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Newcomers promise Wall-to-Wall excitement

Big openings are rare in the summer in Miami, so we welcome the spanking new W South Beach, 2201 Collins Ave., which opened quietly last weekend and is slated to do it again with a bang this weekend. But while foodies are rejoicing in the eventual arrival of Mr. Chow -- ironically positioned within blocks of its mortal enemy Philippe at the Gansevoort -- and spa junkies can't wait to linger in Bliss, to us Wall is creating the most buzz.

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Beyoncé looks fierce at Delano

Beyoncé, in town for her I Am ... Sasha Fierce show at BankAtlantic Center on Monday night, was seen walking through the Delano lobby on Tuesday morning. She left for Atlanta Wednesday, but according to a spy witness, ``She was very chill and was barely noticed. Plus, she's tiny!''

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Revolutionize your nightlife in Lauderdale

Looking for a little independence from the same old mundane nightlife? A little freedom from the Pavlovian ritual of going to the same places on the same nights, seeing the same people and having the same conversations? You're in luck. Invest in some gasoline and head up to Fort Lauderdale to check out the new W Hotel's Wet Pool Lounge and Whiskey Blue, the site of Salvation Sundays. Up on the fifth floor, where views of the ocean rival those of the scantily clad bathing beauties, the Wet pool deck...

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Stars go for the gold at publicists' wedding

people There was quite a frenzy at the wedding of Gloria Estefan's longtime publicist David Naranjo to publicist Paulina Blanco at the Estefans' Costa d'Este Beach Resort in Vero Beach last Saturday. The young ringbearer realized the rings were missing, prodding guests including Gloria and husband Emilio, and Tony Award-winning actress Bernadette Peters to frantically search the sand for the wedding bands. Maybe there were a few too many Atlantico Rum cocktails being passed around? Luckily, the rings...

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Actual talent a virtual certainty at Irie Weekend

At the fifth annual Irie Weekend benefiting Big Brothers Big Sisters Miami, we can expect some reliable celebrity appearances by people with actual talent -- unlike a bloated Kevin Federline, who kept us waiting a few years back. Look for Shaquille O'Neal, Dwyane Wade, Alonzo Mourning, Jonathan Vilma, Joey Fatone, Chris Kirkpatrick, Akin Ayodele, LMFAO and others. Nowhere on that list do we see any mention of Over-Fed. The event kicks off with a big party at Mansion at 10 p.m. Friday featuring a...

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Lobsters are steaming on hot new patio

Despite its issues with the city, which isn't too thrilled about the new waterfront patio seating, Smith & Wollensky continues to be one of the best spots for supping, sipping and summering. The new Summer Lobster Specials (appropriate since many patrons arrive looking broiled) offer Maine lobster in all sorts of incarnations, including a 2.5 pounder for $39 and surf and turf starring a 10-oz. filet mignon and 1.25-pound Maine lobster for $59 through Labor Day.

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Wolfsonian-FIU is typecast in Johnny Depp's next flick

For Johnny Depp's upcoming film Public Enemies, graphic designers Jeff Knowles and Neville Brody created a new typeface called ''New Deal,'' crediting the collection of The Wolfsonian-FIU as inspiration. The movie, directed by Michael Mann (Miami Vice), is based on a book by one of the Wolfsonian's former fellows, Alston Purvis.

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Jazid celebrates sweet 13 with all-star lineup

The beach may be a far cry from the hills of Austria, but at least this weekend, it's alive with the sound of music. Jazid's Bar Mitzvah celebration -- a 13-year milestone -- kicks off Friday and continues through the weekend with a slew of bands including Locos Por Juana and Bachaco at 8 p.m. and DJ Le Spam and the Spam Allstars, Suenalo Sound System, Local 34, The Deco Band, Fabian Hernandez, Natalie Bretoneche, Jacob Jeffries and the Max Ferber Trio beginning at 6 p.m. Saturday. Saturday's party...

Alonzo and Tracy Mourning expecting baby No. 3

Alonzo Mourning and wife Tracy attended the SoBeFIT magazine cover party at Addict boutique in Bal Harbour Thursday night, when Mrs. Mourning made quite the announcement: She is expecting a baby boy. The bouncing bundle of joy -- whose arrival date was kept secret -- will be the couple's third child.

