Culinary forces unite to help Haiti.  From Monday, February 1, through Sunday, February  7 .  Twenty of South Florida’s finest  restaurants,  and U.S. Fund for UNICEF, will be participating together in an effort to send relief to Haiti.  Diners will be given the option to contribute funds by adding their donation onto their checks.

 Participating restaurants include:  Azul at Mandarin Oriental Miami, Café Sambal at Mandarin Oriental Miami, Eos at the Viceroy, The Grill at The Setai,  The Grill on the Alley, Jaguar Ceviche, La Marea at The Tides, Lime Fresh Grill, Luna Corner Pizza, Michael’s Genuine Food & Drink, Michy’s, Ortanique, Perricone’s,  Red the Steakhouse,Quattro, The Restaurant at The Setai, Solea at W South Beach, SRA. Martinez, Talavera Cocina Mexicana, Talula, Two Chefs, and Wish at The Hotel restaurants. For more information, please contact Susan Brustman or Larry Carrino at Bustman Carrion Public Relations, 305.573.0658 or BCPR@brustmancarrinopr.com.

SUSHISAMBA,  Sunny Isle’s Kitchen 305, Miami Beach’s Café Prima Pasta, LUCKY STRIKE, MAYA Tapas and Grill, and MORENA will also be collecting donations for Haitian relief to assist the American Red Cross. Patrons will be able to add contributions on their checks, as well.  One hundred percent of the proceeds collected will be  donated for relief supplies and  financial resources to aide the victims of this devastating tragedy. For more information, please contact Abbi Johnson at  www.Treskoipr.com.

Nick D’Annunzio and Brian Antoni’s “Totally 80s” birthday bash at Viceroy’s Club 50 last Friday night was, simply put, the most fun party we’ve been to all summer, maybe all year. We could even exaggerate a bit and say it was the biggest blast we’ve had in almost two decades. Perhaps it was the 80s theme, reminiscent of a time when life was less complicated, before flat-irons and Facebook, Blackberries and Botox, texting and Twitter. A time when the humidity made for a “good” hair day, being that “big hair” was in, every song on the radio or cassette was totally awesome, the ideal outfit consisted of pretty much anything you could find and throw together, people actually danced at parties and even talked to each other on occasion, and South Beach was a quiet, retirement community. Or maybe we were just a bit (quite a bit) younger. The party’s success could also be due to the fact that business and life partners, Nick D’Annunzio and Queen of the Night, Tara Solomon, Principal of Tara, Ink., know a thing or two about throwing a party. The guest list consisted of over 1,000 of Miami’s most influential VIPs, socialites and hipsters, many of whom dressed for the occasion, just adding to the hilarity and excitement, who danced all night- on the floor, on the tables, on the couches…well you get the idea, to excellent music by master DJs, Sean Drake and Johnny the Boy.   Solomon, who barely stopped dancing for a second, commented: Read the rest of this entry »

For those of you who prefer your pyrotechnics with a bit of flair, a few notable establishments are offering some swanky alternatives to celebrating our nation’s birthday.  Instead of the typical backyard BBQ and sitting on wet grass to watch a fireworks display, consider heading to the Marcel Wanders-designed Mondrian, where you can celebrate in true South Beach style (minus the hassle) by “checking in for the day” to receive all day access to the Sunset Lounge pool deck-quite a fabulous place to watch the fireworks display over the American Airlines Arena. This package starts at $125 for two and includes deluxe hotel room accommodations until 6:00 p.m., enabling guests to shower and dress up before the evening’s festivities.  As part of the package, guests can enjoy 20% off of Agua Spa treatments. Overnight packages, including daily complimentary breakfast for two, start at $195.00. For reservations, call (800) 606-6090. 

Nearby, at Red, the Steakhouse, you can partake in a gourmet BBQ and fireworks viewing party on the private rooftop of the restaurant. Guests are invited to watch the South Beach fireworks display while feasting on the restaurant’s signature dishes in addition to all of the traditional BBQ offerings.  There will also be 2-for-1 specialty cocktails throughout the evening, as well as specially-priced sangria, beers, and Mojitos. Dinner starts at 6:00 p.m., the bar opens at 5:00 p.m. For more information, please call (305) 534-3688 or go to www.redthesteakhouse.com.

Another fanciful fourth can be had at the Viceroy at Icon Brickell, which is hosting an Independence Day celebration that includes a pool party from noon to 5:00 p.m. on the expansive two-acre deck, a BBQ, drink specials and kid-friendly wading pools. The whole family is invited to the afternoon BBQ, but the party is sure to become adult-centered once the sun sets.  Expect DJs spinning party beats and a chic evening of fun and fireworks, with displays visible from Key Biscayne, Coral Gables, Miami Beach and Downtown Miami. This party is a bargain since there is no entrance fee, and food and drink tickets start at just $5.00 (one ticket is good for a hot dog or hamburger).  Over at Club 50 – the rooftop pool lounge at Viceroy, guests can enjoy a more sophisticated eventing and panoramic cityscape views. For guests who’d like to spend the night, overnight accommodations start at just $175, and include VIP access.  For more information contact: (305) 503-4400 or visit www.viceroymiami.com.

