Greetings,
T’was the week before Christmas and all through the town, special deals of all sorts could be easily found. Lots of special events for good kids large and small are on tap to bring glee and good cheer to us all.
From our family to yours, Happy Holidays and best wishes in the coming weeks.
Robert and Robin Burr
Santa Rides Fire Truck Through Gables
Coral Gables firefighters will transport Santa around the City December 20 to 22, where he will pass by as many homes as possible giving out candy canes to all the boys and girls along the route who have been extra good this year. For a listing of routes and times, use this link: http://www.coralgables.com/CGWeb/news.aspx?newsid=1124
Pictures With Santa
Bring your family to Merrick Park, across from city Hall at 405 Biltmore Way to take pictures with Santa Claus. Merrick Park has been transformed into a winter wonderland, open daily from 11am to 10pm through December 24. Call for details: 305-460-5600.
Police And Fire Hold Toy Drive For Needy Children
The Coral Gables Police and Fire Departments, along with the Explorers from both departments, are organizing a toy drive to help underprivileged kids. Share the spirit of this holiday season by donating a new, unwrapped toy to the following locations: Fire Station No. 1 (2815 Salzedo Street), Fire Station No. 2 (525 South Dixie Highway), Fire Station No. 3 (11911 Old Cutler Drive) or Police Station (2801 Salzedo Street). Toys will be accepted until Saturday, December 21. Call 305-442-1600.
Junior Orange Bowl International Tennis Championship
The Junior Orange Bowl International Tennis Championship is among the most important junior tennis tournaments in the world. Celebrating is 49th year, the Championship is open to the best 12-and-under and 14-and-under players from around the globe. The Main Draw takes place December 17 to 23 from 8am to 6pm at local tennis centers. Call 305-662-1210. http://www.jrorangebowl.org
Coral Gables Gift Certificates
Downtown Coral Gables Gift Certificates make the perfect gift for the holidays. For a limited time, purchase these gift certificates at 15% off using CODE: 15DEC. The certificates can be used at any of over 80 different shops and restaurants, even the Miracle Theater in Coral Gables. http://shopcoralgables.com/gift-certificates/
Las Leñas Argentinian Steakhouse Now Open
Las Leñas is a contemporary all-you-can-eat Steakhouse featuring Filet Mignon, Sirloin Steak, New York Strip, Skirt Steak and more at 141 Giralda. Take advantage of their Monday through Friday lunch special for only $16.95 per person including a glass of wine, or their Monday through Thursday dinner special for only $25.95 per person including one bottle of wine per table. Call 305-476-3600.
Aromas del Peru Opens On Ponce
Now open at its new location at 1930 Ponce, Aromas del Peru features fine cuisine from Peru. Call 305-576-5885. http://www.aromas-delperu.com
Miller’s Ale House to Open at 101 Miracle Mile
Keep an eye out for the opening of Miller’s Ale House on the corner of Galiano and Miracle Mile in the coming months. Boasting a huge menu of All-American favorites and dozens of HD screens, the Ale House features daily specials like baby back ribs, prime rib and lobster, along with original pasta dishes, fresh seafood, healthy salads, robust sandwiches and homemade desserts. http://www.millersalehouse.com
Houston’s Becomes Hillstone
Did you notice? The sign on the front of Houston’s at 201 Miracle Mile has been changed to Hillstone. Word is they’ll tweak the menu with a more local and seasonal focus while retaining their legendary consistency and fine service.
Route 9 Coming To Ponce
Aiming for a mid-January to February opening in the Gables space formerly known as Don Chile, Route 9 will offer American-style cuisine with a bit of Latin and Florida flair, lots of small plates of fish, meats, veggies, cheese and charcuterie and homemade pastries, as well as boutique wines and craft beer.
BrickTop Coming To Coral Gables
This new restaurant chain plans to occupy 7,000 square feet at the northwest corner of Andalusia Avenue and Ponce de Leon Boulevard with lunch, dinner and brunch menus. According to an article in Miami Today, the restaurant is to have 15 tables for outdoor dining seven days a week. The eclectic menu will include fresh grilled fish and steaks, fish tacos, a selection of sandwiches and salads, and brunch featuring everything from eggs benedict to homemade doughnuts.
