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Lesley Abravanel covers nightlife in her weekly column, Velvet Underground, in which she scopes the scene for stars, scandal and social studies. A former wanna-be clubkid in the late 80s NYC club scene heyday, she skipped town for Miami, where she's been since 1990--the so-called halcyon days of South Beach clubdom. While combing the scene definitely calls for lots of vitamins, under eye cream and Red Bull, the key ingredient to Lesley's undying energy is a daily bowl of gossip. In her scant spare time, she enjoys American Idol, karaoke and dive bars. She also writes travel books about the entire state of Florida, day and night. Send Lesley your questions regarding nightlife, rumors and gossip. Non monetary tips and daily rants are greatly appreciated as well. Read more from Lesley about the Scene in the Tropics in her weblog.
Submitted by Charlotte from Winter Spring Florida
Q: Lesley, still no sightings of Jennifer Aniston, John Mayer, Owen Wilson or Vince Vaughn. Did these folks evaporate?
Answered 04/29/08 12:18:57 by Lesley Abravanel
A: Hey Charlotte! I think they did evaporate!! So odd......not a single sighting. But that will change quickly I am sure...stay tuned..or maybe they are in YOUR hood! :) Charlotte--I just posted an update...check it out on the blog!Submitted by Ron Fabulous from Wilton Manors, FL
Q: Woo Hoo Lesley, I almost hooked up with Jim Carrey at Halo! He is soooooooo hot!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! What's the plan for this weekend?? Do you know anything about the gay rodeo in Orlando???? Let's go wrangle up some studs!
Answered 04/24/08 11:36:22 by Lesley Abravanel
A: they're in town all weekend so go saddle up with them and let me know every lurid detail!! no i dont know about the gay rodeo in orlando but sounds very, uh, rugged!Submitted by vanessa from miami
Q: hey lesley, I heard the Dolce Group is opening up a lounge on 15th and Ocean Drive. Is this the same group that owns Geisha House, Dolce, and Les Deux in L.A? Obviosly they don't know this location is cursed!! and hopefully they can turn it around.
Answered 04/21/08 00:05:58 by Lesley Abravanel
A: Really?! This is the first I've heard this. I will check into it...Isn't that the former billboard/chakra lounge space? Cursed indeed!Submitted by Nahla from NYC
Q: Lesley, what is up with Prive???? Serveral of my friends from Europe, 2 British, the other French, all Black, were denied entry 3 times on 2 different occasions at Prive, I believe the term used by the BLACK doorman was " sorry, try next door because we've reached our quota on YOU guys" and he made sure he emphasized the word "YOU GUYS" so it doesnt take a rocket scientist to figure out what he meant..(they're gorgeous ladies might I add and college educated and dress like they're right off the catwalk) Im in NYC and they visited Miami Beach and called me after I told them about some clubs to go to.. have you heard anything about racist door policies there??? Obrigado Lesley
Answered 04/18/08 12:36:42 by Lesley Abravanel
A: That's crazy....I have heard some stories here and there but if you want I can get a proper reply from the Prive folks...stay tuned. Here is the official reply from Vanessa Menkes, VP of communications for Opium Group: Prive welcomes guests of all height, weight, color, and age, though often getting past the legendary velvet rope shows no rhyme or reason. A doorman’s job is making sure that there is enough room left for the "regulars" who invariably show up and demand immediate entry. For what its worth, my phone rings off the hook on Fridays from my pretty girl friends who dress to kill, even they know they need to make a call to me if they don’t want to gamble with the velvet rope.Submitted by Beth McLoughlin from London, UK
Q: Hi Lesley, I've been checking out your blog and I wondered if it might be possible to chat to you at some point about Owen Wilson! I spoke to someone else in Miami who said you are the person with your finger on the pulse when it comes to the social scene there, so it would be great to speak to you about what Owen has been up to recently. It's nearly 5pm here now and I'm off to Belgium in a few minutes, but perhaps we could chat on Monday? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Hope you have a great weekend, Beth McLoughlin Deputy News Editor NOW Magazine IPC Media=20 The Blue Fin Building 110 Southwark Street London SE1 0SU
Answered 04/18/08 12:02:19 by Lesley Abravanel
A: email me at Lank@aol.comSubmitted by Patrice Lumumba from L.A., CA
Q: I heard that Michael Jordan is dating a blond hostess at Prime 112 named Yvette. Is that true???
