Bill Hansen Welcomes Charity Leaders to Villa Woodbine

To share great food, an elegant setting and a gracious host!

You may have often passed Villa Woodbine on your way through the “Silver Bluff” area of Coconut Grove and not been aware of what lays beyond the meandering driveway and lush landscaping at 2167 South Bayshore Drive.

Villa Woodbine, designed in the 30’s by Walter De Garmo, an architect known for his Mediterranean-Renaissance style, was built as the winter residence of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Boyd of Appleton, Wisconsin. Silver Bluff was known as “Millionaire’s Row” in those days, and next door to Villa Woodbine was the Woolworth home, which the Boyd heirs ultimately purchased to extend their land holdings.

Over the years a host of colorful, if not a bit eccentric, lessees have occupied the residence — from an architect who filled the courtyard with parrots, to dreamers like treasure hunter Mel Fisher. But the estate’s most infamous occupants were the planners of the Bay of Pigs invasion in 1961. More recently, guests have included the Village People, Mary Wilson of the Supremes and Luciano Pavarotti.

So when a very special group of women were guests for lunch at Villa Woodbine – some for the very first time – they learned for themselves what a treasure the estate is today. With its central courtyard and large loggias that were designed to adapt to Miami’s warm tropical breezes, it offers al fresco dining at its best!

Couple the luxuriant setting with the fine food of Bill Hansen Catering and his dedicated team who serve as hosts, and you can be assured of an elegant affair. Villa Woodbine is a perfect historic venue for weddings and corporate and social events, seating up to 225 guests for a sit-down dinner and 300 for a reception.

The three-course luncheon menu was created by Chef Dewey LoSasso. Chef LoSasso, clearly one of the nation’s celebrity chefs, has served as Donatella Versace’s personal chef and is responsible for transforming numerous NYC and South Florida restaurants. His culinary creations have delighted patrons at several of Miami’s leading restaurants, including The Forge Restaurant/Wine Bar, Schnebly Winery and Miami Brewing Company, LaTour, Pavillon Grille, The Foundlings Club, North One 10 and Tuscan Steak, to name a few. His food is unique, innovative and current.

Guests included: Linda Levy Goldberg (American Red Cross, Vizcaya and chair of the Ronald McDonald’s Twelve Good Men); Tina Carlo (chair of Miami City Ballet’s Gala and Nutcracker Magic Kids Gala); Mimi Shafey (chair of this year’s 35th Annual American Red Cross Ball); Marilyn Cale (Vizcaya, American Cancer Society, Plaza Health Network Foundation); Irene Korge (Big Brothers Big Sisters, Chapman Partnership, Humane Society of Greater Miami); Joanna Silva (YPO, Switchboard Miami); Meghana Rajadhyaksha (chair of Miami City Ballet Gala); and Mari Grimalt (Jackson Health Foundation’s Platinum Angels). These women represent some of the most dedicated and active community leaders who strive to make Miami a better place in which to live.

As owner of Bill Hansen Luxury Catering & Event Productions and www.SouthFloridaEventVenues.com, Bill’s passion is to grow his business while giving back to his employees and the South Florida community. For 37 years he has done just that, and he’s shooting to hit at least 50 years while transforming catering experiences to the needs of the time. Aside from Villa Woodbine, Bill Hansen Catering offers a collection of over 100 unique venues from the Palm Beaches to the Florida Keys – especially for those who are looking for something different.

Joining the Bill Hansen team for the luncheon were several of the firm’s preferred partners who have been chosen for the superior quality and high level of luxury service they offer for all kinds of occasions. The group also serves as preferred partners for www.SouthFloridaEventVenues.com, offering complimentary upgrades and pricing incentives for event planners who book events through the site. See their contributions to the luncheon by viewing the accompanying photos, taken by Suzanne Delawar Studios. Furniture by Unearthed Vintage; chandeliers by Evoga Productions; tableware, linens and seating by Atlas Event Rental; florals by Petal Productions; music by AA Musicians; dessert by Batter Co.; and valet parking by MAC Parking.