The Story Matters
Mayhem p. 4 Fast Food Sushi Hand Rolls. What will they think of next?
Vol. XXIV No.47
November 19, 2009
Visit us at miamisunpost.com
BIRTHDAY BLUES Tobacco Road Marks its 97th Year in Existence LETTERS P.2
MAYHEM P.4
PROFILE P.6
HISTORY P.8
POLITICS P. 9
CALENDAR P.14
411 P.18
BOUND P.20
ART P. 24
P. 10
FASHION P. 26
Letters Only the Super Dynamic Need Apply To the Editor: Well, elections are done with for another two years. What a poor election this was. Very mediocre talent. No major platforms. Un-interested voters. What a colossal bore. The SunPost cover screams “voter apathy,” your writer wonders why no-one showed up to vote. Look at who we had to choose from. Now don’t get me wrong, I voted. I take the process very seriously. But for the average beach resident it is an effort to vote. And if you don’t get the candidates, you are not going to make that effort. I have lived on Miami Beach in the same apartment for the last 23 years. Two husbands have come and gone. I have seen a lot of different commissioners come and go. I do have to say, that Alex Daoud was a personal favorite, but only for his charisma. I was very saddened when he went to prison. I lost faith in Miami Beach and I have yet to regain that faith. I thought there was a glimmer of hope with David Dermer, but again, nothing. He fizzled out. Bower is a dullard and makes the beach look unsophisticated. I voted for her, because what choice did I have? And the rag tag bunch of people that ran for the other open commission seats this time around were no better. Where are the political power houses? Where are the dynamic men and woman ready to lead us to a better future? We need someone to excite us again. Someone with charisma who will stand up and be heard. Someone larger than life that we can all get behind. Someone to jolt us out of our apathy. Let’s spend the next two years finding that special person. Let’s hold town meetings, so we can interview potential candidates. Let’s register people to vote. Let’s get the younger community involved. Let’s fix this before it is to late. No more apathy! No more mediocrity! Carole Ann Webster Miami Beach
EXECUTIVE EDITOR Kim Stark kim@miamisunpost.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Jeffrey Bradley
Kim Stark kim@miamisunpost.com ACCOUNTING Sandie Friedman
Stuart Davidson Marguerite Gil Mary Louise English Jennifer Fragoso John Hood
SALES DIRECTORS Jeannette Stark Jamie Nunez Stuart Davidson
Paula Pellegrino Joe Robertson Mary Jo Almeida-Shore
PUBLISHER EMERITUS Felix Stark (1929-1995)
Susan Richard Kim Steiner
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Meet the SunPost Contributors
Jennifer Fragoso
Ines Hegedus-Garcia P HOTOGRAPHER When Ines is not snapping pics with her iphone for the SunPost, she does many other things. She is a Miami Beach Realtor with a bachelors in architecture from The University of Miami dedicated to using social media innovations and technology to promote Miami and her business. Ines goes out of her way to engage people on line and foster communication as a means of enhancing relationships and engaging current and potential clients. She can be reached at ines@miamism.com.
FOR ADVERTISING & RATE INFO: Please call 305.538.9797 or email kim@miamisunpost.com SUBSCRIPTIONS First class mailing subscriptions are available at $150 per year. Call 305.538.9797. Copyright: The entire contents of SunPost are copyright 2008 by Caxton Newspapers Inc. No portion may be reproduced in whole or part by any means including electronic media without the express written consent of the publisher. Covering Miami Beach, North Bay Village, Surfside, Bay Harbor Islands, Bal Harbour, Sunny Isles Beach, North Miami, North Miami Beach and Aventura, Coconut Grove, Brickell Avenue, Downtown, Design District, Wynwood, Upper Eastside, and Miami Shores.
Page 2 • Thursday, November 19, 2009 • The SunPost • www.miamisunpost.com
www.miamisunpost.com • The SunPost • Thursday, November 19, 2009 • Page 3
Tropical Mayhem BITS AND PIECES OF MIAMI LIFE
Miami through my iphone
by Ines Hegedus-Garcia - ines@miamism.com
SURROUNDED BY MAGAZINE VIEWS
Fresh Hand Rolls
If you are Brazilian, then you are very familiar with the concept of fast food sushi. Well now, South Beach has jumped into the game with our very own sushi store, King Kone. The very first hand rolls store in the U.S. These rolls are delicious! The freshest, healthiest ingredients are used in each and every roll. Try the fresh salmon, tempura shrimp and chives (pictured). Mmmm, so yummy. Located on Alton and 15th. kingkonehandrolls.com
You don't have to go very far at any given point in Miami to be engulfed by Nature's beauty. This shot was taken on Key Biscayne after a short run. Talk about the perfect way to exercise with motivation straight from above.
“I've said that playing the blues is like having to be black twice. Stevie Ray Vaughan missed on both counts, but I never noticed.” ~ B. B. King Page 4 • Thursday, November 19, 2009 • The SunPost • www.miamisunpost.com
Breakfast in Bed Delivered This is the height of luxury! Get breakfast in bed delivered to your door any day of the week, even Sunday. Delicious food, beautifully displayed on china, wood cutting board, placemat and elegant serving tray, all for you to keep. These unique and perfectly prepared breakfasts are made fresh every morning. Choose a different breakfast every day like The Sunrise, Peru in the Morning, The Austrian Connection, The Nordic Morning or From Russia with Love. There is also The Healthy Morning for those watching their calories. They start at around $95 to $135. We actually think these would make a very thoughtful gift for newlyweds, new moms or that special someone. Get more details at mybreakfastinbed.net or call Sara 786-546-3551
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www.miamisunpost.com • The SunPost • Thursday, November 19, 2009 • Page 5
PEOPLE IN THE COMMUNITY YOU SHOULD KNOW
Kristina Ashley Swimsuit Designer By Olivia Ormos and Kim Steiner
Miami is filled with talented people all fulfilling their own private dream. Artists, dancers, musicians, architects, designers...the list is multitudinous. One of those creative people is swimwear designer, Kristina Ashley. At only 24 years old, Ashley is already designing and produced her second collection of bathing suits for her own company, Kristina Ashley Swimwear. She dabbled in fashion at Miami International University of Art and Design. Throughout her studies, Kristina worked at various local designer boutiques. During this experience, she spent a significant amount of time bonding with customers and became very knowledgeable of women’s preferences in fashion. It all came together for her when shortly after graduation, she interned with local evening wear designer, Julian Chang. Her foray into swimwear came when she was offered a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to show her own work for a local fashion show. "I created my first whole Collection in 2005, when I was offered the chance to do a fashion show at a nightclub and decided I would do swim wear since it was that time of the season." And she hasn't looked back. Ashley has taken a refreshing approach to her design esthetic, using exotic destinations around the globe as her inspiration. Her 2009 Rasta collection took influence from the legendary Bob Marley using bright colors and wild prints. Page 6 • Thursday, November 19, 2009 • The SunPost • www.miamisunpost.com
Her designs are characterized by ruche detailing, large bows and bright tropical colors. The line is designed and constructed to compliment all body types so women can look and feel fabulous in a swimsuit. The collections are also known for their distinct flattering bottoms and versatile tops. All of the collections specialize in extra-ordinary and unique pieces ensuring that the women who wear them stand out on the chicest beaches around the world. “The goal is for women of all ages and body types to feel beautiful, sexy, classy and trendy through my creations,” Ashley said. Kristina wears her own suits around Miami, especially when she is boating. An avid dog person, Kristina has been known to show up with her 2 American Bulldogs in tow. Not to mention her private obsession with the Dog Whisperer, Cesar Milan. To keep her life in balance, Kristina tries to make Sunday her lazy day surrounded by friends and family. And if that doesn't work, then she turns to her house to soothe her. She has been know to rearrange her furniture 3 times a month. To see the collections log onto kristinaashleyonline.com and don't miss her annual swim trunk show at the Clevelander Hotel on the newly renovated SPF 4 sun deck. Utilizing all the components of historical Miami Beach Ocean Drive scene, the event will feature Kristina Ashley models for a live swimwear photo shoot in multi-neon colored roller skates, Rasta-themed frozen pops, bubble wands and beach balls.
