Savannah, the service dog of University of Miami student Nicole Fridling Cook
At Jackson Heart Institute, we don’t turn away difficult cardiac cases – we specialize in them. Our world-class team leads the way in South Florida, delivering unmatched care to patients of all ages. From newborns to adults, routine checkups to complex surgeries, we combine cutting-edge technology with decades of experience to ensure your heart gets the attention it truly deserves.
Learn more at MiamiHeartLeader.org, or call 786-410-9188 to make an appointment with a specialist.
Confidence, Expertise, and Hope
Jackson Heart Institute routinely cares for patients who are considered too complex or even prohibitive elsewhere.
Two years after having COVID-19, Eduardo Escalona Gonzalez, 53, went to his doctor complaining of a persistent cough. He learned his weakened heart muscle was further complicated by pulmonary hypertension, a lingering effect of COVID. His heart was failing.
Escalona was eventually referred to Jackson Heart Institute, where the cardiac team determined he was too sick for a heart transplant. They proposed implanting a left ventricular assist device (LVAD).
“The LVAD serves as a bridge, maintaining his cardiac function while we optimize his overall health to allow for the pulmonary pressures to improve, to a point where heart transplantation could become viable.” said Hari Mallidi, MD, Jackson Heart Institute director, Jackson Health System’s chief of cardiac surgery, and heart transplant program director at Miami Transplant Institute.
Treating patients who have run out of options elsewhere is a hallmark of Jackson Heart Institute, where Dr. Mallidi, whose credentials include working at Harvard Medical School and Stanford University, has built a team with an impressive breadth and depth of talent.
Patient-centric team approach
Dr. Mallidi says the team’s clinical expertise and Jackson’s multidisciplinary approach are unique in the region.
“We are able to care for more complex patients because Jackson Heart Institute resides within a hospital system that is capable of taking care of many of Miami-Dade County’s sickest residents, says Mallidi. “As an example, possible complications of major aortic surgery include neurologic concerns, and at Jackson, we have one of the best neurology and neurosurgery programs in the nation. We can leverage the expertise of these programs to help us optimally manage heart surgery patients that have significant neurological issues. That capability just doesn’t exist at many places.”
New options for aortic disease
Promising new treatments for aortic disease include the Thoraflex Hybrid to repair complex aortic arch aneurysms or dissection. Mallidi was the first in South Florida to use the innovative technique, making repairs with a single intervention as opposed to two or more surgeries. He says patients have a faster recovery and a lower overall risk due to the avoidance of multiple high-risk procedures.
Redo heart surgeries
As heart patients live longer, they’re requiring additional surgeries, such as valve replacements. They tend to be older, with multiple other health concerns, and in many cases have already had heart surgery in the past. Many of these inherently high-risk patients land at Jackson.
What makes us unique is the depth of our expertise and the way we work together across specialties.
Hari Mallidi, MD
“We are always going to excel at taking care of patients that need complex reoperations, have heart failure, or multiple medical comorbidities because we have this comprehensive care program across multiple organs, across multiple disciplines,” says Mallidi, who also performs coronary artery bypass grafting on many patients in renal failure awaiting kidney transplant.
For the full range of Jackson Heart Institute services for children and adults, visit MiamiHeartLeader.org or call 786-410-9188 to make an appointment with a specialist.
Top
rating from Society of Thoracic Surgeons
Jackson Heart Institute is one of the best performing cardiac surgery programs in the nation, earning a prestigious three-star rating from the Society of Thoracic Surgeons, the gold standard for assessing surgical quality and patient outcomes in cardiac surgical care. Jackson was recognized for the quality of the overall surgical program (across multiple procedures) and specifically, for the outcomes following coronary artery bypass surgery.
Jackson Heart Institute Services
• Cardiac catheterization and electrophysiology
• Cardiothoracic surgery
• Congenital heart treatment
• Coronary artery surgery
• Heart failure and transplantation
• Heart valve surgery
• Transcatheter valve procedure
• Vascular and endovascular surgery
“
EDITOR’S
Latest
CARROLLTON SCHOOL OF THE SACRED HEART
THE 2025 GUIDE TO PRIVATE SCHOOLS
While the 2025-26 school year may have just started, it’s never too early to start thinking about next year. With some three dozen private schools in and near the Gables, there is a lot to think about when deciding where to send your children. Here, you’ll find our annual guide to the private schools serving the young students of Coral Gables, from babies to high schoolers.
DOG STORIES
Six locals and their beloved pooches: Diego Cancel with Shadow Luli Lameran with Kobe Jonah Kaplan with Mars and Sammy Nicole Fridling Cook with Savannah Monique Selman with Izzy and Marley Vanessa Blanco-Baños with Lucy, Scout and Ginny
PROFESSIONAL POOCHES
The lives of most dogs in Coral Gables are quite simple: Eat. Play. Sleep. Sleep some more. Repeat. It’s hard not to envy these routines. But this isn’t the case for every dog. Some have to “clock in” and go to work. Here’s a look into some of the jobs that dogs have in the City Beautiful.
The Lessons of the Dog
Anyone who owns a dog knows there are only two kinds of people in this world –those who love dogs and those who don’t. We, of course, are with the group who love dogs, and are rewarded in turn by their utter devotion. As Ricky Gervais would say, there is nothing better than a dog. They are perfect – and Gervais’ only answer to whether there is a god in the universe.
This issue marks our seventh anniversary of the Dog Issue. With each one, we pick, randomly, a half-dozen Gableites who pose with their pooches. We also run a themed feature (this year it’s about working dogs) and try to add in a few canine versions of our regular columns – like “Quick Bites” for dogs, or dog therapies for our “Wellness” department.
For us, dogs represent what human beings ought to be like – loving, loyal, and self-sacrificing. They literally love their masters more than they love themselves. And our love for a dog is something special, which study after study demonstrates. My favorite is one that shows how patients recovering from cardiac surgery live an average of five years longer if they own a dog, versus those who do not.
Dogs can also teach us a few things about relationships. Remember how easy it was to make friends you were young? How unguarded you were? Dogs are like that.
Unless they are neurotic or trained as killers, they are immediately affectionate with someone they’ve just met. As adults, we left that kind of innocence behind long ago. Or take jealousy. If someone came up to your significant other and began showering them with affection, you’d no doubt be jealous, or at least upset. If someone comes up to your dog and pets them affectionately, you don’t feel threatened, but rather proud and pleased.
So, learn the lessons only a dog can teach by getting yourself down to the Miami-Dade Animal Services Pet Adoption and Protection Center in Doral (3599 NW 79th Ave.), or to the Humane Society of Greater Miami in North Miami Beach (1311 NW 57th Ave.), and adopt some loving little pup. Yes, you’ll find yourself a little less able to travel at the drop of a hat, and you’ll need to be concerned with their well-being every day. But the same thing can be said for having children: no pain, no gain. The rewards are worth it.
