The Florida Villager :: December 2016 Edition :: Coral Gables • South Miami by The Florida Villager

DECEMBER 2016 EDITION

CORAL GABLES · SOUTH MIAMI

COMMUNITY

HAPPY HOLIDAYS

Festival Miami Announces 2017 Lineup

Where to Eat Right Now

The

R E S TA U R A N T

GUIDE

ASK THE EXPERT

“The Angle”

PHOTO BY KATHLEEN BALLARD PHOTOGRAPHY

Your Community Magazine!

www.thefloridavillager.com

The Crown Difference SEE PAGE 22 FOR MORE

WOM E N’S H E A LT H

A New Cure For A Common Problem

FFECTING ANYWHERE BETWEEN 20 TO 45 PERCENT of middle-aged and elderly women (according to the North American Menopause Society), vaginal atrophy may be the least talked about, yet most common, problem for women of a certain age. Now there is a solution! The Mona Lisa Touch is an FDA-approved medical laser available for use in the U.S., replacing past treatment options such as hormone therapies, which are often laden with side effects or contraindications. So what is the Mona Lisa Touch and how does it work? Here’s what you need to know. WHAT IS VAGINAL ATROPHY AND WHAT CAUSES IT? Vaginal atrophy is a condition often coinciding with menopause in which the vaginal walls thin and dry out, creating issues with urinary functions, dryness and tightening as well as pain during sexual intercourse. Though often painful and frustrating for sufferers, few women ask for help –or know it exists. HOW DOES THE MONA LISA TOUCH WORK? The medical laser works similar to other laser treatments, counteracting the atrophy by stimulating collagen

production inside the vagina rather than altering hormone levels; essentially rehydrating, reviving dead skin and improving the condition of the vaginal walls. WHAT DOES THE PROCEDURE ENTAIL? Patients will receive three treatments spaced about six weeks apart. Each procedure takes only a few minutes to perform. The procedure is done in-office (patients feel only a small vibration) and requires no anesthesia or painkiller, with patients able to resume sexual intercourse after about 48 hours. After the three treatments, some patients may return for annual maintenance. HOW FAST WILL PATIENTS FEEL THE RESULTS? Many patients experience symptom relief after just one treatment and almost all feel a difference after the second. IS IT SAFE? A multisite study was conducted by two leading Urogynecologists who are experts in the field of post-

menopausal gynecologic health; and recent results from a trial on postmenopausal women and breast cancer survivors showed positive results and high patient satisfaction. HOW CAN I GET MORE INFORMATION? For more information and to see if you are a candidate for the Mona Lisa Touch, contact Ana Bueno, R.N. at South Miami Women’s Health / Drs. Phillips, Miller, Roca and Venditto at 305.665.9644

South Miami Women’s Health 7000 SW 62nd Avenue, Suite 350 P 305.665.9644 ∙ F 305.665.8884 South Miami, FL 33143 southmiamiwomenshealth.com Edward F. Phillips, M.D. • Joyce R. Miller, M.D. • Luis E. Roca, M.D. Joseph R. Venditto, M.D. • Katie Fitzgerald, ARNP ®

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12.2016

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"I did not want to try cryotherapy. My wife made me (she's pushy that way). I train hard in the gym and I'm not a kid anymore, so, when I wake up, everything's aching. After I stepped out of the cryo cabin, I felt looser and my back felt better. I loved it. She was right...again (**insert heavy sigh sound here**). But now, thanks to her, we have cryo in Pinecrest! So we can all feel better." Ken Weekend Warrior Cryo Addict Great guy

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P U B L I S H ER ' S PAG E

Happy Holidays!

T IS HARD TO BELIEVE IT'S ALREADY TIME TO SAY GOODBYE TO 2016 AND welcome in a new calendar year. We're very excited to see what 2017 has in store, but we would be remiss not to acknowledge how rewarding this year has been. We have formed amazing relationships with local businesses and individuals, and are glad to be able to call them friends. We've covered amazing events and been privileged to tell some incredible stories. We thank the community for all of the support, and will continue to work hard to make The Florida Villager the best it can be. December also means that the holiday season is in full swing. There are wonderful events taking place this month, and for a complete list, see our Events Calendar (page 8). We also invite you to read about this month's featured philanthropist, Javier Soto, and all of his great work with The Miami Foundation (page 26). And if you're tired of slaving away in the kitchen, and need a break from meal planning, be sure to check out our "Restaurant Guide" and head over to some of our local favorites this December (page 18). Don't forget to connect with us via social media. You can find us on Twitter (@FloridaVillager), Facebook (The Florida Villager), and Instagram (@thefloridavillager). You can also find an online version of our publication at www.TheFloridaVillager.com. We wish all of our readers a happy and healthy holiday season, and a very Happy New Year! We look forward to sharing 2017 with you!

YOU’RE INVITED TO THE 4TH ANNUAL

Tr Light g emоy & CocoV age ON VIRGINIA STREET

S AT U R D AY D E C E M B E R 3 RD, 2 0 1 6 3PM – 9PM T R E E L I G H T I N G AT 8 P M CO COWA L K 3 0 1 5 G R A N D AV E N U E , COCONUT GROVE

Sincerely,

Dan Bastien

BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT

Dan Bastien, President/Publisher

CORRECTION! In our November Gift Guide we mistakely used this ring for a different jeweler. The correct info is below. SOUTH MIAMI JEWELERS : 7214 SW 57th Ave • southmiamijewelers.net This beautiful 18k white Diamond Tanzanite ring with the perfect shade of blue with a hint of purple that you can buy for Christmas, holidays or a birthday in December.

TheFloridaVillager FloridaVillager thefloridavillager ISSUE 17 • VOLUME 2, EDITION 5 • DECEMBER 2016 PRESIDENT/PUBLISHER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dan Bastien VP OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dana Bastien MANAGING EDITOR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Andrea Carneiro ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES. . . . . . . . . . . . . Debbie Berman, Marisa Farrell, Steven Wolf ART DIRECTION, DESIGN & PRODUCTION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Media One Five PHOTOGRAPHER. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Kathleen Ballard Photography CONTRIBUTORS . . . . . Angela Bousalis, Esq., Mayor Cason, Dr. Marta Sanchez Emden

Visit us online: thefloridavillager.com

For Advertising information, please call 786.505.1817 editor@thefloridavillager.com • advertise@thefloridavillager.com

20,973 Mailed Copies. Total circulation is 22,000. Media One Five, LLC, DBA The Florida Villager (TFV), is published and direct mailed monthly to prestigious homes in the cities of Coral Gables, South Miami, and surrounding affluent homes, as verifiable by US Postal statements. Additional free copies are available at locations throughout those cities and upon request by contacting this publication. Opinions expressed by the writers are their own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this publication. Media One Five, LLC, DBA TFV reserves the right to edit and/or reject any editorial or advertising content. TFV is not responsible for errors in advertising beyond the cost of the space or for the validity of claims made by advertisers. Entire contents copyrighted © 2013-2016 by TFV, Reproduction in whole or in part is forbidden in any media without prior written permission from the publisher.

Family fun for everyone! Visit the CocoVillage Created by Local School Children, Meet Santa, Sip Hot Cocoa, Enjoy Music, Crafts, Shopping and More! Presented by CocoWalk, Commissioner Ken Russell & The Coconut Grove BID TO LEARN MORE VISIT COCONUTGROVE.COM

DECEMBER 2016

THEFLORIDAVILLAGER.COM

C O N T EN TS :: D EC EM B ER 2016

The

R E S TA U R A N T

GUIDE 14 EVENTS CALENDAR 8 December 2016 COMMUNITY CALL 10 News From Our Community COMMUNITY NEWS 14 Science Art Cinema Film Festival Seeks Submissions 16 Festival Miami Announces Lineup for 2017 THE RESTAURANT GUIDE 18 Where to Eat Right Now FEATURE 22 The Crown Difference

18 SCHOOL NEWS 24 In Our Schools LEGALLY SPEAKING 25 Put the Holidays in the Right Hands THE PHILANTHROPIST 26 Javier Soto FROM THE MAYOR 27 What’s Happening in Our Communities? PET OF THE MONTH 28 Meet Cricket & Carmela PET HEALTH 29 Pet Food Facts and Myths

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT 30 The Lost Art of Elegant Clothing: The Seven Fold Tie 5 QUESTIONS WITH… 31 Tiffany Advincula SEEN ON SCENE 32 Snapshot from Around Town 34 The Grand Gala ASK THE PLASTIC SURGEON 36 “The Angle”: A Strategic Approach to Looking Younger Longer

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DEC 5-FEB 26, 2017

DAVID REED: VICE AND REFLECTION – AN OLD PAINTING, NEW PAINTINGS AND ANIMATIONS

MERRICK FESTIVAL CAROLING COMPETITION 30 Miami-Dade and Broward, middle and senior high, public, private and parochial schools, over 1,500 young people, compete for cash prizes. The Caroling Competition takes place over five nights on the steps of 550 Biltmore Way. Beginning on Wednesday, December 30th, performances run through Sunday afternoon, December 4th. Six different schools appear each evening.

