The Story Matters
Calendar p.16 Check out the New Kolkoz Exhibit at the Bass Museum of Art.
Vol. XXV No. 18
May 13, 2010
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AN ICON’S REBIRTH
Historic Forge Restaurant Charts New Course for the Future MAYHEM P.4
PROFILE P. 6
POLITICS P. 8
CALENDAR P.16 FILM P. 20 FOOD P. 20
BOUND P.21
SEX P. 24
411 P.24
GO! P. 23
SEE PAGE 12 FASHION P. 30
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www.sunpostweekly.com • SunPost Weekly • Thursday, May 13, 2010 • Page 3
Tropical Mayhem BITS AND PIECES OF MIAMI LIFE
Miami through my iphone
Puff Pastry Cases
Satisfy your sweet tooth with these fantastic new i-Phone 3G cases from designer Jill Partain. Perfect for those foodies in your life. Lovely sherbet colors with pastel stripes and rocking brightly col-
SPANISH MONASTERY
Pick up yours from their website and make your i-phone drip deli-
by Ines Hegedus-Garcia - miamism.com - ines@miamism.com
ciousness. So good you can almost taste ‘em. Choose from the
There are hidden gems all over Miami but this one is beyond special - said to be assembled like a puzzle from a dismantled Monastery in Segovia, Spain. Truly intricate stone work that leaves you in total awe. I took this photo during a Jewish wedding this past weekend - the event was glorious and the setting, perfect.
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ored, hand-applied pics of yummy French pastries. Mmmm...good!
very pink religieuse, a fluffy whipped cream topped Saint Honore, a pink and green macaron cake and the original design, 3 brightly colored macarons. $28. pliadesigns.com
What Do You Really Think About Reality TV Programming? “I totally dig American Idol. I have never missed an episode. Even when I was traveling overseas. I am really into music and when they come to Miami I am going to audition. Who knows, maybe I will be on and you can use this interview.” - Jethro, North Miami
“Never watch it. my girlfriend does though. She comes from Jersey and is into that Jersey show. The one about those muscle dudes who are all tanned and stuff.” - David, Coral Gables
Page 4 • Thursday, May 13, 2010 • SunPost Weekly • www.sunpostweekly.com
BY BRIAN DAVID “I have to say I am guilty of
“I love them. I am engaged, so
sneaking a few episodes of Survivor. My wife watches all the time. She is fixated on the Chef shows. ” - Tim, Surfside
I am watching every wedding show I can on TLC and We and Style. They are the best. I wish I could get David tuterra to come and do my wedding. Unfortunately, no-one ever comes to Florida.” - Jen, Miami
www.miamisunpost.com • The SunPost • May 13, 2010 • Page 5
PHOTO: MAGICAL PHOTOS/MITCHELL ZACKS
PEOPLE IN THE COMMUNITY YOU SHOULD KNOW
Carla Kaufman-Sloan and Chris Sloan Reality TV Gurus By Thomas Quick Miami has been a city in the making for decades and these days, it is television and media putting our shining streets on the map. That said, it’s clear why Carla Kaufman-Sloan and Chris Sloan packed their belongings and came to Miami to open their multifaceted production company, 2C Media. Carla got her start in the media world in Manhattan after graduating from NYU’s School of the Arts. With her television career beginning to burgeon she made her way to Los Angeles, where she began writing for daytime television shows. She soon earned a position as an executive producer, working on a variety of programs such as Judge Judy, Judge Alex and Street Smarts as well as producing the six Daytime Emmy Award-winning game show, Win Ben Stein’s Money. During her juncture in L.A. Carla met her husband-to-be Chris Sloan, an Oklahoma-born television executive who had his eyes on the beatific beaches of Miami from day one. “He loves Miami and always wanted to move here, so we decided that it was as good a time as any to join forces, move here and make a life,” said Carla. As an executive, Chris had a hand in the success of big names such as USA, TLC and CBS, where he oversaw production of the network’s homerun series Survivor. But it was the enterprising duo’s combined experience that Page 6 • Thursday, May 13, 2010 • SunPost Weekly • www.sunpostweekly.com
set the stage for 2C Media. Named after the couple’s common initial C, the company has been running strong for five years now. It’s responsible for some of television’s most dramatic local reality series, such as Police Women of Broward County and Chris Sloan’s creation Danger Coast, a consuming program in which a camera crew documents the compelling and exciting life of the Miami-Dade Marine Operations Bureau’s aquatic rescue team. Carla and Chris have also branched out to television’s new sensation, the culinary arts, with their show Future Food. The program showcases a team of chefs from Chicago who predominately work with molecular gastronomy, a blend of food and science that produces unique cuisine. When 2C Media made its debut in 2005, the Sloans found themselves editing work sent from L.A. and Houston. But they have now found success in production and are taking their company to the big leagues — and bringing Miami with them. “We always knew we were going to get into production because that’s what we planned to do, but we had to start somewhere to get it all going,” said Carla. With several local productions in the works (including a reality series following Miami-Dade Fire Rescue’s venom unit), the married production team promises to bring residents more of the city’s lights and action.
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persistence. was tickled with glee that, in the aftermath of John Paul Stevens' retirement announcement last month, the top three mentioned as his possible replacement were all women. This after the president had already named a woman (Sonia Sotomayor) to the bench last year. As we now know, U.S. Solicitor General Elena Kagan has been named the president's choice to replace Stevens. She would be, if confirmed, the third woman on a nine-judge bench. A private fantasy of mine is that, one by one, in short order, Antonin Scalia, Clarence Thomas, and Samuel Alito’s judicial careers all come to abrupt, unexpected ends (maybe Scalia's hunting buddy Dick Cheney could... well, I don't want to suggest anything misfortunate, but we all know Dick's aim isn't so good...) and all are summarily replaced by women, suddenly shattering Hillary Clinton's glass ceiling in a big and historic way, and handing the high court its first female majority. Wouldn't that just throw the maledominated legal profession into a tizzy? But why stop there? Turn Congress over to women (“A woman's place is in the House. And the Senate”). The Senate has 17; it needs 34 more for a majority. It would be a taller order for the House, which has 75 women, 143 short of a majority. Of Miami-Dade's six-member congressional delegation, two are women (Ileana Ros-Lehtinen and Debbie Wasserman Schultz). Women mayors currently govern in only a handful of the nearly three dozen municipalities in this county (Aventura, Bal Harbour, Biscayne Park, El Portal, Miami Beach, Miami Gardens, Pinecrest). If she hadn't proven such a lousy candidate and been written off already, Florida CFO Alex Sink might have become the state's first woman guv this fall. But the way things are headed, she could wind up with the ignominious distinction of being half of the only husband-wife duo to lose races for governor. (Hubby Bill McBride failed to topple Jeb Bush in 2002). How's this for failure? Becoming the only Florida couple to each have had a crack at rent-free housing in the governor's mansion, only to screw it up both times. Interesting pillow talk that may make after Election Day in November. But who knows? Maybe she'll stop Bill McCollum yet. However, it's looking more like McCollum might be able to claim what the colorful former Louisiana Gov. Edwin Edwards boasted during his 1983 campaign: “The only way I can lose this election is if I'm caught in bed with either a dead girl or a live boy.” Much as Obama's ascension was predicted to lure countless African-Americans into their own runs for public office, Hillary's candidacy should have had a no-less-inspiring coattail effect on women. So, girls? Get out there and run! Shatter that glass ceiling already. More women in government is no guarantee of better governance. The old postulate that women in charge would hasten world peace was deflated by, among others, Margaret Thatcher who proved, in taking back the Falklands from Argentina, that a woman can be just as adept a warrior as a man. But it couldn't hurt. As some would say, men have been screwing things up for so long, could women perform any worse? KATY SORENSON
Can He Say That? COLUMN
Their Only Hope – A Woman Pope By Charles Branham-Bailey good woman is soon to leave County Hall at a time when we desperately need more like her. Infinitely more. These are Katy Sorenson's final months as District 8 commissioner. Her constituents, from Pinecrest to Homestead, have seen fit to return her to the Stephen P. Clark Building in ALEX SINK three elections since 1994, but she won't be on their ballots this year. I had at one time harbored hope that Sorenson would seek the post of county mayor. Despite lacking a Latin surname, I bet she could have run and won. After decades of male mayors with names like Clark, Penelas, and Alvarez, she would have been a refreshing breeze from the old boys network that has held a grip on county politics for too long. She certainly wasn't lacking experience: In 16 years on the dais, she championed the strengthening of post-Andrew building codes, the Safe Neighborhood Parks measure that improved community parks and rec centers, the passage of the county's human rights ordinance banning discrimination and funding increases for Head Start. But her legacy may well flourish in her efforts to curb urban sprawl and promote “smart growth.” Not an easy task in a region whose real estate development and commercial interest lobbyists have gotten sneakier and more relentless, year after year, in trying to convince the commission to push the urban development boundary ever westward. They must have never expected that this one lady would stick out her foot and trip them up as she has. Hers is a legacy that includes sponsoring legislation to cut fuel consumption, promote hybrid vehicles, plan ahead for climate change and spark a “green building revolution” locally. A mean and spiteful Natacha Seijas lashed out at a band of constituents who dared summon the insolence to topple her in a recall attempt in 2006. Crooked Miriam Alonso was packed off to jail for looting a campaign account. Even the otherwise blemish-free Barbara Carey-Shuler was brought up on ethics violations for conflict of interest votes on programs with which she had worked closely while a former School Board employee. She was eventually cleared. But Katy was never petty, vindictive, or accused of being on the take. Knowing when to go and not overstaying your welcome is a trait in rare supply among politicians. This year the commission loses one of its better-regarded and well-admired members, by her colleagues and her public alike. Without naming names (not because I'm deferential; there are just too many to mention), I'd much rather see the departure of some of her colleagues than her. Sorenson's welcome was far from exhausted. “Public service is important work,” she declared in her retirement announcement in February, “and I’ve taken my responsibility as a public servant very seriously.” Indeed you have, Madam Commissioner. If only others were so dedicated.