Caffe Abbracci’s Holiday Menu
Caffe Abbracci at 318 Aragon will be offering a special Christmas menu December 24 and 25 featuring Tortellini, Roast Quail, Traditional Christmas Cake-Log and more, priced at $40 per person. Call 305-441-0700. http://www.caffeabbracci.com
Angelique’s Holiday Celebration
Guests at Angelique, 117 Miracle Mile can enjoy a 3 course Christmas Eve dinner, an entire weekend brunch from December 24 to 26 featuring a special menu at $85 per person (for a 3 course meal), or $100 per person (for a 4 course meal). Call 305-529-9922. http://www.angeliqueeurocafe.com
JohnMartin’s Very Irish Holiday Celebration
The festivities at JohnMartin’s, 253 Miracle Mile for Christmas Eve menu features Grilled Salmon Filet, Roast Turkey and Ham, Bailey’s ice cream and much more, priced at $28.50 for adults and $12.95 for children under age 14. Call 305-445-3777. http://www.johnmartins.com
Spris’ Holiday “For Two” Special
From December 25 to 31, you and a loved one can enjoy a choice of one appetizer, two main courses and a bottle of champagne or house red or white wine for $59.99 per couple at Spris Coral Gables, 2305 Ponce. Call 305-444-3388. http://www.spriscoralgables.com
Fritz And Franz Bierhaus’ Holiday Bash
Fritz And Franz Bierhaus at 60 Merrick Way will have a special Christmas Eve menu featuring Roasted pork loin with dark beer gravy, Traditional German Pot Roast more. Call 305-774-1883. http://www.bierhaus.cc
Holiday Treats from Panera Bread
Come to the new Panera Bread at 137 Miracle Mile for Mint Crinkle cookies, Holiday Petite Shortbread Cookies, Gingerbread Man cookie, Holiday Bread and more. All these treats make great hostess gifts and are conveniently packaged for easy pick up. Plus, Panera has season inspired drinks such as Frozen Peppermint, Peppermint Hot Chocolate and more. Call 305-448-0478. http://www.panerabread.com
Spice Up Your Holiday Season At Talavera
Talavera Cocina Mexicana at 2299 Ponce wants to spice up your season, before and after the holidays, with gifts for all their guests. Through December 24, each party of guests who dines at Talavera will receive an envelope containing a surprise gift to be redeemed in January or February 2011. Call 305-444-2955. http://www.talaveraspot.com
Pardo’s Chicken Holiday Special
Let Pardo’s Peruvian Cuisine at 2312 Ponce host your holiday party. Enjoy a salad, one entrée, dessert and coffee or soda for only $10 per person. (minimum party of 10 people). Call 305-529-2475. http://www.PardosChicken.com
Free Meatballs For Fight Fans At Randazzo’s
If you watch Mark Wahlberg and Christian Bale rumble in the movie Fighter, which premieres this week, then Randazzo’s Little Italy restaurant will give you a free pair of their own meatballs. Bring your ticket stub and your appetite to Randazzo’s Little Italy at 375 Miracle Mile. Call 305-448-7002. http://www.randazzoslittleitaly.com
Give The Gift Of A Historic Tour
Gift certificates are available for HistoryMiami city tours with Dr. Paul George as well as eco-history tours with Frank Schena for $20 or more. Call 305-375-1621.
