Doris Yaffe, second from right, enjoys her birthday party with three of her favorite gentlemen friends, who happen to look just like her, purple boas and all. (Photo by Randy Gross)

The Achilles Project/Persephone, the hip restaurant/bar/boutique in Boston's trendy Fort Point Channel district, was the setting for Doris Yaffe's recent 80th birthday celebration.

Hosted by her sons, Jeff and Peter Yaffe, along with Jonathan Soroff, Sam Mazzarelli and Dave-O, the tres festive soiree was sponsored by The Achilles Project and the Boston W Hotel, which is scheduled to open in the Theatre District in October.

Among the glittery guests were Smoki Bacon and Dick Concannon, Suki and Miguel de Bragança, Julie Hume and Philip Gordon, Juliana Hatfield, Pamela and John Humphrey, Lynne Kortenhaus, Colette Phillips, Bunni Roberts, Thalassa Scholl, Charles Stith and Deborah Prothrow-Stith, Mimi Stith, Matt Storin, and Kathy Taylor, just to name a very few.

Many of the guests were, in fact, Doris "look-alikes" since by the end of the party, most were sporting their Doris Yaffe masks and stylish purple boas.

Of course, "stylish" is the defining word for Doris.

We remember when we first met her in the early 80's when she was Director of Fashion and Public Relations at Sara Fredericks at Bonwit Teller. From there she would move to Saks Fifth Avenue at the Prudential Center and then to head Doris Yaffe Associates, where she would ultimately coordinate PR, creative marketing and special events for her own clients.

When not jetting off to destinations such as Egypt or Cuba, whether hosting fashion designer Oscar de la Renta or actress Jane Russell, attending "Art in Bloom" at the MFA or the opening of the latest "In" spot, Doris has always been and continues to be a major player in Boston's art, fashion and social scene.

Congratulations and Best Wishes, Doris!

"The Taste of Park Plaza" Scheduled for August 4

On Tuesday, August 4 "The Taste of Park Plaza" will feature a culinary journey through eight different restaurants under one roof to benefit The Greater Boston Food Bank.

Enjoy a summer stroll around a historic building block while sampling complimentary beverages and signature dishes from Todd English's Bonfire Steakhouse, McCormick & Schmick's Seafood Restaurant, M.J. O'Connor's Irish Pub, The Melting Pot Fondue Restaurant, Swan's Café, Finale Desserterie, Au Bon Pain and Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream.

Capping off the night, the property's on-site nightclub and lounge, Whiskey Park, will host an exclusive VIP "after party." At the party, guests will receive gift bags filled with special items and offerings from participating venues and sponsors.

All proceeds raised from event ticket sales will support The Greater Boston Food Bank. Event sponsors include Sam Adams and Ascentia Wine Estates.

Check-in will begin at 5:30 p.m. in The Boston Park Plaza Hotel & Towers Grand Lobby. Upon arrival, guests will receive a wristband, map/passport, event instructions, and a starting location. The map/passport will be double sided. On one side, an exterior map of the building will identify each venue and outline the route which diners will follow.

Diners will be divided into smaller groups and instructed to start off at different locations; each group will then be allotted a half-hour at each venue and will then rotate to the next location.

The other side of the map will have a Taste of Park Plaza "passport," where guests will receive a stamp at each location they visit. At the end of the evening, those who pass in a fully completed passport will be entered to win a raffle featuring gift certificates from participating restaurants.

For ticket information, call 1-866-468-7619. This is a 21-year and older event; proper photo ID is required at check-in.

Cirque du Soleil Returns to Boston in August with New Spectacular

Cirque du Soleil is pleased to announce that tickets are now on sale for the new "Alegría Arena Tour," which will stop in Boston this summer. "Alegría" will perform eight shows at the Agganis Arena from August 26 to 30.

Advance tickets for Alegría are now available online to the general public on the Cirque du Soleil Web site or by phone. To purchase tickets, go to www.cirquedusoleil.com/alegria or call 1-800-745-3000.

A Cirque du Soleil classic, the internationally acclaimed production has entertained more than 10 million people worldwide since its premiere in Montreal in April 1994.

"Alegría" is a Spanish word that means happiness, joy and jubilation. An operatic introspection of the struggle for power and the invigorating energy of youth, "Alegría" relates the tale of power versus weakness, the king versus his jesters, and age against youth.

The production features an international cast of 55 performers and musicians from 17 countries and showcases breathtaking acrobatics.

Cirque Club membership is free and benefits include advance tickets, special offers and exclusive behind the scenes information. Join now at cirqueclub.com.

Cirque du Soleil is celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2009. From a group of 20 street performers at its beginnings in 1984, Cirque is now a major Quebec-based organization providing high-quality artistic entertainment. The company has more than 4,000 employees from over 40 different countries, including 1,000 performing artists.

Cirque du Soleil has brought wonder and delight to almost 90 million spectators in over 200 cities on five continents. In 2009, Cirque du Soleil will present 20 shows simultaneously throughout the world.

The company has received such prestigious awards as the Emmy, Drama Desk, Bambi, ACE, Gémeaux, Félix and the Rose d'Or de Montreux. Cirque du Soleil's International Headquarters are in Montreal, Canada.

For more information about Cirque du Soleil, visit www.cirquedusoleil.com.

Enjoy!

In addition to events covered and reported by the columnist, "The Scene..." 
is compiled from various other sources such as news releases, PRNewswire services, etc.

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