EROTICA: The Art of Seduction, Boca Raton's first official Playboy party, was enjoyed by more than 750 hand-selected invitees, including celebrities, models, and other prominent South Floridians. In true Playboy style, the dress code was "bedroom chic"—which basically meant, "come wearing lingerie or less." In an attempt to be a modern fairy-tale offshoot, the event appealed to the five senses and was hosted by two Playmates—Miss March 2006 and this August's cover girl, Monica Leigh, as well as Miss August 2006, Nicole Voss—both of whom arrived in a 2006 white stretch Hummer limousine provided by A1A Airport & Limousine Service.
As people arrived at Ristorante BOVA in corsets, boxers, and other comfortable evening garments, they noticed the exterior lounge had been transformed into a giant boudoir. A curtain-engulfed bed had been set up alongside some sheer drapes. The bed was white, but featured purple pillows and runners. McKinley Smith of McKinley-Pierre Furniture provided all the decor and admitted that "this was the sexiest party [he'd] ever seen."
"We wanted to host an unparalleled event, even by the standards of local places like South Beach, but the real challenge came in making this idea seem tasteful and upscale," said the event's planner, Michelle Soudry of The GAB Group.
The entertainment was out of control. Tantra's DJ Louis Dee provided some very hot South Beach-inspired beats, CircX provided fantasy performers (such as glow-in-the-dark stiltwalkers), legendary airbrush tattooist Troy was decorating guests with Swarovski crystals and other colorful designs, A1A Limo provided two 2006 black Town Cars and a 2006 Club Bus (or, a club on wheels, if you prefer), and there were even some platform dancers.
BOVA executive chef Peter Masiello prepared a tasting menu of light bites, such as a shellfish platter with lobster tails, jumbo lump crab, and oysters (as if the bevy of half-naked people weren't enough to raise the libido). There was a complimentary purple chocolate dipping fountain, from which blindfolded guests could take tasty nibbles, and a specialty drink, the "Chi-tini," a martini elixir designed to enhance sexual desire via a unique seaweed extract mixed with Three Olives Vodka, triple sec, Chi Energy Drink, and pomegranate juice.
The first 300 guests were treated to Playboy-branded gift bags in the shape of a bunny head, which contained a BOVA lollipop, the August edition of Playboy, personal Chi bottles, a complimentary haircut at Chenzo Balsamo Salon of Boca Raton, feather ticklers, and more.
In true Playboy fashion, stylists from Chenzo Balsamo coiffed the hair of eight models and painted them to look more angelic and fantasylike as they mingled with guests all night. Playboy by Don Diego Cigars cut and provided the official premium cigars smoked at the Playboy Mansion to all the attending guests. In all, Boca Raton experienced a taste of the Playboy life—for one night at least.
—Albert del Toral
Photos: Mike Storms
Three Olives Vodka sponsored the Aphrodisiac Tasting Bar, which featured the specialty drink the "Chi-tini."
CircX provided fantasy performers, like this peacock and glow-in-the-dark stiltwalker.
This white angel fantasy performer, also courtesy of CircX, mingled with guests all evening.
Bedroom chic was the dress code for the night.
One of the Chi Energy Drink promotional models (right) posed with a lingerie-clad guest (left).
McKinley Smith of McKinley-Pierre Furniture decorated the entire restaurant in white and purple to further enhance the erotic mood.
