Guests gathered to celebrate The Key Biscayne Chamber of Commerce’s 50th anniversary with a gala filled with laughter, drinks and dancing at The Ritz-Carlton, Key Biscayne.

There’s a new Mexican eatery in town called Takitos and it promises to satiate the appetites of even the hungriest families. If the grand opening was any indication, this place is going to be a welcome addition to the island’s culinary scene.

Trini in Private’s private grand opening extravaganza attracted South Florida’s finest to Trini’s newest location at the Alliance Francaise Village at 618 SW 8th Street for an exclusive tour of her new salon.

Woof Gang Bakery recently opened its doors to Key Biscayne’s people and pets, introducing their wholesome dog food and treats using human-grade ingredients as well as their stylish boutique items, apparel, collars, leads, bowls, toys and distinctive doggie spa products.

Guests joined rising Colombian star Adriana Lucia at Casa Paloma on South Mashta Drive to celebrate her new album, Porro Nuevo, with live performances amid sea breezes and tropical cocktails at sunset.

The Key Biscayne Yacht Club started a 365-day cruise with Commodore Ed London and Seabelle Captain Marilyn Borroto at the helm. The first port-of-call was Rio de Janeiro, where guests enjoyed suave samba, tasty cachaças, sultry dancers and a world-class churrasquería dinner by Chef Miguel. It was well after midnight that all the guests retired to their cabins, eagerly anticipating the next day’s offerings.

The World, the only private residential community at sea, hosted a private gathering at the new Peter Lik Gallery on Lincoln Road for friends, family and associates.

Tiffany & Co. recently invited South Florida’s ultra-chic and stylish residents to discover the allure of “Miami Chic” at a cocktail showcasing the latest fashions from renowned style and luxury leaders Blumarine, Jimmy Choo and Tiffany. The Bar at Level 25 in the Conrad Miami hosted the event along with the popular mistress of ceremonies, Telemundo’s fashionable correspondent, Azucena Cierco of Al Rojo Vivo.

Organized by Seabelle Captain Marilyn Borroto at the Key Biscayne Yacht Club, Commodore Ed London and his wife Claire greeted everyone with a flowered necklace, a dot on their forehead and a very warm namaste during this very special Indian-themed event. Guests enjoyed drinks and delicious appetizers in the Chart Room before gathering in the main dining room for a succulent Indian dinner. A Hindu dancer invited everyone to a private Kathak dance performance narrating the story of Lord Krishna and his beloved Radha; a superb performance dedicated to Shiva. The party continued, shaking bodies with great rhythms and libations until well past midnight.

Andu Restaurant & Lounge has become the official networking hub for young professionals in the Brickell area and beyond since its launch. The stylish venue, owned by Key Biscayne residents Antonio and Juan Pablo Viejo, has hosted dozens of handshakes, cocktails and menu samplings that have brought movers-and-shakers together under one roof for one-of-a-kind social experiences.

Alexander Aixala and a couple of his friends, cousins and family members joined him to celebrate his 10th B-day bowling at Lucky Strike Lanes! It was a day full of laughter, fun and enjoyment.

Fertile Earth Foundation’s Water, Water Everywhere… event was more than a success, it was the beginning of an eco-movement. Andre Balazs himself was grateful for the event’s green mission as well as for the 450+ guest turnout at his property, the exquisite boutique Raleigh Hotel. Eco-chic designers Meadow and Ecoist put on an impressive fashion show. Daniell Washington, The Ambassador of the Sea, introduced her “crew” of five eager and well-educated children to the crowd, explaining the importance of the ocean. Guests were able to sip on eco-friendly cocktails, courtesy of VeeV while watching the internationally awarded film, One Water. It’s easy being green!

Rose Calero’s birthday celebration was filled with live music, special b-day cocktails and lots of fun with friends. The birthday girl herself admits this was one of the best birthdays she’s ever had. Preparations for next year’s celebration are already in progress!

Mariano Grimaux and Sol De Camps made it a point to celebrate their birthday with style. Upon arrival, guests were greeted with a cello and violin duet and champagne before enjoying the sounds of DJ Javier Contreras amid friends, family and associates.

To raise awareness for heart disease in women, Sean and Ana Wolfington hosted an exclusive after-party for the designers, celebrities and benefactors involved with this year’s American Heart Association Red Dress Fashion Show at their waterfront home on Mashta Island. Sponsored by Bacardi, dresses for the event were created by top designers including Marc Jacobs, Richie Rich and Jennifer Lopez.

First Presbyterian International Christian School celebrated its formal inauguration at its new location at 609 Brickell Ave. The school was founded in 1998 in Key Biscayne and relocated to Brickell for the start of this school year.

Seabelle Captain Marilyn Borroto took Key Biscayne Yacht Club members on a safari in the slopes of old Kirinyaga, the sacred mountain of the Kikuyu tribe, to enjoy a game dinner at the Mount Kenya Safari Club hosted in memory of its founder, the late William Holden. A lion, a zebra and a giraffe came very close to the waterhole and revelers were able to see them up-close and personal. The most memorable fiasco of the night was when Dorothy Lomenick called the shot and her shotgun didn’t fire on time. Nevertheless, Chef Miguel made the best of it and served buffalo, venison and guinea hen, honoring his culinary skills.

Friends and family gathered to celebrate Key Biscayne resident Vicente Bustamante’s birthday at Sake Room. Guests enjoyed a magical evening full of entertainment, music and lots of laughter.

Ernesto and Veronica Peralta hosted a small dinner party at their home to get the holiday season off to the right start with family and friends. It was a great evening full of joy and holiday spirit!

