Coral Gables Magazine June 2024

CORAL GABLES

JUNE 2024

Coral Gables bookworm Anna Divane at the Biltmore Hotel

“The way some Senior Communities Nickel & Dime you, they feel more like airlines.”

When you fly now, you know it’s extra for everything — that airfare only pretends to be low

When you fly now, you know it’s extra for everything — that airfare only pretends to be low

But when a Senior Community offers luxury living for a seeminglyattractive monthly rent, you don’t expect to be Nickel & Dimed.

But when a Senior Community offers luxury living for a seeminglyattractive monthly rent, you don’t expect to be Nickel & Dimed.

That’s why you’ll never see Nickel & Diming at The Palace. Here your monthly rent covers almost everything. Including all your meals, housekeeping, personal trainers, maintenance, and even Happy Hours, drinks and hors d’oeuvres.

That’s why you’ll never see Nickel & Diming at The Palace. Here your monthly rent covers almost everything. Including all your meals, housekeeping, personal trainers, maintenance, and even Happy Hours, drinks and hors d’oeuvres.

You won’t see a long list of extra charges. At The Palace, the price is the price.

You won’t see a long list of extra charges. At The Palace, the price is the price.

Remember when everything about flying was to make you feel special? That’s how living at The Palace feels today.

Remember when everything about flying was to make you feel special? That’s how living at The Palace feels today. Call or visit soon to see for yourself.

Call or visit soon to see for yourself.

VIA VENETO AWAITS YOU...

A limited collection of 10 bespoke, three-story townhomes in the heart of Coral Gables, meticulously crafted by the master builders at The Calta Group.

We warmly invite you to be among the first to explore this unique opportunity by appointment only.

Exclusively marketed by The Jills Zeder Group, Coldwell Banker Realty.

305-859-0900 | INFO@VIAVENETOCORALGABLES.COM

Your Sanctuary on the Bay

Designed by internationally acclaimed Robert A.M. Stern Architects, The St. Regis Residences, Miami are situated along the beautiful coastline of South Brickell, with exquisite bayfront views, a private marina, and an exclusive fine-dining restaurant by MICHELIN-starred chef Fabio Trabocchi. The Residences offer a lifetime of legendary moments — a place where the history and heritage of a timeless brand enable a signature way of life, propelled by impeccable service and unparalleled connoisseurship.

Demolition has commenced 1809 Brickell Avenue, Miami, Florida 33129 Schedule an appointment 786 544 8010 MiamiSRR.com

ORAL REPRESENTATIONS CANNOT BE RELIED UPON AS CORRECTLY STATING REPRESENTATIONS OF THE DEVELOPER. FOR CORRECT REPRESENTATIONS, MAKE REFERENCE TO THIS BROCHURE AND TO THE DOCUMENTS REQUIRED BY SECTION 718.503, FLORIDA STATUTES, TO BE FURNISHED BY A DEVELOPER TO A BUYER OR LESSEE. ARTIST’S CONCEPTUAL RENDERING; SURROUNDING BUILDINGS AND LANDMARKS MODIFIED OR OMITTED. THE COMPLETE OFFERING TERMS ARE IN A CPS-12 APPLICATION AVAILABLE FROM THE OFFEROR. FILE NO. CP23-0071. WARNING: THE CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF REAL ESTATE HAS NOT INSPECTED, EXAMINED, OR QUALIFIED THIS OFFERING. St. Regis Residences, Miami a/k/a 1809 Brickell Condominium. The St. Regis Residences, Miami

Another

LIVING

Best Bets for Events

Comedy at GableStage

BITES

The Collab: New American Cuisine

New Restaurants

Happy Hour at Sawa

PEOPLE

Susi Davis

Paul Pavlou

Roland Sanchez-Medina, Jr.

BACK

Historic

Don’s Rambles The

“This program allows me to pursue my interests and become a better researcher.”

Shreyas Bellur, M.D.

“This program allows me to pursue my interests and become a better researcher.”

Shreyas Bellur, M.D.

A native of Bengaluru, India, Dr. Shreyas Bellur was inspired to become a cardiothoracic surgeon after being treated for congenital heart disease as a baby. “Without the surgery, I wouldn’t have survived,” he says. “I wanted to give back to the world the same way an opportunity was given to me.”

Dr. Bellur recently spent a year at Baptist Health Miami Cancer Institute as a post-doctoral research associate, studying patterns that influence clinical outcomes. The findings would then be shared in journals and at medical conferences. “That’s my goal – to develop guidelines for the treatment of certain diseases, and use them in a clinical setting,” he says.

You

A native of Bengaluru, India, Dr. Shreyas Bellur was inspired to become a cardiothoracic surgeon after being treated for congenital heart disease as a baby. “Without the surgery, I wouldn’t have survived,” he says. “I wanted to give back to the world the same way an opportunity was given to me.”

Dr. Bellur recently spent a year at Baptist Health Miami Cancer Institute as a post-doctoral research associate, studying patterns that influence clinical outcomes. The findings would then be shared in journals and at medical conferences. “That’s my goal – to develop guidelines for the treatment of certain diseases, and use them in a clinical setting,” he says.

He appreciates the program, which is funded by philanthropy, for its teamwork and camaraderie.

He appreciates the program, which is funded by philanthropy, for its teamwork and camaraderie. “My mentor and team have been incredibly supportive,” he says. “When you have an environment that helps you grow professionally and personally, it keeps you motivated to do even more.”

“My mentor and team have been incredibly supportive,” he says. “When you have an environment that helps you grow professionally and personally, it keeps you motivated to do even more.”

Photo by Lynn Parks

Photo by Lynn Parks

SUMMER TRAVEL

A special three-part travel feature with three very different travel locations. On our first trip, we set sail with Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ newest ship, which takes us to the Caribbean on a luxury weeklong cruise. For a more local flavor, we try out a Wild West glamping experience at Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo in Central Florida and relax beachside nearly all weekend long at the Sheraton Sand Key Resort in Clearwater.

A ‘SHARP’ER IMAGE

Who exactly is Nick Sharp? Likely the most wellknown Aussie in the Gables, referred to occasionally as “the mayor of Giralda Plaza” by colleagues, he’s also a father, husband, philanthropist, friend, and a rather intimidating boss. We take a closer look at the owner of Threefold Cafe and Bay 13 Brewery to find out what makes him (and his businesses) tick.

SUMMER READING

Our recommendations for the (mostly) new and (some of) the tried and true. Once again, Coral Gables Magazine has partnered with the brilliant book seller Mitch Kaplan of Books & Books, citizen extraordinaire and former Miami Herald publisher Dave Lawrence, and Mark A. Trowbridge, CEO and president of the Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce, to craft our very own Summer Reading List.

Smart is as Smart Does

One of the reasons we started Coral Gables Magazine six years ago was because of the city’s demographics. All the metrics pointed to a highly educated populace, one that would want to read a magazine with real content about their city. We learned, for example, that two-thirds of the adults in Coral Gables held a college degree, and that half of those grads held another, higher degree on top of that. We also heard that more books were taken out of the Coral Gables Library than any other branch, per capita, in the Miami-Dade system.

Part of that notion – that Coral Gables is a smart, cultured city – became apparent last month when we held our annual Great Gables Scavenger Hunt at The Plaza Coral Gables. More than 300 people showed up to exercise their skills at being clever. Meanwhile, over at the Coral Gables Youth Center, many hundreds more were attending the annual children’s book fair. A week later, we sponsored a new exhibit on Coral Gables artists at the Coral Gables Museum. Even though it was on a Friday night at the beginning of Memorial Day Weekend, more than 400 people attended. So many that we ran out of wine and were saved only by the generous donation of two kegs of beer by Bay 13 (and by scrumptious bites from The Collab and great music from Armstrong Jazz House).

Playing into this appreciation of education, culture and the arts, this month’s cover story is a battery of book recommendations for your summer reading pleasure. For the suggested titles, we turned to a few local luminaries – namely Mitch Kaplan of Books & Books (fiction titles); Dave Lawrence of the Children’s Movement and former Miami Herald publisher (history titles); Mark Trowbridge, president and CEO of the Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce (business & leadership titles); and last – but far from least – Jill Duepi, head curator for the Lowe Art Museum (art & culture titles). All told, they recommended 40 books. Yes, well beyond anyone’s ability to cram into one summer (let alone one year) unless they aced the Evelyn Woods speed reading course. But life, like your reading material, is all about choices.

So, please peruse and enjoy our feature of selected reading suggestions. And revel in the simple fact that no other city magazine in South Florida, let alone Florida, would publish such a list – or have an audience that would read it or the titles recommended.

JP FABER EDITOR-IN-CHIEF CORAL GABLES MAGAZINE

CEO & PUBLISHER

Richard Roffman

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

J.P. Faber

EVP / PUBLISHER

Gail Scott

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER

Amy Donner

DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS

Monica Del Carpio-Raucci

VP SALES

Sherry Adams

MANAGING EDITOR

Kylie Wang

DIGITAL EDITOR

Natalia Clement

EDITORIAL INTERNS

Alex Luzula–-–

Pari Walter

Luke Chaney

ART DIRECTOR

Jon Braeley

SENIOR WRITERS

James Broida

Andrew Gayle

Doreen Hemlock

Katelin Stecz

PROOFREADER

Lesley Fonger

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Rodolfo Benitez

Jonathan Dann

Jorge Oviedo

PRODUCTION MANAGER

Toni Kirkland

CIRCULATION & DISTRIBUTION

CircIntel

OFFICIAL FRAMER Adam Brand / Frames USA

Coral Gables Magazine is published monthly by City Regional Media, 1200 Anastasia Ave. Suite 115, Coral Gables FL 33134. Telephone: (305) 995-0995. Copyright 2024 by City Regional Media. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part of any text, photograph or illustration without prior written permission from the publisher is strictly prohibited. Send address changes to subscriptions@coralgablesmagazine.com. General mailbox email and letters to editor@ coralgablesmagazine.com.

On the Cover: Anna Divane at The Biltmore Hotel. Photo by Rodolfo Benitez

Each month, we print letters we receive from our readers. We encourage all commentary, including criticism as well as compliments, and, of course, any commentary about our community. If you are interested in writing to us with your opinions, thoughts, or suggestions, please send them to letters@coralgablesmagazine.com. Letters may be edited for brevity.

Three Cheers for Our Local Public Schools!

Thank you for last month’s article, “Friends to the Rescue.” The tremendous success of Friends of Gables High is a testament to the strength of our community. It also validates the ‘Tradition of Excellence’ at Coral Gables High School that has remained steady for 75 years. In this month’s edition, you will see a full-page ad celebrating Gables’ top seniors accepted into our nation’s premier colleges and universities.

Friends pays for this ad each year to make the public aware that, despite the burdens placed on traditional public schools nationally, our local public offerings are remarkable. George Washington Carver (GWC) Elementary School is a Magnet school with International Language Labs in Italian and Spanish. GWC Middle School has an International Education Program (IE) and an International Studies Program (IS). Coral Gables Preparatory Academy is a Grade-A school (as is Gables High) and Sunset Elementary is a “High Performing National Blue Ribbon School.”

I encourage readers to explore the websites of these schools and others in our district to see the many tuition-free offerings we have that set students up for success. And please visit us at: www.friendsofgableshigh.org.

June Thomson Morris, Founding Member, Friends of Gables High

The Importance of Preservation

As a reader of Coral Gables Magazine since its inception, I take particular pleasure in the articles on the city’s historical treasures by Bruce Fitzgerald and Karelia Martinez Carbonell. Each article illuminates the significant context of the city’s buildings and design elements, including many that go unrecognized or ignored.

The verve and accuracy of their pieces delights preservationists like me, and I applaud their inclusion in a city magazine. In addition to coverage of lifestyle, culture, politics, and dining, I hope the magazine will continue to feature these writers’ perceptive explorations of

Coral Gables’ historical elements.

Susan Cumins

The Descent of the City Politic

The past couple of issues of this magazine have chronicled the apparently rapid descent of a once proud and dignified city into a third-world Banana Republic, amid accusations of executive malfeasance, dark conspiracies concerning the mayor, not to mention an administration “awash in a cesspool of corruption.”

It was heartening, therefore, to read in your May issue that finally, demonstrating his decades of service in law enforcement, “City Manager Amos Rojas Jr. has put in place methods to curb employee spending on things like coffee.” Might toilet paper be next on his list?

Patrick Alexander

Pegasi on Ponce

Thank you for featuring the four Pegasi fountain in the May issue. Just a few years ago, I uncovered the historical significance behind it. In 1970, rumors surfaced that a hand-carved fountain depicting a threetiered stone equine sculpture was sitting in a warehouse in Italy with nowhere to go. Enter the North Ponce Development Association. Here is an excerpt from a 1973 Miami News article that recounts the monumental efforts undertaken to bring the fountain to Coral Gables: “

It all began three years ago when the North Ponce Development Association... led by attorney Michael Tobin...set out to raise $5,000 to purchase and ship the fountain [from Milan, Italy]. Chris Pavlo, owner of the Chateaubleu Hotel opposite the fountain, contributed $2,500... and other business interests kicked in the rest.

The City of Coral Gables had $13,000... earmarked for [the] installation of the fountain – but the garbage collectors needed a pay raise, so they got priority. The fountain sponsors would not give up, however, and got a pledge from the Bricklayers, Masons and Plasterers Union No. 7 that members would donate their services. The

Ironworkers Union came up with the reinforcing steel. The [city] agreed to take care of the engineering, plumbing, and lighting and Jack Epperson provided crane service… After three years, the community effort produced a thing of beauty and the Gables Garden Society [contributed] finishing touches to the landscaping with a border of hybrid roses.”

The fountain at 1200 Ponce de Leon Boulevard celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2023 – marking a time when a community came together to build “a thing of beauty” made of stone yet soft to the heart.

Dr. Karelia Martinez Carbonell

Business Matters

One of the biggest pieces of [recent] news is the expansion of Apple here in Coral Gables, building upon a longstanding smaller footprint by upgrading to over 40,000-square-feet at The Plaza. This is on the heels of the retention and relocation of corporate giant Ryder to the Gables and the arrival of global brand FIFA. With many thanks to the mayor, our commissioners, and city staff, we have been able to roll out the red carpet for these companies that not only bring top-paying jobs to the city, but also new residents, new diners, new shoppers, and new ideas.

Their arrival validates what we have known all along – business matters in the Gables. With nearly 40 percent of the city’s tax base fed by the downtown business community, we work closely with residents, employees, and visitors to help these businesses thrive.

Our downtown is bustling and the number of new storefronts on Miracle Mile and the surrounding streets is compelling.  As a Chamber, we are proud to be their advocate, as well as their information source, their networking platform, and their professional development resource. For nearly 100 years, we have had a clear vision to elevate the local business climate and uplift the quality of life that is inherently Coral Gables.

Sara M. Hernandez, Chair of the Board, Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce

SENIOR LIVING REDEFINED

At Belmont Village, senior living goes beyond luxury amenities and hospitality – it’s anticipating your every need, so you can enjoy life. You can rely on best-in-class care with licensed nurses on-site 24/7, in-house tness and therapy, and a unique partnership with Baptist Health that o ers our residents support from the most awarded healthcare system in South Florida.

Live Healthy by Baptist Health at Belmont Village Coral Gables o ers a holistic approach to healthy living in a spa-like setting on our ground oor. With preventive care, quick access to Baptist Health practitioners, virtual wellness programs and telehealth options, health has never been closer to home. BelmontVillage.com/CoralGables | 305-760-4408

From City Hall

At its first meeting in May, the Coral

Gables City Commission:

SELLING MUSEUM DEVELOPMENT RIGHTS

Voted 5-0 to approve the sale and transfer of development rights (TDR) from the Coral Gables Museum to Aurora LLC. Transfer of development rights is a zoning technique that permits the passing of development rights from a historic building to another project planned for development, for a price. The added benefit is that the property selling the rights is now locked in as-is, effectively protecting it. All proceeds from the TDR will be placed in the city’s Historic Building Fund to be used for much-needed improvements at the museum. (Sponsored by Vice Mayor Anderson and Commissioner Menendez)

SUNDAY DRINKING APPROVED

Voted 5-0 to amend the City Code and change the prohibited hours of alcohol sales on Sundays so that retail operators and vendors can begin sales at 7 am and end at 1 am, consistent with the rest of the week. (Sponsored by Vice Mayor Anderson)

PICKLEBALL PLAY

Discussed use of the pickleball courts at the Youth Center, where demand is high and many non-residents are coming to play. The Community Recreation Department is beginning to staff the courts during busy hours to determine how many residents versus non-residents are using the courts. Commissioner Kirk Menendez suggested having at least one day of free play for residents, while non-residents would have to pay. Vice Mayor Rhonda Anderson was in favor of a membership option. More data will be collected before a decision is made. During the public comments section of the meeting, another discussion regarding the placement of additional courts at or nearby the Youth Center was held, during which residents expressed concerns over an initial idea floated by Mayor Vince Lago to replace one of the Youth Center’s baseball diamonds with pickleball courts. Lago vowed to keep the baseball field and city staff is researching other options, including the area between the Youth Center and the Coral Gables Library. (Sponsored by Commissioner Fernandez)

SAVING THE SILVER LIGHTS

Voted 5-0 to defer an item regarding the replacement of silver streetlights by Florida Power & Light. The city’s Historic Preservation and Landmarks Advisory boards made recommendations to the Commission, wherein the removal of all silver streetlights in residential areas north of US-1 be ceased immediately, that they be reinstalled where they were removed, and that any further installa-

tion of other non-silver streetlights, whether by the city or FPL, be submitted to the Historic Preservation Board for approval. FPL, meanwhile, appears unwilling to take on the full cost of the project. The Commission decided to take more time to flesh out their proposal and make a public commitment before the city manager begins negotiations with FPL, given the amount of legal and procedural questions involved. “We really don’t have any leverage,” said Vice Mayor Anderson. Michael Maxwell of the Historic Preservation Board argued that a public commitment to the recommendations made by the boards would be enough leverage.

TIME FOR AN INSPECTOR GENERAL?

Discussed the hiring of an inspector general to sniff out supposed corruption in the city, an allegation Commissioner Menendez leveled when he said the city was “adrift in a cesspool of corruption” at a previous Commission meeting. Commissioner Ariel Fernandez has been at the forefront of new regulations on employee spending, repeatedly stating that he thought some purchases made by employees using their company cards were inappropriate. Mayor Lago and Vice Mayor Anderson cautioned once again about damage to morale by accusing employees of any kind of malfeasance. In a not-so-subtle comment, Commissioner Melissa Castro responded, “I’m more concerned about elected officials than actual employees,” implying she was concerned about some of her colleagues’ trustworthiness. “Trust me, we all are. We’re all very worried about elected officials,” Lago replied. As the discussion came to a close, Castro added an accusation to her comment, claiming that Lago was actively “sabotaging” her Ethics Commission case, which centers around her ability to run a permit expediting business in Coral Gables while also acting as commissioner.

