To say “Halloweekend” was outlandish, crowded, overstated, raunchy and wickedly fun is an understatement.  The weekend started on Thursday night, with a prelude/kick-off event for “All Hallows Eve” at the Setai, which featured great music by Paul Sevigny, DJ Crystal and Johnny The Boy, in addition to cool tricks, such as a special show by designer, Liquid Metal and treats, such as candied apples (not necessary a good mix  with alcoholic beverages).  Liquid Metal pulled out all the stops.  We’re talking vampires, blood, models being carried around in coffins and half naked dancers- kind of reminded us of the antics which took place at Warsaw on any given night, back in the day. Read the rest of this entry »

Over 1, 500 guests checked into the Hotel Lancaster last Thursday night to celebrate world renowned, one-of-a-kind personality and Diva, Elaine Lancaster’s birthday. As over the top as Lancaster herself, the ballroom at Score nightclub was transformed into a swank hotel, with staff dressed as bellhops. Creative cake designer, Ana Paz, fashioned the birthday cake after a grand seaside hotel complete with palm trees, working lights and an edible replica of Lancaster standing guard. The party’s décor was enhanced by artists such as: Aaron Powell, Cecilia Paz, Joey Mugica, Samantha Perez, Haviart, Romero Britto, Howard Austin Feld, and Guillermo Manrique, each of whom created a unique, visual interpretation of Elaine Lancaster. Friends from all over the globe flew in to spend this special night by “her” side. Guests included: Roy and Lea Black, Andy and Fran Boros, Dr. Julio Hernandez, Frank Navarro, Adrienne Arsht, Michael Gongora, Flavio Nisti, Dale Stine, Brigitte Grosjean, Merle and Danny Weiss, Omar Gonzalez, Frankie Canas, Ricky Salazar, Aaron Von Powell, Beau Beasley, Mykel Stevens, Dan Sehres, Adora, David Rohn, Lydia Martin, Frank Navarro, Nick D’Annunzio, Red Carter, Samantha Perez, Michael Stanley, Rudy Rafuls, Jason Clarke, Mark Clay, Frankie Canas, Lesley Abravanel, Fabricio Martorano and many others.

Ay, Ay, Setai

If you are considering a chic respite right here in our own back yard, look no further than the Setai hotel. We know it’s not necessarily the newest nor “hippest” (whatever that means these days) nor the cheapest, by a long-shot, but as soon as you step into the lobby, you will discover why Conde Nast Traveler, has named the Setai one of “The World’s Best Places to Stay” for three years in a row. Forbes Traveler, has also included it in its list of “The Sexiest Hotels in America” and “400 Best Hotels” and Gallivanter’s Guide has granted the Setai the “Award for Excellence-Best Resort in North America” since the hotel’s opening. At the cornerstone of the Setai’s success is the service. Guests of all ages (yes, the place is surprisingly kid-friendly- providing treats and even pint-sized robes and slippers for the little ones) receive the VIP treatment from the time they check-in and throughout their stay. Upon arrival, guests wait in the posh lobby and enjoy refreshments while they are checked in and are personally escorted to their room and offered a tour of the property. Once inside the stylish, luxurious room, chocolate truffles and fruit await and beachside and poolside, valets provide Evian water, fruit, spray mists, suntan lotion and even after-sun moisturizer. The best part is that all of these amenities, including the beachside private teak cabanas, are included in the hotel price, unlike many other resorts that charge extra. While the average person may have to take out a loan or consider selling an organ to stay at the Setai during peak season, the hotel is offering some excellent packages to encourage that much needed and deserved end-of-summer mini vacay, including a complimentary night after a two-night stay and special neighbors’ rates for Florida residents. For more information, contact: www.setai.com.

Sizzling Summer Steals

The Spa at Icon Brickell is offering The Spa’s 50% off employee discount on all massages, facials and body treatments to all guests until the end of September. To make a reservation, call (305) 503-0369.

Agua at Mondrian introduces the September Sweet Treats promotion this month. From the Dreamsicle Delight body massage to the Sweet Citrus Mani & Pedi, each of the four delicious treatments will set you back just $99 (plus tax + gratuity), and comes with a complimentary glass of bubbly. For $20, guests may purchase the Passport to Pampering that includes use of the fitness center, steam room, sauna and relaxation lounges, along with a glass of champagne, without booking a service. For more information, contact: (305) 514-1950.

Ayama Yoga in Aventura is celebrating by offering free “classes to the masses.”  Throughout the month of September, new students can drop in for any morning, evening or weekend class at no cost.  For a schedule of classes, visit http://www.ayamayoga.com/schedule.

