Coral Gables Guide for December 2009

GGGHeader‘Twas the week before Christmas in our little town, with holiday spirit and good cheer all around. With seasonal glee we are pleased to present, the following list of Great Gables Events.

Biltmore’s Palme d’Or Rated Number One
Zagat Dining Guide has once again rated the Biltmore’s internationally acclaimed culinary team headed by Chef Philippe Ruiz at Palme d’Or with the highest rating in South Florida in terms of food, service and decor. With comments like “as close to perfection as you can get” and “inviting, not intimidating,” the Biltmore’s signature French restaurant sets the standard once again. Call 305-913-3201. http://www.biltmorehotel.com/dining/palme.php

Angelique Euro Café Opens
We welcome a new neighborhood European café that compliments the Mediterranean style and grace of the City Beautiful. Angelique Euro Cafe is located in the heart of the mile between Ponce and Galiano at 117 Miracle Mile. Open daily to awaken your senses at breakfast, break the monotony at lunch and satisfy your palate at dinner. The menu serves up neo classics from your European favorites: Spain, France, Italy and Belgium. Enjoy our unique social hour during the week from 4 to 7 pm and sample their vast selection of wines by the glass, imported and craft beers, unique Angel-tinis, and their famous house Sangria. At Angelique, they redefine the brunch experience with an all inclusive menu to be enjoyed Saturday and Sunday from 10am through 4pm. Call 305-529-9922. http://www.angeliqueeurocafe.com

Il Grissino Italian Restaurant Opens
This new restaurant on Giralda (Restaurant Row) features upscale Italian fare such as Tuna Carpaccio, Seared Scallops, Il Grissinno Pizza, Seafood Linguini, Black Risotto, Monkfish, Eggplant Ravioli, plus luscious desserts. Il Grissino Italian Restaurant, 127 Giralda, is open for lunch and dinner. Make sure you stop in for lunch to receive a complimentary house appetizer. Call 305-461-3391.

Cupcakes Nouveau Accepting Orders
Place your cupcake order today for your office holiday party; your children’s holiday school party; your family holiday gathering; or as a gift to the friends, family, teachers, co-workers, and employees that have made your year so special. All decorations are custom made for your order at Cupcakes Nouveau, 4712 LeJeune. Choose your own designs whether you’re celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah, or just the Winter Season. And don’t forget the rum cakes. These rum soaked buttery bundt cakes are available in a mini size, which serves one, or a standard size, which serves 14-26 guests. Call Shayrin and Cristina at 305-448-0011. http://www.cupcakesnouveau.com

Actors’ Playhouse Special Offer
Choose any four shows in the current season of live theatre for a special price. Call 305-444-9293. http://www.actorsplayhouse.org/pay_subscribe.htm

Complimentary Tickets For Farragut North
GableStage has announced complimentary tickets for the December 26 performance of Farragut North. Set against the backdrop of a tight presidential primary race, a young press secretary falls prey to backroom politics, the manipulations of veteran operatives and the wiles of a seductive intern. This off-Broadway smash is a timely tale of hubris, loyalty and the lust for power. Call 305-446-1116. http://www.gablestage.org

Free Valet Parking for Disabled
The Business Improvement District of Coral Gables (BID,) in collaboration with the Parking Advisory Board, is launching a pilot program making free valet parking available for patrons with valid disabled permits. The program will run for three months and will operate through the valet parking companies in Downtown Coral Gables.

Make A Wish Fundraiser at Paper Emporium
Paper Emporium, located at 231 Aragon, in collaboration with A Bit of Ink, Inc. presents “Letters From Santa,” a fundraiser in support of the Make a Wish Foundation of South Florida. They are offering beautifully written “Letters from Santa” for $8 each. Created by calligrapher Monica Lima Mirones, a print of an original hand lettered piece comes with a hand-lettered red envelope “from Santa” in white ink using a pointed pen in the classic style, Copperplate. 100% of sales of the letters will go to the Make a wish Foundation of Southern Florida. To accompany your letter from Santa and the anticipation of Christmas, our Advent Calendars are an adorable interactive gift that any child is sure to enjoy. Call 305-445-7090. http://www.paperemporium.net

