Greetings,
Poor King George III. Mother England lost her prized New World colonies on his watch over such a petty issue as taxes. And lack of representation. And tyranny. Sending the British army over to straighten things out did not win him any points with the locals.
Against great odds and encountering untold adversity, his once-loyal subjects in North America rose up to demand their independence from the crown. Such audacity. Such irreverence. Such a good reason for us to celebrate the brave and courageous birthing of our great nation with fireworks, barbecue and family outings.
This is the American Holiday weekend to celebrate our independence and recognize the profound intelligence and foresight of those that dared to carve out a new country — of the people, for the people and by the people 234 years ago. Tip your hat and raise a glass to our founding fathers as you pass the potato salad and slather a little more sauce on those ribs while admiring the modern miracle of computerized fireworks displays.
As you gather with friends and family, count your blessings and embrace that patriotic fervor you keep tucked away most of the year. To those among us that would likewise risk their lives, their fortunes and their sacred honor to defend this nation born of noble ideals, we salute.
Here’s a few ideas to consider when making plans for get-togethers in the coming days in our little town. Enjoy.
Free Admission To Fairchild For July 4th
Celebrate America in Coral Gables’ most beautiful natural wonderland. Bring your family and friends and enjoy the Fourth of July at Fairchild for free. It’s their way of celebrating America with you, offering tram tours, great music by The Ramblers along with fun filled activities for the whole family. Bring a picnic or enjoy food from the Garden Cafe. Call 305-667-1651. http://www.fairchildgarden.org
4th Of July At The Biltmore
Enjoy a 4th of July weekend at the Biltmore Resort starting at $199 per night. Kids Aquatic Classes will keep them entertained and engaged. Students will learn from certified swimming instructors the proper way to breath, roll, and swim under and above the water, as well as lots of water games. Enjoy half price drinks at the Biltmore Bar and live jazz, plus the All American Barbeque at Cascade restaurant, Relax at the Spa with great deals on spa treatments, then head poolside for live Brazilian Jazz and Bossa Nova. The resort is located at 1200 Anastasia. Call 30-545-1926. http://www.biltmorehotel.com
Norman’s 180 Restaurant
Chef Norman Van Aken is back with an interesting mix of customized comfort foods, tropical delights and friendly ambience at the Colonnade in downtown Coral Gables. This is a fine place to meet up with friends for drinks and bites. Call 305-529-5180. http://www.Normans180.com
Complimentary Beer And Wine Pairings
Angelique Euro Café, 117 Miracle Mile, is offering complimentary wine and beer pairings with dinner, starting at 7pm. They’ve also begun delivery service in the downtown area. Call 529-9922. http://www.angeliqueeurocafe.com
Fleming’s Maine Lobster Seafood Special
Turn a summer evening into a special occasion for two with Fleming’s new 3-course Memorable Meal. This traditional New England dinner simmers with flavors of Maine lobster, shrimp, clams, mussels and andouille sausage. It’s served with tomato mozzarella coleslaw, buttermilk biscuits and their mouthwatering Summer Peach Cobbler for dessert. The cost is $99 for two, ($49.50 for one) now through August 15th at 2525 Ponce. Call 305-569-7995. http://www.flemingssteakhouse.com/locations/fl/coral-gables/
Whisk Getting Ready To Move
The very popular Whisk Gourmet at 4702 LeJeune is preparing to move to their new location near Sunset Drive and Red Road at 7382 SW 56th Avenue, behind the Chevron station. The change is expected in late sumer of fall. We’ll keep you posted on their progress. Call 786-268-8350. http://www.whiskgourmet.com
JohnMartin’s World Cup Specials
For the real deal in the U.S. Cup, come to JohnMartin’s Restaurant and Irish Pub where you’ll find several HDTVs amidst flags from every participating country to cheer on your favorite team. Did we hear GOOAAL!!??? Enjoy drink and food specials while watching your favorite team. Breakfast is served during the morning games and cocktail specials during other games, including $3 Bud and Bud Lights and 2-for-1 Pisco Sours. Call 305-445-3777. http://www.johnmartins.com
Bierhaus World Cup Specials
Fritz and Franz Bierhaus, 60 Merrick Way, is serving breakfast for the early FIFA World Cup games at 7:30am and $5 lunch specials during the 10am and 2:30pm games. There are promotions from Adidas, ESPN, Soccer Locker, Budweiser and Warsteiner Beer during various games, with T-shirt give aways and fan merchandise. They are planning a final party JUly 11 with ESPN and Coca Cola, not to be missed. Outside viewing tents and beer bars are set up with TVs on the Bierhaus Plaza. Live music outside after the Friday games. Call 305-774-1883. http://www.bierhaus.cc
2010 FIFA World Cup Festivities At Angelique
