Greetings,
Mid-July brings summer fun with plenty of Great Gables Events to keep us busy.
Fairchild Mango Festival Weekend
Magoes are an iconic tropical, luscious and delightful fruit. David Fairchild traveled the world to bring us an astounding variety of mangoes and other magnificent wonders. Now the world is coming to Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, 10901 Old Cutler Road for a weekend devoted to this exotic produce, featuring mango tree sales, mango-inspired cooking demonstrations, mango tastings, a display of more than 200 mangos from Fairchild nurseries and a children’s mango theater program that includes a mango puppet show. There is also a spectacular mango brunch on Sunday — and new this year, the mango-chutney cook-off. Enjoy the festivities Saturday and Sunday from 9:30am to 4:30pm. Bicyclists are offered free bike valet service and discounted admission. Admission for non-members is $20 for adults, $15 for seniors, $10 for children ages 6 to 17. For bike riders who use valet, admission will cost $15 for adults and $8 for children. I recommend you arrive early to beat the crowd. Call 305-667-1651. http://www.fairchildgarden.org
Vice Mayor Kerdyk Speaks At Ponce Lunch
The Ponce Business Association welcomes you to attend their Monday lunch at JohnMartin’s (upstairs) at noon with guest speaker Bill Kerdyk, Jr., Vice-Mayor of Coral Gables. Bill’s father served on the commission before him for 28 years and he’s nearing his 16th year. His uncle Frank also served on the commission decades ago. Bill championed the Gables Trolley, the Parknership program and many other notable projects in the city. Will Bill run for mayor? What are his plans for the upcoming election season culminating next April? Here’s a chance to hear from Bill directly in a casual setting while enjoying a meal with friends. RSVP to: rsvp@ponceassociation.org
World Cup Finals Saturday and Sunday
After a month of world-wide competition, the FIFA World Cup Championships will conclude with matches on Saturday and Sunday at 2:30pm. Venues in Coral Gables are pulling out all the stops to accommodate revelers. Plan to arrive at your favorite place early to get a seat.
Don Shula’s 347 Grill Coming To Gables
Named in honor of Don Shula’s 347 career victories, Shula’s 347 Grill will feature gourmet salads, fresh specialty fish, burgers, sandwiches and great steaks. Situated across from Sunset Place (formerly Jake’s), the restaurant will be open nightly for dinner at 6901 Red Road starting in October. The coach also has plans for a restaurant at Miami Airport. http://www.donshula.com
Ortanique Celebrates 12 Years on the Mile
In celebration of their 12th year in business, for the entire month of July, Ortanique at 278 Miracle Mile is offering complimentary hors d’oeuvres during their Happy Hour, Monday through Friday from 5pm to 7pm, along with $4 off every drink, wine and beer. Also, during Sunday dinner, guests can enjoy a complimentary glass of wine or champagne to start off the evening. Call 305-446-7710. http://www.CindyHutsonCuisine.com
Seasonal Savings at Angelique
Warm Summer breezes have brought lighter fare and exceptional savings to the Angelique Euro Cafe experience with their $17, 3-course lunch menu Tuesday through Thursday featuring your choice of juicy Certified Angus Burger, Chef’s Cut Steak or Atlantic Cod with Caesar Salad or Corn Frittes and a delicious cookie. Call 305-529-9922. http://www.AngeliqueEuroCafe.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. Advance tickets are now on sale for $40 and they will sell out. http://www.fairchildpalms.org
Friday, July 9
Grand Opening: Natural K9 Supplies
Canine enthusiasts will be impressed with a new store opening at 3117 Ponce, featuring all natural supplies for your dog at the lowest available prices. They’re celebrating their grand opening in style with a weekend full of raffles, freebies, samples and much much more. If your pet loves to shop (ok if you love to shop) be sure to swing by for the grand opening. Call 305-514-0577. http://www.naturalk9supplies.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
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
David Kirkpatrick: The Facebook Effect
