Coral Gables January 2024 by Coral Gables Magazine

CORAL GABLES JANUARY 2024

MAGAZINE

Beauty, Art & Fundraising THE BEAUX ARTS FESTIVAL PLUS NEW YEAR, NEW YOU

Last years Beaux Arts winner for drawing, artist Alex Lanier

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INSIDE THIS ISSUE

Departments

January 2024

8 EDITOR’S NOTE

Learn New Skills, New Knowledge

10 READERS’ LETTERS Readers’ Feedback

13 STREETWISE

City Commission Meeting The Fritz & Franz Fight

29 LIVING

Best Bets for January The Restoration of La Palma Hotel

43 BITES

Breakfast Picks Across Town Celebrating Beauty and the Butcher

53 PEOPLE

Patrick Alexander Andrew Lorenzen Miami Royal Ballet

76 BACK OF BOOK

Historic Preservation Don’s Rambles Seen at the Mayor’s Ball

84 DINING GUIDE

The Best in Gables Dining

88 CITY LIFE

This Month’s Quiz: Where Am I?

“I AM PASSIONATE THAT THE WORK WE DO, IN SERVICING THE COMMUNITY AND SERVICING THE LITERARY WORLD, NEEDS TO LIVE ON.”

MITCH KAPLAN, FOUNDER OF BOOKS & BOOKS, SPEAKING AT THE STATE OF THE ARTS IN CORAL GABLES. SEE PAGE 26

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INSIDE THIS ISSUE

Features

Vol 7. Issue 1

BEAUTY, ART & FUNDRAISING

NEW YEAR, NEW YOU... BROADENING YOUR HORIZONS

On January 13 and 14, the Beaux Arts Festival will take place for the 73rd time, making it the longest-running art fair in Miami-Dade County. As always, the festival will unfold on the grounds of the University of Miami adjacent to the Lowe Art Museum, which it supports. While fundraising for the museum is key, a big part of the festival’s mission is to engage the local community with artists – admission to the fair is free – and to promote local artists to the wider world.

Every year, the most common New Year’s resolution is to get fit, which is why we’ve dedicated each of our January issues to local gyms and their fitness programs. This year, we thought we’d take a break and explore more nontraditional methods of becoming “the New You.” Whether your resolution is to learn a language, pick up a hobby, or give back to the community, we’ve got you covered. So, follow our guide to broadening your horizons.

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EDITOR’S NOTE

On the cover: Last years Beaux Arts Festival winner for drawing and digital art, local artist Alex Lanier. Photo by Rodolfo Benitez CEO & PUBLISHER Richard Roffman EDITOR-IN-CHIEF J.P. Faber

Do It Yourself

ne of the sad lessons in the history of technology is how new devices sometimes rob our personal powers. Take cell phones. Those of us who were alive before the invention of cell phones could remember dozens of telephone numbers as a matter of course. Now that our portable communication devices remember all those numbers for us, we’ve forgotten them. This is a syndrome that goes back millennia; before there were books, the Greeks could remember epic narratives, like the Odyssey. Today? We can’t recite a poem past four stanzas. All the more reason, then, to fear the coming onslaught of AI. Not so much because superhuman robots might replicate themselves and hunt us all down – it’s more the simple fact that, as we give up the effort needed to do things like organize or compose or draw or even write for ourselves, we lose our abilities to do so. We end up like the tubby humans in “Wall-E” or the feckless Eloi in “The Time Machine.” The good news is that, regardless of

EVP / PUBLISHER Gail Scott ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Amy Donner

our age, we are all capable of neurogenesis. Which means that we all have the ability to grow new neural connections and continue to learn – new skills, new habits, new knowledge. All it takes is effort. Just like with muscles, exercising your brain makes it stronger. To aid in your effort to become smarter by engaging in something new, something outside of your comfort zone, our “New Year, New You” feature by Managing Editor Kylie Wang offers a panoply of choices here in the Gables. From learning a new instrument to taking dance lessons for the first time to learning a foreign language, there surely is something here that will stretch you just a bit – and enhance your cranium. Have a Happy New Year, full of new learning.

DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS Monica Del Carpio-Raucci VP SALES Sherry Adams MANAGING EDITOR Kylie Wang DIGITAL EDITOR Natalia Clement EDITORIAL INTERN Ava Volman ART DIRECTOR Jon Braeley WRITERS James Broida Mike Clary Andrew Gayle Doreen Hemlock Katelin Stecz PROOFREADER Lesley Fonger PHOTOGRAPHERS Rodolfo Benitez Jonathan Dann Tiege Dolly PRODUCTION MANAGER Toni Kirkland CIRCULATION & DISTRIBUTION CircIntel

JP FABER EDITOR-IN-CHIEF CORAL GABLES MAGAZINE

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.

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When someone suffers a stroke, a few minutes can mean the difference between recovery and disability. But philanthropy to Baptist Health Foundation is supporting state-of-the-art technology for Baptist Health Miami Neuroscience Institute’s Stroke Program. Donor generosity has funded the purchase of Amwell Telemedicine carts, allowing clinicians to communicate remotely and provide immediate stroke care across Baptist Health. This helps reduce the time to treatment, regardless of the patient’s location. Just another example of how our patients get the best care because our donors care.

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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR 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.

Remembering the Lights

I want to thank you for your support of the Historic Preservation Association of Coral Gables’ ongoing efforts to recognize the importance of the White Way Lights, whose legacy, until recently, has been unknown to most residents. The streetlights were an integral part of Merrick’s aesthetic vision for the City and your revelation of their newfound existence serves as a reminder of why looking back is as important as looking ahead. Bruce Fitzgerald On the Other Hand

As a member of the Coral Gables Historic Preservation Board, I was surprised to learn the City has replaced over 30 historically correct streetlights surrounding the Granada Golf Course with streetlights that are not only the wrong color, but also historically incorrect. The lights being replaced were installed during the 1980s and 1990s as part of a broad community effort led by the late

Sarah Anderson, Sally Jude, Arva Parks, and multiple city commissions. The effort to install the existing lights took many years of working with FPL to establish them as the city’s standard streetlight fixture. Historic photographs and records show the current silver-colored streetlights closely matched those originally installed by George Merrick [but] unbeknownst to the city’s Historic Preservation Board, or its Landmark Preservation Board, the current streetlights are being replaced with “new” streetlights, colored black, and not in the historically correct style. Streetlights are a highly visible component of our city’s history... We must preserve and protect the remaining historic fabric of Coral Gables. Changing the streetlights needs to stop now! The city administration must obtain input from its boards and residents and do what is true and correct, not unilaterally change history. Michael Maxwell

More Lights Please

The Dec. 10 Junior Orange Bowl Miracle on the Mile Parade was fun… a great time for everyone. What was missing? Lighting. Coral Gables’ downtown seems so depressing. The tiny strands of lights on a few trees made for darkness all along the parade route. Why do we not showcase “The Mile” with beautiful lights and decorations? Yes, we have a new tree and play area near City Hall, but that only emphasizes the dismal décor on main street. Coral Gables leadership must do better to showcase our downtown area with lights year-round. Maybe with more lights, more people will come and visit our restaurants and stores. City leaders should visit Delray Beach or South Miami to see how [it could be]. The Junior Orange Bowl Parade deserves a better background to showcase all the participants. MaryEllin Santiago

Educating Children in a Loving Environment

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Introducing MG Foundation A NEW FOUNDATION BUILT BY THE GENEROSITY OF THOSE WHO CALL CORAL GABLES HOME “There’s so much opportunity to create and build here but as a developer, what lasts longer and has an even greater impression is the sense of belonging and togetherness that only comes from supporting a community like this one.” Alirio Torrealba, Founder & CEO of MG Developer

Torrealba Family honored at the annual Coral Gables Museum Gala

Throughout Coral Gables, it’s easy to see what gives the City Beautiful its revered name and reputation. Known for its global architecture, carefully manicured flora, and a unique sense of unity with its smalltown feel, one doesn’t have to travel far to see what makes it the celebrated community that it is.

Alirio and Dorys presenting the Landmark Award to the University of Miami’s Loew Art Museum during the Coral Gables Community Foundation Gala

As the city grows, so does the vision of one Coral Gables-based developer that has brought influential designs and spaces throughout the city. Led by CEO and Founder Alirio Torrealba, MG Developer has recognized that communities are built with more than just concrete and glass, they’re built with character and compassion. Going beyond as a true developer and partner, Torrealba and his wife Dorys have launched the MG Foundation, continuing a theme of local engagement and responsible stewardship. Together, they want to project a family legacy that will one day be continued by their sons Diego and Andres. Part of a running list of charitable undertakings by Torrealba, MG Foundation will serve as the latest philanthropic endeavor to benefit and elevate the community.

With Pedro Rivas, Fundahigado America’s CEO & President and Dr. Tomoaki Kato at NYC during a fundraising dinner for Fundahigado America

“There’s so much opportunity to create and build here but as a developer, what lasts longer and has an even greater impression is the sense of belonging and togetherness that only comes from supporting a community like this one.”

In collaboration with the Coral Gables Community Foundation, the donoradvised MG Foundation was established to support local initiatives with haste and flexibility. Whether it’s the arts, scholarships for advancement in education, or medical relief and research, the new foundation will serve as a medium that bridges the gap between donors and causes important to those within Coral Gables. Even though MG Foundation was recently established, Torrealba and his firm have been recurrent advocates for charitable giving. Over the years, MG Developer has been a proud supporter of complimentary pop-up galleries throughout Downtown Coral Gables, providing a space for upand-coming artists while expanding cultural offerings to residents. At the same time, Torrealba has been a leading advocate for children’s causes alongside FundaHigado, an international non-profit providing medical treatment to underprivileged children and adolescents in Latin America and the Caribbean. This new initiative will serve as a platform to continue to support our community and at the same time contribute to other national and international communities. “This is already one of the most exciting endeavors we’ve done, and I’m eager for what’s to come and share this success with the rest of my community.”

Streetwise Happenings See Page 22

TWO GIANT MICE THAT STAND 16-FEET-TALL ARE THE LATEST IN THE CITY’S ART IN PUBLIC PLACES PROGRAM

STREETWISE / POLITICS

THE CITY COMMISSION DECEMBER MEETING

From City Hall

At its December meeting, the City Commission: VOTED TO KEEP ASTROTURF

Voted 3-2 on second reading to strike down an ordinance requiring residents to use specific materials (i.e. natural grass) other than artificial turf between open joints of pavement. Commissioners Melissa Castro, Ariel Fernandez, and Kirk Menendez voted no on the basis that artificial turf looks “better than nothing,” according to Castro, and that the city itself uses artificial turf in public parks. ADDED PUBLIC EDUCATION TO THE MASTER PLAN

Voted 5-0 to include education in the 2026-2029 Coral Gables Strategic Plan, as per the School Community Relations Committee’s (SCRC) request. In July, several parent-teacher associations advocated to include funding for local public schools in next year’s budget. Mayor Vince Lago agreed but asked for a list of specific issues to be addressed. SCRC representative Dr. Winnie Chang explained that the committee had decided that “in order to craft the most efficacious plan,” they would need a survey of residents regard-

ing issues in education. After a lengthy discussion, it was agreed that the City and SCRC would meet jointly with the School Board to get data and discuss how to proceed before bringing the survey item back in the first February Commission meeting. Vice Mayor Rhonda Anderson said it was important to get feedback from residents who choose to send their children to other schools on why they do so and what it would take for them to change their minds. Joshua Goodman, a representative from The Gables Education Initiative, a grassroots organization created by eight local PTAs, suggested hiring a consultant with expertise in education to come up with survey questions and recommend future initiatives. DECLINED TO INCREASE THE PENSION LIABILITY

After a lengthy discussion and several proposed alternatives, the commission did not pass any cost of living increases for city pensioners. An initial proposal for an 8% increase failed to garner the required 4/5 vote to pass. It would have added $27 million to the unfunded pension liability that city now faces; only Commissioner Castro voted in favor. That liability currently stands at about $150 million, down from more than $244 million ten years ago. The city has been paying down that liability with required contributions annually. Under Mayor Lago’s administration, additional payments have been made to reduce the city’s exposure – this year an additional $9.3 million was paid, so that now 75% of the pension liability is covered, up from about 52% ten years ago. DECIDED TO GET IN FRONT OF DEVELOPMENTS

Voted 5-0 to move the Public Information Meeting – required for developers to explain their projects to the public – to take place before their review by the Board of Architects. Commissioner Menendez, who sponsored the bill with Vice Mayor Anderson, explained that the shift would give the community more time to learn about the project and provide feedback. “By doing [this], they [residents] coralgablesmagazine.com

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STREETWISE / POLITICS can give their ideas and thoughts,” he said. “Why don’t we try to get things addressed earlier to avoid [later] problems?” Anderson added that the Board of Architects was also in favor of this measure.

they belong in Coral Gables, particularly in more historical areas of the city like the North Gables. Also at issue was the placement and height of the lights, obscured by trees in certain areas.

