Coral Gables October 2023

CORAL GABLES

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• Rejuvenate cells & defy aging

• Control & reverse pain from Diabetic Neuropathy

• Enhance skin health & promote blood circulation

No wonder celebrities like Lebron James, Madonna, Jay Leno and the Kardashians, all reportedly are regular users. And now The Palace at Coral Gables residents are joining them.

The Marlins Go Global: Bringing the World Together One Game At A Time

By Caroline O’Connor

The Miami Marlins are having an incredible season, making a run for the playoffs for the second time in four years. We’re celebrating a season filled with monumental achievements on the field like Venezuelan All-Star Luis Arraez racking up hit after hit and off the field where attendance continues to soar for the second year in a row - including a record-setting 100,000-plus fans over a three-day weekend in August.

The tone of the 2023 season was set early with the booming success of the World Baseball Classic, which placed an international spotlight on the Marlins, loanDepot park and all of South Florida. The prestigious tournament was elec-

tric and connected teams and their fans from 20 countries around the globe while creating an economic impact of more than $260 million dollars in the South Florida community.

Global companies such as ADT, Norwegian Cruise Lines, Pepsi, T-Mobile, and Bacardi, to name a

few, have noticed the impact the Marlins brand can bring to their business. Travel destinations like Curaçao and Dominican Republic see the appeal of aligning with an organization that features players from six different countries, including the ace of the pitching staff and Cy Young Award winner Sandy Al-

Daddy Yankee First Pitch

cantara who hails from the D.R.

And speaking of the Dominican Republic, we made an important investment in Boca Chica last year with the opening of our state-ofthe-art player development academy. Complete with major league playing fields, batting cages, a strength and conditioning gymnasium and hydrotherapy room, an on-site residential building with classrooms outfitted with computers, and a full-service cafeteria, the facility is among the best MLB team facilities in the D.R. and is a prime example of the Marlins’ commitment to invest in and develop

international talent.

Beyond baseball, loanDepot park is an incredible venue and international destination. Events like Afro Nation - the world’s biggest AfroBeats music festival - held a two-day festival at the ballpark with music stageboth inside and outside. Meanwhile, Pickleballthe world’s fastest growing sport - found a great home to lay courts and hold a tournament outside the ballpark before a baseball game this summer.

We unite the culture and heritage of our team and the game of baseball with our city during special Heritage Celebrations at Saturday home games throughout the

year. From the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Nicaragua, and Japanese heritage to Venezuelan, Colombian, Mexican, American Indian heritage and more, these events create an unmatched atmosphere of pride and energy. This past August also featured the Jewish Community Celebration and Faith and Family Day both with ceremonies, celebrations, and even a concert.

Beyond the game on the field, the stands erupt in an emergence of music and fun that can’t be found anywhere else in South Florida as we celebrate the unique blending of cultures that makes our community special. loanDepot park is the

place to be to fly your flag or play your favorite instrument - you don’t want to miss your opportunity to support your nationality or the star player hailing from your country at our one-of-a-kind heritage celebrations.

It all sets the stage perfectly as loanDepot park will host the 2024 Caribbean Series (Serie del Caribe), the first Major League Baseball stadium to do so. The Caribbean Series is a tournament featuring the champion from each of the four professional baseball leagues in the Caribbean Professional Baseball Confederation (Venezuela, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, and Mexico), as well as one representative each from Colombia, Curaçao and Panama. We are thrilled to bring the world together once again to celebrate the game we all love along with the heritage that surrounds our fans and players. Grab your ticket to your heritage celebration today at marlins. com/heritage and gain exclusive presale access to the 2024 Caribbean Series before the general public.

We can’t wait to celebrate with you at loanDepot park!

Bahamian Heritage Fans

Dominican Republic Fans

IF YOU TAKE DOWN TWO LARGE OAKS TO REPLACE 1,000-SQUARE-FEET OF CANOPY, YOU CAN’T JUST PUT A BUNCH OF PALM TREES EVERYWHERE... ” ASSISTANT CITY ATTORNEY GUSTAVO CEBALLOS, AT THE FIRST SEPTEMBER CITY COMMISSION MEETING. PAGE 16.

SPECIAL DOG REPORT

DOG TALK OF THE TOWN

The latest news and what is happening in the Coral Gables dog world.

DOGGIE HEALTH & WELLNESS

A quick primer on keeping your beloved pet healthy and happy in the Gables.

THE DOG PORTRAITS

Each year we present a portfolio of Coral Gables dogs and their owners from all walks of life.

BRINGING CAMP MAHACHEE BACK TO LIFE

Camp Mahachee, an 11.5-acre property, spreading west from Old Cutler Road, has seen decades of campfires and adventures. But throughout the years, parts of it have fallen into disrepair due to one culprit: invasive species. Now the community has come to the rescue.

THE HEALTH OF GABLES WEALTH

The latest priority for the managers of wealth in Coral Gables is as much related to reducing client stress levels as to increasing the size of their portfolios. The COVID-19 pandemic boosted attention on health and wellness worldwide. But who would have guessed that the new focus would extend to financial wellness too?

Welcome to Expert Cancer Care.

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Learn more about our cancer services: BaptistHealth.net/CancerCare

— Carla, Breast Cancer Survivor

A Dog Day Afternoon

This is our fifth annual dog issue, in which we try to shed some light on the world of dogs in Coral Gables. In the past we have looked at such things as dog rescues, dog parks, and dog services. This year we look at the health and wellbeing of our canine friends.

Most of what you’ll read about the health of your pooch is common knowledge: good food, lots of exercise, etc., the kinds of things humans need. What I did not know was the importance of brushing your dog’s teeth, which can extend your dog’s life span by years. Needless to say, in our house, we are already on our knees thrice weekly, brushing our dog Yogi’s choppers.

Another part of our annual dog issue is to ask a half dozen residents if they will pose for a portrait with their pooch. We then interview them, looking for some special behavior –mischievous, odd, or amusing – by their dog. After telling me how her bernedoodle had the bad habit of eating things – and going to the canine ER more than a few times – Toni Schrager called me back to make sure I didn’t leave out how much she loved her dog. “Spending time with him makes my heart sing and my step lighter no matter how bad a day I’ve had,” she wrote to me.

I replied that everyone – or most everyone – who owned a dog felt the same way. We adore our dogs. The real question

is why. Is it because they are so unabashedly friendly? Is it because they never pass judgement? Is it because they are so innocent and free of guile?

I think of these things especially as I see the new rancor that has come to City Hall, with our two new commissioners relentlessly attacking our Mayor and Vice Mayor. It’s one thing to disagree. But the polite, mutual discourse of City Hall is being demolished by the nasty invective of Commissioners Ariel Fernandez and Melissa Castro. Their antics in City Hall resemble something high school bullies do. The shame of it is that Castro and Fernandez do not need to act this way. Many of their proposals are sound and worthy. But to accuse the Mayor of “dismantling our city’s core” and doing “dirty work” emerging “from the shadows like a cunning fox” – phrases used in a diatribe by Castro recently published by the Coral Gables Neighbors Association – is beneath the dignity of the office, and reflects poorly on the CGNA which has fought so nobly in the past to stop overdevelopment. A dog would never do that.

JP FABER EDITOR-IN-CHIEF CORAL GABLES MAGAZINE

CEO & PUBLISHER

Richard Roffman

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

J.P. Faber

EVP / PUBLISHER

Gail Scott

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER

Amy Donner

DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS

Monica Del Carpio-Raucci

VP SALES

Sherry Adams

MANAGING EDITOR

Kylie Wang

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Natalia Clement

EDITORIAL INTERN

Ava Volman

ART DIRECTOR

Jon Braeley

EDITOR-AT-LARGE

Grace Carricarte

WRITERS

James Broida

Andrew Gayle

Doreen Hemlock

Katelin Stecz

Mike Clary

PROOFREADER

Lesley Fonger

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Rodolfo Benitez

Jonathan Dann

Tiege Dolly

PRODUCTION MANAGER

Toni Kirkland

CIRCULATION & DISTRIBUTION

CircIntel

OFFICIAL FRAMER

Adam Brand / Frames USA

Coral Gables Magazine is published monthly by City Regional Media, 1200 Anastasia Ave. Suite 115, Coral Gables FL 33134. Telephone: (305) 995-0995. Copyright 2023 by City Regional Media. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part of any text, photograph or illustration without prior written permission from the publisher is strictly prohibited. Send address changes to subscriptions@coralgablesmagazine.com.

General mailbox email and letters to editor@ coralgablesmagazine.com.

Imagine a bank that cares about you.

Purpose drives all of us. Your purpose drives you to your goals. Our purpose drives us to you. Because, well, you are our purpose. At Amerant, we don’t see our customers as just people. We see you as people with unlimited potential and we’re committed to help you achieve all your financial goals.

Let’s talk – about where you are in life, and just as importantly, where you want to go.

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OFFICIAL HOMETOWN BANK OF

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

The Burger Bob Marathon

Coral Gables City Hall was designed by Phineas Paist, and the City recently declared his 150th birthday on August 28, to be ‘Phineas Paist Architecture Day.’ Examples of his drawings are currently on display at the Coral Gables Museum – another historic building that he designed. Paist’s City Hall, from its dominant position in the very heart of Coral Gables, where Le Jeune Road meets Coral Way, proudly symbolizes the very essence of the City and its administration.

In Paist and George Merrick’s day, it was a city that could create the Biltmore Hotel in just ten months from start to finish. Today it hopes to reopen Burger Bob’s in Autumn 2024, three years after starting renovations. Perhaps this is best symbolized by the four clock faces adorning the tower above City Hall. All of them display a different time, and all of them are wrong. As Rupert Brook wrote in “The Old Vicarage, Grantchester”:

“Stands the Church clock at ten three? And is there honey still for tea?”

But Brook was describing a sleepy English village, more than one hundred years ago, not what Mayor Vince Lago describes as a “pioneer in Smart City technology.” Patrick

Alexander

Frustrated with University of Miami Access

I read with some mirth the Editor’s Note in your recent issue (“The New UM Culture Hub”). The University of Miami is known for many things, like for example its sports programs, but community outreach is not one of them. American private colleges are notorious for their isolation; instructors and students oftentimes come from far and wide with scant ties to the community.

UM is no exception in this regard. Anyone who has ever tried to attend the elusive Cosford Cinema for the first time, or the second time, can attest to this. And anyone who is familiar with the main Gables campus and tries to attend a concert at Gusman Concert Hall will surely be in a foul mood before the concert as they try desperately to find a parking space. And this

is assuming that they’re even aware of what’s happening on campus.

For many years I just assumed that this attitude toward the community was merely an oversight on the part of the University, which after all gets its income elsewhere. I’ve now come to believe that this is policy by design. The University has no interest whatsoever in building community relationships. It prizes its relative aloofness and lack of community affiliation. You are not going to be welcome with open arms at the Lowe Museum or the Richter Library or the Wellness Center. At best, you’ll be seen as a minor irritation, an interloper who probably should be somewhere else.

I’ve used many of the UM facilities over the years, seen wonderful films at the Cosford, researched a title at Richter, consulted with physicians at the Lennar Center. All fine institutions that I can competently navigate after decades of being a neighbor to UM and in spite of UM’s best efforts to keep the community at bay. The issue is not with the quality of the services. But there are persistent issues of access and care. So, yes, few residents take advantage of UM’s artistic offerings. But that’s simply because these offerings are not intended for city residents. The invisible walls surrounding the UM campus are as formidable and impenetrable as any found in the medieval castles of old.

Roberto Saco

A Dagger into the Heart of Alfred Browning Parker’s legacy

Mike Clary’s February article “Historic Waterfront Properties – A Treasure or a Teardown?” must be revisited due to the recent news that the Alfred Browning Parker residence that Clary highlighted has just sold for $36 million as a teardown.

The Parker-designed Gables Estates waterfront property at 140 Arvida was being considered a treasure for historical designation by the City of Coral Gables when the process was thwarted by a new state law effectively bypassing local historic preservation ordinances. HB423, passed last year, allows homes in coastal areas to be demolished and requires no historical oversight. All in the

name of climate mitigation.

According to Randolph Henning, an expert on the architecture of Alfred Browning Parker, the property is a model of environmental and sustainable design. It was Parker’s personal residence and received national notoriety when “House Beautiful” selected it as its PaceSetter home in 1965. According to Mr. Henning, the property is the best-preserved example of the architecture of Alfred Browning Parker in existence anywhere. Henning adds, “Its loss would be a dagger into the heart of the legacy of Parker and a significant and irreplaceable loss to the architectural fabric of South Florida.”

Unfortunately, legislation that may have been sponsored in good faith, is causing havoc to our cultural and architectural heritage. Significant waterfront homes are being lost to a de facto law. Just last month, the Capone mansion on Miami Beach fell victim to this new reality.

My overture to the new owners is this: Although you have the right to tear down your property, you also have the right to keep it standing. An acquisition of this architectural treasure can only be appreciated not disparaged. Please listen to the expert.

Dr. Karelia Martinez Carbonell Local resident and preservation advocate

Thanks for the Memories

The new edition of Coral Gables Magazine was just delivered to our my home – what a wonderful article about Jeannett! So sorry that she is not here to enjoy your very gracious description of her person and her life.

As I have told you previously – but want to repeat it as it captures her respect for your “product” – as she was confined to bed and physically deteriorating, during one of our last conversations, she told me how much she liked the scope of coverage being given to local people and events by Coral Gables Magazine, and was therefore comfortable that Jeannett’s Journal was no longer needed. A very BIG “THANK YOU” from the Slesnick/Kauffman family.

Don Slesnick

Introducing the new UHealth Jackson Urgent Care Center in Coral Gables

The UHealth Jackson standard for urgent care

UHealth Jackson Urgent Care Centers are located throughout Miami-Dade County, staffed with board-certified physicians and equipped with state-of-the-art technologies. Now, we’ll be serving the Coral Gables community with world-class, same-day care, seven days a week. We are experienced in diagnosing and treating a variety of everyday illnesses and minor injuries. We’ll get you in, treated and on your way faster than you can imagine. To learn more, visit us at JacksonUrgentCare.com.

Open 365 days a year from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. No appointment necessary.

Located at the Jackson Medical Pavilion at 3737 S.W. 8th St., Coral Gables, FL 33134

Most insurance plans accepted.

Streetwise Election Showdown

Page 18

From City Hall

AT ITS FIRST SEPTEMBER MEETING, THE CITY COMMISSION:

VOTED 5-0 TO CLARIFY LEGAL PROTECTIONS FOR TREES and increase fines for those who deface them, including those who staple paper notices to trees. Palm trees were also removed from the list of acceptable replacements for those who remove shade-providing trees from their properties. “If you take down two large oaks to replace 1,000-square-feet of canopy, you can’t just put a bunch of palm trees everywhere. That’s no longer allowed,” clarified Assistant City Attorney Gustavo Ceballos. Initial code enforcement fines will not exceed $1,000 but repeated violations can garner fines from $5,000 to $15,000. Residents who remove healthy trees from their properties will have to pay $2,500 for every 500-square-feet of canopy that is replaced, up from the previous amount of $1,500. (Sponsored by Mayor Lago)

VOTED 5-0 TO APPROVE ARTISTS TO SUBMIT PROPOSALS for a commemorative piece of public art aligned with the city’s centennial and honoring Bahamian and Black residents. The cost for the artwork will come from the Art in Public Places reserve fund.

VOTED 3-2 TO RATIFY THE COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT (CBA) between the City of Coral Gables and the International Association of Firefighters to increase wages by almost 11 percent for Coral Gables firefighters, compounded over several years. The agreement will be considered valid until September 30, 2026 and will include backpay from October 1, 2020. Wage hikes will take place in increments of around three percent per year. Negotiations between the City and the local chapter of the firefighters’ association have been ongoing for some time, with notable pushback from Mayor Lago. The mayor cited the total $93.3 million dollars in infrastructure the city has invested in the fire department over the last few years, from the Public Safety Building to the construction of a new firehouse, and the fact that Coral Gables firefighters are already in the top third in compensation in the county. He was also concerned about a potential recession. Vice Mayor Rhonda Anderson agreed and also voted against.

VOTED 5-0 TO INSTALL AN F.P. JOURNE CLOCK IN THE downtown area by Hillstone. The clock, valued around $100,000, was donated to the city by the high-end Swiss watch company but faced intense scrutiny from Commissioner Fernandez, who advocated for the company to either pay advertising revenue or for the Commission to accept similar bids from other companies who would. In the end, Mayor Lago offered to use his own personal money to fund the installation, ceasing further debate. (Sponsored by Mayor Lago)

DISCUSSED ANNEXATION OF THE LITTLE GABLES AND High Pines/ Ponce Davis neighborhoods. At issue was one resident’s irritation at having received a petition that only had the option to vote “yes.” Assistant City Attorney Naomi Garcia explained that petitions are always conducted in this manner, similar to collecting signatures. “It functions in the same way. If you sign it and send it in, you’re expressing your support. They would only sign if they were in favor…. Ultimately, there will be a referendum where you can vote yes or no.” Whether annexation will actually happen remains to be seen, as resident feedback is still being evaluated and the process has only just begun. (Sponsored by Commissioner Fernandez)

VOTED 5-0 TO CREATE A CHARTER REVIEW COMMITTEE with at least three highly qualified individuals and the mayor’s appointee acting as chair. These committees are usually convened every decade, but this one has been moved up by two years as a result of the elections debacle (see page 18). Vice Mayor Anderson recommended that, like in the past, the Commissioners nominate “individuals with extensive experience in the city and county,” including former elected officials, lawyers, professors, and others with similar pedigrees. Commissioner Fernandez argued that both he and Commissioner Castro would be ineligible to serve on the Committee under the proposed qualifications. Anderson responded by saying that analyzing a Charter is an act that requires a certain amount of know-how. “I think it would be a disservice to the community to appoint someone [that doesn’t know what they’re doing],” she said.

DURING THE FIRST BUDGET HEARING ON THE SAME DAY, the Commission also voted 3-2 to give themselves a 67 percent raise. Commissioners Fernandez, Castro, and Menendez all voted in favor, while Mayor Lago and Vice Mayor Anderson voted against. The proposed annual cost for such a raise is $265,000. Under the legislation, the mayor would receive around $35,000 more annually, but he refused to accept it, stating, “I will be writing a mechanism of some sort of legislation so that I won’t receive that increase…. Raising peoples’ salaries by 67 percent in one year… sends a horrible, horrible message.” The entire Commission, including the mayor, operate as part-time employees. Commissioner Menendez is retired, Commissioner Castro works as the owner and CEO of MED Expeditors, and Commissioner Fernandez does not have another job. Vice Mayor Anderson is currently still practicing as a lawyer and Mayor Lago works at a management and design firm focused on commercial construction projects. The item did not show up on the original budget hearing agenda, meaning that there was little to no notice of it.

Also at issue was the millage rate, a tax levied against homeowners. Mayor Lago recommended decreasing the tax by five percent, with the funding taken from capital projects, which Commissioner Fernandez declared “a disaster.” In the end, the rate remained the same with a 4-1 vote, only Mayor Lago dissenting. Fernandez submitted his own presentation of a proposed budget including funds for capital projects, much of which would come from the City’s emergency fund for natural disasters, which has been saved by the City for about 15 years and is currently accumulating significant interest. A future hurricane could deplete the entire reserve of emergency funds, currently at around $50 million. ■

Elections Bruhaha

COMMISSIONER MENENDEZ SWITCHES VOTE IN FAVOR OF KEEPING ELECTIONS IN APRIL

BY KYLIE WANG

The fight to move Coral Gables’ local elections to coincide with the general federal elections in November has finally reached a conclusion. In an embattled September City Commission meeting, the five commissioners listened to over an hour of public comment on the item before debating furiously amongst themselves for another two hours. In the end, the vote was 3-2 to not change the election date to November, despite myriad emails and public comment from residents in support of the provision.

Moving all future elections from April to November would also have reduced the current commissioners’ terms by four months – or extend them by 20 months, depending on how democratically-inclined the Commission was. As it stands, the debate never got that far.