Fall Flicks

While we can’t get enough of Club 50 at the Viceroy, it is good to sometimes venture out and explore the other offerings at Icon Brickell. Starting this Saturday, September 5, The Spa invites guests to catch a classic movie in its intimate 30-person theater. This spa even has a theater, who knew?! For only $12 each, guests can curl up on the plush Philippe Starck-designed couches, enjoy a film from a specific genre, and munch on a gourmet cupcake and popcorn. This Saturday’s film is Citizen Kane, followed by Casablanca on September 12, Singing in the Rain on the 19, and To Kill a Mockingbird on the 26. Movies begin at 7:30. For the full dinner and-a-movie experience, we recommend making a reservation at Chef Michael Psilakis’ fabulous restaurant, Eos, which is located one floor above the theater. For more information, contact: 305.503.0369 or iconspa@viceroymiami.com

The Fontainebleau was the celeb Mecca last week. Last Wednesday,
at LIV’s Dirty Hairy party, American Idol’s, Simon Cowell, Randy
Jackson and Ryan Seacrest enjoyed a boys’night
out, sans Cara and Paula.  On Friday night, at LIV, Kid Cudi performed his hit “Day and Night” while pouring cheering fans shots of Grey Goose. Saturday night Hakkasan hosted a private dinner for director, Michael Bay, pop star, Robin Thicke and his wife, Paula Patton, Kid Cudi and Walter Perez from the new movie Fame. Later the crew held it down at LIV, ordering magnums of Dom rose. Sunday Paul Sevigny spun at Blade pool while Spice Girl, Mel B, and her husband performed synchronized swimming in the pool. Later that night Jazzy Jeff took to the turn-tables for the crew at Imagine Sundays at LIV.
Undisputed World heavyweight champion, Lennox Lewis, was spotted working out at Equinox South Beach on Tuesday.  On Saturday, Nick D’ Annunzio had dinner at Joe Allen with a few close friends including designer, Calvin Klein, publicist, Paul Wilmot and photographer, Pablo Alfaro.  Ludacris was at B.E.D. last Wednesday for the launch of his new Conjure Cognac, arriving at the club with an entourage, including Miamian Flo-Rida, all of whom carried bottles of Conjure with sparklers high in the air.  Ludacris got on the microphone to greet the crowd, and promote his premium liquor.  Matt Damon and his wife Luciana Barroso enjoyed the Miami Spice menu at Area 31 last week.

By:  Mary Jo Almeida-Shore

Roy and Lea Black upped the hip factor once again at their annual Power of Hope charity gala benefitting the Consequences Program and Bay Point Schools, held at the newly revamped Eden Roc Hotel, (which is sure to bring some stiff competition to it’s next door neighbor), as evidenced by the crush of people gathered around the red carpet to catch a glimpse of the many celebs promised to make an appearance.As usual, the Blacks delivered, hosting a perfect evening replete with stellar performances and a guest list to include: Lance Bass, Dennis Rodman, Joe Francis, Craig David, Mario Barth, Jeffrey Donovan, Moon Bloodgood,. Vicki Gunvalson, Elaine Lancaster, Richie Rich, and Bernard Hopkins (and those were just the VVIPs who DIDN’T perform)!

The night started off with a lavish reception in the Eden Roc’s swank lobby, and resembled a “Taste of the Beach,” with mini food stations set up from some of the area’s favorite restaurants including, the Setai, Bova Prime, and 8 oz Burger Bar to name a few.Grey Goose lounges were conveniently stationed throughout the lobby surrounding the extensive silent auction, because the evening’s liquour sponsor knows there’s nothing like a buzz to get people bidding!People were having such a great time during the reception that event staff struggled to coax the crowd into the ballroom when it was time for the dinner to begin.