HANDICAPPING THE THEATER

Voted 3-2 to reimburse Actors’ Playhouse at Miracle Theatre for the construction of a new ADA compliant ramp and railings at the theater, provided they return with a lower quote than initially provided. The playhouse originally requested $42,000, based on a quote they received, an amount which Vice Mayor Anderson – a passionate supporter of and attorney for disability rights – called “horrifically overpriced.” As a city tenant, the theater is supposed to be responsible for such upgrades under their contract. Anderson and Lago both voted against the resolution, arguing that giving Actors’ Playhouse special treatment would open up the city to myriad issues and that the Commission should have the opportunity to review any subsequent quote before approval. (Sponsored by Commissioner Menendez). ■

HISTORIC PRESERVATION BOARD TRIES TO SAVE SILVER STREETLIGHTS

At its second meeting in May, the Coral Gables City Commission:

UPDATE ON LEGISLATIVE SESSION

Listened to an update on the latest state legislative session from Senator Ileana Garcia and the City of Coral Gables’ lobbying team. Senator Garcia highlighted issues such as lowering homeowners’ insurance rates, public transportation, and traffic safety. The lobbying team, meanwhile, went over Gables projects funded by the State of Florida, including the citywide sidewalk replacement project (funded at $800,000), the water quality assessment project (funded at $300,000), and the golden gate stormwater project, which addresses flooding and drainage (funded at $350,000).

The team also addressed the new regulation passed by the State that prohibits local governments from preventing the demolition of certain structures, making it much easier to demolish historic structures. Though the bill did pass, it was ultimately limited specifically to structures that make a negative impact on the coast through beach erosion and other environmental concerns.

DOOR HANGERS REQUIRED

Voted 5-0 to require door hangers as an additional notification for public information meetings regarding multi-family and mixed-use developments. The developers will also be required to remove any door hangers still outside within 48 hours after the meeting, due to concerns from residents about the hangers notifying potential criminals of their absence.

CORAL WAY & GRANADA TRAFFIC UPGRADE

Listened to an update on the Coral Way and Granada Boulevard traffic signal project. The project includes drainage improvements, sidewalks, resurfacing of the street, ADA compliant pedestrian curb ramps, landscape improvements, and better signage and signals, including improved crosswalks and a pedestal traffic light. The existing traffic light hangs from wires and does not meet current hurricane standards. The city has been working on this project for several years and construction is imminent. Vice Mayor Anderson also suggested using audible crosswalk buttons for blind pedestrians.

LOWER WASTE COLLECTION COSTS

Voted 3-2 to reduce the resident fee for the collection and disposal of solid waste to $550 with a five percent fee for late payments. Commissioners Menendez and Castro dissented, asking for more time and information. Currently, residents are charged a flat fee for garbage collection, regardless of the amount of waste they produce, though there is a discount offered for those who pay the full amount in advance. The Commission discussed ways to reduce this amount for those with smaller homes and/or smaller families that generate less waste. “If you live in a 10,000-square-foot lot, why should you pay the same as somebody who lives on a two-acre site?” asked Mayor Lago, who spoke in favor of lowering the fee. As it is, the current rate does not cover the cost to the city. Finance Director Diana Gomez recommended increasing the rate to cover rising costs, while Vice Mayor Anderson argued that state reps in Tallahassee had been pushing Coral Gables to lower taxes, and this was one such mechanism to do so.

NEW MUSEUM FUNDING

Voted 5-0 to authorize $500,000 in funding as a matching grant to the Coral Gables Museum for the completion of capital improvement projects. The museum has been unable to get loans due to

issues with its building, including porous walls, termites, and the lack of humidity control. Museum Director Elvis Fuentes presented a list of issues, their estimated costs, and how they will be fixed using the funds. Projects include replacing the HVAC system, cleaning the exterior walls, upgrading and renovating the Fewell Gallery, replacing window shades and the floor in the Community Meeting Room, renovating the bathrooms and kitchen, and purchasing an emergency generator. The museum must first receive approval for the $500,000 from the City before it can go to the State of Florida to apply for a grant for the remaining $500,000. The money will be coming from the transfer of development rights, which the Commission approved at its last meeting.

AN AUDIT FOR “CORRUPTION”

Discussed the potential options for a forensic audit. Option one involves auditing everything, which has a hefty price tag. Option two is the regular auditing process that will happen regardless, which develops a risk assessment and an audit plan for the next few years. Option three involves the Commission directly giving advice to the auditing department on which areas they think need to be looked at more closely with a forensic audit. At the next Commission meeting, the three options will be presented in a presentation by staff so that the Commission can make an informed decision. Commissioner Castro was the only outspoken dissenter, advocating for redirecting the funds to other matters.

THE COST OF SPEED BUMPS

Listened to an update on temporary speed tables (aka speed bumps). The city currently has 11, which are ready to be installed within the next four to six months. A larger batch of 44 is still to come. Before each speed table is installed, there must be a traffic study, balloting, and a meeting with residents to determine where is most appropriate to place the traffic calming device. Vice Mayor Anderson recommended using more crews to install the speed tables to expedite the process. Mayor Lago, meanwhile, argued for using permanent rather than temporary speed tables, due to the cost difference. Temporary speed tables cost $5,000 without installation, while permanent ones cost $12,000 all included. “Spending our money on permanent is more bang for your buck, especially when you’re almost at 50 percent cost,” he said.

MONEY FOR HISTORIC BUILDINGS

Voted 5-0 to create a Historic Building Maintenance and Restoration capital project with an annual funding of $50,000. ■

CORAL GABLES MUSEUM RECEIVED FUNDING APPROVAL FOR UPGRADES

Recall Redux

A DEEPER LOOK AT THE FAILED EFFORT TO RECALL THE MAYOR

BY J.P. FABER

We reported last month about the attempt to recall Mayor Vince Lago, in which 1,719 signatures from registered voters were collected in order to meet the required threshold of 1,650 to move the petition forward (five percent of registered voters were required). At the time, we reported that only 1,533 were considered legitimate by the Miami-Dade County Elections Department. This led to allegations by the chairman of the “End the Corruption” campaign, Mrs. Maria Cruz, that the disqualified signatures had been somehow planted by Mayor Lago supporters as part of a “scheme to de-legitimize valid petitions and undermine the will of the voters.”

“WE ARE AWARE THERE ARE DUPLICATE SIGNATURES THAT APPEAR TO HAVE BEEN INTENTIONALLY PLACED. ”

DAVID WINKER, ATTORNEY FOR THE PAC

In comments publicized by the blog Political Cortadito, she went on to say that the Elections Department “have made us aware of this scheme” by “dirty tricksters.” Even the attorney for the PAC which backed the drive (with funding from un-named sources, by the way) agreed. “We are aware there are duplicate signatures that appear to have been intentionally placed,” said attorney David Winker. Curious as to these allegations, Coral Gables Magazine reviewed copies of all the signatures. Of the 186 rejected signatures, the reasons were as follows: 20 had invalid signature dates, two had no signature dates, 10 were signed by people who were not regis-

tered voters, one had no date of birth, two were illegible, one had no signature, nine were not Gables residents, 21 had incorrect dates of birth, 39 were duplicates, and 81 were “bad signatures” – i.e. forged.

In summary, that means that even if there were duplicate signatures placed by “tricksters,” the petition would have fallen short. And the signatures by non-residents and non-registered voters are simply not contestable.

The crux of the issue is the lion’s share of the rejections that were forgeries. Upon closer examination, it appears these were forged by the teenagers who were illegally hired to collect the signatures (Florida state law prohibits the collection of signatures for a recall by paid personnel). When the collectors found that many residents refused to sign the recall, they apparently panicked and forged signatures from voter rolls in order to meet their quota. Ironically, one of them even forged Maria Cruz’s signature. In the end, of the 88 kids who were hired at $15 an hour to collect signatures, some 35 turned in forgeries; two of the worst offenders forged 15 each.

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is currently looking into the situation, with various options. The organizers of the petition paid Ven-Vamos Strategies at least $25,000 to collect most of the signatures. Payments from them could result in misdemeanor charges. But the forging of signatures is a third-degree felony. Those charges could presumably by made against the teens who forged names that included the wife of an elected official, a board member at the Coral Gables Community Foundation, and others.

The conclusion to the ill-fated recall of the mayor is that there was no ground swell of citizens rising up to recall him, as the organizers claimed. One telling litmus test: Of the 21 members of the board of the Coral Gables Neighbors Association – which successfully backed Commissioners Ariel Fernandez and Melissa Castro in the last city election, defeating two candidates endorsed by Mayor Lago – only 10 signed the petition. Requests for comments from Maria Cruz were not returned. ■

Talk of the Town

The

Referendums Advance

Accountable Coral Gables, a citizen’s advocacy group spearheading three referendums for Coral Gables voters, submitted its first batch of 2,000 signatures last month. The initial batch of an estimated 15,000 signatures the group expects to submit supports the first of its three charter reform initiatives – the reform to Section 7 of the City Charter to mandate that any future salary increases for the mayor, vice mayor, and commissioners of Coral Gables require approval by city voters. “We are humbled by the level of support we have received from our neighbors as we have crisscrossed the city explaining the need for this charter reform,” said Alex Bucelo, chairman of Accountable Coral Gables. “The salary increases of over 100 percent approved by the City Commission last year have galvanized public opinion and energized our residents to actively participate in this crucial matter.” The other two charter reforms will mandate that no monies may be taken from the city’s emergency fund without four out of five votes by city commissioners, and that city elections be moved from April to November to coincide with national elections and increase voter turnout.

Record Scholarships by the Community Foundation

Each year, the Coral Gables Community Foundation awards scholarships to needy students who show scholastic promise, money raised from donations and annual events such as the Tour of Kitchens. Last year, about $425,000 in scholarships was awarded. This year, a stunning 73 scholarships totaling $1,421,000 were awarded to 65 high school seniors, most of them from Coral Gables High School. “When we started the scholarship program, we awarded $15,000 that first year [2005],” says Matthew Meehan, the Foundation’s scholarship committee chair.

This year’s total amounts to nearly three-fifths of the total $2.5 million in scholarships granted since the program started. “That is some amazing momentum we have. And these are meaningful awards. Many of these kids would not be able to attend college without these awards.” Some 26 of the students received scholarships of $50,000 each. For Meehan, a successful entrepreneur and philanthropist, the role of scholarship chair has a particular poignancy. “This is definitely a huge passion of mine,” he says. “Without a scholarship, I would not have been able to attend college.”

“ WE ARE HUMBLED BY THE LEVEL OF SUPPORT WE HAVE RECEIVED FROM OUR NEIGHBORS AS WE HAVE CRISSCROSSED THE CITY EXPLAINING THE NEED FOR THIS CHARTER REFORM... ”

ABOVE AS HE HANDS THE FIRST 2,000 SIGNATURES TO CORAL

Federal Funding to the Rescue

Located just west of Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden off Old Cutler Road, Camp Mahachee has served the Girl Scouts of Tropical Florida for 76 years – ever since the enterprising troop bought the 11.5-acre site with $3,337 in cookie sales revenue. Last year, a grassroots effort led by the Coral Gables Garden Club restored 1.5 acres of the site that had been overrun with invasive vines. Now, the federal government is tripling the $150,000 raised locally, with a $450,000 grant to continue removing non-native species, plant new native trees, and install benches, trails, and educational guides.

“This robust, multi-phase rehabilitation project will breathe new life into an endangered native hardwood hammock habitat, providing for both climate resilience and serving as a living laboratory for Girl Scouts and our entire community to experience habitat restoration in real-time,” said Chelsea Wilkerson, the CEO of the Tropical troop. The grant, part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2024, was secured in March with the help of María Elvira Salazar, the U.S. representative for Florida’s 27th congressional district, which includes the Gables. Last year, volunteers planted 1,400 native hardwood trees at the camp.

ALEX BUCELO,

GABLES CITY CLERK BILLY URQUIA

FUNDHOLDER ROD HILDEBRANT WITH SHINE BRIGHT SCHOLAR

AMALIA GARRIDO AND MATTHEW MEEHAN

Gables Hospital Up for Sale

Just three years after purchasing Coral Gables Hospital along with four other South Florida hospitals, Dallas-based Steward Health Care has declared bankruptcy. The largest physician-owned healthcare network in the U.S., Steward paid $1.1 billion for the five hospitals, coincidently about the same amount they now find themselves in debt. The Chapter 11 bankruptcy, filed May 6, allows Steward to reorganize their debt while continuing to operate; hospital officials say there will be no interruption in services. “Filing for Chapter 11 restructuring is in the best interests of our patients, physicians, employees, and communities at this time,” said Steward CEO Ralph de la Torre in a prepared statement. Steward is looking for a buyer for its Florida hospitals, which they say are their most profitable. An auction is expected by the end of July, with a bid deadline for July 26. In the meantime, Steward is negotiating for a loan that would provide $75 million of initial funding and up to an additional $225 million from Medical Trust Properties, the landlord that owns all of Steward’s property.

Don’t Lose Sight of Bascom Palmer

The Ophthalmologist magazine may not be on your coffee table, but it’s considered a bible among eye doctors. Each year, they publish a list of the world’s 100 most influential people shaping the future of eye care. This year, an astounding 15 physicians from Bascom Palmer Eye Institute – the Department of Ophthalmology at the University of Miami – were named to their 2024 Power List. “From cuttingedge treatments to groundbreaking research, these doctors are pushing boundaries and setting new standards in ophthalmology,” said Henri R. Ford, M.D., dean of the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine.

Bascom Palmer recipients include Eduardo C. Alfonso, an expert on ocular infectious diseases; Hilda Capó, who specializes in pediatric ophthalmology and adult strabismus; Janet L. Davis, an expert in uveitis; Kendall E. Donaldson, holder of the Kolokotrones Chair in Ophthalmology; Harry W. Flynn Jr., a specialist in the treatment of diseases of the retina and vitreous; Anat Galor, an expert on ocular surface pain; Steven J. Gedde, Bascom Palmer’s vice chair of education; Rayna Habash, a refractive cataract surgeon; Carol L. Karp, holder of the Richard K. Forster Chair in Ophthalmology; Jaclyn Kovach, a professor of clinical ophthalmology; Byron Lam, holder of the Dr. Mark J. Daily Chair in Ophthalmology;

Felipe A. Medeiros, the Rodgers Research Chair in Ophthalmology; Richard K. Parrish II, a glaucoma specialist; Phillip J. Rosenfeld, who played a crucial role in developing anti-VEGF therapies for neovasuclar and exudative eye diseases; and Sonia Yoo, an expert in vision correction surgery. ■

CORAL GABLES HOSPITAL (ABOVE) AND FOUR OTHER SOUTH FLORIDA HOSPITALS ARE PART OF A BANKRUPTCY FILING.

DOCTOR EDUARDO C. ALFONSO, ABOVE, IS ONE OF 15 PHYSICIANS FROM BASCOM PALMER EYE INSTITUTE NAMED IN A 2024 POWER LIST

Real Est ate That Moves You

e and family are cornerstones in our ives and we strive to share our rtise with clients so that their real e decisions mirror their own goals. ing and downsizing are semantics, state is more than a financial action; it’s t ypically about a family ’ s haven. With this in mind, we treat the ess with singular focus and the st respect because it demands ng less.

Traffic Safety

PEOPLE ARE GETTING HIT BY CARS IN CORAL GABLES. WHAT’S BEING DONE?

BY MIKE CLARY

In the first four months of this year, four people were killed on Coral Gables streets in traffic crashes, a number that exceeds the annual total fatalities in any of the past seven years. Among those killed was University of Miami student Daniel Bishop, a popular and promising senior who was heading to campus on a scooter on March 4 when he was hit on LeJeune Road near the Shops at Merrick Park.

Bishop’s death is only one of several tragedies that have struck Coral Gables recently. There have also been 749 traffic crashes in the first three months of the year, putting the city on pace to shatter last year’s total of 2,798, according to police figures. The soaring accident rate has alarmed Gables residents and officials alike.

“The traffic, the speeding – it’s horrendous,” Zully Pardo said at a May 1 town hall meeting at the Coral Gables Country Club. A 40-year Gables resident, Pardo says she has seen a steady increase in the traffic cutting through her residential neighborhood north of Southwest Eighth Street. “Our city was built for cars,” she says. “Now, we need to address the needs of pedestrians and cyclists. With all the accidents we’re seeing, this seems like the perfect moment to do it.”

Coral Gables Police Chief Ed Hudak also spoke briefly at that meeting, saying “Fatalities have spiked recently,” but offered no details. Gables police say the circumstances of Bishop’s death remain under review. Veronica Bilbao de la Vega, the driver of the car that hit Bishop, was issued two traffic citations.

In the meantime, our political leaders seem to be listening. In April, all five city commissioners endorsed Vision Zero, a program

dedicated to eliminating traffic fatalities by 2030. The resolution directs the city manager to come up with an action plan “consisting of studies, community outreach, pilot programs, and infrastructure improvements” to reach that goal.

The Commission also signed a letter to the Florida Department of Transportation outlining safety recommendations, including lowering the speed limit on LeJeune Road from 40 to 35 miles an hour and installing dozens of pedestrian crossing signals on busy thoroughfares like US-1 and LeJeune, Bird, and Douglas roads.

“WE ARE A BUILT CITY, BUT NOT BUILT TO HANDLE THIS LEVEL OF TRAFFIC... ”

VICE MAYOR RHONDA ANDERSON

“We are a built city, but not built to handle this level of traffic,” says Vice Mayor Rhonda Anderson, who has taken the lead in pushing for safer streets. “I believe that people are now willing to embrace things they didn’t think important before – sidewalks, speed tables, speed radar signs, medians, and other traffic improvements.”

Among changes that Anderson endorses are pedestrian scrambles, where red lights stop all traffic at busy intersections to allow pedestrians to cross in all directions, including diagonally, at the same time. A scramble is in use at the busy intersection of Red Road and Sunset Drive, for example.

In the wake of Daniel Bishop’s death, Anderson says she has also talked to University of Miami officials about enhancing safety for students. “When we have an issue as marked as this, it changes the thinking of the community. More people are willing to embrace changes – a crossing, a sidewalk – to avoid fatalities,” says the vice mayor.

