Miami Socialholic

Tequila Don Julio and Camila Fernández’s Mariachi Magic

Posted by Mary Jo Almeida-Shore On July - 1 - 2025

Tequila Don Julio turned up the volume and style on a balmy Miami summer night as Mexican singer Camila Fernandez lit up the rooftop of trendy Astra restaurant and bar with a soulful acoustic showcase that blended modern artistry with her rich cultural roots.

The evening, hosted in partnership with Tequila Don Julio, Universal Music Latin, and Fono, unfolded under the stars in true Wynwood fashion: breezy, bold, and undeniably magnetic. Camila serenaded guests with a live performance of her latest single “No Puedo Dormir Sin Ti.” Her voice effortlessly enthralled the crowd, proving why she’s one of Mexico’s most captivating young talents. As the daughter of legendary Mexican singer, Alejandro Fernández, known around the world as El Potrillo, Camila is no stranger to the spotlight. But on this night, she claimed it entirely for herself, with a voice that’s both timeless and current.

The music was only part of the story. In a beautiful nod to heritage, guests were treated to a curated display of Camila’s iconic Mariachi performance outfits—rich with embroidery, color, and character—bringing a tactile sense of tradition into the elevated, open-air space. It was a celebration of Mexico past and present, glamour and grit, wrapped in silk and stitched with soul.

At the heart of the evening was Tequila Don Julio, setting the tone with meticulously crafted cocktails that were as vibrant and expressive as the night itself. Attendees sipped standouts like the La Caminera (with Don Julio Blanco), Una Vida (with Reposado), and the fan-favorite Se Cancela La Llorada (featuring Don Julio 70 Añejo Cristalino), while enjoying a thoughtful spread of light bites under the Miami sky.

Then came the moment that made everyone’s phones fly up: a surprise appearance from Mexican pop sensation DANNA, sending waves of excitement across the rooftop and marking the evening as the summer kickoff the city didn’t know it needed.

No detail was overlooked. Guests were gifted mini bottles of Don Julio 1942, the ultra-premium tequila that’s become a staple of refined celebrations and unforgettable nights.

More than a party, the night launched Tequila Don Julio, Universal Music Latin, and Fono’s larger summer partnership—a cross-country celebration of Mexican artistry and heritage with upcoming stops in Los Angeles, Houston, and New York. But on this particular night, with the Miami breeze floating through bougainvillea and the sound of Mariachi-meets-modern echoing over the city, the magic was right there—on the rooftop.

Summer Solstice Scoop Promotion at all Salt & Straw Locations

Posted by Maryanne Salvat On June - 20 - 2025

In honor of the Summer Solstice on June 20th, Salt & Straw will be offering a free scoop promotion at all locations. Customers who order a single scoop will get to make it a double for free to celebrate the longest day of the year. *Customers need to mention the promo when they’re ordering / at checkout to reword. 

Customers can choose from classic flavors like Double Fold Vanilla, Sea Salt with Caramel Ribbons, Honey Lavender, or choose from the limited-edition Summer Pie Series that is available through June 26th, and features a series of five flavors inspired by the classic summer dessert and the Pacific Northwest’s best seasonal produce, ranging from vine-ripened tomatoes to mouth-puckering lemons. 

Flavors include:

  • Wild-Foraged Berry Slab Pie – Wildberry pie filling with bits of double-baked pie crust folded into salted vanilla ice cream.  
  • Rhubarb Crumble with Toasted Anise – Rhubarb jam is streaked through vanilla ice cream and topped with a toasted anise crumble. 
  • Wildflower Honey and Lemon Chess Pie – Pops of lemon chess pie folded into creamy cultured frozen yogurt, sweetened with wildflower honey and finished with a drizzle of housemade lemon curd. 
  • Gruyere and Tomato Custard Tart – A savory gruyère cheese & tomato jam is baked into a buttery, flaky pie crust, diced into bite-sized morsels and tossed into a salt & pepper custard ice cream. 
  • Coconut Cherry Pie with Almond Crust (v) – Sour cherry pie filling and shortbread almond crust folded into a lush coconut cream.

Since quietly opening in 2023 at the ground level of Brickell City Centre, The Henry has become a neighborhood staple for those who appreciate classic dishes with a modern twist, warm hospitality, and a touch of understated glamour. Brought to Miami by eleven-time James Beard Award nominee Sam Fox—founder of Fox Restaurant Concepts—this all-day American Brasserie brings thoughtful design, approachable luxury, and impeccable execution to one of the city’s most fast-paced districts.

The setting is striking yet inviting. Located on the corner of Miami Avenue and 8th Street, The Henry seats 260 guests in a stylish space of white marble, caramel leather, warm woods, and cascading greenery. Whether you’re slipping into a banquette for brunch or meeting friends for cocktails at the 68-seat bar, the mood is effortlessly polished. Even the ventanita, open from 7 a.m., offers a chic grab-and-go moment for coffee and pastries.

