Greetings,
It’s a big weekend for seasonal events, including University of Miami’s Beaux Arts Festival, Giralda Under The Stars, Taste Of The Grove and Rob’s Redland Riot Road Rallye, among many other notable offerings.
Beaux Arts Festival This Weekend
Once again, the University of Miami’s Lowe Art Museum hosts the annual Beaux Arts Festival Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 5pm, featuring more than 240 artists in 11 mediums participating with outdoor exhibits, plus plenty of great food and drinks. The festival’s popular Art Park offers craft projects for kids ages 5 to 12. A Student Artist Showcase will also display works created by Miami-Dade middle and high school students. The Lowe Art Museum is located at 1301 Stanford Drive on the grounds of the University of Miami. Call 305-898-3595. http://www.beauxartsmiami.org
Giralda Under The Stars Food Festival
Meet up with friends at Coral Gables’ Restaurant Row for a Friday evening a good eats and fine wines and cocktails as Giralda Under The Stars presents a plethora of great selections from local restaurants. The road will be closed to vehicles as pedestrians stroll the block sampling delicious offerings from Archie’s Gourmet Pizza, Miss Saigon Bistro, Bangkok Bangkok II, The Bar, Castelluccio Ristorante, Talavera, La Dorada, Pasion de Cielo, Las Vegas Restaurant, Il Grissino and Spris. The event begins at 6pm. Reserve your own outdoor table by contacting your favorite restaurant.
Taste Of The Grove This Weekend
Here’s a great reason to meet up in Coconut Grove this weekend: The Great Taste of the Grove, presented by Ford, returns to Coconut Grove’s beautiful Peacock Park January 9 and 10 with two fun-filled days of outstanding food, live music and activities for all ages. Produced by the Coconut Grove Chamber of Commerce, The Great Taste of the Grove is a great way to spend the day with your family and friends tasting an array of culinary delights from local restaurants. Admission is free and food tickets are just $1, with menu items ranging from $1 to $8. Call 444-7270. http://www.thegreattasteofthegrove.com
Rob’s Redland Riot Road Rally Returns
Robert Burr’s wacky car caravan adventure for treasure and goodies though the countryside returns for the ninth year as families, car clubs, history buffs and foodies follow the route map looking for clues throughout the Redland Farming Region all day Saturday. The team that answers the most cryptic questions wins a prize worth less than one million dollars. A lot less. Along the way, participants stock up on strawberries, warm cinnamon buns, tropical fruit milkshakes, fanciful orchids and much more. The event begins at Cauley Square at US1 and SW 224 Street between 9am and noon, finishing with a big party at Schnebly Redland’s Winery at 5pm. The cost is $5 to register for the contest, but it’s free to take the self-guided tour. Call 305-443-7973. http://www.redlandriot.com
Angelique’s Exceptional Euro Social Hour
Satisfy your palate and quench your thirst with a European Social Hour featuring great food, a notable variety of wines and beers in the company of special friends every Tuesday through Friday from 4 to 8pm in the bar at Angelique Euro Cafe, 117 Miracle Mile. Large draft beers are $3, imports are $4, craft beers are $5. Select from 20 premium wines by the glass for $5. Accompany your wine or beer with incomparable bar snacks priced at $6 that include Lamb Loli’s with Roasted Pepper Coulis, Beef Carpaccio with Lemon Oil and Baby Arugula, Gruyere Gougeres, Tortilla del Dia and many others. Call 305-529-9922. http://www.angeliqueeurocafe.com
January Culinary Bootcamp
The Biltmore Hotel’s Culinary Academy is now offering a Culinary Boot Camp in January. 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 in their 2010 South Florida Restaurants survey. Participants 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. For complete details, call 305-913-3131 or email: CulinaryAcademy@biltmorehotel.com
Carroll’s Jewelers Final Reductions
As the curtain falls on more than 63 years on the Mile for Carroll’s Jewelers, the last of their inventory will be sold at deeply discounted prices by January 15. Stop by at 365 Miracle Mile for your last chance to take advantage of these bargains. Call 305-446-1611. http://www.carrollsjewelers.com
Twilight Rates All Day At Biltmore Golf
For a limited time, you can spend the day playing on the Donald Ross Championship Course at the Biltmore Hotel for twilight rates Monday through Wednesday. Call 305-669-9500. http://www.biltmorehotel.com
Fontana Presto Pranzo
The Biltmore Hotel’s new “Presto Pranzo” lunch menu features a two-course lunch with choice of appetizer and entree for $19 Monday through Saturday. Also, throughout the month of January, enjoy a 30% discount on daily sommelier selections at Fontana. Call 3005-445-1926. http://www.biltmorehotel.com/dining/fontana.php
Stay Tuned To These Coral Gables Channels
Be informed. Use the following links to stay abreast of important developments in Coral Gables.
