Coral Gables Magazine March 2021

CORAL GABLES

ALSO:

Mounted police officer Ashley Sheran and Rockaway in front of the new downtown police and fire HQ

THE ANNUAL KITCHEN TOUR POSTCARDS FROM THE PAST THE BENEFITS OF WAWA

& FIRE BUILDING!

Personal Banking in a Digital World

It’s a digital world. From staying connected with loved ones to virtual events and online shopping, technology has reshaped the landscape of our lives, including the ways we want to bank.

U.S. Century’s Online Banking platform and Mobile Banking app have been in place for years and Zelle® was recently introduced to provide customers with secure, convenient ways to bank on the go. Additional investments supporting digital services includes functional and screen upgrades to ATMs, and a new core processing system that efficiently handles transactions, securely stores information and identifies the financial products and services clients need to enjoy today while preparing for tomorrow. Later this year, they also plan to launch a new online treasury management platform, giving business owners more control over their finances to maximize working capital, manage administrative tasks and generate detailed reports that integrate seamlessly with accounting software.

“Even with banking at our fingertips, personal service provided by an experienced banker will never go out of style,” commented Luis de la Aguilera, U.S. Century Bank President and CEO.

That’s the guiding principle at U.S. Century Bank. Established in 2002, it has grown into one of the largest community banks headquartered in Miami with assets of $1.6 billion. The Bank is considered strong, secure and stable, and capital ratios are well above regulatory requirements.

“We attribute our success to being there for our customers during

The U.S. Century Bank Coral Gables banking team stands ready to serve clients.

Left to right: Regina Sanchez, Janessa Cabo and Magela Rodriguez.

“What sets us apart from other community banks is our focus on earning our clients”

Janessa Cabo, SVP, Private Client Manager

these uncertain times,” President and CEO Luis de la Aguilera said, reflecting on last fall’s financial results, the strongest in 10 years. “Our financial health means we have the resources to invest in new technologies and keep pace in the digital world.”

The U.S. Century Coral Gables banking center, located in the heart of the City on Alhambra Circle, is more than a traditional retail branch. Experienced bankers serve clients in an advisory role to understand their needs and recommend solutions that deliver an unparalleled experience. Several employees have served their customers for years. Luz Ochoa, Head Teller, joined the bank in 2007. The next year, Alina Colls, Senior Relationship Banker, and Naida Rodriguez, Teller, came aboard. For more than a decade, Elena Correa, Senior Relationship Banker, has also been a steady presence.

Senior Vice President Janessa Cabo, a seasoned banker with 16 years of experience, heads up the Private Client Services division. She collaborates with teammates Magela Rodriguez and Regina Sanchez, Private Client Associates, to deepen relationships by meeting the specialized banking, lending and investment requirements of high-net worth individuals and business owners including attorneys, doctors, accountants and other professionals.

“Our team delivers on our promise to provide personalized service with exclusive access to people, products and services, plus the digital conveniences our clients expect,” Ms. Cabo said. “What sets us apart from other community banks is our focus on earning our clients’ trust and respect. Then, everything else falls into place and we guide them throughout their financial journey, from handling routine transactions to sophisticated planning for their future.”

Demonstrating their commitment to serving local legal professionals, U.S. Century created The Jurist Advantage, a concierge service offering solutions to manage the complexities of operating a law firm. A dedicated banker serves as a single point of contact for the full scope of the relationship and ensures priority assistance. The Jurist Advantage clients have access to customized operating and deposit accounts, relationship-based pricing on credit and lending products, tools to meticulously administer IOTA programs and banking services to manage business and personal liquidity.

They support small businesses in other industries, too. When the CARES Act was enacted in 2020, the Bank’s team welcomed clients and new customers to apply for Paycheck

Protection Program (PPP) relief. The Bank facilitated $109.2 million in PPP loans, helping 1,568 local small businesses fund paychecks for more than 17,000 employees.

U.S. Century is also committed to the community and has received awards and accolades from numerous organizations for their philanthropic support and leadership, including the Beacon Council, Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce, South Florida Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, to name a few.

“We will be our client’s first choice and trusted provider of financial products and services, delivered with commitment and passion for excellence,” Ms. Cabo said. “We’re all about building relationships between our clients, our employees and our communities, to deliver a great experience in an environment where families prosper, businesses grow and succeed, and we build lasting, superior value for our shareholders.”

Luis de la Aguilera, U.S. Century Bank President and CEO, assumed leadership of U.S. Century Bank in 2015 and is guiding the digital transformation of the community bank while ensuring personal service.

132

Miami Beach meets Coral Gables. Both glamorous and casual, high design and best finishes. 135 ft. Waterfront.

5/5/1 | 7,914 total sf. | 17,730 sf. lot | $8,900,000

287

Cocoplum,

No Bridge to Bay! Wide waterway, oversized lot. Sold AS-IS with Plans (in approval process). 6/6/1 | 7,897 adj. sf. | 22,730 sf. lot | $6,500,000

Cocoplum best wide water location and view! If your buyer wants everything, this is it! 50 ft. dock/lift.

| 6,885 sf. living | 22,546 sf. lot | $4,950,000

272

Waterfront home, no bridges to Bay. 3 car garage. Gated for privacy on cul-de-sac. high ceilings, elevator.

6/6/1 | 7,844 sf. living | 20,842 sf. lot | ↓$4,395,000

191

New Listing! Waterfront Contemporary one-story home. Recently remodeled, new roof, impact windows/doors

5/5/1 | 4,135 Adj. sf. | 32,560 sf. lot | $4,250,000

Waterfront updated one-story home. Great views of the pool area and waterway. Impact windows and doors 4/5 Bath | 5,318 Adj. sf. | 27,908 sf. lot | $4,250,000

|

|

| 26,070 sf.

| $2,649,000

Shelton-Stewart Group

Consuelo Stewart 305.216.7348 Tere Shelton Bernace 305.607.7212

Teresita Shelton 305.775.8176

Contemporary home, perfect for entertaining. High ceilings, glass doors overlooking pool and patio. 4/4 | 6,188 adj. sf. | 15,700 sf. lot | ↓$2,595,000

See all Miami MLS listings and virtual tours at SHELTONANDSTEWART.COM

Las Brisas Court - Islands of

Coral Gables

Paloma Drive - Islands of Cocoplum, Coral Gables

Los Pinos Court - Cocoplum, Coral Gables

Veleros Court - Islands of Cocoplum, Coral Gables

7425 Los Pinos Blvd. - Cocoplum, Coral Gables

208 Costanera Road - Islands of Cocoplum, Coral Gables

199 Caoba Court - Islands of Cocoplum, Coral Gables Location, location! Back yard access to residence green park. New impact windows and doors, designer kitchen.

7180 E Lago Drive - Islands of Cocoplum

300 Cocoplum Road - Cocoplum, Coral Gables Spacious and sprawling residence expanded and updated. Convenient split floor plan.

VILLA VALENCIA

POSTCARDS FROM THE EDGE (OF TIME)

Postcards were the social media of George Merrick’s day. Today, these anachronisms (who sends postcards anymore?) provide a vivid visual glimpse into the past.

WHERE COMMUNITY RUNS DEEP

For a historic Black neighborhood, the new Wawa project is a dream come true – despite opposition from parents at the nearby elementary school.

THE TOUR OF KITCHENS

This year, due to the pandemic, the annual Tour of Kitchens is canceled. In homage to past tours, and with an eye toward next year, we present kitchens from the last three years and some from kitchens of tomorrow.

CEO & PUBLISHER

Richard Roffman

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

J.P.Faber

EVP / PUBLISHER

Gail Scott

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER

Amy Donner

DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS

Monica Del Carpio-Raucci

ART DIRECTOR

Jon Braeley

PRODUCTION MANAGER

Toni Kirkland

VP SALES

Sherry Adams

ASSOCIATE EDITOR & SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER

Lizzie Wilcox

EDITOR-AT-LARGE

Grace Carricarte

SENIOR WRITER

Mike Clary

WRITERS

Lily Faber

Andrew Gayle

Gina Lee Guilford

Mallory Evans Jacobson

Kim Rodriguez

Michael Roffman

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Michael Campina

Jonathan Dann

Emily Fakhoury

CIRCULATION & DISTRIBUTION

CircIntel

Coral Gables Magazine is published monthly by City Regional Media, 1200 Anastasis Ave. Suite 115, Coral Gables FL 33134. Telephone: (305) 995-0995. Copyright 2021 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. BPA International Membership applied for March 2019.

Cover: Police officer Ashley Sheran and Rockaway at the new police and fire HQ

READERS’ LETTERS

Each month we print letters that we receive from our readers. We encourage any and all commentary, included 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

Streetwise

From City Hall

AT THE LAST CITY COMMISSION MEETINGS IN JANUARY & FEBRUARY, COMMISSIONERS:

VOTED 5-0 TO GRANT BURGER BOB’S deferment for rent due ($20,280), a forgiveness of any late fees and reduction in rent to $1,000 per month until the end of August. Burger Bob’s is the beloved hamburger diner at the first hole of Granada Golf Course, which was closed during the lockdown.

VOTED 5-0 TO REJECT AN APPEAL BY the homeowner at 649 Palmarito Court to overturn a decision by the Historic Preservation Board to designate the property historic. The owner argued that the property was not unique and that other homes had similar designs. The commission backed the conclusion that the 1940 building was a historically significant example of early neo-classical style; similar buildings were built many years later.

VOTED 5-0 TO FINALIZE A PREVIOUS vote to establish a recycling program for cardboard discarded in the downtown, a consequence of new levels of shipping for online commerce. (Sponsored by Vice Mayor Vince Lago).

VOTED 3-2 NOT TO ENDORSE THE renaming of U.S. 1 in MiamiDade County from Dixie Highway to Harriet Tubman Highway, despite endorsements by nine other Miami-Dade municipalities. Commissioner Pat Keon, who voted in favor, said Dixie Highway was “a name that has taken on a meaning of exploitation.” Commissioner Michael Mena, however, said the vote was meaningless politics, since the decision to rename the highway is entirely up to the State of Florida. “This is the state’s decision,” he said, adding, “I’m not a fan of erasing history… I have concerns about where this stops. We can start talking about Columbus Boulevard, and Pizarro Street, and De Soto Boulevard and the statue of George Merrick outside of this building… Is that really what we want to do?” (Sponsored by Commissioner Pat Keon).

VOTED 5-0 TO WAIVE PERMIT FEES for certain green and energy efficient improvements to residential properties, especially upgrades that save water or energy, such as solar batteries, insulation or drip irrigation. (Sponsored by Vice Mayor Vince Lago).

LISTENED TO AN UPDATE ON TRAFFIC solutions for the controversial San Amaro at Miller roundabout adjacent to UM. Residents have

complained that the two-lane roundabout is dangerous and confusing, advocating a one-lane roundabout. City staff presented a recent study showing progressively fewer accidents there, on par with (or less than) other city roundabouts – and substantially less (and less severe) accidents at busy intersections using traffic lights. City staff, concerned that going to one lane would jam traffic and slow emergency vehicles, requested another year (post-Covid) to gauge the effects of improvements made in April of last year. (Presentation requested by Vice Mayor Vince Lago).

LISTENED TO AN UPDATE ON THE reconstruction of 427 Biltmore Way, the building adjacent to City Hall that will house all development services, such as the board of architects, and the planning, zoning, code enforcement, and building departments. Work could begin as early as April. “We have an aggressive construction schedule this year,” said City Manager Peter Iglesias.

LISTENED TO AN UPDATE ON TRANSPORTATION planning, and to a request by Vice Mayor Vince Lago that the Coral Gables trolley service be extended to weekends, at least Saturdays. Parking Department Director Kevin Kinney said it could happen by summer.

VOTED 4-1 TO PASS THE BULK OF THE new master zoning code for the city, in the works for three years, written by city planning and architecture firm DPZ CoDesign. Vice Mayor Vince Lago voted against it (see story pg. 18). The code was passed intact, except for reductions in parking requirements (removed before the vote) and changes for the Crafts District and Miracle Mile (removed for a separate vote). Height restrictions in certain multi-family areas were also added.

VOTED 5-0 TO FINALIZE THE UP-ZONING of the Crafts District (bound by Le Jeune Road, Santander Avenue, Salzedo Street and Catalonia Avenue) to permit mixed-use development. Zoning for the southernmost block was deferred until an agreement could be reached on height limitations.

VOTED 5-0 TO DEFER THE VOTE ON ZONING for Miracle Mile until March, pending another community Sunshine meeting. ■

SAN AMARO DR. AND MILLER RD. ROUNDABOUT

Real Estate that Moves You.

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900 Biscayne Boulevard, #4001

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Contemporary unit with Bay views and stellar finishes. Easily converts to a 3 bed/3.5 bath. $1,150,000

1317 Alhambra Circle

4 Bed 3 Bath Main House + 1/1 Guest House

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1937 treasure on 15,000’ lot includes guest house and many original details.

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Stunning unit with enviable finishes offers ultimate lifestyle at the seaside enclave of Park Grove.

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Miami

Miami

Coral Gables Coconut Grove

Zoning Wars. Again.

THE ISSUE OF OVER-DEVELOPMENT SPARKS HEATED DEBATE

BY MIKE CLARY

More than three years ago, when the city set out to revise and update its 1,000page zoning code, few thought the task would be easy. Now, after hundreds of thousands of dollars in consulting fees and staff time, hours of contentious community meetings via Zoom, and bucket-loads of election-eve rancor over the final product, the verdict is almost in.

During a special Feb. 9 evening session, the city commission approved the bulk of the rewritten code that is designed to simplify regulations and encourage small-scale development. But commissioners once again agreed to duck a decision on the most controversial piece of the revision, how to regulate growth on the city’s iconic Miracle Mile. A vote on that section could come up at the March 9 meeting.

The bulk of the code was passed last month by a 4-1 vote, with only Vice Mayor Vince Lago saying no. Lago says he withheld his approval because, “I was not satisfied with the extreme bifurcation of the code; too many issues have been broken out” that are being voted on separately. Lago, a staunch opponent of over-development in the city, says he favors no buildings higher than four stories on Miracle Mile, and has proposed changes to regulations on remote parking, height and density formulas to promote projects even smaller than the six stories now allowed. “We have to be very careful when up-zoning Miracle Mile,” says Lago.

Lago did join his colleagues in approving an up-zoning of the Crafts District, a three-

square block area bound by Le Jeune Road, Santander Avenue, Salzedo Street and Palermo Avenue. Residents there have long been in favor of becoming a mixed-use area for multi-family, retail and commercial properties, in line with city founder George Merrick’s vision for the area.