Executive Chef Darren Thompson leads the kitchen with a menu that reflects both precision and personality. With a background that includes the legendary Commander’s Palace in New Orleans, his Southern roots are unmistakable in dishes like the signature crab cake—delicately crisped and served with a house remoulade that’s rich, complex, and absolutely unforgettable. It’s a dish that feels both comforting and elevated.

That same finesse carries through to dessert, where Thompson’s brown butter cake is rich with nutty warmth and the bread pudding is spiced, soulful, and perfectly plated. His dynamic presence is felt in every course, making even familiar favorites feel inspired.

The cocktail program, too, is thoughtfully curated. Sip the Thai Grapefruit Smash for something bright and zesty with subtle floral notes, or the Desert Bird, a tropical-meets-smoky blend of mezcal, pineapple, and lime that’s as balanced as it is bold. Of course, the Spicy Margarita—shaken with just the right amount of heat—remains a crowd favorite.

What elevates The Henry beyond its chic ambiance and well-executed menu is the service: gracious, attentive, and genuinely welcoming. Whether you’re a first-timer or a weekend regular, the team makes every visit feel like an occasion.

From early breakfasts to stylish dinners and everything in between, The Henry continues to strike that rare balance of casual elegance and culinary excellence—firmly securing its place as a go-to in the Brickell dining scene.

The Henry – Miami

Brickell City Centre

701 S Miami Ave, Suite 131-B

Miami, FL 33131

(786) 899-7370

www.thehenryrestaurant.com

Open daily for breakfast, lunch & dinner

☕ Ventanita open from 7:00 a.m. daily

A Dream in Technicolor: Faena Art’s Annual Gala

Posted by Mary Jo Almeida-Shore On May - 2 - 2025

On the evening of April 29, the spirit of Miami shimmered a little brighter as Faena Art hosted its fifth annual Gala, Follow Your Rainbow—a phantasmagoric ode to the transformative power of art and color. Held poolside at the iconic Faena Miami Beach and masterfully helmed by hosts Alan and Grace Faena, the evening unfolded like a living canvas: vivid, immersive, and unapologetically audacious.

Guests made their entrance through a grand rainbow archway into a meticulously curated kaleidoscopic dreamscape, where the realms of art, fashion, music, and culinary excellence flowed seamlessly together.

The scene was cinematic, with every detail meticulously choreographed to entice the senses. A site-specific installation by acclaimed artist Joel Mesler anchored the atmosphere—his work pulsating with color and wit—while DJ Richie Hell delivered a pulse-quickening soundtrack to match. Models paraded through the crowd in bespoke, prismatic couture, blurring the lines between runway and performance art.

At the heart of the evening was an opulent culinary experience curated by Faena’s iconic collaborators: Argentine fire whisperer Chef Francis Mallmann and James Beard Award-winner Chef Paul Qui. Mallmann, true to form, held court over open flames in a mesmerizing ballet of smoke and heat, while Qui carved a massive bluefin tuna with the precision of a sculptor—live, amidst the gasps of delighted guests.

Bringing pure disco magic to the night, Rocky Lanes brought the house down with a powerhouse performance of crowd-favorite dance floor anthems. Not even a light drizzle could dampen the energy—guests twirled, grooved, and shimmered under the stars, fully surrendered to the rhythm.

Currently serving as the electrifying master of ceremonies for Faena Theatre’s dazzling new live production, RETRO: The Rhythm of the Decades, Rocky continues to prove she’s the reigning queen of throwback glamour. Read more about RETRO here.

The guests included Miami’s coolest creatives, a dazzling mix of cultural vanguard, art world luminaries, and global trendsetters. Joining hosts, Alan and Grace Faena were: Gianni and Leena Infantino, Jorge and Darlene Pérez, Len and Emily Blavatnik, Olivier Francois, Vita Sidorkina-Morabito, Mindy Solomon, Cathy Leff, Karen Grimson, Christina Pettersson, Beatriz Chachamovits, Magnus Sodamin, Kelly Breez, Anabella Bergero, Antonia Wright, Edison Peñafiel, Jill Hotchkiss, Manuel Ameztoy, and Danié Gómez Ortigoz.

Embracing the evening’s Follow Your Rainbow theme, guests adorned themselves in chromatic couture, turning the gala into a living spectrum. Faena Art crowned Francisca Oyhanarte—Miami-based artist and style savant—as the night’s best-dressed, awarding her a lavish two-night escape in the Faena Penthouse.

More than spectacle, the Gala reaffirmed Faena Art’s commitment to nurturing artistic innovation and expanding Miami’s cultural lexicon. Proceeds directly fund year-round programming, including experimental commissions, the Project Room exhibitions, and the prestigious Faena Prize for the Arts.

For those who couldn’t follow the rainbow in person, the dream lives on at faenaart.org.

