Coral Gables Magazine October 2022

CORAL GABLES

DOG PARKS

DOG BITES

DOG EVENTS

DOG SERVICES

DOG PORTRAITS

DOG ADOPTING

For over 35 years, Evensky & Katz/Foldes Financial Wealth Management has focused on financial planning and goals-based investment management for professionals, entrepreneurs, and more. You’re part of a collaborative process created and managed by our firm.

We want your finances to be stress free. Our comprenhensive Wealth Management service provides you with an evaluation of your financial life. We work with you to achieve your strategic life goals

The worries that keep you up at night are the reason we started our firm. What is your max Roth IRA contribution? Or which qualified retirement plan is best suited for your needs? If you’re taxed on investment income, are there tax strategies you may be missing? Will you pay taxes on investment income? Will you be able to retire?

DOG RUN FEVER

In the quest for places to let dogs run free in the Gables, will 2023 be the Year of the Dog? The City of Coral Gables has no dog parks where canines can run off leash. To its credit, the city has designated 27 parks as “dog friendly,” which means that dog owners can use the space so long as they keep their pets on leash. Now, residents, developers, and a city commissioner are leading the charge to create off-leash dog parks.

THE NEW ART OF WEALTH MANAGEMENT

Coral Gables shines as a hub for private wealth management. Firms in and around the city manage tens of billions in assets for diverse clients, including longtime Gables residents, newcomers from New York, and visitors from Latin America, to name a few. All are anxious. This explains why David Evensky often feels like a therapist these days. “We’re more like psychologists than people know,” he says. “It’s really about behavioral finance.”

We’re All Animals, After All

As a dog fanatic – one who feels that life is not complete without a dog by your side – I was pleased to discover that a preponderance of our staff are dog owners. Hence, the above array of furry friends, all part of our extended family.

If you are a lover of the canine species, I don’t have to tell you that there are only two types of people in this world: those who love dogs and those who don’t. And we don’t have to say what we think about the latter group.

I take this principle wider whenever I travel abroad. I tend to measure any country by their attitude toward dogs. In Mexico, half the population owns dogs, and they treat them with reverence. Very cool. In China, they eat dogs. Very not cool.

So, what is it we love about dogs? The

fact that they are unguarded in their affections, unlike humans? The fact that they will listen to your problems ad infinitum, unlike humans? The fact that any love you give them will be returned, also unlike humans?

I think a lot of why we love of dogs is because they are animals. As homo sapiens, we dress in the veneer of civilization, clothed from our naked animality. Dogs remind us that we are mammals. We breathe when we run. We eat when we’re hungry. And we like a good smell.

This is our fourth annual Dog Issue. Our first, in November 2018, featured Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce alpha dog Mark Trowbridge and his bulldog Winston Churchill on the cover. Winston recently passed away. This issue is dedicated to him –the dog, that is.

JP FABER EDITOR-IN-CHIEF CORAL GABLES MAGAZINE

CEO & PUBLISHER

Richard Roffman

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

J.P.Faber

EVP / PUBLISHER

Gail Scott

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER

Amy Donner

DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS

Monica Del Carpio-Raucci

SALES

VP

Sherry Adams

DIRECTOR, SALES & PARTNERSHIPS

Gail Feldman

MANAGING EDITOR

Kylie Wang

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Gabrielle Lord

ART DIRECTOR

Jon Braeley

EDITOR-AT-LARGE

Grace Carricarte

SENIOR WRITERS

Mike Clary

Doreen Hemlock

WRITERS

Andrew Gayle

Caitlin De Torres

PROOFREADER

Lesley Fonger

FILM AND VIDEO CRITIC

Michael Roffman

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Rodolfo Benitez

Jonathan Dann

PRODUCTION MANAGER

Toni Kirkland

CIRCULATION & DISTRIBUTION

CircIntel

OFFICIAL FRAMER

Adam Brand / Frames USA

Coral Gables Magazine is published monthly by City Regional Media, 1200 Anastasia Ave. Suite 115, Coral Gables FL 33134. Telephone: (305) 995-0995. Copyright 2022 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.

Cover: A young French Bulldog in full flight

BOGART ROFFMAN ELLE CARRICARTE ORBIT RAUCCI ROSIE WANG

ZIGGY FELDMAN YOGI FABER

TOGO SCOTT RUBY DONNER

Correction: Last month we misspelled Sallye Jude's name. That's right, the preservationist's first name has an "e" at the end. Sorry Sallye!

Imagine a bank that truly listens.

Member FDIC

Each month, we print letters we receive from our readers. We encourage all commentary, including criticism as well as compliments, and any thoughts about our community. If you are interested, please send your thoughts to letters@coralgablesmagazine.com. Letters are edited for brevity.

The Beauty of Movement

The Editor’s Note in the September CULTURAL SEASON PREVIEW begins with a tagline - “It’s time to get off the couch.” What follows is a reminder of the most significant opportunity a person can receive.

I have been a resident of Coral Gables for over 35 years, living and working within the downtown. Last month, my fiancé and I began taking dance classes at Arthur Murray Dance Studio. For years, we counted out the experience of taking dance lessons. The reasons why we never tried before are insignificant now because we discovered something beautiful.

Our cultural centers, fine art galleries, theaters, and entertainment venues – these are chances. Beauty is a chance. It is a chance to discover something true about ourselves; that no matter how long it takes to get there, and no matter what we must go through, we will always be drawn to a

world of joy. In our city, it only takes a few steps out of the door.

Jason

Benitez, H. Benitez Fine Art Gallery

FPL Hack Job

I appreciate FPL’s program of trimming and pruning foliage near power lines. My “beef” isn’t with FPL. It’s with their tree trimming contractors. FPL claims to use “utility-qualified professional tree-trimming contractors [that] follow directional pruning guidelines set by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) to protect the health of trees… ”

FPL’s contractors were recently behind our Coral Gables house to trim and prune. They chopped and hacked away at several traveler palms, leaving them with all of their eight-foot long fronds cut off from just the side closest to the line. Another had all but a single middle frond hacked off. One palm had ALL of its fronds cut off [and] there was also a sizable mess left below.

FPL, if your professional contractors are going to just HACK away at trees and palms… please do not refer to it as “trimming and pruning.”

Tim Wang, Coral Gables Resident

Good Public Schools Too!

In the September issue, you listed great private schools in our community. Friends of Gables High would like to add that we also have great public schools. Specifically, Coral Gables Senior High is A-rated by the Florida Department of Education. It has an amazing faculty and high-achieving students who get accepted each year with scholarships to the country’s top 20 universities. With an International Baccalaureate (IB) Magnet School of Excellence, 43 advanced courses, and 40 extracurricular activities, Gables High is a tremendous public school option that we can be proud of. Go Cavs! Tom Parker, June Morris, Bill Beardsley, Friends of Gables High

Help Open Doors to Brighter Opportunities

At the University of Miami, we educate the next generation of bold thinkers, innovative problem-solvers, and principled leaders.

Donor-funded scholarships help many of our students overcome financial obstacles to enrollment so they can discover their passion and purpose, expand their academic horizons, realize their intellectual potential, and apply their education in transformative ways.

A bequest is an easy way to leave your legacy and open doors for students at the U. Here’s how:

• Name the University of Miami in your will or revocable trust

• Designate the University as a full, partial or contingent beneficiary of your retirement account (IRA, 401(k), 403(b))

• Designate the University as a beneficiary of your life insurance policy

With the right planned gift to the U, you can protect yourself and your loved ones while taking advantage of tax and income benefits. Join us to transform lives today and for generations to come. For more information on how you can leave a legacy that will shine ever brighter, contact: Kyle Paige, executive director, Office of Estate and Gift Planning, at 305-284-2266 or kpaige@miami.edu, or visit us at miami.edu/plannedgiving.

Scan to learn more

miami.edu/ plannedgiving

Let Life Flow...

In a place where water artfully carves its way through the lush Jamaican landscape…where it provides a soothing soundtrack that inspires tranquility and romance…magic happens. At the all-new Sandals® Dunn’s River in Ocho Rios, the modern luxury is by design and the vibe comes naturally at a resort that’s risen from the echoes of the past. Whether it’s taking in the ocean view from your private pool in the sky, sipping cocktails delivered by your butler in the luxury of your villa rooftop deck, or dancing beneath the stars with your toes in the sand, every moment becomes a part of you. So, while you may have to leave Sandals Dunn’s River, it will never, ever leave you.

Streetwise Talk of the Town Page 18

Plus: From City Hall

The Wawa Exit Goodbye BID

From City Hall

AT ITS MEETING IN AUGUST AND ITS FIRST MEETING IN SEPTEMBER, THE CITY COMMISSION:

Ready for the Storm

Voted 5-0 to encourage residents to install high impact windows through a “Signature Hurricane Protection Program” that offers a 25 percent discount and no permit fees for homeowners with limited income. Sponsored by Mayor Vince Lago.

Little Gables Back on the Table

Voted 4-1 to re-initiate the annexation process for Little Gables. Residents of Little Gables, a county pocket surrounded by Coral Gables and Miami, told commissioners they supported the process because it would bring much faster police, fire, and emergency medical services to the area. Coral Gables Police Chief Ed Hudak said annexation would shorten the city’s borders and make police enforcement more efficient. Only Commissioner Jorge Fors voted against “because of the price tag” – though rising property values in Little Gables makes that issue less relevant than in the past, when Fors opposed the move. Staff is now enjoined to gather information on cost to the city, potential tax revenue, public safety benefits, and opinions of residents. Sponsored by Mayor Lago.

The BID Loses its Mandate

In August, voted 4-1 to certify the election to grant the downtown Business Improvement District another five years to market the area for merchants, then voted 5-0 in September to shut the BID down after a critical number of votes were disqualified by the city clerk for irregularities. At least 51 percent of properties in the downtown must endorse the BID to collect fees for marketing; the disqualification of several votes put them below that threshold. The BID will now have to unwind (see story page 22).

Fight the Plastic

Listened to a discussion about reducing the use of plastic water bottles in city offices by installing water coolers. Such water coolers would supply alkaline, mineralized water. “We should be setting the example,” said Commissioner Rhonda Anderson, who sponsored the discussion along with Mayor Lago.

Country Club Input

Voted 5-0 to establish a Coral Gables Golf and Country Club Advisory Board to make sure that residents have input on the city’s operating of the historic country club, recently taken back by the city from private management. Sponsored by Commissioner Kirk Menendez.

Time to Go Underground

Voted 5-0 to accept a plan by FPL to move underground the powerlines that connect homes to the grid to prevent future power outages from hurricanes. The city had been looking at a $240 million price tag to take all power lines underground. The FPL plan, negotiated by Mayor Lago, will take 10 years to underground 40 percent of the city’s lines, but at no expense to the city. The remaining 60 percent will go underground over the following 20 years. “This is one of our legacy projects for this commission, really pushing a significant portion of the city underground,” said Mayor Lago. “This is a huge win for the city.”

Not Just Barrel Tile

Voted 4-0, on first reading, to allow homeowners to install metal roofs except in historic designated areas. Metal roofs last twice as long as tile roofs (50 vs. 25 years) and are easier to replace than tile after hurricanes. They are also safer and have the highest insurance rating. Sponsored by Commissioner Rhonda Anderson and Mayor Lago.

More Dog Parks

Listened to an update regarding new dog parks at Villa Valencia, Salvadore Park, and 1505 Ponce de Leon, following citizen complaints about dog users unleashing their pets at Catalonia Park (see story page 50). Sponsored by Commissioner Rhonda Anderson.

A Limit on Food Trucks

Voted 5-0 to restrict food trucks in the city. The ordinance, which requires a second vote, would prohibit food trucks from setting up within 500 feet of any restaurant, and limit them to 15 minutes at any construction site or residential area. Schools and churches would be exempt from the restrictions. Sponsored by Mayor Lago.

A Voice on Bike Lanes

Resolved 5-0 to direct city staff to begin a balloting process for residents along South Alhambra Circle from US-1 to Triofo Street, to see if they want bike lanes along the streets. Proposed by City Manager Peter Iglesias.

Merrick to Go 3-D

Listened to a discussion regarding the updating of the permanent exhibit on the city’s founding by George Merrick in the Coral Gables Museum. Historic activists argued that the display should not be changed. Museum board member Chip Withers argued that the display needed to be modernized, and that residents and museum goers “just don’t want to see an artifact. They want to be wowed [and now] we have the money to take this to the next level… we are not cancelling George Merrick or his legend.” Sponsored by Commissioner Anderson. ■

Talk of the Town

parks in the Central Business District over the next five years. He also highlighted his compact with FPL to underground the city’s power lines, beginning with those that connect homes to power poles. “In Coral Gables, we will move forward keeping innovation in mind,” Mayor Lago told the audience. “Coral Gables is a gem, and we want to continue to make it shine.”

And the City is Doing Fine, Thank You

Each year, the Mayor of Coral Gables is invited to address the assembled membership of the Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce with a State of the City speech. At the request of Mayor Vince Lago, this year the event was open to the public, as well as to chamber members, filling a ballroom at the Biltmore Hotel with some 220 guests. Mayor Lago spent 20 minutes describing why the state of the city is, well, good. He highlighted his campaign to beautify the downtown by requiring businesses to maintain their storefronts and sidewalks. He also gave a nod to the half dozen top chefs planning to start new restaurants here. On the transportation front, the mayor noted that the new trolley service on Saturdays was averaging 1,500 riders, in addition to the 20,000 weekly riders already onboard.

A big part of Mayor Lago’s State of the City report focused on technological innovation, starting with the QR codes at trolley stops that provide real time information. He pointed to new EV charging stations in city parking lots, soon to reach 70 stations downtown, and new legislation requiring developers to install EV stations in condo and apartment buildings. He also lauded the city’s IT team for installing more than 20 “smart” poles in the city to analyze traffic and pedestrian safety, along with providing free public Wi-Fi. Other technology upgrades noted included the police department’s new drone capabilities and its new mobile command post to help during natural disasters and public events.