The inside story of Facebook, told with the full, exclusive cooperation of founder Mark Zuckerberg and the company’s other leaders. (Simon & Schuster, $26) Meet the author at Books And Books, 265 Aragon at 8pm. Call 305-442-4408. http://www.booksandbooks.com
Area Stage Presents Godspell
Conceived and originally directed by John-Michael Tebelak, with music and new lyrics by Stephen Schwartz, Godspell is one of the biggest off-Broadway and Broadway successes of all time. John Rodaz, director of the show, has received several Carbonell Awards for previous local productions. He grew up in Miami and graduated from New York University Theater Program. Performances are Friday and Saturday evening at 8pm, Sunday at 7pm at Area Stage Company, 1560 S. Dixie Highway, Suite 103. Call 305-666-2078. http://www.areastagecompany.com
Stonewall Uprising At Cosford Cinema
“It was the Rosa Parks moment,” says one man. June 28, 1969: NYC police raid a Greenwich Village Mafia-run gay bar, The Stonewall Inn. For the first time, patrons refuse to be led into paddy wagons, setting off a 3-day riot that launches the Gay Rights Movement. Told by Stonewall patrons, reporters and the cop who led the raid, Stonewall Uprising recalls the bad old days when psychoanalysts equated homosexuality with mental illness and advised aversion therapy, and even lobotomies; public service announcements warned youngsters against predatory homosexuals; and police entrapment was rampant. At the height of this oppression, the cops raid Stonewall, triggering nights of pandemonium with tear gas, billy clubs and a small army of tactical police. The rest is history. 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
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 10
International Mango Festival At Fairchild
Just in time for the mango harvest, the Festival will spotlight the mangoes of India. Be there Saturday and Sunday from 9:30am to 4:40pm at Fairchild Garden, 10901 Old Cutler Road featuring 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 a mango-chutney cook-off. Save on admission by arriving on bicycle. Call 305-667-1651. http://www.fairchildgarden.org
Interactive Lunch With Chefs Andrea And Frank Randazzo
Led by award-winning Chefs Andrea and Frank Randazzo, prepare an eclectic luncheon at your table showcasing flavors from the Caribbean, Asia, Italy and the Americas while sipping Champagne Roederer, starting at noon at the BIltmore Hotel’s Granada Ballroom. The cost is $65 or $52 for Cellar Club Members. Call 305-913-3203. http://www.thecellarclub.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 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 Hal Roland and Irasema this Saturday starting at 8pm. A 3-course prix fixe and a la carte menus will be available. Reservations are strongly suggested. Call 305-529-9922. http://www.angeliqueeurocafe.com
The Oath At Cosford Cinema
From the director of the Oscar-nominated “My Country, My Country”, The Oath is a spectacularly gripping documentary that unspools like a great political thriller. It’s the cross-cut tale of two men whose fateful meeting propelled them on divergent courses with Al-Qaeda, Osama bin Laden, 9/11, Guantanamo Bay Prison and the U.S. Supreme Court. Abu Jandal is a taxi driver in Sana’a, Yemen; his brother-in-law Salim Hamdan is a Guantanamo prisoner and the first man to face the controversial military tribunals. Jandal and Hamdan’s intertwined personal trajectories — how they became bin Laden’s bodyguard and driver respectively — act as prisms that serve to explore and contextualize a world which has confounded Western media. As Hamdan’s trial progresses, his military lawyers challenge fundamental flaws in the court system. The charismatic Jandal dialogues with his young son, Muslim students and journalists, and chillingly unveils the complex evolution of his belief system post-9/11. Winner of Best Documentary Cinematography at the 2010 Sundance Film Festival, The Oath offers a rare window into a hidden realm — and the international impact of the U.S. War on Terror. The film begins at 7pm 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
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
Are We There Yet?