Adds Anderson: “Why am I so sensitive to traffic issues? Because my sister was run over by a truck [years ago in Miami]. Miraculously, she survived. We need to make things safer.” ■

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THE SOUTH FLORIDA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA PRESENTS ITS CHAMBER MUSIC SERIES “SUMMER WITH THE SYMPHONY” ON JUNE 20. PLUS LAUGHS IN SPANISH FATHER’S DAY GIFT GUIDE

Best Bets for June

NEW EXHIBITS AT THE LOWE MUSEUM

University of Miami’s Lowe Art Museum unveils two new exhibits this month: “She’s A Knockout: Sport, Gender, and the Body in Contemporary Art” highlights the work of 11 artists examining the intersection of women’s rights, human strength and resilience, sports and athletics; and “A Collector’s Journey: Susan Grant Lewin and the Art Jewelry World,” featuring Lewin’s collection highlighting the medium from the wearable to the outlandish. Both exhibits open June 21 and run through Sept. 14. Admission is free; reserve tickets online. 1301 Stanford Drive. lowe.miami.edu

SUMMER WITH THE SYMPHONY

The South Florida Symphony Orchestra presents its chamber music series, Summer with the Symphony, featuring “Affairs of the Heart” at the Coral Gables Congregational Church. On Thurs., June 20 at 7:30 pm, listen to captivating melodies from Rachmaninoff and Glinka and enjoy post-show bubbles and bites. Other shows are available in Miami and Ft. Lauderdale, with single-concert tickets for sale at $35, $15 for students; three-show packages available for $90. 3010 De Soto Blvd. southfloridasymphony.org

VISIONS FROM INSIDE THE WALLS: CORAL GABLES ARTISTS TODAY

Through June and into October, join Coral Gables Magazine and the Coral Gables Museum for our collaborative group exhibition featuring local artists who live or work in the City Beautiful. From the vivid colors of Polish artist Justyna Kisielewicz and the effervescent clouds of Gables native Liv Dockerty to the iconic pop culture

imagery of the internationally renowned Rubén Torres Llorca, the exhibition highlights the vibrancy and diversity of our local art scene. Museum tickets $12, $8 seniors & students, $5 children ages 7 to 12. 285 Aragon Ave. coralgablesmuseum.org

“REBELLION AND RESISTANCE”

The Peter London Dance Company presents “Rebellion and Resistance,” an exciting contemporary dance performance based on the classic opera “Carmen,” the tragedy of a woman who falls into a deadly love triangle with a military officer and a bullfighter. This exciting performance at the Sanctuary of the Arts will run for one day only, on June 23 at 4 pm. Tickets are $45, with a $15 student ticket. 410 Andalusia Ave. sanctuaryofthearts.org

ROYAL POINCIANA FIESTA FESTIVAL

The 87th Annual Royal Poinciana Fiesta Festival is here again! Hosted by the Tropical Flowering Tree Society, the festival honors the bright red bloom of the Royal Poinciana tree, present in Coral Gables for over a century. A wide variety of events mark the occasion, including walking, trolley, and bicycle tours; a symposium; and a free grand reception at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden on June 9. All proceeds from the events will go toward scholarships to support young women in horticulture. To RSVP, visit royalp.org

SUNDAY MOVIES

Every Sunday in June at 1 pm, the Cosford Cinema at the University of Miami is hosting $5 screenings of iconic films. On June 2: “True Love,” on June 9: “Umberto D,” on June 16: “Rumble Fish,” on June 23: “The Handmaiden.” Students can attend for free. 5030 Brunson Dr. events.miami.edu. Looking for something more family friendly? The Coral Gables Art Cinema is showing “The NeverEnd-

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ing Story” on Sun., June 9 at 11 am on a pay what you can basis. For a full calendar of movies, visit gablescinema.com. 260 Aragon Ave.

FATHER’S DAY TRIP DOWN MEMORY LANE

The City of Coral Gables invites all fathers and their families to take a trip down memory lane to the Coral Gables Golf & Country Club for its Father’s Day celebration on Sun., June 9 from 9 am to 12 pm. Attendees are encouraged to bring their classic or exotic vehicles for a morning of cigar rolling, music, and food trucks. Vehicle registration costs $20. 990 Alhambra Circle. flcoralgablesweb.myvscloud.com

Local author William Castaño-Bedoya is delving into the compelling narrative of his novel “We the Other People: The Beggars of the Mercury Lights” on Wed., June 26 at 6 pm. This free event is hosted by the Coral Gables Library and explores Castaño-Bedoya’s powerful take on American social literacy, navigating themes of political power, poverty, and societal resilience amidst the turmoil of

contemporary America. Register by calling the library or emailing capleybri@mdpls.org. Open only to adults over 18.

THE ART OF

MACRAME

Ever wanted to create your own plant hangers? This beginners’ class at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden will introduce you to the art of macramé as Rey Alvarez of Macramé del Rey teaches you basic knots and explains the planning and design process. No prior experience or materials are needed, only your presence on Sun., June 9 at 10:30 am. Tickets are $35 for members and $45 for non-members. 10901 Old Cutler Rd. fairchildgarden.org

CORAL GABLES’ FIRST CHURCH AND CIVIC HEART

Part of George Merrick’s plan for Coral Gables was an iconic church to serve as a meeting place in the heart of the city. After completion in 1925, the Congregational United Church of Christ embarked on community involvement through civic service, Christian education, promotion of music and the arts, and as a hall for city government meetings and educational events. The exhibition of photos, video, and objects from one of the city’s first public buildings runs from June 7 to Aug. 18. Museum tickets $12, $8 seniors & students, $5 children ages 7 to 12. 285 Aragon Ave. coralgablesmuseum.org

NETWORKING HAPPY HOUR

Join the Young Associates of the Coral Gables Museum for a special networking happy hour, this time in partnership with Wolfe’s Wine Shoppe. From 6 to 8 pm on Thursday, June 6, the Young Associates will experience tastings of the best summer wines to take on the boat, to the beach, or by the pool. Tickets are $30 and can be purchased by visiting @youngassociatescgm on Instagram. 124 Miracle Mile. ■

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THE NEW COMEDY AT THE GABLESTAGE EXPLORES THE SPANGLISH SIDE OF MIAMI

BY MIGUEL SIRGADO/ARTBURST MIAMI

Much has been said about how the Spanish we speak in Miami has affected native English, and how this has led to the emergence of a new dialect in the bilingual generations. According to several academic studies, this phenomenon occurs when two languages come into close contact. Not to mention the interpersonal relationships of South Florida Latino families. From gestures to tone, Spanglish is here to stay.

Celebrating the nuances of the “Miami language” is what GableStage’s “Laughs In Spanish” — a new comedy written by Miami native and New World School of the Arts grad Alexis Scheer — is all about. The playful exploration of identity, family and the local art scene will run at the company’s space in the Biltmore Hotel through Sunday June 23.

“It’s interesting and fun to discover in the play how much can be presented on stage while still being accessible to English-speaking audiences,” says Scheer. “It was equally enjoyable to incorporate Spanish to inform the characters without excluding those who don’t speak Spanish. Regardless of language proficiency, viewers will still grasp the essence of the play. I found it crucial to bring this aspect of Miami’s flavor and texture to the stage, as it authentically reflects the city’s linguistic diversity,” she says.

The plot begins on the cusp of Art Basel and Mariana, the

ABOVE: THE CAST OF MAGALI TRENCH (AEA), MARCELA PAGUAGA, MARIANA MONDRAGON (AEA), GABY TORTOLEDO (AEA), AND WILIAM GUEVARA TOP LEFT: ACTRESS MARCELA PAGUAGA AND DIRECTOR VICTORIA COLLADO LEFT: VISUAL ARTIST DIANA “DIDI” CONTRERAS

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director of an upscale modern gallery, has a big problem. Her showroom is the scene of a crime. When Mariana’s mother, a movie star, tries to save the exhibition, everything becomes “complicado.” Performed in English with a dash of Spanish, the fast-paced comedy about art and success — and mothers and daughters — is a lighthearted snapshot of Cuban and Colombian-American culture set in the heart of Miami’s Wynwood arts district.

“Laughs in Spanish” had its world premiere in 2022 at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts. Scheer herself grew up in Cuban Miami in a multicultural household, with a Colombian mother and a Floridian father of European roots. “I wanted to introduce the audience to the rhythm and language of Miami and also introduce a cast of successful and funny Latinx characters,” she says.

The idea of a play with the structure of a comedy of entanglements was deeply rooted in the way Scheer finally conceived the text. “I was pulling from a lot of comedy tropes and stock characters… Also, there was a little bit of ‘telenovela’ influence, so everything is just a little amped up and heightened.”

For Cuban-American director Victoria Collado, who directed GableStage’s “Native Gardens” last season, the case is similar. “I read the script and . . . I immediately fell in love with the play because I had never seen Miami people portrayed that way. There are characters that have never been seen on the American stage before,” she says.

The staging also features the work of Miami-based visual artist Diana “Didi” Contreras who has worked with companies such as Converse, Apple, and Warner Brothers; her paintings and murals are commissioned by A-listers like Shakira. “We decided to incorporate her work into the gallery in the theater and on the stage, viewing it as a special addition that contributes to the uniqueness of the production,” says Collado. ■

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Father’s Day Shopping

BY NATALIA CLEMENT

When it comes to gift giving for the fathers in our lives, it’s hard to know how to spoil them. Instead of another cologne set or golfing lessons, we’ve put together a guide from three downtown spots that will satisfy his cravings and help him dress to impress.

Dressed to the Nines

You can never go wrong gifting a dashing blue suit, and where better to source it from than one of the city’s leading menswear boutiques? Entering Sartori Amici, you’re met with a sea of fabrics and hues showcasing the intricacies of Italian luxury fashion. The best part? Custom tailoring for the life of the garment, ensuring it will be a lasting gift.

Prices start at $299, which gets you a polyblend set of jacket and matching trousers. Add $100 more and they’ll throw in a shirt and tie. There are also off-the-rack options made with higher-end fabrics, like wool lined with silk. We spotted a set with interwoven threads of different colors, making it easy to combine with the rest of his wardrobe ($599). If Dad is a bit of a fashionista, you can go all out with a custom jacket (starting at $1,000 for the jacket, $1,495 for the suit). We recommend a versatile sport coat, such as the silk-cashmere linen jacket with smoked mother of pearl buttons. Light-weight and breathable, he’ll be dressing it up or down depending on the occasion.

SARTORI AMICI

225 MIRACLE MILE

305.964.5073

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Not Just Blowing Smoke

Have dad kick back after work with a glass of whiskey and a good ol’ cigar. Locally, Gables Cigars offers an array of Nicaraguan blends you can mix and match as singles or purchase by the box ($90-500). For a medium body, we recommend the following brands: Altezas Reales, El Mago, and Plasencia.

Perfect for both connoisseurs and beginners alike, Altezas Reales Cabinet Series ($18 single; $120 per box) provides a full, flavorful experience thanks to its leather undertones, earthy mineral accents, mild vanilla essence, and notes of hazelnut. El Mago Lotus Lancero ($20 single; $150 per box) makes for a smooth smoke, with notes of spice, earth, and coffee tempered by the tobacco sweetness. Plasencia Alma Fuerte ($40 single; $300 per box), meanwhile, is a unique blend of the best-aged tobaccos, with hints of dark chocolate, plum, and cinnamon, rounded out with finishing notes of oak and molasses.

In case Dad’s particular about his smokes, Gables Cigars also offers accessories, including straight and V-cut cigar cutters, as well as refillable lighters and torches ($20-300). Looking to give him a full set? We recommend the fitting My Father Belicoso Collection, which comes with two cigars from each blend (Connecticut, Habano, and Maduro) and its own cutter and lighter.

ABOVE: SPORTS COATS AND TWO-PIECE SUITS AT SARTORI AMICI LEFT: OUR THREE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR A PERFECT SMOKE

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A Taste of Spain

Nestled on Miracle Mile, you’ll find La Jamoteca. Known for its traditional Spanish ham, hung proudly on the wall, it’s easy to overlook the vast selection of other gourmet bites and ingredients. Luckily for Dad, you can gift him a box filled with exquisite Spanish snacks – from slices of jamón ibérico to modern versions of turrón. If he’s into cooking, elevate his pantry with items such as olive oil pearls and piquillo peppers.

The boxes can be purchased prepackaged with the goods ($130-140), or you can build them yourself to cater to his tastes. The paper box starts at $10 for you to fill up, while an engraved wooden box goes for $30. And if he’s a soccer fan, they also sell an Inter Miami version.

You can also level up his skills in the kitchen with a carving class, where, over the course of three hours, attendees go over the theory and practice of carving, as well as indulge in wine and product tastings. All classes come with a whole bone-in ham, stand, professional knife, and apron – all of which you take home afterwards. Pricing varies depending on the type of ham, from Serrano or Ibérico ($449) to the “Pata Negra” Ibérico de Bellota ($1,098). LA JAMOTECA CORAL GABLES 359 MIRACLE MILE

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Bites

Fine ReviewDining

See page 46

PLUS BEST RAVIOLI IN THE GABLES HAPPY HOUR AT SAWA NEW RESTAURANTS

NICO MAZIER, A FRENCH CHEF WITH A JAPANESE CULINARY BACKGROUND, CREATES NEW AMERICAN CUISINE AT THE COLLAB IN THE THESIS HOTEL

Quick Bites

Ravioli

Is there any better pasta than a pasta that comes stuffed with cheese and other goodies? We don’t think so. Here are five of our favorites in the City Beautiful.

A EUROPEAN CREATION

The Globe, with its mahogany bar, opulent chandeliers, vintage globes, and Renaissance paintings, transports you to a European salon. Its signature pear ravioli ($19) also takes you on a journey across the pond, showcasing the ingenuity of The Globe’s Italian flavors. The sweet taste of the fruit is complemented by the creamy bisque – then further elevated by the texture of toasted walnuts and the slightly pungent taste of crumbled gorgonzola. 377 Alhambra Cir. 305.445.3555. theglobecafe.com

INDIAN FLAIR

Bugatti makes its own pasta fresh, which is probably why the Ravioli Bombay ($28) – surely the most eclectic pick on the menu – is so good. Stuffed with chicken and spinach and served in a savory yellow curry sauce, the dish is pushed to strange heights by a dollop of whipped cream, diced apples, and sliced almonds and raisin. A bit on the pricier side but worthwhile for something different. 2504 Ponce De Leon. 305.441.2545. bugattirestaurant.com

THE ART OF PESTO

Fontana at the Biltmore Hotel is a quintessential example of Italian cuisine in the Gables, and one of its best dishes is the Ravioli di Zucca ($25). From the velvety butternut squash filling to the creamy pesto sauce, each element shines through in flawless combination. The brightness of the sauce alone is a work of art while the sprinkling of toasted pumpkin seeds on top is the final culinary brushstroke. 1200 Anastasia Ave. 305.913.3189. biltmorehotel.com/coral-gables-dining/fontana

FROM THE SEA

We’ve been fans of Altagracia since the Argentinian-Italian fusion eatery opened last year, but only recently tried one of its≠ latest dishes, the Crab and Calamar Ink Ravioli ($28). The six symmetrical black squares are plated evenly around three plump shrimps delicately laid atop a hidden seventh ravioli – a fun surprise. The surrounding seafood broth is made with a sauvignon blanc wine reduction and adds a pleasant tartness. 276 Alhambra Cir. 786.862.1636. altagraciarestaurant.com

WINE PAIRING

Located inside the Hotel St. Michel, Zucca serves up authentic Italian fare in a modern, fine dining atmosphere. We sorely miss its pandemic-era outdoor dining, but our hearts were made full by the Ravioli Di Zucca Burro E Salvia ($28). Pumpkin-stuffed and sauteed in a mellow buttery sauce with sage, this dish makes for a soft and satisfying lunch. And it pairs perfectly with a glass of white wine from Zucca’s extensive stock. 162 Alcazar Ave. 786.580.3731. zuccamiami.com ■

FROM THE TOP:

THE GLOBE: PEAR RAVIOLI

BUGATTI: RAVIOLI BOMBAY

FONTANA, BILTMORE HOTEL: RAVIOLI DI ZUCCA

ALTAGRACIA: CRAB AND CALAMAR INK RAVIOLI

ZUCCA: RAVIOLI DI ZUCCA BURRO E SALVIA

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A Winning Collaboration

CHEF MAZIER AND THE ART OF EXPANDING AMERICAN CUISINE

BY KYLIE WANG

What do you get when you bring a French chef with experience in Japanese cuisine to a New American restaurant that emphasizes seasonal produce and local vendors? The answer is aptly named: The Collab, THesis Hotel’s newest offering, which replaced Orno in April.

Under the direction of Chef Nico Mazier, The Collab’s menu is small but bold, divided into three sections: earth, land, and sea. Though there is certainly an Asian overlay, the flavors here are more of a “collaboration” (forgive us) between that Eastern continent and the rest of the world. There’s pizza, picanha, cauliflower glazed with gochujang, West Coast oysters, spiced tahini yogurt, and Spanish octopus – all combined under the umbrella of New American cuisine.

“I try not to go too heavy in one flavor,” Mazier says, while admitting he often sways toward his background in Japanese cuisine. “I try to have hints of flavors. So, when you eat, you can taste Mediterranean, a little bit of Asian… all blended together so one is not overpowering the other.”

The dishes are indeed challenging, at least in their creation, but smooth and easy in their consumption. A perfect encapsulation is the beef tartare, served on bite-sized fried bao buns with a portion of American Wagyu beef, herb vinaigrette, black garlic aioli, and onion jam. Crispy from the bao bun, tender from the meat, and softened by the myriad toppings, it’s a textural masterpiece. It’s one of Mazier’s favorite dishes, born from his passionate love for beef tartare. “But I didn’t want [mine] to be so traditional,” he says.

Another example of Mazier’s flavorful whimsy is the baby corn dish, where he flexes his experience from a long stint at Nobu Miami. It’s a reimagined take on Mexican elote using smaller cobs traditionally harvested by hand in Thailand. It’s somehow sweet, creamy, spicy, and cheesy all at the same time, with a sweet soy glaze,

CENTER

BOTTOM

TOP LEFT: BRICK OVEN CHICKEN SAUSAGE PIZZA.

TOP: NICO MAZIER, A FRENCH CHEF WITH A JAPANESE BACKGROUND CREATING NEW AMERICAN CUISINE.

TOP LEFT: BEEF TARTARE ON BITE-SIZED FRIED BAO BUNS, TOPPED WITH TRUFFLES

BOTTOM LEFT: BABY CORN WITH SWEET SOY GLAZE, COVERED IN PARMESAN

TOP RIGHT: AIRLINE CHICKEN WITH SUNCHOKE PURÉE

RIGHT: BRANZINO FISH WITH GINGER SHISO

RIGHT: GREEN TEA PAVLOVA WITH YUZU ICE CREAM

creamy garlic aioli, spicy cayenne pepper, and a sharp dusting of parmesan cheese. The effect is Asian with an overlay somewhere between Mexican, Italian, and American.