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PERSONAL FITNESS TRAINING IN YOUR POOL * We do not use any foam buoyancy equipment www.miamisunpost.com • The SunPost • Thursday, November 19, 2009 • Page 7
A Special Moment in Time COLUMN
Debunking the Orange Blossom Myth: Part Three By Seth H. Bramson mrfec@yahoo.com
As was noted in last week’s column, the orange blossom myth is and always has been a fable and a fairy tale, a story told by those seeking to attract new travelers, farmers and residents to the shores of Biscayne Bay. While it always had a certain allure, it was easy to dissect it and prove its unlikelihood if not its complete lack of veracity. Think about it! Would Florida’s greatest name simply extend his railroad sixty miles because a woman who was the daughter of old family friends sent him some orange blossoms? Not even a chance! The Punch Bowl (also known as "The Devil's Punch Bowl") still exists and is now protected privately off of South Bayshore Drive in Miami. We have noted the terrible winter weather of December of 1894 and January and February of 1895 and how Julia Tuttle quickly advised Mr. Flagler that “the region around the shores of Biscayne Bay is untouched by the freezes” and implored him to come and see for himself. He did not, but, in his place, sent his two trusted and now-famous-in-Florida-history lieutenants James E. Ingraham and Joseph R. Parrott, who reported back to him that the conditions around the mouth of the Miami River were as Mrs. Tuttle had reported them to be and that the area was untouched by the icy blasts that had so devastated the rest of the state. They brought boxes of truck (produce) and citrus back to Mr. Flagler, upon which, as noted previously, he wired Mrs. Tuttle the following words: “Madam: What is it that you propose?” And it was that telegram that set the stage for what was to follow. And what was to follow was the creation of a city. In response to Mr. Flagler’s telegram, and in consultation with Mary and William Brickell, Julia wrote back to Mr. Flagler. “My dear sir,” she began, and continued with “If you will extend your railroad to the shores of Biscayne Bay, and build one of your magnificent hotels, I will give you one-half of my holdings, in alternate sections (a section is 640 acres) plus fifty acres for shops and yards north of the river, and Mr. Brickell will give you half of his holdings south of the river. Mr. Flagler readily agreed and a contract was signed by Flagler, Tuttle, and Brickell, with Messrs. Ingraham and Parrott as witnesses. Once the document was notarized and entered, Mr. Flagler wasted no time, assigning Mr. Parrott, his railroad vice president, the not inconsiderable task of planning and completing the railroad to the above noted river. At the same time his contractors, McGuire and McDonald, were instructed to proceed with plans for a great hotel on the banks of that river, that project put under the direction of John Sewell, who, with his brother, would open one of Miami’s first stores, although they claimed it to be the first. Construction began in the first half of ’95 and the railroad, renamed Florida East Coast Railway on September 7, 1895, pushed steadily south, construction hammers, spike Alligator Joe was a Florida legend and, likely, had the first "alligator wrestling" attraction in Miami, circa 1906. mauls, the grunts of gandy dancers (the track layers) and the yells of construction bosses echoing through the South Florida pine woods. Less than a year after construction began, on April 15, 1896, the first train, a construction and engineering supply train, arrived. What would, in three more months, become Miami, was connected to the world by railroad! With the completion of track and the building of a very temporary station (lasting only about three months) at the corner of today’s Flagler Street (then 12th Street), the first passenger train, carrying Flagler, Ingraham and Parrott, slowly wended its way into the station. And how do we know that they were aboard? Because Isidor Cohen, Miami’s first permanent Jewish settler (he arrived on February 5, 1896) was there to greet them, shaking their hands in congratulations and noting in his self-published 1925 book, “Memoir and History of Miami, Florida” that “they were a strange bunch.” Three months following the arrival of the first passenger train, the new station opened at Sixth Street (now Northeast Sixth Street, the only street to keep its number when Miami’s streets were renamed and renumbered under the Chaille plan of 1921, when Miami’s NE—NW—SE—SW quadrant system was created) and the Boulevard (today’s Biscayne Boulevard). Until the new station was built at Avenue E and 11th Street (today, 200 NW First Avenue) as part of the Key West Extension construction project and opened in 1912, the Sixth Street Station served as the FEC’s passenger depot in Miami. On July 28, 1896, without ever having been a village or a town or an incorporated area of any kind, Miami sprang into existence as a city and of that, and the Royal Palm Hotel, more next week. ---Seth H. Bramson is Adjunct Professor of History at Barry University and at F I U, where he teaches all of the University’s South Florida and Florida History courses. The Company Historian of the Florida East Coast Railway he is the nation’s single most published Greater Miami history book author. Page 8 • Thursday, November 19, 2009 • The SunPost • www.miamisunpost.com
The Hotel Biscayne on the corner of 12th Street and Avenue D, today's Flagler Street and Miami Avenue. The property, owned by Julia Tuttle, would eventually become the home of Burdine's.
Politics COLUMN
Ad Hoc at Home
In this time of Thanksgiving... Thank You! Miami Beach
JB On Good Government By Jeffrey Bradley
You know, being up close and personal to this election gave me a good glimpse inside. It ain’t pretty. That these political machines have grown so monstrous only proves the adage that absolute power corrupts absolutely. I suppose a case could be made for things being worse; county commissioners protecting their fiefs comes to mind. And while it hasn’t tipped into Chicago-style wardheelism yet, it’s pretty blatant. See, I don’t think sitting commissioners should involve themselves this way in elections. They squabble and quibble so over running their proxies that the community suffers. Why not just hang out a sign saying “Qualified Need Not Apply”, but only the well-connected? If you’re electable (read: can be plugged into any political machine), and you’ve got buddies up on the dais, well, why not? Agendas need to be passed and somebody, somewhere, needs that all-important fourth vote. Who benefits from this stuff but entrenched interests? We’ve got this commissioner supporting that, another already working the next election-cycle, and that one with an eye on state office. And to get any of it done, they wheel up the heavy artillery, a political machine to batter and smash all opposition. It’s about getting elected, then re-elected, and nothing else matters. Terrible, terrible. Not only is it unseemly, but it shows the power the special interests hold to hijack the process. Our officials seem so intent on glad-handing each other that it’s clear to the rest of us they’ve lost the way. They’ve lost sight of the fact that they’re there to serve. They’ve forgotten the fact that the role of a public servant is advancing the public good. Newsflash, Commissioners: It’s not about you, but your constituents. And what’s up with that turning around and endorsing the opponent that just slimed you publicly by calling your mother out? If you think the rest of us put this down to “just politics” you better think again. It’s clear things are wobbly. So what to do? Maybe they need policing, tho’ I like to think my representative is trustworthy, not in need of an intervention. But if they can’t stop themselves, if they can’t step up, then they’re going to need our help. What will it take? Abolishing the group seats? Competency pop quizzes? Here’s an idea. Write a letter to the editor. In it, spell out how you think we can help our commissioners get back on track. Send it here. We’ll print the best suggestions, and get the ball rolling. But remember—only rant for a couple of lines before offering solutions. And that taking a wrecking-ball to the slimo-political machines was my idea! Here’s a question (one we’ll be watching sharply if it occurs). Let’s say any of our commissioners get dragged away for miscreant behavior—hey, I’m just postulating!—ala the Miami imbroglio. Let’s say one of them does. What then? Are we going to let the commission pull a fast one again by appointing one of their own—and cloak it in legalisms—or hold their feet to the flame until we’re included in the process? The term, I believe, is hold an election. Stay tuned.
