The Story Matters
Calendar p.14 Butterflies are free, Art Battles, Indians with guns and be very Wicked...
Vol. XXV No. 08
February 25, 2010
Visit us at miamisunpost.com
EAT UP!
MAYHEM P.4
NEWS P. 6
POLITICS P.7
HISTORY P.8
BOUND P.10
CALENDAR P.14
The South Beach Wine and Food Festival Hits Town This Weekend
411 P. 16
SEE PAGE. 12 GREEN P.19
MUSIC P. 20
FASHION P. 26
EXECUTIVE EDITOR Kim Stark kim@miamisunpost.com SOCIETY EDITOR Jeannette Stark jeannette@miamisunpost.com COPY EDITOR Mary Louise English
PRESIDENT & PUBLISHER Kim Stark kim@miamisunpost.com ACCOUNTING Sandie Friedman SALES DIRECTORS Jeannette Stark Carl Zablotny
CALENDAR EDITOR Jake Orsinni calendar@miamisunpost.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Jeffrey Bradley Stuart Davidson Marguerite Gil Mary Louise English Jennifer Fragoso John Hood Joshua Malina Joe Robertson Mary Jo Almeida-Shore Kim Steiner Michael Sasser
Stuart Davidson PUBLISHER EMERITUS Felix Stark (1929-1995) WEB SITE miamisunpost.com PRODUCTION Blue Studio MAILING ADDRESS P.O. Box 191870 Miami Beach, FL 33119
Carl Zablotny MAIN LINE 305.538.9797 MAIN FAX 305.538.9774 CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Stuart Davidson Eitan Moshe Klein Mary Jo Almeida-Shore Marguerite Gil Ines Hegedus-Garcia Jennifer Fragoso Mitchell Zachs
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 SunPost Media 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.
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www.miamisunpost.com • The SunPost • Thursday, February 25, 2009 • Page 3
Tropical Mayhem BITS AND PIECES OF MIAMI LIFE
Miami through my iphone
SUSTAINABLE SEAFOOD by Ines Hegedus-Garcia - miamism.com - ines@miamism.com To think Stone Crab Claws are so delish and they grow back!! Next time you consume these famous delicacies from the Florida waters, know that you are not destroying nature's ecological balance. I took this photo at Captain Jim's Seafood in North Miami (one of my fave places to have fresh fish), and was told that Stone Crab Season ends May 15th, 2010.
Sheer Genius
A personal tribute to the absolute ingenuity, of Alexander Mcqueen. He died last week at the age of 40. McQueen distinguished himself with his brand of dramatic tailoring, groundbreaking collections and avant-garde runway shows. The Savile Row-trained designer graduated from London's prestigious Central St. Martins in 1995 and went on to work as the head designer at Givenchy and later launched his eponymous label in 2001. He was idolized by fashion mavens the world over for his stunning creations and the sheer genius of his creativity. Fashion has lost one of its leading talents and he will be greatly missed.
Lavish Movie Night at Icon Brickell
Roberta Flack
This sounds like a total blast. The Spa at Icon Brickell hosts monthly lavish movie nights complete with gourmet cupcakes and popcorn. Yum! Lounge with your special someone in fabulous, lush Philippe Starck-designed couches while you watch the flick. Showing this week is A Beautiful Thing. 7:30pm. $12. Spa at Icon Brickell, 485 Brickell Ave., Miami. For info: 305-503-0369 or iconspa@viceroymiami.com.
Jazz, soul, R&B and folk songstress, Roberta Flack will be performing her fabulous hits, "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face", "Killing Me Softly with His Song" among many others when she hits town tonight. $45-$75. 8pm. Hard Rock Live, 1 Seminole Way, Hollywood. For info: 954-327-7625 or hardrocklivehollywoodfl.com.
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News
Will the Show Go On? The Palace Permitted to Include Sunday Brunch Performances By Michael W. Sasser Miami Beach’s Planning Board this week voted to permit additional hours of operation for South Beach landmark the Palace’s colorful drag shows. But it also advised the 20-plus-year-old institution to dialogue with neighboring businesses to work out differences that have led to several years of complaints about noise stemming from the raucous shows. “It absolutely was a win for us,” said Palace General Manager Ivan Cano. “It guaranteed that the shows would go on. As the Planning Board even said — the Palace is an institution.” Cano said the longtime drag shows would now continue, from 6 to 10 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and 6:30 to 9 p.m. on Sunday, and also during Sunday’s popular brunch from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. The board’s decision altered the restaurant’s conditional use permit to include the Sunday brunch show. The Palace has been under fire from neighbors, specifically the nearby upscale Tides South Beach hotel. At issue, according to published reports, is not the nature of the performances but rather the volume level. The Palace had already undergone a struggle with the city over its show’s periodic use of sidewalks. But it was the noise issue that was addressed at the Feb. 23 meeting. “The shows would move out onto the sidewalk so that they would include people sitting on the terrace and that’s probably what disturbed the people at the Tides,” said a source familiar with Palace productions who did not want to be identified. The attorney representing the Tides, which is owned by the Los Angeles-based Viceroy Hotel Group, did not return a call seeking comment. However, published media reports cited a company spokesperson as stating that they had tried without success to reach some sort of accord with the Palace. The potential conflict even led to a “Save the Drag Queens” movement, which garnered a flicker of national exposure earlier this year. David Kelsey, president of the South Beach Hotel and Restaurant Association, said the situation captured the attention of the local gay community. That community has dwindled in numbers in recent years, but remains strong politically — particularly during the tenure of Miami Beach Matti Bower. During Bower’s reign the city launched its first Pride Parade and has strengthened its gay rights-inspired ordinance. “The owner got people organized and a lot of pressure was put on [City Hall] about the need for gay business.” Kelsey said. “That helped their cause.” Cano said the Palace drag shows, in addition to being a South Beach institution, help promote the uniqueness of the city as a tourist destination and the cause of acceptance. “It helps educate the public,” Cano said. “It’s an opportunity to bring homophobia and other gay issues to the people. Homosexuals and cross-dressers exist here like anyone else. It’s all entertainment. If people don’t like that kind of entertainment, they don’t have to watch it. If they have a problem with it, they don’t have to bring their virgin eyes to Miami Beach.” A key provision of the Planning Board decision, though, was that the Palace work with its neighbors to try to resolve the noise problem. Cano said that although the Palace performances were permitted to continue until 11:30 p.m. on the weekends, they volunteered to conclude at 10 p.m. “Being so close to each other, it’s not like we can build a ten-foot wall between us,” he said. “We have to get along.” Cano added that he thinks the insistence to dialogue is a good thing. “I feel confident that the first steps have been taken to start a dialogue,” Cano said. “Neighbors need to communicate with each other and I believe that’s underway. We need to communicate.” Cano said there is common ground on which the Palace and its neighbor can move ahead. Kelsey said, though, that his long experience in dealing with the city leads Page 6 • Thursday, February 25, 2010 • The SunPost • www.miamisunpost.com
him to believe that the Palace didn’t get much from the Planning Board except good sentiment and the OK to continue with entertainment. The instruction to work with their neighbors means the situation is not yet resolved. Miami Beach Commissioner Michael Gongora, a Palace supporter, said he was happy with the Planning Board decision but feels the real challenge will be at the Thursday, Feb. 25, Land Use Committee meeting. “I told the people at the Palace that they rang the bells that the drag queens had been saved, but if they are restricted to inside it won’t be the same thing,” Gongora told the SunPost. “I hope the Palace organizes a similar group of supporters for the Land Use meeting.” Gongora said the Palace’s current conditional use permit does not permit the show to spill out onto the sidewalks and streets. As chair of the Land Use Committee, he placed the item on the agenda. “To me that’s the biggest fight — where they are able to have the performances,” Gongora said. Cano is confident that the show will go on at the 22-year-old establishment. “It’s all about fun,” he said.