JP FABER EDITOR-IN-CHIEF CORAL GABLES MAGAZINE
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
J.P. Faber
PUBLISHER
Gail Scott
ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER
Amy Donner
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
Monica Del Carpio-Raucci
VP SALES
Sherry Adams
MANAGING EDITOR
Kylie Wang
DIGITAL EDITOR
Amanda Martell
ART DIRECTOR
Jon Braeley
PRODUCTION MANAGER
Jorge G. Gavilondo
WRITERS
Yousra Benkirane
Andrew Gayle
Katelin Stecz
Tina Wyngate
PHOTOGRAPHERS
Rodolfo Benitez
Jonathan Dann
PROOFREADER
Lesley Fonger
EDITORIAL INTERNS
Luke Chaney
Viviana Caram
CIRCULATION & DISTRIBUTION CircIntel
OFFICIAL FRAMER Adam Brand / Frames USA
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: Savannah, University of Miami researcher Nicole Fridling Cook's service dog.
Photo by Rodolfo Benitez
Bella Faber
Ruby Donner
Rosy Wang
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Each month, we print letters we receive from our readers. We encourage all commentary, including criticism as well as compliments, and of course any commentary about our community. If you are interested in writing to us with your opinions, thoughts, or suggestions, please send them to letters@coralgablesmagazine.com. Letters may be edited for brevity.
If It’s Just Across the Street I have no problem with you including The Dog from Ipanema in your recent Best of the Best edition. However, if we are allowed to cross the street, then I would suggest that the Best Local Hangout should have been Duffy’s. (Where the effete beat their meat.) In the 40 some years that I’ve lived in the Gables, I cannot think of any friend or acquaintance that I have not seen at some time or other visiting Duffy’s. The place is a true Gables institution.
Patrick Alexander
Zhivago Redux
I loved your piece about Bugatti and “Dr. Zhivago.” [July/August issue]. For 37 year, Bugatti has always been my restaurant of choice, and who can imagine trying to watch an epic like “Dr. Zhivago” on a small screen with the lights on and your phone beeping! Obviously, others of a certain age agreed and it was a sellout for the Cinema – extra chairs had to be added! Even though that film is
60 years old, I can tell you exactly where I was and exactly who I was with when I saw it for the first time!!
Marlin Ebbert
Don Shines
Re: Don Slesnick’s article in your June issue, thank you for highlighting the wonderful Adult Activity Center and former Mayor Slesnick’s writing acuity. Both are Coral Gables gems that I, as a resident of 48 years, appreciate immensely. I had the pleasure of exchanging pleasantries with Don at the June 16th Bloomsday event at the Coral Gables Library. I believe he is our Citizen Extraordinaire. I’m grateful he showcased the AAC with its excellent facility and staff. I am enrolled in Brain Gym and the book club. Hopefully, he chooses to continue meandering around the the City Beautiful, and you continue to include his entertaining and educational articles in your excellent publication.
Pat Singleton
A GABLES ADDRESS WORTH MOVING FOR
Madrid St $1, 395,000 3 BD 2 BA 1, 461 SQF T
Refined North Gables residence at 1002 Madrid Street, offering open living spaces, timeless finishes, and a private bricked patio perfect for entertaining Ideally located near top schools, parks, and the best of Coral Gables
Castro Complaint
I am writing in response to your editorial in the June 2025 issue, “The Return to Civility at City Hall.” In it, you stated: “The political grandstanding was over – except one last drama engineered by Commissioner Castro, who scheduled elective surgery that day and requested the meeting be canceled, setting the stage for Commissioner Fernandez to attack the mayor for holding a meeting while Commissioner Castro was ‘under the knife!’” As I’m sure you are aware, elective surgery refers to medically necessary procedures that are scheduled in advance – not emergencies, but often not optional either. Patients are typically subject to the availability of their surgeon, who may only operate on specific days.
Monique Selman
Editor’s Note: Not all elective surgeries are medical necessities. And very few surgeons are unable to provide alternatives in proximity to a scheduled time, especially for someone as important as a city commissioner.
EXTRAORDINARY IMPACT ON PATIENT CARE
Strengthened by the generosity of our community, Baptist Health is making great strides for South Florida. We’re investing in the patient experience through programs like Arts in Medicine, which brings comfort and creativity to those undergoing treatment, and digital smart room technology that o ers patients enhanced comfort and convenience. Our Patient Navigation Program at Miami Cancer Institute ensures that no one walks their cancer journey alone, providing a dedicated nurse and a personalized treatment plan every step of the way.
Your gifts are also building the future of specialized care, through new facilities like the Al and Jane Nahmad Women’s Cancer Center. This world-class center will be wholly devoted to women’s cancer prevention, research, treatment and survivorship, bringing the next generation of care home to the women who need it most.
Support extraordinary care for South Florida.
LIVE MUSIC IN CORAL GABLES
LIVE MUSIC IN CORAL GABLES
THE HENRY MANCINI INSTITUTE ORCHESTRA
AyşeDeniz Gökçin
PATTI
VINCE MENDOZA & THE HENRY MANCINI INSTITUTE ORCHESTRA
AyşeDeniz Gökçin
PATTI
Streetwise
Local Hero: Mike Eidson
See page 26
MIKE EIDSON, KNOWN FOR HIS DEVOTION TO THE ARTS AND HISTORIC PRESERVATION, IS ALSO A NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED TRIAL ATTORNEY
From City Hall
At its only City Commission meeting in July – and the only one until the end of summer – the Coral Gables City Commission was without Commissioner Ariel Fernandez, conspicuously absent following allegations that he violated multiple state statutes by conducting illegal surveillance as a sitting city commissioner on residents of Coral Gables. In his absence, the Commission:
SCHOOL SPEED ZONE
Voted 4-0 to award a contract to Jenoptik Smart Mobility Solutions for school zone speed detection systems to be implemented around Coral Gables High School. Police Chief Ed Hudak said the systems should all be installed before the midpoint of the fall semester.
PUBLIC ART FOR ART WEEK
Voted 4-0 to approve an art series for Miami Art Week/Art Basel called “Intervals,” featuring five art installations in public spaces across Coral Gables. Funding of $110,000 will come from the Art in Public Places fund to create and market the program. Both the Arts Advisory Panel and the Cultural Development Board voted unanimously to approve the project.
NOV. ELECTION CONFIRMED, CASTRO CENSURED
Declined to push forward a proposal sponsored by Commissioner Melissa Castro that would repeal the decision to hold the city’s elections in November rather than April. Castro argued that the matter should be put to a vote by residents, and cited quotes from the state attorney general (AG) to support her claim that there could be legal implications for moving forward without official resident input. The attorney general, however, was referring to the City of Miami’s attempt to move elections to November and therefore give its elected officials an extra year in office; in Coral Gables, moving the elections would in fact reduce sitting commissioners’ terms.
Commissioner Richard Lara and Vice Mayor Rhonda Anderson argued that voters had already decided on the matter by voting for Lara in April, since a major difference between him and his opponent was his stance on changing elections. Castro requested an opinion from the attorney general (which has yet to be issued). Vice Mayor Anderson moved to censure Castro, a largely symbolic motion that passed 3-1, for requesting an opinion without Commission consensus or discussion.