New Culinary Boot Camp At The Biltmore Hotel
The Biltmore Hotel’s Culinary Academy is now offering a Culinary Boot Camp starting in January 2010. The program offers a unique opportunity that combines a luxury holiday while learning culinary arts along such masters as Chef Philippe Ruiz who oversees the resort’s Palme d’Or, named the top restaurant for food, decor and service by Zagat. Students will learn the details, ingredients and presentation behind culinary masterpieces through daily classes in the academy’s kitchen lab, wine tasting seminars and behind-the-scene access in a professional kitchen. The program consists of a week-long camp or a weekend camp. The Biltmore Culinary Academy is showcased in a 700-square-foot custom designed kitchen lab with a 12-burner stainless steel JADE range island. Enrollment is limited to 8 students. Call 305-913-3131 or e-mail: CulinaryAcademy@BiltmoreHotel.com

Historical Museum Winter Camp
Look back to a simpler, more relaxed way of life in the sunshine state. Construct sailboats and build a wood and stone model of The Barnacle, Commodore Munroe’s 19th century home in Coconut Grove. Make pioneer-era caricature artwork while exploring the Wagner House in Downtown Miami’s Lummus Park, built in the 1850’s. Discover the little-known, amazing natural history of the West Indies. Make displays of the world’s smallest bird, frog and other mini-creatures of Cuba. Make musical instruments with calabash and other indigenous materials. Learn how nature has influenced the culture, diet and music of these verdant, sunsplashed lands. Call 305-375-1629. http://www.hmsf.org

New Year’s Eve At The Biltmore
The Biltmore Hotel is bringing in 2010 with a grand celebration that includes exquisite dining, fabulous musical performances, fireworks and champagne. Festivities begin at 8:30pm on Thursday, December 31. For details, call 305-913-3246. http://www.biltmorehotel.com/email/NYE2009.htm

Friday, December 18

Toy Drive Breakfast At Sir Pizza
Let’s bring joy to a hospitalized child on Christmas Day. Sir Pizza is having a Holiday Toy Drive with free Café Bustelo, Misha’s Cupcakes and holiday music from 8 to 10:30am at 4231 LeJeune. Please bring an unwrapped toy, book or game for infants and small children. All toys will be taken to Miami Children’s Hospital on Christmas Eve to be distributed amongst the Cancer and Neurology floors. The extra toys will be distributed throughout the hospital. Call 305-442-4040. http://www.sirpizzamiami.com

Bierhaus Friday Lunch Specials
Enjoy the lunch special, featuring an appetizer, entree, and dessert for a flat price of $12.95 at Fritz and Franz Bierhaus, 60 Merrick Way. Call 305-774-1883. http://www.bierhaus.cc

South Florida Arts Beat On WLRN
Tune in at 1pm to WLRN 91.3 FM to hear Ed Bell’s South Florida Arts Beat program to stay abreast of cultural events in our community. You can also listen live on the internet. http://www.wlrn.org

Fleming’s 5 For 6 ’til 7
Come in to Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar at 2525 Ponce before 7pm to enjoy a variety of 5 great wines, 5 popular cocktails and 5 delicious appetizers all for $6. The large delicate crab cakes, the big plate of fried calamari, the seared ahi tuna with wasabi sauce, the filet mignon carpaccio toped with fresh parmesan cheese and the grilled shrimp in spicy chili sauce are fantastic, and quite a bargain at $6 each. Their Prime Sirloin Burger with cheese and bacon is also $6. The selection of fine wines and lovely cocktails at $6 are equally sublime. Call 305-569-7995. http://www.flemingssteakhouse.com

Bar Bites At Morton’s Until 6:30
Stop into the Morton’s Steakhouse bar Monday through Friday from 5 to 6:30pm or later from 9:30 to 11pm for some great deals on their popular Bar Bites appetizers for only $5 or $6. Can’t believe it? Choose the Miniature Prime Cheeseburger Trio with more than half a pound of USDA prime-aged beef with cheddar cheese, tomato slices, lettuce and onion. Or, choose the Four Petite Filet Mignon Sandwiches served with mustard mayonnaise sauce. Or the triplet of delicious crab cakes. How about the Chicken Goujonettes crispy strips served with mustard mayonnaise sauce or the blue cheese fries — or the crab, artichoke and spinach dip? You can also order Morton’s Prime Burger and French Fries in the Bar for only $15. Call 305-442-1662. http://www.mortons.com