VOTED TO GO DIGITAL WITH NOTICES

GOT FEEDBACK FROM ITS TALLAHASSEE TRIP

Voted 5-0 to update the city’s code to reflect the city’s decision to change from newspaper publication to online publication for legal notices to residents. As of January 2024, online notices will be published on the county website and linked to the City of Coral Gables’ site. “We think this will actually increase the amount of residents who are getting notifications of our public hearings and legal notices,” said Deputy City Attorney Stephanie Throckmorton. GOT THE BURGER BOB’S AND PARC CAFÉ UPDATES

Listened to an update on Burger Bob’s/Granada Diner and Le Parc Café. Construction on the former has begun and completion is expected by September 2024. Negotiations will take place in the first quarter of 2024 for a suitable private sector manager. Regarding Le Parc Café, the city has found an operator for the 90 days which began the Monday after Thanksgiving. This 90-day period will be used to evaluate whether the operator should be retained for a longterm contract. PUT A PAUSE ON NEW STREETLIGHTS

Voted 5-0 to stop installing replacement streetlights in the North Gables, where some residents have taken issue with the aesthetic of the new lights, until a better solution can be found. Commissioner Fernandez, who sponsored the item, claims the lights do not look like

Listened to an update on the legislative priorities trip to Tallahassee that Commissioners Castro, Fernandez, and Menendez went on. The three commissioners met with state legislators to discuss suggestions and recommendations for current and future city projects. Funds for the City Hall renovations and electric vehicle project were a particular focus, said Castro. Vice Mayor Anderson, who did not attend the meetings, warned that some moves the city has made recently regarding fiscal responsibility were “not sitting well” with state reps she had met with earlier. She cited the recent controversial pay raise, efforts to dip into emergency reserves for non-emergency projects, the decision to not move local elections to coincide with federal ones, and the lowering of pension contributions as reasons why “appropriations [will] not be available this year unless we get our house in order.” All these decisions were made with 3-2 votes by Castro, Fernandez and Menendez, the trio that traveled to Tallahassee. Mayor Lago also said he had heard from representatives who were “unhappy” with some of these fiscal decisions, meaning that funding could be scarce this year. (Last year, the trip to Tallahassee, led by Lago, brought back a record $4 million in state funding.) Commissioner Fernandez disagreed. “That was not the sentiment we got in Tallahassee at all,” he said, adding that at least one legislator had expressed appreciation for the city’s willingness to fund its own capital improvement projects. ■

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STREETWISE / TALK OF THE TOWN

The Fight for Fritz & Franz A GABLES ICON IS THREATENED WITH EVICTION BY KYLIE WANG

or almost two decades, Fritz & Franz Bierhaus – situated on a triangular courtyard at the intersection of Aragon Avenue and Merrick Way – has been the go-to place downtown for good German beer and food, as well as the place to hear live music, celebrate Oktoberfest, and watch soccer games on the big screen. Those days of schnitzel and schooners of Weihenstephaner Hefe Weissbier may soon be over – though not without a fight from its proprietor. A Change.org petition titled “Keep Fritz & Franz Bierhaus in Coral Gables” has recently been making the rounds among Coral Gables residents, garnering close to 5,000 signatures in its first week. Started by Fritz & Franz owner Harald Neuweg, the petition claims the bierhaus is “under attack by the City of Coral Gables” which is “looking to kill yet another small, family-owned business to make room for another fancy restaurant.” The property the bierhaus sits on is owned by the City, which has acted as landlord to Neuweg for 25 years. His lease is set to expire on May 31, 2024. A copy of the lease obtained by Coral Gables Magazine states the City does have the right to terminate up to six months prior to the lease’s end, which is what it chose to do, notifying Neuweg via letter on Sept. 27. However, the City also claims it extended an opportunity

“THE CITY IS NOT HONEST WITH ME. THEY WANT ME OUT OF HERE...” HARALD NEUWEG, ABOVE, OWNER FRITZ & FRANZ BIERHAUS

to Neuweg to submit a proposal for a renewal, which he says he never received. He has since submitted one, but now the City is planning to issue a Request for Proposals solicitation, where bidders – including Neuweg, if he wishes – can submit proposals for the space. “They didn’t give me a chance to bring the proposal because they canceled the lease,” says Neuweg, who claims he should’ve had until Nov. 30 to submit. “The city is not honest with me. [They] want me out of here....” In August, city asset manager Zeida Sardinas did contact Neuweg to ask him what he was willing to invest in his restaurant. Perhaps that is what the City considered a request for proposal. Neuweg, however, was confused. “Why should I invest?” he said. “It’s an up-and-running restaurant. Everything works.” This current battle between Neuweg and the City is only the latest, however. Just a few weeks before the City decided to terminate the lease, there was an issue between the two parties regarding the restaurant’s HVAC (heating and air conditioning) system. Neuweg claims the issue was resolved when the City took responsibility for replacing the system, though his lease states that the tenant is “solely responsible” for installing and maintaining the system. Before that, Neuweg was forced to cancel or move inside Fritz and Franz’s popular festival-style events due to concerns over the noise. “[The City] told us we could only play music at 72 decibels,” he says incredulously. A normal conversation is about 60 decibels, for context. Even further back, the City and Neuweg butted heads coralgablesmagazine.com

STREETWISE / TALK OF THE TOWN over Neuweg’s refusal to pay rent when nearby city construction hampered access to the restaurant. A settlement was reached in 2014, which gave Neuweg a relaxed payment plan and renewal of the lease for 10 years. The question is why the city wants Neuweg out. The restaurateur claims that Sardinas told his attorney in private that Fritz & Franz was “not Coral Gables worthy.” The city vehemently denies this. According to City spokeswoman Martha Pantin, the RFP process was instigated by Neuweg’s announced retirement. “The restaurant lease was previously put on the market. As a result, the lease for this establishment is being put on the market,” she says. “The decision to issue an RFP is not based on any personal preference regarding the style or ‘look’ of Fritz & Franz.” While Neuweg did try to sell Fritz & Franz back in 2021, he ended up keeping the business after his son offered to take over. What may be the motivator is rent. Neuweg currently pays about $35 a square foot, whereas retail space in downtown Coral Gables now starts at $45 and up. “The mayor told me… this place is an asset, and he needs the most money for it,” says Neuweg. “[He said] ‘I’m ‘welcome to bid.’ Welcome to bid for my own place? It’s a slap in the face.” A similar situation unfolded in 2022, when the lease for Open Stage Club on Galiano Street was cancelled when the owner’s offer of $23 a square foot was rejected in favor of a proposal from famed chef Michelle Bernstein, who offered $1.3 million in property upgrades and rent that went from $32 in year three to $47 in year 15. The result was not only the loss of the Gables’ popular home for nightly live music, but also the loss of more than two years of rent – hard to make up even with the new tenant’s increases. ■

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STREETWISE / HAPPENINGS

Happenings

IN DECEMBER, 47 LOCAL VOLUNTEERS COLLECTED LITTER IN THE DOWNTOWN

Cleaning Up the Community

On Dec. 4, 47 local volunteers gathered at the Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce with one goal in mind: to pick up as much trash as possible. Armed with trash pickers, gloves, and garbage bags, the do-gooders were released upon downtown Gables, scanning the streets for plastic bottles, errant napkins, and discarded cigarette butts. All told, the Good Samaritans collected 209 pounds of litter over the course of 1.5 hours. Winners in individual and group categories collected prizes that ranged from $100 cash to VIP cards at Clutch Burger and season passes to the Venetian Pool. Just two days before, the City of Coral Gables hosted its annual Business Recycling Drive-Thru, where Gables businesses showed up at City Hall with old electronics, large cardboard boxes, and documents for shredding and recycling. Several also donated suits and other business attire to Suited for Success. More sustainable events are planned, with an invasive plant removal at Pinewood Cemetery on Jan. 19 and Christmas tree and cardboard recycling at the Youth Center through Jan. 12. For more information, visit coralgables.com.

The Mice Have Landed

They stand 16-feet-tall: two giant mice made of cast bronze and surfaced with grey colorway. Together, they are called “Waiting,” and are the latest – and most playfully monumental – of the City’s Art in Public Places program. Created in 2022 by the New York-based American artist Brian Donnelly – who is known professionally as KAWS – the statues are considered to blur the line between pop and fine art. Donnelly’s works are exhibited in galleries and art

TWO GIANT MICE MADE OF CAST BRONZE AT THE PLAZA

museums worldwide. “Waiting” was commissioned by the Agave Group, the Mexican-based conglomerate that developed The Plaza Coral Gables. Besides the giant mice, The Plaza also has public art sculptures by Tony Cragg (the golden sculpture “Mean Average”), Michele Oka Doner (“Monumental Ritual Bench”), and Leonora Carrington (“Rey del Tequila”). “We thought this new work would add a really playful element to The Plaza, which is otherwise quite formal in its design,” said Agave partner Carlos Beckmann, who has overseen the construction and creation of The Plaza Coral Gables project opposite the Ponce de Leon circle south of Miracle Mile. Agave paid $2 million for “Waiting.”

Lunar Home from a Cuban Master

Julio Larraz is considered one of the greatest living Cuban painters, and was, last year, the subject of the first U.S. retrospective of his work at the Coral Gables Museum. Partly in appreciation, and partly due to a personal relationship with the chair of the museum board, José Valdés-Fauli, Larraz donated one of his recent works to the museum last month. In an unveiling ceremony, museum coralgablesmagazine.com

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STREETWISE / HAPPENINGS Executive Director Elvis Fuentes recounted how, when he lived in New Jersey and was part of a group of artists and curators called The Foundation, they would invariably “end up talking about Julio Larraz… so we’re extremely proud of this new acquisition for the museum.” Valdés-Fauli, who spoke next, called the painting “one of the most important parts of our collection.” The museum’s Chief Curator Yuni Villalonga noted that the painting, called “Abandoned House at The Foot of Montes Agricola,” was another in Larraz’s series that “breached worlds, connecting the celestial with the terrestrial, dreaming beyond the confines of our reality.” Larraz declined to speak, but Villalonga quoted him describing the building overlooking the moon’s “Sea of Rains” and saying, “I thought, ‘What a perfect place to build a house.’”

Books & Books Launches Nonprofit

Our beloved Books & Books is taking a step forward, launching a nonprofit Literary Foundation to expand community programming, cultivate and nurture new readers, and advocate for writers, books, and the freedom to read. The foundation has already started work, giving out thousands of banned books over the past year in an effort to curtail the State of Florida’s recent removal of roughly 1,000 “inappropriate” books from school library shelves in the last year. It’s also partnering with Design Miami to create a set of limited-edition prints that celebrate besieged titles, and with Exchange for Change, a nonprofit that helps create prison libraries. The foundation will continue its work with a series of readings, talks, and other events that provide author visits and free books to schools. “Books are empathy machines,” Books & Books founder Mitch Kaplan said. “They help us to really see each other, to understand one another, which is something we need now more than ever.” ■

JOSÉ VALDÉS-FAULI, CURATOR YUNI VILLALONGA, JULIO LARRAZ, AND ELVIS FUENTES

MITCH KAPLAN WITH GABLES CHAMBER CEO MARK TROWBRIDGE AND MAYOR VINCE LAGO

Margaux Early Childhood School ∙ 5500 Granada Blvd., Coral Gables, FL 33146 ∙ margauxschool.org ∙ @themargauxschool

coralgablesmagazine.com

Listening. Then leading.

STREETWISE / THE ARTS

The State

of the Arts

ast month, for the second consecutive year, the Coral Gables Community Foundation presented The State of the Arts in Coral Gables. The idea of the program, which takes place at the Sanctuary of the Arts, is to assemble the principal Gables-based arts organizations and business and civic leaders to increase audience engagement. This year, the mission was also to share ideas and experiences as the city begins to outline a new Strategic Plan. Moderated by Foundation President and CEO Mary Snow, on-stage was a “who’s who” of the Gables cultural world, including Rafi Maldonado-Lopez (Sanctuary of the Arts); Mitch Kaplan (Books & Books); Brenda Moe (Gables Art Cinema); Daniel Perron (Seraphic Fire); Barbara Stein (Actors’ Playhouse); Barry Newport (GableStage); Elvis Fuentes (Coral Gables Museum); Catherine Cathers (Coral Gables Arts & Culture Specialist); Ray Corral (Corral/Cathers art grants); and Vince Lago (Coral Gables mayor and arts supporter). Here are some of their comments:

MALDONADO-LOPEZ (THE SANCTUARY): “We have an opportunity

to build a sustainable [arts community], and sustainability means greater economic impact…. Last year, when we were able to open for resident and partner companies, we brought in over 20,000 people collectively, which is an amazing amount of foot traffic for the city… We [the arts] are a great investment... Nationwide, the impact of sports is $71 billion, while the impact of the arts is $538 billion…

LAGO (THE CITY): “What I have seen over the last 10 years is the

opportunity to bring in arts across the board and see a financial windfall... I have seen the ability to take the art world – culture – and monetize it as an economic driver for our community.” NEWPORT (GABLESTAGE): “Coral Gables is a sophisticated, beautiful place filled with very special and very venerable institutions. What makes a community? Pretty high up there is a place for community

THE CORAL GABLES COMMUNITY FOUNDATION PRESENTED THE STATE OF THE ARTS IN CORAL GABLES AT THE SANCTUARY OF THE ARTS

dialogue, and that is what each one of us [in the arts] provides... We create community, [but] it is an expensive endeavor...We need funding [to produce] the work that you see...” KAPLAN (BOOKS & BOOKS): “We have been [here] for four decades, almost in the same place… in talking about legacy and what we’re about, I estimate that we have presented, at Books & Books, close to 10,000 authors… Isaac Singer was the very first one… I am passionate that the work we do, in servicing the community and servicing the literary world, needs to live on.” MOE (THE ART CINEMA): “Our fiscal year just ended, and we are moving up to pre-pandemic numbers, which gives us a lot of hope for the future.… In terms of resources, what we need are partnerships... working together, we are stronger. I know that funders see it, so building on how we can collaborate and share our resources [means] doing more with what each of us has – and understanding that there are enough people for all of us to be successful.” CORRAL (ARTS GRANTS) : “I am someone with a music background and a partner in MG Studio, which is about 135,000-square-feet of studio space next to Miami International Airport. When I moved to Coral Gables, we started to get involved with the Coral Gables Community Foundation.… Fast forward to the idea that I could offer grants to artists who are evolving in the City of Coral Gables…” FUENTES (CORAL GABLES MUSEUM): “This past year, we have been in a very intensive learning curve…. With our 20 exhibitions, we got 34 percent more visitors to the city… Many people come to the museum to attend events, performing arts, talks, etc… [For example,] we launched the first festival of Spanish books for children, and we had 300 visitors from all over Greater Miami…” STEIN (ACTORS PLAYHOUSE): “We are so grateful to have resources from [the city], because of its wisdom to partner with us and develop [the Miracle Theatre, which Actors’ Playhouse] needed to be there to develop the downtown…. What we have to offer is so critical. The arts are the heart and soul of humanity.” ■ coralgablesmagazine.com

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Living The Restoration of La Palma Page 38

LIVING / EVENTS

Best Bets for January

thrive with the help of his family and friends? Tickets are $25, with a sensory inclusive performance on Jan. 28. For more information, visit actorsplayhouse.org/childrens-theatre. 280 Miracle Mile.

MCBRIDE PLAZA CONCERT SERIES

Music at McBride Plaza returns in January with two concerts on Jan. 11 and Jan. 25 featuring musicians from the University of Miami’s Frost School of Music. From 5:30 to 7:30 pm, these talented ensembles – all of whom are auditioned and selected by UM faculty – will take the opportunity to showcase their skills in downtown Coral Gables. Now in its third year, this free event promises a wide range of genres and performances every other Thursday through March 21. For more information, visit coralgables.com/events/music-mcbride-plaza. 150 Miracle Mile.

“OLD WICKED SONGS” AT GABLESTAGE

In 1986 Vienna, a young Jewish pianist arrives to study. But before he begins his piano instruction, he must first take singing lessons from the harsh, antisemitic Professor Mashkan. As the play unfolds through the poetry of Heinrich Heine and the music of Robert Schumann, secrets are revealed, and these two men from different generations find they have much more in common than they think. This Miami premiere runs Jan. 12 to Feb. 4 at GableStage, with performances Wed. at 2 and 7 pm, Thurs. and Fri. at 8 pm, Sat. at 2 and 8 pm, and Sun. at 2 pm. Tickets $40 to $65. Visit gablestage.org. 1200 Anastasia Ave.

AMERANT BANK 5K

The annual Amerant 5K in support of United Way Miami returns this year on Jan. 21. The race starts at 7:30 am, with registration beginning at 6 am outside City Hall. Afterwards, a festive post-race party will be held for all the runners, walkers, athletes, and families in attendance. Proceeds support nearly 100 programs in Miami-Dade County that strengthen education, financial stability, and health for residents. Registration before Jan. 14 costs $50; after that it’s $55. For more information and to register, visit unitedwaymiami. org/event/amerant-bank-5k-2024. 405 Biltmore Way.