Moving into the Mediterranean, The Collab serves one of Coral Gables’ best chicken dishes using Mazier’s brine and marinate methodology. “The brine is the secret for a moist chicken,” the chef says. “We do it for two hours, and that keeps all that moisture in when you cook it.” It’s then marinated with herbs, roasted garlic, and olive oil for 24 hours and dressed with a sauce made from chicken stock reduction, garlic, onions, and emulsified butter. Despite the day-long prep, it’s one of the simplest dishes on The Collab’s menu.

Mazier is defensive when it comes to the branzino, which he says he knows “is a fish everybody else does,” but one he couldn’t resist adding to his menu. It’s grilled with a touch of olive oil and served with a pickled fennel salad to add citrus, then topped with crispy capers for texture, a hint of vinegar, and finally, drizzled with ginger shiso dressing “for my Asian side,” as Mazier puts it. A perfect collaboration between the West and East.

The surprising star here is the pizza. Two are currently on the menu (chicken sausage and margherita); a third using artichoke, spinach, and leek is coming soon. Mazier’s process is “48-hour proofing on the dough,” where the dough is left to rise, allowing the yeast to ferment for added flavor and texture. The dough fills with small bubbles of carbon dioxide, which leaves empty pockets when it’s baked in The Collab’s brick oven, giving it the light, airy texture that Mazier’s crusts hold dear. “It almost becomes a gluten-free

pizza at that point,” he says. “It allows you to eat it and not feel full right away.” A pizza without a carb crash… genius.

Of course, a night at Collab is only properly finished with a similarly light dessert. Our favorite was the green tea pavlova, combining matcha Chantilly, strawberries, and citrusy yuzu ice cream, made from the Asian fruit. Sweet without being rich, you could probably eat five without getting full – and you’ll want to. “I just wanted things to be interesting, things you don’t see everywhere,” says Mazier, with a shrug that’s a true understatement. ■

Ceaseless Sawa

One of the things we love most about Sawa is the sheer breadth of the menu, from sushi rolls to fettucine alfredo to kabobs. Is it Mediterranean? Is it Japanese? Is it something entirely different? We’re not sure, but we’re not going to complain.

Sawa’s culinary variety and depth is also on display during happy hour, where the quantity of items is such that they must be divided into six sections featuring about 15 items each ranging from $8 to $20. If you’re looking for a great deal, go for the $8 Bronze section and a $6 beer. We splurged on the cauliflower tempura and the filet mignon yakitori from the Silver section ($12), both excellent and decently portioned, and a $9 classic cocktail.

The drinks here aren’t the most inventive – my lychee martini was made only with lychee puree and vodka – but they’re passably good. And the food is somehow great, no matter how far we test the boundless menu.

Happy hour runs from 4 to 7 pm on weekdays, but from 4 to 8 pm seven days a week at the bar. And then there are the After Dark Specials, which pick up right where happy hour ends. On Mondays, half-off mojitos; on Tuesdays, half-off bottled beers and sake; on Wednesdays, half-off whiskey; and so on and so on. Not to mention the live belly dancing on Friday and Saturday nights and the discounted hookah on Sundays. Will we ever be able to plumb these endless depths? – Kylie Wang

New Places

THE NEWEST RESTAURANTS TO HIT THE GABLES FOODIE SCENE

Chala Taqueria

The first thing that catches your eye when you walk into Chala Taqueria on Giralda Plaza is the vibrant ambience of the restaurant. The floor, walls, ceiling, tables, and everything in between – it’s all submerged in one of the liveliest shades of hot pink we’ve ever seen. This dazzling, somewhat overpowering decor is, however, an apt representation of Chala’s simiarly flavorful food, which incorporates locally-sourced ingredients and recipes inspired by 10 different Mexican states.

The menu features Mexican classics like tacos, burritos, and quesadillas, but, given that we were at a taqueria, we decided to stick with what they’re known for and ordered some of the 10 different taco options. Our favorite was the birria taco, which featured a consomé that was so flavorful and well-seasoned that it had us wanting to drink it like soup when there was no more taco left. We also give a ribbon to the fried shrimp taco, which was perfectly coated in tempura and drizzled with chipotle mayo on top, as well as the pork belly taco, which was filled to the brim of the soft-shell corn tortilla with meat, making it the best bang-for-your-buck item. We squeezed a lime over it for added flavor, which gave it some tang.

For the vegans, the mushroom taco was a solid alternative. We coated that with Chala’s salsa verde – one of three options at their salsa bar. Each taco cost $5, and we suggest ordering three to four to sufficiently satisfy your hunger. – Luke Chaney

153 GIRALDA AVE.

786.464.6793

Los Ranchos

This South Florida chain has now opened a location on Ponce right across from The Plaza. Though it’s a sure bet for The Plaza’s office crowd at lunch and happy hour, it’s also surprisingly refined inside, with white tablecloths and an upscale ambience. The plastic menus threw us a bit, but nonetheless, we’d categorize the dinner here as fine dining.

Los Ranchos makes the bold claim that it has “Miami’s best steaks,” and while we’re not sure if we’d go that far, they’re certainly delicious. Its signature churrasco with a side of chimichurri was our choice for lunch – though we got the “baby” portion at eight ounces ($25). It was the perfect size, considering we first filled up on the

cerdo frito: chunks of fried pork served with plantain chips and fresh chile criollo. A steal at $9.50.

Lunch specials, to which you can add a salad for $4 more, are wonderfully affordable as well, ranging from $10 to $17. And we’ve been reassured a new happy hour menu is soon to come. There’s something called a “mojito experience” we’re dying to try, and we’ll definitely be back for dinner, which has eight different churrascos (including pork and chicken) and an entire section devoted to shrimp. – Kylie Wang

2728 PONCE DE LEON

305.200.5153

BESTSTEAKSINMIAMI.COM

Sansa Bakery

Featuring a selection of croissants, cookies, macarons and more, Sansa Bakery takes the cake in affordability without sacrificing taste. With all its pastries made in-house, Sansa is known for its pastéis de nata ($3.50), a rich Portuguese egg custard that was the highlight of our experience. We sprinkled a dash of cinnamon over it, which only amplified the overall saccharine flavor. From there, we moved on to the dessert that first caught our eye when we made our selections: the gianduja ($6), a charcoal croissant. This flaky, all-black pastry is filled with a melted chocolate center and dusted with drops of sea salt on top for a sweet and savory combo that always delights.

And what’s a great Miami bakery without guava? Sansa’s guava and cheese croissant ($6) lived up to our high expectations, as the layers of cream and cheese paired with the sweet guava-based filling in a swirling, indulgent mix. We also tried the tarta nutella ($4.50), which was solid but not overly unique. If you’re really into the chocolate hazelnut spread, it’s worth a try. Sansa also offers savory choices, such as its specialty hot-dog croissant ($7), which we’ll be back to pick up next time we’re running late on our lunch break. Otherwise, we’ll enjoy a light dessert at the laid-back bakery, the perfect spot to grab a quick bite with a friend. – Luke Chaney 72 MIRACLE

CHALA TAQUERIA’S DAZZLING HOT PINK INTERIOR

LOS RANCHOS CHURRASCO WITH A SIDE OF CHIMICHURRI

SANSA BAKERY GUAVA AND CHEESE CROISSANT

A Corner of Japan

Walking into Mai Sushi Tapas & Bar, you’re met with a low-light ambiance popping with color, thanks to the namesake neon sign and colorful kimonos draped over the bar seats. On the right wall, anime scenes are projected, an homage to the cultural phenomenon. As the name suggests, there’s sashimi – both traditional and elevated – as well as sushi rolls (including the Crunchy Coral Gables roll; $14). However, our visit here was dedicated to exploring Japanese tapas.

For appetizers, we ordered the wonton tuna tartare chips ($11.50) and the deep-fried chicken ($9.50), but the star was the calamari and shishito duo served with squid ink sauce ($12). The cocktails menu showcases beverages made with shochu, the distilled Japanese spirit popular for its variety of flavors, including sweet, sour, and bitter. We stuck to the tapas theme with the sweet passion fruit sangria ($12).

A large portion of the menu is on sticks, a variety of skewers and sushi pintxos. Keeping it lean, we went for the grilled pork belly ($4) and chicken thigh ($3.50); we’ll be back for the teriyaki bacon-wrapped scallops ($8.50). The sushi pintxos are inspired by the Spanish bar snacks – albeit reinvented to spotlight sea ingredients like freshwater eel, sea urchin, and octopus ($8.50-15).

The passion in the kitchen is apparent, with owner Khoa Duong whipping up specialty items. We tried crunchy chicharron chips topped with sauteed sea snails coated in black bean and lemongrass sauce. More surprising was the tempura soft shell crab served over tofu chili paste. Can’t wait to see what Duong cooks up next! – Natalia Clement

110 Shore Drive West, Coconut Grove

4 BD | 4 BH | 3,184 SF

Nestled in the coveted Bay Heights neighborhood of Coconut Grove, this 4-bedroom, 4-bathroom residence is situated on an expansive 11,505 SF lot. Bay Heights is a private community renowned for its tranquility, lush surroundings, and prime Miami location. Enjoy the perfect blend of privacy and convenience in one of Coconut Grove’s most sought-after areas.

jj@jjsnowhansen.com

TEMPURA SOFT SHELL CRAB SERVED OVER TOFU CHILI PASTE

People

Paul A. Pavlou began his professional journey as a research professor at the University of California, Riverside, in 2003. After a five-year stint, he served as senior associate dean for faculty, research, doctoral programs, and strategic initiatives at Temple University in Philadelphia. He was also a professor and co-director of their Data Science Institute. In 2019, Pavlou accepted a role at the University of Houston, where he was dean of the C.T. Bauer College of Business.

Originally from Cyprus, Pavlou was a basketball star in his home country. He played for the Cyprus men’s national team and at Rice University, where he graduated with a bachelor’s in electrical engineering. He then earned a master’s in electrical engineering and a doctorate in business administration from the University of Southern California.

“OUR

JOB IS TO EQUIP STUDENTS WITH THE BEST POSSIBLE QUALITY EDUCATION THAT CATERS TO WHAT INDUSTRY SEEKS, SO THAT THEY ARE JOB-READY ON DAY ONE. WE ARE HERE TO TRANSFORM LIVES...”

Paul Pavlou

INCOMING DEAN, MIAMI HERBERT BUSINESS SCHOOL, UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI

LATEST ACHIEVEMENT

Pavlou will begin his position as dean of the Patti and Allan Herbert Business School at the University of Miami on July 1. He plans to prioritize executive education and global visibility; he also brings to the table a wealth of knowledge on information technology and artificial intelligence. His research on these topics has been cited over 90,000 times by Google Scholar. As a strong advocate for interdisciplinary collaboration, he plans to bring his knowledge of both science and business to his new role and to the students at The U.

WHAT HE SAYS

“I jokingly say that industry is our customer, and students are our product,” Pavlou says. “It is a lighthearted analogy, but one rooted in a profound truth. Our job is to equip students with the best possible quality education that caters to what industry seeks, so that they are job-ready on day one. We are here to transform lives,” he says. “I am a true believer in lifelong learning, and I look forward to seeing the university – and the business school in particular – have an even more integral role in the business community so we become a destination for all Miami professionals and businesses to upskill and reskill, enhance their leadership skills, and to learn more about emerging technologies, such as AI.”■

LIPOSUCTION MYTHS & REALITIES

Thinking about improving your shape?

Liposuction (“Lipo”) could help. But first things first: Is your weight (relatively) normal or does it need some work? Lipo is not a way to lose weight - nutritional modifications and exercise improve your weight (and your all-important health).

Lipo is a contouring tool to shape select areas of your body that remain annoying despite your best efforts at eating smart and exercising. The amount of fat removed doesn’t really weigh much and won’t make you lighter. So there goes one myth.

Lipo is however a powerful tool to improve shape and contours in many areas of the body (hips, thighs, flanks, tummy, arms). But to work well, your skin needs to have sufficiently good elasticity or things may end up looking the same or worse with irregularities and lax skin. Not everyone is a good candidate for lipo - a sad reality (similar is true for freezing fat as in Coolsculpting). So before jumping in on this, you need to be professionally examined and ‘ethically’ evaluated.

Should you be a suitable candidate, it is worth noting that good results will only last if you maintain (or initiate) good nutritional and exercise habits. A word on power assisted lipo such as laser, ultrasound or Vaser to ‘tighten’ skin: still no magic there and similar considerations apply.

What about if you’re not a good lipo candidate? What else could you do? If your tummy is lax after babies, then a tummy tuck would be the way to go to get rid of the slack skin, excess fat (if present) and to retighten the stretched muscles - this is usually quite dramatically effective. At the same time, some (limited) lipo can be added in the hip or other areas.

If weight is a big problem and beyond your control, then a bariatric consultation may be helpful. Weight loss after bariatric procedures (lap banding, etc.) is often dramatic and health improving but the resulting skin laxity tends to be significant. In this situation, lipo is not really helpful since the lax skin needs to be removed with skin excision surgery (tummy tuck, hip, body, thigh and arm lifts).

Overall, body contouring surgery, of which lipo is a part of, can create exciting results but works best in those committed to a healthy lifestyle. It is technically and

aesthetically challenging (“living sculpture”) and requires much experience to optimize outcomes while minimizing potential complications and disappointment.

So, as always, engage in careful research before proceeding.

STEPHAN BAKER, MD, FACS

Stephan Baker MD

Having lived in Latin America for many years, Susi Davis led a long and colorful life even before she came to Coral Gables in 2005. She’s been a VISTA volunteer (she describes this as “the domestic Peace Corps”) in St. Croix, an activist for Nuestros Pequeños Hermanos orphanage and a business owner in Mexico, a hotel worker in the San Blas Islands of Panama, a secondhand clothing store owner in Venezuela, and the senior director of the Americas Society/ Council of the Americas in New York City. When the Portland, Oregon, native finally ended up in the Gables, it was when she and a colleague were hired by the University of Miami (UM) to start the new Center for Hemispheric Policy at UM. Today, Davis is retired but continues her community work through the Gables Good Government Committee (GGG).

Susi Davis

PRESIDENT, GABLES GOOD GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE

LATEST ACHIEVEMENT

“OUR GOAL, OUR MISSION STATEMENT REALLY, IS TO IMPROVE CORAL GABLES AND MAKE SURE IT’S AN EFFICIENT AND WELL-RUN GOVERNMENT. ”

In 2022, Davis became the president of Gables Good Government Committee after 11 years as a member and seven years on the board. In her role, Davis follows the goings-on in the city and watches or attends all sunshine and City Commission meetings. “I’m very involved in producing all the programming that we do,” Davis says, including the annual town halls GGG produces with Commission members. GGG also recently handed out its third-ever Excellence in Public Service Award in March to Jeannett and Don Slesnick, the latter of which actually founded GGG in 2009.

WHAT SHE SAYS

“[GGG] does not endorse candidates,” Davis says, “so that makes it easier for us because we only deal with issues, causes, projects, and proposals. It keeps us focused and the commissioners pay better attention because we’re not going after people’s personalities,” says Davis. “Our goal, our mission statement really, is to improve Coral Gables and make sure it’s an efficient and well-run government. Those are things that sometimes get lost with commissioners, and they have to be reminded. We make sure that they remember what they’re here to do and how they should do it.”■

Roland Sanchez-Medina, Jr. is a Coral Gables attorney who both lives and practices in the city. His focus is on corporate and transactional law, navigating the legal maze for firms seeking construction loans, initial public offerings, revolving lines of credit, profit sharing agreements, real estate acquisitions, and private equity investments, among other client needs. His family fled Cuba when he was three, initially seeking political asylum in South Africa, then relocating to the U.S. and finally to Miami “like all good Cubans,” where he attended Belen Jesuit prep school and then University of Miami. After working at Holland & Knight, Greenberg & Traurig, and McDermott Will & Emery, he founded the SMGQ law firm with two other attorneys.

“THE BIG GORILLA TODAY IS AI AND ITS INFLUENCE ON FLORIDA LAW. IT’S CLEARLY GOING TO BE A DISRUPTOR… THE EXTENT OF IT WE DON’T KNOW JUST YET...”

Roland Sanchez-Medina, Jr.

FOUNDING PARTNER, SMGQ LAW

LATEST ACHIEVEMENT

This month, Sanchez-Medina, Jr. will be sworn in as the president of the Florida Bar, the regulatory association for the 112,000 attorneys who practice law in the state of Florida. It is the latest of many accolades for Sanchez-Medina, whose firm has grown to 25 attorneys since it was founded in 2005. Among other achievements, he was named president of the Cuban Bar Association in 2011, served as a member of the Orange Bowl Committee and on the Board of Governors of the Florida Bar, was named a “Super Lawyer” by Law & Politics magazine, and was selected as a Best Lawyer in America®.

WHAT HE SAYS

“The imposter syndrome is alive and well in me because it’s quite an honor to be chosen as president of the third-largest bar in the U.S.,” he says. (Only California and Texas are larger.) “I’m not sure it has completely hit me. It has left me speechless, and if you knew me you’d know how hard that is.” As for his role as president of the Bar, Sanchez-Medina intends to continue and enhance its legacy. “A major part of what we do is regulating attorneys so they are doing the right thing, not stealing people’s money. It’s vitally important that people have faith in attorneys and in the legal system.” ■

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE CLASS OF 2024!

Gulliver students are prepared to thrive on college campuses, in their careers, and in our complex world. The Class of 2024 will attend a wide range of colleges and universities, including the most academically challenging and prestigious schools across the country and globe. Whether their interests lie in liberal arts, engineering, architecture, music, or business, our students discover their passions and chart their own paths toward brilliant futures.

ACCEPTANCES ACCEPTANCES

1st place finishes for students competing in Yearbook, Broadcast, Debate, Biomedical Science, Computer

and Engineering,

“As a lifer at Gulliver, I truly believe that the Raider community has enabled me to thrive in all senses. I have been granted the environment and the resources to explore my passions and interests through electives and extracurricular activities. The exceptional teachers that I have been fortunate to have had pushed me academically to become the best student I can be.”

Cosme Salas ‘24, Three-Time Soccer State Champion and Two-Time Miami Herald Player of the Year, Multi-Sport Athlete, IB Student - Duke University ‘28

“Being a student-athlete at Gulliver Prep pushed me to pursue my individual passions by showing me that anything is possible and that I am not alone in this process. In my teams, I’ve found supportive friends and coaches that push me to reach my full potential. Being a student in an environment like this, where I am constantly being offered new potential passions and interests, is something that I would not trade for the world”.

