Jorge Plasencia, Nicole Valls Duarte, Maggie Fresen Zulueta, Karina Pavone, Yosel Ibarra

One of Miami’s most highly anticipated parties, Amigos Night, manages to outdo itself every year and this year was no exception. On Saturday, October 18, The Hangar at Regatta Harbour in Coconut Grove was completely transformed for what can best be described as the party of the season.

The space shimmered with sequined tables, soft candlelight, and a sea of chic guests dressed to the nines. From the moment we arrived, the mood was pure celebration — laughter, dancing, and that signature Miami magic in the air. The open bar, courtesy of Bacardi USA, flowed freely all night long, keeping glasses full and spirits higher.

Nicole Valls Duarte, Pamela Silva, Luly Valls, Letty Tornes

A stellar showcase of Miami’s top restaurants provided an eclectic selection of bites to suit every taste. But truth be told- it was tough to leave the dance floor long enough to grab a bite- because the music was THAT good! From the second Extasy hit the stage, it was over — the dance floor never emptied. The band was perfection, playing one crowd-pleaser after another until well after 1 a.m. A conga line snaked across the room on more than one occasion and friends, old and new, danced and sang with sheer joy.

Miami Socialholics
Maryanne Salvat & Mary Jo Shore

Just when we were about to take a short break- around midnight, an explosion of confetti filled the air and showgirls took over the dance floor for the Hora Loca: pure, high-octane fun fueled by feathers, confetti, and wild energy!

Earlier in the evening, Karina Pavone, President & CEO of Amigos For Kids and Jorge A. Plasencia, Co-Founder & Chairman Emeritus, shared heartfelt thanks, reminding guests that every donation helps to strengthen families and protect children across Miami-Dade. Amigos Night was both a celebration and a statement — proof that Miami’s heart beats strongest when it’s dancing for a cause.

Jorge Plasencia and Mayor Daniella Levine Cava

This remarkable evening was made possible by sponsors and culinary partners including—Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Bacardi USA, Greenberg Traurig, Academica, ABS Imprint, Ford, Amazon, Banesco, Baptist Health, Goya, Telemundo, Jorge Luis Garcia, Larry Geller & Ingrid Hoffmann, Prestige Clinical Research, Ryder, and Supreme Twins Foundation. Dining sponsors included: Arcano, Bartaco, Bayshore Club, Bulla Gastrobar, Café La Carreta, Costazul Peruvian Cuisine, CrepeMaker, Edda’s Cake Designs, Glass and Vine, LA Sweetz, Mena Catering, Miami Dade College, Morton’s The Steakhouse, Night Owl Cookies, Ossobuco, Papa Johns Pizza, Pisco y Nazca, Sufrat Mediterranean Grill, Sushi Maki, The Tipsy Truffle, Vegan Vibess, and Versailles Cuban Restaurant.

Amigos Night is a perfect example of why Miami parties are in a league of their own — a whirlwind of style, soul, sparkle and dancing. Few events capture the city’s spirit with such flair: dazzling, dynamic, and utterly unforgettable.

To support and learn more about Amigos For Kids, visit: amigosforkids.org and follow @AmigosForKids on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

Casa Gianna: Downtown’s Glamorous Italian Darling

Posted by Mary Jo Almeida-Shore On October - 17 - 2025ADD COMMENTS

At Casa Gianna golden-hour cocktails, flawless service, and unforgettable pasta make every meal feel like a celebration.

Tucked inside the chic Gale Miami Hotel and Residences, brings a touch of Italian glamour to the heart of Downtown Miami, with its golden glow, elegant bar, impeccable service — and a vibe that hits that perfect note between sophisticated and social. 

The moment you walk in, you feel it: the hum of conversation drifting from the marble bar, the smooth rhythm of clinking martini glasses, the warmth of a team that knows exactly what hospitality means. The management here sets the tone — gracious, polished, and genuinely attentive — the kind of service that turns dinner into an experience.

