Great Gables Events – weekend of March 26

Greetings,

Spring has arrived and the cool evening temperatures are a delight. Here’s a few good ideas and some wonderful events to get you out and about in the greatest little city in the world.

BluesFest Returns To Coral Gables
Enjoy a three day festival featuring music, food, beer and national and local blues artists at Fritz And Franz Bierhaus, 65 Merrick Way. Blues has long been the favorite form of music for Austrian born chef and entrepreneur, Harald Neuweg, Owner of Fritz & Franz Bierhaus in Coral Gables and Wienerstube Restaurant in Aspen. The soulful tunes of Blues speaking of heartache and loss have touched many and made legends out of the likes of BB King and Ella Fitzgerald. For fans of this classic genre, the Coral Gables Bluesfest is not to be missed March 26-28. Call 305-774-1883. http://www.bierhaus.cc

Deering Seafood Festival On The Bay
Get swept away in the magical sights and sounds of the Caribbean Saturday with the rockin’ rhythms, scrumptious seafood, cooking demos by local celebrity chefs, art exhibits, the Li’l Shrimp Kids Zone, pontoon boat rides, tours of the historical Deering Estate and more from 11am to 6pm Saturday. Along Seafood Alley, local restaurants and caterers offer delicious cuisine that includes lobster, garlic blue crabs, fresh crawfish, oysters, conch, mountains of shrimp that are steamed, fried, or just peel and eat, grilled tuna and dolphin, fresh sushi, seafood paella an more. Bring your family and friends and plan to spend the day. $15 for adults and $5 for children ages 4-14. Under 4 are free. Call 305-235-1668 ext. 263. http://www.deeringestate.org/pages/Seafood-Festival-.aspx

Biltmore Stories For The Museum
If you and your family have fond memories and/or mementos from the BIltmore Hotel, the new Coral Gables Museum is looking for your participation in a new project. The museum plans to open on 10/10/10. Visit the web site to share your stories: http://www.CoralGablesMuseum.org

Updated Wine List At California Pizza Kitchen
CPK is excited to present their new wine menu, featuring a wide array of exciting wines. Some are familiar, others alluring mysteries waiting to be explored. All of them offered at uniquely accessible prices at California Pizza Kitchen, 300 Miracle Mile. Call 305-774-9940. http://www.cpk.com

Stay Tuned To These Coral Gables Channels
Be informed. Use the following links to stay abreast of important developments in Coral Gables.
Gables Home Page
Coral Gables Gazette online
Great Gables Twitter Line

Friday, March 26

Meet Chelsea Handler At Books & Books
Life doesn’t get more hilarious than when Chelsea Handler takes aim with her irreverent wit. In this new collection of original essays, the number one best-selling author of “Are You There, Vodka? It’s Me, Chelsea” delivers one laugh-out-loud moment after another as she sets her sights on the ridiculous side of childhood, adulthood, and daughterhood. Family moments are fair game, whether it’s writing a report on Reaganomics to earn a Cabbage Patch doll, or teaching her father social graces by ordering him to stay indoors. It’s open season on her love life, from playing a prank on her boyfriend (using a ravioli, a fake autopsy, and the Santa Monica pier) to adopting a dog so she can snuggle with someone who doesn’t talk. And everyone better duck for cover when her beach vacation turns into matchmaking gone wild. Outrageously funny and deliciously wicked, Chelsea Chelsea Bang Bang (Grand Central Publishing, $25.99) is a riot. Meet the author at Books And Books, 265 Aragon at 3pm. Call 305-442-4408. http://www.booksandbooks.com