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And now for something completely different. I’d like to offer my colleague on these pages just a touch of advice; he seems kinda fuzzy on the details of book reviewing versus reporting. In What, Me Biased? he painfully decries the flack he caught over an earlier SunPost piece that was, well, biased: “But how can I possibly not be biased…?” Here’s how: Don’t! At least, not if you want to be a reporter. (I took my lumps once too, tho’ it’s hard to discern!) See, as a pundit (that’s someone who writes a column, like me) you can slant your piece any old way because it’s an opinion. I’m not conflating it with the facts. Listen, you can even wax Ginsbergesque on a book review and people will think you’re hip. But for a reporter that’s a no-go. May I offer another tidbit here? By the tone of your column—congratulations, by the way!—you’re coming off just a bit peevish. Naturally, you’re only justifying yourself! And I know this hurts—no expletives—but I can see you’re an up-andcoming scribe with tons of potential, so I offer it in the spirit it was once offered to me. You can take it or leave it, but it will help you with your perspective. If you can’t handle MiGs, don’t fly in MiG Alley.
www.miamisunpost.com • The SunPost • November 19, 2009 • Page 9
COVER STORY
BIRTHDAY BLUES Tobacco Road Marks its 97th Year in Existence Written by John Hood Besides the rising of the sun, there’s really not much you can count on in the City of Miami. Hell, even that’s not always a given. Yes, traffic will be bad, drivers will be rude, and some politician somewhere will get his or her hand caught in the proverbial cookie jar, but those are not the kinda things we should have to rely on for consistency. There is one good constant in this Magic City of ours though, and it’s been consistent for nearly 100 years. It has survived Prohibition, Depression, hurricanes, recessions, World Wars, the drug war, even the long arm of John Law. And that’s Tobacco Road. Located just across the Miami River from Downtown Proper, where Brickell’s gleaming condo canyons stand like wishes on a developer’s dream birthday cake, The Road (as it’s known to everyone who’s ever crossed its deep, dark threshold) has officially been in business, in some form or another, for 97 seasons. The Road hasn’t always been called The Road – at times it’s also been tagged with such unwieldy handles as the Chicken Roost, Chanticleer Restaurant and Shandiclere – but it has always served booze, even way back in the beginning, when it was a bakery. Yep, you read that correctly. Dade County was inexplicably voted dry in 1913, well before Prohibition and just a year after The Road opened its doors, and for the next two decades it was a bakery-fronted speakeasy. Rumor has it the second floor served as some kinda gambling den then too, but no one’s corroborated that juicy tidbit. Then again, with the likes of Al Capone reportedly running around the establishment, keeping mum about certain illegalities was probably a pretty
healthy move. Public health was also apparently on thenGovernor Bob Graham’s mind back in ‘81 when he ordered a drug raid on The Road which resulted in its temporary shut-down. But it proved to be a fortuitous move for both the venue and the city. Because a year later, when real estate player Michael Latterner couldn’t unload the building that included The Road, he assembled a small team of investors and bought the place himself. Among the group was Patrick Gleber, who was drafted in to run things. The rest is The Road as we now know it. Another new course involved bringing in the perennially well-connected booking agent Mark Weiser, who immediately commenced to painting the Road in royal Blues. Weiser, who is still inhouse 27 years later, fondly recalls the period. “The first show we booked was John Hammond, who played solo. And after that was successful, we brought in James Cotton, who played with a full band. That was a big, big blowout. The legends put Tobacco Road on the map, musicwise, and people from all over the world still want to come play there.” In addition to Hammond and Cotton, Weiser booked such renowned names as John Lee Hooker, Koko Taylor and Dr. John, as well as local upstarts Iko-Iko, who were then called the Fat Chance Blues Band (and who to this day also remain in-house). But even with some of the genre’s top performers, Weiser remembers that getting to The Road wasn’t always easy. “That was the last undeveloped part of town. Please see Birthday on page 12
Nothing was there. The South Miami Avenue bridge was out and barricades were blocking most of cont’d from page 11 the streets, so to even get to The Road you had to circumnavigate the whole city. It was definitely an adventure.” These days it may be easier to access The Road, but slipping in among its hallowed walls is no less of an adventure. From the embracing darkness that greets each patron as they pass through the well-worn doors, along the long and inviting mahogany bar, to the shade of the century-plus aged Banyan tree that stands sentry over the star-lit patio, there’s a sense of presence to the place. As if untold legions have stepped right where you’re standing, and unheard whispers still reverberate amid the chatter. It is a place of ghosts and legends, rumor and innuendo, secrets and dreams and mysteries. But mostly it is a place of history; about as far back as memory lane can take you without running into a dead end. General Manager Joel Rivera, who’s been on The Road for a decade now, may be too busy most of time to stop on memory lane, but he too readily recounts some of the highlights, whether it’s celebrities such as Colin Farrell or Lenny Kravitz popping in whenever they hit the Magic City, or Gloria Estafan showing up unannounced one recent Saturday night to celebrate her birthday. “She stopped by with a bunch of people,” remembers Rivera. “It was pretty cool.” Celebrities aside, The Road has always prided itself on being first and foremost a local watering hole, and Rivera seems most proud of the Tuesday nights the joint devotes to those who are employed in the neighborhood. “Here once a month we invite the staff from all the local bars and restaurants for an industry night,” he says. “The first Tuesday of every month; it’s called “In the Biz.” We give ‘em open bar and they all really enjoy themselves. The last night we had staff from over 25 different establishments. It’s a really nice event.” Rivera’s also quick to remind everyone of the Road-wide anniversary specials. “Don’t forget this Friday night we have 97 cent Happy Hour from 6-7:37. Then again from 11pm-12:37am. The same thing Saturday night, from 11pm-12:37am. Drinks for under a dollar. You can’t beat that.” And the 97 cent deal also applied all week, where The Road’s first 97 customers got the given dinner special for the very same price. Even if you had to pay the menu prices, dining at The Road will never lead you to ruin. In addition to the nightly specials, which run the gamut from lobster to steak and top out at $12.49, there’s a cornucopia of great American fare, including the infamous burgers. And though most seem to go for the signature Classic Road Burger, it’s the hickory-dipped Cowboy Burger and the heated Death Burger that have the most delicious reputations. Omar Gonzalez, who spins in residence as DJ Oski and books some of The Road’s more modern bands, as well as some of its most memorable festivals, best sums up what the place epitomizes. “I fell in love with The Road 12 years ago,” says Oski. “And I’m even more in love with it now. The culture, the history, the music, the people, the food – I love it all. Believe it or not I used to dream about playing there, and then when they asked me to be a part of it, I couldn’t have been happier. I consider myself a rock star now. I made it.”
Birthday
Page 12 • Thursday, November 19, 2009 • The SunPost • www.miamisunpost.com
www.miamisunpost.com • The SunPost • Thursday, November 19, 2009 • Page 13
Calendar WHAT TO DO IN MIAMI THIS WEEK
IDAN RAICHEL
Page 14 • Thursday, November 19, 2009 • The SunPost • www.miamisunpost.com
November 20
SAVE THE DATE:
PERFORMANCE Erotic Verbiage This should be a hot time. Cunnilinguistics, erotic, open mic poetry night at The Literary Cafe. Brought to the cafe by Flow Fridays and featuring Future. $10 cover. The Literary Cafe, 933 NE 125th Street, North Miami. For info: 786-4433126 or myspace.com/literarycafe.