Coral Gables Gazette online
Miami Herald Coral Gables Neighbors
Coral Gables Watch blog
Gables Home Page
Great Gables Twitter Line
Friday, January 8
Giralda Under The Stars Food Festival
Meet up with friends at Coral Gables’ Restaurant Row for a Friday evening a good eats and fine wines and cocktails as Giralda Under The Stars presents a plethora of great selections from local restaurants. The road will be closed to vehicles as pedestrians stroll the block sampling delicious offerings from Archie’s Gourmet Pizza, Miss Saigon Bistro, Bangkok Bangkok II, The Bar, Castelluccio Ristorante, Talavera, La Dorada, Pasion de Cielo, Las Vegas Restaurant, Il Grissino and Spris. The event begins at 6pm. Reserve your own outdoor table by contacting your favorite restaurant.
Five Abstract Visions At Virginia Miller Gallery
ArtSpace Virginia Miller Galleries cordially invites you to their reception from 7 to 10pm at 169 Madeira featuring “Five Abstract Visions,” a fascinating view of how accomplished mid-career artists approach abstraction in very different ways. Each of these artists have been exhibited in museums and are included in some of the nation’s most important collections. Call 305-444-4493. http://virginiamiller.com
Gallery Night At Benitez Gallery
Humberto Benitez has been selected as the poster artist for the Pinecrest Garden Fine Art Festival. You’re invited to visit his gallery from 6 to 10pm for a limited edition signed version of the poster at 305 Alcazar, Suite 4. Call 786-877-1045. http://www.humbertobenitez.com
The Maid at Cosford Cinema
Golden Globe nominee for Best Foreign Language Film. After 23 years working as housemaid in an upper class Santiago, Chile household, Raquel is as much a part of the Valdez family as the wife, husband, and kids she lives with and looks after. Over Raquel’s objections Pilar hires a second domestic to ease the workload. The film begins at 9pm at Cosford Cinema on the second floor of the Memorial Classroom building on UM campus. $8, ($6 seniors) cash only. Call 305-284-4861. http://www.cosfordcinema.com
Saturday, January 9
Rob’s Redland Riot Road Rally Returns
That wacky car caravan adventure for treasure and goodies though the countryside returns for the ninth year as families, car clubs, history buffs and foodies follow the route map looking for clues throughout the Redland Farming Region all day Saturday. The team that answers the most cryptic questions wins a prize worth less than one million dollars. A lot less. Along the way, participants stock up on strawberries, warm cinnamon buns, tropical fruit milkshakes, fanciful orchids and much more. The event begins at Cauley Square at US1 and SW 224 Street between 9am and noon, finishing with a big party at Schnebly Redland’s Winery at 5pm. The cost is $5 to register for the contest, but it’s free to take the self-guided tour. Call 305-443-7973. http://www.redlandriot.com
Beaux Arts Festival
Once again, the University of Miami’s Lowe Art Museum hosts the annual Beaux Arts Festival Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 5pm, featuring more than 240 artists in 11 mediums participating with outdoor exhibits, plus plenty of great food and drinks. The festival’s popular Art Park offers craft projects for kids ages 5 to 12. A Student Artist Showcase will also display works created by Miami-Dade middle and high school students. The Lowe Art Museum is located at 1301 Stanford Drive on the grounds of the University of Miami. Call 305-898-3595. http://www.beauxartsmiami.org
Jr. Orange Bowl Creative Writing Competition
Get a glimpse of tomorrow’s literary talent at Books and Books, 265 Argon at 10am. The South Florida Writers Association teams up with the Junior Orange Bowl Creative Writing Competition, open to all eighth-graders in Miami-Dade County. The top three winning essays have the amazing opportunity to read their work for professional writers in January, at the monthly meeting of the South Florida Writers Association. The theme for the 2009-10 Creative Writing Competition is “What Makes a Family?” Admission is free. Call 305-662-1210. http://jrorangebowl.com
Kids: Momentum Dance Presents Hansel and Gretel
Enjoy a family-friendly performance of the classic story at the Coral Gables Public Library starting at 11am. Call 305-858-7002. http://www.momentumdance.com
Interactive Culinary Demonstration At Biltmore
Attend the Champagne Henriot Luncheon with Chef Didier Lailheugue starting at noon in the Biltmore’s Granada Ballroom. Prepare classic French dishes at your table guided by French native chef Didier Lailheugue of Au Pied de Cochon, the South Beach outpost of this famed Parisian restaurant which opened in 1947. The cost is $65, or $52 for Cellar Club members. Call 305-913-3203. http://www.thecellarclub.com
Farragut North At GableStage
Set against the backdrop of a tight presidential primary race, Farragut North follows a young press secretary as he falls prey to back room 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. Thursday at 8pm and Sunday at 7pm: $37.50. Friday at 8pm and Sunday at 2pm: $42.50. Saturday at 8pm through January 24: $45. Call 305-445-1119. http://www.GableStage.org
Four Seasons Lodge at Cosford Cinema
From the darkness of Hitler’s Europe to the mountains of New York’s Catskills, Four Seasons Lodge follows a community of Holocaust survivors who come together each summer at their beloved bungalow colony to dance, cook, fight, flirt and celebrate their survival. The film begins at 8pm at Cosford Cinema on the second floor of the Memorial Classroom building on UM campus. $8, ($6 seniors) cash only. Call 305-284-4861. http://www.cosfordcinema.com