During the four course meal, Roy Black got on-stage and said, “Thank you for your money and thank you for your time.That’s my line,” but then gave an inspiring speech, in which he encouraged guests to be generous by saying, “Better to be smart on crime than tough on crime, before introducing a Bay Point School’s graduate who is now attending Barry University and working in a law firm.Next, Lea Black took over for the live auction, and was relentless on the mic, working hard to get the attention of the noisy, talkative crowd.The Texas-native would be a welcomed addition to the Bay Point School’s award-winning staff- if she can wrangle over 1, 000 rowdy socialites on a Saturday night, imagine what she can do with a bunch of teenagers!To be cliché:“Don’t Mess with Texas!”At one point, Roy got back on the stage and quipped, “The only way to keep her (Lea) contained is to get her off the mic. “ Lea managed to raise top dollar amounts for auction items including the Jeffrey Rackover diamond earrings worn by Maria Conchita Alonso during her performance, a spot on the waiting list for the first 2010 Rolls-Royce EX200 from Braman Rolls Royce in Miami, a speaking part on Burn Notice, VIP tickets to the Indianapolis 500 and VIP tickets to the Heavy Weight Championship in Las Vegas among other terrific items.Lea also boasted about the Power of Hope Gala, which was put on for a mere $35, 000 and raised $1.4 million.Not bad for a night’s work.

Several superstars performed throughout the evening, including:Elvis Crespo, Craig David, Jencarlos Canela, Alto Reed, Maria Conchita Alonso, and comedienne, Heather McDonald.The crowd did not seem to mind that there wasn’t a dance floor, especially when Patti LaBelle (back by popular demand for a second year) took to the stage and belted out “Hey Sister Soul Sister…” which got everyone on their feet and dancing between the tables.LaBelle followed her performance of Lady Marmalade with a touching rendition of Over the Rainbow.The crowd showed no intention of leaving well after midnight, when Lil Wayne, took over to sing a few songs.DJ Irie capped off the exciting night, spinning his usual, addictive music.

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On Saturday evening Roy and Lea Black hosted the pre-party for their annual gala at Canyon Ranch with a swank soiree attended by scensesters such a s Merle and Danny Weiss, Michael Capponi and girlfriend, Genevieve Lake, Chris Ciccone, Elaine Lancaster, Fabian and Martina Basabe, Rene Ruiz, Ariel Stein and a few hundred others, alongside celebrities, Maria Conchita Alonso, Lucia Mendez, Flex and Alto Reed. Lea Black took to the stage and waxed poetic saying, “If we shine together we shine so much brighter,” as she encouraged the influential crowd to buy tickets and make donations to the upcoming gala on April 18, to benefit Bay Point Schools for at-risk youth. Guests were nearly blown away, literally, on this gusty evening. Maria Conchita Alonzo was no exception, channeling Marilyn Monroe in her flirty pink dress, as she took over the mic to belt out three songs, including “Old Time Rock and Roll” alongside Alto Reed on sax. Alonso lauded Rene Ruiz, thanking him for designing her dress and invited him to join her on-stage. The Blacks’ annual gala, set to take place at the newly revamped Eden Rock Hotel has got a celebrity roster which includes: Pamela Anderson, Lance Bass, Gloria and Emilio Estefan, Oscar de la Hoya, Christian Castro, Kim and Kourtney Kardashian, Queen Latifah, Lennox Lewis, Mike Piazza and Serena Williams to name a few. Entertainment will be provided by Patty La Belle, Heather McDonald, Jencarlos Canela and DJ Irie. For tickets and more information, email: Jason Clarke at jasonfclarke@hotmail.com.

Sporting for a Great Cause

The 2nd Annual Nautica South Beach Triathlon took place on Sunday. Throngs joined the likes of Anna Kournikova, who ran while sporting a huge, canary diamond ring, (ever heard of hand weights?), "The Bachelor's" Andy Baldwin, "Dancing with the Stars’" Cristian de la Fuente and winners of "The Biggest Loser:" Michelle Aguilar and Ali Vincent, to run, bike and swim with over 1,600 others, all of whom helped to raise $137, 500 for St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital.

Coming Up

Walk this Way

On Saturday, April, 11, MTV Latin America & Music Industry – Finding A Cure invite you to Walk this Way, benefitting AIDS WALK MIAMI 2009 hosted by former MTV Latin America VJ, Eglantina Zing at Guitar Showroom, 180 NE 39th Street in the Miami Design District. The event kicks off at eight with free drinks provided by UV Vodka and performances by Carlos Bertonatti, Zania and DJ Mauricio Parra. A minimum five dollar donation is requested.

By the Power of RA

Competitive eaters rejoice! On Tuesday, April 14, 2009 RA Sushi Restaurant is hosting the “Spring Sushi Showdown,” where for only ten bucks you can challenge fellow sushi aficionados in an eating frenzy aimed at a grand prize of free sushi for a year, a $600 value, in case you’ll ever be able to look at the stuff again. There are other great prizes and food and drink specials for all who attend. Proceeds from the gorge-fest will go to the Wellness Community of Greater Miami providing education, support and hope to those affected by cancer. Registration, which is limited to thirty, is a must. Applications are available at RA Sushi in South Miami, 5829 SW 73^rd Street. Deadline to register is Sunday, April 12 and all eaters must be at least 18 years old to participate. Registration to compete includes a $10 entry fee (cash only).