November 20, 21 DANCE A Dance of Africa
As a part of Miami Dade College’s Cultura del Lobo performance series, catch the work of dancer Gregory Maqoma as he tells his story in dance. Through layering these distinct and diverse styles with his own unique lightness and humor, Beautiful Me becomes a living self portrait and a provocative exploration of kinetic African identity. Accompanied on stage by four exceptional South African musicians (violin, cello, sitar and percussion). 8pm. $22-26. Byron Carlyle Theater, 500 71st Street, Miami Beach. For info: 305-867-4192.
November 20, 27
ART The Business of Painting Large The extra large pieces from Miami-based artist Urayoán Yoa Ruiz Paneque will shown in the International Center s lobby of the SunTrust Building, downtown. The complex patterns inside his paintings are done entirely by hand using the shapes and lines to create movement. The lobby art exhibit is free and open to the public weekdays from 9am. 1 SE 3rd Ave., Miami. For info: suntrustinternationalcenter.com.
November 21
DANCE Ice Dancers in Swimsuits Catch the Florida Panthers Ice Dancers in a swimsuit fashion show and dance routine as they take over the Seminole Paradise for a one night only performance. Hang out with the dancers, check out the calendar. What could be better, fashion, sports and women all in one place. Free. 9:30pm. Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, 1 Seminole Way, Hollywood. For info: seminolehardrock.com.
RIGHT: JULIAN MARLEY. BELOW: PARADISE LOST FOUND, URAYOAN YOA RUIZ PANEQUE.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4:
TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA Catch the amazing Trans-Siberian Orchestra, one of rock music's biggest arena attractions when they come to Ft Lauderdale in December. Called a mix of The Who's Tommy & Andrew Lloyd Weber with Pink Floyd's lights. The band unites the best parts of a rock band and orchestra to create an unforgettable audio visual spectacular of progressive rock that has resulted in the release of the double platinum "Christmas Eve and Other Stories" and the platinum "The Lost Christmas Eve." 8pm. $56.00. Bank Atlantic Center, One Panther Parkway, Sunrise. For info: 954-835-7825.
November 21 ART Ice in the Sun
Don't miss the Miami debut of Florian & Michael Quistrebert, aka The Quistrebert Brothers, in their first Miami solo exhibition, Ice in the Sun. The brothers will exhibit a series of paintings inspired by their recent residency in Brooklyn and their video Virgins, a loop featuring a static totemic figure drifting endlessly through a bejeweled vacuum of space that will enjoy a special large-scale screening outside on the gallery's lawn. 7pm. through December 31. Carol Jazzar Gallery, 158 NW 91 Street, Miami. For info: cjazzart.com.
November 21 FESTIVAL River Fest
This should be a lot of fun, especially with our great weather, the Downtown Miami Riverwalk Festival. A one-day event crammed full of music, boat parades food, face painting, clowns and strolling musicians. The kicker? It is right on the riverbank. 10am to 4pm. Free. Miami River Promenade at One Miami, 325 S. Biscayne Boulevard, Miami. For info: 305-416-6868
November 21
FOOD A Little Vindaloo If Indian food intrigues you or you want to learn to cook Indian for the first time, here is your chance. Join Ayesha D’Mello for an exclusive privately held Indian Culinary experience. Learn how to cook easy, delicious and healthy Indian dishes from scratch. Dishes vary between classes – most classes include 6 – 8 dishes. These classes are designed to get you started and beyond. All
www.miamisunpost.com • The SunPost •November 19, 2009 • Page 15
Calendar WHAT TO DO IN MIAMI THIS WEEK
the recipes can be made with ingredients that are easily available in Miami. You will be provided with copies of the featured recipes. All classes culminate with a tantalizing sit-down meal from Appetizers to Desserts. 11am to 2pm. $75 registration. Ayesha's Kitchen, 9105 SW 115th Terrace, Miami. For info: 305-254-0693 or ayeshaskitchen.com.
November 21
MUSIC Middle Eastern Rock With their multicultural blend of African beats, Latin American rhythms, and Middle Eastern soul, The Idan Raichel Project burst onto Israel’s music scene in 2002, instantly changing their country’s popular music. A spectacular live show marked by irresistible raw energy and sophisticated production techniques plus three remarkable top-of-the-charts albums have made the Idan Raichel Project one of the most unexpected success stories in Israeli music history. 8pm. $60.00. Knight Concert Hall, 1300 Biscayne Blvd., Miami. For info: 305-9496722. or arshtcenter.org.
November 22
MUSIC The Awake Tour Julian Marley and the Uprising featuring Stephen Marley and Damian Marley will hit the Arsht this Sunday. Their music incorporates the roots-reggae sound that Julian has made his own, infused with street-energy hip-hop, bubbling dancehall, and a smooth combination of R&B and reggae. 8pm. $24.50-$44.50. Knight Concert Hall, 1300 Biscayne Blvd., Miami. For info: 305-949-6722. or arshtcenter.org.
November 23
SPORT It’s Monday Night Watch a Monday Night football game in luxury at the Hotel Intercontinental. Play games, win prizes, drink $5 cocktails and raid the $7.95 all-you-can-eat Indigo Bar Buffet. Sounds like a rocking time!
WALLET FRIENDLY DATE: SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 21: FLOWER RAMBLE This is the perfect wallet friendly Sunday afternoon date, the 69th annual Ramble at Fairchild Tropical Garden. The Ramble is South Florida's most loved and oldest garden party. Experience a blend of old traditions and new introductions with Nell's Tea Garden, the largest plant sale in South Florida, antiques and collectibles, garden themed art, old and rare books, Kid Way, green market, chocolate garden, live music, a fashion show and the ramble raffle. It sounds like a full day of fun and there is even a coupon for $5 off the price of admission. 9:30am to 4:30pm. Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, 10901 Old Cutler Rd. Coral Gables. For info: 305-667-1651 or fairchildgarden.org.
DO YOU HAVE A WALLET FRIENDLY DATE SUGGESTION? SUBMIT IT TO DATES@MIAMISUNPOST.COM. IF YOUR DATE IS PUBLISHED YOU WILL
BE ENTERED INTO A DRAWING FOR A FREE DINNER FOR TWO AT A LOCAL RESTAURANT. Page 16 • Thursday, November 19, 2009 • The SunPost • www.miamisunpost.com
LEARN TO COOK INDIAN
8:30pm. InterContinental Hotel Miami, 100 Chopin Plaza, Miami. For info: ichotelsgroup.com.
November 23
MUSIC A Little Puccini If you love opera, then this delicious Puccini masterpiece, Pagliacci and Sister Angelica is not to be missed. The famous play-within-a-play is the story of a clown who makes others laugh while sobbing inside because his two-timing wife has taken a young lover. Suor Angelica, a nun with a past. Suor Angelica is the tragic tale of a beautiful young aristocrat banished to a nunnery as penance for her teenage pregnancy before realizing too late that she's committed a mortal sin. American soprano Kelly Kaduce is Nedda, Mezzo-soprano Mzia Nioradze is the Princess. Also in the cast is tenor Jay Hunter Morris and baritone Mark Rucker. Conducted by Andrew Bisantz who is the resident conductor of Florida Grand Opera; through November 28. 8pm. $32. Ziff Ballet Opera House, 1300 Biscayne Blvd., Miami. For info: 305-949-6722. or arshtcenter.org.