THE CLASS OF 2024 WILL ATTEND 86 COLLEGES IN 28 STATES AND 6 COUNTRIES

The University of Alabama

American University

The American University of Paris

Amherst College

University of Amsterdam

University of Arizona (2)

Auburn University

Augustana College

Babson College (4)

Barnard College

Barry University (2)

Berklee College of Music

Bethune-Cookman University

Bocconi University

Boston College

Boston University (5)

Brandeis University

Brown University

Bucknell University

University of California (Berkeley)

University of California (Davis)

University of California (Irvine)

University of California (Los Angeles)

University of California (San Diego)

University of California (Santa Barbara)

Carleton College

Carnegie Mellon University

Case Western Reserve University

Catholic University of America

University of Central Florida (2)

University of Chicago

Claremont McKenna College

Clemson University

Colgate University

Colorado College

University of Colorado Boulder (3)

Colorado State University

Columbia University

University of Connecticut

Cornell University

Dartmouth College

Drew University

Duke University (4)

East Carolina University

The University of Edinburgh

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (3)

Emerson College (2)

Emory University

Fairfield University

University of Florida (10)

Florida Atlantic University

Florida Gulf Coast University

Florida International University (6)

Florida State University (2)

Fordham University (3)

Furman University

George Washington University (2)

Georgetown University (2)

University of Georgia

Georgia Institute of Technology

University of Groningen

Hamilton College

High Point University

Hobart and William Smith Colleges (2)

Howard University

Hult International Business School (2)

IE University (5)

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Indiana University (3)

Instituto Tecnológico Autónomo de México

Kent State University

Kenyon College

Loyola Marymount University

University of Maryland

University of Massachusetts

McGill University (2)

University of Miami (15)

Miami University

Miami Dade College (4)

University of Michigan (14)

Middlebury College

University of Mississippi

University of Nebraska

The New School

New York University

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Northeastern University (22)

Northwestern University

University of Notre Dame (3)

Nova Southeastern University (2)

Oberlin College

The Ohio State University

University of Oregon

University of Pennsylvania (2)

Pennsylvania State University

Pepperdine University

Pitzer College

Pratt Institute

Princeton University

Purdue University (3)

Rice University

Ringling College of Art and Design

University of Rochester

Rollins College

Rutgers University

University of San Diego

San Diego State University (2)

Santa Fe College

Sarah Lawrence College

Savannah College of Art and Design

School of the Art Institute of Chicago

Matriculations in bold | Multiple matriculations noted in parentheses

University of South Florida (2)

Southern Methodist University (5)

University of St Andrews (2)

St. Thomas University (2)

University of St. Thomas

Stanford University (4)

Seton Hall University

Skidmore College

University of Southern California (4)

Syracuse University

Tallahassee Community College

The University of Tampa (2)

The University of Texas at Austin

University of Toronto

Trinity College

Tufts University (4)

Tulane University of Louisiana (7)

Vanderbilt University

University of Vermont

Villanova University

University of Virginia

Virginia Polytechnic Institute

and State University

Wake Forest University (3)

University of Washington

Washington University in St. Louis

West Virginia University

University of Wisconsin

Yale University

Anya Gruener ‘24, Silver Knight Award Nominee, Student Body President, RaiderVoice Managing Editor, Coca-Cola Scholar - Stanford University ‘28

Science

Dance, Visual Arts, Music, and Theatre.

SCAN TO SEE EXCELLENCE, EVERYWHERE!

Floating Indulgence

Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ Newest Ship Takes Us to the Caribbean

BY KYLIE WANG

F

irst in the water on a bright Monday morning, I step off the floating platform’s ladder and let out a small squeak of surprise. Something slick and vaguely squishy has just brushed my leg. Several large, dark shapes bumble past in the water. A minute later, a professional wrangler has dumped one of the flapping creatures in my arms. “Watch out for the tail!” he says. “And keep away from the mouth if you don’t want a hickey!”

The writhing mass in my arms is a fully-grown stingray… and she’s not entirely

pleased to be hugged by a nervous stranger. The moment lasts just long enough for a photo, during which my partner and I are spattered with water from her splashing wings. I then present her with a small squid, which she sucks out of my fist (thumb curled into my palm so she doesn’t take it with her) with surprising speed and aggression. Don’t come between a girl and her food!

We’re in St. John’s, Antigua for the day and it’s not even noon by the time we get back to the port. Our ship, the Seven Seas

Grandeur, is the newest in a line of luxury cruise ships under Norwegian Cruise Lines’ luxury Regent Seven Seas brand. We cram a quick lunch in and then we’re off on a Jeep tour of the island, followed by a swim in the Caribbean Sea.

Every day is like this. We wake up each morning to the gentle swaying of the ship, docked in a new port, in a new country, with a new adventure planned out and catered to our desired level of activity. Most excursions, which are all offered free or at a reduced rate through Regent, live up to the hype.

In the course of a week, we go on a rickety 12-mile bike ride across Bonaire’s rocky eastern coast, visit with exotic butterflies at a garden in Aruba, hike through Grenada’s rainforest, sample homegrown spices at local markets, and sail a catamaran down the coastline of St. Lucia to see the famed natural “pitons” — volcanic peaks that jut 2,000-plus feet out of the ocean. All of this is punctuated by educational driving tours through each island and extravagant meals

at the five specialty restaurants on-board, all included in our package. Our one day at sea is spent lounging by the pool and drinking a coterie of frozen cocktails and mimosas, topped off by a relaxing spa treatment. I go with the Deep Sea Heat Mask body treatment, which combines a full-body massage with a slathering of warm paste that soothes sore back muscles.

The Grandeur lives up to its name, designed to give you the impression of a floating five-star resort with precisely placed golden and crystalline decorations. Outside the Prime 7 steakhouse, there are multiple authentic Picassos. At the entrance to Chartreuse, the French restaurant, is a floor-toceiling Gucci installment of gold-bordered flowers. We won’t even get started on the Fabergé egg.

The menus on-board Grandeur are extensive, from Pacific Rim’s Asian flair (sushi, seafood, Korean BBQ, etc.) to Compass Rose’s wide-ranging variety of options (pasta, meat, fish, veggies). A rotating cast of familiar-faced servers who seem to work at every restaurant on-board are constantly refilling your wine glass, bringing new courses, and generally making it so your only thought is what to order next.

This seems to be Regent’s overall theme. Don’t worry, don’t think, just enjoy. It’s almost intoxicating, even over-indulgent. Every evening, we come back exhausted from a day of adventure to a freshly made bed, squares of chocolate placed atop a daily “newsletter” with a list of all the activities you can enjoy. Our

We wake up each morning to the gentle swaying of the ship, docked in a new port, in a new country...

OPPOSITE PAGE:

TOP: THE SEVEN SEAS GRANDEUR , PART OF NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE’S LUXURY BRAND

RIGHT: STATE-OF-THE-ART FITNESS CENTER

CENTER: CHARTREUSE FRENCH RESTAURANT

LEFT: OUR SUITE EXUDES LUXURY AND PEACE

THIS PAGE:

LEFT: A STOP AT GRENADA FOR A HIKE

THROUGH A TROPICAL RAINFOREST

BELOW: ARRIVING IN ST. LUCIA WITH THE FAMED PITON PEAKS

previous day’s laundry is pressed and hung neatly in the closet at our request. Our towels have been replaced; our belongings tidied. On the day before we de-board, our suitcase is lying open on the bed, ready to be packed – a gentle reminder that as much as you may want to, you simply cannot stay.

The stingray excursion is on day five of our week-long trip. By this time, even my frugal, humble partner has discovered a penchant for the finer things. We are, quite

simply, spoiled beyond belief. The thought of returning home to a life of meetings, laundry, and dishes is almost obscene.

There is a reason, after all, why most people don’t – or can’t – just live on cruises. Maybe it’s not just the extravagant prices or the nomadic lifestyle. Perhaps a booking at Regent should come with a warning: Beware of an impending disdain for the mundane. If Grandeur taught us anything, it’s that you won’t come back the same. ■

Summer Road Trip to Clearwater

At the Sheraton Sand Key Resort, it’s all about the beach

In many ways, it’s all about the sand. And the sun and water, of course. But the sand is special in Clearwater Beach. It’s not the golden, grainy sand of South Beach. It’s a fine, white powdery sand, like confectioner’s sugar. And the water? While the Gulf of Mexico has a reputation for being warmer than the Atlantic, we found it refreshingly chilly.

If you are looking to take a family road trip this summer, you should consider a jaunt to the Sheraton Sand Key Resort in Clearwater Beach. It’s just south of that beachfront community, across an inlet, where there is far less bustle. It also has an amazing stretch of white sand as you head to the water’s edge. “We have 13 acres of private beach,” notes General Manager Dominic

BY J.P. FABER

Provenzano. “No other hotel here has that.”

If you want to have some busy fun, you can drive (or take the hotel trolley) to Pier 60, a thousand-foot fishing pier with an army of vendors (carvings, T-shirts, jewelry, shells, etc.) on the first part, and clear decks toward the end (a $1 charge filters out the riffraff). This is the place to watch the sunset. The Friday night we arrived there was a rock band playing at a beach-side pavilion, along with fire-wielding buskers, and in the park that anchors the pier, a Ferris wheel and bounce houses for the kids. It’s Florida’s version of the famed Santa Monica pier.

The amusements of Clearwater Beach aside (including the Marina Aquarium), most visitors to Sheraton Sand Key Resort

come to chill out. The idea is to do nothing. You can spend the day lounging around the massive pool, ordering drinks and sandwiches from the Poolside Café, or you can grab a couple of towels and head to the beach, where you can rent umbrellas and beach recliners and just let time melt away.

If you do get a hankering for culture, nearby St. Petersburg has worthy options. We could not resist driving down to see The Dalí – the Salvador Dalí Museum – with its a fine collection of works by the Spanish surrealist. Rumor has it, the museum was originally planned for Miami but turned away by city commissioners who declared Dalí to be an unwelcome communist. No such strictures in St. Petersburg, a “City of

The Friday night we arrived there was a rock band playing at a beach-side pavilion, along with fire-wielding buskers...

ABOVE

ABOVE

ABOVE RIGHT: DALÍ MUSEUM IN ST. PETERSBURG

1160

727-595-1611

Creative Spaces”, which also has the Museum of Fine Art, a museum of Chihuly glass sculptures, a children’s interactive museum, and more.

Having started our day with a Bloody Mary at a beach bar on the way to The Dalí, we were content to head back for an afternoon of – you guessed it – doing nothing. We donned hats and sunblock, grabbed a couple of towels, and made the five-minute trek to the ocean-side. We rented an umbrella and two loungers and let the breeze waft over us, occasionally opening the paperback books we brought along.

After sunset, we ate at Rusty’s Bistro, the more upscale of the resort’s two restaurants (the other is the informal Mainstay Tavern, with pool table and video screens for the kids). We tried an excellent pear ravioli with cream sauce and a nicely done filet. Both toothsome, but our favorite meal at the Sheraton Sand was at the Mainstay, a hefty grouper sandwich with a glass of Turtle Ale – one of a dozen beers on tap, half of them local brews.

The journey to Clearwater Beach is part

of the fun. From the Gables, the best route is Tamiami Trail, which cuts through the Everglades and the Big Cypress National Preserve. After that, it’s the long stretch of I-75, not too bad if there isn’t roadwork underway. The key is to leave early to avoid the noon rush hour in Greater Miami and arrive before the evening rush hour in Greater Tampa. We listened to a novel by Ray Bradbury to pass the time. You can also fly to St. Petersburg, but between waiting at the airport and car rental time, you won’t beat the four- to five-hour drive by much.

Once you arrive – on a late Friday afternoon, as we did – it’s time to unwind. We drove to the pier for sunset, ate Mexican food with a view at the Marina Cantina, then took a post-tequila ride in the Ferris Wheel. The next day, nada – after Dalí, of course. And if you go during the summer, prices for the pleasantly modern and recently refurbished rooms drop dramatically. “We have a lot of guests that have been coming for years,” says Provenzano. “They came as kids and now they are bringing their kids.” ■

Roaming the Ranch & Rodeo

Where we traveled to Central Florida for a weekend escape

BY NATALIA CLEMENT

As a lifetime Floridian, driving through the state has always been a tedious endeavor. This time, instead of passing by the farmland and swampland, we booked a weekend getaway at Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo for the ultimate dude ranch experience.

Pulling into the property, we were greeted by a herd of bison — a wildlife encounter you don’t expect in the Sunshine State. After checking in for two nights of luxury glamping, we were escorted to a fancy

Conestoga Wagon. A blend of rustic charm and modern comfort, the wagon transported us to the Old West – but with amenities. From the kitchenette and hotel-like bathroom to our king-size bed and golf cart, we weren’t going to experience anything remotely near traditional camping. Why sacrifice good living?

After settling in, we hopped on our golf cart to get the lay of the land. The property hosts a variety of family-friendly activities, including a Cowboy Adventure Park, a

petting zoo, and an 18-hole minigolf course. We signed up for the more immersive activities, starting with the Swamp Buggy tour. We rode the open-air monster trucklike contraption into the ranch’s surrounding greenery. During the wet season, you can expect splashes of water as you cruise the swamp, but we were weeks shy of the summer rains, so we jolted through driedup terrain. Our guide pointed out wildlife, from buff broncs to timid tortoises. After this exhilarating, bumpy ride in the sun, we

YOUR HOME ON THE RANGE AT THE WESTGATE RIVER RANCH RESORT & RODEO ARE THE CONESTOGA WAGONS, BARBECUE INCLUDED

cooled off with a visit to the Escape Room. Forty-five minutes later, halfway through the clues and hoping to save our marriage, we called it a day and headed to dinner.

We kicked back our metaphorical cowboy boots at the River Ranch Cattle Company Chophouse & Bar and went straight for the main course: Black Angus Beef. The eight-ounce “palomilla-style” skirt steak was marinated in citrus chipotle and topped with chimichurri and caramelized onion, and the 10-ounce center-cut sirloin showcased the rich flavors of Aberdeen Angus cattle. For dessert, we opted for s’mores under the night sky.

At Westgate, you must get up at dawn to take full advantage of all the activities. Fortunately, morning breakfast was brought to the wagon, fueling us up on coffee, egg sandwiches, and cinnamon buns. We then drove our cart to the stables for horseback riding. In a group of 10 people, we were led on a leisurely 45-minute ride along untouched trails. Having rarely ridden in my

life, taking in the breathtaking scenery gave me a newfound appreciation for the equestrian experience. Throughout the ride, I brushed the back of my horse, Finn, full of personality yet docile, and took the occasional selfie.

Our itinerary continued with trap shooting, the shotgun sport of firing at clay targets launched in the air. My experience with rifles was even less than horse-back riding, so I was surprised to hit the mark on my first try. Was I a natural or just a lucky beginner? Either way, I was rewarded with a rush of adrenaline as the gun kicked back into my shoulder, nailing another half-dozen shots.

After devouring a Southern BBQ pizza (pulled pork, red onion, and pickled jalapeño) at Rodeo Ray’s Pizza, we went to the marina for a classic airboat ride and soon were speeding along the Kissimmee River. (For a more educational and laid-back trip on the river, their Queen River Cruise provides shaded scenic views of natural Florida.)

Saturday night at Westgate is rodeo time, where brave cowboys and cowgirls

show off their skills in bull and horseback riding. I was impressed, wincing anytime someone got thrown off the back of a bull and clapping in amazement when the cowgirls hung off the side of their horses. After the rodeo, there’s a street party outside the saloon where you can brush up on your line dancing. We skipped the festivities in favor of grilling steaks on our wagon’s patio (hand-delivered, with sides and grilling tools).

On Sunday, after checking out from the wagon, we decided to stay on the property for a few more hours of wildlife encounters and scenic views. As a kid, I thought I had to fly to Texas to live out my cowgirl dreams, but it turns out the Wild West is closer than I thought. As we looked back in our rearview mirrors, I already missed the tranquility of Westgate River Ranch. ■

AFTER HORSEBACK RIDING ON UNTOUCHED TRAILS DURING THE DAY, SATURDAY NIGHT IS RESERVED FOR A RODEO. BRAVE COWBOYS AND COWGIRLS SHOW OFF THEIR SKILLS IN BULL AND HORSEBACK RIDING.

Who exactly is Nick Sharp?

BY KYLIE WANG

Ten years into his career as a restaurateur, Nick Sharp dresses for work every morning by picking up whatever t-shirt and jeans combo is at the top of his drawers. He’ll usually finish by pulling on a wellworn cap and his Redback work boots, made in Australia.

Nick himself was made in Australia, which is obvious as soon as he opens his mouth – and by the details present at each of his restaurants. Bay 13 Brewery + Kitchen on Alhambra Circle is named after the rowdy section of seating at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, where Nick once dreamed of playing professional cricket. When the brewery first opened, there was a framed photo of the Hemsworth brothers – the famous Australian actors – in the women’s restroom. (It was soon stolen.) At Threefold Café on Giralda Plaza, the Sharps’ first endeavor into the food and beverage industry, Australian flags sit in vases on every table. And, every Australia Day, the Sharps celebrate by hosting a huge beer festival called Woop Woop – Australian slang for any place far out in the bush.

Nick is likely the most well-known Aussie in the Gables, referred to occasionally as “the mayor of Giralda Plaza” by colleagues.

He and his wife, Teresa, have been brewing coffee and serving up platters of avocado toast (yes, we can thank the Aussies for bringing that one to the Gables) for a decade as of this month, which marks the 10-year anniversary of Threefold.

“We were just deprived of good coffee,” explains Teresa about their first taste of the City Beautiful. “We lived for 10 years in Melbourne, which is like the coffee capital of the world. They’re so far ahead when it comes to specialty coffee. We knew what good coffee was and we knew we weren’t getting it. So, we thought, ‘Well, how hard could it be?’”

And so Threefold Café was conceived, specializing in coffee and a chef-driven allday Australian breakfast, another commonality in Melbourne. “We opened with almost all of the capital we’d put into it gone,” Nick says. “I was still working full-time in my finance job. Teresa was the barista.” He made the tables himself out of wood from pallets and sourced bread locally from Zak the Baker in Wynwood. Then the Yelp reviews poured in, and they were soon doing a steady business.