A
I
“I feel pretty confident that a lot of this priestly pedophilia would not have arisen were a Mother Superior – rather than a Holy Father running the Vatican”
e need more women in leadership roles in lots more places than just County Hall. Which leads me to my next topic (drum roll): The present crisis embroiling the Roman Catholic Church. I feel pretty confident that a lot of this priestly pedophilia would not have arisen were a Mother Superior — rather than a Holy Father — running the Vatican. Were she and a “College of Nuns” (instead of cardinals) in charge, you can almost bet a lot of this perverting of little Catholic children would never have gotten started in the first place, much less risen to the stench it has now. The cover of a recent magazine asked, “What Would Mary Do?” Well, I can guess what an army of ruler-wielding nuns might do. Recall Meryl Streep's hard-as-nails Sister Aloysius in the film Doubt. Now if there were far more Sister Aloysiuses throughout the Church — including running it — ya think there'd be so many hard-ons underneath those clergical cassocks? Why not really turn the Church upside down and install a woman pope? Considering its current troubles, it would be an improvement. A vast one. Imagine the phone conversation Il Papa Donna might have with one of her Vatican advisers: “He did WHAT to those children? You summon him to Rome. Immediately! He'll not only be defrocked, I may just castrate the son-of-a-bitch myself (crossing herself), mea culpa. I will not tolerate a repeat of this! Capiche? And whosoever shall commit such transgressions as this... well, God will deal with them in the hereafter, but they'll have to contend with ME first!” I doubt Benedict or his predecessor ever once came to terms with this scandal with such resoluteness. Hence its
W
Page 8 • Thursday, May 13, 2010 • SunPost Weekly • www.sunpostweekly.com
hichever side of this Arizona illegal-immigration-law debate you fall on, were you intrigued like I was that the Mexican Senate would intrude in our domestic affairs by calling for Arizona to scrap the law? Haven't they got better things to do — say, tend to long-festering problemas on their own side of the fence? Last weekend alone, nine Mexicans — one, a 7-year-old boy — had their lives shot out from under them in the border city of Juarez (Juarez is Spanish for “Live here at your own peril”). The week before, 62 others in the city were snuffed out. Juarez, home to 1.5 million, lost more than 2,600 citizens to the narco violence last year; so far this year, the body toll is closing in on 900. And the bloodbath is not contained to that one city. It's soaking the rest of the country. Three men were found with their heads hacked off — an increasingly popular way to discard a body — near the beachside resort of Acapulco, also last weekend. Nationwide, more than 22,000 have been killed since 2006. No, I don't recall seeing any news item about the Mexican Senate addressing that ongoing crisis — but, busy me, I may have just overlooked it.
W
f His Holiness should decide, in the week ahead, to abandon Rome, and the papacy with it — “Ahhhh! To heck vith it! The controversy's not vorth it, the criticism's too much. Besides, I'm homesick for Oktoberfest in Munich, for real German bratvurst and sauerkraut vashed down vith a frosty mug of real German lager.” — or if the Mexican Senate passes a resolution demanding New Mexico quit using Mexico in its name, and for the rest of us to quit observing Cinco de Mayo, I'll be sure to comment on that next time we meet.
I
But you have to want to.
Politics COLUMN
Big Fish By Jeffrey Bradley
“Try not. Do or do not. Trying is nothing.” —Yoda: Return Of The Jedi “Resolved: Encourage the city of Miami Beach to support and pursue implementation of the Baylink project through the MPO by requesting the MPO to commence and take appropriate steps to move the process forward.” —Allen Fishman: Return Of Baylink Thank you, Vice-Chair Allen Fishman of the Transportation & Parking Committee. This Obi-Wan Kenobiish figure, instrumental in thrusting Baylink back in the limelight, is a bit of a recluse, successful and private—and driven to get Miami Beach the public transportation system it needs. Let’s get this straight. What we’re talking here didn’t happen in another universe, and certainly not a long, long time ago. Despite what some may think, or hope, it’s happening right now. Baylink, we mean. And it’s an idea that’s not going away. (Quick recap: The City Commission already voted for streetcars as the preferred mode of public transport. Granted, that was an earlier commission. But you’re not going to tell us that that commission was more “resident-oriented” than this one, are you? Besides, it was overwhelmingly ratified via public referendum, which is about as vox populi as you get.) A more unlikely advocate for straphanger rights can hardly be found than Mr Fishman. He rolls, for instance, in top-of-the-line wheels... but does he wave agitated hands in the air—that universal gesture of Boobirds Against Transit (BATs)—and complain about stacked-up traffic? He does not. See, he gets it. He understands that a streetcar system will serve as a linchpin for changing the way we do business transit- and commuter-wise on the Beach. He knows that Baylink represents a whole new paradigm for easing, not augmenting, our gridlocked graveyard of tires and tin. In this, he shows exactly what our elected officials do not—the ability to envision a workable future, and the cahones to carry it out. The term, we believe, is leadership. The City of Miami Beach’s Transportation and Parking Committee has long overseen such sweeping changes and solutions to our transportation crisis as, ummm, lessee… uh, hmmm, oh yeah—okaying the building of multi-million dollar parking pedestals that largely stand empty, the tweaking of traffic signals, and debating if one-way street signs should point north or south. Well, heck, they’ve also helped expand parking everywhere, but that’s a dubious sort of “progress.” In fact, it’s a pretty shameful record that doesn’t even begin to touch providing the kind of infrastructure to make this a pedestrian-oriented, livable “world class” city. And as long as the boobirds think that plunking down a streetcar on top of the existing mess is what we’re about, and refuse to see how it would calm and lessen traffic (not to mention knocking some 800 bus trips a day off the Beach), they will labor to keep us in transit medievalism. Here’s what they should be considering: there’s not enough room or money for building more highways, especially on the Beach. Rail is much cheaper, and a lot of it already exists. Contrary to popular belief, getting rail going is not as difficult of building new roads, and can be done at a fraction of the cost. Rail is the thinking man’s pick of the future. But what are we getting instead? An FDOT-sponsored $1 billion—as in “million” with a b—car and truck Port of Miami tunnel that’ll dump a whole ton of commercial traffic directly on the MacArthur. You think that causeway’s congested now? Try adding 8,000 more vehicles a day for your new “idling in traffic” wait times. Even the Mayor’s taken belated fright, and is trying—too late!—to influence outcomes. (In this case leadership meant using vision to guide the project, not hurrying after playing catch-up) And what of that oil gushing by the uncapped wellful right off our shoreline? Is that going to ease the congestion or help lower prices? Spending this kind of money on that kind of project is worse than inefficient—it borders on lunacy. It’s as if these planners reside in Twinkle City. We could have streetcars by the score in dedicated lanes all over the Beach and still bank millions with the leftover change. Mr Fishman is the kind of person we need. When people of vision step up to the plate, the long ball suddenly becomes possible. At the very least, it can embolden those who were elected to lead us to, you know, lead us. Stalwarts who have persevered over the years on behalf of this and other Miami Beach transit issues have at times gone directly over the commission’s head to the County level or the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) for rational relief. These include Gabrielle Redfern and Stanley Shapiro, fixtures on the mainland transportation scene, with Gabrielle serving on a Citizens Committee of the MPO. If you’re frustrated as we are when dealing with Commissioners Wardheel or Pothole, who talk it but don’t walk it, there are forums and groups ready and willing (see transitmiami.com) to start moving the ball forward for real transit change.
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www.sunpostweekly.com • SunPost Weekly • Thursday, May 13, 2010 • Page 9
vention emoli-
News COLUMN
Public Can Help Shape the Future of the Gleason By Michael W. Sasser
This Thursday, May 13, the public has the opportunity to share its thoughts on the future – or lack thereof – of the Jackie Gleason Theater. An open discussion is taking place at 6 pm in Hall ‘C’ at the Miami Beach Convention Center. The meeting comes on the heels of a lively effort via email and such social networking sites as Facebook to rally support to “save the Gleason” from possible demolition. “I didn’t even know it was in danger of being destroyed when I got asked to save it,” quipped Miami-Dade resident Janet Veracruz. Veracruz has a special fondness for the Jackie Gleason Theater, now dubbed The Fillmore Miami Beach at the Jackie Gleason Theater. Her first date with her now-husband was a concert at the performance venue named for one of Miami Beach’s greatest early icons. But Veracruz said her first instinct was not to start buzzing friends to summon support for the theater. “Honestly I didn’t at first believe anyone was serious about tearing it down,” Veracruz said. “That just seemed impossible.” In fact, the demolition of the theater is indeed on the table, and the ensuing preservation hubbub presumable valid. It should be an interesting public meeting. However, absolutely nothing will be decided as an outcome of the meeting. “If the project were phased, this would be the last phase,” said former Miami Beach Commissioner Saul Gross, now a convention center steering committee member. “If this were to ever happen, it would be 10 years from now, realistically.” The demise of the Gleason emerged as an issue as part of the ongoing process of the committee considering a master plan to help the viability of the Miami Beach Convention Center. Project architectural firm, Arquitectonica, previously presented a master plan draft complete with a convention center hotel to be located on the northernmost section of the property, away from Lincoln Road and the new Lincoln Park development. However, a more recent proposal presented to the steering committee showed the proposed hotel repositioned to the current site of the Gleason. “It was discussed by the committee and surprisingly there was no real dissent except that there should be some recognition of Gleason in a way appropriate to a new structure,” Gross said. “It would be an amazing location.” Gross said that the new proposed location is superior to the original and would have a positive economic impact on Lincoln Road businesses. Still, he said, the hotel would be off of the water and no one has any idea of a developer would even be interested in such a proposal. When the new proposal reached the public, many people reacted strongly and efforts to build support for preservation of the Gleason were launched. Thus, Thursday’s meeting for public input. “Let’s hear what people have to say about the idea,” Gross said. A hotel component is part of a city wish list for a convention center master plan. The overall vision is redevelopment to enhance the convention center facilities to the point where it could again compete for small and mid-size conventions. The convention center has increasingly been unable to lure enough business to be legitimately economically viable.
However, there is no identified funding for convention center improvements except the possibility that a moderate available stream at Miami-Dade County could be secured. Miami Beach is essentially planning to send Miami-Dade a master plan proposal in the hopes that funding could be discovered on one side of the bay or the other. Some sources with connections to city hall have quietly asserted that the most likely means of funding is the further extension of Miami Beach’s city center redevelopment designation. Miami-Dade County, though, might not want to agree to permit Miami Beach to keep the lion’s share of tax revenue collected in the redevelopment area. No one has been willing to officially float the redevelopment agency plan on the record, yet. All of which has in the past prompted the affable Gross to wonder if the committee members aren’t engaging in a creative and enjoyable process – with no real results in the end. “The convention center master plan is good but it requires money and there isn’t any identified for it,” Gross said. Other factors complicate the possible demolition of the Gleason. Among these is a long-term contract with LiveNation, currently the operator of the Gleason. Although Gross said it is no secret that the Gleason is doing poorly financially, the arrangement with LiveNation provides a fixed return to the city, and the contract is valid for several more years. Of course, there is also the matter of building consensus for the proposed change. “Like many, I consider the Jackie Gleason to be an important part of our history in Miami Beach,” said Miami Beach Commissioner Michael Gongora. “My immediate reaction to this idea was to oppose it. I am going to try and keep an open mind as these discussions move forward but I do not like the idea of tearing down such an important part of our history. “Also, Miami Beach has made great strides towards creating a true cultural campus - from the New World Symphony's new Frank Gehry designed music theater, to the improvements being made to the Miami Beach Botanical Gardens and the creation of a true arts district leading into Collins Park where we have the Bass Museum and the Miami City Ballet,” Gongora continued. “I believe a world class theater is also an important part of staying true to this vision.” Janet Veracruz has a hard time imagining south Florida without the Gleason. “Trying to change the name was bad enough,” she said. “I guess there isn’t anything that’s sacred when it comes to our history.”
