CoralGablesMagazine.APRIL2025_Issuu

CORAL GABLES

APRIL 2025

FOUNDER GEORGE MERRICK’S VISION

PLUS HISTORIC BUILDINGS: 1925 AND TODAY

OUR OLDEST ORGANIZATIONS & RESTAURANTS

PREDICTIONS FOR THE NEXT CENTURY

George Merrick (right) with developer John McEntee Bowman at Biltmore Hotel

THE

CITY OF CORAL GABLES

As Coral Gables celebrates its 100th anniversary, the city reflects on a century of rich history, growth, and community spirit. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices EWM Realty is proud to be a part of this vibrant community, contributing to the city’s continued growth and success.

Year Built: 1923

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THE BIRTH OF THE CITY BEAUTIFUL

The City Beautiful Movement was a widely popular architectural philosophy of North American urban planning that flourished during the 1890s and 1900s. Nowhere was it better realized than in Coral Gables, under the leadership of city founder George Merrick. Here’s the story of how Coral Gables came to be.

HISTORY PRESERVED

Many of the city’s public structures have been lost, but a great many have been preserved, largely through the efforts of local leaders who have fought to prevent their demolition.

LOOKING TOWARD THE NEXT CENTURY

The irony of talking about innovation and Coral Gables in its next century is that the city is already immersed in innovation – and has been since its birth with George Merrick’s vision. What will the next 100 years look like in Coral Gables?

“ON WORLD FAMOUS MIRACLE MILE …”

One of the most important components of any city, of almost any size, is a thriving downtown central business district. Coral Gables is no exception. But it didn’t happen by accident, and it was a long time coming.

IN MEMORY OF MR. CORAL GABLES

In February, the City of Coral Gables was shocked by the unexpected passing of Mark A. Trowbridge, the CEO and President of the Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce. We invited members of the community to comment on our collective loss.

Voting for the Next 100 Years

This month marks the anniversary of the founding of Coral Gables, the beginning of an extraordinary century for an exceptional municipality where the ideal of work, live, learn, and play unfolds in a beautiful, walkable, highly cultured environment. With this issue, we celebrate that achievement, along with a sense of wonder that the city has remained, for the most part, true to its original vision.

It is therefore vitally important that all residents vote in the City Commission elections on April 8. It is a critical test of whether the city can continue to provide an exceptional lifestyle.

We are basically a lifestyle magazine, providing readers information about the people, places, and events that enhance that lifestyle. But in the last year, we have become outspoken about the politics of the city. This has been a reaction to the alarming change at City Hall, where the “troika” of Commissioners Kirk Menendez, Ariel Fernandez and Melissa Castro have introduced a bitterness and vitriol never before seen. All anyone has to do is watch the City Commission meetings (all recorded on the city website and YouTube) to understand how these once decorous gatherings have deteriorated.

We therefore urge residents to vote for Vince Lago, Rhonda Anderson, and Richard Lara.

Mayor Lago has an extraordinary record of responsible, conservative financial management, keeping city reserves safe and paying down its future exposure to the unfunded liabilities of pensions. He has also introduced a welter of legislation to protect the environment, increase the amount of green space in the city, underground the city’s powerlines, reduce the impact of traffic, and much more. This past year, at almost every turn, the 3-2 troika has blocked his initiatives, shutting

down efforts to reduce city taxes and increase voter participation, while enriching themselves with a 101 percent pay raise and firing competent city employees in order to hire unqualified candidates who answer only to them. Kirk Menendez is running against Lago on a platform of anti-corruption and anti-development – highly hypocritical, considering his efforts to upzone the block where he owned two homes (on Salzedo), which was upzoned from 40 to 77-feet and is now a large-scale project.

As for Richard Lara, we find him to be a smart, moderate candidate who should bring a calm, reasonable approach to city government. His principal opponent is Tom Wells, who is campaigning on a platform of returning civility to the City Commission. And yet,Wells has repeatedly attacked Mayor Lago with rancorous assaults on his character and competence as part of his campaign. This is no way to begin a new era of decorum, and promises more of the same irrational in-fighting.

Finally, there is Rhonda Anderson, one of the most selfless and hardworking commissioners the city has ever had. She has fought to preserve the tree canopy, to make sidewalks and bikeways safer, and, most importantly, to overturn the worst parts of the so-called Mediterranean bonus that has allowed developers to break the city’s height restrictions. And it’s not just lip service. As an ardent member of the Garden Club, she has constantly been out there with shovel and spade, helping with plantings (see story pg. 104) and with city cleanups.

JP FABER EDITOR-IN-CHIEF CORAL GABLES MAGAZINE

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Coral Gables Magazine is published monthly by City Regional Media, 1200 Anastasia Ave. Suite 115, Coral Gables FL 33134. Telephone: (305) 995-0995. Copyright 2025 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 subscriptions@coralgablesmagazine.com. General mailbox email and letters to editor@ coralgablesmagazine.com.

Cover: George Merrick with developer John McEntee Bowman at Biltmore Hotel. Photo courtesy of the Raul E. Valdes-Fauli archives, City of Coral Gables Historical Resources and Cultural Arts Department.

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Each month, we print letters we receive from our readers. We encourage all commentary, included 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@coralgablesmagazine.com. Letters may be edited for brevity.

Disappointed

I am a fairly new resident of Coral Gables, having lived here for three years. However, I have long admired this city from my previous home of 30 years in Miami Beach. When my wife and I decided to right-size and retire, Coral Gables was the place we envisioned for our next chapter.

Over the years, I have attended and participated in various commission meetings, neighborhood meetings, and other events in Miami Beach. I have voted in every election available to me and, overall, I have remained an active participant in my community. To be frank, I have never witnessed the level of poor engagement in Miami Beach that I’ve seen from this Commission. Don’t misunderstand me – Miami Beach had its own set of challenges, including political infighting. However, we expected more from Coral Gables. A lot more.

Despite all the rhetoric around “residents first,” it doesn’t appear that [the commissioners] are fully embracing that commitment. Commissioners Castro and Fernandez, we voted for you based on your

campaign promises, yet it seems you, alongside Commissioner Menendez, have created a chaotic commission. You seek to dominate key decisions, bypassing open discussion, and imposing choices on fellow commissioners and residents.

Robert Porges

Also Disappointed

Trying to turn CG into a “happening place” with new mixed-use high-rises that are going to “pour down into the street” and feed “a bustling retail market” is not happening because that it not the nature of the city. Coral Gables is what it has been, and why people move here: a well-situated, lovely, stately residential community in the middle of the din. In your March 2025 “Letters to the Editor” a Ms. Botero speaks to a “Coral Gables identity.” Well said!

I am not blind to the reality that we need revenue to support the city; but I also see money wasted: the Miracle Mile redevelopment project, different public facilities to run a city that hasn’t grown in population and in a paperless age, promotion of a $60

million Mobility Hub that was fantastical at best; costly art that is not even compatible with the architecture of the city, and committees at nauseam that require dedicated staff time/cost.

Mr. Lago boasts about knowing what it is to run a business. I have voted for him twice waiting for this business-style leadership. I was expecting to see his knowledge employed in balancing costs with essential services and less focus on promoting development. Instead, development seems to be his lead.

Cary Perez

On the Passing of Staff Writer Grace Carricarte

Monday, March 17th, was Grace Carricarte’s birthday. She is greatly missed but not forgotten. In her short life, she did all she could to make this world a better place. Her last message to us was, “If you are not helping others, you are not doing your job as a human being.” Thank you Grace for reminding us what is important.

Sidney Daniel

Streetwise

A Time Capsule for 2125

See Page 24

Photo by Rodolfo Benitez

From City Hall

HISTORIC RESOURCES SURVEY

Voted 5-0 to enter into an agreement with PLUSURBIA Design to do a survey of the North Ponce and Flagler District Neighborhoods to determine what historic resources are there, including historic homes and buildings.

GRANADA GOLF COURSE RAIN SHELTERS

Discussed the Granada Golf Course rain shelters, which have fallen into disrepair. The city initially demolished four of them, and planned to level the rest, save one, which would be kept as a decorative structure. Six new shelters were also proposed to replace the original nine, big enough to allow for golf carts to drive into and park beneath, with chilled drinking fountains in four of the six. However, residents at a community public meeting in 2021 were against the project, so it was placed on hold; funding was moved to projects for the Pro Shop, now completed. A proposed design for the new rain shelters was also considered too modern. Now, a design that mimics the original structures but is also ADA compliant will be brought forward to show residents. Local resident and author of “Coral Gables: The First Hundred Years” Patrick Alexander and historic preservationist Karelia Carbonell advocated for simply renovating and repurposing the original structures, rather than redesigning them.

CENTENNIAL MUSIC COMMISSIONED

Voted 5-0 to commission an original musical score in partnership with the University of Miami’s Frost School of Music for use by the city and for integration with the city’s centennial-inspired virtual/ digital experience, Gables GO! The Gables GO! project is a digital “path” between more than 30 significant cultural sites in the Gables, each of which will have different augmented and virtual reality experiences. Residents can access Gables GO! online. The score, developed by Frost School professor Carlos Rafael Rivera and performed by the Frost Symphony Orchestra, will be used at each site and will dynamically modify in real-time based on live data like foot traffic, weather, and time of day. According to the city’s Arts and Cultural Specialist Catherine Cathers, “This innovative approach blends art and technology, ensuring each visit offers a fresh and immersive auditory experience that reflects the energy of the moment.” For instance, the music might sound more spiritual at religious structures, and grander at places like the Biltmore Hotel. Rivera has won three Emmys and a Grammy, and has created scores for numerous TV shows and films, including “The Queen’s Gambit, “Hacks,” “God-

less,” and “Lessons in Chemistry.” A live performance of the score will be performed in the Fall, details to be announced.

REASSESSMENT OF PARKING NEEDS

Voted 5-0 to reassess parking needs in the Gables. The vote included a review of fees paid by developers for parking spaces and a reappraisal of the current review process for the loss of parking spaces related to development projects, which will include a comprehensive citywide parking study to determine where parking is needed most. Currently, city parking spaces cost $42,000 and developers pay an additional $10,000 to $12,500 for remote parking spaces and $25,000 for parking-in-lieu parking spaces (using already existing spaces instead of building new ones). These fees were last revised in January 2023. New developments and the rising cost of housing in the Gables, which has forced occupancy rates up, are contributing to the loss of available parking.

WHAT’S GOING ON IN TALLAHASSEE

Discussed Commissioner Melissa Castro’s recent visit to Tallahassee in early February with the Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce. City legislative priorities were presented to state representatives, senators, and associations, including the Florida Chamber of Commerce. Recurring topics included business rent taxes, insurance for residential and commercial properties, water quality, and workforce and affordable housing. Much of the state’s younger workforce (people in their 20s and 30s) are leaving Florida due to the lack of affordable housing here, including in Coral Gables. Representative Vicky Lopez said that cities that “resist” the controversial Live Local Act, which bypasses zoning code restrictions for affordable housing developments, “will be punished.”

Government Affairs Manager Fernando Weiner also went through a legislative update on bills of interest going through the state right now. Among the bills the city opposes are: SB482, which would nullify the city’s Art in Public Places program by prohibiting municipalities from requiring certain actions to process development permits, and SB712, which prohibits municipalities from regulating where homeowners place artificial turf.

Among the bills the city supports are: SB582, which allows boards to increase fines for the demolition of historic structures on national registers; SB696, which establishes a grant program for low-income senior citizen condo owners to help pay for special assessments up to $2,500; SB324, which provides grant funding for small businesses that are affected by construction near their businesses; HB751 and SB366, which expand insurance coverage for law enforcement officers; and HB851, which requires that five percent of the state’s sales taxes for the next two months after a hurricane will be placed in a trust fund up to $300 million for the My Safe Florida Home program. The program offers financial assistance to eligible homeowners to retrofit and strengthen homes against storm damage.

The city is also keeping an eye on SB852, a study on the elimination of state property taxes and how that would affect local consumption and sales taxes, which could potentially rise to 33 or 34 percent to offset the difference.

AT ITS FIRST MEETING IN MARCH, THE CORAL GABLES CITY COMMISSION:

CGPD CRACK DOWN

Listened to a presentation from Police Chief Ed Hudak on a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the Coral Gables Police Department and the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency (ICE). Coral Gables has recently become a favorite by human traffickers who use the waterway to bring illegal

AT ITS LAST MEETING IN FEBRUARY, THE CORAL GABLES CITY COMMISSION:

STREETWISE / POLITICS

immigrants to Florida, leading to multiple arrests for smuggling. The operational agreement was signed by 67 county sheriffs and allows for more specific training given to CGPD officers as well as federal funding. Several residents who spoke on the matter were concerned about aligning with ICE and what the MOU might mean for asylum seekers, given the current national political climate. “It does not mean we are going to be going door-to-door,” Hudak reassured the Commission. “We are not ICE.”

SPECIALIZED FIREFIGHTERS

Voted 5-0 to ratify the MOU between the City of Coral Gables and the International Association of Fire Fighters, Local 1210, to implement a Technical Response Team in Coral Gables. These firefighters will have more specialized training for the treatment and removal of victims trapped in complex or confined spaces. They will accompany rescue teams rather than function as their own unit. Forty firefighters in the Gables Fire Department will receive the training, which will also include using specialized equipment.

YOUTH ARTS PROGRAMMING

Voted 5-0 to add a category for Coral Gables Youth Arts Programming (CGYAP) to the annual Cultural Grant Guidelines and Process. CGYAP will receive $50,000 in funding, which will go toward projects that offer classes and after-school programming that host events open to the public. Coral Gables Core Cultural Organizations and Cultural Programs will also maintain their funding at $228,228 for the 2026 fiscal year.

TREE RELOCATION DEFERRED

Voted 5-0 to defer an item on the Tree Relocation and Mitigation Plan for MG Developer’s 13-unit townhouse development on Valencia Avenue, The George. Several trees, including six oaks and at least one gumbo limbo, will need to be relocated to make room for the project. To cover costs, the company plans to contribute $215,000 to the city’s tree fund and also plant 50 new trees on The George’s property as well.

THE UNDERLINE VS THE WATERWAY ADVISORY BOARD

Voted 5-0 to accept the Waterway Advisory Board’s recommendation that the Commission advocate for an 11.1-foot clearance for the bridge at Riveria and U.S. 1 (part of the Underline project) and conduct a survey to verify clearances before final approvals are granted. The problem is that bridge is now as high as possible while still meeting ADA standards – any higher would make it difficult for those with disabilities to use it. Boat owners are still concerned there will not be enough room to pass underneath the bridge, especially at high tide. The conversation became heated in its second hour as residents, members of the Waterway Advisory Board, and leadership from the Underline and the county clashed. Ultimately, while the Commission can advocate for the Waterway Advisory Board’s recommendation, it cannot change what the county decides.

RESIDENTS TO PAY CREDIT CARD FEES

Listened to an update on credit card processing fees for city services. The city has historically absorbed the cost of credit and debit card processing fees, but that cost has risen to about $2.2 million per year. Now, residents will need to pay the fees themselves, though the city will still provide some free options. Processing fees will run between two and four percent. Electronic check fees will only be around $1. The biggest programs this will affect are community recreation (Adult Activity Center, the country club, tennis courts, golf courses, and the Youth Center); those fees will be 2.99 percent for credit card

payments. PaybyPhone will also charge $.25 per transaction. Parking garage costs will remain the same for now.

SEA LEVEL RISE

Voted 5-0 to accept the 2025 update to the Sea Level Rise White Paper. The City of Coral Gables is the only city in the state that has started to put money away to deal with costs associated with rising sea levels. Over the last six years, the city has socked away $26 million in an interest-bearing bank account that future Commissioners will be able to use as needed.

SAVING THE GARDEN OF OUR LORD

Voted 5-0 to explore the potential acquisition of The Garden of Our Lord, which had been under threat of demolition from recently deceased and highly controversial developer Sergio Pino. The property includes Crystal Academy, which provides education and therapy for children with autism and developmental delays. The Commission affirmed its commitment to the school, but further conversations will be saved until the city determines whether it can afford the property, valued at $24 million.

UMBRELLAS TO RETURN?

Voted 5-0 to develop a plan for the temporary installation of another artwork at Giralda Plaza. Commissioner Melissa Castro, who sponsored the item, is in favor of repeating the Umbrella Sky art installation, which businesses on Giralda found significantly increased foot traffic. The Cultural Development Board will vote on the matter first to determine whether they should bring the umbrellas back or do something different.

OFF-LEASH DOG PARK

Voted 5-0 to develop a concept design and obtain community input for the improvement of the park at 301 Majorca Avenue to be used as an off-leash dog park.

PARKING DISCOUNTS FOR RESIDENTS

Listened to an update on a reduced parking rate pilot program for residents. The program will take effect April 1 through July 6 and offer a 25 percent discount to residents using the PaybyPhone app. Residents can apply for the program by emailing parking@coralgables.com with a copy of their driver’s license, vehicle registration or title, and proof of residency. A full list of documents that prove residency can be found at coralgables.com under Parking & Mobility Services FAQs. ■

MAYOR VINCE LAGO (LEFT) WITH COMMISSIONERS FERNANDEZ AND MENENDEZ

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A Time Capsule for 2125

“

ONE HUNDRED YEARS AGO TODAY, ON THIS VERY SPOT, IT WAS ACTUALLY THE FOUNDER OF THIS CITY, GEORGE MERRICK, WHO DREAMED OF THIS VERY AMBITIOUS PROJECT… ”

TOM PRESCOTT, THE BILTMORE HOTEL

On March 13, 100 years to the day when George Merrick’s team broke ground for the Biltmore Hotel, a star-studded array of local officials assembled to commemorate the event by witnessing the placement of a time capsule in front of the iconic building that, for many, symbolizes the city.

Among the guests that morning were Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, County Commissioners Raquel Regalado, Rene Garcia, and Kevin Cabrera (recently appointed as the U.S. ambassador to Panama), Miami-Dade School Board member Mari Tere Rojas, Miami Mayor Francis Suarez, U.S. Congressional representatives Carlos Gimenez and Maria Salazar, Sweetwater Mayor Jose Pepe Diaz, former Coral Gables mayors Dorothy Thomson and Don Slesnick, head of the U.S. Southern Command Admiral Alvin Holsey, Secretary of the Miami Consular Corps Nabil Achkar, and, of course, Coral Gables Mayor Vince Lago and the entire City Commission, Police Chief Ed Hudak, and Fire Chief Marcos De La Rosa.

The MC for the event was Tom Prescott, who is now running the hotel for his family’s Seaway corporation and has assumed the leadership role of his father Gene Prescott. It was Gene who took the plunge in 1992 to invest in bringing the Biltmore back to life and running it as the city’s premier hotel.

“One hundred years ago today, on this very spot, it was actually the founder of this city, George Merrick, who dreamed of this very ambitious project, a $10 million project, which, even in today’s dollars adjusted for inflation, is a lot of money,” said Tom Prescott. “He announced that vision… in November of 1924 and then, on March 13, 1925, stood here and proclaimed it would be done.” Prescott then went through a history of the Biltmore, from its brief Jazz Age heyday to its role as a military hospital to its years of abandonment – until saved, more than three decades ago, with a 3-2 vote led by then-city mayor Dorothy Thomson, who was repeatedly recognized by speakers.

Sharing the stage with Tom was the full Coral Gables City Commission, each of whom spoke briefly after he introduced them as the “illustrious Commissioner Melissa Castro,” the “unrelenting Commissioner Ariel Fernandez,” the “perennial Kirk Menendez,” the “tenacious Vice Mayor Rhonda Anderson,” and “our indominable Mayor” (Vince Lago).

After the commissioners spoke, the time capsule – filled with memorabilia ranging from golf balls from the Biltmore Golf Course to a cup from the hotel’s Posto Dolce shop, a cell phone locked onto the date with a photo of the hotel pool, and copies of Coral Gables Magazine – was lowered into a hole in front of the hotel and then covered with shovelfuls of dirt. The first shovel of dirt was placed by Gene Prescott. –JP Faber ■

TOP: BILTMORE HOTEL OWNER GENE PRESCOTT SHOVELS THE FIRST DIRT

MIDDLE: TOM PRESCOTT WITH THE CITY HONOR GUARD.

BOTTOM: THE EVENT WAS ATTENDED BY POLITICIANS AND CIVIC LEADERS (FORMER MAYOR DOROTHY THOMSON STANDING).

Photos by Rodolfo Benitez

5

5

How to Save a Tree

Sometimes, I wonder why developers even take my calls,” says Rhonda Anderson who, as vice mayor, has been a one-woman juggernaut to save trophy trees in Coral Gables before they are lost to new residential projects. “I just try to talk them into doing the right thing.” The “right thing” for Anderson, a long-time member of the Coral Gables Garden Club, is to pay for the removal and replanting of mature trees that otherwise would be cut down. Anderson has a long history of green advocacy, spearheading projects ranging from eradicating invasive potato vines from the Gables to saving hundreds of mangroves “pups” from Matheson Hammock (the re-planting effort even attracted the attention of National Geographic). She has never been afraid to get her hands dirty, from volunteering to clear non-native species from the Girl Scouts camp on Old Cutler Road to helping dig holes for saplings at Coral Gables High School. For a city that is mad for its canopy, Anderson has been a green angel.