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For summer crowd, good deals abound

All these plays on the word vacation are making us nuts -- playcation, staycation. If you ask us, it's all affectation, but that said, whatever you choose to call it, sleepover deals in your own ZIP Code are aplenty this summer -- and not just at your corner Motel 6.

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$3 valet in Design District

Not necessarily news about a star, but stellar news: As of Monday, $3 valet from 11 a.m. until 11 p.m., will be available in the Miami Design District at the five top restaurants: Michael's Genuine Food & Drink, Sra. Martinez, Fratelli Lyon, Pacific Time and Brosia. The decision came directly from Design District visionary Craig Robins, who says the valet is designed to make the district a true dining, arts/design and fashion destination just like Bal Harbour Shops.

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A new leaf for Dennis Rodman? Yes, please

Perhaps the words ''you're fired'' knocked some sense into Dennis Rodman, as the ex-Celebrity Apprentice contender and basketball star was recently spotted playing -- gasp -- subtle -- at Crobar's week-old progeny hotspot Exit 66 in Fort Lauderdale. Wearing a simple black T-shirt and jeans, he traded his usual 20-person entourage for two buddies and was on his ''best'' behavior, only polishing off half a bottle of Jagermeister, although two bottles were offered.

Get a taste of Club Med at Miami Beach

Unable to get to the Mediterranean this summer because your yacht's in the shop or because of a little problem called being broke? Don't worry, the Med is coming to you vis a vis the Mediterranean Experience Wine Challenge on Saturday at the Miami Beach Convention Center. At the event, a panel of winos -- er, judges -- taste and rate all sorts of wines to choose the Best in Show. The panel includes Hell's Kitchen season five contestant Seth Levine, among other expert swishers. Although you don't...

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The Webster to open with boost from celebrities

Fashion mavens Laure Hériard Dubreuil, Frederic Dechnik and Milan Vukmirovic are opening the doors of The Webster at 1220 Collins Ave. with a party from 7-9 p.m. June 1. Guest of honor is influential jewelry designer Solange Azagury-Partridge. Also expected at the renovated, 20,000 square-foot Art Deco hotel-turned international fashion superstore: Pharrell Williams, singer Cassie and supermodel Naomi Campbell. Cocktails will be provided by Grey Goose and fashionable hors d'oeuvres will...

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Ice-T and Coco get cozy in the Design District

Rapper Ice T and his, uh, buxom wife Coco were at the Avant Gallery in Miami's Design District on Thursday, where they ordered a color-changing LED art installation. They also purchased, according to our spy, a ''sexy chandelier by Verner Panton.'' Spy also tells us that the couple, who recently bought a new condo in Sunny Isles Beach, were very ``lovey-dovey.''

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Get the party started for 3-day weekend

In a city where almost every weekend is memorable and partying is par for the course, we almost forgot that Memorial Day weekend starts, well, now. And for those who forgot to make plans, fret not, as there's plenty to do. Consider, for example, the Downtown Pop Festival at Tobacco Road at 7 p.m. Friday, featuring three stages and 17 bands running the gamut from rock and funk to folk and punk. Music is set to last til 2:30 a.m., and drinks are 96 cents apiece. Doors open at 6; get there before 9...

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Hip resorts pool their resources, you win

Remember the days when hotel pools were for guests only? Thanks to a sluggish economy, locals can pretend they're staying at swanky places this summer because half the pools out there are open to nonguests on certain days to make the places look occupied. See? There is an upside to the economic downturn after all.

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EXXXOTICA event heats up Miami Beach

Porn stars Jesse Jane, Stoya and Riley Steele will sign autographs at EXXXOTICA Miami Beach from 2:30-5:30 p.m. Saturday at the Miami Beach Convention Center. For more information on the, uh, talent lineup, visit ExxxoticaMiami.com.

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Classics rock at New World Symphony bash

The seasons may not change much here, but they sure do come to an end -- and for some, with a bigger bang than for others. Take the Friends of the New World Symphony, for example. The group is hosting a rocking, two-hour music festival on Saturday to celebrate the end of so-called ''season.'' It's appropriately titled Symphony and Mystery because, in our own interpretation, it's a mystery as to whether summer will bring us to an audible halt of activity or, fingers crossed, vice-versa. Whatever the...