CUBAN ARCHITECTS AT HOME AND IN EXILE: THE MODERNIST GENERATION. This scholarly exhibit will be the first to examine the lives and work of mid-20th-century Cuban architects in both Cuba and abroad. Videos will portray the Cuban architects’ private lives, examples of Cuban architecture throughout the island, and details about the events in 1959 that affected the profession and teaching of architecture in Cuba. To schedule a group tour call 305.603.8067 or email education@ coralgablesmuseum.org.

David Reed is known as a colorist and for creating long, narrow abstract paintings on canvas that layer gestural marks in disjunctive ways, creating paintings that resemble collages or photographs. For the museum he is creating a new series of works inspired by a painting he created in 1984, titled #212. Reed will revisit the colors and forms in this decades-old work and create a series of 4 new large-scale paintings, inspired by #212. Perez Art Museum Miami; pamm.org

DEC 16 - JAN 1

DISCOVERING DESIGN FREE FAMILY DAY: LET IT SNOW

HOLIDAY SOIREE

Bring your blankets and listen in on the classic tale of Frosty the Snowman (1978), followed by a sweet workshop with local artist Lola the Baker. We’ll provide materials to make your snowflake ornaments and frost your sugar cookies. Wolfsonian Museum, 1-4pm; education@thewolf.fiu.edu.

16 - 18

MOVIES ON THE MILE Join the city of Coral Gables for a free screening of “Elf.” Grounds open at 6 p.m.; Movie starts at 7 pm at the Plaza at 150 Miracle Mile. coralgables.com

17-24

Come celebrate the season at the annual Club at the Biltmore Holiday soiree! Enjoy a beautiful night of dancing, buffet dinner, wine, seasonal specialty cocktails and entertainment. Reservations required and must be 21+ to attend. From now through December 12, Members $40; General Public $50 After December 12: Members $60; General Public: $70. Biltmore Hotel, 8pm; biltmorehotel.com

WWE LIVE HOLIDAY TOUR THE NUTCRACKER

PETER LONDON GLOBAL DANCE COMPANY Come see our magnificent dance artists joined by international dance stars from major dance companies in spectacular dancing and explosive choreography in our 5th anniversary celebration "SPRING TO LIGHT." arshtcenter.org

THE FLORIDA VILLAGER

Join Marie and her Nutcracker Prince as they travel through a winter wonderland of dancing snowflakes, sugar plum fairies and epic battles between heroic toy soldiers and mischievous mice-the perfect holiday treat for the entire family. The lavish performance-one of the only productions of George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker in the nation- features magnificent scenery, elaborate costumes and the magical music of Tchaikovsky. arshtcenter.org

12.2016

ANNIE JR With equal measures of pluck and positivity, little orphan Annie charms everyone's hearts despite a next-to-nothing start in 1930s New York City. Annie is determined to find the parents who abandoned her years ago on the doorstep of an orphanage run by the cruel Miss Hannigan. Featuring book and score by Tony Award®winners Thomas Meehan, Charles Strouse and Martin Charnin, This is a STAGE I & II production. All actors are ages 12 and younger. Area Stage Company; areastagecompany.com

WWE World Championship Main Event: Dean Ambrose vs. A.J. Styles w/ Guest Ring Announcer James Ellsworth; Fatal Four Way Match: Randy Orton vs. Kane vs. Bray Wyatt vs. Luke Harper Steel Cage Match for the Intercontinental Championship: Dolph Ziggler vs. The Miz w/ Maryse. And More-- 4 Championship Matches & 30+ WWE Superstars! American Airlines Arena, 7:30pm, aaarena.com

LIVE LIKE BELLA NIGHTS OF LIGHTS Experience an enchanted night like no other as Pinecrest Gardens transforms into a holiday wonderland illuminated by thousands of spectacular and sparkling holiday lights! The event presented by Live Like Bella, a foundation for childhood cancer, features pictures with Santa, midway rides, Christmas music, pony rides and Banyan Bowl performances on select dates featuring storytellers, the Nutcracker ballet and more! Pinecrest Gardens, 6-9pm; pinecrest-fl.gov

ENDING JAN 8

SANTA'S ENCHANTED FOREST The world's largest holiday-themed attraction opens to the public, and the earlier you get there, the earlier you can snag your spot on the Ferris wheel. While you're at it, hit the bumper cars, the roller coasters, the fun houses, and the giant slide. See the sideshow attractions and performing animals. Eat your weight in churros and funnel cake. $22.43 for children / $31.78 for adults; kids aged 2 or younger get in free.

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ANGLER & ALE WINS PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARDS Angler & Ale, the new marina restaurant at Hawks Cay Resort, participated in the Taste of the Islands event in Marathon, Fla. on Nov. 12, 2016 and won the People’s Choice Award for its quail with polenta cake and warm bread pudding with caramelized bananas dishes. The restaurant team – led by the resort’s executive chef, William Ryan - participated in the event, which is an annual fundraiser for Business & Professional Women of Marathon. The event showcases local food, art and entertainment and brings thousands of locals and visitors to the area. There were more than 2,000 guests in attendance, many of which voted for the restaurant, resulting in the restaurant’s nomination. “We’re the new kids on the block, so being recognized by local community feels great,” said Executive Chef William Ryan. “The award is a testament to the dedication our culinary team has put in to deliver a menu that showcases the Florida Keys.”

CORAL GABLES

FAIRCHILD TROPICAL BOTANIC GARDEN RECEIVES STEMLAB DONATION

JUNIOR ORANGE BOWL NAMES ROYAL COURT

Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden STEMLab, received a donation check from Wells Fargo and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation at Rockway Middle School. STEMLab is a mobile tissue culture lab that travels school to school to provide students quality science education through the Million Orchid Project conservation initiative. STEMLab is a partnership between Fairchild and Miami-Dade County Public Schools, who supplied a decommissioned school bus that has been constructed into a fully functional science lab by the University of Miami School of Architecture Design/Build students. The STEMLab is part of the Million Orchid Project, a Fairchild Challenge environmental outreach program, which aims to grow and reintroduce one million native and endangered orchids back into South Florida’s urban spaces. Currently, more than 100 schools participate in the Million Orchid Project, and have orchid propagation shelves in their classrooms. Starting in September 2016, the STEMLab has travelled to a wide range of schools, providing more South Florida students with hands-on science education and the opportunity to participate in an important environmental restoration initiative.

Last month, the Junior Orange Bowl celebrated the regal tradition of crowning its Royal Court. Queen Gwendolyn Odin, along with Princess Celine Alvarez, Princess Bianca Delgado, and Little Sister Jasmine Willis will reign over all Junior Orange Bowl events during the 2016 – 2017 festival season. The Junior Orange Bowl Royal Court encourages and empowers young ladies to become future leaders and role models in the community. The Royal Court will serve as volunteers and goodwill ambassadors at all of the 2016-2017 Junior Orange Bowl Festival events. The Queen, Princesses, and Little Sister will also ride on The Royal Court Float at the organization’s marquee event, the 68th Junior Orange Bowl Holiday on the Mile Parade down Miracle Mile in downtown Coral Gables. The Junior Orange Bowl is best known for hosting more than 7,500 youth participants in 15 athletic, academic, and cultural events throughout the year.

NEW CHIEF

HOOPS FOR ALL

GOLDEN

The city of Coral Gables named Marcos De La Rosa to the role of Fire Chief on October 31. Chief De La Rosa has been with the City of Coral Gables since 2013, and served previously as Deputy Fire Chief.

Coral Gables residents can receive up to four free tickets per household for upcoming Canes Men's and Women's Basketball games. Tickets will be distributed in person at the War Memorial Youth Center.

The Villagers, Miami-Dade County Florida’s oldest historic preservation organization, turns 50. More than 70 local organizations have received grants to fund local preservation projects, many with multiple awards, from the organization.

THE FLORIDA VILLAGER

12.2016

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NEW ROLE U.S. Century Bank is has hired Richard L. Alfonso as Senior Vice President and Business Development Officer. Alfonso will be spearheading bank business development campaigns and guiding the overall performance of the initiatives throughout all markets including training bank team members.

miamiwatercolor.org Sat., February 4 • 5-7:30 pm at Chamber South

Enjoy a fun evening and learn to paint in watercolor in a relaxed social setting with Hillary Parker, award winning botanical artist and educator. First time artists welcome! Art supplies & wine included.

The community is welcome to attend Miami Watercolor Society’s monthly meetings.

Pinecrest Community Center • 5855 SW 111 Street, Pinecrest FL 33156 Second Sunday of each month, September through May. 1:30 – 3:30 P.M. With the support of the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs and the Cultural Affairs Council, the Miami-Dade County Mayor and Board of County Commissioners.

Outside is fun again.

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY

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Wynwood Kitchen & Bar celebrated six years of hosting thousands of locals and tourists in its art-filled dining room and terrace.

Judith Marte, who has served as Miami-Dade County Public Schools’ chief financial officer since 2014, has won this year’s Bill Wise Award for distinguished service to urban education from the Council of the Great City Schools and AXA.

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THE FLORIDA VILLAGER

12.2016

QUIET HEAT

NEXT STEPS

For the first time in the history of a professional sporting event, the largest group of people engaged in simultaneous meditation will take place when Miami's HEAT Nation is invited to participate in an historic "Mindful Moment" prior to tip-off of the HEAT vs. Celtics game on December 18.