Her latest accomplishment was the saving of a 70-year-old sausage tree in February, which was going to be lost at The Village of Coral Gables site. Instead, it was transplanted to a small park by a new apartment building on Salzedo Street at Catalonia Avenue. The transplanting was done by David Bryan, an arborist who previously moved all the trees to then-new Parrot Jungle on Watson Island. “This is the largest sausage tree I’ve ever seen,” said Bryan. “There was a woman on Malaga Street [where the tree was] who has been there for 70 years, and she saw the tree when it was little, when she was a child.” Bryan said residents who wanted to save it “made a little noise, and then Vice Mayor Anderson got involved.” Thomas Kurian, the project manager for the Trammel Crow apartment complex where the tree landed, says, “Rhonda called me personally and said, ‘Hey, we have a great tree here and we can’t put it city parks right now. Do you guys think you could fit it into your park?’”

The sausage tree joins another mature oak in the pocket park,

relocated from the building site itself. Anderson says the effort to save the tree began two years ago, when she went to the site of The Village of Coral Gables during the demolition phase of existing housing. “I went out there with Alirio [Torrealba, the developer]. I said to him, ‘You know, you told me that you were going to save certain trees and you’ve already taken down one. What am I supposed to tell residents?’” Anderson says Torrealba “put up his hand and told his demo crew to stop, that I was going to red tag the project.” Anderson says she actually didn’t have the authority to stop the project, but the bluster worked. And, to his credit, Torrealba not only saved the sausage tree, but another large gumbo limbo that was moved to Douglas and Alhambra Circle, paying for the expenses.

For Anderson, the sausage tree is only the latest of many mature trophy trees that she has saved in the city. “Florida statutes make it very hard to save trees,” she says. “We get the arborist report [from the development site] and we start talking to people. What I use is a combination of guilt and persuasion.” –JP Faber ■

VICE MAYOR RHONDA ANDERSON SAVES A 70-YEAR-OLD SAUSAGE TREE

BY TRANSPLANTING IT TO A SMALL PARK ON SALZEDO STREET.

Photos by Rodolfo Benitez

CCORAL GABLES: 100 YEARS OF MAGIC

A CITY FOR THE FUTURE

oral Gables was envisioned as a city unlike any other in South Florida, if not all of America. A city that honored Spain’s Mediterranean-styled past while saluting America’s pioneering future. One hundred years after it was incorporated by farsighted developer George Merrick, Coral Gable still maintains the distinctive atmosphere and elegant aesthetic that have drawn sophisticated homebuyers for decades. Yet with its world-class hospitals, university and commercialcorridors, Coral Gables is also helping to lead Miami into the digital century and beyond.

Village Charm

So much of what makes Coral Gables unique is Merrick’s foresight in designing the city during the historic “City Beautiful” movement. At its heart are the seven residential “villages” that dot the town, from French Normandy Village, with shingled townhouses inspired by 15thcentury France, to Pioneer Village, on the edge of the Riviera Country Club Golf Course. Thanks to strict preservation laws, each “village” has masterfully maintained its unique style and identity, helping its homes surge in value while influencing master-planned communities worldwide.

Facts On The Ground

Nothing in Coral Gables is accidental, just as George Merrick had intended. Its streets have names, rather than numbers laid out on a slim north-south access without the rigid grid that defined the rest of Miami and in place of traditional street signage are the beloved in-ground concrete street signs that leave little doubt you’re in Coral Gables. They lead to a meticulously laid-out commercial core anchored by the iconic Miracle Mile, Coral Cables’ quaint downtown, where nearly every business is less than a two-block hop from one another.

Planning With Purpose

George Merrick understood the transportative power of communitybuilding, where logically laid-out commercial corridors meet easyaccess pedestrian pathways and ample canals and waterfront. His vision for Coral Gables remained relevant for years, but change arrived in the 1990s with contemporary city additions like the mixed-use Plaza

Coral Gables. Set in the city’s historic, artisan-filled Crafts district, the Plaza was redeveloped into a 7-acre city-center destination where Coral Gables’ next evolution was born.

Tech-Bet

Today, real estate’s evolution, if not revolution is found in Artificial Intelligence and other digital technologies that have upended the prime property industry. A recent McKinsey study revealed that Artificial Intelligence could generate between $110 and $180 billion in industry revenue over the coming years. “But there is no one single “right” or wrong way to use AI,” explains Nathan Zeder. For buyers, AI can be the ultimate “familiarization” tool; helping them become acquainted with every detail of a potential new neighborhoodthe homes, schools, shops, hospitals and transportation. The best part, adds Zeder, “AI tailors responses to each user so they can build a personalized database ideally suited to their individual house hunt.”

Ultimately, however, much like in Flagler’s day, a century ago when Coral Gables was just beginning, real estate remains a business rich in connections and relationships. AI can serve as a tool to help set specific prices or crunch comparison numbers, but, emphasizes Zeder, “the most enduring deals will always be made face-to-face, with that inimitable human touch.

Nathan Zeder

HISTORIC MIRACLE MILE

Mary Snow Resigns from CGCF

After 11 years as CEO of the Coral Gables Community Foundation (CGCF), Mary Snow is moving on. Over her tenure, the CGCF increased its annual community impact from less than $100,000 to over $5 million and instituted numerous community programs, including a highly successful scholarship fund for local high schoolers. Her best remembered project, however, will probably be the umbrellas over Giralda Plaza, which gained national recognition and drew thousands of visitors to the street.

Snow will now serve as executive director of the Stamps Family Charitable Foundation, which focuses on higher education both locally and nationally. In her absence, Rolando Rodriguez of CFRE will serve as interim CEO while the Foundation conducts a search for its new leader. Rodriguez has over 30 years of experience developing fundraising foundations and helping nonprofits expand their revenue, and has worked with the CGCF for the last three years. Foundation Chairman Michael Walsh will lead the search committee for Snow’s replacement, supported by her and fellow board members Michael McCarthy and Matthew Meehan. Snow will continue to serve the CGCF as a board member as well.

“It’s been a great 11 years,” Snow told Coral Gables Magazine “Our team, our board, our organization is better and stronger. The next leader will do great, big things that I’m excited to see. It’s very gratifying to see the growth that we’ve had. It’s been incredible.” –Kylie Wang

A Love Story for the City

At the end of this month, the Miracle Theatre will host the perfomance of a special play celebrating the day that Coral Gables was officially incorporated: April 29, 100 years ago. The play is the story of the grandparents of June Morris – and therefore the parents of her mother, former mayor Dorothy Thomson – and the romance that led to their wedding that year of 1925. “I heard the story right

from my grandmother’s lips,” says Morris, who wrote the play. “It was a story I’ve always had in my heart, and when the world closed down during COVID I finally had the time to write it down.” The story is how Morris’ grandmother, then a 19-year-old living in Indiana, met a lawyer from Miami. The two met at a dance party, only once, but after he returned to Florida they kept up a correspondence with letters and postcards. “That’s where the title came from, ‘Post Cards from Paradise,’” says Morris. “The postcards are almost a character in the play.” And with those love letters (and postcards) in hand, the young woman from Indianapolis, Lucy Mae Thomson, took Flagler’s East Coast Railway by herself to Miami, where the two lovers were wed.

Lucy Mae’s daughter and Morris’ mother, Dorothy Thomson, became the first and only female mayor of Coral Gables, and both served as role models for the playwright. “I grew up under the influence of a strong woman who is well-known in the Coral Gables community,” says Morris, who spent 20 years as a television news reporter. “I learned from her how to be bold, and how walking that extra mile for a good cause can bring about great value for a community. As a young girl, I was also influenced by another strong woman, my grandmother.”

Morris says she meticulously researched those early days, writing down quotes she came across from city pioneers like Doc Dammers. “There are many books about the people and the times, but this is the first time that something like this has been attempt-

MARY SNOW LAUNCHED THE “UMBRELLAS OVER GIRALDA PLAZA” PROJECT.

JUNE MORRIS (WITH HUSBAND ALLEN): A POP-UP PLAY ABOUT HER GRANDMOTHER’S WEDDING, THE SAME YEAR AS THE INCORPORATION OF THE CITY.

EACH RESIDENCE IS CURATED WITH EXCEPTIONAL DESIGN AND CRAFTED RH FURNITURE

174 FURNISHED TURNKEY 1,2,3-BEDROOM RESIDENCES

STARTING FROM THE $700,000’s

Cassia introduces a new dimension to upscale living in Coral Gables. Located in the heart of the Merrick Park District, this captivating address offers city sophistication with stunning views of skylines, lush tree canopies, and sunsets.

ed, to bring these people to life.” Morris says the hardest part to cast was that of George Merrick, since his image is so well-known to residents. Among those who auditioned for the play was Mark Trowbridge, the stentorian CEO of the Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce who recently passed away. “Mark auditioned for the Doc Dammers part. We didn’t give it to him, but in the scene at the end I wrote a line for Mark to say, as one of the investors toasting George Merrick. It was going to be a surprise….” – JP Faber

Corporate Kudos

Two Coral Gables-based companies were recently recognized for success in their respective industries. Catalyst Pharmaceuticals, Inc., which ranked fourth in Forbes’ list of America’s Most Successful Small-Cap Companies last year, placed fifth in America’s Most Successful MidCap Companies for 2025. Forbes utilized data from FactSet to evaluate 700-plus companies with a $2 billion to $10 billion market value to formulate its Top 100 list. Catalyst Pharmaceuticals is a biopharmaceutical company in the business of developing and licensing innovative therapies for rare illnesses. “Our employees are dedicated to helping patients live healthier lives, and we look forward to continuing our efforts to create value for our employees, patients, and shareholders,” said Rich Daly, the president and CEO of Catalyst.

Fresh Del Monte Produce, Inc., which is one of the top fresh-cut fruit and vegetable distributors in the world, took home a SEAL Business Sustainability Award in the Environmental Initiative category for the fourth time in five years. This award celebrates companies that display leadership, innovation, and commitment to sustainable business practices. It comes as Fresh Del Monte achieved its goal of a 27.5 percent reduction in greenhouse gases before 2030. “We remain commit-

ted to science-driven solutions that push the boundaries of sustainable agriculture and further minimize our environmental impact,” said Hans Sauter, Fresh Del Monte’s chief sustainability officer and senior vice president of corporate R&D and agriculture. – Luke Chaney ■

FRESH DEL MONTE PRODUCE RECEIVES A TOP BUSINESS SUSTAINABILITY AWARD

Facelifts

Beyond Techniques

A prospective facelift patient researching options these days is likely to encounter some confusion given today’s abundance of enticing advertising on Instagram and other social media platforms. Claims are made about the superiority of one ‘technique’ versus another, including a re-marketed technique originally conceived (and relegated) decades ago, the ‘deep plane’ of the 1980’s/90’s. It is true that a facelift can be performed in more than one way - as a skin lift, a SMAS lift (with its own permutations of a ‘high’, ‘low’ or ‘extended’ version), a ‘deep plane’, or yet deeper, as a ‘subperiosteal’ lift (at the level of the facial bones). And that’s not all. This is not just confusing for patients but also for surgeons.

So, what to do? First, don’t believe everything you hear or watch on Instagram. Remain critical. Your result will be produced by your plastic surgeon, not a named ‘technique’. That result will be the outcome of your surgeon’s artistic abilities (which vary considerably) and much actual experience, utilizing a combination of techniques which over time have proven safe and effective in their hands. Different surgeons may well use different techniques. Good, excellent surgeons usually produce solid results, and do so consistently.

So, what’s actually important in a facelift that matters to you? First, it needs to be safe - medically, and aesthetically. You want to emerge healthy and looking normal since you can’t hide your face (at least without a mask).

Safety starts with medically screening patients for appropriate health, performing the procedure in a safe environment (accredited surgical facility, as an Ambulatory Surgery Center), under the care of a board-certified anesthesiologist with a judicious combo of local and sleep anesthesia. Obviously, having a safe surgeon is as critical as a safe pilot. Also, attentive after-surgery care matters.

Aesthetically, techniques selected depend on a patient’s anatomy and nuances. That’s up to the plastic surgeon and there is no substitute for the surgeon’s experience and craftsmanship. What’s important to accomplish during surgery is to re-tighten the support layer below the skin and to adequately mobilize and redrape the overlying skin after removing its excess. This needs to be done with a delicate touch (to minimize bruising and swelling) while staying away from sensitive, deeper situated facial nerves which if injured can induce obvious deformities. A ‘deep is dangerous’ awareness is a useful thought to behold throughout the procedure.

Key areas to address are the neck and jowls, and often the upper eyelids. Many patients do not need a brow or lip lift. Some volume addition, as well as Botox, can be helpful. A generally ‘less is more’ attitude is wise if you wish to remain looking like yourself.

In summary, facelifts are safe and highly effective procedures, providing unparalleled rejuvenation when expertly performed. Surgically, they are time intensive and demanding to perform, requiring prolonged and nonstop attention to numerous details. A good facelift looks normal and natural, like yourself, while leaving the observer pondering why you look good. The notso-good ones are pretty easy to spot, and you may have seen some.

As always, research and reflect carefully before proceeding. The ‘American Board of Plastic Surgery’ has been certifying plastic surgeons since 1937 and is a good starting point. Ask pointed questions, review results of previous work, and ask around. Solid reputations take time to build.

STEPHAN BAKER, MD, FACS

Plastic Surgery of the Face Breast and Body

Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery 305.381.8837 | www.drbaker.com 3850 Bird Road Suite 702, Miami, FL 33146

Stephan Baker MD

April Best Bets

42ND MIAMI FILM FESTIVAL

Gableites can celebrate the 42nd year of the Miami Film Festival at venues across Coral Gables, including the Coral Gables Art Cinema and the Bill Cosford Cinema, from April 3 to 13. This festival will showcase the best in national and international cinema, including documentaries, shorts, and feature-length films. Tickets range from $5 to $130. For a full list of films at specific venues, visit the festival website. Coral Gables Art Cinema, 260 Aragon Ave. Bill Cosford Cinema, 5030 Brunson Dr. miamifilmfestival.com

THE

CHILDREN’S FESTIVAL OF CORAL GABLES

The Coral Gables Woman’s Club will be hosting a day full of fun for kids of all ages on April 5 from 11 am to 3 pm. Families are encouraged to attend this free event that will feature face painting, arts and crafts, live performances, and interactive games that will make this Saturday one to remember! 1001 E Ponce De Leon Blvd. coralgableswomansclub.org

WOMEN WHO MAKE A DIFFERENCE LUNCHEON

The Junior League of Miami is recognizing women who have made positive contributions to Miami and its surrounding communities in volunteerism and the betterment of communities. The annual event will take place on April 12 this year from 11 am to 2 pm at the Coral Gables Country Club. Proceeds from the event will support

programs dedicated to assisting at-risk women and children. Tickets start at $250. 997 N Greenway Dr. jlmiami.org

“SUMMER, 1976”

Catch a showing of “Summer, 1976” at GableStage through April 20. Presented by Roz and Charles Stuzin and starring Patti Gardner and Sara Morsey, this play follows the friendship between an iconoclastic artist and single mother and a naive young housewife as they help lift each other up. Tickets are $50 to $60. Evening showtimes at 7:30 pm Thurs.-Sat., matinees at 2 pm on Wed. and Sun. 1200 Anastasia Ave #230 (The Biltmore Hotel). gablestage.org

CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION

The University of Miami is turning 100! From 5 to 9 pm on April 8, take part in The U’s Centennial Celebration as the university commemorates a century of excellence and innovation. Play games and go on rides at the Canes Carnival, indulge in free food stations and enjoy live music at the Centennial Block Party and Centennial Concert, and end the night memorably with a fireworks show at 8:30 pm. There is no attendance fee. 1320 S Dixie Hwy. events.miami.edu

CORAL GABLES CENTENNIAL EXHIBIT

Learn more about the rich history of Coral Gables, from its inception by founder George Merrick in 1925 to the lively community it is today, at the Coral Gables Centennial Exhibit beginning on April 18. This in-depth exhibit at the Coral Gables Museum will feature original artifacts and documents from Merrick himself, historical maps and photographs, multimedia presentations, and so much more! 285 Aragon Ave. coralgablesmuseum.org

THE BUNNY HOPPENING

Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden has something for everyone at “The Bunny Hoppening” on Easter Day, April 20, from 10 am to 5 pm. Kids can embark on the Eggsplore Galore, an exciting egg hunt, as well as enjoy a whimsical journey on the Cottontail Express train and storytelling by Mrs. Jessica under the children’s garden canopy. Adults can savor a selection of signature cocktails with live music. Tickets are $24.95 for adults and $11.95 for children 3 to 11. Free for children under three. 10901 Old Cutler Rd. fairchildgarden.org

RECYCLING DRIVE-THRU

This month, Coral Gables residents can recycle acceptable items like grocery bags, electronic items with a plug or batteries, and cardboard boxes; dispose of household hazardous waste; and drop off lightly used clothing, to be donated to Camillus House. The event is hosted by the City of Coral Gables’ Keep Coral Gables Beautiful program

on Saturday, April 26 from 9 am to noon in the parking lot behind City Hall. Participants must enter through the Coral Way entrance to the City Hall parking lot. 405 Biltmore Way. coralgables.com

TREE OF THE YEAR CONTEST

Winners of the Tree of the Year contest, which celebrates Coral Gables’ 100th birthday, will be announced at the city’s National Arbor Day celebration on April 26 from 9 am to 11 am at the green space on Riviera and University drives, south of the War Memorial Youth Center. There will be a prize awarded to the person with the winning tree. The event is free. 405 University Dr. coralgables.com

UM CENTENNIAL BIKE TOUR

In celebration of the City Beautiful’s centennial, the Gables Bike Tour will visit the best of the past 100 years and look ahead to the future of the City of Coral Gables. The bike tour will start at Coral Gables Museum on April 27 at 10 am and will last for approximately two hours. The tour costs $5 to $10, and guests must bring their own bikes. 285 Aragon Ave. coralgablesmuseum.org

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE GALA

Immerse yourself in a celebration of the city’s 100th birthday with the screening of an original play, “Greetings from Paradise,” which showcases the story of early Miami and city founder George Merrick. Opening night will take place during the Chamber of Commerce Gala, which will be at the Miracle Theatre on April 29 from 5 to 10 pm. Tickets range from $100 to $650. 280 Miracle Mile. coralgables.com ■

New Openings

Tijon

Finding your signature scent can feel like an endless guessing game – what smells amazing in the bottle doesn’t always translate once it meets your skin. At Tijon, you can skip the trial and error. The boutique perfume lab offers hands-on fragrance-making classes (starting at $99), where you can blend your own scent while learning why perfumes react differently for each person. Because, as it turns out, just liking how something smells doesn’t mean it’ll actually like you back.

The space feels part high-end boutique, part chemistry lab. Glossy marble floors reflect geometric overhead lighting, while rows of sleek perfume bottles and essential oils line glass cases. Along the walls, intimate mixing stations invite you to craft your perfect fragrance, complete with beakers, droppers, and lab coats for the full scientist-meets-perfumer effect. With over 300 oils to choose from, the experience is entirely personal, starting with a skin test to see how scents react with your body chemistry – because nothing says “exclusive” like a fragrance that smells great on you and weird on everyone else.

But Tijon isn’t just about the science. It’s also about the experience. The process is surprisingly straightforward, even if you know absolutely nothing about perfume beyond “floral” or “not floral.” Whether you’re after a bold statement scent or something light enough to convince people you naturally smell incredible, the staff will guide you toward a formula that works.

Tijon also carries its own line of fragrances, lotions, and aromatherapy blends like Restore8, designed for relaxation. You can mix your own or grab something off the shelf – either way, you’ll walk out with a scent that works for you. –Amanda Martell

1600 PONCE DE LEON

305.290.1615

TIJON.COM

Step inside Rhone’s new store at the Shops at Merrick Park, and the first thing you’ll appreciate is the feel of the fabrics – lightweight, breathable, and built to move. The shelves are lined with tailored joggers, moisture-wicking polos, and soft yet structured tees, each designed to bridge the gap between performance and everyday wear. It’s activewear without the usual trade-offs, made for people who want their gym clothes to work beyond the treadmill.

Founded in 2014 by brothers Nate and Ben Checketts, Rhone was created as an alternative to standard gym wear; something that offers function without sacrificing aesthetics. Rather than oversized logos and flashy patterns, the brand prioritizes premium materials, tailored fits, and technical innovations, such as moisture-wicking (designed to pull moisture from the skin) and odor-resistant fabrics. Over the years, the brand has expanded its reach and, more recently, launched a women’s collection that follows the same design philosophy.