Happy Hour On The Bierhaus Plaza
It’s Happy Hour on the Plaza at Fritz and Franz Bierhaus at 60 Merrick Way with two for one drinks from 5 to 7pm on Friday. Order the famous Bierhaus Burger, one of the best Burgers in Town, or Louisiana Fish fry with Harald’s legendary potato salad or fries. The nightly special is Forelle Mullerin (fresh Rainbow Trout, sauteed in lemon butter with parsley potatoes and mixed greens) served from 5 to 10pm for $19.95. Enjoy live entertainment outdoors from 6 to 10pm. Call 305-774-1883. http://www.bierhaus.cc

Happy Hour At Sports Exchange
Enjoy happy hour at Sports Exchange, 45 Miracle Mile, from 5 to 8pm. Buy one drink, get one free — all brands, house wine and beers. $5 pizzas. Late night happy hour from 11pm to close: $5 for all well drinks, $3 domestic beers and house wine, plus $5 pizzas. Call 305-774-1222. http://www.thesportsexchangemiami.com

Chocolate Martinis And Shopping With Friends
Enjoy free chocolate martinis and lots of free samples to try before you buy at Peterbrooke Chocolatier, 227 Aragon from 6 to 10pm. Give your friends, family and clients something they’ll really like: chocolate from Peterbrooke. Call 305-446-3131. http://www.peterbrooke.com

Wines Of Spain And Argentina
You’re invited to Treehouse Wine And Spirits at 4708 LeJeune Road from 6:30 to 8:30pm to sample four premium wines from Spain And Argentina. It’s a great opportunity to sample several superior wines for a fraction of the cost. Three of the four labels have scored 90 points in Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate. The $5 fee will be applied toward your purchase. Call 786-268-2740.

Live Music In The B&B Courtyard
Enjoy live music in the beautiful Mediterranean courtyard Friday night from 7 to 11pm at Books & Books, 265 Aragon. Call 305-442-4408. http://www.booksandbooks.com

Wine Tasting at Angelo & Maxie’s Steakhouse
Meet up with friends for a special tasting event hosted by wine educator Barry Alberts at Angelo & Maxie’s Steakhouse located in Mayfair House from 7 to 9:30pm featuring international wine selections. The cost is $15 per person and there is no need to RSVP. Call 305-793-3120.

Jazz Lounge At The Biltmore Bar
A duo of classic jazz will entertain as you enjoy the Biltmore Bar each Friday and Saturday evening from 8pm to midnight. See performances by the Popo Delgado duo, the John Schneider duo and the Geffrard duo. Enjoy drink specials by Grey Goose vodka. Call 305-445-1926. http://www.biltmorehotel.com/dining/bar.php

Rock And Roll at JohnMartin’s
Friday evening is Rock ‘n’ Roll night at JohnMartin’s, with the best local bands. Meet up with friends, enjoy some good pub food and refreshments and dance to your favorite tunes all night at 253 Miracle Mile. Call 305-445-3777. http://www.johnmartins.com

Live Music At Titanic
Enjoy great live music, good food and drinks, featuring well-brewed beer on tap at Titanic Restaurant and Bar, 5813 Ponce. The music stars at 10pm. Call 305-667-ALES. http://www.TitanicBrewery.com

Saturday, December 19

Saturday Martial Fusion And Zumba Classes
Join the Biltmore Fitness Center’s Saturday Martial Fusion and Zumba classes. Martial Fusion runs from 9:30 to 10:30am and Zumba from 10:30 to 11:30am. Call 305-913-3102 or email tmcqueen@biltmorefitness.com

Biltmore Academy: Holiday Baking
The Biltmore Culinary Academy presents a program on Holiday Baking by chef Katherine Cardoso, from 10am to 12pm. Call 305-913-3131 or email: CulinaryAcademy@biltmorehotel.com

Breakfast And Brunch At Novecento
Enjoy the outdoor patio or have breakfast indoors Saturday mornings at Novecento, 121 Alhambra from 10am to 11:30. Brunch is served until 4pm on Saturday, with an extensive kid’s menu. Call 305-557-0900. http://www.novecento.com

