Local Film Screens at Sundance
Borscht regulars Jillian Mayer and Lucas Levya take #PostModem to Park City.
January 16, 2013
A scene from #PostModem
Miami filmmakers Jillian Mayer and Lucas Leyva are once again packing their bags and heading to Park City, Utah to participate in this year's Sundance Film Festival, where their new short film, #PostModem, will screen. (Last year the duo screened The Life and Freaky Times of Uncle Luke at Sundance.) Written and directed by Mayer and Levya, the film’s futurist plot follows two Miami girls caught up in the world of internet identity. The story is told through a series of tweets and the backdrop of the film is chock-full of arresting visual arts scenes by Mayer. The film was originally screened in Miami last December, during the Borscht Film Festival. It was chosen from a pile of thousands to be one of the 65 short films to screen at Sundance, which kicks off tomorrow. Check out the trailer here.
Dolce Italian to Open Friday
New Gale South Beach eatery will serve made-to-order mozzarella and must-try tartufata.
January 15, 2013
Dolce Italian
This Friday brings the opening of Dolce Italian, a new eatery by LDV Hospitality at the recently renovated Gale South Beach. Dolce will serve polished Italian cuisine crafted by executive chef Paolo Dorigato, who has worked in the kitchens of some of New York’s most iconic restaurants (The Rainbow Room, Cipriani Wall Street). Sample dishes range from made-to-order mozzarella to roasted red snapper and clams to short rib cannelloni with porcini cream. The simple but delicious spaghetti al pomodoro is a specialty and pizzas are fired in a wood-burning oven. However, the absolute must-try dish is—without question—the tartufata, a blend of mozzarella, fontina, and robiola truffle cheese. Environs are sleek yet cozy, with bronze-colored banquettes and wood paneled walls. Choose to dine on the first or second floor dining room, or go alfresco on the terrace. An adjacent lobby café is perfect for grabbing an espresso or meal on the go. 1690 Collins Ave., Miami Beach, 786-975-2250
Golden Globes Fashion Recap
These eight red carpet trends prove that beautiful minds think alike.
January 14, 2013
1. Metallic Embellishments
Kate Hudson and Nicole Kidman both looked striking in dramatic Alexander McQueen gowns, while a punk-chic Julianne Hough wore a gold-studded tulle gown by Monique Lhuillier.
2. Nude Tones
Megan Fox and Amy Adams, in Dolce & Gabbana and Marchesa, respectively, embraced a nude hue and mermaid silhouette. Also on the neutral mermaid train was Hayden Panettiere in light pink Roberto Cavalli.
3. Basic Black
Golden Globes host Amy Poehler looked the power girl part in a jet-black Stella McCartney suit with a deep V. Meanwhile, Modern Family actress Sarah Hyland softened a stark black Max Azria number with a jeweled belt, frilly bodice, and subtle peplum.
4. Cutouts
Kristen Wiig and Emily Blunt both wore sexy cutout gowns by Michael Kors, but to different effects. Blunt looked regal in brocaded gold lace while Wiig looked every bit the effortlessly chic California girl.
5. Black-and-White
Though she had more than a few wardrobe changes, Tina Fey walked the red carpet in an L’Wren Scott beaded dress. The look was very old Hollywood and suited Fey to a T. Julianne Moore, too, wore a black-and-white number, made especially for her by Tom Ford.
6. The Color Red
Just one month after giving birth, Claire Danes was ravishing in a red Versace gown. Also in red: Jennifer Lawrence looked practically sculpted in Dior Haute Couture, Zooey Deschanel played princess in Oscar de la Renta, and Jennifer Garner radiated in Vivienne Westwood.
7. Barely There
Kerry Washington’s diaphanous Miu Miu gown had a modern flapper appeal. But Jennifer Lopez in Zuhair Murad was sheer genius.
8. Winter White
Foregoing the dominatrix boots she wore to the Les Miserables premiere, Anne Hathaway wore a snowy Chanel gown to pick up her best supporting actress award. Meanwhile, Lea Michele showed some leg in her glittering white Elie Saab gown.
Behind the Scenes of 'TOTEM'
One of the show’s star gymnasts pulls back the curtain.
