Coral Gables Magazine February 2020

CORAL GABLES

NO BRIDGES TO THE BAY

BIG BOATS, WATERFRONT REAL ESTATE AND THE JOYS OF YACHTING

ALSO A CLASSIC INTERIOR AUTHORS IN THE GABLES THE TALE OF A TREE

WE HAVE A HOUSE FOR YOUR BOAT.

With more than 7,000 agents, the company operates approximately 120 offices nationwide and 21 in Florida. From Miami, to Palm Beach, to St. Petersburg, let’s put the power of Elliman to work for you. For more information on Douglas Elliman as well as expert commentary on emerging trends in the real estate industry, please visit elliman.com/florida

DINING GUIDE: TOP RESTAURANTS IN CORAL GABLES

Coral Gables is a movable feast, a veritable mecca of fine dining. Many of the restaurants in Coral Gables are world-class with master chefs. But the culinary scene is also changing. What follows is our list of the tried and true, and the innovative and new.

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INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS IS THE BEDROCK OF CORAL GABLES...

Take a moment and imagine Coral Gables without its international business sector. There would be no multinational companies leasing office space and creating high-paying jobs. Then subtract the dozens of international chambers of commerce, foreign consulates and trade offices.

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Celebrating 35 Years

OF WEALTH MANAGEMENT

Evensky & Katz is a wealth management firm with 35 years of experience in the areas of financial planning and goals-based investment management. The independence and integrity of their advice, coupled with their unwavering commitment to quality client services, sets them apart in a crowd.

Their boutique size and culture – combined with the spirit, fellowship and character of their fiduciary team – stand in sharp contrast to Wall Street and the financial services industry.

No Bridges to the Bay

Is Coral Gables the best place to own a yacht? That’s what the big boaters say. In recent years, as yachts have become larger and dock space has grown more pricey and scarce, the profile of Coral Gables as a mecca of high-end boating continues to expand.

All That Glitters

Luxury brand Tiffany & Co. is known for dazzling diamonds, well-designed silver, a classic movie that bears its name and signature boxes in Robin’s egg blue. Less well known is that Coral Gables hosts its headquarters for Latin America, part of a push by the jewelry maker to expand sales beyond its U.S. base.

Writers on the Block

From authors to playwrights to screenwriters, there is no shortage of published writers who call Coral Gables home. Say what you will about literary legends like Paris or New York or San Francisco. Coral Gables is home to its own roster of talented writers, some of whom we profile here.

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Welcome to our new H&G Section

It can probably be argued that the invention of the home – even just as a cave – was essential for the evolution of humankind. It is the place where we recover, where we keep our family safe, and where we ourselves are protected from the storms of our daily life. Home is core to our identity. It’s where we dream.

It is no surprise that the homes of Coral Gables are a focal point of the community. As a city, we possess a fantastic stock of older homes, which the city protects as part of its historic heritage. Our main streets are lined with handsome, even noble, edifices –a source of pride for both their owners and the residents at large.

Likewise, the private gardens that we cultivate as part of our homes is a source of tremendous comfort, beauty, and pride, one more element of the solace that our homes provide us.

With this in mind, we are launching in this issue a special section called Home

& Garden. It is all about what the title says – the homes that we live in and the gardens that surround them. We will be featuring homes that are located in the Gables, both inside and outside, as well as suggestions from local designers and suppliers of services and products. Each section will contain not only brilliant photography of interiors and exteriors but will discuss elements and objects of use in the home, suggestions on gardening in the Gables, and solutions for various challenges we all face in the design, improvement and beautification of our homes.

After all, “A man’s home is his castle,” as the old expression goes. Or is it that “Home is where the heart is?” Or maybe just, “There’s no place like home.” Yes, that would be it. Thank you, Dorothy. ■

J.P.Faber Editor-in-Chief

PUBLISHER

Richard Roffman

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

J.P.Faber

EVP / PUBLISHER

Gail Scott

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER

Amy Donner

DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS

Monica Del Carpio-Raucci

ART DIRECTOR

Jon Braeley

PRODUCTION MANAGER

Toni Kirkland

VP SALES

Sherry Adams

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Lizzie Wilcox

SENIOR WRITER

Doreen Hemlock

WRITERS

James Broida

Gracie Carricarte

Mike Clary

Andrew Gayle

Mallory Evans Jacobson

Kim Rodriguez

Kylie Wang

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Michael Campina

Jonathan Dann

RESEARCH

Gloria Glantz

SENIOR ADVISOR

Dennis Nason

CIRCULATION & DISTRIBUTION

CircIntel

Coral Gables Magazine is published monthly by City Regional Media, 2051 SE Third St. Deerfield Beach, FL 33441. Telephone: (786) 206.8254. Copyright 2019 by City Regional Media. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part of any text, photograph or illustration without prior written permission from the publisher is strictly prohibited. Send address changes to City Regional Media, 2051 SE Third St. Deerfield Beach, FL 33441. General mailbox email and letters to editor@ thecoralgablesmagazine.com. BPA International Membership applied for March 2019.

coralgablesthemagazine.com

Cover: Blue Time, an 82-foot Viking motor yacht owned by Benjamin Leon III.

Photo by Jon Braeley

FAR M ERS CORAL G ABLES

MARKET

S aturdays: 8 am –2 pm

Januar y 18 through March 28, 2020

In front of City Hall, 405 Biltmore Way

Corner of M iracle M ile and LeJeune Road

Fresh Florida Produce

Prepared Foods & Baked Goods

Flowers & Plants

Free Tai Chi Classes

Gardening Workshops

Cook ing Demonstrations

Children’s Ac tivities

Free Bike Park ing

Sponsored by the City of Coral Gables

Accessible to all abilities and ages

READERS LETTERS

Each month we print letters from our readers. We encourage any and all commentary, including criticism as well as compliments, and of course any commentary about our community. If you are interested in writing to us with your opinions, thoughts or suggestions, please send them to letters@thecoralgablesmagazine.com. We edit letters for brevity, grammar and clarity.

ART, WE GET IT

Some Gables residents have voiced disappointment about certain works of art featured throughout our City Beautiful. I think municipally funded art in public places enhances our community in myriad ways and elevates Coral Gables as a world-class niche community. While each piece can’t possibly appeal to everyone’s taste (if you think it will, you are missing the point), art in public places makes us think, wonder, and inspire. It enhances our culture and elevates the value and sought-after nature of our community.

Lani Kahn Drody, President | Broker Lowell International Realty, LLC

MAYBE IT’S THE TYPE OF ART

I have fallen in love with the endlessly fascinating and shape-shifting challenges of the brightly colored sculptures of Rafael Barros, on display outside the Coral Gables City Hall and on display at the Coral Gables Museum.  Why cannot the City of Coral Gables purchase some of these wonderful installations to replace the two rusting eyesores currently defacing the traffic circles on Segovia Avenue?

Patrick Alexander, Author

ANOTHER CASE OF NIMBY

I read your article about the various proposed bike lanes in the Gables, especially the ones suggested for Alhambra Circle. What I don’t understand is the virulent opposition to these. Yes, if they in any way damage the root systems of the wonderful trees that line that street, then I would say hold off. Our canopy is the most important thing for neighborhoods and is to be preserved at all costs. But my understanding is that the trees will not be lost. In which case, the objection is that you don’t want strangers riding bicycles on your street? By that same logic we should eliminate the roads altogether, so that you don’t have strangers driving cars down your street.

The truth of the matter is that cities all around the world are moving toward alternative modes of transportation, especially ones that don’t increase our carbon footprints. And this one – bicycling – also comes with the added benefit of providing exercise as well as transport. Can it be that the people who live on Alhambra don’t ride bicycles? Because if they did, they would certainly want a nice path for peddling to and from home.

Jeanne Stapleton

DON’T KNOCK THE GENTLEMAN

I read your article on the new barbershop downtown called ManKind. Maybe calling it a barbershop is a misnomer, because of all the services which they offer – including use of a pool table. But as a regular customer of The Well Groomed Gentleman I have to say that some of the services that ManKind offers are already available at the Well Groomed – namely manicures, pedicures, facials and yes, waxing. No, I can’t shoot a game of 8 Ball there, but is that really what going to a barber is all about?

Nick Faber

KUDOS FOR PRESCOTT

I thoroughly enjoyed your last issue with Gene Prescott on the cover – The Passion of Prescott.  Although I pass the Biltmore on a daily basis, I never fully understood what the lineage of the hotel really was and who saved it from oblivion. Sometimes we just take its beauty for granted. Further, how interesting that a man from Idaho, via Italy, with vision and financial acumen, has made such a remarkable contribution to the most well-known landmark in our beautiful community and saved the most coveted image of our city.  George Merrick would be very proud of Mr. Prescott. Thanks for putting it all together for myself and other Gableites!

Bill Stewart

Grandeur & Luxury

The Town Homes at Biltmore Square

In Althea Row’s collection of five, three-story Spanish-Colonial style town homes, residents can experience over 7,200 total square feet of spacious open floor plans, private front gardens, interior patios and stunning loggias that honor South Florida’s modern contemporary lifestyle. Steps from iconic landmarks including Miracle Mile and the Biltmore Hotel, Althea Row is the quintessential sanctuary in the heart of Coral Gables.

Streetwise

Woodman, Spare That Tree

Vice Mayor Vince Lago

STREETWISE

Leaving Never Never Land

The Area Stage Company, occupying the old Riviera Theater, has been a fixture on Dixie Highway for a dozen years. Alas, no longer. With the building of a new Publix at that spot, the theater company and educational conservatory has been forced to look for a new home. Its last professional production took place Sunday, Feb. 2, a performance of “Peter and Wendy,” a story that, ironically, ends with its characters all suffering home-sickness.

The last conservatory production for their young actors-intraining (“Oliver!”) will take place in March – about other urchins in search of a home. By April, the ASC will relocate to a 7,000-sqaure foot facility in Sunset Place, which will give them rehearsal space, studio space, office space and a black box space.

“It’s going to be a temporary space,” says Rebecca Ashton, the Conservatory Education Manager. “We are still searching for a permanent home. But for the time being it’s a good transitional spec, and a lot of kids hang out there [Sunset Place] anyway.” ■

Woodman, Spare That Tree

The City of Coral Gables prides itself on its canopy of trees, even maintaining a data base on more than 38,000 public trees on swales and in parks. Private trees, as well, are protected and cannot be cut down unless there is a compelling safety issue –and a replacement lined up. It was therefore something of a shock when a sick tree was taken down in the neighborhood where Vice Mayor Vince Lago lives without notice to the immediate neighbors – including Lago. Many of the neighbors felt the tree, a huge black olive, had a fighting chance and opposed removal.

“The city staff had not properly notified the residents in the neighborhood as to what was forthcoming, which was to cut down a magnificent tree that

was in poor health,” says Lago. “When a resident wants to take down a tree there is a process –replacement and the manner of the approval – and if that permit is approved for the tree removal, there are standards [we follow] that set us apart from other communities.”

Lago says that about 100 trees are removed each year in the Gables, “but only after careful consideration.” Lago brought the issue to the attention of the City Commission last month, so that in the future there will be better notifications to neighbors. “The issue is a simple one. Let’s be as transparent as possible, so that residents affected can voice their opinion – especially with a mature tree, which people have grown attached to over the years.” ■

VICE MAYOR VINCE LAGO WANTS TO SAVE EVERY TREE... IF POSSIBLE

Q & A with Julian Perez

PREPARE FOR TECHNOLOGY, SMART GROWTH AND CLIMATE CHANGE

Julian Perez was appointed Director of the Coral Gables Department of Economic Development in December, taking the helm of a key agency that promotes and oversees commercial growth and business development in the city. He was previously head of planning, zoning and economic development in Doral for five years, and before that in South Miami, Cutler Bay, and Palmetto Bay. He also spent two decades working for private engineering firms in infrastructure, water, waste, and environmental programs.

WHAT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF IN YOUR WORK FOR DORAL?

I oversaw the rapid development of the city…. I also oversaw one of the most successful industrial bases in all of South Florida, in the southern part [of Doral], where we had most of our logistics and new technology firms… economic studies put their industrial base in the neighborhood of $69.5 billion in sales and revenues.

WHY COME TO CORAL GABLES?

The opportunity here in Coral Gables, for me as an economic development director, was to move from a city that was developing to one that was already developed, within the same geographical area – a city that was very well planned and reflects the City Beautiful movement – but at the same is also preparing itself for the changes that are coming, from a technological perspective right to the way we are going to live.

WHAT ARE YOUR PRIORITIES?

A lot of companies are looking to Florida, specifically South Florida, to relocate their operations – [especially] financial services and innovative technology firms… I think Coral Gables is in an excellent position to successfully attract those kinds of firms. My priority is to create a balance. This is a community that already has a history and a tradition, and you have to maintain that.

CORAL

GABLES CAN SOMETIMES BE A DIF-

to understand the process. The secret is understanding how the process works and understanding why you are required to do certain things.

WHAT IS MORE IMPORTANT, TO ATTRACT NEW BUSINESS OR HELP EXISTING BUSINESSES GROW?

It is obviously better to grow [businesses] from here, because these folks have already made a commitment to our city, these folks have been our partners for years. Any good economic development program will tell you that your best bet is to work with the existing firms that you have, to expand opportunities for them.

ARE YOU FOR OR AGAINST GROWTH?

The way you approach growth is not by stopping it but by managing it, by having quality growth, by having smart growth… You have to always look at the future, because cities are constantly changing. Just like humans, cities have a life cycle, and you always have to make sure that whatever you are doing you are preparing the city for the next step. The vision has to be long term and it has to be smart… [for example] Coral Gables is seeing a great number of people moving into the area, and we are seeing a younger population, a Millennial population, and we have to be prepared for that, we have to have housing for young professionals…

HOW IMPORTANT IS CLIMATE CHANGE?

FICULT

PLACE

TO

START

A NEW BUSINESS. WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON THAT?

I have not yet had the chance to get really, really acquainted with the process [here], but as a professional planner, I can tell you that Coral Gables is no different than other communities you go to. In the city of Coral Gables there are certain processes that you have to follow. The most important thing for [new businesses] that come here is to have either a consulting team or use the team we have in Economic Development,

It is extremely important. I also have a background in flood plain management, I am a certified flood plain manager, and we are in trouble if we don’t understand that there is an issue with sea level rise, that our climate is changing… to me water is the most important issue. I don’t think that the traffic issue compares with the issue of water. Once you contaminate an aquifer, once you have saltwater intrusion, you have lost that forever. With traffic, we can find other modes of transportation… ■

The Milkshake Man

By Kylie Wang

Mitch Freedman’s milkshakes are a staple at Mark Light Field, the University of Miami’s baseball field. Fans will wait in a line that often stretches past the entrance to get a taste of the famous shakes, and Freedman serves them all one at a time, making each shake from scratch.

A former college baseball player at the University of Rochester, Freedman has successfully combined his love of sports with his passion for food. His business, originally located in Boston, took off in the 1970s when he met a chemist who had developed a recipe for non-fat ice cream. Armed with that groundbreaking recipe, Freedman moved to Miami to take on a contract at the Miami Beach Convention Center, expecting to move back home after his threeyear contract expired.

When frustrations with the national company that did concessions for Mark Light Field grew, Freedman’s business got the opportunity to sign on. Forty years after his move from Boston, Freedman is still in Coral Gables doing what he does best: making South Florida’s most famous milkshakes while getting to be a part of the sport he loves.

There are currently over 30 milkshakes on the menu now, some of which have been named after frequent patrons or special events in the university’s history. The Turnover Chain, a vanilla shake with cupcake and fudge toppings, is the latest, named after the iconic chain given to defensive players on the Miami Hurricanes football team when they recover a fumble or make an interception.

“Most people don’t realize that the food service business is really amazing in that there are so many grades of almost every [ingredient] and you don’t realize it until you hit something that’s either really bad or really good,” says Freedman. “We try to balance the cost factor with quality. If everything’s made with eights instead of fours, you get a [product that’s] an eight instead of a four.” And the secret to Freedman’s extended play?