NEW WINDOWS FOR CITY HALL
Voted 3-1 to approve the window replacements at City Hall and listened to an update from Deputy City Manager Joe Gomez on the overall restoration efforts. The city intends to have permits by the
end of June 2026, with construction starting immediately afterwards. The target completion date is December 2027. Commissioner Castro voted against the window replacements, citing the Historic Preservation’s Board desire for an assessment on repairing the existing windows. “We can repair the windows… but [then] we’re getting the same product that caused the same problem [of water intrusion] again at a very high cost [without] hurricane resistance,” said City Manager Peter Iglesias. At the last Historic Preservation Board meeting, the board did not renew its request for an assessment, which Iglesias considered too costly and time-consuming. The Commission later voted 4-0 to accept a contract for the construction of temporary offices at the Minorca Garage for the Commission to occupy while repairs are being made at City Hall.
FASTER PERMITTING
Voted 4-0 to add 20 full-time positions and transfer $1.3 million to the Building Division in the General Fund for the cost of the added positions and replacement of existing equipment. This move is in effort to revamp and accelerate the city’s permitting process.
VENETIAN POOL DELAY
Voted 4-0 to accept an extension of the grant given to the Venetian Pool for structural repairs and renovations. Completion has now been delayed until early 2026.
A STATE REP AT HOME
Voted 3-0 to negotiate an agreement with State Representative Demi Busatta for use of an office space at the City Hall Annex Building for one year. “It’s going to be great to have someone who has such a significant role in the appropriations process literally 10feet from our front door,” said Mayor Lago. Commissioner Castro was absent for the vote.
PARKING REDUCTION REDUX
Voted 4-0 to extend the Resident Parking Rate Pilot Program through the first City Commission meeting in January 2026, in order to collect additional data and better determine the long-term feasibility of the program. The program gives residents a 25 percent discount when using the PayByPhone app.
CROSSWALK PAVERS QUESTIONED
Discussed removing the pavers at crosswalks on Miracle Mile, which Mayor Lago believes cost too much money to maintain and present a liability for those who might trip on the uneven surfaces. Other options to beautify the crosswalks and surrounding areas will be presented at a future meeting.
ADA ACCESS REVIEWED
Listened to an update on the city’s ADA transition plan, a document that guides conversion of public space from “not accessible” to “accessible.” As part of this plan, the city has evaluated its physical facilities and their adjacent rights-of-way (14 buildings, 33 parking areas, 42 recreation facilities, 55 trolley stops, and all public rightof-way sidewalks and parking spaces within the Central Business District) to identify what modifications are necessary.
PARKING CHARGES AT THE BILTMORE
Voted 4-0 to authorize the operators of the Biltmore Hotel to charge for parking at its west parking lot. Funds generated from parking fees will be used on restorations for the hotel and the parking lot. ■
To Save a Tree, and a Garden Bonnie Bolton, the daughter of late activist Roxcy Bolton, has spent much of the last three-and-a-half years urging the City of Coral Gables to preserve the Garden of Our Lord. Located at the St. James Evangelical Lutheran Church in North Gables, the Garden is also home to a 200-year-old oak tree that predates Florida itself.
Bolton has led the movement against a planned nine-story development, which, if approved, would lead to the destruction of the garden and the church, and the removal of the tree. Previously, embattled developer Sergio Pino’s Century Homebuilders Group was leading the charge for a development at the location; now that Pino is deceased, Fifield Companies, a Chicago-based developer, is pushing for approval.
“I just think it’s worth fighting for,” Bolton explains. According to advocates, the garden is a religious landmark, one of the first three biblical gardens in America. It also serves as a World War II memorial. “I think where war heroes’ parents shed tears… that land is sacred,” Bolton says.
As for the tree, displacing it would directly conflict with George E. Merrick’s original plan for the City Beautiful, which states that “new development also will take steps to save from destruction fullgrown trees when new buildings are erected in new sections, as all of the full-grown trees and old foliage will be kept intact.”
Bolton’s solution is to have Coral Gables trade a city-owned parking lot to the developers in exchange for the preservation of the garden and its tree. She wants the city to designate the garden and an adjacent playground as a city park. Nothing has come from this proposal yet, however. – Luke Chaney
Keeping History Straight
In this centennial year of Coral Gables, it’s good to give credit where it’s due. So, when the Community Newspapers' Centennial
Edition came out, and its story of the founding of the University of Miami (UM) left out the name of George E. Merrick, it raised eyebrows.
Turns out the source for that summary came from UM itself. If you go to the history section of UM’s website, it says the university “was chartered in 1925 by a group of citizens who felt an institution of higher learning was needed.” No mention of Merrick, the founder of Coral Gables who launched UM with a gift of 160 acres of land and $5 million (the equivalent of nearly $100 million today).
The reason for this gross omission goes back to 2020, when UM’s Board of Trustees voted to remove Merrick's historic association with the university (including the removal of his name from a building), based on a student-led petition that claimed Merrick was a racist. When former journalist June Morris discovered this
THE ACTIVIST BONNIE BOLTON OUTSIDE THE GARDEN OF OUR LORD. LOCATED AT THE ST. JAMES EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH
omission, she conducted in-depth research which debunked all of the cited sources for the complaint. Merrick not only built housing for the Black Bahamian workers who built Coral Gables, in the very speech which was misquoted by the students, he spoke compassionately about Black rights, saying “we cannot receive fairness unless we give fairness.”
Morris has since made numerous requests to the president, vice president, and members of the Board of Trustees to correct the website omission As of press time, the board agreed to discuss the situation in the fall. For the full text of Morris’ research, go to coralgablesmagazine.com/umhistory. – J.P. Faber
The Mounted Patrol
If you see a Coral Gables police officer atop a horse in Tropical Park, don’t be surprised. The city has come to an agreement with Miami-Dade County to patrol county-owned Tropical Park and Matheson Hammock Park three days a week for four hours, in exchange for the use of three stalls at the Ronald Reagan Equestrian Center inside the park. Coral Gables is still responsible for the food, care, and riding gear of the horses, as well as any messes they create. – J.P. Faber
Time to Tighten Belts
In last April’s election, Mayor Vince Lago campaigned in part on his record of fiscal management. As mayor, he has kept the city’s AAA bond rating intact, maintained its emergency disaster fund, and significantly paid down its future liabilities for pension obligations.
Over the last two years, however, his fiscal apple cart has been overturned by Commissioners Ariel Fernandez and Melissa Castro, and former Commissioner Kirk Menendez. The first two were elected in an upset two years ago and then joined by sitting Commissioner Menendez in making a series of "fiscally irresponsible" decisions recently listed by Lago in a memo e-blasted to citizens and officials across the city.
In the memo, Lago cites the votes by Fernandez, Castro, and Menendez to: 1) hire Amos Rojas, Jr. as city manager for the then-highest annual salary in the city’s history ($368,620.79); 2) to hire an extra 14 employees (in addition to five new police officers, five new firefighters, and two new police civilians), at a cost of
$11.5 million over the next decade; 3) to increase Commissioner salaries by 101 percent (reversed by the new Commission with Richard Lara replacing Menendez); and 4) to grant a four percent increase of payments to retirees, which will add $2.3 million to the budget next year and increase the city’s unfunded liability for retirees to $170 million. (Under Lago, it had previously been reduced from $243 million to $157 million.)