On Oct. 25, Miami Dade College’s Medical Campus hosted its Physician Assistant White Coat Ceremony, a rite of passage, where a student receives a white coat, marking a transition from their pre-clinical coursework to actual clinical rotations where they will begin serving patients.

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Science Art Cinema Film Festival Seeks Submissions

HE SCIENCE ART CINEMA FILM FESTIVAL, presented by the Patricia and Phillip Frost Museum of Science, announced the first-ever edition will be held on April 27, 2017 at the museum’s Frost Planetarium in downtown Miami’s Museum Park. The festival is seeking submissions through February 14, 2017 for both short science and science fiction films influenced by art, as well as short art films influenced by science and science fiction. The call is open to both fiction and nonfiction efforts as well as live action and animation. The program is designed to provide emerging, mid-career, and established filmmakers with an opportunity to share their work in a unique environment. In addition, the festival is also inviting high school students in Miami-Dade County to submit their work that will be judged in a separate category. Submissions will be reviewed by a jury of science and art professionals that include actor, director and producer, Christian Slater; Filmgate Miami Executive Director, Diliana Alexander; University of Miami Psychology Professor, Dr. Elizabeth Losin; Miami Film Festival Executive Director, Jaie Laplante; co-founder of Obsolete Media Miami (O.M.M.), Barron Sherer; Frost Science Curator of Astronomy and Exhibition Developer, Dr. Jorge Peréz Gallego; and Frost Science Art and Collection Manager, Kevin Arrow. “I grew up watching Carl Sagan’s Cosmos and movies like Close Encounters of the Third Kind while falling both for science and science fiction. Science has always been a deep well for the imaginations of filmmakers, all while technology has advanced the quality of the art of filmmaking. The Science Art Cinema Film Festival mixes science and art in a unique way and allows filmmakers the opportunity to showcase their work in an incredible environment,” said Dr. Jorge Perez-Gallego, Frost Science Curator of Astronomy and Exhibition Developer. “As the first festival of its kind in South Florida and one of the first events to be held in the new Frost Science Planetarium, this is truly a once in a lifetime opportunity.” A 2014 winner of the South Florida Knight Arts Challenge and presented by Frost Science, Science Art Cinema is a popular event series supported by the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation. The innovative program was designed to celebrate science and art through the lens of film, specifically 16mm motion pictures along with newly commissioned films. The films are shown in unusual spaces and are then enhanced with performances, guest speakers and multimedia presentations. Now on its fourth chapter, the program’s first season is culminating in the Science Art Cinema Film Festival. The first in the series, Science Art Cinema #1: Lasers, took place in August 2015 at the museum’s now-closed Coconut Grove location and focused on the many uses of lasers, from medical technology, to holograms and light shows. Science Art Cinema #2: Fear took place in October 2015 at the de la Cruz Collection and focused on fear and how it affects the human brain. Science Art

THE FLORIDA VILLAGER

12.2016

Kevin Arrow, Jorge Perez Gallego, & Barron Sherer

Barron Sherer

Cinema #3: Experiment at the Pérez Art Museum Miami featured a series of short experimental films by Stan Brakhage with musical entr’actes by composer and artist, Gustavo Matamoros. Science Art Cinema has been featured on Vice’s The Creators Project, Miami New Times, The Miami Herald, Sun-Sentinel and more.

CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS Submissions Deadline: Tuesday, February 14, 2017 Public Screening: Thursday, April 27, 2017 (details to be announced

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C O M M U N IT Y N E WS

Festival Miami Announces Lineup for 2017

HE UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI FROST SCHOOL OF MUSIC AND PREsenting sponsor UHealth – University of Miami Health System announce the spectacular lineup of rising stars and legendary music favorites for its annual multi-genre music festival, Festival Miami. From January 19 to February 11, 2017, the Festival will offer unique concert programs performed by Grammy Award-winning and internationally acclaimed guest artists who will showcase their talents alongside the stellar students and distinguished faculty artists from the Frost School of Music. More than 20 performances, organized into four themes: Great Performances, Jazz and Beyond, Music of the Americas, and Creative American Music, will be held in the intimate setting of the 600-seat UM Maurice Gusman Concert Hall, 1314 Miller Drive, on the Coral Gables campus. Several events are offered free of admission each year and educational components, such as open rehearsals and hosted conversations with artists are also presented. The Festival’s 33rd season kicks off with House of Cards in Concert, led by Jeff Beal, four-time Emmy Award-winning composer of the Netflix original series on January 19 at the Adrienne Arsht Center. This, live-toscreen multimedia event will feature the Frost School of Music’s Henry Mancini Institute Orchestra and soprano Joan Beal as well as a video montage of scenes from the hit drama, and will bring to life the Golden Globe Award-winning music from Beal’s distinctive scores from the first three seasons. Opening Weekend also features a concert on January 20 by three-time Grammy nominated Tiempo Libre – one of today’s hottest Latin and Afro-Caribbean bands. Additional Festival Miami highlights include mezzo-soprano Alicia Hall Moran – who starred in The Gershwins’ Porgy and Bess on Broadway and is known for pushing the boundaries of performance with a passionate flair. She will be joined by Grammy nominated jazz arranger, Dean of the Frost School of Music and Steinway piano artist Shelly Berg to thrill audiences with a one-night-only program entitled Jazz Goes to the Opera on January 25. Gorgeous moments from Leonard Bernstein and George Gershwin will resonate with audience members in new ways alongside works from Clifford Brown and Stevie Wonder. Festival Miami will feature another special centennial celebration this year celebrating legendary jazz pioneer Ella Fitzgerald with a special concert on February 8, featuring the sensational jazz/pop/folk singer-songwriterinstrumentalist Becca Stevens – whom The New York Times has praised as “….New York’s best kept secret” – appearing as guest artist with the superb Frost Jazz Vocal 1 Ensemble. Audiences will be mesmerized by this evening of timeless hits from the Great American Songbook as well as arrangements of Stevens’ original compositions. The Festival Miami grand finale concert will be held at the North Beach Bandshell on Miami Beach on February 11 when Festival Miami co-presents the double Grammy Award-winning eclectic, unclassifiable jazz/fun/global collective Snarky Puppy – “a barnstorming, groove-centric instrumental act with a rabid fan base and a blithely unplaceable style” (The New York Times). This event is presented in collaboration with the first annual GroundUP Music Festival. Tickets are now on sale to the general public and start at $15. They may be purchased online at festivalmiami.com, by calling 305-284-4940, or via email fmtickets@miami.edu.

THE FLORIDA VILLAGER

Bruce Hornsby by Kat Fisher

12.2016

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T H E R ESTAU R A N T G U I D E

The

R E S TA U R A N T

GUIDE WHERE TO EAT RIGHT NOW

IRED OF SLAVING AWAY IN THE KITCHEN? TAKE A HOLIDAY break from dinner prep (or lunch, breakfast or brunch) and head over to one of our local favorites this December.

Coral Gables

Bagel Emporium A Gables staple, stop by this deli for fresh bagels and deli sandwiches (among other things) and dine amid a crowd of businesspeople, families and UM students. In addition to its steady stream of diners, Bagel Emporium offers locals catering options that include special holiday menus and baked good such as rugelach and black and white cookies. 1238 S DIXIE HWY • 305 666 9519 theBagelemporium.com

Chocolate Fashion

Whisk

Golden Rule

An artisanal bakery, restaurant and gourmet food company started in the heart of Coral Gables, Chocolate Fashion offer a variety of entree and desserts, pastries and breads made from high quality, natural products. On a daily basis Chocolate Fashion serves breakfast and lunch as well as offering gourmet food menus customized for all catering needs. They also specialize in customized cakes for events such as weddings, baby showers, birthdays, and other special occasions.

Clean and simple food meets clean and simple décor at this South Miami gem. American staples such as shrimp n’ grits live next to fresh salads, pork chops and a filet mignon sandwich, making it the perfect spot for a business lunch, dinner date or casual meet-up with visiting friends.

Family owned and operated since 1943, Golden Rule’s addition of a restaurant to their much-loved seafood market is keeping Palmetto Bay diners coming back in droves for their fresh catch, seafood baskets and fish tacos.

248 ANDALUSIA AVE • 305 461 3200 5868 SUNSET DRIVE • 305 661 7200 396 ALHAMBRA CIRCLE • 786 534 8500 chocolatefashiononline.com

BurgerFi In the midst of a surge in burger offerings, it’s rare to find a chain that truly delivers on its promise of a mouthwatering experience… enter BurgerFi. In addition to easy access and outdoor seating right on the Mile, the burger joint serves up hormone and antibiotic-free meat as well as vegetarian options, the truly amazing “Cry and Fry” (a mix of onion rings and french fries), Concretes and a no-bun option for those going low-carb. 136 MIRACLE MILE • 305 967 8260 burgerfi.com

CaFfE Vialetto Boasting a legendary short rib and some of the best pasta in Coral Gables, this Italian favorite throws in a Latin-Caribbean influence that make it a perfect stop for a Saturday night date or special dinner with out-of-town guests. Aside from the food, the service and cozy ambiance never fail to impress.