When reflecting on Miracle Mile, Lago often recalls his childhood, when he would walk the shopping district with his grandparents. “I have fond memories of our downtown. It was like an oasis filled with history,” he says. “And I know we can get stuck in the past. I am in favor of progress, but I am not in favor of forgetting our character.”

Lago is running for mayor. His opponent in the April 13 election is Commissioner Pat Keon. She also favors holding the line on big development and thinks revisions to the code help do that. Of Lago’s vote last month, Keon said, “I have no idea why he voted no. I voted yes because [the changes] brought clarity to the code, provide guidelines for mixed-use development and increase and define open space.”

Prior to that February vote, about 50 demonstrators gathered outside of City Hall. Most of the speakers were candidates for the two open commission seats being vacated by Lago and Keon. They came with campaign signs, position statements and opinions. Most who spoke echoed the concern of Gables preservation activist Karelia Martinez Carbonell, who said that if the Miracle Mile portion of the revised code passed, “the flood gates will open” for large developments on the street.

Many of those same candidates later called in during the Zoom meeting to sound off. Among those speaking were Rhonda Anderson, Jackson Rip Holmes, Tania Cruz-Gimenez, and Javier Baños. All used the platform to firmly declare their opposition to big changes on the Mile. One candidate, Mayra Joli, screamed so relentlessly at the commissioners during her two minutes of allotted time that Mayor Raúl Valdés-Fauli muted her and declared, “You should have your blood pressure checked.” One voice of reason

throughout the meeting was that of Commissioner Michael Mena, who calmly encouraged residents to address substantive issues in the new zoning code, rather than merely ranting against it. “Those saying leave it as it is [are wrong]. We need to reduce the height limit to four stories,” he said, again citing the current code which allows a developer to assemble a block of properties and build a massive structure with floors of parking facing –and deadening – the street. Stay tuned. This battle is not over. ■

“I’M NOT IN FAVOR OF FORGETTING OUR CHARACTER.”

VICE MAYOR VINCE LAGO ON MIRACLE MILE

A New Home from the Future

THE NEW POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENT BUILDING IS A MODERN MARVEL

BY J.P. FABER

If you have any doubt that the top priority of our municipality is the safety of its residents, look no further than the new headquarters for the Coral Gables Police and Fire departments. This handsome, $68 million, five-story building is a marvel in functional ingenuity, and arguably the most advanced structure of its kind in the state of Florida.

The new Public Safety Building, as it is called, houses not just police and fire, but also the city’s 911 call center, its Emergency Operations Command Center, its IT department, its communications department, and the server-farm backbone

of the government’s computer network. All of it is backed up by a massive generator that is, itself, backed up by another massive generator. It is a building designed to withstand the most powerful hurricanes on earth – or any other natural disaster short of nuclear holocaust.

The building was inaugurated last month, in a ceremony attended by the city’s political and business leaders, with a formal color guard marching into the courtyard entrance at Salzedo Street and Minorca Avenue, bagpipes blaring. Officers of the twin police and fire forces never looked more sharply dressed or Continued on page 22

“THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN WHAT WE HAVE NOW AND WHAT WE HAD IS INCREDIBLE.”

POLICE CHIEF ED HUDAK

THE SHINY NEW PUBLIC SAFETY BUILDING IS THE NEW HOME FOR THE POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENTS AND THEIR RESPECTIVE COMMAND CENTERS. THE BUILDING WAS INAUGURATED LAST MONTH WITH THE CITY’S POLITICAL AND BUSINESS LEADERS AND A FORMAL COLOR GUARD OUTSIDE THE MAIN ENTRANCE AT SALZEDO STREET.

polished. But it’s what’s inside the new building that is really impressive. Each floor houses its own array of state-of-the-art facilities and gear. On the fifth floor, for example, are a series of training rooms. One holds vehicle simulators. Another is used for hand-to-hand combat training. Another holds a modern 25-yard firing range.

The fourth floor houses the city’s 911 call center and its Emergency Operations Command Center, where key personnel from the Gables and neighboring communities can gather during disasters to coordinate rescue and recovery efforts. Next to both is the CCTV, the command center tele-video room, which looks like the deck of the Starship Enterprise. Here an array of 17 screens monitor the commercial areas of the city, up-linking a small army of cameras stationed at key intersections.

The more muscular work of daily police and fire activity occurs on the lower floors. On the third floor (which also houses the computer servers) are offices for the IT department, the squad room, detectives, victim advocates and supervising officers, as well as a gym, lockers and showers. The second floor is where police vehicles park, and where the holding cells are for people just arrested. On the first floor is Fire House 1, “the pride of Coral Gables.” This is where the city’s shiny red fire trucks and emergency vehicles are housed, along with a huge room where the firefighters hang out while on call. Here there is a long conference table, a kind of home theater area for instructional videos, a pool table, a foosball table and a massive kitchen. Everything is on the ground floor, so no slide-down pole is required.

Beyond the individual functions of its different floors, the building itself is a marvel. The ceilings for the first floor are towering at 18 feet, in order to accommodate emergency vehi-

cles. This makes the large conference room on the ground floor feel like an auditorium. There is floor to ceiling glass here, and large windows everywhere, all of them bullet and hurricane proof, so natural light floods the hallways and offices. This is in stark contrast to the former police, IT and fire headquarters at Salzedo Street and Sevilla Avenue, a “brutalist” style building of solid concrete walls that also leaked when it rained.

The need to replace the old headquarters building has been a priority for years, but it finally got underway in earnest three years ago, when then-Assistant City Manager Peter Iglesias – an experienced and well-regarded civil engineer – and city architect Ernesto Pino (also a structural engineer) assembled a team of experts to determine just what the building needed to meet the current and future needs of the city’s police and fire departments. That process took the better part of a year, and then construction began in February of 2019.

In many ways, the building is a testament to the dogged determination of Iglesias, who became city manager that same year and was determined to finish on time and within budget. “We had a very tight timeline, with penalties if we exceeded that time. And then we had a year with civil unrest, tropical storms and the pandemic,” says Iglesias. “When you have a pandemic, you can’t do things normally, pushing it forward when you are losing carpenters and electricians to the virus. But we managed it well, and we were able to work as a team.”

The occupants of the new facility could not be more pleased. “The difference between what we have now and what we had is incredible,” says Police Chief Ed Hudak. “This building is for the next few generations. The technology alone is what we’ve always needed and wanted, and now we have it… and it’s the strongest building, structurally, that the city has ever built.” ■

TOP: CITY MANAGER PETER IGLESIAS WITH THE RENDERNGS OF THE PUBLIC SAFETY BUILDING MIDDLE: MONITORS SHOW LIVE FOOTAGE FROM SECURITY CAMERAS THROUGHOUT TH E CITY BOTTOM: THE BUILDING IS BACKED BY A GENERATOR, WHICH IS BACKED BY ANOTHER GENERATOR

$2,450,000

Horse Patrol Snake Panic

IN THE GARDENS OF THE GABLES, ALL THAT SLITHERS SHOULD NOT BE SCARY

BY GRACE CARRICARTE

There are two things that reptiles cannot regulate: Their own body temperature and people’s perception of them. Granted, if I saw a nine-foot Burmese python in the bushes of my driveway, I would be as shocked as our Coral Gables neighbors off San Souci Drive were in mid-January.

You may have seen that monster on the evening news. Apparently, such sightings are common in Coconut Grove, where the invasive species has, well, invaded. Experts say it was in search of warmer real estate during the cold spells experienced earlier this year.

Less expected was the reaction by Gables residents, many of whom went on backyard hunts for lurking snakes, some literally taking machetes to even the most harmless garden varieties. Social media lit up with the fear that these were miniature pythons. After a slew of such comments, I posted that most snakes were good, and helped keep vermin under control, as well as insects, lizards and frogs.

“The snakes we find in our yards and gardens generally pose little threat to us,” says Jeffrey Fobb, captain of Miami-Dade Fire Rescue, who has worked with the Venom Response Unit since 2006. “We only have four species of venomous snakes that occur statewide, and while they are found in South Florida, the older cities and suburbs are not places where their populations have persisted.”

Trying telling that to snake-fearing residents! The reaction to my post was one of pushback and disdain. One resident asked if I had children, because then I would be more concerned.

Fortunately, some understood. Ellen Berger on Greenway Drive, who had seen a few of these comments go by, said, “If you want to balance nature in your yard without harmful chemicals, you need prey and predators.” Too bad it had to be a snake that tempted Eve in the Old Testament. Go to livingalongsidewildlife.com for more info. ■

On two days a week – usually Fridays and Saturdays – if you are lucky, you may see something that disappeared from the Coral Gables Police Department in the 1920s: The city’s mounted patrol. The horse, a retired thoroughbred named Rockaway, is on patrol duty those days, usually in quieter residential areas, but sometimes downtown.

“We generally work until nine at night,” says Officer Ashley Sheran, a long-time horse rider who adopted Rockaway in 2015, around the time she became a dispatcher for the Coral Gables PD. After being sworn in as a patrol officer in 2018, she approached Chief Ed Hudak and pitched him on the idea of establishing a horse patrol.

A year later the program began, with Sheran and Rockaway appearing at special functions as on patrol. “He loves to work. That’s what these

thoroughbreds were bred for,” says Sheran. “We go everywhere – even on Giralda and Galiano – though we might spend more time along the [Granada] golf course.” That is one place where Rockaway keeps his trailer, which is how he travels from his horse stable in SW Ranches.

While Officer Sheran (who rides patrol cars during her other shifts) is ready to go into crime fighting action with Rockaway if needed, much of the horse’s contribution is community engagement. “People will come to see the horse, and then have a conversation with the officer,” says CGPD Public Information Officer Kelly Denham. “It’s always a positive.” Rockaway also has regular fans. “He has learned that at 77 Sportbar [on Giralda Plaza], the owner comes out and gives him carrots. He likes to head that way every evening.” ■

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The Mansion Shuffle

IN CORAL GABLES, MANSIONS ARE FLYING OFF THE MARKET

South Florida in general, and Coral Gables in particular, is suddenly the place where the nation’s one-percenters want to live. So far this year, mansions are changing hands at a breakneck pace. For mansions, that is. Here are some of the more notable recent sales. First, MKP Capital Management hedge fund co-founder Patrick McMahon and wife Kristen bought a 3.5-acre waterfront lot on Old Cutler Road for $18 million. Next, UM Health System oncologist Dr. Luis Villa Jr. sold his waterfront home in

Gables Estates for $12.25 million. Then DPM Capital hedge fund founder Pedro Escudero (and wife Madeline) purchased a Gables Estate waterfront home for $8.4 million, followed by the sale by Alienware co-founder Nelson Gonzalez of his waterfront manse in Sunrise Harbour for $10.1 million.

On the low end of the scale, reggae musician Shaggy (“Boombastic” and “It Wasn’t Me”) purchased a five-bedroom, non-waterfront home in Cocoplum for $2.2 million. Poor Shaggy! ■

DPM CAPITAL HEDGE FUND FOUNDER PEDRO ESCUDERO (AND WIFE MADELINE) PURCHASED THE GABLES ESTATE WATERFRONT HOME ABOVE FOR $8.4 MILLION,

But the care keeps getting better and better.

Our vaccines are here already… the sta is so well-trained… all the safety programs are in place. And during this pandemic, the whole place keeps running like a well-oiled machine.

We simply can’t imagine a place right now where someone our age could be safer or happier. And every day we tell our daughter—whose idea it was—we’re so glad you knew it was the right place for us.

If you are a senior, or just love one, call us at 305-445-7444 to schedule your safe and comfortable visit today.

We rst moved here for the luxury and the social life, we admit.

“We’ve never been more glad we live at e Palace than right now.”

R ENÉ PORTOCARRERO (1912 - 1985), Ornamented Woman (Mujer Ornamentada), 1968, mixed media on heavy paper laid down on board, 23 x 14 ¾ inches (Detail image)

3155 Ponce de León Blvd. Coral Gables, FL 33134 305-461-1050 | cernudaarte@msn.com | www.cernudaarte.com

Living

JOSÉ “JOE” FRANCISCO BARROS IS A PRACTICING ENDODONTIST AND THE PRESIDENT OF TROPICAL AUDUBON SOCIETY.

SEE PAGE 30

Birding in the Green Gables

CORAL GABLES IS A MAGNET FOR SPRING MIGRANTS

BY JOSÉ FRANCISCO BARROS

Birdwatching has long been America’s No. 1 hobby, and over the past year it has proven an easy way to socially distance and enjoy nature. For Gables residents, birding in the field can be an everyday adventure. Indeed, “the field” is as close as the University of Miami campus, Matheson Hammock, Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden or one of our 63 parks – not to mention the Biltmore, Granada and Riviera golf courses.

As winter gives way to spring, our snowbirds are already flying north. These colorful visitors – who, like our human tourists, sought South Florida’s

temperate winter and abundant sunshine – are taking off from our backyards, traveling up a coastal route called the Atlantic Flyway. They are destined for places such as the Appalachians, Cape May, the Adirondacks, the Great Lakes, Cape Cod, even the Arctic, and they’re being joined by millions of migrants from the Caribbean and South America. Because peninsular Florida is eastern North America’s southernmost perch, it is the point of arrival for birds returning in spring from below the equator, island-hopping their way through the Caribbean. Coral Gables — with its expansive tree

canopy — is an attractive stopover for rest and refueling. There is no better place to enjoy the miracle of Spring Migration than outside your door — be it your yard or a nearby City Beautiful green space. Many of the Gables’ 63 parks feature a healthy mix of native trees and shrubs that are bird magnets. The indigenous Gumbo Limbo, Live Oak and Strangler Fig make up the tree canopies in many of our parks; Firebush, Simpson Stopper and Wild Coffee frequently comprise their understories.

Birds and nature are my passion, so I birdwatch almost

daily, and make frequent forays into various Coral Gables green spaces year-round. Country Club Prado – my “front yard” – takes pride of place. On my Sunday morning walks among its majestic trees I’m constantly scanning the branches for songbirds. At this time of year, I can count on seeing a variety of warblers here, and I’m watching for tightly knit flocks of Cedar Waxwings searching in unison for the ripe fruit of the Strangler Figs that grace the Prado.

If you golf at the Biltmore, Granada or Riviera courses, scan the skies for soaring raptors such continued on page 28

YELLOW-BILLED CUCKOO BY JOHNNY STUTZMAN (LEFT) GREEN HERON BY MADELINE POSTER (TOP RIGHT) CEDAR WAXWING BY MARLIN GREENE KK (BOTTOM RIGHT)

Bird with “Joe!”