THE FINAL FRONTIER AT FROST SCHOOL OF MUSIC

Produced by students at the University of Miami’s Frost School of Music, this family-friendly concert on Jan. 20 at 2 pm explores the From the Actors’ Playhouse at Miracle Theatre comes a children’s play cosmos, from the solar system to the stars. Featuring music inspired based on the books and characters created by Marc Brown, featuring by outer space, such as Haydn’s “Il Mondo della Luna” and Holst’s your kids’ favorite aardvark! From Jan. 12 to March 1 on Saturdays “The Planets,” this event at the Gusman Concert Hall is conducted at 2 pm, visit Mr. Ratburn’s class at Lakewood Elementary School, by Matthew Cooperman and directed by Gary Wood. Tickets are where Arthur and his friends are preparing to perform a big show for $20, or $30 for family of four using code “Family” events.miami.edu. all of Elwood City! Will Arthur’s nerves get the best of him, or will he 1314 Miller Dr. “ARTHUR & FRIENDS MAKE A MUSICAL!”

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PR IC E U PO N R E QU EST OR SC AN FO R INFO

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LIVING / EVENTS

A FESTIVAL OF CHOCOLATE

Sweet tooths abound at this annual festival hosted by Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden. On Jan. 20 and 21 from 10 am to 5 pm, experience a weekend filled with all things chocolate, including chocolate pairings, chocolate-themed drinks, and chocolate-infused foods. Delight your palate and maybe even purchase a cacao tree or a chocolate-scented orchid. Lawn games, live music, cooking demos, and more, with tickets at $11.95 for children, $24.95 for adults, and $17.95 for seniors. Get them at fairchildgarden.org. 10901 Old Cutler Rd.

or Friday and Saturday from 5:30 to 10:30 pm. Tickets from $29.90 to $37.90 for adults and from $20.93 to $26.53 for children. Special rates available for seniors, military personnel, and groups over five. For tickets, visit jungleisland.com. 1111 Parrot Jungle Trail.

THE HUB 2.0

WOOP WOOP BEER FEST

Challenge your friends and test your skills! On Jan. 26 at 4:30 pm, the Coral Gables Library is hosting a free game night, where you can enjoy friendly competition and exciting adventures in all kinds of board and video games. To participate, children must be 12 years or older. For more information, visit mdpls.org. 3443 Segovia St.

To celebrate Australia Day on Jan. 27, the Aussies at Bay 13 Brewery and Kitchen are putting on their second annual beer festival at 5 pm, featuring unlimited beer tastings, wine sampling, live music, and local food vendors. Tickets start at $50 for general admission and $100 for VIP packages, which offer exclusive early access, a sampling glass, t-shirt, unique beer samples, brewery tours, food, and a private hospitality suite with liquor and wine tastings. A “recovery brunch buffet” will also be held on Bay 13’s outdoor patio the next day from 10 am to 3 pm, including unlimited food and drinks for $40. For tickets, visit bay13brewery.com. 65 Alhambra Plaza. BEST REASON TO LEAVE THE GABLES: LUMINOSA

Prepare to be amazed by this light festival at Jungle Island featuring over one million LED lights lit in larger-than-life Chinese lanterns across 1.35 miles of illuminated trails. Live music, acrobatic performances, stone-carving, and craft vendors complete this dazzling event’s itinerary, along with food and drinks, of course. All through January and February, the Zigong Lantern Group’s 40 hand-crafted lantern scenes will showcase the beautiful designs of over 150 artisans, featuring tropical animals, intricate dragon tunnels, and Latin American legends. Visit Sunday to Thursday from 5:30 to 9:30 pm

MAKING MOSAICS WORKSHOP

Open to children ages six and up and their parents, this workshop on Jan. 3 at the Coral Gables Museum challenges you to transform simple materials into intricate works of art. Using paper and ceramics, attendees will create stunning mosaics. The workshop begins at 1 pm and lasts approximately three hours. Tickets are $15 and can be found at coralgablesmuseum.org. 285 Aragon Ave. ■ coralgablesmagazine.com

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COR AL GABLES

LIVING / NIGHT ON THE TOWN

Where the Gables and Art Intersected A NIGHT OUT DURING ART WEEK, IN THE CLOUDS AND ON THE RUNWAY BY NATALIA CLEMENT

hen it comes to Art Basel and the other revolving events in December, tourists and residents alike flock to Miami Beach and Wynwood to immerse themselves in art. We chose the lesser known path to Art Week, where we stopped by the artist-in-residence exhibit to see one of our favorite local artists and hit up our go-to Gables brewery for a captivating runway show. Here’s how we spent a couple of evenings at Art Week in (or adjacent to) the Gables:

LIVING IN THE CLOUDS

We kicked off Art Week early with the grand opening of Liv Dockerty’s artist-in-residence exhibition, “Liv in the Clouds,” at the Kimpton EPIC Hotel in Downtown Miami. Following her solo exhibition at The Americas Collection gallery on Ponce de Leon Boulevard earlier this year, we couldn’t wait to immerse ourselves in the picturesque clouds dreamt up by one of the Gables’ very own artists. The show’s artwork was inspired by the romantic colors seen at sunset, from pastel oranges to dusk’s dark blue hues. Dockerty is known for her use of interference paints, which allow the colors to shift depending on the observer’s vantage point. As we walked through the exhibition space, we were engulfed by clouds – thanks to the puffy pastel pink and purple decorations hanging from the ceiling and the tiled mirrors that reflected the large canvases on the other side. The event took the motif to the next level by serving cocktails and bites inspired by Dockerty’s paintings. From dry-ice ceviche to cotton candy desserts, the hotel’s Area 31 rooftop restaurant captured not only living in the clouds but eating them as well. LOUD FASHION SHOW

Art of Black Miami (featured in the official Miami Art Week Guide) made its way to Coral Gables thanks to Love of Urban Design (LOUD). This Miami-based incubator and production company, which celebrates and uplifts Black creatives and their culture throughout South Florida, put on a unique Art Week fashion show and marketplace out on the patio at Bay 13 Brewery. Before the show started, we perused the market, made up of South Florida artists and vendors selling artwork, beauty products, and fashion accessories. We watched local artist Kimlayn paint a portrait of an elderly Thai woman at her tent. Enjoying the cool evening with a pint of sour beer, we waited for the models to hit the runway, created by two sections of linedup patio furniture facing each other with a passage in the middle. Sitting in the front row quite literally meant being part of the show. Throughout the night, a group of diverse models strutted the catwalk, showcasing streetwear fashion by Cool Creative, athleisure clothing by F + F Gains, luxury wigs by House of Postiche, and one-of-a-kind designs by students from the South Florida Fashion Academy. Between designers, we enjoyed performances by Miami rapper King Tetrus and singer Ledoux, both promoting new music (King Tetrus’ album “Peace & Blessings” and Ledoux’s single “Beautiful Tragedy”). With each new tune, the crowd got more pumped up. We then listened to a powerful spoken word performance, where we chanted back verses about not conforming in life and chasing our dreams instead. ■

TOP: LIV DOCKERTY AT THE ARTIST-IN-RESIDENCE EXHIBITION, “LIV IN THE CLOUDS,” AT THE KIMPTON EPIC HOTEL IN DOWNTOWN MIAMI ABOVE: ART OF BLACK MIAMI FASHION SHOW BY LOVE OF URBAN DESIGN (LOUD) ON THE PATIO OUTSIDE BAY 13 BREWERY

coralgablesmagazine.com

LIVING / BEAUTY

BEFORE

AFTER

Lipping Off

“IT SEEMS LIKE PEOPLE ARE STEERING TOWARD A MORE NATURAL LOOK WITH THEIR LIPS...” MAYLEN CADENAS, ABOVE, MIAMI PLASTIC SURGERY

THE RAGE FOR OVER-SIZED, PLUMP LIPS IS WANING, REPLACED BY DEMAND FOR A MORE SUBTLE LOOK

placed underneath the lip fat and above the muscles and can only be removed with surgery. Another alternative is the fat graft, where your own fat is taken from the abdomen area, purified, and then n 2016, makeup guru and reality star Kylie Jenner of “Keeping transferred to your lips. A fat transfer is more costly than fillers and Up with the Kardashians” got lip fillers, sparking a nationwide lasts around five years. trend for plumper lips. Plastic surgeons all over the country saw a Cadenas believes the best way to alter the appearance of your drastic increase in patients’ requests for the procedure and Corlips is through fillers, because they require less of a commitment and al Gables was no exception. Now, it seems the tide of overfilled, can be easily dissolved. Kardashian-worthy pouts is finally on the decline, but there is still a Most lip fillers, like Juvederm®, are made of hyaluronic acid substantial demand for a subtler, more “natural” plumping. and can be dissolved with an enzyme called hyaluronidase. DependAt Miami Plastic Surgery in Coral Gables, advanced registered ing on the patient’s age and health, it can take up to two weeks for nurse practitioner Maylen Cadenas says that she still sees a lot of the filler to dissolve and for the lips to heal completely. “I’m not a people coming in for fillers, albeit smaller, less dramatic ones. “It fan of anything permanent because the structure of your face when seems like people are steering toward a more natural look with their you’re in your 30s is not going to be the same as when you’re in your lips,” she says. 60s or 80s,” Cadenas says. Fillers are the easiest way to alter the appearance of your lips. Instead, she’s a proponent of the natural look, even requiring They’re noninvasive, temporary, and can be removed without comsome of her patients to have their previous lip fillers dissolved before plications. Typically, they last anywhere from eight to 18 months, she will inject more. “What we consider beauty now is completely take about 10 to 15 minutes to inject, and don’t require much healdifferent, and the way we inject now is completely different from ing time. If you walked into Miami Plastic Surgery on your lunch five or 10 years ago,” Cadenas says. “We want to focus on enhancbreak to get lip fillers, you could go back to work that same day. And ing the patient’s natural beauty instead of making them look like with only some residual redness, it would be almost unnoticeable. someone else.” ■ Of course, you could always opt for a lip implant or a fat graft, MIAMI PLASTIC SURGERY but these procedures are more invasive and not easily reversed. 221 ARAGON AVE. #903E Implants are the most permanent option. They involve using a 305.590.5227 plastic implant rather than a filler to plump the lips. The implant is MIAMIPLASTICSURGERY.COM BY KATELIN STECZ

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LIVING / RESTORATION

The Restoration of La Palma

those things spoke to us.” The partners wanted to keep the historic landmark as close to its original design as THE RETURN OF A PIECE OF THE CITY’S HISTORIC FABRIC possible while also reviving it for the community’s use as retail and commercial space. They BY RACHEL COSTA spent hours online searching for pictures of the original building to make that dream of n 1924, the Cla-Reina/La Palma Hotel Now, the historic landmark has been opened as one of the first hotels in Coral renovated under its latest owners: the Maven restoration a reality. “We pored over hundreds of photos arGables. Designed by H. George Fink, a Real Estate Group, led by Marc Schwarzberg chived at the [city’s] historic preservation ofcousin of Coral Gables founder George and Jose Ortega, a boutique development fice,” Ortega says. “We scoured every online Merrick and one of the city’s architectural group that, among other properties, owns resource for random photos, and found old, stars, the building is an example of the a half-dozen buildings on Giralda Plaza. scanned periodicals.” In this way, they were small-scale, Mediterranean-influenced Among these is 120 Giralda, once the city’s able to match the designs of the windows design that established the style and apfirst U.S. Post Office, now repurposed to exactly to the originals. They also found a pearance of the Gables. Today, it is one of house four restaurants and an engineering 1924 newspaper article which showed that the last of the original commercial buildings firm. Maven took on the La Palma project the entrance on Alhambra Circle was origithat once formed the downtown fabric of after purchasing the property in 2018. the City Beautiful. “Giralda set us up to uniquely tackle [La nally an open breezeway, long since enclosed. To maintain that original historic design, Over the years, the building has taken Palma],” says Ortega of Maven’s historical different names and changed hands more work in the Gables. “The building is gorgeous, they installed frameless glass walls at both ends of the entrance hallway, replicating the than once. By 1940, it had become the Sola- so we didn’t touch the outside. It’s exactly the na Hotel and remained that way through the same as it has been for 100 years. We know it’s see-through appearance while keeping it climate controlled. ‘60s. It became a landmark for the commua part of the culture in this city. Everybody’s Torre Companies, which had experinity, hosting dinners, weddings, meetings, been here for an event, or lunch, or dinner, so ence in historical restoration and building and many, many guests. it has a lot of value in the community. All of

coralgablesmagazine.com

LEFT: LA PALMA HOTEL, NESTLED IN THE CITY

“EVERYBODY’S BEEN HERE FOR AN EVENT, OR LUNCH, OR DINNER, SO IT HAS A LOT OF VALUE IN THE COMMUNITY. ALL OF THOSE THINGS SPOKE TO US.” JOSE ORTEGA, SHOWN RIGHT, WITH MARC SCHWARZBERG OF MAVEN REAL ESTATE GROUP

ABOVE: THE ENTRANCE BREEZEWAY AT NIGHT

townhomes in Mediterranean coral-rock style, was tasked with completing the renovations. The multi-year process, initially delayed by the pandemic, was completed late last year. According to CEO Venny Torre, the plan from the beginning was to create a feeling of going back in time from the first step inside – while still updating the structure. They replaced the whole roof, re-designed and enlarged the restaurant spaces, and replaced the lighting, all while keeping in mind the original building’s design. One big challenge was ensuring the building’s sturdiness in the face of a hurricane while still preserving the outside façade. The solution was to literally construct a new building inside the historic shell, from footer to parapet, to ensure structural integrity. “This building has another building on the inside,” says Torre. “There are six inches of [new] concrete in the entire building from floor to roof. It’s a brand-new building but the outside is the old skin.” That includes the 100-year-old bricks and decades-old stucco, which are still there as part of past designs. “I can count on my fingers how many buildings of this kind are left,” says Torre. “So, to keep it intact, protected, and save it is very important for our city. This is our story.” Although the building had already been designated as a historic landmark in Coral Gables, the Maven Group went through the process of adding it to the National Register of Historic Places as well, giving it extra protection and setting the property up to potentially receive national preservation benefits. Throughout La Palma’s history, the first floor of the hotel was always used for retail, while the second floor comprised hotel rooms. Now, the first floor is occupied

LIVING / RESTORATION

LA PALMA HOTEL 1924

LA PALMA HOTEL 2023

THE COURTYARD 1924

THE COURTYARD 2023

by two Michelin-starred chefs, with an interior design firm scheduled to move in this month, and the second floor consists of various businesses, including an atelier for couture designer Mayda Cisneros and the corporate offices of Chef Thomas Keller. The first place to open at La Palma was Shingo, a 14-seat omakase restaurant by Chef Shingo Akikuni that opened in the summer of 2023. Akikuni earned a Michelin star at Hiden in Wynwood, where he was executive chef, before he decided to open his own restaurant. “We ate his food, and it was spectacular,” says Ortega. “But it was meeting with him and his business partner and hearing what their plans were that showed us, ‘They get it. They appreciate it.’” Akikuni and his business partner hired

ENTRANCE BREEZEWAY 1960

a firm out of Kyoto to design the restaurant in Japan, which was then deconstructed, shipped to La Palma, and assembled on-site by a Japanese carpenter. “That dedication to executing this at its highest level, that’s exactly what we needed,” Ortega says. The second high-end restaurant to open at La Palma was Bouchon Bistro, opened in September 2023 on the first floor. In its pre-pandemic incarnation, the Bouchon space was home to La Palma Ristorante, famous for giving all female diners a rose and a pillow for their feet. Schwarzberg says they increased the restaurant’s footprint from 3,400 to 7,400-square-feet. Here, Michelin-starred Chef Thomas Keller, considered one of world’s top masters of French cuisine, serves up classic French fare.