“There’s an old line from MASH that we use here,” he says. “‘We do it one at a time. We do it very well. And then we move on to the next one.’”

Freedman will be honored on the field at Mark Light on Feb. 16 for his 35 seasons of servicing fans at the ballpark. ■

MITCH FREEDMAN CELEBRATES 35 YEARS AT UM’S MARK LIGHT

A former college baseball player at the University of Rochester, Freedman has successfully combined his love of sports with his passion for food.

A New Apartment Complex Rises

Just when you thought the commercial areas of Coral Gables could not get any denser, another mid-rise mixed-use complex is rising. This one, called The Standard at Coral Gables, broke ground on a 1.78-acre piece of land between San Remo and Venera Avenues on Riviera Park.

Right down the street from the Whole Foods Market, the building will rise nine stories, hold 147 apartments, have 21,929 square feet of new restaurants and 5,482 square feet of retail. It will have a pool deck on the fifth floor, and a pedestrian path through the building. The project is being built by an affiliate of Georgia-based Landmark Development but designed by Miami-based Bermello Ajamil & Partners. ■

NEWS & NOTES

HOW EXPENSIVE IS CORAL GABLES RETAIL SPACE?

Retail space is growing ever more expensive, and rates are climbing. But according to a recent survey of urban areas in South Florida, Coral Gables is far from the costliest place to rent space for your brick-and-mortar operations on streets such as Miracle Mile (right). Yes, at an average asking rent of $38.16 per square foot, we are more expensive than places like Miami Lakes ($28.12) and Kendall ($34.56), but less costly than Coconut Grove ($65), Downtown Miami ($75), Miami Beach ($83.65) and Brickell ($118.93).

BET YOU DIDN’T KNOW THIS CORAL GABLES SECRET

The American Airlines office on Ponce de Leon Boulevard has an old-fashioned ticket counter. There are only a couple in the country, and we have one – where you can walk in with a problem and they fix it.

AND ANOTHER MID-RISE, FOR CARS

The Collection, the high-end auto dealership on Bird Road and U.S. 1, plans to build a massive eight-story building on the U.S. 1 corridor near Gables Station. Currently the space is a wedge-shaped lot for “pre-owned” cars. It will ultimately house some 850 cars in 500,000 square feet, the spacial equivalent of five standard WalMart stores.

SMART CITY

One of the most interesting national expos is the annual Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, where they display the latest smart technologies, like robots that carry your groceries or headsets that instantly translate languages for you. At last month’s show there was a new booth, this one manned by a delegation from Coral Gables.

Riding on its growing reputation as a smart city, the Gables was the only U.S. municipality to show up (another came from Japan). The city’s delegation of three was led by IT Director Raimundo Rodulfo, who said the team learned invaluable lessons – and made invaluable connections – toward furthering the use of technological innovations to improve city life.

AND THE WINNING HOTELIER IS…

If you have been wondering who will run the hotel that will be part of the massive mixed-use project on Ponce Circle called The Plaza, wonder no more. The 242-room hotel, set for completion in two years from now, will be Loews Coral Gables. The new $150 million hotel, a joint venture with developers Agave Holdings, will cater to business travelers and weekend vacationers. And yes, it will have a tower cupola in the Alhambra style.

NEWS & NOTES

SMART KIDS (SHOWN RIGHT)

Congresswoman Donna Shalala, who represents Coral Gables, recently announced the winner of the fifth annual Congressional App Challenge, a yearly competition that encourages middle and high school students to learn to code and pursue careers in computer science and STEM fields. The winners were Jake Charron, Joshua Delgado, Kamal Kay-Ramos, and Jordan Schmidt (right). All are students at Gulliver Prep; Delgado and Kay-Ramos are both Gables residents. Together they won for an AED Locator app, which uses a person’s geolocation to find the nearest automated external defibrillator in more than 10,000 locations in Miami-Dade County. A virtual reality component is being developed in order to help people learn the nuances between AED devices.

YOU’VE GOT TO BE KIDDING

You remember George Zimmerman, the self-styled vigilante who was acquitted after he killed teenager Trayvon Martin in Sanford, Florida? And you might have read that Zimmerman, in December, filed suit against the Martin Family, prosecutors and others involved in the case for $100 million for using false evidence. Now Joel Gilbert, director of the movie “The Trayvon Hoax,” is suing the Coral Gables Art Cinema and the city for $670,000 for not letting him show his conspiracy-theory documentary at the cinema. He claims breach of contract and violation of his right to free speech.

NEW RETAIL IN MERRICK VILLAGE

No, they are not in the Shops at Merrick Park. But in the ever

expanding, multi-family universe known at Merrick Village (to the north and east of the Shops), new retailers are spreading their wings. At the 10-story Merrick Manor building at 301 Altara Ave., five new retailers have opened shop, mostly for the purpose of making residents look more attractive: Anaïs Nails & Spa; Body Details (hair and tattoo removal); Elegance Beauty Salon; Sweat 440 (cross training and fitness); and Trésor, a jeweler based in India.

MARTHA STEWART AND SILVIA

The Wall Street Journal recently ran an article about Martha Stewart’s shopping habits, including where she buys her clothes. Among other responses, she replied “My foolproof fashion fallback is satin or sequin trousers from Silvia Tcherassi. I found her in Cartagena, Colombia, and she has a shop in Coral Gables, Fla.” That would be over in the Shops at Merrick Park. ■

with David Kwiat and Elizabeth Dimon

BETS

HAMILTON (ABOVE)

The story of America’s Founding Father Alexander Hamilton, an immigrant from the West Indies who became George Washington’s right-hand man during the Revolutionary War and who was the nation’s first Treasury Secretary. Featuring a score by Lin-Manuel Miranda that blends hip-hop, jazz, blues, rap, and R&B, “Hamilton” is the tale of America then, as told by America now. Opens Feb. 18 at the Adrienne Arsht Center. Tickets: $79 - $399. Arshtcenter.org.

LOVE IN THE GARDEN

Spend a romantic evening at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden with a picnic, some champagne and jazz band Kitty Carmichael. Ticket prices vary depending on dining options, from bringing your own picnic for $80 per person to a dinner package for $285 per couple. A la carte items will also be available for purchase. Feb. 14 at 5:30 p.m. Fairchildgarden.org/vdayconcert

11TH ANNUAL TOUR OF KITCHENS

Tour some of the most impressive kitchens in the City Beautiful. Start at Infiniti of Coral Gables for coffee, mimosas and breakfast and to receive a map of all the participating homes. Proceeds benefit the Coral Gables Community Foundation and the Culinary Arts fund, which provides scholarships for the Culinary Arts Program at Coral Gables Senior High School. Feb. 8 from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tickets: $75 - $250. Gablesfoundation.org.

“A MILLION DREAMS” GALA AT BILTMORE HOTEL

PAWS4you, a nonprofit animal rescue organization, in partnership with Chopard, is hosting its annual black-tie gala to raise funds in support of their mission to save dogs from euthanasia at Miami-Dade Animal Services and combat displacement of pets. The casino-themed event will include a dinner reception, live entertainment, circus acts, silent and live auctions, and Vegas-style games. Feb. 28 at 7 p.m. The Biltmore Hotel. Tickets: $300. Paws4you.org

THE GREAT CORAL GABLES SCAVENGER HUNT

“

KALEIDOSCOPE EYES: A BIG BAND BEATLES TRIBUTE

Multi-Grammy winner John Daversa – one of the leading forces of large ensemble jazz today – brings his jazz orchestra to the stage with a tribute to the Beatles through imaginative, genre-fusing arrangements. Saturday, Feb. 22, 8 p.m. at Pinecrest Gardens. Tickets; $30 and $35. Part of the South Motors Jazz Series. Pinecrestgardens.org

The Great Coral Gables Scavenger Hunt,” is coming to Coral Gables from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 22. The free event is co-created by Coral Gables Magazine and The Business Improvement District (BID) of Coral Gables. A morning family-friendly scavenger hunt (for a chance to win prizes) runs from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., where participants will walk from clue to clue as they solve the puzzles and riddles. Check-in begins at 9 a.m. at the Miracle Theatre (280 Miracle Mile). A larger brain-teasing adult-friendly scavenger hunt takes place from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Registration begins at 1 p.m. at the Coral Gables Museum (285 Aragon Ave). Contestants will travel around the City Beautiful by car to win prizes. To learn more, please visit Coralgablesthemagazine.com.

Not So Ordinary

One of the most popular shows to come on the air when television first came of age was “The Goldbergs.” Broadcast from 1949 to 1956, this portrayal of a lovable Jewish family was among the earliest sitcoms and an instant hit.

The latest production of GableStage is a world premiere of the play “Ordinary Americans,” which depicts the fall of “The Goldbergs” in the face of raging (and mostly false) attacks on so-called Communists in showbusiness during the McCarthy era of the middle 1950s.

Elizabeth Dimon does a superb job portraying Gertrude Berg, the writer, producer and star of “The Goldbergs,” and one of the most important women in American entertainment history – winner of the first Emmy Award for best actress and winner of a Tony Award for best stage actress. She perfectly balances the bravado, good humor and vulnerability of this never-say-die Jewish force of

nature who battled the hate mongering of her day.

The rest of the play is shouldered by four other actors who take on multiple roles to recreate life on the set of “The Goldbergs,” at the home of the Berg family, and in various other settings. All are consummate professionals, though we were particularly impressed with the range of Rob Donohoe, whose six roles range from an illiterate diner owner to Cardinal Spellman.

Is “Ordinary Americans” a play for our time? Perhaps –though today’s political rancor certainly doesn’t have the same power to destroy careers as it did then. Nonetheless, there are timeless issues here, in this well-acted, cautionary tale about how we respond to oppression.

– CG Staff

GABLESTAGE THROUGH FEB. 16

THUR.-SAT. 8 PM, SUNDAY 2 PM & 7 PM

Three’s Company

Iwill say right up front that I did not attend “Mamma Mia!” as a fan of the 1970s Swedish pop band ABBA (though who can resist Dancing Queen?) But since more than 60 million people worldwide have seen the musical, I thought it a cultural duty to check it out.

the play, maintaining a thousand-watt smile while she sings. Meredith Pughe is perfectly cast as the ingénue daughter Sophie, who just wants to know what it’s all about.

I am happy I did. The production of Mamma Mia! now at the Actors’ Playhouse is nothing less than spectacular, a rollicking; fun, funny and exuberant musical. This is high-energy musical theater at its best, guaranteed to entertain. Kudos to Artistic Director David Arisco.

spectacular; a rollickfun, funny and exuberant

The story takes place on a Greek island, at the small hotel of Donna and her 20-year-old daughter Sophie, who is about to get married. Sophie has never met her father, so without telling mom, she invites the three men who romanced her mother 20 years earlier, hoping to figure out which one is her real dad.

Actress Jodie Langel (a striking resemblance to Julianna Margulies) does a superb job playing Donna as the blindsided mother. Her lungs alone carry

Another standout is actress Mandy Striph, playing the role of Donna’s old friend Tanya. She arrives for the wedding along with their other friend Rosie (Margot Moreland), with a persona as snarky as Samantha Jones in “Sex and the City.” Her song solos are stunning showstoppers. There is also plenty of tongue-and-cheek comedy to keep things moving, especially by Moreland as Rosie and Mark Sanders as the irrepressible ex-boyfriend Harry. The ensemble also does a superb – if slightly over-the-top – job as the dancing hotel staff and friends of the bride and groom. But it’s the music which makes this play fly off the stage.

– James Broida

MAMMA

PLAYHOUSE AT THE MIRACLE THEATRE THROUGH FEB. 23 WED.-SAT. 8 PM, SUN. 3 PM

MAMMA MIA! EXPLODES ON STAGE AT THE MIRACLE THEATRE

ORDINARY AMERICANS IS THE STORY OF MORAL COURAGE IN AN ERA OF SMEAR

MIA! ACTORS’

Chiropractic Cure From Japan to Le Jeune

Good posture is a key to success, right? Just ask Eliza Doolittle in “My Fair Lady.” But it’s also fundamental for good health, affecting everything from back pain to blood pressure.

Having never visited a chiropractor before, I assumed I would go in for a quick back crack. Contrary to popular belief, however, chiropractors don’t actually crack your neck or spine. When they press down on parts of the back or twist your neck, they are releasing gases that build up in the joints. It’s the same thing as “cracking” your fingers and toes. They are also more comprehensive than I imagined. When I went to Dr. Benjamin Zedler of Evolve Family Chiropractic Center (on the Gables side of 57th Ave.), the first thing he did was X-ray my spine, from top to bottom.

Looking at my own x-rays, I was shocked to see that my spine was not perfectly aligned. I do yoga for goodness sake! The lower part of my spine

was twisting to the left (probably from sitting at a desk for too long, the doctor said); the middle part near the ribcage was snaking the other way to compensate, and then it straightened out near the neck. Also, my right hip bone was higher than my left, which naturally could cause some discomfort. I always attributed any hip/leg pain to having broken both my femurs when I was a kid. But Dr. Zedler assured me that everything could be fixed with chiropractic care.

Depending on your specific health needs, it takes 20 to 40 visits to correct the spine. The office doesn’t accept insurance, but each appointment is just $50. But even after some minor adjustments during the first visit – a double twist of my neck and some pressure applied to my spine – I immediately felt better. Dr. Zedler said that was to be expected but wasn’t a long-term solution. Like for Miss Doolittle, change requires a little patience.

– Lizzie Wilcox

Hair’s worst nightmare is humidity, which we have plenty of here in Coral Gables. You wash your hair, blow dry it, straighten it, but by the time you get to the office, it’s a poof ball. Or if you are unfortunate enough to get caught in a downpour, you can kiss your good hair day goodbye.

But there is a light at the end of the frizzy-haired tunnel, and it’s at Alain Lopez Salon. Located a few blocks north of Miracle Mile on Le Jeune Road, Lopez offers a unique service: Japanese Hair Straightening. Think keratin, but with longer lasting results and fewer chemicals. While keratin contains formaldehyde, Japanese Hair Straightening uses ammonium thioglycolate, which softens the bonds of the hair. Sounds scary, but it’s safe enough for frizzyhaired pregnant women. And

while keratin users must return every two to three months, Lopez’s clients need to visit just once a year. And the Japanese Hair Relaxer (its other name) doesn’t damage hair. Men can get their hair relaxed, too. But man or woman, says Lopez, his clientele describes it as a “life changing service.”

According to Lopez – a Cuban native who had a salon in Coconut Grove before relocating to the Gables – he is the only purveyor of the treatment in Miami. The service can run anywhere from $400 - $500. “It’s not the cheapest,” admits Lopez, “but these are permanent results.” Well, for a year anyway, before the humidity gets you again.

“In this beautiful city that we live in, the weather is... tough,” Lopez says. On hair, yes, but we’ll take humidity over blizzards any day.–

Lizzie Wilcox

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1. Don’t let patients pick their implant size before surgery. Letting a patient choose an implant size before surgery by trying out samples in a bra, is quick and easy for the surgeon, but it isn’t really fair to the patient since an implant placed outside the body will look quite different once inside the body. So the patient really doesn’t know what they are selecting. Finding an anatomically appropriate implant that fits the patient and optimizes their beauty requires an aesthetic assessment of different implant sizes during surgery to see the actual visual impact of an implant on the patient’s appearance - similar to trying on a dress to see if it really fits. This process is called ‘Intra-Operative Sizing’ and takes a little extra time but it allows for the creation of optimal results with the implant actually fitting the patient’s anatomy.

2. Avoid big implants. Most patients do well with implants in the 200-300 cc range. Bigger implants may appear enticing when you’re young but lead to unnatural, obvious results and future problems such as rippling, existing breast atrophy, early sagging and more. Remember, it’s about beauty and just bigger is not better.