From there, the Sharps opened additional Threefold locations and more restau-

A ‘Sharp’er Image

rants. A second Threefold opened in South Miami in 2015 (closed in 2021 because the space was too small). Someone’s Son opened in Douglas Entrance in 2016 and enjoyed a nearly eight-year stint there. A third Threefold location opened in Brickell in 2019, which is still operating. This was followed by the ambitious, sprawling (and popular) Bay 13 in October 2021, replete with huge steel tanks for brewing beer. Now, the Sharps are launching La Cucina di Threefold this month, next to Douglas Station just outside the Gables, featuring a new Italian menu –as well as the specialty coffee patrons have come to know and love. Along the way, there have been endeavors into groceries, coffee roasting, and burgers.

With a background in finance – the career that first brought him to the U.S. and eventually Coral Gables – Nick has always known how to run a business. But the inventiveness of his culinary endeavors is a testament to his willingness to adapt and persevere.

THE MAN

A first impression of Nick Sharp isn’t one of overt friendliness. He seems more serious than easygoing, solemn rather than comical, more sharp (forgive me) than soft. But his wife swears he has a wicked sense of humor, which sometimes comes out in short flashes the more comfortable he gets. “That’s the thing with him,” Teresa says. “People don’t know how to take him because he’s very direct. [But] he’s a joker, for sure.”

At work, many of the employees seem

slightly afraid of Nick, at least at first, says Johnny Alvarez, Threefold’s longest-running employee. He’s known the Sharps since Threefold first opened, when he met them at church. “Nick is a really good person,” he says. “Very humble, very intelligent. He can walk into the cooler and walk out a few seconds later and tell you exactly what’s on every shelf… and [he’s] involved. He’ll go back there and get his hands dirty.”

Back when the South Miami Threefold location was still open and the grease

That’s the thing with him. People don’t know how to take him because he’s very direct. But he’s a joker, for sure... ” “

trap needed fixing, Nick was the one who jumped in “up to his hip” in grime to pull out the blockage. Alvarez says he can count on him and his family to help wash dishes too, or to cover for a chef that’s taking off a few days for vacation.

Bay 13’s Head Brewer Greg Berbusse, meanwhile, takes a more lighthearted view of his employer. “[Nick] hates it when I say he’s a robot. But it’s not uncommon to get either really early or really late emails from him, depending on what side of midnight you’re on. So, I joke that robots don’t need to sleep. They just have to plug in.” Berbusse admits he was a bit intimidated by Nick upon their first meeting, but now, four years later, they’re fast friends who attend Metallica concerts together and joke about Nick’s apparent love for Radiohead. “He probably needs that [to calm down],” says Berbusse.

TERESA SHARP, ABOVE IN THREEFOLD CAFE. LEFT: CELEBRATING WOOP WOOP BEER FEST AT BAY 13 BREWERY

One of the things long-standing employees appreciate about Nick is his willingness to give opportunities to those who work hard. Berbusse, who moved from Arkansas to take the job at Bay 13, says, “He had no idea who I was when they first hired me. But I guess Nick saw something in me that was worth taking the risk, so he gave me the opportunity. He doesn’t micromanage. He gives you enough freedom to make decisions that need to be made.”

For his part, Nick says he doesn’t know why he comes across as so daunting, while acknowledging that he has “a very low tolerance for avoidable mistakes.” He admits that he’s not the most empathetic person in the world, though able to recognize his shortcomings. “I don’t communicate as well as I should,” he says. “I presume that everybody thinks about everything the same way I do.”

One of his biggest revelations in the move from Australia was the realization that many Americans – and especially Miamians – don’t have the same work culture or work

ethic that Aussies do, a cultural difference that often frustrates him.

“It’s not rocket science,” he says bluntly of his staff’s responsibilities. “You’ve read the menu, so memorize it. That’s it; that’s all you need to do.” He also doesn’t understand the step-by-step graphics displayed in his kitchens that show cooks how to construct a hamburger. “I always thought that was such a waste of time,” he says exasperatedly. “Let me just show you how to do it and then you know how to do it. But people don’t,” he says, baffled. “That’s definitely a challenge.”

At work, Teresa is Nick’s opposite: the front-of-house manager with a warm smile, a quick wit, and a degree in marketing. Nick is the back-room machinery, the engineer of the cogs and gears behind the curtain. And it’s always been that way, Teresa says. The couple have been together some 20 years now, since they first met and began dating as high schoolers in a small town in rural Australia. Nick was the jock, a good-looking kid with dreams of playing professional

cricket. They married young and soon had two daughters, Allegra, now a freshman at FIU, and Chloe, still in high school.

“He’s always been very driven, very dedicated,” says Teresa. Even back when they first met, she says, “he was always organized with his time” and sharp (again, apologies). “He gets from A to B very quickly, [whereas] I sort of zig-zag from A to B. But he can make that leap and those connections. He’s one of those people that just read a text and understand it, [including] all the subtext, instantly.”

PANDEMIC PIVOT

Sharp is also highly inventive and opportunistic. During the pandemic, it was his idea to start selling groceries from Threefold, rather than just take-out. “You can imagine the amount of food that’s in the supply chain going to South Florida for cruise ships, hotels, restaurants… just a tidal wave of food,” Nick says. “And within like 48 hours, 100 percent of that stuff had shut down. Most restaurants packed up and quit.” At grocery stores, people

Nick saw something in me that was worth taking the risk, so he gave me the opportunity. He doesn’t micromanage... ” “

were panic-buying toilet paper and other goods, while the food service industry actually had a surplus. “[It] was overflowing with stuff they didn’t know what to do with or how to get rid of,” says Nick. “So, that was the start of our grocery endeavor.”

With a bare bones staff, the Sharps set to work packing up boxes of produce, dry goods, and other grocery items for sale at Threefold and for delivery. They used a connection with a friend in the flower industry to store items at a refrigerated warehouse and moved “10 or 12 tractor trailer loads of produce” to the 40,000-foot cooler. “We were taking truckloads of this stuff,” Nick says. “In the space of a couple of weeks, we went from a little grocery store at Threefold to doing 150 deliveries a day across Miami-Dade County. And all of that just got pulled together on the fly.”

Sharp also gave back, working with the Coral Gables Community Foundation

GREG BERBUSSE (LEFT), BAY 13’S HEAD BREWER, WITH NICK

to supply hot meals for people unemployed during the pandemic. “We partnered with Nick to feed out-of-work individuals two hot meals a day for eight weeks,” says Foundation President and CEO Mary Snow. “His staff worked in the kitchen making the meals and helped dish them out at Douglas Entrance, at their Someone Son’s location… He had the vision to do those meals, and he made his restaurant a grocery store during COVID, selling everything from toilet paper to soup, spaghetti sauce, and eggs – all types of things. He pivoted and kept everyone employed.”

Gaby Bustamante, who’s been a regular at Threefold since it first opened, was a regular of the makeshift grocery store as well. “The more difficult things got, the harder it was to see when and how it would get any better, the more Nick and Teresa rose up to meet the challenges,” he says. “It never got to be ‘too difficult’ or ‘too much’ for them to keep carrying on, doing what they believed was the right thing for them to make a positive difference…. I found that whole experience to be very revealing of [an] admirable character, including uncommon selflessness.”

Indeed, with such a surplus of available food, Nick started calling churches and food banks to set up food drives. And the Sharps’ suppliers got a hand too, as Nick became possibly the only man in South Florida in

need of pallets’ worth of eggs and produce. “Our egg farmer that we’ve worked with for years, all of his business pretty much dried up. So, we started taking pallets of eggs. Then, he introduced us to his neighbor, who was a blueberry farmer. Same deal. So, that kept everybody employed until PPP came in. And that’s sort of how we got through COVID.” Nick’s tone implies a shrug, almost nonchalant, as if he wasn’t responsible for saving these people’s livelihoods. Maybe he simply doesn’t realize it.

That spirit of grocery and gratitude survives to this day in seasonal promotions at Threefold and Bay 13. Every year during mango season, for instance, Bay 13 offers free beer in exchange for mangoes, which are used to make everything from more beer to desserts to cocktails at all the Sharps’ restaurants.

Today, there is a seemingly ceaseless list of events across those restaurants, from beer-paired dinners to Inter Miami watch parties to evening artisan markets. There’s weekly live music at Bay 13 and private events nearly every day, from baptisms and weddings to networking events and private parties. The ideas come pouring out and the bookings come pouring in; for a while, they even tried running a comedy club at Bay 13, but were put off when many of the comics were “a little too blue.”

In the space of a couple of weeks, we went from a little grocery store at Threefold to doing 150 deliveries a day across Miami-Dade County... ” “

Behind the scenes of all this is Nick Sharp, building tables and fixing grease traps, engineering the moving parts in a machine now a decade in the making.

“He wasn’t known as the Mayor of Giralda for nothing,” says Venny Torre, who chaired the downtown Business Improvement District when Sharp launched Threefold on that iconic restaurant row. “He is a soft-spoken sort of guy, but really determined when it comes to solving problems and helping out the other merchants. He’s a very strong voice for the downtown business community. We’re lucky he landed here from Australia.” ■

NICK SHARP, OUTSIDE THREEFOLD WITH TERESA, DISCUSSING THE PANDEMIC

YACHTS

Summer Reading

OUR RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE NEW (MOSTLY) AND THE TRIED AND TRUE (SOME).

As the page turns to June on your calendar, you are likely Googling the best places to travel this summer – both internationally and domestic – and trying to make plans for that once-in-a-lifetime getaway. Locales like Fiji, Bali, and the Amalfi Coast are popping up on your computer screen, as well as San Diego, Bar Harbor, and the ever-reliable Grand Canyon. All these destinations evoke excitement to the seasoned traveler, as well as the newbie explorer, especially to those of us who have stuck closer to home the last four summers thanks to a worldwide pandemic.

As you browse the internet, the most important questions you are seeking answers to at this moment are: what’s your budget, where will you stay, what will you wear, and, of course, what will you read?! We have the answer for you.

Once again (like last summer), Coral Gables Magazine has partnered with the brilliant book seller Mitchell Kaplan of Books & Books, citizen extraordinaire and former Miami

Herald publisher David Lawrence, and yours truly, the CEO and president of the Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce, to craft our very own Summer Reading List.

Equal parts new titles and future releases, as well as a balance between fiction and non-fiction, we present varying topics, including new business-related books (recommended by me) and the latest in books with historical insight (thank you, Dave Lawrence). This year, we added the insights of Lowe Art Museum Curator Jill Deupi on the subjects of art and culture, with Mitch handling the latest in fiction. We have it all for you across 40 hot titles. Some of these books are on shelves now and others will be released over the next few months – with our curated list designed to keep your summer mind engaged, your interests keen, and your suitcase stuffed with deliciously good reads.

And even if you stay close to home this season, your nightstand will be as welcoming of these titles as your carry-on.

INTRODUCTION BY MARK TROWBRIDGE

Fiction & Memoirs

State of Paradise: A Novel

BY LAURA VAN DEN BERG

A ghostwriter for a famous thriller author returns to her mother’s house in the Florida town where she grew up. As the summer sets in, she wrestles with family secrets and memories of her troubled youth. But it’s not just the ominous cats, her mother’s burgeoning cult, or the fact that her belly button has become an increasingly deep cavern –something is off in the town….

The Women

BY KRISTIN HANNAH

From the author of “The Nightingale,” here’s another riveting story about a woman navigating heroically through a very fraught time and place; this time, she is immersed in another time when we found ourselves most divided –during the Vietnam War – where she serves in the Arny Nurse Corps. “Hannah again shines her light on overlooked women in history.” – People Magazine

The Paris Novel

BY RUTH REICHL

Food, art, and Paris. Who could want more?! This is a gorgeously uplifting new novel about living – and eating – deliciously, and no one writes about food like Ruth Reichl. “Food critic and novelist Reichl serves up a delectable story of an introverted copy editor’s life-changing visit to Paris in the 1980s.” – Publishers Weekly

Pink Glass Houses

BY ASHA ELIAS

Social satire is at its best in this debut novel by one of our very own, which will have everyone in Miami talking! It is seductively set in the world of wealthy PTA moms at an elite elementary school in Miami Beach. “Delicious, decadent, and utterly diabolical. No one serves up a scandal like Asha Elias.” – Kirsten Miller, author of “The Change”

Recommended by Mitchell Kaplan, owner, Books & Books

Lies and Weddings

BY KEVIN KWAN

A globetrotting tale that takes you from the black sand beaches of Hawaii to the skies of Marrakesh, from the glitzy bachelor pads of L.A. to the inner sanctums of England’s oldest family estates. This is a juicy, hilarious, sophisticated, and thrillingly plotted story of love, money, murder, sex, and the lies we tell about them all.

Victim

BY ANDREW BORYGA

A debut by a Miamian who has the courage to tackle difficult questions head-on. “You get debuts this blazing once in a generation, if you’re lucky. Boryga is brilliant, a brilliant writer, a brilliant satirist; his voice could light up a city. Victim is a stake of truth aimed at our vampire culture’s charlatanic heart.” – Junot Díaz

Oye

BY MELISSA MOGOLLON

An inventive debut, this is a telenovelaworthy coming-of-age story and family drama told over one long telephone conversation – a phone call you won’t want to hang up on. “By a dazzling new voice, this book is a funny and heartfelt exploration of growing up, resilience, sisterhood, and finding your path.”

– Electric Literature

Rebel Girl: My Life as a Feminist Punk

BY KATHLEEN HANNA

The raw and insightful memoir of the legendary front woman of Bikini Kill and Le Tigre. “A fantastic journey into an unconventional life, pulsing with raw energy and vulnerability that I witnessed firsthand. It’s honest, funny, witty, and smart. And most of all, it’s important to the herstory of Kathleen’s place in blazing new trails.” – Joan Jett

Fiction & Memoirs

The Friday Afternoon Club

BY GRIFFIN DUNNE

A memoir of growing up in a largerthan-life family in Los Angeles and Manhattan, this celebrity memoir has a boldface cast of characters and jaw-dropping scenes. “Dunne’s writing is vivid, openhearted, and full of a rich irony that inflects even the most emotional scenes... The result is a raucously entertaining homage to an unforgettable dynasty.” – Publishers Weekly

All Fours

BY MIRANDA JULY

A semi-famous artist announces her plan to drive cross-country, from L.A. to N.Y. Thirty minutes after leaving her husband and child at home, she spontaneously exits the freeway, checks into a nondescript motel, and immerses herself in an entirely different journey. An irreverently sexy, tender, hilarious and surprising novel about a woman upending her life.

American Spirits

BY RUSSELL BANKS

Three interlocking stories about how our political discourse has arrived where it has also demonstrate the power of empathy to bring us all a greater understanding of each other. “I learned so much about storytelling and about our country reading these stories, and I finished the book full of gratitude that such a man, and a writer, could have existed.” – George Saunders

Baumgartner

BY PAUL AUSTER

Baumgartner’s life had been defined by his deep love for his wife, Anna, killed in a swimming accident nine years earlier. Now 71, he continues to struggle to live in her absence as the novel sinuously unfolds into spirals of memory and reminiscence. Auster’s brilliant final novel speaks of the preciousness of time, memory, and love. It resonated with me far after I finished its last pages.

Recommended

by Mitchell Kaplan, owner, Books & Books

Reading The Room: A Bookseller’s Tale

BY PAUL YAMAZAKI

Paul Yamazaki, one of the spiritual forces behind the legendary City Lights Bookstore, gives us a love story to books and bookselling. “Yamazaki is one of the greatest and most influential readers in the world. [This volume] reminds us that reading is an act of imagination, defiance, optimism, and love. Paul brings the whole of his being to the world of books.” – Katie Kitamura

Long Island Compromise

BY TAFFY BRODESSER-AKNER

In 1980, a wealthy businessman named Carl Fletcher is kidnapped from his driveway, brutalized, and held for ransom. He is returned to his wife and kids less than a week later, only slightly the worse, and the family moves on with their lives. But now, nearly 40 years later, it’s clear that nobody ever got over anything. An exhilarating novel about one American family.

The Demon of Unrest: A Saga of Hubris, Heartbreak, and Heroism at the Dawn of the Civil War

BY DR. AMISHI JHA

Erik Larson, author of “The Devil in the White City,” finds another pivot in history that he brings to life as only he can. This time, it’s the period between Abraham Lincoln’s election and the start of the Civil War. “Twisty and cinematic... a mesmerizing and disconcerting look at an era when consensus dissolved into deadly polarization.” – Publishers Weekly

An Unfinished Love Story: A Personal History of the 1960s

BY DORIS KEARNS GOODWIN

The author of “Team of Rivals” artfully weaves together biography, memoir, and a history of the 1960s, illuminating public and private moments through the intimate prism of her marriage to the brilliant Richard Goodwin, and through the experiences with the powerful leaders they served. “With her skillful grasp of revealing detail, Ms. Goodwin brings political figures back to life.” – The New York Times

Groomsmen packages starting at $299 (305) 964-5073

Coral Gables

Coral Gables

Coral Gables

225 Miracle Mile, Coral Gables, FL 33134 (305) 964-5073

Groomsmen packages starting at $299

Groomsmen packages starting at $299

225 Miracle Mile, Coral Gables, Fl 33134 (305) 964-5073

225 Miracle Mile, Coral Gables, Fl 33134 (305) 964-5073

Miami International Mall 1455 NW 107th Avenue, Miami, FL 33172 (305) 594-9126

Miami International Mall 1455 NW107th Ave, Miami, Fl 33172 (305) 594-9126

Miami International Mall 1455 NW107th Ave, Miami, Fl 33172 (305) 594-9126

www.mygroomsroom.com | www.sartoriamici.com

www.mygroomsroom.com | www.sartoriamici.com

www.mygroomsroom.com | www.sartoriamici.com

Mr. and Mrs. Brandon & Wasimara Chase, Positano, Italy. Mr. and Mrs. Brandon &Wasimara Chase Positano, Italy

Mr. and Mrs. Brandon & Wasimara Chase, Positano, Italy.

Art & Culture

The Tale of Genji (Penguin Classics)

BY MURASAKI SHIKIBU

TRANSLATED BY ROYALL TYLER

The first new translation in 25 years of this masterpiece of Japanese literature. Lady Murasaki’s great 11th century novel is a beautifully crafted story of love, betrayal, and death at the Imperial Court. At the core of this epic is Prince Genji, the son of an emperor, whose passionate character, love affairs, and shifting political fortunes offer an exquisite glimpse of Japan’s golden age.

Gwen John: Art and Life in London and Paris

BY ALICIA FOSTER

Gwen John was one of the most significant British artists of the early 20th century, active in Paris and London and featured in the highly influential avant-garde Armory Show in New York in 1913. Demolishing the myth of the recluse, this sustained critical biography of a much-loved artist locates her firmly in the art worlds of London and Paris, where she lived and worked.