Prices align with Rhone’s emphasis on quality and durability. The commuter pro pants are priced at $148, joggers range from $88 to $138, and polos are between $88 and $98. At $54, the Element Tee is a standout option for those looking for an introduction to the brand. While the cost sits on the higher end, the emphasis on wellmade, long-lasting apparel makes these pieces more of an investment than a short-term addition to the wardrobe.

–Amanda Martell ■

Rhone

AT THE TIJON BOUTIQUE PERFUME LAB, YOU CAN LEARN HOW TO CREATE YOUR OWN EXCLUSIVE FRAGRANCE.

RHONE OFFERS QUALITY, LONG-LASTING ACTIVEWEAR WITH JOGGERS, POLOS, AND SOFT YET STRUCTURED TEES

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The Coral Gables Woman’s Club: A History and A Legacy

BY MAYA BELL

For more than a century, the Coral Gables Woman’s Club and the city of Coral Gables have been inextricably linked. In 1923, as developer George Merrick sold lots for the new city he envisioned, 49 women from the Coral Gables Congregational Church began organizing a social and philanthropic organization dedicated to community wellbeing.

By the time Coral Gables incorporated on April 29, 1925, the women’s club had affil-

iated with the Florida General Federation of Women’s Clubs and counted more than $300 in its treasury and 83 total members. Merrick’s wife Eunice was a founding director.

In 1927, club members organized the city’s first lending library in what is now the city’s Douglas Entrance and, at George Merrick’s invitation, held their meetings at the Coral Gables Country Club. The fledgling library consisted of 300 books donated by authors who answered the call to provide

EAST PONCE DE LEON BLVD.

copies. Other donations included 100 volumes from the private collection of renowned statesman William Jennings Bryan.

In 1929, the club created a junior department, which formally become the Coral Gables Junior Woman’s Club in 1936. By then, the junior women had inaugurated “Cabaret,” a choreographed show in which members not only performed song and dance routines but also built the sets and sewed the costumes.

The annual fundraisers, which continued for more than seven decades, were so successful that, in 1939, the juniors used the proceeds to establish a dental clinic for poor children in the office of the mayor of Coral Gables.

Except for a two-year hiatus during World War II, the club has operated the Coral Gables Children’s Dental Clinic ever since, providing millions of dollars’ worth of life-enhancing dental care to thousands of children who otherwise might never see a dentist.

Club members also raised $10,000 toward the cost of their now-iconic coral rock clubhouse at 1001 and 1009 E. Ponce de Leon Boulevard. Built on four city-owned lots from oolitic limestone mined from a local quarry, the building was the first Depression-era Works Progress Administration project in the City of Coral Gables.

ABOVE: MEMBERS OF THE CORAL GABLES WOMAN’S CLUB LEFT: THE HISTORIC WOMAN’S CLUB LOCATED AT 1001

Photo

Rodolfo Benitez

Since 1925, the University of Miami and the City of Coral Gables have grown together—building a vibrant community of knowledge and culture—in the heart of South Florida. From groundbreaking research to championship moments, our shared journey is just beginning. Here’s to 100 years of making history—and the next century of shaping the future.

Officially dedicated in February 1937, the L-shaped building featured two wings, which prominent artists adorned with murals, sculptures, and friezes. Local sculptor Robert Hume carved the four figures depicting the seasons of a woman’s life that grace the fountain in front of the north wing, as well as the sculptures of the pharaonic woman and man, symbolizing learning, that flank the main entrance portal.

Although the city held the lease to the complex until 1950, the senior women occupied the north wing when the building opened. For more than three decades, the south wing housed the city’s ever-expanding

library, which the club supervised until the city took over the library’s management in 1953.

Four years later, with $9,000 in proceeds from “Cabaret,” the junior club moved the dental clinic from the mayor’s office into a suite in the south wing. When the library outgrew its quarters and relocated to its own building on Segovia Street in 1969, the juniors moved into the south hall themselves, eventually building a larger annex for the dental clinic, where it remains today.

Due to soaring costs, “Cabaret” was discontinued in 2005. But revenue from clubhouse rentals and other fundraising galas, auctions, teas, and monthly Gringo

“ WE ARE DETERMINED TO CREATE EVENTS AND PROGRAMS THAT CARRY ON THE TRADITION OF THE CLUB, AND CARRY ON OUR MISSION, WHICH IS TO SUSTAIN THE CHILDREN’S DENTAL CLINIC AND TO SUSTAIN THE CLUB SO THAT IT CARRIES ON FOR ANOTHER 100 YEARS … ”

WOMAN’S CLUB CLUB PRESIDENT ARELY RUIZ, SHOWN RIGHT IN THE DENTAL CLINIC.

BELOW: THE HALL OF FAME RECEPTION AT THE CLUB IS ONE OF MANY EVENTS THAT TAKE PLACE.

Bingo games continue to support the dental clinic, and a myriad of other causes that promote education, health, the environment, civic welfare, and the arts and sciences. The Dr. John T. Macdonald Foundation also supports the clinic with generous annual grants that began in 1992.

In 2007, the junior and general woman’s clubs merged, officially becoming the Coral Gables Woman’s Club. And in 2021, the club circled back to its roots, dedicating a Little Library outside the city’s original library to former member Janice Thomson, the late daughter of former club president Dorothy Thomson, who in 1985 became the city’s first female mayor.

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1990, the clubhouse remains one of the few examples of Great Depression-era Moderne-style architecture in Florida, and the Coral Gables Woman’s Club remains the city’s most enduring civic and philanthropic organization – a legacy the club celebrated at its “Roaring ’20s” Centennial Gala on Dec. 2, 2023.

Today, the club has more members than ever, thanks in part to a surge of new joiners during COVID – when the organization partnered with Chef Chris Valdes to provide thousands of free meals. “It is challenging, in a good way, because now we have three or four generations within the club that all have different interests and priorities,” says club president Arely Ruiz. “However, we are determined to create events and programs that carry on the tradition of the club, and carry on our mission, which is to sustain the children’s dental clinic and to sustain the club so that it carries on for another 100 years. It’s a social community, a safe haven for women to meet and be part of a welcoming, family-oriented organization.” ■

As Coral Gables honors its Centennial this April, Crystal Academy proudly reflects on our journey growing alongside the City Beautiful. Together, we’ve built more than a school, we’ve built a family, a future, and a lasting legacy in the heart of Coral Gables.

Bites

Fine Dining Review

See page 48

PLUS NEW PLACES

THE GABLES’ OLDEST RESTAURANTS

New Places

Arcano

Though we’ve spent the past few months mourning for one of our favorite restaurants, TUR, we are happy to report that not only is Arcano, its replacement, a worthy successor, but also comes with a familiar face. Old TUR manager Luca Delogu greeted us upon arrival and made sure we felt welcome in the new digs, which look strikingly like the old restaurant, though now with a bigger bar area.

Arcano advertises its food as hailing from Hispanic America, a mix of Spanish, Latin, and Central American cuisine. Its cocktail list isn’t a list of drinks but rather “mystical potions” – one of which comes in a giant glass that looks like an avocado – and its wine list is called “elixir de uva.” In the new fashion, the menu is separated not by appetizers and entrees, but by earth, land, and sea, with “teasers” as sides. Still, there are both small and large dishes here, and, to sample as many dishes as possible, we ordered tapas-style.

We tried the chicharrón suflado ($18) to start, which is quite literally the biggest pork rind we’ve ever seen, served in a vase with sides of pickled onions, mango salsa, achiote emulsion, and limes. A great dish to share. Our favorite dish, however, was the raíz encantada ($15): small stacks of golden and purple beets served in “goddess juice” with chili oil. Just slightly spicy and perfect with the pachamma bread ($7) we ordered on the side to soak up the leftover sauce. We’ll be back for a more formal dinner and to try and make off with one of those giant avocado cocktail glasses. –Kylie Wang

259 GIRALDA AVE.

305.530.8332

ARCANOMIAMI.COM

Coffee For the Soul

You know a café is serious about its coffee when it serves one with 30 grams of protein. The Protein Latte ($8.50) isn’t something you see every day, but it fits right in at this new spot on Giralda, where Latin flavors meet an all-day menu designed for both quick stops and leisurely meals.

Breakfast runs all day, so smoothie bowls, yucca waffles, and protein pancakes are quite literally always on the table. Lunch and dinner expand the options with pressed sandwiches, arepas, and hearty bowls, all made with fresh ingredients and a balance of lighter and more indulgent choices. The coffee lineup holds its own too, of course, with drinks like the Café Bombón, a smooth shot of espresso layered with condensed milk, and the Farmer’s Coffee, subtly spiced with brown cane sugar and cloves.

A small market inside offers woven bags and house-roasted coffee, adding to the charm. We were tempted to order one of everything, but reason won out – at least this time. And while the yucca waffles and smoothie bowls seemed like solid bets, we’ll have to come back to see if the dulce de leche cappuccino really lives up to the hype.

–Amanda Martell

TOP: WE ORDERED DISHES TAPAS-STYLE FOR MORE VARIETY RIGHT: COCKTAILS AT ARCANO ARE “MYSTICAL POTIONS”

LEFT: BREAKFAST AND COFFEE RUNS ALL DAY WITH SMOOTHIE BOWLS, YUCCA WAFFLES, PRESSED SANDWICHES AND AREPAS.

Being personally involved makes a huge difference for the staff as well. That’s why companies like Gallup and Fortune rate The Palace one of the world’s best places to work. At The Palace, we’re all happy to be here every day. We bet you will be too. Call 305-445-7444 or visit us today. The Palace owners aren’t in Corporate Headquarters. They’re here every day.

Helen & Jacob Shaham founded The Palace Senior Living 45 years ago and they’ve never changed their “hands-on” rule of management. Joined by their sons Zach & Haim, they are familiar friendly faces to every Palace resident. They come to the parties, seldom miss a birthday, and you can talk to them whenever you want because everyone has their personal cell numbers.

Finding a Balance

AT ZUCCA, IT’S THE COMPLEX BLEND OF FLAVORS THAT MAKES THE DIFFERENCE

BY KYLIE WANG

Built in 1926, the building that houses Hotel St. Michel and Zucca is one of Coral Gables’ oldest. Originally, it was the Karp Building, a retail and office space designed by architect Anthony Zink and built at a cost of $250,000. It was later transformed into the Sevilla Hotel and then renovated and restored to become the current boutique hotel and historic landmark. Our favorite way to visit when we’re not there for a weekend staycation is dinner at Zucca, the Italian restaurant downstairs that serves both patrons of the hotel and the larger downtown Coral Gables area. One of the top power lunch spots in the Gables, with dark walls that enhance a serious ambience perfect for discussing business, the restaurant emphasizes high-quality ingredients and the authentic Italian culinary tradition.

According to owner Erasmo Da Silva, “At Zucca, dining is not just about eating [but] about celebrating flavors, connections, and the art of hospitality.” While that is true – the service is consistently impeccable – we do love the food. We always start with the Fiori Di Zucca Ripieni De Caprino E Miele Al Tartufo ($26), a dish nearly as good as its title is long. Here, zucchini flowers stuffed with goat cheese are dipped in tempura batter made partly with sparkling water, then fried and drizzled with Italian white truffle honey. A bit of misticanza salad brings a touch of acidity to an otherwise sweet and savory plate. It’s one of the restaurant’s signature dishes –“zucca,” after all, translates to “squash” or “gourd” – and speaks to the restaurant’s philosophy on flavor: everything balanced.

This is also true of the Polpette D’agnello Con Pomodoro E Ricotta ($17): lamb meatballs served with tomato sauce, ricotta cheese, and ciabatta crostinis. The sauce is made with San Marzano tomatoes, a type of plum tomato from the Campania region of Italy known for its unique flavor combining acidity and sweetness. A bit of mint rounds off the dish, neutralizing any gaminess in the lamb.

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ABOVE: OWNER ERASMO DA SILVA OF ZUCCA WHICH IS HOUSED IN THE HOTEL ST. MICHEL. ITS INTERIOR IS DARK WITH A WARM AMBIENT GLOW.

TOP LEFT: FIORI DI ZUCCA RIPIENI DE CAPRINO E MIELE AL TARTUFOSZUCCHINI STUFFED WITH GOAT CHEESE IN TEMPURA BATTER.

Photo

Rodolfo Benitez

BOTTOM: HOMEMADE BUCATINI WITH CACIO E PEPE SAUCE WITH TRUFFLES - PRESENTED AT THE TABLE AND SHAVED OVER THE PASTA.

VEAL

Hard to share – it’s a bit messy – but great to eat.

We were also entranced by the Wagyu Carpaccio ($35), which came with white beech mushrooms, Grana Padano cheese, and summer truffles. At Zucca, the meat is a Wagyu eye of round, a lean, flavorful cut from the cow’s hindquarters known for its tenderness. It’s salted for five days, then marinated in red wine for another week. A splash of lemon and olive oil brings out more flavor, amplified by the cheese, mushrooms, and truffle. The most complex dish we ordered, we were pleasantly surprised at how the flavors complemented each other. As always: balance.

Since we were a relatively large group, we decided to share the Cotoletta Alla Milanese Dello Chef (MP) entree, a massive veal chop Milanese, breaded with Grissini breadstick crumbs, panko, and semolina (the hard grains leftover after flour is milled), and fried in clarified butter. It’s served with a nice array of sides, including roasted potatoes and an arugula and tomato salad, and comes pre-sliced so everyone

can have a bite. The dish easily satiates two empty stomachs; having enjoyed several other dishes, even the four of us couldn’t quite finish it.

This author is a huge fan of truffles, which is why the Bucatini Cacio e Pepe ($28) with a truffle add-on for $12 is a personal favorite. The bucatini, which has a hollow center perfect for scooping up sauce, is homemade, and the simple base contains Pecorino Romano and black pepper. Cacio e Pepe often comes out more like an Alfredo sauce at restaurants without a strong sense of heritage, but that’s not the case here. The sauce is delightfully peppery without being too strong, well-balanced by its creaminess, and – because we sprang for the truffles – superbly savory. The show was also nice, as our waiter arrived and presented us with a box of chunky black truffles set in what looked like a mini Zen garden. He shaved off thin slices tableside, ensuring we knew exactly what we had paid for – and why.

With every dish, we paired a glass of wine from Zucca’s award-winning collection. The restaurant is a six-time winner of the Wine Spectator Excellence Award and has a lengthy list of Italian wines, as well as French and American selections. We started the night with a pre-meal aperitivo: what Zucca describes as “related to the Italian ‘la Dolce Vita,’ a moment of the daily lifestyle groove where the cultural gathering habitat arises at sunset.” Quite a mouthful, but we ended the night in the same style, with a digestivo to aid digestion and facilitate final conversation. After all, that’s the Italian way. ■

TOP: WAGYU CARPACCIO WITH WHITE BEECH MUSHROOMS, GRANA PADANO CHEESE, AND SUMMER TRUFFLES.

RIGHT: COTOLETTA ALLA MILANESE DELLO CHEF, A LARGE

CHOP MILANESE COATED IN GRISSINI BREADSTICK CRUMBS.

Photos by Rodolfo Benitez

Caffe Abbracci: 35 Years of Excellence

BY KYLIE WANG

Coming up on 36 years of doing business in Coral Gables this summer, Caffe Abbracci is a longtime staple of the City Beautiful. Loyal customers remember the days when proprietor Nino Pernetti would greet every diner by name – and usually in their native language – imparting wisdom, humor, and well wishes. After Nino’s death in 2022, his daughter Tatiana took the helm. Continuing in her father’s footsteps, Tatiana is a warm presence in the restaurant, greeting patrons with a smile and reminding her staff that even the simplest gestures can mean the most. She grew up at the restaurant, working as a hostess since the age of 12. But even she can’t remember Abbracci’s earliest days from before her birth. Back when Nino Pernetti had two restaurants in downtown Coral Gables: Baci and Abbracci – “kisses” and “hugs” in Italian.

The site where Caffe Abbracci is located was originally across the street from a Greyhound bus station. When Nino Pernetti first opened it, it was in a quiet part of town, very different to today’s hustle and bustle. But first came Baci, which opened in 1987 on Miracle Mile. With two restaurants, Nino was constantly running back and forth to greet customers, eager to make sure every table received the personal Pernetti touch. “He didn’t like that though,” says Tatiana. “He wanted everything to be perfect and he didn’t feel like he could do that in two different places and have eyes on everything all the time.” So, Baci closed and Abbracci became Nino’s focus in 1989.

At the time, Ocean Drive had yet to be reinvented, and Abbracci was among the few sophisticated dining options in Greater Miami. Pernetti’s place became a celebrity magnet, attracting clients ranging from Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett and Mario Andretti to Antonio Banderas, Joe Montana, Robin Williams, Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, and Elie Wiesel – basically the A-listers visiting South Florida. “South Beach didn’t exist; we were the first affluent restaurant that was here,” Pernetti told Coral Gables Magazine before his passing. “I was written up in any number of publications: Food & Wine serval times, Gourmet magazine, Esquire…”

Political heavyweights also came to Abbracci to eat – presidents Bush I, Clinton, and Obama, to name three – partly due to its reputation for good food but also because the restaurant, which had no windows at the time, was easy to secure.

Today, Abbracci is still known for its immaculate service and customer-focused approach to hospitality. According to Tatiana, “We’re very much in the business of the customer is always right.”

TOP: EXTERIOR AND INTERIOR OF THE 35-YEAR-OLD RESTAURANT

MIDDLE: ABBRACCI OWNER NINO PERNETTI WITH HIS LONGTIME CREW

ABOVE: DAUGHTERS TATIANA AND KATERINA AT THE CEREMONY

DESIGNATING NINO PERNETTI WAY

That goes for the menu – if the chefs have the ingredients, they’ll make whatever your heart desires – to the service, with much of the staff having been there for decades.

The restaurant’s commitment to hospitality continues to draw politicians, CEOs, athletes, and celebrities to the restaurant, from Gwen Stefani (still a regular) to the San Francisco 49ers football team, serving pastas and burrata to them all. It was only recently that the restaurant added a few windows to its storefront, losing some of its cache as a private dining spot for the rich and famous, though there are areas of the dining room where one can still dine in total privacy. And while the menu changes every few months, there are mainstays, of course. Our favorite? The Tortellini “Tatiana”: homemade tortellini filled with Asiago cheese and stewed pear, tossed in a pink sauce made with Prosecco instead of vodka. ■

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Christy’s: Still Old School

BY J.P. FABER

In Coral Gables, nothing speaks to the city’s heritage quite like Christy’s restaurant. A favorite haunt of politicians and business leaders over the years, the steakhouse is the place where, when two-martini lunches were in style, they were served. And of the three oldest restaurants in the city, Christy’s, at 47 years and running, is clearly the senior – compared to Abbracci at 35 years and JohnMartin’s at 36 years.

What also distinguishes Christy’s is how well owner Chris Klaic has kept it true to its incarnation as a traditional steakhouse, right down to the deep, Tuscan-red walls, the leather chairs, and a menu that boasts old-school favorites like shrimp cocktails, oysters Rockefeller, prime rib, and baked Alaskas. It also offers what is considered the best Caesar salad in the city, from a secret recipe that hasn’t changed in a quarter-century.

“When you come to Christy’s you know what you are going to get,” says Klaic. “There are no gimmicks. We never follow the trends. We haven’t changed the menu since we opened.”

About the only thing that has changed in Christy’s is the artwork on the walls, from its former display of Cuban landscape and still life paintings to modern pop art, which somehow fits the mood, perhaps even more appropriately for a place that gives off a New York sophisticate kind of vibe, assisted by low lighting, night-club lamps at each table, and a soundtrack straight from the Cole Porter

songbook. An evening at Christy’s, with its highly polished service, makes you feel like you’ve been at The Carlyle.

We also like the elegance of a bar discreetly ensconced in a separate room, distinct from the current mode of bars that open onto dining areas. There are also two dining rooms, so there is never that feeling of cavernous open space you find at other steakhouses or large restaurants; here, there is always a sense of intimacy.

As for what it takes to last for so many years in the competitive restaurant business of Coral Gables, Klaic says it comes down to one thing: consistency. “Consistency of the product, consistency of the service. I’ve always believed that it’s not about any one person, not about me, not about a famous chef. It’s about the brand.”

What that brand means is over-sized New York strip and rib eye steaks, along with filet mignon and the now ubiquitous tomahawk for two, plus sea scallops, rack of lamb, and lobster tails. In addition to the oysters Rockefeller and jumbo shrimp cocktail, appetizers include jumbo lump crab cake and escargot. The sides are equally traditional, from their grilled asparagus in a mustard vinaigrette to potatoes au gratin.