Lago ended his memo by recommending that the Commission adopt a conservative financial roadmap. “The future of our city depends on this,” he concluded. – J.P. Faber
Vindication
We also note the “amicable” settlement of Mayor Vince Lago’s lawsuit against Radio Station Actualidad 1040 AM. Lago filed a defamation suit two years ago when the program "Contacto Directo" reported that he was under investigation by the Miami-Dade Commission on Ethics and Public Trust for a conflict of interest in the city’s efforts to annex Little Gables. In fact, the Ethics Commission had simply opened an initial review following a confidential complaint, and dropped the matter after finding insufficient evidence to launch an investigation. According to Lago, the settlement resulted in a mid-six-figure payment in exchange for dropping the suit. – J.P. Faber
OFFICER ASHLEY SHERON WITH HER MOUNT, ROCKAWAY, WHO IS HOUSED AT TROPICAL PARK'S EQUESTRIAN STABLES.
MAYOR VINCE LAGO: CHECKING THE NUMBERS
AMERICAN DREAM
The News Is Out: The Nation’s Most Affluent Enclaves Are Right Here In Coral Gables
Property values have surged nationwide, but nowhere more so than in Coral Gables. Indeed, according to real estate insights firm Zillow, Coral Gables is home to two of the three priciest neighborhoods in America. At the top is Gables Estates — which led Zillow’s homes value index this year; while Coral Gables’ Old Cutler Bay community came in at Number 3 (just behind Post Royal in Naples, Fl). “The robustness and appeal of the Coral Gables market is nothing new to the folks who have long lived here and enjoyed its unrivaled lifestyle,” says Nathan Zeder of the JillZeder Group, which specializes in prime Coral Gables properties. “These are the preeminent waterfront communities in America,” Zeder continues. “With direct access to Biscayne Bay, along with Key Biscayne, the Florida Keys and even the Bahamas beyond the horizon.”
ESTATE OF PLAY
There is no neighborhood quite like Gables Estates anywhere in the Miami region — if not all of the United States. Exclusive, waterfront, prestigious and protected, Gables Estates is a logical destination for the nearly $10 billion worth of wealth that flocked to South Florida during the Pandemic period. “Gables Estates features just 179 lots, all of them large, most of them waterfront and typically with large docks directly fronting Biscayne Bay for instant yachting or fishing right from your back door,” explains Zeder. “The enclave is hidden behind 24-hour private security – which even includes boat patrols.” With its unparalleled pairing of luxury and location, “Gables Estates has earned its Number 1 status,” Zeder says. “And could very well maintain it for years to come.”
HELLO NEIGHBOR
Although smaller in size and with more modestly-proportioned lots — Old Cutler Bay is no less spectacular than Gables Estates. In fact, the two communities shares some of the same waterways and each features views of the other. “There is this ‘boutique’ feeling to Old Cutler Bay,” explains Zeder. “The area is both waterfront, like Gables Estates, but is also rich in nature thanks to its direct connection to historic Old Cutler Road.” Lorded over by towering Banyan Trees and strangler figs, Old Cutler Road possesses its own microclimate making it a biophilic corridor leading, aptly, to the Fairchild Tropical Botanical Gardens. Like Gables Estates, Old Cutler Bay’s distinctive geography allows for homes located on everything from cozy coves to private peninsulas. “Everything about Old Culter is truly one of a kind,” Zeder adds.
FUTURE-PROOFING
Coral Gables is not only home to a pair of the priciest communities in the US, but to prices that continue to rise at record rates. Indeed, even as many “pandemic-era” regions see prices slide, Coral Gables enjoyed a 14% increase in home prices last year, among the highest in the nation. And there’s every reason to believe those numbers will rise even further. “Coral Gables is perched at the pinnacle of everything that makes Miami so distinctive and desirable,” Zeder explains. “Incredible location, Grand estates, architectural significance, immediate access to nature and water, lots of water.”
Aerial view of beautiful Gables Estates
The Zeder Family: Judy Zeder, Nathan Zeder, Meredith Zeder
Our Next Celebrity
Anyone familiar with British pop music knows how big a star Robbie Williams is in the UK (download "Millennium"). So, it was big news this summer when Williams paid $40 million for a seven-bedroom water-front mansion in the Old Cutler Bay neighborhood of the Gables. The record purchase, reported everywhere from the New York Post to the Robb Report, amounted to $5,000-persquare-foot. The mansion reportedly has an 18-car garage and will soon have a floating padel court for the pop star, his wife, and their family of six. The home was sold by “Real Housewives of Miami" star Dr. Nicole Martin and her husband, attorney Anthony Lopez, who bought the estate for $21.5 million in 2022.
Theaters by Any Other Names
GableStage has announced a transformative gift by Jessie Fox Wolfson of the Wolfson family (yes, the family behind the Wolfsonian Museum on Miami Beach) to “support this important cultural institution,” she said. The gift comes at a critical time for the theater company which has, like all arts organizations in Florida, been stripped of state funding by Governor Ron DeSantis. In recognition of the Wolfson family’s generosity, GableStage at the Biltmore Hotel will be renamed The Wolfson Family Theatre, with new signage. “Given the uncertainty in the current arts funding landscape, the Wolfson family’s gift gives GableStage the strong footing needed to navigate the challenges we face today,” says Producing Artistic Director Bari Newport.
Meanwhile, Actors' Playhouse at the Miracle Theatre has announced that it will honor its founders with the dedication of the Dr. Lawrence and Barbara Stein Center for the Performing Arts. The dedication recognizes the couple’s enormous contributions to the performing arts in Coral Gables. Together, they saved the Miracle Theatre from destruction with a $10 million capital campaign and public-private partnership with the city, transforming the Art Deco jewel in 1995 into a multi-stage center for live theater. The theater opened with a production of "Man of La Mancha," which will be reprised this 30th anniversary season. A gala celebration at the theater is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 4 to commemorate the dedication.
Castro’s Cause
Commissioner Melissa Castro – along with fellow Commissioner Ariel Fernandez – has long been a proponent of keeping Coral Gables’ elections in April. They were outvoted 3-2 in May, however, when Commissioner Richard Lara, Vice Mayor Rhonda Anderson,
and Mayor Vince Lago voted to move the elections to November, a measure that could dramatically increase voter turnout from 20 percent to 80 percent. Castro and Fernandez were elected two years ago with one of the lowest voter turnouts in Gables’ history.
Despite the vote to move the election date, Castro has not given up the fight, declaring that it violates the Florida constitution. She cites a recent effort to move the date in the City of Miami, which was reversed by a court decision (now being appealed). The circumstances are slightly different – Coral Gables’ election date
GABLESTAGE WILL NOW BE CALLED THE WOLFSON FAMILY THEATRE AFTER RECEIVING A GENEROUS GIFT FROM JESSIE FOX WOLFSON
COMMISSIONER MELISSA CASTRO: INSISTING THAT RESIDENTS DECIDE
MOVING TO THE GABLES: POP STAR ROBBIE WILLIAMS
EXCELLENCE. ACHIEVED.
change means that commissioners must sacrifice several months of their term limits, while the date change in Miami would add an extra year to the terms of incumbent commissioners and Mayor Francis Suarez.