Just Kids (National Book Award Winner)

BY PATTI SMITH

It was a summer of love and riots, and a summer when a chance encounter in Brooklyn led poet/performer Patti Smith and photographer Robert Mapplethorpe on a path of art, devotion, and initiation. “Just Kids” begins as a love story and ends as an elegy. A fable of New York City during the late ‘60s, it is a portrait of two young artists pre-fame.

The Power Broker: Robert Moses and the Fall of New York

BY ROBERT A. CARO

Robert Caro’s monumental book makes public what few outsiders knew: that Robert Moses was the most powerful man of his time in New York City and State. In telling the Moses story, Caro portrays how politics really happens. Moses built an empire, lived like an emperor, and was held in fear – his dossiers could disgorge the dark secret of anyone who opposed him.

Recommendations by Jill Deupi, Chief Curator, Lowe Art Museum (University of Miami)

Everything She Touched: The Life of Ruth Asawa BY

MARILYN CHASE

The story of a woman who wielded imagination and hope in the face of intolerance and who transformed everything she touched into art. In this compelling biography, author Marilyn Chase brings Ruth Asawa’s story to vivid life. She draws on Asawa’s extensive archives and weaves together many voices to offer a complex and fascinating portrait of the artist.

Making the Mummies Dance: Inside the Metropolitan Museum of Art

BY THOMAS HOVING

From Simon & Schuster, “Making the Mummies Dance: Inside the Metropolitan Museum of Art” is an unforgettable autobiography for any arts and culture fan. In this book, a former director of the Metropolitan Museum of Art reveals his bold and brash life at its pinnacle – and the clandestine deals which secured blockbuster exhibitions for the museum and which made him a legend.

The Hare with Amber Eyes : A Hidden Inheritance (Illustrated)

BY EDMUND DE WAAL

Two hundred and sixty-four Japanese wood and ivory carvings, none larger than a matchbox: Edmund de Waal was entranced when he encountered the collection in his great-uncle Iggie’s Tokyo apartment. When he later inherited the netsuke, they unlocked a far more dramatic story than he could ever have imagined. This illustrated edition transforms an intimate saga into a work of visual art.

In Praise of Shadows BY

JUNICHIRO TANIZAKI

An essay on aesthetics by the Japanese novelist, this book explores architecture, jade, food, and even toilets, combining an acute sense of the use of space in buildings. The book also includes descriptions of laquerware under candlelight and women in the darkness of the house of pleasure. A fully illustrated, beautifully produced edition of Junichiro Tanizaki’s wise and evocative essay on Japanese culture.

History

Ascent to Power: How Truman Emerged from Roosevelt’s Shadow and Remade the World

BY DAVID L. ROLL

The book that “rehabbed” Harry Truman was David McCullough’s “Truman” from 1992. It turned out that Truman was not only a good man, but a pretty good president, too. Now comes this book, centered on his ascension to power after FDR’s death in 1945 and focused on just three years leading to his semi-stunning election in 1948. Insightful storytelling.

Takeover: Hitler’s Final Rise to Power

BY TIMOTHY W. RYBACK

A great successor to Volker Ullrich’s two great books covering Hitler from 1889 to 1945, this one captures the final year of Hitler’s ascent to power. He could have been stopped, obviously should have been stopped. Storm Troopers didn’t do the deed here. All sorts of folks miscalculated, including the business community. (“He’s better than the Communists and we can handle him.”)

Table for Two

Amor Towles doesn’t write bad books. My favorite: “A Gentleman in Moscow.” Wonderful tale of a Russian nobleman who, after the Bolshevik Revolution of 1917, is exiled to the Hotel Metropol in Moscow. His intelligence and savvy and decency converts his captors. His newest book: A splendid set of short stories inhabited by fascinating characters, plus a novella of quality.

Knife: Meditations After an Attempted Murder

BY SALMAN RUSHDIE

Salman Rushdie no doubt thought the fatwa days were long gone, but the pledge-to-kill order by Khomeini was still carried out against him two summers ago. Twenty-seven seconds and 15 stab wounds. Only by a miracle is the great author alive to tell the story. It is that story, and a love story, as well.

Recommendations by Dave Lawrence, Jr., retired Miami Herald publisher and Childrens Movement of Florida chair

The Education of Eva Moskowitz

BY EVA MOSKOWITZ

The charter schools she launched in New York City, serving 20,000 students in 53 schools, remain demonized by a powerful union. I met the author in Miami, went to see for myself, coming away wowed by what I witnessed in first and second grade classrooms. Her book is the saga of a struggle for schools of choice making a difference for many families.

BY PERCIVAL EVERETT

Like other high school students going back generations, I read “Huckleberry Finn,” Mark Twain’s classic told from Huck Finn’s perspective. Hemingway told us, “All modern American literature comes from (this) one book.”

Now Jim has his turn, and it turns out he’s smarter and wiser than we had been led to believe. There’s much to learn from Jim. This is a masterpiece.

Israel: A Concise History of a Nation Reborn

BY DANIEL GORDIS

This book could not have been more timely. A fair-minded, fact-focused author gives us the story of a nation and how it came to be… and why it always needs to be. This book chronicles the pain and the problems and the promise – and, yes, the faults and failures – and emerges as a basic text for understanding the Middle East’s only democracy.

Charlie Chaplin vs. America: Where Art, Sex and Politics Collided

BY SCOTT EYMAN

The great artist, famous throughout the world, never did know a whole bunch about what was going in the world – and paid the price for his naivete. A Brit, he came to America and loved it here, then couldn’t come back. A sad and telling story about the Red Scare and his exile from a country – this country – that he loved.

BY AMOR TOWLES

James

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Business & Leadership

The Algebra of Wealth

BY SCOTT GALLOWAY

Today’s workers have more opportunities and mobility than ever before. They also face unprecedented challenges, including inflation, labor, and housing shortages, and climate volatility. In “The Algebra of Wealth,” Scott Galloway lays bare the rules of financial success in today’s economy. In his unvarnished, no-BS style, he explains what you need to know to better your chances for economic security.

Right Thing, Right Now

BY RYAN HOLIDAY

In “Right Thing, Right Now,” Holiday draws on fascinating stories of historical figures such as Marcus Aurelius, Jimmy Carter, Gandhi, and Frederick Douglass, whose examples of kindness, honesty, integrity, and loyalty we can emulate as pillars of upright living. Through the lives of role models, readers learn the transformational power of living by a moral code – and the consequences of an ill-formed conscience.

On the Edge

BY NATE SILVER

Professional risk-takers – poker players, hedge fund managers, crypto true believers, blue-chip art collectors – can teach us much about navigating the uncertainty of the 21st century. Taking us behind the scenes, from casinos to venture capital firms to the FTX inner sanctum, “On the Edge” is a deeply reported, all-access journey into a hidden world of power brokers and risk-takers.

The Everything War

BY DANA MATTIOLI

For over 20 years, Amazon was the quintessential American success story, whilst its “customer obsession” approach made it indelibly attractive to consumers across the globe. From veteran Amazon reporter for The Wall Street Journal, “The Everything War” is the first untold, devastating exposé of Amazon’s endless strategic greed, its pursuit of total domination by any means necessary, and the growing efforts to stop it.

Recommended by Mark Trowbridge, President & CEO, Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce

Drive

BY DANIEL PINK

“Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us” is a non-fiction book which argues that human motivation is largely intrinsic and that aspects of this motivation can be divided into autonomy, mastery, and purpose. He argues against old models of motivation driven by rewards (money) and fear of punishment. The book asserts that higher pay and bonuses don’t necessarily result in better performance

Master Mentors

BY JEFFREY MILLER

For busy professionals and lifelong learners seeking practical strategies for reaching new heights, “Master Mentors” distills 30 essential learnings from Seth Godin, Susan Cain, Trent Shelton, and other top business minds and thought leaders of our time. Whether you are challenged, affirmed, informed, or inspired—Master Mentors guarantees you will experience a transformative shift in your personal mindset, life skillset, and career toolset.

Peak Mind

BY DR. AMISHI JHA

Amishi Jha is an associate professor of psychology at the University of Miami, where she serves as the director of contemplative neuroscience for the Mindfulness Research and Practice Initiative. The research in her laboratory, The Jha Lab, is dedicated to studying the neural bases of attention and the effects of mindfulness-based training programs on cognition, emotion, and resilience. These are her insights.

The Road to Freedom

BY JOSEPH E. STIGLITZ

Taking on giants of neoliberalism such as Hayek and Friedman, and examining how public opinion is formed, Stiglitz reclaims the language of freedom from the right. He shows that “free” – unregulated – markets that promise growth and enterprise in fact reduce it, lessening economic opportunities for majorities and siphoning wealth from the many to the few – both individuals and countries.

The Moderns

REDEFINING THE CITY BEAUTIFUL: 1960 - 1980

BY BRUCE FITZGERALD AND KARELIA MARTINEZ CARBONELL

PHOTOS BY KARELIA MARTINEZ CARBONELL

LEFT: 2100 PONCE DE LEON BOULEVARD (1981/2015)

HORIZONTAL BANDING WITHIN OVERALL VERTICALITY DEFINES THIS CORPORATE HIRISE. NOTE THE SIGNATURE INTERPLAY BETWEEN CONCRETE AND GLASS COMPONENTS DEPLOYED BY THE ORIGINAL ARCHITECT, ALBERTO J. SOCOL.

TOP: 201 ALHAMBRA (1973/1977) AND 255 ALHAMBRA (1974/2022)

THESE TWO ADJACENT AND SIMILAR BUILDINGS DESIGNED BY O.K. HOUSTOUN TYPIFIED THE AESTHETIC OF 1970S CORPORATE MODERNISM, ALTHOUGH BOTH STRUCTURES HAVE SUBSEQUENTLY BEEN CONTEMPORIZED.

ABOVE: 2331 PONCE DE LEON BOULEVARD (1984)

THE INNOVATIVE LUMINAIRE SHOWROOM WAS DESIGNED BY RONEY MATEU, WHO ALSO DESIGNED THE MARLINS STADIUM AND THE PALLEY PAVILION AT THE UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI LOWE ART MUSEUM.

OPPOSITE PAGE:

ABOVE: 550 BILTMORE WAY (1986)

I

n a city long defined by historical building styles that collectively came to be known as Mediterranean Revival, the mid-century arrival in Coral Gables of a sleek new style called Modernism elicited shock... and then awe. The new style was radical and confounding at first, but Modernism also conveyed a design aesthetic based on order and functionality – a sense of calm after the storm of WWII. Coral Gables architects took stock, then a deep breath, and basically said “Let’s do this!” The exemplary buildings shown here prove that they were ready, willing, and more than able to walk the walk.

BEAUTY EVOLVES

At the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair, Louis Sullivan had presented his groundbreaking “skyscraper” concept, followed in 1919 by the founding of the seminal Bauhaus School by Walter Gropius in Weimar, Germany. Change was clearly in the air when, in 1932, Philip Johnson and Henry-Russell Hitchcock launched “Mod-

A GABLES SHOWSTOPPER WITH HISTORICAL REFERENCES TO AZTEC ARCHITECTURE, THIS OFFICE BUILDING IS NOTABLE FOR ITS STEP-DOWN, PYRAMIDAL SHAPE. IT WAS

ern Architecture: International Exhibition” at the Museum of Modern Art in New York, thereby affirming Modernism as a distinct design and cultural movement. Three extant 20th-century architectural icons serve to illustrate Modernism’s enduring appeal: the United Nations building (New York, 1947-1961), the Guggenheim Museum (New York, 1959), and the Sydney Opera House (Australia, 1959-1973).

From the 1960s to the 1980s, architects in Coral Gables rose to the occasion by adapting the “form follows function” Modernist principles to the exigencies of tropical suburban life. See some of their surviving works here to get a better understanding of how we’ve traveled from then to now. In the end, perhaps our architectural evolution was not so much a conundrum as a continuum. ■

DESIGNED IN AN ‘80S POSTMODERN STYLE BY ARCHITECTS GLENN PRATT, O.K. HOUSTOUN, AND THOMAS A. SPAIN.

RIGHT: 2199 PONCE DE LEON BOULEVARD (1980) ARCHITECT ALBERTO J. SOCOL’S FLORIDA BUILDINGS ALSO INCLUDE MIAMI’S JAMES L. KNIGHT CENTER, THE SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE AT THE UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA AND, IN CORAL GABLES, THIS QUINTESSENTIALLY MODERN OFFICE BUILDING.

BELOW RIGHT: 525 SOUTH DIXIE HIGHWAY (1960) CORAL GABLES FIRE STATION 2 WAS DESIGNED BY O.K. HOUSTOUN (WHO ALSO DESIGNED 550 BILTMORE WAY AND DENNY’S ON MIRACLE MILE) WITH EYE-POPPING DESIGN ELEMENTS LIKE FIRE-ENGINE RED DOORS.

BELOW: 150 ALHAMBRA (1984)

THE STRONG CONCRETE AND GLASS HORIZONTAL BANDS AND INTERLOCKING GEOMETRIC FORMS GIVE THIS BUILDING THE ARCHETYPAL LOOK OF 1980S CORPORATE DESIGN. ARCHITECT: ALBERTO J. SOCOL

Meandering About Town #12

AN ADVENTURE IN WHICH A FORMER MAYOR CONTINUES TO SEEK THE “SOUL” OF HIS HOMETOWN

BY DON SLESNICK

In seeking the heart and soul of a community, the answer sometimes lies outside the city’s boundaries. Due to its geographic location, Coral Gables treasures its connections to the world through the offices of multinational firms and the consulates of foreign governments.

A vital component to the international persona of our community is the “Sister City” program – partnership agreements with municipalities from various countries to share cultural exchanges, encourage trade, promote tourism, and create cross-border bonds of friendship. Since 2000, Coral Gables has pursued those relationships by sending delegations to the sister cities of Pisa, Granada, Aix-enProvence, La Antigua, and Cartegena.

Each delegation, led by the mayor and first lady, included participants from the Chamber of Commerce, law and real estate firms, the banking industry, the hospitality sector, institutions of higher education, cultural societies, and civic organizations. All delegates paid for their own travel and accommodations as well as helped cover some common expenses. These outreach trips led, in turn, to delegations from those sister cities to Coral Gables.

One such excursion was to Granada, Spain, a relationship started during the administration of Mayor George Corrigan. The delegation consisted of almost 20 Gables citizens and was warmly received by their mayor, his fellow officials, and leaders from the business and cultural communities. The four-day visit included receptions, musical performances, “state” dinners and luncheons, and formal exchanges of flags and official mementos.

In return for our visit, Granada sent a full delegation to the Gables and presented us with a giant marble pomegranate topped

with a royal crown representing Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand (the symbol of their city). It now sits proudly in a small park on Granada Boulevard near West Lab School.

What better way to understand the lasting impact of such an international exchange than to have a 20-year reunion with some of that mission’s “fellow travelers”? Thus, 10 of us gathered at the base of the Granada pomegranate to reminisce about our experiences. Here’s what some of the reunion participants had to say:

Blanche and Al Cueto, who traveled to Spain as the advance team: “We developed goodwill, friendship, business, and cultural exchanges. Later, when the group from Granada visited Coral Gables, [we] welcomed their group, hosting dinners and receptions in our homes. Due to our mayor’s somewhat limited fluency in the Spanish language, we have always referred to our excursion as the ‘muchas gracias tour’!”

Jorge and Maggie Villacampa: “We were able to deliver a very positive message of our city and our nation… The perception of the U.S. tends to be negative due to the events they watch in the news. Any public relations we as Americans can do can go a long way to change that perception.”

Barry and Glenda Hayley: “It’s so important to keep our program active with future trips and reciprocal events to project and cement the Gables’ brand as an international city open to cultural, social, and business exchanges worldwide.”

Lourdes Cuzan, who oversaw arrangements from Gables City Hall: ”The Coral Gables Sister Cities Program creates important outreach opportunities  by which the City’s international image and multicultural climate are solidified. Through the years, successful exchange programs were instrumental in the development of important and lasting international relationships.”

Nancy and Dick Leslie: “How thrilled we were when greeted upon arrival at the Granada City Hall by a full military band.”

Yes, truly, such trips and such reunions surely speak to the “soul” of our international community! ■ This column appears monthly by Don Slesnick, who served as mayor of Coral Gables from 2001 to 2011. If you wish to reach him with suggestions on where he should next meander in search of the city’s soul, email donslesnick@scllp.com.

A 2024 REUNION, LEFT TO RIGHT: AL & BLANCHE QUETO, LOURDES CUZAN, DICK & NANCY LESLIE, DON SLESNICK, MAGGIE & JORGE VILLACAMPA, GLENDA & BERRY HAYLEY

Scavenger Hunt at The Plaza

The 2024 Coral Gables Magazine Scavenger Hunt was a tremendous success. Held May 18 at The Plaza and surrounding areas, this walkable scavenger hunt had over 300 participants. Our clue seekers solved rhymes created by our editoral staff within The Plaza area and the surrounding neighborhood. Special thanks to our presenting sponsor The Plaza and our supporting sponsors Baptist Health South Florida, MG Developer, The Loews Coral Gables Hotel, and the Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce.

A Gables Gathering at Regatta

Last month, Coral Gables Trust hosted a fleet of six like-minded professional organizations at Regatta Grove in Coconut Grove, bringing together over 200 financial and estate planning professionals for food, cocktails, music, entertainment, and an evening of bay-side networking.

One of the fastest-growing trust and wealth management firms headquartered in Florida and a leading provider of wealth management, trust and estate, and financial planning services, Coral Gables Trust partnered with the Estate Planning Council, the Financial Planning Association, the Society of Trust & Estate Practitioners, the Miami-Dade Bar Association Young Lawyers Section, the Chartered Financial Analyst Society, and the Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants to host this event.

1: John and Maria Alma Harris, Mason Williams and Jim Benedek

2: Michelle Daley Peters, Robert Penafiel and Sabrina Izquierda

3: Saidin Hernandez, Olga Santini and Madelayne Cordero

4: Michael and Maryann Leibowitz, with Richard Vaughan

5: Raul Marcos, Cole Thompson and Judge Norman Gerstein

6: Franchette Andrea and Melanie Hyer

7: Oliver Ranft and Yolanda Perez

8: Coral Gables Trust hosts a fleet of professional organizations at Regatta Grove

Ronald McDonald House Celebrates New Group of “12 Good Men”

Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) of South Florida held its 31st Annual 12 Good Men Luncheon in the heart of Coral Gables at the Loews Hotel, a tradition that recognizes local individuals for their exceptional philanthropic involvement, civic service, and support of one or more prominent South Florida charitable organizations. Proceeds from the event help fund operations at RMHC South Florida, which provides a “home away from home” for families with seriously ill children receiving medical treatment at pediatric facilities across South Florida.

