Coral Gables March 2024

CORAL GABLES

The Real Estate Issue

A look at commercial and residential real estate trends in the Gables

Plus: Chaos at City Hall The Kitchen Tour Best Summer Camps

William Holly, President and Founder, Patton Real Estate

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Located in the newly guard-gated Banyan Lakes neighborhood, this 2003 custom-built Old Florida estatestyle home with wrap around porches spans 8,765 square feet and is the epitome of South Florida sophisticated living Privately situated on an over 50,000 sf lot that is nothing short of magical, with old live oaks, a beautifully terraced lawn, coral rock details, and a waterfall with lush landscaping around the lagoon-style pool and patio areas The elegant 6 bedroom, 5 2 bathroom home features magnificent living spaces that offer the finest in entertaining! Experience the quiet of a day gone by in this fabulous central location

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“ MAKE NO MISTAKE, THE MANNER IN WHICH THE CITY MANAGER HAS BEEN REMOVED NOT ONLY UNDERMINES OUR CREDIBILITY BUT ALSO SETS A DANGEROUS PRECEDENT FOR THE FUTURE... ” MAYOR

“Everything we went through was alleviated by the people at Baptist Health.”

Rupa Tak and parents

Raj and Manju Bhargava

When Raj Bhargava was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia, his daughter Rupa, a Baptist Health Foundation Board member and donor, wanted him treated at Baptist Health. He spent more than five weeks at Baptist Hospital and visited Miami Cancer Institute for chemotherapy. “I received excellent care,” says Raj.

He and Rupa appreciated Baptist Health’s coordination of care. “It was like a team of coaches,” says Rupa. “And my impression was they were caring, thoughtful and responsive.” After about a year, her father went into remission, and ended the chemo. “The physicians were extremely thorough,” she says. “They are also really good at following what the patient wants.”

Their experience reinforced their belief in the Foundation and its mission to encourage philanthropic giving. “Baptist Health has some of the best facilities, and that takes investment,” says Raj. “Donors help provide that quality care.”

You can help provide world-class care to our community. Visit BaptistHealth.net/GenerosityHeals or call 786-467-5400.

Photo by Gort Productions

THE STATE OF REAL ESTATE IN CORAL GABLES

“While South Florida and New York are having all-time record vacancies, in 2023 Coral Gables real estate benefitted from major corporate relocations to Miami,” says William Holly, president and founder of Gables-based Patton Real Estate. As real estate in Coral Gables finds a steady pace amid the epic highs and lows of the past few years, we look to the trends that presage the future.

TOUR OF KITCHENS

Each year, the Coral Gables Community Foundation puts on its Tour of Kitchens, in which noble homeowners allow the public to visit their residences and view their fabulous kitchens, all in the name of charity. This year’s tour was presented by Mosaicist and featured 10 homes.

ANNUAL GUIDE TO SUMMER CAMPS 2024

For those who are lucky enough to get there, spending time at summer camp can be a rich experience in a young person’s life. Sometimes it’s a sleepover camp, but these days it’s mostly an opportunity to have fun, learn new skills, hang out with friends, and spend time outside.

The Gang of Three

COMMISSIONER KIRK MENENDEZ JOINS WITH COMMISSIONERS FERNANDEZ AND CASTRO AS THEY APPLY A WRECKING BALL TO THE CITY

Anyone who watches City Commission meetings these days can only be dismayed by the bitter rancor that now prevails at this formerly orderly assembly. Ever since the arrival of Commissioners Ariel Fernandez and Melissa Castro, elected by a small but dedicated group of anti-development voters, City Hall has gone into a tailspin. Fernandez, who frequently attacked the city government as the former author of the blog Gables Insider, came into office with the intent of applying a wrecking ball to “the establishment.” So far, he is keeping that promise, driving out competent employees and instituting a reign of terror on city staff.

From the start, Fernandez had his sights set on City Manager Peter Iglesias. Iglesias, an engineer by training, had overseen many succressful and complex projects for the city (the Public Safety Building, the Miracle Mile/Giralda Plaza street project, the transformation of all city departments to online software) and, along the way, ran a city budget with a triple AAA rating. But he also wanted to build a futuristic Mobility Hub, hated by Fernandez, who saw Iglesias as a member of the status quo he felt mandated to overthrow.

So, on his first day as commissioner, Fernandez called for a vote to fire Iglesias. He voted in favor, as did Commissioner Castro, who routinely follows his lead. Mayor Vince Lago and Vice Mayor Rhonda Anderson voted to retain Iglesias, as did Commissioner Kirk Menendez, who was against the election of Fernandez at the time.

But politics make strange bedfellows, and before long Menendez was voting in tandem

with Fernandez and Castro – especially when it came to doubling their salaries, a move that both the mayor and vice mayor thought irresponsible. But that’s all it takes these days – just a three-totwo vote to change city laws, city expenditures, city employees.

At the first Commission meeting in February, Fernandez again put forward a motion to fire Iglesias, this time accusing him of insubordination. He was not able to provide any evidence, but that did not matter. For more than two hours, a who’s-who of Gables community leaders and citizens took to the podium and implored Menendez to cast the deciding vote to save Iglesias. But nothing worked, and with no explanation, he voted for termination.

At the second Commission meeting in February, Fernandez – with no prior warning or process of vetting – nominated U.S. Marshal Amos Rojas, Jr. for the job of city manager. This took even Castro by surprise, whose vetting process, in real-time, consisted of her looking up Rojas’ LinkedIn page. Despite Rojas having no experience in city government, no experience in financial management, and no background in construction or engineering, he was quickly voted in by Fernandez, Castro and, yes, Menendez. Said Menendez: “The City of Coral Gables is adrift is in a cesspool of public corruption, and I’m here to help navigate our beloved city out of the muck and to a safe harbor. So, I vote yes.” Really? A cesspool of public corruption? Sounds like the teapot calling the kettle black, as Menendez, now in the final year of his term, has fallen under the sway of his new master of misinformation.

Stay tuned for more chaos from City Hall.

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Each month, we print letters we receive from our readers. We encourage all commentary, including criticism as well as compliments, and any comments 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.

A Bad Firing

As it relates to the dismissal of Peter Iglesias as city manager, it was done in a most regrettable, unprofessional, and highly questionable manner that warrants an investigation of ethics and governance. If there are grounds to dismiss anyone in a high-level, public agency position, it should be brought up with hardcore facts and a logical argument – not emulating what seems like a kangaroo court.

This truly makes the city look bad, and the manner and style in which this was conducted is regrettable, to say the least. Civility, decorum, and respect have quickly escaped our country at every level of government. And we are the worse for it.

Franc J Pigna

Needless Ouster

The handling of the dismissal of former Coral Gables City Manager Peter Iglesias was embarrassing at best. I found it hypocritical, almost comical, that the same City Commission members who were asking for Iglesias’ firing were gracious enough to participate in a standing ovation as he exited the Commission chambers.

Although at times Iglesias may have been a bit standoffish with the average citizen, I fail to see the egregiousness of his offenses that would rise to this level. His tenure was characterized by professionalism and lack of scandal.

Weaponizing a body of government for personal agendas sets a dangerous precedent. We must keep a watchful eye on the search to find a replacement and make sure favoritism does not come into play.

Faustino G. Garcia

Bad Appointment

Apparently, Amos Rojas, the new City Manager of Coral Gables, was quietly enjoying his retirement and his government pensions at his second home in North Carolina, sipping a glass of wine and communing with the Almighty, when he received a phone call from a well-placed friend who suggested he apply for an easy gig in the City Beautiful. “All you need is to arrive unan-

nounced and make some remarks about ‘Faith and Family’. You won’t even need a resume, and I’ve got the votes to make it a shoo-in.”

Within an hour, this appointment-by-ambush was a fait accompli. Is this the path for the future at City Hall? When the Commission’s three Mouseketeers tire of Police Chief Hudak for example, will he be summarily replaced by one of their more compliant cronies?

Obviously, the ultimate responsibility for this outrageous third-world ambush lies with Commissioner Ariel Fernandez and his two minions, but the new City Manager must also bear responsibility. As clearly explained by Mayor Lago and the Vice Mayor Anderson, he had the option of choosing to follow normal procedures, competing with alternative candidates, submitting himself to standard vetting procedures and background checks and finally being appointed with a unanimous 5-0 Commission vote, and with the approval and confidence of the city’s 1,000 plus employees. But instead, he chose the quick and easy, less honorable route.

By choosing to allow himself to be hustled into the job in such a shifty and backhanded manner, the new City Manager has revealed his true character and will never, ever have the trust or support of Coral Gables’ employees or its residents.

Patrick Alexander

Let There Be (White Way) Light

Thank you for the recent article “Saving the Streetlights.” This endeavor has been a labor of love. And Mayor Lago has been its best and most loyal advocate.

The serendipitous discovery of about 20 additional historic streetlights in Fort Lauderdale only added to Mayor Lago’s involvement and advocacy role. He has been instrumental in supporting the years-long preservation efforts, and yes, “He took it up and made it happen.”

Even before the latest find, Mayor Lago, [then Commissioner Lago] led city leaders in proposing a resolution to not

only buy the remaining landmarks from FPL but also for the city to budget and fully fund the “White Way” restoration plan which entailed several phases. It was approved unanimously. A project that had lagged and been dormant for decades suddenly got the attention and funding it needed.

Paris may be known as “The City of Light” and Broadway as “The Great White Way,” but Coral Gables has its own illuminating claim to fame as “The City of Lights,” thanks in large part to the streetlights designed in 1926 by Phineas Paist and Denman Fink. These functional works of art were commissioned almost 100 years ago by city founder George Merrick, not only to light the City Beautiful, but to enhance the newly built roads. Originally, 500 streetlights adorned the boulevards. Today, only about 45 of the original White Way Lights with decorative bases remain along the Riviera Drive corridor between Andalusia Avenue and University Drive. In 1981, the streetlights were designated as a City Historic Landmark Site.

The discovered batch of original White Way lights will join the 40 plus originals in Coral Gables and be included as part of the multi-year restoration. As the saying goes, there is light at the end of the tunnel. Our city will soon shine again and I thank Mayor Lago for leading the “White Way.”

Dr. Karelia Martinez Carbonell

Honors due to Vinton’s, not La Palma

In reading your article “Restoring La Palma,” I found both a great omission and wrong testimony by the writer when, towards the end of the article it says: “...the Bouchon space was home to La Palma Ristorante, famous for giving all female diners a rose and a pillow for their feet.”

The huge omission: Not to mention the iconic Vinton’s Restaurant, a jewel of years past. The wrong testimony: It was precisely Vinton’s who gave a rose and a pillow for the ladies, not La Palma Ristorante. Otherwise, I enjoyed the article.

Sylvia Viyella

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From City Hall

At its first meeting in February, the City Commission:

CITY MANAGER FIRED

Voted 3-2 to terminate City Manager Peter Iglesias (see story pg. 24) and then voted 5-0 to replace him for up to three months with Assistant City Manager Alberto Parjus.

NO OPPOSITION TO THE STATE

Voted 3-2 to shoot down a largely symbolic resolution opposing the State of Florida’s proposed bill to preempt local control of electric vehicle charging infrastructure. Commissioners Fernandez, Menendez, and Castro voted against the item because it would potentially hurt “current initiatives being pushed up in Tallahassee” and taking a stance could anger state legislators. Mayor Lago, a longtime champion of electric vehicles, disagreed, saying, “I think we should take a stance on this. It’s important.”

A MEANINGLESS OPPOSITION

Voted 5-0 to pass a different symbolic resolution that opposes the State’s limitations on local governments’ ability to preserve historic structures located seaward of the “coastal construction control line” (CCCL). The CCCL is defined under the State of Florida as “portions of beaches and dune systems subject to severe fluctuations based on a 100-year storm event.” Coral Gables does not have any buildings that would be subject to this measure, as it primarily effects barrier islands, but the City is taking a symbolic stance as a historic preservation advocate. Commissioner Fernandez said that state legislators told him they would not be angered by this resolution since Coral Gables has long been in the fight for preservation. Previous state legislation preventing local municipalities from historically designating homes in flood zones led to last year’s demolition of the Alfred Browning Parking architectural gem “Sea Aerie” in Gables Estates.

FREEBEE DRIVES ON

Voted 5-0 to execute a new contract with Freebee, which provides on-demand, free public transportation services in Coral Gables, to continue to do so for another year, with two further year-long options.

FRITZ & FRANZ’S NEW DEAL

Voted 5-0 to authorize an amendment to Fritz & Franz Bierhaus’ new lease. There is currently an agreement in place on principle for terms at the market rate rent, which is at $50 per square foot, between the City and Fritz & Franz owner Harald Neuweg. “This is what a good deal looks like,” said Mayor Lago. “I’m all in favor of extending the five-year lease with this… market rate.”

At its second meeting in February, the City Commission:

A CHALLENGE TO MENENDEZ

Listened to a pitch from Richard Lara, an attorney who announced his candidacy for the Commission, challenging current commissioner Kirk Menendez for his seat in the next election. “As a seasoned problem solver, I’ve always counseled individuals and businesses with respect, civility, and professionalism… [the] very principles that, sadly, are sorely missing from this Commission,” Lara said, citing controversies like the 101 percent pay raise that Menendez, along with Fernandez and Castro, recently awarded themselves.