Be A Good Citizen — Get Engaged and Stay Informed
Coral Gables Watch: http://coralgableswatch.com
Gables Home Page: http://gableshomepage.com
Gables Gazette: http://www.cggazette.com
Gables PAC: http://www.coralgablescitizenspac.com
Friday, December 17
Undertow Opens At Gables Art Cinema
Peru’s submission for this year’s Foreign Oscar, the acclaimed feature film Undertow (Contracorriente) opens for its exclusive Florida theatrical release at the Coral Gables Art Cinema, and has a seven-days-a-week run in 35mm through December 23. The film features a ghost story theme of forbidden love in a Peruvian seaside village. Manolo Cardona, one of the most recognized actors in Latin America and the co-star of the film, will attend the Friday Red Carpet Opening at 7:30 and 10:30pm, with a complimentary reception that begins at 6:30 and runs till 10pm. Tickets are $9. Call 786-385-9689. http://www.gablescinema.com
Friday Night Happy Hour At JohnMartin’s
JohnMartin’s is the place to be with a great Friday Night Happy Hour from 4 to 8pm that will calm the soul and feed the stomach. Live bands start at 9:30pm, so make plans now to meet up with friends at JohnMartin’s at 253 Miracle Mile. Call 305-445-3777. http://www.johnmartins.com
Gusto Fino 5th Anniversary Celebration
Coral Gables’ favorite authentic Italian Deli celebrates their fifth anniversary Friday evening from 6 to 8pm with wine and prosecco along with ciabatta pizza appetizers. Gusto Fino Deli host Tony Vecchio welcomes all Coral Gables residents to this free event, with plenty of free parking available at the Marriott Courtyard next door. Call 305-444-0504. http://www.GustoFinoDeli.com
Jazz At The Biltmore Lounge
Enjoy classic jazz performances each Friday evening at the Biltmore Lounge, 1200 Anastasia, with cocktail specials by 10 Cane Rum and Belvedere Vodka. Call 305-445-1926. http://www.biltmorehotel.com
Louisiana Fish Fry-Day At The Bierhaus
Enjoy Harald’s special Louisiana fish fry with fries every Friday, plus live music inside from 8pm to midnight at Fritz and Franz Bierhaus, 60 Merrick Way, at the eastern end of Aragon. It’s Happy Hour Monday through Friday with half price German imported beers and house wine. Call 305-774-1883. http://www.bierhaus.cc
Carlos “Uncut: at Cosford Cinema
Note: this uncut version of the film is 365 minutes long. Olivier Assayas electrified the Cannes Film Festival with Carlos, his epic and definitive portrait of the notorious international terrorist known as Carlos the Jackal, who masterminded a wave of terror attacks in Europe and the Middle East in the ’70s and ’80s. Venezuelan actor Édgar Ramírez stars in the title role. Co-written by Assayas and Dan Franck, Carlos illustrates the evolution of contemporary terrorism as it examines the life of its title character, a Venezuelan whose real name is Ilich Ramírez Sánchez. Tracing the arc of Carlos’ criminal activities across two decades and several nations, the film features a dynamic cast of international talent and was shot in numerous countries, including Austria, France, Germany, Hungary, Lebanon, and Morocco. The film begins at 7pm at Cosford Cinema on the second floor of the Memorial Classroom building on UM campus. $12, ($10 seniors) cash only. Guests attending the Uncut version will receive a special 30+ page commemorative booklet about the film including additional information about Carlos as well as interviews with the cast and crew. Call 305-284-4861. http://www.cosfordcinema.com
Miami Saxophone Quartet
On the third Friday of every month Jazz Encounters celebrate America’s classical music and create awareness of the importance of music education. Young musicians are invited to play along some of the best musicians in South Florida. Bring your instruments. Concerts take place at the WDNA Jazz Gallery, 2921 Coral Way at 8pm. Students under 21 years old with an instrument are admitted free. General admission is a $15 donation to WDNA. http://www.wdna.org
Hoosha Plays Titanic