The dishes are generous, flavorful, and unapologetically delicious. The fennel meatballs are pure perfection — tender, saucy, with just enough fennel to supercharge the taste. The grilled octopus arrives well-charred , smoky and soft, brushed with olive oil and lemon. For something rich and decadent, the Pappardelle a la Rosa de Ricotta: lemon pappardelle with pistachio and truffle cream is a star — velvety ribbons of pasta layered with indulgence and just enough brightness to balance it out. For the main we recommend the pistachio-crusted lamb chops- cooked to perfection and simply outstanding.

The dinner menu as a whole is indulgence done right: chicken parm that’s crisp and comforting, several specialty home-made pasta dishes and a number of wood-fired pizzas that bridge Italian tradition and Miami flair. For those craving something heartier, the steak selections impress with prime cuts grilled to order. The branzino and other seasonal fish dishes bring a lighter touch, as do the specialty salads. The menu moves effortlessly from simple to refined.

Casa Gianna is glamorous without trying too hard — a restaurant that makes you want to stay for dessert and maybe one more round.

Aperitivo Hour: Italian Tradition

The bar alone is worth a visit — a gleaming statement of style and substance, with spritzes, Negronis, and cocktails crafted with precision. It’s the ideal setting for a pre-dinner drink, a post-work rendezvous, or an entire evening spent at the counter, soaking in the scene.

Weekdays from 4 to 7 p.m. (4 to 6 p.m. on Fridays), aperitivo hour brings an authentic slice of Italy to Downtown. Expect well-priced wines, handcrafted cocktails, and small bites designed for grazing and gossip. It’s effortlessly cool — a place to unwind, flirt, and fall in love with the art of lingering.

When night falls, Casa Gianna becomes cinematic — candle-lit tables, glimmering wine glasses, and the kind of energy that makes for a fantastic evening.

Brunch: La Dolce Morning

Weekends from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Casa Gianna transforms into a sunlit sanctuary of leisure. Think golden-hour lighting, laid-back elegance, and a menu that celebrates Italian comfort. Guests are encouraged to relax and sip espresso martinis and Mimosas, savoring dishes like eggs al forno, crisp salads, and — of course — those signature meatballs that somehow taste even better before noon.

With its flawless dishes, magnetic atmosphere, and genuine hospitality, Casa Gianna is more than just a dining destination— it’s an experience. The kind that lingers long after the last sip of limoncello.

Casa Gianna

601 Northeast 1st Ave,
Miami, FL 33132

(305) 605-2272
info@casagianna.com

https://www.galehotelmiami.com/dining#casa-gianna-italian-ristorante

Brunch: Saturday & Sunday 8 a.m.–4 p.m.  Aperitivo Hour: Monday–Thursday 4–7 p.m.; Friday 4–6 p.m.  Lunch: Monday–Friday 11:30 a.m.–5 p.m.  Dinner: Nightly from 5 p.m. 

Step inside, sip something sparkling, and settle in — because at Casa Gianna, every hour is golden hour.

Luminous Global Lights Up the Night

Posted by Mary Jo Almeida-Shore On September - 30 - 2025ADD COMMENTS

In luminous shades of pink, white, and shimmering garden hues, Luminous Global cast its spell over Coconut Grove last Friday with the 4th Annual Light Up the Night Gala at the storied Mayfair House Hotel & Garden. Themed The Enchanted Garden, the soirée unfolded as both a celebration and a call to action—empowering women to take charge of their health while raising critical funds for the early detection of breast cancer.

The evening drew an elegant guest list including supermodel and Real Housewives of New York original cast member Kelly Killoren Bensimon; Florida State Representative Fabián Basabe; Claudine De Niro; and Marta and Ron Bloom—all in support of the Luminous Advocacy Group and its visionary Global Founder & CEO, Marylin Dans.

