The Edit by Brett Graff
SocialMiami's editor reports on Florida Grand Opera's generous donor plus a few more of Miami's glam happenings...
Tina Vidal-Duart and Carlos Duart FGO Donation Reaches $3 Million
Philanthropists Tina Vidal-Duart and Carlos Duart have donated an additional $1 million to Florida Grand Opera, following a 2024 gift of $2 million. Tina Vidal-Duart is FGO’s Chair of the Board and longtime supporter and has, says FGO, been instrumental in protecting and enhancing the legacy of this historic institution, which is intimately tied to South Florida’s cultural history.
The donations aim to strengthen its education and community engagement programs, which reach over 20,000 children annually. These include Dress Rehearsal Experiences for students to witness opera firsthand, school Outreach Programs that bring seasoned opera singers into classrooms, and training opportunities for aspiring singers from local colleges through the CANTO program and across the country through the Studio Artist Program.
The new Voices of Wellness initiative, a key component of FGO’s expanded programming, demonstrates how music can serve as both a source of comfort and a catalyst for transformation. By combining direct engagement, artist education, and personalized cultural experiences, this program reaches those who need healing most, including first responders, active military, medical professionals and people facing health challenges.
Valeri Fuentes Becomes Executive Chef at Pérez Art Museum’s VERDE
Valeri Fuentes has been appointed the executive chef at Verde, the the waterfront restaurant at Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM.) Fuentes will spearhead the restaurant’s food and beverage program, including curating menus for Verde and all special events catered by hospitality company Constellation Culinary Group.
Fuentes previously served as chef de cuisine at Constellation Culinary Group for events like Formula 1 and singer-songwriter Mark Anthony’s wedding in Miami, where she brought a dynamic and creative touch to every dish while drawing inspiration from the city’s diverse Latin American influences. Prior to this, she honed her skills at prestigious establishments in Patagonia, Caracas, Miami and Buenos Aires, including Elena at the Four Seasons Hotel and Orilla by Fernando Trocca.
“It’s an honor to join Verde’s exceptional team as executive chef and bring a fresh vision to the forefront of its culinary offerings,” said Fuentes. “Stepping into this role, my goal is to craft dishes that celebrate the richness of local ingredients, highlighting the flavors of Miami’s cultural melting pot and the vibrant works of art within the museum.”
To add her own culinary style to Verde’s menu, Fuentes has debuted a new seasonal menu inspired by PAMM’s current exhibition with a menu featuring a special QR code that diners can scan to view images of the artwork that inspired each dish. The menu also features new small plates, including Butternut Squash & Chorizo Arancini, with crispy Brussels sprouts, fontina cheese and romesco sauce; The Artist’s Palette, truffle turmeric hummus, beet tzatziki and baba ghanoush with a side of za’atar flatbread; crispy Brussels Sprouts, with lemon juice, pecorino cheese and spicy mayo; and Roasted Tomato Soup, topped with basil oil and an oversized Parmesan tuile.
Joining Verde’s selection of pizzas is the ’Nduja, topped with tomato sugo, pork chorizo, chili honey, ricotta and fresh mozzarella, and the Charred Maitake Mushroom, with garlic crema, lemon vinaigrette, watercress and garlic chips.
Kimpton Beverage Manager Hosts Innovative Cocktail Experiences
The Rum Congress in Miami featured beverage manager Jim Wrigley of the Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa’s Library by the Sea. The bar was recently named 35th best bar in North America by North America’s 50 Best Bars. It’s also a recipient of the London Essence Best New Opening Award. It’s known for its literature-inspired cocktail menus and use of vintage and rare spirits—like 1932 Bacardí featured in its opulent creations.
Wrigley brought the bar’s signature storytelling and splurge-worthy libations to Kaona The Hidden Tiki Room, where he took guests on a journey blending literature, rum, and innovative mixology in the tiki bar’s intimate, vibrant setting. And also to The Social Club at the Kimpton Surfcomber Hotel, which features limited-edition and rare vintage rums.
Ron Book to Receive DBR Lifetime Achievement Award
The Daily Business Review announced its prestigious Lifetime Achievement Awards, as part of the Florida Legal Awards held in April at the JW Marriott Marquis in Miami.
Ronald L. Book, (Ronald L. Book PA;) Alan T. Dimond (Greenberg Traurig;) Judge Ronald C. Dresnick (Kluger Kaplan, Silverman, Katzen & Levine;) Lena Hopkins (Community Legal Services;) and Stanley B. Price (Bilzin Sumberg), each recognized for their outstanding contributions to the legal community.
Brett Graff is SocialMiami.com’s managing editor and has been a journalist covering money, people and power for over 20 years. Graff contributes to national media outlets including Reuters, Glamour, Harper’s Bazaar, Maxim, and the PBS show, Nightly Business Report. A former U.S. government economist, her nationally syndicated column The Home Economist is first published in The Miami Herald and then on the Tribune Content Agency, where it’s available to over 400 publications nationwide. She is broadcast weekly on two iHeartRadio news shows and is the author of “Not Buying It: Stop Overspending & Start Raising Happier, Healthier, More Successful Kids,” a parenting guide for people who might be tempted to buy their children the very obstacles they’re trying to avoid.