Answered 04/17/08 14:53:27 by Lesley Abravanel
A: He was but we haven't seen them together or heard anything lately..they were hot and heavy last year...could still be going on, though, as he's been here a lot lately.Submitted by Cane from DWNTWN, Miami
Q: Have you heard of any Exxxotica afterparty's yet? Especially the ones, where they may give out free samples! Will the former NY governer be in town? Or maybe the now famous call girl chick?
Answered 04/16/08 18:25:27 by Lesley Abravanel
A: Samples of Client No. 9's DNA may be available at the following: Digital Playground's exclusive contract super star, Jesse Jane® will make her debut appearance at Exxxotica Miami on Saturday, April 19th. The busty, blonde XXX favorite will meet and greet fans from 2-6 PM at the "Fantasy Island" booth, which is hosted by Genesis magazine. Following the signing, Jesse will take her talents to the main stage at the Miami Convention Center, where she is hosting the prestigious Ms. Exxxotica pageant. "With Jesse Jane on hand to meet and greet tens of thousands of fans, EXXXOTICA is anticipating its most successful show to date," says show creator, J. Handy. "We are honored to add a star of her caliber to the talent roster. We have wanted Jesse since day one so we are extremely happy that she is able to attend this year's show." Jesse echoes his excitement, "I love Miami and I'm on my way down to rock it. I'll be giving away FREE movie posters to EVERYONE who shows up and in addition to some of my fabulous Digital Playground movies, I'm also offering the brand new Genesis magazine with ME on the cover." Jesse will also be hosting the shows' official after party at one of the city's hottest clubs, Glass inside The Forge on Saturday night. Glass is the place for the South Beach elite to party, and it's only fitting that Jesse rubs shoulders with the swanky crowd all night long. Glass is located at 432 W 41st Street in Miami Beach; for VIP, bottle service, ticketing and more information call (305) 401-5000 or visit www.theforge.com. Jesse sends a special message to all the hot ladies in Miami, "Hey y'all, the party doesn't get started until the sun goes down and I'll be waiting for you at Glass, so if you've got it, bring it. We can make out all night."Submitted by marcia from sanibel,florida
Q: Leslie dahling, am coming to Miami for the weekend and want to take my gorgeous daughter and her fabulous friend out for a celebratory dinner. Any suggestions?
Answered 04/16/08 18:24:02 by Lesley Abravanel
A: You mean a 'celebrity' dinner because you are coming? Well, I hear Maison D'Azur is THE place for the fabulati and I shall alert the media about it post haste!Submitted by Ron Fabulous from Wilton Manors, fL
Q: Lesley Baby! Thanks for the response girl! Me and my boy toys are going down to the beach again this weekend... lots of cute permiscuis latin men! Don't worry though we always use protection!!!!! You gotta come see your boys in WM... maybe do an article on the gorgeous culture and naughty hook ups! LYLAS!
Answered 04/16/08 12:32:16 by Lesley Abravanel
A: Excellent! Did you check out halo?Submitted by Charlotte from Winter Spring Florida
Q: We haven't heard anything about Jennifer Aniston or Owen Wilson in over a week. No pictures either. What's going on?
Answered 04/14/08 18:32:46 by Lesley Abravanel
A: Hahah, zzzz. Nothing at all!Submitted by vanessa from miami
Q: hey leslie, So what happened to Tao? did it fell through? is Pure @ the Fountainbleu still in the works? and when is Louis by Opium opening up? oh wait another question,besides Friday nights what other nights are good at Badrutt's place in brickell? i heard alot about this place. thank you so much.