November 24
CLUB Stone Groove Not so into the club scene these days? Then hit Stone Groove hosted by Marcus Blake and his band The 3rd Party. This night is all about jazz, soul, blues and poetry and a very cool, loose vibe. DJs Carmel Ophir & Wasabi spin in-between sets. Open Mic sign up 10-11pm. Drink specials, $4 Sam Adams Octoberfest Drafts and $5 Jameson Whiskey. No cover. 10pm. The Vagabond, 30 NE 14th St., Miami. For info: 305-379-0508 or vagabondmiami.com
PLAYDATE FOR KIDS
December 18-23 DANCE The Nutcracker
The perfect holiday event for the kids. The Miami City Ballet's lavish production of the Nutcracker. This spectacular holiday classic has a cast of more than 100 dancers, beautiful sets stunning hand-made costumes, and magical special effects including a blizzard of snow. It will keep your little one entranced. 7:30pm. $65. Ziff Ballet Opera House, 1300 Biscayne Blvd., Miami. For info: 305949-6722. or arshtcenter.org.
DO YOU HAVE A KID PLAYDATE SUGGESTION? SUBMIT IT TO KIDS@MIAMISUNPOST.COM. IF YOUR DATE IS PUBLISHED, YOU WILL WIN FREE TICKETS TO THE MIAMI CHILDREN'S MUSEUM.
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www.miamisunpost.com • The SunPost • Thursday, November 19, 2009 • Page 17
The 411
Trina Turk Grand Opening Host Comittee - Jamie Jo Harris, Jennifer Valoppi, Jennifer Postrel, Trina Turk, Marisa Toccin and Alison Zhuk
Ricky Williams
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COLUMN
Party for a Price By Mary Jo Almeida-Shore maryjoshore@aol.com
Necessity is the mother of invention, and creativity for that matter. In an age where charitable dollars are hard to come by, organizations are getting more and more creative when it comes to urging people to part with their contributions. Over the past couple of weeks lucky guests have been treated to a cruise to nowhere, brushes with celebrity and mystery dinners. This weekend packs in more excitement with a celebrity scavenger hunt, right in our own backyard. Mystery Dinner Date Hosts Nicole & Michael Simkins
Mystery Dates Chairs Erin Newberg & Ivonne Ronderos
David Bisball
Dan Mikesell, Bonnie Clearwater, Kathryn Mikesell
Page 18 • Thursday, November 19, 2009 • The SunPost • www.miamisunpost.com
JUST SIT RIGHT BACK AND YOU’LL HEAR A TALE... About last Friday’s fateful and fabulous trip for more than 300 guests aboard the Seabourn Odyssey. One of the hottest and by “hot“ we mean “pricy,” tickets in town this month (cabins ranged from $5,000-$125,000), Arts Odyssey: A Collaboration was a benefit for the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts and its three resident companies: Florida Grand Opera; Miami City Ballet; and New World Symphony, America's Orchestral Academy. Three for the price of one! Like a swankified S.S. Minnow of sorts, heavy on “Howells,” but light on the “Gilligans.” Playing the role of Ginger Rogers: the legendary, Tony Award-winning, Bernadette Peters. The evening began with a sundown sail-away celebration at the Sky Bar followed by a six-course dinner and performances in the Grand Salon by Florida Grand Opera, New World Symphony and Bernadette Peters, (stunning in a lavender Bob Mackie gown), who sang a selection of songs including “Let Me Entertain You,” “Fever,” “No One Is Alone,” and “Some Enchanted Evening,” (we weren’t kidding about the “Ginger Rogers” part!) Distinguished chairpersons of Arts Odyssey, aboard this not-so-tiny ship, included: Adrienne Arsht, Arlene and Laurans Mendelson (Florida Grand Opera), Bobi and Jim Broncig (Miami City Ballet), and Sandy and Stephen Muss (New World Symphony). VIPs in attendance included Pamela C. Conover, President and CEO of The Yachts of Seabourn;
John Richard, CEO of the Adrienne Arsht Center; Howard Herring, President and CEO of New World Symphony; Edward Villella, President and CEO of Miami City Ballet, and wife Linda Villella; Robert Heuer, General Director and CEO of Florida Grand Opera; Ricky Arriola, Chairman of the Performing Arts Center Trust; Micky Arison, CEO of Carnival Corporation and Miami Heat owner, and wife Madeleine Arison; Lin Arison, Founder of the National Foundation for the Advancement of the Arts; Sarah Arison, President of the Arison Arts Foundation; Ron Esserman, owner of Esserman International, and wife Charlene Esserman; Robert Barlick of Goldman Sachs, and wife Ana-Marie Barlick; Armando and Margarita Codina; Alan and Diane Lieberman; philanthropists Sanford and Dolores Ziff; attorney and art collector Marvin Ross-Friedman and Adrienne Bon Haes; Dr. Arthur and Sari Agatston; and Jorge Plasencia, Chairman and CEO of República.
A MYSTERY NO MORE MOCA’s Mystery Dates fundraiser was also a welcomed break from the typical gala scheme. The event was hosted by the MOCA Shakers, the young professional members of the museum, chaired by Erin Newberg and Ivonne Ronderos. The Grey Goose cocktail at Museo Vault kicked-off the night of artsy fun with a select fashionable and hip crowd who were anxious to learn of their impending dining destinations (that was the mystery). The locations varied from a loft in Wynwood, to a tree top terrace in a contemporary glass house in Coconut Grove, to a post modern home in Coral Gables, to waterfront homes in Key Biscayne and South Beach, but the consensus among the guests was that each unique location featured beautifully set tables, a chic ambiance and a delicious meal (several dinners were prepared by private chefs). Gracious hosts included: Tania and Robert Bassan, Ana Suarez Burgos and Jose Alonso, Alberto Chehebar and Jo-
PHOTOS THIS PAGE: SETH BROWARNIK/RED EYE PRODUCTIONS
Madeleine, Sarah, and Lin Arison Bobi and Jim Broncig, John Richard, Adrienne Arsht, Arlene and Laurens Mendelson
celyn Katz, Olympia De Castro and Gustavo Hernandez, Felipe Grimberg and Eduardo Ojeda, Gloria and Sergio Leyva, Kathryn and Dan Mikesell, Vivian and Ken Pfeiffer, Nicole and Michael Simkins, Michael Stein, and Rosa Sugrañes. After dinner, the party continued at the W South Beach.
Roc, featuring and auction, extravagant dinner and world class entertainment. For more information contact Lorraine Quartaro 416 703-5371 ext. 236, 416 433-7232 or Lquartaro@solutionswithimpact.com or visit www.rallyforkids.com.
EVA LONGORIA REVS UP THE ENGINES
COMING UP: MOVE OVER FACEBOOK, THIS AIN’T NO “YOKE!”