3. Breast Lifts deserve careful reflection. When sagging is mild or the breast just appears deflated after breastfeeding, then an implant alone might create the desired lift. However, when sagging is significant, tightening of the skin is called for. The most effective, and generally my preferred, lift is the ‘inverted T’ or anchor’ lift as it tightens and lifts in two dimensions-vertically and horizontally. No more sagging after that. The ‘donut’ or ‘peri-areolar’, in conjunction with an implant, works for a certain anatomy, as does the ‘lollipop’ or ‘vertical’ lift. Key is to match the technique to the patient’s anatomy and expectations.

4. Breast Reduction Surgery is gratifying. Patients with clearly oversized breasts (double/triple D and beyond) really suffer from excess breast weight, severe sagging and unwanted attention. My preferred technique here is the ‘inverted T’ or ‘anchor’ as it removes all heavy and sagging tissue below the breast fold. After the reduction, these patients are among the happiest in Plastic Surgery.

Overall, cosmetic breast surgery is aesthetically challenging. Creating a beautiful result is not easy and requires much actual surgical experience, aesthetic judgment and attention to detail.

Stephan Baker MD

Remember, it’s about beauty and just bigger is not better.

Trésor Lands at Merrick Manor

ROMANCING THE STONES FOR OVER 19 GENERATIONS

By Grace Carricarte

Anew wave of retailers has opened shop in the Merrick Manor building just north of the Shops at Merrick Park, and leading the charge is Trésor, a jeweler with a long history in India. The proprietors of Trésor, which means “treasure,” are the descendants of 18 generations of Indian jewelers who once served the royal family of India’s Jaipur Kingdom. Their showroom displays designs that are both classic and contemporary.

Family scion, designer and president Puja Bordia says that, while steeped in family tradition, her designs spring from the stones themselves. “I look at the shapes, the cuts, and the geometric shapes. I play around with the stones. My inspiration comes from them.”

Clients are surrounded not just by the beauty of the jewelry, but also by a sense of history. Beginning in the early 16th century, Bordia’s family provided jewels to the maharajas of Jaipur, where the factory still operates – and where every piece is made by hand. Bordia works closely with her father Pushpendra Mookim, who travels the globe to personally select each gem through their family company S.P.B. GEMS. Mookim also provides gems to major brands, including Bulgari.

The Trésor brand itself began in New York 10 years ago

ROMANCE OF THE ROCKS

Trésor’s gemstones include emeralds, aquamarine, rubies, sapphires, rainbow moonstone, pink tourmaline, turquoise, diamonds, and watermelon tourmaline.

as a U.S. branch of the family company. Stars including Katherine Zeta Jones, Rachel McAdams, Selena Gomez, Katy Perry, Gisele Bundchen, and Miranda Kerr have worn their pieces over the years. The company’s brick and mortar presence moved to Miami’s Seybold building six years ago, but Coral Gables seemed a more natural fit for their new storefront, which opened Dec. 7.

Bordia is conscious of history and creating family treasures with each design. “Trésor pieces transcend time and mold love, beauty and tradition in a singular heirloom,” she says. “At Trésor we honor this historic tradition of inspiration, artful innovation, and fine quality.” It is no wonder then that Trésor’s exquisite Desire Star Earrings were among the top three winners at the 2019 JCK Tucson Show. For a more natural look there are even raw organic and black diamond styles available. This “wearable art,” as Bordia describes it, ranges from $250 to $80,000. Custom pieces can be made, and settings and stones can be adjusted to taste. ■

TRÉSOR

301 ALTARA AVENUE, SUITE 115 305.375.0935

MON.—SAT. 10:30 A.M.—6 P.M. SUNDAY NOON — 4 P.M. tresorcollection.com

A FAMILY AFFAIR

The family behind Trésor has been making jewelry in India since the 16th Century. The current president and designer, above, is Puja Bordia. Their showroom displays designs that are both classic and contemporary.

Solid as Oak

YOU WILL WANT TO SHOP THIS STORE, AND THE COUSIN DUO OF NICOLLE MAILAL AND KELLY NELSON – AND THEIR ADORABLE BULLDOG LONDON – WILL MAKE SURE OF IT

By Kim Rodriguez

OAK Apparel and Home opened its doors on Valencia Avenue in July of 2017. It’s a little off the beaten path, but well worth the extra few minutes of walking from Miracle Mile.

OAK is the kind of store you look forward to going to.

Local cousins Nicolle Mailal and Kelly Nelson have created something unique and thoughtfully curated right here in the heart of the Gables. “We’re bringing back the small-shopper experience to Coral Gables in a way that really warms your heart,” says Mailal. “We want you to feel like you’ve been transported to a shop nestled in the mountains in a small town, where everyone knows your name. That’s what it’s always been about for us.” When asked “why the Gables,” the answer was quite simple; the cousins’ personal style matches that of the Gables – a perfect mix of relaxed and timeless elegance.

Mailal and Nelson decided to go into business together because they both wanted to create something special of their own, and their partnership allowed them to bring their individual talents and passions together in one retail outlet. Mailal had spent over a decade working in women’s retail and was ready to finally take her love of fashion to the next level. Nelson had worked in marketing and sales since she graduated college, and

she wanted a way to express her entrepreneurial spirit. She had also always loved interior design, so she wanted to bring the “home” aspect of OAK to life with her cousin. Their combined love of all things stylish, the importance of home and relationships, and their overall hard work, has created a thriving retail emporium.

There are so many things to look at, and all senses awaken when shopping at OAK. You will find a mix of edgy fashion and classic wardrobe essentials, home goods and décor, organic and natural skincare, gourmet confections, fragrances and even metaphysical goods such as crystals and sage. The girls shop products throughout the U.S., but love to support local artisans, women-owned brands, and small batch goods.

Overall, the merchandise is well edited and accessible to just about anyone, with about 99 percent of their inventory priced at under $100. Aside from their brick and mortar shop they have a great online presence as well, and have worked hard to build a local e-commerce community. Enjoy shopping this treasure of a store, and follow them on Instagram for all things home and fashion! ■

Kim Rodriguez is a personal shopper whose clients include many Coral Gables residents. krpersonalstyle.com

WORKING TOGETHER

Local cousins Kelly Nelson and Nicolle Mailal (with bulldog London), combined their love of all things stylish with the importance of home and relationships.

Valentine’s Day Sparkle

A TRIO OF GEMS FOR CUPID’S DAY

Valentine’s Day is upon us, and while finding the perfect gift can be stressful, this year we have stopped at two local jewelers to do the heavy lifting for you. Whether you’ve been dating for a year, or married for 30, show your significant other how much they mean to you with these jaw-dropping gems, all under $3,000. -

Lizzie Wilcox

ABOVE: For Valentine’s Day savings, try these forwardfacing diamond hoop earrings, on sale for $1,750 (was $3,500). Jae’s Jewelers, 237 Miracle Mile.

RIGHT: Rainbow moonstone round dangle earrings in 18k gold, bold and beautiful. $1,350. Trésor, Merrick Manor, 301 Altara Ave.

LEFT: This pair of Roberto Coin barocco diamond hoop earrings are elegance itself. $2,400. Jae’s Jewelers, 237 Miracle Mile.

“We were stunned. We stayed in the Four Seasons in Paris once, and The Palace at Coral Gables looked better. Ten minutes after we walked in the door, we realized we had never seen senior living like this. Everything you can think of is at your fingertips. Chef-prepared meals in the dining room. A social director who makes cruise ships look dull. A staff trained to deliver such a high level of care and comfort they’ve been named #1 in America. Everywhere you look, it’s 5-star all the way.

But you need good friends to share it with. Our crowd at The Palace are some of the best new friends we’ve ever met, and every single one of us will tell you: ‘We wish we had found The Palace sooner.’ ”

Jack & Evelyn Miller

“We swore we weren’t ready for senior

Then we saw The Palace.”

Bites p48

Romantic Places to Dine

PLUS: KEEPING IT CASUAL AT CREMA MEET ME AT MORTON’S

FRENCHIE’S DINER: Mussels and fries

Photo by Jon Braeley

Haute Love, Cheap Romance

WITH VALENTINE’S DAY UPON US, IT’S TIME TO SEEK OUT THE MOST ROMANTIC PLACES TO DINE IN THE GABLES

By Andrew Gayle

Food, as the saying goes, is the way to a man’s heart. It may also be the way to a woman’s heart, too.

Here in Coral Gables, there are a handful of restaurants that make the grade as truly romantic places to take your date. We have divided these into two categories. The first is Haute Love – high-end dining where the tablecloths are white linen and the roses deep red. Price alone may be enough to seduce your guest.

The second is Cheap Romance, which doesn’t mean shoddy, but rather affordable. And these are places that exude the romance of a wet street in Paris at midnight, or the sound of a jazz saxophone solo, rather than fine cuisine at an exclusive eatery.

Here, then, is our selection of romantic places for a gourmet dining experience, followed by the romance of places that take you far away.

HAUTE LOVE

CAFFE ABBRACCI. Now 30 years old, Caffe Abbracci is known as a power lunch spot. But at night it turns romantic, with its hushed tones (wall soundproofing), superb service and excellent Italian cuisine with a Tuscan turn. 318 Aragon Ave. 305.441.0700. $$$

PASCAL’S ON PONCE. Chef Pascal Oudin has been preparing classic French cuisine at this location for nearly two decades, and his patrons are devoted. Small, intimate bistro with fine art and exquisite food. 2611 Ponce de Leon Blvd. 305.444.2024. $$$$

LA FONTANA. The food here is good, solid southern Italian. But what makes it spectacular is the setting, around a large Venetian fountain in the central courtyard of the Biltmore Hotel. A truly romantic venue. 1200 Anastasia Ave. 305.913.3189. $$$

CHRISTY’S RESTAURANT. This is old school romantic, with soft lighting and walls of deep red lined with dark wood. We also like the separate bar, where you and your date can have a pre-dinner cocktail. Plus, great steaks. 3101 Ponce de Leon Blvd. 305.446.1400. $$$$

FIOLA. What can you say about a place where the silverware is gold, and the ceviche is served on a giant mother of pearl shell, itself floating on a bed of ice in a silver bowl? Everything about Fiola is the absolute tops, including price. 1500 San Ignacio Ave. 305.912.2639. $$$$

CHEAP ROMANCE

LA TABERNA GIRALDA on Flamenco Nights. If romantic dining is about being somewhere far away, La Taberna Giralda is perfect. On Thursday and Saturday nights, the dancing puts you deep into Spain. Order sangria and tapas. 254 Giralda Ave. 786.362.5677.

FRENCHIES DINER on Mussels. This diner exudes the feeling of a Paris neighborhood bistro, but despite its working-class vibe, the dinner entries on the sandwich board are pricey. So split the mussels and fries ($26) with your date and drink a glass of wine. 2618 Galiano St. 305.442.4554.

PERRY’S as a Vegetarian. Yes, steaks here are more than $50. But their salads are superb and cost around $15. Take your vegetarian date to sit near the outdoor firepit, and you will have a happy, reasonably priced evening. 4251 Salzedo St. 786.703.9094.

THE GLOBE on Jazz Night. Are we in some kind of Euro café? Feels that way. And the solid food entries are well priced, making this an affordable, romantic spot, especially on Saturday nights when the jazz swings. 377 Alhambra Circle. 305.445.3555.

FRATELLINO on Any Night. You can sit outside for the sidewalk café experience, or inside, where it’s narrow and dimly lit and feels like you’re in New York’s Little Italy. And a plate of spaghetti alla Bolognese for $18? Buon appetito! 264 Miracle Mile. 786.452.0068.

THE GLOBE

THE FONTANA

Brunch Time

Is Crema Gourmet Espresso Bar the perfect spot to roll out of bed at noon and break the fast? With pay-at-the-register service and comfy, outdoor self-seating, we’d have to say yes. Here the vibe is casual and cozy, and the food options healthy, from the salmon omelet, to the feta cheese & tomato scrambled eggs, to the avocado toast.

Of course, sometimes chocolate chip pancakes just hit the spot. One order comes with a stack of three pancakes, melted chocolate chips, and banana slices between each layer. Top it off with more bananas and chips, throw in almond slices, and you’ve got melt-in-your-mouth deliciousness.

The only bite you won’t experience is out of your wallet. The most expensive item on the menu is the tuna toast (ahi tuna, mashed avocado, arugula, sesame seeds, lime, scallions and spicy mayo on multigrain bread) for $14. Everything else hovers around the $10 price point. You can also get one mimosa for that amount, or for an extra $5, bottomless mimosas 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Their freshly squeezed orange juice makes all the difference.

Being an espresso bar, Crema also has a great coffee menu. Espresso, macchiato, cappuccino, Americano, pour over, you name it (even a caffeine-rich chai tea latte). Beyond variety, the coffee

itself is some of the best around, well roasted and full of flavor. And what’s a coffee joint in Miami without a cortadito on the menu? Nada!

The seating is another reason to visit Crema for brunch. You can sit inside at tables that run the length of the wood floor, if you want to be air conditioned – and watch the baristas in action. Outside there is plenty of seating under the arches of the Colonnades building, or under umbrellas along the newly widened StreetScape of Miracle Mile.

The building itself is one of the Gables architectural icons, a 1926 masterpiece designed by Phineas Paist that was among the first structures to go up in the new city. It was originally a sales office for city founder George Merrick’s Coral Gables Corporation. It later became a movie studio when Southern Florida briefly vied with Southern California to become the film-making capital of the world. You can bask in some of that glory as you down your cappuccino and croissant and watch strollers pass by. ■

The Early Bird Gets the Oyster

What could be better than halfpriced oysters? A great selection of them. You can have both at Gringo’s Oyster Bar on Sunset Drive, during their Tues.-Fri. 3-6 p.m. oyster happy hour. A half dozen for just $9, a dozen for $18. And they change sources twice weekly. Like malpeques from Canada, or wellfleets from Maine, or steamboats from Washington state.

Where Chicago Meets New York

Scheduled to open on Valentine’s day is the latest incarnation of Merrick’s Pizza, which previously lived in a tiny space on Le Jeune next to Havana Harry’s. It will re-open at 1915 Ponce de Leon, across from the new Target. “I do a fusion of Chicago and New York style,” says owner Tom Logan, a veteran of the original Miami’s Best Pizza near UM. “But no deep dish.” Instead it will have a New York-style crust and “a huge focus on the sauce.” Plus, lots of places to sit.

It’s a Small World

You wouldn’t notice Barista Café except for a small sign in the window that says “Open.” At 2351 Salzedo street, across from Doc B’s, the tiny Colombian café has maybe a dozen seats at a counter and one table in the window. The menu is, unabashedly, in Spanish only. ■

Power Hour(s)

Right around the corner from Crema, also in the Colonnades building, is Morton’s Steakhouse. The national chain offers specially priced drinks and bites 4-7 p.m. every day of the week, renaming the time slot “Power Hour.” This may refer to its clientele of local professionals on the ascendant. But, yes, you can now get a glass of Pebble Lane chardonnay for under $9 even on the weekend.

Always curious to try cocktails we’ve never heard of before, we ordered the Palm Beacher. This turned out to be pineapple-infused New Amsterdam vodka and pineapple juice shaken and served in a martini glass, and it was a sweet way to end the work week, literally. Also priced at $9.50 is the Cosmopolitan. Though the classic pink drink looks fruity, it puts the power in Power Hour.

As for food, Morton’s has nearly a dozen small plate options available for $7, $8 and $9. Within the $7 range, we had our eyes on the Parmesan Truffle Matchstick Fries. What ensues is an almost overwhelming amount of truffle oil-tossed, parmesan-topped potato fingerlings, served in a cone-shaped stand. They come with a side of ketchup, but they’re so flavorful on their own they really don’t need it. In the $8 category are the prime cheeseburgers, shown above. Three

cheeseburger sliders cooked to your liking are the perfect amount to hold you over until – or maybe even replace – dinner. If you’re going to Morton’s on payday, we highly recommend splurging $9 for the crab, spinach and artichoke dip. Spinach and artichoke dip is a bar food staple, but the chunks of crab really take it up a notch.

