Art! It’s the first word and what it’s all about right? Well, mostly…! In addition to works by Chagall, Picasso, Matisse, Miro, Botero, Calder and Warhol, all under one roof at the Convention Center, stand outs during Art Basel week included: Calix Gustav Gallery which held several receptions celebrating the unveiling of “Grit: to endure a trying situation and continue on without complaint” and “Monitoring Art;” urban impressionist Miguel Paredes’ “The Manifestation of Crossover Art” at a pop-up gallery on Lincoln Road; Carlos Betancourt’s “Lapidus Infinitus” at Diana Lowenstein Fine Arts; David LaChapelle’s “Cars and Money;” Kenny Scharf’s “Art White Collection” and William S. Chewning’s exhibition at Miami Art Group Gallery. Read the rest of this entry »

It is a rarity for a sports-related event to be featured in The Fix unless, of course, said event draws, say… an A-list crowd of VIPs and celebrities, an “orange” (team color) carpet and access to a swank lounge, such as the Ocean Drive Club, as did Monday night’s Dolphins Season Opener at Landshark Stadium.Celebrity arrivals were televised via the “jumbo-tron,” which was visible from the highway. Once inside, guests were escorted to the posh Ocean Drive Club, which was, well, characteristically “Ocean Drive.” From the lighting and cozy couches right down to the oddly interesting astro-turf upholstered ottomans.  Barton G. provided light-fare and there was free-flowing Landshark beer and the uncharacteristic, yet popular, champagne. Champagne at a football game? Talk about “swankified” SoBe tailgating! Celebs in attendance included: Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony, Venus and Serena Williams and Gloria and Emilio Estefan, who were all there showing support for their newly acquired Fins, along with Dan Marino, Tiger Woods, Steve Young, Stewart Scott and Lili Estefan. During the arrivals, Jimmy Buffet and his band played a short pre-game concert for “Parrot Heads” and Fins fans.

Earlier in the week, former “Mr. Ocean Drive,” (insert sarcasm font here) the shy subdued, Rich Santelises, celebrated his birthday at the upstairs lounge at Buzzy’s Burger and Beer Joint. Ultra-hip guests in attendance included: Jerry and Jacquelynn Powers, Lisa Pliner, Chapman Ducote, Michael Comras, David Resnick, Eric and CC Levin, Michael Capponi, Zoltan (who took the party photos) and Dan Goodstadt, to name a few. With his 1000-watt personality, Santelises, stood on a pedestal (o.k. coffee table) and ebulliently thanked each and every one of his friends individually then stated, “A mans riches (no pun intended) are defined by the quality of their friendships. The attendees here tonight illustrate that I am wealthy beyond means or need.”

Almost as cool as the guest list, is the laid-back atmosphere of Burger & Beer Joint. Reminiscent of Purdy Lounge a decade ago, (with better lighting) B &B boasts tasteful “garage sale décor,” a retro-chic vibe, great music, friendly staff and reasonably priced drinks. An added plus is the delicious food at great prices. Of course, the fact that you can “add truffles to anything” is a reason to visit all on its own. Downstairs there’s a casual restaurant with an extensive menu that even includes a 10 lb. burger (Don’t ask.), huge beer selection and plasmas for watching all your favorite teams this season.

Groove is in the Art

The brand-spanking new, Urbanite Bistro, a quaint, cozy resto-bar which looks like a typical, underground SoHo spot, invites you to embrace your inner “boho, artistic child” thanks to its rotating exhibits of local artwork, which are for sale and decorate its trendy, plum colored walls. Urbanite offers eclectic bistro fare, of which we recommend the shrimp corn dogs (how can you go wrong?), Pad Thai, and alligator egg-rolls (if you dare). How’s that for “eclectic? Of course, there are your usual meat and potatoes dishes and a variety of sandwiches and burgers. The place also features two stylish and well-appointed bars, perfect for a few cocktails before hitting neighboring clubs, Vagabond and Karu & Y. If you crave a little nosh during clubbing, return to Urbanite- the kitchen closes at 3:00.

To show its support of the local art scene, The Urbanite Bistro invites guests to a public arts reception on Tuesday, October 6 from 7:00- 9:00 p.m. This month this “rotating gallery” hosts provocative artwork by Latin American artists, Gabriela Sanchez-Vegas and Rudolf Kohn. Guests will receive an Urbanite VIP card, redeemable for a complimentary specialty cocktail during the reception. The Urbanite Bistro is located at 62 NE 14th Street. Reservations may be made by calling 305.374.0662 or visiting www.urbanitebistro.com. Valet parking is free.

