Fine Italian food, elegant décor, stylish clientele and sexy Italian cars
On January 14, a private grand opening celebration was held in Palm Harbor at Ferrari of Tampa Bay. This classic affair was black tie optional. As you can imagine being a personal stylist, my first thought is, “What should I wear?” An easy decision, I choose a classic black formal dress accessorized with a beautiful diamond necklace for this glamorous occasion. Let’s not forget my purple wine colored Louis Vuitton clutch to top it off with a pop of color as I head out to mingle with this elite crowd. For those who don’t know the meaning of colors, purple is a color of royalty & luxury, the perfect color to accentuate my outfit. Feeling fabulous as I pull into the parking lot right at 7:00, a line of beautiful exotic cars are waiting for valet to park. The flowing lawn outside is covered with a display of stunning new Ferraris!
I walk in and a beautiful woman welcomes everyone with a smile as a photographer awaits to snap a photo. It’s bright inside with sounds of live music coming from the saxophone player. This sets the mood for a luxurious evening to mingle. The tables are elegant décor with beautiful fresh floral arrangements. Behind the photographer there is a display of four exquisite Ferraris in silver, bold yellow and two in sexy red. Off to the side on display behind ropes is a stunning red “LaFerrari”, which is a first ever production car to be equipped with the F1-derived hybrid solution. People are taking photos next to these beauties.
Women look amazing, classy and elegant. Some in classic dresses while others chose elegant jumpsuits styled with the perfect jewels to complete their outfit. The men are dashing in trendy Italian colored suits in shades of blue, black and tuxes done in perfect Ferrari style. The night is a delightful pleasure as I mingle with everyone so polite and friendly. The atmosphere is chic but cheerful with smiles and laughter as people chat. The people are inspiring, funny, charming and we have fascinating conversations.
Along the wall sits the bar and Chef Fabrizio Aielli’s selections of delicate Italian foods from cheeses, meats, oysters and the most heavenly desserts you can imagine. You can find Fabrizio’s lavish creations at his restaurant in St. Petersburg called Sea Salt. I highly recommend it!
By the end of the night Onofrio, (owner of Ferrari of Tampa Bay) stepped up front to give a speech to show his thanks for everyone attending. He was then presented with a beautiful painting of a 1949 Ferrari 166MM car. This premier event was very impressive, as was the clientele. Around 10:30, the crowd started to thin out a little. On the way out I was gifted with a print of the same painting and a Sea Salt cook book from Fabrizio Aielli. What a magnificent evening of Italian flare, luxurious cars, influential people, divine cuisine, wine, dessert and style! Does it get any better than that?