January 14, 2013
Earlier this month, Cirque du Soleil's whimsical tents popped up to premiere its South Florida production of TOTEM, a show that begins at the dawn of man and quickly spirals into a futuristic world. This weekend, we got a behind the scenes look at the first act rehearsal and stole some time with star gymnast Fabio Luis Santos.
How did you join Cirque du Soleil?
FABIO LUIS SANTOS: I was a gymnast in Brazil for 13 years, and in 2008 they did an audition in Brazil to find new talent. I did some acrobatics, acting, dancing—even though I did not have any background in those disciplines.
What separates Cirque du Soleil from traditional gymnastics?
FS: It was a lot of experimentation. We tried a lot of different things. Gymnasts are like mini-robots, we perform alone and try to reach high scores. [With Cirque] it was more artistic, more focused on choreography.
What did you find most challenging?
FS: All the new tricks were challenging: learning to work two bars and using a trampoline.
Had you always aspired to join Cirque du Soleil?
FS: No. When I heard they were doing auditions in Brazil, it opened my mind to the possibility that this may be the next step in my career. I was in a good place with my gymnastics and thought it was a good way to travel, make money, and enjoy the on-the-road lifestyle. It's been great. [There is nothing like] people clapping and screaming for your performance.
Located outside of Sun Life Stadium, TOTEM runs through February 24. 2269 N.W. 199th St., Miami Gardens
Nikki Beach Pops Up at Sundance
The SoBe staple swaps white sands for snowcapped mountains this weekend.
January 14, 2013
South Beach's iconic European-inspired beach club, Nikki Beach, is taking its sexy seaside concept to Park City, Utah for the Sundance Film Festival, transforming The Sky Lodge Hotel's rooftop lounge into winter wonderland. Through Sunday, Nikki Beach will host a slew of private dinners, press junkets, cocktail soirées, and exclusive after parties. To combat the chilly air and keep guests comfortable, the indoor-outdoor venue will also flaunt fire pits and heaters. The Creative Coalition's 2013 Spotlight Initiative Gala pre-dinner cocktail party is among the events slated to take place inside the Nikki Beach Sundance space. Hollywood heavyweights Sharon Stone, Jane Lynch, Shailene Woodley, and Alfred Molina will be honored at the event.
What We're Reading
A George Clooney sighting, 38 essential restaurants, Oscar snubs, a $55 million penthouse...
January 11, 2013
George Clooney and partner Rande Gerber at the launch of their new tequila brand, Casamigos, in Fort Lauderdale
George Clooney popped up in Fort Lauderdale at Rocco's Tacos & Tequila Bar to launch his new Casamigos Tequila this past Tuesday night. [People] Also worth checking out is this commercial for the liquor, featuring Clooney and Cindy Crawford in bed. [YouTube]
With a pivoting entry wall, living room reflection pool, disappearing glass walls, a waterfall, two outdoor kitchens, a wine gallery, and private spa, the Mansions at Acqualina penthouse is now on the market for a cool $55 million. [Curbed Miami]
The "Eater 38" has been just been updated to recommend the 38 best local restaurants and hidden haunts around town. [Eater Miami]
The nominations for the Academy Awards are in, and the only thing more interesting than who was nominated is who wasn’t nominated. Buzzfeed breaks it down, starting with the Kathryn Bigelow’s best director snub. [Buzzfeed]
Magic City has finally released its season two trailer. Aside from the escalated mobster drama, a familiar Miami face has joined the cast: Rick Ross (yes, that Rick Ross). [Cultist]
After making national headlines and setting the rumor mill ablaze, Nick Loeb explains why he and fiancé Sofia Vergara were kicked out of Story nightclub on New Year’s Eve. [Access Hollywood]
photography by alex markow
Cellar 1954 Wine Dinners
Fontainebleau will debut a vintage wine dinner series on January 22 at Scarpetta.
January 11, 2013
Gotham Steak will host the second Cellar 1954 event
On January 22, the Fontainebleau will kick off its new wine and dinner pairing series, Cellar 1954 (a nod to the hotel’s opening date), with a five-course tour de force at Scarpetta, featuring pairings by Verona, Italy’s Bertani wines. Pours will include a blend of pinot grigio and sauvignon blanc, a prosecco, and amarones from as far back as 1968. Meanwhile, courses are substantial, with dishes like tuna bresaola, polenta and truffled mushroom fricassee, and aged sirloin and foie gras topping the menu.