GIANT TV SCREENS ALLOWED

Voted 3-2 on second reading to allow large TV screens on the inside of windows along Giralda Plaza. The screens will be allowed only at businesses with at least 25-feet of storefront and require an outdoor dining permit. At issue were three screens at 77 Sport Bar, which shine brightly into neighboring Talavera’s dining area. The Mexican restaurant set up a wall of planters to block the glare, but city staff expressed concerns about damage to the plaza floor as well as accessibility to the walkway. Both restaurants’ owners were found to have violated the city’s code, though they were allowed some leeway until a resolution was found. Talavera has now set up a wall of retractable screens to block the light (below).

According to Mayor Lago, Commissioner Castro “appropriated” sponsorship of this item from him after first reading, following what the owner of 77 Sport Bar called a “heated discussion” between himself, the mayor, and the restaurant’s landlord. Castro said she spoke to all of the businesses along Giralda, and all supported the TV screens. However, a recent poll by the City’s Economic Development Department showed that most owners were against TV screens.

With this conflicting data in mind, the mayor had worked to schedule a March meeting between city staff and Giralda Plaza business owners to get answers. The conversation dissolved into arguments when Commissioner Fernandez claimed the meeting had been scheduled without his explicit (yet unrequired) input. Vice Mayor Anderson said she had seen the meeting invite with all the other commissioners’ contacts on it, and that it was up to Fernandez to get involved in these matters himself.

Tensions rose to a crescendo when Commissioner Castro accused the mayor of “threatening” and “bullying” the owner of 77 Sport Bar, saying the mayor had threatened to shut down his restaurant and sue him. She further stated the mayor had no intention of bringing back the legislation, which is why she had. The city attorney, who was present when the mayor met with 77 Sport Bar, became the subject of loud verbal assaults when Castro and the restaurant owner

tried to force her to admit that the mayor had made threats. In the end, both Vice Mayor Anderson and Mayor Lago expressed support for the TVs but voted against the ordinance until further discussions were had with Giralda Plaza business owners. A memo the mayor authored to try to clarify matters was read and is available online.

KEEP IT CLEAN

Discussed cleanliness on Ponce de Leon Boulevard and Alhambra Circle, where the mayor said he has seen many instances of graffiti and stickers being added illegally to city property, including on trash cans, newspaper stands, traffic signs, and parking meters. “I think it’s important to uphold our brand,” said Lago, who takes pictures of all the violations he finds. Businesses are responsible for cleaning these areas, though many apparently do not. Commissioner Fernandez suggested a regular check-up by city staff to make sure that the local businesses are complying. (Sponsored by Mayor Lago)

HELPING THE HOMELESS

Discussed the issue of homelessness in Coral Gables. Mayor Lago has discussed the problem with Camillus House, which provides resources and emergency housing for homeless individuals. Coral Gables has four beds at the Downtown Miami campus, which the city pays for, with a fifth bed in the works. Lago also suggested putting up “No Trespassing” signs around businesses and is working on drafting a law to mitigate panhandling in the city. “My goal is not to move this person from the city border to the next city,” he said. “That doesn’t resolve the problem.” He encouraged his colleagues to connect with homeless individuals and try to get Camillus House to come out and perform interventions, though he acknowledged that many of these individuals have mental health issues and are unwilling to seek help. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is working to outlaw sleeping on

sidewalks, which would take effect in Coral Gables. City staff will draft legislation to address the issue and bring it to other cities in the area for collaboration.

HELPING STUDENTS

Discussed promoting area schools on the city’s website and offering afterschool programming in conjunction with Miami-Dade County Public Schools. The website now includes more information on local schools and enhanced search options. Private school contacts and pictures of all schools have been updated, and schools now have the option to add public events to the city’s site. A workshop was held in late February between schools, PTAs, and city staff to determine how to further promote and better the city’s educational system.

KEEPING THE WHITE WAY LIGHTS LIT

Voted 5-0 to adopt a maintenance schedule for the City’s White Way lights. The lights on University Drive between Ponce de Leon Boulevard and Bird Road, and those on Riviera Drive from University Drive to Anastasia Avenue, will be inspected twice yearly and will be washed and generally touched up as needed. A yearly report on the lights will be disseminated to city staff and the Commission.

(Sponsored by Mayor Lago)

QUICK TIME FOR A NEW MANAGER

Voted 3-2 to hire U.S. Marshal Amos Rojas, Jr. as city manager, effective immediately. Rojas’ name was put forward by Commissioner Fernandez and voted in by himself plus Commissioners Castro and Menendez – despite the latter two having literally only met the man a few minutes earlier. Both Mayor Lago and Vice Mayor Anderson voted against, arguing that a nationwide search for the most qualified candidate should be conducted. (See story pg. 24) ■

Manager Mismanaged

IN A SURPRISE REVERSAL, COMMISSIONER

KIRK MENENDEZ VOTES TO FIRE CITY MANAGER PETER IGLESIAS AND REPLACE HIM TWO WEEKS LATER

BY KYLIE WANG

The Coral Gables City Commission voted 3-2 to terminate City Manager Peter Iglesias during its February 13 meeting, a slightly shocking but not completely unsurprising move. A subsequent 5-0 vote appointed Assistant City Manager Alberto Parjus as acting city manager, while a replacement – U.S. Marshal Amos Rojas, Jr. – was voted in as new city manager during the next commission meeting on February 27.

Commissioner Ariel Fernandez, who sponsored the item to fire Iglesias, has a long-documented history of tension with the former city manager, including a previous attempt to oust him less than a year ago. That item was shot down after Commissioner Kirk Menendez voted with the mayor and vice mayor to retain Iglesias, with only Commissioner Melissa Castro following Fernandez’s lead. This time, however, Fernandez and Castro received the support of Menendez, who submitted a nomination for Miami International Airport Director Ralph Cutié to replace Iglesias while making no substantial comment on why he thought Iglesias should be fired.

After biting criticism from Mayor Vince Lago on the state of Miami International Airport, as well as Miami-Dade County May-

or Daniella Levine Cava’s apparent ire over the attempt to poach her employee, the airport director hastily retracted any interest he may have had in the position.

The initial discussion of Iglesias’ termination began with 2.5 hours of public comment, the vast majority of which were in favor of retaining the city manager. Several former city officials spoke to Iglesias’ strength of character, professionalism, and capability, including former mayor Dorothy Thomson and former commissioners Chip Withers and Michael Mena. The latter implored Menendez to “do the right thing,” after Menendez had refused multiple attempts, including one by Coral Gables Magazine, to make his stance clear in the days prior to the meeting.

One of the more dramatic moments came in the second hour of public comment when resident Samuel Lawson stated, “We, as citizens, should strongly consider recalling Commissioner Fernandez.” He and at least one other speaker suggested that firing the manager should mean recalling Commission members who voted to do so.

Vice Mayor Anderson then took the floor, accusing Fernandez of misquoting Iglesias in a memo he sent out prior to the Commission meeting. Fernandez claimed Iglesias had outright refused to do something as directed by the majority of the Commission at a previous meeting in January. Anderson refuted that by presenting a 17-second clip from that meeting which showed Iglesias indicating he would do whatever the Commission directed. She also presented emails showcasing Fernandez’s “accusatory and derogatory” tone in various correspondences with the city manager, including one email where he accused not only Iglesias but also Police Chief Ed Hudak of “insubordination” without evidence.

Mayor Lago also spoke strongly in favor of Iglesias’ retainment, going so far as to plead with his colleagues to treat the

COMMISSIONERS ARIEL FERNANDEZ AND KIRK MENENDEZ, WITH NOW-FORMER CITY MANAGER PETER IGLESIAS

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manager with more respect. “Make no mistake, the manner in which the city manager has been removed not only undermines our credibility but also sets a dangerous precedent for the future,” he said. “It sends a message to our city employees and to all that personal grievances can triumph over the collective good – a notion that stands in stark contrast to the values we hold dear…. Today, we have witnessed an abuse of power.”

Commissioner Fernandez, who previously ran the anti-government blog Gables Insider, had long accused the city manager of being part of “the establishment.” During his term, Iglesias oversaw the street-project makeover of Miracle Mile and Giralda Plaza, as well as the construction of the new Public Safety Building. Iglesias was also in favor of building a modern Mobility Hub on Andalusia Avenue, something that Fernandez had attacked repeatedly until its plans were sent back to the drawing board.

After a brief recess during which Parjus and Iglesias convened with the city attorney, Parjus returned to the Commission floor and accepted the assignment of interim city manager. Iglesias made a brief farewell speech, expressing gratitude to his supporters and staff before City Clerk Billy Urquia read a statement from himself and staff expressing their well wishes. Iglesias exited the chamber to a standing ovation from the audience, several of whom shed tears. In an act of bizarre contradiction, all three of the commissioners who had just fired Iglesias stood up and clapped for the man they had censured and terminated only minutes previously.

At the next Commission meeting, a 3-2 vote by the same trio of Fernandez, Castro, and Menendez was cast to hire Iglesias’ replacement, U.S. Marshal Amos Rojas, Jr., effective immediately.

Rojas’ name was put forward by Commissioner Fernandez despite both the mayor and vice mayor’s pleas to organize a nationwide search first. Though they had met the man only a few minutes earlier, both Commissioners Menendez and Castro voted to hire him based off only his own few comments and information Castro pulled up on his LinkedIn page as she sat on the dais.

An argument ensued prior to Fernandez’s announcement wherein both he and Menendez accused the mayor of “threatening” former candidate Ralph Cutié so he would not take the job. Fernandez also attacked the vice mayor for her comments at the previous meeting, during which she shared that she had been told that the airport director had been fired, though this was not the case. “We can continue on with this gamesmanship if you wish,” Anderson responded to Fernandez, “or we can get to the matter at hand, which is that we need to find a qualified candidate for this position. Grandstanding like this does not move our city forward. It’s embarrassing for our city.”

Nonetheless, Fernandez went on with his prepared statement, putting forth Rojas for the position and revealing that there was apparently little need for negotiation, as he had already shared the terms of the interim city manager’s contract with Rojas. Though the vice mayor and mayor voted against the hire, they did so not because they found Rojas unqualified, but because they were against the process of the hire. It remains to be seen whether Rojas, who has substantial federal government experience but none in the municipal sector and none in engineering or finance, will rise to the challenge of managing a city of 51,000 residents and a budget of over $200 million. ■

Talk of the Town

Still Young at 30 Years

This year marks an incredible milestone for Actors’ Playhouse at the Miracle Theatre. The Musical Miracles Youth Repertory Company, the theater’s year-round intensive children’s musical theater program, will be celebrating 30 years of operation this March. Marking the occasion is a two-day production of “The Little Mermaid Jr,’’ based on the classic Disney movie and the H.C. Andersen fairy tale.

Musical Miracles is a year-round program, training up-andcoming actors on the ins and outs of performing arts and the entertainment industry, with many alumni going on to enjoy long careers in acting. “This is our créme de la créme youth troupe,” says Actors’ Playhouse General Manager Brooke Noble. “It’s a great program. We have a lot of people who did the program and are now starring on Broadway, on national and international tours, [and] in TV and film, so it’s really produced some incredible stars throughout the years.”

Among the famous conservatory alumni are Stephen Christopher Anthony (starred as Even Hanson in “Dear Evan Hanson” on Broadway), Angelina Carballo (starred as Annie in the national and international tour of “Annie”); Charise Castro Smith (playwright, actress, tv writer and producer who made her film debut as co-director of the Walt Disney animated film “Encanto”); Kyliegh Curran (starred in the thriller “Doctor Sleep,” in Disney Channel’s “Secrets of Sulphur Springs,” and, at ten years old, in the Broadway role of Young Nala in “The Lion King”); Sean Patrick Doyle

(starred as Garv in “The Sitter,” opposite Jonah Hill and Sam Rockwell); Jose Loren (as Kaylie Cruz in the ABC series “Make it or Break It” and as FBI agent Michelle Vega in the CBS series “The Mentalist”); and many others.

If you want to catch the stars of tomorrow, watch the limited-time production of “The Little Mermaid Jr.,” running at the Miracle Theatre on Sat., March 16 at 2 and 7 pm, and Sun., March 17 at 4 pm. Standard tickets are $25 and optional $50 Scholarship Support tickets add extra funds to scholarships for students of the program. Following the March 17 performance, there will be a special 30th anniversary party in honor of the program, as well as its founder and director, Earl Maulding. Maulding first founded the program 30 years ago, and has since been named a “Champion for Children” by the Children’s Trust. He’s also won the Excellence in Direct Service Award from the Trust, amongst several other accolades. All former alumni of Musical Miracles are invited to come and attend.

—Alexander Luzula

Castro Ethics Probe Continues

Still on the proverbial hot seat for a potential conflict of interest involving her permit expediting company and her seat on the City Commission – which allows her to oversee the Building Department – Commissioner Melissa Castro isn’t giving up just yet. Castro’s case has now gone before the Miami-Dade Commission on Ethics and Public Trust, where, after an hour of discussion on Feb. 14, not much was clarified. Ethics Commission Director Jose Arrojo issued a formal opinion stating, in his words, that “the Commissioner [is prohibited] from representing any clients in Coral Gables who are seeking relief” – i.e. a benefit – “from the city that requires a city staff member or board to exercise any official discretion.” However, at the recent Ethics Commission meeting, the language used was debated at length. At

THE LITTLE MERMAID JR IS AT THE ACTORS’ PLAYHOUSE AT THE MIRACLE THEATRE

issue was whether a permit constitutes a “benefit” that the expediter is seeking from the city, and whether or not permitting is ministerial or discretionary in nature. “If you’re getting a parking decal, that’s ministerial,” Arrojo said at the meeting, “but if you’re applying for a license because you want to put extra tables in front of your restaurant, that’s discretionary.” Where a permit falls between these two is up to the Ethics Commission to decide. That simple decision could potentially put Castro out of a job, forcing her to either step down from the City Commission or sell her business.