Coming Up:

Cutest Boy Bands this side of Liverpool

Adorable New York City-based, foursome, The Postelles, will perform their latest hits, including the single produced by The Strokes guitarist, Albert Hammond Jr., at Club 50 at Viceroy, on Friday, September 25, presented by Jose Cuervo Platino and Novel. Guests are invited to enjoy an open bar hosted by the premium tequila line, from 8:00-10:00 p.m. and drink specials throughout the evening. The Postelles, combine a unique blend of “feel good” retro and modern alternative pop. Viceroy Miami is located at 485 Brickell Avenue. Entrance is free. Please RSVP to info@novelcomm.com.

Another cute, young boy-band, the Heavy Pets will be performing at Tobacco Road on October 2 at 9:00 p.m. Word on the street is that they are “by far, the best local band!” The Heavy Pets just wrapped up concerts at Bonnaroo, Moe.Down and several other festivals this summer and they are starting a winter tour right after next week’s show. No RSVP required. Admission is only $6 at the door.

Something to Wine About

“Uncork the fun” at the 8th Annual Miami International Wine Fair this weekend at the Miami Beach Convention Center, where nearly 500 wine producers will be on-hand to showcase more than 1,500 wines from 20 different countries, making this event one of the largest wine fairs in America, and featuring wine tastings and seminars for oenophiles 21 and over.  Tickets are priced at $75 per person, with the proceeds going to benefit Educate Tomorrow, and include unlimited wine tasting and food sampling from Miami’s finest restaurants.  The fun starts Saturday, September, 25. For more information, visit http://www.miamiwinefair.com.

About Last Night

On Tuesday, September 29, acclaimed restaurant, Pacific Time, in the Design District, will be partnering with Thrillist.com to launch its weekly dinner party called, “About Last Night.” Chef Brian Bell will prepare small plates for guests as “paparazzi” snap their photos which will be uploaded to the Pacific Time Facebook page. Throughout the night Twitter followers can “tweet” about the place and Facebook fans can then check the “Morning After” albums to tag themselves and reconnect with friends they made the night before, ergo the name.  

In Fashion

The award-winning Venezuelan designer, Carolina Herrera, along with Maria Celeste Arraras and Lourdes Fanjul will celebrate the opening of the Carolina Herrera Bal Harbour Shops boutique and toast Herrera’s spring 2010 Collection on Wednesday, September 30, from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.

The day after her boutique opening, Herrera will present a full runway fashion show of her spring 2010 Collection in conjunction with Jackson Memorial Foundation’s 11^th Annual Guardian Luncheon benefitting Holtz Children’s Hospital, along with Shirley K. Fletcher, this year’s luncheon’s Honorary Chair to celebrate fashion n’ fun.  The luncheon starts at 11:00 a.m. at the InterContinental Hotel, 100 Chopin Plaza, Downtown Miami. Space is limited. To buy tickets contact: 305.355.4999, or visit www.jmf.org.

Celebrity Sightings:

Latin Grammy award nominee, Cucu Diamantes, surprised guests at Viceroy’s Club 50 on Thursday night with an impromptu performance. Bad boy, Joe Francis, best known for creating “Girls Gone Wild” partied at LIV both Friday and Saturday nights with a bevy of beautiful girls who weren’t as “wild” as you’d expect, or hope for that matter. On Saturday night, at Mansion, musician, Scott Weiland, debuted his clothing line, Weiland for English Laundry and performed a set of Stone Temple Pilots and Velvet Revolver songs to a packed crowd. Across town on Saturday, at Fort Lauderdale’s Dive Bar, NBA/ reality TV star, Dennis Rodman, was spotted getting down to Shak Nasti.

By: Mary Jo Almeida-Shore

Famed director, Michael Bay, and actors Ramon Rodriguez and Isabel Lucas hosted a special opening weekend screening of Transformers 2: Revenge of the Fallen at Regal South Beach Cinemas, for a few hundred of their closest friends. The mild-mannered Bay introduced the actors and told guests that he made this film for them to enjoy and ordered them to “Have fun.”  He then asked the theater staff to “Play it loud” and sat and watched the first 30 minutes of the film for the umpteenth time, before slipping out at the same time as the actors and a few VIPs, including Michael Capponi and his goddaughter, Amber, and several Paramount Pictures employees to dine at Scarpetta.    As he watched his latest blockbuster, Bay seemed genuinely in awe of the Autobots, which spend the better part of the movie beating the daylights out of the Deceptacons, and even laughed at the film’s funny scenes.  Among those attending the screening, whom we could actually make-out in the dark,  Tara Solomon and Nick D’Annunzio, Jon and Nancy Batchelor, Antonio Misuraca, and Jorge and Darlene Perez. One of the few actual living things in the movie is Bones (short for Bone Crusher), one of Bay’s  gorgeous, enormous, Bull Mastiffs, whom we had the pleasure of meeting at Bay’s United Way Fundraiser at his home last December, along with Bones’ partner, Grace.  Bay totally lit up when asked about his pooches, with which he travels everywhere- by private plane, of course. After the screening, the director, actors and several VIPs headed to LIV for the official after part

