B Scene with Brooke Palmer  |
Hot Summer Nights. Cool Events.
The hot weather heated up some of the best events of the year, and made for some cool summer nights out. It’s no surprise that Seagrapes and Ryan Nece’s gala were huge hits. And Ken Walters, aka, the mayor of South Tampa and his partners in the group Less than 6 degrees Tampa Bay are doing happy hours on both sides of the Bay.
Seagrapes, the signature fundraiser for the Florida Aquarium, had its best year yet with over 900 in attendance and a record 25 restaurants. Much like years past the event was fun, but this year The String Divas, led by Betsy Goode, shook the Aquarium up with their rock and roll string performances. Not to be outdone, Armani’s came back to the VIP room, setting the tone for the evening. Local favorites 717 South, Ceviche, The Venue, and NoHo Bistro were on hand with beach representation by Postcard Inn’s Wildwood BBQ and the Lobster Pot. Wildwood’s Chef Henry Fiorillo was a crowd favorite with his pulled pork mini-sliders. Seen snacking were Sandy and Brendan McLaughlin, Wendy Ryan, event chair Jennifer Closshey, Neiman Marcus’ Patty Masin and Kim Macaluso, and Ceviche’s Philip and Joe Orsino.
Former Buccaneer Ryan Nece held his fourth annual foundation gala with more than 300 guests with the theme – Captured the Moment. Earlier in the day, guests were taken on a limo scavenger hunt with cameras and celebrities capturing moments all over Tampa Bay. The winners were then awarded prizes at the gala later that evening. Supporting Ryan were his father Ronnie Lott, Marcus Allen, Shaun Merriman, Jaleel White (yes, Urkel), Barrett Ruud, Shelton Quarles, Earnest Graham, Josh Freeman, Michael Clayton, Nico Koutouvides, Adam Hayward, and a slew of other Bucs and NFL players.
Although I joke about Ken Walters being the mayor of South Tampa, I’m not sure how much of it isn’t really true! His latest installment of fun with Less than 6 Degrees Tampa Bay was founded by him, Vinny Tafuro, and several others with the idea of networking on both sides of the bay. Their last event was held at Restaurant BT in South Tampa. Mingling in the masses were Camille Wilson, Carissa Caricato, Carol Grow, and Dale Appel.
Lastly, my twinkle toes are Dancing with the Stars. On September 11, I’ll be hustling across the dance floor to a little Earth, Wind and Fire for three good causes. And yes, I am gratuitously asking for votes via my entertaining column. Log on to vote for me at dancingforcharity.com/brooke_palmer.html, or come out and support us at TPepin’s Hospitality Centre. It will be worth your donation, trust me!
Now get out there and B Scene!
—Brooke Palmer |
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