Pursuing her cause, Commissioner Castro personally reached out to Florida’s attorney general to receive an opinion on the date change. Having done so without the support of her colleagues, she was formally censured by the Commission in July. Nonetheless, her argument won out, and Coral Gables residents will be given a chance to vote on the date change next April, via mail-in ballots sent to the homes of all registred voters.
Supporters of the change say the move will save the city $200,000 in expenses and make the election more democratic. Detractors argue that local candidates will receive less attention on longer November ballots and that grassroots campaigners will have a harder time getting elected. – Kylie Wang
Goodbye Roy
One of the Gables’ most celebrated residents, criminal defense attorney Roy Black, has died at the age of 80. Black rose to national prominence in 1991 when he successfully defended William Kennedy Smith (nephew of former president John F. Kennedy) from rape charges in a Palm Beach case carried on national television. Since then, he has won numerous other high-profile cases, and defended clients ranging from pop star Justin Bieber to radio host Rush Limbaugh and sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein.
His defense of Miami police officer William Lozano, who was acquitted in the shooting death of a Black motorcyclist, sparked riots in Miami in 1989. Black is survived by his wife Lea, who formerly starred in “Real Housewives of Miami.” Black met her when she was a juror in the Kennedy Smith trial.
Local Hero
Most people know about attorney Mike Eidson because of his devotion to the arts and historic preservation. Those two passions came together three years ago when he secured a long-term lease to restore the historic Church of Christ Scientist across from City Hall, turning it into the Sanctuary of the Arts. Before that, he was a long-time supporter of the Miami Ballet, and restored the historic
building where Books & Books now resides on Aragon Avenue, among other such accomplishments.
Few people are aware, however, of Eidson’s stellar career as a nationally recognized litigator who has won some of the most important product liability cases of our times. At age 29, Eidson won the first case against Ford Motor Company for the deadly exploding gas tanks in their Pinto cars. Later he won the famous Ford Bronco lawsuit against Bridgestone/Firestone and (again) Ford Motor Co. for suppling tires with treads that ripped off and caused fatal rollovers. That led to vast settlements for victims and the recall of some 40 million tires.
For those and many other lawsuits in which he fought for the right to trial by jury for individuals against huge corporations, Eidson was recently given the 2025 Leonard M. Ring Champion of Justice Award from the American Association for Justice (AAJ). This prestigious award recognizes attorneys with exceptional integrity and a lifelong devotion to civil and human rights.
Nineteen years ago, Eidson became president of this 35,000-member legal organization, the oldest and largest trial bar in the world (two of his partners, Bill Colson and Julie Kane, have also served as presidents). At the time, the organization was called the American Trial Lawyers Association, but the day Eidson was elected president, they changed the name to the AAJ. That makes him the only person to possess two of the black onyx rings given to its presidents. As for the man who spent decades litigating 140 jury trials, “I was surprised when they called. I said ‘You must have the wrong number,’” recalls Eidson. “There are a heck of a lot of people who also deserve this as much or more than I did.” Aw, shucks. ■
ATTORNEY MIKE EIDSON: HONORED FOR HOLDING WRONGDOERS ACCOUNTABLE
Shaping the Gables Skyline
BY J.P. FABER
When The Plaza Coral Gables finally opened its doors – 2.5 million-square-feet of gleaming mixed-use development – it was more than just the culmination of a decade-long construction project. It was the outcome of years of careful negotiation, patient legal maneuvering, and a steady hand guiding the project through uncharted waters. At the center of it was Mario Garcia-Serra, Gunster’s lead land use attorney.
Developers and city officials alike credit Garcia-Serra's quiet persistence and expertise with pulling off what was, at the time, the largest development in the history of Coral Gables. “This was a marathon, not a sprint,” says Carlos Beckmann, who directs the project for Agave Holdings. “If you had a cutthroat guy with a short fuse, it just wouldn’t have worked. Mario always had patience, a good attitude, a jolly way about him that helped us get through it.”
If you have ever seen Garcia-Serra argue a development before the Coral Gables City Commission, the impression is one of affability and willingness to compromise. Want 18-foot trees planted from the outset? You’ve got it. Want a colonnade to connect the building to the street? No problem.
Land use law is rarely glamorous. It is a field defined by tedious hearings, endless meetings, and documents that run thousands of pages. But in a city like Coral Gables – a community known for its Mediterranean architecture, its strict design standards, and its
resistance to hasty change – land use attorneys wield real influence. In the case of Garcia-Serra, that influence has been brought to bear for many of the city’s important projects over the last two decades. Among other buildings he has helped bring to fruition were The Palace (the posh assisted living mid-rise a block south of Miracle Mile), the Avenue Hotel & Residences and Belmont Village (both in the Merrick Park district), Villa Valencia just west of downtown, and many of MG Developer’s townhome projects, to name a few.
With so much work being done in the Gables, Florida-based Gunster merged with renowned Coral Gables law firm Katz Barron in April, expanding their footprint to the Katz Barron (now Gunster) offices on Ponce de Leon Boulevard.
Garcia-Serra said the move was inevitable, due to the volume of projects and because working with the Gables government requires being present in the city. “The quality of projects that come to Coral Gables are going to be, for the most part, a step above most other parts of town,” he says. “[Consequently], the Coral Gables development review process is not for the faint of heart, but it generally leads to a better product. Going to the Development Review Committee, the Board of Architects, the Planning and Zoning Board –at each step of the process, new questions come up, new comments. And for the most part, if you have clients that are reasonable and really want to make a good product, what comes out at the end of that process is usually better than what there was at the beginning.”
Sometimes the projects go on for years. Even today, long after The Plaza’s ribbon cutting, Garcia-Serra continues to represent Agave on outstanding issues – including the completion of Ponce Circle Park across the street, a critical piece of public space tied to the development. Last month, Garcia-Serra sat with city officials to finalize agreements worth millions of dollars. “We continue working with Mario,” says Beckmann. “We need that park complete, and he’s still at the center of it.” ■
HOW GUNSTER LAND USE ATTORNEY MARIO GARCIA-SERRA TURNED PATIENCE AND PERSISTENCE INTO POLITICAL SAVVY
ATTORNEY MARIO GARCIA-SERRA IN THE GABLES OFFICE OF LAW FIRM GUNSTER
Photo by Rodolfo Benitez
Facelift
Add - Ons
Some patients coming in for a facelift ask what else they can have done at the same time (“since I’m under”). Questions have included: surgery of the eyes, brow, lip, nose, ears, breast, tummy, fat transfer, laser and more. Like perusing a restaurant’s menu, selectivity is key. Today’s cosmetic menu is extensive, and marketing makes it ever more appealing. So good surgical and aesthetic judgement is essential to maintain safety (the top priority), avoid complications, and end up with a refreshed, natural looking result.