Duffy’s Tavern Family owned and operated, Duffy’s is well known as one of Miami’s oldest and most famous sports bars as well as for their self-proclaimed “best burgers in town” and fresh seafood. Stop in for a game… or just a drink, you won’t be disappointed. 2108 SW 57TH AVE • 305 264 6580 duffystavernmiami.com

Maria’s Greek Head over to this Coral Way Greek spot for a family-run (and familyfriendly) experience that will leave you already planning your next visit. Start off with their delicious hummus and pita and move on to a Village salad, chicken kabob platter or killer lamb shank. 2359 CORAL WAY • 305 856 0938 marias-greek.com

4019 LEJEUNE RD • 305 446 5659 caffevialetto.com

BY ANDREA CARNEIRO

THE FLORIDA VILLAGER

12.2016

7382 SW 56TH AVE • 786 268 8350 whiskgourmet.com

Palmetto Bay

Asian Fusion CafE Taking the name from their desire to combine the best of Thailand, Japan, Vietnam and Korea, Asian Fusion Café has brought more than a decade of fresh cuisine to Palmetto Bay. Owner/chef Lek Ratanavong spent years under the tutelage of her grandmother perfecting the essence of Thai Cuisine and now brings her talents — and recipes to this cozy neighborhood go-to. 17043 S DIXIE HWY • 305 278 6888 asianfusioncafe.com

Delices de France Don’t be intimidated by the lines out the door, this bakery (serving up pastries, coffee, sandwiches and salads) is worth the wait for buttery, flaky croissants, freshly-squeezed juice and freshbasked baguettes. 14453 S DIXIE HWY • 305 256 9700 miami.com/delices-de-france

17505 S DIXIE HWY • 305 235 0661 goldenruleseafood.com

Hole in the Wall Even with multiple locations, the original Hole in the Wall (tucked back inside a US1 strip mall) remains a favorite for its laid-back vibe and truly delicious food. Wings, burgers, fish tacos and a legendary mahi sandwich make this a great choice for a casual weekend bite. (Larger groups and families may want to check out the latest, larger outpost in Kings Creek.) 14421 S DIXIE HWY • 786 227 6058 holeinthewallflorida.com

pinecrest

Captain’s Tavern South Floridians travel from near and far to dine on the fresh seafood this Pinecrest institution serves up, leaving hardly an empty table on most nights. A great spot for large families thanks to its group-friendly tables and vast menu, home cooks can benefit as well thanks to the restaurants hidden seafood market around back. 9625 S DIXIE HWY • 305 666 5979 captainstavernmiami.com

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Indian made simple CALL US FOR DELIVERY (305) 763-8185 HOURS MON-SAT 11AM-10PM & SUN 1PM-8PM

7400 SW 57TH AVE UNIT 4, 33143 Our vision at Bollywood Masala is to create unique and delectable dishes that will indulge your senses. We believe that you don't need to go to a white tablecloth restaurant to be treated like a king. Walk through our doors, be our guest, and leave the rest to us. Everything we do is focused on putting a smile on your face. At Bollywood Masala fresh ingredients, exotic spices, and a simplified menu come together to deliver an authentic Indian experience that will keep you coming back for more.

Bûche de Noël Holiday Sleigh

Croustillant de praline, hazelnut mousse with macerated apricot and candied cherries, chocolate cake and marscapone mousse with toasted hazelnut chunks

Bûche de Noël Chocolate

Traditional biscuit roulade, dark chocolate cream and chocolate ganache

Bûche de Noël Pistachio Extravaganza

Best Breakfast ~ Brunch Breakfast All Day ~ Outdoor Patio Delivery ~ Catering Sunset Tavern Drinks

Pistachio almond dacquois, cherry coulis, pistachio mousse with amaretto cherries

Bûche de Noël Clementine Elegance

Yuzu mousse, clementine compote, dark chocolate mousse, chocolate cake

Bûche de Noël Royal Chestnut Log

Light chestnut mousse, chestnut pieces, dark chocolate ganache, white cake roulade

Cake de Noël Le Mont Blanc

D E L I L A N E . C O M

o u t h M i a m i

Vanilla meringue, vanilla cake, crème de marrons, chestnut mousse, chocolate ganache and whipped cream cake Butter Stollen, plenty macerated fruits, almonds & holiday flavors ($27.95) Traditional Homemade Panettone ($14.95) • Hand crafted Holiday’s cookies, boxes, platters or bags • Assorted Macarons by pieces or in box of 8 • Chocolate Truffles assortment in boxes, Ballotin and more, Marrons glacées, assorted baked Marzipan • Home made “Marrons glacés” • Beautiful assorted baked Marzipan

est.1988

Best Happy Hour Dollar Munchie Menu Live Music ~ Full Bar ~ Craft Beer Outdoor Seating Deli Lane Menu

Coral Gables 248 Andalusia Ave Coral Gables

305-461-3200

South Miami 5868 Sunset Drive South Miami

305-661-7200

DECEMBER 2016

Coral Gables 396 Alhambra Circle Coral Gables

786-534-8500

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The

R E S TA U R A N T

GUIDE pinecrest (cont.)

Peppers A new (and welcome) addition to the Dadeland area, Pepper's Mexican Grill serves up authentic Mexican dishes prepared by top Mexican chefs. The owner and founder was born and raised in Mexico and has fused together his own family recipes along with those from the other chefs. Head over for everything from tacos and burritos to fajitas and carne asada and stay for the fresh guac and domestic and imported beers. 9459 S DIXIE HWY • 786 334 6927 peppersmexicangrill.com

Samurai Nieces, nephews and cousins in towns? Head over to this Japanese steakhouse and watch teppanyaki chefs performing tableside tricks (the onion volcano and shrimp in the pocket are always winners), while the adults enjoy a sushi menu and sake cocktails. 8717 SW 136TH ST • 305 238 2131 samurairestaurant.com

Shula Burger

The Bagel Express

Which Wich

With multiple location across South Florida (including a soon-to-open Pinecrest shop), this burger chain offers Signature Burgers are freshly made from a blend of premium black angus beef, short rib and brisket as well as turkey and veggies patties, chicken, hot dogs and salads. In addition to the recognizable name, customers flock to the burger joint for killer milkshakes and a family-friendly atmosphere.

Rave reviews are nothing new for this hidden gem. Baked-from-scratch bagels of all options complete with hand-sliced Nova and a plethora of spreads are just as delicious as their deli meats and salads. Locals have even hailed it as having “the best bagels outside of New York City.”

The Downtown Dadeland sandwich shop (which opened this past August) puts guests in control as they grab a specific bag and mark it up with their culinary taste. After, simply take your bag to the cashier and wait to hear your name. Even better? Online ordering for pickup or delivery and an encouragement to doodle on your lunch bag.

12311 S DIXIE HWY • 786 322 6347 shulaburger.com

sub shack Cooked to order on the spot, and with an offering of hot and cold subs, this Pinecrest sub shop also offers up soups, salads, wings and more to the legions of fans who flock there. The shop, a lifelong dream for owner Dan Sheehy, also feeds large groups… just check out their Facebook page for a glimpse at a 4-foot Italian masterpiece.

11616 N KENDALL DR • 305 273 9919 facebook.com/TheBagelExpress

Uncle Tom’s BBQ This iconic Miami BBQ joint serves up pit specialties like baby back ribs, brisket, pork and chicken as well as classics like mac and cheese, cornbread and Texas toast (and don’t forget the special sauce.) With four locations to choose from there’s no excuse for not making the delicious trip. 8345 SW 124 ST • 786 732 4391 utbbq.com

8880 SW 72 PL • 786 309 9887 whichwich.com

south miami

Buffalo WIld Wings Those who need a break from feeding packs of hungry sports fans can head (or send them) over to this sports fans paradise. Seasonal specials like Leinenkugel’s Snowdrift Vanilla Porter, will keep football fanatics entertained and fed while you relax and enjoy the holiday. 5701 SUNSET DR • 305 668 0911 buffalowildwings.com

8269 SW 124 ST • 786 250 4300

Authentic Mediterranean Lebanese Cuisine Open Seven Days for Lunch & Dinner Catering & Special Events

MARHABA MEDITERRANEAN CUISINE 5861 SUNSET DRIVE • 305.666.9600

THE FLORIDA VILLAGER

12.2016

marhabainmiami.com

The

R E S TA U R A N T

GUIDE Bollywood Masala

Game Time

RICE House of Kebab

TacoCraft

Bollywood Masala’s vision is to create unique and delectable dishes in a fast, casual setting. Their goal is to bring customers the home-cooked-meal treatment when they walk through the doors, no white tablecloth needed. Everything they do is focused on satisfying customer taste buds by bringing the taste of India…whether via home delivery or a catered order customized for an event.

Grab a bite while the kids go wild at Game Time’s Sunset Place location, which features a delicious variety of gourmet selections, healthy salads, meals for the kids that they will love, pizza, sandwiches, Angus burgers, ribs, churrasco, salmon and much more. Plus, the 36,000 square foot Mega Arcade now features a new brunch menu served in the beautifully renovated restaurant with both indoor and outdoor seating!