Commissioners Melissa Castro and Ariel Fernandez, both of whom were elected by a small but vocal minority that turned out for the last April election, both

were against the change. They argued that moving the date of the election would allow for more influence and support from special interest groups, and that candidates like themselves who were unable to raise significant funding would be silenced (both won their recent April elections with far fewer dollars than their competitors).

Earlier in the week, Castro wrote in a Coral Gables Neighbors’ Associate newsletter to residents, “…the proposed election date changes were not made to encourage your participation; they were designed to drown out your voice.” Others who opposed the date change said that keeping the elections in April would preserve the city’s historic tradition.

Those who argued in favor of moving the election to November said it would result in far greater voter participation and therefore reflect the sentiments of most residents. Indeed, moving the election to November would increase voter turnout from about 20 percent (or less) to about

80 percent. It would also save the city over $100,000 per election.

“Why on earth would you want to suppress voter turnout?” said Vice Mayor Rhonda Anderson, who brought some 1,500 emails from residents in favor of moving the election. “It’s best for democracy… that we move these elections.” Castro responded by waving printouts of her own significantly smaller pile of 136 emails in favor of keeping elections in April.

The discussion soon fell into thinly veiled personal attacks, with Castro accusing Mayor Vince Lago of misrepresenting himself due to his recent decision to run for re-election (he had previously stated he was unsure of whether he would) and Fernandez handing out Commission rulebooks, implying that certain members of the Commission did not know the rules.

“This has nothing to do with higher turnout and everything to do with the establishment seeking ways to cancel the results of the last election,” Fernandez declared in sweeping comments in which he claimed to be the voice of all Coral Gables residents and accused Lago of censorship and “controlling information,” among several other more personal attacks. He then called for a deferral of the Commission’s vote so they could first discuss creating a Charter Review Committee to help advise the Commission on the issue at hand.

Anderson responded later with a challenge to the two dissenting commissioners to be truthful and fair, and to refrain from purposefully trying to “incense” the public by spreading false claims, which she said she had been the victim of. “Be truthful. Be honest. Do what’s good for this city, not just good for yourself,” she said.

The arguments came to an end when Commissioner Kirk Menendez, who had remained uncharacteristically silent during the debate – even refusing to comment at one point – decided to vote alongside Castro and Fernandez to keep the election date in April. At the previous Commission meeting, Menendez had initially voted in favor of the change, but recommended the final vote be pushed to October to allow for more resident input. He remained adamant that there had not been enough time to solicit commentary from Gableites.

Later that day Menendez joined Commissioners Castro and Fernandez in voting themselves a pay raise of 67 percent, despite opposition from Anderson and Mayor Lago (see From City Hall on pg. 16). ■

THE DECIDER: CITY COMMISSIONER KIRK MENENDEZ

Talk of the Town

Groundbreakings 1: The Underline

For many who attended the groundbreaking ceremony at the University Metrorail Station last month, the start of Phase 3 of The Underline was a day eagerly awaited. From committed local officials to fervent community supporters and donors, the large crowd cheered on years-worth of work by Coral Gables resident Meg Daly and her team. Finally, the $140 million, 10-mile linear park under the Metrorail has made it to the City Beautiful.

During the opening remarks, various elected officials spoke passionately about the project, recounting memories of being approached by Daly for their support and praising the impact that Phase 3 will have. Mayor Vince Lago thanked Daly for bringing multiple jurisdictions together “to deliver a transformational project of this magnitude.” He also thanked Daly’s late father Parker Thomson, a prominent attorney and community leader who played an instrumental role in realizing the project’s vision.

“You will offer in our community pickleball, basketball, mini-pitch soccer, microforests, stormwater gardens, and our very own Bark Park,” Lago said, “I’m going to be the beneficiary of it. I live three blocks away on San Amaro. I will cross with my two young daughters … and we will enjoy this wonderful amenity in the City Beautiful.” Lago also highlighted the contribution made by the City of Coral Gables: $7 million paid by impact fees levied on developments within 1,000 feet of the Metrorail, a funding mechanism championed by the mayor himself.

Daly, who serves as the Friends of The Underline founder and CEO, was greeted on stage with a standing ovation. “Look what we have done!” she shouted. “With the focus on nature, enhanced mobility, and recreation — this truly has something for everyone.”

Groundbreakings 2: The Village at Coral Gables

Regarded by many as the 8th Village of George Merrick’s vision of uniquely designed enclaves around the city (earlier ones include the French Village, Dutch South African, Chinese, and Florida Pioneer),

the Village at Coral Gables celebrated its groundbreaking last month. The new village was designed by the Gables-based De La Guardia Victoria Architects & Urbanists, and will reflect the Spanish Mediterranean Revival architecture of Coral Gables itself.

Some 600 people attended the groundbreaking, including Coral Gables Mayor Vince Lago, President and CEO of the Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce Mark Trowbridge, and the founder and CEO of ONE Sotheby’s International Realty, Mayi de la Vega. “I’m beyond words today. I feel truly proud to be able to celebrate

the groundbreaking of The Village at Coral Gables with all of you,” Alirio Torrealba, CEO and Founder of MG Developer, told the audience. “It’s been a true labor of love for me, and for everyone at MG Developer, my family, our partners, our investors, the entire community. They have all entrusted us to build a beautiful enclave that is part of the vision George Merrick had when he founded Coral Gables in 1925.”

Unlike many other developers pushing high-rise projects, Torrealba has focused on low-rise townhouses within walking distance of the Gables downtown. The groundbreak-

GROUNDBREAKING 1: MEG DALY (CENTER) ADDRESSES THE AUDIENCE ASSEMBLED FOR THE GROUNDBREAKING OF THE LAST SEGMENT OF THE UNDERLINE GROUNDBREAKING 2: MG DEVELOPER CEO ALIRIO TORREALBA (CENTER, WITH THE HIGHEST SHOVEL) WITH MAYOR VINCE LAGO AND ARCHITECT MARIA DE LA GUARDIA (TO THE RIGHT)

STREETWISE / TALK OF THE TOWN

ing ceremony was followed by a Village Harvest Festival with a farmer’s market and carnival activities.

Changing of the Chamber Guard

Each year, the Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce holds an annual meeting at the Biltmore Hotel to swear in its new board of directors and to pass the leadership baton to a new Chair. It has also been the traditional time for the mayor to give his State of the City Address, summarizing the city’s recent accomplishments. In addition to the Chamber membership, the event was attended by numerous city officials, including Vice Mayor Rhonda Anderson, City Commissioner Melissa Castro, City Manager Peter Iglesias, and Economic Development Director Belkys Perez.

This year saw the induction of Sara M. Hernandez, Senior VP of First Citizens Bank, as the Chair of the Board, replacing last year’s chair Thad W. Adams, Managing Director at The Allen Morris Company.

In his speech to the audience of more than 200 business leaders, Mayor Vince Lago addressed the question of how Coral Gables could retain its character while

continuing to grow. “Our city is changing. Change is inevitable. Growth is desirable, yet not at the expense of losing the character of our community,” said Lago. “The question I pose to you today is not whether Coral Gables is going to keep evolving, but how?”

Lago touted the three constants that make Coral Gables one of the most desirable cities in Florida: Public safety, economic strength, and quality of life. “And

yes, importantly,” he added, “Can you find a place to park?” Among the city’s recent achievements, he touted the new process of undergrounding powerlines, 22 new traffic calming devices installed this year, the welcoming of three new foreign consulates, the addition of five new police officers – and, appealing to the business audience, the city’s maintenance of its AAA Moody’s, Standard & Poor’s, and Fitch Ratings. ■

MAYOR LAGO WITH SARA M. HERNANDEZ

START TRENDING stop searching

In the next few weeks, county officials are expected to unveil a final plan for a $3.3 million makeover of West Matheson Hammock Park that may include a paved parking lot on Old Cutler Road, an elevated half-mile wooden boardwalk over the Pipeline Trail, and a fenced three-acre enclosure where dogs can frolic unleashed. It currently also includes five parking spaces inside the School House Road gate for visitors with handicapped permits. That gate would be open to pedestrians and bicyclists but closed to all other vehicles.

Does that mean the years-long dog fight over the use of and access to 98 acres of tropical hardwood forest and grasslands off Old Cutler Road is about to come to an end? Not likely. The heated battle between homeowners who live adjacent to the park and object to traffic through their neighborhood when the School House Road gate is left open, and dog owners who, for nearly a decade, unleashed their pets to run freely over what the county has declared Environmentally Endangered Lands (EEL), is almost certain to continue.

Back in 2009, the parks department opened the gate on School House Road, allowing vehicle access to a paved service road used by maintenance vehicles. The park quickly became so popular that it showed up on Yelp as the area’s Unofficial Dog Park. Bill Ogden, president of the Hammock Lakes Homeowners’ Association (HOA), says up to 4,000 cars a month were coming into the neighborhood.

The park then became a flashpoint of controversy, a battlefield of conflicting interests that Miami-Dade County Commissioner Raquel Regalado, who serves the area, called “a doozy” of an issue. The combatants are passionate and committed.

“The ‘dog coalition’ has only one agenda,” says Ogden. “They want to go back to 2009 when the county parks department irresponsibly left the gate open and unsupervised for automobile traffic. Over the next nine years, the dog coalition co-opted the park with off-leash dogs, effectively driving away the customary park visitors.”

Douglas Fernandez, who regularly takes his two Labradors to the park and started a Facebook group to rally other dog owners, has a different take. Commissioner Regalado, says Fernandez, “is being used by special interests to make sure the park closes and becomes private property of the HOA. Saying they don’t want traffic through their neighborhood is a lot of hot air and smokescreens. They are trying to land-grab Miami’s most treasured natural park. Our

Dog Fight

WILL THE BARKING OVER WEST MATHESON HAMMOCK EVER END?

BY MIKE CLARY

parks are in danger of being developed.” Regalado definitively disagreed in our interview, asserting, “West Matheson is not going to be developed. It’s not for sale. It’s for preservation.”

In 1930, when William J. Matheson and his son Hugh donated the bulk of the land that makes up the county’s largest park, the family heard from developers “but disdained all offers because they wanted to preserve it,” the Miami Daily News reported. The donated land would become the county’s first public park, maintained in perpetuity as “a botanical garden,” according to the newspaper. The 353 acres on the east side of Old Cutler Road, which includes a mile of frontage on Biscayne Bay, was purchased by the county later that decade and became Matheson Hammock Park. With beachfront picnic shelters and, eventually, a marina, it became popular. West Matheson, however, remained wild and less trafficked, a quiet home to more than 30

endangered or threatened plant species and the great horned owl, among many other birds. That changed when the School House Road gate was opened.

The development Fernandez says he fears does not mean condos or shopping centers but any additions to the park – an elevated boardwalk, for example – that violate the original Matheson deed. He has four goals listed on the Friends of Matheson Park website: unrestricted vehicular access into the park via the School House Road gate; the cancelation of the boardwalk project; no increase of parking spaces on Old Cutler Road; and the addition of traffic calming measures on Old Cutler to aid motorists coming and going from the lot.

Fernandez identifies his foes as a coalition of county officials and the Hammock Lakes HOA, and he fights them with guidance from “The Art of War,” the 5th century BC text by Chinese military general Sun

WEST MATHESON HAMMOCK PARK IN PINK

ENTRANCE INTO PARK & “PIPELINE”

PAVED ROAD INTO PARK

GATE TO WEST MATHESON HAMMOCK PARK

Tzu. “Their strategy is influence and money, donating to politicians,” he says. “Ours is literature, keeping [people] informed.” In addition to frequent postings on Facebook, where he counts 600 followers, Fernandez also organizes rallies for canines and their owners, such as the “dog meet & greet” planned at West Matheson for Oct. 28.

Across the leafy ramparts is Ogden, a developer whose HOA represents 120 residences. He also invokes environmental concerns to oppose vehicle access through the School House Road gate and allowing drivers to park on EEL property. Ogden knows war, having served two tours in Vietnam as a Naval officer, but, he says, “This is not a battle, per se, but an argument. You can’t fight people who make up lies, where I am lambasted as a wealthy guy trying to keep everyone out. They are using misinformation and spreading it on social media. The dog people have taken that park hostage. Nobody

in my neighborhood goes into that park.”

José Barros, president of Tropical Audubon Society, weighed in on the controversy through a letter to Regalado, and his assessment speaks to the complex issues that make West Matheson such a conundrum. Barros opposes construction of the boardwalk, contending it would only funnel more people and pets through the Pipeline Trail, the most sensitive area of the park. He favors keeping the School House Road gate open, creating more parking on land not designated EEL and barring off-leash dogs.

“Do not allow your reputable and respected organization to be misled by a group of people who have disguised themselves as environmentalists and put the recreational needs of dogs ahead of the long-term health and wellness of our environment,” Ogden responded furiously in a five-page letter.

County officials have consistently said that West Matheson is not a dog park. Dogs

are permitted, yes, but must be on a leash. But for several years, “folks had their run of the place, and that created an expectation,” says Regalado. Fernandez, for one, takes his two unleashed dogs to the park regularly. Why? “Because there is no enforcement.”

That remains the toughest issue, the county acknowledges. In the latest iteration of the master plan, park officials list under “Challenges” the high cost of round-theclock enforcement and the risk of “over-patrolling” a park where visitors come to get away. Under the heading “Opportunities,” the county suggests signage to “encourage good behavior,” park staff to provide visitors with a “friendly reminder,” and occasional spot patrols by law enforcement. Currently, the School House Road gate is controlled by a parks department employee and open only to hikers, bicyclists, and motorists with a handicapped permit.

Despite all the barking, Regalado says she is hopeful the controversy can be quelled. “It’s been very difficult to find a consensus, but it’s getting to the point where the status quo is not an option. We’ve rolled out three plans, and it wouldn’t surprise me if there’s another set,” she said. At an online community meeting earlier this year, she added, “I really believe no one is going to be happy with the compromise. That’s why it’s a compromise.” ■

“ THE ‘DOG COALITION’ HAS ONLY ONE AGENDA. THEY WANT TO GO BACK TO 2009 WHEN THE COUNTY PARKS DEPARTMENT IRRESPONSIBLY LEFT THE GATE OPEN AND UNSUPERVISED FOR AUTOMOBILE TRAFFIC... ”

BILL OGDEN, PRESIDENT OF THE HAMMOCK LAKES HOMEOWNERS’ ASSOCIATION (HOA).

LEFT: NEAR THE ENTRANCE AT SCHOOL HOUSE ROAD ABOVE: A DEFACED POSTER AT WEST MATHESON HAMMOCK PARK

Somewhere on the Paris/Gables Border

A FRENCH-INSPIRED HOTEL AND RESIDENCE IS ON ITS WAY TO THE GABLES

BY J.P. FABER

The project was going to be called Boutique, but that was before Oscar Roger spoke to his daughter, who was in Paris at the time. “I was in my conference room, talking to our partners to see about [calling it] Boutique because of all the beautiful boutiques here in Merrick Park. My daughter just happened to call, and they were in L’Avenue Restaurant and said, ‘Oh, no, call it L’Avenue.’”

The name – absent the French “L” – was an instant hit with the home team. The idea of giving Roger’s new Avenue building a

French name was already in the DNA of the project. The eight-story condo hotel on Le Jeune and San Lorenzo, across the street from Neiman Marcus in the Shops at Merrick Park, was designed from the start to look like an apartment building in Paris. “We’re doing a smaller block building typical of France or Europe,” says Roger, the president and CEO of Roger Development Group. “So, it’s going to be just 48 units, all very well appointed with total furnishings, plates, towels, everything. They come fully equipped.”

The reason why the units will come

OSCAR

INSPIRATION

fully furnished, and by no less than celebrated interior designer Adriana Hoyos, is so they can provide a consistent experience for potential hotel guests. The concept for Avenue as a condo-hotel is for owners to buy the units and then, when they are not staying there, put them in a pool of rooms for short-term rentals.

Oscar Roger Jr., who has worked at the family firm since 2013, says the idea is to provide consistency. “If you come here this week, then come back a month later, you’re in a different unit, but you’ll still have that same experience,” he says. “Some [owners] could maybe decorate a little too personally or not enough, and you’ll have different experiences every time. That’s not good.”

As a condo-hotel (designed by Gablesbased Bermello Ajamil & Partners), Avenue will also provide one of the few short-term rental facilities in the city. Coral Gables has long banned Airbnb, and short-term rentals of any kind are permitted only in a limited area around the Shops at Merrick Park. While buyers can live year-round in their apartments, the ability to lease for a few days – or a week, or a month – is an attrac-

“

WE’RE DOING A SMALLER BLOCK BUILDING TYPICAL OF FRANCE OR EUROPE, SO, IT’S GOING TO BE JUST 48 UNITS, ALL VERY WELL APPOINTED...”

ROGER, PRESIDENT AND CEO OF ROGER DEVELOPMENT GROUP

FOR THE AVENUE BUILDING CAME FROM TYPICAL APARTMENT BUILDINGS IN PARIS, FRANCE, SHOWN BELOW.

tive proposition for investors who will pay from $730,000 to more than $1.3 million for units that are 600 to 1,200-square-feet.

Having such an option in Coral Gables will be a significant asset, says real estate broker Alina Meledina, who specializes in selling short-term rental units. “Let’s say you might be going through renovations, or you get flooded and need to tear up your floors to repair them. What options do you have? [Right now,] you have to go outside the city and rent for two or three months. But what if you have kids in school here? The second big thing is that we all have families…. Why not buy a small apartment, so that whenever your family comes they can use it, and when they leave you can rent it.”

The concept has proven so alluring that more than 70 percent of the units have been sold prior to the expected groundbreaking this fall, with completion scheduled for early 2025. “The majority of the people that are buying here are investor-based. A lot of them are international, but there are some locals too,” says Roger Jr. “There are some that are buying for their son or daughter to live there while they go to UM, and then

[afterwards] they’ll also have a place.”

To make the building as French as possible, Roger Development has purchased parking spaces from the city in the nearby public parking facility. This allows them to avoid building on top of a “parking pedestal” and instead to create retail at street level – including a Parisian French bakery, a wine bar, a lady’s spa, and a women’s swimwear boutique. All the units will also have balconies, like most Parisian apartments. “We’re trying to make this building a true European joy, and I think that is what we have done,” says Roger Sr.

About the only thing missing is the Mansard roof – with its tilt-back enclosures where the artists of Paris traditionally kept their garret studios. “I wonder if the city would have gone for that,” says Roger Sr., “because everything here is very Mediterranean Spanish… But I think the architecture, with the curved corner, is [sufficiently] French-inspired.”

The other reason to hold off on a Mansard roof is that it would have made the rooftop pool almost impossible to install. Avenue may be Paris-inspired, but this is South Florida, after all. ■

“THE MAJORITY OF THE PEOPLE THAT ARE BUYING HERE ARE INVESTOR-BASED. A LOT OF THEM ARE INTERNATIONAL, BUT THERE ARE SOME LOCALS TOO. THERE ARE SOME THAT ARE BUYING FOR THEIR SON OR DAUGHTER TO LIVE THERE WHILE THEY GO TO UM...”

OSCAR ROGER JR., VICE PRESIDENT OF ROGER DEVELOPMENT GROUP.

TOP LEFT: THE LIVING AREA WITH CONTEMPORARY, HIGH-QUALITY INTERIORS.

BOTTOM LEFT: MODERN EUROPEAN KITCHENS WITH STATE OF THE ART APPLIANCES AND LUXURY FINISHES.

TOP RIGHT: FOUNDER OSCAR ROGER WITH HIS SON, LOOKING OVER A MODEL OF THE SITE AT SHOPS AT MERRICK PARK.

Living

EDEN PARK PARIS IS A FRENCH RUGBY CLOTHING BRAND RECENTLY OPENED ON MIRACLE MILE

Best Bets for October

pm and 7 pm, Thurs. to Sat. at 8 pm, and Sun. at 2 pm. Tickets $35 to $65. GableStage, 1200 Anastasia Ave. gablestage.org

THE RETURN OF THE PIANO MAN

Jazz legend Mike Gerber is back for a one-night performance at The Globe. Gerber is a pianist and composer of exceptional talent. Born blind and with just one functioning ear, he made his concert debut with the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra at age 15. He has recorded and performed with some of the biggest names in modern jazz, including Jaco Pastorius, David Liebman, Dizzy Gillespie, Art Blakey, and Pat Metheny. He has performed locally for years, most recently as a regular at the Betsy Hotel on Miami Beach. In 2000, the Miami New Times named him Best Piano Man in Miami; the year before, he performed at the Giants of Jazz concert in Albuquerque, NM. Catch his amazing skills on Wednesday, Oct. 18, starting at 8 pm. The Globe, 377 Alhambra Circle. theglobecafe.com.

“THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST”

The University of Miami’s Ring Theatre is going wild – Oscar Wilde, that is. Take in this brilliant romantic comedy of two bachelor buddies, Jack and Algie, as they craft complicated double-lives to escape the doldrums of Victorian London. Hilarity ensues when both these friends become “Ernest” in their quests for love and truth. Tickets are $12 for students and children; $24 for UM alumni, faculty/staff, and seniors; and $27 for adults. “The Importance of Being Earnest” runs Oct. 6 to 13. Performances are at 8 pm on Oct. 6, 12, and 13; matinee at 2 pm on Oct. 7. The Jerry Herman Ring Theatre, 1312 Miller Drive. ring-theatre.as.miami.edu. For show times and ticket pricing, visit ring-theatre.as.miami.edu.

“HOW I LEARNED WHAT I LEARNED”

Kick off GableStage’s 25th season with an autobiographical tour de force, “August Wilson’s How I Learned What I Learned.” The late Pulitzer Prize-winner takes audiences on a life-changing voyage from being a young poet in Pittsburgh’s Hill District to his encounters with racism, music, love, and transformative friendships. Follow one man’s journey of self-discovery and what it means to be a black artist in America. Starring Melvin Huffnagle and directed by Carey Brianna Hart. The show runs Sept. 30 to Oct. 22, with performances Wed. at 2

100 VOICES: YESTERYEAR STORIES OF CORAL GABLES

Join the City of Coral Gables at the Coral Gables Merrick House

Oct. 22 for the second installment of the “100 Voices: Yesteryear Stories of Coral Gables” series, highlighting the people and places of the City Beautiful’s first century. Journalist Helen Muir wrote “The Biltmore: Beacon for Miami” based on her coverage of the hotel, which began with a story in 1935. Her son, Toby Muir, will reflect on his mother’s life in Miami and her friendships with Marjory Stoneman Douglas, Eunice Peacock Merrick, and Richard Merrick (George Merrick’s brother). Event starts at 4:30 pm. Tickets are $5. Coral Gables Merrick House, 907 Coral Way. coralgables.com/ events/100-voices-yesteryear-stories-coral-gables

AUGUST WILSON’S MASTERWORK

PHOTO: MAGNUS STARK, 2023

PIANO VIRTUOSO MIKE GERBER

SPANISH-LANGUAGE BOOK FAIR

Celebrate the end of Hispanic Heritage Month with ENTRELIBROS, a vibrant weekend festival highlighting a diverse selection of illustrated books in Spanish for children and young people. Organized by IMAGO X LAS ARTES in collaboration with the Coral Gables Museum, this free book fair showcases the best publishing houses from Spain and Latin America. Enjoy a fun program of interactive activities, including readings, panel discussions, art workshops, storytelling, and more. The festival takes place at the museum Oct. 13 to 15. Coral Gables Museum, 285 Aragon Ave. coralgablesmuseum.org.

1950s diner fixtures and fittings. Inspired by the Pop Art movement of the 1960s as well as the artist’s own memories of visiting diners, the “Blue Plate Special” installation shines. Created between 2014 and 2023, these sculptures are “comfort foods,” both literally and metaphorically, showcasing Miller’s technical mastery, poignant nostalgia for his working-class roots, and reverence for mid-20th-century Americana. The work is fun and accessible to all, and entrance to the museum is free. Lowe Art Museum, 1301 Stanford Drive. lowe.miami.edu.

KNIGHT OPENING FESTIVAL

The Frost Symphony Orchestra inaugurates the week-long Knight Opening Festival with “Impressions,” a classical concert featuring works by Ellen Taaffee Zwilich, the first woman to win the Pulitzer Prize for Music. Held at the University of Miami’s Gusman Concert Hall, Oct. 28 at 7:30 pm (tickets: $15 students and children, $25 seniors, and $30 general admission). The festival, to commemorate the new Knight Center for Music Innovation, takes a spooky turn with the Frost Studio Band’s “Halloween Masquerade,” Oct. 31 at 7:30 pm, with a fun night of Halloween-inspired big band jazz. A family-friendly event featuring trick-or-treating, costumes, and a live broadcast of the concert in the plaza of the new Center (tickets: $10 students and children, $16 seniors, and $20 general admission). UM Gusman Concert Hall, 1314 Miller Drive. Events continue through Nov. 8. Go to frost-music-live.miami.edu. for more info.

TRICK OR TREAT IN THE GABLES

Take your little ones trick-or-treating on Miracle Mile Oct. 28 from 3 to 8 pm, where you’ll encounter family-friendly activities, including face painting, balloon artistry, book readings, and a magic show. Participating businesses along Miracle Mile will hand out candy to eager trick-or-treaters. This event is free to the public. Then, join the city Oct. 29 at the historic Venetian Pool for the Halloween Pumpkin Float event. Families can enjoy snacks while carving their pumpkin and watching the jack-o’-lanterns float across the dark, moonlit waters. Tickets are $30 per family (limit of 4 people) and include the pumpkin carving contest and a trick-or-treat walking path. Venetian Pool, 2701 De Soto Blvd. coralgables.com/events.

ORDER UP! THE POP ART OF JOHN MILLER

This solo exhibition, debuting on Oct. 27 at University of Miami’s Lowe Art Museum, includes 35 pieces of John Miller’s oversized glass sculptures of food, drinks, and condiments, contextualized by

BEST REASON TO LEAVE THE GABLES: HAVANA HAUNTED MANSION

Roam the legendary grounds of the Curtiss Mansion, going back in time to early 20th century Havana. This adults-only, pop-up Halloween experience is filled with mind-bending wonders, mesmerizing theatrical performances, spine-chilling cocktails, and delectable Cuban cuisine. Go on a quest to solve the centennial disappearance of a wealthy Cuban family through a series of ghostly challenges and puzzles. Tickets are $59 for general admission (includes one crafted cocktail) or $169 for VIP admission for two (includes access to an area with exclusive amenities and four handcrafted cocktails). All month through Oct. 31, Thurs. to Sat. at 6 pm, 8 pm, and 9:30 pm, with additional time slots Sat. at 4 pm and Sun. at 4 pm, 6 pm, and 8 pm. Curtiss Mansion, 500 Deer Run, Miami Springs. hauntedmansionmiami.com ■

THE FROST STUDIO BAND

POP ART MADE OF GLASS

A Night on the Town

IN WHICH WE EXPLORE THE OPTIONS FOR CORAL GABLES AFTER DARK

BY KYLIE WANG

There is no better night than a Friday night for exploring Coral Gables. It’s when the city’s best entertainment and food goes on display and the normally quiet downtown streets get louder and more crowded – dare we say even rowdy. And there may be no better night than Gallery Night, on the first Friday of each month, a palooza of walkable artistry that stretches from Ponce de Leon Boulevard to the Coral Gables Museum, and, of course, myriad other entertainment options.

On the particular Friday in question, we started not with art but with beer. At Bay 13 Brewery & Kitchen (65 Alhambra Circle), the stalwart Australian brewers had churned out yet another new release – the Laughing Gear hazy IPA. With happy hour prices, a live band, and free appetizers, we fortified ourselves for a visit to Flamingo Fling’s Maker’s Market on the adjacent plaza. This monthly night market features a wide range of local vendors, all set up in white tents (with a pop-up art gallery set to make its debut in October). Here, we picked up a crochet keychain and several ounces of flavored vanilla extracts.

Having sufficiently watered ourselves, we headed out for Gallery Night. We called a Freebee to aid us in our quest and off we went to Cernuda Arte (3155 Ponce de Leon) where a glass of wine and a pianist aided in the attempt to culture ourselves. We explored all three buildings, showcasing works by Cuban masters ranging from colonial to modern times. Then we jumped into a city trolley and headed down to The Americas Collection (4213 Ponce de Leon) for their exhibit “Tokenized.” The gallery normally displays paintings by Central and South American artists, but this night was a special dis-

play of digital “photopaintings” by Panamanian Jean Jacques Ribi. Visually striking, to say the least! Having seen the future, we grabbed a northbound trolley for the ride back to downtown, where we walked a block down bustling Giralda Avenue to Ichimi Ramen Bar (2330 Salzedo St.) for a quick bowl of ramen to balance our food-to-drink ratio. From there we went around the corner to the Coral Gables Museum (285 Aragon Ave.) and found ourselves crashing a party.

Thoroughly underdressed and with a leftovers bag full of ramen in-hand, we stumbled upon a reception for Ellen Uguccioni, the city’s first preservation director. Of course, we couldn’t miss the opportunity to celebrate an esteemed city official, so we happily did our duty by vacuuming up the remaining bites and ordering drinks from the open bar. (Thank you again, Ellen!)

Once the party wound down, we were treated to a live performance as Gallery Night really began. The two-piece band played relaxing tunes as we explored the different exhibitions, including winners from two different photography contests; an educational retrospective on Phineas Paist, one of the first architects of Coral Gables; and “Masters that Changed the City,” a selection of iconic works by artists Jesús Rafael Soto and Carlos Cruz-Diez, known for their public artworks.

Finally set on going home, we walked outside to find the night wasn’t over yet – not with the smooth sounds of Sinatra wafting from ManKind Grooming & Services across the street (290 Aragon Ave.). Inside, we cheered on the Cuban Sinatra as he sang, and we nursed our final beers of the night over a hilariously horrible round of pool. Only then did we call an Uber home, having enjoyed a night so wonderful it nearly cancelled the next morning’s hangover. Nearly. ■

TOP LEFT: MAKER’S MARKET. BOTTOM: GALLERY NIGHT. ABOVE: CUBAN SINATRA AT MANKIND GROOMING

Co smeti c B r e a st Su rge ry

Challenges

First, the ‘easy’: If you look in the mirror and like what you see but it’s only a bit small, consider yourself blessed, as only an implant should serve you well. The main challenge here is to find the anatomically appropriate, proportional implant size for you (best done during surgery), which will optimize your beauty - the main goal (!), not just making you bigger Also, an implant looking great on your friend does not mean it’s the best one for you

If your initial implant size exceeded your anatomical boundaries, due to your or your surgeon’s choice, future, and potentially avoidable, challenges are courted: excessive thinning of the breast, premature sagging, rippling, palpable implant edges - to name a few. Oversized implants likely will

removing aged implants. Some patients develop symptomatic internal scarring around their implants (“capsular contracture”) that can be a challenge to manage and may require scar release or other surgery.

Implants simply become old after 10 to 15 years and need to be replaced or removed. A broken silicone implant often requires additional surgery to remove the silicone impregnated scar membrane (“capsule”) around the implant It’s always easier to replace implants before their “expiration date”, involving minimal discomfort and downtime.

Quite a number of young patients have developmental issues with their breasts. Some simply grow too large and disproportionate, causing discomfort and interfering with their lifestyle. These can be helped, almost dramatically, with breast reduction surgery, an artistically challenging operation as the goal is not just smaller but beauty as well. Of course, this operation also helps non-adolescent patients whose previously pleasing breasts may have become heavy and sagging with nursing and time

Constricted) Breast Deformity’, a congenital condition. This can vary from mild, requiring only an implant to distressingly severe, requiring several, separate challenging surgeries to arrive at an acceptable result Hallmarks are significant asymmetry, underdevelopment, a tube-resembling (or constricted) breast appearance, along with disproportionate areolar dimensions.

Major (“bariatric”) weight loss also presents breast challenges. Usually, the severe atrophy and sagging requires substantial volume replacement with silicone implants plus major breast lifting

If you were an A or B when young, then a small implant alone can do wonders for the deflation incurred after breast feeding or simply with time. Patients who were happy with a full B or C or larger cup in earlier years typically develop undesirable

specific symptoms. If these symptoms cannot be medically explained or treated otherwise, despite a thorough medical work up, it’s probably best to remove such implants, at least to find out if the symptoms would disappear.

After all, you choose to have implants to make yourself happier. If implants don’t accomplish this goal, for whatever reason, removing them makes sense, even though you might need a breast lift to restore your aesthetics. Yet it’s worth mentioning that the majority of patients have no significant problems and are happy with their choice to have implants.

Overall, cosmetic breast surgery is highly variable and always challenging as creating beauty is never easy, yet worth all the

As always, research and reflect carefully before proceeding with any cosmetic plastic surgery.

STEPHAN BAKER , MD, FACS Plastic Surgery of the Face Breast and Body

New Stores in the Gables

BY NATALIA CLEMENT

Located on the second floor of the Shops at Merrick Park, Splendid provides endless options to build your capsule wardrobe. The brand stays up-to-date with contemporary collections that allude to the trendy “clean-girl” aesthetic: well-made, high-quality basics that can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. They strategically partner with influencers on new collections, such as their latest neutrals collection with fashion and beauty blogger @CellaJaneBlog. What truly stands out are the quality of the pieces, ranging from super-soft modal fabric to cashmere, all of which have an affordable price tag (especially compared to their hefty luxury brand neighbors). Add to the mix their kids collections, and it’s safe to say that any age can dress in the luxurious feel of full Splendid head-to-toe. ■

SPLENDID AT THE SHOPS AT MERRICK PARK

358 SAN LORENZO AVE. SUITE 2025

305.465.1551

Museum-Quality Shopping

Walking through The Shops at Merrick Park is as much retail therapy as it is escapism. Surrounded by elegance and luxury, guests have myriad choices of high-end stores that provide the ultimate shopper experience – among them Louis Vuitton’s newest location on the ground floor, a retail heaven that doubles as a museum.

You’re met with opulence before you even walk in. The sleek exterior façade blends seamlessly with the outdoor mall’s lush vegetation and Mediterranean feel, thanks in part to the macrame-inspired panels displaying the brand’s signature Monogram Flower emblem. Inside, fine art is used to convey a beachy, resort-like aesthetic. Highlights include a hand-crafted 12-foot custom surfboard by Los Angeles-based creator Joshua Martin, a one-of-a-kind giclée by Hawaiian artist Taylor Binda, and organic furniture by New York-based designer Andrianna Shamaris.

Even among other Louis Vuitton stores, the Gables location stands out. From an extensive men’s section to the highly sought-after home line, the merchandise goes beyond their traditional signature handbags and women’s collections. Stop by for the perfect gift – if your bank account can afford it – choosing between statement travel bags, fine diamond jewelry, mesmerizing light-up watches, and a fully stocked fragrance bar. Even with a light wallet, stopping by for the thrill of window shopping is a worthy experience.

LOUIS VUITTON AT THE SHOPS AT MERRICK PARK

358 SAN LORENZO AVE. SUITE 1512

LOUISVUITTON.COM

Simply Splendid

It all started in Los Angeles with the quest for the ultimate basic t-shirt. On that journey, the creators of Splendid discovered a love for softness in every form. This women’s clothing brand combines coziness with elegance, creating effortless looks perfect for strolling through the City Beautiful. Following the success of the first Florida store in Aventura Mall, the brand saw a need to save us the drive and cater directly to Coral Gables clients.

Rugby Spirit

The newest brick and mortar on Miracle Mile is distinct amongst the bridal shops and food spots, particularly because of its inventive je ne sais quoi. Eden Park Paris is a French rugby clothing brand where contemporary meets high-end fashion. The brand’s history kicked off in 1987 when Franck Mesnel and Eric Blanc, two Rugby players for the prestigious Racing Club de France, decided to take their French flair off the field and into the fashion world. The logo’s signature pink bowtie dates back to their time playing in the French championship finals, when the team sported the chic accessory while playing.

Eden Park combines French tradition with offbeat creativity to elevate sportswear into urban elegance. The sharp wardrobe for men is not only refined in design, but also in materials. From the soft pima cotton shirts to the 100 percent leather shoes, the brand’s attention to detail and emphasis on durability makes each piece a worthy investment that won’t break the bank. After a two-year stint at the Shops at Merrick Park, they relocated to the over 5,000-square-foot location on the Mile, giving them ample space for their various sections, including women and children lines and a soon-to-be-unveiled home collection. Keep an eye out for their new Fall/Winter 2023 collection in-store.

EDEN PARK PARIS

348 MIRACLE MILE

US.EDEN-PARK.COM

LOUIS VUITTON AT THE SHOPS AT MERRICK PARK

EDEN PARK PARIS ON MIRACLE MILE

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Christy’s Turns 45 Page 48

Quick Bites Strange ’Za

With the proliferation of Italian restaurants in Coral Gables, it’s no surprise there also exists a plethora of pizza. In our search for the best, we often stumble upon particularly bizarre iterations – from Nutella used for sauce to dough made from hemp and chia seeds. Here are some of the strangest pizzas in the Gables.

1. UNRUFFLED TRUFFLE

With an Italian four-cheese blend, Americana Kitchen’s Truffle Pizza ($28) substitutes the usual tomato sauce base with lemon truffle honey. Topped with frisée, a slightly bitter, curly-leaved lettuce, the pizza is an offbeat mix of sweet, acidic, and savory. The truffle flavoring is light, almost an after-taste to the sweet honey, but the cheese blend brings home the classic pizza taste. Each bite has a complex flavor profile ranging from sweet to bitter to salty. 2950 Coconut Grove Dr. (Loews Coral Gables Hotel). americanakitchen.com

2. HEALTHY PIZZA

At Gables Juice Bar and Muscle Pizza, the ‘za is made with unusual ingredients – whole wheat flour, flaxseed, quinoa, oatmeal, brown sugar Stevia, chia, and hemp protein. The result is, surprisingly, almost indistinguishable from a regular slice. Flavor-wise, the only difference is a subtle earthiness; texture-wise, no difference. And you can eat it without feeling guilty – though we tried the pepperoni ($11.50). They offer veggie, Hawaiian, BBQ chicken, and two specialty pizzas (black olives with mushrooms, and turkey picadillo with cheese). 230 Almeria Ave. gablesjuicebar.com

3. DORITO DUST

If you’ve ever put potato chips in a sandwich, you’ll love the Picante Pizza ($18.95) at CRAFT, which combines mozzarella and cheddar cheese with jalapeños, onions… and Doritos. Yep – the flavored, triangular tortilla chips. It sort of feels like you’re eating nachos in pizza-form, with the broken-up chips providing a bit of crunch. Perhaps even more interesting is the condiment it’s served with, a pink beet sauce that you can slather on the crust to add a little savory flavoring. 127 Giralda Plaza. craftbar.com.ar

4. FIRED UP

The only thing more intriguing than a carbonara pizza is one that’s quite literally on fire. At 450 Gradi the Pizza Carbonara ($27 – or $49 if you want 24-carat gold flakes on it) refutes the usual tomato base standard in favor of a truffle cream sauce base with mozzarella, pork cheek, egg yolk, basil, and truffles. The entire thing is then literally lit on fire table-side, giving the truffles a nice, blackened edge, and making the flavor sing. Come just for the presentation. 130 Miracle Mile. 450gradipizzerias.com

5. DESSERT ‘ZA

What’s better than pizza for lunch or dinner? Well, obviously, pizza for dessert. Nutella lovers will rejoice at this clever concoction from Don Favio’s Pizza Gourmet on Miracle Mile. The fast-casual pizza joint now offers up a Nutella Pizza ($10.99 for a 12-inch or $16.99 for a 16-inch) that’s covered in M&Ms and dusted with powdered sugar. The base? Nutella. Only Nutella. And oh, yeah, there’s a little bit of bread crust underneath. After all, ice cream for dessert is so last year. 70 Miracle Mile. donfaviospizzagourmet.com ■

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Consuelo T. Stewart 305.216.7348

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Tere Shelton Bernace 305.607.7212

tbernace@sheltonandstewart.com

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642 MADEIRA AVENUE CORAL GABLES, FL 33134

Opportunity to buy with pre-construction price. Nearing completion. Brand new transitional-style executive home within walking distance from Granada Golf Course, Miracle Mile and Downtown Coral Gables. House is on a double lot and features 5 bedrooms, including one on the ground floor, 6 bathrooms, 2 car garage, ample yard and pool. Oversized main walk-in and jacuzzi. Top of the line European kitchen cabinets and appliances including Wolf oven, speed oven, and electric range. A laundry room on each floor. Large format porcelain and wood floors. Pre-wired for entertainment and security system, floating staircase with architectural detailing and glass wine storage. Top of the line impact windows and doors with Solarban 70 High Performing Low E Glass. Connected to the sewer system and Municipal water. See attached floorplans/specs.