A Town Called Panic At Cosford Cinema
Hilarious and frequently surreal, the stop-motion extravaganza A Town Called Panic has endless charms and raucous laughs for children from eight to eighty. The film stars three plastic toys named Cowboy, Indian and Horse who share a rambling house in a rural town. Cowboy and Indian’s plan to gift Horse with a homemade barbecue backfires and sets off a perilously wacky chain of events as the trio travel to the center of the earth, trek across frozen tundra and discover a parallel underwater universe. With panic a permanent feature of life in this papier-mache burg, will Horse and his equine paramour Madame Longray ever find a quiet moment alone? A sort of Gallic Monty Python crossed with Art Clokey on acid, A Town Called Panic is zany, brainy and altogether insane-y. 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

BluesFest Returns To Coral Gables
Enjoy a three day festival featuring music, food, beer and national and local blues artists at Fritz And Franz Bierhaus, 65 Merrick Way with outdoor seating. For fans of this classic genre, the Coral Gables Bluesfest is not to be missed March 26-28. Call 305-774-1883. http://www.bierhaus.cc

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 and 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

Seraphic Fire Sings Handel’s Passover
Plagues, pillars of fire and the parting of the Red Sea. Seraphic Fire and the Firebird Chamber Orchestra bring to life one of the Hebrew Bible’s most stirring stories in Handel’s electrifying oratorio Israel in Egypt at the First United Methodist Church, 536 Coral Way, starting at 7:30pm. Tickets are $35 and available by phone at 888-544-FIRE or on the web site: http://www.seraphicfire.org

Dave Koz With UM Frost Concert Jazz Band
Enjoy a performance by famed Saxophonist Dave Koz and the UM Frost Concert Jazz Band at UM Gusman Concert Hall, 1314 Miller Road starting at 8pm. In a career spanning nearly two decades, Dave Koz has established himself as a platinum-selling artist, humanitarian, entrepreneur, radio host, and instrumental music advocate. The event benefits the school of music and WDNA-FM 88.9 Public Radio. Tickets are $15. Call 305-284-5813. http://www.music.miami.edu

Chang-rae Lee: The Surrendered
The bestselling, award-winning writer of “Native Speaker, A Gesture Life,” and “Aloft” returns with his biggest, most ambitious novel yet: a spellbinding story of how love and war echo through an entire lifetime. With his three critically acclaimed novels, Chang-rae Lee has established himself as one of the most talented writers of contemporary literary fiction. Now, with The Surrendered (Riverhead Hardcover, $26.95), Lee has created a book that amplifies everything we’ve seen in his previous works, and reads like nothing else. It is a brilliant, haunting, heartbreaking story about how love and war inalterably change the lives of those they touch. Meet the author at Books And Books, 265 Aragon at 8pm. Call 305-442-4408. http://www.booksandbooks.com

Fish Tank At Cosford Cinema
The most honored British film of the year is Academy Award winning filmmaker Andrea Arnold’s Cannes Jury Prize winner, Fish Tank. The film is an emotionally stunning coming-of age story, electrified by the breakthrough performance of its young star Katie Jarvis. Fifteen year-old Mia (Katie Jarvis) is in a constant state of war with her family and the world around her, without any creative outlet for her considerable energies save a secret love of hiphop dance. When she meets her party-girl mother’s charming new boyfriend Connor (Michael Fassbender), she is amazed to find he returns her attention, and believes he might help her start to make sense of her life. A clear-eyed, potent portrait of teenage sexuality and vulnerability, Fish Tank confirms writer/director Arnold’s status as one of the leading figures of new British cinema. The film begins at 8:45pm 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

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

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

Saturday, March 27

Farmers Market Grand Finale
The weekly Coral Gables Farmers Market will come to a close Saturday with a Grand Finale Picnic, co-hosted by the American Institute of Wine and Food where restaurants from Coral Gables will offer delicious samplings. Learn about the new Coral Gables Museum and their City Trekker Summer Camp, an eight week program for children ages 5 to 12. Call 305-460-5311.