Over the years, there are two things that proprietor Klaic has resisted. The first is the suggestion that he create other Christy’s restaurants in other locations. The second is that he change the menu. “People say we are so old school, but nobody does [these sorts of dishes] anymore,” says Klaic. “Chateaubriand? Nobody does it. Baked Alaska? Nobody does it. And I think that has been very important for our survival.” ■

TOP: CHRISTY’S TUSCAN RED INTERIOR IS THE SAME EXCEPT FOR THE ART MIDDLE: TRADITIONAL PRIME RIB IS SERVED WITHOUT THE GIMMICKS ABOVE: THE JUMBO SHRIMP COCKTAIL IS A LOCAL CROWD FAVORITE

Photos by Rodolfo Benitez

JohnMartin’s: There and Back Again

BY LUKE CHANEY

Few establishments have captivated the Coral Gables community throughout its decades-long history quite like JohnMartin’s has. Founded in 1989 by Irishmen John Clarke and Martin Lynch, the Irish pub provided Gableites with one of the first cozy places where they could gather, celebrate, and drink a glass of Guinness stout or Jameson Irish whiskey. “Before we got it going here, you could roll a ball down Miracle Mile at night and hit nobody,” Martin Lynch remarked at the time.

Initially, however, because of a Coral Gables ordinance passed in 1926, JohnMartin’s full potential was limited. When it started, JohnMartin’s could serve beer or liquor, just as you would expect at any pub, but a 1926 city regulation meant that bartenders were not allowed to directly serve patrons and had to walk around and bring drinks to where you sat, at a low table next to the bar. This changed in late 1990 when Lynch and several other local business owners finally convinced the City Commission to repeal the law. JohnMartin’s finally had the legal backing to fully align with the vision that Clarke and Lynch had always had for it.

Expansion of the pub quickly followed, knocking down a wall to add restaurant seating. The new space, which included flooring from an old Dublin church, was designed by an Irish architect and expanded so that every table had a view of the bar. For 30 years, JohnMartin’s continued to do a bustling business, serving up draft pints and classic Irish dishes like bangers and mash and shepherd’s pie. This three-decade run came to an unfortunate end during COVID, when JohnMartin’s closed down on St. Patrick’s Day, March 17, 2020.

When Tony Guerra, a Miami native and the co-founder of Breakwater Hospitality Group, heard that JohnMartin’s was ceasing operations, he knew something had to be done. “It was unfortunate because it had been a community staple for so many years,” Guerra says. “My partner Alex and I talked about it, and we were like, ‘This

might be an opportunity to bring [it] back.’”

After meeting with Martin over the phone, a deal was struck with Breakwater that prompted the return of the beloved pub. The vision for the relaunching of JohnMartin’s, which opened its doors again on Nov. 18, 2022, was to honor its tradition while re-imagining it for future success. “The idea was that we would be able to bring back JohnMartin’s in a new iteration that could sustain another 30 years,” Guerra says. “The guys that owned it before did an incredible job. It lasted 30 years. And our goal was, ‘How do we do this for the next generation? How do we do something that honors its tradition but welcomes a new generation?’”

In additional to a new bar and clean tile flooring, one of the notable additions to JohnMartin’s is its whiskey collection. The pub now offers over 400 types of whiskey, as well as an exclusive, invite-only club called the “Whiskey Society” that is reserved for only the most dedicated connoisseurs.

Several important elements of the original JohnMartin’s were kept, such as weekly karaoke nights, the annual St. Patrick’s Street Festival, and classic menu items like fish and chips. The purpose of JohnMartin’s, most importantly, has stayed the same throughout its opening, closing, and relaunching: it remains a celebration hub for all Gableites, a place to relax and call a “second home,” as Guerra says. ■

TOP: ICONIC FISH AND CHIPS ARE FOUND AT ALL GOOD IRISH PUBS

ABOVE: FORMER OWNERS JOHN CLARKE AND MARTIN LYNCH FOUNDED THE PUB IN 1989.

People

Centennial Edition

FEATURING:

PHINEAS PAIST

EDWARD “DOC” DAMMERS

ALTHEA MERRICK

WILLIAM JENNINGS BRYAN

EDWARD “DOC” DAMMERS: AUCTIONEER, SALESMAN, AND FIRST MAYOR OF CORAL GABLES

Phineas Paist was part of George Merrick’s “dream team,” though he joined slightly later than the original members. An American architect educated at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, Paist traveled throughout Europe and attended ateliers in Paris before he came to Miami and made his reputation as one of the city’s first registered architects, working on Charles Deering’s Vizcaya estate on Biscayne Bay. He became the supervising architect for Merrick’s Coral Gables Corporation in 1923 and held that position until his death in 1937, bringing with him his ideas on the overall aesthetic of the City of Coral Gables – including the colors and materials used to build the city. He also assisted Merrick in creating meticulously detailed zoning ordinances to maintain the character of their fledgling city and served on the Committee on Building Codes, the Planning Board, and the Committee on Zoning. He was also the director of the Florida Association of Architects and the chairman of the Architecture Committee and the Exhibition Committee of the Architectural League of Greater Miami.

“PAIST WAS A TRUE ARTIST. HE POSSESSED THAT RARE URGE TO DO EVERYTHING WELL ...”

Phineas Paist

ARCHITECT

AUGUST 1873 – MAY 1937

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Paist is the architect behind myriad enduring Coral Gables landmarks, including: Douglas Entrance, Venetian Pool, the Colonnade Building, Coral Gables City Hall, the Charles Deering Estate, and the former Coral Gables Police and Fire Station, now the Coral Gables Museum. All, save the Colonnade Building, are on the United States’ National Register of Historic Places. Most famously, he transformed an abandoned rock quarry into what is now the iconic Venetian Pool. Sadly, he died before he could see the Police and Fire Station completed.

WHAT HE SAID

Though Paist frequently denied interviews, preferring to let his architecture speak for itself, his friend and distinguished architect Richard Kiehnel wrote about him in 1938 after his death: “Paist was a true artist. He possessed that rare urge to do everything well and put the full force of his soul into it regardless of size, compensation, or importance. He did not measure the scope of his commissions with a yard stick of dollars and cents; so, likewise, the rare value of his artistic productions cannot be measured by any standard. This is inestimable. This reflects the soul of the true artist.” ■

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Also part of George Merrick’s original “dream team,” Doc Dammers was in charge of sales for the City of Coral Gables, helped in part by marketing genius Denman Fink. Dammers was one of America’s most famous auctioneers, even drawing crowds who came just to see his performances. He began in 1921, selling the first Coral Gables lots and homes from the back of a wagon at the Merrick House. Dammers’ past is a bit convoluted, involving 12 lost years when he was rumored to have joined the circus and, at one point, owned an optical shop. In 1911, he arrived in South Florida and began working for developers to help them sell land –including George Merrick. As a result of his efforts, he became the city’s first mayor on April 29, 1925, when the city was formally incorporated. By then, the city already covered 10,000 acres, much of which Dammers had helped sell. His mule cart was often stationed at Granada Golf Course, where he conducted his auctions to crowds of up to 5,000 and used every trick in the book to get future residents on the books, from exotic entertainment to raffles, live music, tours, and boat rides.

“AMBITIOUS, EARNEST HOME-SEEKERS ARE THE FOLKS WE DESIRE AT CORAL GABLES....”

Edward “Doc” Dammers

AUCTIONEER, SALESMAN, MAYOR OF CORAL GABLES, 1925-1928

1867 – 1930

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Dammers was such a successful salesman that his ads for Coral Gables ran in magazines across the nation. Together, he and Merrick spent about $1 million in advertising in the first year of the city’s official incorporation – the equivalent of $15 million today. His salesforce peaked at 3,000 employees with offices throughout the country and his Coral Gables team generated $150 million in the first five years of selling. The famous Doc Dammers Restaurant and Lounge at the Colonnade Hotel was named in his honor when it opened in 1987, though it has since closed.

WHAT HE SAID

Dammers used myriad slogans to promote the City of Coral Gables nationwide, including, “Where Coral Gables Lies, Your Money Multiplies,” “Where Your Castles in Spain Are Made Real,” and “Miami’s Master Suburb.” In one ad, he wrote, “Ambitious, earnest home-seekers are the folks we desire at Coral Gables. We have the most beautiful spot in the South for all-year-round homes, and want the right people to live there. If this strikes a responsive keynote with you, come in and talk over home-building plans with us. And do it now.” ■

The mother of George Merrick, Althea Merrick née Fink met and married George’s father, Solomon, in college, and spent much of her life devoted to her family. She taught her son to be creative and nurture his mind, aims that his solemn father didn’t share, and encouraged him to read and write poetry. When the family moved from Massachusetts to the barren area that would later become Coral Gables, their home was nothing more than a wooden shack, and there was no road, paved or otherwise. Still, Althea did not despair. In her diary, she wrote, “There was no other way but just unpack, all go to work – we knew that we must stay.” She rolled up her sleeves and transformed the shack into a home – and, years later, designed a new two-story home that would become the now iconic Merrick House.

Althea Merrick

FOUNDER,

CORAL GABLES WOMAN’S CLUB 1859 – FEBRUARY 1937

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

“THERE WAS NO OTHER WAY BUT JUST UNPACK, ALL GO TO WORK – WE KNEW THAT WE MUST STAY....”

Althea opened the first school, Guavonia, in the area that would become Coral Gables when George and his siblings were young, paid for by the guava the family planted on their 160-acre farm. She also founded the Coral Gables Woman’s Club in 1923 and was one of the first members of the Coral Gables Garden Club, acting as treasurer. Her leadership in the early years of the fledgling city endures to this day, as both clubs celebrate their own centennials.

WHAT SHE SAID

Though Althea was known herself to be quite an orator, often stepping in to deliver sermons for her minister husband, not much remains of her speeches. However, a 1925 Miami Herald article entitled “Mrs. Merrick’s Story is One of Inspiration,” states, “Mrs. Merrick has never lost her keen interest in the growth and development of everything around her…. [T]here are few women who have lived a life as rich in accomplishment, who are constantly kept as active, and are able to carry through each day as does this remarkable woman, in spite of the fact that she loves quietness and her home much more than she cares for public life.”■

William Jennings Bryan was Secretary of State under Woodrow Wilson from 1913 to 1915, ran three times for President of the United States, and served in the House of Representatives from 1891 to 1895. A great orator, Bryan was originally born in Salem, Illinois, and began giving public speeches at the ripe age of four-years-old. During and after his lengthy political career as a Democrat, he advocated for the eight-hour workday, a minimum wage, women’s suffrage, the right for unions to strike, and Prohibition, of which he was a staunch supporter. He was known as “the Great Commoner” due to his relatable ideas and policies. Bryan moved to Miami in the early 1910s and later took on the lucrative speaking engagement of being George Merrick’s spokesman for Coral Gables, orating from any makeshift pulpit (usually at the Venetian Pool) to crowds of potential residents and investors.

“IN CORAL GABLES, YOU CAN WAKE UP IN THE MORNING AND TELL THE BIGGEST LIES YOU CAN THINK OF ABOUT THE FUTURE OF THE CITY....”

William Jennings Bryan

CORAL GABLES SPOKESMAN, POLITICIAN

MARCH 1860 – JULY 1925

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Bryan is most famous for his role in the infamous Tennessee “Monkey Trial,” where he helped prosecute biology teacher John T. Scopes for teaching Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution. His efforts led to a Tennessee state statute that made it illegal to teach “any theory which denies the story of the Divine creation of man as taught in the Bible.” However, in Coral Gables, Bryan is most known for his sales tactics. He helped sell hundreds of millions of dollars in Coral Gables properties at the behest of his friend and city founder George Merrick.

Bryan’s most famous quote, which he used to help convince potential investors to bring their money to Coral Gables, is: “In Coral Gables, you can wake up in the morning and tell the biggest lies you can think of about the future of the city – and before you go to bed at night, you will be ashamed of your modesty.” ■

WHAT HE SAID

At

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The Birth of

The City Beautiful

The creation of Coral Gables was a dream realized by George Merrick

CORAL GABLES FOUNDER GEORGE MERRICK, RIGHT, AND DEVLOPER JOHN BOWMAN AT THE BILTMORE HOTEL, 1926

BY PATRICK ALEXANDER

According to a report by Bloomberg in April 2024, Coral Gables is the most expensive and sought after neighborhood in the U.S. and the third-most expensive city in the world. In addition to Coral Gables, Florida has seven of the nation’s wealthiest neighborhoods, and, since the pandemic, Florida has become the fastest growing state in the Union. But, ironically, for most of its history, the state has been ignored and unwanted.

At the end of the 19th century, South Florida was America’s “Last Frontier.” A few decades earlier, a New York Herald journalist (who visited the state in 1864) described South Florida as a place that “no sane man… no decent man would think of living in.” And few people, sane, decent, or otherwise, did live there.

To encourage settlement, the federal government expanded the Homestead Act in 1873 to Florida. Under the Act, settlers could claim 160 acres of federal land and, if they improved the property and built a home where they physically lived for five years, the government would grant them freehold rights at no charge. One of these pioneering souls was William Harrison Gregory and his wife, who moved onto their plot in the wilderness west of Coconut Grove in 1893. They then sold it in 1899, sight unseen, to a Massachusetts preacher named Solomon Merrick and his artist wife, Althea (see pg. 64), for $1,100. Twenty years later, their son, George, would transform that humble homestead into the City of Coral Gables.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE RAUL E. VALDES-FAULI ARCHIVES, CITY OF CORAL GABLES

THE LAST FRONTIER: THE CITY OF CORAL GABLES RISING UP FROM BARREN LAND

Thanks to the family fortune, George was able to build much of the infrastructure of his future city with his own money as well as with a great deal of borrowed capital. Roads and avenues were laid out; sewers, plumbing, and electrical grids were installed; and public buildings, parks, sales offices, churches, and hotels were all planned, if not constructed, before the first lot was even offered for sale.

By 1920, just as the Florida Land Boom was about to explode, George had assembled his “dream team.” His senior architect was Phineas Paist (see pg. 60), who had already gained a reputation for his work on Charles Deering’s nearby Buena Vista estate (today’s Miami Design District). His most prolific architect was his first cousin, H. George Fink. Frank M. Button oversaw landscaping the new city, planning its parks and the layout of its broad avenues and boulevards. George’s uncle, Denman Fink, worked on the marketing, and the famous Doc Dammers (see pg. 62) was in charge of sales.

Denman Fink, a nationally known illustrator, introduced George to the burgeoning “City Beautiful” movement and together they visited New York’s Central Park, designed by Frederick Law Olmstead, as well as other new planned communities. Button, Merrick’s choice to plan the layout and landscaping of his own “City Beautiful,” was one of Olmstead’s chief followers.

The City Beautiful Movement was a widely popular architectural philosophy of North American urban planning that flourished during the 1890s and 1900s with the intent of introducing beautification and monumental grandeur to American cities. It was a part of the progressive social reform movement in North America under the leadership of the upper-middle classes, concerned with poor living conditions in all major cities. By introducing wider streets, parks, and attractive public spaces, it was hoped the widespread disease and crime of urban life would both be reduced if not eradicated. The hectic unplanned growth of American cities during the 19th century led even Charles Dickens to describe North American urban conditions as being worse than the most awful Victorian slums in London. The movement promoted beauty not only for its own sake, but also to create moral and civic virtue among urban populations. Advocates of the philosophy believed that such beautification could promote a harmonious social order that would increase the quality of life, while critics would complain that the movement was overly

ABOVE: ADVERTISEMENT SELLING HOUSING PLOTS ON THE

OPPOSITE: HISTORIC 1925 MAP OF CORAL GABLES WITH BIRD ROAD TO THE NORTH, LE JEUNE ROAD TO THE EAST, AND SUNSET DRIVE TO THE SOUTH

concerned with aesthetics at the expense of social reform; the movement has been referred to as an “architectural design cult.”

Aware that Miami was expanding rapidly and that the projected Tamiami Trail would run along the northern edge of his property, it was George’s dream to convert the family plantation into a garden-city suburb of Miami. He served as a member of the Dade County Commission in 1914 and began apprenticing himself in the real estate development business. By 1920, buying, selling, and

TOP: INVESTORS GATHER AT A DOC DAMMERS LAND AUCTION IN 1921

MIAMI RIVIERA

developing land on the western edge of Miami, he had built and sold at least 10 subdivisions. Along the way, he managed to build up a nest egg of some $500,000 and, as he commented to a newspaper reporter a few years later: “I worked night and day to build up a nucleus for the Coral Gables project, which consistently grew in my dreams. I never told anyone my plans, but as my profits in real estate grew, I bought adjoining land.” The 160 acres the family originally owned increased to 300 acres, then to 500, 1,000, and finally, by 1927, the suburb had

grown to 3,000 acres, with space to accommodate 50,000 homes. If demand for Florida property during the Florida Land Boom of the 1920s was fierce, competition among those selling it was ferocious. To the northwest, Merrick was competing with well-known aviator Glen Hammond Curtiss in Hialeah; to the north, he faced society architect Addison Mizner in Boca Raton; and to the east, his greatest rival, the bombastic Carl Fisher on Miami Beach. When new prospects arrived in Miami on Flagler’s railroad, Fisher and Merrick

competed to draw them away to their respective developments.

Merrick not only had teams of pink buses boldly labeled “Coral Gables,” but he also had a fleet of pink trolleys, with trolley rails laid from Downtown Miami all the way to his impressive Colonnade sales office at the junction of Ponce de Leon Boulevard and Coral Way (today’s Miracle Mile). He also built a series of grand entrances along the north side of his property, facing the Tamiami Trail, to entice visitors who had crossed the Everglades from Tampa before Carl Fisher and the other developers even knew they had arrived.

Fisher’s marketing boasted “Twenty Miles of Waterfront Property” on Miami Beach. Merrick, not to be outdone, dug 20 miles of canals throughout the city, and, because canals have two sides, he was able to boast of “Forty Miles of Waterfront Property,” which Denman Fink added to all his marketing flyers. During the peak of the Land Boom in 1925, Merrick sold $100 million worth of property, while building permits for new construction exceeded $24 million.

Like all the other developers, Merrick and Fisher advertised widely all over the United States. Fisher famously had a billboard in New York’s Times Square that said: “Miami Beach: Where the Summer spends the Winter.” Doc Dammers offered, “Where Coral Gables Lies, Your Money Multiplies.” Merrick’s own Coral Gables slogans included, “Where Your Castles in Spain Are Made Real.” There was even a 1924 popular song, “When the Moon Shines in Coral Gables,” recorded by The California Ramblers and the Red Rose Ragtime Band among many others, featuring a photo of a full moon shining over the Country Club Prado Entrance on the sheet music cover.

Merrick’s ad campaigns in 1925 and ‘26 involved full-page and double-page ads, many in full color, in 20 different national magazines with a combined circulation of more than 11 million readers. Separately, 100 newspapers around the United States carried ads

TOP RIGHT: GEORGE MERRICK SITTING OUTSIDE HIS CORAL GABLES HOME

ABOVE LEFT: THE FIRST CORAL GABLES COMMISSION MEETING IN 1928

ABOVE: THE CITY OF CORAL GABLES ENTRANCE ON LE JEUNE ROAD 1924

that reached a further six million readers, with a total of 98 million images of Coral Gables appearing before the American public.

Although his development became a city in April 1925, Merrick originally envisioned it a subdivision or suburb of Greater Miami. The original development, the Granada Section, built between 1921 and 1924, was located between the Tamiami Trail in the north and Bird Road in the south. The second section – Riviera, built in 1925 – stretched from Bird south to Sunset Road and Biscayne Bay. The third and final stage, the Biscayne Section (never completed in Merrick’s lifetime), stretched along the shore of Biscayne Bay south from Tahiti Beach (now Cocoplum), and had three chains of wide lagoons and over 25 miles of waterfront property, including a yacht basin for the planned Miami-Biltmore International Yacht Club.

Although he had been planning his project for many years, Merrick did not sell his first lot until late in 1921, but within the next five years he created a city with a university, churches, thou-

TOP: A TROLLEY PASSES BY MERRICK’S SALES OFFICES AT THE COLONNADE

sands of gracious homes, and a vibrant business district. Still known as “the City Beautiful,” it remains one of the most sought-after residential areas in the nation. One of the things that Merrick emphasized to his salesmen was, “Remember that what you are selling out here is not just land; it is not just a piece of ground on which to put a house. What you are really selling is romance, the stars and moon, the tropics, the wind off blue water, and the perfume of flowers that never grew in a northern clime.”