José “Joe” Francisco Barros is a practicing endodontist and the president of Tropical Audubon Society. To go birding with him or other Tropical Audubon field guides (when MDC gathering restrictions permit), write to: fieldtrips@tropicalaudubon. org and your name will be added to the organization’s e-mail list.

as the American Kestrel, Osprey, Peregrine Falcon and Shorttailed Hawk. The oaks that anchor these courses also provide songbirds, such as the Blue-gray Gnatcatchers and charming warblers, with a sure supply of protein. They flit among the branches, gleaning insects from the leaves, nooks and crannies –food to power their northward journey. You can also keep an eye out for the arrival of some of our nesting residents, such as the Chimney Swifts, Gray Kingbirds and Swallow-tailed Kites.

Ingraham Park and Cartagena Plaza rim the Coral Gables Waterway at Le Jeune’s terminus. From the pedestrian bridge that spans the water you may see warblers and wading birds. Common Gallinules and Red-breasted Mergansers often swim along the shallows, while Great Blue Herons, Great Egrets and Green Herons fish from the shoreline.

Yellow-crowned Night-Herons can often be seen roosting or nesting in the trees that line the waterway.

Even in your neighborhood parks there is ample birding. In these quiet little green spaces you may spy a Yellow-bellied Sapsucker working the trunk of a Coconut Palm, pecking small openings, then patiently waiting for the insects who are drawn to the freshly tapped sap. If you are sharp and attentive, you may glimpse a Yellow-throated Vireo, or even a Yellow-billed Cuckoo, combing through the canopy for caterpillars to fuel their flight north. For locations and descriptions of parks visit coralgables. com and scroll down to “Community Recreation Parks and Open Spaces.” Then go buy a pair of 8x42 binoculars (the best can be found at the Leica store on Miracle Mile) and begin your Gables birding adventure. ■

BLACK-AND-WHITE WARBLER BY FEDERICO ACEVEDO (MIDDLE) AMERICAN KESTREL BY KRISTEN MAUZY (BOTTOM)

DR. BAKER

The Show Must Go On

BY LIZZIE WILCOX

After a nine-month intermission, Actors’ Playhouse at the Miracle Theatre has reopened for live shows. The first post-lockdown production opened in December, a children’s theatre presentation of “Madeline’s Christmas” – with safety measures in place. “We took a leap of faith and we didn’t know how it would work out and it was so successful,” says Barbara Stein, executive producing director of Actors’ Playhouse.

Now the children’s theatre, directed by Earl Maulding, is putting on “The Wizard of Oz,” which premiered on Feb. 20. Their shows, which are normally in the smaller upstairs theater, have been moved to the larger mainstage theater. “[Earl] has to really redirect the show for social distancing,” Stein says. If someone in the cast is exposed to coronavirus, Maulding has to either rework the show for a day or two, or bring in the understudy.

The Miracle Theatre has not only implemented Covid-19 precautions for its cast, but also for the audience. Temperatures are taken before entering and everyone must wear a mask once inside. The bathrooms have been updated with automatic faucets and there are specific entrances and exits so that people don’t bump into each other. They are

The Music of the Street

not currently selling concessions and the ticketing system sells seating based on social distancing – i.e. separation between parties in the audience.

Actors’ Playhouse has also resumed their workshops. While the capacity of the classes is limited, they doubled their enrollment from fall to winter. As of publication, their spring camp is almost full. The theater is now promoting their spring workshops and summer camps. “It means that people are feeling comfortable coming into our building. They see the precautions that we’re taking,” says Stein. “It’s a warm feeling.”

As for the mainstage shows, they are “working diligently” to get production up and running again. However, the theater has not yet formally announced when they will reopen. “We’re going to be cautious about everything, so we don’t have to make changes again,” Stein says.

“The Wizard of Oz” is running now through March 14 on Saturdays at 2 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased at actorsplayhouse. org. Next in the lineup for the children’s theatre is “The Jungle Book,” which will run from April 17 – May 9 and then again over the summer from July 10 –31. Adds Stein, “We are going to come back with a bang.” ■

The weekend vibe in downtown Gables is definitely sounding sweeter. In addition to indoor music at The Globe (jazz), Calle 23 (Latin ritmo) and La Taberna (flamenco), the rhythms are spilling onto the street. Above, diners sitting outside Kae Sushi on Giralda are serenaded by a two-piece gypsy jazz band (can you say Django Reinhardt?) that deftly reinterprets everything from Cole Porter to Radio Head. On Miracle Mile, diners outside at Bellmont are electrified by “Pasion Flamenca” on a stage that appears magically on weekend nights (shown top). Stay tuned for more. ■

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The Potter’s Wheel

CLASSES IN CLAY ON MIRACLE MILE?

BY KYLIE WANG

James Herring’s downtown pop-up studio was originally part of a project sponsored by Terranova Corporation called Studios on the Mile, where artists could showcase their work in empty storefronts turned into working studios, from October to the end of 2020. Herring, who doubles as a University of Miami professor when he’s not creating ceramics, made a deal with Terranova to keep the space a while longer. Now he teaches pottery there four times a week.

Students pay $200 for a series of four, two-hour socially distanced classes. They make cups, plates, bowls and vases, learning how to “throw” clay onto a wheel, trim it, fire it and apply glazes. Everything is provided except for an apron. “The students are almost all beginners, very few with any experience,” Herring says. “There are different age ranges and different kinds of people. A lot of them have stressful jobs, and this is an

outlet for them.”

Kat Llerena runs her own boutique in South Miami and is currently on her second round of classes. “There’s been so much stress lately with the pandemic,” she says with a smile. “It really calms me down.”

For Herring himself, ceramics was an escape he discovered in high school that kept him out of trouble and led to a career in the arts. “Ceramics gave me an identity,” he says, though it didn’t always pay the bills. Among other day jobs, he worked for 18 years as the director of exhibition fabrication at the Miami (then Frost) Museum of Science.

While Herring’s students return to their day jobs, Herring fires their creations in a kiln outside the studio. Each student leaves with four or five pieces and a sense of accomplishment and mental peace. Classes: Tues., Wed., and Thurs. 6-8 p.m. & Sun. 2-5 p.m. Open studio nights Fri. & Sat. ■

JAMES HERRING, CENTER, IS TEACHING POTTERY AS AN ANTIDOTE TO A STRESSFUL JOB

Best Bets

MOVIES UNDER THE GABLES MOONLIGHT

As part of the monthly movie series, Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” will be shown at Phillips Park (90 Menores Ave.) on Saturday, March 20 at 6 p.m. Bring your own lawn chair and/or blankets. Tickets are $10 per family and are limited to families of four. Reserve your space in advance at playgables.com.

SPLENDOR IN THE GARDEN

Enjoy an afternoon of philanthropy and fashion at the 10th annual Splendor in the Garden luncheon and fashion show fundraiser. Due to Covid-19, capacity is limited to 100 people. Individual tickets are $1,000 and a table for six people is $6,000. Thursday, March 18 from 12 to 5 p.m. at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden. For more information, go to “Events” at fairchildgarden.org

CORAL GABLES FARMERS MARKET (TOP)

Sadly, the Coral Gables Farmers Market concludes this month. Don’t miss out on the last few weekends to buy produce, baked goods, coffee and more from local vendors. Located in front of City Hall (405 Biltmore Way) on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. through March 27.

ST. PATRICK’S DAY AT CALLE 23 (BOTTOM)

Luck of the Irish? More like luck of the Cubans! Visit Calle 23 on St. Patrick’s Day for $10 beers and Teeling Irish whiskey shots, and $7 baby Guinness shots and Jameson Irish Mules. As the holiday falls on a Wednesday, guests can also enjoy $7 mojitos starting at 7 p.m. and salsa dancing at 8 p.m.

DREW KERN NEW

Business

BUSINESS BRIEFS: PAGE 42

GABLES-BASED SERIAL ENTREPRENEUR MANNY MEDINA HAS CREATED A NEW PRIVATELY-HELD STARTUP WITH A VALUATION OF $1 BILLION.

PHOTO BY JON BRAELEY.

Business Briefs

SMALL BUSINESS GRANTS, NEW CONDO TOWERS, CHANGES AT AMERANT AND OUR FIRST UNICORN

PEREZ HOOFS IT

What do you do when you are faced with an impossible deadline to process $801,000 in grants for small businesses in Coral Gables, all of which are unaware of the opportunity, and all of which have to apply immediately? Do you mail them notices? Do you send out emails about the opportunity, or post it on social media? Not if you are Julian Perez. Faced with just six weeks to solicit, process and send applications to the county for the city’s share of CARES act funds, the city’s economic development director simply walked to every small business in town, urging them to apply ASAP. Took a couple of days. Got every penny dispersed, to 60 small businesses.

MEDINA BECOMES A UNICORN

Manny Medina has succeeded again. The Gables-based serial entrepreneur who developed data-center heavyweight Terremark and launched South Florida’s mega-tech conference eMerge Americas has created a “unicorn,” a privately-held startup valued at $1 billion or more and aptly named for its rarity.

Medina said Feb. 9 his cybersecurity firm Appgate is getting up to $100 million from a Chicago-area investment group, which values his startup at $1 billion. Appgate also plans to sell shares on Wall Street, merging first into a publicly-traded shell company controlled by investor Jon Ledecky, co-owner of the New York Islanders hockey team. The deal is likely to close next quarter.

Cuba-born Medina spun off Appgate from Coral Gables-based Cyxtera data-center business in January 2020, partly to appeal to Wall Street. He figured different groups would be attracted to each segment: AppGate appealing more to tech investors and Cyxtera to those keen on long-term infrastructure. Appgate provides cybersecurity software and services to some 650 customers worldwide including international banks and government agencies. It expects revenues of $40 million in fiscal 2021, rising 50 percent annually through fiscal 2025. It employs some 360 people, the company says.

South Florida has just a few unicorns. Among the latest: Miami-based REEF Technology, formerly ParkJockey, which mobilizes parking lots for food delivery, car rentals and other services. Medina

also took his Terremark data-center business public and then, sold it to Verizon in 2011 in a $2 billion deal.— By Doreen Hemlock

AMERANT EVOLVES

It’s been a busy year so far for Amerant, the largest bank based in the Gables (assets: $8 billion). For starters, they are bringing on a new CEO as Millar Wilson retires (see story pg. 46). Jerry Plush, formerly a partner at Pennsylvania-based Patriot Financial Partner, became CEO Feb. 15. Before departing, however, Wilson engineered the launch of Amerant Mortgage LLC, a joint venture between the bank and a team of industry veterans specializing in residential real estate. Amerant will retain majority ownership of the JV. The news follows disappointing numbers for 2020. While fourth quarter net income rose to $8.5 million, compared to net third quarter income of $1.7 million, the year saw a net loss of $1.7 million thanks to a $88.6 million provision for loan losses during the period.

MOVING ON UP

In some ways, the new building being proposed by Allen Morris is a book end. Having built the stunning, iconic Alhambra Towers office building on Alhambra Circle, he now wants to build another monument, across the street from The Plaza Coral Gables project on Ponce Circle. The proposed 17-story building – Ponce Park Residences – will consist of 171 luxury condos with retail and restaurant space on the ground floor. The proposed structure will provide a public benefits package that includes $2.4 million for a .75-acre park, $1 milion toward beautifying Fred B. Harnett (Ponce Circle) Park and over $330,000 toward the city’s parking fund. Meanwhile, the less lofty (13 stories) but equally luxurious Villa Valencia recently topped off, with sales of $7 million in January (40 percent of the 39 units have now been sold). When finished, it will house the most expensive condominiums in the city, each offering environmental controls for purified air and water and circadian-cycle ambient lighting. Even if you are not a resident, you can enjoy the adjacent pocket park with a seven-foot bronze statue by renowned British sculpture Thomas Houseago. The building is expected to be complete before year’s end. ■

MOVING ON UP: PONCE PARK RESIDENCES

Think Global, Live Local

BY J.P. FABER

Coral Gables is a long way from Saudi Arabia, but for real estate investor Ziyad Mneimneh, the move to relocate here was a return of sorts. A native of Lebanon, Mneimneh graduated with a bachelor’s degree in architecture from the University of Miami 40 years ago; his parents had moved to High Pines to flee Lebanon’s civil war. Upon graduation he left for New York and then Europe, in a career that evolved from designing architecture to managing real estate assets for a global firm in Riyad, Saudi Arabia.

After 15 years in Riyad he returned first to Pinecrest, then to Coral Gables. He now lives a few blocks away from the Aragon Avenue offices of the firm that he launched here a dozen years ago. “The [Gables] downtown is very, very special,” says Mneimneh. “In essence, it’s a human scale downtown in a suburban environment. I can walk from a beautiful suburbia, on a quiet safe street, to a charming downtown,” he says. “I envy myself.”

Nonetheless, Mneimneh would not have moved if not for a family medical issue. He was already living with his wife and two sons in a “lovely bubble” in Saudi Arabia, a gated community of expats with their own school, social clubs, recreational facilities, restaurants, etc. “I was very happy there,” he says.

Then his youngest son was diagnosed with autism. He felt he had to move to the U.S., where treatment for children with autism was far ahead of Saudi Arabia. That same dichotomy between want and need – Mneimneh wanted to stay, but needed to move – is reflected in his Gables-based firm, Polaris Realty Capital. Unlike his previous Saudi-based real estate investment firm, Mneimneh’s new firm focuses only on multi-family and student housing projects. “A free-standing home is something that most people want. Low cost, multi-

family housing is something that people need,” he says.

Targeting the multi-family sector was the result of Mneimneh’s epiphany at the height of the Great Recession, namely that a good part of the next generation would not initially be able to purchase single-family homes. “It satisfies a need of the new generation of Millennials, who have a different financial situation than the generation who came before them,” he says. “As they start to form young families, they need more space, they need single-family housing, but they can’t afford the down payment.”

Mneimneh’s model for Polaris has been straight forward and successful. “We are the nexus of two groups of people. Our investors come from across the pond, in Europe and the Middle East. Our U.S. partners are long established real estate companies that need capital to execute their projects,” he says. Polaris invests in multi-family and student rental communities of 200 units or more, focusing on Texas, Central Florida, Georgia and the Carolinas. It now manages more than a quarter billion dollars in assets.

“We solely look at acquisitions of existing projects, improving them, turning them around and putting them back on the market,” he says. Polaris acts as the asset manager, while the real estate companies rehab the property, upgrade management and after an average of three years, put the projects back on the market. Annual returns for his investors average in the high teens.

“Polaris is just the kind of company we love to have in the Gables,” says Julian Perez, director of the city’s Economic Development Department. “Innovative and entrepreneurial and, while respectful of our traditions and culture, part of making Coral Gables a smart city of the future.” ■

“THE [GABLES] DOWNTOWN IS VERY, VERY SPECIAL. IN ESSENCE, IT’S A HUMAN SCALE DOWNTOWN IN A SUBURBAN ENVIRONMENT. I CAN WALK FROM A BEAUTIFUL SUBURBIA, ON A QUIET SAFE STREET, TO A CHARMING DOWNTOWN. I ENVY MYSELF.”