A Royal Brunch

SUNDAY AT THE BILTMORE HOTEL IS A STATELY AFFAIR FIT FOR THE ARISTOCRACY

BY NATALIA CLEMENT

Whether you’re staycationing in the most iconic hotel in the Gables, showing out-of-towners what the City Beautiful has to offer, or simply looking to upgrade your brunch plans, the Biltmore has you covered. Its signature brunch buffet, hosted every Sunday from 10 am to 2 pm, is like walking into Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory: Here, you’ll receive your golden ticket, an invitation to load up on anything your heart (and stomach) desires.

For the hefty $120 price tag ($55 for children five to 11 years old), you’ll be tempted to fill various plates with a plethora of cuisines from over 10 food stations. In the mood for eggs? Have the chefs at the breakfast station whip up your favorite omelette. We recommend digging into the Belgian waffles and brioche French toast. Want to skip breakfast and go straight to lunch? Pick from a variety of hearty pastas, carvings of meat, or paellas. One bite into the butternut squash ravioli or roasted sirloin with chimichurri will have you coming back for seconds.

The offerings for seafood lovers alone make the cost worth it, with an extensive raw bar filled with jumbo shrimp, lobster, oysters, crawfish, and ceviche. Feeling extra fancy? Make a quick stop at

the caviar bar, where an attendant will customize a plate with your choice of American black bowfin, trout roe, or wasabi tobiko served with blinis or toast points and topped with crème fraîche, chives, red onion, capers, or a hard-boiled egg. There’s also a smoked fish station, serving salmon, trout, and whitefish on flatbreads, mini bagels, and crackers with perfect combinations of cream cheese, tomatoes, cucumbers, and other toppings. Wrapping up the under-the-sea options, watch as the sushi chef hand-molds traditional rolls and nigiri.

For those with a sweet tooth, the Biltmore’s legendary bakery puts on a gluttonous display of sweets and pastries. From carrot cake to tres leches, any dessert you can think of is most likely available. The bite size portions give you the green light to stack up on options (if you see me there, ignore me and my seven desserts). The icing on the cake is the assortment of creamy gelatos. Recommended: a refreshing scoop of mango or strawberry.

The endless food options aren’t the only reason this brunch is fit for a king – the location and stellar service adds to the royal experience. Dining in the iconic Fontana courtyard, surrounded by lush greenery and the hotel’s beautiful architecture, makes the perfect backdrop for Instagram-worthy pictures. Relax as you sip on the complimentary bottomless mimosas, listening to the tunes of a live Spanish guitar performance and the gentle trickling of water in the courtyard’s Venetian fountain (or eat inside in the elegant French dining room). Although the brunch is buffet-style, attendants and servers take care of all your needs, making sure your plate and glass are always full. After such an extravagant meal, the button on your pants might not close and you’ll be tempted to take a siesta by the pool. But what a lovely way to go. ■

CAVIAR AND SEAFOOD AT BILTMORE HOTEL’S SUNDAY BRUNCH

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Middle Eastern Marvelous

AN ANCIENT TRADITION FINDS A NEW SETTING

BY ANDREW GAYLE

Moe Ahmed is the perfect front man for Levant, his family’s new restaurant in Coral Gables. He is not only enthusiastic and articulate about the kind of food you would eat in his native Iraq, he is also beamingly proud that the food here is not fusion, but truly from the Middle Eastern region known as “The Levant.”

“When we say the cuisine that you’ll be eating is Arabic, it is 100 percent the same Arabic flavors that you would have in the Middle East,” says Ahmed. “We’re not ‘Arabesque.’ We don’t make our flavor profile more Americanized; we don’t make our flavors more Latin. We make it the same way you would have it if you went to my grandmother’s house…. It comes down to something as simple as our hot sauce. We use a type of pepper that’s called Aleppo pepper. In the United States, you can’t get it fresh. I had to practically smuggle it in to get that pepper here and grow it in Homestead.”

Levant is now just four months old, but already garnishing a growing clientele who find the food authentic and the setting surprisingly comfortable – surprisingly, because Levant occupies the same space that Crudos Fusion Art surrendered earlier this year. Many of the same design elements remain, including the Mondrian-style color panels and the boa-feathered chandeliers. Even the huge mural of famous people remains, albeit with the addition of Lionel Messi to the mix. “We also added [soccer greats] Ronaldo and David Beckham because we didn’t want to offend. Then the queen, because she passed, and Mohammed Ali,” Ahmed says, the latter presumably for its namesake.

We started our meal with the Trio Mezze ($39), three dips for the table that came with hot pita bread right from the oven. The dips were all freshly made, with a light taste impossible to get store-bought. The first was a Cretan Feta, a whipped sheep’s milk cheese with dill, parsley, and walnuts. The second was a standard hummus, with olive oil and tarbile sauce, so fresh that it resembled our previous experiences of hummus in name only. The last was a Muhammara, which is a whip of roasted red pepper, walnut, and pomegranate molasses. A touch of sweetness and a touch of heat, perfectly balanced.

ABOVE: THE BUSTLING LEVANT IS FAMILY-OWNED, RUN BY THE AHMEDS.

OPPOSITE PAGE:

TOP LEFT: THE IRAQI KIBBEH

TOP RIGHT: THE LEVANT KABOB OF GROUND LAMB ON A SOFT WHITE FLAT BREAD.

BOTTOM LEFT: LAMB SHANK COOKED MOROCCAN

STYLE WITH MIDDLE EASTERN SPICES.

BOTTOM RIGHT: BAKLAVA DESSERT WITH PISTACHIO AND HONEY IN PASTRY.

LEVANT

2415 PONCE DE LEON

786.762.2905

Next came the Kibbeh, small footballs of ground beef in a skin of bulgur and pine nuts with cucumber yogurt for a dip ($19). “In the Middle East, we have a thousand types of Kibbeh, but one of my favorites is [this] Iraqi Kibbeh. It’s a take on a traditional recipe from home, so it’s my Baghdadi-slash-Iraqi Kibbeh,” says Ahmed. Among other things, Levant’s does not mix wheat with the meat, as in Lebanon, but keeps the wheat on the outside to create the texture and shape. The result: a nice bite with a juicy inside.

We also tried the fresh and crunchy Iraqi salad, which consists of eggplant, red and green peppers, olive oil, and pomegranate molasses ($17). Ahmed says you won’t find this in many Iraqi restaurants, since it is a reminder of the long war with Iran. During that time, greens were hard to come by, but eggplant and peppers from Turkey were abundant.

Next came the skewer platters, where kabobs are taken off their skewers and arrayed on a soft, flat bread. We tried the basics: beef ($28), chicken ($28), and the Levant Kabab ($32). The beef and the chicken were tasty, soft, and succulent (the beef is locally-sourced and grass-fed, and the chicken uses only moist thigh meat), but the

Levant was stunningly good, with ground lamb mixed with pistachio, red pepper, and a blend of Middle Eastern spices.

For entrées, we went with the Ouzi ($55), a lamb shank cooked Moroccan-style with cumin, coriander, and turmeric, a fall-off-thebone delight, and then the Grandma Vegetable Pot ($45), which may have been the best dish of the evening. This arrives tableside in a clay pot with a pastry lid. The server cuts off the lid, which he (or she) puts in a serving platter, then pours the contents over it: eggplant and red peppers slow-cooked in a sauce of tomato, onion, garlic, and pomegranate molasses. The results made us want to buy a supply of pomegranate molasses; the veggies were soft and sweet in a creamy sauce. Just fantastic. In retrospect, we wished we had tried a side of the Moroccan spiced carrots, but there is always next time. We did indulge with a trio of desserts, all interesting, but the winner was the baklava – pistachios and honey in pastry. And don’t forget the Turkish coffee, thick and sweet, which comes in a glass cup encased in a patterned steel sleeve with a tiny helmet on top.

Levant is the real deal, deserving of a place in the pantheon of Gables global cuisine. ■

A Gables Icon

THIS MONTH, CHRISTY’S STEAKHOUSE TURNS 45. OWNER CHRIS KLAIC SAYS THE TRADITIONS WON’T CHANGE.

BY J.P. FABER

When Charles Hauser purchased the building on the corner of Ponce de Leon and Malaga Drive 45 years ago, intending to start Christy’s restaurant there, “everybody said he was crazy,” recalls Chris Klaic, who is today the majority owner and face of the venerated steak house. “Every restaurant that had opened here, for 10 or 15 years, had closed after a year or two. It was outside all the action, which was on Miracle Mile. But he [Hauser] said, ‘I like this corner, we are going to do it here, and we are going to do a steak house.’” At the time the city was full of French and Italian restaurants but bereft of steak houses.

Four and a half decades later Christy’s has weathered every culinary trend the Gables has seen, including competition from other steak houses that have appeared. It carries on a tradition that has seen the likes of Bill Clinton and George Bush Sr. dining there, along with senators Bob Graham and Connie Mack, Gov. Jeb Bush, Michael Jordan, Tiger Woods, Rod Stewart, Robin Williams, Rick Ross, and Gloria Estefan.

Christy’s has undergone changes over the years, like a remodeling in 2009 that created a separate bar room, and a post-Covid replacement of its Cuban paintings with modern art. But it has retained its rich red walls, and even added an old tin ceiling to give it more of a vintage look. The seating, as well, has remained the same, keeping the old comfortable armchairs by reupholstering them with expensive leather. “Everyone over the age of 30 said these were the most com-

fortable chairs ever,” says Klaic, “And, you know, we didn’t want those kinds of smaller chairs that you find in some trendy place.”

Klaic himself has been a big part of the Christy’s tradition, joining the staff as the manager in 1995 at the age of 27. “I grew up in that business, and I knew how to deal with all the challenges,” says Klaic, who comes from a family background of hospitality management in his native Croatia. Klaic became the managing partner and was rewarded with a small percentage of the business which slow increasedin the following years until, in December of 2020, he bought the restaurant from Hauser. It was in the middle of the pandemic, and Hauser had already sold the building for $4 million the previous June. Like all other restaurants in the city, Christy’s had closed. Klaic used the downtime to negotiate a long-term lease with the new building owners and to do some remodeling. By February 2021, he was ready to restart the restaurant post-Covid.

Since then, he’s seen a steady return of customers, keeping the restaurant true to its core appeal “We the oldest steakhouse in Miami and 85 percent of our menu hasn’t change in all these years. We wanted to keep the oversized shrimp, the award-winning Caesar salad, the best prime rib in town, those kinds of things. The reason why we survived 45 years is consistency – we stick to our strengths.”

Now Klaic is including his family at Christy’s, just as he was part of his family’s restaurant, hotel, and winery in Croatia. “My son Max has been attending hospitality school and he’s been working here for two years already, cooking. He started by washing the dishes, then doing all the hot appetizers and the sides. But now he cooks in the all the positions. And my fiancé [Jeimy Martinez] does the bookkeeping and events… It’s kind of a family affair.” Above all, says Klaic, it’s about keeping traditions alive. “I am grateful to the community and staff for supporting Christy’s for all these years. We are now serving the third generation of clients – literally, the grandchildren of the first customers.” ■

Q&A with Chef Thomas Keller of Bouchon

Last month saw the opening of Bouchon, the French bistro at the newly restored historic La Palma building on Galiano Street just off Alhambra Circle. It is the latest creation of Thomas Keller, the chef/proprietor behind California’s three-star Michelin restaurants The French Laundry and Per Se, and the newly starred Surf Club Restaurant in Surfside.

Considered one of the best chefs in the world, Keller’s accolades are astonishing, including being the first USA inductee into the prestigious Master Chefs of France. Chef Keller has already opened Bouchon and Bouchon Bakeries in California, Las Vegas, and the Middle East, and brings to the Gables the same seasonally-changing French dishes, along with regular bistro offerings such as escargot, steak frites, and mussels. We caught up with Chef Keller after the opening with a few questions on this latest arrival in the Gables cuisine scene.

How did you come to Coral Gables?

It was a friend of mine, actually the same friend who brought me down to the Surf Club seven years ago. He’s always encouraged me to open something in Florida… He introduced me to Marc [Schwarzberg] at La Palma and we just fell in love with it… And I love the community of Coral Gables. I’m honored to be here, and very lucky to have that spot. So, I don’t take it for granted. It’s a beautiful location and a beautiful community.

Do you think that Florida is up and coming as a food destination?

Florida has always been an important culinary destination for chefs. There just weren’t as many of them before. But name any [culinary] community and it really is borne out of the number of chefs who have abilities these days. It just goes to show you how our culinary culture has expanded to offer opportunities for chefs in different parts of the country. There’s just so many of us now that we want to expand, and so we’re expanding into areas where traditionally there was nothing.

Where did you learn to be a French chef?

That’s a long story. I didn’t go to culinary school, [but] I’ve been practicing French cuisine since 1977 through any of the cuisine books I could read, any chefs I could work for, and then, ultimately, living in France for almost two years. It’s always been my goal to be a French chef. And so you learn as you go, you study as much as you can, and practice as often as possible. And, hopefully, you achieve a modicum of the goals that you set out for yourself.

This will be the latest of your Bouchon bistros. Will it have a new twist?

I don’t believe in twists. It’s kind of a strange thing when you think about it. No; it’s Bouchon, it’s classic French, it’s a classic French bistro. That’s what we’re really trying to represent. We’re not trying

to represent a historic perspective and have a twist about it. No, this is history. We want to make sure that we appreciate and respect and be responsible about what a bistro is.

What’s your philosophy as a chef?

It’s very simple. Our goal is to nurture people, that’s our philosophy. And we nurture people in many ways, including ourselves. It’s not just our guests. We nurture ourselves and our team, through training, through mentoring, through the conversations that we have with each other – and the food that we source, the farmers and the fishermen, the foragers and the gardeners, the hundreds of them from around the country who bring us this extraordinary, nutritious food. So, it really boils down to the idea of nurturing one another.

To what do you attribute your success?

There’s no one thing that makes a person successful. It’s just hard work, dedication, commitment, perseverance, patience – those are the words that I use to describe my success. And then a lot of it is the support of hundreds of people, right throughout my career, who have encouraged me to do this and the things that I’ve done, and the support of my family. That’s what makes a person successful.… Also, I’ve been very lucky.… Timing is always a benefit – when you’re in the right place at the right time. If you have the right skills, the right knowledge, and a little bit of luck, you end up like me. ■

Doggie Trick or Treat Party

PRESENTED BY

COCKTAILS COURTESY OF

Join us for our annual Doggie Trick or Treat Adoption Party benefitting the Humane Society of Greater Miami.

October 28th noon to 3pm at Infiniti of Coral Gables

2701 S. Le Jeune Road, free valet parking

Enjoy games, snacks for both humans and pups, drinks, prizes, and more!

Adopt a furry friend. Canine costume contest!

Coral Gables Magazine 2023 Dog Report

DOG TALK OF THE TOWN

CANINE HEALTH & WELLNESS

THE DOG PARENT PARADE

Dog Talk of the Town

A Safe Place to Run

It has taken the better part of two years to make it happen, but at long last Salvadore Park has a large dog run. Vice Mayor Rhonda Anderson, who personally drove the project forward, led the ribbon cutting on the first Saturday of September. Joining the vice mayor were Mayor Vince Lago, Commissioners Ariel Fernandez and Melissa Castro, and Community Recreation Department Director Fred Couceyro. Also present were dozens of dogs of all sizes, shapes, and breeds, who bounded with their owners into the open space. Leading the charge was Anderson, with her two rescued greyhounds, followed by CG Garden Club president Susan Rodriguez with her toy schnauzer, Luna. In opening remarks, Anderson thanked the neighbors, who collectively endorsed the project after Anderson went door to door. “The thing I ask from you all is please don’t park on their grass,” she told the dog owners. “We don’t want to wear out our welcome. Walk over here if you can… because that’s the vision –that we’re going to have walkable dog parks throughout the city.”

Palace Dogs

The evidence is clear: Dogs have profound health benefits for the elderly (as they do for all of us, really), including those living with

“

PLEASE DON’T PARK ON THEIR GRASS. WE DON’T WANT TO WEAR OUT OUR WELCOME. WALK OVER HERE IF YOU CAN… BECAUSE THAT’S THE VISION – THAT WE’RE GOING TO HAVE WALKABLE DOG PARKS THROUGHOUT THE CITY.”

VICE MAYOR RHONDA ANDERSON, ABOVE CENTER

dementia. The calming presence and unconditional love of canines reduces agitation, anxiety, and depression, while enhancing social interaction and cognitive stimulation. With that in mind, The Palace Coral Gables Senior Living Community encourages furry companions for its residents. Currently, more than 20 dogs reside at their posh facilities on Andalusia Avenue, all cared for by residents aged 70 and above. Among them is the latest addition, a Havanese named Daisy, who is turning one this month. She is the constant companion of her owner, former Wisconsin State Senator Alberta Darling, 79. The Palace’s Social Director Pamela Parker says residents refer to Daisy as the “Palace Pup,” showering her with affection when she

The Nicklaus Children’s Hospital Foundation Donor Advised Fund, sponsored by the BNY Mellon Charitable Gift Fund, supports the mission of a leader in pediatric healthcare while giving the donor flexibility on their charitable plans.

When individuals choose the Nicklaus Children’s Hospital Foundation Donor Advised Fund, they agree to make a gift of cash or other non-cash assets to Nicklaus Children’s, with a portion of the gift allocated to a sub-fund that can be granted to other IRS approved charitable causes they care about.

and Darling show up at the community’s nightly happy hours. “She is as friendly and outgoing as the former Wisconsin State Senator who served her state for over 30 years,” says Parker. Bark on.

Back for Another Canine Costume Party

Learn more by visiting nicklauschildrens.org/DonorAdvisedFund or contact Greg Romagnoli, CAP® at greg.romagnoli@nicklaushealth.org or (305) 582-0137.

Each year, Infiniti of Coral Gables, along with our magazine, sponsors a Halloween “Doggie Trick or Treat Party” at the Infiniti showroom on Le Jeune Road. This year’s event will take place Oct. 28 from noon to 3 pm, with fun prizes (theater tickets, appliances) for a costume contest sponsored by GableStage. People without a pup can also adopt a dog from the Human Society. Beverages are provided by Bacardi, along with non-alcoholic “puppychinos” for the pooches. Infiniti Sales Manager Chris Peña will greet guests this year with two Belgian Malinois, mom Sage and son Mako. “Even though we sell vehicles with four wheels, we love animals with four legs,” says Peña, whose dealership has a dog-friendly policy year-round. “We have plenty of customers come in with their pets. I just want everyone who has a dog to know they’re welcome.” ■

INFINITI SALES MANAGER CHRIS PEÑA WITH HIS PUPS, MAKO AND SAGE

Nicklaus Children’s advises individuals to first consult with their personal tax, financial or legal advisor prior to setting up a donor advised fund.

One donor advised fund. Endless possibilities.

Doggie Health ellness

VETS RECOMMEND BETWEEN 30 MINUTES TO TWO HOURS OF EXERCISE FOR YOUR DOG PER DAY. AN EQUIPAWS SPECIALIST CAN WALK YOUR DOG IF YOU ARE AWAY OR TOO BUSY.

EXERCISE & NUTRITION

A quick primer on keeping your beloved pet healthy and happy in the Gables

BY KATELIN STECZ

You’ve probably heard the common adage that people begin to look like their dogs the longer they have them. Aside from a few dog owners who bear a striking resemblance to their pets, however, our dogs are more like us than we imagine, both inside and out. We’re not saying your dog should join your Keto diet, but the same basic principles that apply to our health also apply to theirs.