Madeline’s Christmas At Miracle Theatre
This holiday favorite performed Saturday afternoons at 2pm begins with the classic storybook line, “In an old house in Paris that was covered with vines lived twelve little girls in two straight lines.” From there, the day begins like any other day for the girls and their caretaker Miss Clavel, but soon ends in disaster when everyone except Madeline gets the flu. Saddened that they may not be able to go home for Christmas, the girls and Miss Clavel take to their beds. Can Madeline save the day for everyone with the assistance of a mysterious Rug Merchant? Join Madeline and her friends live on stage at the Miracle Theatre find out how and discover a little holiday magic for yourself. Call 305-444-9293. http://www.actorsplayhouse.org

Saturday Special At The Bierhaus
Never a cover charge at the Bierhaus. The Saturday dinner special is Zwiebelrostbraten (flattened Rib Eye Steak, sauteed and topped with a delicious onion sauce and fried onions with noodles) for $23.95 at Fritz and Franz Bierhaus, 60 Merrick Way. Call 305-774-1883. http://www.bierhaus.cc

26 Miles At New Theatre
In this coming of age tale, a Cuban mother loses custody of her Jewish daughter and after eight years she is given a second chance. At 4:30 in the morning she kidnaps the sick teenage girl and the two drive west in search of a remedy and their divergent American dreams. The play continues through December 20. Call 305-443-5909. http://www.new-theatre.org/play_26_miles.php

Another Night Before Christmas at Miracle Theatre
Here is a charming new holiday musical written by Sean Grennan and Leah Okimoto, the creators of Married ALIVE! This musical comedy, insightful while also delightfully entertaining, gives us cause to examine our own conscience when it comes to allowing ourselves the indulgence in merriment that the holiday season brings. The play runs through December 27 with performances at 8pm Wednesday through Saturday, and Sunday at 2pm. Call 305-444-9293. http://www.actorsplayhouse.org

Live Music at JohnMartin’s
Drop into your favorite Irish Pub to hear the best live music at JohnMartin’s, 253 Miracle Mile every Saturday evening. Enjoy the Blacksmith, a refreshing combination of Smithwick’s Ale and Guinness. Call 305-445-3777. http://www.johnmartins.com

Jazz Lounge At The Biltmore Bar
A duo of classic jazz will entertain as you enjoy the Biltmore Bar each Friday and Saturday evening from 8pm to midnight. See performances by the Popo Delgado duo, the John Schneider duo and the Geffrard duo. Enjoy drink specials by Grey Goose vodka. Call 305-445-1926. http://www.biltmorehotel.com/dining/bar.php

Titanic Presents Live Music
Enjoy excellent pub food and drink, plus live music starting Saturday evening at 10pm at Titanic Brew Pub, 5813 Ponce. Call 305-667-ALES. http://www.TitanicBrewery.com

Sunday, December 20

Sunday Brunch At The Biltmore
Enjoy a stunning display of fine foods at the Biltmore’s Fountain Restaurant from 10am to 2pm as you’re literally surrounded by the most elaborate spread of gourmet items in South Florida. This bountiful buffet features seafood and caviar, carved meats, made-to-order omelets, sushi, pastas, salads, tapas, quiches, artisanal cheeses, specialty dishes, a chocolate fountain and endless desserts. Enjoy live music by Juan Areco and his trio. The French champagne is flowing, the service is remarkable and the setting is perfect for entertaining guests and family members for special occasions. Biltmore Brunch is now offering a choice of additional specialty drinks including: Mango Bellini, Peach Bellini, Bloody Mary & Bloody Caesar, naturally we still have Champagne of the month & Mimosas. Reserve early; it usually sells out in advance. Call 305-913-3202. http://www.biltmorehotel.com/restaurants.asp

Sunday Tours Of Merrick House
Every Sunday at 1, 2 and 3pm, enjoy a tour of this unique treasure at 907 Coral Way by docents and historical experts. The majestic house, on the National Register of Historic Places, is the boyhood home of George Merrick, founder and developer of the City Beautiful. Cost is $5 for adults; $3 for seniors and students with ID; $1 for children; free for kids five and under.