This weekend, not-so-desperate “Housewife” Eva Longoria Parker, joins forces with a slew of other celebs (21 and counting) and J.R. and Loren Ridinger to chair the first Rally for Kids with Cancer Scavenger Cup in Miami to benefit the Jackson Memorial Foundation, International Kids Fund (IKF) and Holtz Children’s Hospital. Here’s how it works. Each participating team must raise a minimum of $25,000 online to enter a personal car in the rally. Next, each team gets to draft a “Celebrity Navigator” from a starstudded pool, including: Eva Longoria Parker; Adam Rodriguez, Actor, CSI: Miami; Lennox Lewis, former World Heavyweight Champion and many more. Each team’s fundraising total determines its draft position. Sounds like fun, huh? But wait, there’s more! The Rally kicks off with an exclusive cocktail party, The “Qualifiers” Celebrity Draft Party, on November 20th, at the Ridingers’ North Bay Road manse, where each driver will have the opportunity to draft their Celebrity Navigator. To date, confirmed celebs include: Eva Longoria Parker, Desperate Housewives; Giles Marini, Brothers and Sisters and Sex and the City (shower scenes); Adam Rodriguez, CSI: Miami; Amaury Nolasco, Prison Break; Eric Winter, The Ugly Truth; Eva La Rue, CSI: Miami; Roselyn Sanchez, Without a Trace; Sofia Milos, CSI Miami; Jennifer Morrison, House; John Noble, The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers; Marina Sirtis, Star Trek The Next Generation, Lennox Lewis, former World Heavyweight Champion; and Robin Antin, founder of The Pussycat Dolls and Girlicious. Saturday November 21st, the date of the actual Scavenger Cup Rally, will start off with the “Start Your Engines” brunch at The Eden Roc Renaissance. Participants will receive a Driver’s Manual filled with maps, tips and their first clue, as well as allaccess passes to the worlds of sports, food, media, entertainment, travel and fashion in up to seven unique pit stops throughout the Miami area. Later that night, The Winner’s Circle “Jeans & Jewels” themed dinner takes place at the Eden
This Friday, Yokenow.com will launch a one-stop, super page for Miami’s savvy online social and business networkers at Viceroy Miami’s Club 50. The new site will offer users popular applications on one webpage to enhance communication with friends and colleagues across the globe (read: even more ways to kill time at work). The party offers complimentary cocktails and hands-on learning on computers that will be installed throughout the venue. Kind of like a workshop, with drinks. The adorable and talented DJ Troy Kurtz will spin alongside Miami Heat fave, DJ Irie.
Arsht,_Arriola_&_Camacho
Dede & Robert Muss
Alan & Diane Lieberman
Sanford Ziff & John Richard
Ana & Robert Barlick
Tara Solomon & Nick D'Annunzio
CELEBRITY SIGHTINGS Miami Dolphin, Ricky Williams, was on-hand at the soft opening of Proof, his new restaurant, at Z Ocean hotel on Tuesday. On Monday night, Colombian pop star, Juanes, hung out with Jorge Perez, Giselle Blondet, Teresa Rodriguez and Don Francisco at the Poder Awards at Viceroy Miami. Dwyane Wade had dinner at Chef Michael Psilakis’ Eos with a group of 10 after the Heat game Saturday. That same night, Danny Masterson aka “DJ Mom Jeans” unwound at W’s hotspot, WALL, by sharing shots of Don Julio with king of crunk, Lil Jon, as local producer Scott Storch partied nearby. On Thursday night, Mark from The Killers, Lenny Kravitz, and Nelly were seen discussing a possible collaboration together while lounging at Mondrian’s Sunset Lounge. Much later that night, Kravitz dined with a friend at 8 oz. Burger Bar. On November 6, David Bisbal performed a few songs at the Spain US Chamber of Commerce gala at the Biltmore Hotel. While the night before, Trina Turk, apparel, accessories and home designer, celebrated the exclusive grand opening of her boutique in Bal Harbour Shops.
www.miamisunpost.com • The SunPost • November 19, 2009 • Page 19
Bound COLUMN
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We Must Never Forget Benny Moré By John Hood
Of all the monumental music to spring forth from our most infamous Caribbean neighbor, none is perhaps more overlooked than that made by singer/composer Benny Moré, the zoot-suited riot of a man who riled the island under Batista and came to be known as the Cuban Sinatra. Maybe it’s because Moré shuffled off this mortal coil at the ripe young age of 44. Or perhaps it’s just that with Perez Prado, Mario Bauzá, Machito and all the other superstars swinging outta Havana during its heyday, he kinda got lost in the shuffle. Whatever the case, Moré surely deserves to be remembered as more than a mere footnote in Cuba’s fabled musical history; in fact his name deserves to be sung from the rooftops. Such seems to be the bright idea behind John Radanovich’s Wildman of Rhythm: The Life and Music of Benny Moré (University Press of Florida $29.95), a slim but nevertheless informative source that should serve well the cause. Moré might’ve been a bit of a bad boy, but he played a large part in forging the sound of Havana. And
ico, and then broke big in Panama, Colombia, Brazil and Puerto Rico before he even recorded a song on his native soil. But when he did finally record, those records set the town ablaze. Havana was in full swing then. Batista had opened Cuba’s doors to Meyer Lansky, Santo Trafficante, Lucky Luciano and the rest of the Mafia, and American celebrities were ever present – and they got away with behavior that never would’ve been tolerated in the States. As Radanovich recalls, not only were opening nights hosted by the likes of Eartha Kitt (The Nacional) and Ginger Rogers (The Riviera), but Maureen O’Hara “was found dead drunk in a theater, Robert Mitchum “smoked a joint at a crowded party and [took] off everything but his wristwatch,” and Ava Gardner “tried to leap from the balcony of the Hotel Nacional on her honeymoon night with Frank Sinatra.” Still it was the music that made the most everlasting impression, particularly the Afro-Cuban Jazz played by the big bands. Moré’s own La
“Maureen O’Hara was found dead drunk in a theater, Robert Mitchum smoked a joint at a crowded party and took off everything but his wristwatch and Ava Gardner tried to leap from the balcony of the Hotel Nacional.” Radanovich is determined to see that we never forget it. Unfortunately Moré was a lot more fond of drink than he was if record-keeping, and chronicling his life is no easy task, unless you’d like to limit your story to snapshots. The singer supposedly saved nothing that would help shed light on either his life or his career. And most of those who knew him well are also now long gone. Much of the reason for the scarcity of documents in his homeland could be due to the fact that Moré first made a name for himself in Mex-
Page 20 • Thursday, November 19 , 2009 • The SunPost • www.miamisunpost.com
Banda Gigante was undoubtedly one of the country’s finest, and Radanovich copiously captures the action, from the personnel changes to the personality crises. But it’s what provoked all that action that most concerns us here, and that would be the wildman himself. Born Bartolomé Maximiliano Gutiérrez Moré Armentero, Benny (sometime Beny) Moré was the eldest of 18 children (really). Rumor has it he was descendent of a Congolese tribal king. What’s known for sure is that his father was a while
Spaniard and the rest of his preceding kin were slaves. Moré reportedly made his first guitar at age six, a precocious beginning for anyone. Yet it was the schooling in Santeria that would most inform Moré’s life – and his music. That and the fact that he happened to grow up under a very brutal regime. Believe it or not, when Moré was a child thenPresident Genral Gerardo Machado outlawed the congas and bongos used to make son; “he also outlawed comparsa, the exciting Carnival music that originated in Santiago de Cuba.” Soon the white mayor of Santiago followed suit, and then he threw the conga line into the banned mix. Ironically that mayor, Dr. Desiderio Arnaz, was the father of the one and only Desi Arnaz, who would go on to make the conga line a signature part of his act. It was this mixture of magic and oppression, Africa and Spain, that provided the nucleus of Moré’s world. And by tracing its origins, interviewing the survivors, and imbibing in research, Radanovich does a credible job of bringing that wild world to tragic life. Since he’s so taken with the small island country that brought about habanera, rumba, mambo, danzón, cha-cha, and the son, he’s even better at summing up the impact Cuba has had on music throughout the outside world, whether it’s in the favelas of Sao Paolo or the jook joints of New Orleans. And that gives Wildman of Rhythm a comprehensiveness few books can boast, let alone books that clock in at fewer than 200 pages. If you’re at all interested in the sounds that echo around you, day-in and day-out, as you make your way around the MIA, this little volume makes for a very handy companion. It’s also quite an enjoyable look back at a legend. And if one thing doesn’t get you; the other will. My guess though is that it will be both.
