Denys Alt

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.

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.

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.