Viceroy Fridays at Club 50 officially launched last Friday night, a weekly party hosted by some of Miami’s most influential socialites.  The scene was sort of like a speakeasy, fifty stories above the city, thanks to the sultry, sexy sounds of Kamikaze and the Big Bounce and a host of beautiful faces, young and seasoned, which graced the gorgeous space.  The concept behind the party, is to have a “group of  ‘bright young things’ hosting their friends for evening of like-minded, socially relevant, industry heavy hitters drinking and dancing amongst the stars, no less,” says the glamorous Jilian Sanz, fashion editor of Florida International Magazine, who was one of the party’s hosts. “In a nut shell, Club 50 is right where we belong!”  Beautiful and humble, what a combination! After the live performances, the adorable, Troy Kurtz, who’s as easy on the eyes as he is on the ears, took over the tables and got everyone dancing.   According to Jochy Ortiz, one of the party’s promoters, “Club 50 is Miami’s epicenter for power players and hipsters. This premiere lush lounge is unlike others in the area. Influenced by similar lounges in New York and South Beach, Club 50 invites guests to listen to top DJs and live performances while overlooking the city’s famed skyline.” Be advised:  You must be a pretty young thing or be accompanied by one to enter. South Beach Veteran Johnny Rhodes keeps a tight door, like the one he kept at the Shore Club in yesteryear. For information and table reservations contact 305.503.4400 ext. 7138.

The party continued at Louis at the Gansevoort on Saturday night, as Jochy Ortiz hosted “Round 2,” to celebrate one local columnist’s birthday, which shall remain nameless (but you can probably guess whom by looking at the photos or by-line above).  As expected, the party was out of this world, featuring hilarious party antics, Napoleon dancing atop the bar, tambourines, great music and all the decadence for which Louis is well-known.

Pretty Young Things Abound at Viceroy and Louis

Viceroy Fridays at Club 50 officially launched last Friday night, a weekly party hosted by some of Miami’s most influential socialites. The scene was sort of like a speakeasy, fifty stories above the city, thanks to the sultry, sexy sounds of Kamikaze and the Big Bounce and a host of beautiful faces,young and seasoned, which graced the gorgeous space. The concept behind the party, is to have a “group of ‘bright young things’ hosting their friends for evening of like-minded, socially relevant,industry heavy hitters drinking and dancing amongst the stars, no less,” says the glamorous Jilian Sanz, fashion editor of Florida International Magazine, who was one of the party’s hosts. “In a nut shell, Club 50 is right where we belong!” Beautiful and humble, what a combination! After the live performances, the adorable, Troy Kurtz, who’s as easy on the eyes as he is on the ears, took over the tables and got everyone dancing. According to Jochy Ortiz, one of the party’s promoters, “Club 50 is Miami’s epicenter for power players and hipsters. This premiere lush lounge is unlike others in the area. Influenced by similar lounges in New York and South Beach, Club 50 invites guests to listen to top DJs and live performances while overlooking the city’s famed skyline.” Be advised: You must be a pretty young thing or be accompanied by one to enter. South Beach Veteran Johnny Rhodes keeps a tight door, like the one he kept at the Shore Club in yesteryear.
For information and table reservations contact 305.503.4400 ext. 7138.

Fuerza Bruta

Argentina‘s Fuerza Bruta, a multi-sensory Cirque du Soleil-style show (minus the annoying clowns) has taken Miami by storm, after rave reviews in other cities, such as New York and London. Now it’s our turn to be entranced and literally drenched, by the “erotic, hypnotic, aquatic” party. The experience can be compared to being in a Brazilian nightclub, which just happens to be inside of an insane asylum and includes a fun house and gigantic, transparent pool on the ceiling. The mental patients, we mean, performers, bigger on brute strength and bravado than on actual talent, engage in a series of physical challenges, including: aquatic acrobatics in a clear, plastic, pool suspended above the heads of the audience; running on a conveyor belt while brick walls crash into them; and dancing atop rafters, while breaking stuff on one another’s heads, to name a few. If you go, be aware of the fact that you will enter the Arsht Center through the service entrance, and must remain standing for the 60 minute show. Oh yes, and you will be exposed to lots of splashing, debris, uncontrollable dancing and one-of-a-kind experiences. So go prepared! The website for the show actually lists several “things you should know before you go,” to which we would add that being at least a little buzzed would greatly enhance your experience. Consider spending time at the G- Lounge prior to the show. Conceived by Barton G, who knows that a surreal performance deserves a surreal pre and post party space, G Lounge is an enormous cinderblock and chrome fan-lined warehouse which is the official pre- and post-party for the show. G- Lounge’s vibe parallels the futuristic intensity of Fuerza Bruta’s flying dancers and experimental beats and features space-age cocktails, signature bites, hypnotic lights and Euro-dance music to keep you dancing long after the show. Fuerza Bruta and the G Lounge experiences end July 5. For more information, contact: Arsht Center for the Performing Arts, (305) 949-6722 or arshtcenter.org.