Florida International magazine hosted its annual Power Players event at the Epic Hotel on
Thursday to honor this year’s most influential Floridians in various distinct categories including:  Dealmakers, Communicators, Innovators, Headliners, Design Minds, Warriors and New Guard.  Every year, this party attracts like minded individuals who are making noise in their respective fields, for all the right reasons, and can be counted amongst those select few who are responsible for taking our young city to new heights. This year’s Power Players include Nick D’Annunzio, Tara Solomon, and Michael Capponi, who were honored in the Communicators category, but would be named in every category if we had any say.  The list of Power Players runs the gamut from top chef, Jeff McInnis, and philanthropist, Constance Collins, to savvy business women like Renata Black (Lingerie Miami), gallery owner, David Castillo, famous collector, Dorothy Blau, Miami native and future daughter-in-law to Diane Von Furstenberg, Ali Kay, hair guru, ORIBE, (who donated free conditioning treatments and blowouts for the gift bags) and Alissa Christine, photographer.
London-based Tony Lutwyche, crossed the Pond to attend the party.  Lutwyche is partially responsible for the sudden influx of Bondesque, exceptionally well-dressed men parading around our fair state. Lutwyche has brought his signature tailoring concept to the States, starting right here in South Florida. The team responsible for the Power Players issue and event include:  Publisher/Editor-in-Chief, Esther Jackson, Publisher/Creative Director, Phyllis Pesaturo, Managing Editor, Luis Rigual, Fashion and Beauty Editor, Jilian Sanz, writer, Caroline Flitter and National Account Executive, Josh Fein.

Typically April signifies the end of the season, as the spring breakers and snowbirds return home and we locals get to reclaim our beloved restaurants and nightclubs.  But this year it seems that season is still going strong- with new clubs, restaurants and spas opening or revamping and fashion, dining and charity events filling our busy social calendars, even as temperatures continue to soar. 

Opium’s New Zip Code

Miami locals trekked to Hollywood this past weekend for the Grand Opening of Opium at The Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. Friday night, which was hosted by Michael Capponi, featured Swedish DJ Steve Angello, known for kicking Paris Hilton out of his booth during WMC, on the turntables.  On Saturday night, reality star, Kim Kardashian, served as hostess, accompanied by her brother Rob Kardashian, boyfriend Reggie Bush and friend, Venus Williams, all of whom were pretty mellow throughout the evening, hanging out in a corner booth talking.  The throngs of club-goers cheered as Kardashian swung an Opium-branded guitar over her head- a Hard Rock opening tradition, before retreating to her table.

Gen Art’s FASHIONscape

As if the Delano’s orchard isn’t already like a scene out of Alice in Wonderland, set designer, David Glass, added to the whimsy during Gen Art’s FASHIONscape on Tuesday night by installing fashion vignettes to showcase the collections of up-and-coming designers, John D. Schoemann, of John David Collection and Claudia Estrada, of Claudiae.  Like living mannequins, the gorgeous models added to the already visually stunning surroundings and seemed to be having just as much fun as the guests.  At one point, two models in the showcase were chit chatting and cutting up to the point that several of their counterparts had to tap them on the shoulder repeatedly so that a photographer could take their picture.  The unique set-up of the vignettes, which were conceptualized by the designers, afforded guests the opportunity to get up-close to the fashions and enjoy them from multiple perspectives, rather than just catching a glimpse of each look on the runway.  This was most appreciated by the FFWADHD:  Fashion Forward with Attention Deficit Disorder, who often miss entire segments of runway shows due to excessive texting, twittering and/or talking, present company INCLUDED.  On-hand during the evening’s festivities were hosts, Project Runway’s, Uli Herzner; celebrity stylist/ costume designer for Sex and the City and Burn Notice, Danny Santiago; 944 magazine publisher, Alan Roth; nightlife impresario, Alexis Mincolla and a few hundred locals.  Gen Art has catapulted the careers of renown designers such as Zac Posen, Rebecca Taylor, Uli Herzner, Rami Kashou, Eduardo Lucero, Geren Ford, Katy Rodriguez and Vena Cava, to name a few.

