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Nightlife

 
Anna Marie of M-80 and DeeJay SmeeJay at the Marlin for the Monday night party.

By Cubby 

SHOPPING OR CLUBBING: Who needs club openings when the hot spots seem to be at boutique openings? At the Von Dutch store opening last week the list at the door was almost as tight as at Mynt or Prive. Von Dutch caps are all the rage now however baseball caps with the Von Dutch logo will set you back a mere $75. That’s nothing for most of the Von Dutch shoppers who flocked to this store opening. This crowd of hipsters and fashionistas included model bookers and agents (including Michelle Pommier) who browsed through the newly opened store as half-naked buffed models (from Michelle Pommier) poured beer from a keg (something foreign to this crowd) while other models served shots or danced in the store windows. The caterers were apparently inspired by the whole “biker chic,” offering pizza, fried chicken and Krispy Kreme donuts that party-goers washed down with champagne or beer. Von Dutch fashions are everywhere and so spread the party. After the store opening there was a packed Von Dutch party at the Sagamore with a guest list of over 2,000 (thanks to Zack Bush & Michael Capponi). The after-party at Prive was overly packed with multitudes of Von Dutch-wearing fashionistas joining a highly energized rambunctious crowd that included actress Tara Reid (who left around 3 a.m. for Mynt). 

A LITTLE CHOCOLATE:  As one of the few oddballs known to mankind who can somehow live without chocolate I can actually boast a chocolate free diet. While many live and die by their addiction to chocolate I wouldn’t normally cross the street for a taste of the dark confection. Now tempt me with an exquisite meal and I’ll come running even as far as Coral Gables and if the restaurant is called Cacao (which means chocolate in Spanish). While many would be lured by a name instantly recognizable in many languages as that tasty sweet, I was lured by the reputation of the restaurant’s delicious cuisine based on classical recipes from Latin America. Although the restaurant has been open for more than a year I had not had the pleasure of dining at the eatery ruled by the internationally acclaimed Executive Chef Edgar Leal. The restaurant’s décor was elegant with a welcoming atmosphere supported by the cordial staff. The cuisine was a treat to the taste buds and every course seemed better than the last. The black Tamal stuffed with Seafood was my favorite filling me to satisfaction before the main course was presented. Of course the finale was a chocolate dessert (described by one of the guests at my table as death by chocolate). Could I refuse the temptation of the warm chocolate cake with a white chocolate lava filling that was placed before me? Of course not. Although not a chocolate lover I could not stop eating this rich sweet. A perfect ending to a delightful dinner.

Tomas, Anastasia the Great, Lynx and photographer Ali at Anastasia exhibition at La Boheme Fine Art Co.

THANK YOU VERY MUCH: Marking this time of year as a special time to give thanks, I wish to say thank you very much. As much as I complain and whine, I must admit that I have more to be thankful for than not. South Beach is a magical place offering a special world of chaos and charm to those of us fortunate enough to call it home. After nine years on the front lines of the South Beach nightlife scene (in and out of the trenches) I’m thankful that I’m still standing and have more than a handful of memories. The things I have to give thanks for are too numerous to list but I wouldn’t be here without my friends and sense of humor (and sometimes I’m amazed that I still have both). I’ve stopped celebrating birthdays because I think everyday should be a day of celebration and I feel the same way about Thanksgiving. This holiday comes but once a year but we should give thanks every day. Thanks.

BEACH BUZZ: This week is filled with holiday parties as well a hectic schedule of White Party 2003 events (check www.whiteparty.com for schedule and ticket information). Next week Miami welcomes “the hottest contemporary art fair in America” as Art Basel opens December 4^th (running through the 7^th). The opening of the Ritz-Carlton South Beach has been anticipated for a while since its delay of a year ago and is now set for December 18^th (if the opening gods are with us). The crew from Visionaire Magazine will be in town this coming week to celebrate another issue at a glamorous party hosted by Elaine Lancaster and Lady Bunny (who will play DJ at this event) at the Raleigh. Don’t try crashing this event as it is invitation only (that’s why I’m not even mentioning the date). Remember to send all nightlife info and invitations to Cubbysobe@hotmail.com. Until next week, see you out.