“I am going to try and keep an open mind as these discussions move forward but I do not like the idea of tearing down such an important part of our history.” – Miami Beach Commissioner Michael Gongora”
Page 10 • Thursday, May 13, 2010 • SunPost Weekly • www.sunpostweekly.com
A Special Moment in Time COLUMN
The Real Steve Hannagan! By Seth H. Bramson (seth@sunpostweekly.com)
As noted in both of my Miami Beach books, Miami Beach in Arcadia’s “Images of America” series and Sunshine, Stone Crabs and Cheesecake: The Story of Miami Beach, published by The History Press in October of 2009, there is good reason to believe that while Carl Fisher and Jim Allison essentially founded Miami Beach, it was the great public relations “whiz kid,” Steve Hannagan, who brought the city to national renown. Hannagan, born in Lafayette, Indiana, on April 4, 1899, began his working career as a correspondent for United Press. Although a writer, he loved the public relations field and created a national name for himself in that profession. Through his PR wizardry, Hannagan was “discovered” by John H. Levi, Carl Fisher’s “ramrod” and field boss. Levi had been Carl’s yacht broker and had arranged the purchase of the yacht that Carl bought after he and Jim Allison sold the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. It was Levi who introduced Carl to John S. Collins and Thomas Pancoast, the men who were developing Ocean Beach as a plantation, growing potatoes, mangos, papaya and avocados. It was during the building of the first bridge between the mainland and what would become Miami Beach that Collins and Pancoast ran out of money, and it was through Levi that they would be introduced to Fisher. There are several different stories about how Hannagan came to Miami Beach to work for Fisher. The most credible seems to be that either Pete Chase, Fisher’s sales director and the founder of the Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce, or Levi introduced Hannagan to Fisher at a time when Fisher and Allison were paying millions to pump sand onto the mangrove island sandbar that had first been “discovered” by father and son Henry and Charles Lum in 1870. At some point in time, Hannagan would also handle public relations for the Indianapolis race track and for southern Nevada, but his greatest fame came from and because of his years in Miami Beach. Hannagan had a sterling reputation and was known for never hyping the truth. According to a Time magazine article published on February 16, 1953, a Manhattan magazine editor once wired Miami Beach for a colorful story on the bustling resort business. Back came a disillusioning reply from the Florida resort's own press agent, Steve Hannagan: "Business is lousy." The editor got no story, but he helped spread Steve Hannagan's fame as a rare bird among the shrill jays of press agentry; he was regarded as "an honest press agent." As such, he became the best known in the U.S. to newsmen, and his Manhattan firm of Steve Hannagan Associates made millions getting the public better acquainted with such clients as Miami Beach, the Union Pacific Railroad, Coca-Cola, Owens-Illinois Glass, the Indianapolis Speedway and 30-odd others. It was Steve Hannagan — a press agent with an unabashed circus flair — who made the bathing girl a stock shot for the American press, and who coined the term “cheesecake” to describe the beautiful young women in their then-scandalous bathing attire lolling or running or sitting or PHOTO: ONE OF HANNAGAN'S FAMOUS CHEESECAKE PHOplaying on the sands of Miami TOS, THIS ONE WAS MADE BY WELL KNOWN MIAMI PHOTOGRAPHER G. W. ROMER. IT WAS ONLY UPON THE PUBLICATION Beach. OF THIS WRITER'S BOOK, "MIAMI BEACH" THAT THE NAMES Hannagan, on a vacation over- OF THE FAMOUS MIAMI BEACH MODELING TWINS, TURALURA LIPSCHITZ AND HER SISTER TONDALAYA, SHOWN ON THE FAR seas, exhausted and overworked, LEFT AND THE FAR RIGHT WERE DIVULGED www.sunpostweekly.com • SunPost Weekly • Thursday, May 13, 2010 • Page 11
THE LADIES LOO
COVER STORY
AN ICON’S REBIRTH Historic Forge Restaurant Charts New Course for the Future Written by Michael W. Sasser Photography by Stuart B. Davidson It’s been a busy time around Miami Beach’s historic The Forge. In honor of The Forge’s 40th anniversary in 2009, owner Shareef Malnik took advantage of Miami’s offseason to close the restaurant’s doors and reinvent its direction. With the conclusion of almost a full year of extreme renovations, Malnik is now ready to reveal the Miami Beach icon’s rebirth. A completely updated appearance, inspired farm-to-table menu and lifestyle approach to dining are all elements of The Forge’s new attitude. The award-winning restaurant has undergone a total makeover, the overall design and décor executed by Francois Frossard. The familiar dark woods, stained-glass murals and gilded-framed art have been replaced by walls of hand-carved blonde wood and antique smoked mirror, octopus-like lilac and white crystal chandeliers, and an eclectic mix of upholstered and metal furniture. The elimination of more than 100 seats has created the ambience of a large private home where every diner’s seat is “the best in the house.” The open floor plan of the 6,000-square-foot space allows guests to see and be seen, as well as experience The Forge’s customized environments: The Dining Rooms, The Forge Bar with Enomatic Wine System, The Library and The Board Room for private dining. Chef Dewey LoSasso was chosen as The Forge’s new executive chef after exhaustive interviews of 172 candidates. Malnik held rounds of tastings at his home, where he challenged the eight national finalists to showcase their strongest dishes. LoSasso, whom Malnik knew from the chef’s days at The Foundlings Club in Miami Beach and as Donatella Versace’s personal chef, impressed the restaurateur with his bold, clean flavors and modern ap-
proach to American cuisine. Technology meets oenophilia at The Forge’s glam new Wine Bar. In addition to head mixologist Andres Aleman and his team of gifted mixologists ready to shake up one of The Forge’s new signature and classic cocktails (a Hot and Dirty martini with bacon-stuffed olives, anyone?), there are also gleaming banks of stainless steel and glass-encased Enomatic Wine Systems, which allow guests to serve themselves wine in one-, three- or five-ounce pours. Guests use the “Forge Wine Card,” which functions similarly to a debit card, to access the Enomatic Wine System. Another set of Enomatics, dispensing powerful red wines and fine spirits, can be found flanking the Sommelier Station, its backdrop an installation of floor-to-ceiling crystal bubbles — a perfect stage for 35-year veteran Executive Sommelier Gino Santangelo to decant his vintages. The SunPost discussed with Malnik his approach to The Forge’s renaissance and the risks and rewards of change at one of Miami Beach’s best-known icons. SunPost: What prompted such dramatic change in the redesign? Shareef Malnik: The change was well thought out to reflect the trends and staying ahead of the curve. Understanding that the market has changed and it is necessary to step back and reinvent yourself in order to stay relevant. How does the redesign affect a new atmosphere in The Forge and what do you want that atmosphere to be? The atmosphere is more casual, access over excess. A guest's experience can unfold however they want, whether it be a casual time at the bar sampling the 80 bottles of wine by the glass via the new Enomatic Wine System or a multicourse dinner in the redesigned dining room. I was always fascinated by the lobbies in the grand hotels in Europe where people are doing many types of activities in the lobby space. I wanted to bring that feeling into my restaurant, where some guests may be having a business meeting on their iPads next to guests enjoying a whimsical night out. Some clients come for an epic experience and some clients come just to “be.”
prefer the original. I believe that I, along with designer Francois Frossad and project manager Allegra Parasi, created a space that most everyone may enjoy. From a business perspective, how does the reduction in seating capacity work? The reduction has created a more unified flow and encouraged people to experience the entire Forge and the new epicenter, The Forge Wine Bar, which is equipped with seating for 36 people. What do you find is most representative of contemporary changes on the menu/approach to cuisine? Chef Dewey’s new Forge menu juxtaposed lobster peanut butter and jelly sandwiches with the Forge’s Supersteak. I think that says it all. How do you think the new wine system will work with the overall Forge atmosphere and experience? The Enomatic Wine System is the icing on the cake. It allows people to meet and greet and talk to new people sampling the varieties of wine. It allows people to try and taste wines that may have been too expensive to enjoy before now, to learn about their regions of origin and pairing with Forge menu items — in essence to create their own virtual “wine cellar” with The Forge Wine App and to become their own sommelier. Does the change from the redesign alter your target audience? No, it enhances the target audience. Now that the new Forge is more casual, a new audience of locals and neighbors have been taking advantage of the more meal-friendly bar and family/communal table which allows people to come in for a quick bite before or after an event.
How do you feel contemporary tastes and sensibilities are reflected in the new Forge? Without taking away from the elegance and what people cherished most about The Forge, we needed to make the décor and layout less formal, more welcoming and cutting edge. We also infused technology by using the iPad, iTouch and iPhone components. Were you nervous about making major changes to such a successful landmark establishment? No, I felt they were necessary to continue on the strong path The Forge was moving on. I really needed to make changes that reflected me… I was evolving and I wanted my restaurant to evolve with me. It now reflects my attitude and outlook of where I am at in my life today. Philosophically, how do you address a desire to make changes while wanting to maintain a longtime reputation? Most people welcome change and you take the risk that with a new crowd that is coming in you may lose others that Page 14 • Thursday, May 13, 2010 • SunPost Weekly • www.sunpostweekly.com
Tell me a little bit about the Library and its role in the Forge modern experience? The library was one of the rooms that was cherished, so redoing the Library was a difficult task because it was already a flawless room. I knew I did not want to lose it but I wanted it to feel as if it was a room in my house. I reached out to Mitchell Kaplan to curate the books and stock the shelves with classics and avant-garde art, music, fashion, wine and culinary books. I also knew I would be giving up seating but I want to make the fireplace functional, so we arranged seating around it where people can sit with a glass of wine, order a snack or appetizer and surf the Internet or engage in conversation in a more casual setting. The Forge Restaurant | Wine Bar is located at 432 41st St., Miami Beach. Hours of operation are Sunday-Thursday, 6 p.m.-midnight; Friday-Saturday, 6 p.m.-1 a.m. Valet parking is still $5. For reservations, call 305-538-8533 or visit theforge.com for more information. See much more of the Forge on our website sunpostweekly.com
ABOVE: SOMMELIER GINO SANTANGELO AND HIS WINES. ABOVE LEFT: DESIGNER FRANCOIS FROSSARD IN HIS FAVORITE ROOM, THE LIBRARY. FAR LEFT: CHEF DEWEY LOSASSO.