TIDBITS
PROPERTY OF THE WEEK
1647 N. View Drive, Sunset Island on Miami Beach - This new 5 bed, 5 bath, waterfront estate with bay views is a definite nod towards Italian architecture. Think a scaled down Italian palazzo complete with stained glass and painted fresco ceilings. Exceptional details such as a mosaic infinity pool with underwater seating, a majestic foyer with stain glass dome, gym, 13 seat theater, billiard room, chefs kitchen, wine cellar, fresco ceilings, marble archways and so, so much more. 9,944 sq. ft. Opulence at it's best. It can be yours for the princely sum of $12,5000,000. Contact: Nelson Gonzalez, EWM. 305-674-4040 or Nelson@NelsonGonzalez.com
Politics COLUMN
Towing My Way? By Jeffrey Bradley Back in the day, we wrote a column about international affairs. In it, we’d regularly give the Soviet Union a thrashing simply because it was so available. And we’ve got to tell you, the only thing easier than beating up on the U.S.S.R. is beating up on towing. Specifically, Tremont towing — though this goes for Beach, too. And they’re at it again. From the Miami Herald, Feb 18, comes this story by Willard Shepard: “Miami Beach Towing Company Denies Theft; Tremont towing says it’s following Florida law when it searches vehicles. “A video obtained by NBC Miami and shot by Miami Beach residents shows Tremont Towing workers breaking into vehicles once they got them on their lot and rifling through them. ‘That's straight up stealing,’ said one veteran tow truck driver, who only wanted to be identified as ‘Mike.’ The video shows drivers searching bags, sportcoats and then, at times, walking off with belongings. Tremont completely denied any wrongdoing yesterday and said any workers found stealing will be fired and evidence turned over to police. “The city said it's concerned about what these pictures show and that it has already come up with a towing bill of rights to protect residents and visitors.” Busted! (The video was shot from a bird’s-eye view of the Tremont impound lot. Way to go, man.) And the city reacted how? By swiftly revoking Tremont’s contract? Issuing warrants for the perpetrators of a felony caught on video? Well, no. There were no promises of rethinking doing business with a band of marauders, nothing about closer scrutiny, no arrests, no condemnation. The city did, however, issue a statement that addresses something about Stealing Is Wrong. And released a towee “bill of rights.” Funny, we assumed that our right of freedom from thievery was already in force. Who knew? Terrible, terrible. Probably the city’ll end up buying out Tremont’s contract for some astronomical sum, then congratulate itself on a job well done… if they hold true to form. It’s not a stretch to say that towing is the most reviled entity on Miami Beach. We know of no one without a horror story over having a car towed or items stolen from an impound lot or both. (Even if you report anything missing you’ll get the weasely claim that it was already gone.) And while we’re no fan of motor vehicles on the Beach, these companies are way out of control — not uncommon when an industry’s got a lock on the market. It’s past time these malefactors were brought to heel for the blight on the Beach they are.
“It’s this kind of enabling poppycock that lets leeches like these batten on us and feast undistirbed.” Good old Tremont never learns… caught with their hand in the cookie jar, it’s lie and deny. No wonder they’re feeling insolent: They’ve essentially got a fat no-bid contract with the city, who will tell you, if you complain about the Bay Road Bandits, that they’re one of the few towing concerns with an impound lot on the Beach so we must do business with them. Phooey. It’s this kind of enabling poppycock that lets leeches like these batten on us and feast undisturbed. Look, if you want these Somali pirates on wheels to behave responsibly, then put ‘em on notice that the process is now open to all in a position to bid, and no longer their personal province. Are we to be fettered by contract to brigands? As indicated previously, we sat on the Transportation and Parking Committee, and saw up-front and personal how towing operates. It ain’t pretty; we had to send their lobbyist — who thought to sit cozy and familiarly at the committee table — back to the bleachers. And, their bid to sail the process through pro forma was derailed when we expressed the people’s outrage over their arrogance and underhanded conduct. (Our experience of having been towed and finding our new car battery exchanged for some corroded antique did nothing to sweeten our disposition.) Still, the most we could wring was a promise to instruct employees to conduct business more “sensitively.” As if. (Have we mentioned that the T&PC has no teeth?) Fed up? So are we. Here’s what you can do. Write letters of outrage to the editor. Then email the mayor and city commission and tell them to sever this unwholesome relationship. Let them know that anyone vying for a lucrative city contract must bid, undergo a thorough vetting process (including employees), and understand the ramifications of the built-in “at will” termination clause concerning ethical turpitude. (Our legalese may be inexact, but you get the picture.) Then have them tell Tremont to tow their sorry butts off the Beach pronto.
www.miamisunpost.com • The SunPost • February 25, 2009 • Page 7
A Special Moment in Time COLUMN
Miami’s Crucible Year: Part Two By Seth H. Bramson mrfec@yahoo.com
As noted in last week’s column, 1896 was the single most important year in the history of the tiny unincorporated village on the shores of Biscayne Bay as it transitioned to becoming a city without the intermediate steps of village or township. Last week’s SunPost introduced the first two events that gave that year its cachet as the crucible year in Miami’s incredible history: The arrival, on Feb. 6, 1896, of Miami’s first permanent Jewish settler, Isidor Cohen; and the arrival of the first work train and then the first passenger train of the Florida East Coast Railway, on April 15 and April 22, 1896, respectively. There were three more events to follow, however, each in its own way equally important to the city’s formation. On May 15, 1896, the people of the area greeted the publication of the first issue of what would shortly become Miami’s first newspaper, the Miami Metropolis. Begun to fill the need for a reliable printed news, advertising, commentary and opinion paper, the Metropolis would serve as the city’s only newspaper until 1903, when the Record (to later become the Miami Herald) would be published for the first time. The Metropolis would have an illustrious career until 1925 when James M. Cox, U.S. senator from Ohio, and his newspaper family would buy the Metropolis and change its name to the Miami News-Metropolis. Cox would purchase from the Florida East Coast Railway the property on NE Sixth Street from the Boulevard west to NE Second Avenue and on that site
ABOVE: FORT DALLAS, WHICH STILL SURVIVES TODAY, WAS THE ORIGINAL INDIAN WARS ARMY POST AND WAS EVENTUALLY PURCHASED BY JULIA TUTTLE FOR HER HOMESITE. THE NAMES OF THE TWO MEN SHOWN IN THIS PHOTOGRAPH ARE UNKNOWN. LEFT: MIAMI RIVER VIEW. THE DOCK IN FOREGROUND MAY, POSSIBLY, BE THE MUSA ISLE DOCK NEAR WHAT EVENTUALLY WOULD BECOME NORTHWEST 12TH AVENUE.