Mayor Lago was most proud, however, of a very low-tech agenda he has pushed for years: expanding the city’s network of parks so that all residents are within a short walk of open green space. In the past year, two new parks have opened – Maggiore Park and Lamar Louise Curry Park – with work slated for a new park on Bird Road just east of Granada. More vital for the urban core of the city, the mayor announced a goal of creating up to a dozen new

No More On-Street Dining

When the pandemic hit, the City of Coral Gables reacted by allowing restaurants to extend their seating into the street, occupying what were formerly parking spaces and public rights of way. Now that the pandemic has subsided, that permission has been rescinded. As of Sept. 1, restaurants were required to remove these outdoor seating arrangements and return to their former footprints. Restaurants can still provide outdoor dining on city sidewalks by pulling a Sidewalk Café Permit. Bon appétit.

Harvard Calling

Ramon Cernuda, proprietor of the twin building Cernuda Arte gallery on Ponce de Leon Boulevard, has long been regarded locally as a leading expert in Cuban art. Now he’s getting some recognition from the nation’s leading academics. Last month he was asked by Harvard University to be one of a select group of speakers for the opening of “My Own Past,” an exhibition on “Afrodescendant Contributions to Cuban Art.” African descendants have played a

ZUCCA BEFORE

ZUCCA AFTER

major role in Cuban Art, notes Cernuda; the mother of Wifredo Lam, whose canvases are now worth millions of dollars, was born to a Congolese former slave mother and a Cuban mulatto father.

which city officials oversaw what departments – you would have to Google it; the city’s website took you to obscure lists of news articles. That has now changed, and dramatically, with the city’s new site. Using the same technology as Tesla and NASA, including AI feedback that allows the system to evolve with user input, the site is a delight: clear, clean, and easy to use. From city services to government officials, you can find anything via logical tabs and search bars that actually work. Finally, a smart website for a smart city. Give it a try at coralgables.com.

Signs of Life

In May of this year, largely at the insistence of City Manager Peter Iglesias, the city took over management of the historic Coral Gables Country Club – including its popular Liberty Café, a family favorite for ice cream and coffee. What they discovered was a crumbling infrastructure in sore need of repair, and a thoroughly under-used community asset. The city is now busy refurbishing the club, selling new memberships at affordable prices, and getting ready for a re-launch. A first sign of things to come is the re-opening of what is now dubbed Le Parc Café. It started with gelato and coffee, and as of this month has a full menu that includes – but goes beyond – noshes like brioches with butter and jam and ham & cheese croissants. So, for all ye who feared the worst, there is light at the end of the country club tunnel.

And it Really Works

One of the great ironies of Coral Gables, which has won numerous awards as a “smart city,” is that the city website has been impossible to navigate. If you wanted to reach a city official – or even find out

On the Road Again

Each year, the Coral Gables Community Foundation holds a themed ball to raise money for various charities, including student scholarships. Last year’s Greek Odyssey raised nearly $500,000. This year’s theme is “The Road to Rio: A Gala from Ipanema.” While we appreciate their celebrating the “Amazonian deeds” of various pillars of the community (this year’s top award goes to Knight Foundation President and CEO Alberto Ibargüen), we can’t help thinking of the seven “Road” movies made in the 1940s by Bob Hope and Bing Crosby. And yes, there was a “Road to Rio.” This year’s event returns to the Biltmore Hotel after two years of at-home pandemic parties. “This is our most important fundraiser of the year,” says Mary Snow, president and CEO of the Foundation. “We are ecstatic to be returning to an in-person celebration.” Tickets are $750 each, $7,000 for a table. Contact mary@gablesfoundation.org to become a host or join the fun.

LE PARC CAFÉ: OPEN FOR BUSINESS

NEW HEIGHTS FOR THE CITY WEBSITE

Goodbye BID

For the last 25 years, property owners in the downtown have contributed to the Business Improvement District to market the area for retailers. Since then, they have sponsored events and promotions to draw more visitors to the area – everything from street corner musicians and outdoor jazz concerts to artisanal markets and the annual Halloween on the Mile.

Last month, the City Commission voted to terminate the BID after a multi-month campaign by two disgruntled property owners who objected to paying the BID's fees. At issue was representation by commercial condo owners – whether each condo owner should have a vote, or whether it was okay to allow the condo association to vote for them.

In June, the Commission voted to halt the BID’s re-election process, questioning its legality. In August, when the City Attorney declared the election legal, they voted to certify the results. And then last month, when a dozen votes were thrown out due to technicalities – dropping the approval to less than the 50 percent required threshold – the Commission voted to terminate the BID. As of press time, the BID was slated to unwind by October 10, which means no trick or treating on the Mile this year. Also as of press time, however, negotiations were underway to allow the BID to continue its marketing efforts – including a huge upgrade to downtown lighting – through the end of the year. ■

NO TRICK OR TREATING THIS YEAR?

H O M E I S W H E R E T H E D O G S A R E

A h o u s e i s j u s t n o t a h o m e w i t h o u t t h e l o v e o f o u r c h e r i s h e d f a m i l y p e t s - j u s t l i k e G u n n e r a n d M a v e r i c k C u s a c k h e r e .

A s r e a l t o r s , w e o f t e n s e e t h a t o n e o f t h e t o p p r i o r i t i e s f o r b u y e r s i n c l u d e s h a v i n g p l e n t y o f s p a c e f o r o u r f u r f a m i l y m e m b e r s , t o o .

W i t h o v e r 3 0 y e a r s o f e x p e r i e n c e f i n d i n g f o r e v e r h o m e s f o r m a n y o f o u r c l i e n t s , a n d t h e i r p e t s ,

A s h l e y k n o w s C o r a l G a b l e s r e a l e s t a t e .

Wawa Wings Away

PARENTS ARE CALLING IT A VICTORY. THE BAHAMIAN NEIGHBORHOOD CALLS IT A LOSS.

BY MIKE CLARY

The Wawa goose has flown.

At the corner of U.S. 1 and Grand Avenue, there will be no roasted chicken hoagies, no pulled pork chalupas, no Volcano Blast dragon fruit lemonade. And no gas pumps.

A controversial deal that would have provided a non-profit group of homeowners a golden egg of up to $12 million to invest in housing and perhaps build a Bahamian heritage museum in a historically Black pocket of Coral Gables is kaput.

The Wawa project was doomed after a group of residents and parents from G.W. Carver Elementary School – across the street from where the convenience store/gas station was to be built – sued the city, Bahamian Village, and Wawa, alleging that a six-pump gas station so close to the school posed a health and safety hazard. The plaintiffs, calling themselves the Gables Accountability Project (GAP), also argued that a city resolution governing what could be built on the site was faulty, in part because no public hearings were held.

“This is a major victory for the grassroots community organizing against some deep-pocketed, politically connected business interests,” declared a press release issued by the Carver Elementary Parent-Teacher Association.

Residents of the adjacent MacFarland historic district, a black community trying for decades to activate the location, see the loss differently. “I’m disgusted. Disappointed. But I’m not ready to give up,” said Judy Davis, president of the Lola B. Walker Homeowners Association Foundation. “We want the money to do things for our own community. I will stick with it until I’m dead.”

The demise of the plan

to put a Wawa on the 1.7-acre parcel is just the latest chapter in a saga that began in 2003 when Miami-Dade County sold the property to nearby residents for a nominal fee of $10. The idea was to create a source of funds for the neglected neighborhood. Since then, an entity known as Bahamian Village – a partnership of the homeowners and Redevco, a development company – has seen several proposals for commercial enterprises, including a Tap 42 restaurant, fall apart due to opposition from parents at Carver.

In a January hearing, a Circuit Court judge agreed with the parents, calling the city’s decision to allow the Wawa “blatantly illegal.” The judge felt that public hearings were required – even though it was a legally permitted development based on existing zoning. The city sought a stay of the litigation “in order to allow for time to explore a resolution to this matter.” But Wawa had seen enough and, in late August, terminated its lease.

Mildred Carlow is a longtime resident of the neighborhood and one of seven plaintiffs in the GAP lawsuit. Like Davis, she attended Carver when it was a segregated school. Carlow said she would like to see affordable housing or a family-friendly business on the parcel. “One thing I would like to make clear is that even though there might be some with opposing views, we all want what’s best for our neighborhood,” she said. “I’d like to have everybody sit down and have a civil conversation.”

Meanwhile, Redevco president Debra Sinkle Kolsky says she is exploring “several opportunities” for other potential tenants. But she cannot hide her frustration. “Another economic injustice has occurred to this community,” she said. ■

FOUNDATION:

MIDDLE:

ABOVE:

WAS UNDER CONSTRUCTION

TOP: JUDY DAVIS, PRESIDENT OF THE LOLA

B. WALKER HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION

DISAPPOINTED BY THE EXIT

G.W. CARVER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

ACROSS THE STREET FROM THE SITE

THE PROPOSED WAWA GAS STATION

Living The Cuban Sinatra Page 34

THAT SONG YOU’RE HEARING IS NOT A RECORD PLAYER FROM THE 1950s IT’S THE CUBAN SINATRA.

Plus:

Best Bets for October

Best Bets for Dogs

Chem-free Hair

Best Bets for October

FROST SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA: TITANS

Mahler’s First Symphony in D major, known as the “Titan,” was not initially well-received by the public. Now it is considered one of his best compositions – and for this performance by UM's Frost Symphony Orchestra, it will be accompanied by Jennifer Higdon’s “Double Percussion Concerto.” Higdon is a highly sought-after composer who has won three Grammy Awards along with a Pulitzer Prize, and is one of America’s most frequently performed composers. Tickets for this special performance at Gusman Concert Hall Oct. 29 at 7:30 pm run from $15 to $30. Visit events.miami.edu for more information.

THE FINALS CONCERT: 31ST NATIONAL VOICE COMPETITION

On October 8, the Florida Grand Opera and Young Patronesses of the Opera will be presenting The Finals Concert of the 31st National Voice Competition at First United Methodist Church (536 Coral Way). The competition takes place every two years and is open to all opera singers in the U.S. And these aren’t rookies—many of the participating singers are students or graduates of leading voice programs throughout the world. Tickets are $30, with special group and student rates available. Visit ypo-miami.org/voice-competition for more information.

FROST ELECTROACOUSTIC ENSEMBLE

This concert by the Frost Electronic Music Ensemble explores an eclectic array of musical styles in creating electro-acoustic music and multimedia performances. These works engage everyday objects, toy instruments, and natural forces in live electronic processes like you’ve never seen before. The October 20 show at Clarke Recital Hall starts at 7:30 pm and is free and open to the public. For more information on this one-of-a-kind event, visit events.miami.edu.

NINTH ANNUAL BILTMORE HALLOWEEN PARTY

Both members and guests are invited to the Biltmore’s 9th Annual Halloween Party on October 28 from 8 pm to 1 am. Celebrity judges will select winners in the costume contest for Best Couple, Most Creative (must be handmade), and Best Group (maximum six people). There will also be an open bar and buffet dinner. Tickets are $275 per person and must be purchased in advance. Visit biltmorehotel.com/halloween to secure your reservation.

“HEISENBERG” AT GABLESTAGE

Beginning on October 29 and running through November 20 is “Heisenberg,” the newest play at GableStage. Amidst the bustle of a crowded London train station, Georgie spots Alex, a much older man, and plants a kiss on his neck. This electric encounter thrusts these two strangers into a fascinating and life-changing game. Directed by GableStage’s producing artistic director Bari Newport, “Heisenberg” tells a story of the uncertain and often comical sparring match that is human connection. Tickets run from $35 to $65.

CANDLELIGHT CONCERTS: A HAUNTED EVENING OF HALLOWEEN CLASSICS

The appropriately named Candlelight Concerts allow you to revisit some of your favorite songs in classical form. For this special Halloween performance by the Listeso String Quartet, the setlist includes favorites like “Thriller” by Michael Jackson and theme songs from “Stranger Things,” “The Addams Family,” and “Ghostbusters.” Come enjoy this eerie evening on October 27 at either 6:45 or 9:15 pm. Tickets range from $40 to $60 and can be found at feverup. com/m/114418.

BEST REASON TO LEAVE THE GABLES: MIAMI JAZZ CO-OP

On Mondays at 8 pm, the nonprofit Miami Jazz Cooperative puts on their Monday Night Rent Party in Glenvar Heights, a weekly jazz event with various live musicians that rivals Coral Gables’ own performances at The Globe (Saturday nights, if you can’t bring yourself to leave the Gables). The Miami Jazz Co-Op’s event is at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Miami (7701 SW 76th Ave), about a 15 to 20 minute drive from downtown Coral Gables. Parking is free and advance tickets start at $20. Visit miamijazz.org for tickets and more information. ■

Let’s

We dedicate this page to our valued colleagues in other real estate firms, lenders, and attorneys. Two thirds of our transactions involve agents from other companies. We are grateful for your professionalism and spirit of cooperation. Together we can provide a pleasant experience and successful transaction for our clients, and uphold the ethical standards of our industry.

one

these our next deal! We look forward to working with you again!

Best Bets for Dogs

museum for a chance to win prizes from local pet stores while enjoying live music and drinks in support of the Humane Society of Greater Miami. Registration begins at 4 pm and the contest starts at 4:30 pm. There is a $10 registration fee for each pup. To register in advance, visit coralgablesmuseum.org.

DOG DATE STROLLS

Every month, Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden hosts Dog Date Strolls, where you and your pup can enjoy the grounds and socialize together on Sunday mornings. This month, the doggie dates will be held on October 2, 9, and 30 from 8 am to 10 am. The Glasshouse Café will be open at 9 am with treats and drinks for pups and humans alike. This event is free for members of the Garden; tickets for non-members range from $11.95 to $24.95. For more information, visit fairchildgarden.org.

BAY 13 MAKER’S MARKET & HALLOWEEN COSTUME CONTEST

On October 21 from 5 to 10 pm, catch a special Halloween edition of Bay 13 Brewery’s Maker’s Market, including trick-or-treating from vendors for both dogs and humans! This farmer’s market style event will also have a spookiest vendor contest and costume contests at 7 pm, so make sure to dress up and bring your furry friend in their best costume too. Visit eventbrite.com for more information.