At the next meeting, Arrojo is expected to bring forward a land-use expert that can help clarify matters. Meanwhile, Castro told Coral Gables Magazine she will “100 percent abide by the [Ethics Commission’s] recommendation.”—Kylie Wang

The Best at Burgerliscious

Every year, the Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce hosts Burgerliscious, an evening street festival that combines live music and beer with – you guessed – lots and lots of burgers. A panel of judges that includes the mayor and other important community leaders vote on their favorite for “Best in Bun,” which, this year, was Fogo de Chão. The people’s choice, meanwhile, went to PINCHO.

The Miami-born, Latin-inspired burger joint won for the

seventh time with its Jalapeño Delight burger, which is topped with jalapeño jack cheese, jalapeño bacon jam, jalapeño bacon, and cilantro jalapeño aioli. The limited-edition burger is only available in-store through March 3. “It’s such an honor to win an award voted on by the people, and to have won it at Burgerliscious seven times is completely humbling,” said PINCHO co-founder Otto Othman. “We are so proud to be from Miami and to serve up our fusion of flavors [that] people keep coming back for.”

Other notable competitors with Gables locations included Capital Burger, John Martin’s, and newly opened Pisco y Nazca. The 13 total competitors served up their entries for four hours alongside beer and seltzers provided by Sam Adams and Truly. All proceeds from the block party went to fund the programs of the Chamber of Commerce, which supports local businesses in Coral Gables. This year over 1,200 people attended the event.—Kylie Wang

Survey Says… Mostly Happy

The 2023 National Community Survey for Coral Gables has found that residents are more satisfied with the City Beautiful than average Americans in other neighborhoods. The survey, run by Polco and the National Research Center, polled Gableites on their satisfaction regarding 10 key facets: economy; mobility; community design; utilities; safety; natural environment; parks and recreation; health and wellness; education, arts, and culture; and inclusivity and engagement.

Leading the polls were satisfaction in public safety (96 percent felt safe in their neighborhoods) and natural environment, with utilities leading in the category of future importance. Of the 114 total survey items, 46 received answers better than national ratings, 67 received similar ratings to national, and only one came in lower than average.

Key findings showed that safety and quality of life garnered high scores, with a general rating of 90. Over 80 percent of residents also felt satisfied with Coral Gables’ economic standing – 92 percent said business services were good or excellent – although only 26 percent felt positive about the economy’s benefit for their families. Community design held high satisfaction rates (93 percent said the city’s overall appearance was good or excellent), but only 53 percent were happy with “well-planned” commercial growth, and just 15 percent were satisfied with the availability of affordable housing, lower than the national average.

Three thousand randomly selected households were selected to participate in the survey, giving residents the chance to mail in their responses or answer online. Of those, 452 turned in submissions, and an open-participation survey received an additional 75 responses. This is the Gables’ second time participating in the survey, allowing for comparison to the previous poll in 2021. Since then, 13 items received better ratings (street lighting up 15 percent!), 118 received similar ratings, and two received worse.—Alexander Luzula ■

COMMISSIONER MELISSA CASTRO (FAR LEFT) AT THE ETHICS COMMISSION MEEETING

BURGERS BEING PLATED AT THIS YEAR’S BURGERLISCIOUS

MOST GABLEITES RESPONDED POSITIVELY TO A COMMUNITY SURVEY

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Best Bets for March

CARNAVAL ON THE MILE - 25TH ANNIVERSARY

The Kiwanis of Little Havana Club is celebrating the 25th anniversary of Carnaval Miami on March 2 and 3 by turning Miracle Mile into a family-friendly street festival. The Latin and Caribbean cultural event will feature the best of local art, live music, fine cuisine, and children’s entertainment. Entrance is free and open to the public. The event begins at 10 am on both days. carnavalmiami.com

“CAROLINE, OR CHANGE”

Journey to one of the most pivotal times in American history with “Caroline, or Change,” a compelling Tony-nominated play about a Black maid working for a white, Jewish family in 1963 Louisiana. The Actors’ Playhouse cast will blend blues, gospel, and traditional Jewish melodies based on Pulitzer Prize-winner Tony Kushner’s personal story. Catch this performance from March 27 to April 14 at the Miracle Theatre on Sun. at 3 pm, Wed. at 2 and 8 pm, and Thurs. to Sat. at 8 pm. Tickets run from $65 to $85. And don’t miss out on Actors’ Playhouse’s Gala Opening Night Celebration featuring a pre-show reception with cocktails on March 29 for $40. actorsplayhouse.org. 280 Miracle Mile.

MICHAEL JR.’S “FUNNY HOW MARRIAGE WORKS”

Enjoy a night of laughter at Michael Jr.’s “Funny How Marriage Works” Comedy Date-Night Experience coming to Coral Gables on March 9 at 7 pm. Whether you’re married, dating, or even just thinking about marriage to someone someday, this is an experience you won’t want to miss. Michael Jr. is a renowned comedian who has graced the stages of “The Tonight Show on NBC,” “Jimmy Kimmel Live,” and “Comedy Central.” Tickets for the event at Christ Journey Church range from $25 to $95. christjourney.org. 624 Anastasia Ave.

“THE LEHMAN TRILOGY”

GableStage presents “The Lehman Trilogy,” a story that takes you back in time to Montgomery, Alabama in 1844, where a Bavarian immigrant dreams of a better life. Fast forward to 2008, when his descendants unleash an unprecedented financial disaster. The production, originally written by Stefano Massini and adapted by Ben Power, shares the rise and fall of the Lehman brothers, which is both an intimate family saga and a tremendous exposé of insatiable capitalism. Performances begin on March 16 and run through April 14 on Wed. and Sun. at 2pm and from Thurs. to Sat. at 8 pm. Tickets start at $40. gablestage.org.1200 Anastasia Ave.

THE MIAMI CHILDREN’S FILM FESTIVAL

Calling all future filmmakers! The Coral Gables Art Cinema is presenting its 10th annual Miami Children’s Film Festival from March 22 to March 31, expected to be bigger and better than ever. Accepting film submissions for the first time this year, the festival involves a week-long film camp and an expanded schedule of critically acclaimed, family-friendly films to inspire the next generation of filmmakers. The week starts with an opening reception and Family Fun Day on the plaza (free and open to the public), which includes face painting, balloon animals, and a dance party. Tickets are “pay what you can.” gablescinema.com. 260 Aragon Ave.

MUSIC AT MCBRIDE PLAZA

This month, the City of Coral Gables is hosting its last two free outdoor concerts of the season. Enjoy the sounds of the talented opera ensemble Thompson Voice Studio on March 7, and Diva Revolution – a mix of pop, soul, R&B, and disco – on March 21. From 5:30 to 7:30 pm, these brilliant groups selected by University of Miami faculty will showcase their skills in the heart of downtown Coral Gables. coralgables.com/events. 150 Miracle Mile.

The Frost Symphony Orchestra, under the baton of Maestro Gerard Schwarz, will perform “Story Telling,” a collection of works including Rachmaninov’s “Symphonic Dances,” works by Strauss and Bruch, and a violin concerto to be announced. Featuring FSO concerto competition winners on Saturday, March 30 at 7:30 pm. Tickets are $10 to $20 at frost-music-live.miami.edu. UM Gusman Concert Hall, 1314 Miller Dr.

Celebrate Easter Sunday on March 31 at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden with a day of springtime festivities from 10 am to 5 pm.

Families can enjoy music, egg hunts, picnic baskets, train rides, face painting, spin art, dance parties, story time, games with candy prizes, and more. The “Wings of the Tropics” butterfly exhibit, Children’s Garden, National Orchid Garden, and other exhibitions will also be open. Special flights and other signature cocktails will be available for adults. Entry is free for children under five; tickets range from $11.95 to $24.95. fairchildgarden.org. 10901 Old Cutler Rd.

“STREET SCENE”

The Frost Opera Theater and Symphony Orchestra present “Street Scene,” an American opera by Kurt Weill about murder, a sweltering summer heatwave, and gossip in an East Side Manhattan tenement. The musical theater performance embraces operatic, Broadway, and blues styles to convey the story of a family pushed to their breaking point. It will take the stage on March 2 for one night only at University of Miami’s Gusman Concert Hall at 7:30 pm. Tickets range from $10 to $25. events.miami.edu. 1314 Miller Dr. ■

BEST REASON TO LEAVE THE GABLES: THE DAVINCI MACHINES

Faithfully realized from the drawings of Leonardo da Vinci, JB Contemporary art gallery presents the Da Vinci Machines & Robotics Exhibition. Created by the Artisans of Florence and curated by the Nicolai Group from Italy, see the great master’s machines for flight, civil engineering, warfare, and hydraulics come to life, along with reproductions of his art and notebooks. Through March 24, Tues. to Sun. from 10 am to 7 pm. Tickets are $28 for general admission and $22 for students, seniors 65-plus, and military, and can be purchased on location or through Eventbrite. 117 NE 1st Ave.

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Farmers’ Markets

It’s farmers’ market season again in the Gables! As temps drop and the sun emerges from behind the dreary, rainy-season clouds, the City Beautiful is hosting outdoor markets every weekend. From pastries to produce to plants, you can find your next “can’t live without” at these local markets featuring small businesses and artisan vendors from our community.

Farmers’ and Artisan Market at The Shops at Merrick Park

When we first visited this market several months ago, it was little more than a few small stalls lost amid the grandiose arcade on the east side of the Shops at Merrick Park. Since then, the market has grown exponentially, now featuring the widest variety of vendors of any Coral Gables market.

Held every Sunday, the market begins at 11 am and runs all day until 5 pm, featuring plants, jewelry, freshly-made meals, handcrafted home décor items, produce, and snacks – so many snacks. Fresh guacamole, empanadas, smoothies, baked goods… you name it, this market has it. Here, you can pick up a carved wooden fruit bowl, a crochet stuffed animal for your friend’s new baby, stop for a smoothie, and then find yourself staggering back to the car under the weight of a 20-pound guava tree sapling.

The market also draws a crowd, though nothing like the throng you’ll find outside City Hall on Saturdays, making it slightly more approachable. But be warned: the secret is out now! 358 San Lorenzo Ave. – Kylie Wang

Artisan Market at Giralda Plaza

If you’re looking to pair outdoor dining with a product-based market, look no further than the monthly Artisan Market on Giralda Plaza. An all-day affair, the event runs from 2 pm to 10 pm every third Saturday of the month and is still growing.

The offerings here steer away from food – after all, that’s what Giralda Plaza itself is all about – and focus on artisan goods. There are vintage jackets, swimsuits, handmade hats, candles, soaps, home goods, plants, pottery, and more. On the Saturday we visited, we were struck by stalls selling bromeliads in what appeared to be co-

Coral Gables Farmers Market at City Hall

Open every Saturday from 8 am to 2 pm, this festive, open-air market takes over the block outside of City Hall for an all-inclusive farmers’ market. Dozens of local vendors turn out to showcase their wares, many of them handmade or hand-baked, hoping to lure the hundreds of citizens who turn out to sample the best of the Gables.

There are the traditional offerings (farm-fresh produce, baked goods, fresh-pressed fruit juices) as well as some rarer picks (bonsai trees, foraged mushrooms, and crystals, to name a few). The market also has several local vendors offering sweet and savory sit-down meals, ranging from Colombian street food to Mexican birria tacos. On-the-go items like Italian ice, gelato, and cheesecake can be enjoyed while browsing the stalls.

This is a family-friendly event that draws a large crowd every week until its final Saturday on March 30. You’ll have to dodge strollers and dogs of every size – as well as preoccupied perusers –but it’s worth it. 405 Biltmore Way – Alexander Luzula ■

conut pots, vintage sportswear featuring logos the Miami Dolphins haven’t worn in decades, and brightly stitched fedoras handmade by craftsmen in Brazil. 120 Giralda Ave. – Kylie Wang

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Vintage Rebranding

MOVING AWAY FROM ITS SMOKE SHOP ROOTS, THE BAKERY EVOLVES INTO A NICHE CONCEPT STORE FOR EXOTIC SNACKS, COLLECTABLE ITEMS – AND NOW, CURATED VINTAGE CLOTHES

BY NATALIA CLEMENT

The Bakery on Miracle Mile reflects owner Raameel Anwaar’s passions, showcasing the phases of his eclectic interests, including exotic snacks, craft beers, and hot sauces. Its newest addition is thrifted vintage clothes, a hobby he started when he was 10 years old, buying jerseys and selling them on eBay. This latest fixation has led to a sort of rebranding, ditching the majority of The Bakery’s smoke shop inventory in favor of expanding the back of his store, known as 1-800-VintageNow.

The small-scale vintage store started thanks to Anwaar’s good friend Nathan Rodjam, who was working at The Bakery when he suggested putting some clothing racks in the back. Now, eight months later, Anwaar finds himself eagerly thrifting six days a week. “When I’m looking through racks and I find something I didn’t know existed, I need to have it so badly – that feeling for me is priceless. To be able to replicate that for someone else means the world to me.”