account you read, 342, 343, 344, 345 or 350 of them voted “yes” to incorporation, no few of those voters being of the (as the word was then current) Negro persuasion. Within a few years the shamefulness of segregation would overtake the growing city, but for those first several years black people were an integral part of the area’s growth, including a strong and civic-minded community in Coconut Grove as well as the fabled D. A. Dorsey buying vast amounts of downtown acreage. Among the signers of the city’s charter were Roddy Burdine, Isidor Cohen, John and Everest Sewell, Frank Budge (he of hardware fame) and many others whose names resonate in Miami’s great and now114 year history. As of July 29, 1896, the city founded by Julia Tuttle — the first city in America founded by a woman — was one day old. THE BARNACLE, BUILT BY COMMODORE MUNROE AS HIS FAMILY RESIDENCE. STILL EXISTS IN COThe fifth and capCONUT GROVE IT IS NOW A STATE PARK. MUNROE WAS THE FIRST COMMODORE OF THE COCONUT GROVE SAILING (NOW YACHT) CLUB. stone event of the year 1896 was the opening, on New Year’s Eve, of the Royal Palm Hotel, on the banks of the Miami River. An incredible hostelry, especially "IN THE HEART OF THE MIAMI HAMMOCK." THE FIRST DOMICILES, WHILE FAMILIES WERE BUILDING THEIR HOMES, WERE OFTEN SKELETAL WOOD FRAMES WITH CURTAINS AND PALM FROND COVERINGS. INCREDIBLY ENOUGH, THIS VIEW WAS MADE given the then-rural conditions, the hotel would, until the 1926 hurricane devastated it, be the center of Miami’s CIRCA 1894 IN WHAT, EVENTUALLY, WOULD BECOME MIAMI. social life and whirl and would be the meeting place (in the winter, of course, as the hotel, like all Flagler System hotels, closed early in April and did not reopen until just before Christmas) of most organizations and civic groups. would build the Miami News tower, known today to newcomers as the Freedom Tower. Eventually, the name of Suffice to say, while there have been other important years in Miami-Dade’s history, 1896 will always remain the paper was changed again and Metropolis was dropped from the masthead as the newspaper became the and be thought of as the singularly most important. Miami Daily News. The first major event following the introduction of the Metropolis — and the fourth in the soon-to-be-a-city’s 1896 history — was the founding of the City of Miami on July 28. Lobbying furiously for incorporation were no few of the locals, supported by the Flagler people, who felt that an incorporated city would be in their best interests. There were 502 adult males who were qualified to vote on that sultry summer day and, depending on whose Page 8 • Thursday, February 25, 2009 • The SunPost • www.miamisunpost.com
Seth H. Bramson is Adjunct Professor of History at both Florida International University and Barry University, where he also serves as Historian in Residence. The Company Historian of the Florida East Coast Railway, he is the single most published Miami-Dade history book author in America, with 12 of his 17 books dealing directly with the villages, towns, cities and people of Miami-Dade County.
www.miamisunpost.com • The SunPost • January 25, 2010 • Page 9
Bound COLUMN
La Bella Cuidad Havana, in All Its Splendour By John Hood
Miami boasts some rather impressive sister cities, from Amman (Jordan) to Varna (Bulgaria), and just about every South American capital worth its weight in Continental cool. Miami Beach, on the other hand, with Brampton (Canada) and Ica (Peru) among its short list, seems to have drawn its sister cities from a dunce cap. The point is neither Miami nor Miami Beach has chosen the one city that they’re closest to, both spiritually and architecturally. And that city is Havana. Now before you blame it on Castro and the embargo he provoked, the Sister Cities program was enacted in 1956, under Eisenhower. So maybe the gangsters are to blame. Or perhaps Batista just wasn’t into it. Who knows? One thing is certain,
though: To Miamians of all stripes, Havana holds an allure unlike any other city on earth. And that 99 out of 100 natives have never even visited the Cuban capital despite its being only 90 miles away is a downright shame. Thank Zeus the folks at W.W. Norton have sought to remedy the situation. And the well-kept publishing house (the last true major independent, by the way) has come through with not one but two books that will bring all of us right into the center of this magical, mythical city. And each does so in ways no normal picture book has ever before done — not for this place anyway. The titles I’m so vociferously citing are Havana Deco (Norton $39.95) and Havana Revisited (Norton $49.95). Of the two, the latter is the most recent. But each has merits that make it unique. And taken together, they’re the next best thing to being there that we’ll
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probably ever have. Havana Deco (which was originally released in late 2007 but remains readily available) is, as the name implies, a celebration of the form that we Miamians are so well acquainted with. The oversized book was put together by critic and curator Alejandro G. Alonso (of the Museo Nacional de Ceramica Artistica Cubana), historian Pedro Contreras (of Centro de Desarrollo de las Artes Visuales) and photographer Martino Fagiuoli (an Italian, whose crush on the island nation has re-
voted a depiction as a lens can get. As the book’s intro so helpfully points out: “The designation Art Deco derive[s] from a reevaluation of the style that took place in 1966. In its own time it was known as Moderno, Atre Moderno or Arte Nuevo.” Art Deco reached its peak between 1925 and 1935, with ’25 being “especially important,” since that was the year of the Paris Exposition Internationale des Arts Decoratifs et Industriales Modernes. And from the length of that expo‘s title there’s little wonder why they stripped down the Arts Decoratifs to Art Deco. It’s this kinda detail that runs threading throughout the whole of Havana Deco, so that everything you see can be appreciated from an informed vantage point. Adding charm to the imagery is the legion of classic American cars that roll through the city to this day. And that makes it
“Havana Revisited, in contrast, shows the semi-sacred city’s swinging architectural styles didn’t end with Deco – nor did they begin there.” sulted in three books, including Casas y Casas de Cuba). And to say it is thorough about its subject is kinda like saying Webster’s is thorough about words. Every page is bursting with at least one fully colored image of a Havana landmark, many if not most culled from Old Havana, which is on UNESCO’s list of World Heritage Sites. And if the shot is not of a grand building itself, it’s of one of its grand details. And each is as vivid and as de-
as much a history of Havana’s architectural heyday as a stroll through another time. Havana Revisited, in contrast, shows the semisacred city’s swinging architectural styles didn’t end with Deco — nor did they begin there. Here we have Havana in all of its nearly 400 years of glory, from the early 16th century Spanish fortifications through the mid-‘50s era MiMo-esque apartment buildings. In between there are such
On the List: New York Times Top Ten Childrens Picture Books 1. The Lion and The Mouse by Jerry Pinkney. $16.99 (Ages 4 to 8) 2. The Easter Egg by Jan Brett. $17.99 (Ages 4 to 8) 3. Listen to the Wind: The Story of Dr. Greg and “Three Cups of Tea” by Greg Mortenson and Susan L. Roth. Illustrated by Susan L. Roth. $16.99 (Ages 4 to 8) gems as The Central Railway Station (1912), the Marianao Horseracing Track (1915) and the Havana Yacht Club (1924), as well as a smattering of churches, theatres and mansions of every stripe, from the Baroque to the Italianate. But here the author Cathryn Griffith has, where possible, taken corresponding old postcards for every site, and paired them with more recent photos, many of them shot and developed in the same spirit as their predecessors. That gives the whole enterprise a sorta throwback feel, as if you’ve somehow stumbled upon a booth in an antiques market chock-full of Havana history. And Griffith, who’s buttressed the book with essays from some of Cuba’s leading arts and preservation authorities, doesn’t limit Revisited to shots of the buildings and their origins; she reveals what’s become of each of them. Unfortunately far too many to count have been demolished or reconfigured beyond recognition, and those cases add a certain poignancy to the proceedings. But it’s highly unlikely that she and her cohorts compiled this collection to bemoan what’s been lost; I’m thinking they’re far more interested in ensuring that what’s left remains standing for generations to come. It’s rare that one gets to so colorfully visit a city without leaving the house, but as I said, these books are the next best thing to being there. Since the there in question is a neighbor, and since it’s so inextricably linked to us, the visit is kinda like that paid to old friends. And no matter what the political climate, Havana is Miami’s old friend. So why not pay it a visit? After all, it’s probably been awhile.