DOGGIE HALLOWEEN COSTUME CONTEST

It’s October, and that means Halloween, and that means the Coral Gables Museum’s Annual Halloween Doggie Costume Contest!

On October 29, bring your four-legged friends in costume to the

PAWS IN THE POOL

One of the most paw-dorable events in the Gables, Paws in the Pool will be held this year on October 2 at the Venetian Pool. The small dog session (maximum 30 pounds) will be held from 10 am to 1 pm and the large dog session (minimum 30 pounds) runs from 1:30 to 4:30 pm. Admission for each session is $7 per dog and $5 per human, and will only be granted to those accompanied by a dog. Proof of a current rabies vaccination is required. To register, visit the events calendar at coralgables.com. ■

DISTINCTIVE LIVING MEETS

BEST-IN-CLASS CARE

Belmont Village Coral Gables to Redefine Senior Living

A unique collaboration between leading senior housing provider Belmont Village Senior Living and renowned Baptist Health South Florida is redefining senior living. Belmont Village Coral Gables, opening in 2023, is the first in a series of senior living communities coming to South Florida through this innovative partnership. Along with five-star hospitality and amenities, first-class accommodations, a rich social environment, and first-rate care, Belmont Village Coral Gables will feature Live Healthy by Baptist Health on the ground floor, a wellness-focused center for its residents and seniors in the greater Coral Gables area.

4111 Salzedo Street | Coral Gables, Florida

Goodie Bags

SOMETIMES THE NATURAL WAY IS THE BEST APPROACH, INCLUDING WITH YOUR HAIR

BY KYLIE WANG

You’ve probably never heard of paraphenylenediamine. It’s a mouthful. But if you’ve ever dyed your hair, you’ve had some of it on your head. It’s the chemical widely used in permanent hair dye as the main coloring agent. For many women, it’s just a part of a routine trip to the salon. For Antonello Pasci, owner of the eponymous salon in Coral Gables, that was also true… until a few years ago.

Pasci had been a professional hairdresser for 30 years when he developed a terrible allergy to the chemical more commonly known as PPD. So, what do you do when you’re a pro hairdresser with an allergy to touching your clients’ hair? You create a brand new, PPD-free, organic line of hair products.

The &Goodies line born out of Pasci’s allergy is not your average line of hair care products. There are almost no added chemicals – certainly no PPD, now linked to cancer and other

COMPASSION. COMMITMENT. CARE

• Independent Living

• Memory Care

• Assisted Living

diseases – and all the scents come from natural essential oils. There are 11 products in all, including three types of shampoo and conditioner (stimulating rosemary, repairing lemongrass, and invigorating peppermint), a scalp toning tonic, a leave-in conditioner, a hydrating hair mask, a styling cream, and a soft molding paste. With the exception of the hair mask ($35), all are under $27, formulated to be as gentle as possible while promoting hair growth. It’s also made for both women and men.

After trying &Goodies products for a week, I found my hair more containable and lustrous than usual – though I did notice it got oily faster. I guess that’s the cost of using all-natural products, but well worth it to me – and you can always wash your hair more often. ■

ANTONELLO PASCI SALON 323 NAVARRE AVE. #105 ANDGOODIES.COM

Our beautiful 8+ acre luxury senior living community, minutes from the prestigious Palmetto Bay, Coral Gables, and Pinecrest neighborhoods, is conveniently located just west of US-1 on 152nd Street adjacent to Jackson South Medical Center. Here is the ultimate choice for luxury senior living in South Florida. Amenities within the community include concierge service, luxury salon, fitness and wellness center, art studio, performing arts theater, restaurant-style dining room, two pools, piano lounge and bar, plus much more. The Oasis at Coral Reef is soon to be the hottest address in town, like being on a vacation every day of the year.

786.823.9600 | info@oasiscoralreef.com | www.oasiscoralreef.com

The Cuban Sinatra

THAT SONG YOU’RE HEARING IS NOT A RECORD PLAYER FROM THE 1950S

BY CAITLIN DE TORRES

It was a warm Friday night in Coral Gables when I stumbled upon The Cuban Sinatra for the first time. I was strolling down Aragon Avenue, searching for my car, when I heard the smooth sound of Frank Sinatra floating out of ManKind Grooming & Services, the combo barbershop and bar on the corner of Salzedo. I’m a jazz lover, and a die-hard fan of Sinatra, who managed to mix jazzy vocals with pop, swing, and big band music to forge his unique style. So I peeked inside to see what the vibe was like and maybe ask if they’d play “I’ve Got the World on a String” next. But it wasn’t the stereo playing Sinatra. It was a man singing, sounding for all the world like Frank Sinatra reborn.

Sinatra was once among the most popular crooners in the United States, belting out the kind of love songs with haunting melodies and brassy orchestral arrangements that have fallen out of favor in recent decades as younger people turn their proclivities to rap, R&B, Latin rhythms, and alternative pop. Local artist and Miami native, Joseph Pages, known colloquially as “The Cuban Sinatra,” is looking to change that.

On Friday nights, Pages finishes sweeping up the shorn hair from his latest client – he’s a barber at ManKind by day, singer by night – and sets up his old-school microphone. From eight to 11 pm, he sheds his everyday identity and becomes the incarnation of Old Blue Eyes, with that rich vocal style which

sounds more like it belongs in Las Vegas than Coral Gables. While patrons kick back beers and play pool in the barroom of ManKind, Pages stands in a faded brick archway, still in his barber’s vest, and brings Sinatra back to life.

Musically gifted since childhood, Pages’ journey to the corner of Salzedo and Aragon feels like fate. Raised by his mother, a police officer in Miami Beach, he spent much of his childhood at his grandmother’s home in the Gables, where he first discovered Sinatra. Because he had a crush on a girl in the high school chorus program, he auditioned. Pages was not only vocally talented, but also gifted with that smooth, robust timbre that pairs so well with the melodies voiced by the trumpet and saxophone, the province of classic crooners like Dean Martin, Bing Crosby, Tony Bennett and his personal favorite, The Chairman of the Board.

“He is my hero,” Pages says, explaining how Sinatra actively promoted equal opportunities for immigrants – a cause close to Pages’ heart considering his Cuban descent. For The Cuban Sinatra, that’s what music is all about: a form of artistic expression that brings together people of all cultures. For those who grew up with the famous crooner playing on their home radios, Pages’ live performances are a chance to reminisce. For the rest of us, it’s an opportunity to discover the allure of a unique American musical genre. ■

JOSEPH PAGES, KNOWN AS THE CUBAN SINATRA, CROONING AT THE COMBO BAR AND BARBERSHOP MANKIND GROOMING & SERVICES ON ARAGON AVE. SAYS PAGES ON FRANK SINATRA, “HE IS MY HERO.”

Plus: Dog Bites

Lunch Deals

Dinner & a Date

TRADITION IS THE NAME OF THE GAME AT BUGATTI BISTRO: THEIR CARPACCIO DI SALMON

Lunch Specials

For restaurant goers who want a taste of fine dining without the pricey tab, the lunch specials at good restaurants provide an affordable way to taste their finest. Not all restaurants offer these special deals, but for those who do, our gustatory thanks. Here are some we especially like.

Havana Harry’s

Under new ownership, Havana Harry’s is better than ever. And like the vast space of the restaurant itself, the portions are hearty. The lunch specials change daily, from beef stew on Monday ($16.95) to the Don Juan steak sandwich on Thursday ($12.95). Fortunately, their succulent mojito chicken ($16.95) is available every day. Also, great soups ($5.95 to $7.95); entrees come with two sides.

Fogo de Chão

We call Fogo the palace of meat, and if you are feeling carnivorous nothing beats their Churrasco Experience ($43 for lunch, $61 for dinner). But for a mere $15, you can eat all you want from their amazing Marketplace Table, with high quality cold meats, exotic fruits, sauteed vegetables, fresh salads, and aged cheeses. There is also unlimited access to Brazilian stews and their famous brown-sugar bacon with paprika.

Seagrill

Want to know what a real Greek salad is all about, in all its fresh glory? Pick that as your appetizer from the three-course lunch menu at Seagrill ($32). While the most expensive of our choices, it’s worth it, especially if you order the lamb chops or lobster linguini for your main dish. Great selection (eight first courses, six second), and the baklava or walnut cake for dessert are both perfect.

Taverna Giralda

The courtyard at Taverna Giralda is a sweet secret; diners usually sit out front or in the rustic main room. Regardless, the lunch special ($15) has two exquisite choices each of first and second courses daily. Spanish omelets and garlic fish Monday. Bleu cheese croquets and pork chops Tuesday. We tried the Russian egg salad and white fish “a la Romana” on a Thursday, both delicious.

Fratellino’s

Fratellino’s has a cult following, so walk-ins for dinner are impossible; reservations are required. If you want to understand (without waiting) why devotees love their homemade New York Italian-style cooking, the two-course lunch special ($23) is the way to go. Each day has three main course choices (chicken, fish, or pasta), along with soup or salad. We tried Wednesday’s pan-seared salmon in lemon white wine sauce. Così Buono! ■

FROM THE TOP:

HAVANA HARRY’S: MOJITO CHICKEN FOGO DE CHÃO: MARKETPLACE TABLE

SEAGRILL: LAMB CHOPS

TAVERNA GIRALDA: WHITE FISH “A LA ROMANA”

FRATELLINO’S: PAN SEARED SALMON

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

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

305.439.8311

Dog Bites

You’re probably familiar with our Quick Bites page, which details some of our favorite dishes around Coral Gables. This is Quick Bites for Dogs! Take your pup to any of these places and they can eat alongside you, from full dog menus to quick treats. Ruff!

Shake Shack

This fan-favorite fast food chain has partnered with New York City’s Bocce’s Bakery to curate two dishes sure to tingle your pet’s taste buds. If you want to beat the heat (and don’t mind your pup having dairy or sugar) the Pooch-ini ($4.29) is sweet and savory, a delectable treat made up of vanilla custard and dog biscuits. If you’re not feeling quite so adventurous, the burger joint also has a doggie bag filled with five hearty biscuits for $7.99. 1450 S Dixie Hwy. (786) 470-3701. shakeshack.com.

Sawa

At Sawa, there’s no need to leave your dog at home. Beyond its menu of Mediterranean and Japanese dishes (plus, great happy hour deals), Sawa offers a full canine menu. We’re talking tapas, entrees, and dessert. Is your pooch craving meat? Get the filet mignon kebab ($10) or the grain free jerk strips ($5). Or maybe your four-legged friend has a sweet tooth? Try the True Acres dessert cup ($6).

360 San Lorenzo Ave. #1500. (305) 447-6555. sawarestaurant.com.

Pura Vida

Is your dog on a health kick? Not to worry. Pura Vida sells macarons for dogs made from organic, dairy-free, and gluten-free ingredients, and they contain no added sugars or preservatives. These mini treats come in a variety of flavors, including peanut butter, passionfruit, and pineapple. We give it two paws up.

244 Miracle Mile. puravidamiami.com.

Ecléctico

Tapas are small dishes meant to be shared, and at Ecléctico that’s true for pets as well. The Pan-Latin fusion restaurant offers a complete pet menu with biscuit and jerky tapas ($5), skewers fresh from the grill ($8-12), rice ($9), and special dessert cups ($6). An open comfortable space to share bites with your beast.

320 San Lorenzo Ave. #1315. (786) 615-5735. eclecticomiami.com.

Starbucks

The puppicino, aka the pup cup, is the not-so-secret pet-friendly treat available at nearly all Starbucks locations. Despite sounding similar to its caffeinated counterparts, the cappuccino and frappuccino, this espresso cup contains no coffee! Instead, pets can enjoy a free simple shot of whipped cream to get their morning off to a tasty start.

292 Miracle Mile. (305) 442-4179. starbucks.com. ■

ECLÉCTICO:

FROM THE TOP: SHAKE SHACK: THE POOCH-INI SAWA: TAPAS, ENTREES, AND DESSERT PURA VIDA: MINI MACARONS

PAN-LATIN FUSION TREATS

The Test of Time

TRADITION IS THE NAME OF THE GAME AT BUGATTI BISTRO

BY ANDREW GAYLE

Nothing attests to the quality of a restaurant more than longevity. In Coral Gables, where new venues come and go as they try to win the hearts of diners, it takes persistence and excellence to survive and flourish. Bugatti Bistro is such a place.

Bugatti was born in the Gables some 35 years ago as a storefront that made fresh pasta. After a few years, the owners decided to stop supplying and start serving. Now, three decades later, Bugatti is still doing just that: serving traditional Italian food with a dedication to consistent quality and classic recipes. It is a formula that has captured a loyal clientele.

“The people who come here really like to eat regular Italian food,” says Carlos Amasifuen, the owner/manager who took the helm during the pandemic after the original owners retired. “Nothing fancy, nothing added, no innovation of this and that. You want a traditional spaghetti Bolognese, you come here. We always do the very old recipes.”

With that in mind, we sampled two carpaccios from the antipasti section of the menu – the “di salmone” and the “de manzo,” the salmon and beef versions of this classic thin-sliced dish with arugula and parmesan cheese. Both were so delicate and light you inhaled them rather than ate them. For a kicker, we added the meatballs with feta cheese, swimming in a rich tomato sauce. Grandma couldn’t have done them better.

For a crunchy contrast to the pliant carpaccio, we tried the Bianca salad, comprising Belgian endives, fennel, arugula, and a lemon dressing. A tad tart for my taste buds, it quickly took a back seat to the vichyssoise soup.

For those unfamiliar with this rare, chilled soup, a trip to Bugatti for a bowl of vichyssoise is alone worth a visit. It is among the most sophisticated dishes to come from the European palate, with a flavor profile that combines puréed leeks, onions, potatoes, cream, and chicken stock, enhanced by the subtle licorice-like flavor of fennel. Because it is so delicate – the cream must be utterly fresh – Bugatti makes theirs daily. Absolutely exquisite – even if it is, ahem, a recipe of French origin.

Back to basic Italian, we sampled the spaghetti al cartoccio. It arrived wrapped in the parchment paper used to bake the pasta

with baby clams and chopped fresh tomatoes, in a garlicky white wine sauce. Simple, yet so savory that not a morsel was left behind. Equally marvelous in the pasta category was the ravioli al funghi, mushroom-filled and coated in a light cream sauce with diced ham and mushrooms. Again, not a scrap survived.