I connected with that sentiment as a customer, scoring my new favorite vintage Tommy Hilfiger jean jacket at his store. I also witnessed his giddiness sorting through racks at a Goodwill store just outside of the Gables on Bird Road. Having never thrifted before, Anwaar opened my eyes to the minute details behind finding hidden gems in mountains of used clothes – from feeling the quality of the

“I WANT TO BE A PART OF THE SOLUTION, NOT PART OF THE PROBLEM...”

RAAMEEL ANWAAR (ABOVE), OWNER OF THE BAKERY, ON HIS DECISION TO SELL USED VINTAGE CLOTHING

materials to knowing the age of the item thanks to its inner tags. “That’s the whole point of coming [to 1-800-VintageNow],” says Anwaar. “You can skip the hard part of digging through bins for hours.”

Anwaar emphasizes that he is cutting ties with his smoke shop past, getting rid of his glassware and rolling materials. “It’s just not our aesthetic or what we like to sell,” Anwaar says. “At first, it was something that we thought would make money, but all that was selling was the stuff we were actually passionate about” – including the store’s unique collection of snacks from around the globe, like potato chips from Japan or cereals from Mexico.

Anwaar plans to expand 1-800-VintageNow to the front of the store, with a space dedicated to vintage jerseys, focusing mainly on Miami sports teams. He also wants to give new life to jeans and shirts by working with local craftsmen to upcycle pieces. Processes include distressing the pants and adding branded patches to them, and printing cool designs over old tees.

“I want to be a part of the solution, not part of the problem,” Anwaar says. “What a lot of fast fashion companies are doing is pumping out new designs and new clothes – very low-quality stuff because it’s cheaper – that you’ll wash once and throw it out. Then you order new stuff, and more landfills get filled. The way to combat that is to reuse and upcycle.”

As he moves towards a more family-friendly store, Anwaar is also stocking smaller trinkets he’s found throughout the years, from rare Hot Wheels cars to collectable bobblehead figures – not to mention disposable and vintage film cameras. “It’s the coolest way to take pictures, because you’re not going to see them for a while,” he says. “You value every shot [when] you only have 27 pictures to take.” Like his store, it’s all about enjoying the experience. ■

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A New Home for Jazz

Ever since the city shuttered Open Stage Club on Galiano Street, Coral Gables has suffered a deficit in jazz venues – notwithstanding the marvelous three sets of Afro-Cuban jazz that The Globe puts on every Saturday night. Now, your jazz sweet tooth can be satisfied all week long at the Armstrong Jazz House on Miracle Mile. Owner Alfred Santamaria calls it a “passion project,” meaning that he’s not out to make money, but rather to honor his love of this All-American music genre.

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 musicians are young aspirants, mostly from the Frost School of Music at University of Miami, but their take on classic riffs is solid – think Oscar Peterson meets early Dave Brubeck – mounted with the traditional trio of bass, piano, and drums, accented by the occasional trumpet or, of course, sax. There will be some special guests now and then, but the nightly crew does the job.

The interior of Armstrong Jazz House is cozy and rich, with four chandeliers, a bar, five tables, and a floor-to-ceiling glass bookcase laden with jazz mementos and other odd bric-a-brac, like Chinese vases, books about Paris and New York, and statuettes of astronauts (the Armstrong in their title refers to Neil, not Louie, ahem). The menu is a work in progress, but the vibe is sweet and well worth a visit. ■

ASPIRING

Plastic Surgery

Fears and Anxiety

Many patients harbor fears about Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. That’s understandable and even serves a protective function, since it is real surgery, though a personal choice and not medically required. You may have heard about complications in the news, seen bad results in celebs, on media and even in your own circles (“don’t want to end up or look like that”).

There are two categories of fear causing anxiety: medical risks and poor aesthetic outcomes - “Will I be ok?” and “How will I look?

Regarding the first, some patients have anxiety about anesthesia. There are three basic types of anesthesia - local, sedation and general. With local, you’re wide awake and the site of surgery is numbed with injections. Sedation involves numbing injections but while under the influence of sedatives for relaxation. With general anesthesia you are asleep, not just the site of surgery. General anesthesia represents a spectrum from light to deep, depending on the procedure. An advantage with facelifts is that all areas can be numbed with local anesthesia. Thus the level of general anesthesia can be light, just enough to keep you asleep until surgery is over. Having a patient asleep and safely monitored during surgery provides the highest level of surgical control during delicate procedures and is most comfortable for patients, especially anxious ones.

Sometimes patients are told, likely to ease their fear, that their procedure will be done under ‘only’ sedation even though the level of sedation will be so deep that they are asleep. The line between deep (i.e. unconscious) sedation and general anesthesia is blurry and depends on medications used and how the patient’s airway and breathing are managed. For conscious sedation, nasal oxygen may suffice as the patient is still able to control their own airway. For deeper levels (i.e. when you’re asleep) more secure options are a laryngeal, or the safest, an endotracheal airway. Monitoring and controlling the patient’s breathing during surgery is critical for safety. Being asleep for surgery under anesthesia with a proper airway has an excellent safety record (better than driving!) if provided by an experienced, board-certified anesthesiologist in an accredited surgical center.

Other medical fears include actual medical/surgical risks such as bleeding, infections, damage to deeper structures or blood clots. When in the hands of an experienced surgeon, these risks can be minimized, to less than 1%. So these risks should be viewed relative to other risks of daily living.

What about aesthetic risks - what is your result going to look like? That’s where most risk exists as it varies widely with surgeon training, experience and artistic skill. Board certification in Plastic Surgery is only a starting point and thoughtful research is strongly advised to reduce the potential for disappointment. Aesthetic Plastic Surgery should strive for beauty, yet be subtle, and look normal and natural. Overly obvious results are probably not very good - better to have others wonder as to why you look good.

In summary, Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, in a properly selected and realistic patient, with an experienced surgeon and appropriate anesthesia has the potential to improve one’s quality of life, with high safety and low risk.

MD, FACS

BODEGA TAQUERIA Y TEQUILA HAS ARRIVED ON MIRACLE MILE.

Quick Bites Milkshakes

In 1922, Walgreens employee Ivar “Pop” Coulson added two scoops of vanilla ice cream to a malted milk drink and created the milkshake. It may not be the pinnacle of a healthy treat, but the American public’s affinity for them is no great mystery. Here are our favorites in the Gables:

LATIN

FLAVORS

Havana Harry’s is a Gables institution (since 1995), but few would look to the Cuban restaurant as a milkshake spot. But Harry’s boasts a sweet blend of unusual, Latin-inspired shakes. There are the traditional flavors – chocolate, vanilla, strawberry – and then there’s the tropical flavors found only in Miami – mango, papaya, mamey, guava, and coconut. We tried the mamey milkshake ($6.95) – thick, creamy and sweet with a tropical tang. 4612 S Le Jeune Rd. 305.661.2622. havanaharrys.com

WHIPPED UP

Long-standing sweet shop Whip ‘N Dip in South Gables offers an array of homemade ice cream and milkshake flavors. Their Taro-cheesecake flavor ($9.99) stands out as a unique offering. The thick, purple-hued creation mixes the mild nuttiness of taro (a tropical vegetable native to Southeast Asia) with soft pieces of cheesecake. Whip ‘N Dip’s special flavors get switched out periodically, so taro fanatics (or adventurous foodies) go check this out ASAP. 1407 Sunset Dr. 305.665.2565. whipndip.com

SPIKED SHAKES

Aside from being known for their tender beef patties, The Capital Burger serves up boozy milkshakes as a sweet complement to their signature burgers or as a standalone treat. We recommend the Stoli Doli ($15), which combines vodka, vanilla ice cream, and candied

pineapple to create a rich alcoholic shake. Not overly sweet, the shake’s hint of piña colada adds a refreshing taste to this classic diner beverage – and makes a perfect pairing with a burger. 300 Miracle Mile. 786.437.3741. thecapitalburger.com

SHAKE SHACK

One thing we appreciate about Shake Shack, besides its burgers, is its commitment to trying new things. For winter this year, the Shack has a series of limited-time milkshakes, including Coffee and Donut, Maple Snickerdoodle, and Frozen Hot Cocoa ($6.69). We had to try the latter – it sounded too weird to miss. More than a simple chocolate shake, Frozen Hot Cocoa has a cinnamon-based flavoring and is topped with whipped cream and cocoa-coated mini marshmallows. Remarkably good. 1450 S Dixie Hwy. 786.470.3701. shakeshack.com

MARK LIGHT MILKSHAKES

Is there anything better than sipping a milkshake while watching the Miami Hurricanes baseball team on a sunny Saturday afternoon? Mitch Freedman’s shakes are famous at Mark Light Field, and while some swear by more creative flavors like the Grandma Debbie (vanilla with “magic” brownies), we think the classics are his best. Our go-to is the Oreo shake ($10), which he does better than anyone – with the non-fat ice cream he began using in the ‘70s. 6201 San Amaro Dr. 305.284.4171. @marklightshake ■

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Tacos & Tequila

One of South Florida’s top taco spots has come to Miracle Mile, providing a laid-back neighborhood bar atmosphere that serves fast-casual Mexican street food. Bodega Taqueria y Tequila’s eighth location gives us our latest go-to locale for all-day quick bites. Walking inside, you’re met with a masculine, industrial ambiance established by its brick walls and long, dark-wood bar. Of course, it wouldn’t be a Bodega without its iconic airstream trailer-turnedtaco-truck and the clever, constantly changing signage – “Walk the Mile in our shoes, you will end up drunk,” on the day we visited.

From classic taco options like carne asada ($5.50) and pollo asado ($4.50) to fan favorites like barbacoa ($5.75) and birria ($6.50), the wide selection of authentic cuisine mixed with unconventional interpretations solidifies Bodega as a true taqueria. We went classic with al pastor ($5), biting into the juicy roasted pork complemented excellently with charred pineapple, red onion, cilantro, and salsa rosada. We washed the tacos down with a spicy passion fruit margarita ($17), made with Ocho Plata tequila, spicy vanilla agave, lime, chinola, and finished with a Tajín rim.

To adjust to the Gables’ sophisticated feel, Bodega ditched its late-night speakeasy lounge/club for an intimate back room mezcaleria, which features dimly-lit ambient lighting, leather seating, and (most importantly) a wide selection of specialty tequilas and mezcals. The 506-square-foot space seats only 25 patrons, so make sure to secure reservations before visiting. Tequila lovers can expect a full agave experience. —

Natalia Clement

317 MIRACLE MILE

786.785.1501

BODEGATAQUERIA.COM

Smile Empanadas

Do you like pizza? Burgers? Brownies? Do you also like empanadas? The answer to all of these questions is, of course, “Who doesn’t?” Which is why Smile Empanadas, at the forefront of edible pocket innovation, has brought all of the above to the Gables.

The unobtrusive storefront on Red Road hides an inner world of invention, where the humble Hot Pocket meets a brownie and

embarks on a love affair called the Brownie Fudge Empanada. There’s something ridiculous about an empanada with chunks of chocolate brownie and caramel inside it, but it’s something we like. We are less certain about the Sweet Beef pocket, which includes raisins, but enthusiastic about the Cheeseburger Empanada, which is baked with cheddar-infused ground beef and bacon.

Smile Empanadas doesn’t stop there. You’ve heard of the breakfast burrito? Now try breakfast inside an empanada – bacon, eggs, and cheese. Or go vegan with the Beyond Empanada, featuring vegan cheese, onions, and plant-based “beef.” Or lean into Miami’s Cuban heritage with the Guava Cheese Empanada, a “SoFlo classic.”

Each gooey pocket of goodness will run you $4, but combos are available, which come with soda and an adorable packet of Pringles chips for $10 or $13.50, depending on your empanada intake. It feels like the meals your summer camp counselor would hand out, but no less delicious for all of that. And if the idea of brownies in empanadas doesn’t float your boat, there are also churros and alfajores for sale. It’s enough to make you smile. – Kylie Wang

6907 S RED RD.

305.699.1958

SMILEEMPANADAS.COM

BODEGA TAQUERIA Y TEQUILA HAS ARRIVED ON MIRACLE MILE WITH TACOS & TEQUILA AND AN INTIMATE BACK ROOM MEZCALERIA

Vibrant Peru

CVI.CHE 105 BRINGS BOLD PERUVIAN FLAVORS TO A DAZZLING SETTING

BY ANDREW GAYLE

When you think of Peruvian food, ceviche is what usually comes to mind. For that reason, CVI.CHE 105 takes its name from that national dish. But Peruvian cuisine, considered today the most inventive in Latin America, goes well beyond the citrus flavors of marinated seafood, as refreshing and healthy as that may be.

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. While this incipient chain has four other locations in Miami-Dade, the Gables locale is now the flagship, with a stunning, cavernous interior that feels like a Hollywood movie set. The walls are adorned with back-lit photos of green scaled fish, blue mermen, and Peruvian warriors; the interior columns are illuminated in purple and hung with woven baskets; gold trim and a huge quartz rock hang down from the ceiling; and over the entrance to the kitchen is a sign that reads “SHOWTIME.” That says it all, from waiters with vests emblazoned with tropical flora to the DJ ensconced just off the entrance. The whole scene is larger than life.

For more sedate diners with refined sensibilities, you might think this is too much, especially with the deep-beat house music. But they keep the decibels at the right level for conversation, and in the end, the glitter and glamour of the setting takes you somewhere far, far away from the Gables. And then there is the food.