In November 1921, from the back of a wagon in the front yard of George and Eunice’s home on Coral Way, Doc Dammers sold the first empty lots as well as fully constructed houses. “Homes for Homefolk” were sold for $5,000 while “Homes of Distinction” ranged from $10,000 to $25,000 – normally on corner lots. By 1922, the Coral Gables Country Club and the Granada Entrance on the Tamiami Trail were both completed, and the following year, the Granada Golf Course opened. In 1924, The Grammar School was built, as well as the Venetian Pool and the Alhambra Water Tower. In 1925, the trolley system was inaugurated, and the magnificent Puerta del Sol was completed, facing the Tamiami Trail. In January 1926, George Merrick’s “jewel,” the Biltmore Hotel, was opened. In addition to fox hunting on horseback, the hotel offered gondola rides along the canal to Tahiti Beach on Biscayne Bay, manned by a team of gondoliers brought over from Venice. George also donated 160 acres of land to establish the University of Miami and construction began that same year.

In just five years, George Merrick and his team of 3,000 salesmen had built 2,792 private homes, 112 office and commercial buildings, 11 schools, 10 public buildings, two hospitals, eight churches, two university buildings, six hotels, 100 miles of streets, 125 miles of sidewalks, 20 miles of canals, four major entrance gates, and countless fountains in honor of Ponce de Leon and his Fountain of Youth.

On April 29, 1925, Coral Gables was formally incorporated as

TOP: THE NEWLY COMPLETED BILTMORE HOTEL AND GOLF COURSE. THE HOTEL WOULD BECOME GEORGE MERRICK’S “JEWEL” IN CORAL GABLES

ABOVE: ADVERTISEMENT FOR DISTINCTIVE HOMES ON THE MIAMI RIVIERA

a city and Doc Dammers became the first mayor. Building permits totaling $26 million were issued in 1925 alone. The city already covered 10,000 acres of land, including more than 47 miles of canals and coastline along the shore of Biscayne Bay. Merrick had spent $100 million in developing his dream. ■

This excerpt has been drawn from Patrick Alexander’s recent book, “Coral Gables: The First Hundred Years.”

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HISTORY PRESERVED

Many of the city’s public structures have been lost, from its riding stables on Salzedo to the LaSalle building, Merrick’s original office, torn down just three years ago. But a great many have been preserved, largely through the efforts of local leaders who have fought to prevent their demolition. The Biltmore

Hotel is a perfect example, nearly bulldozed 20 years ago until a close vote in the City Commission, led by then Mayor Dorothy Thomson, saved it. What follows are a few examples of the early Mediterranean-inspired architecture that has survived – what it looks like today and what it looked like back in the day.

THE COLONNADE

In November of 1926, the magnificent Colonnade building on Miracle Mile was completed by famed architect Phineas Paist. Now the Hotel Colonnade, the building was first a sales center for Coral Gables. Since then, it has housed a pilot training facility, a movie studio, and a World War II parachute factory. This image comes from the early 1940s. Today it is the HQ for Ryder Systems, amongst its other uses.

THE CORAL GABLES COUNTRY CLUB

The Coral Gables Golf and Country Club and the Granada Golf Course were once the Merrick family’s vegetable field. The golf course opened on January 15, 1923. The clubhouse opened three months later, and became the city’s first public building. The six original coral rock arches remain, but only the base of the tower – used by George Merrick as a viewing platform to show prospective buyers their home sites – survived a devastating 1983 fire.

THE OLD POLICE AND FIRE STATION

The “Old Police and Fire Station” was built during the Great Depression in 1939 as a project of the WPA (Works Progress Administration). Designed by Phineas Paist and Harold Steward, the iconic structure on Salzedo Street between Aragon and Giralda avenues is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Now part of the Coral Gables Museum, its old jail cells, courtroom, and hook & ladder room are historic exhibits.

THE FIRST CHURCH

In 1923, George Merrick founded the Coral Gables Congregational Church to honor his father, Solomon, a Congregational minister. The Mediterranean Revival design patterned its bell tower after one in Seville, Spain, while its barrel roof tiles came from Cuba. It is the first church to be listed in Florida’s National Register of Historic Places. Today, it continues to thrive as part of the United Church of Christ.

LA PALMA BUILDING

Designed by George Merrick’s cousin H. George Fink and built in 1924, La Palma (116 Alhambra Circle) is considered an iconic Mediterranean Revival building. It was one of Coral Gables’ first hotels (The Solana), and today has been restored by the Maven Real Estate group. The restoration has resulted in a mixed-use building of office, retail and restaurant space, featuring the French bistro Bouchon and Coral Gables’ first Michelin-starred restaurant, SHINGO.

MIAMI DAILY NEWS OFFICE

The original building at 300 Alhambra Circle was built in 1924 and briefly served as the offices for The Miami Daily News, the area’s first newspaper (which moved in 1925 to what is now the Freedom Tower in Downtown Miami). The building has been repurposed multiple times (among other things as a hair salon in the 1980s and later a sporting goods shop) and is now home to Café Demetrio.

FINK STUDIO BUILDING

In 1925, the Fink Studio Building on Ponce de Leon Boulevard acted as a destination for the early settlers to George Merrick’s visionary garden suburb, the office of his architect and cousin H. George Fink. This is the place where many of the great original homes in the “Miami Riviera” were designed. The building was purchased by the city in 2016 for $2.6 million and fully restored. It was initially leased to the Spanish Culture Center, and is today home to the city’s Economic Development Department.

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The irony of talking about innovation and Coral Gables in its next century is that the city is already immersed in innovation – and has been since its birth. City founder George Merrick’s vision of a planned city, designed to be livable and walkable, is what has urban planners excited today – the “live, work, play environment” now considered cutting-edge. The idea of the “triple helix” model, where government, industry, and academia work together, was part of the initial plan, with Merrick immediately launching the University of Miami, the Chamber of Commerce, and the first City Commission. Even the idea of environmental sustainability, so au currant, was incorporated in the Garden City movement he embraced, right down to the Gables’ tree canopy.

“ WE ARE, TODAY, ALIGNED WITH THAT VISION OF CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT, AND THE FOUNDING PRINCIPLE THAT EVERYTHING IS ABOUT QUALITY OF LIFE … ”

RAIMUNDO RUDOLFO, CORAL GABLES CHIEF INNOVATION OFFICER, ABOVE AND RIGHT.

intelligence (AI) for more than a decade. The city’s Community Intelligence Center has been crunching data from its downtown camera and tracking systems to analyze pedestrian and vehicular flow – and, in some cases, track down lost children or monitor which window displays attract the most attention on Miracle Mile. Its smart poles on Alhambra Circle record millions of bits of data, including air quality, ambient temperature, and traffic patterns. At the same time, the city is laying in miles of G5 cable to enhance the speed and depth of communication.

“We are, today, aligned with that vision of continuous improvement, and the founding principle that everything is about quality of life,” says Raimundo Rudolfo, the city’s chief innovation officer. “It’s about improving services and leveraging state-of-the-art technology to increase capacity, solve traffic problems and mobility issues, and improve health and public safety. Everything you are going to see in the next 100 years must remain focused on people.” As for cutting-edge technology, Coral Gables is ahead of the curve, already using artifical

“We are using AI and that is going to continue,” says Rudolfo. “AI is going to become faster, and with quantum computing, way more powerful. Quantum computing is going to skyrocket – so what takes one minute today [to compute] will take less than one second.” For example, Coral Gables is currently taking part in a research project called “AutonomIA,” in conjunction with the U.S. Department of Energy and the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. The title is an acronym for “autonomous intelligent assistant,” a traffic management system that uses AI and algorithms to reduce congestion, improve energy efficiency, and lower emissions in regional transportation systems. “That’s something we are doing now, but that’s going to be taken for granted in a few years,” Rudolfo says.

LOOKING TOWARD THE NEXT CENTURY

Innovation in Coral Gables

Photo by Rodolfo Benitez

TRANSPORTATION

As we move toward the next century, Rudolfo predicts “hyper-connected infrastructure everywhere.” Traffic lights will be connected, and smart. The roads themselves will have sensors in the asphalt to measure pedestrian and vehicular traffic. If somebody is crossing a road and is in danger of being hit, for example, approaching vehicles will be maneuvered or stopped to avoid the collision.

Rudolfo also predicts widespread use of urban robotics, especially for delivery and for “the last mile of transportation and the supply chain,” meaning less heavy vehicular traffic downtown. He also predicts that the use of drones will skyrocket (pun intended), and that flying cars and taxis will proliferate, with rooftops used for evtol (electric vehicle takeoff and landing) conveyances. “So, you’re going to see a drone bringing a pizza to your window,” he says.

As far as flying cars go... not so fast, says Mike Rodriguez, who manages the Mercedes-Benz dealership in Coral Gables. “People have been asking this – will there ever be flying cars? – for decades. While it’s fun to imagine, the real focus right now is making ground transportation smarter and more efficient, pushing the envelope with electric powertrains, AI-driven technology, and features that make driving better than ever. If flying cars ever become a reality, I wouldn’t be surprised if Mercedes-Benz is involved in some way – but for now, we’re focused on redefining what a luxury car can do on the road.”

More likely, says Rodriguez, is the advent of self-driving cars, though fully self-driving cars are still a ways off. “What we do have right now are incredible semi-autonomous features that make driving safer and easier, with technologies that allow for hands-free driving under certain conditions. It’s not about replacing the driver – it’s about enhancing the experience, reducing stress on long drives, and adding an extra layer of safety.”

On the public transportation side of things, Coral Gables is

“ OUR CITY HAS SHOWN A LOT OF LEADERSHIP IN THIS AREA, REDUCING OUR ENERGY USE, OUR FUEL USE, AND SEEING WHAT ALTERNATIVES WE CAN FIND… ”

MATT ANDERSON, ABOVE, ASSISTANT CITY DIRECTOR OF MOBILITY AND SUSTAINABILITY

LEFT: MIKE RODRIGUEZ OF MERCEDES-BENZ

already plunging into the future with alternative transportation. Matt Anderson, who wears a double hat as the assistant city director of mobility as well as of sustainability, says the aim is both to improve the efficiency of public transportation and to reduce the greenhouse emissions produced. “Our city has shown a lot of leadership in this area, reducing our energy use, our fuel use, and seeing what alternatives we can find,” he says. The last greenhouse gas emission study done by the city in 2019 showed that “almost 50 percent of our community-wide greenhouse gas emissions were associated with transportation.”

One solution has been to use trolleys on Ponce de Leon Boulevard and Grand Avenue (connecting to Coconut Grove), which transport one million passengers a year. While these use diesel fuel, the Freebees (which provide free rides to destinations in the downtown) are electric, and options for the trolleys are afoot – including conversion to electric or, in the more distant future, the use of hydrogen.

Then there are the electric scooters, 200 of which are located around the city, mostly in the downtown. These help provide what Anderson calls “the first and last mile of transit” for residents and visitors once they park their cars. And for those who do drive electric cars, the city has 26 charging ports in public garages, along with 70 electric vehicles in the city’s fleet, with more of both planned for the future.

Photo by Rodolfo Benitez

SUSTAINABILITY & ENVIRONMENT

Anderson’s other area of concern is sustainability and the environment. The city took a lead role in these efforts when it banned plastic bags and Styrofoam, an ordinance that was overturned by the State of Florida. In lieu of regulations, the city is working to bring awareness and recognition to businesses that go “above and beyond,” says Anderson, through its Green Business Certification Program. What has managed to stay on the books is the city’s 2016 ordinance that any building 20,000-square-feet or larger be LEED Silver certified, which requires energy and water saving systems to be part of the design. The city has followed the same dictates with its new buildings, such as the Public Safety Building and the trolley maintenance facility on U.S.-1. “We feel it’s critically important for us as a city to be able to lead by example,” says Anderson.

As for the future, he adds, “our city is looking at everything when it comes to our environment, from infrastructure to water quality.” Soon to be released is a comprehensive study on water conducted with FIU, UM, and NOAA, which will likely recommend converting all city septic tanks to sewage, so that groundwater will not be contaminated. The city will also expand its Keep Coral Gables Beautiful events, including collections of electronics, plastics, batteries, and chemicals at City Hall. “We’ve done 200-plus events in the last five years that engaged over 30,000 participants, and we’ve been able to reduce over 800,000 pounds of litter or debris from entering landfills – including 500 pounds of plastic,” says Anderson.

In the future, expect more of the same, with greater participation by residents engaged in the process. “The reality is that the field of sustainability is always innovating, with new technologies, from how we are processing waste to how efficient a vehicle is running. I see it in all sectors,” Anderson says. One encouraging sign: the city has already set aside $26 million in an interest-bearing account to

“ WE CAN BE RESTORING AND PROTECTING GREEN SPACES AND PARKS TO BE ABLE TO CATCH AND STORE FLOOD WATERS… ”

RACHEL SILVERSTEIN, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF WATERKEEPERS

mitigate future sea level rise.

Rachel Silverstein, the executive director of Coral Gables-based Waterkeepers, is not quite as sanguine. “We are facing some real challenges in the coming decades, from climate change to sea level rise and flooding, to more rain and more severe storms,” she says. All of these will put pressure on our wastewater infrastructure, energy infrastructure, stormwater infrastructure, and our canal system, none of which were built to withstand worsening environmental conditions.

On the other hand, if the community does “pivot” toward a low carbon energy future and reduces pressure on nature and the environment, she foresees “a future where we have cleaner energy, where we find ways to reduce pollution and bring nature and natural spaces into the built environment.” Coral Gables has been ahead of the curve in trying to deal with things like plastic pollution, but needs to do more, she says. “We can be restoring and protecting green spaces and parks to be able to catch and store flood [waters]. We can rethink our swales, our sidewalks, our driveways, our medians, so that they’re all part of a green infrastructure that is trapping, storing, and cleaning water.” A great example is Giralda Plaza. “There are cisterns and special soils under the ground to help deal with flooding and flood water. There’s special drainage. So, it’s actually a ‘green’ street and that also happens to be very beautiful and good for the businesses there,” Silverstein says.

Photo by Rodolfo Benitez

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As for the next century, “We have a huge stake in protecting clean water and making sure that pollution coming from the land is not damaging this really valuable asset for Coral Gables, whether it’s the Coral Gables waterway or along the bay,” she says. “I think we can keep going and keep thinking about every park redesign, every development, every streetscape, as part of this green network that is enhancing the livability, the sustainability, and the resiliency of Coral Gables.”

PUBLIC SAFETY

Coral Gables is already among the safest cities in Florida, if not the entire country. In addition to low crime, it has one of the quickest response times for its emergency medical services.

The real issue for the future, says Coral Gables Police Chief Ed Hudak, is how to deal with the introduction of artificial intelligence into policing. As with other industries, AI has the power to process information at high speeds. But, says Hudak, “We are taking baby steps in law enforcement because there are a lot of issues, including legal issues.” The heart of the matter, he says, is “do we ever really want to replace a human being, and the decision-making and discretion of an officer, with an artificial intelligence?”

Hudak says he has witnessed, and welcomed, the advances in communication since his early days as a police officer – going from beepers to cell phones “as big as a shoe” to portable devices that allow everyone to immediately communicate. He is also pleased with how camera surveillance around the city has helped the police department, with celebrated incidents such as tracking down a lost child using high-speed analysis of visual data.

Hudak does not feel there will be some “earth-shattering piece of new technology,” but rather incremental changes in non-lethal weaponry improvements and the use of AI to help solve crimes. “I

“ DO WE EVER REALLY WANT TO REPLACE A HUMAN BEING, AND THE DECISION-MAKING AND DISCRETION OF AN OFFICER, WITH AN ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE? ”

ED HUDAK, CORAL GABLES POLICE CHIEF, ABOVE

LEFT: CHIEF MARCOS DE LA ROSA, CORAL GABLES FIRE DEPARTMENT

think artificial intelligence is obviously the future of policing in a more expeditious way. But I don’t think we’re ever going to replace a human being as a police officer,” Hudak says.

While it will also never replace firefighters, technology has been a boon to the Coral Gables Fire Department, says Chief Marcos De La Rosa. “We have always been innovative and cutting-edge in our services,” he says, going back to the early 1970s, when the CGFD was an early adopter of emergency medical services with paramedics. The department, for example, was one of the first anywhere to transmit an electrocardiogram as they sped to the hospital. They have also been a global leader in “vehicle extrication” of victims. “So, as we look into the next 100 years, emergency medical services are really where we are going in how we integrate with the overall health care system.”

In terms of firefighting, De La Rosa is looking forward to technology advances that will make the air packs and flame-proof uniforms lighter and better able to deal with fires that are increasingly intense due to the use of synthetic materials in buildings. In terms of AI, De La Rosa is looking forward to technology that provides better thermal imagery, so that people can be located in smoke-filled buildings, and even tiny screens in the goggles of firefighters that show the layout of the smoke-filled buildings they are entering. AI can also

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help the department by helping predict the occurrence and impact of natural disasters. “If we’re looking into the next 100 years, it’s going to play an integral part in how we plan, prepare, and mitigate emergencies,” the fire chief says.

HEALTH CARE

Health care is another area where new technology will have a profound influence in the next century. “The health care industry has progressed, from a technology perspective, so much over the last 20 to 25 years,” says Lourdes A. Boue, CEO of Doctors Hospital. “We see that progression continuing at an ever-faster rate. I really cannot imagine where we’re going to be in 100 years.” Boue believes the future of medical technology will evolve in ways predicted by popular science fiction years ago. “It’s almost like going back to the future – I think of Spock on “Star Trek,” and the way that they practiced medicine. I think we are going to be there, back to the future, just like how the Jetsons were predicting where we are today.”

“When we look into the crystal ball,” she adds, “innovation is at the heart of what we need to do, not only from the delivery of care –new procedures, robotics everywhere, new medications, new treatments – but also in ways to integrate AI to make our role as clinicians easier and more streamlined. The massive amount of information that exists in today’s universe? You can only imagine what it will be like in 100 years. We’re going to be leveraging AI more and more to help us.”

Not only will AI process health care data, it will also help mitigate the predicted shortages of physicians and nurses across the country, for which it will be necessary to leverage AI and technology. “Having said that, you will never lose that human touch,” Boue says.

Matt Love, the CEO of Niklaus Children’s Hospital, will be the first to tell you that pediatrics and the medical care of children is

LOURDES A. BOUE, CEO OF DOCTORS HOSPITAL (RIGHT)

a “high touch industry” where human contact is critical. Having said that, Love says that technology has transformed – and will continue to transform – medicine, especially in the operating room. Over the last half decade, he says, procedures which required long surgeries and days to recover are now “same-day, in and out, or just overnight,” thanks to things like robotic surgery. At Niklaus’ Griffin Surgical Tower, for example, neurosurgeons are already using a device that produces 3D imaging of the brain in real-time, so that doctors can place implants or treat tumors with precision.

What excites Love even more than new surgical techniques is how technology is improving the patient experience. “These are children, not small adults,” he says, and they need a different level of attention. “Kids don’t want to be in the hospital. And so, it’s about using innovation and technology to make the experience as good as it can be.” Niklaus was one of the first hospitals to employ virtual reality headsets to create an imaginary world for the kids. Now they are using “immersive technology” that transforms the entire bay “into a fish aquarium, for example, so it feels like they’re in the water,” Love says. “And then you can change it, you can turn it into an outer space environment. It’s very, very comforting, both to the parent and to the child.”

As far as the use of AI, Love sees future benefits in the administrative side of health care, where the processing of paperwork and data can be streamlined and made more efficient, freeing up resources for the clinical side. “It’s about taking costs out of the system so that we can hire the best doctors and the best nurses,” he says. “I see a little bit on the clinical side, where [many] opportunities reside, but it’s also where the risk is going to be. How do we balance those AI tools? I haven’t yet seen how our insurance industry is going to respond to some of this, in terms of relying on AI tools versus people.” ■

MATT LOVE, CEO OF NIKLAUS CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL

“On World Famous Miracle Mile…”

Despite its ups and downs, Miracle Mile continues to shine

BY SALLY BAUMGARTNER

One of the most important components of any city, of almost any size, is a thriving downtown central business district. Coral Gables is no exception. But it didn’t happen by accident, and it was a long time coming.

Development in Coral Gables halted after the hurricane of 1926, followed by the Great Depression. When Merrick lost everything in 1932, he sold for 10 cents on the dollar. In that kind of market, the people who bought did so because it was real estate in the sunshine. They didn’t even live here year-round.

It wasn’t until after World War II that development resumed. By that time, there were 60 individual property owners holding title to the land along either side of Coral Way between Douglas and LeJeune Roads. One man who purchased more than a few

parcels from Merrick was another visionary (though blind), George K. Zain, and his tireless and determined wife Rebyl. A friend of Merrick, Zain felt strongly that to build Coral Gables into a world-class city it needed a world-class shopping district, but downtown Coral Gables had never had a cohesive plan. And so, in 1946, Zain unveiled his “Miracle Mile.” One of the keys to the future success of the street was the Zain Plan for Off-Street Parking. Considered revolutionary at the time, the Plan put the bulk of the parking behind the stores, with most stores also having dual access, and some street-front parking. The plan was patented and quickly adopted by Miami Beach for the development of their Lincoln Road shopping area (before the mall).