Among the Piatti Principali, we tried two dishes that showcased the talents of chef David Acosta: the merluzzo al lenticchie, a

BUGATTI BISTRO 2504 PONCE DE LEON BLVD. 305.441.2545

TOP: OWNER CARLOS AMASIFUEN AND CHEF DAVID ACOSTA. ABOVE: BUGATTI IS A QUIET, CALM, AND COMFORTABLE SETTING FOR TRADITIONAL ITALIAN FOOD

roasted fillet of north Atlantic cod on a bed of lentils with pancetta, bathed in crème fraiche; and the scaloppini de pollo alla saltimbocca, thin strips of chicken breast and prosciutto, flavored by sage and a Marsala wine reduction, served with saffron risotto. The first dish made me believe I could learn to love lentils (I am not a big fan) while the second was a showstopper I will order on my next visit.

The ambiance of Bugatti is as traditional and comfortable as its menu. You sit either in a central booth or along the walls, each table affording a couch for the ladies. The side tables are defined by paneled columns, so all have a feeling of separation. The walls are a Tuscan yellow with sconces and drop lighting that exude a warm glow. It is a quiet, calm setting, far from the noise-plagued norm of most restaurants today. It has a retro look, something from the ‘80s

that is now back in fashion. Reflecting Bugatti’s aura of permanence and tradition is the staff, which has been there for decades. The chef has been in the kitchen for 31 years, the sous chef 25 years, the line cook 22 years, and so forth. “Most of the guys have been here forever because it is a very nice place to work,” says Amasifuen, who started as a Bugatti waiter 25 years ago. “It’s a unique operation.” ■

TOP LEFT: VICHYSSOISE WITH LEEK

TOP RIGHT: MUSHROOM RAVIOLI

ABOVE LEFT: SPAGHETTI AL CARTOCCIO WRAPPED IN PARCHMENT

ABOVE RIGHT: CALOPPINI DE POLLO ALLA SALTIMBOCCA

WH AT T HE BID LET'S CELE B RA T E

FOR 25 YEARS, THE BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT OF CORAL GABLES HAS CREATED AMAZING E XPERIENCES FOR ALL TO ENJOY. COME CELEBRATE WHAT DOWNTOWN CORAL GABLES IS ABOUT !

Dinner & A Date

MY DATE MAY NOT HAVE BEEN STELLAR, BUT THE FOOD WAS OUT OF THIS WORLD

BY KYLIE WANG

Woe is me! My date for this month’s “Dinner & A Date” story tested positive for COVID the morning of our reservation at Luca Osteria. Since he is an actor, I feel justified in relating the drama of the situation, as I had to scramble to find a new date – a software engineer, and not nearly as enthralling as I expected the actor to be. But I soldiered on for you, dear reader. And to his credit, he didn’t bore me with a single story about whatever app he was developing or what fin-tech companies he’s worked for.

The good news: the food at Luca Osteria, created by chef Giorgio Rapicavoli, was exquisite. I’m here to tell you that the patate fritte at Luca is among the best dishes I’ve ever had – and yes, I do love potatoes. (This will probably be a recurring theme.) Served with an egg yolk on top that is mixed into the dish tableside with parmigiano fonduta and black truffle, these little spheres were sheer joy in the mouth. There were quite a bit of them too, making the $23 price tag worth it.

For dinner, I had the cacio e pepe pasta ($29), delightfully peppery without being spicy and in the same creamy fonduta di parmigiano sauce as the patate fritte. I’ve had a lot of pasta in my life, and this cracked the top three.

My date went with the short rib Bolognese ($35), which he described as “great.” Please forgive him, as he usually speaks in Javascript. However, I also

tasted it, and I have to say: that’s how you do a meat sauce. The pappardelle pasta was an excellent choice for the dish, as the inch-thick noodles spoon up the short rib for you. An addition of nutmeg was understated yet surprisingly flavorful.

My companion gallantly allowed me to switch drinks with him, since I found the Costiera cocktail too acidic with its combination of Grey Goose citron, limoncello, and prosecco. His Greta martini (Bombay dry gin, St. Germain, lychee liqueur, and lemon), on the other hand, was smooth and pumped with just enough lychee to perk it up without being overpowering.

I tried to beg off dessert, but at the behest of my date –who urged me to think of our readers’ crushing need to know about the desserts – I tried the pistachio semifreddo. Good decision. With sea salt and dark chocolate, these cubes of mousse were surprisingly light, enough so that I managed to suck down two of the four, despite the fact that I hadn’t even been able to finish my pasta. The pistachio was subtle, the dark chocolate rich but sparing.

I might not ask the software engineer out again, but I will come back to Luca Osteria. And pro tip: if you come, ask for Tanya. Our wonderful waiter for the night, she was knowledgeable, friendly, and passionate about the food. As the Luca Osteria motto goes: “Good pasta, good people.” ■

LUCA OSTERIA 116 GIRALDA AVE. 305.381.5097

TOP: LUCA OSTERIA BY CHEF GIORGIO RAPICAVOLI MIDDLE: PATATE FRITTE ABOVE: CACIO E PEPE PASTA

What the years have taught me

1. Don’t let patients pick their implant size before surgery. Letting a patient choose an implant size before surgery by trying out samples in a bra, is quick and easy for the surgeon, but it isn’t really fair to the patient since an implant placed outside the body will look quite different once inside the body. So the patient really doesn’t know what they are selecting. Finding an anatomically appropriate implant that fits the patient and optimizes their beauty requires an aesthetic assessment of different implant sizes during surgery to see the actual visual impact of an implant on the patient’s appearance - similar to trying on a dress to see if it really fits. This process is called ‘Intra-Operative Sizing’ and takes a little extra time but it allows for the creation of optimal results with the implant actually fitting the patient’s anatomy.

2. Avoid big implants. Most patients do well with implants in the 200-300 cc range. Bigger implants may appear enticing when you’re young but lead to unnatural, obvious results and future problems such as rippling, existing breast atrophy, early sagging and more. Remember, it’s about beauty and just bigger is not better.

3. Breast Lifts deserve careful reflection. When sagging is mild or the breast just appears deflated after breastfeeding, then an implant alone might create the desired lift. However, when sagging is significant, tightening of the skin is called for. The most effective, and generally my preferred, lift is the ‘inverted T’ or anchor’ lift as it tightens and lifts in two dimensions-vertically and horizontally. No more sagging after that. The ‘donut’ or ‘peri-areolar’, in conjunction with an implant, works for a certain anatomy, as does the ‘lollipop’ or ‘vertical’ lift. Key is to match the technique to the patient’s anatomy and expectations.

4. Breast Reduction Surgery is gratifying. Patients with clearly oversized breasts (double/triple D and beyond) really suffer from excess breast weight, severe sagging and unwanted attention. My preferred technique here is the ‘inverted T’ or ‘anchor’ as it removes all heavy and sagging tissue below the breast fold. After the reduction, these patients are among the happiest in Plastic Surgery.

Overall, cosmetic breast surgery is aesthetically challenging. Creating a beautiful result is not easy and requires much actual surgical experience, aesthetic judgment and attention to detail.

Stephan Baker MD

Remember, it’s about beauty and just bigger is not better.

Dog Issue The

Dog Run Fever

For Sylvia Antiga McCabe, who lives near Catalonia Park, it’s not an issue of dogs versus people. An owner of two small dogs, McCabe is dedicated to the happiness of her pooches, walking them several times a day through her leafy neighborhood. But she wants no part of the controversy snarling at the park. For the better part of a year, nearby residents have been complaining that their small, family-oriented park has been overrun with off-leash dogs. As if transmitted through an invisible network

MCCABE: ON LEASH AT CATALONIA PARK

IN THE QUEST FOR PLACES TO LET DOGS RUN FREE IN THE GABLES, WILL 2023 BE THE YEAR OF THE DOG?

BY J.P. FABER

UNDER CONSTRUCTION FOR 2023 AT SALVADORE PARK IS A BIG-DOG LOT SURROUNDED BY SIX-FOOT FENCES, RUNNING ALONG THE SOUTH SIDE OF THE SALVADORE TENNIS COURTS.

of dog owners, word went out that Catalonia Park was the place you could let your beast run free.

At City Commission meetings over the spring and summer, residents howled in protest, with lurid descriptions of kids covered in strewn feces and encounters with and between aggressive dogs. Even Commissioner Kirk Menendez chimed in with reports that small children had been terrorized, calling it “Chaotic Park, not Catalonia Park.”

McCabe, like her neighbors, was incensed that dog owners from other parts of Miami descended onto the park, which was originally designed – with neighborhood input – for children. Dog invaders also ignored protocol. “Even though the park is not officially a dog park, the fencing has enabled dog owners to let their dogs run free

in the park,” says Catalonia resident Linda Kries. “Their owners have often not cleaned up after their pets and the dogs have torn up the sod. Also, people have driven to Catalonia Park to run their dogs and have created a parking problem.”

In the end, it took the presence of Coral Gables police officers to bring the canine calamity under control. But what the bruhaha revealed was a stark fact: the City of Coral Gables has no dog parks where canines can run off-leash, mingling with other dogs in playful freedom. Yes, dog owners can let their hounds run free in West Matheson Park, the massive open area west of Old Cutler Road. The same goes for Chapman Field Park at the city’s southern tip. But while both lie within the city’s boundary, they are county properties; the city itself has no neighbor-

hood parks with enclosed dog runs.

To its credit, the city has designated 27 parks as “dog friendly,” which means that dog owners can use the space so long as they keep their pets on-leash – and use the dispensers for dog-waste baggies, with their adjacent trash receptacles. And at least one city commissioner – Vice Mayor Michael Mena – has for years promoted the idea of a large dog run next to the Douglas Station of the Metrorail, as part of the Underline Project.

“It’s been a challenge over the years because you need a substantial amount of space to do something that residents want, and something that will last,” says Mena. “Too small and it gets worn out quickly.” The Underline location is both large enough –and far enough from any houses – to both fit

the bill and avoid NIMBY (Not in My Back Yard) reactions from homeowners. “Residents don’t want people driving into their neighborhoods to walk their dogs. We have so few that a dog park becomes a destination, and people push back on that.”

The only problem with what is being called Bark Park is timing. The plans were completed in 2019, but the Underline has still not reached the Gables. That, says Underline founder Meg Daly, depends on when the county awards the project to a construction team (while the city is paying for the 14,000-square-foot park, the county is building it).

“We have the permits and drawings, and have had the community meetings, but unfortunately we don’t have a date,” says Fred Couceyro, director of the city’s Community Recreation department. “Hopefully it will open by the end of 2023.”

In the meantime, another champion of dog parks has risen to the occasion, City Commissioner Rhonda Anderson. The owner of two rescue greyhounds, Anderson decided to take matters into her own hands and search for an appropriate place in the North Gables, where demand for a dog run is highest. “I went around identifying areas and suggested Salvadore Park [to the City Commission]. It wouldn’t cost the city any money to buy additional land. I went out there with a measuring tape and put it on the city agenda.” She also went door to door and asked nearby residents their opinions, to make sure they wanted a dog-only park.

They did, and the result will be a big-dog lot surrounded by six-foot fences, running along the south side of the Salvadore tennis courts. Plans are underway for the park to be finished before the end of the year. And instead of grass, which large dogs would rip to pieces, or astro turf, which burns their feet when they run hard, it will be a sandy lot. “I got the idea [for the sand] because dogs love to run on the beach and in the sand pits at golf courses, and it doesn’t burn their paws,” she says.

At least one developer has also responded to the need for somewhere that Fido can run free. Rishi Kapoor, the CEO of Location Ventures, set aside land for a dog park adjacent to Villa Valencia, his company’s mid-rise condo project at Valencia Avenue and Hernando Street. It’s an off-leash park for small dogs only and will soon be officially open as the city’s first dog-run park.

Kapoor is also expected to open a large-dog park at 1505 Ponce de Leon Blvd.,

“ I WENT AROUND IDENTIFYING AREAS AND SUGGESTED SALVADORE PARK [TO THE CITY COMMISSION]. IT WOULDN’T COST THE CITY ANY MONEY TO BUY ADDITIONAL LAND. I WENT OUT THERE WITH MEASURING TAPE AND PUT IT ON THE CITY AGENDA.”

RHONDA ANDERSON, CITY COMMISSIONER

where another of his firm’s mid-rises should begin construction late next year. Here he will offer a large open space, which will then be reduced for a permanent dog run after the condo is completed. “Coral Gables is a special city that celebrates green space in neighborhoods made for families and their furry friends to enjoy,” says Kapoor. “As dog lovers ourselves, we thought a dog park would be the perfect addition.”

A CITY NOT DESIGNED FOR DOGS

Of course, all of these efforts beg the question of why George Merrick, in the creation of his visionary City Beautiful, did

not incorporate the concept of places to exercise dogs. It may have been that so much open space was then available, in what was uninhabited pine barrens and farmland. Or it may have been the times, that were just not that dog friendly.

“Have you looked at the old photos? I haven’t seen any dogs in them, except for ones you see at racetracks,” says Anderson. “And we have a different social atmosphere now. During COVID especially, people would walk around and meet up at a particular park that wasn’t marked as on-leash only… It was a great social event for the people – and the dogs liked it too.”

There is little doubt that, today, Coral

Dog Friendly Parks

While the City of Coral Gables has no parks where dogs can run off leash, there are 27 “dog friendly” parks, which means there is a doggie-poo-bag dispensing machine (and waste can) on site. The caveat is that your beast must be on leash at all times, and that he or she is your responsibility, must be supervised, cannot be aggressive, cannot be in heat, cannot be sick, and must be at least four months old. And, oh yes, you must clean up the dog waste immediately.

1. ALCAZAR PLAZA 700 Alcazar Ave.

2. ALHAMBRA WATER TOWER 2000 Alhambra Cir.

3. BALBOA PLAZA 2405 De Soto Blvd.

4.