Just as the obesity epidemic in the United States worsens every year, pet obesity is also on the rise. According to Dr. Emily Abraham, owner and medical director of GoodVets in Coral Gables, pet obesity is a serious and potentially fatal problem. “Obesity has been found to shorten our pets’ lives by one-and-a-half to two years, and it can lead to other comorbidities – including diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, thyroid disease, and osteoarthritis,” says Abraham. Exercise requirements vary according to breed, but as a general rule, most vets recommend between 30 minutes to two hours of exercise for your dog per day. If you have a smaller dog, a 30-minute

walk in the morning might suffice, but larger, working dogs may need a walk, a run, and even a few rounds of fetch at the dog park to satisfy their needs.

Rebecca Pasko, owner and founder of the training service Happy with Dogs, says a dog’s breed often points to the right activities and level of exercise. Hunting breeds like Pointers often prefer a game of fetch to a walk, and swimming dog breeds like Labradors might enjoy time at the pool or beach. Other breeds may just need more playtime.

“Most commonly, dogs are missing enriching items,” Pasko says. “For example, Corgis are meant to run around, chase things, and nip at them. [We can teach] the Corgi to come and to sit, but it

DR. EMILY ABRAHAM, OWNER, GOODVETS

Photo by Tiege Dolly

would be best to also give the dog some outlets that satisfy its innate needs. It would give the dog a higher quality of life and be more satisfying than just going on a walk.”

Of course, when you’re exercising your dog, keep the South Florida climate in mind. Walking in the midday heat when asphalt temperatures can be as high as 150 degrees can lead to heat exhaustion and dehydration. Dogs release heat through their paw pads and via panting, so this is especially dangerous for them. Dr. Abraham recommends walks in the morning or evening with water available. And if you can’t take time to ensure your dog’s exercise needs, local dog walkers can help.

DIET

After getting enough exercise, dog owners should make sure their pooches are also eating healthy. There are an overwhelming number of options, and each brand claims their food is the healthiest, the latest craze being chilled dog food in special coolers at the grocery store. But, contrary to popular belief, the healthiest dog food might be the one you least expect.

“It’s come out in the last few years, primarily from Cornell, that using a grain-free diet can lead to cardiomyopathy and heart disease,” says Dr. Abraham. “It’s actually better for pets to be receiving a grain-containing diet, which is really shocking to a lot of people.”

Abraham feeds her pets a mix of Purina and Acana dog food. She emphasizes that dogs should be eating the food appropriate for their age group. Senior dogs should be eating senior food; puppies, puppy food. These types of dog food have different mineral and nutrient compositions that are optimized for specific age ranges

and can combat age-related health issues and nutrient deficiencies. Consult your vet if you need help making a choice.

HYGIENE

Although commonly overlooked, hygiene is an important part of a dog’s health. Establishing a hygiene routine not only improves appearance and smell but is also an important component in preventative care. A dog’s hygiene requirements will differ depending on their breed, but there are some basic tenets. “Basic hygiene is the foundation of keeping dogs healthy,” says Mariano Espinosa, franchise partner at Scenthound. “Everything starts at home.”

You brush your teeth every day, so why shouldn’t your dog? According to Espinosa, dog owners should make sure their dog’s teeth are regularly cleaned – ideally, daily. Just like humans, dogs accumulate plaque, which can inflame gums and lead to bacteria growth, sores, and eventually infection and dental diseases. Ways to keep them clean vary from “dental chews” for those who don’t relish the idea of daily brushing, to teeth rubbing with gauze, to actual brushing with dog toothpaste.

Next comes the ears. All breeds, and not just those with long, floppy ears, can develop infections if their ears are not regularly

Photo by Rodolfo Benitez

“

BASIC HYGIENE IS THE FOUNDATION OF KEEPING DOGS HEALTHY. EVERYTHING STARTS AT HOME.”

MARIANO ESPINOSA, ABOVE, FRANCHISE PARTNER AT SCENTHOUND

THE NANCY SANABRIA TEAM

Top

cleaned. An untreated ear infection can result in hearing loss and extreme pain. Espinosa recommends that owners regularly check their dog’s ears and even give them the occasional sniff. Strong odors coming from the ears could indicate a build-up of yeast or infection. You can clean them yourselves using dog ear cleaning solutions with soft cloth or cotton, or let your vet do it during a routine visit.

Regular grooming is another important part of maintaining your dog’s hygiene. You might be able to get away with giving your dog a bath only when they start to smell, but owners need to make clipping their dog’s nails a priority. Dogs who have unclipped nails are at an increased risk of developing arthritis. As long nails repeatedly hit the ground, they exert pressure back on the nail bed and toe joint, which could eventually move the joints of the foreleg.

GOING TO THE DOCTOR

Just as you should visit your primary physician every year for a physical, you should take your canine companion to the vet for a yearly check-up. Getting blood work regularly for your pet not only allows you to monitor possible nutritional deficiencies, but also helps catch potential concerns early on.

Vaccines are a key tenet in preventative care. Parvovirus, for example, is extremely deadly to puppies, but is highly preventable with a vaccine. Left untreated, parvovirus’ fatality rate is greater than 90 percent and can be fatal in less than 72 hours. Dogs usually encounter this gastrointestinal virus in dog parks and other places with dog waste, so protect your pup through vaccination.

An annual check-up might also help you and your vet develop a treatment plan for chronic issues. If you have a larger breed or older dog, there is a high probability that he or she may develop arthritis. To combat this, along with other ailments, clinics like GoodVets

EQUIPAWS FOUNDERS

are now offering acupuncture and dry needling services for canines. Dr. Abraham says the services are becoming more popular as more vets realize that alternative therapies improve the quality of their patient’s lives.

Keeping an open dialogue with your vet about your pet’s habits, exercise regimen, and behaviors is vital. Even an offhand comment to your vet about a pet’s behavior could reveal a potential health concern. An elderly canine pacing may be a symptom of cognitive dysfunction or dog dementia, for instance, which can be ameliorated by a change in diet or enrichment toys – if caught in time.

GETTING OUT AND ABOUT

You probably look forward to the time you spend with family and friends every week, whether that means brunch with friends, meeting up with a running group, or cooking dinner for your family. It’s probably also your dog’s favorite time.

“Dogs really just want to be with their owners,” says Erin Ballinger, destinations editor at BringFido. “Whatever you’re doing, they want to be a part of it. When you’re at work or out of the house all day and your dog is home alone, it’s nice for them to come along when you’re grabbing a bite with friends or running errands.”

No matter what breed of dog you have, it’s important for them to get out of the house and interact with other people and dogs. Socialization not only eases your dog’s anxiety with new places and people but also enriches their lives. “It’s so important for a dog to be able to go out on a walk and get to sniff things, to go on a sniff-fari,” says Frankie Berti, co-founder of Equipaws Pet Services. “That’s how they explore the world. It makes their brains work, and they’re getting so much information about the outside world.”

Just like us, getting out, exploring the neighborhood, and meet-

Dr. Emily Abraham

HAPPY WITH DOGS

ing new friends is good for our furry friend’s overall emotional and mental health. However, if you aren’t confident in your dog’s ability to follow commands, especially in an emergency or stressful situation, you might consider working with a professional dog trainer. Trainers give owners the tools they need to communicate with their dog, curb unwanted behavior, and lessen reactivity to new situations.

Before taking her Australian Cattle Dog mix, Duncan, to Happy with Dogs, Christa Gurka was hesitant to take her dog to the park. Training eased her mind and improved her confidence. “I was worried something might happen, and he wouldn’t come back to me. But after we did the training, his recall is fantastic. He walks on the leash better, and I’m not worried about taking him out or to the dog park now,” says Gurka.

Another challenge is finding places that allow dogs. Of course, dog parks are always a viable option, and Coral Gables has several – including the new dog run at Salvadore Park, or the dog runs at Chapman Field Park. But what if you want to bring your dog along to a restaurant or for a drink? Try outdoor dining. Miracle Mile, Giralda Plaza, and the Shops at Merrick Park are all noted for their dog-friendly dining at outdoor seating. And if you’re not sure whether an establishment is dog-friendly, the BringFido app lists all the pet-friendly restaurants and hotels in the area. Some popular dog-friendly restaurants in the Gables are Fritz & Franz Bierhaus, Sawa Restaurant and Lounge, and Yard House.

Dog owners can also get acquainted with the Coral Gables dog community by joining Equipaws’ and Happy with Dogs’ monthly Sip and Strolls. Every month, the organizations co-host a canine get-together that starts with a mile-long walk and ends at a local restaurant or bar. For more information, follow @equipawspetsmiami and @happy.with.dogs on Instagram.

SERVICES TO MAKE CARING FOR YOUR DOG EASIER

We all love our pooches, but taking care of them is a huge time commitment. To make your life easier and your dog’s life better, try the following services for your canine’s needs.

DOODY CALLS

305.520.7904

DOODYCALLS.COM/MIAMI/

No one likes picking up dog poop. It’s gross, unsightly, and, according to the December 2022 Forbes Advisor survey of 2,000 dog owners, it is the biggest challenge of dog ownership. However, it is your duty to clean up after your pet, for health and environmental reasons. If you want to delegate your dog’s doody to someone else, you can contact Doody Calls for pet waste removal and deodorizing services. And keep your eyes peeled for Doody Calls’ pet waste stations around local dog parks in the coming months; the company recently donated 40 to the City of Coral Gables.

HAPPY WITH DOGS

305.735.9311

HAPPYWITHDOGS.COM

Based in Homestead, Happy with Dogs offers owners a myriad of dog training services. Pups can participate in dog training retreats, private training lessons, or group classes, and training services will soon be offered at-home, as well. It’s a bit of a drive, but isn’t Fido worth it?

EQUIPAWS PET SERVICES

7210 RED ROAD

305.794.3733

EQUIPAWSPETSERVICES.COM

If you’re looking to go out of town, Equipaws is the alternative to boarding your pet, which can be stressful for dogs. You can schedule one of Equipaws’ pet care specialists to come to your home every day when you’re gone and even stay overnight if your pet requires special attention. Their team is trained to administer medications and look for behavior that may indicate a medical crisis. Equipaws also offers dog walking services that can come as often or as little as you like… whether that’s twice a day, seven days a week, or just once a week.

GOODVETS

315 MIRACLE MILE

305.522.6100

GOODVETS.COM/LOCATIONS/MIAMI/CORAL-GABLES

Located right on Miracle Mile, GoodVets is a great option for dog owners looking for comprehensive and preventative care for their

“ I WAS WORRIED SOMETHING MIGHT HAPPEN, AND HE WOULDN’T COME BACK TO ME. BUT AFTER WE DID THE TRAINING, HIS RECALL IS FANTASTIC.”

CHRISTA GURKA SHOWN LEFT WITH DUNCAN, ON HER EXPERIENCE WITH HAPPY WITH DOGS.

pooch. Although it is not an emergency hospital, GoodVets still performs urgent procedures during open hours. For a full list of services offered, visit their website.

SCENTHOUND

4538 PONCE DE LEON

786.527.2989

SCENTHOUND.COM

Not your typical groomer, Scenthound offers hygienic services that not only keep your pet looking good but feeling good. With every visit, your dog’s technician gives you a full report on your dog’s skin, coat, ears, nails, and teeth, and alerts you to potential problems your dog may have.

THE DOG FROM IPANEMA

7230 SW 57TH AVE. (RED ROAD)

305.663.1712

THEDOGFROMIPANEMA.COM

First opened in Brazil (as you might have guessed), The Dog From Ipanema has been a favorite of Gableites for more than 30 years. Washing, conditioning, blow-drying – in many ways The Dog is more like a beauty salon than a dog grooming service. This is haute pet care for your gorgeous pup. ■

LEFT: HAPPY WITH DOGS TRAINING COURSE, RUN BY PROFESSIONAL STAFF BASED IN HOMESTEAD.

2023 Ambassador David M. Walters International Pediatric Hall of Fame Inductees

The Dog Portraits

EACH YEAR, WE PRESENT A PORTFOLIO OF CORAL GABLES DOGS AND THEIR OWNERS FROM ALL WALKS OF LIFE. WHAT FOLLOWS ARE THIS YEAR’S “PARENTS” AND THEIR POOCHES

PHOTOS BY JONATHAN DANN, INTERVIEWS BY J.P. FABER

Gunner

English Golden Retriever, 7 Maverick

English Golden Retriever, 7

The Owner

Ashley Cusack, Senior VP, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, EWM Realty and husband Jimmy Cusack, a litigation lawyer

Dog Story

Ashley Cusack and her husband have two Goldens who, at 83 and 95 pounds respectively, have been known to pull her to the ground when they spot a squirrel during a walk (“I’m always on the lookout for what’s around the corner,” she says). The dogs are best friends who play with each other so boisterously that the Cusacks can only let one into the backyard at a time. Otherwise, the yard gets torn to pieces. “They love to wrestle and play, and when Gunner is tired and just lying there and ignoring Maverick, he [Maverick] kind of grabs onto Gunner’s haunches and will pull him across the floor. It’s pretty funny to see.” While the two Goldens shred chew toys with a vengeance, “they know to stay away from shoes. I happen to like shoes.”

We are Happy With Dogs, it is our mission to help you enjoy life with your dog by your side.

We train for happy and confident dogs, and we believe dogs thrive with play, mental stimulation, exercise, love, structure, and boundaries.

We offer a range of services to meet your dog training needs like Training Retreats, Private Training Lessons, Group Classes, and other dog activities.

Dogs needs are met physically, mentally, and emotionally. Rebecca is a Training Without Conflict Certified professional dog trainer, an extremely prestigious certification.

We offer: Training Retreats

In-Home Private Lessons

Contact:

305-735-9311

Info@happywithdogs.com

www.happywithdogs.com

Choco Australian Shepherd, 6

The Owner

Mario Fernandez, Proprietor, Belle Fleur florist shop on Alcazar

Dog Story

Choco, named for his chocolate brown covering, is the ultimate neighborhood dog, says owner Mario Fernandez, who takes him to work at Belle Fleur every day. “He loves people. He’s like a Walmart greeter at the flower shop. He thinks everyone is here to say hello to him, and he remembers the people he likes.” If he doesn’t like you, or doesn’t know you, Choco will try to “herd” Mario away from the person, even as they walk down the street. “I walk him three or four times a day, but sometimes he just escapes and walks himself,” visiting neighboring shops, says Fernandez. Choco’s obsession is to tear the “squeaky” part out of squeaky toys, something he enjoys doing when he’s not worrying a bone given to him by the owners of nearby Fugato Fusion Cuisine. “I also give him a ham hock every day,” says Mario. “It keeps his teeth clean.”

You can support training programs that benefit patients. BaptistHealth.net/GenerosityHeals or 786-467-5400.

Why It Matters: Baptist Health Outpatient Mammography Services

More than patients impacted 50,000

Mammograms are a fact of life for women over 40 and it’s essential to have results you can rely on. Thanks to Baptist Health Foundation donors, eight Baptist Health breast radiologists have received specialized training in mammography workflow technologies. The training has helped these physicians enhance patient care by improving risk assessment, results reporting, education and access to health information. So women have greater confidence in their imaging results — and their well-being.

Generosity supports the training that strengthens patient trust.

Juno

Pembroke Welsh Corgi, 1 ½

The Owner

Nicholas Moncada, Director of Reservations, Biltmore Hotel

Dog Story

Despite being a pure-bred Corgi (Queen Elizabeth’s favorite pets), Juno “was actually a rescue,” says her owner, Nicholas Moncada. “One of the neighbors in our condo was moving downtown and they didn’t accept dogs there.” Juno is named after the wife of Jupiter, the king of the Roman gods, “and that is ultimate royalty, queen of the dogs,” says Moncada. Juno is also a certified “Good Canine Citizen,” an American Kennel Club designation which means she is gentle with people and suitable to be a therapy dog. But at home, she is “the pack leader, the queen bee in our house. We live in her world.” As a herding breed, Moncada says that Juno’s nature is to boss her owners around. “We always joke, my partner and I, that we are her cattle....When she wants to go somewhere, she will herd us toward the door, or herd us toward the cabinet that has her snacks.”

Yogi

Bear

Bernedoodle, 3

The Owner

Toni Schrager, Senior VP, Brown Harris Stevens

Dog Story

Yogi, a cross between a Bernese mountain dog and a poodle, got his name because “as a puppy he just sort of waddled, like a bear,” says owner Toni Schrager. “He’s a Velcro dog [sticking to you] and the sweetest dog I’ve ever had. I tell my kids, ‘You are lucky I didn’t have him before you, or we might not have had you.’” Yogi was adopted as a puppy during the pandemic, and in the early days had the bad habit of eating anything. “He ate an Ace bandage off of his leg. It must have been 12-feet long. At 2 am, we took him to the ER and they had to make him throw up.” He has eaten gloves, face masks, socks – even a bathing suit bottom, which the vet offered to return to Schrager’s daughter (she declined). These days, he limits his “hunting” to patrolling the seawall of the Schrager’s Gables Waterway home, where large iguanas formerly congregated. “Now they don’t come back. They must have an iguana grapevine that said, ‘don’t go there,’” says Schrager.

Stanley French Briard, 11 Jackson Sheepadoodle, 2 The Owners

Lee Schrager, Senior VP, Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirit of America and husband Ricardo Restrepo, a pediatric radiologist

Dog Story

Lee Schrager, best known as the guiding force behind the South Beach Wine & Food Festival, says he never had a dog when growing up, and that he always wanted a sheep dog. His younger dog, Jackson, comes from that family, while the older Stanley is a breed that he fell in love with after being given one years ago by a friend. “They are like two different kids,” says Schrager. “The Briard [Stanley] is very independent and very bright, good with people, while the Sheepadoodle is a baby, very mischievous and very needy. He pushes the limit every time... even after training, he continues to eat TV remotes if we leave them around. He bites them so they can’t be used. We’ve lost six.” While Stanley is used to being the top dog, Schrager says “Jackson also wants to be the alpha dog, so that can be a conflict.” The tableaux: Jackson jumps onto the bed and then, barking furiously, refuses to let Stanley climb up.

Willie Belgian Malinois, 2 ½

The Owner Officer Stephanie Laricci, Coral Gables Police Department

Dog Story

Willie joined the Coral Gables PD in March, imported from Hungary, where he was first trained, “so he knew a couple of commands in Dutch,” says Officer Stephanie Laricci, the dog’s handler. Willie is currently undergoing training at the City of Miami’s Canine Patrol School, a 480-hour course that results in FDLE certification – if he passes. One of the tests is whether the dog can be “re-called” after he goes into pursuit. “Their highest drive is to bite a suspect, but they have to respond to the call back,” says Laricci, who takes Willie home every night to her home in the Redlands. “Their obedience has to be super top notch so they can overcome their instincts.” Willie is also being trained to search for hiding suspects, for things dropped by a suspect, and for bombs and narcotics. Laricci also has to pass the test, including being able to carry the 60-pound dog – and to deal with being bitten by Willie in the midst of a scuffle. “They have you get bit, so you don’t stress out,” she says.

Lilian Garcia-Roig

Joel Besmar

BY THE NUMBERS

32

2023 REPORT TO THE COMMUNITY

The Coral Gables Community Foundation inspires IMPACTFUL PHILANTHROPY through

CHARITABLE FUNDS AND PROGRAMS using LOCAL KNOWLEDGE, EXPERTISE AND TRUSTED RELATIONSHIPS

We are proud to celebrate the meaningful work we do to enhance the quality of life in Coral Gables. Through our charitable funds, we drive philanthropic solutions to promote a thriving, collaborative and generous community.

The Community Foundation has invested over $14 million into the community since 1991. In the past year alone, the Foundation – and our Fundholders – have committed more than $3 million in grants and scholarships. We welcomed Rocks of the Community and hosted our signature annual events – the Tour of Kitchens, Gala and Wine Auction, enabling us to raise funds to carry on the work we do. We continue our stewardship of Donor Advised, Non-Profit, Endowment and Scholarship Funds, and take pride in assisting our donors in reaching their philanthropic goals.

Your participation and donations represent a sound investment in your community. We urge you to experience the power and impact of creative philanthropy with us.