With all the visual energy of CVI.CHE 105, you might think the food takes second place to the experience of being there, in our new world of entertainment dining. But the food is the real star here.

TOP: THE KITCHEN CHEFS ARE READY FOR ‘SHOWTIME’

ABOVE: THE VIBRANT INTERIOR IS A BLAZE OF GOLD, PURPLE, AND GREEN, WITH EVERY INCH ADORNED

TOP LEFT: SIGNATURE COCKTAIL MADE WITH PISCO 105

OPPOSITE PAGE:

TOP LEFT: ARROZ CHARAPA PREPARED IN AN IRON WOK

BOTTOM LEFT: TACU TACU FRIED RICE, SEAFOOD & MEAT

TOP RIGHT: PARGO CARIBEÑO – FRIED SNAPPER & SHRIMP

BOTTOM RIGHT: CEVICHE DA VINCI – SCALLOPS IN SAUCE

CEVI.CHE 105

111 PALERMO AVE.

786.527.3939

DISHES $30 TO $50

The menu is rich with seafood, a refreshing cast in a city where seafood establishments are few and far between. The offerings include a fine selection of tiraditos (think carpaccio of fish, scallops, octopus, etc.), ceviches, and rolls, along with an array of fried and grilled selections of mahi mahi, snapper, Pacific white fish, shrimp, etc. Then there are the causas, layered potato dishes (remember that potatoes came from Peru) typically covered with yellow peppers, crab meat, avocado, creamy fish ceviche, etc. Next are traditional rice dishes, with different mixes of seafood, vegetables, and meats, followed by entrees of pork, chicken, and beef. It is a daunting selection to say the least, augmented by a special fine dining menu only available at this location.

We tried the arroz charapa, which our waiter described as a meal from the forest people of Peru. Prepared in a wok, it includes vegetables, short ribs, plantains, wild mushrooms, and a poached egg, which he mixed into the rice table-side. Deeply savory with a smoky flavor to it. Also in the rice family, we tried a tacu tacu dish, where a cake of

white rice is fried so it has a crispy edge and soft interior, then covered with a mix of seafood, beef, or pork, plus peppers, onions, tomatoes, and their “secret sauce.” This is a dish worth returning for.

On the seafood side, we tried the Pargo Caribeño, a whole deboned snapper fried in chunks, paired with crispy shrimp and laced with leche de tigre tartar. Crunchy and satisfying, with a nice burst of sharp flavor.

Of course, we could not resist trying the special menu only for the Gables. From that, we sampled an exquisite Cola Voluptuosa: fresh lobster slow cooked in a rocoto butter sauce and served with fresh asparagus stalks. It tasted as good as it sounds. We also tried the Ceviche Da Vinci, which consists of scallops dressed in a rainbow of pepper sauces, as appealing to the eye as it is to the tongue.

The rest of CVI.CHE 105 was on the same high level, from their specialty cocktails to a dessert menu that includes an amazing chocolate cake and the traditional creamy suspiro limeño. All is under the gastronomic guidance of master chef Juan Chipoco, with their motto “Peruvian Cuisine Starts Here.” It does a lot more than start here. It takes that cuisine to a place in the pantheon of fine dining, in an atmosphere as bold as the flavors it promulgates. ■

Hermanas Scull

Clara Morera

Lilian Garcia-Roig

Special Real Estate Report

A look at the post-pandemic state of commercial and residential real estate in Coral Gables

Sponsored by

Althea Row in the heart of historic Coral Gables

The State of Real Estate in Coral Gables Finding

a Balance in the New Boom

BY KYLIE WANG

THE LOEWS HOTEL RISES ABOVE THE CORAL GABLES SKYLINE AT THE PLAZA CORAL GABLES, A MIXED-USE PROJECT OF OFFICES, RESIDENCES, AND RESTAURANTS.

“WHILE SOUTH FLORIDA AND NEW YORK ARE HAVING ALL-TIME RECORD VACANCIES, IN 2023 CORAL GABLES REAL ESTATE BENEFITTED FROM MAJOR CORPORATE RELOCATIONS TO MIAMI.”

WILLIAM HOLLY, PRESIDENT AND FOUNDER, GABLES-BASED PATTON REAL ESTATE

Consider this: a national economy only tenuously keeping a recession at bay, a worldwide pandemic forcing everyone to stay in their homes, skyrocketing inflation and interest rates, and a new “work-from-home” environment making commercial office space virtually moot. How this formula equates to an unprecedented real estate boom in one leafy Miami suburb is anyone’s guess – but, in the aftermath, it’s what happens.

“For every rule, there is an exception. And Coral Gables is that exception, for office space, commercial space, and residential space. While South Florida and New York are having all-time record vacancies, in 2023 Coral Gables real estate benefitted from major corporate relocations to Miami,” says William Holly, president and founder of Gables-based Patton Real Estate, which specializes in corporate leasing.

“Over the past couple of years, everything took off, with COVID and with the huge influx of people that have come to Miami,” agrees Coral Gables realtor Ashley Cusack, who has seen the average price per square foot of homes in the City Beautiful

Photo by Jonathan Dann

rise to a whopping $1,000. Today, the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices EWM realtor says, things have “tapered off a little bit,” but the market is still holding strong. “I don’t see it coming down. But I don’t see the same increase.”

Commercial office and retail space in Coral Gables has also benefitted from the post-pandemic surge, which experts attribute to a mix of “flight to quality” – including quality lifestyle – and better pricing than other nearby markets. As rates rise in Miami’s Brickell financial district, tenants are migrating to Coral Gables, where they can get a $30-plus discount per square foot compared to Brickell or Downtown Miami. “Incoming companies had a strong appetite for Class A product, leading to skyrocketing commercial prices in downtown and Brickell, which pushed many local companies and value-oriented investors toward Miami’s premier suburb… Coral Gables,” says Holly. As real estate in Coral Gables finds a steady pace amid the epic highs and lows of the past few years, we look to the trends that presage the future.

THE RESIDENTIAL ROCKET

Initially, Drew Kern thought the influx of West Coasters and Northeasterners to Coral Gables would weaken the market, leading to what he calls “the rebound” effect. “I thought we’d have a ton of inventory this year from people who said, ‘Oh, we’re going back,’” the Gables-based realtor says. But that didn’t happen. “They’re staying. And their friends are coming.”

During the pandemic, South Florida became extremely attractive to wealthy northerners who were living under strict COVID-19 regulations and, at times, in extremely cold weather. “I would be on Zoom calls with people from New York… sitting in my backyard

“THE MARKET IS STILL HOLDING STRONG. I DON’T SEE IT COMING DOWN. BUT I DON’T SEE THE SAME INCREASE.”

with palm trees and my pool, and they’d be like, ‘Oh, is that your Zoom background?’ And I said, ‘No, that’s my backyard,’” Cusack recounts. “Meanwhile, they’d be locked in their room in the cold. COVID did so much for people’s realization of how they’re living.” The massive tax benefits of moving to Florida made the decision to move easy, and Coral Gables, with its beautiful aesthetics, open restaurants, A-rated schools, and overall walkability, was a perfect choice.

The domestic influx has not turned off the spigot of international buyers – previously the bread and butter of high-end real estate in the Gables – but they have supplanted that sector as the dominant market mover. And because these domestic buyers are looking to escape their current living conditions as quickly as possible, they want move in-ready, turnkey houses. “If you’ve got new construction or completely 100 percent remodeled inventory, it’s unbelievable what we can get for it,” says Kern.

While some locals say Coral Gables has become too expensive, that’s not reflected by the market. “People are still moving here,” says Tere Shelton-Bernace of Bernace, Shelton and Stewart Realtors. “They’re paying what it takes to live here.” Last year, she says, a non-waterfront property in Coral Gables sold for $22 million. “What used to be two or four million is now eight to 10. And 30 to 50 million is the new 10 to 15.” Some of those prices have been driven up by lack of inventory, but Bernace says a recent increase in properties on the market are helping to balance things. Still, prospective buyers are often competing with 14 or 15 offers from day one, and homes are frequently taken off the market within days of being put on.

Photo by Rodolfo Benitez

Photo by Jonathan Dann

ASHLEY CUSACK (ABOVE), REALTOR AT BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY HOMESERVICES EWM REALTY

DREW KERN (LEFT) OUTSIDE ONE OF HIS LISTINGS IN CORAL GABLES

“BUYERS ARE MORE INFORMED ABOUT POTENTIAL PITFALLS THAT MAKE DEALS FALL APART AT THE LAST MINUTE.”

CAROLE SMITH (RIGHT) AND CHRISTINA FORMOSA OF COMPASS REALTY GAETANO AND IGNAZIO CALTAGIRONE (RIGHT) OF THE CALTA GROUP

Some negative factors are at play in the market as well, but apparently haven’t dampened demand. Rates for home insurance are so high that some people have been priced out of their homes based on the insurance alone, says Cusack, who has seen post-pandemic rates go up more than 100 percent – though they seem to be evening out now. To deal with this, homeowners are getting creative: they’re self-insuring, forgoing windstorm protections if they have a wellbuilt home, or pushing their rates down by installing things like PVC plumbing, impact glass, and new roofs. “Educated consumers,” says Carole Smith of Compass Realty, “are asking those questions [about insurance mitigating factors] upfront.” These days, she thinks buyers are “more informed about potential pitfalls that make deals fall apart at the last minute.”

Meanwhile, lenders are becoming more willing to negotiate. “They’re trying to make it work because they know they’re going to refinance in a year if they don’t put them at a decent rate,” says Kern, who adds that he’s seen several big national banks come under market rate for his clients. Those clients vary somewhat, though usually not in general affluence. Kern, who also works for Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices EWM Realty, says his average buyer is an empty nester with kids in college. They choose the Gables “for the proximity, not the big piece of property.” Younger families, he says, are more likely to go elsewhere to get more land. His colleague Cusack, meanwhile, says she sees both empty nesters and families from New York searching for the same walkability they had in the Big Apple. Smith, on the other

hand, says many of her clients are renters from Brickell “desperate for a home” to start their family lives. Shelton-Bernace agrees, citing these Brickell migrants’ desire for good schools for their kids and the “more manicured” look of Coral Gables over areas like Coconut Grove.

For the empty nesters, however, townhomes are the new pink. They’re vastly easier to maintain, for one, and instead of worrying about a lawn or a pool, you can simply lock the door and go visit your family, for months at a time if you wish. They’re also generally more spacious than people assume, meaning you don’t have to “sacrifice entertainment space or sacred spaces where people gather,” says MG Developer CEO Alirio Torrealba. Responding to demand, there are several new townhome developments coming to the Gables, including projects by both MG and the Calta Group.

“There are a lot of families that have big homes and have been in Coral Gables a long time,” says Ignazio Caltagirone of the Calta Group, which is currently building townhomes near Venetian Pool in the Gables. “And then their kids go off to college and their house is too big. They want to travel and they have more time now. So, townhomes are great…. It’s just normal market selection. There’s always going to be people looking to move out of homes and into apartments or townhomes.” His brother and partner Gaetano Caltagirone echoes the sentiment, adding that the firm’s townhomes are “also a product that lets the kids come back and visit you. If you want everyone home for Christmas, you have the space.”

The Calta Group’s Via Veneto townhome project reflects the same qualities that many homes in Coral Gables offer – large spaces, myriad amenities, and walkability to downtown, albeit in a more convenient space. It’s the company’s first project of this kind. “We typically build luxury homes,” says Gaetano Caltagirone. But “town-

Photo by Rodolfo Benitez

Photo by Rodolfo Benitez

homes are a trend [in Coral Gables].” The 10-home project is directly adjacent to the Venetian Pool and each 5,000-square-foot, $5 million unit will feature four bedrooms, four-and-a-half baths, and a four-car garage, in addition to high-end appliances and interior design. Via Veneto is expected to be completed by the end of 2025.

Meanwhile, MG Developer is in the process of building not one but two new townhome projects to complement its existing portfolio, which includes Beatrice Row, Althea Row, Biltmore Row, and 444 Valencia, among others. The Village at Coral Gables, the unofficial “eighth village” that city founder George Merrick dreamed up, is soon to begin construction. CEO Torrealba is also working on The George (as in George Merrick). Each of its projects “has a story that ties into the very beginning of Coral Gables’ existence,” according to Torrealba. His son, Diego, says that his father has always been adamant about

“IT’S AMAZING TO SEE THE APPRECIATION PEOPLE IN THE COMMUNITY HAVE FOR THIS TYPE OF ROW HOME DEVELOPMENT.”

MG DEVELOPER CEO ALIRIO TORREALBA WITH HIS SON DIEGO

following this concept. “Ever since I started working alongside my dad, I immediately understood that I had to continue his vision to elevate and follow George Merrick’s plan for the City Beautiful.”

The George, expected to be completed at the end of next year, will feature 13 luxury townhomes priced at $1,100 per square foot. “With a product like this, the demand never really vanishes,” says Torrealba. “It’s amazing to see the appreciation people in the community have for this type of Row home development.”

CORAL GABLES CONDO MARKET (INCLUDING TOWNHOMES)

House prices, which doubled after the pandemic, are now leveling off.

CORAL GABLES SINGLE-FAMILY HOMES MARKET

SOURCE: Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices/EWM Realty

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“IN CORAL GABLES, APPROXIMATELY 40 PERCENT OF THE ENTIRE CITY’S REVENUES COME FROM THE COMMERCIAL SECTOR.”

