On my usual roundabouts of events, I decided to concentrate this time in Miami Beach. First on my list was the launch of Money Clip Direct South Beach at Chez Badeaux salon on Alton Road. Money Clip Direct is a beautifully designed coupon book that is delivered to homes all throughout South Florida, filled with exclusive offers designed to save all of us money. Chez Badeaux was honored to open its doors to its neighbors and surrounding businesses as there was music and great food provided by King Kone. It gave all visitors the opportunity to have a glimpse of this wonderful salon and the services it provides.
Next on my agenda, I headed to D. Rodriguez Cuba at Hotel Astor on Washington Avenue for the Voices Against Brain Cancer Kick Off Celebration. Mano Lichtenstein, founder of VABC and Chef Douglas Rodriguez hosted this celebration alongside some of VABC Ambassadors. VABC toasted the launch of the Florida Chapter featuring the sounds of Conjunto Progreso. This event was also in celebration of the upcoming Sounding Off For a Cure concert to be held on February 11, 2011. The cocktail reception which included many Miami and Miami Beach socialites started with delectable cocktails and passed appetizers that only D. Rodriguez Cuba is known for. Later on, the restaurant area turned into one big dance floor as the guests moved to the rhythms of Conjunto Progreso and Voice Against Brain Cancer thanked the invited guest for a wonderful evening supporting a great cause.
After I left the great fundraiser, I went to the Grand Opening of Coltorti on Lincoln Road. The store celebrated their storied 75 year history in Italy by welcoming invited guest to their new store in Miami. When I entered the store, I was amazed of all the good fashion that it had. Their motto is to bring the Coltori way re-interpreted into Miami chic. According to Marzio Torcianti, Coltorti Managing Director, “The Miami woman is certainly carving out her own place in fashion…much in the same way you look at a New Yorker or Parisian.” Coltorti will become a great resource to the Miami woman who wants to dress Miami Chic. With exclusive arrangements for pieces from coveted design house such as Moncler and Viannet, Coltorti will definitely be one store that you don’t want to miss.
My last stop was a surprise, as I have heard through the grapevine that there was a hotel opening, so I wandered to downtown Miami and low and behold, I discovered that it was the JW Marriott Marquis Grand Opening. Unfortunately, when I arrived, most of the guests were already leaving but the action was still going inside. So I took the elevator to the 19th Floor and to my surprise, the party was still going. In one of the beautifully decorated ballrooms there was a basketball court where guests in their tuxedos and dresses where still playing up some hoops. In another room, rich desserts and expresso were being served. As I passed the pool table in that area, I encountered a virtual bowling alley where guests were hitting a strike one after another. In another adjacent room, other guests were enjoying a good round of virtual golf. The hotel and its amenities were amazing. It was a great night even though the great stars were gone but it gave me an appreciation of the hotel after all the commotion was gone.
All in all it was a great night and after that I headed back home where a warm bed was welcoming me and looking forward to another great night out in the town!
Photographs by Betty Alvarez