VENNY TORRE Board Chair 2022-2023

MARY SNOW President & CEO

BENEFITS OF A DONOR ADVISED FUND AT THE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION:

• Your dollars make more dollars, increasing the impact of your gift.

• Contributions to your Fund are tax-deductible.

• They can be combined with fundholders with similar passions (Collaborative Philanthropy)

• You get to tap into our knowledge and understanding of the nonprofits throughout the region.

• We take care of all of the fiduciary and administrative responsibilities for you.

• Donations of cash, appreciated stock, real estate are accepted.

Your Account at the Community Foundation

Every dollar you deposit is tax deductible.

Every dollar earns interest, amplifying your gift.

Support your favorite charities or causes on your schedule.

OUR DONOR ADVISED FUNDS AND ENDOWMENTS

• Anagnost Family Charitable Fund in memory of George & Georgia Anagnost

• Barnes Family Foundation

• Bonnie Blaire Charitable Endowment Fund

• Bonn-Ceballos Fund

• R & L Cohen Charitable Fund

• Coral Gables International Affairs Endowment Fund

• City of Coral Gables –Community Gifting Fund

• Coral Gables Magazine

Charitable Fund

• Corral & Cathers Professional Artist Fund

• Cusack Family Charitable Fund

• Erickson-Zoellers

Charitable Fund

• Evensky & Katz Charitable Fund

• FemCity Charitable Fund

• Mercedes & Claudio Feuermann Family Foundation

• Robert *& Marian* Fewell Endowment Fund

• Fisher Island Gives Fund

• Fox Charitable Fund

• Merrill D. & Elizabeth T. Freeman Charitable Endowment Fund

• Albert H. Friedman Miracle Mile Merchant Award Endowment Fund

• Friends of Gables High Fund

• Richard A. Hauser Family Charitable Endowment Fund

• Helping Ukrainian Books & Booksellers (HUBB) Fund

• Juan Antonio ‘El Nene’ Mas, Jr. Fund

• Patricia Keon Charitable Endowment Fund

• Marlene Kerdyk Coral Gables Beautification Endowment Fund

• Peter L. & Kerrin F. Bermont Charitable Fund

• Kirk & Lydia Menendez Family Endowment Fund

• McBride Family Charitable Fund

• McCarthy Family Charitable Fund

• Michael Mena Charitable Endowment Fund

• MHC Charitable Endowment Fund

• PARKnership Fund

• Harry & Mary Perrin Charitable Endowment

• Poulin Party Charitable Endowment Fund

• Ernest W. & Anne M. Purcell Charitable Endowment Fund

• Riviera Country Club Charitable Fund

• Carlos and Pamela Rodriguez Charitable Fund

• Russo Family Charitable Fund

• Dr. Jeanne H. & Stephen H. Siegel Family Charitable Fund

• Siegfried Rivera Charitable Fund

• Jeannett Slesnick Community Spirit Scholarship Fund

• Slesnick Family Charitable Endowment Fund

• Miami Dade 22 Century Charitable Endowment Fund

• Raul E. Valdes-Fauli –Archives Fund

• Villamil Family Endowment Fund

• Wilder & Walsh Charitable Endowment Fund

• Williamson Family Charitable Endowment Fund

AGENCY ENDOWMENTS

• Actors’ Playhouse Endowment Fund

• Beaux Arts Artist Endowment Fund

• CARE Elementary

• Coral Gables Bar Association Endowment Fund

• Coral Gables Rotary Club Charitable Endowment Fund

• Early Learning Children’s Fund

• Merrick Festival Endowment Fund

• Seraphic Fire Endowment Fund

• Clinton Family Education Endowment Fund for Seraphic Fire

• Seraphic Fire – Ruth & Marvin Sackner Memorial Endowment Fund

LIFETIME: Trish & Dan Bell • Ray Corral & Alina

Meledina • Robert*, Marian* & Carole Fewell •

Ernest & Anne Purcell • Ed, Carol & Trae Williamson

$200,000+: William A. Bonn & Ruben Ceballos

Engaging and improving our community, the annual commitment of Merrick Society donors is a vital part of the Community Foundation’s mission.

$25,000+: Karelia & Dr. Marino Carbonell •

Ambassadors Chuck & Sue Cobb • Vivian De Las

Cuevas-Diaz • Wayne Eldred • Eric P. Gros-Dubois

Olazabal • Pepe & Karina Ortega • Darrell & Debbie Payne • Jenne Ann Rigl • Roland SanchezMedina • Dr. Victor Shabanah • Daniel & Carolina

Tormo • Barbara Tria & Coral Pine Real Estate

• Pete & Lili Izaguirre • Ed & Liz Parnes

• Earl & Cristy

• Alberto & Kristy Perez • Scott & Nanda Poulin

•Carlos* & Debbie Garcia

• Matthew Meehan & Rod Hildebrant

$100,000+: Peter & Kerrin Bermont • David & Cristina Evensky • Claudia Holliman • Jack & Natasha Lowell • Jose Milton Foundation • Lee

Osiason • Aura Reinhardt • Ron Shuffield •

Honorable Don & Jeannett* Slesnick

$70,000+: Sissy DeMaria-Koehne & Dr. Guenther

Koehne • Zeke & Gina Guilford • Jason Neal & Waste Management • David & Ann Olazabal •

Alirio Torrealba

$50,000+: Kaiser Ahmed

• John Allen* • Evelyn

Budde • Andria & Bob Dickinson • John Harris •

Paul & Teresa Lowenthal • Marichi O’Rourke and Montica Jewelry • John O’Rourke & First American

Bank • Scott & Karla Richey • Laura Russo • Rick & Margarita Tonkinson • Venny & Coco Torre •

Michael Walsh

$40,000+: Pat Blanco • Pat Keon • Michael

McCarthy • Pedro Parra • Tony & Marielena Villamil

Powell • Rolando Vazquez Law • Chip Withers

$20,000+: Erica English • Leslie Lott & Michael

Moore • Ana Mari Ortega & Marc Schwarzberg • Eddie & Judy Snow

$15,000+: Shelton Coats II • Xavier & Nataly

Durana • Zach Mneimneh & Chirine Atoui • Marcia

Hayes & Dan Prigmore • Jack & Ingrid Thompson • Dale Chapman Webb • Dr. Michael Zinner

$10,000+: Tim Anagnost • Ajit & Maria Alicia

Asrani • Dr. Jose Chaviano Jr. & Illustradent

Dental

• Stephen Dull • Jane Hurt • Nilza Kallos

M.D. • David Mitchell • Alfonso & Shannon Perez

•Dr. Sadia Raja Alfonso

• Melanie Sanchez • Lori

Thomas • Adriana Verdeja • Mayra Vide-Perez

$5,000+: Perry Adair • Greg and Paige Barnes

•Vanessa Bertran • Anne Boley • Robert & Lucy

Cohen • Ashley & Jimmy Cusack • Dr. Michael

Forman • Charles & Isabelle Hamker • Katherine Kelly • Monique & Sidney Lazard • Elizabeth

$1,000+: John & Susan Adams • Percy Aguila

•Mary & Brian Alden • Morad & Hoda Askari • Dede Austin • Sally Baumgartner • Pat Brockway

•Nguyen Castilla Cabanilla • Melissa Castro

•Ibrahim Chaudry • Tania Cruz • Phillippe & Lauren de Lavalette • Steven Demar • Brian & Lauren Donahue • Chris W. Erickson • Joe & Helga Fernández • Arthur & Amelia Finkle • Jeff

Flanagan • Danielle & Brian Gelley • Elizabeth Ghia

•Denise Glasser • Monique Lavender Greenberg and Jordan Greenberg• Joe Greenberg • Javier

Hernandez-Lichtl • Joanne & John Meagher • Kevin & Roy Moure • Armando Olivera • Karen Raben,

M.D. • Kelley Schild • Alexis Schwabe • Monique

Selman & George David • Dr. Doug Hornsby and Sissy Shute • Joanne Silva • Debra Sinkle-Kolsky

• Christine & Robert Staub • John & Doris Sullivan

•Lynn Wiener • Peter & Aymee Zubizarreta

*Deceased

THANK YOU: Trish & Dan Bell, Ray Corral & Alina Meledina, the Fewell family, Claudia Holliman, and the Williamson family. Each was presented with a bronze-topped coral rock. These community philanthropists have made a significant gift this year to propel the impactful work of the Community Foundation to meet the growing needs of the community.

OUR PROGRAMS

COMMUNITY ARTS ENDOWMENT

‘MOON OVER THE GABLES’ BROUGHT US TOGETHER

The Community Arts Endowment Fund at the Coral Gables Community Foundation created ‘Moon Over the Gables’ in March 2023, a presentation of U.K. artist Luke Jerram’s 7-meter ‘Museum of the Moon’ art installation with a month of community entertainment, art, cinema, fitness, music and food events in Ponce Circle Park.

COMMUNITY GIVING PROGRAM

59 AREA NON-PROFITS AND WORKING ARTISTS

AWARDED IN JUNE 2023

The Foundation supports nonprofit organizations that address four focus areas – Education, Arts & Culture, Environment & Historic Preservation, Social & Health Services – and which serve those who live, work, learn and play in Coral Gables.

SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

96 SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS TO LOCAL STUDENTS THIS YEAR

The Foundation’s Scholarship Program and its Fund Holders proudly recognize talented and deserving local students with college scholarships.

Scholarship Fund Donors Rod Hildebrandt and Matthew Meehan present scholarships to Edgar Vizcaino and Nicole Bohlmann.

Moon Over the Gables for three weeks in Ponce Circle Park.

Awarding a grant to YES Institute.

Charitable Legends. Trusted Leaders.

Trish and Dan Bell have been recognized as “Rocks of the Community” by the Coral Gables Community Foundation for their philanthropic leadership and support of the Community Foundation. We’re grateful for our enduring relationship with community leaders such as Trish and Dan.

To support the Community Foundation or to learn about establishing your own fund, contact us at 305-446-9670 or email katherine@ gablesfoundation.org.

Trish and Dan Bell showed their support for the Coral Gables Community Foundation with a gift of $100,000 to the Foundation, ensuring a better future for Coral Gables.

CLEARING THE AREA OF DAMAGED TREES AND VINES NEAR THE ENTRANCE TO CAMP MAHACHEE

Bringing CAMP MAHACHEE Back to Life

A community effort to restore a native hammock

BY NATALIA CLEMENT

Surrounded by two of the city’s lushest landscapes – Matheson Hammock Park and Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden – is a natural area that you could easily miss. That is, unless you’re a Girl Scout. Purchased in 1945 with $3,337 in cookie sales revenue, Camp Mahachee has served Girl Scouts of Tropical Florida for 75 years (since 1948), giving young girls from Miami-Dade and Monroe counties a place to connect with each other and nature. This 11.5-acre property, spreading west from Old Cutler Road, has seen decades of campfires and adventures. But throughout the years, parts of it have fallen into disrepair due to one culprit: invasive species.

“Because of the condition it was in, a large part of the camp was completely unusable,” says Girl Scouts of Tropical Florida CEO Chelsea Wilkerson. “That entire front area was blanketed in invasive vines.”

GIRL SCOUTS TAKING THE PLEDGE WITH LEADER CHELSEA WILKERSON

Now, the community has come to the rescue. Through a grassroots fundraising effort jumpstarted by the Coral Gables Garden Club, more than $150,000 was raised from the Club, the Coral Gables Community Foundation, Citizens for a Better South Florida, the Miami Blue Chapter of the North American Butterfly Association, and the Arbor Day Foundation (to name a few). The result: 1.5 acres of vines and collapsed forest dating back to Hurricane Andrew were hand removed, treated, and replaced with 1,400 planted native hardwood trees last fall.

The immensity of this environmental feat becomes apparent if you walk through Camp Mahachee. We were given a tour by Miami-Dade County environmental scientist James Duncan, who joined last year’s restoration effort of the property while working on a pilot project next door at West Matheson Hammock. “The county had done a big cleanup along the [property] wall, at the southern edge of the Environmentally Endangered Lands preserve,” says Duncan, “but that cleanup is only so good if you keep the invasive plants out from the other side of the wall, too.”

Many of the new trees at Camp Mahachee received a dedication from the Girl Scout who planted it during volunteer events that, on weekends, included a wide range of citizens. Wilkerson highlighted the importance for the organization to involve the girls, teaching them to be stewardesses of the land. “They need to be able to connect with nature in meaningful ways, so that they see their roles as future conservationists,” she says.

The heaviest work, like digging into the solid rock and removing invasive trees, was done by contractors. “That’s very expensive, very hard work to do, especially when you have a lot of natives mixed in,” Duncan explains. “It’s not your typical contractor. You have to have a qualified expert come in with a team to hand remove everything. The before and after is absolutely incredible.”

As we walked through the growing trees, Duncan pointed out the new saplings. Each tree serves a purpose, from the thorny wild lime that hosts swallowtail caterpillars to the crabwood that hosts the beautiful Florida purple wing butterfly. Both are imperiled species, the latter of which is no longer found in Miami-Dade County. “If we support these kinds of forests, with these kinds of projects, we might be able to bring them back,” says Duncan.

We pointed out the papaya trees, which stood higher compared to the blossoming

juvenile trees. They are native to Florida, says Duncan, serving here as a primary succession species – pioneer plants that can grow on rocks and exposed land. After a forest collapses, the papaya trees are supposed to pop up and nurse surrounding smaller trees until they themselves get shaded out. Prior to their comeback after Hurricane Andrew, however, invasive plants short-circuited this native process, preventing the papaya from nursing the canopy back to health. Instead, a giant mat of waist-high vines formed and choked out all other growth.

The goal of the restoration project is to restore the natural ecological process. Glimpses of success are already showing. “One of the cool things about this project

“ ONE OF THE COOL THINGS ABOUT THIS PROJECT IS THAT WE ARE SEEING THINGS WE NEVER WOULD HAVE SEEN...”

JAMES DUNCAN (ABOVE), A MIAMI-DADE COUNTY ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST, POINTS OUT THE NEW SAPLINGS.

Photo by Rodolfo Benitez

is that we are seeing things we never would have seen,” Duncan says – such as a native bird pepper, sprouting from the natural seed bank. He hadn’t seen the shrub in this area of Miami-Dade, just in North Miami.

Duncan also partnered with the Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden conservation team to reintroduce rare, endangered ferns to Camp Mahachee. The disappearance of the ferns from this tropical hardwood hammock, Duncan explains, occurred because the hammock is drier than it has historically been. The camp had been watered by a stream that has since been absorbed by the man-made Snapper Creek Canal. “This had a cascading effect, not just on the wetlands people might think of, but even

on a hammock up here, which used to be much cooler and moister than it was after the construction of the canal,” Duncan says. “One of those effects was seeing a lot of our endangered ferns go extinct.”

With the initial phases of the restoration project now complete — which added a pollinator garden and bridging area with coral rock benches — the focus now shifts to maintaining the area and raising funds for another five acres that still need to be restored. Maintenance includes pulling out the stubborn invasive vines that continue to emerge, as well as protecting the new native plants from invasive birds like peacocks that eat them and the larvae nestled into them.

As for funding, the Girl Scouts are con-

TOP RIGHT: THE OVERGROWN MESS BEFORE MIDDLE RIGHT: A NEW FOREST BEGINS

BOTTOM RIGHT: SUSAN RODRIGUEZ (LEFT), GARDEN CLUB PRESIDENT, AND CHELSEA WILKERSON, GIRL SCOUTS OF TROPICAL FLORIDA CEO, AT THE CAMP’S LODGE BUILDING

“THERE ARE A LOT OF GARDEN CLUB MEMBERS THAT HAVE MEMORIES OF BEING A GIRL SCOUT AT CAMP MAHACHEE” – SUSAN RODRIGUEZ

TOP LEFT: MAHACHEE GIRL SCOUTS IN THE 70s BOTTOM LEFT: SCOUTS PLANTING NEW TREES.

tinuing to apply for grants and looking for donors. One of the biggest local supporters continues to be the Coral Gables Garden Club, which started the first round of funding with a contribution of over $25,000 and was responsible for the new bridging area. “There are a lot of Garden Club members that have memories of being a Girl Scout at Camp Mahachee,” says club president Susan Rodriguez. “We have a lot of ladies, even in their ‘80s, who spent time there. The location is so beautiful — it looks like old Florida — and it’s very meaningful to a lot of our members…. We want to continue our relationship with the Girl Scouts. The property still has a lot of work that needs to be done.”

Energized by Camp Mahachee, the Garden Club is now expanding its restoration efforts elsewhere. “We should be restoring native habitats and bringing back [other] natural areas,” Rodriguez says, which is why the organization is already contributing to other county restoration projects led by Duncan. “We are planting seedlings of native grasses and wildflowers that will be planted out in West Kendall,” says Rodriguez. “We love the fact that we can help.

We’ve planted 6,000 seeds… that members have taken home and will be nurturing for the next couple of months.” Next January, the club will also plant 200 native trees at the adjacent West Matheson Hammock, the restoration of which served as a template for Camp Mahachee.

Since last September, the county’s Department of Environmental Resources Management (DERM) has taken down invasive species and planted over 7,000 native trees throughout 15 acres of West Matheson Hammock. The success of this pilot project led to a $5 million grant from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and the Miami-Dade County Biscayne Bay Trust to continue restoration efforts throughout the 381-acre preserve.

One of the goals is to fund a full restoration of the entire footprint, diminishing invasive plant coverage to nearly zero. “If you don’t do full restoration, you could spend hundreds of thousands of dollars or even millions of dollars doing spot treatments year after year, treating the seedlings from the area that wasn’t treated,” notes Duncan. Another aspect is to bring back pieces of Snapper Creek through the use of wells, pumps, and

about 1.5 miles of irrigation lines.

“Mahachee has always been part of that ecosystem — habitats don’t have boundaries or property lines,” Wilkerson points out. “It’s great to have a neighbor that’s also committed to conservation. It’s nice to lean on each other in our shared commitment to doing the right thing for this habitat.”

As for the Girl Scouts, their return this fall will usher in a new era for Camp Mahachee. From hiking along the pollinator garden, to using cut-down wood from the project to mark out paths, to conducting ceremonies in the new bridging area to honor their achievements, the girls will create everlasting memories in one of the most precious natural landscapes Coral Gables has to offer. ■

ABOVE LEFT: A NATIVE BIRD PEPPER PLANT SPROUTS FROM THE NATURAL SEED BANK AFTER RESTORATION

ABOVE RIGHT: IMPORTANT PAPAYA TREES GROW WELL IN THE WARM AND SUNNY SOUTH FLORIDA WEATHER

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“ WHAT’S KEY IS AN INVESTMENT PLAN THAT’S TAX EFFICIENT WITH SOPHISTICATED ESTATE AND TRUST PLANNING...”

ADAM CARLIN, MANAGING DIRECTOR, BERMONT CARLIN WEALTH MANAGEMENT @ MORGAN STANLEY IN CORAL GABLES

THE HEALTH OF GABLES WEALTH

The latest priority for the managers of wealth in Coral Gables is as much related to reducing client stress levels as to increasing the size of their portfolios

BY DOREEN HEMLOCK

The COVID-19 pandemic boosted attention on health and wellness worldwide. But who would have guessed that the new focus would extend to financial wellness too?

Private wealth managers say they’re seeing that shift in South Florida. As more folks look holistically at health involving diet, exercise, and stress management, more are recognizing finance as a stressor, and they’re seeking ways to boost their financial wellness now and long-term, advisors say.

“Clients are generally most anxious about the longevity of their wealth – how to make it last for future generations,” says Adam Carlin, managing director of Bermont Carlin Wealth Management at Morgan Stanley in Coral Gables, which manages $5.5 billion in assets (as of June 30, 2023). “So, what’s one of the keys is an investment plan that’s tax efficient with sophisticated estate and trust planning strategies. And having that financial knowledge gives a degree of wellness that reduces their stress levels.”

The idea of wellness – sometimes defined as “being in good health, especially as an actively pursued goal” – entered finance long before COVID hit in 2020. Indeed, Kaufman Rossin Wealth, an affiliate of the South Florida accounting firm, touted “financial wellness” as a key pillar at its 2019 launch. “And we call our periodic reviews with clients ‘financial wellness checkups,’” says Jay Pelham, president of the Coconut Grove-based firm that manages some $220 million in assets. But the concept gained ground after COVID lockdowns, as more people gave priority to living healthier and the idea of savoring life while you still can – taking more vacations with family, for instance.

