Happy Hour with Henrietta, Queen of South Beach
I had seen Henrietta at Twist many times, but never really had the opportunity to speak with her until one day last year when I sat down next to her for a quick happy hour drink. I ended up having a fascinating history lesson about South Beach and Henrietta’s life for several enthralling hours that could fill a must-read biography book. What a life Henrietta, the Queen of South Beach, has lived!
Henrietta’s mom was an Italian Catholic and her father was a German Jew in Boston, back in a time when many did not believe in mixed marriages. According to Henrietta, when her own grandmother found out he was a gay boy she said, “See what happens when you mix blood.” Henrietta wanted to be herself, so she ran away from home and came to South Beach, where her uncle Mario owned a very popular Italian restaurant with ties to the mob. There, she honed her abilities to cook delicious, mouth-watering Italian dishes. Mario took Henrietta under his wing, and she hasn’t been out of drag since 1958.
Those were the years when the mob ruled the beach and its influence reached all the way into the police department. Among the many stories Henrietta shared with me, she remembers fondly how when the cops ever raided an establishment where she was, they would take care of Henrietta and provide a police escort and ride home — in deference to her uncle Mario and his Italian friends. She also recalls with a smile going to Gianni Versace’s home for parties and making homemade lasagna.
This Sunday, March 24, Henrietta will be celebrating her 72nd birthday at Twist from 4-9 p.m. Stop by for a few drinks. Henrietta will also be cooking some of her delectable signature dishes!
Cheers,
Publisher & Editor in Chief
rafa@wiremag.com
“To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.” - Ralph Waldo Emerson
(Photos provided by Henrietta)
This article was originally published in Wire Magazine Issue #12, 2013
Living in a W Paradise
(Photos by Blue Ocean Photography, Luxury Real Estate & Architectural Photography)
By Rafa Carvajal
Miami Beach is a beautiful place to live. In our new Living in Paradise section of Wire Magazine we are going to showcase some spectacular homes. This week we focus on a one-of-a-kind $7.5 million, 3 bedroom / 3 bath oceanfront paradise in the uber trendy W Hotel South Beach. The unit was created by joining three gorgeous oceanfront condo hotel units (1227, 1229 and 1230) on the 12th floor, northeast corner of 2301 Collins Avenue and comes with access to private concierge, private beach club, gym and basketball courts. Each one of the home’s three bedrooms features its own private sitting area. You will also very much enjoy the in-suite baths, wet bars, full kitchen, and three individual private terraces.
This custom designed home with interiors by Yabu Pushelberg wraps the corner with two walls of glass and the oceanfront face of the building and incorporates ultra modern, state-of-the-art technologies, such as the remote controlled Lutron lighting system you can use to choose between six different light settings. With the touch of one bedside button all lighting can be extinguished when it’s time to sleep. The home also features an amazing Bang and Olufsen AV system including home theater surrounds in both the living room and master bedroom of 1229, as well as network integrated 3D Smart Blu-ray players and iPod docks in each room, a 2 terabyte music server integrated into the living room with 13,000 internet radio stations from all over the world, a state-of-the- art, rack mounted, integrated whole home AV system connected by high speed, high definition Cat 7 providing multi-zone distribution to any or all rooms, a wide selection of audio and video sources including Apple TV, Sonos, TVIX, 3D Smart Blu-ray, Mac Mini computer, and two independent Dish Satellite DVRs, plus a secure private high speed (50-75MPS) internet connection completely independent from that of the hotel.
The W Hotel South Beach (named by Travel & Leisure as “World’s Best Hotel 2011”) is a $400 million ultraluxe showplace designed by famed architect Costas Kondylis, with two world class restaurants onsite (Mr. Chow and The Dutch), world class artwork and sculpture from artists such as Damien Hirst, Michel Basquiat, Andy Warhol, Richard Serra, Kenny Scharf and Tomw Sachs on display in the public spaces, and world famous Bliss Spa.
This unique privately owned residence is available for showing by appointment and is eligible for the W Hotel rental program. Please contact Tom Belcher to schedule a private showing at 305-588-1441 or tom@tombelcher.com. You may also visit Tom’s website www.tombelcher.com or like his Facebook page, Tom Belcher Miami Real Estate, for the latest in local real estate news and current events.
This article was originally published in Wire Magazine Issue #11, 2013
Winter Party URGE at Cameo is sick!!!
New Mobile Site: Wire Magazine’s Going Out Weekly Calendar of Events
Going Out? Check out Wire Magazine’s new mobile site www.wiremag.com/goingout on your smartphone for details on where to go and what to do every week! Our weekly calendar of events is at your fingertips on your smartphone, Wire Magazine & www.wiremag.com.