Hit up this Persian fast-casual spot for delicious charbroiled chicken breast and made-from-scratch favorites like hummus, falafel and Sumac sauce. The family-run business opened its sixth location this October in the heart of South Miami, drawing a bustling lunch crowd to its prime US1 location. Head over for dinner or call in for takeout or delivery.

From the team behind PizzaCraft and Public House, this South Miami taco joint features a variety of beer, wine and cocktails alongside a large menu of eclectic Mexican favorites. Guacamole and chicharrones sit next to short rib quesadillas, ahi tuna tacos and oxtail empanadas.

7400 SW 57TH AVE • 305 763 8185 bollywoodmasalamiami.com

Deli Lane A neighborhood staple for almost thirty years, Deli Lane serves up fresh-to-order versions of just about anything a customer could want. From their well-loved breakfasts to their famous pressed duck, it’s the food and the atmosphere (think casual, outdoor seating and a bustling crowd) that keep locals coming back for more. 7230 SW 59TH AVE • 305 665 0606 delilane.com

5701 SUNSET DR • 305 667 4263 gametimeplayers.com

Marhaba Exclamations such as “best food ever” and “beyond delicious” pepper reviews of Marhaba for good reason. The Lebanese/Mediterranean joint serves up favorites like hummus, baba ganoush, fattoush, and lentil soup as well as chicken schwarma, lamb chops, rice and grilled veggies. Gold stars for service and ambiance only add to the raves. 5861 SUNSET DR • 305 666 9600 marhabainmiami.com

5818 S DIXIE HWY • 305 665 4370 ricehouseofkebab.com

ROK:BRGR Billing itself as a “gourmet burger bar and gastropub with a modern approach to American comfort food,” ROK:BRGR offers patrons a full menu of farm-to-table goodness that includes 18 signature burgers, free-range chicken or turkey; locally caught Bluefin tuna or locally sourced produce for the veggie burger aficionado. Also on the menu? 15 handcrafted, signature cocktails.

5829 SW 73RD ST • 305 668 5612 tacocraft.com

The Big Cheese For more than 27 years The Big Cheese has been serving up pizza, pasta, subs and salads to hungry families from the Gables to Palmetto Bay (and beyond.) Get your UM sports fix via the hometown-fan décor and don’t leave without trying the garlic rolls. 8080 SW 67TH AVE • 305 662 6855 bigcheesemiami.com

5800 SW 73RD ST • 305 663 6099 rokbrgr.com

DECEMBER 2016

THEFLORIDAVILLAGER.COM

FE AT U R E

The Crown Difference BY ANDREA CARNEIRO

IS THE SEASON FOR MORE THAN JUST THE holidays. December brings with it a whole host of gift-giving opportunities as well as office, friend and family parties. And when it comes to bringing a nice bottle of wine or spirits, walking into a liquor store can become an overwhelming experience. But it doesn’t have to be. With more than six decades of history in South Florida, Crown Wine and Spirits has gained a reputation for placing its focus on it’s customers, bringing a personal touch to each one of its 12 locations. “We always greet our customers; we remember their names,” says Veronica Litton, wine director and head wine buyer for the company. “We try to remember what their purchasing habits are and identify what they like. There is a way that a customer behaves when they come into their neighborhood Crown. They feel at ease, they smile, they’re comfortable. They know that we’re there to help them.”

Expert Advice Crown’s ability to help stems from their deep knowledge of, and passion for, the industry, beginning with Litton, who rose to her current role after starting on the sales floor at Crown’s East Hollywood location 28 years ago. Though she studied business administration and hospitality in school, Litton says she soon became enamored with the wine industry, taking advantage of every opportunity to learn more and traveling the world in the name of education. “I just wanted to learn all there was to learn about wine,” she says. Litton also brought her extensive knowledge to others, heading up the company’s training program and starting a wine appreciation society for women in 1996. “Women tend to let their husbands pick the wine, but, in reality, women are better tasters,” she says.

One-Stop Shopping In addition to advice, Litton says Crown offers customers a simple answer to their toughest gifting questions. “We

have one of the most successful gift basket programs and have for more than 15 years,” she says, noting their longstanding relationships with companies and individuals. In fact, says Litton, one client relies on Crown to create more than 400 baskets each year for employee and client gifts. “We really do feature unique and gorgeous products,” she says. Crown’s gourmet buyers begin looking in January, traveling to food shows around the country to find the newest items. “People recognize a Crown gift basket, and that’s something we have built over many years,” says Litton.

Everyone's a VIP For customers who require a little something extra, Crown offers a VIP Concierge service, helping clients with everything from fully-realized mixology kits to simple boxed sets of spirits such as rum and gin put together with the mixers that complement them. Their VIP service will also work with customers who have bars or wine cellars at home—helping to curate their collections by taking inventory and filling in the missing pieces. “We can help keep your cellar up to par and guide you when you need to drink the wines,” says Litton. Regulars can also take advantage of Crown’s loyalty program, offering $5 for every 500 points collected via purchases and giving customers access to special events and email blasts.

that you may not buy on an everyday basis but that you would love to have.” Litton also suggests taking a look at the Crown baskets, which can be customized for the recipient. “Everything is handmade, even the bows, it’s well thought out,” she says. “You can do a great Martini basket or even a welcome home basket with some food items and bottles of red and white wine.”

Tis the Season So what’s on tap for this year? According to Litton one wine is clearly having a moment. “It’s crazy how much sparkling wine people are drinking this year,” she says with a laugh. It does, however, make gifting even easier. “If we know that sparkling wines, like Prosecco, are popular, you can kick it up a notch for the holidays and buy a nice bottle of champagne.” Another always-popular choice is a nice bottle of red wine, says Litton, who notes that the Crown team is always around to help make a selection. “A good bottle of red will never go to waste,” she says. Another trend that’s here to stay? Rose all day. “People are drinking more rose throughout the year, which is a natural thing for our weather,” says Litton. “When the weather gets cold you might crave a heavier wine or a port, but here the weather is so light and gorgeous I end up furnishing our stores with rose every week all year round. I’m so pleased to see it’s caught on and it’s here to stay.”

The Question of Gifts When it comes to gifting for the holidays, Litton says the easiest way to choose is simple. “I would tell people to buy something that they would like to receive,” she says. “You want to get something unique. Something

Visit Crown Wine and Spirits at one of their three area locations in and around Coral Gables, or at one of 12 total locations in Broward and Dade Counties. For more information, or to find the nearest location, please visit crownwineandspirits.com.

VISIT YOUR LOCAL LOCATION: 1590 South Dixie Highway Coral Gables FL 33146 Phone: 786-621-9463

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12.2016

5749 Bird Road, # 104 Miami FL 33155 Phone: 305-662-9898

2046 SW 57th Ave Miami FL 33155 Phone: 305-264-4210

DR. DEIRDRE

MARSHALL 6360 SUNSET DRIVE SOUTH MIAMI, FL 33143 305.663.5790 MARSHALLCOSMETIQUE.COM MEDICAL DEGREES

Stanford University School of Medicine (MD) American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) American Association of Plastic Surgeons (AAPS) Miami Society of Plastic Surgeons (MSPS) Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS)

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In Our Schools GULLIVER ATHLETES SIGN LETTERS OF INTENT In a ceremony held at the school's gymnasium in early November, several Gulliver Preparatory senior athletes signed Letters of Intent to play sports at the collegiate level. As part of their commitment, each of these athletes will receive scholarships to attend their respective schools as they continue their careers in their competitive arena. Congratulations to: Shannon Kunkel, Basketball, Hawaii Pacific University; Robert Touron, Baseball, University of Miami; Raymond Gil, Baseball, University of Miami; Lilly Barlow, Softball, Young Harris College; Sarah Lobo, Volleyball, University of New Mexico; Brooke Ellis, Swimming, Vanderbilt University; and Chris Nido, Golf, University of Florida.

MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENT WINS FILM FESTIVAL AWARD December 22, 2015 Cutler Bay Solar Soluti ons 83Ju 01nSW e 218 lan6e 6, 4201 Cu8tler BaSy,WFl. 33157 867 13

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Paolo Cesti, an 8th grader from Arthur & Polly Mays Conservatory of the Arts, has won the 2016 Best Middle School Award at the All-American High School Film Festival (AAHSFF) in New York City for his short film, “Isolation.” The AAHSFF hosts the world’s largest high school film festival annually in New York. Over 1,850 submissions were received from 48 states and more than 40 countries. Paolo’s film “Isolation” was screened at the AMC Empire Theaters in NY’s Times Square. The 8 1/2 minute film tells the story of an artistic boy who is fighting depression while being bullied at school. As a result, he takes his own life. Paolo, who studies at a Broadcasting Magnet Program, plans to attend college and become a filmmaker.

TEMPLE JUDEA OPENS NEW EDUCATION CENTER Coral Gables’ Temple Judea celebrated the opening of the new Frank Family Education Center on October 14. The school will house students from both the Margaux Early Childhood School and temple religious school. The opening comes on the heels of a multi-million dollar upgrade to include 9,000 square feet of educational space (including remodeled classrooms and new in-classroom restrooms) as well as a new playground and landscaping and a new office and school entrance. They also added a youth lounge, toddler playground, adult learning center and more.