Frances O’Roark Dowell: Falling In
From Edgar Award-winning author Frances O’Roark Dowell comes the unlikely story of Isabelle Bean — an ultimate misfit, an outsider extraordinaire, and “not” a witch. (Antheneum Books, $16.99) Meet the author at Books And Books, 265 Aragon at 11am. Call 305-442-4408. http://www.booksandbooks.com

Kids: Jack And The Beanstalk At Miracle Theatre
Based on the fairy tale by Joseph Jacobs, this wacky adventure takes the climb with Jack as he goes up the magical beanstalk into the world of a Giant Inventor, a tap dancing Golden Goose, and a Golden Harp that can really “get down.” With book and lyrics by Jim Eiler, and music by Jim Eiler and Jeanne Bargy, this fanciful musical is full of surprises that are sure to entertain. The play is performed at 2:30pm at Miracle Theatre, 280 Miracle Mile. Call 305-444-9293. http://www.actorsplayhouse.org

Mika Brzezinski At Books & Books
As cohost of MSNBC’s popular Morning Joe, Mika Brzezinski has emerged as a leading voice in the morning television landscape. Along the way, she’s carved out a reputation as someone who speaks her mind and her heart. In All Things At Once, an unflinchingly honest account of her struggles as a working mother, she does just that. Meet the author for a book signing at Books And Books, 265 Aragon at 2pm. Call 305-442-4408. http://www.booksandbooks.com

Tropical Audubon Presents A Conservation Concert
You are invited to Tropical Audubon Society’s March Conservation Concert starting at 7pm at the historic Doc Thomas House, 5530 Sunset Drive. Not only is this a fundraiser for their conservation efforts, it is a celebration of recent victories for Biscayne Bay and Everglades Restoration. Enjoy a champagne toast to these latest successes while hearing from the popular local band The Members. Admission is a $10 donation to this outdoor event. Call 305-667-7337. http://www.tropicalaudubon.org

Shirley Dixon: Sighs and Echos/Wild Guesses
She earned her Dental Hygiene degree from Northwestern Dental School in 1941. After spending twenty years in the dental field, Shirley Dixon returned to school at the University of Miami, receiving a BA in Sociology with a minor in Elementary Education. She earned a Masters Degree in Special Education and taught special needs children until becoming Placement Specialist for the Dade County Public Schools. Retiring in 1988, she began writing children’s books and poetry. She won the grand prize in a contest sponsored by the Academy of American Poets for her poem, “Uncle Misha.” Join Shirley this evening, as she reads from her new collection of poems, Sighs and Echos ($9.95) and Wild Guesses: A Book of Riddles ($10.95) at Books And Books, 265 Aragon at 7pm. Call 305-442-4408. http://www.booksandbooks.com

Fish Tank At Cosford Cinema
The most honored British film of the year is Academy Award winning filmmaker Andrea Arnold’s Cannes Jury Prize winner, Fish Tank. The film is an emotionally stunning coming-of age story, electrified by the breakthrough performance of its young star Katie Jarvis. Fifteen year-old Mia (Katie Jarvis) is in a constant state of war with her family and the world around her, without any creative outlet for her considerable energies save a secret love of hiphop dance. When she meets her party-girl mother’s charming new boyfriend Connor (Michael Fassbender), she is amazed to find he returns her attention, and believes he might help her start to make sense of her life. A clear-eyed, potent portrait of teenage sexuality and vulnerability, Fish Tank confirms writer/director Arnold’s status as one of the leading figures of new British cinema. The film begins at 7:45pm 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

Miss Saigon At Miracle Theatre
The classic love story is brought up-to-date in one of the most stunning theatrical spectacles of all time. In Miss Saigon brings Puccini’s Madame Butterfly to the modern world in a moving testament to the human spirit and a scathing indictment of the tragedies of war. An international sensation, Miss Saigon is an epic, daring pop opera that is universal in its emotional power even as it deals with controversial, contemporary issues. In the turmoil of the Vietnam War, an American soldier and a Vietnamese girl fall in love, only to be separated during the fall of Saigon. Their struggles to find each other over the ensuing years creates an unparalleled drama and a must-see musical theatrical experience. The play begins at 8pm at Miracle Theatre, 280 Miracle Mile through April 4th. Call 305-444-9293. http://www.actorsplayhouse.org