4. Amelia Bedelia’s First Valentine by Herman Parish. Illustrated by Lynne Avril. $16.99 (Ages 4 to 8) 5. All the World by Liz Garton Scanlon. Illustrated by Marla Frazee. $17.99 (Ages 4 to 8) 6. Waddle! by Rufus Butler Seder. $12.95 (Ages 4 to 8) 7. My Heart is Like a Zoo written and illustrated by Michael Hall. $16.99 (Ages 4 to 8) 8. How Do Dinosaurs Say I Love You? by Jane Yolen. Illustrated by Mark Teague. $16.99 (Ages 4 to 8) 9. I Am Going! written and illustrated by Mo Willems. $8.99 (Ages 4 to 8) 10. Otis written and illustrated by Loren Long. $17.99 (Ages 4 to 8)
www.miamisunpost.com • The SunPost • February 25, 2009 • Page 11
EAT UP! The South Beach Wine and Food Festival Hits Town This Weekend Written by John Hood
E
very year, for the past eight of ‘em, there’s come a time in High Season when our town becomes just a bit more of the bacchanalia our founding mothers and fathers probably envisioned when they were kicking back cocktails along the Miami River. That’s not to say we aren’t riotous the other 51 weeks of any given year; it’s just that this one week is a little more special. Whether it’s because legions of the best chefs the world has to offer descend upon us en masse or because the wine and the champagne flows like Niagara Falls is really beside the point. The fact of the matter is that for one week and one week only the Magic City turns into the culinary capital we pretend to be all along. We’re talking, of course, about the South Beach Wine and Food Festival, which is now in its ninth year. And if the build-up of the last eight is any indication, we’re in for some more splendid satiation. Veterans of the Fest all have their favorite events, but nothing sells out quicker than Rachel Ray’s Burger Bash. Held on the beach behind the Ritz-Carlton and presented by the Allen Brothers, suppliers of such esteemed eateries as Charlie Trotter’s, Delmonico’s and Gene & Georgetti, this Amstel Light-fueled cookout is unquestionably one of the most downright fun get-together’s going. Participating restaurants include Miami’s-own 8oz Burger Bar, Bourbon Steak, and Michael’s Genuine, who’ll be facing off against household names like Bobby Flay and Masaharu
LEFT: CHEF, SPIKE MENDELSOHN
Morimoto. In all though, there are 28 competitors, and everybody begins with a simple patty. What they do with said patty is where the magic comes in, and why the throngs who turn out generally starve themselves for two days so they can taste all of the results. Those Allen Brothers also have their hands in the Perrier-Jouet BubbleQ, which is hosted by Emeril Lagasse and friends. This bash goes burger one better, and shows the great and glorious length a chef can go to on a barbecue. Of those 30 Please see Eat Up on page 22
Calendar WHAT TO DO IN MIAMI THIS WEEK
WICKED
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February 26
MUSIC The Jazz Experience Al Jarreau, six-time Grammy Award winner and NEA Jazz Master Ramsey Lewis will perform a not-to-be-missed one-night only concert as part of the Jazz Roots Concert Series. 8pm. Knight Concert Hall, 1300 Biscayne Blvd., Miami. For info: arshtcenter.com
February 26
FOOD SoBe Food & Wine A one-of-a-kind extravaganza, the Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival, is a four-day event showcasing the talents of the world’s most renowned winemakers, spirits producers, chefs and culinary personalities. Rachael Ray, Sandra Lee, Emeril Lagasse to name a few of the food celebs participating. 13th Street & Ocean Drive, Miami Beach. For info: sobfest.com.
SAVE THE DATE: FRIDAY, JULY 30 & 31
DAVE MATHEWS BAND Tickets go on sale today for the Dave Matthews Band twonight only live concert series. The band is an American jam band founded by South African born, singer-songwriter and guitarist Dave Matthews. With musicians who each have roots in differing genres, including jazz, classical, soul, rock, bluegrass, and hip-hop, the band has come together to create an eclectic sound which has earned them fans from a variety of quarters. They are known for their annual summer-long tours of the US and Europe, featuring lengthy improvisational renditions of their songs, accompanied by elaborate video and lighting. Show will be at the Cruzan Amphitheatre, 601-7 Sansbury's Way, West Palm Beach. For info: 561- 795-8883.
February 26
SPORT Carnaval Miami Run
February 26
CLUB Birthday Block Party
The race Starts on Eighth St. and Southeast First Ave, loops around to 22nd Ave and finishes on SE First Ave. Post-race party includes street dance and conga lines, fruit, water and dinner. Race day registration 4pm, Publix Plato Kiddie Dash at 6:45
Celebrating it's first year, Electric Pickle is thinking big with a musical block party. The fest will feature performances by Marc Romboy, Bodylanguage Live, Junior Boys, Darshan Jesrani, DJ’s Aramis, Tomas, Will Renuart, Edwin Adams, Captain Ridiculous and Universal Citizens. 9pm. Showtime 11pm. Electric Pickle, 2826 N. Miami Ave., Wynwood Arts District, Miami. For info: 305-456-5613 or electricpicklemiami.com.
p.m. 8k Run/ 5k Walk starts at 7:15pm. $40. For info: carnavalmiami.com
February 26
TOUR Betty Eber’s Orchid House
February 26
Led by the Fairchild instructor, Betty Eber, the Orchid House and Garden Tour is a remarkable adventure amongst the orchids of Fairchild Garden. Limited to 15 people. Includes light refreshments. Wear comfortable clothing and walking shoes. Map provided on registration. Class to be held 10 a.m.-noon Friday, March 5. $35. Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, 10901 Old Cutler Rd., Coral Gables. For info: 305667-1651 or fairchildgarden.org
ART In High Fashion The fantastic photography of Edward Steichen, one of the most prolific, influential and controversial figures in the history of photography will be on show at the Museum of Art in Fort Lauderdale. Steichen was known as “the most famous portrait photographer in the world” and shot portraits of icons like Greta Garbo, Katharine Hepburn, Marlene Dietrich, Amelia Earhart, Joan Crawford, and Ginger Rogers. Through March 11. Museum of Art, 1 E. Las Olas Blvd. Fort Lauderdale. For info: 954-525-5500 or moaflnsu.org.
February 26-28
FESTIVAL Big Cypress Shootout
ABOVE: NICHOLAS F. ROMERO, LOVE IS TRIBE, ACRYLICS ON GUITAR. LEFT: JACKIE MASON.
Seminole Tribe of Florida will reenact the Second Seminole War at the Big Cypress Shootout at Billie Swamp Safari. The battle reenactments will feature authentic weapons, soldier and warrior attire and tactics typical of the Second Seminole War. The three-day event will also include music, Seminole food, Seminole and pioneer artisans, tomahawk throws, primitive archery competition, authentic Seminole and soldier camps, Iron and silver crafts, venomous snake shows and alligator wrestling. Music from Okefenokee Joe, Benjamin Dehart and Cowbone. 11am. $7. Billie Swamp Safari, between Fort Lauderdale and Naples, on the Big Cypress Seminole Reservation just north of I-75 (Alligator Alley) Exit 49. For info: bigcypressshootout.com.