“In many respects, Thomas took more of a gamble on us than we did on him,” Schwarzberg says. “When he first came through the building, we didn’t even have a roof. All we had was a set of plans and the promise that we would be able to deliver what we have here now.” What they have now, Ortega says, is still La Palma – a building that reflects the character of Coral Gables and a monument to the city’s nearly 100-year memory. He recalls one instance during construction when a local resident stopped to ask what they were doing. After a brief explanation, he revealed he’d been married there 30 years ago. “They say a person’s memory is greater than the reality,” says Schwarzberg. “We just really hoped to match people’s memories of it.” ■

ENTRANCE BREEZEWAY 2023

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Bites

Beauty and the Butcher Page 48

THE LITTLE PIGGY: MAKER’S MARK BOURBON AND REDEMPTION RYE WHISKEY, WHICH ARRIVES SMOKING

BITES

Quick Bites Breakfast

Many nutritionists say the most important meal of the day is one that nearly a quarter of Americans skip: breakfast. It improves your energy levels, concentration, and can help with weight management. So, this New Year make a commitment to a healthy habit! Here are some local options we love. BREAKFAST BENEDICT

Among pastry chef Antonio Bachour’s list of accomplishments is a perfect six-minute egg, served in Bachour’s Eggs Benedict ($18) with Canadian bacon and hollandaise sauce, house salad and breakfast potatoes included. About the only Eggs Benedict that beats this one is their Salmon Benedict ($20), where the bacon is replaced with smoked fish. Both are exquisite, with seating inside near the pastry cases or outside in the courtyard. 2020 Salzedo St. 305.203.0552 A MILLENNIAL HALLMARK

Is there anything more “in” than avocado toast for breakfast? Full of healthy fat and fiber, avocados protect the heart and are nutrient-dense. Paired with Fontana’s multigrain toast and two organic eggs any style (we prefer poached), and garnished with truffle brie fonduta, fruits, and veggies, this dish ($21) is a master class in healthy eating. And you can enjoy it in the Biltmore’s delightful outdoor patio setting. 1200 Anastasia Ave. 855.311.6903 ULTIMATE EGG SANDWICH

You could craft a breakfast at Madruga Bakery from a coffee and any of their delicious baked goods, from guava and cheese danishes to croissants stuffed with spinach and feta cheese. But their organic egg sandwich with Niman Ranch bacon, sauteed kale, cheddar cheese, and fresh herb aioli on an onion poppy roll ($11) will start your day with a smile. 1430 S Dixie Hwy. 305.262.6130. SPICE IT UP

The king of all-day breakfast, Threefold Café is the go-to place for breakfast whenever. The chili eggs ($16) are among the more intriguing items, a mildly spicy reinvention of an omelet served on toast. The eggs are folded over with pimiento cheese and a sprinkling of pico de gallo; the heat comes from red chili jam and harissa, a hot North African chili pepper paste. Packed full of flavor. 141 Giralda Ave. 305.704.8007 PANCAKE PALOOZA

Every so often, nothing will do for breakfast except a stack of pancakes. Thankfully there’s Bistro Café, a block north of the Shops at Merrick Park. Here you can order the Blueberry Cream Pancakes ($23), a half-dozen medallions at their fluffy best, lathered with fresh blueberries, blueberry sauce, and whipped cream. If you’re feeling calorie guilt, split this with someone and order scrambled eggs on the side. 4155 Laguna St. 305.530.8193 ■ TOP TO BOTTOM BACHOUR: EGGS BENEDICT WITH CANADIAN BACON FONTANA: AVOCADO TOAST WITH EGGS MADRUGA BAKERY: EGG SANDWICH WITH BACON THREEFOLD CAFÉ: CHILI EGGS BISTRO CAFÉ: BLUEBERRY CREAM PANCAKES

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WE’ VE BEEN AROUND YOUR BLOCK Lowell International Realty is expertly acquainted with your neighborhood, your market, the banks, schools & resources in your area, but most importantly, we know your buyers. Engaging a dedicated, skilled team to guide & advise you as you prepare for what’s next, guarantees the best results every time .

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BITES / TASTING MENUS

Taste of the Season

LION & THE RAMBLER’S WEEKEND TASTING MENU SHOWCASES INTRICATE SEASONAL FLAVORS

BY NATALIA CLEMENT

ion & The Rambler is a cozy, yet modern restaurant on Ponce de Leon just short of 8th Street, offering an ever-evolving seasonal menu with carefully sourced ingredients. Opened just last year, Chef Michael Bolen (also the proprietor) has made a name for his eatery with a distinctive dining experience, earning this year’s “Best Restaurant in Coral Gables” title by Miami New Times and a listing in the 2023 Michelin Guide. On Fridays and Saturdays, the kitchen showcases thoughtfully crafted dishes with elaborate four-course ($125 per person) and seven-course ($185 per person) tasting menus, paired optionally with a selection of wines ($65 and $90 respectively). Here, you’ll set aside a couple of hours for a complex culinary journey that explores the season’s most pristine ingredients. As we sat down for the seven-course dinner, we were greeted with two glasses of refreshing Prosecco alongside damp towels to prepare our hands for the snack course. To open our taste buds, we sipped a tea of Cox’s Orange Pippin apples. Now prepared, we were served three snacks: a bluefin tuna tart sandwiched between avocado and jalapeño slices, drenched in homemade ponzu sauce; a four-layer Koginut squash croustade with whipped French feta, hazelnut miso, pear jam, and brûléed squash; and a spiced apple bread with foie gras and serrano ham. We savored each small, profoundly flavored bite. The second course consisted of a thrice-fried chicken, topped

TOP LEFT: LOBSTER APPETIZER WITH BEET & BROCCOLINI SAUCES BOTTOM LEFT: GLAZED SHORT RIB ENTREE WITH BLACK TRUFFLE FRIED BREAD ABOVE: BONIATO PELMINI - SWEET POTATO DUMPLINGS

with hot sauce, prized ossetra caviar, and white truffle – a luxurious appetizer paired with an aperitif-style champagne. The next course was lobster. As with each plate, Chef Bolen came tableside to explain the complexity of his craft. He detailed how he used every part of the lobster – from the crispy grilled tail to a soufflé caramelized and topped with a salad made from the claws and knuckles. It was beautifully plated with vibrant roasted beet and broccolini sauces. We prepared for the following course with a sip of light French rosé and slices of warm sourdough and focaccia lathered in honey butter – a palate cleanser for the flavorful porcelet belly dégustation up next. This highly regarded delicacy of baby pig cuts came plated with scallops and three colorful sauces of roasted pear, koginut squash, and chanterelle mushrooms with hazelnut. Throughout the meal, the dollops of inventive sauces complemented each dish exquisitely. Powering through three more courses, we enjoyed line-caught cod steamed in dashi, served with coconut bisque, spiced couscous, Thai basil sauce, and grilled negi onion. With our next glass of dry Gamay, we dug into our favorite plate of the night: the boniato pelmeni. These sweet potato dumplings were cooked in garlic butter and topped with sour orange sauce and aleppo pepper. The final entree was glazed short rib paired with black truffle fried bread and honeynut squash sauce. The night concluded with a bonus: a selection of desserts, from passion fruit macarons to mandarin ice cream and lemon tarts, paired with a rich port. Our favorite was the brownie topped with mascarpone ice cream and garnished with miso caramel and chocolate crumble. For hardcore foodies, Lion & The Rambler’s tasting menu is a unique gastronomic experience, combining creativity, passion, and technique. ■ coralgablesmagazine.com

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BITES / FINE DINING

American Inventiveness BEAUTY AND THE BUTCHER IS CHEF JEREMY FORD’S PLAYGROUND BY ANDREW GAYLE

he first impression you get when you enter Beauty and the Butcher is of a very masculine space, in its own way a kind of man cave. Heavy black curtains block the streetlights and passing traffic along Red Road and San Ignacio Avenue, the columns inside are white brick, and heavy wooden beams rib the ceiling overhead. Along one wall are leather booths and along the other are white marble tables and leather couches. The central space is filled with a large underlit bar, with a very prominent cooler filled with various slabs of aging meat. Chef Jeremy Ford is, himself, a burly looking sort, with tattoos up one arm and a butcher’s apron. But don’t let that fool you. There is nothing heavy handed about the food here. Now celebrating its first-year anniversary, Beauty and the Butcher is a showcase for Ford’s talent as an impresario of New American cuisine. Having earned a Michelin star for his South Beach restaurant Stubborn Seed, the “Top Chef ” winner and James Beard semifinalist is out to impress in this latest collaboration with Grove Bay Hospitality Group, the same folks behind Stubborn Seed. (The name is a nod, BTW, to Ford’s first daughter, Madelynn – aka the beauty – and himself, the butcher.) While Ford touts the seasonality and quality of the ingredients – he has, like fellow Chef Niven Patel, acquired his own Redlands farm to supply the freshest fruits and vegetables – this is not a restaurant with simply prepared dishes based on the singularity of those ingredients. Instead, it is the amazing complexity of the appetizers and entrees that make dining here a gustatory adventure. Try figuring out what goes into his truffle tarts ($32). These potent disks are made with foie gras wrapped in a pine nut and sunflower seed crust, truffle in the center, and a sour apple and white port glaze on top. The tiniest bite will mesmerize with its complexity of flavor and textures. The same goes for his Szechwan-cured yellowtail hamachi ($27) – a yellowtail crudo with torched melon bits, dried olives, mint and chervil herbs, pine nuts, and passionfruit emulsion for a citrus burst to balance the heat of chili fermen. Deconstructing these mosaics of flavor in your mouth is half the fun of eating at Beauty. Then there are the meats, as you would expect from the Butcher. We did not spring for the 44-ounce Wagyu tomahawk – a bit rich for our blood at $395 – though we saw it flaming in a giant harness at the next table. We did, however, try the Wagyu filet ($94) which was sim-

TOP: CHEF JEREMY FORD, LOOKING EVERY PART THE BUTCHER IN HIS APRON ABOVE: INTERIOR OF WOOD PANELLING AND DARK GREEN LEATHER BOOTH SEATING

BEAUTY & THE BUTCHER 6915 RED ROAD 305.665.9661

TOP LEFT: SLABS OF AGING MEAT ON DISPLAY OPPOSITE PAGE TOP LEFT: THE APPLE DUTCH BABY PIE TOP RIGHT: TRUFFLE TART WITH FOIE GRAS MIDDLE RIGHT: FOCACCIA WITH NDUJA BUTTER BOTTOM LEFT: YELLOWTAIL HAMACHI CRUDO BOTTOM RIGHT: WAGYU BEEF TENDERLOIN

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ply as good as it gets – from the Butcher’s Cuts part of the menu where Ford lets the beef speak for itself. And, highly recommended by our server (who claimed she dreamed of it at night), was the slow-smoked beef rib ($69), tender and juicy, meant to be eaten in a naan wrap with pickled veggies and chimichurri. And just when we thought things might stay simple, we tried the roasted Faroe Island salmon ($40) in Thai coconut broth, with charred cabbage and organic mushrooms from the Gratitude Garden Farm in Loxahatchee. Not to be missed. We were hard pressed to find anything on the menu that was not a demonstration of Ford’s enhancement of food. You want croquetas? Ford’s are made with jamon iberico and petite Basque cheese, enhanced by a smoked paprika emulsion ($22). You want bread? Order the sourdough focaccia ($12), with rosemary oil on

top, infused with local Koji honey and accompanied by Nduja butter. Beyond good. You want apple pie, assuming you are still standing? The Apple Dutch Baby ($15) consists of caramelized apples and double vanilla ice cream in an open crust, drizzled tableside with a crème fraiche toffee. Even the drinks have their complexities, like the “Little Piggy” ($17) – Maker’s Mark bourbon with Redemption rye whiskey, fig nectar, tawny port, and blackstrap bitters, all somehow washed with hickory-smoked pork belly. It arrived smoking, literally – a drink fit for a man cave. And we loved the soundtrack, which ranged from the Verve’s “Bittersweet Symphony” to Talking Heads. So, save your money for a splurge at Beauty and the Butcher, and see how inventive American cuisine can get. ■

BITES / HAPPY HOUR

Tipsy Tapas A HAPPY TWO HOURS AT BULLA BY KYLIE WANG

ith a new happy hour tapas menu and some of the best deals on drinks in the city, the only complaint we have about Bulla’s happy hour is that it doesn’t last longer. Every day from 5 to 7 pm, patrons of the Spanish gastrobar can enjoy half-off wines, $3 off beers, $8 cocktails and martinis, and $7 sangrias and house liquors. We tried the Proper Gin & Tonic and the Spanish Margarita; the former a light and refreshing goblet made with dry gin and sweet star anise, the latter concocted with agave nectar and slightly nutty Amontillado sherry. Both were refreshing takes on classic cocktails that thankfully didn’t try to entirely reinvent the wheel. We paired these with Bulla’s tuna tartare wanton crisps ($6), worth the trip alone. Six bite-size triangles of wonton chips are loaded with ahi tuna, mango, avocado, soy sesame vinaigrette, and Siracha aioli, reminiscent of a ceviche in taste but more savory than tangy. After, we tried the steak montaditos ($6.50), two ovals of easily torn bread sized to just over a mouthful, stacked with marinated medium-cooked beef, salsa, piquillo pepper confit, and Spanish Padrón peppers, a cousin of the Japanese shishito. Fair warning: you have about a 10 percent chance of biting into one with jalapeño heat. All this was paired with the third standout of the evening: excellent service from Bulla’s bartender Jimmy, both pleasant and present. Maravilloso! ■

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Facelifts Beyond Techniques

A prospective facelift patient researching options these days is likely to encounter some confusion given today’s abundance of enticing advertising on Instagram and other social media platforms. Claims are made about the superiority of one ‘technique’ versus another, including a re-marketed technique originally conceived (and relegated) decades ago, the ‘deep plane’ of the 1980’s/90’s. It is true that a facelift can be performed in more than one way - as a skin lift, a SMAS lift (with its own permutations of a ‘high’, ‘low’ or ‘extended’ version), a ‘deep plane’, or yet deeper, as a ‘subperiosteal’ lift (at the level of the facial bones). And that’s not all. This is not just confusing for patients but also for surgeons. So, what to do? First, don’t believe everything you hear or watch on Instagram. Remain critical. Your result will be produced by your plastic surgeon, not a named ‘technique’. That result will be the outcome of your surgeon’s artistic abilities (which vary considerably) and much actual experience, utilizing a combination of techniques which over time have proven safe and effective in their hands. Different surgeons may well use different techniques. Good, excellent surgeons usually produce solid results, and do so consistently. So, what’s actually important in a facelift that matters to you? First, it needs to be safe - medically, and aesthetically. You want to emerge healthy and looking normal since you can’t hide your face (at least without a mask). Safety starts with medically screening patients for appropriate health, performing the procedure in a safe environment (accredited surgical facility, as an Ambulatory Surgery Center), under the care of a board-certified anesthesiologist with a judicious combo of local and sleep anesthesia. Obviously, having a safe surgeon is as critical as a safe pilot. Also, attentive after-surgery care matters. Aesthetically, techniques selected depend on a patient’s anatomy and nuances. That’s up to the plastic surgeon and there is no substitute for the surgeon’s experience and craftsmanship. What’s important to accomplish during surgery is to re-tighten the support layer below the skin and to adequately mobilize and redrape the overlying skin after removing its excess. This needs to be done with a delicate touch (to minimize bruising and swelling) while staying away from sensitive, deeper situated facial nerves which if injured can induce obvious deformities. A ‘deep is dangerous’ awareness is a useful thought to behold throughout the procedure.