Actors’ Playhouse at the Miracle Theatre presents a hysterical summer musical that takes a fresh, contemporary look at the typical and not-so-typical American family. Are We There Yet?, which runs through August 15 is a musical revue that allows audience member’s to “Enjoy the Ride” as a cast of four covers nearly all possible family plights. Fresh, funny, and totally entertaining, this light-hearted comedy tackles the question we so often ask ourselves on life’s roller coaster journey of ups and downs, Are We There Yet? The typical bumps, u-turns, and roadblocks that are all too familiar are played out on stage in a riotous fashion. Through a series of very funny vignettes, the show takes a look at the modern American family — and every variation of it — in a way that may strangely remind audiences of their own family situations. Call 305-444-9293. http://www.actorsplayhouse.org
Area Stage Presents Godspell
Conceived and originally directed by John-Michael Tebelak, with music and new lyrics by Stephen Schwartz, Godspell is one of the biggest off-Broadway and Broadway successes of all time. John Rodaz, director of the show, has received several Carbonell Awards for previous local productions. He grew up in Miami and graduated from New York University Theater Program. Performances are Saturday at 8pm, Sunday at 7pm at Area Stage Company, 1560 S. Dixie Highway, Suite 103. Call 305-666-2078. http://www.areastagecompany.com
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 11
International Mango Festival And Brunch At Fairchild
Just in time for the mango harvest, the Festival will spotlight the mangoes of India. Be there from 9:30am to 4:40pm at Fairchild Garden, 10901 Old Cutler Road featuring 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 a mango-chutney cook-off. Save on admission by arriving on bicycle. Admission is $20 for adults, $15 for seniors 65 and up, $10 for children 6 to 17 and free for Fairchild members. Call 305-667-1651. http://www.fairchildgarden.org
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
Julie Andrews At Books And Books
This event is sold out. Call 305-442-4408. http://www.booksandbooks.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
Area Stage Presents Godspell
Conceived and originally directed by John-Michael Tebelak, with music and new lyrics by Stephen Schwartz, Godspell is one of the biggest off-Broadway and Broadway successes of all time. John Rodaz, director of the show, has received several Carbonell Awards for previous local productions. He grew up in Miami and graduated from New York University Theater Program. Performance is at 7pm at Area Stage Company, 1560 S. Dixie Highway, Suite 103. Call 305-666-2078. http://www.areastagecompany.com
Monday, July 12
Ponce Lunch: Vice Mayor Bill Kerdyk
The Ponce Business Association welcomes you to attend their Monday lunch at JohnMartin’s (upstairs) at noon with guest speaker Bill Kerdyk, Jr., Vice-Mayor of Coral Gables. Bill’s father served on the commission before him for 28 years and he’s nearing his 16th year. His uncle Frank also served on the commission decades ago. Bill championed the Gables Trolley, the Parknership program and many other notable projects in the city. Will Bill run for mayor? What are his plans for the upcoming election season culminating next April? Here’s a chance to hear from Bill directly in a casual setting while enjoying a meal with friends. RSVP to: rsvp@ponceassociation.org
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 13
Cinderella Show at Fairchild
Fantasy Theatre Factory presents a Cinderella like you’ve never seen her before. Now this beloved story is found in its Fractured Fairytale version at 10am and 11:30am at Fairchild Garden, 10901 Old Cutler Road. Call 305-284-8800. http://www.ftfshows.com
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 Juan Mesa
Juan Messa, of 72nd Bar and Grill, teaches us his tricks of the trade and cooks up a delicious summer menu at 7pm in the Lifestyle Center at Whole Foods Market, 6701 Red Road. Call 305-421-9421. http://wholefoods.com/coralgables/
Wednesday, July 14
Bastille Day
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
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.
Bastille Day Wine Theme Dinner At Palme d’Or
Vive la France! Raise your glass and make a toast to the event that started the French Revolution as you indulge in a menu of culinary artistry by native French Chef Ruiz, matched with a selection of distinctive wines from various French appellations. The cost is $109 or $89 for Celar Club members. Call 305-913-3203. http://www.thecellarclub.com
Bastille Day Celebration at Pascal’s
Chef Pascal is celebrating the 221st Bastille Day Anniversary, with a regular ala Carte Menu and special three course prix fix menu, including some Traditional French Specialties at $55 per person. Limited seating begins at 6pm for dinner at Pascal’s On Ponce on le quatorze juillet at 2611 Ponce. Call 305-444-2024. http://www.pascalmiami.com
Bastille Day Celebration at Angelique Euro Cafe