“He or she with the most money does not win at the end,” says Michael Walsh, a certified financial planner at Gables-based Evensky & Katz/Foldes Wealth Management, which manages some $3.8 billion in assets. “Most people want to experience life in a financially solvent way. They want to enjoy their wealth with their loved ones and community, and also make sure they can help their grandchildren in college later.”

CORAL GABLES AS A WEALTH MANAGEMENT HUB

The wellness shift stands out in Coral Gables because the city shines as a hub for firms that manage investments and advise clients on financial plans, often charging a fee based on total assets. Wealth management firms have clustered in the area because of its affluent

residents, strength in professional services, and central location that makes access convenient. Area firms now manage tens of billions of dollars in assets. Yet no two are the same.

Coral Gables Trust, for example, offers expertise in trusts, including some for disabled individuals and others that hold non-traditional assets such as art, says new CEO Donald “Don” Kress. The nearly 20-year-old firm now handles some $2.1 billion in assets from its Gables base and from offices in Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton, and West Palm Beach, employing 35 people and focusing on South Florida.

Bermont Carlin Wealth, in contrast, manages its $5.5 billion in assets from a broader geography, coming from South Florida, the U.S. Northeast/Midwest, and the rest of the nation, says Carlin. Its team of 20 at its Coral Gables home often work with top executives of publicly-traded companies, serial entrepreneurs, and family offices, says Carlin.

Year-old Private Wealth Management of Coral Gables, meanwhile, is focused even more locally, with its team of five often working with area businesses and philanthropic groups. It’s been using its Miracle Mile office for events to benefit local chapters of such organizations as the Humane Society, says financial planner and founder Al Maulini, who deems wealth a means “for the important things in life.”

“We’re like doctors in a hospital,” Maulini says of the wealth management profession. “We each run our own practice and have our own specialties.”

Photo by Tiege

Dolly

Photo by Jonathan Dann

“ WE CALL OUR PERIODIC REVIEWS WITH CLIENTS ‘FINANCIAL WELLNESS CHECKUPS’”

“ MOST PEOPLE WANT TO EXPERIENCE LIFE IN A FINANCIALLY SOLVENT WAY...”

JAY PELHAM, BELOW PRESIDENT, KAUFMAN ROSSIN WEALTH

MICHAEL WALSH, ABOVE FINANCIAL PLANNER, EVENSKY & KATZ/FOLDES WEALTH MANAGEMENT

HOW WEALTH FIRMS APPROACH WELLNESS

The varied firms also see wellness differently. At Kaufman Rossin Wealth, wellness starts with staff and the office. At headquarters, there’s a living wall made of plants for better air quality and color. Plus, the company offers employees free yoga and exercise classes, cut-rate massages, plus free snacks, sodas, and coffee.

“We think of wellness as financial and also physical, mental, and emotional,” Pelham says. “Diversity, equity, and inclusion is very important for us,” with the company offering programs to empower such employee groups like women and African Americans.

For financial wellness, most firms start with holistic planning. “It’s like going to a doctor when a part of your body hurts, and saying, ‘Here’s my hand.’ The doctor says, ‘Let’s do a full exam and see how you’re doing,’” says Kress of Coral Gables Trust. “You need to know the whole picture: the family tree, the client’s income, assets, investments, and how they’d like their money handled if they’re disabled or die.”

A long-term plan, with periodic reviews, includes checking that the titles on retirement accounts, insurance policies, and other holdings stay current. “People tend to forget about updating beneficiaries, and it can be a big surprise and hurtful when someone dies and leaves assets to the wrong person,” such as an ex-wife instead of a new spouse, says

Kress. “That can lead to family fighting and litigation, so it’s an important area where close attention needs to be paid.”

TRENDS IN WEALTH MANAGEMENT

Of course, wellness is not the only shift underway in wealth management locally. Firms are seeing a continued influx of affluent customers to South Florida, both from longtime markets in Latin America and the Caribbean and, more recently, from high-tax U.S. states.

“There’s not a week that goes by that I don’t speak with a peer from New York or California about a client that may be moving here. So, we try to collaborate as best as we can,” says Diego Polenghi, senior vice president and market leader in Miami-Dade County for PNC Private Bank, part of Pittsburgh-based PNC banking and financial services giant. PNC’s Asset Management Group, including PNC Private Bank, manages some $345 billion in assets nationwide and has had a Gables office since 2021. For PNC, helping newcomers may involve not just wealth management but help with loans and other diverse services.

There’s also generational change taking place. As Baby Boomers born after World War II age and die, they’re shifting trillions of dollars in assets to heirs and charities. Some wealth firms are engaging with Boomers’ children – and sometimes, their grandkids – on finan-

Photo by Tiege Dolly

“ WE EACH RUN OUR OWN PRACTICE AND HAVE OUR OWN SPECIALTIES... ”

“ PEOPLE TEND TO FORGET ABOUT UPDATING BENEFICIARIES, AND IT CAN BE A BIG SURPRISE AND HURTFUL WHEN SOMEONE DIES...”

AL MAULINI, ABOVE FOUNDER, PRIVATE WEALTH MANAGEMENT

DONALD “DON” KRESS, BELOW CEO, CORAL GABLES TRUST

Photo by Tiege

Dolly

cial education and planning, hopeful to retain family business longer-term. “You need to earn your spot to gain assets,” insists Polenghi.

Generational change is happening even inside the firms. At Coral Gables-based Firestone Capital Management, for example, founder Jack Firestone is retiring in 2024 after more than 30 years in the field, with managing partner Carlos Carbonell staying at the helm. Carbonell has been running Firestone for five years and has been 20 years with the firm that now manages $650 million in assets. He’s already seen major changes in the industry and expects more to come.

“Wealth management is evolving. It used to be driven by stockbrokers and big Wall Street firms focused on stocks, bonds, and mutual funds. Then, advisors expanded their role, with the certified financial planner becoming more common and taking a more holistic approach, focusing on insurance, savings, tax planning, estate planning, and wealth-transfer planning,” says Carbonell. “The advisor isn’t there to sell you 100 shares of IBM, like the broker did in the 1980s. The advisor asks, ‘Are you protected? Have you made the right tax moves? What do you need to be happy?’”

The firms also are reaching out more to women, both as clients and staff. That’s partly because women tend to outlive men and may

“ THE ADVISOR ASKS, ‘ARE YOU PROTECTED? HAVE YOU MADE THE RIGHT TAX MOVES? WHAT DO YOU NEED TO BE HAPPY?’”

soon inherit large accounts from Boomer spouses.

“Traditionally, wealth management firms catered to the decisionmaker who was a man, but trillions in assets will be changing hands to women, and if we’re not present for female clients, they’re going to pick someone else,” says PNC’s Polenghi.

Technology is also revolutionizing the industry. With better software and more information online, it’s now easier for wealth managers to coordinate with accountants, tax lawyers, and others to offer clients a more integrated view of their finances. “The complexity of the topics forces you to bring in subject matter experts,” says Polenghi. “The trusted advisor of 50 years ago who did everything? Those days are gone.”

Still, challenges abound. The firms are careful to bolster cybersecurity, while professionals – as in many other industries – are pondering the potential impact of artificial intelligence on their jobs. Some wonder how much of their work can be replaced by computers. Says Carbonell, “I think AI can enhance our services, but it can’t replace personal attention and personal relationships” – and those are some of the key ingredients that boost wellness. ■

“ TRADITIONALLY, WEALTH MANAGEMENT FIRMS CATERED TO THE DECISIONMAKER WHO WAS A MAN, BUT TRILLIONS IN ASSETS WILL BE CHANGING HANDS TO WOMEN...”

DIEGO POLENGHI, BELOW SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, PNC PRIVATE BANK

CARLOS CARBONELL, ABOVE PARTNER, FIRESTONE CAPITAL MANAGEMENT

Photo by Jonathan Dann

Photo by Rodolfo Benitez

Changing Course

Circumstances beyond his control radically altered George Merrick’s design scheme for the fledgling University of Miami campus, resulting in transformative expressions of Tropical Modernist architecture.

BY BRUCE FITZGERALD AND KARELIA MARTINEZ CARBONELL PHOTOS BY VICKI CERDA. VINTAGE PHOTOS COURTESY OF KARELIA MARTINEZ CARBONELL

The ambitious 1926 plan by Phineas Paist and Denman Fink for an institute of higher learning in Coral Gables was consistent with the city founder’s vision of a grand Spanish Renaissance-style academia – until fate intervened in the form of a massive land bust and a devastating hurricane that halted all new construction. The proposed university was not immune to such disruptions, and struggled financially until seeking bankruptcy protection in 1932. During this time, the inaugural students wandered from one classroom to another on a campus that was, at best, undefined. Construction of the first building – now known as the Merrick Building – was only half-completed for over two decades while World War II raged across the globe.

At war’s end, the university, under

the leadership of school president Bowman Foster Ashe, hired a new team of prominent architects to re-imagine Paist and Fink’s concept, using contemporary design standards. Among the architects chosen to carry out the administration’s massive plan was Robert Murray Little, who, together with Dr. Ashe and team members Robert Law Weed and Marion Manley, developed postwar design solutions that reverberate even today.

In 1950, Little designed the International Style Merrick Classroom Building that housed Miami’s first professional exhibition space – the so-called “University Art Gallery.” But by 1952, a separate building had arisen under a new name: the Lowe Art Gallery (also designed by Little) that showcased significant examples of

REMEMBERING ROBERT MURRAY LITTLE

1903: Born in Uniontown, Pennsylvania, later studying architecture at the prestigious Beaux Arts School in Philadelphia

1925: Moves to Miami, along with other era-defining architects

1950: Designs the Merrick Classroom Building at the University of Miami

1951: Designs the Ring Theater on the UM campus with Marion Manley

1952: Designs the Lowe Art Gallery on the UM campus

1968: The Lowe Art Gallery renamed the Lowe Art Museum

1991: Charles Harrison Pawley’s 13,000-square-foot addition brings the total footprint of the original Gallery to over 36,000-square-feet

Asian, Ancient American, and African art. This new gallery, underwritten by prominent art philanthropists Joseph and Emily Lowe, continued to evolve until, in 1968, it was officially identified as the Lowe Art Museum, which was recognized in 1972 as the first museum in Miami-Dade County to be professionally accredited by the American Alliance of Museums.

It’s apparent that from the beginning the gallery concept was envisioned as a breakthrough, both educationally and architecturally. Far removed from the university’s Mediterranean Revival roots, the art gallery’s architect fully embraced the post-WWII design aesthetic. Joining the ranks of such celebrated mid-century area architects as Alfred Browning Parker, Russell T. Pancoast, and Morris Lapidus, Robert Murray

Little created a fusion of Modernism and the International Style, firmly planting his elegant buildings under the sheltering palms of sub-tropical Coral Gables.

Subsequent donations of major collections (as well as an acclaimed 1991 expansion by Charles Harrison Pawley) have added to the Lowe Museum’s prominence within the international art community. Robert Murray Little and the Lowe Art Museum itself have only grown in stature

over the intervening decades.

This year, the Coral Gables Community Foundation will honor the University of Miami’s Lowe Art Museum with the 2023 Landmark Award at its annual gala benefit. The Foundation’s Landmark Award is bestowed upon an institution that is beloved in Coral Gables. According to the Foundation, “The Lowe Art Museum brings world-class exhibits to the community and is a treasure of the City Beautiful cultural landscape.” ■

OPPOSITE: THE MERRICK BUILDING AT THE UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI (THEN AND NOW)

ABOVE: THE LOWE ART GALLERY AT THE UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI, LATER NAMED AS THE LOWE ART MUSEUM IN 1968 (THEN AND NOW)

RIGHT: THE RING THEATER BY ARCHITECT MARION MANLEY (SHOWN AS IT EXISTS NOW)

Meandering About Town #4

IN WHICH A FORMER MAYOR CONTINUES TO SEEK THE SOUL OF THE CITY

BY DON SLESNICK

Wandering back to Gumbo Grove from my last stop at Lamar Louise Curry Park, I determined that my early rambles would be incomplete without a stop at our founder’s family home – the house the Merricks named “Coral Gables.” This elegant little estate is now owned and operated by the city as a museum, which captures the early history of our municipality during its metamorphosis from a guava plantation to a garden community featuring houses designed in a style now known as “Mediterranean Revival.”

Much has been written about the history of Coral Gables and the details of its development – for example, the late Arva Moore Parks’ captivating book “George Merrick, Son of the South Wind.” It is not my intention to repeat that story, but to visit with some friends who have a role in protecting the house for posterity.

The first of these friends is Althea Fink Merrick, George’s mother, the “matriarch” of our community, and the inspiration behind this special coral rock house. Of course, when I first met Althea in 2010, she had long before departed this world and was

then a bronze statue seated in her garden near her beloved home’s magnificent veranda. This tribute to Althea was the result of a project by the Coral Gables Garden Club.

Joining me on the lawn of the Merrick House is Evelyn Budde, who co-chaired with Betsy Adams the club’s committee to plan and execute the statue’s dedication ceremony entitled “Creating Yesterday’s History Today.” It was on a tour of palatial mansions in the Carolinas that Evelyn saw a garden bench adorned with a seated statue of that estate’s owners. Thus, the idea took root of honoring Althea in a similar manner. Evelyn’s fondest recollection is that during the design debate among club members, she got to choose the style of shoes that Althea would wear for eternity.

As I climb the stairs to the front porch of this impressive edifice from the early 1900’s, there in the doorway stands Gay Bondurant, Merrick House docent coordinator, ready to provide a guided tour. As she says, “The docents are trained to weave the tapestry of the challenges and triumphs the Merrick family faced while laying the foundation [out of raw Florida pine land] for a

“ OF COURSE, WHEN I FIRST MET ALTHEA IN 2010, SHE HAD LONG BEFORE DEPARTED THIS WORLD AND WAS THEN A BRONZE STATUE SEATED IN HER GARDEN NEAR HER BELOVED HOME’S MAGNIFICENT VERANDA. ”

FORMER MAYOR DON SLESNICK WAS JOINED (LEFT TO RIGHT) BY GAY BONDURANT, JOANNE MEAGHER, AND EVELYN BUDDE.

community which would come to be known as the ‘City Beautiful.’” Gay is concerned that many of our residents are unaware that, were it not for the dedication, determination, and generosity of former City Commissioner W. L. Philbrick, this irreplaceable landmark would have been demolished and lost. (Docents are always in short supply, so anyone wishing to volunteer can contact gbondurant@coralgables.com.)

Entering the house, I encounter Joanne Meagher, Chair of the Merrick House Governing Board, who spends many hours each week working with city personnel to ensure that our community’s “Mount Vernon” is properly maintained, restored, and enhanced. At this moment, she is interacting with the AC repair crew, resolving performance issues with the five units which stabilize the home’s climate. Temperature and moisture control are critical for protecting the antique furniture and century-old Merrick family possessions that bring the museum to life. Before ending our conversation, Joanne proudly shows me a recently discovered Merrick family treasure: Althea’s personalized trunk that carried all her worldly belongings from New England to South Florida to begin a pioneer’s life.

A visit to Merrick House should be on every resident’s bucket list to learn about the life and times of the family that created the fabulous community where we live. The house is open daily and guided tours are offered at 1, 2, and 3 pm on Saturdays and Sundays. As I bid “adieu” to Althea (still sitting comfortably in the shade of her garden), I head off on my next adventure to wherever the “South Wind” carries me. ■ This column appears monthly by Don Slesnick, who served as mayor of Coral Gables from 2001 to 2011.

Top Restaurants in Coral Gables

OCTOBER DINING GUIDE

2023

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

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

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

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

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

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

AMERICAN Beauty and the Butcher

You may know Chef Jeremy Ford from Stubborn Seed, a sexy South Beach hotspot that earned him a Michelin Star last year. Beauty & The Butcher, however, is a separate concept.  The real highlight here is the Wagyu beef tenderloin, made from grade eight Australian meat and accompanied by a side of crispy fried polenta and a sour cherry mustard sauce. It’s somehow smooth and savory while also being salty and tangy, with Chef Ford’s famous sauce (built from red wine vinegar, ruby port, cherries, and mustard powder) drizzled warmly over the most tender cut of meat you’ll ever have. $$$-$$$$ 6915 Red Rd. 305.665.9661.

Capital Burger

Lots of buzz surrounded this newest 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.

Cebada Rooftop & Raw Bar

It’s hard to pigeonhole this rooftop restaurant by Chef Jorge Ramos (fresh from his acclaimed Barley restaurant in Dadeland). He calls it “contemporary American with a Latin overlay” which means bone marrow with oxtail marmalade

and baby back ribs with pimiento marmalade. A good raw bar, a great view. $$-$$$

124 Giralda Ave. 786.409.2287

Clutch Burger

You may have to unhinge your jaw to take in some of their burgers, but they are the best. Most of the burgers hover close to $20 because they’re made with quality Wagyu beef. The “Clutch” is the cheeseburger of the house, but our favorite is “My Boy Bleu.” They also specialize in craft beers brewed here in Miami. $$

146 Giralda Ave. 305.400.8242

Eating House

Back in a new location post-pandemic, Chef Giorgio Rapicavoli’s new iteration of his fan-favorite is a lot more mature – but still features the fun, inspired dishes that made the original restaurant so popular. The cavatelli carbonara? To die for. The Cap’n Crunch pancakes? Back for brunch and better than ever. Plus, try their new lunch menu and their prix fixe tasting menus on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. $$$

128 Giralda Ave. 786.580.3745

The Globe

The Globe is a Gables icon, and one of the coolest places to eat in the city – assuming you like a smart, Euro-style bistro. Decorated with classic paintings and globes over their old-world bar, the menu is mostly American dishes – salads, burgers, fish, steaks, etc. – perfected over the years. Catch a jazz show on Saturday nights. $$

377 Alhambra Circle. 305.445.3555

Hillstone

There are very few restaurants in the Gables where clients will wait in a line outside. Hillstone is one of them. A power lunch spot, a happy hour singles anchor, and a family restaurant at night, the food and

service are consistently top notch, with an elegant interior that is both comfortable and sophisticated at the same time. $$$

201 Miracle Mile. 305.529.0141

Lion & The Rambler

At Lion and the Rambler, everything is made from scratch, from the creme fraiche down to the finishing salts, which are extracted from Miami seawater and hand-delivered to the restaurant by a local fisherman. The inventive restaurant serves up an ever-changing menu as much inspired by the three-Michelin-star Denmark restaurant Noma as the humble Cool Ranch Dorito. $$-$$$ 804 Ponce de Leon Blvd. 305.603.7612

Orno

Located in the same building as Mamey (Thēsis Hotel), Orno is Chef Niven Patel’s latest creation, focusing on “New American” cuisine with a focus on local produce sourced from his own farm. An eclectic menu lets Patel stretch his culinary imagination, using a wood-burning oven and grill. Be prepared for new and fascinating flavors. $$$ 1350 S. Dixie Highway (Thēsis Hotel). 305.667.6766

Vinya Table

A wine lover’s retreat and former pop-up, Vinya is a full restaurant with seafood, pasta, charcuterie, and a 42 oz tomahawk steak, among other meats. But if you’re not looking at the wine list first, you might be in the wrong place. Categorized by region, rarity, price, flavor profile, winemaking, and varietal, Vinya has wines for every kind of sommelier wannabe and then some. And they have food to go with your wine too!

$$-$$$

266 Miracle Mile. 305.203.4229

ASIAN

Canton

Why there are not more Chinese restaurants in the Gables remains a mystery, but Canton has been serving reliably good Cantonese-style food for decades. Feels like you are in New York’s Chinatown, with sweet and sour pork, chicken chop suey, barbecue spareribs, and wonton soup. Plus, the best lunch deals in town. 2614 Ponce de Leon Blvd. 305.448.3736. $$

Ichimi

This off-Mile eatery has developed a cult following, with diners content to stand and stare just for the oppor-

HILLSTONE

NOMA BEACH AT REDFISH

tunity to eat Ichimi’s Japanese ramen and rice bowls. And the wait is worth it. Delicious, rich, and faraway flavors in dishes you can’t find just anywhere. $-$$

2330 Salzedo St. 305.960.7016

Izakaya

Located across the street from the Colonnade building, this tiny, bustling Japanese restaurant serves a great bento box – along with an impressive array of daily specials that are posted on the wall in chalk. Super popular lunch spot, for good reason. $$

159 Aragon Ave. 305.445.2584

Khaosan Road

Formerly Bangkok, Bangkok, this Giralda Plaza mainstay – with plenty of outdoor tables – has reinvented itself as the new home for Thai street food. Think you know Thai food?