Equus At New Theatre
Tony Award winning playwright Peter Shaffer’s acclaimed Equus comes to New Theatre, 4120 Laguna, after its 2008 Broadway run. It is the primal and electric story about a 17 year old stable boy and the psychiatrist who seeks to understand the sexual and religious mystery which led the boy to commit an unspeakable and unbelievable act. This performance contains smoking and nudity. Performances are at 8pm Friday and Saturday evenings and Sunday at 1pm through April 4th. Call 305-443-5909. http://www.new-theatre.org

Last Call For Blasted At GablesStage
Not for the faint of heart, this controversial play by Sarah Kane has been recognized by critics for it’s shocking and noble depiction of mayhem during the civil war. Although it has been produced worldwide, this is only the second professional production in the United States. This performance contains profanity, full frontal nudity, explicit sexual activity and very graphic violence. No one under 17 will be admitted. Blasted will continue through March 28 at GableStage, 1200 Anastasia at the Biltmore Hotel with performances on Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 8pm, Sunday at 2pm and 7pm. Call 305-445-1119. http://www.GableStage.org

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

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

Sunday, March 28

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/dining/brunch.php

Deering Seafood Festival On The Bay
Get swept away in the magical sights and sounds of the Caribbean Saturday with the rockin’ rhythms, scrumptious seafood, cooking demos by local celebrity chefs, art exhibits, the Li’l Shrimp Kids Zone, pontoon boat rides, tours of the historical Deering Estate and more from 11am to 6pm. Along Seafood Alley, local restaurants and caterers offer delicious cuisine that includes lobster, garlic blue crabs, fresh crawfish, oysters, conch, mountains of shrimp that are steamed, fried, or just peel and eat, grilled tuna and dolphin, fresh sushi, seafood paella an more. Bring your family and friends and plan to spend the day. $15 for adults and $5 for children ages 4-14. Under 4 are free. Call 305-235-1668 ext. 263. http://www.deeringestate.org/pages/Seafood-Festival-.aspx

Jazz Brunch At Angelique EuroCafe
Enjoy Miracle Mile’s premiere brunch menu with live Jazz at Angelique EuroCafe, 117 Miracle Mile, for $24, with an a la cart menu starting at $8. 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

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

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

Curator Lecture: Cuba Avant-Garde
The Lowe Art Museum at University of Miami hosts a lecture presented by Kerry Oliver-Smith, Curator of Contemporary Art, Harn Museum of Art, University of Florida on Cuban Avant-Garde art, starting at 2pm. The admission is $10 or free for students and Lowe members. Call 305-284-3535. http://www.lowemuseum.org

Charla Krupp: How to Never Look Fat Again
The new groundbreaking style-guide from bestseller author Charla Krupp on how to look 10 pounds lighter, 10 years younger and 10 times sexier every day, all year — in summer, winter, at the gym, even in a swimsuit. So, if you’ve ever put on a piece of clothing and asked “Does this make me look fat?” Finally, here is the book that will answer your question. (Springboard Press, $26.99) Meet the author at Books And Books, 265 Aragon at 6pm. Call 305-442-4408. http://www.booksandbooks.com

Lost & Found Choral Concert
From Amazing Grace to Clementine and more, three of the Frost School of Music choral ensembles explore the ways we are all Lost and Found in our lives — in love, in faith and in music. The event begins at 4pm at Gusman Concert Hall on the UM campus. Call 305-284-4162. http://www.music.miami.edu/choralstudies