Principal considerations are 1.) time in surgery (4-6 hours generally being a safe limit), 2.) what really aesthetically makes a difference for the patient, and 3.) the impact on the length of recovery. Most patients manifest aging mainly in their neck, jowls, and upper eyelids. These are well served by the “Lower Face/Neck Lift, Upper Eyelid” combo. Select patients with significant “bags” under their eyes can also add “Lower Eyelid” surgery. Others with noticeable descent of their outer brows may be candidates for Lateral Brow Lifts, but many do not need this, with Botox being available. Occasionally, minor nasal refinements might be added as well.
Laser skin resurfacing during a facelift can become unnecessarily risky since the skin is already being stressed by the surgery. Fat grafting adds surgery time, prolongs swelling, bruising and thus recovery, all while long term results are unfortunately not reliable. Lip lifts (not new) are rarely indicated cosmetically. They also come with the potential risk of noticeable scarring underneath the nose or a snarling appearance. Salivary gland reduction for cosmetic reasons, deemed radical by many plastic surgeons, entails significant risks, some severe. It requires a long incision below the chin, substantially prolonging surgery and swelling, and thus should rarely, if ever, be considered in a cosmetic patient.
Best to pick a procedure, or a combo, that provides “high benefit” (with predictable outcomes) and “low risk”. “Less is more” is an excellent principle to behold so you end up with a safe and natural looking result. Too many procedures may well result in you looking different, not necessarily better, while also adding considerably to your cost. Good plastic surgery just looks good and keeps others wondering why you look good.
Generally, one should limit procedures to one anatomic area and avoid combining facial rejuvenation with breast or body contouring, except in judiciously selected patients. To do anything well requires time and attention to detail. What
...Good plastic surgery just looks good and keeps others wondering why you look good ...
might appear efficient, is not if you end up with a problem. Working in multiple areas takes more time under anesthesia, dilutes surgical attention, forces the body to heal in more than one area, and unnecessarily increases the risk for complications. Wiser to pick one area and improve it as best and safely as possible.
Judgment in Plastic Surgery requires much experience and should only be guided by what is really beneficial and safe for the patient. So as always, in our entrepreneurial and media driven environment, research and reflect carefully before proceeding.
STEPHAN BAKER, MD, FACS Plastic Surgery of the Face Breast and Body
Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery
Celebrate German food and drink culture at Fairways’ Oktoberfest event at the Biltmore Hotel. For $109, you can try a variety of premium German beers matched with authentic Bavarian dishes. This event will take place on Sept. 24 from 6 pm to 10 pm. Make sure to come hungry and ready to learn! 1200 Anastasia Ave. biltmorehotel.com
CENTENNIAL EXHIBIT
The much-anticipated “Coral Gables Centennial: A Story of the City Through Its Places and Faces” exhibit opens on Sept. 5 at the Coral Gables Museum and will run through Nov. 30. In celebration of the century-long anniversary of the City Beautiful’s incorporation, this collection will display photographs, documents, and other never-before-seen artifacts of George Merrick’s mission. The exhibit will also explore what’s in store for the Gables over its next 100 years. 285 Aragon Ave. coralgablesmuseum.org
at
nationwide “Heaven on
Earth Tour.” Williams will be joined by a stacked lineup of other comics and special guests. In addition to his more than three decades of experience as a comedian, Williams is a distinguished actor, having landed prominent roles in shows like “Atlanta” and films like “Friday After Next.” 1245 Dauer Dr. kattwilliamslive.com
Salt & Straw co-founder Tyler Malek is discussing his new book, “America’s Most Iconic Ice Creams: A Salt & Straw Cookbook: Classic Flavors and Creative Riffs,” on Sept. 16 from 7 to 8 pm in conversation with Amber Love Bond, a Miami-based food, beverage, and travel writer. Malek’s collection of recipes explain how to make classic ice creams like strawberry and vanilla, as well as more creative flavors such as Chili Crisp Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup and Coffee Toffee Banoffee. 265 Aragon Ave. booksandbooks.com
GABLES BIKE TOUR
This Gables Bike Tour will be led by former City Commissioner Ralph Cabrera on Sept. 21 from 10 am to 12 pm. Continuing with the celebration of the city’s centennial and the honoring of its history, Cabrera will guide his group of cyclists through some of Gables’ most significant gateways, which George Merrick outlined in his original plan for the city. Costing between $5 and $10, this tour will begin at the Coral Gables Museum. BYOB (bring your own bike). 285 Aragon Ave. coralgablesmuseum.org
SYMPHONY GREATS: BEETHOVEN, RACHMANINOV
Join the University of Miami’s stellar Frost Symphony Orchestra for their season debut on Sept. 20 at 7:30 pm, with a triple ticket of music by Beethoven (the 7th Symphony), Rachmaninov (Piano Concerto No.3) and Rands (world premier of "Chant"). Gerard
KATT WILLIAMS: HEAVEN ON EARTH TOUR Stand-up comedian Katt Williams will be performing
the Watsco Center on Sept. 19 at 8 pm as part of his
AN EVENING WITH TYLER MALEK
Schwarz conducting, Santiago Rodriguez on piano. Tickets $15 to $30. Gusman Concert Hall, 1314 Miller Dr., UM Campus.
A TRIBUTE TO BAD BUNNY
To honor the growing renown of Puerto Rican reggaeton superstar Bad Bunny, Candlelight Concerts’ string quarter will play top hits like “Moscow Mule,” “MIA,” and “Si Estuviésemos Juntos” on Sept. 21 and Sept. 26 from 9 to 10 pm at the Hotel Colonnade. Tickets range from $20 to $63.20, depending on the seating zone. 180 Aragon Ave. hotelcolonnade.com
A SATURDAY AT THE CINEMA
This month’s “A Saturday at the Cinema” features “The Beatles: A Hard Day’s Night” – the feature film debut of the iconic 1960s rock band. Playing at the Coral Gables Art Cinema on Sept. 27 from 11 am to 1:30 pm, free tickets are available for Gables residents and include a complimentary popcorn and drink. Available on a first come, first serve basis. 260 Aragon Ave. gablescinema.com
INKING HISTORY
One of the most treasured characteristics of Coral Gables is its Mediterranean-inspired structures that still stand strong today, even 100 years after the city’s founding. To honor this rich architectural
history, GAA Architecture | Interiors is partnering with the Coral Gables Community Foundation for a night of celebration on Sept. 26 from 6:30 to 8:30 pm in the Alhambra Ballroom at the Biltmore Hotel. 1200 Anastasia Ave. biltmorehotel.com
Volunteers are invited on Sept. 27 at 9 am to help keep Coral Gables’ Biscayne Bay ecosystem in pristine condition at the Matheson Hammock Park Coastal Cleanup. Responsibilities include removing trash as well as invasive plant species. Gloves and trash bags will be provided. Volunteers under 15 must have a parent or guardian with them. 9610 Old Cutler Rd. miamidade.gov/parks/matheson-hammock
Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden is transforming into an after-dark bug sanctuary on Sept. 27 from 6:30 to 10 pm. Twilight Safari Party & Movie Night includes access to The Wings of the Tropics butterfly exhibit, the Bubble Bash Dance Dash, and a ride on the Twilight Bug Safari Tram (limited seating). The night concludes with a screening of “Bee Movie” at 8:30 pm. Individual tickets range from $15 to $30. 10901 Old Cutler Rd. fairchildgarden.org ■
COASTAL CLEANUP
TWILIGHT SAFARI PARTY & MOVIE NIGHT
Relaxing Rover
BY J.P. FABER
At the Let Go Stress clinic on Ponce de Leon Boulevard, a few blocks south of The Plaza Coral Gables, the client is typically human. Patrons enter the tranquil space, with its images of Eastern temples, shelves of calming crystals, and meditative music, carrying with them the ills of modern life: stress, depression, and emotional exhaustion. At Let Go Stress, they are treated with a variety of treatments, from acupuncture and bioenergetics to guided visualization and massage therapy. Once or twice a week, however, the clients do not arrive alone. They bring their dogs.
