A Fourth with Flair

By Mary Jo Almeida-Shore

For most folks, a picnic, backyard BBQ and a few explosives are the way to celebrate our nation’s birthday. But, being that the Fourth lands on a Saturday this year, (so there’s no pesky job to go to early the next morning), you may be looking for some free-wheeling, "grown-up" fun and/or late-night partying. For those of you who prefer your pyrotechnics with a bit of flair, here’s your guide to a swankified Fourth.




POOL WITH A VIEW
The Viceroy at Icon Brickell is hosting an over the top Independence Day pool party from noon to 5 p.m. on its expansive two-acre deck. The celebration features BBQ grilling, drink specials and kid-friendly wading pools. The whole family is welcome for the early BBQ, but as the sun sets, the party will become adult-centered, with DJs spinning party beats setting the scene for a chic evening beneath a canopy of the city’s best fireworks. (Displays visible from Key Biscayne, Coral Gables, Miami Beach and Downtown Miami.) This party is a bargain since there is no entrance fee, and food and drink tickets start at just $5 (one ticket is good for a hot dog or hamburger). For the super-posh experience, make a table reservation at Club 50 – the rooftop pool lounge at Viceroy, which features panoramic cityscape views. For guests who’d like to spend the night, accommodations start at just $175, and include VIP access.
For more information contact: 305-503-4400 or visit www.viceroymiami.com.





LOUNGING BLISS
Another swanky Independence Day celebration takes place at the Marcel Wanders-designed Mondrian, where you can celebrate in true South Beach style (minus the hassle) by “checking in for the day” to receive all day access to the Sunset Lounge pool deck - quite the scene-y place to watch the fireworks display over the American Airlines Arena. This package starts at $125 for two and includes deluxe hotel room accommodations until 6 p.m., enabling guests to shower and dress up before the evening’s festivities. As part of the package, guests can enjoy 20 percent off of Agua Spa treatments. Overnight packages, including daily complimentary breakfast for two, start at $195. For reservations call 800-606-6090.




RAISE THE ROOF
A fantastic rooftop soiree also takes place on the Fourth at Red, the Steakhouse, with a gourmet BBQ prepared by Executive Chef Peter Vauthy and a fireworks viewing party atop the private roof of the restaurant. Guests are invited to watch the South Beach fireworks display while feasting on delicacies including filet mignon, shrimp and scallop skewers, in addition to all of the traditional BBQ offerings. There will also be 2-for-1 specialty cocktails throughout the evening, as well as specially-priced sangria, beers, and Mojitos. Dinner starts at 6 p.m. and the bar opens at 5 p.m. No reservations are required for the rooftop party but you should make reservations if you’d like to have dinner at the restaurant. For more information, please call 305-534-3688 or go to www.redthesteakhouse.com.

ROCKIN AT NIKKI
To start the festivities a night early, consider heading to Nikki Beach Club, which is hosting two very differently themed parties on July 3. Upstairs at Club Nikki there’s a party called Pop Rocks, featuring Discotech with local fave Danny Daze on the turn tables that night. As part of this cool, 80’s Pop-themed party Lila Nikole Collection formerly A Swimwear will host a fashion show. Downstairs at Nikki Beach, Spice, a Caribbean Soca party, will take place. Cover charge for the July 3 parties is $20. No RSVP is required.
On Saturday, July 4, Nikki Beach hosts the Yes We Can party, an all-day bash that’s free to the public, and features a host of DJs, including Denis the Menace, Big World, Ralph Falcon, Stryke, Armand Pena, DJ Bruno and Felipe Kaval. The party starts at 11 a.m. and goes until 5 a.m. July 5.