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St. Thomas Episcopal Parish School asked members of its community to drop-off their unwanted ‘trick or treat’ candy as part of a candy drive titled “Operation Candy Corn.” Incorporating the project into the curriculum, candy was then bundled in several of the classrooms. Pieces were counted and sorted for math, bags were decorated for art, and notes were written for language arts. More than 200 bags of candy were dropped off by the St. Thomas Youth Group at Chapman Partnership for Homeless in south Miami-Dade. The St. Thomas students recognized that the children of Chapman Partnership for Homeless do not have the ability to trick or treat as others do. They wanted to share their Halloween candy, so that those children can also enjoy the holiday.

L EGA L LY S PE A KI N G

Put the Holidays in the Right Hands BY ANGELA BOUSALIS, ESQ.

HERE WILL YOU BE THE WEEK BEFORE CHRISTMAS? Probably in line next to me at our nearest big box electronics store, rushing at the last minute to get your hands on that TV your college-aged child has been begging you for. But wait – how will you get all 55 inches of that TV home? It’s not going to fit in the trunk, and you don’t want to risk it falling off the top of your car. Plus, the store wants to charge you a whopping $100 for delivery. This last-minute decision isn’t looking so wise anymore, now is it? And once you get the TV home, how are you going to ship it to your child’s dorm room? Never fear, private delivery services are here for you. Do not hire the store to ship your goods to you. The store’s employees are not experts in shipping and handling and will not pay your goods the attention they deserve. In a truck full of similar televisions and electronics, your gift is likely to be ignored. Plus, it will take forever for the delivery to get to you – these stores pack their delivery routes full of stops, which means it could be hours past the estimated time of arrival before you get your TV. Not to mention, the store is going to charge you an arm and a leg for their below-par service. Small, private and locally-owned freight companies like Cargo Services Express can solve all your holiday – and every day – delivery problems, for half the price of big box stores. They can ship anything, from TVs to furniture. This includes fragile goods – like laptops or china – and smaller goods as well. Plus, these local companies are experts in what they do, from packaging, securing and padding the goods for travel to loading and unloading. They know the best routes to take in Miami’s infamous traffic to make sure your goods arrive on time and unharmed. And when these companies say that your goods will be delivered at noon, they mean noon – not 5 pm. Their business depends on timeliness. All of this is done with professionalism, care, and attention to your particular needs. Your goods will always be packed properly and securely. These companies are here to serve the community and happily take care of private as well as commercial deliveries. Don’t forget – you can benefit from hiring local companies year-round as well, not just during the holidays. Moving to a new home? Not to worry, companies like Cargo Services Express double as movers, transporting all of your heavy furniture and boxes to your new residence without a scratch. Has your workplace run a holiday toy drive, and now needs to move boxes and boxes of donated toys from the office to the hospital? Yes, private delivery companies can do that too. Replacing that old couch? Don’t feel bound to use the furniture store’s delivery service. You have options! From now on, when something needs to be transported from point A to point B, please consider a local, family-owned business like Cargo Services Express. Angela Bousalis has been an Associate Attorney at the Law Office of Omaida Delgado, P.A. since her graduation cum laude from the University of Miami School of Law. Ms. Bousalis practices in the areas of Family law, Real Estate matters, Landlord-Tenant Law, Collections, and Criminal Defense, to name a few. The Law Office of Omaida Delgado, P.A. is a general practice firm based in Doral, FL that represents corporate and individual clients in transactional and litigation matters thoughout Miami-Dade and Broward counties. For more information, please visit www.lawyermeup.com or call 305.888.8896.

Cargo Services Express, Inc, is based in Miami Dade County within close proximity to Broward (Ft. Lauderdale) and Palm Beach counties. We are about 10 minutes away from the Miami International Airport, and about 25 minutes from the Fort. Lauderdale International Airport. Cargo Services Express can handle your Miami cargo and Ft. Lauderdale cargo quickly and at a competitive rate. • Local Pick-Up and Delivery • COD Deliveries • Special Delivery • Freight Distribution • Traffic Consultants • Residential Deliveries • Packing and Crating • Unpacking and Debris Removal • Warehousing

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T H E PH I L A N T H R O PI ST A person who seeks to promote the welfare of others, especially by the generous donation of money to good causes.

Javier Soto BY ANDREA CARNEIRO

THE MIAMI FOUNDATION BACKGROUND A Miamian to the core, Javier Soto grew up experiencing the city’s spirit of giving on an almost daily basis. “I grew up watching my Dad write small checks to almost every charity who sent a solicitation in the mail,” says Soto. Today, as President and CEO of The Miami Foundation, he puts that experience together with his deep commitment to the community and long tenure in politics and policy to help philanthropists of all financial abilities create personalized funds to address the community’s needs. And, as his background shows, he is well aware of the challenges and successes that come with the territory. In fact, after graduating from law school (during which he interned for a Congressman), Soto worked as a litigator in the MiamiDade County Attorney’s Office, as the County’s Director of Intergovernmental Affairs, and as Chief of Staff to County Mayor Alex Penelas. “Working in local government really put me at the grassroots level of policy making,” he says.

ABOUT THE MIAMI FOUNDATION The Miami Foundation was founded almost 50 years ago as a way to “facilitate and encourage philanthropy in Miami as a way to build to a healthier, more resilient community,” says Soto. Since then, the foundation has partnered with individuals, families and corporations to create more than 1,000 personalized, philanthropic funds and has awarded more than $240 million in grants. They manage more than $285 million. “Rather than a private foundation, we manage those philanthropic assets and we help people make smart investments in the community,” he says. “There is a lot of opportunity to improve our community across a wide range of issues.” Soto says rather than approach giving from a cookie-cutter perspective, he always asks potential philanthropists what they’re interested in personally. “If your passion is in the arts, then I want to talk to you about how you can affect the community that way,” he says. “We want to connect with the philanthropist’s passion.”

Our role is to democratize philanthropy. You don’t have to be a millionaire to start a foundation. The Miami Foundation allows people with a few thousand or many millions to leave a legacy.” 26

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12.2016

A DAY TO GIVE One of the Foundation’s largest initiatives is the recently-passed Give Miami Day, an annual day of giving in which donors have 24 hours to give as little as $25 to more than 650 nonprofits who partner with the project. “Give Miami is the ultimate in democratic philanthropy,” says Soto, who launched the program five years ago. “Anyone can invest in any organization that’s doing work in our community or they can donate to the bonus pool that gets distributed to all the participants.” The idea came from Soto’s desire (after hearing others question the city’s philanthropic spirit) to show the world what Miami could do. “I saw the Give Day as a potential vehicle to flip that narrative,” he says. “I have seen people flood fire stations with donations. I have seen people give to family with incredible generosity. Miami is a community that’s as generous as any other community in the country. I was very motivated to put that on display.” And he did. 2015 brought in $7.1 million, while 2016 hit more than $9 million. GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY Now that Give Miami Day 2016 is done, Soto and his team are turning their attention to the upcoming 50th anniversary of the Foundation, looking at ways to recognize the people who have supported the Foundation and the community. “Our goal is to celebrate throughout the year by recognizing those people who have left a lasting mark through philanthropy.”

FR O M T H E M AYO R

THE DOG FROM IPANEMA

What’s Happening in Our Communities?

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E BEGIN THE HOLIDAY SEASON IN CORAL GABLES with many events, lots of music, and a holiday spirit of peace and goodwill. Jazz in the Gables returns to Downtown Coral Gables with a new day, time and location. The free jazz concerts will delight audiences of all ages every Tuesday night, from 6-7:30 pm until March 2017. The concerts will take place at The Plaza at 150 Miracle Mile, courtesy of the McBride Family. This is your perfect excuse to shop or grab a bite to eat around the Mile and Giralda Avenue and finish your day relaxing with the sounds of jazz. To find out a schedule of performances, visit coralgables.com/jazzinthegables At the same location you can enjoy a free movie every third Thursday of the month, between 7- 9 pm through March. Movies on the Mile is the place to be, so don’t forget to grab a blanket and bring your own chair. The green space opens at 6 p.m. for our viewers and the featured movie for December 15 is Elf, starring Will Ferrell. For a schedule of monthly movies, visit coralgables.com/moviesonthemile. Lastly, don’t forget to show your support of our local Downtown merchants. I encourage you to do all your holiday shopping around Miracle Mile or have your office festivities at your favorite place to eat on Giralda Avenue. We’re working hard and we’re building beautiful, and our merchants will surely appreciate your patronage during the shopping season.

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Happy Holidays!

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PE T O F T H E M O N T H

Meet Cricket & Carmela

RICKET (10 YEAR OLD FEMALE, LEFT) AND CARMELA (16 YEAR OLD female, right) are both mixed breeds who are each missing a leg. Cricket is missing a front leg and Carmela a back leg. Carmela was adopted 15 years ago after being left at a veterinarian’s office in terrible shape from being hit by a car. Last year, Cricket was adopted from the same vet’s office after she was also hit by car. Cricket is a bundle of energy and has been the perfect match for Carmela, even putting some pep in her step. Cricket loves to ride in the car and has become a certified therapy dog. Even though Carmela doesn’t have the energy of her younger sister anymore, they’re a tag team at dinner in their quest to steal any leftover cat food. Their beds are next to each other and they love to walk around the block together. Their favorite thing to do is look cute and get some attention!