THAD ADAMS OF THE ALLEN MORRIS COMPANY, OWNERS OF ALHAMBRA TOWERS (SHOWN RIGHT)

THE OFFICE ABSORPTION

COVID’s impact on commercial office real estate nationwide has been undeniable, with many larger companies downsizing their footprints to adjust for employees now used to the comforts of working at home. Which is why Coral Gables’ quick rebound to pre-pandemic occupancy is so unexpected. The difference is that now there are many more companies moving to the Gables, looking for smaller spaces. “The last several years have seen downsizing of corporate users, but the strong local economy has offset that with private service firms growing in the City Beautiful,” says Holly. “The downsizing of the last three years has been stabilized and offset by professional service firms that have benefited from the influx of new businesses and residences.”

As a result of this rightsizing, subleasing is on the rise. “We’re finding several tenants looking to put half or a portion of their space on the market,” says says Avison Young Managing Director Donna Abood, and because of the demand from smaller companies moving in, these spaces are going fast. “In the past, it would typically take 16 to 18 months to move in, but now, these spaces are being subleased in two to six months,” and for good prices, she says. “In the past, tenants would be lucky to get 50 cents on the dollar. Now, they’re [getting] exactly what they paid for… or, in some cases, more than what they paid.”

Meanwhile, “hoteling,” where offices are shared between employees of different companies, has not quite taken off as expected, says Thad Adams, managing director of brokerage at the Gables-based

Allen Morris Company. “People don’t like to share their office with someone else,” he says, though he adds that “open space” is on the rise, as long as it’s shared by one company and one company only.

While there’s still a lot of office space available in Coral Gables – one million-square-feet today compared to 700,000-square-feet in Q1 of 2022 – there are also no new office buildings being built. This puts the Gables at a disadvantage compared to Greater Miami, where there will be 259,000-square-feet of new office space available in the next year, according to Adams – including the advent of what Abood calls the “trophy building.”

Simply put, because businesses are being hard-pressed to entice workers back to the office, they need to create better office environments. This means not only choosing a good location, but building a signature structure with in-house services like dry cleaning, free Wi-Fi, coffee bars, and on-premise food and fitness options. This new trophy class can capture significantly higher rates, such as the 830 Brickell building in Downtown Miami, which has signed leases for as high as a whopping $150 per square foot.

In Coral Gables, the best (and perhaps only) example is The Plaza Coral Gables, a 2.25 million-square-foot mixed-use project that includes highly sought-after offices, residences, a Loews hotel, bowling alley, facial bar, barbershop, and numerous restaurants. “We intended it to be the most high-end project in the Gables,” says Carlos Beckmann, who runs operations for Agave Holdings, the company behind the project. “We bet on the luxury end, and it has proven successful.” Rates for trophy buildings have increased 78 percent over the last five years, according to Abood, compared to the 31 percent increase that Class A and B buildings saw. At The Plaza,

MONICA

office rental rates are in the $60s per foot, compared to the high $40s and low $50s elsewhere; its two towers are now 99 percent leased.

Class A buildings in Coral Gables aren’t doing poorly either, however. Last year, the Allen Morris Company’s iconic Alhambra Towers building leased 62,861-square-feet with new and expanding leases. Between those contracts and the ones already in place in the 174,000-square-foot building, Alhambra Towers is also now 99 percent leased. It, too, boasts some “trophy” aspects of its own, including its signature bell tower, a common boardroom, outdoor work area, LEED certification, and, soon to come in May, an upscale steakhouse on the ground floor with three private dining rooms for business meetings.

B and C class buildings, meanwhile, are not doing as well. The competition from higher-end offices is driving their occupancy down, which “has contributed to vacancy in Coral Gables, in addition to the trend of downsizing,” says Holly. Thankfully, there’s always the option of renovation, which he points to as another on-the-rise trend. The 4000 Ponce building that his company manages, for example, just did a multimillion-dollar renovation of its space, including outdoor and common areas, conference facilities, and restrooms.

RATES HAVE RISEN 78 PERCENT IN FIVE YEARS FOR QUALITY PROJECTS, SAYS CARLOS BECKMANN OF AGAVE HOLDINGS

Boding well for future office occupancy is the prediction that hybrid work, though here to stay, is on the wane. Both Adams and Abood believe that the current trend of three days at home and two in the office will decrease to two or even one day at home. Holly says that working from home is likely to be completely phased out in Coral Gables. “National companies in low-rent suburban markets like Miramar will continue to see work from home,” he says, but Coral Gables, with its “more locally-owned businesses,” will re-adapt.

MIAMI VS CORAL GABLES

Over the past few years, companies have flocked to Brickell from places like New York, Austin, Chicago, and the Bay Area, happy to pay Brickell’s $55 per square foot rate. But today, Brickell’s rate is now the same as what they were escaping: around $80 per square foot, with more for Class A and trophy buildings. “When they came to Brickell at the time, it was a major discount,” says Abood. “But the rates kept escalating.”

OVERALL COMMERCIAL OFFICE MARKET

SOURCE: Allen Morris Company

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Lourdes

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And these out-of-state companies are part of their own problem, Holly says. “The new firms that came to Downtown Miami and Brickell have driven up the prices on Class A office space to rates that far exceed inflation. What that’s done,” he says, “is taken local tenants and priced them out of the market.” Meanwhile, Coral Gables’ rates have stayed relatively linear. Pre-COVID, Class A rates were about $45 per square foot, whereas now they’ve risen marginally to the low $50s.

Businesses have taken notice of Coral Gables’ comparatively low rates. Last year, there was a 12 percent increase in office leasing activity in the Gables, accounting for 226 new leases signed. Several big names moving to Coral Gables were at the forefront of this trend, including FIFA and Ryder System. Besides pricing, companies find the Gables attractive for the same reasons as residents: walkability, safety, amenities, traffic, proximity to the airport, etc. While neighboring Coconut Grove boasts many of the same qualities, Coral Gables is cheaper and has vastly more space. The Grove has 1.6 million-square-feet of office space. Coral Gables has 7.3 million. And because there’s so much less space in Coconut Grove, the rates are $10 more per square foot than in the Gables.

The benefit from the corporate influx is undeniable, Adams says, with the revenue these company relocations add to the local economy. Last year, he says, 15,000 new jobs were created and over $54 million was added to Miami-Dade County’s economy. “In Coral Gables, approximately 40 percent of the entire city’s revenues come from the commercial sector,” he adds. “Having buildings that are substantially occupied means higher property tax valuations [and that] means more city revenue. And that mitigates the need for residents to pay higher millage rates and taxes on their properties.”

RETAIL RISES

The other side of the commercial real estate coin is retail – and no one owns more retail space on Miracle Mile than Terranova Corporation. Founder and chairman Stephen Bittel started buying up property on

“LINCOLN ROAD TAUGHT US THE POWER OF PEOPLE SITTING IN CAFES ON THE STREET AND HOW THAT COULD BE THE ENGINE TO TRANSFORM THE STREET...

”

STEPHEN BITTEL, CEO OF TERRANOVA CORPORATION

the main street almost 20 years ago with a vision that “as more residences and more hotels and more offices were built in the area, traffic would grow.” He adds with a grin, “And, in fact, that’s happened.”

Today, Terranova owns 15 buildings on the Mile, including John Martin’s and Capital Burger, as well as an office building at 255 Alhambra. Bittel recently relocated the firm’s offices from Miami Beach, where he made a fortune buying early on Lincoln Road, to a temporary location on Miracle Mile.

Bittel credits the 2015 city streetscape project with a lot of the commercial retail scene’s success in Coral Gables. “Lincoln Road taught us the power of people sitting in cafes on the street and how that could be the engine to transform the street,” he says. “That pushed us to communicate vigorously with the [Coral Gables City] Commission about the need for the streetscape project.”

The streetscape project transformed Miracle Mile into a more pedestrian-friendly roadway, with widened sidewalks, enhanced lighting and landscaping, and public art. Though some businesses complained about lower traffic during the construction phase, Bittel says Terranova “lost no tenants... contrary to popular belief.” However, the firm also did not sign any new leases. “The minute it was done, we started signing leases like crazy and our tenants started doing better sales than they had historically,” he says. Giralda Avenue also got a makeover in the two-block stretch that now makes up Giralda Plaza, transforming from a roadway into a pedestrians-only walking space. Lined with restaurants and retail, its completion was a huge get for commercial real estate in the Gables.

Photo by Rodolfo Benitez

Top producer Mauricio J. Barba has been a mainstay in Miami’s uber competitive high-end real estate market since 1994. Respected in his native community by clients and colleagues alike; he has logged top honors for elite performance in his field. Mauricio is connected worldwide but specializes in Coral Gables, Coconut Grove, Key Biscayne, Brickell, Village of Pinecrest, South Miami, Palmetto Bay/ Falls area and the Beaches. His expertise is demonstrated through his ability to facilitate trouble-free transactions winning him clients for life who also become friends.

Mauricio enters every room with confidence and professional approachability. But more importantly he is prepared and precise, saving you time and effort. Clients rely on him to deliver and he takes the responsibility very seriously. “People trust me with their single largest asset. It’s a role that drives me to push for excellence every day. I give 110% because my success is their success.”

305.439.8311

mauricio@miamisignaturehomes.com

MiamiSignatureHomes.com

2901

3581

5741

Retail also experienced the same flight from Brickell that has characterized much of the office and residential real estate booms in Coral Gables. Average retail rents in the Gables are around $53 per square foot, while in Brickell that number runs anywhere from $85 to $130. “In the past three years, rents have increased a cumulative 13.5 percent,” says Carlos Guzman, president and CEO of Pacific National Bank, which primarily finances commercial real estate transactions.

“There have been 40 sales, which have traded for approximately $293 million…. Buyers have exhibited a steady interest in the area.”

“When you look at the asking rates that you find in the City of Coral Gables, I would suggest we’re actually a value proposition compared to other markets that we tend to complete with, like Wynwood or Coconut Grove,” says Coral Pine Real Estate founding principal and broker Barbara Tria. “It’s not unusual to see triple digit figures for base rents quoted in those markets, and we have yet to see that number in our retail market.”

There are also reasons like cheaper parking, less traffic, and ease of movement throughout the region which make Coral Gables more attractive. Tria points out that the Gables’ “proximity to amenities” like cultural landmarks, live music, and sporting events, “makes [the city] shine.” And if a company’s leadership is based in Coral Gables, where many are, “why would they move to Brickell?” she asks.

Today, vacancy rates for retail are in the single digits – around 1.2 percent, according to Guzman. “Sometimes it’s hard to perceive that because of the transition from one retailer to the next,” says Tria. “There’s downtime, and so it may feel like there’s more vacancy than there actually is.” Low vacancy also means base rent will be driven up, and retail also has to contend with rising triple net charges like real estate taxes, maintenance, and insurance, which has gone up significantly over the last year.

Another reason for retail’s rise to prominence? Night life. Just a few years ago, Coral Gables had virtually none. Today, young professionals who may not even live in the Gables but commute in for work are staying out on Friday nights, hitting bars like Copper 29 and the newly-opened Bodega Taqueria & Tequila on Miracle Mile. Getting a reservation during or after happy hour at places like Hillstone or Eaing House is almost an extreme sport.

Competition between restaurants is especially fierce, with chef-driven concepts increasingly popular and existing retailers often looking to open second locations in the Gables. CVI.CHE 105, for example, has locations in Miami and Miami Beach already, but just opened their “flagship location” in The Plaza. Graziano’s is another one of these – with a restaurant and a market already in downtown Gables, the Argentine retailer recently opened another market location in the LifeTime building on US-1. “They understand who the customer is in this marketplace,” says Tria. “And they know they can offer the customer something a little different.”

Agave Holdings’ Beckmann says food and beverage has become so big that it simply “has to slow down a bit. Everyone wants to open restaurants,” he says. “At The Plaza, we’re saying, ‘No more.’”

Health and wellness is another market that’s become extremely attractive to the Gables, whether it’s Pilates studios or facial bars. It’s specialized gyms that are the belle of the ball though, largely because Coral Gables doesn’t have the giant spaces that general fitness centers need, Tria says. Lifetime and Equinox are the exceptions that fill the gap, but there are many more hyper-focused gyms like Sweat 440, OrangeTheory, Pilates Strong, and SoulCycle that offer select services. At The Plaza, Beckmann says, “we are creating a kind of health and wellness corner” with yoga studios, high-end facial bars, and a barbershop. Boutique retailers that deal exclusively in high-end pieces are also trying to break into the market with

“ IF A COMPANY’S LEADERSHIP IS BASED IN CORAL GABLES, WHERE MANY ARE, WHY WOULD THEY MOVE TO BRICKELL?”

BARBARA TRIA, CORAL PINE REAL ESTATE BROKER, ON THE BENEFITS OF CORAL GABLES’ CULTURE

curated fashions that appeal to affluent Gableites and visitors from Europe and South America.

Because of all this, says Bittel, Terranova Corporation is looking to buy even more properties in downtown Gables to add to the four more buildings it bought in the last two years. “We’re by no means done,” he says. But not everything is going his – or retail’s – way. With two newly elected commissioners that ran on anti-development platforms (Ariel Fernandez and Melissa Castro), there is some cause for alarm amongst developers. Bittel, for one, believes the mood of the city “swings back and forth” on development, but he takes a positive viewpoint even so. “As buildings age and become obsolete, there will be the opportunity to build new ones that are respectful of the past but reflective of the future,” he says.