And since Morton’s is a steakhouse after all, happy hour is a great time to sample some of their vaunted meats. These include four petite filet mignon sandwiches for $8, or the filet mignon trio for $9. You pay an extra dollar, but the lack of bread drops the calorie count from 940 to 530. And the meat is, as they say, like buttah.

We also like the Morton’s setting, where black is the new black – the floor, the tables, the chairs, the walls. Seating inside is all high top, except for the comfortable bar stools, which have leather padded seats and cloth backs to support you as the drinks continue flowing. Outside are wicker chairs and couches, all protected from precipitation by the arched colonnade.

—Lizzie Wilcox

The Yolk’s on You

The best egg salad in Coral Gables? Thinly chopped eggs, generous mayo and rich yellow, it’s served salad style at the buffet bar of the exclusive Riviera Country Club. The catch for this humble dish? You must be a member or guest of a club member.

Can’t Beat Them? Eat Them!

Any homeowner knows that iguanas have infested the Gables. But did you know they are considered a delicacy in Mexico? On Thursdays you can try them for yourself. That is iguana soup day at Talaverna Cocina Mexicana on Giralda Plaza. And, fyi, iguana doesn't taste like chicken, it tastes like pork.

Going & Coming

305-442-1662

We mourn the loss of two Miracle Mile eateries, Red Koi and Plomo. We understand about Red Koi. Though we loved their take on Thai food, it was never quite busy enough. But the amazingly popular Plomo Tequila & Taco Bar? Fortunately, two new places are ready to open. The first is Rodilla at 135 Miracle Mile, where they will serve scrumptious Spanish sandwiches. The second is Protein Studio, at the intersection of Miracle Mile and Le Jeune, the latest entry in the health-conscious category. Bon appetit! ■

Javier Hernández-Lichtl

Photo: Victoria Verdeja, Baptist Health South Florida

Javier Hernández-Lichtl is a seasoned healthcare executive who most recently served as CEO of West Kendall Baptist Hospital, which he helped build from scratch 10 years ago. He is also the Chief Academic Officer for Baptist Health South Florida, leading their Center for Advancement of Learning. Hernández-Lichtl previously served as CEO of South Miami Hospital and as CEO of Baptist Outpatient Services, among other positions, and was named one of the Top 50 Most Influential Hispanics in the U.S. by Hispanic Business Magazine.

Javier Hernández-Lichtl

LATEST ACHIEVEMENT WHAT HE SAYS

“I have lived in Coral Gables for 25 years, and now I get to work in the city. So, this is really like coming back home,” says Hernández-Lichtl, who served for years on the board of the Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce. “My goal [at Doctors Hospital] is to further develop the work done by my predecessors… Doctors Hospital just celebrated 70 years, and is deeply

grounded [in the community],” he says. “My other responsibility is the Orthopedics & Sports Institute, which is all about cutting edge, evidence-based research, all in a state-of-the-art facility we just opened with the Miami Heat. We want to translate that exceptional care we provide for the professional athlete to the weekend warrior – or just your average patient...”

Took over in December as CEO of Coral Gables-based Doctors Hospital and the Miami Orthopedics & Sports Medicine Institute, succeeding Nelson Lazo.

CEO OF DOCTORS HOSPITAL AND OF MIAMI ORTHOPEDICS & SPORTS MEDICINE INSTITUTE

I have lived in Coral Gables for 25 years… So, this is really like coming back home…

Mari Tere Rojas

A resident of Coral Gables for more than two decades, Mari Tere Rojas has been the Miami-Dade School Board member representing District 6 (which includes the Gables) since 2016. She started as a teacher in 1975, and before becoming a school board member was the principal of several area schools, including most recently Sunset Elementary. Her responsibilities include oversight of 36 schools in her district, including Coral Gables High School, for which she aggressively campaigned to increase funding from the General Obligation Bond – from $11.2 million to $26.2 million – so the school could add a new building with art labs, classrooms, computer labs, a gym & dance room, a dining area, a resource room, a drafting and design lab, and JROTC rooms.

LATEST ACHIEVEMENT WHAT SHE SAYS

In addition to increasing the initial county grant to rebuild Coral Gables High School by $15 million, she has more recently secured an additional $3.5 million to renovate and upgrade the remaining buildings on campus.

“Education has been my passion all my life. If I didn’t love it, I wouldn’t be in this seat right now,” says Rojas. “I go to every single one of the schools that I represent. I am a very handson school board member.” As for her campaign to increase funding for CG High School, she says, “The school is an icon, an institution that so many are proud of. The academic portion

has been doing an excellent job, but you have to have a physical plant that compliments the academic success.” Rojas credits “all the stake holders” for helping save Coral Gables High School, including the PTA, the school’s administrators, the Friends of Gables High, local business leaders and City officials. “Teamwork is what makes the dream work,” she says.

We are here today for the leaders of tomorrow. We have to give them the best possible education…

SCHOOL BOARD MEMBER, DISTRICT 6

Gables resident Leslie Pantín is among the most prominent public relations figures in South Florida. His decades-old firm has represented such clients as Ford Motor Company, American Airlines, Merrill Lynch and Univision, among many others. An avid collector of Cuban art, Pantín founded both the Arteamericas and CubaNostalgia expos, and among many other civic commitments is now in his second year on the Coral Gables Cultural Development Board, which reviews cultural grants and art in public places for the city.

Leslie Pantín

PRESIDENT OF PANTIN/BEBER SILVERSTEIN PUBLIC RELATIONS

LATEST ACHIEVEMENT

Pantín was recently appointed to the Board of Directors of the Ringling Museum. With its collection of old masters’ paintings, its circus museum, and its Vizcaya-like mansion and botanic gardens, the Sarasota museum is among the state’s top tourist attractions.

WHAT HE SAYS

“I first moved to Coral Gables in 1960 [when our family left Cuba] and I have lived in our house on Sunset Road for more than 25 years,” says Pantín. “This is a city of art and culture, and that is what we support with the Coral Gables culture board. We recommend to the city [funding] for cultural

organizations based here.” The board also scrutinizes grant applications for artists and art in public places. “A city without art is a city without a soul,” says Pantín. “We take a lot of time in researching [art and artists] before we recommend anything to the city commission.”

A city without art is a city without a soul…

NO BRIDGES TO THE BAY

By Mike Clary

Photos by Jon Braeley

Looking West toward Gables Estates with luxury waterfont homes on Arvida Parkway on the left

AS HE STOOD AT THE HELM, Captain Bill Wieteha eased the throttle forward and the 82-foot Viking motor yacht glided away from the dock in the Cocoplum Yacht Club, slipped past the mangroves and edged into the Gables Waterway.

Two decks below, powerful twin diesel engines quietly purred, barely audible as the boat slid out of the marina beneath a scattering of fluffy clouds and into a picture perfect winter day in South Florida. Minutes later the gleaming white craft cut through the deep water channel, and as Wieteha fed in the fuel, the boat jumped quickly out of the hole and was skimming across the sparkling blue-green water. For Blue Time — and for scores of other luxury vessels docked in Coral Gables — there are no bridges to Biscayne Bay.

“From here we could cruise the bay, head south to Ocean Reef, or pass by the Key Biscayne lighthouse into the Atlantic and be less than 50 miles from Bimini and the world’s best sail fishing,” said Wieteha. “We could be fishing within 45 minutes.”

In recent years, as yachts have grown larger and dock space has grown more expensive and more scarce, the profile of Coral Gables as a mecca of high end boating continues to grow. In waterfront communities such as Cocoplum, Gables Estates, Gables by the Sea and Deering Bay, hundreds of private boatsfrom open cockpit fishing boats with a single outboard engine to mega-yachts

with helicopter landings pads – are polished, fueled up and ready to go. Further up the Gables Waterway – on the other side of several of the 19 vehicular bridges in the City Beautiful – are docked hundreds more recreational boats used for fishing, cruising and fresh air getaways from the demands and stresses of the modern world.

“Coral Gables has all the things that people who are super successful want,” says Michael T. Moore, a Coral Gables attorney who specializes in marine law. “It’s a well-run city, with order, predictability, cleanliness, with the options that discerning wealthier family people find attractive.”

Boats are also getting bigger, more expensive, and more high tech. Yet the principle reasons for taking to the sea are the same as they’ve always been. “It’s a lifestyle,” says attorney Anthony de Yurre, a lifelong boater who owns a 52-foot Sea Ray Sundancer, docked on the Gables Waterway, that serves as a floating retreat for him and his family. “When I have an opportunity to get out on the water, I go. It’s like having a condo I can take to the Bahamas. That’s the real beauty of boating.”

In the vision of Coral Gables created by founder George Merrick in the 1920s, residents of the City Beautiful would use a network of waterways as streets, traveling the shaded watery passages in Venetian-style gondolas. His vision never became a reality due to the devastating hurricane of 1926.

But the 40 miles of waterways and expansive waterfront properties along Biscayne Bay have joined the iconic characteristics of a city renowned as a verdant island of tranquility amid South Florida’s hectic urban sprawl. “What’s really interesting to me about Coral Gables is the diversity,” says Tere Shelton Bernace, a co-owner of Shelton and Stewart Realtors. “This is a super welcoming place for people from all over. And the more that different people arrive, the more we become the same” – including a desire to be on the water.

Among recent clients, Bernace said, are those “from up north, from overseas, young families, semi-retired people stepping aside from their businesses, celebrities coming here instead of Miami Beach. And often one of the things they want is to have a large boat for their kids and grandkids.”

Boating is an activity that often begins as a hobby and turns into a passion. It can be both addictive and aspirational. A day – or a week – on the water can offer solace, relaxation and a sense of freedom. And it can create a desire for more. There is always a bigger boat, always another destination.

Blue Time is owned by Benjamin Leon III, the president and CEO of Leon Medical

Centers, and his wife Lisa, who use the boat for entertaining, family vacations and competitive fishing. (With Wieteha at the helm of an earlier, 68-foot version of the boat, the Leons and Blue Time won the 2013 World Sailfish Championship in Key West).

The boat is, as Wieteha says, “pure luxury, the ultimate.” Built for about $7.5 million by Delaware-based F&S Boatworks, the vessel has a four-stateroom, five-head layout with a full-beam master suite equipped with a 75-inch HD television. Comfortable and roomy, yes, but also designed for fishing, with tackle storage in the 170-square foot cockpit, along with three large stainlesssteel-lined freezers, baitwells and an Eskimo ice maker.

THE BOATS

So, what is a large boat? How many Coral Gables properties can accommodate a large boat? What makes it a yacht? And how much does all this cost?

The definition of the largest boats, or luxury yachts, has changed - and for the bigger. Superyachts are defined as boats more than 75 meters (274 feet) and longer. Many are more than 400 feet long, and are owned by sheikhs, sultans and oligarchs. Smaller, but still super, are the boats of celebrities. Fashion designer Giorgio Armani owns a 213-foot, $60 million yacht that features a gym, cinema and guest accommodations for 12. Golfer Tiger Woods has a 155-foot yacht, called Privacy, reportedly worth $20 million.

The biggest yachts moored in Coral Gables are in the 120-foot range, about the maximum depth that local waters allow. This is the size range of the yacht owned by Gables developer Armando Codina (112 feet); the 180-foot yacht owned by Gables health care mogul Mike Fernandez uses the deeper water of his property on the open-bay edge of Gables Estates. “In the 1970s and 1980s, a 60-foot boat was big,” says broker Jose Rodriguez of Westport Yachts. “Now, our introductory boat is 112 feet, and our largest is 164 feet.” The prices: nearly $15 million for the smallest, $46 million for the largest.

“What we typically see in this business, say with up and coming superstars, is they start with a 70-foot boat, they have it for a year or two, their business booms, and then they move to a 112-foot,” Rodriguez says.

For those who can afford yachts of this size and are able to dock at their residence, Coral Gables is the ideal place to live, says Rodriguez, because of its location on protect-

THE CAPTAIN

For those who have passage to Biscayne Bay without negotiating a bridge, getting onto the water is relatively easy, says Captain Wieteha (left). At the helm of Blue Time, an 82-foot Viking motor yacht, Wieteha piloted the vessel for our story, from the dock in Cocoplum Yacht Club, past the mangroves and into Biscayne Bay.

ed Biscayne Bay. On days when the winds are from the north, or seas are rough, boat owners in Fort Lauderdale or West Palm Beach must navigate the Intracoastal Waterway to get to Biscayne Bay, or venture out into the Atlantic Ocean. Here, the access is direct. And from Biscayne Bay, says Rodriguez, “There are a variety of places to go to, and things to do. You can go to Ocean Reef, come out through Angelfish Creek, or Cape Florida, and go to Elliott Key [within Biscayne National Park]. It is a very pristine area to boat.”

For those who have passage to Biscayne Bay without negotiating a bridge, getting onto the water is relatively easy, as Wieteha demonstrated at the helm of Blue Time. As he piloted the vessel around the Gables Waterway on a recent Wednesday, Wieteha pointed out a variety of styles and sizes of docked watercraft, from a 36-foot Invincible Open Fisherman to a 50-foot Azimut. Also noticeable were many bayfront homes with empty tie-up space in the front, perhaps indicating that the boat was out on the water, or, as in many cases, that the owner prefers to buy or rent space in a marina, Wieteha said.

THE BOATS

For those who dock their vessels in the river-like Gables Waterway, the no-wake journey through manatee territory can take 45 minutes or longer. With two bridges to pass under on the way from his dock to the bay, de Yurre says he is working with Coral Gables real estate broker Carole Smith to find another waterfront property. “I don’t necessarily want a bigger boat, but I want flexibility,” he says. “I am looking for no fixed bridges.”

THE PROPERTIES

There are about 1,600 waterfront properties in Coral Gables, or about nine percent of all Gables homes, according to city estimates. That number includes those homes directly on the bay and those on the Gables Waterway, in locations where the depth of the water and the height of bridges combine to limit the size of a boat.

Houses that can accommodate big yachts sell for millions. In January, for example, there were 24 Coral Gables properties listed for sale that could accommodate a 112-foot boat, according to Bernace. Of those properties, only seven were listed for less than $7 million. The others were priced from $7.9 million to $55 million.

“For some clients it is very important to have no bridges to the bay,” says Bernace. “Some have yachts that won’t fit under a bridge with a clearance of seven to 21 feet. But a concern for many boaters is, how quickly can I access Biscayne Bay?”

The cachet of living on the water has only served to boost Coral Gables’ repu-

The 115-foot yacht Mambo, docked outside this luxury home on Tahiti Beach, is owned by Jose Enrique Souto, founder of Cafe Bustelo and Pilon coffee. Mambo can accommodate up to 8 guests in 4 staterooms and can be yours for a little under the bargain price of $4 million.

Part of what makes Coral Gables special is the city’s reputation as a safe harbor. The Coral Gables police marine unit patrols the city’s waterways and waterfronts, as well as 24 square miles of Biscayne Bay, according to Randy Hoff, the police department’s special projects manager. And although boats are often loaded with costly electronics, and often idle, sometimes for months at a time, thefts from vessels are relatively rare, Hoff said. “The biggest annual issue we have is hurricanes,” says Hoff. “We have such well protected waters that everyone wants to be in the Cocoplum mangrove area when a storm threatens.”

THE COSTS

The cliché is worth repeating: “A boat is a hole in the water you throw money into.” One rule of thumb is that a boat owner each year will spend at least 10 percent of the vessel’s purchase price on operating costs, dockage fees and maintenance.

With the purchase of a used boat, yacht broker Joel Brakha says, the new owner “is very excited and wants to do little upgrades. They have all these ideas: underwater lights, new props, a new blue stripe on the side, what I call the ‘since sickness:’ since I have the boat out of the water, I might as well do this.” Those optional upgrades, Brakha says, can add 10 percent to the purchase price in a hurry.

