Social Breakfast

JW Marriott hosts SocialMiami

SocialMiami went on the road again for another Social Breakfast, this one graciously hosted by JW Marriott located in Miami’s financial district on Brickell Avenue.

Michele Sadkin and I invited an eclectic group to join us as we pursued our summertime challenge to learn more about what’s going on in Miami.

Breakfast was planned by Alison Colberg, the hotel’s director of social event sales. Alison was on top of every detail, which one would expect from a professional who regularly deals with local organizations, as well as corporate clients and individuals, who hold their social galas, corporate meetings and weddings in the hotel’s 20,000 square feet of event space, including the Grand Ballroom’s 10,000 square feet of understated luxury.

Breakfast was served in a private area in Isabela’s, one of JW Marriott’s restaurants, and we were delighted to have Alison join us, as well as catering manager Florencia De Salvo and the hotel’s general manager Florencia Rotemberg.

Breakfast was a lavish affair, consisting of fresh fruit with honey and yogurt; a vegetable omelet with asparagus, red and yellow peppers, spinach, Brie cheese, fingerling potatoes and roasted tomatoes; and Mascarpone cheese-stuffed French toast with warm fruit compote.

JW Marriott may be best known as a preferred hotel for the business traveler, but when you arrive, the vibe is one of timeless elegance – warm and welcoming.

Leaving Isabela’s, we passed The Trapiche Room, which features fresh local and organic ingredients used to create contemporary versions of classical dishes. Currently it is offering selections from its Miami Spice menu. The Trapiche Room has been awarded Wine Spectator’s Award of Excellence for the past four years.

And just off the lobby, there’s Drake’s, an English-style lounge where you can easily imagine big business being done over a perfectly proportioned Bombay martini.

Joining us for breakfast:
Victoria Cervantes from HistoryMiami, who was excited to share the news that the Museum was becoming a new Smithsonian affiliate. The festivities were set for the next day with Claudine Brown of the Smithsonian Institute making the presentation with local dignitaries, the Museum’s supporters and staff members in attendance. Being an affiliate means HistoryMiami will have access to Smithsonian resources, including collections, scholarship, traveling exhibitions and membership benefits.

Maria Luisa Chea from The Wonderfund/International Kids Fund, a program of Jackson Memorial Foundation that works to save the lives of children from Latin America, the Caribbean and other countries who seek live-saving medical treatments that are not available in their own countries. Treatments are made possible at Holtz Children’s Hospital. IKF hosts an annual event titled “Heroes in Heels” in support of its Circle of Heroes program.

Jackson Memorial Foundation’s Larry Clark, who oversees the Foundation’s communications and marketing efforts, was in an upbeat mode. When asked by us all what’s happening at Jackson, Larry’s outlook was positive, reminding us how all the miraculous medical procedures and efforts being accomplished at Jackson Hospital are so often overshadowed by the negative reports in the press. JMF enjoys the long-time support of such loyal groups as the Golden Angel Society and the Guardian Angels, and the Foundation hosts a number of exciting events throughout the year.

Gladys Mezrahi, President of the Miami Chapter National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO), a dues-based organization nationwide that represents more than 10 million women-owned businesses, the fastest growing segment of the economy. There are 70 chapters across the country, and the local chapter hosts regular meetings and events geared to educate and support its members.

Ruth Robinson of Miami Science Museum who was understandably thrilled to share the plans now underway for the groundbreaking for the new Miami Science Museum in Museum Park. MiaSci’s annual gala is set for February 18, and the Big Bang – the young professional’s gala – takes place on February 11.

New World School of the Arts’ Maria Flores, whose plate is very full this year as NWSA celebrates its 25th anniversary year. In mid-October NWSA is hosting an All-Alumni Reunion with a wide range of activities during the three-day high school and college reunion. This, coupled with all of the theatre, music and dance performances presented by NWSA during the season represents a very ambitious program of events.

Sonia Jacobson and Marisa Marks of Suited for Success/Dress for Success, Miami, a group that helps welfare recipients enter the workforce by ensuring they have the skills necessary and appropriate clothing for interviews and jobs. The organization hosts unique fundraising events during the year, often with celebrity guests in attendance.

Holly Blount from Vizcaya Museum and Gardens. the County-owned museum and gardens that was built in 1916 by industrialist James Deering. Vizcaya, a National Historic Landmark, offers a variety of events and programs, like its Moonlight Tours where you can enjoy live music as you stroll through the gardens, or the Film Series that explores both modern day films, as well as historical silent films that Mr. Deering and his guests might have viewed in their time. There’s even live organ music accompanying the silent films for the full authentic effect. Weekdays (except Tuesday when the estate is closed) throughout the summer Miami residents can buy one admission to Vizcaya and get a second one for free.