It is quite the blessing when one can find and claim their true calling in life, and more often than not it will lead down the path of success. When looking for examples of such good fortune, one need not look further than criminal defense attorney Roy Black. Just the mere mention of his name conjures up a roster of A-list celebrity faces. He has represented the likes of Rush Limbaugh, Marv Albert, Kelsey Grammer, Mary Hart, Peter Max, Dennis Rodman, and our own cover subject for last year’s June/July edition, Helio Castroneves.

The summer hasn’t even begun, yet already, we are inundated with news of how haute the Hamptons will be this season. Stay tuned for all the exclusive invites because we promise to pass the word along to you as we hear of them. Our friends over at the James Beard Foundation are prepping for their annual summer gala, Chefs & Champagne New York, scheduled to take place on Saturday, July 24.

Our Haute 100 list details the accomplishments of the most influential people in each of our markets—Miami, New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco. These people continue to make moves, so rather than waiting for the next Haute 100 issue to come out, we thought we’d provide you with regular updates on those Haute 100 members who are making headlines. Check back daily for more info on the most powerful people in your city. Today, we are focusing our fickle attention on Chef Daniel Boulud, who took home yet another James Beard Award at the start of the month, and just opened a London outpost of Bar Boulud at the Mandarin Oriental, Hyde Park.

You may have heard the news that 2010 has been a year of growth for us here at Haute Living, and that is saying something. In a time when other businesses are closing their doors, we are swinging ours wide open, expanding into new markets and bringing on new luxury experts. One such expert is our new editor of luxury and fashion, Meredith Mulligan. Check out some of her most recent pieces in the newly published editions of Haute Living Los Angeles and Haute Living San Francisco. Meredith put her magic touch on our Haute Necessities section, bringing readers a plethora of must-have items for the summer.

CBS’ 60 Minutes sure seems to have tapped into some haute names that have been on our “follow radar” for quite some time. Last week, the news television program sent Anderson Cooper in to spend some time with one of our beloved culinary wizards José Andrés. While José Andrés is a chef with many markets, so to speak, last night’s high-profile subject was a young 29-year-old who Angelenos are proud to call their own, though he actually hails from Venezuela: LA Philharmonic Director Gustavo Dudamel.

It’s getting to be that time of year again. It’s not holiday season; it’s not time to Basel; it is, in fact, time for some private pre-events to support and promote one of our favorite charity galas. On Thursday, May 27, the InterContinental Miami is the place to be from 6 to 8 p.m. if you received your exclusive invitation for the cocktail reception kicking off the 16th annual InterContinental Miami Make-a-Wish Ball.

We know you are just getting back on your feet from recuperating from a weekend filled with the hautest of events, but that’s no reason to let the upcoming week slip away from you. It’s only Monday, so there is plenty of time to schedule your Thursday night happy hour, and we have just the place in mind. A few tasty beverages at the St. Regis San Francisco will certainly be in order by the time Thursday arrives, and considering that it will be a Zoo II themed event, hosted by the young professionals group of the San Francisco Zoo, what better way to satisfy your philanthropic side as well?

Paolo Zampolli doesn’t stay out of the headlines for long. Just a couple of months after celebrating his 40th birthday at Provocateur in a way that only the truly affluent can comprehend, the real estate mogul is earning more ink, this time, with readers getting a glimpse into what life may be like for Zampolli’s newest family addition. Paolo and Brazilian model Amanda Ungaro’s son, Giovanni, was born on April 7, 2010, and has certainly been welcomed into a world of wealth.

While most of those in the know think the Hamptons is the place to be all summer long, the true trendsetters of high society know that on June 27, 2010 the place to be is at the Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic on Governors Island. We can make such a bold statement based on last year’s guest list, which goes beyond the typical VIP description. The likes of Madonna, Kate Hudson, Marc Jacobs, Chloe Sevigny, LL Cool J, Donna Karan, Lucy Sykes, Rachel Roy, Hilary Rhoda and Alex Wek were spotted last year amongst the more than 6,000 guests.