Early Miracle Mile was elegant and

high end, catering to the area’s winter residents. Like Worth Avenue in Palm Beach, many of the stores closed all summer and opened only after Labor Day. By 1960, the street boasted the likes of Elizabeth Arden, Lily Dache, Adrian ThaI, Hart Schaffner & Marx, Lillie Rubin, and 3 Sisters, along with department stores like Belk’s and Byron’s. The beautiful Wometco Miracle Theater opened, along with 110 fabulous stores beginning at Douglas Road and ending at the ever pricey 300 block abutting LeJeune.

The Zain’s determination built the street and brought quality merchants from New York, Chicago, and L.A. Under their guidance the street flourished, as did the rents and the property values. It became “World Famous Miracle Mile,” with musical jingles and unified advertising. Rents soared to $10

THE EARLY DEVELOPMENT OF MIRACLE MILE IN THE LATE 1940S

EARLY EVENING STROLL ON MIRACLE MILE, WITH THE MIRACLE

IN THE BACKGROUND

THEATRE

per front foot by 1960. That’s right, a front foot. If you had 16-feet of frontage on Miracle Mile, your rent was $160 a month. Triple net leases didn’t exist. That rent included everything except your electric bill and your telephone. Property owners paid the taxes out of the income from the rent. If you could buy it, land on the Mile sold for upwards of $150 an acre.

Then in the mid-’60s, malls began to spring up in the suburbs. Dadeland happened. The complexion of shopping changed forever, altering the future of Miracle Mile. By 1970, it was hard to recognize the street that Zain had so carefully developed. Elegant shops were replaced by mom-andpop stores and cheap chains. Vacancies were up and rents were down. Absentee property owners, weary of the ever-increasing taxes, started passing the costs back to the merchant. By the end of the decade, rents on Miracle Mile had increased to $15 a square foot, forcing many longtime shops owners to move off the street to stay in business. Miracle Mile had lost its luster; it was just another suburban shopping street, hardly a thriving downtown at all.

The real estate bubble of the late 1970s shattered what was left of the once elegant street. Close to 30 percent of the stores were vacant. By 1985, Miracle Mile needed to be reinvented; it needed a hook to stimulate retail business. Enter the bridal store. The brainchild of the city’s then new Economic Development Director Cathy Swanson, the bridal and new home market brought the Mile out of the doldrums. It became the cornerstone for the rebirth of the downtown. Today, young women the world over know Miracle Mile is where you come to outfit for

your wedding. And they do!

In the mid 1990s, the street was again in need of a new identity. Rents had been stagnating, hovering at the $20 mark. There were nearly two dozen thriving bridal stores, but other options needed to be defined and marketed. Big developers like Starwood Group, Rouse, and General Growth looked south and saw the opportunity to revitalize a downtown with the added benefit of grabbing a lot of good, valuable retail real estate for very little money. It was those same big developers who convinced the new generation of retailers to open in the City Beautiful. It was a perfect opportunity for Starbuck’s, Einstein’s, and Barnes & Noble to secure locations in what would soon become a hot market.

LEFT: IN THE LATE 1980S MIRACLE MILE SOUGHT TO REINVENT ITSELF WITH BRIDAL STORES, MAKING IT THE PLACE TO BE FOR WEDDING PLANNERS.

BELOW: IN 2016, MIRACLE MILE UNDERTOOK A STREET REMODELLING PROJECT TO PROVIDE WIDER SIDEWALKS FOR OUTDOOR SEATING AND TO ENCOURAGE PEOPLE TO LINGER.

What goes up has to come down. So it was with the retail market at the start of the new millennium. National chains pushed the rental rates on Miracle Mile to a new level. Many of the bridal stores disappeared and were replaced by restaurant chains such as Houston’s, California Pizza Kitchen, Seasons 52, and Benihana. The Mile became a dining destination, a pedestrian-friendly place to stroll and eat. Rents soared to a high of $70 a square foot net of expenses. Once again, small merchants feared they might have to move off the street to stay in business. All the stores on Miracle Mile were now rented triple net, a further indication of the metropolitan mindset of this new generation of property owner: the major corporation.

Then, in 2016, the city undertook the Streetscape remodeling project. At that time, business along Miracle Mile was chugging along nicely despite a narrow, increasingly ragged sidewalk. There were some vacancies but not enough to really impact the 650,000-square-feet of retail space that runs from Douglas (SW 37th Avenue) to LeJeune Roads (SW 42nd Avenue). But the two years of construction and disruption the project caused took its toll on many long-time tenants. Rental rates dropped significantly when the project continued past its expected completion date. A number of merchants were

unable to hang on and vacancies were not being filled for the two-plus years of renovations. Some landlords/owners realized that holding the tenant was more important than raising the rent and so retained tenants by working with them, often at a loss. The restaurants kept the street going. Yet when the Mile reopened with its new look, more than a quarter of the stores were vacant. However, after the completion of the multi-million-dollar facelift, there was a resurgence in the businesses along the street; in 2019, Miracle Mile welcomed 21 new tenants.

When COVID hit in 2020, all bets were off again. The costs to “sanitize” retail establishments and keep social distancing in practice placed an additional burden on retailers – more than a third of which were restaurants. From installing plexiglass screens, to the removal of 50 percent of their seats, and/or having specific “seating times” to keep the crowds and wait times lower, all had to revise their business plans. They were forced to raise their prices or reduce their overhead. Many added home deliveries in order to retain their skilled staff.

To keep the properties rented, owners got creative. Some reduced rents in the short-term and back-end-loaded the leases, extending the term to recoup their losses. Others renegotiated leases, doing percentage deals so that, as the business came back, so did the rental rates. There were as many permutations of deals as there were classes of tenants. Restaurants are not like fitness facilities, and bridal shops are not like electronics stores. Every tenant’s needs were unique and the landlords’ willingness to work through this difficult situation was the biggest factor

in the success of the street.

In 2022, a new challenger appeared: The Plaza Coral Gables. With 2.25 millionsquare-feet, including 447,000-square-feet of Class A office space and 161,000-squarefeet of retail, they played off the catchphrase, “just steps from the famed Miracle Mile, a new downtown Coral Gables is dawning.” Most were convinced that development would certainly impact Miracle Mile, its merchants, and its popularity. And it did so, but not necessarily in a negative way.

It was anticipated that the stores located at The Plaza would be high-end retailers, more in line with those found in the Shops at Merrick Park and the Design District. However, in the post-COVID world, major retail chains are in trouble. With the an-

nounced bankruptcy of Neiman Marcus, and the pending departure of Nordstrom’s, major department stores are not leasing space in Merrick Park or in The Plaza. Rather, the mix of tenants is now skewed towards restaurants, health and wellness boutiques and fitness salons. And the rents are “pricey,” well beyond what owners on Miracle Mile are asking for rent and what small, independent retailers are able to pay.

According to Co-Star’s 2024 Market Report, downtown Coral Gables now boasts 5.5 million-square-feet of retail. By the end of 2024, the city had an enviable vacancy rate of only 0.6 percent, with an average rental rate of $53 per square foot. There are still 650,000-square-feet of retail space on the street, with less than a dozen stores vacant and for rent. Property sales, which climbed as high as $500 per square foot pre-COVID, have dropped back to an average of $385 psf.

Despite the fact that the small merchant has become a victim of the rise of Amazon and prime delivery, offering instant product gratification without driving downtown and “shopping” to get what you need, Miracle Mile continues to develop into the next iteration for retail. There’s a Polestar auto dealership in the space that once housed Elizabeth Arden. The former EWM headquarters office at 375 Miracle Mile has become the trendy new hotspot for Mexican cuisine, Maiz y Agave. There is even a jazz night club that entertains well into the night. While the global future of retail may be in doubt, the future again looks bright for Miracle Mile. ■

ABOVE: THE CORNER OF MIRACLE MILE AND PONCE DE LEON IN 1950, AND SHOWN BELOW TODAY.

In Memory of

Mr. Coral Gables

In February, the City of Coral Gables was shocked by the unexpected passing of Mark A. Trowbridge, the CEO and president of the Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce. A man of exceptional talent, in the course of 20 years at the head of the Chamber he elevated that body to pre-eminent status statewide, along with creating a sense of community with events like Burgerlicious, the Businesswomen of the

An amazing and inspiring man is what I think of when I remember my dear friend Mark Trowbridge. His passion for his work and community was unsurpassed, but what truly made Mark special was his care and concern for those that were fortunate enough to call him a friend. He lifted up those around him. His love and vivaciousness for life was amazing, mixed with the perfect dose of sarcasm! I was honored to lead the Coral Gables Chamber alongside Mark in 2010-11 as Chairman of the Board and have considered him one of my favorite people ever since. Mister Coral Gables, as we knew him, leaves a lasting legacy for us all. The City of Coral Gables, the greater Miami community, and all those who knew him will forever be grateful and better for it!

Drew Kern

FORMER CHAIR, CORAL GABLES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Year, and the Chamber’s Wind Down Wednesdays. He was also among the most sought-after speakers and event hosts, where his quick wit and powerful voice won over crowds. And, of course, he was also a tireless promoter of small businesses in the Gables, for which he will be long remembered – and missed. We invited members of the community who knew him best to comment on our collective loss.

Mark was my dearest friend and “partner in crime.” We attended so many Coral Gables events and gatherings, like plays at Actors’ Playhouse, a cabana at the Biltmore pool, countless lunches and dinners, and traveled to NYC each year to catch Broadway shows. There wasn’t a person he didn’t know. He was the funniest person in the room and had so many interests, like The Children’s Trust, Seraphic Fire, Miami-Dade Libraries, New World School of the Arts, and SAVE Dade. But wanting to make the Coral Gables community better was always his number one priority. Mark was our community’s guiding light and made every one of us feel like he was our best friend. He always had a huge smile, an infectious laugh, and a big Chamber of Commerce “Welcome!” I’ll miss him terribly.

Sarah Artecona   FORMER CHAIR, CORAL GABLES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

MARK A. TROWBRIDGE (THIRD FROM RIGHT) WITH FORMER STAFF AT THE CORAL GABLES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

My last three words to Mark were “Good for you,” words many of us said as he courageously navigated his health journey. Ten minutes after that text, Mark called paramedics. I never thought I would be looking back at my friendship with Mark; no one did. Shifting my mind from denial to a place of fond memories is a huge challenge, and a work in progress. His friendship was grand, yummy, fun, deep, and loyal. We had countless calls, selfies, meals, laughs, adventures, and talks where we shared accomplishments and frustrations with one another. He remembered EVERYTHING, and that allowed us to enjoy the past almost as much as the present. I look back at those days with full gratitude for my friendship with Mark.

Andria Dickinson FORMER CHAIR, CORAL GABLES COMMUNITY FOUNDATION

I’ve always likened Mark’s zest and fervor to that of what we’ve all read of George Merrick’s personality. Like so many, Mark highly respected what the founder of our City Beautiful created in Coral Gables – and his love and appreciation for our community showed in everything he undertook.  Mark was steadfast and fiercely passionate in his pursuit to support the Gables’ growth in all arenas –from business development to charitable endeavors. He had a wonderful heart for people and relationships. Many referred to Mark as a “super host” – one of the most welcoming and exceedingly kind individuals. Yes, the city’s economic success was important to Mark; but all the more so was his focus on enhancing a community where residents and guests would enjoy each other’s company and flourish for generations to come. Mark was truly one of those friends who others would claim as a best friend.

Ron Shuffield

FORMER CHAIR, CORAL GABLES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

endless stories about Lincoln and Churchill as if he had been in the room when those events unfolded. His wit and engaging presence made him truly larger than life. During COVID, we created a virtual book club that met for an hour each month. Mark loved arranging these meetings, collaborating with authors, and working closely with his favorite bookseller, Mitch Kaplan from Books & Books. He thrived when immersed in creative projects, with ideas flowing effortlessly. Brilliant and irreverent, Mark was more than just an advocate for small businesses and all things Coral Gables; he was a cherished friend.

Sara Hernandez

FORMER CHAIR, CORAL GABLES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Mark Trowbridge was the heart and soul of Coral Gables, a leader whose larger-than-life presence and engaging personality uplifted the city. As president and CEO of the Chamber of Commerce,

There are so many things to be said about Mark A. Trowbridge. He was an amazing community builder who skillfully navigated the complexities of our world. A true history buff, Mark could share

SARA HERNANDEZ WITH MARK A. TROWBRIDGE

Mark didn’t just support the business community – he inspired it. Mark had a rare gift for seeing potential and turning dreams into reality. After reading my play, “Greetings from Paradise,” about early Miami and Coral Gables, he immediately wrapped his arms around it. Thanks to his vision and enthusiasm, opening night, April 29, is now the marquee event for both the City of Coral Gables and the Chamber’s Centennial Celebrations. He even auditioned for the role of Doc Dammers, Coral Gables’ first mayor – fitting, as Mark’s own charisma and passion mirrored Doc’s. His warmth, humor, and leadership made our city a better place. While we mourn his loss, we also celebrate the incredible legacy he leaves behind.

June Morris

PHILANTHROPIST

There are so many memories, but… the laughter we shared in NYC, dinner at Pastis with rosé and French fries, followed by singing our hearts out at Marie’s Crisis. The time we took a golf cart tour in the rain in D.C., the day he came to meet my son Henry the very day after I brought him home. Or the sweetest moment, when he came to meet my other son Finn, only two weeks old, and Mark was in chemo treatment so he couldn’t hold him. But he was there, making me laugh through those tough early days, bringing books for Finn to learn and discover everything the world has to offer. And that is the kind of friend that he was, always there when you needed with a smile and a twinkle of mischief in his eyes.

Francesca Madeo Valdes

FORMER BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST, CITY OF CORAL GABLES

his generous soul and deep wisdom will go on and on. Over the years, I must have talked with Mark hundreds of times; I cannot remember a single moment of disagreeableness. Nor do I remember anyone bringing more joy to any audience, any community or nonprofit gathering, or anyone at all. Mark and I shared a deep love for Mr. Lincoln, our mutual favorite President. Mark brought love and optimism to all of us. Surely, everyone was his friend. I am reminded again how quickly life can go. But love does not need to go. And his love and life will stay with us.

David Lawrence Jr.

FORMER MIAMI HERALD PUBLISHER AND CHAIR OF THE CHILDREN’S MOVEMENT OF FLORIDA

Mark Trowbridge found joy everywhere – in making this community ever more special through the Chamber, in wisdom for the Junior League, in cheering for the Gators, etc. The beneficiaries of

It is with a heavy heart that I say goodbye to my dear friend, Mark Trowbridge. Losing Mark is not just a loss for our community – it is a deeply personal loss for all of us who had the privilege of knowing him, working alongside him, and calling him a friend.

FRANCESCA MADEO VALDES WITH MARK A. TROWBRIDGE

One of the things I will miss most is our trips to Tallahassee. Those journeys weren’t just about work—they were filled with stories, jokes, and laughter that seemed to make time slow down. Mark had this incredible ability to turn even the most mundane moments into cherished memories. He made sure that no matter the setting, there was always room for a smile, a lighthearted story, or a moment of camaraderie that reminded us why we do what we do. He was also a hands-on leader.

One project we worked on together was the campaign to keep the downtown free of litter. His chamber organized repeated clean-up events that he participated in. I remember one night when we were both leaving an event at the Coral Gables Museum and came across trash in the swale. He grabbed a plastic trash bag from the museum and with his “Common, Mr. Mayor” cajoled me into cleaning up the litter with him.

On a bigger stage he was larger than life, in the best way possible. Everyone wanted him to MC their events, and with his bassoon voice and genius for quips he would disarm everybody in the room. His ability to connect people, to lift them up, was a rare and beautiful gift. Mark’s impact on the Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce, on this city, and on all of us who knew him will never fade.

Vince Lago

MAYOR, CITY OF CORAL GABLES

For almost 20 years, Mark was part of my work family. And when you spend more hours at work than home, your work family becomes part of your real family. He was infamous for his dry humor. He was unapologetically honest, had the memory of an elephant, and always kept me up to date on all the town gossip. Mark was always there when I needed advice or just needed to vent. I admired his commitment to Coral Gables- showing up to any and all meetings and events even when he felt under the weather. He loved the

city and always supported us no matter the consequences - and for that, I am eternally grateful. I still can’t believe you’re gone. RIP

Markster

Belkys Perez DIRECTOR, CORAL GABLES ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT

I would like to extend our deepest condolences on Mark’s passing. I will remember him for his leadership and commitment to shaping the business culture in Coral Gables, and for being an outstanding pillar of our community. Mark was a great friend to all, always lifting everyone’s spirits, and he will be very missed. My thoughts and prayers are with his family; may they please accept my heartfelt sympathies during this difficult time.

Eddie Cutillas VP, CORPORATE

Live Where Life is Beautiful

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In 1925, the same year Coral Gables was incorporated, a group of visionary women gathered with a shared love for gardening and a mission to enhance their city’s natural beauty. What began as a small gathering of horticultural enthusiasts has blossomed into a century-old institution dedicated to civic beautification, environmental education, and community engagement.

The club’s founding members were women with a passion for plants, conservation, and civic pride. Many were wives of men associated with George Merrick’s company, which developed the City of Coral Gables. Notably, its first president, Beatrice McKibbon, was married to Dr. William McKibbon, the city’s first health director. Among the early leaders were Eunice Peacock Merrick, wife of city founder George Merrick, and Althea Merrick, his mother. These pioneering women worked tirelessly to bring greenery and floral beauty to their young city, propagating plants and testing what flora would thrive in Coral Gables’ unique subtropical climate.

One of the club’s earliest contributions was its role in planting initiatives at local schools and public spaces, helping establish Coral Gables’ verdant streetscapes. Plant sales at the Venetian Pool and educational programs introduced residents to new landscape materials brought in by local nurseries.

A Century in Bloom

BY EMILY DE ARMAS AND SUSAN RODRIGUEZ

CIVIC BEAUTIFICATION

Throughout its history, the Coral Gables Garden Club has championed numerous civic projects. Among its most notable efforts is the Adopt an Entrance Project, launched in 1990 to design and construct three grand entryways into Coral Gables. Inspired by George Merrick’s vision, left unrealized due to the 1920s financial downturn, the club raised $1.3 million to fund these distinctive city gateways, including the iconic clock tower at Ponce and Eighth Street.

Another significant project was the commissioning of the George Merrick statue, unveiled in 2006 in front of City Hall. The club, led by Betsy Adams and historian Arva Parks, selected sculptor William Beckwith to create the 12-foot bronze statue, restoring a long-overdue tribute to the city’s founder. Similarly, the club honored its own legacy with the installation of a life-size statue of Althea Merrick in her beloved garden at the historic Merrick House in 2010. The club’s passion for conservation also

THE LEGACY OF THE CORAL GABLES GARDEN CLUB

led to the creation of the Butterfly Garden at the Coral Gables Library in 1998, a sanctuary for pollinators and a cherished community space. As part of its centennial celebration, the club is gifting the library a public art installation by renowned eco-artist Xavier Cortada.

CONSERVATION AND EDUCATION

Beyond beautification, the Coral Gables Garden Club has championed environmental awareness, supporting school pollinator gardens and leading restoration projects. Among

those is the Lamar Louise Curry Park, named after a former club member who bequeathed $200,000 for city beautification. Opened in 2022 near the Venetian Pool, the park showcases native plants, a tranquil pond, and a community library, fulfilling Ms. Curry’s vision of a peaceful retreat for residents.

The Garden Club has also played a pivotal role in mangrove restoration, raising and planting over 2,500 mangroves in Florida and the Caribbean. Spearheaded by Vice Mayor Rhonda Anderson, this initiative

OPPOSITE PAGE: THE GARDEN CLUB IN 2024 AND THE GARDEN CLUB OF 100 YEARS AGO.

TOP LEFT: CAMP MAHACHEE RESTORATIONS

MIDDLE LEFT: MANGROVE SEEDLINGS IN VICE MAYOR RHONDA ANDERSON’S DRIVEWAY

BOTTOM LEFT: THE GARDEN CLUB IN ACTION IN THE MACFARLANE DISTRICT GARDEN

has helped restore critical coastal habitats in partnership with the University of Miami and environmental groups.

Another major conservation effort is the Camp Mahachee Restoration Project, which began in 2021 and focuses on reclaiming native habitats lost to invasive species at the 11-acre Girl Scout camp on Old Cutler Road. The club contributed $30,000 for a pollinator garden and restoration efforts, which, combined with a federal grant, is transforming the camp into a ecological haven.

The Garden Club also has a rich history of engaging with the community through programs like Garden Therapy, which dates to the 1940s. During World War II, members provided floral arrangements for hospitalized veterans at the Biltmore Hotel, then a military hospital. Today, the club continues this tradition, working with the Riviera Rehabilitation Center and Crystal Academy to share the joy of gardening.