Celebrity Sightings

Good Charlotte front-man, Joel Madden, took to the turntables Saturday night for the private preview party of the new Opium at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, where he’s moonlighting as resident DJ. This Saturday, expect to see Kim Kardashian at the new hot spot for the official ribbon-cutting. Over the weekend, Alonzo Mourning dined at RA Sushi; Zack Thomas dined at Area 31; Burn Notice’s Gabrielle Anwar, fawned over the gorgeous jewelry at Francisca Bastos Designs; and Olympic champ, Dara Torres, and actor, Owen Wilson, attended Sony Erickson. Zac Posen showcased his collection at Neiman Marcus Merrick Park last week and dined at Maison D’ Azur, in the trendy Astor Hotel on Monday. NBA stars David West, Chris Paul, James Posey and Rasual Butler stopped into B.E.D. for the popular “Secret Society” Monday night party.  Also arriving around the same time were MTV’s own “Daddy’s Girls” Vanessa and Angela Simmons.

More than 600 of Miami’s A-listers toasted acclaimed restaurateur, Laurent Tourondel, of famed New York’s BLT, as in Bistro Laurent Tourondel (get it?) at the grand opening of the southeast outpost of the eatery last Wednesday. BLT Miami, at the iconic Betsy Hotel, shares the same distinctive style and tastes of its older sister but with a sexier, swankier South Beach vibe. Lucky guests at the opening savored Tourondel’s signature dishes and desserts. The food just kept on coming! Celebs seen noshing on the endless nibbles: Burn Notice actor, Jeffrey Donovan, (to whom people kept referring as “the Burn Notice Guy,” warranting the nickname, “B.N.G.),” Melrose Place hottie, Andrew Shue, Real Housewives of New York City’s Ramona Singer, and Ingrid Hoffman of the Food Network. Other notables included art collectors, Rafael and Marijean Miyar and Bruce and Kathryn Orosz; designer, Alison Antrobus, financier Alan Randolph, fashion designer, Rene Ruiz, and Jonathan Plutzik and Lesley Goldwasser Plutzik, principal owners of the Betsy Hotel.

In a Rich Man’s World

Abba’s Rich Man’s World was just one of several songs that composed the soundtrack to Richie Rich’s fashion show on Friday night at the Fontainebleau. Other songs which conveyed Rich’s message included Money, That’s what I Want, Material Girl and Diamonds are a Girl’s Best Friend. Rich, formerly of Heatherette, unveiled his latest collection during Rock Fashion Week 2009, (ahem, a “spin-off” of FUNKSHION). The whimsical show, hosted by Elaine Lancaster, featured pink balloons, bubble-gum-inspired whimsical outfits, slinky cat-suits, flirty prom dresses, t-shirts emblazoned with Pamela Anderson’s face, and lots of animal prints. The models danced, smiled, twirled, mockingly blew kisses and showed of their exaggerated, colorful accessories, many of which were shaped like giant dollar signs, in keeping with the theme. Pamela Anderson joined Richie Rich onstage at the end of the show and hugged and kissed and kissed him some more! Backstage, Rich went on and on about Anderson, his “muse,” gushing about how “she’s so much fun, loves to make people happy and is such a great mom.” When asked what makes her happy, Anderson, (looking a lot like a living caricature of Hanna Montana) thoughtfully responded, “My bangs.” Wow! Move over Deepak Chopra! Later that night, Fergie celebrated her 34th birthday with a bash at LIV, alongside husband, actor, Josh Duhamel, Wilmer Valderrama and fellow members of the Black Eyed Peas. Erstwhile superstar DJs, Steve Aoki and DJ AM took turns at the turntables at Blade.

Green with Funkshion

Models, celebrities and VIPs packed the fashion shows during Funkshion, on South Beach last week.   The Green Fashion Show kicked things off on Wednesday and the show’s eco-friendly message permeated the entire week- even the food was “green,” supplied for free to all guests by Pizza Fusion an organic pizza chain in South Florida so committed to the environment that every delivery is made with a Prius! For those who saw the big armored truck with the lit up VAULT sign in front of the tents (and driving around SoBe) and thought, “WTF?” it was neither filled with gold nor money, but with something much more valuable.  The VAULT was the official transportation for all of the models all week long!    From Miss Universe and Miss USA to models from around the world, this truck was party central all week!    Funkshion’s co-producer, Matt Heien, quips, “Who needs cash in a truck like this when you have super models inside? I feel like we just robbed a bank with a note to the bank teller stating, “Give us supermodels and no one gets hurt!”