Angelique Euro Cafe at 117 Miracle Mile is catering to all soccer fans from through July 11. Enjoy $3 Draft Beer, $4 Import beers and $5 glass premium wines and $6 bar snacks during the afternoon games. Call 305-529-9922. http://www.AngeliqueEuroCafe.com
World Cup At Sports Exchange
Enjoy the 10am and 2:30pm World Cup games at Sports Exchange, 45 Miracle Mile, featuring dozens of the largest screens in Coral Gables, plus drink specials like $5 Bloody Marys and Mimosas along with a breakfast buffet. In the afternoon, beer specials include Corona (5 for $20) Bud (5 for $15) and Miller Light (5 for $16). Call 305-774-1222. http://www.thesportsexchangemiami.com
Biltmore Hosts Photo Contest On Facebook
This summer the Biltmore Hotel is hosting a photo contest where guests and visitors from around the world can share their most memorable photographs taken at the National Historic Landmark. From July 1st to July 31st, the Biltmore will select the best images received and post them on the hotel’s Facebook page where everyone can view and vote for the photo of their choice. Please send your photos to pr@biltmorehotel.com. To vote for your favorite photo simply become a fan of the Biltmore on Facebook and click on the album called “Photo Contest” then click “Like” on the photo of your choice. The photo contest winners will be announced on Monday, August 2. http://www.facebook.com/biltmorehotel
Summer Camp At Centro Cultural Español
CCEMiami offers free summer camps for kids and youth at 800 Douglas Road, Suite 170. Call 305-448-9677. http://ccemiami.org
It’s Spa Month In Miami
Look for fabulous deals on spa treatments at Miami’s finest relaxation facilities, including the Biltmore Spa. A 70 minute Swedish Massage or 70-minute Babor Ultimate Regenerating Facial or 70-minute Revitalizing Wrap is just $99 if you book early. Call the Spa concierge at 305-913-3187 or send email to: BiltmoreSpa@biltmorehotel.com
Cardio Kickboxing with Denise
Every Monday and Wednesday, join friends at the Biltmore Fitness Center for Cardia Kickboxing with Denise at 7pm. All levels are welcome. RSVP: 305-913-3102. http://www.biltmorehotel.com/fitness.php
Plan Ahead: Fairchild Mango Festival Next Weekend
Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden is excited to announce its 18th annual International Mango Festival this year celebrating the Mangos of India. Just in time for the mango harvest, the Festival will take place Saturday, July 10 and Sunday, July 11 from 9:30an to 4:30pm at 10901 Old Cutler Road. The Festival will feature everything for the mango lover — mango tree sales, mango-inspired cooking demonstrations, mango tastings, a display of more than 200 mangos from Fairchild nurseries, a children’s program that includes a mango puppet show, mango theater, a spectacular mango brunch on Sunday and new this year, the mango-chutney cook-off. Mark your calendar and make plans to arrive early and beat the crowd. Call 305-667-1651. http://www.fairchildgarden.org
Grand Opening: Natural K9 Supplies
Watch for the Grand Opening July 9th of Natural K9 Supplies at 3117 Ponce, featuring natural/organic pet food and supplies. Call 305-514-0577. http://www.naturalk9supplies.com
Plan Ahead: Fairchild Palms’ Mangoritaville On July 17
Save the date for this unique event. It’s flip-flops, breezy summer shorts and dresses as the Fairchild Palms transform the garden (10901 Old Cutler Road) into a tropical oasis of sweet mango cocktails, savory island favorites and live music by The Rejects on Saturday, July 17 during the 18th annual International Mango Festival. Advance tickets are now on sale for $40 and they will sell out. http://www.fairchildpalms.org
Friday, July 2
Gables Gallery Night
Spin To The Beat
Enjoy an intense stationary cycle workout every Friday at 12:15pm that will challenge your endurance while burning calories. Reservations are a must. Call 305-913-3102. http://www.biltmorehotel.com/fitness.php
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
Miami Ski Club Weekly Happy Hour
The Miami Ski Club welcomes all with an adventurous spirit to join them at Da Vittorio Restaurant for appetizers and drink specials at 264 Giralda Avenue from 6 to 8pm. http://miamiskiclub.com
Gables Gallery Night
Join the fun every first Friday when Gables Gallery Night attracts collectors and young professionals to the art galleries, sidewalk tapas bars, fine restaurants and clubs in safe, comfortable downtown Coral Gables. Whisked between galleries aboard free air-conditioned minibus limousines or the city’s quaint trolleys, thousands of visitors join local residents at Greater Miami’s liveliest monthly event. Enjoy complementary refreshments, stroll through exhibitions of contemporary and modern Latin American, North American, and European art including paintings, sculptures, textiles, works on paper and photography, along with art books, in a downtown area chock full of fascinating boutiques. Top off your evening in one of Coral Gables’ celebrated dining spots, all within easy walking distance. Call 305-444-4493.