INVESTOR ZIYAD MNEIMNEH

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The Lion in Winter

WILSON STEPS

BY DOREEN HEMLOCK

He came to the United States nearly 40 years ago to start an office for a Venezuelan banking group and developed that venture into the biggest bank based in Coral Gables. But you won’t hear Millar Wilson tout his role in building Amerant, the $8 billion asset bank that has traded its stock on Wall Street since 2018. He’s shy, reserved and team-oriented, not one to indulge in what he calls “hero-ing.”

Now, the 68-year-old is retiring, handing over Amerant’s CEO reins mid-March to director Jerry Plush and staying several months as a consultant. We asked the international banker – born in Scotland, raised in Venezuela and educated largely in Britain – about changes he’s seen, the future of banking and more.

BEST CHANGE IN BANKING? Digital transformation. I’m all for making it as easy and smooth for the customer as possible. When I came in 1982, the fax machine was a novelty, the laptop didn’t exist, and cellphones were huge bricks. Now, fintechs* are getting their foot in, and it makes banks more responsive.

FUTURE OF BANKING? Just about everything is changing. In as little as 10 years, we won’t have checks. Already, our branch of the future in Coral Gables has no teller stations; anybody can take a deposit. Those deposits go into a machine, not a drawer… Many branches also are going to disappear.

CAREER HIGHLIGHT? Doing the spinoff from Venezuela’s Mercantil group and initial public offering on Nasdaq. It was bittersweet. I started with Mercantil in 1977. They’re very forward-thinking and very concerned about their people. Suddenly, we were on our own. It put a lot of responsibility on us as a management team.

LEADING A PUBLICLY-TRADED COMPANY? One thing I don’t like is this “short-termism,” that you have to meet targets every quarter. I’m not sure if that’s necessarily in the interest of your long-term investors.

YOUR CHILDHOOD IN VENEZUELA? My parents were born in Scotland, and after World War II times were depressed, with rationing. Dad was an agricultural engineer, and Shell [oil company] had just set up a foundation in Venezuela to help the local agricultural sector –how to analyze soil, the best seed to plant… They made him an offer. Dad stayed 29 years. I stayed until age 10 and then went to boarding school in Britain. Venezuela was a phenomenal place to grow up.

YOUR START IN BANKING? After university, I worked five years for Price Waterhouse, becoming a chartered accountant. I was living in London in 1977 when Venezuela was booming, oil prices going up. My parents were in Caracas. I thought I’d give it a shot. Mercantil approached me.

BEST PART OF BANKING? The diversity. You have clients, regulations changing, events locally and things happening in foreign countries. It’s never boring.

YOUR WISH FOR U.S. BANKS? The regulations change relatively frequently with changes in government. I don’t like to see the industry politicized. Also, you have to create a level playing field. We’re highly regulated; fintechs aren’t. And credit unions have a significant advantage; for starters, they don’t pay taxes.

YOUR PROFESSIONAL LEGACY? It’s all Amerant. [Let them say] he helped create a viable, growing institution and leaves behind a great team that’s going to take it forward.

ADVICE TO ASPIRING BANKERS? Focus on digital. Really get into what fintechs are doing and how to compete. ■

*Fintech means financial technology – any kind of technology in financial services, including any firm that provides financial services through software or other technology, including mobile payment apps or even cryptocurrency.

MILLAR

DOWN FROM THE BANK THAT HE GREW INTO THE LARGEST BASED IN THE GABLES

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Bites

THE GRAMERCY, WHICH OPENED IN DECEMBER IN THE FORMER TARPON BEND SPACE PAGE 50

A New Vibe

THE GRAMERCY GRACES THE GABLES

BY LIZZIE WILCOX

When Tarpon Bend announced its departure in February 2019, it left a gap in the Gables dining and drinking scene. Two years later, that void is quite literally being filled by The Gramercy, which opened in December in the former Tarpon Bend space. They do have outdoor seating on Miracle Mile and in the paseo between the Mile and Aragon Avenue for those who feel more comfortable dining al fresco, but the interior is really where all the fun is.

There are neon lights, cheetah-print booths and plants. Lots and lots of plants. Does all this really fit into the otherwise more subdued aesthetic of Miracle Mile? Maybe not, but that’s not a bad thing. Named after the Gramercy area in New York City, the intention was to be more New York than Miami. The change of scenery is a breath of fresh air and the Instagram-able decor reminds you that there are people under

the age of 50 in Coral Gables.

The menu is mainly American Brasserie cuisine, plus an impressive sushi bar. Also impressive is the cocktail list. Their signature cocktail, The Gramercy, is made with tequila, blackberry-sage, lemon, cardamom bitters and aquafaba (which makes it vegan-friendly). It’s a tart, yet delicious way to start the evening. On the sweeter side is the Jazz Connection, which combines gin, orange curacao, honey-lavender syrup, lemon, cream and orange blossom water.

All of The Gramercy’s starters are decadent. In the mood for a tartare, we chose the steak over the tuna. The steak tartare comes with a quail egg yolk in the center and crackers on the side. They prepare it tableside, mixing the egg with the black Angus beef and spreading it all onto the crackers. We also indulged in the truffle caviar deviled eggs. Our waitress Patty said that a customer described

them as “eating silk,” and they weren’t wrong. You can immediately taste the truffle oil and the eggs are so soft they basically melt in your mouth.

With a meat-focused entrée list (though there are some seafood and pasta options), we ordered “The Gram” burger and the filet mignon. Made with wagyu beef and topped with caramelized onions and either gruyere or blue cheese, the burger was spectacular. The filet was also flavorful, served atop a light cauliflower puree. We split a side of Brussels sprouts, which were recommended to us, though neither of us are particularly crazy about them. But here they were nicely crisped, topped with a balsamic glaze and toasted macadamia nuts.

By the end of the night, the place was packed (or at least as packed as it could be at 50 percent capacity), reminiscent of the late-night Tarpon Bend spectacle that we’ve missed dearly. ■

Fish Dish Die-Hards

For those who have visited the “reborn” Bangkok Bangkok II on Giralda Plaza – now the Khaosan Road “Thai street eatery” – the new flavors are fascinating. But for those die-hard fans of the old menu, a handful of favorite dishes are still served. Our favorite is the remarkable “Little Big Man,” a crispy whole red snapper lathered in a sweet-andsour red chili paste. Amazing, at a market price of $25-$30.

Those Cruciferous Buds

They come from that same healthy family of greens as broccoli, and yes, Brussels sprouts were originally grown in what is now Belgium. But not everyone loves these green buds. If you want to overcome your aversion, try the Brussels Sprout Salad at Doc B’s on Miracle Mile. It’s a creamy tower of shredded sprouts, with marcona almonds, basil vinaigrette and Parmigiano Reggiano cheese. Learn to love it, for $14.

Not Don Shula’s Menu

Public Square is the new neighborhood hotspot in the South Gables, deftly filling the shoes of the former Shula’s 347 Grill. The steaks are still great, but now the menu has a slew of new dishes. Among them is the surprisingly delightful crab asparagus salad, with jumbo lump crab and lemon dressing. Perfect asparagus, fresh crab and baby heirloom tomatoes, for $16. ■

THE GRAMERCY MIAMI 220 MIRACLE MILE 305.569.0311

It’s Five O’clock in Argentina

HAPPY HOUR AT BUENOS AIRES BISTRO

BY LIZZIE WILCOX

At this point, we’ve been to so many happy hours in Coral Gables that they’re all starting to blend together. But Buenos Aires Bistro’s definitely sticks out. On the corner of Ponce de Leon Boulevard and Aragon Avenue, Buenos Aires Bistro offers a comfortable, relaxed happy hour setting. Their cushioned chairs and couches make it easy to lean back and forget the stresses of the day. If you’re not the lounge type, they also have regular tables around the corner on Aragon Avenue as well as inside the restaurant.

From 4 to 7 p.m. on weekdays, the restaurant offers 50 percent off drinks plus deals on bar bites. This includes half-off my go-to drink, a spicy margarita, or the Spicy Mamacita as it’s called here. Made with

tequila, passion fruit, fresh lime juice, jalapeno syrup and cilantro, this is a very refreshing cocktail. I’ve never had a spicy margarita with cilantro in it before, and it definitely made a difference.

Something that I’ve never seen on a happy hour menu is the hand-shaken daiquiri. While daiquiris are usually frozen, this one was not and tasted like a real cocktail instead of a slushy. There are only two ingredients in it: Flor de Caña rum and fresh citrus juice, garnished with a dried lime wheel. A drink that’s simple, yet succulent. Their happy hour deals also include half-off wine and beer if you don’t want a cocktail.

As for food, Buenos Aires Bistro’s bar bites are outstanding. If you’re only going to get one, it should be the prosciutto brus-

chetta: Tomatoes, basil, parmesan and prosciutto piled on top of a warm piece of bread. Arguably the best bruschetta I’ve ever had. If you’re going to get more than one thing (which you should), like any good Argentine restaurant, they have great empanadas. We ordered the ham and cheese, the spinach, and the chicken, but they also have beef and corn. The ham and cheese was my favorite, with warm cheese oozing out upon biting into it.

Our other advice: Get their early. The “lounge” area was filled before 6 p.m., and the restaurant inside began to fill up as the dinner hour approached. ■

Fresh and Fast

Fresh Del Monte Produce, headquartered in Coral Gables, has opened its first FRSHst restaurant in the ground floor of their corporate HQ at 241 Sevilla Ave. The aim of the café, open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., is to provide consumers with food that is healthy and convenient. Making use of fruit and veggies grown by Del Monte, offerings range from bowls to sandwiches to smoothies.

Love and Food

La Jolla Ballroom, on the northwest corner of Salzedo Street and Alcazar Avenue in the downtown, is a charming wedding venue in an ivy-covered historic 1928 building. Now you can also get a bite to eat there, at a new, mostly outdoor sidewalk café that serves breakfast, lunch and tapas from 11 a.m. onward. Hold that bouquet.

Sea and Easy

Just when you thought there was no such thing as affordable seafood, Seasy has finally opened. Located in the former home of Burger Fi at 136 Miracle Mile, it’s open for lunch and dinner, with the promise of local fresh seafood cooked southern Italian Mediterranean style, but without European prices.

Bubbly and Light

Not to be outdone, Giorgio Rapicavoli’s new Luca Osteriá restaurant has also (finally) opened at 116 Giralda Ave. Rapicavoli, the owner-chef behind Eating House is taking a page from the cooking he learned from his grandmother and mother: Seasonal cuisine that he wants to marry with Italian cocktails for a “bubbly, bright and light” experience. ■

BELLMONT

BID

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WHAT’S HOT: THIBAUT’S CALISTOGA GRASSCLOTH WALLPAPER SEE PAGE 56.

What’s Hot

GRACING OUR HOMES WITH GREEN

BY MALLORY EVANS JACOBSON

It could be our inherent need for the outdoors (especially during a global pandemic), or the happiness that the hue naturally evokes, but the color green is having a moment. Here are five décor items that you can add to your abode to properly welcome the season.

CHEF’S CHOICE (1)

Crate & Barrel recently released this exclusive seven-piece set of ceramic cookware by Caraway in a limited-edition silt green hue with gold hardware. The pans have been a hit on social media due to their modern aesthetic, but there’s more to these beauties than meets the eye: They’re nonstick, free of harmful chemicals and come with four magnetic pan racks for easy storage. Retail: $445. Crate & Barrel, 358 San Lorenzo Ave., 305-460-3560, crateandbarrel.com.

OFF THE WALL (2)

If you’re looking to accent a wall without going too bold, consider Thibaut’s Calistoga grasscloth wallpaper in green. The textured design is bright enough to make an impact, but also lends itself as a neutral when adorned with artwork and furniture. Retail: $180 per roll. GK Design Center, 2319 S. Le Jeune Rd., 305-461-1002, gkdesigncenter.com.

TRAY CHIC (3)

Crafted from faux shagreen with an inset brass design, the Daina trays in the Sage colorway were created by Made Goods. They’re perfect for corralling candles and other odds and ends, but would look terrific on their own as well. Retail: $950. Fine-Line Furniture & Accessories, 4217 Ponce de Leon Blvd., 305-6614414, finelinefurnitureandaccessories.com.

FLOAT ON (4)

A special statement piece for displaying books, photographs or other décor, the Jetson open shelving unit by McGuire was inspired by designer Jamie Durie’s Sri Lankan heritage. To create this unit, six floating shelves are crafted from natural teak, wrapped in Ceylon green leather and accented by brass legs. Retail: $16,875. Décor House Furniture, 4119 Ponce de Leon Blvd., 305-448-6200, decorhousefurniture.com.

SLEEK SEAT (5)

With organic lines and elegant oak legs, the Danish furniture purveyor BoConcept’s Adelaide living chair in light green cotton velvet upholstery would be a beautiful (and super comfortable) addition to any space in your home. Retail: $2,499. BoConcept, 342 San Lorenzo Ave. #1110, 305-350-1941, boconcept.com.

DIAMONDS BY DANIELLA

House of Objects

VIOLETAS HOME DESIGN IS A CORNUCOPIA OF OBJET D’ART

BY KIM RODRIGUEZ

Chances are you have invested money or time, or both, in your home over the last 10 months. We’ve all found ourselves inside way more than expected, constantly reminded of things that needed to be done, or just longing for a new inspirational piece to add to our private spaces. As we enter March, we still find ourselves at home for the most part, and possibly still on the hunt for something new – for ourselves, or for others.

Say hello to Violetas Home Design on Miracle Mile. It will give you so much inspiration your head will spin. On Miracle Mile for 12 years, Violetas has managed to double its space and open another location in Brickell City Centre, thriving amidst the world’s chaos.

The store is the brainchild of Ecuadorian-born Patricia Anton and her daughter Patricia Kronfle Uraga. “Family is the centerpiece of the home and it’s what motors me,” says Anton, so it comes as no surprise that retail runs in her veins. Hers is a fourth-generation business that started in Ecuador with Anton’s grandfather, and continued with parents who were in the toy business as well as home décor. She and her sisters even opened a home design store in Ecuador, where she still owns an outlet with a friend. As a young girl she traveled with her parents to global trade shows, hence her heightened awareness for international design – reflected in the lines she carries in her store.

Anton is like a walking billboard for the Gables business development initiative. She can give you statistics, demographics and what new developments are

afoot. “Miracle Mile is the heart of the city and the retail backbone of downtown,” she says. “It has a truly pedestrian-friendly environment,” ideal for retailers and vendors.

Violetas offers affordable and high-end pieces, from gift items to dishes to furniture. There is even a room dedicated to candles and scents. They also offer special services like some custom-made rugs and wallpaper, as well as interior design.