Free Sunday Tours Of The Biltmore Hotel
The Biltmore Docents, members of Dade Heritage Trust, offer a free walking tour of the Historic Biltmore Hotel each Sunday at 1:30, 2:30 and 3:30pm, starting in the upstairs lobby by the front desk. When available, they take you to the 13th floor where the murder took place that created the ghost of the Biltmore. These 55 minute tours are free. Call the hotel at 305-445-1926. http://www.biltmorehotel.com

Live Caribbean Music Sundays Poolside At The Biltmore
Enjoy live musical performance by Jean-Michel Daudier, one of Haiti’s best known and loved entertainers from 2 to 6pm each Sunday by the Biltmore Pool with half price on all 10 Cane drinks and specialty mojitos. Call 305-445-1926. http://www.biltmorehotel.com/dining/cascade.php

Acoustic Music Showcase At JohnMartin’s
John Brown hosts the weekly acoustic music showcase each Sunday evening at JohnMartin’s Irish Pub, 253 Miracle Mile. Call 305-445-3777. http://www.johnmartins.com

La Cena Di Mario At La Fontana
Enjoy a pre-fixe Family Style Dinner for four or more persons at the Biltmore’s Fontana Restaurant every Sunday for $35 beginning with an Antipasto Platter. The First Course includes a choice of two: Lightly Breaded Calamari, Mozzarella Caprese, Caesar Salad, Insalata Mista. The main course includes a choice of two: Penne, Rigatoni, Fettuccini or Square Spaghetti Pasta with choice of Pomodoro, Bolognese, Boscaiola or Aglio e Olio, Chicken Cacciatora, Chicken Marsala, Basa Livornese or Sea Bream and Lemon Butter. http://www.biltmorehotel.com/dining/fontana.php

Sunday Special At The Bierhaus
It’s sports time in the Bierhaus and the dinner special is Jagerschnitzel mit Spatzle (sauteed Pork Scaloppini in a savory bacon-mushroom sauce with home-made pasta) for $21.95 at Franz Bierhaus, 60 Merrick Way. Call 305-774-1883. http://www.bierhaus.cc

Karaoke Night At Titanic
Grab the microphone and sing your favorite songs Sunday evening at Karaoke Night at Titanic, hosted by Boogie Man George with the largest songbook in Miami. Karaoke starts at 9pm at Titanic Brew Pub, 5813 Ponce. Call 305-667-ALES. http://www.TitanicBrewery.com

Monday, December 21

Power Yoga Class With Guillermo Gomez
The Biltmore Fitness Center presents a weekly Power Yoga Class each Monday from noon to 1pm with Guillermo Gomez. Call 305-913-3102. http://www.biltmorefitness.com

Tarpon Bend Happy Hour
Meet up with friends at Tarpon Bend, 65 Miracle Mile from 3 to 9pm for happy hour specials along with the fresh catch of the day and an amazing array of seasonal raw bar items. Call 305-444-3210. http://www.tarponbend.com

Monday Night Football At Sports Exchange
Kick off is at 7pm at Sports Exchange, 45 Miracle Mile. Enjoy happy hour from 5 to 8pm. Buy one drink, get one free — all brands, house wine and beers. $5 pizzas, plus half price on all appetizers. Late night happy hour from 11pm to close: $5 for all well drinks, $3 domestic beers and house wine, plus $5 pizzas. Call 305-774-1222. http://www.thesportsexchangemiami.com

Martini Monday At The Biltmore Bar
The weekly Martini Monday is an event dedicated to the most chic of cocktails for the choicest of singles at the Biltmore Bar featuring half price Belvedere Vodka, Ciroc Vodka, and Smirnoff Vodka. The hotel’s resident expert mixologists have developed a menu of Martinis unlike any other at the Biltmore Bar, 1200 Anastasia, starting at 6pm every Monday. Call 305-445-1926. http://www.biltmorehotel.com

Fritz And Franz Monday Specials
The Fritz And Franz Bierhaus at 60 Merrick Way features Krautrouladen (Stuffed Cabbage) every Monday from 5 to 10pm for $15.95. Call 305-774-0883. http://www.bierhaus.cc