Local’s favorite band Hoosha takes the stage at 10pm at Titanic Restaurant And Brewery, 5813 Ponce. The band is thrilled to welcome a new addition to their family, Alessandro Martino on guitar, followed by Dizzy Bird at midnight. Come out and support some great local music along with free shots with every purchased drink, starting at 9pm. Call 305-667-ALES. http://www.TitanicBrewery.com
Saturday, December 18
Santa Storytime At Deering Estate
Santa Claus will be visiting the Deering Estate to share holiday stories and craft activities in the historic Stone House Ballroom from 10am to noon. Free with Estate admission: $12 for adults and $7 for children (ages 4-14); free for Foundation Members. The Deering Estate at Cutler is located at 16701 SW 72nd Avenue. Call 305-235-1668. http://www.deeringestate.org
Sara Rose, Kid Lawyer
Meet Sara Rose, Kid Lawyer (AuthorHouse, $12.50), America’s newest super-hero, a tenacious fourth-grader girl who likes to argue. She argues with her parents, teachers, friends and little brother, Nory. One day, her teacher tells her that when she grows up she would make a great lawyer. Before too long, Sara Rose ends up finding herself involved in a real case representing her class in front of the school board. Along the way, Sara Rose learns what lawyers do, who the famous lawyers are in history and how to become a real lawyer when she does grow up. Attorney Spencer Aronfeld’s Sara Rose, Kid Lawyer is an empowering and educational book that is fun to read for any kid thinking of a becoming a lawyer. Meet the lawyer/author at Books And Books, 265 Aragon at 5:30pm. Call 305-442-4408. http://www.booksandbooks.com
Jazz At The Biltmore Lounge
Enjoy classic jazz performances each Saturday evening at the Biltmore Lounge, 1200 Anastasia, with cocktail specials by 10 Cane Rum and Belvedere Vodka. Call 305-445-1926. http://www.biltmorehotel.com
Oliver At Miracle Theatre
One of the most beloved musicals of all time, Oliver! vividly brings to life Charles Dickens’ timeless characters with its ever-popular story of the boy who asked for more. With a cast and orchestra of over 50, the sensational score is full of Lionel Bart’s irresistible songs including Food Glorious Food, Consider Yourself, You’ve Got to Pick-a-Pocket or Two, I’d Do Anything, Oom Pah Pah, As Long As He Needs Me and many more. The winner of two Tony Awards, Oliver! has played in 22 languages worldwide and is sure to be a holiday treat for the whole family. The play continues through December 26. Call 305-444-9293. http://www.actorsplayhouse.org
Fizz Explodes At New Theatre
Gun-toting Southern belles, cocaine-loving Rockettes, and insane soda execs all take part in this based-on-a-true-story comedy about one of history’s biggest flops: the creation of New Coke. New Theatre at 4104 Laguna presents this rollicking comedy based on the totally fictionalized story of America’s most successful marketing blunder, with a side order of what it means to be an immigrant American. Performances are Thursday through Saturdays at 8pm and Sundays at 1pm. The play ends December 19. Warning: The play contains smoking and adult content. Call 305-443-5909. http://new-theatre.org
Sunday, December 19
Coral Gables Country Club Holiday Brunch
Celebrate the Holidays with a delicious Sunday Brunch at the newly renovated Coral Gables Country Club, 997 North Greenway Drive for $45 per person, $25 for children, featuring Atrium Room and Poolside seating. Call 305-392-0819. http://www.coralgablescountryclub.com
Live Caribbean Music Poolside
Enjoy a live performance of Caribbean acoustic guitar and flamenco rhythms each Sunday from 1 to 5pm. Enjoy half price cocktails by 10 Cane and Bacardi Superior Rum. Call 305-445-1926. http://www.biltmorehotel.com
Free Holiday Concert Spectacular