The Playing For Change Foundation’s 2025 Impact Awards gala was nothing short of spectacular—an evening where music, philanthropy, and global unity converged to raise over $2 million for the foundation’s mission.

On March 15, Miami’s Rubell Museum set the stage for this star-studded affair, honoring The Marley Family, JUANES, and Anitta for their commitment to social change through music. The event, co-chaired by Whitney Kroenke Silverstein & Nick Silverstein; Karolina Kurkova & Archie Drury; and Sandra & Howard Hoffen, was a dazzling display of music’s power to unite and uplift.

Before the awards, guests were whisked into the Capital One Entertainment Garden Party, a lush, Amazon-inspired oasis featuring a Caipirinha Bar, vibrant greenery, and exotic performers—setting the night’s magical tone.

The red carpet sizzled with industry luminaries including Island Records founder Chris Blackwell, Grammy-winning artist Maxwell, supermodel Lais Ribeiro, NBA legend Alonzo Mourning, and Recording Academy President Panos A. Panay, all showing up in support of PFCF’s mission.

The Marley Family, led by Cedella & Rohan Marley, was recognized for carrying forward Bob Marley’s vision of One Love through their work with the Bob and Rita Marley Foundation. Chris Blackwell, a longtime reggae champion, presented the award. In a surprise twist, Blackwell himself received an Impact Award for his lifetime contributions to music and social change. JUANES was honored for his humanitarian work with Fundación Mi Sangre, which has empowered over 2 million people across Colombia. Anitta was celebrated for her advocacy in youth and music education, particularly through her work with Instituto Playing For Change in Brazil.

The evening featured show-stopping performances, with GALE delivering a powerful tribute to JUANES that enthralled the crowd. In an unexpected moment, JUANES himself took the stage for a surprise performance. Skip Marley honored his family’s legacy with an unforgettable set, while youth groups Young Musicians Unite (YMU) & Hip Hop Kidz kept the energy high, reinforcing the night’s theme: music as a force for change.

The celebration continued at Superblue Miami, where Cimafunk turned up the heat with its signature fusion of funk, Afro-Cuban, Latin, and electronic beats, keeping the party alive into the wee hours of the morning.

Among the night’s many philanthropic moments, Jerry Plush won a coveted guitar after an exciting, cut-throat bidding war with his wife, Jessica Plush, and Alitza Weiss made a significant contribution to the foundation’s cause.

Capital One Entertainment, Tiffany & Co., Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Jockey, and SPIN Magazine helped bring this mission-driven night to life, reinforcing Playing For Change Foundation’s impact across 95+ locations in 27 countries.

As the night came to a close, one message remained clear: music is more than a universal language—it’s a tool for transformation.

To learn more or support the cause, visit PlayingForChange.org/Impact.

Photo credit: World Red Eye

An Elite Gathering: Flaunt & Loewe’s Miami Open Event

Posted by Mary Jo Almeida-Shore On March - 20 - 2025
Aryna Sabalenka

In a vibrant fusion of high fashion and athletic fervor, Flaunt magazine and Loewe hosted an exclusive celebration honoring Aryna Sabalenka, the tennis virtuoso and recent Flaunt cover star, at chic Casa Neos to kick-off the Miami Open. This curated gathering, a testament to the intersection of sport and artistry, welcomed a discerning assemblage of athletes, creatives, and industry elites.

Vincent de Paul, Cuba Gooding Jr., Rose Thorn

Guests indulged in signature bites, the Marg-Aryna, a cocktail masterpiece conceived by Sabalenka and executed by Dobel Tequila, while the sonic landscape was sculpted by the dynamic DJ sets of Jay.Wav, Grand Marchis, and Sole Aspect. Sip Channe offered a unique, immersive pour experience, elevating the evening’s sensory journey. 

Rocco Shore and Max Shore

The esteemed guest list included:  Kris Humphries, Academy Award-winning actor Cuba Gooding Jr., ’80s sensation Taylor Dayne, actor Vincent De Paul, entrepreneur and real estate visionary Alan Faena, art collector Rasher Benacerraf, designer Sam Robin, Kavita Channe, CEO of Sip Channé, VP of events, Ernesto Arambatzis, luxury connoisseur Gianfranco Berardinelli and a host of Wilhelmina models draped in beautiful Loewe ensembles. Each guest added their unique luster to the event.

Abigail Bromberg, Kat Andrews, Nick, Leonhardt

The event was produced by Rose Thorn (@rosefaiththorn) and Jeffrey Jah (@jeffreyjah), bringing a seamless blend of high fashion, sport, and culture to the heart of Miami. The celebration was captured by William Perez (@williamperez_at) and BFA (@bfa), highlighting the night’s energy and elegance. Photos courtesy of BFA.

Mary Timms, Kristina Key
Kavita Channe
Aryna Sabalenka