Glenn Terry: Grove Christmas Film Special
Grove artist Glenn Terry will show his 1981 locally-made, half-hour Christmas film special in which he and his buddy search for the elusive Coconut Grove holiday spirit. It includes Tony Sconovacca singing, “Green Christmas.” The film begins at 7:30pm at Books And Books, 265 Aragon. Call 305-442-4408. http://www.booksandbooks.com

Tuesday, December 22

Bierhaus Tuesday Lunch Specials
Enjoy the lunch special, featuring an appetizer, entree, and dessert for a flat price of $12.95, featuring grilled chicken breast with roasted potatoes and string beans with toasted almonds or stuffed cabbage with mashed potatoes at Fritz and Franz Bierhaus, 60 Merrick Way. Call 305-774-1883. http://www.bierhaus.cc

Tarpon Bend Happy Hour
Meet up with friends at Tarpon Bend, 65 Miracle Mile from 3 to 9pm for happy hour specials along with the fresh catch of the day and an amazing array of seasonal raw bar items. Call 305-444-3210. http://www.tarponbend.com

Novecento Presents Wine Tuesdays
Every Tuesday at Novecento, 121 Alhambra Plaza, enjoy 50% off the entire wine list with dinner. Some allocated wines are excluded. Call 305-557-0900. http://www.novecento.com

Happy Hour At Sports Exchange
Enjoy happy hour at Sports Exchange, 45 Miracle Mile, from 5 to 8pm. Buy one drink, get one free — all brands, house wine and beers. $5 pizzas, plus half price on all appetizers. Late night happy hour from 11pm to close: $5 for all well drinks, $3 domestic beers and house wine, plus $5 pizzas. Karaoke Night 9:30pm to 1:30am. Enjoy the show and step up to the microphone. Call 305-774-1222. http://www.thesportsexchangemiami.com

Silver Night Special At Crepemaker
Seniors: enjoy a 10% discount for everyone 65 and older each Tuesday evening at Crepemaker, 76 Miracle Mile. Call 305-807-3522.

Tuesdays Uncorked at Cacao
Each Tuesday, enjoy no corkage fees for wines brought to the restaurant (limit 1) at Cacao, 141 Giralda Avenue. Call 305-445-1001. http://www.cacaorestaurant.com

Petanque Tournament At The Biltmore
Enjoy a Petanque Tournament where beginners and experts can play this fun and exciting game every Tuesday from 6 to 8pm. It’s happy hour with half price specialty cocktails from Veuve Clicquot and Belvedere Vodka. Meet up with friends for an evening of lighthearted competition. The weekly winner receives Sunday Brunch for two. Overall monthly winner receives a two-night stay. The Cascade Poolside Bar and Grill is perched on the edge of the resort’s famous 700,000-gallon swimming pool; the continent’s largest resort pool. Call 305-445-1926. http://www.biltmorehotel.com

Bierhaus Schnitzel Night
Schnitzel lovers unite on Tuesdays at Fritz and Franz Bierhaus for a special two for one deal on authentic chicken and pork Bavarian schnitzel with Harald’s legendary potato salad from 5 to 10pm. Harald also has beer specials before 7pm at 60 Merrick Way. Call 305-774-1883. http://www.bierhaus.cc

Alma De Tango Featuring World Tango Champion Monica Llobet
Learn to Tango every Tuesday from 8pm to midnight at the Biltmore Hotel in the intimate atmosphere of a Buenos Aires Milonga transported to the Danielson Gallery. Enjoy an evening like no other; Dance the night away until 1am with classic music by the top Tango orchestras and Nuevo Tango music by innovative new groups. Group classes for Beginners from 9 to 10pm and Advanced 8 to 9pm
Price: Class and milonga is $15 per person. Wine cash bar available. Call 305-913-3102 or monicallobet@yahoo.com

Wednesday, December 23

Bierhaus Wednesday Lunch Specials
Enjoy the lunch special, featuring an appetizer, entree, and dessert for a flat price of $12.95 featuring assorted sauteed vegetables baked in a puff pastry with tartar sauce or Wiener Schnitzel: breaded pork scaloppini with potato salad at Fritz and Franz Bierhaus, 60 Merrick Way. Call 305-774-1883. http://www.bierhaus.cc

Seniors: Let’s Do Lunch Each Wednesday
Join old friends and meet new ones during a pleasant, sociable lunch every Wednesday at 12 noon at the Adult Activity Center at 624 Anastasia Avenue for $6 per person. Call 305-460-5609.

