Kamal Hotchandani felt the love for his birthday with a curated circle of those who have shaped and celebrated his journey thus far. The Founder & CEO of Haute Media Group took over Miami’s newest hotspot Habibi, which so aptly translates to “my love” in Arabic for an evening fit for the 305’s elite including Larsa Pippen, her sons Scottie Pippen Jr. and Preston Pippen as well as boxing legend Lennox Lewis with his wife Violet and Terrence J. The room also welcomed Purple and acclaimed designer Naeem Khan. The dynamic group reflected Hotchandani’s reach across fashion, entertainment, and business.
Photo Credit: Omar Vega
Photo Credit: Omar Vega
The evening’s culinary program from Chef Wladimir Arevalo matched the caliber of the crowd, beginning with an indulgent amuse of cigar rolls caramélisés with crispy phyllo layered with goat cheese, shaved truffle, and a honey drizzle, finished with imperial ossetra caviar. The first course offered a refined progression from the Mezze Prince spread of hummus, smoked babaganoush, and muhammara to the Kingdom Harvest salad with dates, pecans, and pomegranate, alongside a tuna tartine accented with truffle aioli and pickled onions.
For the main course, guests selected between branzino grillé with eurre blanc and salmon roe, a richly marbled Wagyu 9+ New York steak finished with signature gremolata, and Moroccan-spiced lamb chops. Sides of lemon potatoes, Brussels sprouts, and harissa carrots rounded out the table, while dessert was a baklava with Marash ice cream and a decadent chocolate finale that delivered a nostalgic yet polished close to the meal.
Two desserts were not enough, and in a theatrical procession, a gleaming gold birthday cake emerged and instantly commanded the room. Conversations paused, phones lifted, and the energy shifted into celebration that felt both grand and deeply personal.
Photo Credit: Omar Vega
Photo Credit: Omar Vega
Photo Credit: Omar Vega
In his remarks, Hotchandani expressed gratitude for the room filled with friends, family, and collaborators who have been part of his journey, as well as for the city that continues to inspire it. “Blown away by the evening in the greatest city in the world,” he shared. It was a sentiment echoed long after the final toast. It was a night that captured not just a milestone but the community and culture that surrounded it.
In partnership with APG