Then on January 24, at Gotham Steak, California’s Opus One wines will lead guests through a culinary excursion that starts with poached main lobster salad and a 2012 Fumé Blanc and ends with dark chocolate mouse with Campari and blood orange sorbet. Courses in between are even more decadent: sheep’s milk ricotta ravioli with braised lamb shank and a big, bold Napa red; roasted Muscovy duck breast with hearty winter vegetables, compressed pear, and black currant sauce with a 2005 Napa red; and finally, mushroom-stuffed roast loin of milk-fed veal with Burgundy truffles, potato purée, and sauce bordelaise with a 2001 Napa red.
Cellar 1954 reservations are required and seats go for $295 per person. Coming up, the series will host winemakers from Dom Pérignon, Kosta Browne, Vérité, and Dunn Vineyards. And some very special dinners will even serve vintage wines from the hotel’s inaugural year. 4441 Collins Ave., Miami Beach, 305-674-4706
Dim Sum Sundays at Bloom
Head to Wynwood for barbecue pork buns, scallion pancakes, and sake-tails.
January 11, 2013
Make like you’re in San Francisco and swap Sunday brunch for Sunday dim sum at Bloom in Wynwood. The Asian-fusion restaurant’s new Dim Sum-Days occur ever Sunday from noon to 8 p.m. and promise a modernized menu of Eastern delicacies by executive chef Ricardo Sauri. Crowd your table with ultra-shareable small plates (from $3 to $17) like Korean scallion pancakes, barbecue pork buns, roasted eggplant, and Okonomiyaki, or Japanese pizza. And since it wouldn’t be Sunday brunch without cocktails, Dim Sum-Days also features $12 sake-based cocktails. We loved the refreshing Red Koi and spicy Ring of Fire. Reserve a table on Bloom’s whimsical outdoor terrace to enjoy your dim sum and sake-tails alfresco. 2751 N. Miami Ave., Miami, 305-576-5443
Weekend Recommender: January 10-13
TOTEM opening night, welcoming the Year of the Snake, and celebrating an artist who triumphed in the face of adversity.
January 10, 2013
TOTEM opens tonight at Sun Life Stadium
Cirque du Soleil's TOTEM
Opens Thursday, January 10, 8 p.m.
Cirque du Soleil's whimsical big top takes residence at Sun Life Stadium, welcoming TOTEM to South Florida this Thursday. The storyline follows the evolution of the human species from amphibian to current day, and beyond. Cirque's breathtaking acrobatics and dazzling displays will run on a Tuesday through Sunday schedule through February 24. Tickets begin at $58 and can be purchased online. 2269 N.W. 199th St., Miami Gardens, 305-943-8000; cirquedusoleil.com
"Everything is Perfect" VIP Opening
Friday, January 11, 7 p.m.
Abstract expressionist and Miami resident Diego Jacobson will unveil more than 70 paintings at the VIP preview of his LMNT gallery exhibition, "Everything is Perfect." Jacobson’s celebrated career is made all the more triumphant given his battle with Dystonia, a neurological disorder that causes involuntary muscle contractions. The exhibit name reflects Jacobson's life mantra: "If everything is perfect, you can't judge anything." 59 N.W. 36th St., Miami, 305-989-6963; lmntartsmiami.com
Japanese New Year Celebration
Sunday, January 13, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Welcome the Year of the Snake at the Morikami Japanese Museum and Gardens’ 35th annual Oshogatsu celebration, promising calligraphy courses, exhibits, food, and music. 4000 Morikami Park Road, Delray Beach, 561-495-0233; morikami.org
Ruthie Davis: Queen of the 7-Inch Wedge
With Beyoncé in her corner and big plans for 2013, the shoe designer is "about to take off."