What sets the store apart are its relationships with vendors, offering unique pieces and brands that others do not have. Half the lines they carry are not widely available. For instance, there is an entire room devoted to Italian brand Fornasetti dishes and furniture; the collection rivals Bergdorfs in New York and Harrods in London. They also carry rare Lladró pieces and are the only partner with Baccarat in the U.S. to house their “shop in shop.” Other very noteworthy brands include Richard Ginori, Lalique, Christofle, Saint Louis, Hermes, Daum and Jonathan Adler. There is also a beautiful room called Little Violetas, the vision of her daughter-in-law Estefania Pere, a mix of special toys and clothing for children.

“With over 8,000 pieces in the store at any given time, you can easily find what you’re looking for,” says Anton, “and what you’re not.” ■

Your Property, Our Priority

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$29,900,000 | 6 BR, 7 BA | Web# A10959699

Lourdes Alatriste: M 305.926.5322

Raquel Cordon: M 305.778.1910

Rendering

Coral Gables | 927 Valencia Avenue

$4,395,000 | 6 BR, 7.5 BA | Web# A10993446

Darin Tansey: M 305.924.4100

Estefania Abreu: M 786.306.9116

Coral Gables | 722 Navarre Avenue

$2,249,000 | 4 BR, 4 BA | Web# A10987399

Jennifer Goldstein: M 305.968.4492

Pietro Belmonte: M 305.335.1981

South Miami | 6091 SW 85th Street

$2,185,000 | 5 BR, 5.5 BA | Web# A10927274

Hilda Jacobson: M 786.213.4511

Tracy Galya: M 305.926.5265

elliman.com

THE BEST WAY TO GET YOUR ICONIC IMAGES OUT THERE IN THE ’20S AND ’ 30S? POSTCARDS.

BY KAREN F. BUCHSBAUM

TikTok, Snapchat and Instagram? These were unknown when George Merrick was designing and promoting Coral Gables. Postcards were the social media of his day. Today, these anachronisms (who sends postcards anymore?) provide a vivid visual glimpse into the past.

Merrick’s newly minted city of Coral Gables and postcards were a perfect marriage. Card use took off when the tourism industry began to boom in the first half of the 20th century, and today many types of postcards from Coral Gables survive to document and memorialize local history. Early cards showed off handsome new homes in the City Beautiful, along with some unabashed tourism promotion images for properties like the Biltmore Hotel and sites like the Venetian Pool. Early Gables’ street scenes, churches, schools, fountains, plazas and recreation were all documented through postcards.

Easy to transport and now generally available for only a few dollars each, collecting postcards can be an entertaining and engaging hobby at any age. Just ask collector-extraordinaire, Linda Zahler. A former French teacher at Coral Gables High School, Zahler grew up in Miami Beach, the daughter of rare book dealers. As a stamp collector while still in elementary school, she became curious about the colorful cards to which many of the stamps were affixed. A new interest was ignited. “I get a lot of pleasure from collecting and looking at what I have collected,” says Zahler. “It is definitely in my blood, it’s my passion.”

Bright colors printed on a linen texture were typical of the era and have held up well through the years. It was commonplace to colorize black and white photos in the ’30s and ’40s; you can find

cards today with the same images but with clothing, lettering or other elements shown in differing colors.

Zahler finds postcards in antique shops and at antique shows, but explains it’s often more efficient to pursue some of the millions of surviving postcards online through sites like eBay, where you can find more than 145,000 Florida-themed postcards and over 1,000 specific to Coral Gables. Since they were introduced in 1893 at the Columbian Exposition in Chicago, postcards have been used to share quick notes and information, celebrate causes, and promote business. Postcard themes are widely varied. If you can imagine it, there is probably a category. Varieties include factories, dolls, bicycles, elves, advertising, comics, chess, city halls, patriotic themes, flamingos, hotels, politics, music, animals, jokes, holidays and, of course, every region, city and state, and their tourist attractions.

Among Coral Gables’ earliest cards from the early 1920s are some featuring an uncommon overall “gold” tone. Most, however, use the bright, saturated colors we typically associate with these glimpses into the past.

While postcards of the Gables were published by a number of local printers – Curt Teich & Co., Thomas R. West, etc. – Merrick, always the promoter, had his postcards imprinted: “CORAL GABLES, MIAMI, FLA, America’s Finest Suburb.”

If you are interested in finding out more about collecting postcards, the Tropical Postcard Club serves South Florida fans. To find out about upcoming shows and information about collecting visit tropicalpostcardclub.com.

GREETINGS FROM CORAL GABLES CIRCA 1940S

Set against a background of the Venetian Pool, various printings of these cards featured different visuals within the letters. C-Biltmore Hotel

O-Coral Gables Country Club R-Home

A-Home L-Granada Entrance G-Congregational Church A-UMB- Ponce de Leon High School (Middle School since 1950)

L-Douglas Entrance E-Venetian Pool S-Ponce de Leon Plaza.

DOWNTOWN CIRCA 1940S

Looking up Ponce de Leon north from Miracle Mile (then just Coral Way) you can see the Colonnade Building on the right; Morton’s is in that location now. Buildings down the street have been replaced and expanded; the empty lot on the right with the forsale sign is now Luminaire.

THE BILTMORE CIRCA 1930S

Horse riding, polo and even fox hunting were typical activities at the Biltmore Hotel in the 1920s, along with golf, tennis and taking a gondola ride along the Gables Waterway to Tahiti Beach (now in Cocoplum). Foxes imported from Europe for the hunts are now permanent residents of the Gables.

BILTMORE POOL 1935

Synchronized swimmers, bathing beauties, alligator wrestling and swimming exhibitions enchanted resort guests in the 1920s and 30s. Before he swung through the trees as Tarzan, Johnny Weissmuller was a swimming instructor in the 600,000-gallon pool, long the world’s largest. He set his first world swimming record here.

REFLECTING POOL COUNTRY CLUB PRADO CIRCA 1940S

Reflecting an elegant lifestyle and typical of the many attractive features found throughout Coral Gables, cards often featured renderings of fountains, plazas and flowering. This reflecting pool is still part of the Country Club Prado entrance at Coral Way, with the fountain in the background still flowing.

GRANADA ENTRANCE CIRCA 1920S

A rare gold-tone card showing one of several images featuring Merrick’s Gables entrances. These are thought to be among the earliest promotional cards from the early 1920s, for his then new development. Of the eight planned entrances, only four were built: Douglas, Granada, Alhambra and Country Club Prado.

MAYOR EDWARD E. “DOC” DAMMER’S HOME CIRCA 1920S

George Merrick built this house for his colorful, entertaining and highly successful salesman in 1924. Designed by H. George Fink, the home is at 1141 Coral Way. Hired to sell lots beginning in 1921, he was the ultimate promoter, known for standing on a wagon to address crowds of up to 5,000.

CUTE GABLES COTTAGE CIRCA 1940S

This cute Gables cottage is in peril of the next storm with a palm tree leaning close to the home. Gables cards of the era were used to promote sales and featured a wide variety of home styles, from affordable one-story houses to elaborate mansions, described as “fine residences.”

MERRICK PARK & CITY HALL, 1947

The Mediterranean Revival-style City Hall, built mostly of native oolitic limestone, opened in 1928. It was designed by architect Phineas Paist and artistic advisor Denman Fink. A new resident of the area in 1947 sent the card to her Exeter, New Hampshire friends about how city homes were going up in “clusters.”

GREETINGS FROM CORAL GABLES | VENETIAN POOL CIRCA 1930S

Originally a limestone quarry, Merrick’s lead salesman Doc Dammer was having difficulty unloading lots in the area when an idea was born. Designed by artist Denman Fink and architect Phineas Paist, the Venetian Casino (as pools were called back then) opened in 1924 and was fed from a spring in the aquifer.

VENETIAN POOL | WOMEN LOUNGING 1936

“This is a beautiful place,” was all the sender needed to say to her Stamford, Connecticut recipient on this 1936 postcard. The postage? 1¢. The Venetian is the only pool on the National Register of Historic Places and with 60,000-square feet, it features waterfalls, grottos, observation towers, lush landscaping and a Venetian bridge.

UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI CIRCA 1930S

Known as the Cardboard Campus, the University of Miami used the Anastasia Building for classes and offices beginning in 1926. Meant to be temporary while the main campus could be developed, construction at the new university was delayed by 20 years, and these facilities were used until the late ’60s.

Postcard cutlines by Karen F. Buchsbaum, Coral Gables Magazine

Coral Gables is our home. It’s where we raise our families, work to build a more prosperous future, and enjoy the peaceful pleasures of life. As your Mayor, no one will work harder to ensure The City Beautiful preserves its unique aesthetic and remains among the safest and most financially-sound communities in the world. I would be honored to have your support and your vote.

Where Community Runs Deep

FOR A HISTORIC BLACK NEIGHBORHOOD, THE NEW WAWA PROJECT IS A DREAM COME TRUE – DESPITE OPPOSITION FROM PARENTS AT THE NEARBY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

BY MIKE CLARY

For nearly 20 years, a group of homeowners in Coral Gables’ only predominantly Black neighborhood has struggled to develop a valuable piece of property that would generate income to preserve their historic community while providing jobs and financial aid to the people who live there.

They have been thwarted at every turn. Over the years, various plans by the Lola B. Walker Homeowners Foundation to build low-income housing, mixed-use residential and retail, and then a restaurant have run into financial, legal and political roadblocks that could not be overcome.

Now, after years of frustration, the

foundation has its project: A Wawa convenience store and gas station going up on the northeast corner of Grand Avenue and U.S. 1 that is scheduled to open later this year. In exchange for a multi-year lease on the 1.3acre parcel, the Pennsylvania-based chain will begin pumping monthly payments to the foundation that can be used to rehabilitate homes in the MacFarlane Homestead and Golden Gate subdivisions, provide vocational training and scholarships for local students, and fund a Bahamian heritage museum to commemorate the lives of the area’s original settlers.

“Even though this is not what it started out to be – affordable housing – I think it

will end up being even better,” says chairperson Judith Davis, who, along with four other members of the foundation, recently sat down with Coral Gables Magazine for the first interview the group has given since the unveiling of the Wawa project. “It has taken all these years for something on this property. Wawa is a good fit because it will provide the income to do what we needed to do. We have a plan. And when you have your own money, you are able to do something for your own people.”

Of course, there is opposition. The most vocal opponents are the parents of some students at G.W. Carver Elementary School, across the street from the project, who allege

WAWA CONVENIENCE STORE AND GAS STATION IS UNDER CONSTRUCTION AMID CONTROVERSY

Wawa – with six fuel pumps, and alcohol and tobacco sales – poses a danger to health and safety. Several parents, like the Gables Accountability Project, have sued the city, asking a Miami-Dade Circuit Court judge to halt the development for violating the zoning code and the comprehensive plan.

Yet construction of the Wawa is well underway. Massive 12,000-gallon fuel tanks have arrived to be buried underground, the parking area is marked off, and as construction begins on Wawa’s familiar beige and red building, topped off with its corporate logo of a Canada goose in flight, fans can almost taste that Gobbler turkey sandwich and frozen cappuccino.

“I don’t have a problem with a gas station there,” says Dona Spain, who retired in December as director of the Gables’ Historic Resources & Cultural Arts after 23 years. Just before leaving to become board president of the Dade Heritage Trust, her department restored two homes in the MacFarlane Homestead Subdivision, the only

part of Coral Gables listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

“I think it’s really important to help that community,” says Spain, pointing out that the Wawa site is not a part of the historic district. “The people who lived there literally built the city, and the area is fragile. We should do anything we can do to help them.”

For the five women who control the Foundation – all in their 70s and 80s – love of community runs as deep as memory and blood. Most are direct descendants of the Bahamian settlers who lived on the 20 acres that Coral Gables founder George Merrick set aside for workers in 1925. On that land, effectively segregated from the majority white residents of Coral Gables west of what is now U.S. 1, these skilled laborers put up bungalow and shotgun wood-frame vernacular-style built homes, even as they worked for Merrick cutting and building with coral rock. Many of those houses and walls endure today as among the city’s most distinctive features.

“IT HAS TAKEN ALL THESE YEARS FOR SOMETHING ON THIS PROPERTY. WAWA IS A GOOD FIT BECAUSE IT WILL PROVIDE THE INCOME TO DO WHAT WE NEEDED TO DO. WE HAVE A PLAN. AND WHEN YOU HAVE YOUR OWN MONEY, YOU ARE ABLE TO DO SOMETHING FOR YOUR OWN PEOPLE.”

CHAIRPERSON JUDITH DAVIS, FAR LEFT, WITH THREE OTHER MEMBERS OF THE LOLA B. WALKER HOMEOWNERS FOUNDATION

Davis, a retired teacher now 72, went to elementary through high school at Carver when it was a segregated, poorly funded neighborhood school. She remembers when the land across Grand Avenue from the school was a thriving commercial district. There was a gas station on that lot, an apartment building, shotgun houses, a beauty shop and a takeout place that sold the best French fries Davis says she ever tasted. Around the corner was a liquor store called Happy Al’s. All were bulldozed years ago.

Some MacFarlane residents live on properties where they were born, among them foundation secretary Leona Cooper-Baker, 84. Except for the years she went away to college, she has never left home. “I chose not to move away because this community is a part of my being,” says Cooper-Baker, a 1954 graduate of Carver High and also a retired school teacher.

Outside of MacFarlane and the adjacent Golden Gate neighborhood, Cooper-Baker recalls, was the racially segregated Jim Crow South, a world of “colored” water fountains and seating for Blacks in the back of the bus. Inside the community were the people you knew. “When we walked down Grand Avenue, we had to behave, because if you didn’t, someone would tell your mother,” says Cooper-Baker. “All of us belonged to the community.”

The stop-and-start journey that led to Wawa began in 2003 when Miami-Dade County gave the triangular parcel to the LBW Homeowners Foundation of Coral Gables for $10. The value of that same parcel, pared down by street widening projects in recent years, is now at least $8 million, according to tax records. The foundation formed a partnership with Redevco, a company with a history of redeveloping homes in Miami-Dade minority communities. The initial plan was to build housing and retail in a development to be called Bahamian Village, along with a community center.

In 2015, with the county threatening to take back the property because nothing had been built, homeowners asked Coral Gables to intervene. Officials came up with a fast-track plan that allowed the foundation to proceed with a new venture – a restaurant – while completing construction of an on-site community center. That center, which shares an office building with Redevco, opened in July 2017. But by January 2020, with the restaurant plan long since abandoned (it was to be a Tap 42), Gables city attorney Miriam Soler Ramos issued a legal opinion that cleared the way for a new project with “significant modifications” – the Wawa. The

ABOVE: AN ABANDONED WOOD-FRAME HOME IN MACFARLANE. SOME MACFARLANE RESIDENTS STILL LIVE ON PROPERTIES WHERE THEY WERE BORN LIKE FOUNDATION SECRETARY LEONA COOPER-BAKER, WHO IS A 1954 GRADUATE OF CARVER HIGH (PHOTO BOTTOM).

