By: Dr. Mary Jo Almeida-Shore

How does a multi-media website that spotlights celebrities and parties throughout the country celebrate five years in business? With an over-the-top, champagne-soaked weekend filled with bashes, celebrities, and fun, of course.

For the momentous occasion, Seth Browarnik, dubbed the “Lensman of South Beach,” invited 500 of his closest friends to a “bash for the books” at South Beach’s most beautiful new hotel, the 1Hotel South Beach on Friday, May 29. As expected, a crowd ten times the size of the invitation list showed up, hoping to gain access to the private event. Those fortunate to be deemed worthy were treated to a night drenched in Moët & Chandon champagne, too many cocktails, music by Miami’s favorite DJ, Irie, spirited conversations and lots of dancing. An innovative photo booth allowed guests to capture and share their favorite party moment. Read the rest of this entry »

By:  Mary Jo Almeida-Shore 

Lea and Roy Black at The Blacks’ Annual Gala 2013

Lea and Roy Black have a magical way of bringing together “A-list celebrities, social icons, business titans and top legal minds” every year for their annual gala.  What began as a party for 450 at the Blacks’ home nearly 20 years ago has grown into one of the most highly anticipated events of the social season, with nearly 700 guests in attendance this year.  The Blacks’ Gala took place at the Fontainebleau on Saturday night to benefit The Consequences Charity and its programs with Teach for America, Breakthrough Miami and Big Dreams for Kids, for which they gala has raised roughly $12 million over the past 19 years. Part of the magic is that this event is actually a “fun gala” (not an oxymoron) which combines giving and celebrating by encompassing all of the elements that make for a perfect party:  hundreds of stylish, interesting and/or beautiful people; one-of-a-kind auction items- at a bargain; top notch entertainment; gourmet food and free-flowing cocktails to get everyone in a celebratory and spending mood.  The best part? It’s all for kids in need. 

The star-studded charity event began with a Grey Goose cocktail reception, and silent auction, followed by a gourmet dinner, performance by American Idol winner, Taylor Hicks and a live auction which featured a walk-on role in an upcoming Michael Bay movie, a one year lease on a 2013 all-new body style Range Rover, Jeffrey Rackover jewelry and Hublot watch to name a few. Read the rest of this entry »

Christina Getty-Maercks, George Lindemann, and Criselda Breene

By:  Mary Jo Almeida-Shore 

A Night at the Museum

Despite the fact that we are huge art buffs, and have delighted in the works of the Masters at museums throughout the world, we couldn’t recall a time when we had actually had fun in an art museum (with the exception of the Ufizzi Gallery in Florence where we had our way with Michelangelo’s slaves and David in our early twenties).  This changed on Thursday, April 26 at the Bass Museum of Art’s annual fundraiser “A Night at the Museum,” for which the museum should have been renamed the “BLAST” museum; as many of Miami’s chicest and most artsy socialites gathered after hours to socialize, chat, nosh, dance and enjoy the fantastic exhibits, which became more and more interesting with every cocktail. Read the rest of this entry »

David Neville and Marcus Wainwright of Rag & Bone

By:  Mary Jo Almeida-Shore 

Rag & Bone at the Soho Beach House

Gorgeous, “skinny-bones” sashayed down the runway in beautiful “rags” modeling the latest collection by British designing duo, Marcus Wainwright and David Neville, of designer label Rag & Bone on Thursday evening at Soho Beach House. The Grey Goose vodka was as free flowing as the brightly- colored fabrics, in yellow, orange and turquoise, the perfect palate for a place where summer lasts all year.  One look even featured turquoise and orange together- perhaps in homage to the Miami Dolphins?

Over 300 guests filled the area surrounding the downstairs pool for the show, which took place on a platform atop the pool and was presented by Saks Fifth Avenue Bal Harbour and Ocean Drive magazine. Read the rest of this entry »

 Caged Women at Cafeina 

Join photographer Jordan Michael Zuniga for the debut of his latest works, Women in Cages, at Wynwood’s Cafeina with a VIP cocktail reception to benefit People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) on Thursday, August 11, from 7 to 10 p.m. The exhibition explores the politics surrounding the treatment of animals, and his subjects are some of Miami’s most well-known faces, including: Brooke Hogan, Ines Rivero, Katrina Campins, Michelle Pooch and Tara Solomon, who have undressed for the exhibit as part of PETA’s “I’d Rather Go Naked than Wear Fur” campaign. Eighty percent of the proceeds from all sales of these photographic works will be donated to PETA. This powerful, sensual exhibition will be on display through September 10.  The opening cocktail and exhibit are free and open to the public.  For more information and to RSVP contact Brian Long at mrlong@bl-pr.com or call 917.294.7370.  You may also RSVP by contacting Omar DeWindt at TARA, Ink. at omar@taraink.com or 305.864.3434 ext. 157.

Bark at the Ball Park 

Take your pooch to watch the Florida Marlins game for a change of venue that also benefits a worthy cause. The Marlins battle the San Francisco Giants on Friday, August 12, at 7:10 pm, at Sun Life Stadium and help raise money for the Humane Society of Greater Miami. Tickets are only $12 for adults, $6 for kids and $6 for dogs. Doggie pools, water dishes and a dog-walking area will be available throughout the game.  Proceeds from all dog tickets will benefit the Humane Society of Greater Miami.  To purchase tickets contact Cynthia Coutard at 305.749.1842 or Cynthia@humanesocietymiami.org.  Group tickets are also available by calling 305.626.SAVE. Dog owners must carry proof of the rabies vaccination with them to the game. Download and sign the Waiver document from the website- www.humanesocietymiami.org and bring the form with you to the game.