February 27
FESTIVAL Caribbean Festival 17th Annual Caribbean Festival and Food Drive features performances by Stephen Ragga Marley, Damian Jr. Gong Marley, Julian JuJu Marley, Shaggy, Capleton, Spragga Benz, and Tarrus Riley plus local artists Jahfe, Vega Underfire, and the Resolvers. Donated canned goods collected at the Festival will benefit Curly House, who improves the quality of life for low-to-moderate income famiPlease see Calendar on page 24 www.miamisunpost.com • The SunPost • February 25, 2010 • Page 15
The 411
Lisa and Donald Pliner at the Boca Tanning Club Opening
Guillermo Villalobos, Jorge Moreno, Zurami Pascual and Carlos Narvarro
Marysol Patton, Ingrid Casares, Alexia Echevarria, Jose Ortiz, & Christy Rice at the Boca Tanning Club Brickell Opening
COLUMN
The Bacchanal is Back By Mary Jo Almeida-Shore maryjoshore@miamisocialholic.com Photos by Mary Jo Almeida-Shore
John Salman and Laurie Jennings at the Boca Tanning Club Brickell Opening
Jeff and Yolanda Berkowitz at the Boca Tanning Club Brickell Opening
Lili Estefan and Carlos Navarro at the Boca Tanning Club Brickell Opening
Marysol Patton & Frank Amadeo at the Boca Tanning Club Brickell Opening
Lozada Ketcham and friends at the Boca Tanning Club Brickell Opening
It’s no secret that the South Beach Wine and Food Festival is taking over Miami, specifically South Beach this weekend. What the World Series is to baseball (and poker) fans, SBWFF is to eaters everywhere. Foodies have been revving up their taste buds since the last crumb was consumed at the end of SBWFF 2009, some wishing they had four stomachs like the bovines. Well it’s back, so prepare for an influx of culinary gastro fiends to invade our turf and enjoy the chef-lebrity sightings. Here’s a rundown to help you organize your week as you prepare your medicine cabinet with antacids and digestive aids to get you through. On Thursday, Feb. 25, Rachael Ray is hosting the Amstel Light Burger Bash at the Ritz-Carlton South Beach. The festivities, where guests get the chance to vote for their favorite burger, take place from 7 to 10 p.m. Defending 2009 Burger Bash People’s Choice Award Winner, Spike Mendelsohn (Washington, D.C.), will be fighting to keep his title. Making its competitive debut this year is New York City’s critically acclaimed Bill’s Bar & Burger with Chef Brett Reichler at the grill. Also joining the Bash are heavy hitters Bobby Flay, Marcus Samuelsson, Stephanie Izard and Masaharu Morimoto, to name a few. A portion of the VIP preview reception proceeds will benefit Rachael Ray’s nonprofit Yum-o! Foundation. On Friday afternoon, the honorable Pierre Vimont, French ambassador to the United States, will officially open the “Celebrate France!” tent during Wine Spectator’s Trade Day. The ribbon-cutting will take place at 12:30 p.m. at 13th and Ocean, giving the phrase “Viva la France!” a whole new meaning. Food Network star Sunny Anderson, the Cooking for Real host, will also be appearing at the VIVA booth from 2 to 4 p.m. Friday the Perrier-Jouët Bubble Q, hosted by the “Bamalicious” Emeril Lagasse, sets up shop in a giant tent on the sand (read: wear flats) behind the Delano. Call us biased, but this is our FAVORITE party during SBWFF. Free-flowing champagne, tons of chef-lebrities, great music and tasty, perfectly grilled seafood and
Page 16 • Thursday, February 25, 2010 • The SunPost • www.miamisunpost.com
meats… how can you go wrong? An added bonus is that Pennsylvania-based Sweet Street Desserts will debut its dessert bar (sweetstreet.com) and Godiva will also provide chocolate decadence. The cork-popping begins at 7:30 p.m. Chef-lebrities expected include Todd English, Aaron Sanchez, Tony Neely, Adam Perry Lang, Chris Lilly and Elizabeth Karmel, among others. This year, expect some surprises dangling from the rafters and other secret fun that we have promised not to divulge. Check back for photos next week! Also taking place on Friday, at 7:30 p.m. at the Fontainebleau, is Best of the Best, where some of the most acclaimed chefs will be flaunting their culinary expertise, along with the world’s top wines and champagnes. In the presence of Pierre Vimont, Scott Conant, Alfred Portale, Michael Psilakis, Masaharu Morimoto, Michael White and many others are expected to show off their skills to the delight of many palates. If you are up and running on Saturday and Sunday morning, don’t miss the Whole Foods Grand Tasting Village. Starting at 11 a.m., the food adventure begins with hundreds of local restaurants serving their finest, top chef-leb sightings and cooking demos, and wine and spirits that would make Bacchus envious. Chef-lebrities scheduled to appear: Bobby Flay, Rachael Ray, Sandra Lee, Katie Lee, Emeril Lagasse, Ming Tsai, Paula Deen, Michael Chiarello, Guy Fieri, to name a few. For a full schedule of appearances and tickets go to: sobewineandfoodfest.com. South Beach Diet — yes, “diet” — presents Fun and Fit as a Family on Saturday and Sunday morning, as well. The mini-festival teaches kids and parents how to make healthy food choices while having fun in the kitchen. Featuring the Kellogg’s Kidz Kitchen, Fun and Fit will kick off with a cooking demonstration at 11 a.m. on Saturday, by Paula Deen, followed by Daisy Martinez at 1 p.m. and Rachael Ray at 3 p.m. Additional celebrities slated to appear at special Food Lab demos are Marcela Valladolid (11:30 a.m.), Maggie Jimenez (1:30 p.m.) and Adrianne Calvo (3:30 p.m.). On Sunday, the festivities will begin with Guy Fieri at 11 a.m., fol-
MOCA Bohemian Bash-Belkys Nerey and Bonnie Clearwater
North Miami Mayor, Andre Pierre with Bonnie Clearwater
lowed by Rocco DiSpirito at 1 p.m. and Michelle Bernstein at 3 p.m. Additional celebrities slated to appear at special Food Labs include Juliana Gonzalez (1:30 p.m.) and Adrianne Calvo (3:30 p.m.). Jungle Island, 1111 Parrot Jungle Trail (Miami). Tickets are still available at www.sobewineandfoodfest.com. Saturday evening, iconic chef Daniel Boulud will be honored at this year’s 2010 Tribute Dinner. Last year’s honoree was Emeril Lagasse. The event will be hosted by Food & Wine’s Gail Simmons (Top Chef judge), formerly Chef Boulud’s special events manager for his restaurant empire. The celebration will take place at 7 p.m. at the Loews Miami Beach. Also on Saturday night, the newly added Wine + Dine + Design event is a multi-course seated dinner that will travel from one culinary hot spot to another in Miami’s Design District, including SRA Martinez, Michael’s Genuine Food & Drink, Fratelli Lyon and Pacific Time. Each will offer one delicious course along with a specially paired wine. The night will end with an outdoor dessert party for all the evening’s diners at ORNARE. Sweet Street Desserts will also have trucks roaming the Design District for those who need an added sugar fix. All restaurants are located along 40th Street, between N. Miami Avenue and NW Second Avenue in the Miami Design District; the event begins at 7 p.m. The closing party for SBWFF takes place on Sunday night and will be hosted by fan favorite Guy Fieri. This last hurrah takes place at Gansevoort South Beach, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. To see galleries from last year’s SBWFF visit: miamisocialholic.com/2009/02/babesbubbles-and-bollywood
A MOCA BLAST! One of the most creative parties to date was the Museum of Contemporary Art’s Bohemian Bash, which took place Saturday night at the museum. The evening’s theme celebrated the role of the unconventional in the artistic process, a reference to the Dadaist movement of the early 1900s that included surreal happenings and feted the irrational (glad we paid attention in Art History). And unconventional it was, with everything from an upside-down living room suspended from the ceiling above one of the bars, fortune tellers, spontaneous poets who composed poems for guests on the spot, avant-garde films and images projected on dramatically lit oversized white balloons covering the ceiling, the Escher-inspired black and white optical illusion dessert room, a frenetic tap dancer covered in gold metallic paint in a gold room, and sultry burlesque dancers performing behind a screen. Then there was the music: dance music
MOCA Bohemian Bash Erin Newberg
by DJ Faux Real, who spun from a scaffold; folk music; classical quartets courtesy of FIU Music School and spontaneous opera arias. The Grey Goose was free-flowing as were wine and champagne, and partygoers enjoyed delicious bites from Solea at W South Beach, Le Basque and Shiraz. Aside from being stunning aesthetically, the party was a blast. One photographer remarked, “I’m having so much fun, I’ve hardly taken any photos!” Challenged to dress “Bohemian Chic,” the anything-goes attire ranged from Parisian Café Society to ‘60s Flower Children. The Bohemian Bash was the brainchild of MOCA Director and Chief Curator Bonnie Clearwater and Chairs Barbara Herzberg and Alan and Diane Lieberman. Guests also included Belkys Nerey, honorary chair; Ray Ellen Yarkin, president of MOCA Board of Trustees, and her husband Allan Yarkin of Bohemian Bash sponsor Morgan Stanley Smith Barney; Dr. Shulamit and Chaim Katzman, XYZ of King Jewelers, City of North Miami Mayor Andre Pierre, Suzy Buckley, Erin Newberg, Dr. Julio Gallo and Jillian Jacobson-Altit.