Tria also points out that the business of real estate is cyclical. “There have been headlines lately about the challenges in financial markets as it relates to commercial property debt,” she explains. “So, I think that has yet to be figured out and fully experienced. How the market adapts to that is going to be critical.” But Coral Gables, she adds, is uniquely positioned to respond. ■

Photo by Rodolfo Benitez

kitchens Tour of

Each year, the Coral Gables Community Foundation puts on its Tour of Kitchens, in which noble homeowners allow the public to visit their residences and view their fabulous kitchens, all in the name of charity. The proceeds from the Tour are used by the Foundation to fund their scholarship program for deserving, underprivileged students. This year’s tour – with the added tag line of “& Tropical Living” – was presented by Mosaicist and featured 10 homes, along with a tour of the Belmont Village senior living facility at Merrick Park and the Pedini showroom. Throughout, guests were served bites by restaurants that included Vinya Table, Americana Kitchen, Bay 13 Brewery, Threefold Café, Doc B’s, CalaMillor, La Carreta, Erba, Benihana, and Zucca, as well as goodies from Frutero, Josh’s Meats, Miami Alkaline Water, Shine Water, Tank Brewing, Salty Donut, and Misha’s Cupcakes. “This year was another great success,” said Mary Snow, president and CEO of the Foundation, who reports that 900 tickets were sold for the event.

TOP RIGHT: BOARD SCHOLARSHIP CHAIR MATTHEW MEHAN AND MOSAICIST CEO RAY CORRAL BELOW L TO R: INCOMING FOUNDATION CHAIR MICHAEL WALSH, FOUNDATION CEO MARY SNOW, DAVID EVENSKY AND WIFE CRISTINA

Binelo Residence / Agua Avenue

This home of Alex and Claudia Binelo was built in 2002 in Gables by the Sea as a Mediterranean villa, with its kitchen remodeled last year. The kitchen is part of the home’s Great Room, which shares space with a family media area and is adjacent to the dining area. The custom cabinetry features oil-rubbed bronze

hardware. The countertops consist of “Mystery White” marble, while pendant lights from Restoration Hardware hang above. The flooring is Roman Saturnia stone tiles. Sub-Zero refrigerator-freezer; Wolf range, hood, and warming drawer; Asko dishwashers; Blanco sink; ES sprayer faucet.

Silva-Reyes Residence / Almeria Avenue

This four-story townhome of Jorge Silva and Jamie Reyes was built in 2021, inspired by English Terrace housing in London and Bath. It has an interior atrium with a rooftop terrace and plunge pool. The kitchen, living area, and dining room are all on the second floor. The flooring consists of oversized porcelain

tiles, with custom-designed cabinetry, monochromatic quartz countertops, and a large island with an adjacent black marble dining table. Jenn-Air refrigerator-freezer, wall oven, and hood; Bosch dishwasher; Blanco double-sink; and Hansgrohe polished chrome sprayer faucet.

Brooks Residence / South Greenway Drive

This 1957 home of Matt and Melissa Brooks was designed in the Monterey Colonial Revival style, reflecting the fusion of Anglo and Hispanic styles prominent on the U.S. West Coast last century. The Brooks’ bought the house in 2020 as a “handyman special” and spent three years renovating. The kitchen features two

large islands within an open floor plan. The flooring consists of oversized Arctic Blanco porcelain tiles. The cabinetry is by Grabill, painted in “Glacier” and “White Oak Seaspray.” Sub-Zero refrigerator-freezer, Thermador cooktop and hood, Wolf specialty ovens, Miele dishwashers (two), Kohler sink.

Asturia Avenue

This Mediterranean Revival-style home was one of the city’s earliest, featuring decorative columns, arched openings, barrel tile roofs, stucco walls, and picturesque courtyards. The kitchen was renovated last year by Compass Point Creations, with custom cabinetry finished in “Diamond Vibe,” “Kenora Coconut,”

and “Maritime” colors. It also has glass doors showcasing vintage china by Limoges and La Maison de Louis Cartier. The floors are ebonized red oak. GE Monogram refrigerator-freezer, Bertazzoni range, GE Profile wall oven, Bosch dishwasher and glazed castiron sink, Rohl faucet, dolomite Doral Stone countertop surface.

Durana Residence / Aduana Avenue

This 1948 home of Xavier and Nataly Durana is an example of Tropical Modern style, with an open floor plan, protective shade, ventilation, and views. The kitchen is part of the home’s Great Room, with white oak flooring and recessed LED lighting. The custom cabinetry is also white oak. A spiral staircase at the end of the kitchen leads to a home office. The sink is built into an oversized island that serves as an informal breakfast area. Sub-Zero refrigerators (two), Wolf range and wall oven, Miele dishwasher, Ruvati stainless steel sink with Brizo faucet, Best hood.

MG Developer / Anderson Road

This MG Developer showroom is a townhome in the Biltmore Square neighborhood just west of downtown Gables. It is part of a three-story row of homes designed in the Mediterranean style, inspired by the palatial Spanish colonial governor’s house in Cartegena. The kitchen is part of a large space that also comprises the family media area and dining room, which all open onto a balcony with a stainless steel outdoor grill, fridge, sink, and cabinets. The kitchen island, countertops, and backsplashes are all done in white Italian marble, with Wolf and Sub-Zero appliances.

Silva Residence / North Greenway Drive

This 1923 home of Alex and Marta Silva is made of coral rock in the Mission Revival style. The home was designed by architect H. George Fink, first cousin of city founder George Merrick. The home was recently rehabbed by Alex, an architect who serves on the city’s Historic Preservation Board. The kitchen is at the center of the residence and is comprised of patterned ceramic tiles. The cabinetry is from Thomasville and painted in “Cayman Green.” Thermador refrigerator-freezer, cooktop, wall ovens, dishwasher, and microwave, Zephyr exhaust hood, Ruvati sink.

Marques Residence / Zamora Avenue

This charming 1940 bungalow-style home in the North Gables is the home of Sergio and Jennifer Marques, who purchased the property in 2017. Among their renovations was the creation of an open kitchen between the dining room and the family room. The kitchen is minimalist, yet warmly accented with brass fixtures and a chandelier. The cabinets are custom-built and painted white, the backsplash consists of Carrara marble tiles, and the flooring is made of red oak. Thermador refrigerator-freezer, cooktop, wall oven, and dishwasher; Kohler “Farmer’s Sink;” Kingston faucet; Breville expresso machine and smart oven.

Teno Residence / Granada Boulevard

This home of Andrew and Tarin Teno was built in 1956 and renovated over the last three years with family friendliness in mind. The kitchen and pantry cabinetry were custom designed by Cozy Salazar Interiors. The large island countertop is soapstone porcelain by Opustone, with overhanging “Painted Cone” pendant lights designed by Mark D. Sikes. The kitchen table “Tulip” fiberglass seating inspired by Eero Saarinen. Sub-Zero refrigerator-freezers (two); Wolf range, wall ovens, and microwave oven; Vent-a-Hood exhaust hood; Asko dishwasher; 4S “Gallery” sink.

Rodriguez-Duret Residence / Mar Street

This waterfont home of Rudy Rodriguez-Duret is in Gables by the Sea and has been completely renovated since its 2019 purchase. The teak veneer custom cabinetry was designed by Yuniel Echazabal of Style Custom Design to reflect a marine theme, with a custom inset wine storage area. A well-stocked pantry with a concealed door leads from the kitchen and contains a coffee system and large oven. The countertops are of Calacatta Quartzite. Sub-Zero refrigerator-freezer and island icemaker, Wolf cooktop and island microwave, Dax island sink with Kohler faucet, Miele dishwasher.

47' Intrepid 447 2020

Missy Babicka

Founder of Ladies of Little Lighthouse The Little Lighthouse Foundation

Suzanne "Suzie" Sponder Sr. Director of Communications Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau

Emily ZubizarretaCEO & Founder Miami Women Who Rock

Frances Martin CFO and Operating Partner E11even Miami

Jennifer "Jenni" A. Marques Attorney Jennifer A. Marques, P.A.

Caroline O’Connor President of Business Operations Miami Marlins

Our Annual Guide to Summer Camps

Summer break is on its way, so it’s time again to look for the right camp for your child – for the experience of a lifetime.

SUMMER CAMP!

For those who are lucky enough to get there, spending time at summer camp can be a rich experience in a young person’s life. Sometimes it’s a sleepover camp, but these days, it’s mostly an opportunity to have fun, learn new skills, hang out with friends, and spend time outside – all wonderful alternatives to staying at home and watching YouTube videos. To that end, we have asked three of our readers to tell us about their summer camp days, and what they meant to them.

Summer Camp, Gables Style

By Nicolas Cabrera,

The Young Associates of the Coral Gables Museum

In a world filled with technology and TikTok dances, the idea of “summer camp” is a whisper in the wind. This comes from someone whose childhood is defined by a culmination of summer camps scattered throughout Coral Gables. Don’t get me wrong… technology has brought a multitude of opportunities, education, and enrichment to the lives of kids today. But when I look back at my experience of growing up in the City Beautiful, when technology existed but did not create the distractions it does today, I can’t help but remember the incredible memories I have of attending summer camp right here in the Gables.

As the school year would end and my parents would prepare themselves for entertaining me all summer long (which was a task in and of itself), summer camp always presented itself as the perfect solution. From learning to play golf at the Biltmore Hotel golf camp to earning my place as a junior lifeguard at the Venetian Pool, each of my childhood summers was defined by one of the many joyful summer camps our city had to offer.

From my early years of summer camp at the Coral Gables Youth Center to my later years discovering my inner magician at David Gindy’s MagiCamp at the University of Miami’s original Rathskeller, most of these camps contributed to my growth

as a young adult and continue to define who I am today. Coral Gables is a special place when it comes to summer camp, with so many schools, churches, and community institutions offering experiences for kids of all ages. It feels like only yesterday that I was attending camp at Granada Presbyterian Church and exploring my faith, or discovering Riviera Day School during its fantastic Day Camp, where I would eventually spend the majority of my educational years.

Summer camp in Coral Gables was more than just a place for my parents to send me to when school was out. It was a place to be adventurous and explore my creativity. Summer camp was a place of growth and coming of age; of learning right from wrong; of creating friendships, relationships, and memories that would last a lifetime.

So, in a world filled with the trivialities of technology, cell phones, social media, and distractions, I look around and wonder what summer camp can do for the children of today. I wonder how summer camp can be an outlet for the children seeking the adventures of the world around them and the experiences that await them in nature and under the sun. I wonder how summer camps can fill children’s hearts with the joy of summer right here in Coral Gables much like they did for myself as I grew up in the City Beautiful. I wonder how children will tell the stories of the summer camps they attended, much like I do today.

My love for Coral Gables stems from my memories of summer camp, an experience that I hope remains an integral part of childhood today. So if you’re wondering what to do with your kids this summer while you’re busy at work… Send them to summer camp and let them rediscover the magic of summer.

The Summer of ’69

By Mitch Kaplan, Books & Books

It was Pocono Highlands Camp in East Stroudsburg, PA. I was 14-years-old, a long way from Miami Beach. The boys were on one end of what seemed like acres and acres of rolling hills, the girls (lots of them from Philadelphia) were on the other end. We were separated by a very, very cold lake, canoes and rafts littering its bank. My memories are a bit hazy: we played basketball all day, we swam and hiked the trails. At night, we watched movies in the canteen and listened to music on our transistor radios; in the dark, we snuck out of our cabins hoping to meet those girls on the other side.

There was so much in the air that summer. Our counselors were talking about the Chicago 7 trial, the Vietnam War was raging, and this place called Woodstock where hundreds of thousands of young people were gathering was not all that far from where we were. It was very heady being so far from home, alone in a world in transition.

And then, it was the night of July 20. The entire camp gathered, under a screen that seemed to reach the clouds, to watch the live broadcast of Neil Armstrong taking those first historic steps on the moon. It felt like the whole world was watching with us. It was stunning. Nothing was ever the same. I started high school in the fall, went to college in Colorado, and not too long later came back to Miami, moved to Coral Gables, started a family, and opened a bookstore.

Reflections on Summer Camp

By Brenda Moe, Coral Gables Art Cinema

I was 10 and embarking on an adventure in lush landscapes in the company of strangers. My mother didn’t have the money to cover the fee, so a church scholarship paid my way. While miles from home, I mailed a daily letter detailing something I’d never experienced before.

The campfires were central to our nights, offering a space for stories and bonding. Ghost stories and scary camp legends added an element of mystery and excitement. In front of the flames, I learned to create long-lasting friendships. I played tennis for the first time and loved the camaraderie built up in the food hall. Summer camp was a world of endless possibilities for a kid like me, whose opportunities were often limited

due to poverty. It was a time of laughter, discovery, and quiet moments of introspection. Being able to go to sleepaway camps was a gift, one that continues to shape the person I am today.

Looking back on that summer, I am reminded of the transformative time that has shaped my appreciation for community and the power of storytelling to bring people together and inspire imagination. Just as the magic of camp ignited a sense of wonder within me, it also fostered a strong sense of connection.

In life, our experiences are like chapters in a book. Summer camp remains a cherished chapter in my story – a testament to the joy of adventure, the beauty of friendship, and the magic of discovering previously unknown worlds. ■

Camp Gulliver provides unique o erings for every grade level and interest–all in one place! STEAM, Swim Lessons, Athletics, Broadway, Broadcasting, and more!