“Dogs suffer the same sorts of things as their masters,” explains Roland Gonzalez, a bioenergetic expert who, along with wife Beyla Romero, owns and operates Let Go Stress. “It can be a lack of energy, or too much tension, or simply a lack of emotional balance. So, we treat the owner and the dog at the same time.”
Among the treatments available at the clinic is the “biocharger.” This is a generator of electrical frequencies with an uncanny resemblance to the top half of the robot from the TV series “Lost in Space.” It is, explains Gonzalez, based on the idea of a Tesla coil – a “resonant transformer” designed by the famed inventor Nikola Tesla in 1891 to produce high-frequency, alternating-current electricity. Tesla had lots of plans for the device, including the wireless transmission of electricity, but it’s mostly used today for entertainment and educational displays, crackling little tongues of electricity inside a glass dome.
At Let Go Stress, the biocharger fulfills another of Tesla’s purposes: the use of his coil for electrotherapy. Modern medicine uses electrical energy to stimulate the brain and speed up wound healing. Telsa posited that exposure to the multiple frequencies emitted by his coil also helps to tune up the body’s cells, each of which has a signature harmonic vibration.
At Let Go Stress, the biocharger is used to relax and energize clients, who sit in a quiet room while the machine hums and glows and emits energy. Here, the dogs can join their masters. “We call this 'the canine cuddle,'” says Gonzalez. “Both of them with the biocharger so they can both receive the good energy.” Some dogs are hyper or depressed, “and we just help them relax,” he says. Dogs also mimic their masters, “so sometimes when the master is sad, they also want to be sad with them.”
Soledad Beraza, who brought her two French bulldogs, Hendrix and Nina, to Let Go Stress, says the therapy did wonders for them; Nina in particular. “Nina was extremely anxious, but after the first session she was able to slow down, calm and quiet, and really enjoy the treatment,” she says. “It was a wonderful experience.”
And if the client does not have a dog but wishes to be joined by one for emotional support, there is Spike, the preternaturally calm house mascot. A diminutive Terrier in the Jack Russell variety, Spike pads around the clinic, presumably benefitting from the therapeutic environment. At 15, he is a spry but tranquil little dog, taking in the scene in a cool, calm sort of way.
“We have more treatments we use on [dogs],” says Gonzalez, including collars with pockets that hold crystals. Spike wears one that Gonzalez says promotes wellness by reducing inflammation and promoting stem cell production. “He had a little arthritis, and [now] you see him jumping.” ■ DOES
WITH SPIKE: AT THE LET GO STRESS CLINIC, ROLAND GONZALEZ, A BIOENERGETIC EXPERT SAYS "WE TREAT THE OWNER AND THE DOG AT THE SAME TIME.”
New Stores
BY AMANDA MARTELL
Herman Miller
As someone who loves home décor, I’m always searching for new ways to make my space feel more intentional – especially when it comes to my workspace. Many of us spend hours seated under fluorescent lights in offices that feel stiff and stripped of personality. The color schemes are often the same: gray, muted, minimal. That’s why stepping into Herman Miller felt a bit like the adult version of a toy store – except everything here is useful, and made to last.
Each room is staged with pops of color, but the space doesn’t feel like a showroom. Instead, it gives you a sense of how these pieces might work in your own place. The details – like angled armrests, breathable mesh backs, and minimalist wood frames – showcase a design philosophy that puts comfort first.
For example, there’s the Aeron Chair ($1,805) for an office setup. Lightweight with a mesh seat and back, it’s shaped to support your posture without being bulky. Nearby, the Luva Modular Sofa ($8,830) anchors a softer corner of the store, with deep cushions and rounded edges that invite you to sink in. Whether for work or rest, everything in the showroom is arranged to feel approachable.
What we appreciated most was the timelessness – pieces that make sense now and won’t feel out of place later. You can be into clean, modern-organic lines or something more vintage and the pieces still work. After a long day, there’s value in coming home to a space that’s calm, functional, and comfortable.
Aroma360
Ever walk into a hotel or sit in a new car and notice the scent? Aroma360 can recreate that at home or in your car. One of the leading names in scent marketing, it’s created over 90 custom scents for clients in 22 countries, with an impressive portfolio including brands like Four Seasons, Ferrari and Ritz Carlton.
Inside a new space in Shops at Merrick Park store, oils are displayed with clearly labeled scent cards and covered testing glasses. If a scent doesn’t land, staff will guide you toward one with similar notes. The brand’s full product line – candles, perfumes, and diffusers – is hand-filled in-house without fillers or synthetic oils. Starter kits begin at $354, and depending on the package, some include a complimentary diffuser.
The store also features licensed specialty lines like the NBA collection, with team-branded candles and diffusers. Shelves are backlit and organized, with testers available to sample most products. The diffusers vary by size – some work best for larger rooms, others for small apartments. The car diffuser was our favorite, for which we tested a classic blend: Escapade, inspired by the Ritz Carlton Hotel, with notes of ozone, jasmine, and black pepper.
You can also shop by hotel line, so you can find the exact scent you liked; no need to sample one by one. Other collections are available too, including a Disney line with character-themed diffusers (Donald Duck and Mickey Mouse!) for both home and car.
358 SAN LORENZO AVE #2340 (SHOPS AT MERRICK PARK)
305.391.2974 AROMA360.COM
RIGHT: HERMAN MILLER SHOWROOM ARRIVES IN CORAL GABLES
Scandy Candy
If you’ve been looking for real Swedish candy, Scandy Candy has just opened its doors. The shop has already made waves online with its viral sweets and, when the new location launched, people were lined up to get in. Restocks are on the way, so the selection will be back and ready soon.
Inside, rows of bins line the walls with everything from BUBS Tutti Frutti Rombs Sour and Sour Strawberry Banana to Danish Sour Skulls, Raspberry Shorts, and plenty more. You grab a bag – small, medium, or large – and start scooping. Maybe you grab candies you already know, maybe a few you’ve never tried before. Either way, its more fun to put together your own stash than picking up a prepacked bag.