MOCA Bohemian Bash
Spontaneous Poets at the MOCA Bohemian Bash
CELEBRITY SIGHTINGS On Friday night, Dancing with the Stars’ Karina Smirnoff hosted a party at newly renovated hotspot SET, enjoying Grey Goose at a table with owner Eric Milon and wife Stacy. On Saturday, at SET, Patti Stanger, Bravo's Millionaire Matchmaker, celebrated the launch of her new book, Become Your Own Matchmaker. Jay Z and Beyonce, along with Puffy and Trey Songz, partied at LIV all night at the official afterparty for Jay Z’s concert on Saturday night. Young Jeezy celebrated his opening concert with Jay Z at Cameo by taking shots of Corzo Tequila with buddy Lil Wayne. On Tuesday, current and former basketball mates Shaunie O’Neal (on-again-off-again-maybe back on-again wife of Shaquille O’Neal), Jennifer Williams (wife of Eric Williams) and Evelyn Lozada (ex-fiancé of Antoine Walker) filmed VH1’s Basketball Wives on the terrace of Area 31 at EPIC. The eight-episode, 30-minute series, for which Shaunie is executive producer, is scheduled to premiere on March 15. Latin Grammy award-winning reggaeton artist Daddy Yankee was spotted dining on the outdoor patio of Area 31 at EPIC last Wednesday. Actor Matt Damon ordered a beer and hung out at Café Prima Pasta on Saturday, as he waited on his takeout order. Mary Anne Almeida-Salvat contributed to this story. www.miamisunpost.com • The SunPost • February 25, 2010 • Page 17
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Page 18 • Thursday, February 25, 2010 • The SunPost • www.miamisunpost.com
Green COLUMN
Thought for Food By Marguerite Gil megs@gate.net
Of all the forces at work on the planet’s lands, humans have had the most profound (and not always positive) effects. The need to produce food for the world has led to the enormous use and sometimes overuse of the lands. In the search for more efficient ways to grow food, we often fail to realize the impact of our methods. Today, we’re learning to live with the land, discovering better ways to grow food that will hopefully assure both human and environmental well-being. Experts now know that some foods grow with salt water, which allows us to cultivate areas we would have never considered before. Also, after years of intensive research by curious institutions all over the planet, we now know there is no need for harmful pesticides. Environmentalists encourage the safe use of organic pesticides such as ladybugs and wasps, which naturally control pests. Recent Japanese studies have shown that adding compost and plant materials to farmlands have drastically reduced the need for fertilizers. Also, thanks to positive new environmental findings, farmers everywhere are encouraged to grow plants under existing vegetation. Two stories of crops, if you will, are allowing farmers to tend to multiple crops in limited spaces and still respect the land. A recent visit to the “Living Laboratories” at EPCOT in Orlando, where Disney scientists and the Department of Agriculture are experimenting with positive ways to create bountiful harvests for future generations, revealed encouraging finds. This brainstorming of ideas has led to diversification of plant growth such as papaya and bananas, which can easily be grown close to jackfruit and fluted pumpkins. As we learn more about these crops, we discover that many are rich in minerals and nutrients. For instance, the fluted pumpkin thrives in the poorest soils of Africa, where other plants can’t grow easily. The unique-looking fluted fruit is actually a member of the cactus family. Thorny fruits and fatty pumpkins are both high in vitamin C, antioxidants and have a light, sweet, agreeable taste. These and many other lesser-known crops may one day be as popular as bananas, which are the most-eaten fruit on the planet today and essential to human diets. But more importantly, all of these plants can be grown in very small areas with limited amounts of rich soils. When farming is mentioned, people probably don’t think of fish, but fish farming or aquaculture is an innovative way to increase harvests while protecting wild fish populations. This type of water-farming produces healthy crops such as huge schools of sturgeons. Also on the bio-menu: tilapia, bass and catfish, which can easily be grown in open ponds that contain innovative circulation systems and can conserve water and increase productivity. More than 200 different species of animals and plants have been “cropped” in labs. Even American alligators have been successfully raised in controlled environments. The result of these efforts is higher yields and ultimately (if done properly) less impact on the environment. Disney Laboratories are experimenting on some new visions, such as growing tomatoes on trees while cultivating plants beneath the trees. Originally developed by Chinese scientists, these new
tomato trees live longer and produce far more fruit. One of Disney’s in-house tomato trees lived 16 months and produced more than 32,000 tomatoes. Future laboratory agriculture includes exploring aquaponics. This involves interweaving hydroponics with aquaculture. For example, fish in a tank provide a source of natural fertilizer for plants in the form of fish waste. Fish wastes ultimately feed the plants, which keep the water clean. One food source helps the other survive. It’s a reasonable way to produce additional food and use fewer resources. The goal is to yield more fish and better quality plants. Creative greenhouses and laboratories around the world are hard at work trying to find food solutions for the future. Estimated population for the year 2040 is 10 billion people… and they will need vast quantities of water and sustenance to survive. Additional information about growing food in buildings, using solar panels as a power source and a top-to-bottom-irrigation system can be consulted in Scientific American, November 2009 edition.
www.miamisunpost.com • The SunPost • February 25, 2010 • Page 19
Music COLUMN
John Hiatt Gets Frisky on The Open Road By Alan Sculley
John Hiatt may have used an even better title for his new CD, The Open Road, when he called his 2007 release Same Old Man. That’s because after a pair of CDs that explored a more acousticbased, folk/blues-flavored sound, the new album returns to the more rocking sound that typified early and mid-period Hiatt albums like Bring the Family, Slow Turning and Perfectly Good Guitar. Asked during a recent phone interview what inspired him to go for a friskier sound on The Open Road, the amiable Hiatt showed his quick sense of humor. “The garages of my youth?” he asked in reply. “No, I think the main spark was I took a year off from the road. I took 2009 off. For the first time in 25 years, I didn’t even go on tour. That changed a lot of things. And of course, being restless, irritable and discontent by nature, after being home for a year, I started writing all of these songs about traveling.” The themes of travel, obviously, fit the title of the CD, as does the title song that opens the record in fine fashion. As for the more rocking sound of The Open Road CD itself, the break from touring played a part in that as well. “I had a summer like I hadn’t had since I was a kid, free time, and I felt like I was back in school or something. I had my summer break,” Hiatt said. “I just had a wonderful time, and that was when we were making the record. In the spring, I was writing these songs, and they just kind of harkened back to, they all had the vibe of what I came up listening to. I was sort of thrown back to the old garage band days when I was getting on the bus and going downtown to buy the first Led Zeppelin record.” As anyone who has heard much of Hiatt’s catalog will attest, his music doesn’t sound like Led Zeppelin. In fact, early in his career, the comparison most often brought up about albums such as Slug Line (1979) and Riding With the King (1983) was to Elvis Costello. Like that acclaimed songwriter, Hiatt’s earliest CDs had an edgy, somewhat punky quality.