The 11th Annual March of Dimes Signature Chefs & Wine Extravaganza offered gourmet and wine connoisseurs the opportunity to sample from some of the area’s best restaurants, mingle with celebrity chefs, taste incredible wines and bid on an array of fabulous auction items, with all proceeds benefitting MOD.

South Bay Group and Southbay Realty recently celebrated one of their latest projects located at 670 Warren Lane with endless cocktails that united realtors and prospects alike throughout the exciting night of networking and conversation. Immediately after the party, the house was sold.

Key Biscayne recently celebrated the inauguration of Entre Pues, a Colombian restaurant with special dishes from the land of flavor. Offering an excellent selection, exceptional quality and a surprisingly affordable menu, this new eatery is sure to get anyone coming back for more.

Six charities from Colombia under the leadership and umbrella of Give to Colombia gathered for a spectacular and breathtaking gala called BELIEVE 2008 at Jungle Island. More than 500 guests help raise funds for the children of Colombia. Guests had the pleasure of viewing a fashion show by Esteban Cortazar for the Emmanuel Ungaro House, dancing to an incredible live concert by Carlos Vives and participating in a silent auction that made the event unique, successful and unforgettable.

The Key Biscayne Community Center and Kouzine recently hosted a book signing for Ana Gonzalez’s publishing debut: De Dulce, De Sal Y De Chile. More than 100 people attended the event and left with a new literary treasure to read.

Seabelle Captain Marilyn Borroto organized a night in Seville that will remain on the minds of the Key Biscayne Yacht Club members for a while. From the dramatic black-laced tablecloths to the red carnations, the oversized fans, the sound of castanets and beyond, it was truly an affair to remember!

Morgan Stanley financial advisers Anna Somoza and Nicolas Rivero recently hosted a client appreciation soiree at Christabelle’s Quarter in Coconut Grove that allowed clients, family, friends and associates to meet and revel with the entire team.

Every year The Yacht Club hosts a magical dinner party for children and families with a cameo by Santa, who takes pictures and sings holiday songs with the kids to awaken the holiday spirit while enjoying his time aboard a nautical sleigh.

Thalia Puente and Ricardo Rongel hosted a small but delicious gourmet lunch in honor of Diana Bustamante and Rosaura Rodriguez, who celebrated their birthdays.

Hortensia Linero, family members and friends gathered to celebrate Key Biscayne resident Alberto Linero’s brithday at the new Ocean Sound’s Party Room in Key Colony. Everybody enjoyed the evening full of dancing and entertainment.

Manos Del Sur and Key Biscayne residents hosted a lunch and bazaar to raise funds to help in-need children all over the world. The event honored Our Lady of Guadalupe, on her day, Dec. 12.

On November 13th, the Key Biscayne Community Foundation in partnership with United HomeCare Services hosted a reception at Village Hall for the Alzheimer’s Association to help raise community awareness about Alzheimer’s disease. Recent Advances in Alzheimer’s Research Today and Tomorrow was the topic presented by William H. Thies, PhD, senior scientist, educator and Vice President of Medical and Scientific Relations for the Alzheimer’s Association.

Jessica de Linares, owner of the exclusive kids boutique Hippo, invited guests to her Key Biscayne home for an exclusive Christmas Trunk Show. The day was filled with fun, friends and the work of renowned designers such as kids’ artist Isa Zapata and Caty Sacco, among many others.

More than a thousand guests joined Jackson Memorial Hospital to celebrate their annual gala at the Fontainebleau Hotel. The mission was to conduct traditional philanthropic activities while independently creating and implementing other strategic entrepreneurial initiatives that financially assist Jackson Memorial Hospital in advancing its status as a world-class medical center. One of the highlights of the evening was a show by Darren Romeo.

Pollo Campero left its world famous chicken footprint at the Grand Bay Club when Patty Gutierrez, Director of Philanthropy at Campero USA, organized a reception to benefit the Ayudame A Vivir Foundation, Inc. The event was aimed at raising funds for research and treatment of children with cancer. More than $30,000 were raised to benefit these children in the U.S. and Guatemala.

The Key Biscayne Yacht Club was transformed into a ‘50s-era Cabaret Tropicana on New Year’s Eve when over 300 guests greeted 2009 with hopes of world peace, hunger relief and tolerance among human beings.

A new installation by French artist Bénédicte Blanc-Fontenille entitled Hopping On One Foot On The Rope recently made its debut at The Square, #s 29 & 30. The artist plans to make her new installation a recurring opening, with a new showing every month highlighting the the evolution of her work.

In an effort to keep clients energized for 2009, Inner Strength Studios gave samplings of some wonderful Raw Foods by Lamouy, Organic/Vegetarian Baked Goods by EcoDolci and Healthy Prepared Meals by Fit2Go. Dr. Leonard Smith, Adita Lang and Lee Zolman provided information on how to increase longevity and improve health. Inner Strength Studios prides itself in offering the latest information on exercise, nutrition and health with a customized approach to meet individual needs.

Paola Guerra hosted a lunch at her home to celebrate Elena Iturriaga’s birthday. Friends and family gathered to enjoy the delicious feast and help celebrate the birthday girl’s special day.

Casa Felipe hosted a silent auction at their haven of cigar and wine to benefit the community and show people that if you have time to enjoy the finer things in life you should also make time to give back.

Andu Bistro recently hosted a Miami City Ballet pre-gala for patrons attending the night’s show. Drinks, cocktails, appetizers and dinner kept the guests occupied until it was time for the show.