Spaaaaaahs

Agua spa at the swanky Mondrian hotel is officially open. Barbara Becker recently hosted a preview of the spa for a few of her BFFs, including: Iran Issa-Khan, Sam Robin, Hello Campos, Tracy Mourning and Amaris Jones, who relaxed in the private lounge areas while enjoying bites from Asia de Cuba.  The gals scored great swag, filled with Sjål Skincare products and invitations to return for complimentary treatments.

Equinox, the fitness center of choice around the nation for VIPs and celebs including President Barack Obama, Matt Damon, Jessica Alba, Reese Witherspoon, Jake Gyllenhaal, Mario Lopez, Queen Latifah, Jesse Metcalfe, Sean “P Diddy” Combs, Lance Bass, Dr. Dre, and Ludacris, is not typically thought of as a spa.  However, on a recent visit the gym-to-the-stars, we found that in addition to their rigorous and fun exercise classes, which include Boot-camp Boogie, (personal favorite) and state-of-the-art equipment, Equinox boasts an awesome spa, complete with all the bells and whistles, available to members and non-members alike.  Equinox puts the “ah” in spa!

Coming Up

Smith and Wollensky, which is known as Smith’s to locals, officially unveils its multi-million dollar facelift on Thursday, with a private party.  The renovations include two new spaces – Smith’s Patio and The Overlook Deck. A major draw of this local favorite is its unique, unobstructed, unparalleled views of Government Cut, Fisher Island and the downtown Miami skyline.  Boasting the longest-standing South Beach happy hour, Smith’s is also ideal for intimate or business dining and private events.

This Friday, Solé on the Ocean in Sunny Isles Beach premiers its anticipated poolside happy hour, Alba, and pool party series overlooking the ocean.  Happy hour goes from 4:00-7:00 p.m. and features two-for-one cocktails. During the weekend pool parties, DJ Baby Dré will spin and a summer “lunch box” menu will be available to nosh on while you bake.

Two and four-legged eaters can blow off steam and get a great bite at China Grill this Sunday, as the South Beach staple celebrates Gay Pride with a Bitch ’n Brunch from noon until 4:00 p.m.  In the spirit of the restaurant’s famous “Dogs Gone Wild” parties, China Grill encourages guests to bring their pooches to the “dog friendly” patio for al-fresco dining.  “Pack leaders” can enjoy a luxurious and recession-friendly three course brunch for just $23 (exclusive of tax and gratuity) while their “best friends” hang out in the puppy play areas or unwind in the puppy lounge provided by Pet Smart Midtown.

You can knock on heaven’s door, (Blue Door, that is) on Monday, April 20, when Blue Door at the Delano, hosts a five-course Joseph Phelps wine dinner featuring chef Claude Troisgros’ culinary creations, which will be prepared by Delano’s executive chef, Maria Manso.   Each of the scrumptious courses, which range from seared tuna to rack of lamb, will be paired with one of Joseph Phelps’ signature wines.   Dinner starts at 7:00 and costs $150.00 per person, exclusive of tax & gratuity.  For more information, call: 305-674-6400. 

Brazil’s most sought-after jewelry designers, Francisca Bastos and Andrea Ventura, will showcase their latest creations during a show at the Conrad from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. on April 23.  Brazilian hors d’oeuvres and canapés will be served and a portion of sale proceeds will benefit the Humane Society of Greater Miami Adopt-A-Pet.  For more information, visit www.franciscabastodesign.com.

Celebrity Sightings

Josh Hartnett made the rounds last week, starting off on Thursday night, where he took over the Florida Room and performed four songs.  Rumor has it that on Saturday night, Hartnett made his way back to the Florida Room with a hot blonde he had picked up at the club the Thursday before.  Prior to his return to the Florida Room, Hartnett attended Scott Campbell’s Make it Rain gallery show at Miami’s O.H.W.O.W. Gallery.  On Sunday night, Hartnett and a couple of friends hit Bella Rose’s weekly “Black Sunday” party, hanging out at Alexis Mincolla’s table. Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony spent the weekend at the posh Viceroy Miami at IconBrickell, where they swam in the pool at Club 50, toured the property and dined at the chic 15^th floor restaurant with developer, Jorge Perez and his wife, Darlene.  Burn Notice’s Jeffrey Donovan was spotted grazing on a salad at delicious 8 oz Burger Bar. Really?!!!   Gabrielle Union was the guest of honor at the AE District Gallery event in the Design District.  Former Sopranos’ star, Lorraine Bracco, a.k.a. Dr. Melfi, dined with a friend at The Grill on the Alley last week, as did- A-Rod, who was spotted having dinner with his children.

 


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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.