“I CHOSE NOT TO MOVE AWAY BECAUSE THIS COMMUNITY IS A PART OF MY BEING”

LEONA COOPER-BAKER, 1954 GRADUATE OF CARVER HIGH SCHOOL

OPPOSITE: G.W. CARVER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL ON GRAND AVENUE IS ACROSS FROM THE SITE OF THE WAWA GAS STATION.

5,800-square foot store will offer the standard Wawa complement of fresh foods, including hoagies, soups, baked goods, beer and wine; provide an outdoor eating area off Grand Avenue; and be separated from the homes behind it by a four-foot wall, hedges and trees.

“For a long time, others from outside the community had wanted to tell [the foundation] what to do with their money,” says Redevco President Debra Sinkle Kolsky. “Wawa is an excellent opportunity to generate community wealth. My job is to bring my expertise as a developer and help the foundation restore to the community what has been lost over the years.” Neither Sinkle Kolsky or foundation officers would reveal the exact terms of the lease deal with Wawa. But they say the company has committed to provide at least 15 local jobs and contribute to a generous employee retirement fund.

The project has won the backing of Commissioner Pat Keon and Vice Mayor Vince Lago, opposing candidates in the April mayoral election. “It’s important for them to preserve the community that for so many years nurtured and cared for them,” says Keon, a former Carver Elementary PTA president. “These women are asking nothing for themselves; everything is to be

put back into community.”

Outgoing Mayor Raúl Valdés-Fauli is also a supporter. When, at an October 2020 community meeting, several Carver parents voiced strenuous objections to Wawa, the mayor brushed them aside, saying the complaints echoed those made by Coral Gables High School parents when the Shops at Merrick Park was being built. “Merrick Park was going to corrupt their kids, [they’d] flunk out because of the distractions. And nothing happened,” said Valdés-Fauli. “I understand the parents’ concerns, but I think they’re totally unjustified.”

Gables resident Estelle M. Lockhart is the president of the Carver Elementary PTA and the parent of two children who attend the international studies magnet school. She says her chief objection to Wawa is that it poses an environmental hazard, in addition to insufficient notice by the city on their intent to expedite permits for the project.

Mami-Dade School Board Member Maria Tere Rojas agreed in a statement she issued, saying that “there is no evidence that the board or the district had been formally notified of the approval of this proposed commercial development project that could bring significant and potentially objection-

able activities within 1,000 feet of a nearby public school.”

Lockhart, who has spoken to Davis, felt that a better use could have been found for the property. “The land has been in neutral for a long time and they are eager to get something going. I get that,” says Lockhart. “But a 20-year history is not case enough to make a bad decision. Let’s work together to do something better.” The time for finding a different solution may now be over, however, something that members of the MacFarlane homeowners group find to be a relief after decades of frustration.

In recent years, Davis grew so tired of talking about the project that she responded to questions by reciting the Serenity Prayer, “God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change…” She grew tired of the clear suggestions that community folks could not handle the project, or the money that might flow from it. Two men who established the foundation – William A. Cooper and Carl Prime – have died since the project began.

“This was not one person’s dream; it was a group’s dream,” Davis says. “Will this give us the opportunity to make that dream happen? I hope so.” ■

MORE WAWA?

HOME & GARDEN

March 2021

TOMORROW’S KITCHENS

PAGE 76-78

FOR THOSE WHO WISH TO GATHER OUTSIDE INSTEAD OF INSIDE, THERE IS AN OUTDOOR OPTION COMPLETE WITH FULL KITCHEN AND BAR AT MID-RISE VILLA VALENCIA.

THE TOUR OF KITCHENS

NOTHING SAYS HOME LIKE A WELL-APPOINTED KITCHEN

For more than a decade, the Coral Gables Community Foundation has put on an annual Tour of Kitchens in the city. These kitchens are the pride of their owners, and each year they generously invite strangers to come inside their homes to view and enjoy these spaces. The event is by ticket only, and the funds raised provide a major infusion of donations for the Foundation’s scholarship fund.

This year, because of the pandemic, the foundation will not be providing a tour. “It’s our second largest fundraiser of the year, but in these times of Covid it’s impossible to host what has historically been an 800-person event,” says Mary Snow, executive director of the Foundation.

The Tour of Kitchens was originated 11 years ago by a volunteer team that included past foundation chairs Jeannett Slesnick and Mary Young, along with kitchen committee members Patricia Blanco and Herbert Brito (all are still on the committee). “The kitchen is the center point for gathering in every home, and the trends that are evolving in kitchen designs are something that people want to see,” says Snow. “And it has become more than a view of the kitchen, with the tours involving main living areas.”

In homage to past tours, and with an eye toward next year, we present two of the top kitchens from each of the past three years, followed by a couple of variations of the kitchens of tomorrow.

THE PEREZ FAMILY KITCHEN AT JAVA HEAD, THEIR HISTORIC PROPERTY ON EDGEWATER DRIVE

THE MODERN TOWNHOUSE KITCHEN

European oak flooring enhances the grey-quartz island in this kitchen at the Torre home on Valencia Avenue. “I like the clean airiness,” says Venny Torre, whose kitchen duties mostly involve consuming the culinary wizardry of wife Coco Torre. Miele side-by-side fridge-freezer; Stosa Cucine cabinetry.

ITALIAN VILLAGE HERITAGE

This kitchen of Sidney and Monique Lazard on Altara Avenue enjoys the rich heritage of a 1925 home built by three-time presidential candidate William Jennings Bryan. The vibe here is Italian farmhouse, with hand-carved woodwork and a stone-topped island. Bosch dishwasher; Sub-Zero fridge; Wolf cooktops.

2019

COCOPLUM DESIGNER

Owner Patricia de Anda, herself an interior designer, played a big role in the renovation of this kitchen at her home on Mira Flores Avenue in Cocoplum. “The kitchen is all wrapped up in molding,” she says. “Everything was custommade.” Special point of pride: the island, which contains a built-in stove.

VINTAGE KITCHEN

This retro kitchen is the center of the guest house of the Bolduc family on Granada Boulevard. Its matching electric blue stove and oven, complimented by a blue and white tile backsplash, take you back to an era when life was just a little simpler. “It just makes me happy,” Stacy Bolduc says of the kitchen.

BREAKFAST FOR ALL THE RELATIVES

The kitchen of the Thornburg family on Orduna Drive is dominated by two functional islands – one, a 16-footer, is for food preparation and eating, while the other, an 11-footer, is for food plating and buffet services. Cabinets by KasaMia Interiors; Kingston Brass fixtures; Sub-Zero fridges; Bosch dishwashers; Wolf range.

ON THE WATERWAY

Situated on the Gables Waterway home of Julio and Myriam Ramirez, the kitchen was renovated by architect Aramis Alvarez to maximize the views and remove barriers to other areas in the house. European white oak flooring, cabinets made from the same. Sub-Zero fridge; Newport Brass fixtures; Wolf oven and stove; Miele

TOMORROW’S KITCHEN

VILLA VALENCIA

At mid-rise Villa Valencia (on Valencia Avenue, of course), the condominium residences boast gourmet eat-in kitchens with quartz countertops, custom European cabinetry, Brizo and Delta fixtures, and state-of-the-art Sub-Zero and Wolf appliance suites that include a steam oven, convection oven, range, hood, microwave, dishwasher, refrigerator and under-counter wine cooler. In addition, all feature the Delos DARWIN™ Home Wellness Intelligence network, which improves water quality and taste by filtering out impurities, and which improves air quality by monitoring for – and filtering out –allergens and pollutants. For those who wish to gather outside instead of inside, there is an outdoor option complete with full kitchen and bar.

STUDIOBECKER

TOMORROW’S KITCHEN

STUDIOBECKER

This kitchen of the future was designed and installed by StudioBecker, with all components custom-made in Germany. The high-gloss lacquered island has an “appliance elevator” that disappears with the push of a button (or app).

“This client likes to see everything clean,” says Frank Rosell, managing partner for StudioBecker Coral Gables. “This allows them to have a clean surface all the time.” All the appliances are by Miele, including a steam oven and a speed oven. The magnetic induction stove top (with an acrylic composite hood) only heats metal and will never burn your hand. Also noteworthy: The balcony grill and the floor-to-ceiling wine “cellar.”

Photos by Dana Hoff

HOW TO CREATE A BEAUTIFUL MODERN KITCHEN IN 2021

This year, designers are looking to amplify the popular all-white kitchen with other elements including pops of color, innovative appliances and unexpected accents. Here, we’ve gathered a selection of ideas to get you started on envisioning your ideal kitchen.

BY MALLORY EVANS JACOBSON

COOL DOWN (1)

Liebherr’s Monolith refrigeration products offer the innovation and high-end finishes that would complete your dream kitchen. Features include a stainless-steel interior, an adjustable InfinityLight system with a night-dimming feature, and the BioFresh-Plus process, which works to optimize your food’s shelf life. Retail: from $4,799. House of Appliances, 2850 Salzedo St., 305-514-0352, houseofappliancesinc.com.

SUPERB SETUP (2)

The Original Kitchen Workstation from The Galley offers an innovative take on cooking and entertaining with a complete culinary system where you can prepare, cook, serve and entertain in one dedicated area. Employing an array of serving boards and stations that can be swapped out and organized to create the setting that best suits your needs, this might just become your favorite accessory. Retail price available upon request. Snaidero, 4110 Ponce de Leon Blvd., 786-662-3850, snaidero-usa.com.

THE RIGHT LIGHTS (3)

Inspired by the shape of a cocktail shaker with a chic matte black finish, the unique Kordan chandelier from Kichler Lighting’s élan line would be stunning above a kitchen island or bar area. The lights can be adjusted to be in linear synch or at different heights, making this fixture fully customizable. Retail: $930. Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery, 4199 Ponce de Leon Blvd., 305-507-6221, ferguson.com.

BRING THE HEAT (4)

Performing like a traditional wood-fired brick oven, Monogram’s 30” Smart Hearth Oven will immediately amplify your cooking experience. With its preset cooking options and electric heating zones, you’ll be digging in to delicious pizza, artisanal breads and whole roasted fish in no time. Not to mention, the brass finish signals total elegance. Retail: from $12,500. Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery, 4199 Ponce de Leon Blvd., 305-507-6221, ferguson.com.

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PERFECT POUR (5)

Give your at-home bar a major upgrade with Dacor’s 24” Integrated Wine Dispenser, which replaces the brand’s signature WineStation and will be available in both graphite and silver stainless steel in June. With the option to pour a taste, a half glass or a full glass, no wine will be wasted; in fact, you can store up to four bottles for up to 60 days without the loss of freshness, flavor or natural aroma. Retail: $5,999. Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery, 4199 Ponce de Leon Blvd., 305-507-6221, ferguson.com.

OVEN READY (6)

Trust us, once you’ve tried cooking on an induction stove, you’ll never want to go back to any other cooktop. It wipes clean, heats up and cools down rapidly, and always looks neat. Paired with the stunning CornuFé 90 Albertine design from the French company La Cornue, it’s basically a dream. The model shown here is in designer Suzanne Kasler’s Roquefort colorway and features a stainless steel handrail and trim, satin chrome accents, and a five-zone cooktop made from ceramic glass. Retail: $10,200. Bell’s Appliances, 3140 Ponce de Leon Blvd., 305-448-2681.

WATER WORKS (7)

If you’re designing a contemporary kitchen, The U by Moen Smart Kitchen faucet is a no brainer. This hands-free appliance offers voice control as well as a wave sensor that turns water on or off with a simple flourish. It also dispenses specific amounts of water from one tablespoon to 15 gallons at particular temperatures and syncs with the Moen app to create presets for frequently filled containers. The KURV model in matte black is shown. Retail: from $450. Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery, 4199 Ponce de Leon Blvd., 305-507-6221, ferguson.com.

CHILL OUT (8)

Whether you’re a craft cocktail enthusiast or just a major fan of Sonic Drive-in, GE Profile’s Opal 2.0 Nugget Ice Maker will change the way you enjoy cold drinks. It creates chewable pieces of ice that absorb the flavor of your beverage for a total upgrade. Retail: from $599.95. Williams Sonoma, 350 San Lorenzo Ave. #2005, 305-446-9421, williams-sonoma.com.

SMOOTH SAILING (9)

Made from over 90 percent natural quartz, Cosentino’s Silestone is both extremely durable and beautiful. The Loft collection is the line’s latest introduction, and the Seaport hue is shown here. Inspired by the weather-worn docks and the peacefulness found in the seaside district of lower Manhattan, the inky material is cement-like, with subtle streaks of white. etail price available upon request. Pedini Miami, 250 Altara Ave., 305-5059257, pedinimiami.com.

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Condos for $1.5 Million in Coral Gables

Residential real estate in Coral Gables continues to be a seller’s market, with single family homes in high demand. The inventory of such homes fell by nearly 50 percent last year. The inventory of condominiums, on the other hand, fell by about 25 percent, with less pressure on prices. So, are condos now a better buy

for families relocating here – or simply downsizing? You be the judge. We asked three real estate agents to submit one of their condos for sale in the $1.5 million price range – give or take a few hundred thousand dollars. Here is what they came up with, in different Gables locations.

Down by the Bay

13633

DEERING BAY DR. #235

Listing Price $1.399m

3 bed/3.5 bath. 3,190 sq. ft. Spacious corner residence with wraparound balconies overlooking lagoon waters leading to Biscayne Bay. Floor-to-ceiling windows, master suite with private balcony, marble bath, separate shower and tub/spa, custom wood closet. Two additional bedrooms with full baths. Eat-in cook’s kitchen has Sub-Zero and Thermadore appliances. two parking spaces, three marinas, Arnold Palmer golf course, tennis. Listing Agent: Edith Neuwahl (Shelton and Stewart Realtors), 305.519.6903

In the Heart of the City

275 GIRALDA AVE. #6B

Listing Price

$1.494m

Literally in the middle of the downtown, steps from dining, shopping and entertainment, this newly built condo has 11-foot ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows. Wrap-around balconies and a master bedroom with his and hers vanities, free-standing tub and large walk-in closet. Open floor plan with contemporary features and finishes. Two parking spaces. Listing Agent: Eduardo Pruna (ONE Sotheby’s International Realty), 305.775.3154

3 bed/3.5 bath 2,429 sq. ft.