“I had a summer like I hadn’t had since I was a kid, free time, and I felt like I was back in school or something. I had my summer break. I just had a wonderful time, and that was when we were making the record.” On Riding With the King there were signs that Hiatt had begun to find his sound, and on his 1987 CD, Bring the Family, everything fell into place, as he made one of the finest albums of the entire rock era. With Bring the Family, Hiatt settled into more of a rootsy rock/pop sound, and with a stellar backing group in the studio (guitarist Ry Cooder, bassist Nick Lowe and drummer Jim Keltner), turned out a near-perfect album. Hiatt continued to solidify his reputation as one of rock’s most gifted songwriters, releasing several more excellent CDs, including 1988’s Slow Turning, Stolen Moments (1990) and Perfectly Good Guitar (1993). Page 20 • Thursday, February 25 , 2010 • The SunPost • www.miamisunpost.com
He also began to explore more of a folk- and- country-based sound, beginning with the superb 1995 CD, Walk On, and 2000’s Crossing Muddy Waters. Those albums served as precursors to Master of Disaster and Same Old Man. For The Open Road, Hiatt used the same band that toured with him behind Same Old Man — drummer Kenneth Blevins (who first played with Hiatt as part of his backing band, the Goners, on tour behind Bring the Family), bassist Patrick O’Hearn and guitarist Doug Lancio. Like the preceding album, Hiatt also self-produced The Open Road. “For me, the challenge of making well-recorded records is just something I’ve taken on at this late stage in life,” Hiatt said of producing. “I enjoy it… And it was just fascinating to me how to get things to work and get the sounds you kind of are going for. I think I get better with each project. I think each project is a more well-realized record than thelast one. Hopefully the next one will be even better.” As it is, The Open Road is very good, an album that ranks in the upper tier of Hiatt’s albums. It has several first-rate rockers, including “Haulin’” — whose brisk tempo fits the song’s title — and the punchy “My Baby.” Meanwhile, Hiatt’s long-standing talent for creating heartfelt, musically rich ballads continues with the standout song “Wonder of Love” and “Carry You Back Home.” Hiatt and the same band that plays on The Open Road will get back into the touring routine in late February. Hiatt said he tested the new music during a warm-up show recently, and was encouraged by the experience. “It seemed to play really well,” he said. “We had a lot of fun playing it. The audience seemed to enjoy it. For not having heard it before, it seemed to go down pretty well. That’s a good sign. I also might be throwing in some solo stuff. That’s something I’ve never really done, is mix up a little solo [performance] with the band shows.” To Go: John Hiatt will be live at the Seminole Casino on Saturday, Feb. 27. The show starts at 9 p.m. and tickets are $25. Seminole Casino, 5550 NW 40th St., Coconut Creek. For info: seminolecoconutcreekcasino.com
www.miamisunpost.com • The SunPost • Thursday, January 25, 2010 • Page 21
Eat Up cont’d from page 13
table that stretches from one end of the imagination to the other, and beats provided by our-own DJ Irie, it’s kinda like a feast fit for a club king and queen, only this time everyone is treated like royalty. Those are just three of the over RACHAEL three dozen events taking place throughout ABOVE: RAY & SPIKE MENDELSOHN the four-day run, none of which should be attended without also setting aside time to swing through the Grand Tasting Village, which is open every day. But whether you choose The Grand Marnier Diner en Rouge, Mischieve in the Garden of Agave (presented by Hornitos), Midnight Amore (hosted by Scott Conant, Rocco DiSpirito and Alex Guarnaschelli), or Paula’s Kiss My Grits Sunday Jazz Brunch, your choice will be one you won’t regret. Unless, that is, you’re on a diet of some sort; then again, if you are you shouldn’t have read this far. To Go: South Beach Wine and Food Festival runs from Thursday February 25 through Sunday February 28 at various locations in Miami and Miami Beach. For more information call 877-762-3933 or log on to sobefest.com
chefs a random sampling includes Michelle Bernstein (Michy’s and Sra. Martinez), Jonathan Eismann (Pacific Time), Adam Perry Lang (Daisy May’s BBQ, New York), Susan Spicer (Bayona, New Orleans) and Tony Neely (Neely’s Bar-BQue, Memphis). The action here goes down in a grand tent on the sands behind the Delano, and, as the name implies, is kept flowing FAR ABOVE: CHRIS by Perrier-Jouet. And though meat LILLY. ABOVE: ANNE is most of what’s for dinner, there’s also enough BURRELL seafood and veggies to satisfy every palate. Another favorite, this one taking place poolside at The W South Beach, is Patron’s Great Debate. Yes, the top-shelf tequila will be flowing wildly, but it’ll be much more than kicked-back shots and a lick of lime. The idea is to pit different drinks and different dishes against each other and see which wills out. With a tasting
Page 22 • Thursday, February 25, 2010 • The SunPost • www.miamisunpost.com
ABOVE: BOBBY FLAY. LEFT: GUY FIERI AND TYLER FLORENCE.
Immerse Yourself in Food FEBRUARY 25, 2010 The Grand Marnier Diner en Rouge: 7pm Amstel Light Burger Bash (Presented by Allen Brothers hosted by Rachael Ray): 7pm MIAMI Magazine presents Patrón's Great Debate: 10pm Japanese and Thai Specialties! "Enjoy Exotic Dishes of the Orient"
FEBRUARY 26, 2010 Happy Hour SoBe Style: Cocktails and Claws 5pm
THE FRESHEST INGREDIENTS:
Fontainebleau Miami Beach Presents Wine Spectator's Best of the Best: 7:30pm
Sushi, Yakitori, Sashimi, Teriyaki, Tempura, Pad Thai, Curry
Perrier-Jouet BubbleQ Presented by Allen Brothers hosted by Emeril Lagasse: 7:30pm Mischieve in the Garden of Agave presented by Hornitos: 10pm
Lunch/Dinner/Drinks Open 7 Days
FEBRUARY 27, 2010
2775 NE 187th St., Aventura, FL 33180 305-932-8080
South Beach Diet presents Fun and Fit as a Family featuring Kellogg's Kidz Kitchen:
Kendall 11768 N. Kendall Drive I 305-275-9003
10am
Wine Spectator Wine Seminar Series A: 10am Dolce Brunch hosted by Michelle Bernstein with Hedy Goldsmith: 11am "8 Wines, 1 Meal - What Works and What Doesn't?" hosted by Gary Vaynerchuk and Michael Gilligan: 11am Barilla Interactive Lunch hosted by Scott Conant: 12pm
BETHENNY FRANKEL
Wine Spectator Wine Seminar Series B: 12:50pm One Hour Wine Expert hosted by Kevin Zraly: 1pm Taste Wine Like a Master Sommelier: 1:15pm Sushi and Sparkling Substitutes hosted by Mark Oldman and Thomas Buckley: 3pm Sweet Dreams Wine Seminar: 4:15pm Cocktail Time with Sandra Lee: 5pm Haute Holistic Dinner: 7pm Wine + Dine + Design: 7pm
Love to Write? Then the SunPost Wants You!
