel, better service and much more convenient (read less life threatening) location.  The premise is that Mia is an ideal place to spend an entire evening, where you can grab a good meal, have some cocktails and stay to dance until 5:00 a.m. Upon arrival, we were personally greeted by the adorable Executive Chef, Gerdy Rodriguez, a young-Tyler Florence type, who looks like he stepped out of one of those reality cooking shows.  Rodriguez credits his Cuban upbringing for his flavorful fusion concoctions, which include the Mia roll, lobster topped with spicy tuna, crispy plantains (yes, mariquitas), scallions and avocado cream (our favorite), Kobe sliders and piping hot Manchego cheese and Serrano ham croquettes (close second).  Another highlight unique to Mia Biscayne is the I-Bar, a translucent runway installation that club goers control by touching, kind of like laser light show meets giant IPOD touch.   Talk about ADHD helper- now if only we could send texts on the thing.  Hunky award-winning actor/singer, Jencarlos Canela, and American Idol’s Christina Christian performed live, and DJ George Morel provided the sounds for guests such as Dr. Sanford Ziff; Tara Solomon and Nick D’Annunzio, and notable political figures, Mayor of West Miami, Cesar Carasa, Commissioner, Rebeca Sosa, Commissioner Tomas Regalado and Mayor of Hialeah, Julio Robaina – all of whom presented the owner of MIA, Luis Arias, with a proclamation to the city.

 Get Stoned

Another terrific downtown offering is mySpa at the InterContinental Miami, where we got one of the best massages ever.  While admittedly not a spa person due to limited attention span, (I was tempted to roast weenies on the little grill in the sauna and channeled Seinfeld’s Elaine Benes in the steam room) I enjoyed the simplicity and elegance of mySpa and the hot stones massage got the creative juices flowing (I mentally wrote 2/3 of this column on the table)!  My only complaint:  that the massage didn’t last all day.  Hopefully they’ll consider our suggestion and create a 24 hour massage.  A definite bonus for “football widows”, who will have reason to look forward to Sundays this season, is that mySpa is offering the Sunday’s Fabulous Football Survival Package, which includes a 60 minute myMassage (we definitely recommend the hot stones) followed by a 60 minute True Transformation Facial, for $160.00, a 20% savings, not bad considering the price of a game ticket these days.   ”Widows” can “grieve” together by taking advantage of all spa amenities including sauna, steam, fitness center or just relax poolside with a cocktail in hand.  Now that’s what I call a support group!  For more information, visit www.myspymiami.com.

Disco Baby

Badrutt’s Place, coined ”the European gem in the heart of Brickell,” premiered Disco Baby Supper Club on Saturday, with Master DJ, Mark Leventhal spinning all the songs we grew up loving and pretending to hate during the failed “Disco Sucks” campaign.  During the party, guests enjoyed full menu items as well as delicious tapas, including Chef Mario Da Como’s signature selections, such as shrimp, Carpaccio, crab cakes, cheeseburger bites, spicy meatballs, and pepper crusted beef medallions with horseradish sauce.  We must warn you that while the food is delicious, you may be too busy dancing to even notice it. So don’t over order and wear comfortable shoes.  Badrutt’s plans to throw the 70s themed party on a regular basis, so start grooming your afro wig and buffing your platforms, Disco Baby!  Stay tuned for upcoming dates.

Spin Spin Sugar

Socialite/singer/songwriter Jamie Jo Harris rocked the tables (Mac book) at Wall on Friday night, joining the ranks of gorgeous DJ Divas:  Tracy Young, Eve Salvali and Sky Nellor and showing, yet again that girls can rule the tables too, with all due respect to our favorite local guys, Irie, Dert, Leventhal, Kurtz, Johnny the Boy and Ruckus.  VIPs including Fabian Basabe, Eric Meier, Jose Ortiz, Lance Burstyn, Rich Santelises, Jerry Powers, Nicola Siervo, Karim Masri, Eric Levin, Tara Solomon, Nick D’Annunzio, Mark Leventhal and Harris’ parents, Fran and Mel Harris, danced to her chart-topping single “U Turn Me On,” a pop duet alongside Barry Gibb, and other hits masterfully mixed by Harris. Absent from the spinning debut was Harris’ collaborator, nine-time Grammy Award-winning music producer Rudy Perez, who was summoned at the last minute by superstar client,  Beyonce Knowles (darn VMAs on the same weekend !).

In other spinning news:  David Barton is kicking off his new spinning program with his Tour de Barton spinning competition, in keeping with his goal of helping you, “look better naked.”  On Saturdays through the end of September, members and non-members will spin to win prizes including memberships, spa treatments, guest passes, apparel, and more. To sign up contact DavidBartonGym at

Gansevoort South (305) 534-1660.

Celebrity Sightings:

Seen getting down at the Boom Boom Room:  Madonna, Jon Bon Jovi, John Stamos, Josh Hartnett, Calvin Klein, Donna Karan, Jude Law, Lindsay Lohan, Nacho Figueras, Nicky Hilton, Rachel Zoe, and Tory Burch, to name a few.  At Marc Jacobs’ after party at Hiro Ballroom: Janet Jackson, Lindsay Lohan, Mischa Barton, Rachel Zoe, Russell Simmons, Ciara, Estelle and Rufus Wainwright joined the 700 (of 1000) invitees who were allowed into the hot, sticky party, where Lady Gaga performed toned down versions of “Just Dance” and “Poker Face”  Notably absent, Madonna, who attended the show but skipped the party.

A few local celebrity artists joined forces to help the Miami Children’s Museum celebrate its first annual Family Carnival on Sunday.  Romero Britto, Alex Yanes and the guys from Ruthless and Toothless joined young fans in creating murals that will be displayed at the museum.

By:  Mary Jo Almeida-Shore