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www.miamisunpost.com • The SunPost • Thursday, November 19, 2009 • Page 21
Potation COLUMN
Proseco: Where For Art Thou By Ewan Lacey
It is within the texts of Shakespeare that great drama’s come to life and the Veneto region of Italy can certainly claim its share of the limelight. So it was with delight that I accepted an invitation to visit a friend in Castlefranco, in the heart of the region. Castlefranco is a fortified town to the west of Treviso (Venice’s “other” airport) and east of Verona and Vincenza. A quick stroll through the town’s cobbled streets will take you to the cathedral that houses the famous altarpiece by the native renaissance painter, Giorgione. Restored and protected, this beautiful depiction of the Madonna & Child, with saintly accompaniment
The next day we visited the town of Bassano Del Grappa that lies in the foothills of the Alps directly beneath the Grappa Mountain. Obviously this is the home of Grappa and, although I am not a huge fan of the famous ‘digestive’, I was tending to take it with my espresso. This beautiful town has tight networks of streets with grand villa’s and grand views. We made our way to the central piazza and looked around the market. The temperature at this time of year tends to be around the plus or minus four degrees mark and thick real fur is the definitely the ladies winter apparel of choice. Bassano also is home to the famous and much rebuilt 13th century wooden bridge, Ponte
“Sadly the nuns who once lived here felt compelled to dispose of Juliet’s bones, due to concerns that she was attracting adulation that would normally be given to a saint” is both vibrant and worthy of awe. In the background of this masterpiece, one could see the local rural landscape and this was enough to remind me that I was in the home of Prosecco, the local ‘spumante’ (sparkling wine). After four hours of planes, trains and automobiles, the mouth, inevitably feels a little dry and wanton. Without further ado Ricardo and I trotted swiftly to the adjacent bar and ordered two glasses of Prosecco “Primo Franco”. As the bubbles fizzed around my glass, I put my nose in and noted aromas of roses and white peaches. The colour was a light yellow straw. We chinked glasses and, thanking Giorgione for a warm welcome, indulged further. This Prosecco was lovely. Smooth with a fresh sweetness that persevered long in the mouth. Within minutes we ordered another! That evening we had more Prosecco and enjoyed a pizza at La Cantena, a small rural restaurant. Later on another local bar was listing a Giwerstraminer from slightly further north. It was a lovely crisp wine, filling the mouth with the taste of lychees.
Coperto. We ambled around for sometime, drank coffee and observed that this really is the ideal place to meander slowly and take in the local calm bustle of relaxed living. On the last day we paid a visit to Verona. Famous for it’s architecture, opera and above all, the setting of the story of Romeo and Juliet. Ricardo knew a restaurant in the main piazza opposite the 1st century Roman amphitheatre. Again it was very cool but with such clear skies, the city was sparkling. We walked from the train station up towards the central piazza and stopped there for an aperitif of Martini Rosso before lunch. We headed next door to Trattoria Giovanni Rana. This wood panelled restaurant offered a calm respite from the rigours of sightseeing. We ordered another Martini Rosso to keep things moving whilst we perused the menu. Looking around there were a great many tributes to the restaurants owner, Giovanni Rana. These included photos of him with Luciano Pavarotti, at the feet of an elderly Pope John Paul II and other familiar faces. I think the picture I liked the most
Page 22 • Thursday, November 19, 2009 • The SunPost • www.miamisunpost.com
was a huge smiling painted portrait of Giovanni smiling back us with his hands inside a giant bowl of pasta. Ricardo ordered a starter of langoustine and Gnocci, followed by a fillet of sole, scallops and scampi with zucchini. I ordered ribboned macaroni with shredded duck to start followed by a fillet of steak in Bernese sauce for my main course. To drink we had a 2001 vintage, Riccolo Grassi, Valpollicella Classico Superiore. The food tasted superb and, with the wine, put some of the colour back my cheeks. The wine was very good and tasted of rich cherry and summer fruits and just enough tannin to cut through each dish. Ricardo also stated how the wine complimented his seafood courses very well. At €33 ($50) for the bottle we were very impressed. This said, I found that the Veneto region as a whole offered very good value for money. With lunch over and our spirits once more elated, we took to the streets and with what limited time we had paid tribute at the “Tomba di Giulietta”. This stunning building also houses the fresco museum. Sadly the nuns who once lived here and ran this building felt compelled to dispose of Juliet’s bones about five or six hundred years ago, due to concerns that she was attract-
ing adulation that would normally be given to a saint. Therefore, her tomb lies empty in the cold and damp crypt. Thousands have been here and scrawled their love messages to the long dead and long removed Juliet on the wall and the tomb itself. In a moment of post lunch speculation, I said to Ricardo that I had concluded that Romeo, of whom there is no reference anywhere, didn’t take the poison at all. Instead, whilst lamenting over Juliet’s body, he spotted his first love, ‘Rosaline’, who on recognition tore off her nuns clothing and the two eloped into the country to marry and live happily ever after on a diet of Prosecco and artichokes! That evening we were back in Castlefranco tasting the local pizza and drinking more Prosecco. In one of the bars I happened upon a Riesling and Pinot Gris blended wine, ‘Incocio Manzoni’. This local wine was inexpensive but was full of mineral flavours as well a crisp peachy taste that kept my mouth watering and longing for more. And that, the latter part of the last sentence, could be used to describe my experience of the Veneto.
Pocas Porto Rosé By Ewan Lacey
Drinking Róse is often (but not always) a no man’s land for me. It’s a place I go to but up on arrival I question the validity of my desire. Give me the mouth watering sharpness of a Mosel Reisling or the buxom scents of a sassy Syrah and I’m all over in it in a frenzy! Róse wine however, seldom arouses such excitement. So when I received a bottle of Pocas Róse Port to taste recently I conceded to the novel appeal and left the actual tasting to due course. Then mark my twinkling eyes and pursed puckering lips when, to my surprise the róse port was a complex and sumptuously fruity hit. The bright pink colour is accompanied by a nose of unmistakable fortified quality. I very much enjoyed the fruity complexity of flavours lingering on my palate. They’re nothing short of addictive (& not just to an old soak like me!), the richness and strength in alcohol parrying the cubic volume of the bottle. Pocas Róse port is perfect for fine picnics, aperitifs, chilling to the side of your nightclub tabletop, or simply supping and succouring after a couple of light courses on a late summer evening!
www.miamisunpost.com • The SunPost • Thursday, November 19, 2009 • Page 23
Art COLUMN
American Chronicles: The Art of Norman Rockwell at the Museum of Art By Marguerite Gil (megs@famae.org)
Today there are hundreds of thousands of magazines, newspapers, blogs, and newsletters available to everyone at any given moment, at any given time, worldwide. But back at the turn of the last century, publications were somewhat limited. One magazine which successfully detached itself from the group of rags, gazettes and small town newspapers was the weekly Saturday Evening Post. “One can’t over estimate the impact that magazines had on the nation back then” said Laurie Norton Moffatt, Director/CEO of the Norman Rockwell Museum, as she started her sneak preview, guided tour of the new exhibition at the museum recently. “The roll of the illustrator, who was viewed as a pervayor of culture back then, developed original ideas that were seen by over twenty five percent of the population in the early 1920s. Artists were also used as propaganda instruments and promoters of products, as you will notice in this show.” Rockwell, born in New York City (1894-1978), painted for almost seven decades, remaining active as a working artist through the mid-1970s. Young Norman knew he wanted to be an illustrator at a very early age. He was trained in the classical technique of the old masters. He left high school for art school enrolling at the Art Students League of New York. By 1913, before he was out of his teens, he had landed a position as the art director of Boys’ Life, a Scouting magazine where he earned $50 a month. Just three years later, when he was 22 years old, he got his first Saturday Evening Post cover. In his memoir he stated: “I sometimes think we paint to fulfill ourselves and our lives, to supply the things we want and don’t have.” Very far from his idealistic drawings Rockwell suffered from depression throughout his lifetime. He didn’t have a happy childhood, his mother was an alcoholic and Rockwell had two difficult marriages before he happily married for the third time. Always the optimist he once said, “I paint life as I would like it to be.” Throughout two wars, his paintings mostly depicted scenes of hope and thoughtfulness. He wanted this country to see themselves as he did with warmth and compassion and honor of the American spirit. But don’t be misled by his apparent utopian view of the world. In the 60’s he did create various works describing social issues including a painting entitled The Problem We All Live With, which deals with the integration of a little African-American girl who was enrolled in an all white school in New Orleans, or his studies and preliminary drawings of havoc and murder during the Civil Rights Movement. Enjoy Mr. Rockwell’s vast collection of magazine covers, (323 in this exhibition), original paintings, drawings and illustrations, during the holiday season. Discover or re-discover the bountiful talent of this exceptional American artist in American Chronicles: The Art of Norman Rockwell that runs until February 7, 2010. Museum of Art/ Fort Lauderdale, One East Las Olas Boulevard, Ft. Laud. Details: 954.525.5500
Page 24 • Thursday, November 19, 2009 • The SunPost • www.miamisunpost.com
This page: Clockwise From Above: 1. Triple Self-Portrait, 1960. 2. Girl Reading the Post, 1941. 3. The Problem We All Live With, 1964.