Submission: Miami Beach’s Erotic Dance Party Without Boundaries
By Rafa Carvajal & Antwyone Ingram
Photo by Cherry Daring Photography.
We all know Miami has a wild side. The question is, how wild can it get? If you are looking for something different to do this weekend, look no further than Submission’s 2nd Anniversary Party. I caught up with Robert Frost, founder of the Submission monthly fetish party, to learn how Wire’s readers can join the fun at this erotic dance party without boundaries. What are your Submission parties all about? Freedom of expression through music, dance and dress attire. The Submission parties are all about letting your hair down and having some fun. The one word to describe the Submission parties is fun, fun, fun; even though that’s three words (laughs). Even though the party takes place in the heart of South Beach, we don’t abide by South Beach nightclub policies, which tend to be pretentious, snooty and not to mention, way overpriced.
Tell our readers who are unfamiliar with the fetish scene what they can expect to see at Submission’s 2nd Anniversary Party?
One could expect to see the hottest alternative fetish and entertainment model in the country, known as Mosh. She is performing in South Beach for the very first time and our community is really excited about seeing her perform.
Our music at Submission can simply be explained as “erotic dance music without any boundaries,” as it is a mix of hard-driving beats chosen out of many genres ranging from techno, industrial, house, tribal, edm and anything odd we can throw in the mix. We feel that Submission is all about pushing the boundaries and the music speaks for itself. Our DJs incluce: DJ Danny Bled (Alter Ego, Groovejet, The Castle and Liquid (Tampa)), DJ Essential 6 (Vagabond, Kill Your Idol, Grand Central), DJ Dracula’s Daughter (Electric Pickle, Eve, & Mekka), DJ Zehno (Score, Miami Beach Gay Pride, and Mova Lounge), DJ Machinist (Fetish Factory, Rokbar, and Treehouse), and DJ Ninebreaker (Exit, Tantra, and Vagabond).
What are some of the most common fetishes you see at Submission?
Rope bondage and suspension, costumes and dressing up, flogging and spanking, master and slave, restraints, collars, candle wax, role-play, discipline, and cross-dressing.
Is an obvious fetish or dress code required to be permitted entry into Submission? Yes, we do have a dress code and it’s enforced for every party depending on the theme. Latex/leather, vinyl/PVC, cyberpunk, steampunk, fetish glam, kinky drag, gothic/punk, victorian, and fetish gear. Our theme parties consist of twisted circus, military, medical/insane asylum, doomsday, and seven deadly sins, among some new themed events for the upcoming year.
What influenced you to create this monthly party?
My influence came from growing up in New York City where I was part of a goth/punk scene in the East Village during the early ’90s. Back in those days it was about the music. Also, I would frequent other clubs such as Red Zone, The World, and Save The Robots, Tunnel and Club USA – which were more of the underground house music scene along with spectacular performances.
I’ve been living in Miami Beach for almost 20 years and seen it all, from the underground gay scene back in the late ’80s along with the height of the model era during the early ’90s. Back then Miami Beach was the hottest underground city in the country. The good old days of Warsaw, Paragon, Salvation and Groove Jet are apparently gone along with the loss of great parties such as Back Door Bamby and The Church to the Downtown scene.
The music, along with the local scene, has gotten redundant and stagnant. It seems like every major club plays that Top 40 stuff and there’s no more mixed crowds. So, as a result of Miami Beach going mainstream, I decided to create Submission, which in my opinion is as underground as it gets. Miami Beach needs an injection of creativity and Submission is that steroid.
Is Miami’s fetish scene for the most part underground or is the community very large?
For the most part it’s underground and the community is rather small. We don’t have that population factor that other major cities have. For example, New York City has about 8 million people that border 100 blocks and that’s one of the dozens of reasons why I left 20 years ago. But we do have tons of fetish related events within driving distance of Miami Beach. Fetish Factory is the biggest party in North America based in Broward, along with several other events such as Electrolust (Hollywood), Secretroom (Atlanta), Taboo (Tampa), The Church (Miami), The Kitchen (Miami), and Legion (Miami). One of the aspects that I love about all of these awesome parties is that we all respect each other’s events and believe in expanding this small community of ours to include many more friends.
How does it feel to reach your 2-year milestone?
It’s an amazing feat considering the party started during the height of the real estate downfall along with the stock market crash. Plus I never promoted before, so I feel that all of the blood, sweat and tears that went into Submission is finally paying off. Submission has a following of anywhere from 200 - 300 loyalist and that’s a humbling feeling. It seems like yesterday that I had an idea for one of my birthday parties that went AWOL. It’s an inspiring feeling that Submission at one point was just a birthday party and now has spiraled into what it is today. The fact that I’ve been living in South Beach for almost 20 years and experienced every type of scene makes me feel that creating something that’s never been done before is definitely an accomplishment.