A big boat usually requires a crew, perhaps a captain and a couple of mates, and they have to be paid. Many, such as Wieteha, are fulltime employees. “There is always

A WATERFRONT CITY:

Number of Miles of Gables Waterfront Property: 40 miles

Number of Waterfront Properties in Coral Gables: 1,600

Percentage of Gables Homes on the Waterfront: 9 percent

something to do,” says Wieteha. There are weekly tasks, including checking the electrical systems, testing the air conditioners, and waxing the outside of the boat. Once a week a diver comes to clean barnacles and algae from the hull. When preparing for a fishing tournament, Wieteha spends time checking the tackle, finding and loading bait, and, on the computer, preparing entry forms and securing dockage in away-from-home ports.

At sea, Blue Time has a voracious appetite for fuel. When the boat is running at 28 knots, the twin 2,600-horsepower engines burn 160 gallons of diesel an hour, Wieteha said. At $2.50 per gallon, that’s $400 for 60 minutes of motoring. Dock space is also expensive. At Cocoplum Yacht Club, for example, there are 177 slips of various sizes, ranging from 40 to 110 feet. All are privately owned. The smallest is valued at $390,000. The largest was listed for sale in January at $1.75 million. Owners also pay $1,100 each quarter in association fees.

Slips at Matheson Hammock Marina – in Coral Gables, but run by Miami-Dade County – are cheaper, but, alas, all 243 slips are rented out, and have been for years. The estimated wait time for a vacancy: three to five years.

Whatever the costs, most boat owners love being on the water. Brakha, a Coral Gables resident, is both a boater and owner of Interglobal Yacht Sales. He describes himself as a lucky man.  “I’m blessed because boating is my hobby and I’m able to make a living out of it,” he says. “I live and breathe boats. I get out of work, and if there are two hours of light left in a summer day, I just jump in my boat – [currently a 50-foot Ferretti] – and go. No traffic, no horns. I don’t even listen to music. I just want to hear the wind, the splash of water. I unwind.” ■

DEERING BAY

GABLES BY THE SEA

COCOPLUM

tation among boaters, says realtor Carole Smith. “When I started out in business you used to have to sell Coral Gables,” she says. “Now people know. Now it’s like Santa Barbara. Very special. “

THE COST OF YACHTING:

Price to run an 80-foot yacht at 28 knots for one hour: $400 in fuel

Price for a dock space at Cocoplum Yacht Club: $390,000 to $1.75 million

Price for yachts 112 feet to 164 feet in length: $15 million to $46 million

Annual cost to maintain these yachts: $1.5 million to $4.6 million

Waterfront property to accommodate a 112-foot yacht: $5 million to $55 million

MOORING FEES:

Dock space is expensive if you do not have a waterfront home to moor your yacht. At Cocoplum Yacht Club, for example, there are 177 slips of various sizes, ranging from 40 to 110 feet. All are privately owned. The smallest is valued at $390,000. The largest was listed for sale in January at $1.75 million. Owners also pay $1,100 each quarter in association fees.

Slips at Matheson Hammock Marina – in Coral Gables but run by Miami-Dade County – are cheaper, but, alas, all 243 slips are rented out, and have been for years. The estimated wait time for a vacancy: three to five years.

Looking North in the Gables Waterway opposite the entrance into Cocoplum Yacht Club

ALL THAT GLITTERS

By Doreen Hemlock

Luxury brand Tiffany & Co. is known for dazzling diamonds, well-designed silver, a classic movie that bears its name and signature boxes in Robin’s egg blue. Less well known is that Coral Gables hosts its headquarters for Latin America, part of a push by the jewelry maker to expand sales beyond its U.S. base.

Jonathan Bruckner took the helm at the Coral Gables hub in 2018 after 25 years working with Tiffany domestically. It’s been a big change for him. Bruckner is now acutely tuned to how much currency exchange rates determine prices in different nations and checks rates daily. He’s also picking up Spanish and Portuguese, so he won’t repeat an early faux-pas: “I thought I was ordering fish, but a steak showed up.”

Tiffany’s Latin America division employs some 15 people in Coral Gables and some 170 more regionwide. It oversees 41 stores, mainly in Mexico, Brazil, Chile, and on cruise ships. In fiscal 2019, however, Latin America represented less than five percent of sales at Tiffany’s company-operated stores worldwide, compared to 40 percent in the United States, its latest annual report shows.

Bruckner aims to change that, as part of an overall changing of the guard. He was appointed to the Latam post after a shakeup in leadership at Tiffany. The 182-year-old company, seeking to boost its profits and stock price, in 2017 installed a new CEO: Alessandro Bogliolo, an Italian formerly with Bulgari, Sephora and Diesel brands. His mission: to boost sales overseas and online.

Many Wall Street analysts are upbeat. Brian Yarbrough of financial firm Edward Jones sees long-term potential for Tiffany “due to the strength of the brand, presence in emerging markets, significant room to open additional stores in emerging markets,

and opportunities to improve profitability.”

Bruckner is keen on growth in Latin America, partly because Tiffany’s rivals have only small footprints in the region so far. “The competition is not as intense yet,” compared to the U.S. market, he says.

Yet challenges abound. Latin America’s luxury market has been underperforming, says consumer analyst Josh Holmes of Fitch Solutions. “A combination of onerous tax regimes and high crime rates means wealthy households often travel to the U.S. and Europe to purchase luxury goods, where prices are lower and the environment is more conducive to conspicuous forms of consumption,” says Holmes in a report on the area.

Tiffany entered Latin America two decades ago through Mexico. That was a big leap from the company’s roots as a stationery store in Connecticut in 1837. Co-founder and jeweler Charles Lewis Tiffany switched the focus to jewelry and moved headquarters to New York City soon thereafter. His son, Louis Comfort Tiffany, later gained fame at a separate studio making stained-glass goods.

The future holds change, too. French luxury goods giant LVMH, which owns such brands as Louis Vuitton and Fendi, agreed in late November to buy Tiffany for $16.2 billion, paying a premium for the name. The purchase – the largest ever in luxury goods – is set to close mid-2020. What that means for the brand remains to be seen, but presumably it signifies more marketing muscle.

Bruckner says it’s “very helpful” to run Tiffany’s Latin American business from Coral Gables, where scores of multinationals have similar offices. He often meets fellow Latin American chiefs in the city and at Miami International Airport. Says Bruckner: “I’m on a plane almost all the time.” ■

worldwide

HEADQUARTERS: New York City. Founded in 1837. 727 Fifth Avenue store shown above.

FINANCIALS: Sales of $4.4 billion and net earnings of $586 million in the fiscal year ended Jan. 31, 2019. Trades as TIF on the New York Stock Exchange. Jewelry represents 92 percent of company-store sales. 40 percent of all company-store sales are in the U.S. Has agreed to be sold to France’s luxury goods giant LVMH in 2020.

STORES: 321 company-operated stores in almost three dozen countries as of Jan. 31, 2019, plus shops run by others. South Florida shops include Merrick Park in Coral Gables.

EMPLOYEES: 14,200 full- and part-time, including 5,900 in the U.S. as of Jan. 31, 2019.

CEO: Alessandro Bogliolo since October 2017; from Italy, formerly with Bulgari, Sephora and Diesel, among other brands.

LATIN AMERICAN REGION

HEADQUARTERS: Coral Gables, employs some 15 people.

STORES: 41 company-operated third-party stores as of autumn 2019.

EMPLOYEES: More than 170 full- and part-time in the region.

VP LATIN AMERICA: Jonathan Bruckner. Has been with Tiffany U.S. since 1992.

Tiffany & Co.

FROM AUTHORS TO PLAYWRIGHTS TO SCREENWRITERS, THERE IS NO SHORTAGE OF PUBLISHED WRITERS WHO CALL CORAL GABLES HOME

By Lizzie Wilcox

Coral Gables is nothing if not a literary city. The most important (and successful) book vendor in the state, Books & Books, was born here. It still reigns supreme with a stunning schedule of writers who give talks there. The Gables is also home to the most used library, per capita, in the county system. And its citizens are well educated: half of the adults have college degrees, and more than half of these have another degree on top of that.

So, say what you will about literary legends like Paris or New York or San Francisco. Coral Gables is home to its own roster of talented writers, some of whom we profile here. Read on…

Writers On the Block

Books & Books offers local writers a chance to meet the public with book signings and lectures

CHRISTOPHER DEMOS-BROWN

Christopher Demos-Brown is the mind behind the Broadway play and the Netflix film “American Son.” Set in a South Florida police station in the middle of the night, two parents search for their missing interracial teenage son. Before Demos-Brown wrote the script, there were a number of police shootings involving black men that were getting a lot of publicity. The conversations he had with friends about those incidents are what sparked the inspiration for the play.

While “shopping” for a theater that wanted to produce his work, Demos-Brown had to choose between several producers who were interested. “The guy I ultimately signed a contract with is a wonderful producer and likes introducing new writers to Broadway and likes plays that are challenging and deal with contemporary American issues,” he said.

“American Son” premiered on Broadway in 2016, starring Kerry Washington and Steven Pasquale. It played its final Broadway performance on Jan. 27, 2019. Then Netflix turned it into a film, which premiered on Nov. 1 of last year. The play was even performed locally last month at the Adrienne Arsht Center. “What’s really great about it [at the Arsht Center] is this production is one of the first regional productions since the Broadway run,” Demos-Brown said.

The script is currently being translated into other languages to be shown in countries like France and India. “It’s been surprising how many countries around the world have the same type of racial problems and see the play as a discussion point,” he said.

The next project Demos-Brown is writing is a mini-series for FX, which he began last month. While doing all this, he still works full-time as a lawyer in the SunTrust building on Alhambra Circle where he and his wife have a small law firm.

Coral Gables resident Mamta Chaudry published her first book in 2019. She describes “Haunting Paris” as “a love letter to Paris.” In the summer of 1989, lead character Sylvie is mourning the loss of her lover Julien, who had spent years looking for his niece after his sister and her other daughter perished in the Holocaust. Sylvie picks up where Julien left off, unaware that Julien’s ghost is watching over her on her quest. “This love letter is not like Woody Allen’s ‘Midnight in Paris,’” Chaudry said. “It’s darker.”

A Gables resident of over 30 years, Chaudry got a master’s in journalism at the University of Florida and, upon realizing her passion was books, went to the University of Miami for a PhD in literature. Chaudry met her husband while at UF and now they visit Paris once or twice a year.

“One of the things about Paris is that everyone falls in love with it as the City of Lights. But the more time I spent there, the more I became interested in the shadows that underlie it,” she said.

One highlight of having her first book published was getting her “dream editor,” Nan A. Talese, who is also the publisher of Margaret Atwood. “She devotes as much attention to her littlest author as to her grandest one,” Chaudry praises.

Her debut novel was received by the community with open arms and a full house at Books & Books. “One of the things that is just fabulous about the Gables is that it’s a book town just filled with book readers,” she said. “And a lot of it is thanks to Mitchell Kaplan [founder and owner of Books & Books].”

MAMTA

PATRICK ALEXANDER

The oldest of six children, Patrick Alexander was raised in England. He lived in France, Switzerland and California before settling in Coral Gables in 1986. This is where his career as a writer came to fruition. His first novel, “The Nigerian Letter,” is about an American accountant who receives a letter from a stranger in Nigeria asking him to export $60 million out of Africa in exchange for a percentage of the fortune. In 2009, Alexander published “Marcel Proust’s Search for Lost Time: A Reader’s Guide to The Remembrance of Things Past.” It is essentially notes to remind readers of the plot and characters of Proust’s seven-volume book. “That was accidental,” Alexander admits. “I was just doing it for my own entertainment.”

Aside from Proust, the writer also has a love for wine. And so he wrote “The Booklovers’ Guide to Wine: An Introduction to the History, Mysteries and Literary Pleasures of Drinking Wine,” which was published in 2017. Everyone has heard of wine pairing when it comes to food, but what about literature? The guide was inspired by the successful six-week wine appreciation course that he teaches at Books & Books. “I still use my wine book for reference,” he says.

In addition to the “guide” genre, he also wrote a trilogy where all the books have one thing in common: “They all begin with dead bodies.” The second book of the series, “Death on the Eighth,” is even based in Coral Gables – well “Greenhaven,” but residents will be able to pick up on the similarities, like how the mayor of Greenhaven lives on the golf course (a nod to former Mayor Don Slesnick). And the golf course where the mayor of Greenhaven lives? The Alhambra Golf Course. All of this success comes relatively late in Alexander’s career. “I always enjoyed writing,” he says. “Life got in the way, so I didn’t start until I was about 60.”

VANESSA GARCIA

Born in Miami to Cuban parents, Vanessa Garcia attended Carrollton School of the Sacred Heart from ages 3 to 18. She then went on to study art history with a concentration in visual arts, and English with a concentration in writing, at Barnard College, the women’s college of Columbia University. Garcia eventually received a MFA in creative writing from the University in Miami, but in between worked for author and playwright Caryl Phillips. Furthering her education, she moved to California to get a master’s in English from UC Irvine in 2011, and then a PhD in English with a focus on creative nonfiction from the same university four years later.

Garcia, 40, now resides in Coral Gables. She has written an overwhelming amount of works in a span of mediums from fiction to theater to film. Her latest body of work is “AMPARO”, the immersive theater experience about the family who created the Havana Club rum in Cuba. Coincidentally, her dissertation was on Cuba so she had already researched and studied the country’s history thoroughly.

Around two years ago, she was contacted by the marketing team of Havana Club to work on what was intended to be a 20-minute play performed at a bar. “It felt like this was a moment of destiny,” Garcia said. “That 20-minute show became a two-hour pilot [performed] in Ball & Chain.”

The team then tested “AMPARO” in New York to see if the story would resonate with an audience that wasn’t so deeply rooted in Cuba. It passed, and so began work on the immersive experience that premiered this past summer in Miami. It continued to exceed expectations – it was set to run for a month and a half, but ended up closing in November. “Miami in general is an incredible place to make and create projects,” said Garcia. “It’s such a beautiful incubation area.”

LAUREN RIGAU

Lauren Rigau recently published her first book, entitled “The Adventures of LaLa and her Papa.” A children’s book, it was inspired by her father Carlos, a news photojournalist of over 40 years. Born in Miami, Rigau moved to Los Angeles when she was 14 to pursue acting. She had a lead role in the films “The Inner Circle” and “Common Practice,” the latter of which was featured at the 2006 Sundance Film Festival. She also co-starred on television shows including HBO’s “WEED’S” and ABC Family’s “The Secret Life of the American Teenager.”

Following her acting career, Rigau studied U.S. History and Political Science at Arizona State University and then moved to New York. It was there that she volunteered at a low income school for a program that taught students about the love of reading. “Reading children’s books to them I thought, ‘I could write a book like this,’” Rigau said.

She moved back to Miami – Coral Gables, specifically – at 26. When it came to putting pen to paper, she decided to write about what she knew best: her childhood. “I had such a cool experience because of my dad,” she said. “And kids love adventure books.”

As a photojournalist, her dad (now at NBC 6) has been all over the world capturing wildlife, active volcanoes and the Olympics –and it’s all illustrated in the book. Of course, “LaLa” couldn’t go with her papa on his adventures, but “no matter where he went, he would always bring a trinket home for me.”

If you would like to read “The Adventures of LaLa and her Papa,” it’s available for purchase on Amazon or from the website theadventuresoflalaandherpapa.com.

J.K. Franko was turning from Kendall Drive onto Old Cutler Road when the inspiration for his book hit: What would it take for him to commit murder? The first book of the Talion series, “Eye for Eye,” revolves around this question, as a married couple takes the law into their own hands. The thriller, which was published last year, is set in none other than the City Beautiful. “It’s really kind of cool in the sense that it’s very much about this whole area,” Franko said. “For somebody who lives here it’s very easy to visualize.”