Listing Price

$1.545m

Live, Work, Play

718

VALENCIA AVE. #PH 503

2 bed/2.5 bath 2,117 sq. ft.

Located in Biltmore Square and within walking distance of the Venetian Pool, Granada Golf Course and Miracle Mile. Features a private elevator, a den and an open floor plan with a covered terrace. The building has concierge services and includes full membership to the Biltmore Hotel, a 15-minute walk or two-minute drive. Includes two parking spaces. Listing Agents: Anniella Tabraue and Frank Kissel (BHHS-EWM), at 305.302.2441 and 305.496.0901, respectively.

The vision of a more verdant City Beautiful.

When it comes to enhancing our quality of life, few amenities compare to neighborhood parks and green spaces. Since joining the Coral Gables commission in 2013, Vince Lago has been a strong advocate for community parks, creating and improving them without the use of taxpayer dollars. His accomplishments include:

 Securing funds for development of The Underline linear park (Legislation # 2020-151).

 Acquisition of Banyan Drive Park (Legislation # 2020-155).

 Transfer of Solano Prado Park from Miami-Dade County to Coral Gables (Legislation # 2020-125).

 Land acquisition for neighborhood “pocket parks” (Legislation # 2018-122).

 Improvements to Betsy Adams Park and Kakouris Park.

As your mayor, Vince will continue his work to keep the city’s green spaces the most numerous, attractive and enjoyable in South Florida.

VOTE for VINCE on April 13!

For more information, please visit VinceLagoForMayor.com

Political advertisement paid for and approved by Vince Lago for Mayor of Coral Gables.

Ticket to Paradise

Now that Covid-19 has taken over our lives for a full year, we’ve more or less navigated how to not catch the virus, while also not being cooped up at home. No judgment on those who don’t feel comfortable traveling yet, but if you do, St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands should be at the top of your travel list.

There’s no airport on this remote, eightmile-long island, so here’s how you get there: Fly American Airlines from Miami to St. Thomas, take a taxi to either Red Hook or Crown Bay, then hop on a ferry to St. John. The flight I took was completely full, not even the middle seats were empty for social distancing. Fortunately, American aircraft have state-of-the-art air filtration systems, which constantly pull air from above to

BY LIZZIE WILCOX

below the seat, and on the flight back I had the row entirely to myself.

Something else made it feel safe: Everyone needs to provide a negative Covid test (rapid or PCR) within five days of traveling. Upload the test results to usvitravelportal.com and you’ll be emailed a certification within hours. Print out a copy of the test results and the certification, which they will collect at the airport in St. Thomas. The nice thing about traveling to the Virgin Islands right now is that, because they’re a U.S. territory, you don’t have to get another test to travel back.

I have been to St. John many times and every year my family stays at The Westin in Great Cruz Bay. The resort is family-friendly, has its own beach and restaurant, and is

just a five-minute taxi ride from town. The only year we didn’t stay at The Westin was in 2018 when it was under repair from hurricanes Irma and Maria. That year, we ventured to Gallows Point. This resort doesn’t have beach access, but it does have a pool and hot tub that look out over the Caribbean Sea, and a platform you can climb down to if you prefer a salt water swim. Gallows Point is more couples-oriented; the suites are large with a full kitchen and living room, but only one bedroom. The resort is in Cruz Bay, so it’s walking distance to all the shops and restaurants in the downtown.

Caneel Bay is another famous St. John resort, but it hasn’t reopened since Irma and Maria. Their lease with the National Park Service is almost up, which they are trying

VACATIONING IN THE U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS

MIDDLE:

to renew, but they don’t want to put millions of dollars into restoration if the property will be returned to the park service within a few years.

The island has a really great dining scene and I could write an entire article about the restaurants in Cruz Bay alone. Shaibu’s just opened in January and has the best crab cakes I have eaten in my life. The Terrace is French-inspired and has an incredible cocktail menu. Ocean 362 has one of the prettiest sunset views on the island. Morgan’s Mango is known for its seafood and Caribbean cuisine.

Having visited St. John over a dozen times, I’ve been to many of the island’s pristine beaches, but Honeymoon Beach is by far my favorite. You can access the beach by shuttle from the Caneel Bay property, but we prefer to hike to it via Lind Point Trail. Starting in Cruz Bay, it takes about 20 minutes to reach Honeymoon. The sea here is so clear you can see right through to the bottom, so you’ll want snorkel gear to watch the sea turtles and stingrays that inhabit the waters. You can rent beach chairs and chaise lounges, and, most importantly, there are concessions where you can purchase Caribbean cocktails like painkillers and rum punch.

Covid-wise, the island felt completely safe. Everything is outdoors, from the beach to the trails to the restaurants; even the taxis are open-air. At the time we were on St. John, there were only five active cases. It felt like we were taking a vacation not only from work, but also from this pandemic nightmare we’ve been living in. We stayed for a week, but even that didn’t feel long enough. So many beaches to explore, so many bays to snorkel, so many painkillers to drink and so little time. ■

OPPOSITE: AN AERIAL VIEW OF CRUZ BAY, THE MAIN TOWN ON ST. JOHN, WHICH HAS MANY SHOPS AND RESTAURANTS.

TOP RIGHT: SUNSET ON CRUZ BAY IS THE PERFECT TIME TO HEAD TO ONE OF THE MANY RESTAURANTS CLOSE BY FOR AN EVENING COCKTAIL.

HONEYMOON BEACH CAN BE ACCESSED BY SHUTTLE OR BY HIKING LIND POINT TRAIL.

BOTTOM: THE VIEW FROM GALLOWS POINT, WHICH IS A POPULAR RESORT FOR COUPLES WHO ENJOY THE CASUAL ISLAND LIFESTYLE.

Christy’s 2.0

THE VENERABLE STEAKHOUSE LIVES AGAIN, WITH A NEW SHEEN

BY ANDREW GAYLE

Predictions are that when life returns to post-pandemic normal, the pent-up demand will be epic. If the recent return of Christy’s is any indicator of that, the predictions are right on target. After closing down in March of last year, it finally reopened last month, and patrons flocked. Weekends were sold out, and even on the Wednesday night we went, almost all the tables were full.

Call it nostalgia. Christy’s has been a staple of the Gables since it opened in 1978. In its heyday, only Caffe Abbracci could challenge its claim to the title of “king of the power lunch scene,” where the city’s business and political elite came to meet and eat. In the evenings it was a place of both power and romance. And deservedly so, with expensive cuts of meat, fantastic cocktails and a décor of dark, red walls and small, shaded lamps on the tables and walls.

That Christy’s is back, but with a sense of youthfulness that comes from updates that owner/manager Chris Klaic says “combine the old Christy’s with

something new, something refreshing.” Some of the changes are more obvious than others. The two main dining rooms and the bar room are now more open (appropriate for these Covid days), their entrance enclosures having been removed. The wall art has also been updated to a colorful array of modern American paintings; previously they were classic paintings by Cuban artists, supplied by the adjacent Cernuda Arte gallery.

More subtle is the shift in the color of the trademark red walls, which were given what designer Monica Suleski calls “a sexy silver sheen” that makes them just a little lighter. Suleski’s Eclectic Elements Design Firm, which has a gallery in Wynwood, also supplied the paintings. All are by contemporary artists, many of them local, and will be rotated on a regular basis.

What hasn’t changed is the mood or the food. The red-shaded wall lamps still exude a glowing ambience, not too dim and certainly not too bright. The dining areas still feel cozy and intimate, though much less

BOTTOM

CHRISTY’S 3101 PONCE DE LEON BLVD 305.446.1400

TOP : THE NEW INTERIOR DESIGN BY MONICA SULESKI OPENED UP THE ROOMS, YET RETAINED THEIR COZY AND INTIMATE FEEL. THE WALLS NOW FEATURE MODERN AMERICAN WORKS OF ART. THE PAINTING ON THE FAR WALL IS BEN FRANKLIN BY LOCAL ARTIST “MR. EXCLUSIVE.”

: IN A NOD TO THE PANDEMIC, LIMITED SEATING IS NOW AVAILABLE ON THE SIDEWALK.

OPPOSITE TOP : SHRIMP COCKTAIL WITH LARGE JUICY PRAWNS SERVED WITH TRADITIONAL COCKTAIL SAUCE.

TOP RIGHT: JUMBO LUMP CRAB CAKE SERVED WITH DIJON MUSTARD AIOLI.

BOTTOM LEFT: HERB CRUSTED RACK OF LAMB WITH MUSHROOM AND ASPARAGUS RAGOUT, SHERRY HONEY GLAZED AND GREEK YOGURT MINT.

BOTTOM RIGHT: CLASSIC FILET MIGNON SERVED WITH GARLIC AND COOKED TO PERFECTION.

cloistered than before. As for the cuisine, it remains the reliable steakhouse comfort food of yore.

In a world of over choice, the menu is refreshingly simple and straightforward. Christy’s has always done a few things really right, and it’s sticking to them. Among the starters for which the restaurant was renown, there is still the shrimp cocktail with its huge, juicy prawns, and the scrumptious crab cake with those large fresh lumps of meat. Their legendary dry Caesar salad of course is back, served with anchovies (unless you say no), and is as good

as it gets. Also excellent are the escargots, wonderfully tender, with a garlic butter pesto sauce that begs to be sopped up with the accompanying crostini.

For entrees you can pick one of four kinds of steak – filet mignon, rib eye, New York strip or tomahawk – or a generous slab of rare prime rib, a crowd favorite until the evening’s supply runs out. There is also a lovely rack of lamb, and a robust dish of roast chicken.

We sampled the prime rib, the New York steak and the lobster tail, and all were predictably good. What surprised us was

how superb the sea bass tasted, cooked almost like a steak, with a nice crust outside and deliciously tender and moist inside.

As with any good steakhouse, Christy’s also has a clutch of solid side dishes. We tried the asparagus, perfectly firm in the French style of blanching, and the potatoes au gratin, done in a sophisticated dry style, like the Caesar. Astoundingly good were the mushrooms, fresh and so rich in flavor – and not overdone, the common downfall of most cooked fungi.

The wine list is refreshingly short and not overpriced; we

had a nice cabernet from Chile. Dessert is also limited to a few choices, but again, what choices. These include a classic key lime pie, a gooey white chocolate bread pudding and their baked Alaska. The latter is always a showstopper when the waiter ignites the blue flame that toasts the meringue covering its ice cream and pound cake interior.

The only thing we ask is that Christy’s reopen for lunch. Right now, you can return to this classic steakhouse only in the evenings (which, fortunately, include a happy hour in their elegant bar). ■

March 2021

THE TOP OUTDOOR RESTAURANTS

Usually our dining guide is a listing of the finest restaurants Coral Gables has to offer, sorted by types of cuisine. Once the coronavirus forced dining rooms to shut down, we switched to listing restaurants that were offering takeout options, then those with outdoors dining. Even though indoor dining is allowed again, we’re sticking with our listing of outdoor dining, which feels like a safer bet when venturing out. We list the best establishments that have al fresco dining in some form or another.

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

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

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

$$$$ ...... $70-$100+ Prices are per person for appetizer and entrée, no tax, tip or drinks. Prices are approximate.

AMERICAN

Bachour

Known for their pastries, Bachour also serves innovative breakfast and lunch items in their expansive courtyard, which has plenty of outdoor seating options and a constant breeze circulating fresh air throughout. $ - $$ 2020 Salzedo St. 305.203.0552

Burger Bob’s

Great burgers and chili for 1950s prices, along with tuna wraps and BLTs. They’ve set up a few tables outside, so you can eat your classic burger while enjoying a view of the Granada Golf Course. $ 2001 Granada Blvd. 305.567.3100

Cheesecake Factory

We still don’t know how they can deliver a menu with over 250 menu items. But they do, with something for everyone, including a covered outdoor patio with a fire pit on Andalusia Avenue. $$ 2418 Ponce de Leon Blvd. 305.529.0703

Clutch Burger

Being on a pedestrian walkway, outdoor dining is plentiful for this home of gourmet burgers that requires you to unhinge your jaws. Fans for when there isn’t a breeze. $$ 146 Giralda Ave. 305.400.8242

Copper 29

The outdoor dining setting is more or less the same as before the pandemic, with a handful of high-top tables on the sidewalk, now just farther apart. Great setting for brunch, happy hour and people watching on the Mile. $$ 206 Miracle Mile 786.580.4689

Doc B’s

With some of the nicest outdoor seating on the Mile, this American eatery has the best fried chicken in the Gables, along with wok bowls and a popular shredded brussels sprout salad –not to mention cinnamon swirl pancakes. $$ 301 Miracle Mile 786.864.1220

Eating House

Pre-coronavirus, Eating House didn’t have any outdoor seating, so they made their own. Now there are tables on Ponce and under a tent where two parking spots used to be. An A for effort. $$ 804 Ponce de Leon Blvd. 305.448.6524

Seasons 52

The restaurant itself is massive –especially for a space on Miracle Mile – which means they have plenty of sidewalk real estate. Their desserts alone are worth the visit. $$ 321 Miracle Mile 305.442.8552

Sports Grill

Their special grilled wings are still the best in the Gables, and now you can enjoy them without the fear of catching COVID. Outdoor seating both in front and along the alleyway. $ 1559 Sunset Dr. 305.668.0396

Tap 42

The outdoor scene at Tap 42 hasn’t changed a whole lot, with open seating along Salzedo Street. We’re just happy that the brunch scene is alive and well. $$ 301 Giralda Ave. 786.391.1566

The Globe

Plenty of tables on Alhambra Circle, and wide, open doors, so you can sit inside and enjoy the cooler air while munching on incomparable conch fritters and their famous Globe salad. $ - $$ 377 Alhambra Circle 305.455.3555

Titanic Restaurant and Brewery

The venerable brewery/restaurant next to the University of Miami has teamed up with the university to create outdoor seating on picnic tables in a big yard behind the restaurant. $ - $$ 5813 Ponce de Leon Blvd. 305.667.2537

Yard House

Plenty of outdoor patio seating under umbrellas in the courtyard of The Shops at Merrick Park lets you enjoy their extensive American menu with lots of Asian twists (garlic noodles, Korean ribs, etc.) $-$$ 320 San Lorenzo Ave. 305.447.9273

ASIAN

Canton Chinese

The only sit-down Chinese restaurant in the Gables now has outdoor seating on Ponce. Their fried rice, lo mein and sweet and sour chicken is just the comfort food we need right now. $$ 2614 Ponce de Leon Blvd. 305.448.3736

Izakaya

Across from the Colonnade hotel on Aragon, Izakaya is a must for lunch, with lots of excellent specials and the best bento box around. Now they have a few outdoor tables, too. $ 159 Aragon Ave. 305.445.2584

Kao Sushi & Grill

This Miracle Mile eatery has a plethora of tables outside, from tables out on the sidewalk to the entrance-way alcove. Amazing deals on rolls and their Peruvian chaufa fried rice. $$ 127 Miracle Mile 786.864.1212

Khaosan Road

Formerly Bangkok, Bangkok, this Giralda Plaza mainstay – with plenty of outdoor tables – has reinvented itself as the new home for Thai street food. Think you know Thai food? Be prepared for new and delicious tastes. $$ 157 Giralda Plaza 305.444.2397

Lotus Garden

Traditional Thai food at a great price. They now have outdoor dining options on the expanded sidewalk of Miracle Mile. $ 318 Miracle Mile 305.446.2360

Malakor Thai Isaan

Malakor prides itself on authentic, tasty Thai food (pork skewers with sticky rice, great pad Thai and Thai curries). Now they have tables on the Mile. $$ 90 Miracle Mile 786.558.4862

Miss Saigon

Being on Giralda Plaza, Miss Saigon has plenty of seating for excellent, healthy Vietnamese fare. You can’t beat their special pho or

BAY 13 BREWERY AND KITCHEN

VOTE, CORAL GABLES

There are now more ways to vote in the City of Coral Gables!