This page: Clockwise From Above: 1. Murder in Mississippi (Southern Justice), 1965. 2. Girl at Mirror, 1954. 3. The Discovery, 1956. 4. Christmas Homecoming, 1948
www.miamisunpost.com • The SunPost • November 19, 2009 • Page 25
Fashion LOCAL STYLE PROFILE
Style Child:
Cher Leanne By Jennifer Fragoso (fragosofashion@aim.com) Cher Leeanne has been living in South Beach since 1996. She is warm, gracious and fun loving woman with three (yes, 3, not a typo) university degrees, a killer smile, a book in the works and some serious style. Behind that smile lies a generous spirit who has given of herself to help the community by working as a mentor with Big Brothers and Big Sisters. Cher recalls being notified of her acceptance into the BBBS program as life changing. “I was matched with my little sister, Jesikah, eight years ago. She just turned sixteen, is the President of her junior class, on the dance team and wants to become a broadcast journalist. I love her.” Cher’s generosity continues as she takes time away from her own writing to answer these questions and share some insight into her own fashion prowess. Jennifer Fragoso: Who is your favorite fashion icon and does she influence the way you approach dressing yourself? Cher Leeanne: My favorite fashion icon is a mix between Brigitte Bardot and Grace Kelly. I love the South of France/French Riviera style. Brigitte Bardot’s style was young, playful and at the same time extremely sexy. I wear capri pants and tight off the shoulder tops throughout the summer. While Grace Kelly had a more formal, classic look which I lean towards in the winter by Right: Cher channeling her inner Bardot. Below: wearing short and long pea coats, black turtleneck sweaters with jeans or Gucci clutch in green capris and boat neck dresses with fuller skirts indicative of the 1950’s style. I python and Cher's also love that Grace Kelly wore gloves; I wish they would come back into style. Louboutin platforms JF: What is your definition of style? CL: Style is the way in which you create your look each time you get dressed, how you accessorize your clothing, what jewelry, handbag, and shoe you accent with, these three items can make or break your look/style. Being stylish is not the same thing as being fashionable; buying the latest trend or designer piece does not equal being stylish. Another element of style is carrying yourself with elegance and grace; Cher wearing a hot pink BCBG Max Azria Dress with her favorite Kiki de Montparnasse Poppy you cannot be stylish if Corset Belt pictured with Paola Ekelund, assistant manager at BCBG on Lincoln Road you walk like an elephant. JF: What is your favorite trend going into Fall 2009? CL: Hot pink, which Marc Jacobs and Michael Kors sent down the runways, it works with all skin tones. I have two BCBG Max Azria dresses in hot pink and when I put one on it brightens me up instantly! JF: What is your favorite accessory for Fall 2009? CL: I love the little fur stoles seen on the runways for fall, wish we could wear them here in South Beach but it just doesn’t get cold enough in the winter. JF: How do accessories play into putting together an outfit? CL: Accessorizing is the most important element to putting together a stylish outfit, choose a statement bag or statement jewelry piece or statement shoe, but not all three, it is overkill and makes you look like a fashion victim. If the outfit you put on is strong and bold in style or color, then add simple accessories or vice versa. JF: Coco Chanel once said, “When accessorizing, always take off the last thing you put on,” do you adopt a similar approach to accessorizing? CL: Yes, absolutely, I never wear earrings, with a necklace, bracelet and a ring at the same time, even if the pieces are all beautiful, it is simply just too much for my personal taste. Less is more. JF: You named Brigitte Bardot and Grace Kelly as your favorite fashion icons; both women were also stars of the silver screen, if you had to choose what would you consider to be your favorite wardrobe for a character in film? CL: Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany’s, her wardrobe is timeless and classic, it still looks stylish nearly fifty years later. I love her beige raincoat in the last scene and, of course, her black shift dress when she is windowshopping at Tiffany’s after a late night of partying. JF: Favorite jewelry designer? CL: My favorite jewelry designer is hands down Cartier, I love their Tank Francaise watch, Trinity ring and Love Page 26 • Thursday, November 19, 2009 • The SunPost • www.miamisunpost.com
bracelet! JF: Favorite shoe designer? CL: I have two favorite shoe designers. The first is Christian Louboutin, I have a pair of five inch black peep toe stilettos that are just a piece of artwork, so well-crafted. The second is Gucci; I always, always love at least one shoe design from each collection; they always have one really standout extremely sexy design. JF: Favorite bag for Fall 2009? CL: I love clutches and Gucci has a clutch that comes in blue, green, or black python. The bag is modern, sexy and the shape is timeless. JF: What is your favorite collection for Fall 2009? CL: Gucci’s Fall 2009 collection includes lots of black stretch leggings in various fabrics, some great straightleg leather pants, sequin tops and dresses; it is a very modern, sexy rock and roll look. Their sky-high black stiletto ankle boots with the zippers are to die for! JF: You wear some amazing belts do you have a favorite? CL: My favorite is a black corset belt made with several criss cross stretch bands and a lace tie up in the back, I found it in this sexy lingerie store in NYC called Kiki De Montparnasse. I actually bought the belt with a lingerie piece and I noticed that it goes so well with several other dresses I wear when I want to go out and dance the night away. JF: What do you wear out when you simply want to relax and have a glass of wine? CL: A pair of dark blue skinny jeans, plain black cotton tank and strappy stilettos. Many people think stilettos are uncomfortable but I think they are super comfortable, I even wear them around the house, they make you walk and hold your body in a certain way that flats just don’t do. JF: What is your go to in a pinch item in your closet? CL: Always a tight pair of skinny jeans, you can dress them up or down, whatever your mood. JF: If you had “nothing to wear” where would you go first? Why? CL: Straight to the BCBG Max Azria store on Lincoln Road, you can always find something great in there. Last year during Art Basel I was on my way to a very chic dinner party for Interview magazine and had nothing to wear, I ran in there and found a great dark blue long sleeve knit dress. Another time I was on my way to the airport to fly to Prague for a dinner in an old palace and found a long sleeve fuchsia gown. BCBG Max Azria has clothes that go from casual to extremely formal. Cher Leeanne is sweet, sexy, successful and the life of any party. Find out for yourself the next time you are at Vita for their Wednesday night party, appropriately called, My Boyfriend is Out of Town. You’ll immediately see her with those beautiful blonde locks blowing in the wind, posing for the cameras, surrounded by friends looking devastatingly chic and every inch the South Beach Style Child that she is.
www.miamisunpost.com • The SunPost • November 19, 2009 • Page 27