Vistas: Landscapes Interpreted at ArtSpace Galleries
July is the final month to see the “Vistas: Landscapes Interpreted” show at Virginia Miller ArtSpace Galleries, 169 Madeira, which has been described as “a tribute to nature and a reflection on our contemporary society” by art critic Janet Batet. A reception from 7 to 10pm will feature complimentary wine. Call 305-444-4493. http://www.virginiamiller.com
Panama The Beautiful At Americas Collection
During the month of July, enjoy an exhibit of notable Panamanian art at Americas Collection with an opening reception from 7 to 10pm Friday evening at 214 Andalusia. Call 305-446-5578.
Tomás Sánchez in Focus At Cernuda Arte
Attend the closing reception for Tomás Sánchez in Focus at Cernuda Arte, 3155 Ponce from 7 to 10pm. This will be your last opportunity to view this highly-acclaimed one person show. Call 305-461-1050 http://www.cernudaarte.com
Gallery Night At RDZ Fine Art
RDZ Fine Art shows off the unique talents of Manuela Valenti, Stephen Kosun and local Master Jose Grillo at 37 Merrick Way. Guests can enjoy wine and treats from 7 to 10pm. Call 305-720-5172. http://www.rdzfineart.com
Jazz At The Biltmore Lounge
Enjoy classic jazz performances by the Popo Delgado duo, Mike Levine duo, Silvano Monasterios duo and the Gabriel Saenz duo 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
Jazz At The High Note
Experience live sounds of Jazz, Latin Jazz, Pop, Blues and more in an intimate setting on Friday nights at The High Note Jazz Club, at the Floridana Restaurant, 3850 SW 8th Street at 10pm, featuring a full menu, tapas and wine. Call 305-603-8659. http://www.thehighnotejazz.com
Saturday, July 3
Jazz At The Biltmore Lounge
Enjoy classic jazz performances by the Popo Delgado duo, Mike Levine duo, Silvano Monasterios duo and the Gabriel Saenz duo 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
Saturday Live Music At Angelique Euro Cafe
Join Angelique Euro Cafe at 117 Miracle Mile for an evening of fine wine, authentic European fare and an eclectic performance by award-winning guitarist Rodolfo Troncoso. This Chilean-born entertainer’s unique blend of classical and South American styles, along with his personal brand of Rumba Flamenca, will set the mood for an amazing evening of music you won’t soon forget. Call 305-529-9922. http://www.angeliqueeurocafe.com
Lucy Arnaz At Books And Books
Take a walk down memory lane with Lucie Arnaz as she celebrates her father, Desi Arnaz’ extraordinary musical legacy and the major role he played in planting the first seeds of the Latin music explosion in this country. Lucie will share stories of her extraordinary family and their impact on popular American culture. She will also sign copies of her latest CD recording, Latin Roots. The Emmy Award-winning actress is the creator, producer and director of Babalu, a new musical tribute to her father, which premieres at the Adrienne Arsht Center, Knight Concert Hall on Thursday, July 8 and runs through Sunday, July 11. The show features Desi Arnaz’s greatest hits, including the hip-swiveling “Cuban Pete,” his signature conga “Babalu,” and the beloved theme from “I Love Lucy,” plus some of the greatest Latin and Broadway hits in this one-of-a-kind tribute to the most glamorous music of the ’40s and ’50s. Meet Lucy at Books And Books, 265 Aragon at 8pm. Call 305-442-4408. http://www.booksandbooks.com
Speech And Debate At GableStage
GableStage at the Biltmore presents the Southeastern Premiere of Speech & Debate by Stephen Karam, directed by Amy London. This fiercely funny comedy with music asks: what do a high school debate team, predators in cyberspace and a musical version of Arthur Miller’s The Crucible have in common? The answer: three teenagers who are wrestling with sex, lies and online relationships. Patti Gardner, one of South Florida’s finest actresses (nominated for a Carbonell as Best Actress in the GableStage production of Defiance) appears opposite three extremely talented recent graduates of the College Theatre Department at New World School of the Arts who are making their professional debut. Performances are at 8pm Thursday, Friday and Saturday; Sunday at 2 and 7pm through July 18. Call 305-445-1119. http://www.GableStage.org
