The Ritz-Carlton Club, Fortune International Realty, and Lionstone Development have stakes in the new residences at the Ritz-Carlton, South Beach, which will be housed at the famed art deco Seville Hotel and be completed in 2009. But people didn't have to wait until then to experience the glitz and glamour the hotel will offer.
"The Seville has such a rich history, and we wanted to celebrate this iconic Miami property properly," says Maite Velez-Couto from rbb Public Relations, who handled the press for the event. "The Seville was home to a famed supper club called The Matador, which provided the perfect theme for this launch," said Mary O'Donnell, director of meetings and special events for the Ritz in South Beach. Planning for the event began about four months prior to the big evening.
More than 800 invitations went out to potential buyers as well as South Beach elite. To set the mood before the event took place, the invitations came with white feather boas, which women were instructed to wear to the event, readying guests for a glam evening.
Barton G. was hired to bring the 1950's back to life. John Wickett, Barton G.'s project manager, spent time at the Seville (which is currently under construction) taking photos of the old supper club to help create the perfect look for the event.
The night began with a champagne and caviar reception, before guests were ushered into the ballroom and greeted with passed hors d'oeuvres including duck liver pate and prosciutto-wrapped pretzels. The room had been decorated in gold and cream tones, which included round banquette tables and candlelit cocktail tables. Banquette tables were backed by tall round columns, recreations of those originally found in the Seville. On the stage, the 12-piece band GDO Soul featuring Greg Denard played a mix of old favorites and new classics.
Six food stations offered guests a variety of dishes with home-cooked flavor. At the mashed-potato bar, chefs mashed three different types of potatoes when requested and then topped them with fresh bacon, creamed spinach, cheese, or sour cream. On the other end of the room, chefs served fresh scallops in a garlic cream sauce in actual seashells. Bars were scattered amongst the food stations, offering full selections, as well as era-inspired concoctions including the gin fizz and vodka martini.
For a sweet ending, an old-fashioned gold cappuccino maker proved that it could still brew delicious coffee. It complemented the chocolate delights on the dessert table, which an I Love Lucy-style conveyer belt brought to waiting guests.
—Stephanie Wilson
Photos: lbeto Tamargo/ Ritz-Carlton Club and Residence, South Beach
Photographs of such 1950's era icons as the Rat Pack set the festive and retro mood for the launch of the Ritz-Carlton Residences, South Beach.
Barton G. designed the room with cream and gold tones and added plenty of glitz with sparkling chandeliers and candles.
The column in the center of the white banquette was a recreation of those in the Matador Club at the Seville Hotel.
Table centerpieces consisted of ornate chandeliers with colorful floral arrangements.
The chefs at the Ritz served scallops with a garlic butter cream sauce in seashells.
One chef prepared fresh calamari and presented it in paper cones.
Pastry chefs delivered gourmet chocolaty treats via a conveyer belt a la famous I Love Lucy episode.
Greg Denard of GDO Soul welcomed guests as they entered the ballroom.