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Walk of shame from George Clooney's bungalow

George Clooney had a fine time Thursday night, hanging at Quattro with owner Nicola Siervo, a Latin beauty, and a hot blond in a black evening gown who spies say was seen doing the walk of shame from the actor's bungalow at 5 a.m. Friday morning.

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Clooney throws us into culture shock

South Beach may suffer from culture shock: A bona fide A-lister is here for a change. George Clooney is in town filming his latest flick Up in the Air. He's staying at The Delano, where he hung out poolside for sunset cocktails Thursday. According to witnesses, he signed autographs and took pix with fans and didn't seem to care about the pesky paparazzi snapping at him (surely that will change if he stays here long enough). We remember when Clooney was down here ages ago, when the hot spot du jour...

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Old Clevelander's back with a hip new look

After a two-year absence on the cocktail circuit, Ocean Drive's famed Clevelander reopens in a more sophisticated, mature incarnation. Debauchery and boozing are still encouraged, of course, but now if you're going to participate in a wet T-shirt contest there, make sure that shirt is of a better pedigree. Just kidding -- we're not sure they're even going to host those kinds of contests anymore. The multimillion-dollar renovation includes the revamping of poolside bars as well as the creation of...

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Gym Class Heroes at the Clevelander

Kicking off the Clevelander South Beach grand opening weekend: Gym Class Heroes, who will perform on Thursday along with The Academy Is. Weekend festivities also include performances by DJ Jazzy Jeff, DJ Irie, Sky Nellor, Jungle Brothers and Inner Circle. The event, which begins at 9 p.m., is open to the public.

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Everyone's invited to Vagabond's dance party

Not counting the Pavlovian jumping up and down at Ultra during WMC or in your living room during Dancing with the Stars the other night, when was the last time you danced? As much as we can't stand pop sensation Lady GaGa, she has a point when she wails ''just dance.'' Not many people dance in this VIP culture of ours, but you may feel like moving at The Vagabond, 30 NE 14th St., Miami, on Saturday night when Godfather of House Frankie Knuckles takes to the turntables. And if you don't believe us...

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Grove club getting hot with Disco Inferno

There was a time when the disco revivals were as repetitive as a Chic song. After a long pause, disco is back -- but only briefly, much to the dismay of diehard fans who would rather burn a Donna Summer tune than download hip-hop -- in the form of the Disco Inferno benefit Friday at The Club at Renaissance, 2340 SW 32nd Ave. in Coconut Grove. Benefiting the We Are Family Foundation, a nonprofit organization raising awareness about education and cultural unity created by music producer Nile Rodgers...

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It's salad at burger joint for 'Burn Notice' star Jeffrey Donovan

Burn Notice star Jeffrey Donovan is watching his physique, ordering the ME FITNESS meal (spinach, broccolini and oak leaf salad) at 8 oz. Burger Bar on Monday night. Also there, lifestyle guru Colin Cowie, who ordered the natural lamb with cave-aged Gruyere cheese, during the restaurant's karaoke hour.

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Here's a raw deal we all can appreciate

The word ''spring'' conjures up all sorts of images -- flowers, drunken college students, the slow descent into summer's stultifying slumber, and, well, you get the picture. But one thing we don't necessarily think of is sushi. At least in this city, this common comestible comes in varying degrees of quality, some top notch and others the equivalent of bad hair extensions -- fake, cheap and wannabe.

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Making concessions to the recession?

VELVET UNDERGROUND It took a recession, we guess, for people to realize that Miami was devoid of bona fide happy hours, which are now as common as a Kardashian sister sighting in South Beach -- only in this case, it's a welcome form of ubiquity. Keeping up with the jonesing is Andu Restaurant and Lounge, which has launched a Tuesday-Friday ''Choose Your Hours Wisely: Bites & Booze'' happy hour. A mouthful, indeed, but one that includes half-price premium drinks ($6), domestic beers ($3), half-price...

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They say it's her birthday; have a good time

And the beat goes on as it always does, but breaking away from the usual electronic music format of WMC is Grassroots Productions' Hello Miami, an evening of artists and DJs spanning -- and spinning -- various genres from 9 p.m. til 5 a.m. Friday at Dolce Ultra Lounge, 1501 Collins Ave., Miami Beach. Grassroots, in case you were wondering, manages the Black Eyed Peas, which explains the presence of will.i.am and Fergie (Hello Miami also doubles as the newlywed's official birthday party). The lineup...