Stephan Baker MD Key areas to address are the neck and jowls, and often the upper eyelids. Many patients do not need a brow or lip lift. Some volume addition, as well as Botox, can be helpful. A generally ‘less is more’ attitude is wise if you wish to remain looking like yourself. In summary, facelifts are safe and highly effective procedures, providing unparalleled rejuvenation when expertly performed. Surgically, they are time intensive and demanding to perform, requiring prolonged and nonstop attention to numerous details. A good facelift looks normal and natural, like yourself, while leaving the observer pondering why you look good. The notso-good ones are pretty easy to spot, and you may have seen some. As always, research and reflect carefully before proceeding. The ‘American Board of Plastic Surgery’ has been certifying plastic surgeons since 1937 and is a good starting point. Ask pointed questions, review results of previous work, and ask around. Solid reputations take time to build.

STEPHAN BAKER, MD, FACS

Plastic Surgery of the Face Breast and Body Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery

305.381.8837 | www.drbaker.com 3850 Bird Road Suite 702, Miami, FL 33146

BITES / NEW PLACES

Lobster Season ... All Year O

ROLLING WITH MONTAUK LOBSTER HOUSE

ne of the fixtures of South Gables has been Gringo’s Oyster Bar, for years the go-to place for fresh seafood and (of course) oysters (and especially at happy hour). The bad news is that they are gone. The good news – especially for lovers of lobster – is that they’ve been replaced with Montauk Lobster House. We recently visited and chatted with the new owners, Diego and Priscila Flores. As it turns out, this is not their first lobster rodeo. For the last eight years they have been running the original Montauk Lobster Houses in (you guessed it) Montauk, New York, along with another one on Long Island. “We close for the season [up there], and we needed a project for the winter,” quipped Diego. As for the lobster itself, we tried three variations: their Montauk Lobster Roll ($34), which is cold lobster meat tossed with mayo, celery, and fresh lemon juice in a brioche bun; their Lighthouse Lobster Roll ($34), with warm lobster in butter in that same brioche bun, now toasted; and their Surf & Turf Burger, a great mix of a half-pound burger with chunks of lobster meat ($29). A big thumbs up for all three. And for all lovers of the pink crustacean: their lobsters are flown fresh from the cold waters of Maine all year, so they don’t depend on Florida’s lobster season. ■ MONTAUK LOBSTER HOUSE 1549 SUNSET DRIVE 631.808.3639

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ABOVE: OWNERS DIEGO AND PRISCILA FLORES.

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People Patrick Alexander Lourdes Arteaga & Maia Duschatzky Andrew Lorenzen Page 54

LOURDES ARTEAGA & MAIA DUSCHATZKY OF MIAMI ROYAL BALLET

PEOPLE

Patrick Alexander AUTHOR Born in the United Kingdom in 1946, Patrick Alexander may be one of the Gables’ most interesting residents. He’s lived in France and Switzerland working as an international finance advisor, backpacked across the U.S. and Mexico, and, along with his then-girlfriend, been voted “London’s Coolest Couple” in 1967. In the ‘80s, Alexander moved to the Gables, where he worked for two corporations and then at the University of Miami until his retirement in 2006. Now, he keeps busy by working at the Coral Gables Museum and the Granada Golf Course, though he spends most of his time writing. He’s written numerous books, including his latest: “Boomer,” a history of the Baby Boomer generation.

“HALFWAY THROUGH MY LIFE, WE CAME TO AMERICA. IT WAS A VERY OPTIMISTIC PLACE. EVERYONE WAS FRIENDLY, EVERYONE EXCHANGED IDEAS...”

LATEST ACHIEVEMENT

WHAT HE SAYS

This past December 15, Alexander’s “Boomer” was released as an audiobook on Audible, narrated by Dr. Jack Wynters. It’s also available as an e-book and in paperback in the U.S., France, Spain, Canada, and the UK. Alexander has written many other works besides, including two studies of the French writer Marcel Proust, a book on wine appreciation, a true-crime book about Miami murders (including four in Coral Gables), a history of Miami called “Building Paradise,” and four novels, three of which are set in the Gables. His latest project is recording them all for auditory consumption.

“I was born in Portsmouth, the headquarters of the British Navy. At that particular moment in time [we were] the biggest empire the world had ever known ruled. [But] for the next 20 or 30 years, it was just a succession of the empire getting smaller and smaller. Today, England is just a small island off the coast of Europe… And then, halfway through my life, we came to America. It was a very optimistic place. Everyone was friendly, everyone exchanged ideas. Now, we’ve reached a stage where we can barely talk to each other and we’re all terrified of the next election. So, that’s another 30-year period. I wanted to study that. Why has that happened? What made it happen?” ■

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1515 SUNSET DRIVE, 10 CORAL GABLES, 33143. 305.695.6060.

PEOPLE

Lourdes Arteaga & Maia Duschatzky DIRECTORS, MIAMI ROYAL BALLET

Lourdes Arteaga was a prima ballerina in Argentina and Chile before she and her daughter, Maia Duschatzky, moved to the U.S. when Duschatzky was two. By the time she was five, she was already following in her mother’s footsteps, learning to dance in a variety of styles, including ballet, lyrical, jazz, contemporary, and more. Just a few years later, in 2008, Arteaga opened the first Miami Royal Ballet (MRB) location. Since then, the studio has taught hundreds of people – from children as young as three up to adults in their 20s and 30s – the art of ballet. Duschatzky, now 24, has been an active participant in her mother’s business since she was young, but has become something more: a coworker. She choreographs, teaches, and handles the studio’s marketing efforts alongside Arteaga.

“YOU LEARN HOW TO USE YOUR BODY LIKE IT’S YOUR INSTRUMENT...” LOURDES ARTEAGA

LATEST ACHIEVEMENTS

WHAT THEY SAY

In June, Arteaga and Duschatzky opened Miami Royal Ballet’s new location at 300 Altara Ave. With multiple studios and even a small kitchen, the space is MRB’s sole location now, a place where regular people can be transformed into ballerinas. Many graduates of Miami Royal Ballet go on to dance in college or even in training programs for world-renowned ballet companies. Trophies are commonplace and performances often receive rave reviews from industry professionals.

“Classical ballet provides the foundation for every type of dance,” says Duschatzky. “Anything you do, you need to have a certain technique [that you learn in ballet]. So, we mostly focus on ballet since it’s the foundation of all dance, but we also just feel that it’s the most beautiful.” Arteaga adds, “You learn how to use your body like it’s your instrument…. It’s not just about becoming a dancer. It’s about learning the discipline, the structure, and the values that don’t just help you in dance, but in life.”■

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PEOPLE

Andrew Lorenzen MARSHALL SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT Throughout his academic career, Gables native Andrew Lorenzen has found ways to bring together his two passions: politics and storytelling. During his undergraduate studies at Cornell University, he double majored in government and performing & media arts, accompanied by a minor in English. He is currently pursuing a master’s degree in fine arts, studying fiction through New York University’s creative writing program. His coursework includes drafting his first historical fiction novel, with the goal of presenting it to publishers down the line. At Cornell, Lorenzen was named a Merrill Presidential Scholar, Cornell Humanities Scholar, and Cornell Institute of Politics and Global Affairs Undergraduate Scholar. His original play “Old Man and Boy” was awarded the 2022 Heermans-McCalmon Award in Playwriting, as part of Cornell’s undergraduate dramatic writing competition. His short stories and op-ed pieces have been featured in Cleaver Magazine,

LATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT

WHAT HE SAYS

The Miami Herald, The Nation, and The

Lorenzen was recently named a 2024 Marshall Scholar. This scholarship is granted to up to 50 young American scholars each year, allowing them to pursue a degree in any field of study in the United Kingdom. Next fall, Lorenzen will attend the London School of Economics and Political Science. In his second year, he will attend the University of Edinburgh, enrolling in the Narrative Futures: Art, Data, Society course. This relatively new program uses an interdisciplinary approach to understanding how narratives shape our society and political culture.

“So many people have stories about how their families arrived. Growing up [in Coral Gables], hearing those narratives just in casual conversations, it really shaped how I view stories and their impact. In the project I’m working on right now, the historical fiction novel, it’s very much trying to emulate the ways in which family history can become the main prism through which we understand our larger history.... “One of the most important things is to continue to put yourself out there with applications… As you’re doing that, you need to have the understanding that you’re always going to get more rejections than acceptances. The goal is to eventually find the place that is right for you.” ■

Chronicle of Higher Education.

“ FOR ME, I’VE BEEN LUCKY TO END UP WITH OPPORTUNITIES THAT HAVE BEEN A GREAT FIT FOR ME...”

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Starring Keith Baker Teddy Warren Directed by Jon Marans

a deeply satisfying play with music

Presents A MIAMI PREMIERE!

January 12 - February 4 Streaming available

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Beauty, Art & Fundraising 60

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BEAUX ARTS FESTIVAL OF ART CELEBRATES ITS 73RD YEAR

The Beaux Arts Festival Beckons BY HARRIET MAYS POWELL

hen the Beaux Arts organization was inaugurated in 1952, it started with just 50 members. Its first event was called the “Clothesline Fair” and displayed works from local artists that were literally pinned up on a clothesline. Fast forward to today: There are now 90 active members, plus some 400 associates (former members). But their mission remains the same: to raise money each year to support the Lowe Art Museum at the University of Miami. The all-volunteer, all-female-led organization does this through an annual Beaux Arts Ball and through Coral Gables’ premier art fair, The Beaux Arts Festival of Art. On January 13 and 14 of this year, the festival will take place for the 73rd time, making it the longest-running art fair in Miami-Dade County (the ball takes place in the fall). As always, the Beaux Arts Festival will unfold on the grounds of the university, adjacent to the museum it supports. This year, the fair will feature some 200 artists from around the country and is expected to attract over 25,000 visitors. Fees from booth rentals, combined with the financial support of sponsors and, later, tickets sold for the Beaux Arts Ball, have over the years raised more than $8 million to support the Lowe. While fundraising for the museum is key, a big part of the festival’s mission is to engage the local community with artists – admission to the fair is free – and to promote local artists to the wider world. Many Beaux Arts contributors go on to exhibit at major events, including at Miami Art Week. Several artists have even moved to Miami after spending 61

THE 2023 WINNERS: TOP: ALEX LANIER, WINNER, BEST DRAWING AND DIGITAL CATEGORIES CENTER: WILLIAM KIDD, BEST CERAMICS BOTTOM: MAGALI CEREGHINO-GROVES, BEST WOODEN ART

time at the festival. Each is first vetted for admission, and, once accepted, their work goes before a jury. Awards are given in nine different categories, including watercolor, ceramics, photography, and digital art, with over $20,000 in prizes. Last year’s “Best in Show” award went to Randy Ekhart, a painter from Maine who also received first place in watercolor. Other festival artists with followings include William Kidd, a ceramicist of natural forms who took first place in ceramics last year, and Magali Cereghino-Groves, the Best in Show winner in 2020, who received an award last year for wooden art, using a gourd pattern-burning technique from her native Peru. The festival’s judges change each year, allowing for fresh perspectives and helping eliminate any notion of preconceived bias.

An Artist’s Perspective Local artist Alex Lanier has been exhibiting his ink drawings and digital renderings at Beaux Arts each year since 2018. Trained as an architect at Florida International University, Lanier abandoned that career when his drawing ability allowed him to work as an artist full-time. Last year he won first place in both drawing and the digital category, taking home $1,200 in prize money for each award. Lanier, who keeps a studio in Wynwood, is not represented by a gallery. He says that social media has become the main arena in which to showcase and sell his work, citing a case in point: When actor and comedian Martin Lawrence noticed his output online, a commission followed for a large work. And when the comedian posted an image, it went viral, giving Lanier validation from a celebrity and exposure to a huge audience. His digital success notwithstanding, Lanier also takes his show on the road to art fairs around the country, from the Coconut Grove, Winter Park, and Orlando shows in Florida to the Atlanta Dogwood Festival in Georgia and the Utah Art Festival in Salt Lake City. “There is something special about interacting with people in the real world, an element of feedback and conversation that you don’t get online,” he says. And though all the fairs are similarly organized, Lanier

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“IT IS A WONDERFUL VOLUNTEER ORGANIZATION OF WOMEN WHO HAVE SIMILAR INTERESTS IN THE ARTS, CULTURAL AFFAIRS, AND IN ARTS EDUCATION...”

Photo by Roldofo Benitez

CECILIA SLESNICK, CURRENT PRESIDENT, BEAUX ARTS

says few are as good as Beaux Arts when it comes to selling his work. “Even though I make a lot of my sales online, I always come back to Beaux Arts, where the customers tend to be young professionals, and where I get to make new connections,” he says. Last year, Lanier sold one of his works at Beaux Art for $7,000; his prints also sold, starting at $40 each. Beaux Arts was Lanier’s first art fair. He chose it, he says, not only because it was near where he lives, but because as a previous spectator he was impressed by the quality of art, the crowd, and the fair’s organization. “The fair was not only close – it was really good,” he says. For the volunteers who organize and operate the fair, these are welcome words. For many members of Beaux Arts, it is a generational continuum, following in the footsteps of their mothers, sisters, and grandmothers – all to help support community art. “There’s not a single paid staff member,” says current president Cecilia Slesnick. “Most of us work, have full-time jobs and families, so this is really a labor of love.” Recently, we met with Slesnick to share crêpes at Sweet Paris, the trendy new café at The Plaza Coral Gables. Slesnick has a warm and jovial personality, underscored by a whimsical sartorial style. The morning we talked, she was sporting a bejeweled headband and a colorful tweed coat emblazoned with her initials on the lapel. Along with her two co-chairs for the festival, Jordan Kever and Caroline Buck, Slesnick takes pride in the fact that the event is widely recognized as one of the leading art shows in the country. To become a volunteer and a member of Beaux Arts, a current or associate member must sponsor you. Volunteers make a sev-

Photo by Roldofo Benitez LEFT TO RIGHT: JORDAN KEVER, CECILIA SLESNICK, AND CAROLINE BUCK

en-year commitment, with a new president elected each year. Members, Slesnick says, must pay $250 dollars in annual dues and buy a ticket to the annual ball. But the reward is worth it, she says: “It is a wonderful volunteer organization of women who have similar interests in the arts, cultural affairs, and in arts education.” Co-festival chair Kever is in her fifth year of volunteering and also wears the vice-president’s hat, which means she will automatically assume the presidency when Slesnick’s yearlong term ends in the spring. “This year, I have shadowed and apprenticed with Ceci Slesnick, which is an important step to understanding the job of president,” she says. Buck, the other co-chair, is in her fourth year as a volunteer, and an artist in her own right – a watercolorist who specializes in custom stationery and invitations. Beaux Arts, she says, “is a close-knit group of women focused on bringing access to the arts, while also having fun.” Undertaking

the festival wouldn’t be possible without the work and drive of 30 volunteers who make up its committee. (Other Beaux Arts members volunteer for committees that range from sponsorship fundraising to public relations for the organization). Kever says the number of artists exhibiting this year will be 20 percent more than last year, and that the fair now includes a new children’s marketplace, where art activities are supported by one of the organization’s leading sponsors, UHealth Jackson Urgent Care.