www.sunpostweekly.com • SunPost Weekly • Thursday, May 13, 2010 • Page 15
Calendar WHAT TO DO IN MIAMI THIS WEEK
WYCLEF JEAN
Page 16 • Thursday, May 13, 2010 • SunPost Weekly • www.sunpostweekly.com
May 13
THEATER Spring Awakening Do not miss this! Broadway's most talked about new musical and also the winner of 8 Tony Awards makes its debut in Miami for a very short run. Spring Awakening is the groundbreaking fusion of morality, sexuality and rock & roll that has awakened Broadway like no other musical in years. The musical celebrates the unforgettable journey from youth to adulthood with power, poignancy and passion. $25-$80. 8pm. Through May 16. Ziff Ballet Opera House, 1300 Biscayne Blvd., Miami. For info: arshtcenter.org
May 13
MUSIC Big Poppa E Catch local blues legend, Big Poppa E and The E Band this Thursday night when he plays some of his original material from his albums. 9pm. Van Dyke, 846 Lincoln Rd, Miami Beach. For info: thevandykecafe.com
May 13
SOCIAL Taste of the Nation Each spring and summer since 1988, Taste of the Nation brings together chefs and mixologists at an incredible night of fine food, scintillating spirits, wonderful wine and a whole lot of fun to be had at this year’s event in Ft Lauderdale. 100% of ticket sales go to ending childhood hunger. VIP admission, 6pm. $225. General admission, 7pm $125. Ft. Lauderdale Convention Center, 1950 Eisenhower Blvd., Ft. Lauderdale. For info: strengthsouthflorida.org
May 14
MUSIC Eros Ramazzotti Popular Italian singer and songwriter, Eros Ramazzotti hits Miami this weekend for a one-night romance-fest of his popular songs. James L Knight Center, 400 SE Second Ave. Miami. For info: jlkc.com
May 14 ART Siren
The first major gallery debut for feature artist Danny Catania and photographer Charis Kirchheimer is Siren, a daring exhibit of sexual expression and unclothed beauties in watercolor, ink and photography. Opening party 7-10pm. Food and Drinks by Prometheus Springs & Tunes provided by DJ Tamara Sky. Nomade Gallery, 3133 Commodore Plaza, Coconut Grove. For info: 786-464-0289.
SAVE THE DATE: FRIDAY, JULY 2
STING STING WILL HIT SOUTH FLORIDA THIS SUMMER FOR AONE-MAN CONCERT CALLED STING WITH STRINGS. THE ROYAL PHILHARMONIC CONCERT ORCHESTRA CONDUCTED BY STEVEN MERCURIO WILL HELP STING RECAST ALL HIS MOST CELEBRATED POLICE HITS LIKE ROXANNE, NEXT TO YOU, EVERY LITTLE THING SHE DOES IS MAGIC AND EVERY BREATH YOU TAKE. SOLO MATERIAL SUCH AS ENGLISHMAN IN NEW YORK, FRAGILE, RUSSIANS, IF I EVER LOSE MY FAITH IN YOU, FIELDS OF GOLD, AND DESERT ROSE WILL ALSO ENJOY THE LUSH TREATMENT. 8PM. $21- $650. CRUZAN AMPHITHEATRE, 601-7 SANSBURY'S WAY, WEST PALM BEACH. FOR INFO: LIVENATION.COM
May 15
MUSIC Haitian Compas Fest Help raise fundage for Haiti when the 12th Annual Haitian Compas Fest rolls into Bayfront Park. Catch Wyclef Jean, Black Dada, T-Vice, Djakout and Harmonik among others. $45. 4pm. Bayfront Park, 301 N Biscayne Blvd; Miami. For info: bayfrontparkmiami.com
May 15 ART Kolkoz
Kolkoz is a French art collective consisting of Samuel Boutruche and Benjamin Moreau. The two artists both live and work in Paris under the Kolkoz moniker. They create art in a diverse range of mediums that spans from video to sculpture and installation. One of their recent series turns framing art on its head. The luxurious gold frame is a common sight in most museums, Kolkoz has created sculptural forms using just the frame. Ornate gold borders assembled together in an Escher-like optical illusion with no image at all. Bass Museum, 2121 Park Ave; Miami Beach. For info: bassmuseum.org
May 15
MUSIC Lucrecia The golden age of Cuban songs is lovingly recreated in Album de Cuba. First an internationally acclaimed CD and now a sizzling concert tour. Album de Cuba is the latest project from Cuban singer Lucrecia, one of today’s most exciting artists performing música tropical, in the great tradition of Celia Cruz. Backed by a periodperfect big band, Lucrecia sings a seductive collection of beloved classics including Siboney, Guantanamera, El Manisero, and many more. 8pm. $45-$85. Knight Concert Hall, 1300 Biscayne Blvd., Miami. For info: arshtcenter.org
May 15
DANCE Momentum
FAR ABOVE: CHARIS KIRCHHEIMER, ZOOPHILIA. ABOVE LEFT: SUNTEK CHUNG AT THE BASS. ABOVE RIGHT: SPRING AWAKENING AT THE ARSHT
Momentum Dance Company celebrates the close of its Twenty-Eighth Season with the World Premiere of two new works by Artistic Director Delma Iles, Cobia and Just Barely. Momentum is joined by the Isadora Duncan Dancers in a rare return engagement. $22. Byron Carlyle Theater, 500 71st St., Miami Beach. For info: momentumdance.com or 305-867-4194
www.sunpostweekly.com • SunPost Weekly • Thursday, May 13, 2010 • Page 17
Calendar WHAT TO DO IN MIAMI THIS WEEK
DAISY MARTINEZ
May 15
May 16
Cuban musician, Carlos Varela makes his Miami with a one-night only performance. Varela is one of the most important musicians of the Novisima Trova in Cuba and has performed for audiences all over the world. 8pm. $35-$100. Gusman Theater of the performing Arts, 174 East Flagler St., Miami. For info: gusmancenter.org
The Greynolds Park Love-In is a celebration of the 1960s with music, vintage clothing and memorabilia. Sixties rockers The Grass Roots plays. Free with $10 parking. 11am. Griffing Park, Dixie Highway and 123rd Street, North Miami. For info: 305-945-3425 or greynoldslovein.com
MUSIC Carlos Varela
FESTIVAL Greynolds Park love-In
May 17
May 15
ART Lee Materazzi
ART SunTek Chang The final few weeks to view the work of Asian artist SunTek Chung in, 10 Years: SunTek Chung. his elaborately staged photographs are brilliant send-ups of cultural clichés, with a satirical edge. Charest-Weinberg Gallery, 250 NW 23rd St, Miami. For info: charestweinberg.com
The solo exhibition of artist Lee Materazzi, Feels Like Home is ongoing at the Spinello Gallery and definitely worth catching. The multidisciplinary event features a suite of self portrait photographs, video, and interactive sculpture. Spinello Gallery, 155 NE 38th St., Miami. For info: spinellogallery.com
May 18
ART Terribly Odd
May 16
ART Artists in Bloom Fairchild will transform the Garden House into a gallery showing more than 150 original oil and acrylic paintings, watercolors and botanical illustrations. Free. Fairchild Tropical Botanic garden, 10901 Old Cutler Rd. Coral Gables. For info: 305-667-1651 or fairchildgarden.org.