Guests sipped artfully crafted LALO Tequila cocktails—the Hibiscus Paloma and Rose Margarita—beneath twinkling lights at the al fresco reception before moving indoors for a candlelit dinner and poignant survivor testimonials. The program also honored this year’s benefactors, including Jose and Heidi Dans, Norma Jean Abraham, Ana VeigaMilton, Sari Sosa, Dr. Ramona Probasco, and Julio Figueroa Cisneros, as well as distinguished awardees: Xiomara Beatriz Brandfon, Rosario Rico Toro Korn, Enrique Martinez, Jessica Cristobal, Vivian Quiroga, Frank Navarro, and Manny Lara.

Also in the spotlight was Luminous—the groundbreaking breast familiarity tool designed to give women a visual reference for their breast health. By illuminating soft tissue and blood flow, the device encourages users to establish a baseline, making it easier to detect changes over time. Already available across the EU and UK, and soon expanding into the Middle East and U.S., Luminous is reshaping the conversation around early detection and awareness-first living.

One of the evening’s highlights came courtesy of “Pop Provocateur,” Robbie Elias (@RobbieEliasofficial) who took the stage, dazzling guests with a kaleidoscope of crowd-pleasers—from “Mr. Brightside” to “Man! I Feel Like a Woman” to cult-favorite “Pink Pony Club.” In true showman fashion, Robbie turned the ballroom into a pulsating dance floor, leading a frenzied celebration/dance marathon that lasted late into the night. As the newest member of Miami Sound Machine, Robbie Elias divides his time between sharing the stage with Gloria Estefan and igniting the crowd with his electrifying performances at his residence at Faena. He even “out-Beyonces Beyoncé!”

Blending glamour with gravitas, the Light Up the Night gala shone as both a celebration and a call to action—empowering women, honoring survivors, and inspiring a future of greater health equity. To learn more or to support the Luminous Advocacy Project, visit www.luminousglobal.org.

(Photo Credit: Ruben Correa/WRE)

Melissa Odabash Brings Capri Glamour to New York Fashion Week

Posted by Maryanne Salvat On September - 25 - 2025ADD COMMENTS

Leave it to Melissa Odabash—London-based designer, former model, and queen of jet set chic—to celebrate 25 fabulous years of her namesake brand with the kind of show that has us already booking flights to Capri.

This past weekend in Manhattan, Odabash was featured in NYFW Shows powered by Miami Swim Week®, where she transported guests to a Mediterranean escape. Picture this: 360° LED projections of the Amalfi Coast wrapping around the venue, a dazzling walk down memory lane with 25 years of glossy magazine covers, and a runway full of bronzed goddesses strutting looks that whispered (okay, shouted): “Take me from the beach to the bar, and don’t forget the rosé!”

Resort Wear That Actually Lives Up to the Hype

The Spring/Summer 2026 Collection was pure practical glamour—that magical sweet spot where your beach cover-up doubles as your dinner outfit, and your swimsuit is just as ready for a dip as it is for a late-night dance on tables in St. Barth. (Yes, we said it. Optional, but encouraged.)

Favorite runway moments:

Tailored linen pant-and-button-down sets, cinched just right at the waist.

Flirty rompers that are as flattering as they are effortless.

Sheer kaftans floating over bikinis like a sea breeze.

One-shoulder jumpsuits and translucent pant sets that scream, “I’m not just on vacation, I am the vacation.”

The color palette includes a chic mix of timeless neutrals (black, white, off-white), a dash of dark denim, and the sweetest blush pinks—basically the kind of palette that works just as well for brunch in the Hamptons as it does for Aperol spritz o’clock on the Amalfi.

Details, Details, Details

Melissa knows it’s all in the craftsmanship:

Crochet, lace, knits, and linens with just the right amount of sparkle.

Signature lacework—think dresses and co-ords styled over swimsuits.

Ethereal touches—cottons dusted with silver shimmer.

Versatile silhouettes—bohemian skirts, après-beach luxe dresses, and coral-inspired prints you’ll want to pack yesterday.

25 Years of Jet Set Dreams

From supermodels to socialites, Odabash has been dressing the world’s most stylish women for decades, and her 25th anniversary show was the perfect reminder why: she makes resort wear you actually want to live in.

With the Spring/Summer 2026 Collection, Melissa Odabash proves once again that glamour doesn’t have to be impractical—it just has to come with a side of wanderlust.