Tribute Dinner sponsored by Bank of America honoring Daniel Boulud: 7pm A Dinner to Remember hosted by Clay Conley with visiting Chef Michael Lomonaco & Kevin Zraly: 7pm Barilla Interactive Dinner hosted by Lidia Bastianich & Joe Bastianich: 7pm Dim Sum & Disco at the Setai hosted by Ming Tsai and Jonathan Wright: 11pm Midnight Amor hosted by Scott Conant, Rocco DiSpirito, Alex Guarnaschelli: 11pm
ON OUR COVER LOCAL MIAMI CHEF MICHELLE BERNSTEIN
FEBRUARY 28, 2010 South Beach Diet presents Fun and Fit as a Family featuring Kellogg's Kidz Kitchen: 10am Uncorked: Lessons Learned in a Life of Wine hosted by Joe Bastianich: 11am Wines of Spain with Doug Frost M.S., M.W.: 11:30am
MICHAEL SCHWARTZ
We are looking for freelance contributors to write on a whole host of subjects: WINE POLITICS ART MUSIC PEOPLE THEATRE ARTS COMMUNITY KIDS
Joe's Big Chill: 11:30am Paula’s Kiss My Grits Sunday Jazz Brunch: 11:30am Guilty Pleasures and the Wines that Love Them
SUBMIT A WRITING SAMPLE TO:
hosted by Mark Oldman and Johnny Vinczencz: 12:30pm
kim@miamisunpost.com
Wine Spectator Wine Seminar Series C: 12:50pm The Pulse of the Wine World with Gary Vaynerchuk: 2:30pm One Hour Italian Wine Expert hosted by Kevin Zraly: 4:30pm Guy Fieri's Moon Over Miami Closing Party presented by Miami New Times: 6:30pm www.miamisunpost.com • The SunPost • February 25, 2010 • Page 23
Calendar WHAT TO DO IN MIAMI THIS WEEK
AL JARREAU
lies, the elderly, youth-at-risk, the abused and HIV/AIDS infected members of the community. 2pm. $42. Bayfront Park, 301 Biscayne Blvd., Miami. For info: 305-740-7344 or bobmarleymovement.com
February 27
FESTIVAL Butterflies are Free Eighth annual Butterfly Festival in Coconut Creek. Includes children’s rides and games, live music, business expo, butterfly kite flying and food and beverages. Live music from Motown Connection, Ruby Baker and K-9 demonstrations. Business Expo features local businesses and organizations. Festivities end with fireworks from the Zambelli family. 1pm. Free. Sabal Pines Park, 5005 NW 39th Ave., Coconut Creek. For info: 954-545-6620 or coconutcreek.net
February 27
COMEDY Jackie Mason Spend Saturday night in stitches with the hilarious Jackie Mason when he hits town for his No Holds Barred Tour. Mason combines pungent political satire, insightful observations on the foibles of modern life, and impeccable timing for his material. 8pm $45-$75. Knight Concert Hall, 1300 Biscayne Blvd., Miami. For info: arshtcenter.com
February 27
ART Art Battles Miami The first stop of the national live-art performance tour of Art Battles is at the Eazy Street Gallery, this Saturday night. Art Battles is a live-art competition where artists create work side- by-side in front of a live audience. Art Battles is a platform for talented artists to showcase their skills in a unique setting and under tremendous pressure to perform. Miami is the first stop of the national tour that includes LA, Seattle, San Francisco, Chicago, New Orleans, Philadelphia, and Charlotte. Local artists competing are NF Romero, Jeff Dekal, Kazilla, Andres Correa, Svetlana Kepezhinskas, and Julie L. Friel. On exhibit through March. $10. 8pm. Eazy Street Gallery, 3501 NW 2nd Ave. Miami. For info: 305-767-3988 or ezstreetgallery.com.
February 27
MUSIC Conjunto Progresso Catch Miami’s own Conjunto Progreso when they perform from their Grammy nominated CD Masters of Cuban Son. Ever since its inception, the traditional Cuban Son ensemble Conjunto Progreso has taken audiences back in time to the nostalgic era of early Cuban popular music. Led and founded in 1999 by Johnny Aguiló, son of Cuban trumpet legend Rolando “El Ruso” Aguiló and Jose Elias the group has grown from a quartet, to its recent incarnation of eight members. Van Dyke Café, 846 Lincoln Rd., Miami Beach. FOr info: 305-534-3600 or thevandykecafe.com.
February 28
THEATRE Old Man, Enormous Wings The PlayGround Theatre presents Pulitzer Prize winner Nilo Cruz’ adaptation of A Very Old Man Page 24 • Thursday, February 25, 2010 • The SunPost • www.miamisunpost.com
with Enormous Wings. $15. 10am & 2pm until Mar 14. The PlayGround Theatre, 9806 NE Second Ave. Miami Shores, Miami. For info: 305-751-9550 or theplaygroundtheatre.com
GLORIA SWANSON SHOT BY EDWARD STEICHEN VANITY FAIR, FEBRUARY 1928
March 3 THEATRE Wicked
When Wicked first played in Miami in 2007, it broke box office records and sold out in record time. The musical is the back story to the Wizard of Oz. Long before that girl from Kansas arrives in Munchkinland, two girls meet in the land of Oz. One – born with emerald green skin – is smart, fiery and misunderstood. The other is beautiful, ambitious and very popular. How these two grow to become the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good Witch is part of this wonderful tale. 8pm. $41.50-153.50. Ziff Ballet Opera House, 1300 Biscayne Blvd., Miami. For info: arshtcenter.com.
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www.miamisunpost.com • The SunPost • Thursday, January 25, 2010 • Page 25
Style COLUMN
Fashion Fix:
A Dose of Hip and Hot Headed Your Way By Jennifer Fragoso (fragosofashion@aim.com)
Fashion is about staying au courant all the time. Fashion Fix is for the fashionably inclined who haven’t got much time. Read on to find out what lies ahead in fashion for the coming weeks and months. Jean Paul Gaultier for Target arrives in stores March 7. Hallelujah! Gaultier is a genius known for craftsmanship, cone bras and kilts. The new collection for Target is Gaultier’s interpretation of American style with a Parisian spin. “My collection with Target pays homage to the wide range of personalities that make up the diverse styles of American women,” said Gaultier. “From ingénue to rock ‘n’ roll, this collection celebrates women of all ages and a host of distinctive, iconic American styles.” Log on to Target.com/gaultier to preview the collection, and don’t forget to mark your calendar for March 7 because it looks like the line is going to fly off Target’s racks. The September Issue, a film by R.J. Cutler, is an all-access pass inside the making of Vogue’s 2007 September issue. If you didn’t catch it on the big screen last year, now is your chance to watch the magic unfold in your own home. Released Feb. 23, the DVD features more than 90 minutes of deleted scenes never shown in theaters. Fashionistas everywhere pay homage to the pages of Vogue every month. Now these devoted pilgrims can enjoy each glossy page even more after watching how Anna Wintour and her elite editorial staff put the magazine together. For more info log on to theseptemberissue.com. Chance Eau Tendre by Chanel, the latest Chance incarnation, is scheduled for release April 2. Think pink and perfect for spring. Miami Fashion Week begins on March 18 and run until the 21st. The event, now in its 12th year, will take place in The Shops at Midtown. Known as the largest international & Hispanic fashion event in the United States, Miami Fashion Week delivers new and fresh talent from beyond our shores right to our front door here in Miami. Be a part of the splendor and spectacle this year. For more information log on to miamifashionweek.com. Want a little pick-me-up for less than $10? Try Revlon Super Lustrous Lip Gloss. With colors like Cherries in the Glow and Pearl Plum, you and your friends will think department store, not drugstore. The packaging is sleek and the gloss glides on smoothly without feeling tacky. This is a product you will love and want to give to your friends. And at around $7, you can afford to be a little generous. For the full line of colors and where to buy Super Lustrous Lip Gloss, log on to revlon.com.
Page 26 • Thursday, February 25, 2009 • The SunPost • www.miamisunpost.com
ABOVE: JEAN PAUL GAULTIER. BELOW: A PREVIEW OF HIS FABULOUS NEW COLLECTION FOR TARGET. LEFT: THE SEPTEMBER ISSUE DVD. BELOW LEFT: CHANCE EAU TENDRE BY CHANEL.
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www.miamisunpost.com • The SunPost • Thursday, February 25, 2010 • Page 27
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