Born and raised in Texas, Franko admittedly wanted to be a writer since the sixth grade. But since it wasn’t an encouraged profession, he took a more traditional route and went to law school. After roughly a decade as a trial lawyer, he worked as a Fortune 100 company’s in-house attorney and got an MBA. After running a business in Europe for around five years, he moved back to the U.S. in Austin. In 2014, he found his way to the Gables. Franko’s wife, who is also a lawyer, has been pushing him to write professionally for 20 years.

The second and third books of the Talion series are currently in the works. “Book number three is about 70 percent done because I wanted to make sure I could plant seeds in the second that I could bring to fruition in the third,” he said. The second book, “Tooth for Tooth,” will be available in April of this year.

Franko asks his readers the same thing he asked himself: What would you do if someone hurt the one you love? How far would you go to get revenge? Read the series and decide for yourself: What would you do? ■

J.K. FRANKO

New Kid on Giralda

THE CHEF-DRIVEN CONCEPT IS BORN AGAIN AT TUR KITCHEN, THE LATEST ENTRY INTO GABLES FINE DINING

By Andrew Gayle

Just when you thought you had tasted everything, along comes Chef Nelson Fernández, most recently at the helm of Byblos restaurant on Miami Beach, with his reinvention of Mediterranean cuisine. His twists on flavor and presentation are fresh, inventive and worth trying.

The venue, TUR Kitchen, is the newest fine dining restaurant in Coral Gables, in a kind of industrial loft space on Giralda Avenue that has been impeccably designed to feel intimate. From the individual table lamps to the soothing jazz soundtrack, the environment is perfectly curated to blend cozy with cutting edge (drop-down whisk lamps? Yes, please).

What makes it more intimate is the open kitchen, directly abutting the seating area. Here Chef Fernández presides over a half dozen sous chefs, all busy with his variations on classic elements in the Mediterranean palate: eggplant, lamb, octopus, pita bread, chickpeas, branzino, etc.

One measure of any restaurant is the bread service, and here TUR gets off to a great start: Hot, puffy, crusty but thin pita bread in the shape of a baguette, served with sea salt encrusted whipped butter or crème fraîche with sweet peppers.

In the appetizer zone (called “share” on the menu) we found two standouts: the

seared eggplant and the octopus. Fernández soaks the eggplant for two days in brine, fries the slices in a pan, then serves it with crisp, thin sourdough bread, topped with a tomato reduction and feta cheese. A new and delightful preparation – as is the octopus, baked with a coating of chraimeh (a deep red, garlicky sauce spiced with chile, paprika and cumin) then rolled in dukkah (a middle eastern mix of nuts, seeds, pepper and salt). Even if you are over octopus, this is a worthy redux.

TUR also serves “pides,” narrow bread rolls stuffed with different ingredients. We tried the San Marzano tomato version, with shaved garlic and Reggiano cheese. Intense tomato flavor. We also tried the forest blend mushroom, with truffle cream, lemon thyme and gorgonzola. Dark and delicious.

And then there are TUR’s three salads. The baby gem is a delightfully diminutive version of wedge salad, with baby lettuce halves laced with blue cheese, crisped prosciutto (bacon-like), and sliced quail eggs. Fresh and flavorful. The organic greens salad is a thing of beauty: cones of cucumber with watercress inside, on a bed of green goddess dressing laced with baby pea pods. Also fresh and flavorful. The most daring is the kale & squash salad; if you like either, you’ll love this, with its sweet and tart dressing enhanced by

TOP: Kale salad with roasted beets, almonds, and butternut squash.

ABOVE: Chef Nelson Fernández is reinventing Mediterranean cuisine at the Gables’ latest fine dining restaurant.

OPPOSITE TOP: The boneless lamb leg served with Boston lettuce wrap and warm bread and pickles.

OPPOSITE BOTTOM: The chic loft space is designed with attention to detail for an intimate dining experience.

almonds and dried cranberries.

Among the entrees we went right to the house specialties – the lamb dishes and the branzino. We tried both the lamb chops and the lamb leg (for two), both spectacular for different reasons. The lamb chops are large and baked with a high heat that leaves the meat cooked but looking pink, like prime rib. Tremendous flavor, radically enhanced by a pool of mint “jelly” that is more like mint pesto, subtle and superb.

The leg is a boneless chunk of roasted lamb that falls apart, which is a must, so you can eat it as a Boston lettuce wrap (or a wrap with warm bread), into which you layer thin slices of shaved roots and pickles, add pulled lamb pieces, and top with a pour of thick lamb gravy. This is a unique combination of flavors right out of Fernández’s secret recipe book.

The branzino, the Mediterranean fish, is pan seared with lemon oil and fennel pollen, and served with russet potatoes and Brussels sprouts. It feels meatier than when prepared whole, and has a mild, delicate, sophisticated flavor. A joy for fish eaters.

Also to be noted is their side of mejadra rice, a Syrian inspiration which is nutty and fluffy, with lentils, shallots and yogurt. Among desserts, the chocolate nemesis tart with crème fraîche is wonderfully, well, tart, and their kunafa is a new taste, an Arabic pastry of shredded filo dough baked with creamy sweet cheese and drenched in rosewater syrup.

Not every single thing at TUR is over the moon. We were not overly impressed by the pork loin or chicken entrees, for example (though interesting tastes, for sure). And the wait staff, in a restaurant which just opened in January, is still finding its sea legs. But if you want a different set of tastes – or if you are a hardcore fan of eggplant, pita bread or lamb – TUR is worth a turn. ■

February 2020

THE TOP RESTAURANTS IN CORAL GABLES

Coral Gables is a movable feast, a veritable mecca of fine dining. It has the highest density of quality restaurants for any city in South Florida – close to 100 good dining establishments. The restaurants do cluster near the main street of Miracle Mile and on the Giralda pedestrian plaza, but are also spread throughout the Gables. There are some good choices at the Shops at Merrick Park, and some hidden gems to be found even in out-of-the-way strip malls.

Dining hours in the Gables stretch from the early evening – when it is common to see people at restaurants close to where they work – until late at night, when it’s not unusual to go to a restaurant at 10 p.m. and find the place packed, even with children.

Many of the restaurants in Coral Gables are world-class. But the culinary scene is also changing. Where once the top-flight, traditional dining spots catered to lawyers, bankers, businessmen and diplomats, there is a new crop of edgier places, with young chefs and new tastes, catering to a younger clientele. What follows is our list of the tried and true, and the innovative and new.

$ ............ Under $25

$$ .......... $25-$40

$$$ ........ $35-$75

$$$$ ...... $70-$100+

Prices are per person for appetizer and entrée, no tax, tip or drinks. Prices are approximate.

AMERICAN

Bachour

World-renowned pastry chef Antonio

Bachour opened his new bakery and restaurant back in Feb. 2019.

The menu, on top of rows of fresh and decadent pastries, features eggs benedict, croissant French toast, guava and cheese pancakes, sandwiches and salads. $ - $$

2020 Salzedo St. 305.203.0552

California Pizza Kitchen

A local favorite, the home of “California-style” pizza, this national chain that started in Beverly Hills is both casual and polished, with a truly inventive array of non-traditional pizzas. Things like cauliflower crust, spicy chipotle chicken, carne asada. And then there are the patrons who come only for the butter cake, which they consider one of the best things on earth. $$

300 Miracle Mile 305.774.9940

Clutch Burger

Not your average burger. Most of the burgers hover around $20 because they’re made with quality Wagyu beef. They also specialize in fine wines and craft beers brewed here in Miami.  $$ 146 Giralda Ave. 305.400.8242

Copper 29

Mostly known for its happy hour, the Miracle Mile restaurant and bar also has a wide range of food options. We especially love the BBQ Chicken Flatbread and Pork Sliders. They also serve bottomless brunch all weekend that includes mimosas, wine, mojitos,

Bloody Marys and champagne. $

206 Miracle Mile 786.580.4689

Doc B’s Restaurant + Bar

Offering a no-veto menu, meaning there’s something for everyone, Doc B’s Restaurant + Bar serves craveable American fare dishes made from scratch daily, incorporating the highest quality ingredients. Offering brunch, lunch, dinner and happy hour, signature dishes include the Wok Out Bowls, The Wedge Burger and “Hot” Chicken. $$

301 Miracle Mile 786.864.1220

Eating House

Groovy place with inventive everchanging menu, with dishes like nutmeg risotto, pumpkin tiradito, and fried Brussels sprouts. Dynamite freerange fried chicken. Simple artsy décor but superb food, excellent presentation, great value. $$

804 Ponce de Leon Blvd. 305.448.6524

The Globe

The Globe is a Coral Gables icon, and one of the most pleasant places to eat in the city – assuming you like a smart, Euro-style bistro. Decorated with classic paintings (and globes), their Saturday night live jazz sessions offer the weekend’s coolest entertainment. The menu is a collection of mostly American dishes – salads, burgers, fish, etc. – that have been perfected over the years by owner Danny Guiteras. Best conch fritters anywhere. $-$$

377 Alhambra Circle 305.445.3555

Hillstone

Situated at the corner of Ponce de Leon and Miracle Mile, Hillstone has been a longtime staple in the Gables. Known for their steaks, like the Hawaiian, which is made with a pineapple-soy-ginger marinade. Though an American restaurant, they also have a great sushi bar and offer dozens of fresh rolls. $$$

201 Miracle Mile 305.529.0141

Seasons 52

The restaurant for healthy eaters who enjoy quality as well. The menu, changing four times a year with each season, is always full of inventive treatments for fresh veggies, soups and salads. Their fish and meat dishes are great values, and the flatbread menu is really a nice touch. It’s a chain, but we forgive them. $$

321 Miracle Mile 305.442.8552

Shula’s 347 Grill

If it’s beef you are after, but want to avoid the formality of a high-end steak house, Shula’s is perfect for you. Good service and pleasant décor – including lots of photos of the coach – make this a go-to place for professionals in the area. Great use of cheeses – Boursin in their mac & cheese, and gorgonzola in their cream spinach. $$$ 6915 Red Rd. 305.665.9661

Tap 42

Winner of Best Overall Burger by Coral Gables Magazine, Tap 42 is big, noisy and fun, with a huge island bar and lots of booths. Reliably good ribs,

steaks and burgers, plus shines in the sides (roasted Brussels sprouts with maple mustard, truffle mac & cheese with parmesan crust). Nice random Asian dishes (grilled salmon Zen bowl, Asian coleslaw). $$-$$$

301 Giralda Ave. 786.391.1566

The Local Craft Food & Drink

One of the best places in Coral Gables to enjoy locally sourced food, hence the name. Chef Juan Bedoya wants to create a pub feeling with comfort food. We’re obsessed with the fried chicken, which is served on a short stack of cheddar cheese pancakes with bourbon maple syrup. The flavor is enhanced by watermelon jelly on the side for a sweet, spicy bite. $$

150 Giralda Ave. 305.648.5687

Yard House

A cavernous space with huge screens for sports fans, oversized paintings, classic rock in the background and large booths, all making for a comfortable space in which to pick and choose from an immense and reliable menu of American classics with Asian dishes

PALME D’OR

interspersed. Literally something for everyone. $$

320 San Lorenzo Ave. 305.447.9273

ASIAN

Ichimi

This off-Mile eatery has developed a cult following, with diners content to wait and stand and stare, just for the opportunity to eat Ichimi’s Japanese noodles and rice bowls. And the wait is worth it. Delicious, rich and faraway flavors in dishes you can’t find just anywhere, in a raw, cool space. $-$$

2330 Salzedo St. 305.960.7016

Izakaya

Located across the street from the Colonnade building, this tiny, bustling Japanese restaurant serves a great bento box – along with an impressive array of daily specials that are posted on the wall in chalk. Super popular lunch spot, for good reason. $$

159 Aragon Ave. 305.445.2584

Kao Sushi & Grill

A fresh and interesting take on sushi as it is blended with the flavors of Peru. Steamed gyoza dumplings with chorizo? Tuna tataki with traditional Peruvian sauce? Cooked white rice over chipotle seasoned furikake? Yes, to all three. They also do some interesting things with steak, since the creators of Kao Sushi come from Buenos Aires. Outdoor seating on the Mile. $$

127 Miracle Mile 786.864.1212

Malakor Thai Isaan

This eatery on Miracle Mile prides itself on delivering true, tasty Thai food. That means pork skewers with sticky rice, grilled fatty pork neck sliced and tossed with lime juice, or the Gang Aom, a Thai curry with fish sauce, dill and herb paste. $$ 90 Miracle Mile 786.558.4862

Matsuri

Just over the city line at Bird and Red roads, Matsuri is tucked humbly away in non-descript Red Bird Shopping Center. Yet it serves world-class sushi, the finest anywhere in South Florida, and has an enormous menu of traditional Japanese food as well. You will need reservations to snag a seat from its devoted clientele. $$-$$$ 5759 Bird Rd. 305.663.1615

Sawa

Delicious take on Japanese flavors served in parallel with Lebanese Mediterranean, Sawa offers seating inside or outside at Merrick Park. A vast selection of sushi rolls and tapas that range from chicken yakitori to octopus ceviche, along with super fresh Middle Eastern comfort food. Some nice “samplers” let you check out the menu’s range, plus great naan flatbreads. World’s best lamb chops. Also has a

doggy menu. $$$

360 San Lorenzo Ave. 305.447.6555

FRENCH

Brasserie Central

Secretly owned by Pascal’s on Ponce fame, the restaurant is half inside half in the courtyard of the Shops. A typical French bistro with wonderful onion soup, fresh bread and a superb paté. Everything on the menu is fresh, French, and all you would expect from Pascal. Lots of little French touches, though not cheap. $$-$$$ Shops at Merrick Park 786.536.9388

Frenchie’s Diner

It looks like an all-American diner (which it once was) but this is pure French cooking in a small but comfy setting. Frenchie himself is usually there. Some items on the menu can get pricey (filet mignon, $34) but the onion soup ($9) and escargots ($11) are great values, and the croque monsieur ($14) for lunch is a meal unto itself. $$-$$$ 2618 Galiano St. 305.442.4554

Palme d’Or

The award-winning Palme d’Or is a dining icon in Coral Gables. At once traditional and innovative, the French cuisine created by Chef Gregory Pugin is a work of art, literally. Each serving in his $115 six-course meals – or his $155 chef’s tasting menu – is impeccable in taste and appearance.  $$$$

1200 Anastasia Ave. (at the Biltmore Hotel) 305.913.3200

Pascal’s On Ponce

Elegant, quaint and delicious, Pascal’s is the home and culinary canvas of owner-chef Pascal Oudin, who brings authentic French cuisine to the heart of the city. Oudin excels in seafood, soufflés and foie gras. Try the diver sea scallops and tomato tartin.

$$$

2611 Ponce de Leon Blvd. 305.444.2024

ITALIAN

Bugatti

Based on Ponce for several decades, Bugatti prides itself on its pasta. And for good reason, since the restaurant started as a pasta factory. The décor is simple and contemporary, with a good number of booths, while the service is crisp and superb. The dinner menu is straightforward, with pasta dishes mostly under $20 and entrees mostly under $30. We especially like the fact that they have as many dessert listings (12) as pasta choices. $$ 2504 Ponce de Leon Blvd. 305.441.2545

Caffe Abbracci

A Gables icon, Nino Pernetti’s Italian restaurant is both a power lunch favorite for the business elite and a cozy evening gathering place for families and couples. Closely shepherded by the welcoming Pernetti, Abbracci is quiet, elegant and flavorful. The food is so consistently good that Pernetti had to publish his own cookbook. He now has a new chef who hails from Tuscany, so the daily specials have a whole new spin. $$$