Coral Gables Museum Preview Exhibit
Curated by historian Arva Moore Parks, the Coral Gables Museum Preview Exhibit showcases early Coral Gables, the Merrick Family and the incredible vision of Coral Gables founder and developer George Merrick, every Wednesday and Sunday from 1 to 4pm at Old Spanish Village, 2901 Ponce. Filled with never before seen early Gables photos and memorabilia, the exhibit provides a glimpse into what might be included in the future Coral Gables Museum. Call 305-910-3996.

Tarpon Bend Happy Hour
Meet up with friends at Tarpon Bend, 65 Miracle Mile from 3 to 9pm for happy hour specials along with the fresh catch of the day and an amazing array of seasonal raw bar items. It’s also Sophisticated Ladies Night At Tarpon Bend every Wednesday, with two-for-one entrees and fabulous spa and jewelry prizes. Call 305-444-3210. http://www.tarponbend.com

Bacardi Pardi At Sports Exchange
Enjoy happy hour at Sports Exchange, 45 Miracle Mile, from 5 to 8pm. Select Bacardi drinks are priced at $4.50 starting at 5pm. For all other brands, buy one drink, get one free, including house wine and beers. $5 pizzas. Late night happy hour from 11pm to close: $5 for all well drinks, $3 domestic beers and house wine, plus $5 pizzas. Call 305-774-1222. http://www.thesportsexchangemiami.com

Ladies Night At Crepemaker
CrepeMaker, at 76 Miracle Mile, hosts Ladies Night every Wednesday from 5 to 9pm, featuring a complimentary glass of wine with any crepe order for the ladies. Stay tuned for spontaneous live jazz performances with bassist Chef Ben and pianist Julian Vick. Call 305-807-3522.

What’s Hip Wednesday At The Biltmore
Don’t miss What’s Hip Wednesday, a weekly happy hour event at the BIltmore Lounge featuring half-price cocktails and complimentary hors d’oeuvres from 6 to 10pm, as well as entertainment and hip fashions from Neiman Marcus Coral Gables. The evening is hosted by “Trend Tracker” Tara Gilani. Call 305-445-1926. http://www.biltmorehotel.com

Wednesday Special At The Bierhaus
Enjoy Harald’s Crisp Roasted Pork shanks with choice of two sides at Fritz and Franz Bierhaus, 60 Merrick Way. Listen to the sounds of local legend Piano Bob Wilder and his New Orleans style boogie. Call 305-774-1883. http://www.bierhaus.cc

Karaoke Night At JohnMartin’s
Enjoy Karaoke at JohnMartin’s (253 Miracle Mile), every Thursday evening starting at 9:30pm. Call 305-445-3777. http://www.johnmartins.com

Blues Jam At Titanic
Wednesday is Blues Jam night at Titanic, hosted by Chris Cosner and his band, starting at 9pm. Titanic Brew Pub is located at 5813 Ponce. Call 305-667-ALES. http://www.TitanicBrewery.com

Thursday, December 24 – Christmas Eve

Bierhaus Thursday Lunch Specials
Enjoy the lunch special, featuring an appetizer, entree, and dessert for a flat price of $12.95, featuring grilled fish of the day in a savory lemon-wine sauce with roasted potatoes and glazed baby carrots or lightly breaded chicken breast with roasted potatoes and cucumber salad at Fritz and Franz Bierhaus, 60 Merrick Way. Call 305-774-1883. http://www.bierhaus.cc

Thursday Is Great Gables Bite NightThursday Great Gables Bites
Restaurants and bars in Downtown Coral Gables have declared Thursday as the evening to get special deals on bites and beverages at many of the finest venues in the community. Meet up with friends for a break — without breaking the bank — every Thursday. For example, at Tarpon Bend, you can get two drinks and an appetizer for less than $10. Pass the word along. Coral Gables is the place to be on Thursday evenings for great deals on great bites at great places.