Gala in the Garden

The theme of this year’s Gala in the Garden at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden was “Natural Wonders,” and featured the unveiling of The DiMare Medal. This new accolade honors Paul and Swanee DiMare’s contributions to Fairchild and science education throughout Miami, recognizing individuals demonstrating outstanding support of scientific inquiry and learning. The February gala convenes philanthropists and community leaders whose contributions have benefitted thousands of local students. This year, the award went to Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava for her support of environmental protection and resiliency.

1. Swanee DiMare, Bruce Greer, Mayor Daniella Lavine Cava

2. Adriana Verdeja, Georgia Nimer, Stephen Nimer, Swanee DiMare, Felicia Knaul, Julio Frenk

3. Bronwyn Miller, Raquel Regalado, Commissioner Damian Pardo

4. Anthony Abraham, Susan Abraham, Sean Abraham

5. David Ruiz, Sabina Covo, Peter Chadri, Seiko Azuma

6. Alexis Read, Cameron Sisser, Allison Charles

7. Felicia Knaul & Elysze Held

Photos courtesy of @WorldRedEye

8. The Gala in the Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden

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Sculpture Garden Party

It was an evening of cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and fine art. The curated display marked the premiere of artist Shaun Nowrouzi’s sculpture garden during a January 27 gathering of art patrons and business leaders at his Coral Gables home. Among the mesmerizing sculptures displayed were Ballerinas, Chic Charley, The Twist, Orange Attraction, California Poppies and Majestic Elegance. Nowrouzi, owner of Modular Contractors, leverages his extensive construction experience to create vibrant sculpture gardens from aluminum and other metals for luxury residences and public spaces in South Florida. For more information: info@shaunnowrouzisculptures.com.

1. Alex Schachter, Roxanna Schachter, Shaun Nowrouzi, Alexis Wong, Lauren Schrager, Emile Schachter

2. Lorri Ferrell & Shaun Nowrouzi

3. Farah Salehi & Susan Nowrouzi

4. Sonnia & Miguel Viyella, Howard Goldstein, Nati Soto, Shaun Nowrouzi

5. Oscar Musibay, Shaun Nowrouzi, J.P. Faber, David Shore

6. Shaun & company

7. Early evening in the garden

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Meandering About Town #9

AN ADVENTURE IN WHICH A FORMER MAYOR CONTINUES TO SEEK THE “SOUL” OF HIS HOMETOWN. THIS MONTH, IN THE BILTMORE KITCHENS

BY DON SLESNICK

How could I expect to find the soul of our community without including a visit to the Biltmore Hotel? Therefore, my most recent ramble has taken me to George Merrick’s crowning architectural achievement, located amid the Gables’ most historic residential neighborhoods – a couple blocks down DeSoto Boulevard from Venetian Pool and directly across the street from the Congregational Church (the very heart of 1926 Coral Gables).

There have been so many articles and books written about this grand hotel property that my focus was finding the “soul” of the Biltmore – its food services! We have all enjoyed the scenic beauty of this Tower of Seville replica, appreciated its World War II history, been captivated by tales of murders and ghosts, luxuriated around the gigantic pool, and played on the Donald Ross golf course. But the feature that makes the Biltmore so very special, in my humble culinary opinion, is its array of plentiful (and delicious) food choices.

The kitchen and serving crews produce over 35,000 meals “from scratch” every month across nine venues, including

a full-service bakery and pastry shop. In addition, there is, of course, the monumental Sunday Brunch and afternoon “high teas.” Thus, I spent a day visiting with the culinary leadership team who make eating in and around the Biltmore something very special. Let me introduce you to the interesting and diverse roster of Biltmore chefs.

Leading the way is the Director of Culinary Operations, Thomas Russo, a retired U.S. Marine who, at one time, was the private chef for the Commander of SOUTHCOM (when the official residence was on Granada Boulevard). He likes to say that he “transitioned from four-star generals to five-star hotels.”

Ciro Leoni is the senior banquet chef – a native of Rome and a graduate of Le Cordon Bleu.

Martin Tennyson is the sous chef for Cascade Restaurant, who, along with his sister Rita, was principally responsible for the operation of the community’s favorite diner: Burger Bob’s.

Fernando Guerrero is the head baker. A Chilean native, he has been kneading dough around the world for more than 30 years.

THOMAS RUSSO

CIRO LEONI

MARTIN TENNYSON

FERNANDO GUERRERO

SEAN BERNAL

RENE CONTE

Sean Bernal is the chef de cuisine for the about-to-open Fairways Restaurant located on the golf course. He has been a participant in the Miami food industry for more than 25 years, starting with Robin Hass at the Grove Isle Hotel.

Vladimir Blanes is the chef de cuisine for Fontana Restaurant – the unmatched tropical patio setting featuring Italian gourmet dishes.

Rene Conte is the executive pastry chef and a U.S. Army veteran having served with the 101st Airborne Division.

Bryan Intriago, sous chef for in-room dining, has 13 years of experience in places like the Florida Keys and, believe it or not, the Galapagos Islands. Of special interest is that Rene and Bryan were honored by their peers as the “best” leaders of the team for 2023.

Jenny Lantigua is the Chef responsible for the cold food production critical to successful banquet and catering operations. She has been with the hotel for 16 years, originally from the Dominican Republic.

In talking with this incredible collection of disciples of the culinary arts, they consistently gave most of the credit for the Biltmore’s success to their cooks, servers, bussers, and maître d’s.

Hopefully, this will give each of us who dine at the Biltmore a more comprehensive understanding of what makes the “heart” of this wonderful George Merrick creation tick. ■

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.

THE BILTMORE CULINARY LEADERSHIP TEAM INCLUDES, LEFT TO RIGHT:

New Restaurants in Coral Gables

MARCH DINING GUIDE

March 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 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

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

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

450 Gradi

With so many Italian restaurants here, it’s incredible how hard it is to find a good slice of pizza. 450 Gradi’s pizzas, however, are wonderfully inventive and deliciously layered, featuring ingredients like Italian buffalo cheese, basil pesto, pork cheek, and truffle cream. Under the direction of Chef Antonio, these pizzas are filled with panache.

130 Miracle Mile.

786.391.1276. $$-$$$

Altagracia

Not only does it have a refreshing modern décor, this Argentinian-Italian fusion restaurant brings a new and welcome twist to the Gables’ already plentiful pasta options. The stars here are the three creamy raviolis: a pumpkin and cheese ravioli drenched in truffle cream, a short rib ravioli, and the ricotta ravioli in a four cheese sauce =. Both the pumpkin (topped with fried quinoa) and the ricotta ravioli (topped with almonds) have an added crunch that makes the taste experience delightfully complex.

276 Alhambra Cir. 786.862.1636. $$-$$

Armstrong Jazz House

Revitalizing Coral Gables’ jazz scene, this newest adsiition to Miracle Mile has nightly jazz and a jazz-inspired menu (think New Orleans’ French Quarter). Catch the band from 8 to 10 pm or a solo saxophonist from 6 to 8 pm while you dine on beer, wine, and French burgers. 271 Miracle Mile. 305.488.9955. $$

Bistro Café

The popular Puerto Rican restaurant Bistro Café has opened a location in the Gables following its stellar success in Downtown Miami. Lucky for us, they brought their upscale breakfast, right by The Shops at Merrick Park. All-day breakfast is never a bad idea, especially when it’s this elevated. The expansive menu has a huge list of savory and sweet options, from innovative plates to upgraded classics. 4155 Laguna St. 305.530.8193. $$

Bodega Taqueria y Tequila

One of South Florida’s top taco spots has come to Miracle Mile, providing a laid-back neighborhood bar atmosphere that serves fast-casual Mexican street food. Bodega Taqueria y Tequila’s eighth location gives us our latest go-to locale for allday quick bites from classic taco options like carne asada ($5.50) and pollo asado ($4.50) to fan favorites like barbacoa ($5.75) and birria ($6.50).

317 Miracle Mile.

786.785.1501. $$

Bouchon

From one of the top masters of French cuisine in the country, the Michelin-starred Chef Thomas Keller, comes a classic French restaurant located in the historic, recently renovated La Palma building. The food here is based first on exceptional ingredients – the freshest, the best quality ¬– and has nothing of the contemporary Parisian restaurants, where the cooks are bent on re-imagining the French palate. Traditional French fare only. 2101 Galiano St. 305.990.1360. $$$-$$$$

Capital Burger

Lots of buzz surrounded this 2023 addition to Miracle Mile, filling the spot formerly occupied by California Pizza Kitchen. Owned by the same folks as The Capital Grille, this upscale burger joint delves into gourmet cuisine with signature burgers, boozy milkshakes, and craft cocktails. 300 Miracle Mile. 786.437.3741. $$

CVI.CHE 105

This Miami culinary heavyweight has finally made its way to the Gables, bringing its vibrant Peruvian-Japanese fusion flavors to The Plaza. The restaurant’s dynamic atmosphere combines opulence with eccentricity, bringing to life Chef Juan Chipoco’s Coral Gables-exclusive menu of fresh seafood. 111 Palermo Ave. #108. 786.527.3939. $$-$$$

Erba Miami

Known for his previous creations of Ghee, Orno, and Mamey, Chef Niven Patel has entered the fray of Italian dining in Coral Gables. Erba takes a hard turn away from spaghetti and meatballs here and instead features things like gnolotti pasta ($32) with slow cooked Wagyu beef cheeks, a wine reduction sauce, and pasta pockets filled with robiola cheese and caramelized onions. 227 S Dixie Hwy. 305.712.7788. $$$

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. $$$-$$$$

Graziano’s Market

Located inside the Lifetime building, this new Graziano’s Market location is slightly smaller than the one in downtown Coral Gables but has more space devoted to eating. From steaks and Argentinian street food to milanesas and raviolis, the food at this iteration of Graziano’s is both fresh and delicious with a touch of upscale authenticity.

229 S. Dixie Hwy. 786.633.3948. $$

ERBA MIAMI

GROU Coffee

The GROU brand is growing, with a new café in downtown Coral Gables featuring a short but efficient menu of coffee (of course), paninis, gelato, smoothies, and a few larger dishes, like baked lasagna and protein pancakes. Also in attendance are the famous GROU affogatos — Italian desserts that combine gelato with coffee.

2626 Ponce de Leon, Unit 3. 786.542.9923. $

Lili’s Mediterranean

Everything here is meant to be shared, from the tapas to the paellas, which are almost impossible to consume on your own. But the real jewel is the live music on Fridays, sung by Rolando Ochoa, son of the famous Cuban actor by the same

name. 1915 Ponce de Leon Blvd. 862.881.0516. $$

MIAM Café

This casual bistro joint is the second of its kind in Miami –the original location in Wynwood opened back in 2014. The menu mostly consists of breakfast and brunch food, plus smoothies and sandwiches. But the real standouts here are the pastries, in particular the Nutella croissant ($4.50), which is large enough to count as a full meal, dusted with powdered sugar and drizzled with the hazelnut spread. 2300 Ponce de Leon. 305.200.3190. $

Místico

Perhaps this piano bar and restaurant will finally become a mainstay in the Aloft Hotel’s lobby – a space that has seen many different tenants over the last few years. Featuring $90 lobster thermidor and $75 short rib taquitos alongside

other New American favorites, we’ll be interested to see how it does. 2524 Le Jeune Rd. 305.433.2664 $$$

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

Owner Amin Ebrahimi opened his first Shahs of Kabob in South Miami in 2017, followed by a location in a Doral food hall. Now, he has landed on Ponce with a proper restaurant that features pan-fried eggplant mash with mint, onions, and whey dressing ($8), and, of course, kabobs. 2624 Ponce de Leon. 786.580.5865

Shingo

If you’re looking for a luxurious experience, consider the omakase menu ($180) at SHINGO. Located in the historic La Palma building, the restaurant is the brainchild of Michelin-starred Chef Shingo Akikuni, rumored to be incontention for a second star. Every element of the restaurant is carefully curated, from the pristine 14-seat bamboo table to the order and method in which each course is served. The multi-course menu prepared by Chef Shingo and his two sous chefs takes you through an authentic Japanese journey. 112 Alhambra Circle. shingomiami.com. $$$$

Smile Empanadas

At the forefront of edible pocket innovation, Smile Empanadas takes the humble Hot Pocket and crosses it with a brownie, a cheeseburger, a pizza, a breakfast burrito, and more. Churros and alfajores

also for sale.

6907 S Red Rd. 305.699.1958. $

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. $

Sweet Paris

Nestled in the first floor of The Plaza Coral Gables, Sweet Paris invites you to pop in during a walk around the neighborhood. Among the wide range of crepes (as well as other breakfast foods), our favorite was the S’mores crepe ($14.95), filled with a scoop of Nutella, torched marshmallows, graham crackers, and topped with a semi-sweet chocolate drizzle. 3005 Ponce

de Leon Blvd, Suite 142. 786.360.3519. $$

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. Superb service. 2525 Ponce de Leon. 305.926.4208. $$$-$$$$ ■

SHINGO

Where Am I?

Coral Gables is home to over 40 installations of public artworks, including sculptures, busts, murals, and interactive pieces. If you know where this sculpture is located, send the answer to kwang@coralgablesmagazine.com along with your home address. The first four winners will win two tick-

ets 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 sculpture outside Ocean Bank on Valencia Avenue and LeJeune Road. Thanks for playing!