Yelp Spice Trade Event at Mandarin Oriental, Miami

We had the distinct pleasure of hosting Yelp Miami’s first open event! Over 600 yelpers, an exquisite fire dancer, belly dancers, a 6ft. sand-fire castle, a champagne ice bar and more than 20 sponsors convened on Mandarin Oriental, Miami's private 20,000 sq. ft. white sand beach overlooking Miami’s glittering skyline. Apart from an entertaining and incredible evening, the event raised over $1,000 for the local charity, Women of Tomorrow.

Special thanks to Maria Arguello, of Yelp, and Jourden Binder, Manager Partner of The Workshop, whose Artisan Brands is the first and only artisanal distilled spirits distributor in Florida. They brought some of their much loved spirits to help liven up the festivities including Gran Sierpe Pisco, Ron Cartavio rum, Nicholas Gin and Touch Vodka. A bow to Johnny Starman, with Sentinels of Sand, as well as Mitchell Berman at Miami Henna and the many vendors that contributed to the event’s complete success!

Following are but a few quotes from attendees of the event:

• The location - Mandarin Oriental, set on their private beach on Brickell Key, was amazing! With a fabulous view of the Miami skyline, the water, the hotel itself, as well as the cabanas and the Indian-like beds that were set out for our party... The sunset there was beautiful... and the setting couldn't be any more perfect for Yelp’s first open event! :) - Judy N
• Thank you Mandarin Oriental. I could go on and on about the view of the city, the sandy beach and comfy lounge beds, the delicious dim sum and the hand massages. But the clincher was actually when the party was over. That was the quickest, most orderly and polite valet I have ever experienced. We were told to expect a wait, with so many people attending. All of our party hadn't even made it to the front before the car was brought around. - Michelle C
• The staff at the Mandarin Oriental- text book example of gracious hosting - professional, courteous, helpful - no surprise this place is among the best of the best - Gustavo L
• Once inside I explored my surroundings a bit and went straight for the Mandarin Oriental area. They had four dumplings, each being more awesome than the next. It started with pork, then veggies (filled with edamame), chicken and last but not least, the shrimp dumplings, which were one of my favorite pieces of food of the evening. After a few repeat visits - yes, the shrimp was that good. - Ramon C

For more images and information on this fabulous event visit Yelp's website.

Spectacular Showcase at The Wedding Salon in NYC

I just returned from New York, where Mandarin Oriental, Miami, Mandarin Oriental Riviera Maya, and Mandarin Oriental, New York had the pleasure of participating in The Wedding Salon. The Wedding Salon is a luxury bridal event designed to showcase the best professionals within the wedding industry. This past show, hosted at the Roosevelt Hotel in New York City, attracted more than 3,000 guests for a Winter Wonderland bridal fantasy.

We were delighted to be a part of an event that featured trendsetting tabletop designs, including Mandarin Oriental’s winter wonderland design created by renowned New York designer, Frank Alexander.

Leading entertainment and wedding expert David Tutera was in attendance to unveil his latest elegant bridal fashions.

Mandarin Oriental, Miami was delighted to partner with one of South Florida’s premiere entertainment and planning resources, Cheryl Beitler, of the Zanadu Group, who provided elegant ballerinas that floated down the runway scattering rose petals before David and the models made their debut. And of course the topping on the cake was meeting celebrity cake maker Sylvia Weinstock, on hand to display some of her most spectacular and delectable creations.