318 Aragon Ave. 305.441.0700

Cibo Wine Bar

Cibo has two locations in South Florida, one on South Beach and the other here, on Miracle Mile. Rustic Italian food in a warm interior with exposed brick, wood finishes, butcher block tables and a wall of wine selections. Extensive traditional Italian menu, with lots of pizza options cooked in a brick oven. They are also big on Italian seafood, including a great clam and mussel dish which is worth the trip. $$-$$$ 45 Miracle Mile 305.442.4925

Fiola

Brought to you by Washington, D.C. chef Fabio Trabocchi, this new entry into the Gables dining scene is a game changer. From the place settings to the artwork to the innovative cuisine, Fiola offers an exquisite dining experience. Among their must-try dishes are the porcini mushroom soup, the sea scallops ceviche, and the signature lobster ravioli. Elegant presentations only add to this encounter with gustatory greatness. $$$$

1500 San Ignacio Ave. 305.912.2639

Fontana

The setting is as elegant as it comes: the Biltmore’s famed fountain courtyard. You can sit under the stars, in a covered archway, or inside to enjoy classic Italian dishes. Fresh ingredients, from the salads to the pasta that is made daily. Great octopus, pastas cooked perfectly. One of the most romantic restaurants in the Gables. $$$

1200 Anastasia Ave. (Biltmore Hotel) 305.913.3200

Forno’s

Owner Artan Kapxhiu opened this charming spot back in 2017. Forno’s serves pasta, but people come for the pizza, cooked in a wood-burning oven. From a simple margherita to a stacked pistachio, ham, cherry tomato and

BUGATTI

PASCAL’S ON PONCE

shaved grana Padano cheese pizza, there are no bad choices here.  $

1403 Sunset Dr. 305.661.3964

Fratellino

Small, family run, with a fanatically loyal fan base, brilliant Italian comfort food. The long narrow set up with tile floors, wooden chairs and tablecloths makes it feel like New York’s Little Italy. Their calamari, in any variation, is superb, and the fettuccine with prosciutto, mushrooms and green peas is to die for. $$$

264 Miracle Mile 786.452.0068

P. Pole Pizza

A fresh take on pizza, each pie is made on the spot at this Miracle Mile pizzeria. At the start of the assembly line-like production, you choose the dough and sauce you want. Then choose as many toppings as you want before sending it into the miniature oven that cooks it right in front of your eyes. Great quality of dough, sauce and toppings. $

279 Miracle Mile 786.618.5287

Salumeria 104

A trattoria-style restaurant serving traditional, house made Italian classics. Since a salumeria is the Italian equivalent to a delicatessen, we definitely recommend some sort of meat

dish, whether it’s prosciutto for an “antipasti” or porchetta for a “secondi.” Unbeatable lunch special of a sandwich and a soup or salad for $10. $-$$

117 Miracle Mile 305.640.5547

Terre Del Sapore

True Neapolitan pizza in the heart of Coral Gables. Owner Angelo Angiollieri is obsessed with quality ingredients, including minimally-processed flour from Italy, and you can taste it. Offers a great lunch special of a side salad, entrée and drink for $13. No better pizza anywhere. $

246 Giralda Ave. 786.870.5955

Zucca

A worthy heir to the hallowed grounds of the old St. Michel restaurant, this is a star in the galaxy of Italian eateries in the Gables. Distinctly northern Italian, with the home-taught recipes that chef Simone Mua learned in his native Milan. Modern Italian design, sophisticated, with haute comfort food and great service. $$$-$$$$

162 Alcazar Ave. 786.580.3731

LATIN & SOUTH AMERICAN

Aromas del Peru

The shrine for ceviche, with a wide range of choices – 18 ceviches at last

count – for great prices. Haute Peru vian appetizers and good fish dishes, right up to the whole fried snapper. And don’t miss the pisco sour soup. Comfortable leather seats, too. $$ 1930 Ponce de León Blvd. 305.476.5886

Caffe Vialetto

Two brothers, managing to keep sibling rivalry at bay, have concocted a menu of upscale Latin food that is consistently changing and interesting. Yuca, mofongo (garlic flavored mashed plantains), and other Caribbean and Latin flavors make for an out of the ordinary experience. Reservations required, always full. $$$ 4019 Le Jeune Rd. 305.446.5659

Caja Caliente

Opening its second location in Coral Gables in May 2019, Caja Caliente serves “the original Cuban tacos.” Their flour tortillas come stuffed with any kind of meat from lechon to mahi mahi, and are topped with pico de gallo, aioli, beans and cilantro. Also serve poke and quinoa bowls. $ 808 Ponce de Leon Blvd. 786.431.1947

La Casita

Often overlooked in a region overrun with Cuban eateries, and not far from the top competition of Versailles, La Casita holds its own as a quiet, elegant place to enjoy classic Cuban dishes like vaca frita (the Monday lunch special!), ropa viejas and lechon asado. They

also venture into Central American territory with an excellent churrasco skirt steak. And, surprising for Cuban restaurants where green is rarely seen, a fine selection of salads. $

3805 SW 8th St. 305.448.8224

COYO Taco

Bringing its “Todo es Fresco” philosophy to the Gables, COYO opened its third location in Miami on Giralda Plaza in August 2019. Their guac and array of salsas can’t be beat and their tacos are mouthwatering – we love the Grouper Frito. Don’t forget to hit the speakeasy lounge in the back, open until 2 a.m. $

126 Giralda Ave. 786.629.7929

Graziano’s

This large, bustling Gables mainstay is true Argentine. A deep selection of Argentine wines (which line every wall) to go with churrasco meats slowly roasted over a quebracho wood fire, old school style. They have seafood and pasta, empanadas and salads, but come here for the meat, the selection of which will stun even hardcore carnivores. $$$

394 Giralda Ave. 305.774.3599

Havana Harry’s

It’s big, it’s easy, it’s comfortable, and it’s where the shredded onion/garlic chicken dinner (pollo vaca frita) with rice, beans and plantains is still just $12.95. The same with the fried pork

chunks (masas de Puerco). Large menu with all your Cuban favorite dishes along with – surprising for a Cuban place – some nice dinner salads. $$  4612 S. Le Jeune Rd. 305.661.2622

Mikuna Peruvian

“It’s time to feel the real Peru” boasts the Mikuna website, and they do indeed move beyond ceviche to the other dishes that make Peruvian food one of the best cuisines in Latin America. These include lobster with Peruvian yellow pepper sauce, seafood rice with squid ink, and skewered swordfish. Other unique tastes include shrimp bisque with rice and egg. $$$ 325 Alcazar Ave. 786.420.2910

Talavera Cocina Mexicana

High ceilings and ceramics make this a pleasant place to dine, but it’s the authentic fare that shines. The place for Mexicans homesick for cooking that’s not Tex-Mex. The chicken mole poblano is a winner at $20, and their huarache grill – masa flatbreads that are really haute tacos – are great at $17. $$

2299 Ponce de Leon Blvd. 305.444.2955

SEAFOOD

La Dorada

Regarded by many to be the finest restaurant devoted to seafood in the Gables, La Dorada is traditional Spanish cooking with a deep-sea focus

(and a pleasant, ocean-deco décor).

The house specialty is a baked whole fish crusted in sea salt, but don’t miss the traditional Mediterranean seafood stews or the shellfish prepared Galician style. $$$$ 177 Giralda Ave. 305.446.2002

MesaMar

Some of the best – if not THE best –seafood in the Gables with inventive fusions between Peruvian and Japanese cuisine. Their fish is caught daily in local waters and brought to your table for inspection. Their whole fried fish is a marvel. Also, make sure to try the lobster tacos. $$$

264 Giralda Ave. 305.640.8448

Sea Grill

Just a few months old, Sea Grill is already a popular weekend destination for lovers of Mediterranean seafood. A large, brightly lit and futuristic space with lots of energy, it serves fish that is caught in the Aegean Sea and flown to the Gables. Their octopus, which takes two days to prepare, is simply the best. $$$

4250 Salzedo St. 305.447.3990 (Shops at Merrick Park)

SPANISH Bellmónt

Modern décor meets traditional Spanish dishes. Their house specialty is the roast suckling pig. If you want the whole pig ($230 for 4) you need

to order four hours in advance. If it’s just you ($49), you’ll need to wait just 50 minutes. As for the rest: authentic Spanish cuisine, with great seafood dishes, fantastic paella. $$$ 339 Miracle Mile. 786.502.4684

Bulla Gastrobar

As valued for its cocktails as for its tapas, Bulla is also something Coral Gables needs – an informal, smart neighborhood hangout with a young, boisterous vibe. Great “small plates” and refreshing sangria. Yes, it is a national chain, but it still feels local. $$ 2500 Ponce de Leon Blvd. 305.441.0107

La Taberna Giralda

Routinely rated among the top tapas places in South Florida, La Taberna brings the added twist of a chef from Galicia, who puts his own regional spin on the dishes. It’s a small place with a neighborhood vibe, orange walls, string lights and live flamenco on the weekends ($5 cover), so reservations are a must. $$ 254 Giralda Avenue 786.362.5677

Mara Basque Cuisine

If you have ever wanted to taste authentic Basque cuisine from northern Spain, this is your chance. Its entry into the scene on Giralda brings the best of

Basque cooking: Cod prepared with Vizcaina sauce (made from red onions and choricero pepper), Iberian ham with eggs and potatoes, meatballs with tomato sauce and guindilla peppers, and beef oxtail stew. Many dishes served as tapas to be shared. $$$ - $$$$ 112 Giralda Ave. 305.504.9274

Rodilla

Rodilla is a known brand in Spain, where there are 160 locations. Expanding into Coral Gables in 2020, authentic Spanish sandwiches (all crustless) can now be found on Miracle Mile. Try the mushroom, red pepper and anchovy, or the chicken curry sandwich. $ 135 Miracle Mile.

STEAK

Christy’s

Touted as Coral Gables oldest steakhouse, Christy’s was long the power lunch go-to – until it stopped serving lunch except on Fridays. Still, its aged steaks are consistently excellent, as are the seafood entrees. Their classic Caesar salad is still the best in town, and the jumbo shrimp cocktail is a house specialty. $$$ 3101 Ponce de Leon Blvd. 305.446.1400

Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse

Fantastic aged steaks, a seafood tower that won’t quit, and a wine cellar that appears to have no end of its depth. A place for special celebrations. Recently redecorated, but the open kitchen with its copper “sash” across the top still gives the main dining room a glow. Good menu at the bar. $$$-$$$$ 2525 Ponce de Leon Blvd. 305.569.7995

Morton’s The Steakhouse

Morton’s in the Gables is not just another Morton’s. Its setting in the Colonnades gives it a unique elegance, with outdoor seating under the arches. Dependable quality, prime-aged beef, and excellent salads. Good place to

take that important client. Great happy hour with filet mignon sandwiches or short rib tacos for $8. $$$

2333 Ponce de Leon Blvd. 305.442.1662

Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille

The latest entry among Coral Gables steak houses, Perry’s is a Texas chain that gets its beef from the heart of the Lone Star State. Great outdoor space with fire pit and a huge interior with its own lounge area piano bar. The entrees are all carefully concocted, including excellent reduction sauces for the finer cuts and their famous five-finger giant pork chop that is carved at the table and can easily feed two. $$$$

4251 Salzedo St. 786.703.9094

PERRY’S STEAKHOUSE & GRILLE

Discover a unique gastronomic and culinary experience as Chef Rogelio offers his new menu, featuring classic dishes with creative flourishes with more indulgent portions. Order a la carte or choose our $49 prix-fixe three course menu.

Innovative cuisine and impeccable service. One unforgettable culinary experience.

RESERVATIONS: 305.445.8066 EXT. 2373

1200 Anastasia Avenue | Coral Gables, Florida 33134 | www.biltm orehotel.com

AFTER DINNER

MUSIC

Books & Books

265 Aragon Ave.

305.442.4408

Live Music in the courtyard on Friday and Saturday nights. Listen to Jazz, Pop, Rock even Spanish Gypsy music, from 7:30 pm to 11:30 pm

The Globe

377 Alhambra Circle

305.445.3555

Saturday night is Jazz night at this Euro-café on Alhambra, where it’s always easy to park. Well curated by musical director Rodolfo Zuniga, high quality music.

Open Stage

2325 Galiano St. 305.441.7902

Monday night is Jazz night with the Miami Jazz Co-op, starting at 8 p.m. Tuesdays it’s open Mic (read: rock n roll), Fridays Latin or Karaoke, and Saturday disco starting at 10 pm.

La Taberna Giralda 254 Giralda Ave. 786.362.5677

Flamenco Thursdays and Saturdays, from 8:30 pm to 11 pm, brings this cozy little slice of authentic Spain to life with the pounding of dance heels on the stage.

Zucca

162 Alcazar Ave. 786.580.3731

Every Thursday it’s Noche Latina, with live music from Luis Bofill and Guarachamos, performed at the lounge from 7 pm to 11 pm. Great bar.

John Martin’s Irish Pub

253 Miracle Mile 305.445.3777

Jazz on Wednesday nights, Karaoke on Friday nights, Open Mic (acoustic music) on Saturday nights, in this authentic Irish bar and restaurant. Thirty years on the Mile.

Bellmont

339 Miracle Mile 786.502.4684

Flamenco performances every Friday night at 8:30 pm. Also, the world’s best Spanish ham, if you have any room left after dinner.

WORDS

John Martin’s Irish Pub 253 Miracle Mile 305.445.3777

On Thursday nights it’s Pub Trivia Night from 8 pm to 10 pm at this classic Irish bar and eatery.

Books & Books

265 Aragon Ave.

305.442.4408

On most weeknights starting at 8 pm there are readings and talks by authors. Call to check.

Open Stage

2325 Galiano St. 305.441.7902

On Wednesday nights it’s the spoken word, with different story tellers at 8 pm. Call first.

MOVIES

Cosford Cinema

University of Miami 305.284.9838

Indie films rule here, with evening showings Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8:30 pm or 9 pm. Call first.

Coral Gables Art Cinema

260 Aragon Ave. 786.385.9689

Most weeknights there is a special, interesting film at 8 pm or 9 pm, and on weekends at 8:45 pm – with special late-night screenings at 11 pm Saturdays.

DANCE

Copper 29 206 Miracle Mile 786.580.4689

This is Coral Gables only night club.

It’s really just a magnificent bar with lots of signature cocktails, but people dance with abandon, nightly.

Open Stage (above)

2325 Galiano St. 305.441.7902

Every Saturday night starting at 10 pm the Open Stage becomes a 1970s disco dancing emporium, like some sort of Studio 54 Brigadoon.

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Outstanding Corporate Supporter

Illuminate Comes to Life

The Illuminate Coral Gables project, which will launch its light-driven installations in January 2021, introduced its curatorial team of Lance Fung and John Talley at a reception in December. The event, hosted by Rod Hilderbrant & Matthew Meehan at their home on South Greenway Drive, was staged by BrownLabel Productions, and included models draped in lights, glowing gardens and bottom-lit drink trays. The event will illuminate Downtown Coral Gables with light-based public art exhibitions created by nationally renowned artists.

1. Curators Lance Fung and John Talley, Laura Russo, Catherine Cathers, Venny Torre, Stacy Conde, Francesca Valdes, Mary Snow, Patrick O’Connell.

2. Alina Coral and Ray Coral

3. A light fairy greets guests

4. Giampiero Pierucci Renta, Patricia Van Dalen, Isabel Negron and Rene Negron

5. Ninoska Huerta, Carlos Estevez & wife, Liana Perez

6. Erica English and Marichi O’Rourke

7. Matt Meehan and friend

8. The backlit bar at the Hilderbrant and Meehan home

HOME & GARDEN

EUROPEAN ELEGANCE MEETS WATERFRONT CONTEMPORARY

PLUS ELEMENTS

SOLUTIONS

REAL ESTATE

COLOR OF THE YEAR

LET’S MAKE IT BLUE, FOR ALL THE RIGHT REASONS

By Vincenzo Avanzato

As we start a New Year and a new decade, how appropriate to start this new column in a new Home and Garden section.