Mojito Madness Thursdays At Tarpon Bend
Stop into Tarpon Bend at 65 Miracle Mile each Thursday from 3 to 9pm for great deals on mojitos and soft tacos. Enjoy fresh, made-to-order watermelon, blackberry, grapefruit, pineapple and cantaloupe mojitos for only $3.50, plus delicious soft tacos for $1 each. Call 305-444-3210. http://www.tarponbend.com

Hurricane Hotline At Sports Exchange
Enjoy happy hour at Sports Exchange, 45 Miracle Mile, from 5 to 8pm. Buy one drink, get one free — all brands, house wine and beers. $5 pizzas. From 7 to 9pm, it’s Hurricane Hotline broadcast live from the Sports Exchange, hosted by the voice of the Hurricanes, Joe Zagacki, along with former ‘Cane player Don Bailey, Jr. For the first hour of the program, fans will get insight from Head Coach Randy Shannon, who will be a live guest at The Sports Exchange. Late night happy hour from 11pm to close: $5 for all well drinks, $3 domestic beers and house wine, plus $5 pizzas. It’s Ladies Night from 7 to 11pm: All well brands, domestic beer or house wine only $2 for you ladies, plus $5 pizza. Call 305-774-1222. http://www.thesportsexchangemiami.com

Biltmore Bossa Nova
Enjoy the best of live Bosso Nova with Brazilian Singer and Guitarist Mariana Martin, Rose Max, Ramatis and Claudio Spiewak at the Biltmore’s Cascade Bar by the pool fro 6 to 9pm. Sip half price cocktails from Belvedere Vodka and 10 Cane Rum. Cascade Poolside Bar and Grill is perched on the edge of the resort’s famous 700,000-gallon swimming pool — the continent’s largest resort pool. Call 305-445-1926. http://www.biltmorehotel.com

Social Thursdays at Novecento
Enjoy complimentary Prosecco for ladies and a cocktail for everyone with a business card from 5 to 7:30 every Thursday evening. $39 bottle of Grey Goose (750ml) and 2 appetizers for a group of four or more, normally $99. Social Thursdays also offers a 3 course dinner at Novecento Coral Gables, 121 Alhambra Plaza. Call 305-557-0900. http://www.novecento.com

Thirsty Thursday Wine Tastings
Join your hosts, Lalo Durazo, owner of Jaguar, and wine educator Barry Alberts of Berries to Wine for a weekly sampling of fine wines and great food at Jaguar Ceviche Spoon Bar and Latam Grill, 3067 Grand Avenue from 7 to 9pm each Thursday. The cost is $15 per person for food and wine. RSVP is not required.

Thursday Bierhaus Specials
It’s home-made Goulash Night at the Bierhaus, with choice of two side dishes at Fritz and Franz Bierhaus, 60 Merrick Way. Call 305-774-1883. http://www.bierhaus.cc

Wine And Chocolate Tasting At PeterBrooke
Our friends at Peterbrooke Chocolatier, 227 Aragon, invite you to stop in each Thursday and Friday evening for a free tasting of wine and a wide assortment of fine chocolates. Discover Coral Gables’s favorite little chocolate shop, located only steps away from Books And Books. Call 305-446-3131. http://www.peterbrooke.com

Thursday Bouillabaise Night At Palme d’Or
The Biltmore’s Chef de Cuisine Philippe Ruiz will add his culinary touch to the classic Provencal Bouillabaisse each Thursday evening at Palme d’Or restaurant. The price is $39 or $59 with wines included. http://www.biltmorehotel.com/dining/palme.php

Hyatt’s Thursday Night Steak Night
Enjoy a complimentary glass of wine with your steak dinner for $34 at the Hyatt, 50 Alhambra Plaza. Call 305-447-6100.

Mixed Up Thursdays At JohnMartin’s
The new “Mixed Up Thursdays” menu features $5 food specials on some of their most popular menu items like their fish and chips and slider burgers. Thursday drink specials include Irish favorites, $2 Baby Guinness and half off Irish Car Bombs. At 10pm, enjoy Laughs On The Mile every Thursday starting at 10pm as local comedian Freddie Stebbins and friends host a night of fun and frivolity at JohnMartin’s Irish Pub, 253 Miracle Mile. Call 305-445-3777. http://www.johnmartins.com

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