Is Submission everything you envisioned it would be?
Yes and then some. Our next step is to get Submission on the road. We already did parties in Key West for Fantasy Fest and Fetcon In Tampa. Also, Submission for the past 2 years has been attached to Exxxotica here in Miami and was the most popular booth with a full on live dungeon along with demonstrations. Submission is looking to broaden its horizons and travel to other cities such as NYC, LA, San Francisco, Las Vegas, Chicago, Atlanta and Montreal.
How do you select your talent for Submission?
I don’t hire talent that just wants a paycheck. Most of my team has been with me since day one, and we all believe in making Submission the most outlandish party that South Beach has ever witnessed through the music, arts, performances and themed events. Most importantly, we really enjoy the energy and the fun we create for our guests, along with some fun for ourselves because we all need to let loose. In our case, we pretty much celebrate Halloween once a month. I’m a firm believer in the phrase, “there’s no I in TEAM.” I’m only as good as my team. When my team is on full throttle mode then I’m the happiest person in the world.
What advice can you give to those who may be too shy to openly attend Submission?
Try to go with a group of friends and be open-minded to the music, shows and dress attire. Don’t worry, we won’t bite unless you want us too. So stop by Dream Nightclub this weekend and have fun with us!
Submission 2nd Anniversary Fetish Ball. Sunday, February 17. Open bar 10 - 11p.m. Dream Nightclub. 1532 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach
Rocking It Paula Style!
By Rafa Carvajal
Photos Credit: © Troy Robertson, © Michael Pisarri
“Our food revolves around fresh and seasonal. We work with a lot of farmers in Florida that are growing and raising amazing products and delivering right to our kitchen.” - Paula DaSilva
Last year I wrote a cover story in issue 7 about two of Miami’s superstar chefs that would amaze you – visit www.wiremag.com and click on the past issues tab to read it. One of the chefs was Paula DaSilva, Executive Chef at 1500°, the only Florida restaurant featured in food critic John Mariani’s annual Esquire magazine “The Best New Restaurants in America” in 2011. So when I heard that Paula and her team had introduced a new menu and new cocktails I had to stop by for an update.
My dining experience was simply outstanding. I had an opportunity to enjoy a wide range of Paula’s menu items and the ingredients and flavor combinations were both delicious and prepared to perfection. I loved the House-Smoked Duck Breast Salad, the Smoked Fish Dip, the Grilled Octopus, the Palmetto Creek Farms Pork Belly Tacos, the Grilled Black Grouper, and the Florida Grass Fed Wagyu Ribeye Steak and all the fresh accompaniments to each one of the dishes.
Please tell Wire’s readers who may have not dined at 1500º about your restaurant and the type of cuisine your offer?
Our food revolves around fresh and seasonal. We work with a lot of farmers in Florida that are growing and raising amazing products and delivering right to our kitchen. We are constantly evolving out rustic style of cuisines to bring diners a new experience every time.
What was your inspiration behind the new menu and new drinks?
We are always inspired first and foremost by the product. My team and I also dine out and read about what is happening in the culinary world. Our food and cocktails seem simply done, however, this allows the ingredient to come through in both the food and drink.
What are your most popular items from the new menu and new drinks? Why do you think so?
I think some of our most popular items right now are the House Cured Duck Breast Salad with baby kale and pomegranate vinaigrette. The Grouper has also taken on some new garnishes which include pickled eggplant and vegetables from Swank Farms and a coconut curry sauce. The Ruby Fizz and the Berry Rosemary seem to be some really big hits because of how refreshing and light the combinations are together.
Why would you recommend that our readers consider taking their significant other out for a nice Valentine’s Day dinner at 1500º?
This year we are keeping our regular a-la-cart menu available to those diners who want to go out for that special dinner, but don’t want to be stuck paying a high ticket price and being locked into a tasting menu.
What can our readers expect when they dine at your restaurant?
They can expect friendly and engaged service, great cocktails and great food.
Give us an update on what else is new at 1500º.
We are always trying to keep this interesting; so if you were here two or three months ago, more than likely you will find some new food and drinks to taste.
1500°. Eden Roc Renaissance Miami Beach. 4525 Collins Avenue. Miami Beach.
Wire Magazine is the ultimate guide for arts, entertainment, dining, cultural events, music, nightlife & news for the gay and lesbian community in South Florida. Check out our website at www.wiremag.com 