The historic St. Agnes’ Episcopal Church at 1750 NW 3rd Avenue in Miami is the site of the annual free holiday concert hosted by the Coral Gables Congregational Church Community Arts Program Conservatory for the Arts. The event begins at 4pm with the music of Mozart, Gigou, Louis-Claude Daquin, Tchaikovsky and more with strings and St. Agnes’ grand pipe organ. There will be stellar arrangements of such jazz classics as Sing, Sing, Sing; I Left My Heart in San Francisco; Count Basie’s Jingle Bells and other classic tunes for jazz ensemble. In addition, the program will bring new arrangements for string orchestra and jazz ensemble of carol classics like Angels We Have Heard on High and Three Ships. The event concludes with a grand sing-along by everyone to usher in the most spectacular time of the year. Following the concert, enjoy a catered reception by Global Elegance. Parking is free. Call 305-448-7421 x120. http://www.communityartsprogram.org
Violinist Elmar Oliveira In Concert
Unsurpassed in his combination of elegance and impeccable artistry, Elmar Oliveira is one of the most distinguished violinists in the world today. He has consistently expanded repertoire boundaries as a champion of both contemporary music and rarely-heard works of the past. He is devoted to the development of young artists, and is enthusiastic about the art of modern violin makers. Elmar is accompanied by Robert Koenig on piano, performing the works of Handel, Beethoven and Walton starting at 4pm at Maurice Gusman Concert Hall, Frost School of Music, University of Miami, 1314 Miller Drive. Call 305-271-7150. http://www.sundaymusicals.org/oliveira.html
Monday, December 20
Happy Hour At The Cascade
Enjoy half price beer and cocktails at the Biltmore Pool bar from 5 to 8pm each Monday evening. Call 305-445-1926. http://www.biltmorehotel.com
Tuesday, December 21
Petanque Tournament At The Biltmore
The Biltmore hosts the only organized Petanque Tournament in Miami each Tuesday from 6 to 8pm where beginners and experts can play this fun and exciting game. Enjoy half price cocktails by Veuve Clicquot and Belvedere Vodka. Weekly drawing winner receives Sunday champagne brunch for two. Call 305-445-1926. http://www.biltmorehotel.com
Alan Goldman: Transforming Toxic Leaders
Unlike other books written on toxic leaders, Alan Goldman’s Transforming Toxic Leadership (Stanford Business, $24.95) takes issue with the predominant view that toxic leaders are bad and destructive to their companies. Rather, the author argues that even highly productive leaders have some toxic qualities central to their success story. The book redirects the conversation about toxicity in a more productive direction, as toxic leaders are not just viewed as villains and liabilities, but are also considered as potential assets, innovators, and rebels. Working on the premise that toxicity is a fact of company life, the book provides organizations with a model and blueprint on the advantages to be gained from skillful anticipation, control, and handling of troubled and difficult leaders. Meet the author at Books And Books, 265 Aragon at 8pm. Call 305-442-4408. http://www.booksandbooks.com
Wednesday, December 22
Jazz Night At The New
The New Theatre at 4120 Laguna presents Jazz At The New each Wednesday. The music starts at 7:30pm. Buy tickets online: http://www.new-theatre.org/SpecialEvents.php
Thursday, December 23
Mojito Madness Thursdays At Tarpon Bend
Stop into Tarpon Bend at 65 Miracle Mile Thursday for $3.50 Mojitos all day, including Watermelon, Blackberry, Grapefruit, Pineapple and Cantaloupe. The happy hour runs from 3 to 10pm with 2 for 1 drinks. Call 305-444-3210. http://www.tarponbend.com
Bossa Nova Lounge at Cascade
Enjoy the best of Brazilian jazz with a bossa nova performance by singer and guitarist Rose Max at the Biltmore’s Cascade poolside bar from 6 to 9pm with half price cocktails by Bacardi and Grey Goose. Call 305-445-1926. http://www.biltmorehotel.com
Bouillabaisse Night At Palme d’Or
Chef de Cuisine Philippe Ruiz adds his culinary touch to the classic Provençal Bouillabaisse each Thursday evening at the Biltmore Hotel’s famed Palme d’Or restaurant for $39 or $59 with wines. Call 305-913-3201. http://www.biltmorehotel.com/dining/palme.php
Team Trivia At JohnMartin’s
Every Thursday evening starting at 8pm, play a great game of team trivia at JohnMartin’s, 253 Miracle Mile. Call 305-445-3777. http://www.johnmartins.com
Enjoy your quality time in Coral Gables and stay tuned to this channel for more Great Gables Events.
-Rob