The Big Picture Although Beaux Arts Inc. and the Lowe Art Museum are separate 501(c)(3) nonprofits, they work closely with each other, a collaboration embodied by Jill Deupi, who is both the Beaux Arts’ paid professional director (made possible by an endowment that partially funds the position in perpetuity) and chief curator of the museum. It is Deupi’s

task to set the museum’s exhibition schedule and curate between six and 12 shows annually, as well as organize the permanent collection into themes and areas of focus. The Lowe, which Deupi calls a “mini Met,” encompasses a formidable 40,000-square-feet and more than 19,000 objects in 14 themed galleries, plus the Palley Pavilion glass collection and a sculpture garden. The museum’s collection includes masterworks from around the world, such as paintings by Monet and Gauguin, and two early Spanish works currently on loan from the New York Met’s medieval collection. The Lowe continues to be free to the public, thanks in no small measure to the financial support from Beaux Arts. Although the Lowe is normally closed on Sundays, it opens its doors for Beaux Arts’ weekends. In 2024, the festival will neatly coincide with the conclusion of “Order Up! The Pop Art of John Miller,” an upbeat exhibit of diner food rendered in coralgablesmagazine.com

brightly colored blown glass that Deupi says aligns well with the spirit of the fair. Slesnick says that one of her favorite times at the festival is the morning of the artists’ arrival for registration, when their vans are pulling in. Often, they’ve been on the road for days, coming from places as far-flung as New England and Washington State. “I am definitely a festival girl. I love seeing artists in person and observing how they change and evolve their styles,” she says. “And it’s also nice to have repeat exhibitors. Some people have been with us for decades.” After a decade of volunteering herself, Slesnick says that much of the artwork in her house is from previous festivals and that she’s now running out of wall space. Her two children have become involved, developing personal relationships with artists whom they seek out each year, purchasing reasonably priced prints for their rooms. Slesnick may be the president, but she says her responsibilities include “booth sitting” when an artist needs a short break – and that she delights in making sales in their absence. While the artists pay an application fee, plus the cost of their booth space, proceeds from sales go exclusively to the artists themselves. Alongside the artists, the festival promotes local businesses, with a designated area for vendors to showcase clothing and children’s toys, as well as artisans making hats and fans. There is also live music from local bands, plus myriad local food options, including a festival favorite, Salty Donut, along with a beer and wine garden by Gables brewpub Bay 13 Brewery & Kitchen. While the weather is a big concern for any outdoor fair, Slesnick says that in her 10 years of volunteering, they have only been inconvenienced twice by inclement conditions. As president, Slesnick is responsible for coordinating the other activities of Beaux Arts, which include a student artist showcase each April, with categories of painting, photography, mixed media, and digital art. (The chosen works are then exhibited at the Lowe, with a reception and awards ceremony for winners). Each summer, Beaux Arts also offers weekly art camps for students ages five through 12. And the organization recently launched an outreach project called “HandsOn!” in which students from Title 1 elementary schools and CHARLEE Homes for Children spend a day learning about the museum’s exhibits and participating in art projects. Then there is the annual Beaux Arts Ball, which began in 1953 and holds the distinction of being the oldest costume ball in South Florida. It is organized by a separate committee, but, like all the committees,

reports to the president. The galas, each with a theme, take place in October, and the artistic costumes are taken very seriously. Under Slesnick’s tenure in 2023, the theme was “Out of This World,” with costume contest winners enjoying bragging rights for the ensuing year. While Slesnick’s enthusiasm for the ball is palpable – it’s the organization’s largest fundraiser – she concludes our conversation with a heartfelt eulogy to the festival: “At Beaux Arts [Festival], all the artists get to call Coral Gables home for the weekend. They arrive on Friday; they’re here through Sunday. They stay locally in the Gables; they eat locally in the Gables. We really love showcasing our beautiful city to them. And they come back over and over and over again.” ■

JILL DEUPI, BEAUX ARTS DIRECTOR AND CHIEF CURATOR OF THE LOWE ART MUSEUM

BEAUX ARTS FESTIVAL JAN. 13-14, 10 AM TO 5 PM WATSCO CENTER 1245 DAUER DR. UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI

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Music at McBride Plaza A FREE, OUTDOOR CONCERT SERIES FEATURING

Make time for music! Every concert features a different and talented ensemble from UM’s Frost School of Music. Enjoy these outdoor concerts in the heart of Downtown Coral Gables.

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M C BRIDE PLAZA • 150 MIRACLE MILE, CORAL GABLES FIRST & THIRD THURSDAY • 5:30 - 7:30 P.M.

Jan

Dates

11 Feb

Feb

Mar

BROUGHT TO YOU BY ARTHUR B. MCBRIDE, SR. FAMILY FOUNDATION

NEW YEAR, NEW YOU: BROADENING YOUR HORIZONS BY KYLIE WANG

Every year, the most common New Year’s resolution is to get fit, which is why we’ve dedicated each of our January issues to local gyms and their fitness programs. This year we thought we’d take a break and explore more nontraditional methods of becoming “the new you.” Whether your resolution is to learn language, pick up a hobby, or give back to the community, we’ve got you covered. This year, you could…

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LEARN TO DANCE DANCING DOES WONDERS for your body and mind, providing fun physical activity that also enhances your mental acuity and helps you connect with yourself – or your partner! In the Gables, there are several options for different kinds of dance. Whether it’s ballroom, ballet, or merengue, there’s a studio for you. Fred Astaire Dance Studios teaches ballroom dancing in both group and private lessons in-person or over Zoom. 2320 Galiano St. fredastaire.com/coral-gables Miami Royal Ballet teaches ballet to adults on Mondays and Wednesdays from 9:30 to 10:30 am or from 8 to 9 pm. They also have an extensive curriculum for children. Tell them you come from Coral Gables Magazine and your first class will be free! 300 Altara Ave., #1415. miamiroyalballet.com Arthur Murray Dance Studio has the most varied offerings, ranging from the cha cha to the foxtrot to country western and everything in between. The international school has a century’s worth of experience teaching students, beginning with a basic introductory course that emphasizes foot position, rhythm, and timing. 2916 Ponce de Leon Blvd. arthurmurray.com For those over 50 who want to learn to dance, the Coral Gables Adult Activity Center offers basic ballet classes on Tuesdays at 5:15 pm and line dancing on Mondays at 11:15 am. 2 Andalusia Ave. aacinfo@coralgables.com Open classes at Sanctuary of the Arts are available on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6:30 pm, featuring instruction in jazz dance for intermediate and advanced students. The first two classes are complimentary, but spots must be reserved. The performance hall regularly hosts other classes and performances, so stay tuned! 410 Andalusia Ave. sanctuaryofthearts.org

RIGHT: ARTHUR MURRAY DANCE STUDIO BELOW: SOCIETA DANTE ALIGHIERI LANGUAGE SCHOOL

LEARN A NEW LANGUAGE SOCIETA DANTE ALIGHIERI has been teaching its students Italian for over 130 years. Founded in 1889, the organization opened its Miami chapter in 1996 in Coral Gables. It now teaches Italian, French, and German, with classes for beginners to advanced students. The longer courses are designed to prepare students for exams, some of which are needed for naturalization. 401 Coral Way, Suite #105. dantemiami.org The University of Miami’s Intensive Language Institute is mostly geared toward international graduates looking to learn English, but there is also an intensive Spanish course for all levels of proficiency that costs $1,150. Custom programs are also available if you’re looking for a more individualized experience. On-campus, one-on-one instruction costs $115 per hour; off-campus classes are $125 per hour. 5050 Brunson Dr. ili.dcie.miami.edu. Also at UM is the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI), which offers classes in French, Italian, and Spanish for individuals over 50 at all levels. Registration for the Spring 2024 sessions runs through Jan. 11 and OLLI is holding an open house on Jan. 9 for those looking for more information. Classes are held both in-person and online and typically cost about $80. Go to olli.dcie.miami.edu to see the full list of courses and register for classes. 1550 Brescia Ave. The Coral Gables Adult Activity Center also offers basic instruction in Spanish for non-native speakers over 50 that already have basic comprehension. Students will review basic grammar, discuss Latin American current events, read short stories, and interpret song lyrics. The free classes are held on Mondays from 2:30 to 4 pm. Registration is required. 2 Andalusia Ave. aacinfo@coralgables.com

PICK UP A NEW HOBBY THERE ARE COUNTLESS HOBBIES in the world and you don’t

need to leave the comfort of your home to pick up a new one. But if you’re looking for social interaction, the Coral Gables Adult Activity Center has a long list to choose from for those over 50. For example: book clubs in Spanish and English; a current events discussion group; game days; and classes in drawing and painting, arts and crafts, knitting and scrapbooking, and watercolor painting. 2 Andalusia Ave. aacinfo@coralgables.com At Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, classes center around the arts and the outdoors. In January alone, there are classes in macramé, growing orchids, painting, and tropical fruits. Other classes teach things like crafting perfumes and learning to attract butterflies to your garden. Guided early morning bird walks for the budding (or experienced) birdwatcher are held on select Saturday mornings, beginning February 3. 10901 Old Cutler Rd. fairchildgarden.org The Coral Gables Museum frequently hosts one-off classes that teach new skills. On January 3 at 1 pm, for example, the museum will host a mosaics workshop to teach students how to create intricate works of art from paper and ceramic. In the past, hobbies like printmaking, pottery, and photography have been explored. 285 Aragon Ave. coralgablesmuseum.org If you’re interested in learning how to paint, sketch, make jewelry, or take photos, and you’re over 50, check out the University of Miami’s Osher Lifelong Learning Institute. The full course catalog is available online and you can still register for Spring 2024 classes until Jan 11. 1550 Brescia Ave. olli.dcie.miami.edu

A CLASS IN DRAWING AT THE CORAL GABLES MUSEUM

(piano and drums provided) and get jammin’ under the instruction of CAP’s Summer Concert Series artists. Saturday music classes are also available for children under 18. 3010 De Soto Blvd. communityartsprogram.org For private at-home lessons, there are a wide range of companies serving the Gables, including the Barrett School of Music, which specializes in voice, piano, guitar, bass, drums, and string instruments for ages four to 94. musicschoolmiami.com Seniors with little experience may enjoy the Coral Gables Adult Activity Center’s Mind and Melody Music class where professional musicians lead you on a sing-along journey featuring simple instruments and the opportunity to socialize. 2 Andalusia Ave. aacinfo@coralgables.com

LEARN TO PLAY AN INSTRUMENT PLATO ONCE SAID MUSIC “gives soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and charm and gaiety to life and to everything.” While your stumbling fingers might not quite be at that level yet, you never know… The Community Arts Program (CAP) offers free master classes and jam sessions at the Coral Gables Congregational United Church of Christ during the summer. Just bring your instruments

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JOIN A CLUB WANT TO MEET PEOPLE who share your interests? Look no further.

The Gables is home to many organizations that bring like-minded people together, including: The Coral Gables Garden Club is dedicated to educating its members and the public at large in gardening, horticulture, environmental issues, community beautification, and the art of floral design. Projects include planting trees in local schools, restoring the Girl Scouts of Tropical Florida’s Camp Mahachee, tending the Coral Gables Library’s butterfly garden, and restoring coastal mangroves. The club meets monthly at the Biltmore Hotel with membership dues starting at $100 annually. coralgablesgardenclub.org Representing the women of Coral Gables for 100 years, the Coral Gables Woman’s Club is a service-oriented organization dedicated to bettering the city. The club maintains the on-site Coral Gables Children’s Dental Clinic, which provides free dental care for children from low-income families. It also supports other worthy causes, promoting health, civic welfare, education, the environment, and the arts and sciences. The club meets twice a month with membership dues at $60 annually. 1001 & 1009 East Ponce de Leon Blvd. coralgableswomansclub.org An international organization, the Rotary Club maintains a Coral Gables chapter, which unites professional community leaders in providing humanitarian service across the globe. Currently, the club runs a scholarship program for students at Coral Gables High School and is working on literacy projects in Latin America. Previous projects include funding a new rehab facility at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, constructing freshwater wells in Haiti, providing water filtration in the Dominican Republic, and raising money for the Special Olympics, the Alzheimer’s Association, and the VA Hospital. The club meets weekly at the Hyatt Regency Coral Gables. Yearly membership dues are $375. 50 Alhambra Plaza. coralgablesrotary.org RIGHT: CORAL GABLE’S WOMAN’S CLUB BELOW: JIM MCLEAN GOLF SCHOOL AT THE BILTMORE

GET ACTIVE WHILE EXERCISING IS usually the go-to New Year’s resolution,

most people end up bored with gym memberships and drop out by February. But making exercise fun is not impossible. This year, try picking up a new sport instead of the monotony of lifting heavy things up and putting them back down. With three golf courses (Biltmore, Granada, and Riviera Country Club) and the No. 1 golf school in America within the city limits, Coral Gables is a haven for golf. At the Biltmore’s Jim McLean Golf School, lessons start at $145 per hour, following the curriculum McLean himself invented as one of the top professional coaches in the world. The school uses the latest technology to keep you on track and McLean himself is available for private lessons (though you’ll have to empty your wallet for these). Multi-day group classes are also available. 1200 Anastasia Ave. jimmclean.com Pickleball has become all the rage lately. The sport – like tennis but played in a smaller space – only requires a couple of rackets, a ball, and a court, and is less physically strenuous than tennis. In Coral Gables, outdoor courts are available for free weekdays at the War Memorial Youth Center (405 University Dr.) and daily at Salvadore Park Tennis Center (1120 Andalusia Ave.). To register for either venue, visit playgables.com. Adults 50 and over can register for indoor courts at the Coral Gables Adult Activity Center (2 Andalusia Ave.) on Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday afternoons via emailing aacinfo@coralgables.com or calling 305.461.6765.

meditationinmiami.org Need to let go stress? Try Let Go Stress. The certified bioenergetic experts here focus on stress reduction, mental clarity, sleep and fatigue management, emotional balance, and more, using quantum wellness treatments. You can design a custom plan to achieve your goals, which could include anything from acupuncture to rasha sessions, which use a plasma energy device to transmit calming frequencies to you. Sound interesting? Start your new year by trying something new. 3309 Ponce de Leon Blvd. letgostress.com