Let’s Go- G.N.O. – Girls Night Out

On Tuesday, Ivette Arango, Carolina Argiz, Celia De Sola, Kristin Pearce, and Jennifer Sazant hosted the kick-off party for the Sagamore Girls Night Out Getaway and the launch of Tatiana Boncompagni’s latest book, Hedge Fund Wives. The party was well-attended by socialites and “Hedge Fund Wives-types,” who may or may not have been enjoying the delicious hors de oeuvres, free-flowing Martini and Rossi sparkling rose and pampering from Rik Rak salon- hard to tell, thanks to all the Botox-infused faces. The charming, critically acclaimed, Tatiana Boncompagni signed each and every book and mingled with guests. Ever-gracious designer, Red Carter was on-hand to showcase his 2010 summer collection. The Sagamore Hotel will host similar monthly-themed parties throughout the summer. Stay tuned.

Another fabulous book launch is scheduled for this Saturday, June 20^th at The Webster boutique, from 7:30-9:30 p.m. New York Post’s (which we consider “the other Post,)” Page Six gossip columnist, Paula Froelich will introduce her first novel Mercury in Retrograde, which has already made The New York Times Best Seller list. The witty, razor-tongued Froelich explains that her book is about “getting a life that you earn and what happens when you stumble and pick yourself up.” Sort of like a survival guide for a new generation. Froelich uses her experiences as an insider in New York City’s social scene as the basis for her story about “three women struggling to survive in the most exciting – and challenging – city in the world.” The Webster launch marks the third stop on her book tour which included New York and Los Angeles in the past weeks.

Coming Up

Amigos Celebrate Latin Flavor

One of the most versatile and fun events of the summer returns to Jungle Island this Saturday, June 20, as Amigos for Kids hosts ING Miami Celebrity Domino Night ‘09 to benefit thousands of South Florida’s children. Those of you who enjoyed the award-winning show currently playing at the Arsht Center, Celia, and/or are fans of the late Queen of Salsa, Celia Cruz, will be delighted to know that actual members of Cruz’s band, The Celia Cruz All Stars, will make their world debut at the party. In addition to the Latin grooves, guests will be invited to partake in buzzing domino club along with celebrity domino players, and enjoy dinner-by-the-bite by Miami’s most prominent chefs and restaurants, an open bar courtesy of Dewar’s, and a stellar silent auction featuring Cuban art, sports memorabilia and much more.

Tickets and tables for the ING Miami Celebrity Domino Night are on sale now. Individual tickets are $150 per person in advance and $175 per person at the door. Guests can reserve a domino table of four at $1,000. To purchase tickets to ING Miami Celebrity Domino Night, call Amigos for Kids at 305.279.1155 or visit www.amigosforkids.org

Summer Steals

Oenophiles rejoice! You’ve got three fantastic wine dinners to chose from next week, all priced very reasonably. On Tuesday, June 23, Pacific Time hosts The American Institute of Wine & Food’s (AIWF) monthly, summer “Recessionista” Wine Dinner, with a menu consisting of four small plates paired with wine samples, created by chef/owner, Jonathan Eismann. The dinner’s a bargain, priced at just $40 per person; $30 per person for AIWF members, including tax and gratuity. To boot, it’s for a good cause- 10% of the proceeds will benefit AIWF culinary scholarships. For reservations, e-mail assnmgmt@bellsouth.net or call: 954-396-3875 in Broward; 305-663-9641 in Dade.

If you’ve got a little more cash to spend, consider going to Eos at Viceroy on June 23, during which the restaurant will kick off its monthly Winemakers Dinner with Figge Cellars Winery. Guests will enjoy a delicious reception and 3-course dinner paired with five wines from Monterey County’s most renowned winery, which will compliment signature creations from Chef Michael Psilakis. Tickets are $95. For reservations, call 305.503.4400, ext. 7151.

The next evening, head to South Beach to celebrate Robert Mondavi Winery’s 40th anniversary, during Smith & Wollensky’s famed Pourings & Pairings dinner, which will host the Robert Mondavi Tribute. In addition to the five sumptuous courses, guests will sample several selections from Mondavi’s Top 100 Wines lists. The first 50 guests to make reservations for the dinner will receive a copy of Harvest of Joy, Mondavi’s autobiography. Seating is limited for this event and tickets are $95. For reservations, call 305.673.2800.

Celebrity Sightings:

International singing sensation, Luis Miguel had such a blast at LIV on Friday night that he returned to the club on Saturday evening to experience LIV’s first annual Garden of Eden party, hosted by Michael Capponi.

The entire cast of CW’s Vampire Diaries and The Beautiful Life celebrated all weekend at LIV and also partied in a cabana at Blade pool. The starlets also took full advantage of the new late night menu at Gotham Steak.

Kourtney Kardashian and (on again/off again) boyfriend, Scott Disick appeared to be very “on again” as they snuggled in a king size bed while munching on truffle popcorn during Thursday’s Dine-In Theater movie night at B.E.D.