For the first time in a Coral Gables city election you will be able to vote or drop-off your mail-in ballot early, at the Coral Gables Branch Library. It’s a new option to make sure you have ample opportunity to cast your ballot. If you’re not able to vote early, you may vote by mail in addition to in person precinct voting on the day of the election.

Important Dates

Tuesday, April 13th General Election

Tuesday, April 27th Run-off Election

On these dates, you vote at your assigned precinct.

WAYS

NEW!

YOU CAN VOTE EARLY OR DROP-OFF YOUR MAIL-IN BALLOT AT THE CORAL GABLES BRANCH LIBRARY, 3443 SEGOVIA STREET.

General Election

Early Voting

Saturday, April 10th : 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Sunday, April 11th: 7a.m. – 7 p.m.

Run-off Election

Early Voting

Saturday, April 24th : 7a.m. – 7 p.m.

Sunday, April 25th: 7a.m. – 7 p.m.

For more information, call 305-460-5210 or visit www.coralgables.com/election-home

DINING GUIDE

their fried seafood rolls. A favorite in the Gables. $$ 148 Giralda Ave. 305.446.8006

Mint Leaf

Their al fresco eating in the alcove could only accommodate six people with three two-person tables. Now they have added more for their excellent south Indian cuisine. $$ 276 Alhambra Circle 305.443.3739

Moon Thai

With lots of tables and an umbrella at each, this is a great spot to eat outside if you don’t mind the noise from U.S. 1. Highly recommend: The Japanese house salad (who doesn’t love ginger dressing?) and anything duck. $ - $$ 1118 S. Dixie Hwy. 305.668.9890

Sawa Restaurant & Lounge

Sawa has some of the prettiest outdoor seating at the Shops at Merrick park, with a reflecting pool, greenery and umbrellas – along with Sawa’s parallel Lebanese-Japanese menu. Daily fresh hummus and inventive rolls. $$-$$$ 360 San Lorenzo Ave. 305.447.6555

Sushi Maki

You can eat your sushi al fresco in the patio area on the corner of Ponce and Aragon, or on the sidewalk on Ponce. We prefer the patio because of the shade. $-$$ 2334 Ponce de Leon Blvd. 305.443.1884

FRENCH

Brasserie Central

This little slice of Parisian bistro is a tad pricey but top quality. Plus, in addition to seating in the vast Shops at Merrick Park courtyard, they have more tables in the San Lorenzo Avenue underpass for when the rain comes. $$$ 320 San Lorenzo Ave. 786.536.9388

Chocolate Fashion

This tiny but delightful French bakery café on Valencia now has a handful of tables outside, spreading into the parking spaces street-side. Great for breakfast and lunch; excellent baked goods. $$ 248 Andalusia Ave. 305.461.3200.

Stephanie’s Crepes

Now you don’t need to walk the streets of Paris to get a great breakfast, lunch or dinner crepe. Instead, you can stop by this

charming shop and try their brie-apple-walnut crepe, or their chicken teriyaki crepe, sitting under sidewalk shade outside. $ 2423 Galiano St. 786.636.8939

ITALIAN

Anthony’s Coal-Fired Pizza

Big pies and lots of seating at tables on the corner of Ponce and Almeria. Their specialty: Pies cooked at 900 degrees, so they are a little charred at the edges. $-$$ 2626 Ponce de Leon Blvd. 786.456.9200.

Bugatti

Known for its pasta (it started as a past factory before it became a restaurant), Bugatti’s now has outdoor seating, including next door at the historic Fink house courtyard. $$$ 2504 Ponce de Leon Blvd. 305.441.2545

Caffe Abbracci

Nino Pernetti’s superb Italian restaurant is both a power lunch favorite for the business elite and an evening gathering place for families and couples. Now it has a dozen tables on Aragon for outdoor dining. $$$ 318 Aragon Ave. 305.441.0700

Fiola

This upscale Italian restaurant offers intimate al fresco dining with tables tucked away on the side of the building facing San Ignacio Avenue or street-side under a tent. Expensive but brilliant cuisine. $$$$ 1500 San Ignacio Avenue 305.912.2639

Portosole

Wonderfully friendly, with open walls and sidewalk tables, this latest entry in the battle for Italian food lovers in downtown Gables serves superb northern Italian food. Great branzino, excellent pasta. 2530 Ponce de Leon Blvd. $$$ 786.359.4275

Salumeria 104

You can sit underneath the alcove overhang or right on the street to enjoy the best shaved Italian meats in town. And don’t miss pasta Monday! $-$$ 117 Miracle Mile 305.640.5547

Terre del Sapore

We love eating here (seriously, they have the best pizza in the downtown), and their small outdoor seating on Giralda west

of Ponce has expanded – as has their menu. $$ 246 Giralda Ave. 786.870.5955

Villagio

One of the most popular Italian restaurants in town, with lots of outdoor seating in the Shops at Merrick Park courtyard and down the “tunnel” of San Lorenzo Avenue. Great apple pie dessert. $$-$$$ 358 San Lorenzo Ave. 305.447.8144

LATIN & SOUTH AMERICAN

Buenos Aires Bistro

Every table has wide, cushioned chairs and couches, under the arches of the Colonnade building. Perfect for relaxing with a cool cocktail, or dining on their Argentine grill – or healthy quinoa and salmon bowl. $$ - $$$ 180 Aragon Ave. 786.409.5121

Caja Caliente

Prior to COVID, Caja didn’t have any tables outside. Now they have tons of tables (all six feet apart, of course) on the sidewalk on Ponce. Great place to enjoy the lechon tacos, voted the best in the state of Florida. $ 808 Ponce de Leon Blvd. 786.431.1947

Calle 23

More of a club atmosphere than a Cuban restaurant, it draws a Millenial crowd with weekend live music, neon signs, and happy hour deals – and high tops on the sidewalk with alcove seating by the entrance. $-$$ 230 Miracle Mile 786.325.3474

Divino Ceviche

Divino takes ceviche to another level, along with lots of other authentic Peruvian foods and beer. Add to that their cluster of tables under umbrellas on Giralda Plaza for a winning formula. $$ 160 Giralda Ave. 786.360.3775

Graziano’s Market

This gourmet Argentine deli and restaurant (with a great wine collection) has plenty of outdoor seating at high tops under the arches along Galiano, with signs indicating which ones have been sanitized. $-$$ 2301 Galiano St. 305.460.0001

Havana Harry’s

This massive Cuban restaurant with a cult following now has outdoor seating, and lots of it – some 20 tables under the

big tent and umbrellas. Indulge in croquetas, ropa vieja and tres leches while also following CDC guidelines. $-$$ 4612 S. Le Jeune Rd. 305.661.2622

La Taberna Giralda

Only a few tables out front on the sidewalk, but a spacious, lovely courtyard out back. From tapas to paella, great Spanish food and wine, and amazing lunch specials. $$ 254 Giralda Ave. 786.362.5677

Punto Criollo

Authentic Venezuelan cuisine, from arepas las gaiteras to pechuga al grill and wonderful Ajiaco soup (corn, chicken, potatoes, milk, celery) – now with seating on Andalusia. $ 262 Andalusia Ave. 786.599.7117

Talavera Cocina Mexicana

The only Mexican restaurant in Coral Gables also happens to be its best, with plenty of seating on Giralda Plaza. All your Mexican favorites plus some off-beat authentic dishes, like iguana soup. $-$$ 2299 Ponce de Leon Blvd. 305.444.2955

SEAFOOD

Gringo’s Oyster Bar

A shrine for fresh seafood with the tastiest oysters you will find anywhere (as they should be at $3 each). Also, great lobster rolls. Seating in an alleyway on the side of the restaurant with overhead fans, plus out front. $$ - $$$ 1549 Sunset Dr. 305.284.9989.

Mesa Mar Seafood Table

Is this the best seafood place in the Gables? Their customers think so, with super fresh local fish that is heightened by a delicious, inventive overlay of oriental and Latin flavors. Dinner only, in tables along Giralda. $$$ 264 Giralda Ave. 305.640.8448.

SPANISH

Bellmónt Spanish Restaurant

Their new al fresco seating on Miracle Mile is the perfect way to enjoy their very authentic Spanish food (including the world’s best cured ham). $$$ 339 Miracle Mile 786.502.4684

Bulla Gastrobar

Bulla has created a pleasant outdoor space on Andalusia, surrounded by large planters, so guests can enjoy their great selection

“If you want a commissioner who values history and tradition, but will bring a fresh perspective to city government, Alex Bucelo is your candidate.

Alex is a practicing attorney who was born and raised in Coral Gables. He’s a respectful listener who believes in civility, respect for the past and protecting our quality of life. His youthful energy and focus on problem-solving will make him an outstanding addition to the commission.”

- Jim Cason, former Coral Gables mayor

“Alex will bring new energy and civility to the Coral Gables Commission.”

of Spanish tapas al fresco. Also superb sangrias. $$ 2500 Ponce de Leon Blvd. 786.810.6215

Tapeo Eatery & Bar

The former home to the only Basque cuisine in the Gables, Tapeo has morphed into a popular tapas bar with tastes from across Spain. Lots of seating outside. $-$$ 112 Giralda Ave. 786.452.9902

STEAK

Morton’s the Steakhouse Morton’s in the Gables is not just another Morton’s. Its setting in the Colonnade gives it a unique elegance with outdoor seating under the arches. Prime aged beef, excellent salads. $$$ 2233 Ponce de Leon Blvd. 305.442.1662

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 its depth – and now tables wrapped around the building, under arches, if you wish to eat outside. $$$ - $$$$ 2525 Ponce de Leon Blvd. 305.569.7995

Perry’s Steakhouse

In the battle for the hearts of steak lovers, Perry’s also brings it with the world’s biggest pork chop and surprisingly good salad entrees. Lots of outdoor seating at the Shops at Merrick Park. $$$$ 4251 Salzedo St. 786.703.9094

PUBS/CAFES/MISC.

Café at Books & Books

Most people might not think about Books & Books when trying to decide where to eat, but it has a smart café with a large courtyard. Amazingly good Cuban sandwich. $-$$ 265 Aragon Ave. 305.442.4408

Crema Gourmet Espresso Bar

Tons of seating options from two-person tables under umbrellas on the sidewalk to larger tables and couches under the arches of the Colonnade building. Wonderful coffee, nice breakfast selection and top sandwiches. $ 169 Miracle Mile 786.360.4026

Fritz and Franz Bierhaus

Massive outdoor patio on Merrick Way for German fare and beer. Enjoy schnitzel and Weissbier in a

two-liter boot, sans fear of getting infected with COVID. $$ 60 Merrick Way 305.774.1883

Liberty Caffe

Whether it’s just grabbing a coffee or sitting down for a full meal, Liberty Caffe offers a picturesque outdoor setting at the Coral Gables Country Club. Good salads. $-$$ 997 N. Greenway Dr. 305.392.1211

Mamey

It is hard to pigeonhole this new restaurant, with its mix of Caribbean, Polynesian and Thai gastronomy. The good news is that they have massive outdoor seating so you can sample its fascinating new taste palate. $$$ At the Thēsis Hotel, 1350 S. Dixie Highway. 305.667.5611

Pinch Me Gastrobar & Market

Who says there aren’t cool neighborhood pubs in the Gables? And they have a leafy patio out back! Happy hour sliders, bennies and crepes for brunch, and a tasty dinner selection of meat and fish. $$-$$$ 216 Palermo Ave. 786.801.1071

Sacha’s Café

The courtyard setting of Sacha’s is one of our favorite places to lunch, tucked away off Ponce, far from the madding crowd. The tables are now a bit more distant from each other, but the food – Salmon dishes always available – is gourmet deli. $ 2525 Ponce de Leon Blvd. 305.569.1300

Threefold

The first breakfast-all day restaurants in the Gables, Threefold has a cult following for their favorites of smashed avocado toast, salmon scramble, and mushrooms with white beans. Lots of outdoor seating, and dinner now served on weekends. $$ 141 Giralda Ave. 305.704.8007

Tur Kitchen

A wonderfully inventive menu of Mediterranean cuisine, including excellent lamb and Aegean seafood dishes. Elegant seating under the arches along Giralda. $$$-$$$$ 259 Giralda Ave. 786.483.8014

FAST CASUAL/TAKEOUT

Carrot Express

Following the trend, they added

Experience You Can Count On

Elect José Valdés-Fauli for Commissioner

With more than 35 years in local banking and finance and giving back to the community,

José Valdés-Fauli is uniquely qualified to serve as Coral Gables commissioner. His plan will protect and improve public services while strengthening the city’s financial position, all with a commitment to transparency and responsiveness.

As your commissioner, José will focus on the issues that matter to residents:

 Building financial strength and stability.

 Improving traffic and parking issues.

 Controlling downtown development.

 Enhancing public safety.

 Mitigating the effects of climate change.

 Supporting historic preservation, culture and the arts.

Springtime at UM

With classes back in session for the spring semester, the University of Miami’s Donna E. Shalala Student Center is back in action. Located on the edge of Lake Osceola in the center of campus, the Arquitectonica-designed building houses 24-hour study spaces, student organizations, lounges, meeting rooms, a “grand ballroom” and, most importantly, a Starbucks, Jamba Juice, Fresh Fusion and the Rathskeller. Photo by Mike Montero.

The Club at the Biltmore offers multiple benefits including Technogym® strength and cardio equipment, over 100 weekly group classes, special savings on stays and spa services, world class restaurants, and so much more. Join today.

Membership: (877) 204-6142 1200 Anastasia Ave. Coral Gables, FL 33134 www.biltmorehotel.com