Scene in the Tropics

Oprah to the Rescue (Again)

Before she officially takes over the universe, Oprah is getting her hands wet in the reality show biz,  currently filming a show, The Biggest Give (airing this summer on ABC), where contestants receive a certain amount of money and have to do good with it. This past weekend, the show filmed on La Gorce Island, in Cher's old house, and on Saturday, with $500,000 in the kitty, the contestants went to Miami Children's Hospital where they had lawyers open bank accounts for the kids in the critical ward. While Oprah wasn't in town for this good deed, you can be sure she'll take her share of the credit. To her credit, we think it's a lot better than hearing about hers and Gayle's Thelma and Louise-style road trips.

Gisele Bites From the Rotten Apple

After making her requisite appearance at Karu & Y last night with her two sisters, model Gisele Bundchen crossed back over the causeway and landed at Set, for the Thursday night cocktail a go go called Rotten Apple. Bundchen quickly put the pregnancy rumors to rest, arriving "in head to toe, body hugging black spandex pants and matching tank with no baby bump in sight." Bundchen sat with owners Eric and Francis Milon and promoter Navin Chatani, sipping on cocktails and dancing to The Strokes and Lily Allen. Robin Thicke was also there. More interesting, however, was the appearance of actress Michelle Rodriguez and "an attractive female friend." Rodriguez was, according to one spywitness, "practically swinging from the chandeliers."

Booty-dish-ous

Beyonce and Jay Z may have come out to play some poker Saturday night at the Dewars 12 event hosted by Alex Rodriguez  and benefiting the Boys and Girls Clubs of Miami, but it seems Beyonce had more on her mind that playing a poker game. The bootylicious star-- whose booty seems to be shrinking down in size-- spent her night with Sol Sotheby's Marketing Director Joy Longhino looking at the $14.7 million dollar Indian Creek estate that just happens to be up for sale. And while Beyonce examined every room in the house asking about woods and marbles, she went crazy for the kitchen, of all things. Sources say that Beyonce wouldn't mind this place as her new love nest with boyfriend Jay-Z.

Forging a frenzy.

Last night's 12 year anniversary of the Forge's Wednesday night bachannal was a complete circus--in a good, Cirque du Soleil kind of way. In one corner, tennis ace Venus Williams--at owner Shareef Malnik's table, of course. In another corner, Ja Rule, hanging tight, in town for the zillion dollar bat mitzvah of socialite spawn, Amber Ridinger. Also in the house, Roberto Cavalli and Evander Hollyfield. Not to mention every South Beach socialite from Thomas Kramer and Peter Loftin to Beau Beasley, Elaine Lancaster and Miami New Times celebrity, Gil Padia.

Like, a virgin

British entrepreneur and Virgin brand owner, Sir Richard Branson, arrived for a quick lunch at Lincoln Road's Sushi Samba just before Wilma hit. The millionaire arrived solo and very incognito in a black limo.  Branson munched on the restaurant’s famous chicken teriyaki and some sushi while his driver waited patiently outside. After lunch – and before paying the bill – Richard went straight to his car only to send his assistant to pay the bill on his behalf. Bollocks! His assistant?