May 16
From local artist, Terribly Odd, comes a one-man show at the Bear and Bird Gallery. Le Iconique: Une Exposition Miserable de Terribly Odd is a collection of works paying tribute to iconic French figures leading up to the Belle Époque or the “Beautiful Era.” From the terror of tiny Napoleon, to the grandeur of Eiffel’s vision; Le Iconique spans the ages of French history. Through June 12. The Bear & Bird Gallery, 4566 N University Dr; Fort Lauderdale. For info: bearandbird.com
May 19
BOOKS Daisy Martinez
SOCIAL Seven at the Raleigh Celebrate 70 years with the Raleigh Hotel by hitting the famed Martini Bar and downing $7 cocktails and yummy munchies at the special anniversary daily happy hour. Everyday from 4-8pm. Raleigh Hotel, 1775 Collins Ave. Miami Beach. For info: raleighhotel.com
May 16
Daisy Martinez brings to life a vibrant collection of recipes in her new book, Daisy: Morning, Noon, and Night. Meet and greet the author. 8pm. Free. Books & Books, 265 Aragon Ave., Coral Gables. For info: booksandbooks.com
May 19
COMEDY Jeff Dunham
KIDS Kids Fair Celebrate kids at the Michael-Ann Russell Jewish Community Center in North Miami with a Kids Fair. Exhibitors include children's clothing, accessories, dentistry, gyms and more. Educational, medical, and health resources, pediatric health speakers, food, activities and games. 10am. Free. Michael-Ann Russell Jewish Community Center, 18900 NE 25th Ave. Northeast Miami-Dade. For info: 305-932-4200 or marjcc.org TOP: KOLKOZ, FRAMES. MIDDLE: CHEERIOS, LEE MATERAZZI. BOTTOM: JOAN OF ARK, TERRIBLY ODD. RIGHT: COMEDIAN JEFF DUNHAM
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Jeff Dunham has taken the art of ventriloquism to new heights and has transformed it into a cutting-edge comedy experience. A You Tube video clip with his character Achmed the Dead Terrorist has been viewed a 100 million times. Dunham will perform a one-night only show in South Florida this weekend. $45.25. 7:30pm. Bank Atlantic Center, 1 Panther Pkwy; Sunrise. For info: bankatlanticcenter.com
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www.sunpostweekly.com • SunPost Weekly • Thursday, May 13, 2010 • Page 19
Cinema REVIEW
COLUMN
Saints and Sinners By Ruben Rosario (ruben@sunpostweekly.com) Stories propelled by religious conflict have fascinated filmmakers since the silent era. D.W. Griffith’s Intolerance and Carl Theodor Dreyer’s The Passion of Joan of Arc immediately spring to mind as examples of how the tensions that arise from people’s differing spiritual paths are, more often than not, tailor made for the moving image. Consider the two films screening this weekend at the Miami Beach Cinematheque and the Bill Cosford Cinema. The cyclical nature of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict forms the basis for Ajami, the gritty Oscar-nominated crime drama that, in its complex, multi-layered structure, recalls Milcho Manchevski’s Before the Rain in its ripple-effect depiction of violence. Set in the eponymous multiethnic neighborhood just south of Tel Aviv, the film revolves around three teenage Arab Muslim brothers whose lives are turned upside down after their uncle kills a powerful member of a Bedouin criminal clan. Omar, the oldest sibling, has been targeted for retribution and seeks protection for his family from local godfather figure Abu Elias, a Christian Arab entrepreneur who organizes a meeting with the Bedouins to resolve the issue. Malek, the curly-haired middle brother, works illegally at an Israeli restaurant to help pay for his mother’s illness. It’s Nasri, the youngest, who stayed with me the most. A budding artist with a Cassandra-like gift of premonition, he acts as narrator for the early part of the film and helps sort out the tangled web of intercultural strife. Working with a largely nonprofessional cast and a semi-improvised script, writer-directors Scandar Copti (an Israeli Arab) and Yaron Shani (an Israeli Jew) divide Ajami into five chapters, and it eventually becomes clear to the viewer that events aren’t always told in chronological order. There are also abrupt shifts in character perspective that prove disorienting. What’s consistent throughout the film is the directors’ firm grasp of the intractable rifts between the communities, not only between Jews and Palestinians, but also between Arab Christians and Muslims. What’s also apparent, in story terms, is that Copti and Shani bit off more than they could chew. An additional storyline about a harried Jewish cop trying to nab a drug dealer while searching for his missing brother feels like something out of a different movie. But while Ajami threatens to topple under the weight of its crisscrossing narrative, it achieves a hard-hitting vérité immediacy that few other films on the subject have been able to match. In telling the tale of a young woman with multiple sclerosis who journeys to the Lourdes site in the Pyrenees Mountains, writer-director Jessica Hausner takes a wholly different approach. Lourdes, this week’s must-see movie, unfolds in a series of static shots, the better to ruthlessly skewer the visitors and staff who interact in the picturesque Catholic hot spot. In Hausner’s hands, the place comes off as Disneyland for the ailing and devout, a tourist trap with a souvenir shop located next to a Virgin Mary statue with a neon halo. The pilgrims gossip about who should be worthy of healing, while the
Bound
employees resent having to wheel the sick around all day. Lost in the shuffle is, you know, a glimmer of spirituality. “I feel as if my life is passing me by,” sighs wheelchairbound Christine as she endures another group prayer. As played by the gifted Sylvie Testud, she’s a woman whose placid demeanor conceals an inner strength. Hausner often films her from a distance, through a crack in a door, or from behind a wall, as if to convey her feeling of isolation. So what happens when the miraculous actually takes place? To say any more would spoil the gratifyingly unsentimental pleasures of this contemplative, pokerfaced satire which heralds Austrian-born Hausner as a talent to watch. It’s thrilling to discover a relatively unknown talent like Hausner, but it’s nearly as exciting to catch up with a seasoned filmmaker whose work I have admired for decades. In the first of several mainstream detours for this column, I am happy to report that Ridley Scott’s Robin Hood turns out to be a pleasant surprise. This deglammed retelling of the medieval legend, which opened this year’s Cannes Film Festival on Wednesday, initially appears to be another humorless revisionist update in the vein of Antoine Fuqua’s King Arthur. Indeed, the film’s first half hour, which reintroduces the heroic archer as a rougharound-the-edges grunt fighting on French soil in King Richard the Lionheart’s army, has the slickly impersonal tone that has characterized Scott’s post-Kingdom of Heaven productions. Working from a screenplay by A Knight’s Tale director Brian Helgeland, Scott intends to offer a history lesson, one that focuses on the events leading up to the story that has been adapted dozens of time for film and television. This Robin Hood includes as much political intrigue as it does swordplay; the scenes dealing with 13th Century English monarchy play like an episode of The Tudors, only without all the soft-focus sex. The film, however, is at its strongest when depicting the chaste courtship between our leading man (an ingratiating Russell Crowe) and Marion Loxley (a feisty Cate Blanchett). Their effortless chemistry harks back to a simpler age of cinema, and gives moviegoers a little hope that this might just be a decent summer. For showtimes of Ajami and Lourdes go to mbcinema.com and com.miami.edu/cosford. For showtimes of Robin Hood go to fandango.com. Make sure to stay for the end credits of Robin Hood, a dazzling display of animation by Scarlet Letters Title Graphics Studio.
Page 20 • Thursday, May 13, 2010 • SunPost Weekly • www.sunpostweekly.com
Tough Chicks Praising the Willful Women of Isabel Allende’s Island Beneath the Sea By John Hood
dig tough chicks – always have; always will. Not chainsaw sculptor tough, mind you (sorry Cherie Curie), but those built of even sterner stuff. The kinda chicks with resilience enough to withstand whatever comes their way and brilliance enough to triumph, no matter how the odds might stack up in their disfavor. I’m talkin’ about chicks that are at once wise and wily; intuitive and insightful, and capable of leaping tall men in a single bound. So it stands to damn good reason that I’d dig Isabel Allende’s Island Beneath the Sea (HarperCollins $26.99). Not only is the historical novel laden with the kinda tough chicks I most dig, but each and every one of ‘em is so tough they leave me wanting to be just like them when I grow up. Yes, they are that admirable. The toughest of the lot has gotta be Zarité. Called Tété, she’s slave and eventual concubine of one Toulouse Valmorain, a sorry excuse for a man that makes me ashamed of my gender. Valmorain’s a French plantation owner on the colony of Saint-Dominique in the years before it became Haiti. Yes, he does come under some hardship, but he handles it with the all the aplomb of the Cowardly Lion. Indeed it’s Tété who’s snatched up and sold at nine, raped at 14, separated from her first son soon thereafter, and forced to endure the continuing humiliations of servitude as if she hadn’t a care in the world. Unflinchingly resilient, silently resolute and well above self-pity, Tété is my definition of tough compounded. And I feel just a bit stronger every time she summons her tremendous inner strength. Tété’s got a couple equally tough gal pals helping her make it through the dog days and dreary nights of
I
the island cauldron. Chief among them is one Tante Rose, a healer and spirit guide of natural magic proportion. Rose knows the secrets of the hidden universe, and she’s the kinda high priestess grand mama everyone wishes they had. That this spirited diviner may or may not be a spirit herself is really beside the point, because she’s made of pure soul. Coming in a close second is a dame named Violette Boisier. Violette’s a mulatta courtesan of uncommon grace and beauty who not only knows what she wants; she knows how to get it. Keeping Violette safe and sound amid all the turmoil is one Etienne Relais, a French officer of uncommon resolve and unflinching loyalty to his love. And maintaining her in customary good stead is an old soul named Loula, whose primary goal in life is to be Violette’s protector. All of the above make their way in a colony that was the deadliest and most profitable of France’s Empire, and it’s at the height of that 18th century epoch where Isabel Allende sets a large part of her stirring story. Once the once-and-former slaves revolt though, the entire cast flees first to Havana (where they are decidedly unwelcome); then to New Orleans, at the time a lawless city which was nominally under French rule. Not for long though, for Thomas Jefferson would soon make the Big Easy part of an ever-growing America and with it bring some of the States’ ugly prejudices. But not before the former slaves and the gens de couleur (the free people of color) can stake their claim in the new land. And not before Allende gets to the heart of her robust and inspiring story. It is no less the story of our beginnings, no matter what blood courses through our veins. It is the story of triumph and tragedy, faith and duplicity, courage and cowardice and all of the other many strengths and weaknesses that run throughout America’s history. To be fair, there are a handful of men who too make their mark on this new world – chiefly a Spanish gadabout named Don Sancho, a noble warrior named Gambo, and an open-minded Frenchman named Dr. Parmentier (not to mention a cameo from none other than Jean Lafitte himself). But it is to the dames that this tale belongs. And it is to them that Allende owes her story. It’s not every day that I pick up a book and find women as willful and as wowful as those depicted in this fictional history. Hell, if it were I wouldn’t need to shout it from the proverbial rooftops. And since history – fictional or not – has largely been written by men, it will probably be a good long while before I’ll be able to do so with some frequency. But if the chicks here are any indication, that day’s gonna come, and when it does any man in his right mind with something to hide better watch out. Or better yet, pay attention. Because we’d all do well to heed the lives of the tough chicks found in the Island Beneath the Sea.
Music
a
COLUMN
The Story of Swell Season By Alan Sculley Glen Hansard figured out a good way not to have to deal with the pressure of following up a hit album that featured an Oscar-winning song, Falling Slowly. He recorded many of the songs on the recently released second Swell Season CD, Strict Joy, before he realized he was even making a record. “It takes the pressure off,” Hansford explained in a recent phone interview. “If I was to sit around and think about it, I’d be like God, I’d probably never do it. I probably wouldn’t make a second record because I’d be like gosh, how is this going to be viewed? You know what I mean, you start thinking about the context in which you’re going to be viewed and how are critics going to see it. Then you start getting afraid, and fear is no place to do anything from.” The story of the Swell Season and its sudden arrival in the limelight has been well documented. Hansard, long-time songwriter and frontman of the Irish band the Frames, teamed up with classically trained pianist and singer Marketa Irglova on a side project they named the Swell Season. Shortly after making a self-titled debut CD (which took all of four days to record, at that), Hansard was asked to participate in a low-budget movie being made by a friend and former Frames bandmate, John Carney, called Once. Hansard and Irglova starred as struggling musicians who fall in love, and some of the songs from the Swell Season’s debut CD were used in the movie, including Falling Slowly. That tune became a left-field winner of the 2008 Academy Award for Best Original Song, and the duo performed the song during the Academy Awards telecast. Suddenly, the Swell Season became far better known and more popular than the Frames had ever been. Falling Slowly became a hit single and the soundtrack to Once went gold, selling more than 500,000 copies. The group was wrapping up a tour in spring 2008 when it had a free week in its schedule. Hansard contacted producer Peter Katis and set up a recording session at Katis’ Bridgeport, Connecticut studio. “We went down there and we recorded for a week,” Hansard said. “We recorded songs we had been playing live, so it was easy. We went in, and we started recording songs, and then we wrote a couple of songs in the moment in the studio. It just felt so natural. So in a lot of ways it was very similar to the first Swell Season record only so much in that we went in and we just basically started playing. Then we realized at the end of that week that we were in the middAfter two more sessions, enough songs were recorded to complete Strict Joy, a CD that Hansard said is more melancholy than he’d ideally like, but finds balance in sunnier songs such as Feeling The Pull and The Verb.”
