Beach Buzz: Thierry’s Catering celebrates 25th anniversary
Approximately 700 guests turned out to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Thierry’s Catering and Event Design on Sept. 25. The culinary bash was held at The New World Center in Miami Beach, where Thierry’s serves as the venue’s exclusive caterer.
The home of the New World Symphony was set up with three distinct food areas/décor, representing “Then” (Rooftop); “Now (Performance Hall); and “Next” (Atrium) — Thierry’s past, present and future.
The menu featured signature delicacies including Wagyu Beef Tataki with Daikon and truffles wafu sauce and Turmeric lamb chop, Asian blossom and mint sauce.
VIP attendees included Marvin Friedman and Adrienne Bon Haes, Yolanda and Jeffrey Berkowitz, tennis star Martina Navratilova, Nancy and John Batchelor and Jennifer Valoppi and husband Christian De Berdouare.
Chef Thierry (pronounced Terry) Isambert, 52, came to Miami 25 years ago from the Champagne region in northern France to work as a turnkey operator for restaurateur investors. Afterward, he opened Hamilton on the Bay restaurant in downtown Miami, prior to starting his own catering company.
“This was the beginning of a remarkable journey building an extraordinary business and raising three children,” says Thierry’s wife Alina Isambert, who serves as the company’s president. Married 27 years, the family resides in South Miami.
Over the quarter century, the catering firm — now based north of Miami’s Design District — has grown to employ more than 75 people. Theirry was recently awarded the second highest rank of Ordre Du Merite Agricole by the French Minister of Agriculture.
“Food is the chemistry of all things,” he explains.
To learn more, call (305)635-6626 or visit www.thierrycatering.com.
FORMER SPANX EXEC TO SPEAK
The Commonwealth Institute of South Florida will host its 11th annual Leadership Luncheon from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 23 at Jungle Island in Miami. The event will feature a conversation with former Spanx CEO Laurie Ann Goldman and on-line show host Katie Kempner, chief communications officer CP+B.
A retailing executive with more than 25 years of experience, Goldman served as CEO of Spanx from 2002 to 2014. Under her leadership, the company grew from a creative hosiery startup into an international powerhouse in the shape wear industry. Prior to joining Spanx, Goldman spent 10 years at the Coca-Cola Company in marketing roles, including head of the worldwide licensing division.
New at this year’s luncheon: a pop-up marketplace featuring items from Romero Britto, Golf Girl Savvy and Love & Pieces Jewelry. A percentage of sales will benefit TCI’s scholarship fund.
Individual luncheon tickets are $125 (TCI members); $150 (non-members). Sponsorship packages are available as well.
The non-profit TCI helps women CEOs and entrepreneurs grow their businesses through peer mentoring, education and networking. Executive Director is Miami Beach resident Laurie Kay Davis. President is Jennifer Knight of Miami and New York.
For tickets or information, call (305)799-6547 or visit www.commonwealthinstitute.org.
MIFFecito
The Miami International Film Festival (MIFF) will host a mini-version dubbed MIFFecito Oct. 16-19.
“The goal is to provide a mid-season taste of what’s to come from our 32nd main edition in March 2015,” according to Festival Executive Director Jaie Laplante.
The one-time event will feature 10 films from around the world, designed to coordinate with the recent reopening of MDC’s Tower Theater, one of Miami’s oldest cultural landmarks. Located at 1508 SW Eighth St., the theater was closed for eight months to undergo “essential repairs and refurbishments.”
MIFFecito will kick off at 7 p.m. Oct. 16 with the Florida premiere of the Cuban film “Conducta” (“Behavior”). Director Ernesto Daranas and actor Hector Noas will be on hand for the screening and after-party at the (also newly reopened) Ball & Chain (across the street). Tickets for the opening night film and party are $50 each.
General admission tickets for other films are $12 each. The festival will also set up a Tinta y Café pop-up coffee house in the Tower Theater’s concession area. For a complete film listing, visit: www.MiamiFilmFestival.com or call 1-844-565-6433 (MIFF).
FINDING THE NEW NORMAL
An upcoming four-week course is designed to help individuals who stress/worry about a loved one in active addition or recovery.
“Finding the New Normal” is geared toward people who:
a) Rationalize irrational behavior to prevent further conflict;
b) Make excuses or cover up for a loved one’s behavior;
c) Isolate from friends, family and professionals in fear of feeling judged or misunderstood.
The sessions will be led by mother/daughter therapists, Alana Gissen, LCSW and Helene Gissen, MSW, who specialize in substance abuse therapy.
The course will be held from 7 to 8 p.m. Monday evenings: 10/20, 10/27, 11/3 and 11/7 at Your Meeting Place, 20630 Biscayne Blvd., second floor, in Aventura. Cost is $60 per session; $200 for the four weeks. Registration deadline is Oct. 15.
To sign up, email Alana@southbeachtherapist.com or call 786-260-7738. To learn more about Your Meeting Place, contact Bari Schanerman at 305-792-9917 or visit www.yourmeetingplace.com.
Beach Buzz appears every other Sunday, and focuses on people and businesses throughout the Beaches, Aventura and Miami. To reach Debra K. Leibowitz, call 305-531-7887 or email beachbuzz@att.net, or become a fan of her Beach Buzz page on Facebook.
This story was originally published October 8, 2014 at 7:15 PM with the headline "Beach Buzz: Thierry’s Catering celebrates 25th anniversary."