Ronald McDonald himself was in attendance and Calvin Hughes, WPLG newscaster and a member of the 12 Good Men Class of 2016, returned as Master of Ceremonies. Children currently staying at RMHC South Florida presented flowers to the honorees as they made their way to the end of the iconic runway, a tradition beloved by guests each year.

Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC), hosts close to 300 families a year for an average stay of 33 days. The House offers lodging in a stress-free environment, allowing families to be fully engaged in their child’s care and recovery. For more information, visit www. rmhcsouthflorida.org. Follow RMHC on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

TGM Class of 2024: (Left to Right) Frank J. Milton, Cristian LaCapra, Jonathan Babicka, Jorge Arauz, Steve Stowe, Ronald L. Book, Ronald McDonald, Steve Zack, Kinny R. Madori, David Zambrana, Alex Mantecon, Jonathan Truppman

Jonathan Babicka and Calvin Hughes

Linda Ray, Remedios Diaz Oliver, Liliam Machado, Irela Castillo and Hildene Potashnick

Yoyi, Yelany, Stephanie, and Bryan Rodriguez

Don Slesnick and Patrick Morris

Danny Jelaca, Linda Lynn Levy, James Murphy, and René Ruiz

Elected Officials: (Left to Right) Judge Zachary James, Eleventh Judicial Circuit, Judge Marcus Bach-Adams, Eleventh Judicial Circuit of Courts, Lisa Bonich, City of South Miami Vice-Mayor, Senator Alexis Calatayud, Florida State Senate, Honorable Juan Fernandez-Barquin, Clerk of the Court and Comptroller, Vicki Lopez, Florida House of Representatives Soraya Rivera-Moya, Executive Director, Ronald McDonald House of South Florida, Christi Fraga, City of Doral Mayor, Danny Espino, Miami Dade County Public School Board Member, Rafael Pineyro, City of Doral Councilman, Vince Lago, City of Coral Gables Mayor

50 Restaurants in Coral Gables

JUNE DINING GUIDE

June 2024

With so many new restaurants opening in the Gables, you’ll always have plenty of places to try. What follows is our list of the best of the tried and true, and the best of the new, many of which opened just this year. We dine at all locations anonymously, and we list only the places where we love to eat.

$ ............ Under $25

$$ .......... $25-$40

$ $$ ..........

$$$ ........ $35-$75

$$$ ........ $35-$75

$$$$ ...... $70-$100+

$$$$ ...... $70-$100+

Prices are per person for appetizer and entrée, without tax, tip, or drinks. Prices are approximations.

Prices per person and entrée, without tax, tip, or drinks. Prices a hidden backroom mezcal lounge. The wide selection of authentic cuisine mixed with unconventional interpretations solidifies Bodega as a true taqueria, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get the classics here. And, of course, grab a shot of tequila. 317 Miracle Mile. 786.785.1501. $$

Bouchon Bistro

450 Gradi

Even with so many Italian restaurants in Coral Gables, it’s hard to find a good slice of pizza. Yes, we like a lot of them – but love... that’s reserved for 450 Gradi’s pizzas, which are wonderfully inventive and deliciously layered, featuring ingredients like pork cheek and truffle cream. Chef Antonio applies the same panache to the eggplant parm, steak tartare, branzino, tomahawk steaks, carbonara truffle, and so much more. 130 Miracle Mile #101. 786.391.1276. $$$

Armstrong Jazz House

Ever since the city shuttered Open Stage Club on Galiano Street, Coral Gables has suffered a deficit in jazz venues. Now, your jazz sweet tooth can be satisfied all week long at Armstrong Jazz House. The nightly schedule features a jazz saxophone from 5 to 7 pm, then a jazz combo from 7 to 10 pm, followed by the return of the solo saxophonist. The menu is a work in progress, but the vibe is sweet and well worth a visit. 271 Miracle Mile. 305.488.9955. $$

Bodega Taqueria y Tequila

Bodega Taqueria y Tequila’s eighth location gives us our latest go-to locale for all-day quick bites, including

Michelin-starred Chef Thomas Keller is considered one of the top masters of French cuisine in the country, which he proves with aplomb at his latest venture into traditional French fare. With romantic courtyard seating outside at the restored La Palma Hotel and an elegant interior, to sup in Bouchon is to dine in late 19th century Paris. Try the Poulet Roti and the rainbow trout. 2101 Galiano St. 305.990.1360 $$$$

The Collab

When we first heard Chef Niven Patel was leaving his two concepts at the THesis Hotel, Orno and Mamey, we were despondent. But, we’re happy to report that Orno’s replacement, Chef Nicolas Mazier’s The Collab, is a gastronomic success equal to that of Chef Patel’s. We love the beef tartare, served on bitesized pieces of crispy bao buns and combined with black garlic aioli, pickled mustard seeds, chives, and an onion jam that elevates the beef to astronomic levels. Simply divine. 1350 S Dixie Hwy. (THesis Hotel). 305.667.6766. $$$

CVI.CHE 105

If you want to delve into the wide array of flavors that Peru has to offer, there is no better place than the new CVI.CHE 105 at The Plaza Coral Gables. The menu is rich with

seafood, including a fine selection of tiraditos, ceviches, and rolls, along with an array of fried and grilled selections of mahi mahi, snapper, Pacific white fish, shrimp, etc. And there’s even a special Gables menu that you won’t find at any of the other South Florida locations. 111 Palermo Ave. #108. 786.527.3939. $$-$$$

Fairways

Though the food is great, and the drinks even more so, it’s the ambience and the views that wow at this golfer’s paradise by the Biltmore Hotel golf course. Sunset views of the course and a beautiful outdoor patio pair with an airy interior well-suited for the hotter summer days. All-day breakfast items are a huge plus. 1200 Anastasia Ave. (The Biltmore Hotel). 305.445.8066. $$

Il Duomo Dei Sapori

Yet another entry into Coral Gables’ spate of Italian eateries, Il Duomo Dei Sapori appears to have simply materialized as a fully formed fine dining restaurant on Ponce. Our

favorite here is the chicche di patate al tartufo ($35), which is code for “creamy gnocchi with truffle.” 2312 Ponce de Leon. 305.381.5604. $$$$$$$

Maiz y Agave

With three stories, three menus, and three different concepts for lunch, dinner, and happy hour/drinks, Maiz y Agave is probably Coral Gables’ most ambitious restaurant. The first floor is devoted to a more casual lunch, the second-floor is for a more refined dinner, and the rooftop bar has spectacular sunset views of City Hall. Every dish here comes straight out of Oaxaca, Mexico, including the insects! 375 Miracle Mile. 305.723.9898. $$-$$$

Osumi

Offering elevated Japanese-American fusion cuisine with a Latin flair, this cocktail and sushi bar has pulled out all the stops to cater to Gableites, from its sophisticated low-light ambiance to its signature drinks designed by the mixology masters from Cafe La Trova. The

FOGO DE CHÃO

star here is the Tuna Sumibiyaki ($22), made up of thin slices of tuna laid in a creamy sesame sauce and topped with Asian pear and more cassava chips.110 Giralda Ave. 786.452.9902. $$$

Pisco y Nazca

Peruvian seems to be the taste of 2024, including the opening of ceviche gastrobar Pisco y Nazca. This prime location received a modernizing facelift and has myriad seating options ideal for happy hour outings and group dinners. The pisco sours are exquisite. 101 Miracle Mile. 786.810.2266. $$-$$$

Shahs of Kabob

From a hole in the wall takeout place to a brick-and-mortar on Ponce, this instant hit serves up kabobs by the dozens, along with classic Middle Eastern dishes like slow-cooked meat stews ($16) and even some vegan dishes (hummus, $8; falafel, $14) for the non-carnivores among us.

2624 Ponce de Leon. 786.580.5865. $$

Sundays Croissanterie

Conveniently located on the first block of Miracle Mile, Sundays Croissanterie specializes in intricately made croissants, but also

offers coffee, sandwiches, and other pastries in a light and airy space. Limited seating and a delectable case full of colorful sweets at the front. 374 Miracle Mile. sundaysbakeries.com. $

Tabanco

The newest edition to Coral Gables’ tapas scene has arrived! Tabanco has all of the usual suspects: croquetas, patatas bravas, Jamón Iberico, etc. Most of the plates are under $17, except for the Iberico slices, of course. Our favorite dish is the Puntas De Solomillo entrée, an Iberian pork tenderloin that comes swimming in a Cabrales blue cheese sauce. With hand-cut potatoes on the side, a perfect bite is a combination of each of the three elements.

327 Alhambra Cir. 786.449.5203.

$$$

Bouchon Bistro

Michelin-starred Chef Thomas Keller is considered one of the top masters of French cuisine in the country, which he proves with aplomb at his latest venture into traditional French fare. With romantic courtyard seating outside at the restored La Palma Hotel and

an elegant interior, to sup in Bouchon is to dine in late 19th century Paris. Try the Poulet Roti and the rainbow trout.

$$$-$$$$ 2101 Galiano St. 305.990.1360

Sweet Paris

The new home for that quintessentially French phenomenon, the crepe. And they have all the varieties here, from the savory varieties with chicken, ham, turkey and salmon – even a philly cheesesteak – to the sweet dessert crepes such as nutella, dulce de leche, and out favorite, the lemon with whipped butter and a

dusting of vanilla bean sugar. You can also get salads (goat cheese!) and paninis, all in a bright, open setting. $$ 3005 Ponce de Leon Blvd. (The Plaza Coral Gables). 786.360-3519

Frenchie’s Diner

It looks like an all-American diner (which it once was) but this is pure French cooking in a small but comfy setting. Frenchie himself is usually there. Some items on the menu can get pricey (filet mignon, $34) but the onion soup ($9) and escargots ($11) are great values, and the croque monsieur ($14) for lunch

450 GRADI

is a meal unto itself. 2618 Galiano St. 305.442.4554. $$$

Pascal’s on Ponce Elegant, quaint, and delicious, the home and culinary canvas of owner-chef Pascal Oudin, who brings authentic French cuisine to the heart of the city. Oudin excels in seafood, soufflés, and foie gras. Try the diver sea scallops and tomato tartin. 2611 Ponce de Leon Blvd. 305.444.2024. $$$-$$$$

STEAK HOUSES

Christy’s

Touted as Coral Gables oldest steakhouse, Christy’s was long the power lunch go-to – until it stopped serving lunch except on Fridays. Still, its aged steaks are consistently excellent, as are the seafood entrees. Their classic Caesar salad is still the best in town, and the jumbo shrimp cocktail is a house specialty. $$$

3101 Ponce de Leon Blvd.

305.446.1400

tions. Recently redecorated, but the open kitchen with its copper “sash” across the top still gives the main dining room a warm glow. Good menu at the bar.$$$-$$$$

2525 Ponce de Leon Blvd.

305.569.7995

Fogo de Chão

At Fogo de Chão, meat reigns supreme. Try the “churrasco experience” ($61) and let expert gaucho chefs keep the finely cut slabs coming, from beef ribeye to flank steak to lamb pincanha. If you’re a Wagyu fan, this is the place to be. The interior is as grand as the experience, which is a show in itself, Brazilian style. Great cocktails in the upstairs lounge for before or after. $$$-$$$$

2801 Ponce de Leon Blvd.

786.297.8788

Morton’s The Steakhouse Morton’s in the Gables is not just another Morton’s. Its setting in the Colonnades gives it a unique elegance, with outdoor seating under the arches. Dependable quality, primeaged beef, and excellent salads. Good place to take that important client. 2333

Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille

The youngest entry among Coral Gables steak houses, Perry’s is a Texas chain that gets its beef from the heart of the Lone Star State. Great outdoor space with fire pit and a huge interior with its own piano bar. The entrees are all carefully concocted, including excellent reduction sauces for the finer cuts and their famous five-finger giant pork chop that can feed two. $$$$

4251 Salzedo St. (Shops at Merrick Park) 786.703.9094

Ruth’s Chris Steak House

Some of the most expensive steaks in the Gables, but also some of the best. A chain with a surprisingly sweet backstory in Ruth Fertel, who bought the original steakhouse in New Orleans in 1965, their Gables location is both spacious and business-like. Almost all the beef is USDA Prime and the menu ranges far beyond steak, including menus for those on specialty diets (gluten-

Chef

CHRISTY’S

ANTONIO CERRATO Creator

friendly, vegetarian). $$$-$$$$

2320 Salzedo St. 305.461.8360

ITALIAN

Bugatti

Bugatti prides itself on its pasta – and for good reason, since the restaurant started as a pasta factory. The décor is simple and contemporary, with lots of booths, abd the service is crisp and superb. The dinner menu is straightforward, with pasta dishes mostly under $20 and entrees mostly under $30. And as many dessert listings (12) as pasta choices. 2504 Ponce de Leon Blvd. 305.441.2545. $$-$$$

Fontana

The ambiance is as elegant as it comes: the Biltmore’s famed fountain courtyard. You can sit under the stars, in a covered archway, or inside to enjoy classic Italian dishes. Fresh ingredients, from the salads to the pasta that is made daily. Excellent seafood, pastas cooked perfectly. One of the most romantic restaurants in the Gables. $$$ 1200 Anastasia Ave. (Biltmore Hotel) 305.913.3200

Fratellino

Small, family run, with a fanatically loyal fan base, brilliant Italian comfort food. The long narrow set up with tile floors, wooden chairs and tablecloths makes it feel like New York’s Little Italy. Their calamari, in any variation, is superb, as is the fettuccine with prosciutto, mushrooms and green peas. 264 Miracle Mile. 786.452.0068. $$$

Luca Osteria

The latest place by local celebrity chef Giorgio Rapicavoli (the Eating House), Luca Osteria became an overnight, reservations-only hit for dinner on Giralda Plaza. His inventive take on classic Italian food is fresh and new; the Pasta al Limone and mortadella toast with fig balsamic are just the beginning. Great Italian cocktails. 116 Giralda Ave. 305.381.5097. $$$-$$$$

Tullio

The brainchild of Lucio Zanon and his son Sebastiano — who previously launched Portosole — Tullio is a refreshing twist on Italian cuisine, with a northern sensibility, a focus on seafood, and some very inventive dishes. The fish is exceptionally fresh,

the branzino flown in from the coastal waters of Italy, the shrimp from the coastal waters of Argentina, and the lobster from the coastal waters of Maine. 2525 Ponce de Leon. 305.926.4208. $$$-$$$$

Villagio Ristorante

Surprisingly good prices in this cavernous restaurant in the Shops at Merrick Park, with lots of outdoor seating. Even the dinner menu serves pasta entrees for less than $15, and the amazingly extensive selections of meat and fish mostly run in the mid to low twenties. Also – randomly

enough – the best apple pie anywhere. 358 San Lorenzo Ave. 305.447.8144. $$-$$$

Zucca

Located at the elegant St. Michel hotel, this is a star in the galaxy of Italian eateries in the Gables. Distinctly northern Italian, with recipes that chef Manuel Garcia developed in a career that included the legendary Casa Tua on Miami Beach. Sophisticated, with great service. $$$-$$$$ 162 Alcazar Ave. 786.580.3731

PERRY’S STEAKHOUSE & GRILLE

Calista Greek Seafood Taverna

There aren’t many pure Greek restaurants in Coral Gables but Calista is aiming to change that, serving up authentic Greek dishes with fresh ingredients sourced from local farmers’ markets. Their specialty dish is the Moussaka, an eggplant or potato-based dish reminiscent of a lasagna that is commonly served in Egypt, the Balkans, and the Middle East. Also excellent spinach and feta phyllo pie. 150 Giralda Ave. 786.310.7660 $$-$$$

Levant

Another Middle Eastern restaurant has come to the Gables: Levant, named after the Mediterranean region of Western Asia that includes Jordan, Lebanon, Palestine, Syria, Iraq, and most of Turkey (also Cyprus, depending on who you ask). At the Coral Gables restaurant, all the chefs are Turkish and the owners hail from Iraq. The food is similarly eclectic, featuring dishes from across the Levant, including Lebanese batata harra (spicy potatoes), Grecian Saganaki cheese, and Turkish baklava. 2415 Ponce de

Leon Blvd. 786.762.2905. $$-$$$

MesaMar

Some of the best – if not THE best – seafood in the Gables with inventive fusions between Peruvian and Japanese cuisine. Their fish is caught daily in local waters and brought to your table for inspection. Their whole fried fish is a marvel. Also, make sure to try the lobster tacos. 263 Giralda Ave. 305.640.8448. $$$PUBS & CAFÉS

Montauk Lobster House

One of the fixtures of the South Gables has been Gringo’s Oyster Bar, for years the go-to place for fresh seafood. Now they are gone. The good news – especially for lovers of lobster – is that they’ve been replaced with the Montauk Lobster House. Try the Montauk Lobster Roll ($34), with cold lobster meat and mayo, or the Lighthouse Lobster Roll ($34), with warm lobster in butter. 1549 Sunset Dr. 305.284.9989. $$-$$$

Motek

Surprisingly enough, this Israeli-inspired restaurant has taken home the prize for the best burger at Burger Bash twice in a row now, an unexpected feat explicable only by a bite of the sandwich itself. But

as popular as the Arayes Burger is, it’s not why you should visit Motek. You come here for the Eastern Mediterranean food: a smorgasbord of shish kebabs, mezzes (the Middle Eastern version of tapas), shawarma, and hummus. 45 Miracle Mile. 305.396.8547. $$

Sea Grill

Sea Grill is a popular weekend destination for lovers of Mediterranean seafood. A large, brightly lit and futuristic space with lots of energy, it serves fish that is caught in the Aegean Sea and flown to the Gables. Their octopus, which takes

two days to prepare, is simply the best. Lots of outdoor seating. 4250 Salzedo St. (Shops at Merrick Park) 305.447.3990. $$$

TUR Kitchen

A wonderfully inventive menu of Mediterranean cuisine courtesy of Chef Christian, who plates beautiful dishes that combine the flavors of Turkey, Greece, Lebanon, and Egypt. Amazing stuffed Turkish pide bread, stunning braised goat with gnocchi. Best crème fraiche. Elegant seating under arches along Giralda. 259 Giralda Ave. 786.483.8014. $$$-$$$$

SHINGO

Where Am I?

This trio of geometric sculptures are a bit off the beaten path in one of our favorite parks. If you know where they are located, send the answer to kwang@ coralgablesmagazine.com along with your home address. The first four winners will win two tickets to

the Actors’ Playhouse or GableStage production of their choice and the next 10 will receive two tickets to the Coral Gables Museum. Last month’s “Where Am I?” was the Ponce de Leon Fountain in North Gables.

Thanks for playing!