It’s little surprise that Strict Joy had its share of downbeat songs. Over the course of making Once and starting the Swell Season, life imitated the movie script as the friendship between Hansard, 40, and Irglova, 22, blossomed into love. But before making the new CD, their two-year romance fell apart. The fact that Hansard and Irglova stayed together to carry the Swell Season forward speaks volumes for how they worked through their breakup. “Myself and Mar are very close,” Hansard said. “Of course, we had our drama. We just didn’t have it in public...I think we both realized that we love doing this and we don’t want to stop it, and if there was any way for us both to continue doing it without it being weird, we both decided let’s do it.” The CD the Swell Season made is likely to please fans who discovered the group through the Once soundtrack. Like the earlier material, Strict Joy retains the group’s melodic folkcentric sound. But the songs on the new CD are fuller and fleshed out instrumentally. More importantly songs like Low Rising, High Horses and The Verb offer striking melodies, and the additional instrumentation gives the songs more color and melodic interest. On tour, some of the new songs may take on a different character. Along with Hansard and Irglova, the Swell Season now essentially includes the three other members of the Frames (violinist Colm Mac Iomaire, bassist Joe Doyle and guitarist Rob Bocknik) – a move that resolved potential problems that could have occurred if Hansard had needed to divide time between the two groups. “We’ll present the songs slightly different from night to night,” Hansard said. “Because the good thing about being a band is we can sort of switch out arrangements by the day. ‘Look, I’m going to do this song acoustically tonight.’ Or, ‘Let’s do this acoustic song with a full band and see how that feels.’ What’s good about working with a band you know is you get to shake it up and they all sort of get it.” To Go: Swell Season comes to the Jackie Gleason Theatre of the Performing Arts on May 24, 2010. For info: livenation.com
DELECTABLE DELICACIES AT SUGARCANE
Food
A Formidable Feast By Marguerite Gil (megs@sunpostweekly.com) It’s difficult to imagine a calm patio filled with lush vegetation, a romantic fountain, and a dozen colorful chartreuse and turquoise umbrellas just feet from one of the busiest streets in SoBe, but head over to 801 Collins and you’ll be pleasantly enchanted with a restaurant oasis known as Wish. Located in the very heart of the bustling Deco District, this rare gem is attached to The Hotel in Miami Beach, which offers quiet deluxe rooms, an efficient staff and a variety of interesting amenities for tourists and locals alike. Celebrating almost a dozen years of excellence, awards and consistent rave reviews for their cuisine and service, Wish and Chef Marco invite diners to experience creative fine food in a vibrant botanical atmosphere. Several months ago Jessica Goldman-Srebnick (Goldman Properties), along with some other formidable foodies, launched a nationwide search for the perfect chef. Their quest ended when they encountered Italian-born, French trained Marco Ferraro, formerly with (here’s a name any foodie worth their weight in expertise will recognize) Jean-Georges Vongerichten in NYC. Later Ferraro moved west and became the chef de cuisine at the Mobil four-star restaurant Jack’s La Jolla in California. On a warmish afternoon recently, a friend and I sat down under the tilted umbrellas at Wish to sample Ferraro’s newly created, Mediterranean-influenced menu. Alluring appetizers included a blue cheese watercress salad filled with caramelized figs, candied walnuts and sherry-fig vinaigrette, but I went for the classic gazpacho, created with heirloom whipped tomatoes, king crab meat and avocado chunks. The ingredients were emulsified into a smooth and very tasty soup with yuzu-aioli-basil oil and crowned with toasted croutons. My dining companion tried the poached seafood with tiger shrimp, mussels, cockles (sounds like a song), calamari, white corn polenta and an oregano tomato salsa ($21). It was practically a meal unto itself. Next, we shared the pan-seared foie gras topped with a blackberry compote wasabi, white chocolate and almond crumbs, a gourmet’s wish come true. Entrees are happy and healthy with a penchant for seafood. There are 11 on the menu, including local steamed snapper, pan-seared diver scallops, spiced crusted dorade, misomarinated cod, grilled spiny lobster tail and oven-roasted swordfish. Ferraro delights in surrounding his creations with fresh herbs and spices as well as some unusual ingredients such as maple syrup, kumquat compote or parsley purees. Desserts, priced from $9 to $14, are refreshing, luscious and superbly executed by pastry chef Anastazia Carter. “She and Chef Marco,” said Goldman-Srebnick, “share a similar sensibility when it comes to finding the very best ingredients for their dishes and really embrace detailed technique when it comes to cooking. She brings a wonderful balance to the magical Wish culinary experience.” Carter’s decadent desserts include spiced carrot cake with carrot-ginger puree, candied pecans, raisins and fresh whipped cream, and her guava yuzu cheesecake with cookie crust, almond crumble and macerated star fruits with elderflower-basil syrup, which is amazing. Chef Marco has created a cuisine that concentrates on innovation and natural flavors while highlighting local produce and ultra-fresh seafood. There is also a vast selection of champagnes, sparkling wines and liquors. Wish has received the prestigious AAA four-diamond rating and nine consecutive Mobil four-star awards. The eatery is also consistantly rated in the top five in all major Zagat categories. Details: 305-531-2222 or visit wishrestaurant.com. www.sunpostweekly.com • SunPost Weekly • Thursday, May 13, 2010 • Page 21
Sex
Health COLUMN
COLUMN
Being Me Smoke-Free
The Age of Virtue By Dr. Sonjia Kenya
How old were you when you lost your virginity? I waited so long to have sex, my friends nicknamed me the “last American virgin” in high school. As one of the few non-Catholics at an allgirls school, I assumed it was my lack of religion slowing me down. But as I recently learned in a South Beach nightclub, I wasn’t the only one who waited to have sex and I didn’t wait nearly as long as others. While watching an interesting-looking woman attempt to seduce my man at Nowhere Lounge last week, I entertained myself by eavesdropping on their conversation to see if she had game. Did she? I guess it depends on your reaction to, “I’m 29, single and a virgin.” Fascinated by her pick-up line, I could restrain myself no longer. In my typical, tactless way, I jumped into the conversation and yelled over the music, “So why haven’t you ever had sex?” Without answering, the Virgin shyly tilted from side to side, making the long flowers on her headband sway. This must’ve been a secret signal because a girl who looked nothing like her appeared from nowhere with an answer: “She’s waiting to fall in love with the right guy.” I looked at the new stranger, who was a foot shorter and a foot wider than the virgin, and asked, “Who are you?” She smiled, “I’m her twin sister.” Staring at the contradiction before me, I wondered if virginity was their genetic connection. To the shorter, wider sister, I asked, “Are you a virgin too?” She laughed hysterically before pointing out a handsome man across the club. “No, I’m married and that’s my husband. We have sex all the time! But he is the only person I’ve ever been with.” Oh, I thought but did NOT ask, since you’ve never compared, how do you know if he’s any good? Shocked by the revelation that virgins exist in Miami, I emailed a friend who stays home with her newborn since her plan to not get pregnant was extremely unsuccessful. Her response to my news: “I also have a friend who’s a 29-year-old
virgin. Weird, huh?” Hard to believe, but at least two 29-year-old virgins exist in a town known for taking it all off. Intrigued by this potential trend of morality among Miamians, I asked friends and strangers to discuss the situation over tacos at Mercadito in Midtown. My questions included 1) What’s the average age to have sex the first time? 2) How old were you when you lost your virginity? and 3) Would you want to have sex with someone who is a virgin? “I bet there are more 29-year-old virgins than 15-year-old virgins,” voiced a 30-something single woman. All who were present agreed and the discussion veered to the sad state of adolescent relationships. Newly transplanted to Miami from D.C., a 40- something motorcycle enthusiast mentioned, “Kids don’t even have boyfriends or girlfriends anymore; they just have friends with benefits so they take all the sexual risks and get none of the relationship rewards.” Considering this was a man, I was surprised he associated rewards with relationships and was stunned by his knowledge of sex risk behaviors. More than half of all HIV cases and unplanned pregnancies (not including my friend) occur among youth between 15 and 25 years old. Though these statistics clearly indicate that kids are more likely to make mistakes because of their age and inexperience, no one got too excited about potentially having sex with a 29-year-old virgin. “Too much pressure,” said a physician in his late 30s. Another doctor at the table agreed and offered a diagnosis: “There’s something wrong with her. There must be a psychological issue that needs attention and this is how it’s manifesting without treatment.” Can you think of someone who didn’t have psychological issues around sex before they had it? Now imagine you’re a 29-yearold virgin and consider how the issues have grown. Every person in the conversation indicated their first sexual experience was between 16 and
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By Jennifer Fragoso (jennifer@sunpostweekly.com)
21 years of age, allowing plenty of time to deal with sexual hangups. According to the published reports, this is about the age range when MOST Americans have sex for the first time. Unfortunately this is also the age range when most sexually transmitted diseases are contracted. One in eight teenagers will get an STD and most new cases of chlamydia, gonorrhea and herpes occur in adolescents and young adults still depending on their parents’ insurance policy. The scariest part is that kids don’t often talk to parents or other adults about sex and don’t know where to go for unbiased help. A common STD such as gonorrhea can lead to infertility if it goes untreated for too long, but teenagers don’t understand the serious consequences linked to inexperienced sex. Imagine how you would feel if your kid lost the ability to have kids while still were a kid? Will I tell my kids to wait to do the wild thing? I’m not sure since they’re not born yet, but I will try to explain that the best sex occurs when the people involved can talk openly about pleasure, preferences and protection. I will tell them that love can come easily and often but real commitment involves intimacy and understanding. I will encourage my children to commit to understanding their own sensuality before sharing it with someone else. Love for another can be found and lost before, after or without having sex. But love for yourself requires diligent patience and total acceptance, which may take a long time to achieve. I hope to raise strong children who never feel rushed into having sex — even if it takes 29 years.