Don’t forget to make your reservations now for a Cajun-themed Bastille Day bash at Angelique, 117 Miracle Mile. Executive Chef LeRoy Bautista spent nearly 20 years honing his craft in the Big Easy and has designed special lunch and dinner menus featuring traditional dishes like Chicken and Tasso Gumbo, Corn Maque Choux and Shrimp Remoulade. Abita beer and hurricanes straight from Louisiana will be featured at the bar. Show up wearing blue, white and red (the “tricolore” of France) or a beret, and you’ll receive a complimentary petite Kronenbourg 1664, France’s number one selling beer, with your meal. Wait staff will be getting into the spirit with women wearing red scarves and men wearing faux mustaches. Call 305-529-9922. http://www.angeliqueeurocafe.com
Jonathan Weiner: Long for this World
From the Pulitzer Prize-winning science writer Jonathan Weiner comes a fast-paced and astonishing scientific adventure story: has the long-sought secret of eternal youth at last been found? In recent years, the dream of eternal youth has started to look like more than just a dream. In the twentieth century alone, life expectancy increased by more than thirty years — almost as much time as humans have gained in the whole span of human existence. Today a motley array of scientists, researchers, and entrepreneurs believe that another, bigger leap is at hand — that human immortality is not only possible, but attainable in our own time. Is there genius or folly in the dreams of these charismatic but eccentric thinkers? In Long for This World (Ecco, $27.99), Jonathan Weiner, a natural storyteller and an intrepid reporter with a gift for making cutting-edge science understandable, takes the reader on a whirlwind intellectual quest to find out. Meet the author at Books And Books, 265 Aragon at 8pm. Call 305-442-4408. http://www.booksandbooks.com
Thursday, July 15
County Property Appraiser Pedro Garcia At Chamber Breakfast
You’re invited to attend the monthly breakfast of the Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce beginning at 7am at the Biltmore Hotel’s Country Club Ballroom. The guest speaker is Miami-Dade County Property Appraiser Pedro Garcia. The cost is $40 or $20 for chamber members who RSVP before July 12. Call 305-446-1657. http://www.coralgableschamber.org
Cinderella Show at Fairchild
Fantasy Theatre Factory presents a Cinderella like you’ve never seen her before. Now this beloved story is found in its Fractured Fairytale version at 10am at Fairchild Garden, 10901 Old Cutler Road. Call 305-284-8800. http://www.ftfshows.com
Kids: Magic Flute At Gusman Hall
Alhambra Orchestra and Riuniti Opera will present two performances of A Glimpse into Mozart’s Magic Flute, starring Beverly Coulter and Eddie Valdes with Alfred Gershfeld conducting. The free, 45-minute performance at Gusman Hall at 3pm is just for kids. Call 305-668-9260. http://www.alhambramusic.org
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
Italian Cooking Series IV
Whole Foods Market will partner with the Italy-American Chamber of Commerce for the third installment for their Italian Cooking Show Series, starting at 6pm at Mia Cucina, 105 Miracle Mile. The series puts two top Chefs from renowned local Italian restaurants against each other in a culinary battle focusing on different regions in Italy. This month event will feature: Chef Nicola Carro from Quattro and Chef Rosario Corrao from Caffe Milano featuring Sicily vs Lombardy. After relishing the numerous specialties and accompanying wines selected for each recipe, the audience members will vote for their favorite dish. To RSVP and to purchase tickets ($45), call 305-577-9868. http://www.itcookingshow.com
Dine Mag Happy Hour At Area 31
Enjoy a special happy hour event at the Epic Hotel on the Miami River on the 16th floor at Area 31 (named one of the Best New Restaurants of 2009 by Esquire magazine) with Dine Magazine from 6 to 8pm. The cost is $10 in advance, $15 at the door. RSVP via email to: info@dinemag.net
Dade County Bar Mixer At Le Provençal
It’s Happy Hour and you’re invited to join Members of the Dade County Bar Association and Members of the Miami-Dade County Business Community from 6 to 9pm at Le Provençal, 266 Miracle Mile with discount drinks and complimentary hors d’oeuvres. https://www.dadecountybar.org/061710mmlp.php
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
Pianist Awadagin Pratt Performs At CGCC
The Dreaded Pianist Awadagin Pratt (known for his dreadlocks) will perform at 8pm at the Coral Gables Congregational Church, 3010 DeSoto. In recognition of this achievement and for his work in the field of classical music, Mr. Pratt recently received the Distinguished Alumni Award from Johns Hopkins. For his 2010 Summer Concert Series recital, Awadagin brings us works of Brahms, Mompou, Schumann and Liszt. The cost is $25-$40. Call 305-448-7421 x153. http://www.communityartsprogram.org
Todd Kliman: The Wild Vine
Author Todd Kliman sets out on an epic quest to unravel the mystery behind Norton, a grape used to make a Missouri wine that claimed a prestigious gold medal at an international exhibition in Vienna in 1873. At a time when the vineyards of France were being ravaged by phylloxera, this grape seemed to promise a bright future for a truly American brand of wine-making, earthy and wild. And then Norton all but vanished. What happened? The narrative begins more than a hundred years before California wines were thought to have put America on the map as a wine-making nation and weaves together the lives of a fascinating cast of renegades. Meet the author at Books And Books, 265 Aragon at 8pm. Call 305-442-4408. http://www.booksandbooks.com
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