PICKLEBALL IN CORAL GABLES

For something a bit more strenuous, go for the traditional racket sport option: tennis. The city offers programs for adults ranging from beginner to advanced at Salvadore Park Tennis Center starting at $276. There are also clinics for children under seven, under 10, and for students aspiring to play for their high school teams. Both venues, as well as the Biltmore Tennis Center (1200 Anastasia Ave.), have courts that can be reserved for players not looking for instruction. coralgables.com. For one-on-one or private group lessons, the CGAC Tennis Center (1007 S Greenway Dr.) is another option, even offering “mobile” lessons at the court of your choosing. The Coral Gables Adult Activity Center has several different options for those over 50 looking to get active, including Tai Chi, Zumba, yoga, stretching, Pilates, aqua Zumba, and the Young Viejos Softball League, a slow-pitch softball league for those over 64. 2 Andalusia Ave. aacinfo@coralgables.com

TAKE A CLASS IT’S NO SECRET THAT the Gables is one of the most educated cities in

KADAMPA MEDITATION CENTER

PRIORITIZE YOUR WELLNESS

IF THE HOLIDAY SEASON brought you as much stress as happiness,

you’re probably in need of some peaceful meditation to start the new year. At Kadampa Meditation Center on Miracle Mile, you can take part in hour-long guided meditations in both English and Spanish led by a trained Buddhist monk. The classes reduce stress and promote inner calm and a positive outlook. You can attend individual classes for $15 – or buy a $40 monthly membership. 316 Miracle Mile.

the country, with 70 percent of residents holding a bachelor’s degree or higher. If you’re over 50 and still looking to expand your mind, look no further than UM’s Osher Lifelong Learning Institute. In-person and online classes range from lectures on 19th century art to tutorials on using Apple products. Lessons cost $40 to $125 and usually meet weekly. The Institute’s January Open House will be held on Jan. 9 at 10 am. Registration for Spring 2024 sessions runs through Jan. 11. To register, visit olli.dcie.miami.edu. 1550 Brescia Ave. Interested in architecture? The Coral Gables Museum has a monthly Link + Learn lecture series on Mediterranean architecture. The Jan. 18 session at 5:30 pm features several architects working in the City Beautiful and includes a cocktail reception afterward. Tickets are $25 or $15 for museum members. 285 Aragon Ave. coralgablesmuseum.org If you’re serious about continuing your education in business, there are higher education institutions that offer MBA programs in the Gables, including Aden University (2850 S Douglas Rd), the Northwestern Kellogg School of Management (95 Merrick Way), and the University of Miami (1320 S Dixie Hwy). Aden has programs exclusively in Spanish. coralgablesmagazine.com

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ABOVE: CORAL GABLES MUSEUM AND BELOW: GABLESTAGE

The Coral Gables Art Cinema is a nonprofit movie theater and art house that presents first-run and regional premieres of American independent and international features, in addition tutions and the involvement of its community in the cultural arts. to classic films, special programs, and film festival events. MemThere are three live theaters, two movie theaters, two museums, berships range from $50 to $500 and all tiers include discounted and two performance halls featuring world-class artists. Most of these institutions have membership options so you can expand your tickets. 260 Aragon Ave. gablescinema.com Actors’ Playhouse at the Miracle Theatre, which just celebrated horizons all year long. 75 years of operation, making it one of the city’s oldest institutions. Two The Coral Gables Museum has both history and art exhibitheaters here showcase professional-level plays and musicals for both tions that often feature topics relevant to Gableites. The museum children and adults. The season has only just begun and subscriptions for also hosts lectures, tours, and members-only events. Memberships the season range from $225 to $2,500 (individual performance tickets start at $40 for students, seniors, and educators, and $60 for everyrange $65 to $85). 280 Miracle Mile. actorsplayhouse.org one else. 285 Aragon Ave. coralgablesmuseum.org GableStage is the second live theater in Coral Gables, with The Lowe Art Museum at the University of Miami, meanwhile, a focus on the dramatic. The plays here, in a more intimate setting focuses entirely on art through the last 5,000 years, with a vast permanent collection and rotating exhibitions of contemporary art. The than Actors’ Playhouse, are generally more nuanced and designed for museum is free to visit, although it’s recommended you reserve your a mature audience. In its 25th anniversary season, season subscriptions range from $180 to $360 – or $75 for a streaming subscription tickets ahead of time online. 1301 Stanford Dr. lowe.miami.edu (individual performance tickets range $40 to $65). 1200 Anastasia Ave., Suite 230. gablestage.org Sanctuary of the Arts is a collaborative, artist-led institution that presents world-class national and international talent in many different art forms, especially in dance and classical music. Numerous programs for both children and adults frequently feature Grammy Award winners, symphonies, and a host of renowned dance companies. 410 Andalusia Ave. sanctuaryofthearts.org The University of Miami is home to Frost Music Live!, a music program that showcases the prodigious students and celebrated conductors of the Frost School of Music. Performances are wide-ranging, featuring individual recitals, symphonies, jazz bands, and more. Individual tickets usually run around $20 with some free performances, and ticket packages are also available. 1314 Miller Dr. frost-music-live.miami.edu Also at UM is the city’s third live theater, the Jerry Herman Ring Theatre, which features an iconic in-the-round layout. The next season begins in March, featuring “The Wolves,” “Urinetown,” and other thought-provoking performances. Tickets run from $15 to $30. 1312 Miller Dr. ring-theatre.as.miami.edu ■ CORAL GABLES HAS long prided itself on its many cultural insti-

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At the start of the New Year, we express our heartfelt gratitude to CMC Group for their unwavering support and commitment over the past two decades. Their enduring partnership has granted us the privilege of leasing 4000 Ponce, the most prestigious business address in Coral Gables.

HISTORIC PRESERVATION

More Little Treasures

REDISCOVERING THE CITY’S SMALL-SCALE VINTAGE BUILDINGS

BY BRUCE FITZGERALD AND KARELIA MARTINEZ CARBONELL PHOTOS BY VICKI CERDA

s Coral Gables continues to define itself as a modern metropolis, residents and visitors alike can opt to look away from their iPhones (temporarily of course) to see the city in real time and at ground level... from the trenches, so to speak. What you’ll find as you stroll (rather than troll) our streets and neighborhoods is a notable coalescence of architectural styles from the 1920s to the 2020s – a century-long “unity of opposites” that embraces both a remembrance of things past as well as an acceptance of things to come. The

view is of a built environment where the mix is the message, and the streetscapes are full of surprises. In this follow-up to our previous story about the city’s overlooked “little treasures,” we’ve made some new discoveries, in the process identifying more historical sites that are hidden in plain sight. As one of only a few cities in the world to have been purposely planned and supervised since its inception, Coral Gables today may even qualify as a UNESCO World Heritage Site – a significant honorific to the visionaries who made Coral Gables not only architecturally distinctive, but also experientially groundbreaking. Our extant “little treasures” can and should remind us of the depth and breadth of the Gables’ original Master Plan, and what it took to envision and subsequently create a new city at the dawn of a new century. From its grand hotels and private palazzos to its European-inspired public plazas and modest homes, offices, and storefronts, Coral Gables was not only making news – it was making history. ■

TOP LEFT: 2731, 2733 & 2735 PONCE DE LEON BLVD These three contiguous buildings were erected in 1924, a year of prodigious construction throughout the burgeoning city. As the defining element of the Arts & Crafts Section of Coral Gables, the series of low-rise buildings surrounding today’s Ponce Circle Park followed the European concept of street-level shops whose occupants lived on the floor above – an early and perhaps more civilized precursor of today’s live/work environments. While undergoing conversion to commercial use in the intervening years, these buildings retain their original scale and character. ABOVE: 2745 PONCE DE LEON BOULEVARD Adjacent to the trio of buildings at 2731, 2733, and 2735 Ponce, the two-story structure at 2745 Ponce, built in 1926, aligns with the vertical mass of its neighbors, creating a homogeneous streetscape. Architecturally, these were, and are, good neighbors. Today repurposed for commercial use, 2745 Ponce looks up to its surrounding modern towers but thankfully manages to hold its own. BOTTOM LEFT: 133 SEVILLA AVENUE As Ponce de Leon Boulevard gently curves eastward onto Sevilla Avenue, one more 1926 building appears as a kind of historic capstone to Merrick’s unfulfilled vision for this area of Coral Gables. Derailed by both the 1926 hurricane and the 1929 Depression, the Arts & Crafts Section was never fully realized. All the more reason to stop, look, and appreciate what remains of those remarkable first days.

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Coral Gables Newest Performing Arts Center & Cultural Campus

St. Mary Missionary Baptist Church Historic MacFarlane District First Black Church of Coral Gables

Best of Coral Gables Magazine 2023 "Best Performance Space" Sanctuary of the Arts is an innovatieve, artist-led institution which produces and presents world-classperformances and events. Its cultural campus, recognized as "historic preservation at its finest" accommodates a world-class Concert Hall, 2 state-of-the-art rehearsal studios, Adaptive Lab Space, Office and classrooms. Award winning artists from around the world in residences and performance.

Creative Art Space Four Resident Companies National and International Award Winning Artists Humanities & Literature Community Engagement Programs Year Round Season 20,000+ audience 50+ shows

Don't miss another exciting event! sign up for our year round newsletter at: www.sanctuaryofthearts.org 410 Andalusia Ave., Coral Gables, FL 33134 / 786-362-5132

First Church of Christ Scientist Original Sanctuary

HISTORIC PRESERVATION

COCO PLUM WOMAN’S CLUB, 1375 SUNSET DRIVE Founded in 1912, the club was incorporated in 1916, and, in 1926, a Mediterranean Revival clubhouse was designed by Howard & Early and built by Knight Construction Company for $75,000. The elegantly restrained exterior conceals opulent interior details and event spaces. The clubhouse is locally designated and was listed on The National Register of Historic Places in 2005.

HOTEL PONCE DE LEON, 1721 PONCE DE LEON BOULEVARD Constructed in 1923, this three-story building was the second hotel rising on Ponce de Leon Boulevard. Operating as both an apartment house and a hotel over the decades, this simple structure is one of the last remaining 1920s commercial buildings in the city center. Vintage architectural details remain on the exterior structure, while the interior has been extensively remodeled.

268-270 ALHAMBRA CIRCLE This mixed-use structure typifies the formative character and scale of the city’s downtown district. Designed in 1926 by H. George Fink, it exemplifies a City Beautiful ideal of combining commercial and residential spaces within a single building. The 1953/54 City Directory lists the clothier “Stow on The Wold” as the retail occupant, which remained in place until 1995.

THE HORSE FOUNTAIN, 1200 PONCE DE LEON BOULEVARD This one-of-a-kind sculpture was imported from Italy in 1973 through community and civic fundraising efforts, then installed at its present location in the city’s North Ponce Garden District. The classically inspired fountain sits peacefully in a small triangular greenspace adjoining one of our signature north-south thoroughfares. As such, it is often overlooked... but it should not be underestimated.

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BROKERAGE SALES SINCE 1980

Mark Peck + Vinny Pyle + Ryan Danoff + Helen Wozunk Claude Racine + Dave Hayne + Ed Breese + Billy Maus

68' Hatteras 2006 "Jolley Roger" Call: Vinny Pyle (954) 235-2832

112' Ocean Alexander 2020 "No Name" Claude Racine (954) 648-9498 or Mark Peck (954) 224-1351

47' Intrepid 2022 "Garbonzo" Call: Ryan Danoff (954) 260-5507

100' Ocean Alexander 2017 "Shortgame" Call: Mark Peck (954) 224-135 or Helen Wozunk (954) 552-0114 45' Formula 2007 "Wave Mistress" Call:Vinny Pyle (954) 235-2832

Recent Price Improvement 43' Tiara 2011 "Good Time" Call: Helen Wozunk (954) 552-0114

65' Sea Ray 2016 "Thinks It's His" Call: Ryan Danoff (954) 260-5507

PERSONALIZED SERVICE • EXPERT PRICE EVALUATION • NEGOTIATING FOR THE CLIENT'S BEST INTERESTS

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DON’S RAMBLES

Meandering About Town #7 AN ADVENTURE IN WHICH A FORMER MAYOR CONTINUES TO SEEK THE “SOUL” OF HIS HOMETOWN BY DON SLESNICK

his wandering correspondent begins the New Year with an apology to readers. Last month, I suggested my next stroll would be a visit to the holiday village located across the street from City Hall. I did tour the annual winter wonderland, and before next Christmas you’ll get a preview glimpse of the Gables’ version of Santa’s workshop at the North Pole (sans snow) in the December edition. Stay tuned! To properly celebrate the “kick-off ” of 2024, I am instead rambling to central Gables for a visit (hopefully, to include a splash of “bubbly”) with our neighbors, Bill Bonn and Ruben Ceballos, in their historic residence – once the home of Claude and Mildred Pepper. Yes, throughout the last half of the 20th century our community was home to one of the most powerful politicians in the nation: a U.S. senator who was the principal congressional ally of President Franklin Roosevelt in creating and sustaining the Depression-era New Deal recovery programs. Later, he was the long-time chair of the House of Representatives’ Ways and Means Committee. During Claude’s years of public service, he was recognized as a champion for the elderly and the poor. Despite their official obligations in and around the nation’s capital, during their Gables years Claude and Mildred were enthusiastic participants in social activities with their fellow members of the Coral Gables Country Club. The senator sponsored an annual tournament for the men’s golf association, affectionately known as the “10th Holers.” Upon moving south from Boston in 2001, Bill and Ruben bought the “Pepper House” on Alhambra Circle fully intending to restore the beautiful 1926 Mediterranean Revival residence to its original glory. [I am proud to note that my now departed spouse, Jeannett, was involved in this real estate transaction and, as was her custom, had diligently searched for buyers who were committed to “doing the right thing” with the property.] As the restoration progressed, plans were expanded to include an adjacent house, to create a mini estate (including formal gardens and a koi pond) which ultimately enhanced and complemented the property and the surrounding historic neighborhood. Bill and Ruben also decided to honor the Peppers’ legacy by recreating Claude’s office, utilizing original furnishings (including his very own desk) and various mementoes of his incredible political career and private life. I can proudly report that one of the mementoes on display is my first-place golf trophy (an engraved pewter beer mug) which I captured in 1985. Besides their restoration project, Bill and Ruben became valued contributors to charitable organizations throughout the South Florida community, recognized as philanthropic “rocks” of our City Beautiful. Bill became chairperson of the Coral Gables Community Foundation, eventually recognized with the “Legacy Award.” Additionally, they are proud owners of 42 classic automobiles in which they enjoy leisurely drives (speed is not an option in these vintage vehicles) through our tree-ladened streets. What they enjoy most about their stately home is its closeness

“BESIDES THEIR RESTORATION PROJECT, BILL AND RUBEN BECAME VALUED CONTRIBUTORS TO CHARITABLE ORGANIZATIONS THROUGHOUT THE SOUTH FLORIDA COMMUNITY, RECOGNIZED AS PHILANTHROPIC ROCKS OF OUR CITY BEAUTIFUL. ” BILL BONN AND RUBEN CEBALLOS (ABOVE) AND THE PEPPER HOUSE AT ALHAMBRA CIRCLE (TOP), WHICH THEY RESTORED.

to Miracle Mile, enabling them to “ramble” to downtown shops and restaurants as well as to the museum, the Art Cinema, and Actors’ Playhouse. The restoration itself has been a loving commitment to the history of the Gables and one of its famous residents, as well as to the lives of Claude, Mildred, Bill, and Ruben – demonstrations of the “goodness” of this city’s soul. ■ This column appears monthly by Don Slesnick, who served as mayor of Coral Gables from 2001 to 2011. If you wish to reach him with suggestions on where he should next meander in search of the city’s soul, email donslesnick@scllp.com.