January 09, 2013
Whether crafting a pair of sky-high stilettos or spiked sneakers, Ruthie Davis is always thinking about the woman on the go. One such is new mom and force of nature Beyoncé—Davis’ biggest celebrity fan. Their relationship is so solid that Davis even created a custom pair of Swarovsky sneakers for baby Blue Ivy. To boot (quite literally), Lady Gaga, Fergie, and Kelly Osbourne are also steadfast supporters of the brand, which launched in 2006, after Davis had honed her skills working for major shoemakers like Reebok, Tommy Hilfiger, and UGG. While at Neiman Marcus Bal Harbour to launch her resort 2013 collection, we spoke to Davis at length on inspiration, friends in high places, and total shoe world domination.
With style names like “West Palm Platform” and “Boca,” it seems like South Florida was a big inspiration for your resort 2013 line.
RUTHIE DAVIS: Absolutely. South Florida was definitely part of the inspiration for the new resort collection. How could you not be inspired by South Florida for resort, right? I really wanted to make a collection that was very elegant, classy, sophisticated, and somewhat minimal in the sense of using beautiful, more muted tones, nudes, and pastels and then add the youthful, sexiness, fun, and a little bit of an edge that is always a part of my brand. It fits really well for South Florida. This is an area with a lot of history and a classic side to it, but yet the people here are fun. You have that Latin sexiness in the mix.
What sort of things do you consider when designing a shoe?
RD: My brand is always going to be inspired by Miami, Palm Springs, Los Angeles, and a bit of New York City. I'm always going to love the midcentury modern feeling, Art Deco, indoor-outdoor concepts, and nature—it's part of every collection. Also, as a woman and shoe designer, which is actually rare because most high fashion shoe designers are men, I really like to work with the female body and make women feel wonderful by working with their bodies.
What would you say is the biggest design risk you've taken thus far?
RD: Recently I'd say this seven-inch wedge. I call it the Lady Gaga shoe. It's a crazy wedge. I did it last season as a bootie and now I have it coming out for spring as a sandal-shoe. What's interesting is that a lot of buyers and my employees were scared. And then it sold out instantly. I believe they retailed for over $2,000 a pair. That got me excited. [It] may not be for the masses, but the people that want it really want it.
What lessons did you learn from working at Reebok, Tommy Hilfiger, and UGG?
RD: I think the most valuable thing is at the end of the day you have to trust your gut. You have to have your structure and plan and all those functional things you learn in such companies, but you must have the confidence to have a vision. I also learned, and am a big proponent of, the relationship between marketing and design. I think about the marketing plan when I'm designing a shoe. I'm thinking about what celebrities might wear it, what magazine it may go in, what stores might sell it, and how I will market it.
Speaking of celebrities, is there anyone in particular who you feel embodies your brand?
RD: Well, obviously I love Beyoncé. She's worn my shoes many times and she's such a lovely person and is so gorgeous and gracious. She would certainly be number one. I also love Elizabeth Banks, Christina Ricci, and Nikki Reed. I love girls with personality.
You even made shoes for Beyonce’s daughter, Blue Ivy. How did that happen?
RD: Beyoncé has been such a fan and I know she loves Swarovski crystals, so I decided to do a mini sneaker for Blue Ivy with Swarovski crystals. [Blue Ivy] is growing so fast that I'm actually working on getting her a couple more pairs.
You also make super-chic sneakers for grown-ups.
RD: I tend to be a sneaker girl. I like running around New York City, L.A., or wherever in my kicks, but I also like the sneakers to go well with the same outfit I would wear with my shoes. So I put my shoes in my bag and switch them out. I always wanted to have sneakers. It has been so well received that stores have asked for them in men's sizes. So we're launching men's sneakers for fall.
Any plans to open a flagship store?
RD: You sniffed that one out! We've got some things we are working on. The home of the brand is New York City, so that will be the first flagship. Miami would be pretty high on the flagship list, given my special affinity for this area.
What are some goals you have for yourself and the brand for 2013?
RD: It's time for the home of Ruthie Davis, the flagship store. It's time to consider new collaborations. Launching men's is important. I do want to be a lifestyle brand and have other products. I have dabbled in handbags and it is something I want to take to the next level. We have a lot of exciting things planned. We're launching at Bloomingdale's in New York and L.A. and doing events in the spring. The brand is still growing and building. The only analogy I can give is we're to about to take off. Mark my words!