Steppin’ Out

Nicky Hilton, along with Wyclef Jean, Romero Britto, and Akon joined forces on Saturday night at the SSN Stepping Forward Foundation Gala at the Gansevoort, sponsored by Grey Goose Vodka. The celebs mingled and enjoyed performances by teen dancing troupe, The Untouchables, and Sean Kingston, who performed several songs, including Beautiful Girl, which got everyone on their feet and singing along. On the same night at the Sunset Lounge at the Mondrian, guests got lots of satisfaction at Jade Jagger’s renowned, branded summer Ibiza party, Jezebel, the name of which stems from Jagger’s middle name. Voted the best party during WMC by South Beach locals (in an informal, biased poll), the glowing, glamorous-yet-earthy daughter of Mick Jagger, who inherited the her parents’ best genes, hung out with friends, posed for photos and showed off her new collection of clothing and jewelry in the hotel’s poolside cabanas. Inside the hotel, musician, Perry Farrell, of Jane’s Addiction and his wife, Etty, danced and sang on the bar.

Celebrity Sightings

Paris and Nicky Hilton hung at Mokai on Thursday for Paul Oakenfold’s performance during the Front Page party. Award winning singing sensation, Maria Carey, posed for photos and cheered on husband, Nick Cannon, as he spun at Cabana One on Friday night. On Saturday night, Miami native-turned-Ungaro-chief-designer, Esteban Cortazar partied at Bella Rose with fellow designer, Richie Rich, PR guru Paul Wilmot, famed fashion photographer, Pablo Alfaro and hunky NYC socialite/Miami restaurateur, Fabian Basabe. At the club’s Black Sunday party, DJ Steve Aoki and The Bloody Beetroots performed while LA It Boy, Donovan Leitch, was “murdered.” Attendees of Will Castro’s red-carpet event for Unique Auto Sports on Sunday included rappers Fat Joe, and Busta Rhythms (not Rhymes), Miami Heat stars Jermaine O’ Neal and Dorrell Wright, New Orleans Saint, Jonathan Vilma, Shawn Merriman of the San Diego Chargers, DJ Irie, and White Boy from VH1’s hit show “I Love Money.” Spotted at the Webster during the Femme Fatale DJ series: DJ Cinnamon, DJ Baby Dre of Miami Ink and DJ Gabby of NYC’s LOVE Parties and Les Coquettes, designer Tory Burch with boyfriend/ music mogul Lyor Cohen, and R&B singer, Cassie. Watching the tennis matches at Sony Ericsson: Colombian hip shaker, Shakira, Latin crooner, Chayanne, Vogue editrix, Anna Wintour, NFL players Bryant McKinnie and Thomas Jones, rapper, Common, and singers, Kelly Rowland and Wyclef Jean.

Earlier in the week, designers Russell Simmons, Caroline D’Amore, Abi Ferrin, B. Michael and Lei Marco showcased designs at the Fontainebleau;

Dr. Mc Dreamy, a.k.a., Patrick Dempsey, raced at the Homestead-Miami Speedway and NYC Housewife, Ramona Singer, was spotted at Kung Fu Sushi at the Catalina Hotel and at the BEST Tennis Sony Ericsson Kickoff party at B.E.D., hosted by Ocean Drive magazine. Chef Todd English surprised guests at the grand opening of The Wine Bar at the il Lugano Hotel. Celebs on the scene last week for Miami Fashion Week included actress, Sofia Comparini; stage, movie and television star, Alejandro Chaban; actor Gabriel Porras; television personality, María del Carmen Sojo; actress and former Miss Panama, Patricia De León; actor Vincent De Paul, Mexican actress Angelica Celaya; diva, Elaine Lancaster; and Grammy Award winning songstress, Albita, who wowed the crowd when she sang her newly released hit, “Mis Tacones” (“My Heels”).

Nick D’Annunzio and Tara Solomon, the self proclaimed “King and Queen of Hearts” celebrated Go Red for Women at a heart-healthy brunch at the Intercontinental Hotel to benefit the American Heart Association.   Elaine Lancaster spun some great tunes, as many South Beach locals and Miami socialites and philanthropists enjoyed a one-of-a-kind afternoon- dressed in red, of course.

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