Jazz At The High Note
Experience live sounds of Jazz, Latin Jazz, Pop, Blues and more in an intimate setting on Saturday nights at The High Note Jazz Club, at the Floridana Restaurant, 3850 SW 8th Street at 10pm, featuring a full menu, tapas and wine. Call 305-603-8659. http://www.thehighnotejazz.com
Sunday, July 4
Independence Day
Brunch And Jazz At Angelique Euro Cafe
Stop by Angelique Euro Café at 117 Miracle Mile this Sunday for a decadent brunch from 10am to 4pm featuring live Brazilian jazz and exquisite Brunch Specials to celebrate Dad’s special day in style. Choose Angelique Spanish tortillas, Parisian omelets and more egg dishes for $18 including a Mimosa, Bellini or Draft Beer. Hearty Barcelona “Hangover” Burger and Frites, Salmon and Frites or Steak and Frites with choice of glass of wine or draft beer for $24. Bring Dad to Angelique Euro Cafe to experience the best brunch on the mile. Call 305-529-9922. http://www.angeliqueeurocafe.com
Live Caribbean Music Poolside
Enjoy a live performance of Caribbean acoustic guitar and flamenco rhythms by Jacky & Strings at the Biltmore Hotel’s Cascade Poolside Bar and Restaurant 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
La Cena Dello Chef Prix-Fixe Family Style Dinner
Enjoy a delicious menu for four or more at the Biltmore’s La Fontana Restaurant each Sunday. The family that eats together, stays together. Enjoy an appetizer, choice of two first course selections and two main course specialties. The cost of this family style dinner is $35 per person, or $14 for kids 4 to 11 years old. Call 305-913-3200. http://www.biltmorehotel.com/dining/fontana.php
Monday, July 5
Cardio Fit with Juan Hidalgo
Looking for the perfect combination of heart pumping cardio and intense strength training? Cardio Fit with Juan Hidalgo combines non-stop cardio and weights, designed for increased calorie burn and a total body workout from 8 to 9am at the BIltmore Hotel. Please call to pre-register for these classes the night before. Classes may be reserved 24 hours in advance. Promptness is extremely important due to setup instruction. Tardiness will result in a replacement from the waiting list. Call 305-913-3102. http://www.biltmorehotel.com
Happy Hour At The Cascade
Enjoy half price beer and cocktail at the Biltmore Pool bar from 5 to 8pm each Monday evening. Call 305-445-1926. http://www.biltmorehotel.com
Tuesday, July 6
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
Taste of the Nation Tuesdays with Chef Jeff O’Neill
Join friends at 7pm in the Lifestyle Center of Whole Foods Market, 6701 Red Road as Jeff O’Neill of Gibraltar Coconut Grove, teaches his tricks of the trade and cooks up a delicious summer menu. To register for the class, please call Customer Service at 305-421-9421. For more information on this year’s Taste of the Nation or to see a complete list of the participating chefs please visit http://www.strengthsouthflorida.org
Nicolas J.S. Davies: Blood On Our Hands
The invasion and occupation of Iraq wasn’t just a tragic mistake. It was a crime. From the planning of aggression in 2002 through years of hostile military occupation, the United States systematically violated the United Nations Charter, the Geneva Conventions and virtually every principle of international law and order. In an easily readable and flowing narrative, Nicolas Davies has carefully taken apart the wall of propaganda surrounding one of history’s most significant military disasters and most serious international crimes: non-existent WMDs; the equally fictitious “centuries-old sectarian blood feud” in Iraq; and the secrecy of the dirty war waged by American-led death squads. Unlike other writers, Davies has firmly placed each aspect of the war within a coherent context of illegal aggression, hostile military occupation and popular resistance, to uncover the brutal reality of a war that has probably killed at least a million people. Meet the author at Books And Books, 265 Aragon at 8pm. Call 305-442-4408. http://www.booksandbooks.com
Wednesday, July 7
Talavera Presents Wednesday Happy Hour