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THE FLORIDA VILLAGER

12.2016

PE T H E A LT H

Pet Food Facts and Myths

South Flor ilitating ida Pe b a h e ts R for Over 10 Years

CONTINUED ON PAGE 36

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F YOU GO TO ANY PET STORE, OR EVEN TO THE LOCAL supermarket, you will see that there is an extensive selection of commercial diets available now. This trend is expected to continue since the pet food market represents a billion-dollar industry, and many companies want a piece of that market. This phenomenon makes choosing the perfect food for your cat or dog a very confusing task. Caring pet owners are left to do research and reach conclusions regarding pet diets on their own. The problem is that many times the sources of the research are not the most accurate ones, and decisions are made based on internet pet food websites, blogs, trainer/groomer testimonials or the advice of the actual person selling you the diet. When choosing an ideal diet for your pet is important to be skeptical of label claims, since many are marketing tools to distinguish the product from the other competing products in the market, and to persuade the pet owner into purchasing a more expensive product. Also, keep in mind that the ideal diet for one pet might not be ideal for another pet. The “best diet” is a relative term. With this in mind let’s review the trendier selling gimmicks: 1. GRAINS MUST BE AVOIDED A very common statement heard since the pet food industry recently began to grow into a very profitable market is “Corn and soy are fillers that cause food allergies. Gluten is also a common allergen”. This is not totally correct. Only about 10 percent of the total population of allergic pets are allergic to food; the clear majority are allergic to inhalant allergens. From that small proportion of pets with food allergy, the great majority are allergic to lactic products and animal protein (beef, chicken and fish are the most common allergy causing proteins). Corn and soy on the other hand, are important sources of carbohydrates and are rich in vegetable protein. If wheat (with gluten as protein) is avoided and replaced entirely by other carbohydrates sources such a potato or tapioca, there could be risk of gas and soft stool in certain individuals, due to the lack of the adequate fiber required for proper digestion. It is important to remember that dogs only require 20-30 percent of animal protein in their diet, while cats need to eat an obligatory 30-40 percent of animal protein. Neither one of these species require a 100 percent protein diet. Lastly, it needs to be point out that food allergy blood tests are not accurate at all for diagnosis of food allergies. For proper diagnosis, a food trial designed and closely supervised by a licensed veterinarian and performed through several months is required. 2. STAY AWAY FROM GMO’s Throughout thousands of years, plants and animals have undergo spontaneous mutations causing changes. Today, humans can manipulate the DNA of cells and modify crops and animals . It is a controversial topic since, even though there are claims of adverse effects in humans and animals, those claims have not been validated. In fact, many inaccuracies have been found in the reports suggesting adverse effects. It is known though that there are rigorous safety testing procedures before a GMO reaches the market, including evaluation of the proteins for allergies and short/long term safety testing for the consumer, among other measurements. Benefits of the GMO are reduction of soil erosion and resistance of the crops to insects, drought and disease. It is your decision as your pet’s advocate whether to avoid GMOs in the diet, however there is no evidence now that GMO’s represent a threat to

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BY DR. MARTA SANCHEZ EMDEN

R E A D E R ’S

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B U S I N ES S S P OT L I G H T

THE LOST ART OF ELEGANT CLOTHING: THE SEVEN FOLD TIE

T THE END OF WORLD WAR I, ITALIANS FACED harsh times. It wasn’t easy living in a place with great art and deep history, yet also misery and suffering as never seen before. At the same time, many retained their hopes and dreams. This is the backdrop of a story about a 12-year-old child from Castelnuovo di Conza, who dropped out of school and chased the dream of becoming a tailor: eventually launching the Anel Sartoria brand. In Napoli, the young tailor worked under the umbrella of maestro Conte, learning not just the technical aspects of the trade, but also the fine art, the fantasy and style of tailoring that have made Neapolitan tailors famous all over the world. At 19, he made his second dream happen: designing his first men’s suit. Days, weeks and months of hard work finally paid off when he was chosen to help maestro Picci, which allowed him to move and set his studio at Galeria Umberto I, the “salotto” of Napoli. Just after turning 22, and with a bag full of dreams, this well seasoned tailor decided it was time to make the move and try his luck in South America. Despite years of success there, the call of Napoli was too strong to ignore. Answering this pull, he returned to establish a sartoria in Napoli. But this time it was a labor of love built with his family, including his sonin-law, who is leading Añel into the new millennium. Almost a century has passed but the legend lives on via the Añel Sartoria name. This tailor’s family, rich in history and filled with passion, keeps on showing the world the art of fine Italian clothing, upholding the same tradition, magic and elegance that young tailor always instilled in this work.

The Seven Fold Tie At first consideration, a tie can appear to be the greatest of foppish extravagances - a brightly colored length of silk painstakingly knotted around a gentleman’s throat. Yet this simple affectation is often the final touch to a well-constructed presentation, creating a flattering, vertical line that both slims and lengthens the wearer’s body, while creating an accent point for the entire assembly. So it stands to reason that the well-dressed gentleman would be as particular about his ties as he is about his suits, shirting and other accessories. The Seven Fold Tie is the finest interpretation of the tie maker’s craft. From the way it perfectly holds a knot to the way it flows down the shirtfront, its flawless fall is the error-free mark of the best dressed. Not only does the Seven Fold require silk of an incomparable quality but the cut must be generous enough to afford sufficient material for this unique creation. Folded over itself four times on one border and three on the other (hence the seven in Seven Fold) before being sewn, the

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12.2016

Seven Fold Tie transforms a simple bundle of silk into a bold and expressive, yet airy and weightless, expression of the tailor’s craft. Visit our flagship store at 295 Sevilla Avenue in Coral Gables, or enjoy a gracious Italian tradition and have our tailors visit your office at your convenience. Contact Añel Sartoria at 305.448.5053, online anelsartoria.com or via email info@ anelsartoria.com.

COLTHES MADE WITH OLD WORLD THINKING

5 Q U EST I O N S W IT H …

Tiffany Advincula BY ANDREA CARNEIRO

HOUGH THEY MAY BE PAR FOR THE COURSE in South Florida, quinceaneras aren’t quite as well known to the rest of the country. Enter “Sweet 15: Quinceanera,” TLC’s Miami-based reality show that follows the owners of Bella Quinces as they help families create the perfect day. We sat down with one of the lucky girls, Our Lady of Lourdes sophomore Tiffany Advincula, to talk about the cultural significance of the event, filming a reality show and being grateful for every experience.

FOR THOSE WHO DON’T KNOW, WHAT IS A QUINCEANERA AND WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO YOU? A quinceanera is a Latin tradition that marks a significant change in a young girl's life, the transition from a little girl to a young woman. Quinceaneras are so important to me, and the Latino community, because it shows how I have grown, and continue to grow, throughout the years. Everyone that has known me since birth now got to see me grown up. It was a very emotional moment for the family, but that made it even more special.

HOW DID YOU BECOME INVOLVED WITH THE SHOW AND WHAT WAS THE CASTING PROCESS? As any other Latina girl would do as their quinces are approaching, I started looking into places to find a dress. I had come across Bella's Quinces because many friends had talked about it before and it's pretty well known. They took down my information and ended placing my name in the roster for the show. A couple weeks later I got a call to do an interview for the show. I, of course, was in love with the idea and immediately said yes to the interview. I was interviewed and ended up being cast.

WHY DID YOU WANT TO BE A PART OF THE SHOW? I mostly wanted to be on the show because the opportunity was a once in a lifetime experience to share my culture with others. Not many people know about the different traditions of the Latino community and I felt it would be a great and fun way to give people a little insight into the life of a Latina girl.

WHEN DID IT AIR AND HOW DID YOU FEEL WATCHING IT? The show aired on October 25, 2016 and it was honestly such a surreal experience watching it, it was almost like reliving that moment again. I also couldn't wrap my head around the fact that it could be viewed all over the nation.

WHAT WAS THE MOST MEMORABLE PART OF THE EXPERIENCE? The most memorable part was it being documented. I get to see that moment over and over again. I get to be in that setting again, having cameras filming me, and being surrounded by great friends and family. I truly will never forget this experience because it was my moment to shine and I was very grateful to have everything I did.

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S EEN O N S C EN E

BRICKELL CITY CENTRE OPENING

PITBULL performed for 1500 Miami VIP’s celebrating the grand opening of Brickell City Centre. Brickell City Centre (BCC) is the highly anticipated new micro city constructed in downtown Miami’s Brickell district. BCC closed down South Miami Avenue for the first time in the city’s history for the private concert event. After Pitbull closed his set, New York legend Suzanne Bartsch kicked off a bacchanal, and tricked out the mall at Brickell City Centre in her signature style. The BCC development is home to EAST Miami, the hotel has become the hottest spot in town, two residential towers REACH and RISE and two office towers. The three story retail complex is anchored by Saks Fifth Avenue with nearly 70 retail stores including Audemar Piguet, Intermix, Mirto, Chopard, Adolpho Dominguez, Giuseppe Zannoti, and Armani. Notables in attendance included Alexia Echevarria, Ugo and Sara Colombo, Yolanda and Jeff Berkowitz, Michael Comras and Daniela Swaebe, Barbara Hulanicki, and designer Rene Ruiz.