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1200 Anastasia Avenue Coral Gables, FL 33134 www.biltmorehotel.com

THE SEEN

At the Mayor’s Ball ANNUAL EVENT RAISES RECORD AMOUNT TO FIGHT CANCER Mayor Vince Lago hosted the 2nd Annual Mayor’s Ball last month, a black-tie benefit for La Liga Contra el Cáncer (The League Against Cancer) and the Coral Gables Community Foundation, raising close to $500,000. Themed “Winter Wonderland,” the Mayor’s Ball was held at the Coral Gables Loews Hotel inside The Plaza Coral Gables, bringing together philanthropic leaders, corporate sponsors, business owners, and community figures. The evening unfolded with sumptuous dining, holiday performances, and music that set the dance floor ablaze. The proceeds of the event directly contribute to supporting La Liga Contra el Cáncer, a nonprofit organization that serves patients who lack the financial means to cover the costs of their treatment, regardless of race, creed, or nationality; and The Coral Gables Community Foundation, another nonprofit that grants student scholarships and provides a philanthropic conduit to connect individuals and corporations looking to positively impact the community.

5 82

1 1. Manny Alfonso, Mayor Vince Lago, Jose Antonio Perez Helguera 2. Mayor Vince Lago and Olga Marie Lago 3. Dorys Martin and Alirio Torrealba 4. Eduardo González Beckmann, Karla Aguado, Karime Beckmann, Carlos Beckmann 5. Attendees setting the dance floor ablaze 6. Dr. Janice Lima-Maribona, Beatriz La Rosa, Adriana Cora 7. Heidi Dans and Denise Alfonso

4 coralgablesmagazine.com

Economic Insights

Coral Gables Trust, the fastest-growing trust and wealth management firm headquartered in South Florida, recently held its popular Dynamic Wealth Speaker Series, featuring renowned Wall Street strategist Steve Chiavarone. Hosted by Donald A. Kress, CEO and president of Coral Gables Trust, along with Managing Director John W. Harris, the luncheon at The Ritz-Carlton Coconut Grove was attended by a mix of local civic and business leaders and Coral Gables Trust clientele. A prominent figure in the financial world, Chiavarone is senior VP and portfolio manager at Federated Hermes, and a sought-after contributor to CNBC, Bloomberg, Fox Business News, the Wall Street Journal, and The New York Times. Chiavarone previously spoke at a Coral Gables Trust event, accurately predicting the ensuing rise in inflation in February 2022. Chiavarone’s recent presentation in November focused on the state of the economy, the impact of the wars in Ukraine and Gaza, the possibility of a recession, and – last but not least – the upside potential for a bull market.

1. Hung Nguyen, Adam Schucher, Mason Williams, and Scott Goldberger 2. John Harris, Steve Chiavarone, and Donald Kress 3. Marlin Castellon and Maria Cordova

DINING GUIDE

40 Restaurants in Coral Gables

January

2024

DECEMBER DINING GUIDE 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.

FAST FOOD & CHAINS Cheesecake Factory

We still don’t know how they can offer over 250 menu items, but there is something for everyone here, from Thai peanut lettuce wraps to chicken salad sandwiches on toasted white bread. Their cheesecake is still a calorie overload, but now balanced by their “SkinnyLicious” menu. Still, our favorite: Godiva chocolate cheesecake. $$ 2418 Ponce de Leon Blvd. 305.529.0703

Grilled Cheese Gallery

The Gallery’s menu consists entirely of affordable grilled cheeses, salads, and poutine. The sandwiches range from $8 to $15 and feature a wide range of unexpected ingredients, from kimchi to truffle oil to fresh lobster. Some of the heartier options are stuffed with macaroni and cheese and each can be ordered with a side of tomato basil soup, perfect for dipping. 1573 Sunset Dr. 786.953.4056

Just Salad

Despite the implications of its name, Just Salad features a wide variety of other healthy eats. In addition to popular salads like the Modern Greek (romaine, feta, pita chips, chickpeas, sliced grape tomatoes, pickled onions, and cucumbers), the fast-casual eatery also offers warm

BACHOUR

bowls, wraps, avocado toasts, soups, juices, and smoothies. And if you’re not seeing anything on the menu that tingles your taste buds, there’s always the option to create your own salad, bowl, or wrap. Ponce de Leon. 866.673.3757 $

Bachour

At first it was the allure of pastries by world-renowned pastry cheft Antonio Bachour, but this ariy, industrial chic spot have become the new power breakfast spot 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 brearst. $$ 202 Salzedo St. 305.203.0552

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.

CEBADA ROOFTOP & RAW BAR

burgers, boozy milkshakes, and craft cocktails. 300 Miracle Mile. 786.437.3741. $$

view. $$-$$$ 124 Giralda Ave. 786.409.2287

Cascade Pool Café at the Biltmore

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 $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

A more relaxing place to dine would be hard to find. This hidden secret at the Biltmore Hotel, with good seafood dishes and basic American food (grouper filet, fish tacos, turkey club sandwiches), is a refreshing break from the hustle and bustle of downtown. All seating is waterside, next to the largest pool in Florida, with tables in the shade of a logia. Easy parking at the vast Biltmore lot to the right of the main building. Open for breakfast, lunch or an early dinner (closes at 7 pm). 1200 Anastasia Ave. 855.311.6903. $$

Cebada Rooftop & Raw Bar

It’s hard to pigeonhole this new rooftop restaurant by Chef Jorge Lots of buzz surrounded this newRamos (fresh from his acclaimed est addition to Miracle Mile, filling Barley restaurant in Dadeland). He the spot formerly occupied by Calcalls it “contemporary American ifornia Pizza Kitchen. Owned by with a Latin overlay” which means the same folks as The Capital Grille, roast bone marrow with salsa verde this upscale burger joint delves into and baby back ribs with pimiento gourmet cuisine with signature marmalade. A good raw bar, a great

Capital Burger

Clutch Burger

CRAFT

A classic take on American food with an emphasis on breakfast, CRAFT is one of the latest additions to Giralda Plaza, open early (8am everyday) and serving everything from picante pizza sprinkled with Doritos, jalapeños, and onions to their Post-Apocalyptic Brunch Plate (eggs, bacon, mini croissant, mini waffle, granola, prosciutto and melon bite, avo-toast, goat cheese croquette). Surprisingly, some of the best bacon we’ve ever had. $-$$ 127 Giralda Ave. 305.339.5981

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DINING GUIDE Doc B’s Restaurant + Bar

Doc B’s Restaurant + Bar serves crave-able American fare dishes made from scratch daily. Offering brunch, lunch, dinner, and a solid happy hour, signature dishes include the Wok Out Bowls. But our favorites are the candied bacon, the grilled artichokes and the Southern fried chicken. $$ 301 Miracle Mile 786.864.1220

Eating House

It’s back, it’s back, it’s finally back! Chef Giorgio Rapicavoli’s maiden Coral Gables restaurant has returned with fanfare after closing in the summer of 2021. Now it’s back, this time on Giralda Plaza, serving brunch, dinner, and a new lunch menu. Plus, try 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. Best conch fritters. $$ 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 ofthem. 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

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 $$-$$$

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 a nine-course tasting 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 (Thesis Hotel), Orno is Chef Niven Patel’s latest creation, focusing on “New American” cuisine with a focus on farm-to-table local produce. An eclectic menu lets Patel stretch his culinary imagination, using a wood-burning oven and a wood-burning grill. Be prepared for new and fascinating flavors. $$$ 1350 S. Dixie Highway (THēsis Hotel) 305.667.6766

Seasons 52

The restaurant for healthy eaters who enjoy quality as well. The

HILLSTONE

menu, changing four times a year with each season, is always full of inventive treatments for fresh veggies, soups and salads. Their fish and meat dishes are great values, and the flatbread menu is a nice touch. It’s a chain, but we forgive them. $$ 321 Miracle Mile 305.442.8552

Tap 42

Tap 42 is big, noisy, and fun, with a huge island bar and lots of booths. Reliably good ribs, steaks and burgers, plus shines in the sides (roasted Brussels sprouts with maple mustard, truffle mac & cheese with parmesan crust). Nice random Asian dishes (grilled salmon Zen bowl, Asian coleslaw). $$-$$$ 301 Giralda Ave. 786.391.1566

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. $$-$$$

Yard House

FOGO DE CHÃO

A cavernous space with huge screens for sports fans, oversized paintings, classic rock in the background and large booths, all making for a comfortable space in which to pick and choose from an immense and reliable menu of American classics with Asian dishes interspersed.

Literally something for everyone. $$ 320 San Lorenzo Ave. 305.447.9273

STEAK HOUSES Christy’s

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

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 cocktails in the upstairs lounge for before or after. $$$-$$$$ 2801 Ponce de Leon Blvd. 786.297.8788

DINING GUIDE Morton’s The Steakhouse

Morton’s in the Gables is not just another Morton’s. Its setting in the Colonnades gives it a unique elegance, with outdoor seating under the arches. Dependable quality, prime-aged beef, and excellent salads. Good place to take that important client. Great bar food with filet mignon sandwiches or short rib tacos. $$$ 2333 Ponce de Leon Blvd. 305.442.1662

Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille

The youngest entry among Coral Gables steak houses, Perry’s is a Texas chain that gets its beef from the heart of the Lone Star State. Great outdoor space with fire pit and a huge interior with its own piano bar. The entrees are all carefully concocted, including excellent reduction sauces for the finer cuts and their famous five-finger giant pork chop that is carved at the table and can feed two. $$$$ 4251 Salzedo St. (Shops at Merrick Park) 786.703.9094

Ruth’s Chris Steak House

Some of the most expensive steaks in the Gables, but also some of the best. A chain with a surprisingly

sweet backstory in Ruth Fertel, who bought the original steakhouse in New Orleans in 1965, their Gables location is both spacious and business-like. Almost all the beef is USDA Prime and the menu ranges far beyond steak, including menus for those on specialty diets (keto, gluten-friendly, vegetarian). $$$-$$$$ 2320 Salzedo St. 305.461.8360

PUBS & CAFÉS Bagel Emporium

And you thought all the great Jewish delis had disappeared. Not this one. Rated the best bagels and deli sandwiches in Miami, it’s also a great breakfast spot (waffles, blintzes, French toast). But this is where you come for a real pastrami or corned beef sandwich on rye. Yes, $20 a pop, but a time machine to New York’s lower East Side. $$-$$$ 1238 S. Dixie Highway. 305.666.9519

Bay 13 Brewery and Kitchen

The cuisine is largely Australian pub food – salmon Rangoon, chicken skewers, meat pies, fish & chips – the setting is spectacular, and the beer unbeatable at this newest hot

BOOKS & BOOKS CAFÉ

spot. You can sit inside by the vast beer tankards, or outside with a fine view of the Alhambra fountain. $$ 65 Alhambra Plaza. 786.452.0935

Books & Books Café

A charming and somewhat bohemian place to have lunch, where you can eat among the bookshelves inside, or dine in the courtyard outside. A tidy little menu with a cluster of excellent salads, sandwiches & wraps. Our favorite is the curry chicken salad ($14) and the

The finest northern Italian cuisine, specializing in Venetian seafood. Welcoming, warm, elegant – and delicious. Visit with us today. “Best New Restaurant 2023” - Coral Gables Magazine 86

café grilled cheese ($12), with a mix of goat and cheddar cheese, greens on the side. 265 Aragon Ave. 305.446.9599. $

Cortadito Coffee House

The newest Cuban coffee shop and bakery to hit the Gables, Cortadito offers all the classics, like cafe con leche, espresso, and – of course – cortaditos, as well as signature drinks, like iced matcha latte and their Cafe Bon Bon (espresso and condensed milk). The coffee house

160 Andalusia Ave. 786-707-8978 Tulliomiami.com Open Daily 12 pm to 10 pm coralgablesmagazine.com

also has a full breakfast/lunch menu with items like the Cuban Breakfast (scrambled eggs, two ham croquetas, and a tostada with your choice of bacon or sausage), the Cuban Sampler (three traditional Cuban meats served with white rice, black beans, and mojo vinaigrette), and empanadas for a quick on-the-go bite. 200 Miracle Mile. 786.410.0175

Crema Gourmet

Principally a coffee shop (with wonderful coffee), Crema also has excellent breakfast dishes and reliably good sandwiches for lunch. Seating inside is limited, but outside there are numerous tables in their space under the arches of the Colonnade Building or on the sidewalk under umbrellas. 169 Miracle Mile. 796.360.4026. $$

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

Graziano’s Market

Located inside the Lifetime building on US-1, this new Graziano’s Market location has a slightly smaller market than the downtown Coral Gables location but more space devoted to eating. Our favorite part of the market isn’t the imported San Marzano tomatoes or the spicy salami calabrese you can have cut up at the deli though – it’s the meals. From steaks and Argentinian street food to milanesas and raviolis, the food at this iteration of Graziano’s is both fresh and delicious with a touch of upscale authenticity. 229 S. Dixie Hwy. 786.633.3948. $$

GROU Coffee

This new iteration of the existing café and coworking space by the Shops at Merrick Park is less of a coworking space and more of a small sit-down café, with an efficient menu featuring all the expected items: coffee, paninis, gelato, smoothies, and a few larger dishes, like baked lasagna and protein pancakes. Also the famous GROU affogatos – an Italian dessert that combines gelato with coffee. 2626 Ponce de Leon, Unit 3. 786.542.9923. $

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

Sundays Bakery

It seems like bakeries are all the rage recently in the Gables and Sundays is the latest to open with a storefront on the first block of Miracle Mile. The highlight here is the croissants,

which are frosted with all kinds of sweet and nutty concoctions. The coffee isn’t bad either. 374 Miracle Mile. $-$$

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. 305.704.800 ■

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450gradipizzerias.com 130 Miracle Mile, Coral Gables | 1 786 391 1276 87

CITY LIFE

Where Am I? Coral Gables is home to a stunning array of commercial architecture, from the Mediterranean to the Modern. If you know where this doorway is located, send the answer to kwang@coralgablesmagazine.com along with your home address. The first four winners will win

two tickets to the Actors’ Playhouse or GableStage production of their choice and the next 10 will receive two tickets to the Coral Gables Museum. Last month’s “Where Am I?” sculpture is in the courtyard of The Plaza Coral Gables. Thanks for playing!

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CAL L OR V IS IT U S O NL IN E TO DAY TO SCHED ULE YO U R COMPL I M E N TA RY D ESIG N C O NSULTATIO N 305.623.8282 MIAMI

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