Answered 04/14/08 10:55:52 by Lesley Abravanel
A: Tao still hasnt made anything official so not yet...Pure at the Fontainbleau still plans to open whenever that hotel opens and Louis by Opium at Gansevoort not for a few months...Badrutt's is good on Thursday nights also! Love Badrutt's.Submitted by Ron Fabulous! from wilton manors, fl
Q: Hey Baby Girl! What's the haps for a gay guy in south beach this weekend???? where are all my boy toys going? holla! :)
Answered 04/10/08 15:57:36 by Lesley Abravanel
A: Ron Fab, I thought they all went to Wilton Manors!! Try Halo off Lincoln Road!Submitted by SuperFox from Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Q: Hi, Lesley! What's it like at the Y Ultralounge? What kind of music do they play? What's the best night to go? Thanks! Love the blog, btw!
Answered 04/09/08 22:42:34 by Lesley Abravanel
A: thanks and the music is mostly hip hop and Thursday nights are the most popularSubmitted by Daniel from NYC
Q: Hey L.. Great blog... What are the best lounges for business professionals in Brickell? On Thursday? Friday? Saturday? Could be after work on Thursday and Friday? What times? Thanks for the help..
Answered 04/08/08 14:55:59 by Lesley Abravanel
A: There are several new ones! Check out segafredo off Brickell and my fave, Badrutt's Place---awesome any night but Friday is a big night....Submitted by Barry from New York, NY
Q: Hey Lesely, What is a good time to get to the Sunday pool party at the Shore Club? Is the dress beach atire? Thanks
Answered 04/07/08 20:49:52 by Lesley Abravanel
A: 7 pm is a good time or around sundown...beach attire is totally cool.Submitted by Hugh Perry from Jacksonville, FL
Q: Hi Lesley, was in SOBE this weekend and saw my kind of ladies at The Fifth on Friday. Where does that crowd go on Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday? Thanks.
Answered 04/07/08 20:48:42 by Lesley Abravanel
A: Same kind of crowd, Hugh! Glad you liked it!Submitted by David from Miami Beach, Fl
Q: Where is the big Sunday party now? I heard it moved from the Raleigh to the Shore Club? I think its Tommy's party. Thanks
Answered 04/04/08 17:03:34 by Lesley Abravanel
A: Yep. It's at the Shore Club, called Shore Thing Sundays. Same party, different pool!Submitted by mc from nyc
Q: What's the latest with the Clevelander renovation? have they opened at least the inside bar yet ? Thnks
Answered 04/03/08 14:23:45 by Lesley Abravanel
A: Nope, they aren't done with construction yet...Submitted by Mary Katthryn from Norfolk, VA
Q: You blog - and you RESPOND to emails. Amazing! You deserve a raise ASAP - or a case of Cuervo. Thanks so much for the hotel suggestions. Thank the lord I don't have to stay at the Inn. Hopefully there will be a hotel that won't rip me off. And tell Owen my husband doesn't mind sharing a room with him. I think I heard he like threesomes...
Answered 04/02/08 12:49:06 by Lesley Abravanel
A: MK, spread the word (re:raise--and the threebie with Owen, of course!) Have fun and keep me posted!Submitted by Mary Kathryn from Norfolk, VA
Q: Hey Leslie! Love your blog - I read it every morning. Anyway - I have been obsessed with planning a trip to Miami for the past 3 years. I am turning the BIG 2-5 (ha ha) in August. I want to book a trip Thurs-Sunday. Where should I stay? I'd be going with my husband. And I think I want to keep it around $1200/person with flight and hotel. But I want a good hotel - with an awesome pool scene. Close to the beach. Does that mean I have to stay at a Days Inn? Or should I just leave the husband at home and shack up with Owen Wilson...I'm a petite blonde, nice figure and I love bike rides & balconies. HA HA HA!!! :) Thanks - Mary Kathryn
Answered 04/02/08 10:48:59 by Lesley Abravanel
A: Ok, MK, we're keeping you away from Owen! August is considered OFF season so you may be able to get a decent deal at a great hotel and not necessarily Days Inn...check now for August rates at Raleigh, Shore Club and Delano..if those are still too rip offy, go across the street to Catalina Hotel and Beach Club or even a bit more off the beaten path but very fabulous to the Standard Hotel ...let me know what you decide and in the meantime we'll let Owen know you'll be here..:)