Name: Jennifer Fragoso Age: 38 Years smoking: 23 SMOKE FREE: Ten Weeks
WEEK 11: WHY ARE PEOPLE STILL SMOKING? Every day I remain smoke-free an angel gets his or her wings. All right, that may not be true, but it certainly feels like it when I consider all of the temptation out there. So many people smoke. This is amazing to me in my newfound sobriety. Even though I commented in Week 1 that I wanted to smoke until I died, I did feel at some point that if I continued to smoke I would in fact die. The thought of dying scared me, of course, but it was also the thought of dying by my own hands. Willingly putting a cigarette in your mouth, lighting up and smoking it can kill you. We all know this and yet many of us continue to do it. Addiction is a strange thing but it has to start somewhere. Why do so many young people start to smoke? It is said that one in five teens ages 13 to15, worldwide, smoke cigarettes. One in five! Unbelievable yet true. How is it that we are failing our young ones? How is it that I can help? I can lead by example. I can live everyday smoke-free and talk openly about the wickedly powerful allure of this killer. Smoking kills; let me list the ways in which it can kill. It can kill the mood: Try kissing a smoker. Smoking kills your getup-and-go by decreasing your lung capacity, which makes climbing a flight of stairs a challenge. Smoking kills the environment: “It's estimated that trillions of filters, filled with toxic chemicals from tobacco smoke, make their way into our environment as discarded waste yearly” (from “20 Shocking Smoking Facts — The Dangers We Face From Tobacco” by Terry Martin). Not to mention the second- and third-hand smoke cigarettes leave behind that engulfs nonsmokers in a smoker’s killer wake. Smoking is a disgusting and disastrous act. Everyday I get to be me smoke-free means there is one less filter in our environment, one less cloud of smoke, one less killer in our world. Are these words a little harsh? You bet! But what’s worse is that there are people who know all of this and continue to light up. Quitting sucks, but not quitting is just plain stupid. Put the cigarette down and read about how to quit. This time could be the right time. Here are some helpful links: quitsmoking.about.com (“20 Shocking Smoking Facts”) smokefree.gov whyquit.com tobaccofreeflorida.com
GO! EVENTS
Upcoming Social Events By Mary Jo Almeida-Shore maryjoshore@sunpostweekly.com
EIGHTH ANNUAL FEDEX/ST. JUDE ANGELS & STARS MIAMI GALA The Eighth annual FedEx/St. Jude Angels & Stars Miami Gala takes place at the Intercontinental Hotel (100 Chopin Plaza) on Saturday, May 15 from 7 p.m. until midnight. The gala will definitely boast some Latin flavor, with hosts, Daisy Fuentes, Lili Estefan and Javier Romero, and Latin Grammy Award-winning singer and songwriter Juanes, who will receive the 2010 Al Rashid Hope Award. A multitude of other Latin celebrities from the television and music industries will also be in attendance. This year’s Masquerade- themed party is sponsored by Grey Goose and will include a silent auction and performances by some of today’s hottest Latin chart-topping artists. Proceeds will support groundbreaking research and lifesaving care provided by St. Jude for children across the country and around the world. Individual tickets cost $350 and tables run from $3,500 to $25,000. For more information, email Paola Cassana at paola.cassana@stjude.org or call 305.265.1371. To make a donation, visit: stjude.org/miamigala.
HAVE A “FAB” TIME AT FASHION ART BALL! The 12th Annual Fashion Art Ball, will be held on Saturday, May 15, at 8 p.m. at the recently renovated Gansevoort Hotel in Miami Beach (2377 Collins Avenue). This wonderful, eclectic event will include a top-notch fashion show, a silent auction highlighting the works of local artists, and special entertainment. Guests will also be treated to an open bar, and food from local restaurants including B.E.D., Casale Pizzeria, David’s Café, Grill on the Alley, Meat Market, RA Sushi, Segafredo and Yogurbella. All proceeds benefit the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Willard Shepard from NBC6 and Buster from A3 TV will serve as emcees. The most fun and unique part of the gala is the fashion show, in which popular local guys (not necessarily models) strut their stuff on the runway. This year’s “Local Legends on the Runway” include: Cecil Barker, Jonathan Babicka, Nicolas Coeur De Roy, Sir. Michael Dreiling, Tony Gallo, Aric Gasper, Kamal Hotchandani, DJ Irie, Raul Leal, Keith Menin, Richard Millard, Eric Milon, Mark Tamis and several other South Beach luminaries. F.A.B.’s host committee is pretty “fab” also: Nick D’Annunzio, Todd Goldenfarb, Lina Hargrett, Daymond John, Jeffrey Lubin, Erin Newberg, and Bobby Radical. Read about and view photos of last year’s FAB, miamisocialholic.com General admission tickets cost $100 per person in advance, $150 at the door. Tables of 10 with premier runway seating are available for $2,500. For more information contact: Jennifer Tate at 954.739.5006, email jtate@cff.org.
KAMPONG MOONLIGHT CONCERT On Saturday, May 15th, starting at 8 pm, Grey Goose vodka will host the last of four highly acclaimed concerts at The Kampong featuring South Florida Jazz legend Joe Donato. Billing itself as Miami’s newest upscale venue for fine jazz and live music, The Kampong transforms itself into the tropical ultra-chic K Lounge for the evening. The recently added covered pavilion with stage, designed by noted Miami architect Max Strang, provides near-perfect acoustics and is
the ideal small setting for the live-music aficionado. “Sitting in the K Lounge, surrounded by lush, fragrant gardens and listening to crickets chirping to the tempo of the amazing music is a sublime experience,” said Vivianne Swietelsky, Kampong Fellow and Chair of the Moonlight Concert committee. “Proceeds from Moonlight Concerts @ The Kampong are used to support The Kampong living collections and educational programs. Tickets are available by calling The Kampong at 305.442.7169 or kampongevents.ntbg.org. The Kampong, located on Biscayne Bay in the heart of Coconut Grove, is one of five tropical gardens and three preserves of the National Tropical Botanical Garden. It is on the National Register of Historic Places.
VINYL & KAI- YOUR NEW DIGS FOR FUN AND GRUB Vinyl & Kai, situated on Washington Avenue, presents a refreshing new alternative and social mix to the South Beach scene — good food combined with live music at affordable prices. The space is intimate and inviting and will give the creative of South Florida a reason to make Washington Avenue their new destination for breakfast, lunch, dinner or cocktails. The unique atmosphere at Vinyl & Kai imparts a casual ambiance with comfort dining and friendly service that has guests returning regularly on a weekly basis. Vinyl & Kai introduces two weekly happy hours every Monday through Friday from 4pm – 7pm and offers half off drinks and appetizers. Those “in the biz” can enjoy happy hour late night from 2am - 4am with a pay stub or business card. Tuesday is Karaoke and Ladies’ night 10pm – 2am. Complimentary premium well drinks from 9pm – midnight. Karaoke and DJ are provided by Kara-O-King. Poker night is Wednesday, with “No Limit Texas Hold ‘Em” tournaments from 8:30 pm – 5am. Players can win bar tabs, mystery box prizes, bounty rounds and earn points towards a chance to win a trip to Las Vegas for the World Series of Poker Bracelet event. Weekly drink specials and munchies are available until 5am. Located at 1131 Washington Avenue. vinylkai.com. Open daily from 11am – 5am and now offers delivery in Miami Beach up to 81st.
RAP, HIP HOP AND R&B AT PLAY Play Nightclub has joined forces with one of the top Urban promotional marketing groups in the country. This is the group that created the popular Forge Sundays and Karu & Y Thursdays, and who are the current promoters for LIV on Sunday nights, arguably the hottest party in South Beach. Now the group will be presenting a brand new party on Friday Nights at Play Nightclub bringing in the spectacular acts and celebrities.Play has hosted a bevy of athletes, entertainers and celebrities including Trey Songz, Chris Brown, Venus and Serena Williams, Drake, Nikki Minaj, Dwyane Wade and Udonis Haslem of the Miami Heat, Lil Wayne and many more. Tired of paying beaucoup bucks to hear the best R&B artists in concert? Then head for Play Nightclub in South Beach on Thursday nights starting at 10pm. Top R&B names will be performing every week with Jodi and the TKO band. Past entertainers have included Bobby V; Lloyd, and RL from Group Next. Admission is $20 on Thursday nights. Play Nightclub is located at 1045 5th Street (Lenox and fifth) with an attached parking lot. For table reservations please call 305-532-4340.
www.sunpostweekly.com • SunPost Weekly • Thursday, May 13, 2010 • Page 23
The 411
Aaron Perry, William D. Talbert III, Jerry Libbin at the Chamber Gala Rebecca Romjin in the exclusive Grey Goose Kentucky Derby hat to benefit diabetes research
Pinkroom co-owner, Alejandro Espinosa Rodriguez and friends
COLUMN
Beach Parties By Mary Jo Almeida-Shore maryjoshore@sunpostweekly.com Photos by Mary Jo Almeida-Shore
PINKROOM FINALLY OPENS
Michael, Steven, Aaron and James Boucher received the Member of the Decade Award
Aaron Perry, Gene Howard, Elsie Howard, Jerry Libbin at the Chamber Gala
Pinkroom celebrated its grand opening on Friday, a party eight months in the making, which on South Beach is really only like five minutes. Heck, many clubs don’t even stay open that long! Let’s hope that’s not the case for this 4,300-square-foot club on Seventh and Washington, which was packed to the rafters with an eclectic mix of Euro-types and the barely 21 set, who have yet to master the ebb and flow of the nightclub world, making it a challenge to move around. The enormous DJ booth (read stage) is surrounded by a Jumbotron that continuously projects digital images, further distracting the crowd. The club is quite beautiful, for those who are fans of “all things pink.” By that we mean just about everything — from the walls, to the bars, banquettes, lighting, even the toilet paper — is pink! The owners, veterans of the luxury hospitality industry, despite being pretty young themselves (their moms were at the party) have created the first socially conscious club, actively embracing environmentally conscious practices in the club’s design and operations. The best part is that they have joined forces with Susan G. Komen for the Cure South Florida by donating 50 percent of the proceeds from the rotating "Pink Drink With a Cause" to the foundation and hosting fundraising events throughout the year. Other pink-inspired cocktails include the Pink Cosmopolitan and a Passion Fruit Lemonade. Pinkroom also offers bottle service, which comes with mini-trays of chocolate-covered strawberries and fresh flowers with champagne. Overall, the club boasts an energetic vibe, similar to that of Mynt lounge, and a pretty tough door, helmed by Nicolas Coeur De Roy, formerly of Louis. So before you head out, make sure you look young and gorgeous, brush up on your French, and bring your ID
Jerry Libbin, Julio Santiago, Lina Santiago, Aaron Perry at the Chamber Gala
Page 24 • Thursday, May 13, 2010 • SunPost Weekly • www.sunpostweekly.com
and plenty of cash — after all, it’s for a good cause! The bright pink light will let you know you’ve arrived.
CHAMBER GALA — THE PEOPLE SHOW Every year, the Miami Beach Convention Center houses a number of noteworthy exhibits — Art Basel, the Car Show, the Boat Show, the Home Show… to name a few. On Saturday, May 8, the Convention Center was home to the “People Show,” as 900 of the most influential Miami Beach and Miami-Dade County business professionals came together for the Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce 88th Annual Dinner Gala honoring local luminaries for their outstanding contributions to the community. The cabaret-themed ball was reminiscent of Miami Beach’s heyday, with sparkly black tablecloths, white feather centerpieces, cigar rollers, gin martinis, and an 18-piece swing dance band. Michael Aller, “Mr. Miami Beach,” served as master of ceremonies, welcoming guests to the “Cabaret” and putting on a fullblown show, starting with his glitzy rendition of “Life Is a Cabaret” that would have put Liza to shame. This year’s Gala Service Awards recipients included William D. Talbert III, CDME, Elsie Sterling Howard, The Steinberg Family and Boucher Brothers Management Incorporated.