4650 Alhambra Cir.

5. CARTAGENA PARK 401 Sunset Dr.

6. CATALONIA PARK 807 Catalonia Ave.

7. CORAL BAY PARK 1590 Campamento Ave.

8. COUNTRY CLUB PRADO Country Club Prado

9. DURANGO PARK 3405 Durango St.

10. FERDINAND PARK 1554-1584 Coral Way

11. FRED B. HARTNETT PONCE CIRCLE PARK 2810 Ponce de Leon Blvd.

12. INGRAHAM PARK 4751 West Ingraham Terr.

13. J. FRITZ AND FRANCES GORDON PARK 800 Country Club Prado

14. JAMES T. BARKER PARK 1047 Venetia Ave.

15. LAMAR LOUISE CURRY PARK 2665 De Soto Blvd.

16. LISBON PARK 1015 Lisbon St.

17. MAGGIORE PARK 5028 Maggiore St.

18. MAJORCA PARK 937 Majorca Ave.

19. MARLIN PARK 6540 Marlin Dr.

20. PITTMAN PARK 115 Merrick Way

21. ROBERT J. FEWELL PARK 950 Coral Way

22. ROTARY CENTENNIAL PARK 512 Ponce De Leon Blvd.

23. RUTH BRYAN OWEN WATERWAY PARK 3940 Granada Blvd.

24. SUNRISE HARBOR PARK 25 Sunrise Ave.

25. WILLIAM A. COOPER PARK 4920 Washington Dr.

26. WILLIAM H. KERDYK, JR., AND FAMILY PARK 6611 Yumuri St.

27. YOUNG PARK 950 Castile Plaza

BETSY ADAMS AND THE CORAL GABLES GARDEN CLUB PARK

ITS TIME WILL COME: A RENDERING OF THE LARGE DOG PARK NEXT TO THE DOUGLAS METROMOVER STATION WAS APPROVED AND DESIGNED IN 2019. IT MAY FINALLY BE INSTALLED BY THE END OF 2023.

Gables is a dog-loving community. “I think overall it is a dog friendly city,” says dog owner Janet Nostro, who lives on Catalonia Avenue. “Lots of folks here love their dogs [and] it’s also a great way for dog owners to meet other neighbors… but it could be a little friendlier, with more places for dogs to run around.”

Some dog owners, especially those with smaller dogs, simply can’t resist letting their pups off-leash. Dog walkers who live along County Club Prado frequently let their dogs run free in the green swath that extends for nearly ten blocks between the streets that line their homes there, and with little grief, since the Prado is not a park for kids. “I usually go around Country Club Prado or the golf course,” says resident Christie Tojdowski, who owns two small dogs, including a wirehaired terrier mix. “The good thing is that these guys can run around in the middle area, and so I let them go.”

Ashley Airaghi, a legal consultant who lives on Blue Road and walks her rare Blue Merle Jack Russell (Sofie) three times a day, routinely lets her pooch off leash in a local dog-friendly park near her home – but not without asking permission of anyone there first. “When no one is there, I let her off leash, or if all of the parents say it’s okay. She is friendly and plays with the kids, which the parents love, because it wears the kids out.”

Occasionally bending the rules is no substitute for parks where dogs can run free, however, and for that, 2023 may be The Year of the Dog. “I live in front of Salvadore Park, and at this park, if you look at the signs, dogs cannot be off-leash,” says Carlos Beilenstein, whose 10-year-old Angus is a Springer Spaniel. “That is a problem for me. I think they should have parks where the dogs can be off-leash. I understand the issue with the kids and whatever, but Coral Gables is large enough that we should have maybe one option without a leash and one with leash.”

“Some communities are in favor of dog

parks, and some are not,” say Community Recreation’s Couceyro. “Some want playgrounds, some don’t want them anywhere nearby. It all depends on what the community is comfortable with.” Having said that, he adds, “When I first came here [26 years ago], dog parks were geared toward running free, and you needed a big area. But it’s gone from being just for the dogs to a social hub, a community meeting place. So smaller areas become more acceptable… and as development has continued everywhere, the need for something, regardless of size, has really grown.” ■

Gabrielle Lord and Kylie Wang also contributed to this story

“

WHEN NO ONE IS THERE, I LET HER OFF LEASH, OR IF ALL OF THE PARENTS SAY IT’S OKAY. SHE IS FRIENDLY AND PLAYS WITH THE KIDS, WHICH THE PARENTS LOVE, BECAUSE IT WEARS THE KIDS OUT.”

ASHLEY AIRAGHI, WALKING SOFIE, A BLUE MERLE JACK RUSSELL

S u r g i c a l

B r e a s t P r o c e d u r e s

L i p o s u c t i o n

R h i n o p l a s t y

B r a z i l i a n B u t t L i f t

T u m m y T u c k

G y n e c o m a s t i a

Careaga Plastic Surgery, a leader in the aesthetic industry, located in the center of downtown Coral Gables, offers an immaculate and serene setting with cutting-edge technology suited for your cosmetic surgery needs.

N o n - S u r g i c a l M e d S p a

B o t o x

F i l l e r s

A v é l i

P l a t e l e t R i c h P l a s m a

E m s c u l p t N e o

K y b e l l a

H y d r a f a c i a l

D e r m a p l a n i n g

O x y g e n F a c i a l

L a s e r H a i r R e m o v a l

M i c r o n e e d l i n g

C h e m i c a l P e e l s

A Guide to A DOG ting

EVERYTHING YOU WANTED TO KNOW ABOUT ADOPTING A DOG

BY GRACE CARRICARTE

Adopting a dog is a worthy choice and brings the wonderful benefits of canine companionship. But before you take the leap, there are some serious considerations.

WHO WILL CARE FOR YOUR DOG?

As its owner, you will be responsible for your dog’s food, shelter, companionship, exercise, and physical and mental health for the rest of its life. Your family can help, but the bark stops with you.

DOES A DOG FIT INTO YOUR LIFESTYLE?

Feeding, grooming, exercise, and play are daily needs that must be considered in caring for a healthy, happy dog. But think about the following:

Do you have the time to provide care and attention for Fido?

Are there any restrictions on pets where you live?

Do you have easy access to areas where a dog can exercise?

What are you looking for in a dog – jogging or hiking buddy, cuddly lap dog, or high energy friend?

What are you looking to avoid in a dog – boisterous, noisy, requiring intensive grooming?

SHOULD YOU LOOK FOR A PUPPY OR AN ADULT DOG?

WHAT SIZE OF DOG SHOULD YOU GET?

Puppies require additional time for housetraining, socialization, and obedience training, as well as more frequent feeding, exercise, and supervision. Older dogs are often already housetrained, know some basic commands, and usually adapt well to a new home. Larger or high energy dogs require more space and may be harder to maintain in an apartment or condominium.

CAN YOU AFFORD A DOG?

Dogs need high quality food, proper housing, mental stimulation (e.g., toys, play time), and regular visits to a veterinarian for preventive care. Pet health insurance is available to help defray unexpected expenses.

WHERE DO YOU FIND A DOG?

We strongly encourage adopting a rescued dog. However, if you are stuck on a purebred dog, it can be obtained from reputable breeders. Both mixed-breed and purebred dogs can also be obtained from animal shelters and rescue organizations. Petfinder.com is the best place to search.

WHAT SHOULD YOU LOOK FOR IN A HEALTHY DOG?

When choosing a dog, pick one that is active, friendly, inquisitive, and not afraid of you. A healthy dog has clear, bright eyes; a clean, shiny coat; and does not appear thin, overly fat, or show signs of illness.

WHAT MUST YOU DO TO PREPARE FOR YOUR DOG?

Prepare an appropriate place for it to eat and sleep and have ready accessories such as collar and leash, ID tag, and food and water bowls. Be sure to pet-proof your home to prevent injury to your dog or damage to your possessions. Schedule a veterinary examination to assess the health of your new companion as soon as possible

to ensure it receives the appropriate vaccinations and any needed health care.

If you choose a puppy, be prepared for several weeks to months of housetraining and some initial medical expenses for wellness exams, vaccinations, and sterilization. Plan your puppy’s arrival when there is sufficient time to socialize and housetrain him or her.

PUPPY TIPS

Eight to 10 weeks is an ideal age for a puppy to move to a new home. When possible, meet the puppy’s parents; their temperaments are often good indicators of what the puppy’s temperament will be. Proper socialization of puppies has a big impact on their behavior later in life. See: avma.org/socialization

OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Never purchase a puppy from any pet store.  No matter what they tell you, all pet stores are supplied by puppy mills, which are appalling places that overbreed dogs and treat them terribly. For more information on why you should never shop at a pet store, visit https:// www.aspca.org/barred-from-love/puppy-mills-101 ■

Dr. Sloane Robins contributed to this article

Paw fessional Services

LET’S FACE IT: HAVING A DOG CAN BE “RUFF” IF YOU DON’T HAVE THE RIGHT TEAM BEHIND YOU. WE’VE ROUNDED UP A FEW QUINTESSENTIAL DOG SERVICES THAT ARE SURE TO LEAVE YOUR BEST FRIEND’S TAIL WAGGING.

BY GABRIELLE LORD

EQUIPAWS

Founded in 2011 by sister duo Flavia and Frankie Berti, Equipaws is an award-winning pet service company that focuses on relationships and quality care. From dog walking and pet sitting to home healthcare, Equipaws creates custom plans for every pup.

7210 RED RD STE 203. (305) 794-3733. EQUIPAWSPETSERVICES.COM

HAPPY

WITH DOGS

Happy with Dogs is a training, boarding, and doggie daycare service that offers three different training retreats to help your pooch fix those bad habits you know all too well. During retreats lasting one to three weeks, staff post regular Instagram stories of your fourlegged friend to keep your separation anxiety at bay.

25055 SW 209TH PLACE, HOMESTEAD. 305.735.9311. HAPPYWITHDOGS.COM

NANDOG PET GEAR

Nandog’s claim to fame is its high-end look sans the designer price tag. It's still not exactly cheap – their luxury toys run about $24 – but it's got pretty much everything your canine companion could need, from beds to car seats to waste bags, and they’re all glamorously adorable. 60 Miracle Mile.

(786) 391-0733. NANDOG.COM

TRUPANION PET INSURANCE

Trupanion helps keep your furry friend healthy and happy without breaking the bank. Designed with pets in mind, the plan covers 90 percent of veterinary costs for eligible claims with unlimited payouts and direct pay.

(866) 615-0126. TRUPANION.COM

GABLES ANIMAL CLINIC

With more than 17 years of veterinary experience, Gables Animal Clinic’s team of professionals use the latest technology to care for your beloved pet, from routine checkups to detection and treatments – all delivered with canine compassion.

1607 PONCE DE LEON, SUITE 105. (305) 381-5964. GABLESANIMALCLINIC.COM

SCENTHOUND

Basic hygiene and grooming aren’t just important for people. Your dog needs regular maintenance too. ScentHound focuses on the five core areas that dogs need care in: skin, coat, ears, nails, and teeth. Its self-proclaimed “wellness-focused dog care concept” offers one basic package with add-on services, so you can get just what Fido needs.

4583 PONCE DE LEON. (786) 527-2989. SCENTHOUND.COM

THE DOG FROM IPANEMA

Your dog isn’t getting ugly – it just needs a haircut. If your pet is in dire need of a makeover, The Dog from Ipanema might be your next stop. This salon and boutique just outside of Coral Gables specializes in hair and nail services, like de-matting, de-shedding, and express services to enhance your pup’s best features.

7230 SW 57TH AVE. (305) 663-1712. THEDOGFROMIPANEMA.COM

D.O.G HOTEL

Planning a tropical island getaway but don’t know what to do with your fluffy best friend? A first-class luxury pet resort, D.O.G. Hotel offers climate controlled indoor parks, overnight sleep areas, and grooming facilities. If you really want to spoil your pup, the hotel also has massages and play and nap times.

3160 CORAL WAY. (786) 953-8274. DOGHOTELS.COM/CORAL-GABLES-DOG ■

Doggie Trick or Treat

TIME TO ADOPT A NEW FRIEND OR SHOW OFF AN OLD ONE

Here at Coral Gables Magazine, we, like everyone else, love dogs. That’s why we’re putting on the Gables’ best dog party of the year benefitting the Humane Society of Greater Miami. On Saturday, October 15, Infiniti of Coral Gables, Bacardi, and the Humane Society will join forces for a spook-tacular Halloween adoption event and canine costume party. During this family friendly event from noon to 3 pm, participants can show off their dog’s scariest costume – or for those without a canine companion, adopt a new furry friend. “We have a lot of dogs, many who have been here for over a year,” says Melanie Ochoa of the Humane Society. “We would love to find them forever families!”

Infiniti of Coral Gables’ showroom will also host pet-related local vendors, including Gables Animal Clinic, Trupanion/State Farm pet insurance, ISA Animal Clinic, and D.O.G. Hotels. There will be games, prizes, a photo booth, and snacks for both pups and humans, including drinks from Bacardi! pH-balanced CBD doggie water will be supplied by Miami Alkaline Water, which they promise us will not only make Fido heathier, but calm him or her down when they run for cover during a thunderstorm or fireworks display.

“This event will be a great opportunity for residents interested in adopting a dog who needs a home,” says Frank Pena, the new partner and general manager of Infiniti of Coral Gables. “It’s also the beginning of our mission to enhance community engagement, a de-

OCTOBER 15, 12 TO 3 PM

INFINITI CORAL GABLES, 2701 S. LE JEUNE RD.

parture from previous ownership.” In August, Dennis and Company purchased Infiniti to expand on its national dealership network. All attendees with dogs will receive goodie bags and treats. The trick is to get there before they run out! Humans without dogs will be wrangled by the Humane Society to adopt. This event is open to the public, with free valet parking. Visit coralgablesmagazine.com for more information. ■

DOG PARTY & ADOPTION EVENT

Human Recommended, Dog Approved!

A QUICK GUIDE TO GOODS FOR FIDO

BY GRACE CARRICARTE

HIGHER DISHES

Food dishes are an essential, and elevated ones are recommended for larger breeds to avoid bending their necks down. Elle is a five-yearold Poodle mix rescue who loves to drink, so she always has extra water reserves with the added tank. I also recommend trays and mats to protect our hardwood floors.