A Town Called Panic At Cosford Cinema
Hilarious and frequently surreal, the stop-motion extravaganza A Town Called Panic has endless charms and raucous laughs for children from eight to eighty. The film stars three plastic toys named Cowboy, Indian and Horse who share a rambling house in a rural town. Cowboy and Indian’s plan to gift Horse with a homemade barbeque backfires and sets off a perilously wacky chain of events as the trio travel to the center of the earth, trek across frozen tundra and discover a parallel underwater universe. With panic a permanent feature of life in this papier-mache burg, will Horse and his equine paramour Madame Longray ever find a quiet moment alone? A sort of Gallic Monty Python crossed with Art Clokey on acid, A Town Called Panic is zany, brainy and altogether insane-y. The film begins at 6:10pm 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 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, March 29

1st Annual Spring Break Tennis Clinic
Deering Bay Yacht & Country Club is starting it’s first Spring Break Tennis Clinic featuring Tennis Director, Pedro Leon, a former ATP professional and Davis Cup Member of Cuba. The Clinic is open to a limited total of 20, for girls and boys aged 8 to 15, running from 9:30am to 3:30pm, Monday through Friday, April 2. The daily program includes lunch and a swim break. Total Clinic fee is $200 and registration is first come, first serve. Interested parents can call 305-254-2111. http://dbycc.com/clinic

Historical Museum Tropical Adventures Spring Break Camp
Kids aged 6 to 12 can enjoy unique opportunities to visit historic sites and enjoy wild adventures during spring break from 9am to 5pm. The cost is $190 or $165 for museum members with 10% discounts for siblings. Call 305-375-1629. http://www.hmsf.org/programs-spring-break-camp.htm

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

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, March 30

Chamber’s March Madness Business Expo
The Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce will support small business with the third annual March Madness Business Expo. The Expo will take place in the Westin Colonnade Coral Gables Hotel Rotunda from 5:30 to 8:30pm showcasing local businesses who are chamber members to expand their business interactions. Guests can enjoy delicious food and drink as they peruse the variety of exhibits presented nearly 50 different local companies. Business leaders have the opportunity to establish connections while exploring new relationships. Call 305-446-1657. http://www.coralgableschamber.org

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. 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

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

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

Lisa Dorfman: The Reunion Diet
In The Reunion Diet (Sunrise River Press, $12.95), nutritionist and weight-loss performance coach Lisa Dorfman and health and nutrition writer Sandra J. Gordon offer a practical, self-help guide showing readers how to set specific weight-loss and other lifestyle goals and achieve them within the time allowed. At the core of the book is a diet plan that is calibrated by calorie levels according to how much time readers have to lose weight before their reunion. The book also includes a last-minute diet plan for those who may be reading the book without much time remaining before their reunion. Whether you’ve got 10, 20, 30 pounds or more to lose before your reunion, The Reunion Diet can help you look and feel great when mingling and reconnecting with those you may not have seen in decades. Meet the author at Books And Books, 265 Aragon at 8pm. Call 305-442-4408. http://www.booksandbooks.com

Wednesday, March 31

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

Internet 101: An Introduction to the Web
For a fun and simplified introduction to the Internet, join friends for the video debut of “Thomas Jefferson meets Gables Home Page” at 2pm at Merrick House, 907 Coral Way. Gables Home Page representatives will make a presentation about their just launched website, which provides engaging news, events and culture for the Coral Gables community. Afterward, they’ll help participants explore the site and create accounts. In the short video, Gables resident Dr. Al Smith dons a Thomas Jefferson costume and portrays the third U.S. president in 21st century Coral Gables. Jefferson learns from a computer-savvy tutor (Susanne Pinedo) about the World Wide Web. Admission is free, but reservations are needed. Call 305-443-4011 or emailmlutz@gablesfoundation.org

Navigate The City’s Permitting Process
Learn to navigate the seemingly incomprehensible permitting process in Coral Gables from city officials as the Coral Gables Chamber presents a workshop for business owners and managers at 2pm at the Youth Center, 405 University Drive. Call 305-446-1657. http://www.coralgableschamber.org