The club also supports the next generation of environmental stewards through scholarships in natural sciences, offering up to $5,000 for students studying horticulture, conservation, or related fields. Additionally, it has been a longtime advocate for Arbor Day, instrumental in Coral Gables being designated a Tree City USA in 1985. Another meaningful initiative is the Blue Star Memorial, dedicated in 2019 at the War Memorial Youth Center to honor U.S. military service members. The club continues to maintain and decorate the site on Veterans Day.

As the Coral Gables Garden Club embarks on its second century, its dedication to conservation, education, and beautification remains unwavering. Centennial celebrations, including a highly successful Home and Garden Tour and events at the Merrick House, honor the club’s rich history while paving the way for future projects, such as expanding pollinator gardens in schools. What began as a modest gathering of gardeners in 1925 has blossomed into a powerful force for civic pride and environmental advocacy. ■

A Man with a Plan

CORAL GABLES FOUNDER GEORGE MERRICK ENVISIONED THE CITY AS A SCENIC SUBURB, BASED ON PREVAILING “GARDEN CITY” PRECEPTS – AND A REVERENCE FOR MEDITERRANEAN REVIVAL ARCHITECTURE

BY BRUCE FITZGERALD AND KARELIA MARTINEZ CARBONELL. PHOTOS BY STEVEN BROOKE

Twenty-five years into the 20th century, Florida real estate developer George Merrick rode the national wave of optimism following the end of WWI and achieved his long-standing goal of creating a new resort destination in the heart of the American tropics. Coral Gables was on the map.

Merrick was not alone among the country’s developers in seeing opportunity in the creation of new places to live, work, and play. Similar projects were in the making in South Florida, and in Tuxedo Park and Forest Hills Gardens in New York, and Shaker Heights in Ohio. All contained discreet zones of functionality (residential, commercial, civic, industrial, etc.), and were notably distinguished by the integration of

new construction with the natural environment. In Coral Gables, this resulted in an abundance of public parks, waterways, and generously landscaped streets and sidewalks, imparting a foundational “green” identity to the city that continues to this day.

Mr. Merrick took a team approach to planning and building Coral Gables. Architects, artisans, landscapers, investors, and residents all had a voice in creating someplace out of no place, adapting traditional building styles to the torrid climate of the southernmost tip of the U.S. mainland. In the end, a little South Florida town with no beach to speak of rose to the occasion and became a place that people are still talking about today, 100 years later. ■

Shaker Heights, Ohio: The Town That Inspired Coral Gables

George Merrick took inspiration where he could find it. One such place was Shaker Heights, the first garden-style community in Ohio, 75 percent of which is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Developed in the early 20th century by the Van Sweringen brothers, Shaker Heights was part of the Garden City movement, with street names taken from an old English postal directory. Homes in the city were designed within one of three sanctioned styles: English, French, or Colonial. In Coral Gables, as in Shaker Heights, such guidelines were all part of the plan.

DE SOTO FOUNTAIN (1925) OPPOSITE

A monumental fountain designed by Denman Fink graces the intersection of Granada Boulevard, De Soto Boulevard, and Sevilla Avenue just blocks from the Biltmore Hotel.

ALHAMBRA WATER TOWER (1923) ABOVE

Essential city services were sometimes concealed behind or within structures that were designed to appear more like something they weren’t – in this case, like a lighthouse!

GRANADA ENTRANCE (1922) TOP RIGHT

The first of four entrances designed by Denman Fink and Frank Button (here with Phineas Paist and Walter DeGarmo), this structure was built entirely of coral rock.

FINK STUDIO (1925) ABOVE RIGHT

Modest in size yet elegant in the use of Gothic window details, setbacks, and varied rooflines. Fink’s studio epitomizes the city’s composite approach to urban design.

CORAL GABLES ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (1923) RIGHT

When it opened in the fall of 1923, the school had 39 pupils and one teacher, all guided by Merrick’s belief that “beautiful things inspire higher ideals in the minds of children.”

THE MERRICK HOUSE (1910) BOTTOM RIGHT

The “first family’s” home exemplifies the city’s early adoption (and subsequent adaptation) of prevailing U.S. architectural styles using local (and more readily available) building materials.

Evensky & Katz/Foldes 40th Anniversary

On February 20, Evensky & Katz/Foldes Wealth Management celebrated its 40th anniversary with a party marking its continued growth and commitment to the Coral Gables community. The celebration also aligned with the grand opening of the wealth management firm’s newly expanded offices at 4000 Ponce de Leon. The firm specializes in financial planning and goals-based investment management under the leadership of founders Steven Foldes, Deena B. Katz, and Harold R. Evensky.

6. Scott Kaplan, Igor Shteyrenberg, David Evensky, Debbie Brodie-Weiss, Steve Foldes

1. David Evensky, Brett Horowitz, Michael Mowatt, Joe Jackson, Max Skylar

2. Rhonda Anderson, Rabbi Yossi Harlig, Steve Foldes, Matt McGrath, Lane Jones, Vince Lago, David Evensky, Amy Donner

3. Monica Vigues-Pitan, Marcos A Segrera, Vanessa Bandrich, Alejandro Ruiz

4. Chad Bernstein, Marcos Segrera, Bob Bernstein

5. Gale Nelson, David Evensky, Vince Lago

7. Rabbi Yossi Harlig, David Evensky, Elina Preshong, Steve Foldes

PAWS4you’s Mardi PAWS!

The 2025 gala brought the South Florida community together to raise funds for the beloved pet rescue PAWS4you hosted its annual gala last month, and nearly 200 distinguished guests attended the Mardi PAWSthemed event. Special guests included Ron and Rita Magill, Katherine Fernandez-Rundle, and Jacey Birch from Channel 10. The glamorous affair featured lively entertainment, gourmet dining provided by Mena

Catering, and exciting auctions, raising funds to provide essential medical care, shelter, and adoption services for animals in need. This year’s gala also honored Mallow the Frenchie, the Instagram-famous pup devoted to rescuing his pet friends in need of loving homes. The event took place at the Cruz Building in Coconut Grove. Next year we expect it to be held in the Gables, but so long as they are raising dollars for doggies in distress…

2. Guest of Honor: Mallow the Frenchie, with 66,000 Instagram followers

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1. Photo L to R: Kathy Cowan, Susan Keely, Annie Santisteban, Lois Rusell, Joyce Roseman, Carol Caridad, Ann Rubino

Meandering Around Town #21

AN ADVENTURE IN WHICH A FORMER MAYOR CONTINUES TO SEEK THE “SOUL” OF HIS HOMETOWN.

BY DON SLESNICK

When Coral Gables was born a century ago, its father, George Merrick, strongly believed that the foundation of an ideal community should have five principal elements: God (his own Congregational Church and the Roman Catholic Church “Little Flower”), education (Coral Gables Elementary and the University of Miami), elegant Mediterranean-styled residential housing, welcoming tourist accommodations and attractions (The Biltmore Hotel and Tahiti Beach), and recreation (Venetian Pool and the Golf and Country Club). So, in celebration of our city’s centennial celebration, I am rambling along Ponce de Leon Boulevard to visit our first public educational facility: Coral Gables Elementary School (now “Preparatory Academy”).

In 1923, two years before the incorporation of our municipality, Merrick sold the site on Ponce for $10,000 to the Dade County Board of Public Instruction to construct a grammar school to meet the needs of new residents. By 1925, as the building reached completion, there were 1,000 students enrolled. The western wing of the building contains one of the finest (and recently restored) auditoriums of any school in Miami-Dade County. The Ponce-facing facade’s bayed and arched portico creates a most dramatic Mediterranean entryway, while the original 1923, more modest (but elegant) entrance faces Minorca Avenue. There are two large open-air courtyards surrounded by classrooms opening onto classical colonnades. Few South Florida school buildings were as beautifully rendered as our own classical architectural jewel. While an important asset to the fledgling Gables community 100 years ago, and the place where many of

our city’s pioneer families were educated, it continues to be a critical component of the lives of our residents. “During its long and storied history, the school has provided thousands of children with a solid educational foundation. Teachers have devoted their entire careers to these students,” says current principal Jeanette Sierra. “Throughout the 100 years of its existence, the former and current faculty and staff members have remained dedicated to Mr. Merrick’s vision by continuing to pursue and celebrate excellence – every day!”

I think that we have certainly found a critical component of the City’s soul. Go Eagles (originally the “Flamingoes”)! ■

This column appears monthly by Don Slesnick, who served as mayor of Coral Gables from 2001 to 2011. For suggestions on where he should next meander in search of the city’s soul, email to: donslesnick@scllp.com.

The Biltmore: Then & Now

BY KYLIE WANG

It’s January 1926 and Henry Flagler’s new railroad is packed with people from New York, dressed in their finest for the 36-hour train ride. There are celebrities and socialites, businessmen and politicians, dignitaries and aristocrats, and they’re all going to the same place: George Merrick’s new Biltmore Miami Hotel. The hotel, modeled after a Spanish castle, features an Olympic-size swimming pool, 20 tennis courts, a bell tower inspired by Sevilla’s Giralda Tower, two Donald Ross-designed 18-hole golf courses, Italian gondoliers and gondolas that will carry the soon-to-arrive guests to the nearby Tahiti Beach, and over 400 rooms for the who’s who of America arriving on “the Miami-Biltmore Special” train.

Over the next few months, guests will continue to pack the hotel, which serves as the epicenter of the fledgling City of Coral Gables. Bathing beauties will compete in swimming and fashion shows, alligator wrestlers will delight guests with jaw-dropping stunts, former Secretary of State William Jennings Bryan will sell city lots to prospective homeowners from the lawn, and the famed Johnny Weissmuller, who first played “Tarzan” and won five Olympic gold medals, will even serve as the hotel’s first lifeguard and swimming instructor.

But then comes the Hurricane of 1926, the Great Depression, and World War II – and millionaire owner Henry Latham Doherty’s death. In 1942, the hotel is closed and sold to the U.S. Military for $895,000. George Merrick dies – some say of a broken heart, as his city and its crowning jewel falter. The military eventually transforms the hotel into Pratt General Hospital, a VA hospital for veterans, and the expensive European furnishings are carelessly thrown onto the street. In 1968, a modern hospital is built in Downtown Miami and the once-glorious hotel is abandoned.

The story of the Biltmore Hotel’s saving is a long one we’ll tell another time, but suffice to say, it was saved; first, by Coral Gables Mayor Keith Phillips II in 1973, who wrote to President Nixon to request that the building be returned to the City of Coral Gables; then, by Mayor Dorothy Thomson in 1980, when she cast the deciding vote to save the hotel from the wrecking ball and restore

OPPOSITE: THE BILTMORE TODAY, THE CROWN JEWEL OF CORAL GABLES, AND BELOW, THE BILTMORE IN 1926, STILL UNDER UNDER CONSTRUCTION JUST BEFORE IT OPENED.

TOP LEFT: THE WEST LOUNGE IN 1926, DECORATED IN THE STYLE OF THE PERIOD.

TOP RIGHT: THE POPULAR TEA PARTY WHERE GUESTS DANCED OUTSIDE UNTIL THE EVENING

ABOVE LEFT: PEOPLE TAKING A RELAXING GONDOLA RIDE ALONG THE CORAL GABLES WATERWAY IN 1926.

ABOVE RIGHT: THE SWIMMING POOL REMAINS ONE OF THE LARGEST IN THE COUNTRY AT 23,000-SQUARE-FEET.

THE BILTMORE HOTEL

1200 ANASTASIA AVE.

855.311.6903

it; and finally, by Seaway Corporation’s Gene Prescott and Bob Kay in 1987, when they took over the hotel’s management from the now-bankrupt Biltmore Corporation and managed to keep the lights on despite Hurricane Andrew’s arrival less than a month before the hotel was scheduled to re-open.

Today, the Biltmore is still Coral Gables’ crowning jewel. The swimming pool, once half-filled to provide exercise space for recovering veterans during the hotel’s hospital years, is still one of the largest in the country at over 23,000-square-feet. The golf course – now there is only one, as the other belongs to Riviera Country Club – is home to the top golf school in America, Jim McLean. The gondolas

and gondoliers have disappeared, as has Tahiti Beach (now the ritzy Cocoplum neighborhood), but plans to restore the historic Gondola Building are in the works. There are no more mounted fox hunts, though the ancestors of those imported foxes still survive in Coral Gables to this day. And, most importantly, there are still guests –thousands of whom walk through the Biltmore’s doors each year.

On a recent night we spent there, we had dinner at the newly remodeled Fairways restaurant (formerly The 19th Hole) right off the golf course. We delighted in the sunset view, conversing over cocktails and steak as the sky darkened and the final golfers returned in their carts. We even received a special token for the secret speakeasy –though we can’t tell you where it is or how to get in, as we were sworn to secrecy. And, come nightfall, we returned to our room to order dessert and a nightcap, which we enjoyed on our balcony overlooking the 600,000-gallon pool, now bereft of tourists. (We saw no ghosts, though we did not visit the infamous 13th floor.)

The magic of the Biltmore is not just in its Roaring 20s aesthetic, but in its enduring spirit. It has survived two major hurricanes, 17 years of abandonment, a $100 million restoration, and myriad openings and closings. Walking its grounds, you can see history come alive, from the old diving board that now functions as a waterfall, to the coral rock fountain outside the pool, made from real coral (now illegal to harvest in Florida). In the ballrooms, the balconies where jazz musicians once played for their uninhibited guests still stand. In the lobby, mahogany cages that hold chirping finches replicate the old chandeliers hanging overhead. And if you look up, you’ll see where the hotel has attempted to replicate the night sky – the same stars guests would’ve tilted their heads to see in 1926. ■

76 of the Best Restaurants

THE DINING GUIDE

April 2025

Each month we publish a select list of restaurants that we recommend for our readers. We cannot, of course, include the Top 100 each month, so this month we are featuring 65 of the best in the categories of American, Asian, French, Italian, and Steak Houses. Next month we will look at the best of Latin American, Mediterranean, Seafood, and Spanish restaurants, as well as Pubs & Cafes – along with some of our other perennial favorites.

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

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

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

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

Prices are per person for appetizer and entrée, without tax, tip, or drinks. Prices are approximations.

Bachour

Chef Antonio Bachour was lured to the Gables by developer Armando Codina after winning the award for best pastry chef in the world. But this airy, industrial chic spot has become much mor, including the best power breakfast place in town, with amazingly good eggs benedict and challah French toast. Also open for lunch and an early dinner, with great Greek salad and roast chicken breast. 2020 Salzedo St. 305.203.0552 $$

Beauty and the Butcher

Michelin-starred Chef Jeremy Ford is no longer with Beauty & The Butcher, but Chef de Cuisine Jeremy Kermisch has proven himself an able replacement. The highlight here is still the Australian Wagyu beef, either as a filet or top sirloin, but the smoked lamb Denver ribs glazed by date honey BBQ sauce, with sides of pineapple jicama slaw and polenta bravas, is a real contender. 6915 Red Rd. 305.665.9661 $$$-$$$$

Capital Burger

Lots of buzz surrounded this addition to Miracle Mile, filling the spot formerly occupied by California Pizza Kitchen. Owned by the same folks as The Capital Grille, this upscale burger joint delves into gourmet cuisine with signature burgers, boozy milkshakes, and craft cocktails. 300 Miracle Mile. 786.437.3741 $$

Cascade Pool Café

Handheld snacks and salads make up most of the menu here, with some nice entrees like a great poke bowl, turkey Cobb salad and a Caribbean grilled snapper. If you’re eating poolside,

you’re probably more interested in the drinks though – of which there are many, including some frozen. 1200 Anastasia Ave. (The Biltmore Hotel) 305.445.1926 $$

Cebada Rooftop & Raw Bar

It’s hard to pigeonhole this rooftop restaurant by Chef Jorge Ramos (fresh from his acclaimed Barley restaurant in Dadeland). He calls it “contemporary American with a Latin overlay” which means roast bone marrow with salsa verde and baby back ribs with pimiento marmalade. A good raw bar, a great view. 124 Giralda Ave. 786.409.2287 $$-$$$

Doc B’s Restaurant + Bar

Doc B’s Restaurant + Bar serves crave-able American fare dishes made from scratch daily. Offering brunch, lunch, dinner, and a solid happy hour, signature dishes include the Wok Out Bowls. But our favorites are the candied bacon, the oven-roasted chicken wings, and the Southern fried chicken. 301 Miracle Mile 786.864.1220 $$

Eating House

Chef Giorgio Rapicavoli’s maiden

Coral Gables restaurant returned with fanfare after closing in the summer of 2021, this time on Giralda Plaza. Serving brunch, dinner, and a new lunch menu, the food here is an exciting stretch of the palate – like roasted Brussels sprouts with green goddess dressing. Try their prix fixe tasting menus. 128 Giralda Ave. 786.580.3745 $$-$$$

Emmy Squared

This Detroit-style pizza spot is the first of its kind in the Gables, featuring rectangular pan pizzas with thick, crispy crusts. We love the VIP, which is topped with crispy slices of pepperoni, spicy Calabrian chiles, and parsley pesto, and features a sesame seed crust and a homemade vodka sauce base. There’s also an award-winning burger! 230 Miracle Mile. 786.607.3669 $$

FAIRWAYS

Though the food is great, and the drinks even more so, it’s the ambience

and the views that wow at this golfer’s paradise by the Biltmore Hotel’s golf course. Sunset views of the course and a beautiful outdoor patio pair with an airy interior – plus the best BLT in Miami. All-day breakfast items are a huge plus. 1200 Anastasia Ave. (The Biltmore Hotel). 305.445.8066. $$

The Globe

The Globe is a Gables icon, and one of the coolest places to eat in the city –assuming you like a smart, Euro-style bistro. Decorated with classic paintings (and globes over their old-world bar), the menu is mostly American dishes – salads, burgers, fish, steaks, etc. – perfected over the years. Best conch fritters. 377 Alhambra Circle 305.445.3555 $$

Hillstone

There are very few restaurants in the Gables where clients will wait in a line outside. Hillstone is one of them. A power lunch spot, a happy hour singles anchor, and a family restaurant at night, the food and service are consistently top notch, with an elegant interior that is both comfortable and sophisticated at the same time. 201 Miracle Mile. 305.529.0141 $$$

John Martin’s

The venerable pub that closed during COVID has returned, updated as a “21st century” Irish pub. This means a bright new bar and lots of light from floor-to-ceiling windows. Along with the new look is a significantly upgraded menu, with things like Guinness-glazed meatballs and duck flatbread added to the Shepherd’s pie. 253 Miracle Mile. 305.209.0609 $$-$$$

PINCHO

One of the best fast-casual burger spots in town, with consistently interesting Latin-focused menu items like burger buns made from fried plantains and ketchup with guava. Great kabobs as well and the meat is highly awarded. 30 Giralda Ave. 305.446.5666. $$

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 a nice touch. It’s a chain, but we forgive them. 321 Miracle Mile 305.442.8552 $$

Tap 42

Tap 42 is big, noisy, and fun, with a huge island bar and lots of booths. Reliably good ribs, steaks, and burgers, and it 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) and a good happy hour. 301 Giralda Ave. 786.391.1566 $$-$$$

The Collab

When we first heard Chef Niven Patel was leaving his two concepts at the THesis Hotel, Orno and Mamey, we were despondent. But we’re happy to report that Orno’s replacement, Chef Nicolas Mazier’s The Collab, is a gastronomic success. We love the beef tartare, served on bite-sized pieces of crispy bao buns and combined with black garlic aioli, pickled mustard seeds, chives, and an onion jam that elevates the beef to culinary heaven. 1350 S Dixie Hwy. (THesis Hotel). 305.667.6766. $$$

Vinya Table

A wine lover’s retreat and former popup, Vinya is a full restaurant with seafood, pasta, charcuterie, and a 42-ounce tomahawk steak, among other meats. But if you’re not looking at the wine list first, you might be in the wrong place. Categorized by region, rarity, price, flavor profile, winemaking, and varietal, Vinya has wines for every kind of sommelier wannabe and then some. 266 Miracle Mile. 305.203.4229 $$-$$$

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 interspersed. Literally something for

Congratulations to The City Beautiful as we commemorate and celebrate a century of rich history. The Biltmore is proud to be the iconic epicenter of one of America’s first planned cities. Here’s to another 100 great years.

everyone, and great selection of beer on tap and bottled. 320 San Lorenzo Ave. 305.447.9273 $$

ASIAN

Benihana

There’s nowhere else in Coral Gables where you can see an onion volcano made at your table, and that kind of showmanship is why we can’t help but love Benihana. Great place for a kid’s birthday – or just to have some fun –with hibachi steak and teriyaki chicken. 242 Miracle Mile. 305.567.2000. $$-$$$