DOG TAGS

IDs are a must on your dog, using tags and now microchips. Long-lasting, deep engraved, waterproof, double sided silicone tags can be personalized and ordered online by manufacturers such as Love Your Pets. Added bonus: You will not hear any jiggling against your updated metal County-issued rabies tag. Metal tags tend to scratch off; daily wear reduces legibility. Make sure to use a key ring style (not an S-shaped) metal clasp that will stay where you want it: on your dog.

STAYING HYDRATED

Dogs need to be well hydrated, especially in our South Florida heat. Bring their water supply and dish with you all in one. Teddy, a five-year-old Vizsla adopted from Tampa Bay Vizsla Club Rescue, enjoyed this PupFlask by Tuff Pupper. The water bottle is stainless steel, leak proof, and has a large food grade silicone cup.

In the Heart of the

PROPER LEASHING

Walking in Coral Gables at night can leave you feeling left in the dark. Reflective dog leashes and harnesses are a great safety measure for cars – or to find an escaped hound at night. Harnesses are preferable than collars for dog walking or restraint, reducing neck pulling and not destroying your dog’s trachea. Proper canine IDs should always be visible. Here, Elle models her harness (with ID, of course).

SLEEPY TIME

Time for bed! Teddy forewent his bean bag bed, preferring a higher view from the couch on a slip cover for pets to keep furniture hair –and footprint – free. Elle selected the grey sleigh bed, while Buddy, our smallest, the five-year-old Yorkie, entirely forgot his donut bed, heading instead for the extra large orthopedic bed and his favorite crocodile toy.

TREATS

Yes, please. Dogsters’ ice cream style treats may be found in the freezer section at your local Publix. Sneak in healthy treats like Pet Honesty’s Advanced Hip and Joint chewables for healthy skin, mobility, and normal inflammation response. Some of our favorite long-lasting treats include Nature Gnaws’ Beef Trachea and Natural Farm Bully Stick Springs. For training, small bites can do, but I find that dollar menu cheeseburger bites often work best. ■

The Dog Portraits

Each year, we present a portfolio of Coral Gables dogs and their owners from all walks of life. What follows are this year's portraits.

PHOTOS BY JONATHAN DANN | INTERVIEWS BY KYLIE WANG

Russell

Dachshund/Yorkie mix, 14

The Owner

Mari Arnold, Coral Gables resident

Dog Story

Now a senior citizen, Mari Arnold wanted to adopt an older dog, one who would “walk nice and slow, take naps, and was well enough to go up and down the porch steps.” A friend of a friend had rescued some dogs from a hoarding case, but one older dog wasn’t getting adopted. “Not a single person expressed interest,” Arnold says. “They brought him to my home and while we were discussing adoption, we lost him… he had taken himself to the back of the house and got in my bed. We found him [sleeping] there with all fours in the air like he was already at home.” Three years later, Russell spends all his time with Arnold, dreaming about food, receiving kisses, and just hanging out. “Russell brings a lot of joy into my life,” Arnold says.

Max Goldendoodle, 2

The Owner

JC Liscano, VP for Miami, the Caribbbean, and Latin America at American Airlines; Board of Directors at Miami-Dade Beacon Council

Dog Story

“Our girls had been asking Santa for a dog for the longest time,” says Gables resident JC Liscano, who lives with wife Joanne and two young daughters. “Because of our hectic lives, we always said no, even though we both grew up with dogs and loved them. When Christmas 2020 arrived, because of the pandemic and its restrictions, we caved in. On Christmas morning, Santa sent the girls a video announcing that this year was the year they were getting a dog, but they had to wait a little because the puppy needed to be with its mama for a little while longer. The video included a short scene of all the puppies with the mama and a Christmas jingle in the background. It was magical!” A few days later, the family picked out Max. “My favorite part is every day when I get home from work, he’s the first to greet me, tail wagging like crazy.”

Sandy Paws

Portuguese Water Dog, 1 ½ The Owner

Mary Snow, Coral Gables Community Foundation

Dog Story

Some people go to breeders to get their dog, or to pet stores, or to adoption centers. Mary Snow did things a little differently. “We got her at Burger Bob’s!” she laughs. “It was super Coral Gables.” The family always wanted a Portuguese Water Dog. One Saturday, as she was passing by Bob’s, Snow happened to look into the backseat of a Mercedes SUV full of Portuguese Water pups. “I put down my window and said, ‘What kind of dogs are those?’” It was the right answer. “I turned around and called my husband and son to come over and look at this puppy right then and there. It was love at first sight.” The Snows told friends about the pups, and now Sandy Paws’ brother and sister both live nearby and get together for playdates.

City of Coral Gables

WORKING TO IMPROVE THE CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE

THE DEVELOPMENT SERVICES CENTER

CORAL GABLES RESIDENTS, BUSINESSES, AND CONTRACTORS

Stop by our new Development Services Center if you need a permit, have questions, or want to schedule an inspection regarding:

• Painting

• Constructing or renovating a building

• Zoning

• Paving a driveway

• Changing windows or doors

• Trimming or removing trees

• Applying for an occupational license

Coral Gables is streamlining the process and making it easier for you to:

Receive email notifications

Get updates on inspections

Apply online

Remember – all applications, plans and signatures must be submitted electronically.

427 Biltmore Way

Sage

Belgian Malinois, 2

The Owner

Frank Pena, Partner & General Manager at Infiniti of Coral Gables

Dog Story

Pena loves his dog so much, he wants more of her – the two-year-old Belgian Malinois just had puppies, and Pena will be adopting one of them. Though they didn’t plan for the puppies, which are now three months old, Pena is hoping little Mako will take after his mother. “Sage is something else,” he says. “She’s 90 pounds of pure muscle. She loves chasing her tail and catching lizards. If they’re on the wall or the ceiling she’s always just watching them for any sudden movements. She gets them quite often.” Her active lifestyle suits Pena, an avid hiker in upstate New York with Sage before he moved to Miami a few months ago. His family are all dog-lovers. His sister has two giant golden retrievers, his other sister has poodles, and his brother has a chihuahua. “They bring us joy, they protect us, and they lift us up,” he says.

Daisy & Dawg

Goldendoodles, 8 ½ (Daisy); 2 (Dawg)

The Owner

Rosanna & Randy Weber, PWD Law

Dog Story

Like human siblings, Daisy and Dawg are always teasing each other. “Daisy is really sweet and calm, but Dawg always has to be first. He always wants all the attention,” says Rosanna Weber. The family got Dawg almost two years ago to keep Daisy active and remind her of her youthful days, but, like all younger brothers, he can annoy Daisy too. “He’s constantly nibbling on her paws, and she just has that look on her face like, ‘Oh, my God. This dog is so annoying.’ They’re really good buddies, although he’s always driving her crazy. Daisy will just be laying there, and Dawg will bring a toy and put it in front of her, then start barking at her so that she’ll grab the toy and he can fight with her for it. She’s like, ‘Let me sleep!’”

Bolt

Mastiff-Boxer mix, 7

The Owner

Al Maulini, Owner, Well Groomed Gentleman

Dog Story

“I’m what they call a foster failure,” Al Maulini says ruefully, who admits he just can’t help himself; when he sees a dog in need, he has to help. That’s how he ended up with not one, not two, not even three, but seven dogs. “Each one is a story,” he says. “[I get a call] saying, ‘Hey, I’ve got this dog who’s dying, living under a bridge.’ I say, ‘Pick him up right now. I’ll take care of him.’” Maulini has rescued all seven of his pups, including Bolt, the mastiff-boxer mix he adopted seven years ago. “I had two dogs. I thought, ‘Okay, I can handle three.’ He was so little then. He’s a gentle giant now, the sweetest of all of them.” There are lots of personalities among Maulini’s seven dogs, but Bolt is the most sociable. “My neighbor has five Labradors, and Bolt was able to squeeze under the fence to play with them,” Maulini says. “When I went to look at the fence, there were toys on each side of the fence. He just wanted to share.”

BUSINESS QUARTERLY

Ocean

The Evolution of Fortunes

Coral Gables is home to some of the most successful and prominent wealth management firms in South Florida and around the country. Whether it be a high-profile international company or a local boutique wealth advising firm, Coral Gables has something for every size investment.

The choices are top tier and the professionals who work most closely with their clients enjoy sterling reputations built on intimate knowledge and infinite trust.

Our long history of being home to multi-generational businesses lends itself well to these types of wealth management firms. And Coral Gables is built upon the foundation created years ago by mom-and-pop businesses that expanded as the Gables and Greater Miami grew. We have gone through amazing investment life cycles – boom or bust – and the importation of wealth over the past century has been unprecedented. What was once a quiet bedroom community adjacent to Miami has roared to life with the relocation of C-Suite professionals and the companies they lead.

Along with them came their wealth and a “best buy” opportunity that is now synonymous with the Sunshine State. Low taxes, high quality of life, and a community invested in its future are the hallmarks of the City Beautiful and a calling card for our Chamber’s business recruitment and retention.

The Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce is no different, now celebrating nearly 97 years of uninterrupted advocacy and support for the local business community. Just as the City Beautiful has grown, so have we, and so has the sophistication required by our businesses located here. Many of the firms that call the Gables home are also

long-tenured members of ours.

One of the featured voices in Doreen Hemlock’s feature on wealth managers rightly characterizes their relationships with clients as “psychologists,” which I fully understand as both a personal investor and manager of our Chamber’s endowment fund. In truth, financial planners oftentimes know more about their clients than extended members of their family or even their doctors do. I get that.

But I also know that professional service firms of all types – CPAs, law firms, and wealth managers – are the best of the best in our region and dot the business landscape of our city, having long added an incredible presence to our corporate community.

It is even more impressive when you think about a city of 50,000 residents that more than doubles its population Monday through Friday having a business profile such as ours, led by our banking, real estate, and professional service businesses.

These entities are not only incredibly generous corporate citizens, they also are terrific role models for their fellow Gables-based companies when it comes to environment, social, and governance (ESG). This is most notably embraced by Evensky and Katz/Foldes Financial Wealth Management and how they support their individual managers and encourage them to sit on many of our city’s most prominent boards of directors.

This is how it should always be done by our local firms and follows a path that ultimately leads to greater trust and prosperity. Now that’s a great investment. ■

Mark A. Trowbridge is the President and CEO of the Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce

“ Coral Gables is

built upon the foundation created years ago by mom-and-pop businesses that expanded as the Gables and Greater Miami grew. ”

WEALTH MANAGEMENT FIRMS ABOUND IN THE GABLES, PART OF THE CITY’S SOCIAL FABRIC

www.cernudaarte.com

cernudaarte@msn.com

currently exhibits works by: Eduardo Abela, Fidelio Ponce de León, Víctor Manuel García, Carlos Enríquez, Wifredo Lam, Antonio Gattorno, Domingo Ravenet, Luis Martínez Pedro, René Portocarrero, Mariano Rodríguez, Mario Carreño, Raúl Milián, Cundo Bermúdez, José Mijares.

AMELIA’S FRIENDS AND COLLEAGUES

Cernuda Arte presents a Parisian Salon-style exhibition of the 14 Vanguardia artists who exhibited with Amelia Peláez most frequently in the 1930’s, 40’s, and 50’s. is showcase of male artists who stood in absolute solidarity with women in the arts runs concurrently to the historic exhibition, 100 Years of Creations by 20 Women Artists (1922 to 2022), also on view at Cernuda Arte.

A David in Goliath-land

IN A VENTURE CAPITAL WORLD FLUSH WITH FUNDS AND MASSIVE INVESTMENT FIRMS, LOCAL VC OCEAN AZUL STAYS CLOSE TO ITS CLIENTS

BY DOREEN HEMLOCK

In the world of venture capital, some companies “spray and pray” – that is, they spread lots of money around and hope that one of their many investments pays off big. Not Ocean Azul Partners.

The small Coral Gables firm entered the VC scene five years ago, led by partners who’d made their mark operating and developing companies, not in finance. The group sees its strength in sharing management expertise to help select startups grow, especially local tech ventures. The partners invest in a small number of young companies and work actively inside those businesses, serving on their boards of directors and helping founders scale up operations when needed.

“We never want to be

just money for ventures,” says Salomon Sredni, one of Ocean Azul’s five founding partners.

“If you want to have impact, you have to be in the room where it happens.”

The partners’ hands-on approach seems to be working. In 2021, Ocean Azul raised more than $40 million for new investments, building on an initial $14 million in funding. In April of this year, the group scored its first major payoff when one of the tech ventures it funded, Dade Systems, was sold. The group earned back about four times what it invested, says Sredni.

“And we’re just getting started,” says the Colombia-born executive raised in Miami Beach.

Ocean Azul took shape in an unusual way – or what Sredni

calls “a story of how you never burn bridges.” The four elder partners had worked together three decades ago in Miami at Arthur Andersen, the accounting and consulting firm. Bill Pruitt had been their manager. Pruitt became a top executive at Andersen, earning a reputation for his “Midas touch.” The others moved on. Sredni became CEO at TradeStation, taking that tech company public on Wall Street.

In 2017, Pruitt approached his former colleagues about creating a VC group in South Florida. Sredni insisted he knew nothing about finance, but Pruitt played up the managerial approach. He agreed to join, as did Alex Tellez and David Zinn. “Nobody says no to Midas,” jokes Sredni.

The group then added a fifth,

younger partner with VC experience: Tellez’s daughter, Lisette. As a student at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, she managed the Boston team of the Dorm Room Fund, financing startups by fellow college students.

Ocean Azul typically invests between $250,000 and $2 million in the seed capital or Series A funding round of startups or early-stage companies. It works mainly with business-to-business software or “deep tech” ventures. The group does not accept cold calls for funding, but relies on referrals from its own network. Sredni estimates that just one in every 150 referrals gets funding. That’s partly because every VC decision has to be unanimous, he says.

Ocean Azul chose Coral Gables as its headquarters because of the city’s central location, beauty, and “the truth is, we got a good office deal,” Sredni says. And some of the dozen-plus ventures it has funded are based nearby, including Coconut Grove’s tax fulfillment app TaxFyle.