Be prepared for new and delicious tastes. $$

157 Giralda Plaza 305.444.2397

Malakor Thai Isaan

This eatery on Miracle Mile prides itself on delivering true, tasty Thai food. That means pork skewers with sticky rice, grilled fatty pork neck sliced and tossed with lime juice, or the Gang Aom, a Thai curry with fish sauce, dill, and herb paste. $$

90 Miracle Mile 786.558.4862

Miss Saigon

Repeatedly voted the best Vietnamese restaurant in Miami by the readers of New Times, Miss Saigon serves the kind of vegetable-rich food that makes you feel light and clean afterwards. Excellent seafood choices, and any of their crispy rolls or dumplings make great starters. Their clear, hearty soups – what they call pho –are the big winners here. $$ 148 Giralda Ave. 305.446.8006.

Moon Thai & Japanese

Can’t decide between Japanese or Thai food? No problem. Here, you can have a Japanese house salad or miso soup as an appetizer and pad Thai as an entrée. Truly the best of both worlds. Comfy booths inside and umbrella-covered outdoor tables. Across the street from UM’s campus. $-$$

1118 S. Dixie Hwy. 305.668.9890

Namaste

Hidden on a side street off Ponce, the last standing Indian restaurant in the Gables is small and humble (“namaste” means “I bow to you”) yet superb in its rendering of classic Indian dishes, from tandoris to biryanis. Our favorite is the mango

curry chicken, followed by the chef’s special black pepper shrimp. $$ 221 Navarre Ave. 786.534.2161

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. Every element of the restaurant is carefully curated, from the pristine presentation of the 14seat 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.

Zitz Sum

Brought to you by Chef Pablo Zitzmann of No Name Chinese fame, this “pop up” restaurant off the huge lobby of the 396 Building is now here to stay. The result of a year-long pandemic dive into dim sum by Zitzmann, the dumplings (dinner only), hand-rolled daily, are superb. Other menu items are highly inventive and flavorful. $$-$$$ 396 Alhambra Circle. 786.409.6920

FRENCH

Bachour

Maybe it was the lure of pastries by world-renowned chef Antonio Bachour, but this airy, industrial chic spot has become the new power breakfast place in town, with amazingly good eggs benedict and challah French toast. Also open for lunch and an early dinner, with great Greek salad and roast chicken breast. $$

2020 Salzedo St. 305.203.0552

Chocolate Fashion

This restaurant and bakery is a breakfast and lunch hotspot. Lunch is a steal with most sandwiches priced around $11, with a side salad and cornichons – those mini pickles the French are famous for. Don’t forget the French pastries and desserts, ready to go. $-$$

248 Andalusia Ave. 305.461.3200

Frenchie’s Diner

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

monsieur ($14) for lunch is a meal unto itself. $$$

2618 Galiano St. 305.442.4554

Gustave

Launched by a couple of friends with a track record in Paris, Gustave is a light-filled, lovely addition to the local French cuisine scene. With a good selection of baked goods, this is a Paris-style café with good coffee and solid fare. Good to know where you can get a croque monsieur for lunch and boeuf bourguignon for dinner. $$-$$$

366 Miracle Mile. 305.640.5675

Pascal’s on Ponce

Elegant, quaint, and delicious, this is the home and culinary canvas of owner-chef Pascal Oudin, who brings authentic French cuisine to the heart of the city. Oudin excels in seafood, soufflés, and foie gras. Try the diver sea scallops and tomato tartin. $$$-$$$$

2611 Ponce de Leon Blvd. 305.444.2024

ITALIAN

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.

Bugatti

Bugatti prides itself on its pasta – and for good reason, since the restaurant started as a pasta factory.

The décor is simple and contemporary, with lots of booths, and the service is crisp and superb. The dinner menu is straightforward, with pasta dishes mostly under $30 and entrees mostly under $40. And as many dessert listings as pasta choices. $$

2504 Ponce de Leon Blvd. 305.441.2545

Caffe Abbracci

A Gables icon, Nino Pernetti’s Italian restaurant is both a power lunch favorite for the business elite and a cozy evening gathering place for families and couples. Abbracci is quiet and elegant, and the food is so consistently good that Pernetti had to publish his own cookbook. We miss him every day. $$$

318 Aragon Ave. 305.441.0700

Fiola

Brought to you by Washington, D.C. chef Fabio Trabocchi, this is fine dining at its finest. From the place settings to the artwork to the innovative cuisine, Fiola offers an exquisite dining experience. Among their must-try dishes are the porcini mushroom soup, sea scallop ceviche, and the signature lobster ravioli. Beautiful presentations. $$$$

1500 San Ignacio Ave. 305.912.2639

Fontana

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

1200 Anastasia Ave. (Biltmore Hotel) 305.913.3200

Fratellino

Small, family-run, with a fanatically loyal fanbase, brilliant Italian com-

IZAKAYA

DINING GUIDE

fort food. The long narrow set-up with tile floors, wooden chairs, and tablecloths makes it feel like New York’s Little Italy. Their calamari, in any variation, is superb, as is the fettuccine with prosciutto, mushrooms, and green peas. $$$

264 Miracle Mile 786.452.0068

Johnny Pappagallo

Located in the old Swensen’s building, Johnny Pappagallo replaced The One on Sunset, a casual restaurant-slash-comedy club which lasted less than a year. Try the filetto su canoe bones, a basic beef tartare that’s amplified with grilled bone marrow instead of the usual quail’s egg — a unique version of the classic dish. Or the tortellini in salsa rosa, which is stuffed with veal, of all things. Nothing, however, beats the alcoholic ice cream for dessert. $$-$$$

1586 S. Dixie Hwy. 786.332.2417

La Terrazza

The showstoppers here, at Fiola’s reinvented rooftop bar, are the fish and meat. The one-pound Margaret River New York Strip is an Australian Wagyu of exceptional flavor, rich and easily shared by a party of four. The fish is painted with an Adriatic blend of herbs in oil, like herb butter but less fatty, which lets

the skin crisp to a sweet wafer that compliments the moist morsels of fish that flake apart at the touch of a fork. Yum. $$$-$$$$

1500 San Ignacio Ave. 305.912.2639

Luca Osteria

Local celebrity chef Giorgio Rapicavoli’s (Eating House) second restaurant in the Gables, Luca Osteria became an overnight, reservations-only hit for dinner on Giralda Plaza. His inventive take on classic Italian food is fresh and new; the pasta al limone and patate fritte with black truffle and egg yolk are just the beginning. Great cocktails. $$$-$$$$

116 Giralda Ave. 305.381.5097

NOMA Beach at Redfish

Redfish is born again, this time as NOMA Beach at Redfish, under the command of celebrity chef Donatella Arpaia. The pricey haute cuisine of Chef Adrianne has been replaced with simpler, more moderately priced dishes that feel much closer to the old Redfish, albeit with an Italian seafood spin. $$$ 9610 Old Cutler Rd. 305.668.8788

Portosole

When they bring the pecorino cheese wheel to toss your pasta, you’re in heaven. Short of that, they

do a fine job with the fritto misto, a mixture of calamari, shrimp, filet of sole, tiny artichokes, and zucchini, all lightly fried. Equally appetizing is the fresh burrata with heirloom tomatoes, a deceptively simple salad of tomato and burrata cheese. 2530 Ponce de Leon Blvd. 786.359.4275. $$$

Sospiro

Sospiro’s vibe is somewhere between a Parisian and Italian wine shop, with an extensive list (over 300) of organic natural wines both bottled and by the glass, sorted by their country of origin. There are 30 different “orange” wines, which are

made from white grape varieties that have spent time in contact with the grape skins. The food menu features a delicious stack of truffle fries and peculiarly elongated gnocchi in a creamy queso fundido sauce (ask for bread to dip). $$

2626 Ponce de Leon Blvd. 786.233.9300

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

LUCA OSTERIA

fresh, the branzino flown in from the coastal waters of Italy, the shrimp from the coastal waters of Argentina, and the lobster from the coastal waters of Maine. $$$

2525 Ponce de Leon. 305.926.4208

Zucca

Located at the elegant Hotel St. Michel, this is a star in the galaxy of Italian eateries in the Gables. Distinctly northern Italian, with recipes that Chef Manuel Garcia developed in a career that included the legendary Casa Tua on Miami Beach. Modern Italian design inside, sophisticated, with great service.

$$$-$$$$

162 Alcazar Ave. 786.580.3731

LATIN AMERICAN & CARRIBEAN

Aromas del Peru

Yes, they serve a dozen types of ceviche here. But it’s the breadth of the menu that impresses, with traditional soups, grilled meats, wok stir fries, and signature dishes such as aji de gallina (shredded chicken in yellow pepper sauce) and seco de res (beef stewed in beer and cilantro with vegetables). Good service, good prices, nice ambiance. $$

1930 Ponce de León Blvd. 305.476.5886

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.

Divino Ceviche

Bringing a taste of Peru to Giralda Plaza, Divino Ceviche is known, as you might guess, for its ceviche. From the ceviche tradicional to ceviche de mercado to ceviche nikkei, there’s no shortage of the stuff. The restaurant also has notable non-ceviche dishes like octopus croquetas and a tasting of three different causas (layered potatoes with chiles, avocados, tuna, boiled eggs, onion). $$

160 Giralda Ave. 786.360.3775

Ecléctico

Brought to you by the folks at the nearby Sawa, Ecléctico is an open, airy Latin-fusion restaurant that serves “light” and inventive

variations on Latin American small plates with a Mexican overlay – and a truly awesome selection of mezcal and tequila. A new and fun place for dinner. $$

320 San Lorenzo Ave. 786.615.5735

Graziano’s

This large, popular Gables mainstay is true Argentine. A deep selection of Argentine wines (which line several walls) go with beef slowly roasted over a quebracho wood fire, old school-style. They have seafood and pasta, empanadas and salads, but come here for the meat, a carnivore’s

delight. $$$

394 Giralda Ave. 305.774.3599

Mamey

Chef Niven Patel, who has gained a national reputation, hits it out of the park with this restaurant, heir to the creative Caribbean cuisine of Ortanique, but with its own unique and refreshing overlay of Polynesian, Thai, and Indian gastronomy. If your tastebuds seek a new adventure, this is the place. $$$

1350 S. Dixie Hwy. (Thēsis Hotel) 305.667.5611

MAMEY

AVAILABLE

Talavera Cocina Mexicana

High ceilings and ceramics make this a pleasant place to dine, but it’s the authentic fare that shines. The place for Mexicans homesick for cooking that’s not Tex-Mex. The chicken mole poblano is a winner at $20, and their huarache grill – masa flatbreads that are really haute tacos – are great. $$

but not limited to chess, fencing, thespians, astronomy, robotics, Key Club, politics, American Sign Language, Model U.N. and Boy Scouts

TUITION: $19,400

2299 Ponce de Leon Blvd. 305.444.2955

XCEED PREPARATORY ACADEMY GRADES 6 – 12

spired restaurant has taken home the prize for the best burger at Burger Bash twice in a row now, an unexpected feat explicable only by a bite of the sandwich itself. But as popular as the Arayes Burger is, it’s not why you should visit Motek. You come here for the Eastern Mediterranean food: a smorgasbord of shish kebabs, mezzes (the Middle Eastern version of tapas), shawarma, and hummus. $$ 45 Miracle Mile. 305.396.8547

TUR Kitchen

9350 S. Dixie Hwy. Suite 160

MEDITERRANEAN

305.901.2115

Levant

www.xceedprep.org

Another Middle Eastern restaurant has come to the Gables: Levant, named after the Mediterranean region of Western Asia that includes Jordan, Lebanon, Palestine, Syria, Iraq, and most of Turkey. At the Coral Gables restaurant, all the chefs are Turkish and the owners hail from Iraq. The food is similarly eclectic, featuring dishes from across the Levant, including Lebanese batata harra (spicy potatoes), Grecian Saganaki cheese, and Turkish baklava. $$-$$$ 2415 Ponce de Leon Blvd. 786.762.2905.

A wonderfully inventive menu of Mediterranean cuisine by Chef Christian Chirino, who plates beautiful dishes that combine the flavors of Turkey, Greece, Lebanon, and Egypt. Amazing stuffed Turkish pide bread, stunning braised goat with gnocchi, the best crème fraiche you’ve ever tasted. Elegant seating under arches along Giralda.

$$$-$$$$

CURRICULUM: Xceed students have a personalized learning plan designed to meet individual goals, which includes what courses are taken, when they are taken, how many courses are taken at a time and when the student will be on campus; students move on to the next course in their plan when they are ready.

259 Giralda Ave. 786.483.8014

SPORTS: N/A

EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES: N/A

Motek

Surprisingly enough, this Israeli-in-

SEAFOOD

Gringo’s Oyster Bar

A great selection of oysters at this neighborhood favorite. And they change sources twice weekly – like malpeques from Canada, or wellfleets from Main, or steamboats from

PALMER TRINITY

Washington state. Also, great lobster rolls, crab cakes, and conch ceviche. Specials include Lobster Tuesdays and a daily oyster happy hour from 3 to 6 pm when prices drop in half. $$ 1549 Sunset Dr. 305.284.9989

MesaMar

Some of the best – if not THE best – seafood in the Gables with inventive fusions between Peruvian and Japanese cuisine. Their fish is caught daily in local waters and brought to your table for inspection. The whole fried fish is a marvel. Also, make

sure to try the lobster tacos. $$$ 264 Giralda Ave. 305.640.8448

Sea Grill

Sea Grill is a popular weekend destination for lovers of Mediterranean seafood. A large, brightly lit, and futuristic space with lots of energy, it serves fish caught in the Aegean Sea and flown to the Gables. Their octopus, which takes two days to prepare, is simply the best. Lots of outdoor seating. $$$

4250 Salzedo St. (Shops at Merrick Park) 305.447.3990

APPLICATIONS FOR 2024-2025

ARE NOW AVAILABLE

1121 Andalusia Avenue, Coral Gables, FL 33134

305.444.6366 • www.stphilips.org

GRINGO’S OYSTER BAR

SPANISH

Bellmónt

Modern décor meets traditional Spanish dishes. Their house specialty is the roast suckling pig. If you want the whole pig ($340 for six or $295 for four) you need to order several hours in advance. If it’s just you ($69), you’ll need to wait just an hour. As for the rest: authentic Spanish cuisine, with great seafood dishes, fantastic paella, and live Flamenco twice a month. $$$ 339 Miracle Mile. 786.502.4684

Bulla Gastrobar

As valued for its cocktails as for its tapas, Bulla is also something Coral Gables needs – an informal, smart neighborhood hangout with a young, boisterous vibe. Great “small plates” and refreshing sangria. Yes, it is a national chain, but it feels local. $$ 2500 Ponce de Leon Blvd. 305.441.0107

La Taberna Giralda

Routinely rated among the top tapas places in South Florida, La Taberna brings the added twist of a chef from Galicia, who puts his own regional spin on the dishes. It’s a small place

with a neighborhood vibe, orange walls, string lights, and live flamenco on the weekends ($5 cover), so reservations are a must. Great lunch specials. $$ 254 Giralda Ave. 786.362.5677

STEAK

Christy’s

Touted as Coral Gables’ oldest steakhouse, Christy’s was long the power lunch go-to – until it stopped serving lunch except on Fridays. Still, its aged steaks are consistently excellent, as are the seafood entrees. Their classic Caesar salad is still the best in town, and the jumbo shrimp cocktail is a house specialty. $$$ 3101 Ponce de Leon Blvd. 305.446.1400

Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse

Fantastic aged steaks, a seafood tower that won’t quit, and a wine cellar that appears to have no end of depth. A place for special celebrations. Recently redecorated, but the open kitchen with its copper “sash” across the top still gives the main dining room a warm glow. Good menu at the bar. $$$-$$$$

2525 Ponce de Leon Blvd. 305.569.7995

Fogo de Chão

At Fogo de Chão, meat reigns supreme. Try the “churrasco experience” ($61) and let expert gaucho chefs keep the finely cut slabs coming, from beef ribeye to flank steak to lamb pincanha. If you’re a Wagyu fan, this is the place to be. The interior is as grand as the experience, which is a show in itself, Brazilian style. Great happy hour deals with $5 bites. $$$-$$$$

2801 Ponce de Leon Blvd. 786.297.8788

Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille

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

4251 Salzedo St. (Shops at Merrick Park) 786.703.9094

Whether you’re enjoying a solo day, meeting friends, or getting a table for two, ride worry-free from South Gables to Downtown Gables to savor world-class dining, shopping, events and entertainment! Forget traffic and parking and let the Downtown Express take you to and from Downtown Gables Saturdays from 2-10 pm.

BELLMONT

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We have more than 30 years of experience and thousands of procedures done, this is why we are the #1 destination for all your surgical needs.

We’ll be happy to welcome you and your family to any of our two locations in Dade and Broward County.

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CORAL GABLES

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(305) 648.3717

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PUBS & CAFÉS

Bay 13 Brewery and Kitchen

The cuisine is largely Australian pub food – fish & chips, smoked salmon rangoons, Aussie-style chicken parm – the setting is spectacular, and the beer unbeatable at this brewer’s hot spot. You can sit inside by the vast tankards, or outside with a fine view of the Alhambra fountain. Amazing lamb. $$

65 Alhambra Plaza. 786.452.0935

Fritz and Franz Bierhaus

Be transported from Coral Gables to Oktoberfest. Enjoy German comfort food like Weisswurst and Heringsschmaus. Our favorite is the currywurst. Naturally, you must order a beer, but here you can have it served in a giant glass boot. $$ 60 Merrick Way. 305.774.1883

John Martin’s

The venerable pub that closed during COVID is back, updated as a “21st Century” Irish pub. This means a bright new bar and lots of light from floor-to-ceiling windows. Along with the new look is a significantly upgraded menu, with things like Guinness glazed meatballs and duck flatbread added

to the Shepherd’s pie. 253 Miracle Mile. 305.209.0609

$$-$$$

MIAM Cafe

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

Sports Grill

A go-to spot for any major sporting event, but also a popular destination for any given night of the week. You don’t even need to look at the menu: the pub is home to the Special Grilled wings, dipped in their signature sauce, then charbroiled and lightly covered in a secret sauce. $ 1559 Sunset Dr. 305.668.0396

Tinta y Café

Funky and comfortable, this former gas station turned Cuban café has 1) the best Cuban coffee, 2) great

fluffy eggs for breakfast, 3) furniture that makes you feel like you are in someone’s living room, and 4) all the other things that make you love Cuban food, like croquetas and media noche sandwiches. $ 1315 Ponce de Leon Blvd. 305.285.0101

Threefold Café

You have to love a place that is dedicated to breakfast all day long.

But who needs dinner when you can get shrimp tacos for breakfast, along with salmon scrambled eggs, chicken parma, and that Millennial favorite, smashed avocado toast? The brainchild of Australian Nick Sharp, Threefold is also popular for Sunday brunch. And the coffee is some of the best around. $$ 141 Giralda Ave. 305.704.8007 ■

JOHN MARTIN’S

A Gathering of Dogs

In its ongoing commitment to create more spaces for the dogs of Coral Gables to run, frolic, and play with each other off leash, the city opened its Salvadore Park dog run last month, the result of two years of planning and pushing by dog-advocate

Vice Mayor Rhonda Anderson. During its first day, the dogs and their owners let loose in the sand-covered run along the Salvadore tennis courts on Valencia Avenue. Here are images from that first morning. Photos by Rodolfo Benitez.