Wine Depot Hosts Champagne Ruinart 

On Tuesday, August 16, Wine Depot will host a wine/champagne tasting focusing on Champagne Ruinart from the region of Reims. From 6 to 8 p.m., guest can enjoy complimentary wines from this area. Wine Depot will be focusing on different regions every Tuesday, until the end of August. Reservations are required and can be made by visiting marketing@winedepotmiami.com. 

Sloane Square Barbers & Shoppe Opens in Coral Gables 

On August 18, Sloane Square Barbers & Shoppe opens its doors in downtown Coral Gables. A membership-focused club, with non-member a la carte service, Sloane Square captures the timeless, authentic barbershop experience by combining a rich mix of modern amenities and classic style.  Opening the flagship store in Miami Beach only eleven months ago to much acclaim, the South Beach locale was named one of “America’s Five Best Barbershops” by Travel & Leisure Magazine in 2010. The opening will go from 10:00 a.m. to closing.  For more information, visit www.sloanesq.com. 

Mayfair Launches Saturday and Sunday Pool Party 

Stepping away from South Beach pool parties, Mayfair Hotel hosts “Splash at the Mayfair” every Saturday this summer. Bringing the sun-filled-day to life, Ren Albieri aka “DirtyClean” and Darrell Robinson aka “DJ FOXX,” who have a profound understanding of club dance music, will provide sounds to kick off the weekend. The pool party will be filled with drink specials and good vibes, while giving free Special Cocktails for ladies from 4 to 6 p.m. and UM students a 10% discount with ID.

For a more exclusive and relaxed event, Mayfair Hotel and Spa will also be hosting a full-service, invite-only Sunday pool party at the rooftop pool and cabana lounge . The ultimate luxury Bohemian hotel is calling back the stylish Sunday setting honoring its original status as the most coveted social destination in Miami, along with its celebrated four-diamond service. The Mayfair rooftop will be open through September 24; guests can experience an array of specialties including private cabanas, magazines, frozen grapes, aroma-soaked wet towels, Evian mister, lotion, and much more.  The invite-only list is open to loyalists and local influencers who fill out commentary cards at Chef Jonathan Eismann’s Spartico Restaurant.  For more information, visit www.mayfairhotelandspa.com or call 786.514.9886. 

Miami Spice at db Bistro Moderne 

For the months of August and September, db Bistro Moderne joins Miami Spice, with a scrumptious three-course meal for lunch or dinner. Located inside the JW Marriott Marquis Miami, Daniel Boulud’s eatery offers a seasonal menu by Executive Chef, Jarrod Verbiak, featuring dishes such as Ceviche du Jour, Roasted Snapper, Spinach Farfalle and Tarte Fine. For a complete Miami Spice menu, visit www.MiamSpicedbbistromoderne.com. 

db Bistro Moderne also introduces summer happy hour offering half-off specialty cocktails such as the Grapefruit Blossom and the Ultimate Filthy Martini; half-off beer, wine, sake and premium offers; light bites for $7 including Beignets de Brandade, Pommes Souffle and half-priced raw bar items such as oysters clams and ceviche; and half-off sweet treats such as Blueberry Shortcake, Madeleines and much more. On Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, renowned DJ Pierre Zonzon will spin from 5 to 8.pm., and db Bistro Moderne will bring in different liquor sponsors like Kettle One, Johnnie Walker, Don Julio, every Thursday during happy hour. Reservations are recommended, visit www.DanielNYC.com. 

BankAtlantic Center Opens The Vault 

On August 22, BankAtlantic Center introduces a brand new “special offers” program named THE VAULT. BankAtlantic Entertainment Arena and National Hockey Team brand is the first of its kind to customize a program for its fans, local businesses and charitable causes through a daily deal platform. Every day, The VAULT will open with a new deal from one of its many collaborators, including: Equinox, Revolution Live, Game-Time, and America’s Backyard. In addition to the daily deal program, The VAULT will donate a portion of its sales to the community’s most worthwhile charities through the formation of the DCI Cares Foundation. Members will have the opportunity to participate in a unique experience every month, and will automatically be entered into the special giveaways monthly.  This month’s special experience includes a limo ride and dinner with Miami Heat center, Alonzo Mourning and his wife, Tracy at the newly- opened Mister Collins restaurant at ONE Bal Harbour Resort and Spa. The event will benefit the Lauren’s Kids Foundation in an effort to help stop and prevent childhood abuse.  New customers can sign up for THE VAULT, at www.vaultoffers.com or by visiting THE VAULT kiosks at the BankAtlantic Center in Sunrise. For more information, contact Michael Leitman at 954. 554.0291 for business inquiries about joining THE VAULT.

Heather Bailey, Tracy Wilson Mourning, Ayana Rodriguez, and Nadine Valme

By:  Mary Jo Almeida-Shore

 More than 500 of Miami’s leading ladies kept their hats on under the big top for the circus-themed Hats Off luncheon hosted by Tracy Wilson Mourning at Jungle Island on Tuesday, May 3, the Honey Shine Mentoring Program’s premier fundraising event.  Circus performers, colorful animal statues, a cotton candy vending machine, snow cones, circus fare and Grey Goose cocktails added excitement to the already whimsical afternoon, which began with a silent auction filled with so many name-brand and hand-crafted items that even Mourning delayed her entrance into the actual luncheon to bid on several terrific bargains. 

Once inside the main ballroom, guests delighted in the wall-to-wall circus décor: tabletops adorned with colorful linens, with centerpieces comprised of hand-painted hat boxes surrounded by circus treats including animal crackers, peanuts, and cracker jacks and a stuffed circus animal wearing a Honey Shine t-shirt on each chair.  Read the rest of this entry »