MCM — FUN FOR ALL AGES On Saturday, April 24, the Miami Children’s Museum held its annual gala, this year honoring its 25th anniversary. More than 600 guests were able to “play” in the museum’s galleries while enjoying cocktails and delicious bites before heading outside to the enormous tent for dinner — which was catered by the Ritz-Carlton South Beach’s celebrity chef, Jeff McInnis, and Executive Chef
Pinkroom opening the owners' proud moms
Pinkroom toilet paper- told you so!
Tracy Mourning and Gala Chair Claudia Potamkin at the MCM Gala
Lisa and Donald Pliner, of Donald J Pliner footwear line at the MCM Gala
Thomas Connell — and a concert by the Average White Band. The high point of the evening was the $1 million donation by philanthropist Gloria Martin for the launch of MCM’s Capital Endowment Fund Campaign. The Knight Foundation committed $100,000 to the campaign. This added to the $750,000 that was raised by the spirited live auction for the museum’s programming. Notable guests at the MCM gala included: Nicole Miller, Romero Britto, Lisa and Donald Pliner, Gisela and Diego Lowenstein, Tracy Mourning, Gloria Martin, Jeff and Yolanda Berkowitz, Claudia Potamkin, Lisa Schejola Akin and Jeffrey Akin, Richard and Susan Lampen, Mo Abety, Evan and Stephanie Reed, FJ and Abigail Pollak, and Richard and Sandy Berkowitz.
CELEBRITY SIGHTINGS: Ryan Seacrest and Adrian Brody celebrated the birthday weekend of Wayne Boich at LIV. Seacrest had the whole crowd sing “Happy Birthday” to Boich and said he was a true American Idol. Brooke Hogan was at SET in honor of her 22nd birthday, in the company of her father, Hulk, and his new fiancée, Jennifer. Ten friends joined in the party, including Brooke’s choreographer Glenn Packard, drinking 901 Tequila while Brooke spun tracks from the DJ booth. Angie Chirino, daughter of legendary Grammy Award-winning Cuban bandleader Willy Chirino, drew applause from fellow diners as she spontaneously burst into song after dinner and mojitos at Chef Douglas Rodriguez’s Cuban restaurant at Miami’s Hotel Astor. Magic Johnson and Jerry Bruckheimer were spotted dining at Mr. Chow on different nights last week. South Florida-based Bacardi had a huge presence at the Kentucky Derby this year. The brand’s premium vodka, Grey Goose, joined forces with renowned couture milliner, Ellen Christine, to create a one-of-a-kind hat worn exclusively at the 136th running of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs. Actress and model Rebecca Romijn lent support by donning the custom-designed hat at the prestigious race.
Artist Romero Britto and Chairman of the Board of MCM Jeff Berkowitz
Gloria Martin and Claudia Potamkin
Claudia Potamkin, Richard Lampen and Deborah Spiegleman
Former Senator and Mrs Paul Steinberg
Claudia Potamkin, Jeff Berkowitz, Gloria Martin and Deborah Spiegleman
Jeff Berkowitz, Claudia Potamkin, NBC-6 TV reporter Adam Kuperstein
www.sunpostweekly.com • SunPost Weekly • Thursday, May 13, 2010 • Page 25
411 Etra Fine Art Gallery Hosts Benefit for Miami-Dade School’s First Autism Academy
Debra Kerr, Etra owner Stefano Campanini and Diana Venturini
Angie Chirino and Willy Chirino at the benefit
Ana Marquez and CBS 4 News Christina Loren
Angie Chirino sings at the benefit
Willy Chirino performs at the Etra Fine Art Gallery Benefit for Autism
Miami-Dade Superintendent Alberto Carvalho Alberto Carvalho and Willy Chirino
Willy Chirino sings with and Angie Chirino in the background
Page 26 • Thursday, May 13, 2010 • SunPost Weekly • www.sunpostweekly.com
Etra Fine Art owner Stefano Campanini, Kathy Murphy, Willy Chirino and Richard Burton in the Gallery.
Society COLUMN
The Spoonies Cruise to Cozumel By Jeannette Stark Society Editor jeannette@sunpostweekly.com
The Spoonies, an exclusive luncheon group who have been known to wield many a wooden spoon, meet once-a-month for festive, themed lunches. The ladies, whose founder was the charming Lady Annalee Porter, have formed a unique and special bond. Each year the group plan an out-of-this world trip to reek havoc in foreign ports. This year’s choice was a fabulous cruise to Mexico on the Carnival Imagination. The ladies, who allowed their husbands to participate, reserved deluxe accommodations and set off on a fun-filled week. The highlight of the cruise was a private Chef Spoonies dinner which was truly magnificent. Chef Ajit not only served the most amazing gourmet creations, he managed to entertain the cruisers rather royally as well. Another highlight was brunch at Camille’s in Key West and a walk around the town of Cozumel in Mexico. Plans are already being discussed for next year’s event.
PAT AND BARRY BERKULE AND LORNA HEISLER.
GWEN AND MICHAEL TAYLOR.
THE SPOONIES SET SAIL FOR MEXICO.
FRONT ROW: PAT BERKULE, JEANNETTE STARK, JAVIER AND CLAUDIA BAZ, MARIJO GALLITE, LORNA HEISLER, GWEN TAYLOR. BACK ROW: CHEF AJIT, RICK GALLITE, MICHAEL TAYLOR, BARRY BERKULE, AND THE CAPTAIN.
AMBASSADOR JAVIER AND CLAUDIA BAZ
RICK AND MARIJO GALLITE
www.sunpostweekly.com • SunPost Weekly • Thursday, May 13, 2010 • Page 27
Society VANITIES
Herbert & Madeline Hillsberg DEDICATED HUMANITARIANS By Jeannette Stark
The Men’s Club of Douglas Gardens will host its annual Man of the Year Luncheon at the Ruby Auditorium on the Douglas Gardens campus. The event will honor a local couple that has continuously given their time and energy to the Home. Herbert Hillsberg was unanimously selected by the Men’s Club to receive its Man of the Year honors, while Madeline Hillsberg will receive the Al Golden Distinguished Service Award. With their hearts filled with the joy of giving Madeline and Herbert Hillsberg are caring and kind to the needs of others particularly children’s causes and the care of the elderly. They have always been dedicated and involved with many major charity events including Diabetes Research Institute, The Banyan Society of Project Newborn, Unicorn Children’s Foundation, Miami Jewish Health Systems, Temple Emanuel, and many Art Museums Madeline and Herbert are devoted parents and are very proud of their children and grandchildren. In addition to Madeline and Herb, four dedicated members of the Men’s Club will be recognized for the exceptional service they have given to the Home. The “Mensch of the Month” honorees for the 2009-2010 season are: James Frazier, the Honorable Robert Diamond of Aventura, Jerome (“Jerry”) Potashnick and Dr. Michael Silverman. Page 28 • Thursday, May 13, 2010 • SunPost Weekly • www.sunpostweekly.com
Host Rita Morgan and Angel Arroyo
Reggi Armstrong
Angel Arroyo, Dempsey Limbaugh and Rita Morgan
Glamorous Socialite Rita Morgan Hosts Good Friends to Dinner The always glamorous socialite Rita Morgan held a sumptuous dinner party at Nando’s Restaurant and Piano Bar in Hallandale. As those within Rita’s inner circle know, she loves to dance and dance she did, leading the way for most of the evening. Party revelers included Reggie Armstrong, Dempsey Limbaugh, Pat Rice, Gerry Gale, Bill Mathay, Ednagene Schofman, Dorothy Meyers and the always elegant Peter and Michelle Manners. Rita throws an exquisite party. The food was fabulous, the music and ambiance divine. Ednagene Schofman
Dorothy Meyers
Peter and Michelle Manners with Jeannette Stark
Rita dancing with Bill Mathay
Rita Morgan, Angel Arroyo and Reggi Armstrong
Rita dancing with Angel Arroyo
Dr. Pat Rice, Bill Mathay and Jerry Gale
www.sunpostweekly.com • SunPost Weekly • Thursday, May 13, 2010 • Page 29
Style BITS AND PIECES
Check This Out! By Jennifer Fragoso (jennifer@sunpostweekly.com)
BUMP IT UP: TRANSFORM YOUR PREGNANCY INTO THE ULTIMATE STYLE STATEMENT Style-starved preggos, hunger no more: The sustenance you seek can be found in the pages of Bump It Up, by Amy Tara Koch. Bump It Up is an easy read filled with witty prose and expert advice from fashion industry insiders, designers and editors. Between hormones, picking out baby names and morning sickness, pregnant women still have to get out of bed and get on with their day. The problem during pregnancy is finding a way to look your best even when you may feel your worst, and that’s where Bump It Up lends the most help. Amy understands the trials and tribulations of pregnancy because she has been there, not once but twice. Talk about expert advice. Bump It Up is a pregnant fashionista’s What to Expect When You’re Expecting. It should be purchased immediately after reading a positive EPT. Visit bumpitupstyle.com to read more about Amy and to buy this wonderful book.
dropping clothes and accessories from Azzedine Alaïa, Dries Van Noten, Alaxander Wang, Jason Wu and Givenchy. Stop by the boutique and see the splendor of fashion for yourself. Alchemist, 438 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach; 305-5314653; info@shopalchemist.com; shopalchemist.com. Coming soon: Alchemist @ 1111 Lincoln Road
INTRACEUTICALS ATOXELENE LINE WAND The Intraceuticals Atoxelene Line Wand is a
ALCHEMIST This Lincoln Road boutique features jaw-
Page 30 • Thursday, May 13, 2010 • SunPost Weekly • www.sunpostweekly.com
magic wand for your face. This pen dispenses a light gel that helps visibly reduce facial fine lines and wrinkles. Think of the Atoxelene Line Wand as both an alternative to costly injections and your new best friend. Intraceuticals has a range of products that compliments their oxygen facial treatments: Rejuvanate, Atoxelene, Opulence and the latest, Clarity. Talk to the certified skincare professionals at mySpa or log on to www.intraceuticals.com to find out which series and products will work best
for you. MySpa at Intercontinental Miami, 100 Chopin Plaza, Miami; 305-372-4444; myspamiami.com
ABOVE: INTRACEUTICALS ATOXELENE LINE WAND. LEFT: ALCHEMIST FIND: ANACONDA STUDDED ANKLE BOOT BY GIVENCHY. FAR LEFT: A SKETCH BY DESIGNER NANETTE LEPORE FROM BUMP IT UP
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www.sunpostweekly.com • SunPost Weekly • Thursday, May 13, 2010 • Page 31
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