Canton

Why there are not more Chinese restaurants in the Gables remains a mystery, but Canton has been serving reliably good Cantonese-style food for decades. Feels like you are in New York’s Chinatown, with sweet and sour pork, chicken chop suey, barbecue spareribs, and wonton soup. Plus, good lunch deals. 2614 Ponce de Leon Blvd. 305.448.3736 $$

Ichimi

This off-Mile eatery has developed a cult following, with diners content to stand in line and stare just for the opportunity to eat Ichimi’s ramen 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. Pro tip: try the scallion pancake. 2330 Salzedo St. 305.960.7016 $-$$

KAO Sushi & Grill

Not sure of the vibe here – the décor inside feels oddly like you’re in Las Vegas – but the outside seating on the Mile is quite nice. Menu-wise, there are specialty rolls with an interesting Peruvian spin that includes a wide selection of ceviche, along with empanadas and chorizo. 127 Miracle Mile. 786.864.1212 $$

Khaosan Road

Formerly Bangkok, Bangkok, this Giralda Plaza mainstay – with plenty of outdoor tables – has reinvented itself as the new home for Thai street food. Think you know Thai food? Be prepared for new and delicious tastes, from curry street sausage to the best crispy duck. 157 Giralda Plaza. 305.444.2397 $$

Kojin 2.0

There must be something in the air at 804 Ponce de Leon, the spot which formerly hosted Chef Giorgio Rapicavoli’s Eating House and Chef Michael Bolen’s Lion & The Rambler. Today, the address belongs to Kojin 2.0, where you can find twice-cooked chicken, scallops with white bean sauce and pork, and a Japanese take on the traditional chicken sandwich. Tasting menus from $85-plus with constantly changing ingredients. 804 Ponce de Leon. 786.747.1404 $$$

Su Shin 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 – a much deeper take on Japanese food than just sushi and rolls. 159 Aragon Ave. 305.445.2584 $$

Mai Sushi Tapas & Bar

A large portion of the menu here is on sticks, a variety of skewers and sushi pintxos inspired by the Spanish bar snacks but reinvented to spotlight sea ingredients like freshwater eel, sea urchin, and octopus. And as the name suggests, there’s sashimi – both traditional and elevated – and beverages made with shochu, the distilled Japanese spirit. 98 Miracle Mile. 206.696.0674 $$-$$$

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. And they can really spice it up. 90 Miracle Mile 786.558.4862 $$

Moon Thai & Japanese

Can’t decide between Japanese or Thai food? No problem. Here, you can have a Japanese house salad or miso soup as an appetizer and Pad Thai as an entrée. Truly the best of both worlds. Comfy booths inside and umbrella-covered outdoor tables. Across the street from UM. 1118 S. Dixie Hwy. 305.668.9890 $$

Namaste

Hidden on a side street off Ponce, the last standing Indian restaurant in the Gables is small and humble (“namaste” means “I bow to you”) yet superb in its rendering of classic Indian dishes, from tandoris to biryanis. Our favorite is the mango curry chicken, followed by the chef’s special black pepper shrimp. 221 Navarre Ave. 786.534.2161 $$

Osumi

Offering elevated Japanese-American fusion cuisine with a Latin flair, this cocktail and sushi bar pulls out all the stops to cater to Gableites, from its sophisticated low-light ambiance to its signature drinks by mixology masters from Café La Trova. The star here is the Tuna Sumibiyaki ($22), made up of thin slices of tuna laid in a creamy sesame sauce and topped with Asian pear and cassava chips.110 Giralda Ave. 786.452.9902. $$$

Sakura Japanese

A vast menu for rolls, along with selections of noodles, yakitori, katsu, tempura, teriyaki, etc. But they serve some of the best sushi and sashimi

in town, if raw fish is your thing. We also love their seating – a half dozen alcoves that line the walls and provide a sense of private space. 440 S Dixie Hwy. 305.665.7020 $$

Sawa

Delicious take on Japanese flavors served in parallel with Lebanese Mediterranean, Sawa offers seating inside or outside at the Shops 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. Also has a doggy menu and late-night happy hour. 360 San Lorenzo Ave. (Shops at Merrick Park) 305.447.6555 $$$

SHINGO

If you’re looking for a luxurious experience, consider the omakase menu at Coral Gables’ first Michelin-starred restaurant. Located in the historic La Palma building, the restaurant is the brainchild of now twice-starred Chef Shingo Akikuni, previously of Hidden in Wynwood. Every element of the restaurant is carefully curated, from the pristine 14-seat table to how each course is served. 112 Alhambra Circle. shingomiami.com. $$$$

Sushi Maki

Flagship of the Ng family food empire, Sushi Maki has some of the best sushi service anywhere, albeit in an unsophisticated space. No matter. Good prices, fresh fish and some over the top desserts to balance all that protein – like deep fried oreos. 2335 Ponce de Leon Blvd. 305.443.1884. $$

Zitz Sum

Brought to you by Chef Pablo Zitzmann of No Name Chinese fame, this “pop up” dinner restaurant off the huge lobby of the 396 Building is here to stay. The result of a year-long pandemic dive into dim sum by Zitzmann, the dumplings, hand-rolled daily, are superb. Other menu items are highly inventive and flavorful. 396 Alhambra Circle. 786.409.6920 $$-$$$

FRENCH

Bouchon Bistro

Michelin-starred Chef Thomas Keller is considered one of the top masters of French cuisine in the country, which he proves with aplomb at his latest venture into traditional French fare. With romantic courtyard seating outside at the restored La Palma Hotel and an elegant interior, to sup in Bouchon is to dine in late 19th century Paris. Try the Poulet Roti and the rainbow trout. 2101 Galiano St. 305.990.1360 $$$-$$$$

Chocolate Fashion

Known primarily for its baked goods – in particular anything made with chocolate, including the best chocolate cakes anywhere in the Gables – it also

serves up good basic French fare, with a couple of cute tables streetside. Good coffee as well, and an excellent place to break croissant for breakfast. 248 Andalusia Ave. 305.461.3200 $$

Frenchie’s Diner

A little on the pricey side, but really good bistro style dishes served from a new blackboard selection daily. Among our favorites here is the roast chicken, the sauteed trout and the bucket of mussels served with French fries. Sacre bleu! 2618 Galiano St. 305.442.4554 $$-$$$

Pascal’s

on Ponce

Chef Pascal Oudin has been at his craft for several decades, and no one does better with haute French cuisine. His food is the stuff of legend, done old school style in a way that would make Julia Child jealous. His chocolate souffles are beyond compare and the good news is that they are now open for lunch. Great place of a special date. 2611 Ponce de Leon 305.444.2024 $$$-$$$$

Stephanie’s Crepes

It is a small, humble place off the mile, though nicely done with lots of woodwork. Their specialty is, of course, crepes, but done as a roll, sort of like a French ice cream cone but with sweet or savory fillings. Our favorite: Brie cheese with apple and walnut. The dulce de leche pistachio isn’t bad either. 2423 Galiano St. 786.402.1732 $

Sweet Paris

The new home for that quintessentially French phenomenon: the crepe. And they have all the varieties here, from the savory chicken, ham, turkey, and salmon – even a Philly cheesesteak – to the sweet dessert crepes such as Nutella, dulce de leche, and our favorite: lemon with whipped butter and a dusting of vanilla bean sugar. You can also get salads (goat cheese!) and paninis, all in a bright, open setting. 3005 Ponce de Leon Blvd. (The Plaza Coral Gables). 786.360-3519 $$

Tartine

Tartine in Coral Gables welcomes you with the same clean, modern ambiance as Gustave, the French restaurant it replaced. Rather than attempt to woo diners with a complex menu of haute French cuisine, as did Gustave, Tartine keeps it simpler, providing an inviting spot for excellent coffee and pastries, along with salads and sandwiches, in the tradition of a French café. 366 Miracle Mile $

ITALIAN

With so many Italian restaurants in Coral Gables, it’s incredible how hard it is to find a good slice of pizza. But 450 Gradi’s pizzas are wonderfully inventive and deliciously layered, fea-

turing ingredients like Italian buffalo cheese, basil pesto, pork cheek, and truffle cream. Under the direction of Chef Antonio, dishes like the branzino, veal, and salmon filet are equally full of panache. 130 Miracle Mile #101. 786.391.1276 $$$

Bugatti

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 lots of booths, and the service is crisp and superb, with most of the staff having worked here for over a decade. The dinner menu is straightforward, with pasta dishes under $20 and entrees under $30. And 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. Abbracci is quiet and elegant, and the food is so consistently good that Pernetti had to publish his own cookbook. Plus, unique sound dampers mean you can always be heard. 318 Aragon Ave. 305.441.0700 $$$

Caffe Vialetto

Not a huge menu, but when it comes to risotto, pappardelle, fettuccini, and ravioli, they do it right. And we love

their Wednesday and Thursday “family” dinners for $100, with lots of great dishes, that serve four or five diners. Reservations required, always full. 4019 Le Jeune Rd. 305.446.5659 $$$

Fiola

Brought to you by Washington, D.C.

Chef Fabio Trabocchi, this is fine dining at its finest. 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, sea scallops ceviche, and the signature lobster ravioli. Beautiful presentations. 1500 San Ignacio Ave. 305.912.2639 $$$$

The ambiance 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 homemade pasta. Excellent seafood. One of the most romantic restaurants in the Gables. 1200 Anastasia Ave. (Biltmore Hotel) 305.913.3200 $$$

Fugato

They will tell you they serve “continental” fusion cuisine, and yes, there is a touch of French and Spanish cooking here. But the chicken Florentine, ravioli aragosta, ravioli zucca, golden calamari,

and veal ossobuco say otherwise. Well-prepared dishes in an intimate setting make this a romantic choice. 325 Alcazar Ave. 786.420.2910 $$$-$$$$

Fratellino

Small, family-run, with a fanatically loyal fan base and 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, as is the fettuccine with prosciutto, mushrooms, and green peas. 264 Miracle Mile. 786.452.0068 $$$

Il Duomo Dei Sapori

Yet another entry into Coral Gables’ spate of Italian eateries, Il Duomo Dei Sapori appears to have simply materialized as a fully formed fine dining restaurant on Ponce. Our favorite here is the chicche di patate al tartufo ($35), which is code for “creamy gnocchi with truffle.” Excellent cuisine. 2312 Ponce de Leon. 305.381.5604 $$$-$$$$

La Terrazza

The showstoppers here, at Fiola’s reinvented rooftop bar, are the fish and meat. The one-pound Margaret River New York Strip is an Australian Wagyu of exceptional flavor, rich and easily shared by a party of four. The fish is painted with an Adriatic blend of herbs in oil, like herb butter but less fatty, which lets the skin crisp to a sweet wafer that compliments the moist morsels of fish. Yum. 1500 San

Ignacio Ave. 305.912.2639 $$$-$$$$

Luca Osteria

An Italian fine dining spot by local celebrity Chef Giorgio Rapicavoli (Eating House), Luca Osteria is a reservation-only hit for dinner on Giralda Plaza. Rapicavoli’s inventive take on classic Italian food is fresh and new; the pasta al limone and mortadella toast with fig balsamic are just the beginning. Great Italian cocktails. 116 Giralda Ave. 305.381.5097 $$$-$$$$

Portosole

When they bring the pecorino cheese wheel to the table to toss your pasta, you’re in heaven. Short of that, they do a fine job with the fritto misto, a mixture of calamari, shrimp, filet of sole, tiny artichokes, and zucchini, all lightly fried. Equally appetizing is the fresh burrata with heirloom tomatoes, a deceptively simple salad of tomato and burrata cheese. 2530 Ponce de Leon Blvd. 786.359.4275 $$$

Salumeria 104

Trattoria-style Salumeria is now two years old, with a loyal clientele, especially at lunchtime. Partly, that is because the food and ambience is authentically Northern Italian and rustic. It may also be thanks to their inventive pastas, and sandwiches of artisan cured meats, always fresh and flavorful. Those sliced salumi meats are buono! 117 Miracle Mile. 305.640.5547 $$

We pay tribute to the vision, ambition, and legacy that shaped the City

Doc Dammers auctioning lots in Twelfth Street Manors . HistoryMiami/Matlack Collection 1922 February 13

PHOTO

Terre Del Sapore

Terre started out as primarily a pizza place, and their Neapolitan style pizza – cooked in a massive wood-burning over – won the Best Pizza in the Gables from Coral Gables Magazine. Now they have expanded to include a signature osso Bucco, along with an array of pasta dishes. Nice seating outside as well. 246 Giralda Ave. 786.870.5955 $$

The brainchild of Lucio Zanon and his son Sebastiano — who previously launched Portosole — Tullio is Italian cuisine with a northern Venetian sensibility, a focus on seafood, and some very inventive pasta dishes. The fish is exceptionally fresh, the branzino flown in from the waters of Italy, the shrimp from the waters of Argentina, and the lobster from the waters of Maine. Winner of Coral Gables Best Fine Dining 2024 award, always a table-side show of impeccable hospitality. 2525 Ponce de Leon. 305.926.4208

$$$-$$$$

Located at the elegant St. Michel hotel, this is a star in the galaxy of Italian eateries in the Gables. Distinctly northern Italian, with recipes that Chef Manuel Garcia developed

in a career that included the legendary Casa Tua on Miami Beach. Modern Italian design, sophisticated, with great service. Moving to the Regency Parc development in 2026, but for now still in the old hotel – and the hands down power lunch place in town. 162 Alcazar Ave. 786.580.3731

$$$-$$$$

LATIN AMERICAN

Aromas

del Peru

Yes, they serve a dozen types of ceviche here. But it’s the breadth of the menu that impresses, with traditional soups, grilled meats, wok stir fries, and signature dishes such as aji de gallina (shredded chicken in yellow pepper sauce) and seco de res (beef stewed in beer and cilantro, with vegetables). Good service, good prices, nice ambiance. 1930 Ponce de León Blvd. $$

Baire’s

One of our favorite spots for an outdoor happy hour is this Argentine restaurant with comfortable lounge seats snuggled underneath the Hotel Colonnade’s imposing arches and a dimly lit marble bar inside. Our favorites are the delicately flavored fruit-based martinis, paired with the small bar plates on happy hour. Great Argentinean steaks.180 Aragon Ave. 76.409.5121 $$$

Bistro Café

The popular Puerto Rican restaurant has opened a location in the Gables following its stellar success in Downtown Miami. Lucky for us, they brought their upscale breakfast, right by The Shops at Merrick Park. All-day breakfast is never a bad idea, especially when it’s this good. The expansive menu has a huge list of savory and sweet options, from innovative plates to upgraded classics. 4155 Laguna St. 305.530.8193 $$

Bodega Taqueria y Tequila

Bodega Taqueria y Tequila’s eighth location gives us our latest go-to locale for all-day quick bites, including a hidden backroom mezcal lounge. The wide selection of tacos mixed with unconventional interpretations solidifies Bodega as a true taqueria, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get the classics here. And, of course, grab a shot of tequila. 317 Miracle Mile.

786.785.1501 $$

If you want to delve into the wide array of flavors that Peru has to offer, there is no better place than CVI. CHE 105 at The Plaza Coral Gables. The menu is rich with seafood, including a fine selection of tiraditos, ceviches, and rolls, along with an

array of fried and grilled selections of mahi mahi, snapper, Pacific white fish, shrimp, etc. And there’s even a special Gables menu that you won’t find at any of the other South Florida locations. This is the flagship of the local chain, and it show. 111 Palermo Ave. #108. 786.527.3939 $$-$$$

Divino Ceviche

Bringing a taste of Peru to Giralda Plaza, Divino Ceviche is known, as you might guess, for its ceviche. From the ceviche tradicional to the ceviche de mercado to the ceviche nikkei, there’s no shortage of the stuff. The restaurant also has Peruvian beers and notable non-ceviche dishes like octopus croquetas and a tasting of three different causas (layered potatoes with chiles, avocados, tuna, boiled eggs, onion). 160 Giralda Ave. 786.360.3775 $$

Francesco

The latest fusion restaurant in the Gables is a marriage between Peruvian and Italian, a slightly strange but happy coupling that combines ceviche and lomo saltado with squid ink risotto and New York strip steak. Still, Peruvian remains the focus here, especially when it comes to the appetizers, where all but one is seafood. The cocktails are fabulous, as is the canelones de aji de gallina, a sort of Peruvian-Italian enchilada. 278 Miracle Mile. 305.797.4039 $$$

Graziano’s

This large, popular Gables mainstay is true Argentine. A deep selection of Argentine wines (which line several walls) go with beef slowly roasted over a quebracho wood fire, old school-style. They have seafood and pasta, empanadas and salads, but come here for the meat – it’s a carnivore’s delight. 394 Giralda Ave. 305.774.3599 $$$

Havana Harry’s

This cavernous restaurant has been a mainstay for Cuban food in the Gables for years, with a huge following. The main attraction, beside traditional Cuban food, are the large servings. No one leave hungry. 4612 Lejeune Rd. 305.661.2622 $$

La Casita

This family run eatery is the true home of Cuban comfort food, with an ambiance and prices both straight from the 1950s. In a small shopping center on the north side of Calle Ocho, La Casita is a throwback to another era, with full meals still available for $13.95. And great café con leche to wash it down. 3805 8th St. 305.448.8224 $$

La Pata Gorda

Ecuadorian restaurant La Pata Gorda has expanded its reach to Coral Gables, opening its 10th location, the

first outside of its home country. The restaurant’s name alludes to eating the tender Ecuadorian crabs family-style, where everyone is vying to get their hands on “the fat crab leg.” The star appetizer here is the carapacho croquetas, filled with Ecuadorian mangrove crab meat and combined with sweet and spicy plantains and a red pepper aioli. 232 Miracle Mile. 786.963.8171 $$$

Maiz y Agave

With three stories, three menus, and three different concepts for lunch, dinner, and happy hour/drinks, Maiz y Agave is probably Coral Gables’ most ambitious restaurant. The first floor is devoted to a more casual lunch, the second floor is for a more refined dinner, and the rooftop bar has spectacular sunset views of City Hall. Every dish here comes straight out of Oaxaca, Mexico – including the insects! 375 Miracle Mile. 305.723.9898 $$-$$$

Ojo de Agua

With over 35 locations in Mexico, restaurant chain Ojo de Agua now has a second location in Miami, right here on Miracle Mile. Ojo de Agua provides Gableites with a long list of fresh options for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and even late-night bites (it’s open until 10 pm on weekdays), but what differentiates it from the slew of other health-conscious restaurants is its nod to authentic Mexican flavors,

albeit adapted for the American palate. 219 Miracle Mile. $$

Pisco y Nazca

Peruvian seems to be the taste of 2024, including the opening of ceviche gastrobar Pisco y Nazca. This prime location, formerly the Miller Ale House, received a modernizing facelift and has myriad seating options ideal for happy hour outings and group dinners. The pisco sours are exquisite. 101 Miracle Mile. 786.810.2266 $$-$$$

Talavera Cocina Mexicana

Recently renovated, this is 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, and their huarache grill –masa flatbreads that are really haute tacos – are great. Somewhat pricy, but delicious. 2299 Ponce de Leon Blvd. 305.444.2955 $$-$$$

MEDITERRANEAN

Calista Greek Seafood Taverna

There aren’t many pure Greek restaurants in Coral Gables, but Calista is aiming to change that, serving authentic Greek dishes with fresh ingredients sourced from local farmers’ markets. Their specialty dish is the Moussaka, an eggplant or potato-based dish rem-

iniscent of a lasagna that is commonly served in Egypt, the Balkans, and the Middle East. Also, excellent spinach and feta phyllo pie.150 Giralda Ave. 786.310.7660 $$-$$$

Levant

Levant is named after the Mediterranean region of Western Asia that includes Jordan, Lebanon, Palestine, Syria, Iraq, and most of Turkey (also Cyprus, depending on who you ask). At the Coral Gables restaurant, all the chefs are Turkish and the owners hail from Iraq. The food is similarly eclectic, featuring dishes from across the Levant, including Lebanese batata harra (spicy potatoes), and baked Iraqi eggplant and peppers in a clay pot. 2415 Ponce de Leon Blvd. 786.762.2905 $$-$$$

Motek

Surprisingly enough, this Israeli-inspired restaurant has taken home the prize for the best burger at Burger Bash twice in a row now, an unexpected feat explicable only by a bite of the sandwich itself. But as popular as the Arayes Burger is, it’s not why you should visit Motek. You come here for the Eastern Mediterranean food: a smorgasbord of shish kebabs, mezzes, shawarma, and hummus. 45 Miracle Mile. 305.396.8547 $$-$$$ ■

Where Am I?

This door belongs to one of our city’s most iconic landmarks. If you know where it’s located, send the answer to kwang@coralgablesmagazine.com along with your home address. The first four winners will win two

tickets to the Actors’ Playhouse or GableStage production of their choice and the next 10 will receive two tickets to the Coral Gables Museum. Last month’s “Where Am I?” was the ceiling fresco at City Hall.