Bronx and Banco Unveils Concrete Safari for NYFW Spring/Summer 2026

Posted by Mary Jo Almeida-Shore On September - 23 - 2025ADD COMMENTS

BFA Photographer | Deonté Lee

On Monday, September 15th, Chelsea Industrial in New York City set the stage for Natalie De’Banco’s Spring/Summer 2026 presentation, Concrete Safari. The collection, a dialogue between untamed nature and the urban grit of New York, drew a distinguished and star-studded audience. Among the front-row luminaries were Saweetie, Victoria Justice, Dascha Polanco, Nicky Hilton, Rachel Hilbert, and athletes including Olivia Nelson-Ododa of the Connecticut Suns and Kiki Iriafen of the Washington Mystics, alongside influencers, models, and tastemakers such as Jackie Aina, Ekin Su Cülcüloğlu, and Batsheva Haart.

The Collection

Concrete Safari embodies the modern woman’s duality—refined yet audacious, cultivated yet untamed. De’Banco marries modern sportswear with eveningwear, blending architectural tailoring with fluid, slinky silhouettes and subtle, daring edges. Oversized jackets and sleek separates convey an effortless yet cultivated style, perfectly attuned to the rhythm of the contemporary woman.

The color story traverses ivory and seafoam, anchored by sage and terracotta, punctuated with hyper-real safari graphics, gilded spinal accents, and artisanal hand-crocheted details. A newly introduced line of accessories bridges daywear and evening occasions, designed to meet the dynamic needs of a New York woman—functional yet luxuriously refined.

About Bronx and Banco

Founded in 2009, Bronx and Banco is celebrated for its vibrant color stories, precise tailoring, and a distinctive chic allure adored by celebrities and socialites worldwide. From red carpets at the Oscars, Golden Globes, and Cannes, to the bustling streets of Sydney and New York, the label reflects the vision of Russian-born, Australian-raised Natalie De’Banco. Her collections are at once feminine, flattering, and cosmopolitan, embodying strength, confidence, and sophisticated glamour for the worldly woman.

Sponsors included: Clarity RX / Hand & Stone, Commando, David Protein, ghd, Glass House Fragrances, Gorgie, Loverboy, New York Makeup Academy, Route, Salon Perfect, Tepozan Tequila, Urban Stems, Voss Water, Weber Ranch Vodka, and Wella.

For inquiries, contact: bronxandbanco@ledecompany.com

Buchanan’s Brings the Party to Miami with the Buchamión

Posted by Mary Jo Almeida-Shore On September - 18 - 2025ADD COMMENTS


Buchanan’s Whisky’s Buchamión stops in Miami for a countdown celebration ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026™

Last Tuesday, Miami scored big when Buchanan’s Whisky rolled into town with its celebrated Buchamión—a 27-foot truck transformed into a traveling fiesta—to toast fútbol, flavor, and plenty of flair.

As the official North American whisky supporter of the FIFA World Cup 26™, Buchanan’s is taking this vibrant experience on a national tour, inspired by Latin America’s lively pregoneros. The Miami stop? Nothing short of unforgettable.

Hundreds of fans gathered to sip on signature Buchanita cocktails, collect exclusive merch, and move to the beats of DJ Dímelo Flow, who kept the dance floor alive with irresistible Latin mixes. The energy soared during the official dance contest, where guests competed for a chance to win FIFA World Cup™ match tickets. And the cheers reached a crescendo as fans celebrated Colombia’s hard-fought victory over Venezuela—with whisky glasses raised high.

Special guest Isabella Echeverri added to the excitement, sealing Miami’s reputation as a fútbol and nightlife capital, and giving us a dazzling preview of the road to 2026.

From fútbol to flow, Miami delivered rhythm, style, and celebration—and the countdown to the World Cup just became that much more thrilling.

Photo credit: Juansvisuals

Follow the celebration:

Instagram: @buchananswhisky Instagram: @dimeloflow Instagram: @isabellaecheverri11

Sponsors