Richard Lavina, Taxfyle’s CEO, calls the operating experience of Ocean Azul’s principals “something we look for” in VC partners and “huge.” Ocean Azul’s team has helped TaxFyle with everything from how to structure new funding rounds to how to form a board subcommittee. Says Lavina: “They don’t just bring money to the table.” ■

SALOMON SREDNI, FOUNDING PARTNER

PARTNERS LEFT TO RIGHT: SALOMON SREDNI, ALEX TELLEZ, AND BILL PRUITT.

“ We never want to be just money for ventures. If you want to have impact, you have to be in the room where it happens...”

Business Briefs

ARQUITECTONICA-DESIGNED BUILDING PROPOSED FOR THE MILE

Terranova Corporation, the largest property owner on Miracle Mile, has proposed a four-story carbon-neutral building for their property on the southwest corner of Ponce de Leon Boulevard and the Mile. Designed by Miami’s world-renowned architecture firm, Arquitectonica, the building’s sustainability features include photovoltaic glass to harness solar energy, high-tech battery systems to collect and store energy to operate features like elevators, and new A/C technology that uses 30 percent of what conventional air conditioners use. If approved, it would be the first carbon-neutral mixed-use development in the state of Florida.

The building must now obtain city approvals and permits. Terranova had previously proposed a six-story hotel on the spot, which triggered a re-write of the zoning code for the Mile, reducing maximum height to four stories.

ANOTHER MASTEC EXPANSION

Chalk up another big acquisition for Coral Gables-based MasTec, the company that began building systems for phones and now ranks as a giant in oil and gas, power grids, and renewable energy. MasTec is buying renewables specialist Infrastructure and Energy Alternatives (IEA) in a deal expected to close this month at $1.1 billion, executives announced.

The purchase of Indianapolis-based IEA will help MasTec meet growing demand for clean energy, says MasTec CEO Jose R. Mas. IEA expects at least $2.3 billion in revenue this year, mainly from wind and solar projects. It’s built 260-plus major wind and solar projects in North America so far.

The acquisition will make clean energy and infrastructure the largest segment of MasTec’s business, surpassing communications. In 2021, MasTec bought Pennsylvania-based Henkels & McCoy Group, an electricity services firm, for about $600 million. In 2018, MasTec became the first Coral Gables firm to join Fortune magazine’s list of the 500 largest U.S. companies. Its revenues should top $9 billion this year.—

Doreen Hemlock

THE BIG REAL ESTATE DEAL OF THE YEAR

Coral Gables-based Nolan Reynolds International (NRI) has sold its Gables Station mixed-use project to Houston-based real estate behemoth Hines for $430 million. NRI sold the 1.2 million-squarefoot project along with their co-owner, New York-based 54 Madison Partners. The complex at 251 S. Dixie Highway includes 495 apartments, the Life Time Health Club, the Life Time coworking center, a Trader Joe’s, and Italian restaurant Erba.

The sale was opportunistic, says NRI CEO Brent Reynolds (top), “a proposition that came to us in the beginning of 2022 as part of the rising interest within the greater Miami market.” The project was already being rapidly rented out, and “we really thought that this was an opportunity for us to take an exit versus a long-term hold.” Reynolds says that Hines is the perfect fit since they own and operate assets in the long term, “so they are continuing a vision that we were already planning on doing.”

PROPERTY SALES AT THE TOP

High-end property sales in the Gables continue to set new records. In July, an 8,713-square-foot home in the 9500 block of Journeys End Lane sold for $44 million. The five-bed, five-bath home is on a 2.1-acre lot. In September, one of the last waterfront lots in the Gables, at 185 Solano Prado in Old Cutler Bay, sold for $16 million. It was purchased in 2006 for $7.2 million. Meanwhile, the 11,800-square-foot home of retired New York Yankees star catcher Jorge Posada and his wife, TV personality Laura Posada – also in Old Cutler Bay – is listed for a bargain $19.9 million. ■

The New Art of Wealth Management

DAVID EVENSKY, CHIEF MARKETING OFFICER AT EVENSKY & KATZ/FOLDES

“

BY DOREEN HEMLOCK

Imagine getting your quarterly investment statement and seeing the value of your portfolio down sharply. Even if you’ve worked with a financial planner and made smart decisions. And that loss hurts. Even when investment advisors know they did the right thing, they, too, feel the sting. It’s human. This explains why David Evensky often feels like a therapist these days. Evensky, the chief marketing officer at Evensky & Katz/Foldes, works in private wealth management, which helps clients plan their financial future and manage their stocks, bonds, and other assets. With markets soft, he’s now spending part of his time calming nerves. “We’re more like psychologists than people know,” he says. “It’s really about behavioral finance.”

Evensky is not alone. Coral Gables shines as a hub for private wealth management. Firms in and around the city manage tens of billions in assets for diverse clients, including longtime Gables residents, newcomers from New York, and visitors from Latin America, to name a few. All are anxious.

The apprehension contrasts with the ebullience of recent years. For the past decade, stocks have been rising, sometimes up 20 percent yearly. Both investors and wealth managers gained. That’s because the advisors typically earn a fee based on the value of their clients’ portfolio, often around one percent. But this year, some stock indexes fell 20 percent and have yet to fully recover. Inflation is back too, trimming buying power.

With markets in turmoil, holding your client’s hand has become part of the process

Evensky says he often starts conversations at work by acknowledging that pain. “Everyone has these emotions, even if you have great financial planning skills. It’s okay to be stressed and to feel angst,” he tells worried clients and burdened colleagues. Then he steps back to look at the long-term. He reminds folks that the stock market has gone up decade after decade. He presents charts showing market gains since the 1920s, despite temporary setbacks. And he gives reassurances that their well-crafted financial plans have already factored in market slumps. “Working with a financial manager can be soothing,” says Evensky.

Communication and even “over-communication” are vital to reduce the worry, says Michael A. Cabanas, regional managing director at Fiduciary Trust Company International. His team now contacts clients more frequently – sometimes monthly, instead of quarterly. And they're sending out newsletters more often.

“Markets are volatile now, and we’re emotional beings. Last December, we had thoughts of early retirement, and then came the market correction,” says Cabanas. “We do feel like therapists.”

WEALTH MANAGERS AS FINANCIAL DOCTORS?

Jay Pelham, president of Kaufman Rossin Wealth, understands that finance involves emotions and expectations, with many ideas formed in childhood. That’s why, last December, he gave a book to clients as a holiday gift: “The Psychology of Money,” written by journalist Morgan Housel.

Pelham sees himself as a “financial doctor,” with holistic practices, including therapy. When someone comes in with a problem, perhaps a divorce or under-performing stocks, his firm starts with the equivalent of “blood work” – exams to look at the bigger financial picture. Kaufman Rossin even gives prospective clients a psychometric test comprising 25 questions to assess their tolerance for risk.

As a “doctor,” Pelham says he increasingly considers the issue of aging, now that people are living longer. He recommends not only the usual assets (cash reserves, stocks, bonds, properties, and life insurance), but also suggests clients buy long-term care insurance to cover at least part of their expenses for healthcare. He also helps business owners with succession plans should a partner fall ill or die.

“What really derails financial plans is not short-term market volatility,” says

Pelham, insisting on a comprehensive, longterm approach. “But as with all doctors, sometimes people listen, and sometimes they don’t.”

SMALL MOVES TO HELP YOU SLEEP BETTER

For some investors, the anxiety from the market slump gets so deep they consider selling off lots of stock. Wealth managers advise against major changes to long-term financial plans. If a client sells off stock and the market rebounds suddenly, they may miss the big bounce up. It’s tough – if not impossible – to precisely time the ebbs and flows in financial markets, advisors say.

Yet planners do suggest smaller adjustments to portfolios, if only to help clients sleep better at night. Some recommend

JAY PELHAM, PRESIDENT, KAUFMAN ROSSIN WEALTH

What really derails financial plans is not short-term market volatility. But as with all doctors, sometimes people listen, and sometimes they don’t.”

“

Recognized, Recommended & Growing

CGTC is the largest independent trust company owned by employees and community leaders headquartered in South Florida, with over $2 billion in AUM and growing As a leading provider of Trust & Estate, Wealth Management, and Financial Planning services throughout the State, CGTC also serves clients nationwide and internationally.

CGTC works with clients which may have investable assets below the minimums required by the large national institutions, inclusive of affluent individuals and families, small to medium-sized companies, foundations, pension and endowment funds

Devoted toward putting each client's interests first, CGTC provides conflict-free services, personalized advice by Senior Professionals, open-architecture (no proprietary products), and asset-based fees

CGTC has the willingness, flexibility, experience, and creativity to work with Trust & Estate planning professionals and their clients who hold alternative or non-traditional illiquid assets such as artworks, privately-held stock, LP interests, and non-residential real estate An important distinction, since most traditional trust departments' decision makers are in distant cities, bound by restrictions on holding such illiquid assets, creating possible accommodations not ideal for their clients Contact us for a meaningful discussion

keeping a bit more assets in cash because of rising expenses. Some advise buying more shares in top companies with solid prospects, like Apple or Amazon, to pick up bargains at today’s lower prices. And some suggest shifting more into bonds, which now offer better returns.

“There’s a silver lining to inflation and higher interest rates,” says Joe Nader, head of Calamos Wealth Management. “Investors have an opportunity to buy fixed-income investments at interest rates they haven’t seen in years, which can have a really meaningful effect on cash flow.”

Many firms also practice “tax-loss harvesting.” That’s selling off some money-losing stocks, taking a loss for tax purposes, and applying that loss against future gains on other stocks to trim overall tax outlays.

“By taking these actions in the down market, it makes you feel better. You’re not just sitting and watching,” says Evensky. “Your financial health is tied into your physical health, your wellbeing, and your mental health.”

WHY WEALTH MANAGEMENT?

If talk about financial therapy sounds offbeat, that may be because wealth management itself is a relatively new field. Many people are familiar with brokers, who sell a stock, mutual fund, or some other product and make a commission on the sale. Wealth management is a different model.

Critics say the broker model encourages advisors to sell and sell, even if the client doesn’t need anything new. Instead, wealth management firms – or technically, Registered Investment Advisors – grow with their clients. They help clients craft financial plans, manage client assets under those guidelines, and collect a fee based on the value of a client’s portfolio. The more a client’s assets rise, the more the firm gains.

Coral Gables is so central to wealth management that it was a local who liter-

ally wrote the book on it in 1997: Harold Evensky. His son David is now a principal at the firm, which has expanded as Evensky & Katz/Foldes, with additional offices in Texas and Washington state.

In the Gables area, many wealth firms are independents like Evensky’s, but banks and other big financial companies are also active. Both Pittsburgh-based banking giant PNC and Miami’s City National Bank of Florida, for instance, operate fast-growing wealth units in the city.

The companies see opportunity in the continuing influx of executives (and their assets) leaving higher-tax states like New York and California. And they’re attracted to the wealth that affluent Latin Americans keep bringing into South Florida. Indeed, so much wealth is pouring into South Florida right now that, despite declines in client stock values, many firms are reporting an increase in assets under management. “As financial planners, we get a lot of new clients

when markets are down,” says Evensky. “When everything is going great, it’s human behavior – people may not pay a lot of attention to planning.”

DIFFERENCES AMONG THE FIRMS

Yet no two wealth firms are the same. They vary in size, services, and sometimes, investment approach.

Boutique firm Coral Gables Trust, for example, serves clients with asset portfolios smaller than many rivals accept, sometimes $1 million or less. It also handles trusts –separate accounts that hold assets to ease transfer to heirs – offering a service many don’t, says CEO Jim Davidson. The firm has four offices in South Florida, managing some $2 billion in assets.

In contrast, Calamos Wealth Management is part of Calamos Investments of the Chicago area. Founder and self-made billionaire John P. Calamos is known for his

At the beginning of the year, we had some clients who were comparing this to the financial crisis of 2008-09.”

JIM DAVIDSON, CEO, CORAL GABLES TRUST

When she was diagnosed with breast cancer, Teresa Frontado, mom of two, chose Baptist Health’s Miami Cancer Institute for her care. She was thankful for the Institute’s renowned physicians, leading-edge treatments and emotionally supportive caregivers. She was also impressed by the holistic therapies like visual arts, craft making and music – all funded by donors. It made a difference for her family. “What my daughter saw during her visits to Miami Cancer Institute really changed her perspective,” Teresa says. “She told me, ‘Mami, I was afraid of coming today, and I’ve been very afraid because you’re sick. But I’m so happy that I came, and I’m not afraid anymore.’ That was a game-changer for me, because I don’t want my children to be afraid. My daughter said, ‘Mami, I think you’re going to be okay.’”

Grateful for the care she received, Teresa donates to support the Institute. “It’s a luxury, a privilege to have Miami Cancer Institute in our community,” she says. “I want more women who are going through this experience to get the care that I got.”

Teresa Frontado, son Carlos and pup Freddy

“The kindness and thoughtfulness extend

Photo by Lynn Parks

“risk-aware approach to investing,” using corporate bonds that can be converted to stocks, for example. The group runs its wealth division from Coral Gables, managing $1.6 billion in assets, roughly half the U.S. total, says division head Nader.

Regardless of services offered or approach taken, however, all firms are dealing with client misgivings. “At the beginning of the year, we had some clients who were comparing this to the financial crisis of 2008-09,” says Davidson of Coral Gables Trust. “But we explained, ‘This is nothing like that. That was a global meltdown. This will pass sooner.’”

Wealth management is also evolving. Technology plays a greater role. Communications are more digital, including online reports, says Anthony Poppe of Firestone Capital Management, a single-office firm in Coral Gables with $630 million in assets under management.

“Our time spent on Zoom has gone up exponentially,” says Poppe, even with older clients. And younger clients are now curious about investing in blockchain, cryptocurrencies, and other digital assets, he adds.

Yet challenges abound. Like many industries, it’s hard for wealth firms to find

talent nowadays. “Hiring is what I spend the most time on,” says Davidson. He faces rising competition for employees from investment finance companies moving to South Florida from the New York, Chicago, and San Francisco areas.