Sunday, January 10
Beaux Arts Festival
Once again, the University of Miami’s Lowe Art Museum hosts the annual Beaux Arts Festival Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 5pm, featuring more than 240 artists in 11 mediums participating with outdoor exhibits, plus plenty of great food and drinks. The festival’s popular Art Park offers craft projects for kids ages 5 to 12. A Student Artist Showcase will also display works created by Miami-Dade middle and high school students. The Lowe Art Museum is located at 1301 Stanford Drive on the grounds of the University of Miami. Call 305-898-3595. http://www.beauxartsmiami.org
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
Cleveland Duo Plus One Performs
Sunday Afternoons of Music presents the Cleveland Duo: Steve Warner, violin; Carolyn Warner, piano with James Umble, saxophone. The Warners, members of the famed Cleveland Orchestra, unite with the extraordinary saxophonist, James Umble, to create an unusual musical experience with repertoire from the traditional and classical to folk, ethnic and jazz forms. This unusual musical combination is riveting. Call 305-271-7150. http://www.sundaymusicals.org
Sunday Prime Rib Dinner At Fleming’s
Fleming’s Steak House at 2525 Ponce is offering a special deal on the Prime Rib Dinner each Sunday in January. Here’s a good excuse to bring your family and friends together to enjoy a great meal for only $29.95. Call 305-569-7995. http://www.flemingssteakhouse.com
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, January 11
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
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
Tuesday, January 12
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.
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
Wednesday, January 13
Seniors: Identity Theft Victims
All across America, the fastest-growing white-collar crime has been acknowledged as identity theft. To prevent this, the Coral Gables Police Department and Coral Gables At Home have teamed up to help residents be aware and alert about their safety with a free Safety Seminar on Wednesday, January 13 from 10am until noon in the Community Meeting Room of the Police Department, 2801 Salzedo Street. Registration is required and space is limited. To register, contact Coral Gables At Home at 305-443-4011. http://www.coralgablesathome.org
What’s Hip Wednesday At The Biltmore
Atlantico Rum presents the Glam Relaunch of What’s Hip Wednesday at the Biltmore Bar from 5 to 9pm, featuring half price drinks, wines and champagne for $5 to $9, a cheap and chic bar menu, fresh live jazz, fashionable models from Neiman Marcus and a series of free raffles, hosted by Trend Tracker Tara Gilani. From 7 to 9pm, enjoy complimentary Atlantico Rum retro-cocktails. Call 305-445-1926. http://www.biltmorehotel.com
Tuscan Wine Theme Dinner At The Biltmore
Treat your palate to a menu of authentic Italian fare perfectly matched with an eclectic selection of premium Super Tuscan wines, renown for masterfully blending Bordeaux varietals with native Italian grapes. The dinner at the Biltmore’s Fontana Restaurant, starting at 7pm, features nvoltini di Melanzane, Eggplant Rollatini Stuffed with Ricotta, Mozarella, Parmesan Cheese in a Light Tomato, Melted Mozarella Sauce, served with Bianco, Villa Antinori, Toscana, 2007; Risotto Selvatico, Carnaroli Rice, with Wild Boar Civet Spezzatino, served with Chianti Classico, Reserva, Felsina Berardenga, 2006; Vitello alla Fiorentina, Pouded Veal Chop, Stuffed with Spinach, Pecorino Toscano, Mozzarella Cheese in a White Wine Rosemary Sauce, served with Romito Del Romitorio, Castello Romitorio, Montalcino, 2004; and Saker Tart, Flourless Chocolate cake Filled with Apricot Marmalade, served with ViinSanto Del Chianti Classico, Tenute Machese Antinori, 2004. The cost is $79, or $65 for Cellar Club members. Call 305-913-3203. http://www.thecellarclub.com
The Great American Trailer Park Musical
Something different is coming to Miracle Theatre, 280 Miracle Mile, in a riotous fashion this January. Called a mix between South Park and Desperate Housewives, this campy, sexy, bawdy, R-Rated musical fable is seasoned with murderous ex-boyfriends, Costco, the Ice Capades, and a stripper on the run who comes between a Dr. Phil-loving agoraphobic housewife and her toll-booth collector husband. With a chorus of trailer park divas residing in Armadillo Acres, an exclusive Florida mobile home community, this escapist, fun musical ranges across the American Radio dial from country to blues to rock to disco to bump n’ grind to rhythm and blues. Preview performances will be held Wednesday and Thursday, January 13th and 14th at 8pm. The show will open Friday, January 15th at 8pm and play through February 7th. Performances will be held Wednesday through Saturday at 8pm and Sunday at 2pm with an additional matinee Wednesday, January 20th at 2pm. The musical contains adult content and language and is recommended for mature audiences only. Call 305-444-9392. http://www.actorsplayhouse.org
Thursday, January 14
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 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
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
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 Dinner 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
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
Enjoy your quality time in Coral Gables and stay tuned to this channel for more Great Gables Events.
-Rob