Art, NFTs, and the Oceanside…
The most lit brunch took place in Miami during Art Basel thanks to author and award winning Chef Kwame along with American Express.
It all went down at the fabulous 1 Hotels in South Beach where guests enjoyed delicious food curated by the former Top Chef contestant/judge himself and sounds by DJ Moma.
“You have everything from chicken and waffles with chili honey, to jerk broccoli tacos to even lobster and salmon rolls and black truffle quiche,” said Chef Kwame about the food on the menu for the brunch festivities.
Chef Kwame’s impressive credentials include: Forbes 30 under 30 honoree, being named one of Food & Wine’s Best New Chefs, and Esquire Magazine’s 2019 Chef of the Year amongst various others. Not to mention his memoir “Notes from a Young Black Chef,” is currently being turned into a feature film by A24.
We got to catch up with him at The Savor and Soul event where we talked about his career and got to try his delicious food first hand. Our personal favorite was the egg and steak on a mini croissant dish. That wasn’t the only thing keeping us entertained though. Heads turned when Issa Rae walked into the party.
The HBO’s Insecure creator mixed and mingled with guests before meeting up with Lizzo who’s appearance at the party also surprised the crowd. Lizzo looked dazzling wearing a purple floral one piece and it wasn’t long before a mini mob follow the two icons around eager to snap pics.
Later that evening Lizzo had a ticketed concert on the beach hosted by American Express as well. Those who might’ve not had tickets for the concert got to see a little glimpse of her at the brunch gathering.
It isn’t everyday you could say you brunched with Lizzo, and Issae Rae amongst the other notable attendees. Not to mention eating bomb food from Chef Kwame. Shout out to American Express!
I do not know about everyone else, however, I am just now recuperating from the beautiful craziness that is Art Basel. Now that I’ve come up for air let’s talk recaps.
For those that haven’t seen the events, celebs, and artists parading all over your social media feed, Art Basel 2021 took place this past weekend in Miami. Believe it or not, I met a group of ppl visiting who had absolutely no idea that Art Basel was even taking place. No shade to them or anyone reading this who didn’t know. Anyway, let’s move on. There were tons of exhibits, panels, and parties, highlighting and celebrating artists from all around the world. Yet the art wasn’t the only site to see. Just as impressive and may be as important as the art its self were the venues. I’m taking some of the most sort-out & exclusive venues. Add sexy & luxurious to the description and you’ve got The Ritz Carlton South Beach!
This is where Roc Nation and Modern Luxury’s new multimedia platform, EDITION’s launch party took place. The VIP launch event featured a wide array of celebrities, cultural tastemakers, and influencers including Vic Mensa, Ray J, Dreamdoll, Dez Bryant, Romeo Okwara, Tafia, and more. Roc Nation superstar Dixson wowed guests with an incredibly electrifying performance. Maeta followed with an equally beautiful soulful set that captivated the crowd. D’USSE was on deck as the official drink sponsor. They provided party-goers with specialty cocktails throughout the entire night. Also guests, including myself, got to experience complimentary manicures from the Bernadette Thompson Collection.
Lastly, I was lucky enough to get a sneak peek at the inaugural issue featuring cover superstar, the incomparable and beautiful Issa Rae. This first issue serves as a very limited edition coffee table book, free of ads and full of exclusively, stunningly curated content. So excited to see what else this new multimedia platform has in store. Be sure to follow Edition on IG @editionmodlux
Special thanks to Berk Communications and Purple PR Miami.
Rap star Cardi B is venturing into a new space of entrepreneurship with her latest, Whipshots, a vodka-infused whip cream.
Partnered with Starco Brands, Cardi’s new Whipshots ensure anyone can Party like Cardi and that we sure did.
MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA – DECEMBER 04: Cardi B and Starco Brands launch Whipshots at The Goodtime Hotel on December 04, 2021 in Miami Beach, Florida. (Photo by Arturo Holmes/Getty Images for Whipshots)
On Saturday night, The Knockturnal got to attend the sweets themed launch party which took place at Pharrell and David Grutman’s The Good Time Hotel in South Beach. High profile guests included Offset, Mary J. Blige, Timbaland, Winston Duke, Tainy, and Dale Moss amongst others.
MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA – DECEMBER 04: Tainy attends as Cardi B and Starco Brands launch Whipshots at The Goodtime Hotel on December 04, 2021 in Miami Beach, Florida. (Photo by Arturo Holmes/Getty Images for Whipshots)
Deserts and drinks were served with the 3 Whipshot flavors – vanilla, caramel, and mocha – to showcase the boozy whip cream can be enjoyed in cocktails, deserts, or even as a solo shot.
There to prove it was not only renowned Las Vegas mixologist Rob Floyd who put on a show to wow the crowd, but also Cardi herself going around the crowd and spraying shots of Whipshots into guests’ mouths.
MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA – DECEMBER 04: Mixologist Rob Floyd does a demonstration as Cardi B and Starco Brands launch Whipshots at The Goodtime Hotel on December 04, 2021 in Miami Beach, Florida. (Photo by Arturo Holmes/Getty Images for Whipshots)
While some stars opt for tequila or wine brands Cardi’s choice of product was emphasized when she told Billboard, “I’m not really a hardcore liquor-drinking person. And I like things that are sexy and tasty.” Boujee and boozy, Whipshots contain 10% alcohol so you already know you can expect a party in every can. Not only that but they also don’t require refrigeration.
Whipshot will be available nationwide and on shelves across the U.S starting next year but if you want to get your hands on one sooner check out Whipshots.com to get your fix.
Iconic art, fly (literally) shoes, and a friendly crowd of celebrities and fashionistas came together to kick Art Basel Miami 2019 into full swing.
Saturday, December 14th marks the second takeover of New York’s own Avant Gardner this year by Spanish party purveyor Elrow.
Miami Beach Art Basel is about art. Expensive art.
Come for the parties. Stay for the art.
As Miami Beach’s iconic Art Week showcase draws closer and closer, artists all over New York City are preparing to journey down south and display their work. But before all the festivities kick-off, music artist/art collector Kaseem ‘Swizz Beatz’ Dean is working to make sure that the work from both the trailblazers and the up-and-coming players within the art community is being showcased on a notable platform.
Art Basel and Art Week Miami took off with great success. Art lovers flocked the shows and danced the night away at splendid parties across Miami Beach.