Also problematic: finding the right mix of in-office and at-home work to keep employees happy while still building strong company bonds. “We’re all trying to figure out this new hybrid-work situation,” says Fiduciary Trust’s Cabanas. “To ask people who haven’t commuted to the office in two years to get in their cars and drive 30 to 40 minutes every day and miss out on all that productivity, it’s not easy... But not having face-to-face time really can hurt the culture.”

Fiduciary now has all its Gables staff come in on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Management works on teambuilding during those days, says Cabanas, “and we have a chance to do life together: bump into each other, talk about the weekend, and learn about a client or market situation.”

If talking about the stock market becomes disconcerting, advisors suggest going back to basics. “Be goal-focused and planning-driven, and that will really help relieve stress,” says Evenksy. ■

ANTHONY POPPE, FIRESTONE CAPITAL MANAGEMENT

Our time spent on Zoom has gone up exponentially, even with older clients. And younger clients are now curious about investing in blockchain, cryptocurrencies, and other digital assets.”

$5,950,000

4 Bed / 4 Bath / 5,079 sq ft / 17,500 sq ft lot

Exceptional historic Coral Rock home designed by George Fink and built by George Merrick on spectacular “Ambassador’s Row”. This “Trophy House” was lovingly and correctly restored, as well as updated, with integrity and taste to its original beauty, while enjoying all of today’s modern conveniences.

Coral stone exposed interior and exterior walls, original wood beam ceilings, luxurious 200yr old Cypress walls, Pine wood floors & custommade fixtures define this Spa-like stunning residence. Luxbaum hurricane impact resistant windows & doors made of Indonesian Mirabeau wood. New oversized hardwood deck. New staircase access to oversized 9ft ceiling attic with potential bed/bath suite.

Lush and Private 17,500 sq ft lot with delicious fruit trees, expansive landscaping design done by artist/owner, and inviting salt water heated pool. Gourmet dream kitchen. New flat roofs, new electrical with underground service, new A/C in new wing. Many custom wood closets & storage shelving. Meticulously maintained. A true work of art!

814 Coral Way, Coral Gables

The Best Restaurants

2022

40 TOP RESTAURANTS IN CORAL GABLES

With the pandemic receding and a preponderance of people vaccinated, the restaurant scene in Coral Gables is undergoing a renaissance. Coral Gables has always been a moveable feast, a mecca of fine dining with more than 90 quality establishments. Now those restaurants are back in full swing, with hardly a seat to spare on weekend nights. For the past year and a half, in an abundance of caution, we listed only restaurants with outdoor seating. While most still have dining al fresco options we now list all restaurants. What follows is the best of the tried and true, and the best of the innovative and new. We dine at all locations anonymously, and we list only the places where we love to eat.

$ ............ Under $25 $$ .......... $25-$40 $$$ ........ $35-$75 $$$$ ...... $70-$100+

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

AMERICAN Bachour

Maybe it was the lure of pastries by world-renowned chef Antonio Bachour, but this airy, industrial chic spot has become the new power breakfast place in town, with amazingly good eggs benedict and challah French toast. Also open for lunch and an early dinner, with great Greek salad and roast chicken breast. $$ 2020 Salzedo St. 305.203.0552

Cebada Rooftop & Raw Bar

It’s hard to pigeonhole this new rooftop restaurant by Chef Jorge Ramos (fresh from his acclaimed Barley restaurant in Dadeland). He calls it “contemporary American with a Latin overlay” which means roast bone marrow with salsa verde and baby back ribs with pimiento marmalade. A good raw bar, a great view. $$-$$$

124 Giralda Ave. 786.409.2287

The Globe

The Globe is a Gables icon, and one of the coolest places to eat in the city – assuming you like a smart, Euro-style bistro. Decorated with classic paintings (and globes over their old-world bar), the menu is mostly American dishes – salads, burgers, fish, steaks, etc. – perfected over the years. Best conch fritters. $$ 377 Alhambra Circle 305.445.3555

Hillstone

There are very few restaurants in

the Gables where clients will wait in a line outside. Hillstone is one of them. A power lunch spot, a happy hour singles anchor, and a family restaurant at night, the food and service are consistently top notch, with an elegant interior that is both comfortable and sophisticated at the same time. $$$

201 Miracle Mile 305.529.0141

Lion & The Rambler

At the newly opened Lion and the Rambler, everything is made from scratch, from the creme fraiche down to the finishing salts, which are extracted from Miami seawater and hand-delivered to the restaurant by a local fisherman. The inventive restaurant serves up a nine-course tasting menu as much inspired by the three-Michelin-star Denmark restaurant Noma as the humble Cool Ranch Dorito. Try an infladita and see what we mean. $$-$$$

804 Ponce de Leon Blvd. 305.603.7612

Orno

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

1350 S. Dixie Highway (Thēsis Hotel) 305.667.6766

Vinya Table

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

and then some. And they have food to go with your wine too! $$-$$$ 266 Miracle Mile. 305.203.4229

ASIAN

Crudos ArtHouse

For art lovers and foodies, Crudos blends both into an Asian fusion dining experience complete with sushi rolls and mojitos (available for the amateur bartender in “Do it Yourself” kits). The new Coral Gables spot is the fourth location under Executive Chef-Partner Edixon Hernandez and includes a Japanese highball whiskey lounge, on the second floor. Try the POP sushi roll for something different – in this “immersive experience.” $$-$$$ 2415 Ponce de Leon Blvd. 305.392.0054

Ichimi

This off-Mile eatery has developed a cult following, with diners content to wait and stand and stare, just for the opportunity to eat Ichimi’s Japanese noodles and rice bowls. And the wait is worth it. Delicious, rich and faraway flavors in dishes you can’t find just anywhere, in a raw, cool space. $-$$ 2330 Salzedo St. 305.960.7016

Izakaya

Located across the street from the Colonnade building, this tiny, bustling Japanese restaurant serves a great bento box – along with an impressive array of daily specials that are posted on the wall in chalk. Super popular lunch spot, for good reason. $$ 159 Aragon Ave. 305.445.2584

Khaosan Road

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

Miss Saigon

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

Namaste

Hidden on a side street off Ponce, the last standing Indian restaurant in the Gables is small and humble (“namaste” means “I bow to you”) yet superb in its rendering of classic Indian dishes, from tandoris to biryanis. Our favorite is the mango curry chicken, followed by the chef’s special black pepper shrimp. $$ 221 Navarre Ave. 786.534.2161

FRENCH

Brasserie Central

Secretly owned by Pascal’s on Ponce fame, the restaurant is half inside half in the courtyard of the Shops. A typical French bistro with wonderful onion soup, fresh bread and superb paté. Everything on the menu is fresh, French, and all you would expect from Pascal. Lots of little French touches. $$-$$$ Shops at Merrick Park 786.536.9388

Frenchie’s Diner

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

2618 Galiano St. 305.442.4554

TUR KITCHEN

Gustave

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

366 Miracle Mile. 305.640.5675

Pascal’s on Ponce

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

2611 Ponce de Leon Blvd. 305.444.2024

ITALIAN

Bugatti

Bugatti prides itself on its pasta – and for good reason, since the restaurant started as a pasta factory. The décor is simple and contemporary, with lots of booths, abd the service is crisp and superb. The dinner menu is straightforward, with pasta dishes mostly under $20 and entrees mostly under $30. And as

many dessert listings (12) as pasta choices. $$

2504 Ponce de Leon Blvd. 305.441.2545

Caffe Abbracci

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

318 Aragon Ave. 305.441.0700

Fiola

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

1500 San Ignacio Ave. 305.912.2639

Fontana

The ambiance is as elegant as it comes: the Biltmore’s famed fountain courtyard. You can sit under the stars, in a covered archway, or inside to enjoy classic Italian dishes. Fresh ingredients, from the salads to the

pasta that is made daily. Excellent seafood, pastas cooked perfectly. One of the most romantic restaurants in the Gables. $$$

1200 Anastasia Ave. (Biltmore Hotel) 305.913.3200

Fratellino

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

264 Miracle Mile 786.452.0068

Luca Osteria

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

116 Giralda Ave. 305.381.5097

Opera Chef Consiglio, along with partner-chef Gianluca Canna, makes a point of offering an array of dishes that include veal ossobuco, 10 vari-

eties of pizza, fresh “al dente” pastas and starters, including a wickedly delicious plate of truffle oil-laced prosciutto with baby artichokes

($16). But for us, the trip is worth it just for the branzino. $$ 130 Miracle Mile. 786.391.1276

Zucca

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

LATIN AMERICAN & CARIBBEAN

Aromas del Peru

Yes, they serve a dozen types of ceviche here. But it’s the breadth of the menu that impresses, with traditional soups, grilled meats, wok stir fries, and signature dishes such as aji de gallina (shredded chicken in yellow pepper sauce) and seco de res (beef stewed in beer and cilantro, with vegetables). Good service, good prices, nice ambiance. $$ 1930 Ponce de León Blvd. 305.476.5886

DINING GUIDE

Ecléctico

Brought to you by the folks at nearby Sawa restaurant, Eclectico is an open, airy Latin-fusion restaurant that serves “light” and inventive variations on Latin American small plates with a Mexican overlay – and a truly awesome selection of mescal and taquilla. A new and fun place for dinner. $$

320 San Lorenzo Ave. 786.615.5735

Mamey

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

1350 S. Dixie Highway (Thēsis Hotel) 305.667.5611

Talavera Cocina Mexicana

Recently renovated, this a pleasant place to dine, but it’s the authentic fare that shines. The place for Mexicans homesick for cooking that’s not Tex-Mex. The chicken mole poblano is a winner at $20, and their huarache grill – masa flatbreads that are really haute tacos – are great at $17. $$

2299 Ponce de Leon Blvd. 305.444.2955

MEDITERRANEAN

Calista Greek Seafood Taverna

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

150 Giralda Ave. 786.310.7660

TUR Kitchen

This relative newcomer to the Gables has a wonderfully inventive menu of Mediterranean cuisine. Chef Christian plates beautiful dishes that combine the flavors of Turkey, Greece, Lebanon, and Egypt. Amazing stuffed Turkish pide bread, stunning braised goat with gnocchi. Elegant seating under arches along Giralda. $$$-$$$$

259 Giralda Ave. 786.483.8014

Sawa

While the menu has a huge selection of well-crafted Japanese sushi and rolls (plus yakitori and dumplings), for us the play here is their parallel Lebanese menu, with freshly

made baba ganoush, falafel, tabouli, lamb lollipops, kefta, kibbe, kebabs, etc. Also, good burgers, salads, pasta, fish and duck, but who does baklava better? No one. $$-$$$

360 San Lorenzo Ave. 305.447.6555

SEAFOOD

MesaMar

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

264 Giralda Ave. 305.640.8448

Redfish Grill

The only waterfront restaurant in the Gables, Redfish was reborn last year after being closed for years from hurricane damage. The menu presents a stellar display of gourmet seafood, although we’re not sure yet what changes will be made now that Chef Adrianne has departed. $$$$ 9610 Old Cutler Rd. 305.668.8788

Sea Grill

Sea Grill is a popular weekend destination for lovers of Mediterranean seafood. A large, brightly lit and futuristic space with lots of energy,

it serves fish that is caught in the Aegean Sea and flown to the Gables. Their octopus, which takes two days to prepare, is simply the best. Lots of outdoor seating. $$$

4250 Salzedo St. (Shops at Merrick Park) 305.447.3990

SPANISH

Bellmónt

Modern décor meets traditional Spanish dishes. Their house specialty is the roast suckling pig. If you want the whole pig ($230 for 4) you need to order four hours in advance. If it’s just you ($49), you’ll need to wait just 50 minutes. As for the rest: authentic Spanish cuisine, with great seafood dishes, fantastic paella. $$$ 339 Miracle Mile 786.502.4684

Bulla Gastrobar

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

2500 Ponce de Leon Blvd. 305.441.0107

La Taberna Giralda

Routinely rated among the top tapas places in South Florida, La Taberna

DINING GUIDE

brings the added twist of a chef from Galicia, who puts his own regional spin on the dishes. It’s a small place with a neighborhood vibe, orange walls, string lights and live flamenco on the weekends ($5 cover), so reservations are a must. Great lunch specials. $$

254 Giralda Avenue

786.362.5677

STEAK

Christy’s

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

Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse

Fantastic, aged steaks, a seafood tower that won’t quit, and a wine cellar that appears to have no end of depth. A place for special celebrations. Recently redecorated, but the open kitchen with its copper “sash” across the top still gives the main dining room a warm glow. Good menu at the bar. $$$-$$$$ 2525 Ponce de Leon Blvd. 305.569.7995

Fogo de Chão

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

2801 Ponce de Leon Blvd. 786.297.8788

Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille

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

4251 Salzedo St. (Shops at Merrick Park) 786.703.9094

Live Healthy. Live Happy. Live Longer.

DR. M CENTER is the only premier dental practice specializing in Oral Surgery and Periodontal Services in the same office in Coral Gables. We provide a wide range of dental solutions: From teeth in one day, wisdom teeth removal and dental implants to periodontal laser surgery, bone grafts, gum recession and more. All with the option of sedation for a great experience.

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

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

CALL US TODAY!

WE ARE HERE TO HELP YOU!

CORAL GABLES

555 Biltmore Way Suite 106, Coral Gables, FL 33134

(305) 648.3717

Gables@DRM.center

DAVIE 12545 Orange Drive, Suite 501, Davie, FL 33330 (954) 723-7771

Davie@DRM.center

In Memoriam

Sir Winston Churchill Trowbridge passed away peacefully last month at the age of 14. An English Bulldog “through and through,” Coral Gables Chamber CEO and President Mark A. Trowbridge says he was lucky enough to rescue Winston in 2010 when the dog was about 18 months old. Winston had a

penchant for towels and rugs and Christmas tree skirts, says Trowbridge, knowing just how to arrange them in the perfect way. Born to another family but reared, loved, and adored by Trowbridge for a lifetime, we bid a fond farewell to his old friend, confidant, and pal. 2018 photo of the duo by Jonathan Dann.