Meet up with friends at Talavera, 2299 Ponce each Wednesday from 5 to 7pm for an outstanding happy hour featuring custom cocktails developed by “Liquid Chef” Junior Merino with complimentary menu samplings from their award-winning Mexican cuisine. Call 305-444-2955. http://www.talaveraspot.com
Wind Down Wednesday At Il Grissino Ristorante
Join young professionals of the chamber’s 20/30 Group from 5:30 to 7:30pm at Il Grissino Ristorante, 127 Giralda for an evening of networking, cocktails and delicious bites. The cost is $25, or $20 for members with RSVP. Call 305-446-1657. http://www.coralgableschamber.org
Power Yoga By Ginacarlo
Enjoy a fast-paced class combining yoga flow with high intensity movement for an invigorating workout that can challenge your flexibility and endurance. All levels are welcome at the Biltmore Fitness Center, starting at 6:30pm. RSVP to 305-913-3102. http://www.biltmorefitness.com
Mango Madness At Whole Foods Market
Mango season is here and that means the 18th Annual International Mango Festival at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden is upon us. Join Richard Campbell, Senior Curator of Tropical Fruit and Noris Ledesma, Curator of Tropical Fruit as they take us through the world of mangos at Whole Foods Market Coral Gables, 6701 Red Road at 7pm. Noris Ledesma will be cooking up some yummy mango eats as Richard Campbell educations on the varieties and differences among mangos. Space is limited, please pre-register at Customer Service or call 305-421-9421. http://wholefoodsmarket.com/coralgables/
Empty Nesters Group Meets On Wednesdays
A lot of parents are sending their children off to college either in the summer or in the fall. This time of development requires a period of detachment as well as adjustment for both the adolescent and the parent. For some families it’s easier than others. You’re welcome to join other parents to listen, discuss, laugh and exchange ideas during this stage of transition in your life. Here is a unique group lead by licensed clinical social worker Mirta Pont that will help parents deal effectively with this transition, meeting at South Miami Lutheran Church 7190 Sunset Drive in the Library (drop ins are welcome) Wednesdays from 7:15 to 8:30pm through August 25. The fee is $10. Call 305-401-4348.
Warren Richey: Without a Paddle
As far as Warren Richey knew, his life was on course. A reporter with a beautiful wife and talented son, Richey couldn’t imagine how it could be any better. Then his marriage falls apart and he can’t imagine how it could be any worse. The divorce leaves Richey questioning everything, while struggling to find a way forward. To get his bearings, he enters the first Ultimate Florida Challenge, an all-out twelve-hundred-mile kayak race around Florida. The UFC is less of a race than it is a dare or a threat. The thirty-day deadline sets a grueling, twenty-four-hour-a-day pace through shark-, alligator-, and even python-infested waters. But those twelve hundred miles are only a fraction of a journey that pulls Richey back to when he was embedded with troops in Iraq, reporting on missing children, and hiking the mountains of Montana with his son, and shows him where he went wrong, where he went right, and how to do it better the second time around. Warren Richey’s memoir Without a Paddle: Racing Twelve Hundred Miles Around Florida by Sea Kayak is a remarkable physical and emotional journey that cuts to the heart of what it means to be a man, a husband, and a father. (St. Martin’s Press, $24.99) Meet the author at Books And Books, 265 Aragon at 8pm. Call 305-442-4408. http://www.booksandbooks.com
Thursday, July 8
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
Live Jazz at Angelique Euro Café
Enjoy live jazz each Thursday starting at 6:30pm plus Angelique’s unique Bubbly Specials: $4 Cavas, $10 Champagne by the glass. Social Hour Specials from 4 to 8pm include $3 draft beer pints, $5 premium wines by the glass, $4 sinful Bloody Marys plus $6 selected bar snacks at Angelique Euro Cafe, 117 Miracle Mile.
Maine Lobster Paella At Por Fin
Thursday is Maine Lobster Paella Night at Por Fin, 2500 Ponce. Call 305-441-0107. http://www.porfinrestaurant.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