As an element, I have decided to use this year’s predicted color “Classic Blue,” and although the fashion industry predicts a variety own of colors for the coming seasons, Classic Blue is top on their list. With their predictions they’ve also interjected more vibrant colors such as Flame Scarlet and Saffron to name a few, which alone can create wonderful interiors. And for those fashion-conscious individuals, I will share with you in the future how to use these colors in your interiors.

As we know, color affects our moods. Classic Blue is supposed to offer reassurance, loyalty and confidence to name a few; it has also been classified as Regal and has been used to symbolize piety and keep negativity away, and for you hipsters out there to be –wait for it – edgy.

DESIGNING WITH BLUE

If you are from Belgium you would use blue for a baby girl and if you were having a boy, yes, you would use pink. The color ranks high as a favorite but it can be overused, so finding the right combination and balance with its complementary color and materials will give you a creative edge. Another tip: If you are trying to create depth in a space, our eyes will perceive blue areas as receding, smaller and more distant.

Blue comes in a variety of tones, materials and prints, and it works well for outdoor environments – albeit if you live by the ocean this color can work anywhere. It offers an immensity of complementary colors that can create a sustained interior that won’t go out of fashion. It has longevity and stands up to its name, Classic. ■

Vincenzo Avanzato is the creative force behind Avanzato Design (on Douglas Road), which works on luxury residential projects worldwide, including homes in Cocoplum and Gables Estates

BLUE ELEMENTS

Blue ranks high as a favorite, but it can be overused, so finding the right combination and balance with its complementary color and materials will give you a creative edge.

COLOR BOARD

EUROPEAN ELEGANCE MEETS WATERFRONT CONTEMPORARY

By Mallory Evans Jacobson

Photography by Marck Roskams

THE DESIGNER

“This client adores antiques and has an affinity for workmanship and artisan goods”

LIVING ROOM

A juxtaposition of modern and more grand décor pieces is apparent in the formal living room. “This is one of the most dynamic spaces in the home,” said Scurtis, “as it incorporates sinuous contemporary furniture from Christian Liagre and Minotti with gilded paneled walls and frothy antiques such as the grand piano and marble consoles.”

THE DESIGNER

When the owner of this sweeping Gables Estates home decided to make the move from Key Biscayne to the mainland, living on the water was paramount. And with three young children in tow, having sufficient spaces to live and play both indoors and outdoors was also non-negotiable.

Upon purchasing the property, the family recruited Miami and Dallas-based interior designer Hillary Littlejohn Scurtis to transform this palatial eight bedroom estate into their dream home. Garnering inspiration from the posh Kensington neighborhood of London, she worked to create spaces that highlight the owner’s taste for historic elements and also call attention to the home’s stunning coastal views.

At first glance, it’s clear that Littlejohn Scurtis’ intent was to create spaces that evoke elegance yet are still warm and comfortable. “This client adores antiques and has an affinity for workmanship and artisan goods,” says Littlejohn Scurtis, who sourced many of the furnishings and decorative pieces from Europe, principally from England and France. “But he also appreciates contemporary design, so I was able to blend both old and new.”

For instance, the foyer at the entryway of the home is illuminated by a trio of gold hanging pendants from the Charleston-based lighting company Urban Electric, and at the foot of a winding wrought iron staircase, a tufted leather settee from English designer George Smith awaits tired feet.

“This home is not your typical white box that people seem so frenzied about these days,” says Littlejohn Scurtis. “Instead, it’s a residence that is layered and serves to honor quality craftsmanship.” ■

HILLARY LITTLEJOHN SCURTIS

STUDIO DESIGN MIAMI & DALLAS 214.775.0898

FAMILY ROOM

As for the family room, which is enjoyed on a daily basis, vibrant artwork, plush pillows, and other decorative pieces lend a sort of Bohemian feel to the otherwise traditional space. The obvious centerpiece of the room is a playful beaded and needlepointed chandelier, which had originally been hung in one of the children’s room.

“This home is not your typical white box that people seem so frenzied about these days”

DINING ROOM

While many interior designers are doing away with formal dining rooms as of late, the dining room in this home is an immediate focal point. It features remarkable design details such as an opulent crystal chandelier, a gilded mirror and antique console, and a striking emerald green area rug designed by Diane von Furstenberg for The Rug Company. Although such tony design elements could come off as stuffy, this room is anything but, as it’s frequently used for entertaining and lounging, and exudes major coziness, particularly when a fire is lit in the French chateau-inspired fireplace, an original feature of the home.

BOUNTEOUS BEGONIAS

OLD-FASHIONED BEGONIAS ARE A MODERN GARDENERS’ BEST FRIEND

By Kenneth Setzer

LEFT: Tuberous Begonias

BELOW: Wax Begonias

BOTTOM: Water Lily Begonia in a planter

OPPOSITE: Angel Wing Begonia

Begonias always make me think of a stereotypical grandma’s garden—nice, but not exactly “hip.” Like most stereotypes, we sustain it at our loss. Begonias deserve a featured place in our landscaping. Their sheer variety, adaptability and ease of care make them ideal for our rough sub-tropical gardens.

Here are some Begonia basics for growing and appreciating this amazing genus of plants. First off, Begonia leaves are usually asymmetric. How cool is that? Symmetry is the rule in nature. Just look at ferns. Not begonias. Their flowers are also unusual — sepals and petals are often nearly impossible to distinguish, and so are collectively called tepals.

Trying to identify begonia as to variety, however, can be impossible outside a botany laboratory. Their forms vary from miniature terrarium plants to tall cane begonias, with leaves from shiny solid green to pebbled silver and black. There’s just indescribable variety.

Horticulturists place them into eight groups. Briefly, these include Rex, a group

grown for its variety and foliage. Rex begonias all grow from rhizomes (root stalks), as does another: the Rhizomatous group.

Tuberous begonias can go dormant to survive cooler temps and are known for grander flowers. Semperflorens are “wax” begonias with thick, waxy foliage. Cane begonias grow tall bamboo-like stems. Angel wing begonias are one example. Shrub begonias grow, well, “shrubby” with multiple stems reaching out from the soil. Trailing begonias climb philodendron-like or hang from pots. Thick-stemmed begonias have, predictably, thick stems.

Begonias are native to both the Old and New World tropics and even those from different continents can be interbred, a factor in the thousands of varieties and hybrids available. Most prefer heat and humidity, though if potted, can rot from overwatering.

Some make great landscaping cover, like Begonia popenoei, with gigantic, smooth green leaves a few feet off the

ground. It is demure enough to be filler between taller plants and trees while fantastic enough to be a focus with spikes of small white flowers. This one likes plenty of organic matter in the soil and tolerates South Florida sun.

From Mexico and Central America comes Begonia nelumbiifolia, the lily pad begonia, a rhizomatous species with peltate (stem connects to leaf from underneath) leaves that look like lotus. At a foot or two tall, they look at home accenting garden corners.

A final reason to love Begonias is propagation. They can be grown from leaf cuttings placed into water, damp perlite or sphagnum moss. After roots and some new foliage appears, the cutting can be transferred to a pot. Just keep it humid (but not damp) until established. Begonias even put out roots from parts of leaves cut into pieces!

Explore the nearly 25 Begonia varieties at Fairchild and check out the American Begonia Society at http://www.begonias.org. ■

Begonias are native to both the Old and New World tropics and even those from different continents can be interbred, a factor in the thousands of varieties and hybrids available. Most prefer heat and humidity, perfect for the Gables.

THE STAIRWELL FIX

HOW ONE DESIGNER MADE USE OF THE BELOW-STAIRWELL SPACE

By James Broida

Maritza Capiro is an interior designer based in Coral Gables who has designed spaces here in South Florida and in major cities across the country. She also had the special, hands-on experience of completely refurbishing – as in gutting to the struts – her own home on Sarto Avenue in the Gables. She also added 2,000-square feet of space, including adding a second story to part of the house and a two-car garage. “It was a double lot, so I also added a pool,” says the designer, who holds a double master’s from FIU, in Interior Design and Interior Architecture.

For Capiro, rebuilding her home was a kind of return to her roots. She originally graduated college with a degree in business, became a general contractor, and with her husband would buy and remodel homes “almost as a hobby.” As an interior designer, “I don’t function as a general contractor, but what I am able to bring to the table is to be a project manager.”

That is exactly what she did with her own home, solving a variety of problems, including what to do with the space beneath the stairs for the new second floor. “This was a whole new area to the home, and became the entrance to the home, which had basically been a cottage. I wanted this to be a multi-purpose area, and to add sorely lacking storage space.”

What Capiro created was a storage cabinet area (behind the white panels), a temp-controlled mini wine vault and a built in wine rack. She used a single slab of marble to surface the area, accenting the wall with two back-lit shelves for liquor bottles. “I decided not to do a wet bar, because the kitchen was in such close proximity. The marble top just created surface space, and it’s good to have that space to put things.” ■

The new staircase inserted into the existing home meant dealing with the space underneath. The solution is an elegant storage cabinet area with built-in wine rack.

BEFORE AND AFTER

Everyone in The Gables is talking about it...

Are You a Locavore?

Merriam Webster defines locavore as one who eats foods grown locally whenever possible.

The Taste of Redland team proudly supports our local agricultural community by offering you only 100% fresh-picked Redland-Raised and Fresh from Florida fruits and vegetables.

We offer the freshest seasonal produce shipped directly to your home, restaurant or even your hotel room if you’re just visiting. Visit tasteofredland.com and click Shop Now to see what’s in season and place your order with free next-day delivery.*

We welcome you to join the Locavore movement and encourage your favorite grocers, restaurants and markets to support our farmers by sourcing locally grown produce.

We also have a full schedule of farm-to-table and agritourism events in Redland and throughout South Florida. Visit tasteofreadland.com for tickets and details.

You place your order. We pick it fresh from local farms. We ship it to you with free next-day delivery.

What $2 to $3 Million Will Buy on the Water

Residential real estate in Coral Gables continues to be among the most valuable in South Florida, with a median home value of more than $750,000 – twice the median home value county-wide. One of the most coveted types of property in the city, which has 40 miles of waterfront,

is a home with access to Biscayne Bay. To see what kind of waterfront you could buy for $2 million to $3 million, we asked three real estate agents to submit one of their homes for sale in that price range. Here is what they came up with, in different Gables locations.

On the Edge of Fairchild

11050 TANYA ST.

Listing Price

$2.395 million

In gated Hammock Oaks, adjacent to Fairchild gardens, this handsome home has vaulted wooden ceilings, impact windows and, for the auto crazy, an eightcar garage. The master suite has two walk-in closets, a loft-style seating area and private balcony with pool access. A 40-foot boat dock across the street included. Listing Agent: Lourdes Alatristo (Engel & Voelkers), 305.926.5322

4 bed/3.5 bath/pool/garage 4,711 sq. ft.

Listing Price

$2.245 million

Gables by the Sea

13065 SAN MATEO AVE.

4 bed/3 bath/pool/garage 3,259 sq. ft.

In Gables by the Sea in south Coral Gables, this renovated house has a 78foot seawall and no bridges to Biscayne Bay – waterfront for just over $2 million. Open floor plan downstairs, with one bedroom; three bedrooms upstairs. Balcony for large master suite with walk-in closet. Two-car garage, impact windows throughout. Listing Agent: Michael Martinez (One Sotheby’s International Realty), 305.979.9367

Modern Cathedral of Glass

4880 GRANADA BLVD.

Listing Price

$2.995 million

5 bed/5.5 bath/pool/garage 7,147 sq. ft. Sited on the Gables Waterway, next to the Riviera Country Club, Doctor’s Hospital, and UM, this Frank Lloyd Wright inspired home (“Watersong”) uses lots of glass in a bold, modern design that lets the light in and shares its space with the tropical landscaping. A truly unique home. Listing Agent: Mauricio J. Barba (Compass Real Estate), 305.439.8311

Residential Real Estate

A MONTHLY SNAPSHOT OF THE GABLES HOME MARKET

By Patrick M. O’Connell

Year-end 2019 looked very much like the year-end 2018 on the single-family home sales front in Coral Gables. The City ended the year with 368 homes on the market two years in a row. The amount of home sales was virtually the same, although the median price was down over 5%.

This drop in median price is not a real concern because this number can swing on a quarterly basis, depending on the amount of large, expensive homes sold. In 2019 for instance, the median price for single family homes in Coral Gables ranged from $1.1MM to $752K depending on the month. Condominium sales in Coral

Gables are showing some signs of improvement with a decrease in overall inventory of 15.8%. Even though the sales of condos were slightly lower than Q4 2018, the decreasing inventory is the trend that is most encouraging, and one I hope continues into 2020. The median price, again, is not significantly different.

2020 is starting-off strong with new sales in the City, and I look forward to reporting these trends as we start a new decade in Coral Gables.

Patrick M. O’Connell is Senior Vice President for Business Development at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices EWM Realty

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International Business is the Bedrock of Coral Gables

Take a moment and imagine Coral Gables without its international business sector. There would be no multinational companies leasing office space and creating high-paying jobs. Then subtract the dozens of international chambers of commerce, foreign consulates and trade offices.

Bankers, lawyers, accountants and architects would be limited to local practices, rather than serving high-profile clients throughout the U.S. and abroad. Only a handful of residents would speak Spanish, Portuguese or French, and foreign language studies would be low on the priority list for young students and their parents.

In real estate, there would be little demand for Class A office and retail space aside from Miracle Mile, whose shops would cater to local rather than global shoppers. Foreign investors would look for better opportunities in other markets, reducing the flow of dollars in circulation here.

Fewer jobs and lower average incomes would make it much more difficult for Coral Gables residents to afford beautiful estate homes, townhomes or condominiums, even in prime downtown and waterfront locations. The city would have a lower tax base, and residents would pay more for municipal services.

Small businesses would lose their benefits from unmatched global connections, including financial support for export and import programs from area banks, and the ability to market to customers locally and internationally who share their language, culture and heritage.

Residents would have to search elsewhere to find worldclass restaurants, first-class hotels, and rich cultural offerings. Aside from the undeniable

benefit of less traffic, it’s hard to think of any reason to prefer a non-internationally oriented Coral Gables – now or in the future.

That is why protecting international trade and commerce needs to be front and center for Coral Gables, as well as the entire Miami-Dade community. Today, much of the world is talking about trade wars, tariffs, restrictions on travel and immigration. But what is lost in those conversations is the power of two-way trade and travel in building prosperous economies and forging friendships that cross national boundaries.

As chair of the World Trade Center Miami, I understand the incredible power of global commerce to open the door to new business opportunities. By promoting Miami as the “Trade and Logistics Capital of the Americas,” our nonprofit organization has supported more than $3.8 billion in international sales and helped create tens of thousands of jobs.

Hundreds of other organizations, including the Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce, the Beacon Council, the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce, CAMACOL, the Greater Miami Visitor and Convention Bureau and Enterprise Florida – to name just a few – are also committed to advancing international business.

Back in 1925, Coral Gables founder George Merrick dreamed of developing a city on the southern tip of the Florida peninsula that would “serve as a gateway to Latin America.” Today, the city’s residents benefit every day from the power of Merrick’s vision. Now, it is up to us to keep his dream alive and ensure that Coral Gables enjoys a prosperous and sustainable international future. ■

Roberto R. Muñoz is President of the Miami Market for First Horizon Bank, chair of the World Trade Center Miami and an executive board member of the Miami-Dade Beacon Council.

Protecting international trade and commerce needs to be front and center for Coral Gables, as well as the entire Miami-Dade community.

The Desserts of Bachour

One of the more celebrated recent additions to the Gables culinary scene has been Bachour restaurant at 2020 Salzedo. Antonio Bachour set up his edgy venue last year, after being named best pastry chef in the world at the Best

Chef Awards 2018. At first focusing on breakfast, brunch and his amazing pastries, Bachour is now open for dinner. But for Valentine’s Day, we thought we would gather images from his core specialty of colorful dessert creations.