Can caterer, producer and imprerssario extraordinaire Barton G. throw a party or what? It wasn't just the fact that by taking over the space formerly known as BillboardLive, he breathed new life into the old South Beach hotspot. It wasn't only that he set up countless food stations in seven key indoor and outdoor areas of the three level entertainment complex or that there was a singing and dancing elephant—yes, a real elephant—by the valet. As a matter of fact, that was only the beginning.
Guests invited to the grand opening of what is now FifteenOOne Barton G. saw the light—as the logo was projected on the side of the multilevel venue in shades of purple, violet and blue. Inside, live flamingos under a waterfall in a small pond played as if no one else was in the place. But the dimly lit 25,000-square-foot venue held hundreds and hundreds of guests on its official opening night.
While there was little extra décor, the numerous areas of the venue offered subtle sophistication and playful accents. Metal chain curtains, white hallways resembling snowy caves, a cozy jazz lounge replete with piano and a tropical, airy outdoor space along with a glass V.I.P. lounge offered many alternative places for people to hang out. A main stage on the ground floor could be looked down upon from all levels. Awash in colored lights, the festivities started when Michael Aller, director of tourism and conventions and chief of protocol for Miami Beach, gave Barton the key to the city. And then the party really began.
In typical Barton G. fashion, food ranged from child-friendly chicken fingers and curly fries to sophisticated shaved prosciutto, carving stations and shrimp platters. Dessert included mini candy apples, cookies, blondies and a chocolate plaque emblazoned with the FifteenOOne Barton G. logo. Costumed greeters welcomed incoming guests, while early arrivals ate and drank. Aerialists and a break-dancing troupe performed, and then the George Tandy Band took the stage. They got the crowd ready for the main attraction—the Pointer Sisters. From the balcony, guests watched the pop veterans put on one hell of a show, belting out all-too-familiar tunes. Even when the sound system temporarily malfunctioned, the seasoned professionals kept going a cappella. Decked out in sequins, they exuded enough energy to capture the crowd's attention, getting everyone to dance and sing until the last note. As the end drew near, guests were directed to one central departure point where they were handed a giftbag with a Kit Kat to promote Eartha Kit's upcoming performance and, of course, something to remind them of Barton—a FifteenOOne Barton G. logo emblazoned baseball cap.
—Shari Lynn Rothstein
Guests invited to the grand opening of what is now FifteenOOne Barton G. saw the light—as the logo was projected on the side of the multilevel venue in shades of purple, violet and blue. Inside, live flamingos under a waterfall in a small pond played as if no one else was in the place. But the dimly lit 25,000-square-foot venue held hundreds and hundreds of guests on its official opening night.
While there was little extra décor, the numerous areas of the venue offered subtle sophistication and playful accents. Metal chain curtains, white hallways resembling snowy caves, a cozy jazz lounge replete with piano and a tropical, airy outdoor space along with a glass V.I.P. lounge offered many alternative places for people to hang out. A main stage on the ground floor could be looked down upon from all levels. Awash in colored lights, the festivities started when Michael Aller, director of tourism and conventions and chief of protocol for Miami Beach, gave Barton the key to the city. And then the party really began.
In typical Barton G. fashion, food ranged from child-friendly chicken fingers and curly fries to sophisticated shaved prosciutto, carving stations and shrimp platters. Dessert included mini candy apples, cookies, blondies and a chocolate plaque emblazoned with the FifteenOOne Barton G. logo. Costumed greeters welcomed incoming guests, while early arrivals ate and drank. Aerialists and a break-dancing troupe performed, and then the George Tandy Band took the stage. They got the crowd ready for the main attraction—the Pointer Sisters. From the balcony, guests watched the pop veterans put on one hell of a show, belting out all-too-familiar tunes. Even when the sound system temporarily malfunctioned, the seasoned professionals kept going a cappella. Decked out in sequins, they exuded enough energy to capture the crowd's attention, getting everyone to dance and sing until the last note. As the end drew near, guests were directed to one central departure point where they were handed a giftbag with a Kit Kat to promote Eartha Kit's upcoming performance and, of course, something to remind them of Barton—a FifteenOOne Barton G. logo emblazoned baseball cap.
—Shari Lynn Rothstein
The Pointer Sisters performed at the opening of FifteenOone Barton G.
Flamingos frolicked under a waterfall inside the spacious venue.
Known for great desserts, Barton G.'s signature chocolate plaque did not disappoint.
Michael Aller joined the George Tandy Band onstage.