MEGA MATCH-A-THON ADOPTION EVENT

Cupid’s arrows were right on target this weekend for the fourth annual Mega Match-a-Thon adoption event as more than 300 dogs, cats, puppies and kittens from the Humane Society of Greater Miami, Miami-Dade Animal Services, The Cat Network and other local rescue groups met their perfect, human matches! Hundreds of eager adopters lined up at Tropical Park on October 21, 2016 to have their “pick of the litter” from the local rescue groups and organizations. As soon as the clock struck midnight, families swarmed the pet tents as they began their quests to find the furry companions of their dreams. “It is always exhilarating to kick-off this event and watch so many amazing human and animal bonds created,” says Laurie Hoffman, Executive Director of the Humane Society of Greater Miami.

WARREN HENRY DONATES $25,000 TO OVERTOWN YOUTH CENTER

On Wednesday, November 9th, Warren Henry Auto Group presented a check for $25,000 to the Overtown Youth Center. Basketball legend Alonzo Mourning proudly accepted the donation on behalf of his youth

empowerment organization. Since partnering with the former Miami Heat star and his charities, Warren Henry Auto Group has contributed a total of $250,000 to The Mourning Foundation. “We are thrilled to support Zo and

the important work he is doing to empower and inspire inner-city kids who participate in the programs offered by the Overtown Youth Center,” said Warren Zinn, President & CEO of Warren Henry Auto Group.

LIONSTONE CELEBRATES 50 YEARS

Family-owned Lionstone Development celebrated its 50th anniversary with an exclusive reception at The Ritz-Carlton South Beach on Nov. 17. The evening underscored the company’s strong commitment to South Florida’s past, present and future. For the milestone, the Lowenstein family partnered with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Miami to provide a matching grant of $75,000 to sponsor 50 matches. “Our business was built on the idea of family and mentorship,” said Lionstone Development CEO Diego Lowenstein. “The children in our community are an extension of that philosophy, and it’s incumbent upon us to nurture their goals and help their success to keep South Florida vibrant.”

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12.2016

TRUNK 'N TREAT + HOWL-O-WEEN

Fairchild hosted two Halloween day events. Cars in the Garden w/ a Halloween twist, Howl-o-ween!

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S EEN O N S C EN E BAPTIST HEALTH FOUNDATION’S THE GRAND GALA

Baptist Health Foundation’s The Grand Gala fundraiser was held on the soon-to-open campus of Miami Cancer Institute Saturday, raising $4.5 million in support of the project. The Grand Gala co-chairs Karel Foti, Lourdes Jofre-Collett and Leonard Kalman, M.D., along with a 17-member committee, created a special evening for more than 900 attendees, including Gloria and Emilio Estefan, Darlene and Jorge Perez and Trish and Dan Bell, to experience an elegant reception, dinner and dancing, and a silent auction featuring exceptional items and rare travel experiences. The exquisite cuisine and décor was created by La Basque. Celebrated singer-songwriter and musician Matt Goss, on the heels of a longtime weekly residency at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, dazzled the crowd with a lively performance.

Lane & Mackie Jones

Abby & Michael Casciato

Abel & Maggie Iglesias

Adrian & Eric McCoy

Alex & Iris Gierbolini

Alexander Montes & Alejandra CastanÌƒo

Emilio Estefan & Lourdes JofreÌo-Collett

Gloria Estefan & Olga Lazo

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Brad & Sabrina Kaplan

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All products and services provided by The Salt Studio Pinecrest, including any written or verbal information or communication such as web sites, brochures, flyers, and telephone information, have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. The Salt Studio Pinecrest makes no claims regarding this information and takes no responsibility for customers choosing to use this alternative therapy as a treatment. For all your health concerns, please consult an appropriately licensed healthcare practitioner first.

AS K T H E PL AST I C S U R G EO N

“The Angle”: A Strategic Approach to Looking Younger Longer BY JOSE M. SOLER-BAILLO M.D., M.S, BOARD CERTIFIED PLASTIC SURGEON, SOUTH MIAMI

PE T H E A LT H

Pet Food Facts and Myths (Cont.) your dog or cat’s health. 3. RAW DIETS ARE HEALTHIER The benefit of raw diets is controversial since there is no documented evidence that feeding raw diet has any health or nutritional advantages over cooked foods. The selling point that canine and feline ancestors depended on raw diets and so it’s the “natural diet” is not a strong point, since our pet’s genetic makeup and lifestyle differs from those of their ancestors. Raw diets could potentially promote growth of pathogenic bacterial contaminants, which could lead to disease not only to the pet, but also to the owner handling the diet. If feeding a raw diet is your preference and your pet is doing well on it, continue feeding it. However, consider light cooking to kill any bacterial contaminants. Each type of diet has advantages and disadvantages, and the price of the pet food does not always equates with the quality of the diet. With this in mind, when choosing a commercial diet look for a pet food company that has a long successful history in the industry, that has scientists with doctorate degrees in nutrition formulating the diets, that sources their own ingredients, and makes their own food in their own factories under rigorous quality control testing. Look for a diet that your cat or dog likes and keeps them healthy, lean, and producing normal stool with no excess gas. Consult the one person that can give you sound professional medical and nutritional advice regarding your best friend: your veterinarian. Dr Marta Sanchez-Emden is the founder of the Animal Health and Rehab Center in South Miami. She has been practicing Veterinary Medicine in Miami for over 20 years. As a Certified Veterinary Journalist, she is the resident veterinarian for various national TV shows. She authored the book “CHIHUAHUAS : How to Be Your Dog’s Best Friend,” available on Amazon. Follow her at youtube.com/ahrcvet, Facebook.com/dr.sanchezemden, Twitter @DrMartavet, and www.animalhealthrehab.com.

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12.2016

HE PURSUIT AND MAINTENANCE OF BEAUTY CONTINUES to be the main driving force in the cosmetic surgery industry. I present “The Angle,” a minimally invasive approach for early treatment and prevention of the aging face. The progression of laxity in facial tissues leads to the aging appearance of the face and neck. Unfavorable anatomy such as a short neck, deficient mandibular length, and increased subcutaneous fat content will contribute to the unwanted appearance. Excess fat is a common problem in our society with staggering overweight and obesity statistics. Heavy necks are also a common congenital statistic as well. Historically patients with heavy necks present for treatment in their mid-to-late forties and beyond. At this point the decrease in skin elasticity has relegated them into needing a skin tightening procedure at a younger age. When faced with the prospect of a significant surgical procedure most patients make easy prey to the “non-surgical fixes” with the usual disappointing results. Non-invasive techniques such as transdermal ultrasound and lasers have promised much, but fail to deliver precise, complete and effective results. These methods often rely on heavy marketing of the unfounded dangers of anesthesia. The ubiquitous overuse of dermal fillers cannot address the heavy neck. The result is usually a heavy face with a heavy neck. Furthermore, in unskilled hands facial fillers ultimately overfill and distort the harmony of facial aesthetics. The blunt, young, cervico-mental angle and heavy jawline are reliable predictors of future neck skin laxity and the stigmata of the aging neck. A heavy neck can make a young person look older, heavier, and less attractive. If the fat is removed and the young neck is sculpted, while there is adequate skin elasticity, several positive effects are achieved. The first is the dramatic change of the patient’s appearance. They will look thinner, younger and more attractive. Second, the permanent removal of fat cells from the cervical area will decrease the weight stress on the skin significantly delaying the aging process. Also, the results are relatively resilient to weight fluctuations. What is “The Angle?” Subcutaneous Micro Derma Sculpting. Precise removal of excess fat from the neck and jaw line. This procedure achieves two goals; the removal of excess fat (sculpting the neck and jaw line) and subcutaneous inflammation causing deposition of new collagen (tightening the skin). “The Angle” can be performed under local anesthesia or with light sedation (oral or IV). The procedure should take less than one hour, in experienced hands less than 30 minutes. Patient assessment and provider training are critical to the success of the procedure. The ideal patient is between 18 and mid-40s with adequate skin elasticity. The younger patient with adequate skin elasticity, will experience immediate results. The patients will look younger, thinner ,and more attractive. More experienced providers can tackle patients with more skin laxity. While there is room for improvement in the patients with more laxity, the results will not be as consistent, or as reliable. Patient education of realistic expectations is paramount. This procedure is not, and will not, replace a true facelift in the older patient. “The Angle” is not just a fascinating procedure that makes the patient look younger, thinner, and more attractive, it is a reproducible strategic approach in delaying the appearance of the aging face. An International, multilingual Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Jose Soler-Baillo brings to South Florida a refreshing, modern approach to Cosmetic Surgery. Dr. Soler-Baillo earned his Medical Degree at the prestigious Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York City, trained in General Surgery at the Saint Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston, New Jersey, and received extensive training in Plastic Surgery in Miami, New York, and Texas. Dr. Soler-Baillo is Board Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. For more information please visit, resultsmd.com or email info@soler-baillo.com.

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