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

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

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

What’s Hip Wednesday at the Biltmore Bar
Enjoy fresh live jazz, half price cocktails, and $5 to $9 wines and champagne at the Biltmore Bar from 5 to 9pm each Wednesday. From 7 to 9pm, complimentary tastings by Chivas 18 and informal modeling from Neiman Marcus Coral Gables. Nightly drawing winners are selected throughout the evening. Call 305-445-1926. http://www.biltmorehotel.com

Keith Thomson: Once A Spy
Drummond Clark was once a spy of legendary proportions. Now Alzheimer’s disease has taken its toll and he’s just a confused old man who’s wandered away from home, waiting for his son to fetch him. When Charlie Clark takes a break from his latest losing streak at the track to bring Drummond back to his Brooklyn home, they find it blown sky high — and then bullets start flying in every direction. At first, Charlie thinks his Russian “creditors” are employing aggressive collection tactics. But once Drummond effortlessly hot-wires a car as their escape vehicle, Charlie begins to suspect there’s much more to his father than meets the eye. He soon discovers that Drummond’s unremarkable career as an appliance salesman was actually a clever cover for an elaborate plan to sell would-be terrorists faulty nuclear detonators. Drummond’s intricate knowledge of the “device” is extremely dangerous information to have rattling around in an Alzheimer’s-addled brain. The CIA wants to “contain” him — and so do some other shady characters who send Charlie and Drummond on a wild chase that gives “father and son quality time” a whole new meaning. With Once a Spy (Doubleday Books, $25.95), Keith Thomson makes his debut on the thriller stage with energy, wit, and style to spare. Presented in collaboration with Association of Former Intelligence Officers at Books And Books, 265 Aragon at 6pm. Call 305-442-4408. http://www.booksandbooks.com

Alsace Wine Theme Dinner At Palme d’Or
Savor the versatility and food friendly attributes of select wines from France’s Alsace region, matched by delectable dishes created by native French Chef Philippe Ruiz, with exceptional service by Palme d’Or staff. This special dinner begins at 7pm at the Biltmore Hotel’s Palme d’Or restaurant. The price is $109, or $89 for Cellar Club members. Call 305-913-3203. http://www.thecellarclub.com

Cheese 101: Italian Cheeses At Whole Foods
Monica and her cheese classes are back, starting at 7pm at Whole Foods Market, 6701 Red Road. Enjoy a journey through the delicious varieties found throughout Italy. Registration is required at Customer Service 305-421-9421. http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/stores/coralgables

Cardio Fit by Shebah Carfagna
This class at the Biltmore’s Fitness Center is an eye opening high energy experience which will enhance your cardiovascular training while strengthening and toning your muscles. A variety of equipment will be incorporated to test all athletic skills and levels. The class, starting at 7:15pm each Wednesday will never be the same twice. Call 305-913-3102. http://www.biltmorehotel.com

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

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

Thursday, April 1

Name Your Price at Pardo’s Chicken
If you haven’t tasted the great flavor of Peruvian Cuisine, this is your opportunity. Pardo’s Chicken invites you to experience the best flavors at 2312 Ponce between 11:30am and 3pm at your own price. That’s right, you decide what you pay for your meal and non alcoholics beverages. Pardo’s hopes to see you there to discover their uniquely wonderful cuisine. Call 305-529-2475. http://www.pardoschickenfl.com

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

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

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.

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

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

Tuscan Inspired Evening With Frances Mayes
Frances Mayes is the author of four books about Tuscany. The now-classic Under the Tuscan Sun — which was a New York Times bestseller for more than two and a half years before becoming a Touchstone movie starring Diane Lane. This event with Frances marks the launch of the Books & Books at Fairchild Garden Series, an ongoing seasonal partnership in collaboration with Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden and Miami-Dade Women’s Chamber of Commerce. Food will be provided by Whole Foods. The tram tour begins at 6:30pm, cocktails and conversation from 7 to 8pm, followed by Q&A and book signing. Call 305-442-4408. http://www.booksandbooks.com

Enjoy your quality time in Coral Gables and stay tuned to this channel for more Great Gables Events.

-Rob