Along with gummies, sours, licorice, and chocolates, Scandy Candy also has ready-made mixes if you don’t feel like choosing. The same options carry over online. You can order ready-to-go assortments like the BUBS & Swedish Candy bag or build your own the same way you would in person. Chocolate varieties and seasonal imports are also listed online, so you don’t have to stop by the shop to get in on the experience.
The easiest taste test is still the simplest: go in, scoop a little of everything, and decide for yourself.
241 MIRACLE MILE @SCANDYCANDYUS SCANDYCANDY.STORE
Blanca Fragrance Factory
When it comes to fragrances, there’s a standard routine: Drop by a perfume shop or department store, pick up a trending scent or your usual go-to, and carry on with your day. But finding the “perfect” perfume? That’s a personal process. And the place to craft something that’s entirely your own is Blanca Fragrance Factory.
A quick scan of the QR code at the counter opens a lineup of oils – floral, musky, fresh, spicy, and everything in between. I tend to go for floral-musk blends – something the person next to me can catch a hint of without it being too much.
My initial picks to blend were tobacco, mandarin orange, and tuberose. At first whiff it seemed spot on – until the mix met my skin. The scent then changed, becoming brighter, softer, and more floral than I anticipated. The team explained how body chemistry influences each scent note, and how what you smell in the bottle may evolve once it touches you. After testing a few more combinations (with coffee beans nearby to reset the senses), I narrowed it down.
Guests are encouraged to blend five to seven oils. I went with six: tobacco, neroli, cashmere, tuberose, white musk, and cedarwood. The blend worked well with my skin, with cashmere the heaviest followed by a quiet balance of the other scents.
The final step? Design your bottle. Here, you can choose your cap color and personalize it with your own name or a perfume name you invent. Each 55-milliliter bottle is priced at $105, which includes instruction.
The Palace owners aren’t in Corporate Headquarters. They’re here every day. One Andalusia
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.
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.
Two Speakeasies and a Mixed Grill
BY AMANDA MARTELL
Sometimes the challenge in Coral Gables isn’t where to go, but how to choose. For this night out on the town, we started at Coyo Taco on Giralda Plaza.
Coyo is known for its tacos (obviously) but on this evening they were running a make-your-own margarita class in their speakeasy, past the counter and through an unmarked door. It was a chance to play bartender, at least for a few minutes. Two shaky pours later, I learned my skills didn’t measure up. The professionals can rest easy; I’ll stick to writing.
From there, it was a short walk to Baires Grill, a longtime favorite for Argentine food. We didn’t bother with the menu – since Argentines are famous for their roasted meats, the parrillada mixed grill platter was the obvious choice. When it arrived, still smoking, it carried the essentials: sausage, chicken, pork, and churrasco.
While we waited, the restaurant went quiet and two flamenco dancers stepped onto the floor. Diners leaned in, drawn by the rhythm, while the dancers pulled each other closer in time with the music. I came for grilled meat and wound up with dinner and a
performance. Not a bad trade.
With dinner behind us, the evening still had room for one more stop: Levant. Most people who eat at Levant don’t realize there’s more happening upstairs. The staircase by the entrance looks ordinary enough, but follow it up and you’ll end up at Hush, a speakeasy with its own agenda.
Getting in isn’t complicated. Tickets are scanned at the door, though you can usually buy them on-site too ($25). We went on a night called “No Panic, Just Disco.”
The walk up sets the mood. Dim hallway, a few tables and chairs, and, at the end, a glass door that gives you a glimpse of the inner glow. Step through, and it’s all laid out – DJ booth and bar to the left, a space in the middle cleared for dancing, and a full mirror wall in the back that makes the space feel twice its size. Disco balls scatter specks of light across the crowd, and a laser light swings over the room like it’s chasing the beat. Allan Epps was on the booth, and when Alphaville’s “Forever Young” came on, it was game over – the floor filled up fast, and even the people clinging to their drinks along the wall were nodding along.
The bar doesn’t disappoint either. A tequila espresso martini gave the espresso more bite than the usual vodka and the Old Fashioned, balanced and smooth, used rum instead of whiskey.
By 11, the place was packed – music, dancing, hookahs puffing, the whole room buzzing. We wrapped the night up with the obligatory mirror wall photo, proof we danced more than we meant to. ■
COCKTAILS AT
TOP LEFT: COYO TACO, 126 GIRALDA PLAZA,
South Gables, Perfected Living
One of the most remarkable offerings in Coral Gables today, this estate exudes quiet sophistication on prestigious San Vicente Street Built in 2015, the residence’s sophisticated floor plan marries day-to-day comfort with the elegance required for extraordinar y gatherings Multiple covered terraces and garden views at ever y turn create a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor living.
A Mosaic of Hope
BY J.P. FABER / PHOTOS BY RODOLFO BENITEZ
When Ray Corral began his career as a designer of glass mosaics, it was the residents of Coral Gables who became his first clients. That is something he has never forgotten. Now living in a historic home on Prado, Corral has spent the last few years “giving back” to community artists.
One of his first philanthropic acts was to fund the gigantic “Moon Over the Gables” that hung above Ponce Circle Park in early 2023. Later that year, he founded the Corral-Cathers Fund, to give grants to individual artists. Earlier this year, in its third annual release of grants, he grew it from 10 to 13 artists, each receiving $5,000 checks.
Now Corral wants to expand that vision, working with the Coral Gables Community Foundation to set up a larger foundation, hoping to attract other members of the private sector to join.
“My company, Mosaicist, Inc, was literally born here in this city,” says Coral. “The first sales that I made were in Coral Gables, and I live in Coral Gables, and my company
has thrived here… I started as an artist in this city, so I felt it was the right thing to do, to give back in some way.”
The need for private sector support of the arts has never been greater. Gov. Ron Desantis, in a fit of pique over one non-profit promoting transgender ideas, last year cancelled support for all arts organizations in the state. This sent art groups scrambling to make up the short fall.
“The impact of the [Governor’s] veto has been staggering,” said Brian May, Chairman of the Miami-Dade County Cultural Affairs Council, in his State of the Arts speech earlier this year. “Miami-Dade County lost $6.4 million in State cultural grants to 132 Miami-Dade nonprofit arts organizations. There is no question that losing State grants has hurt… funding is the life blood for the arts.”
The move by DeSantis, a pro-business governor, made no sense from an economic point of view. The arts in Florida have an enormous financial impact. A recent study
by the Arts Action Alliance showed that, in Miami-Dade County alone, the cultural sector generates $2.1 billion in economic activity, creates 32,000 jobs, and draws 4.2 million “cultural tourists.” Statewide, the numbers are triple these figures, according to the state’s Division of Arts and Culture.
Corral wants the private sector to step up and fill the gap. To increase awareness in Coral Gables and facilitate the project, he is working with the Coral Gables Community Foundation, which has a long history of housing charitable foundations for local residents.
“We want to get the story out there, that there’s this need,” says Mauricio Vivero, president and CEO of the Foundation. The Corral-Cathers fund, he says, which was set up as a donor-advised fund with the foundation, is being relaunched as the Mosaic Art Fund “as a way to build on that success and invite other local philanthropists to join in.”
Unlike other foundations supporting the arts, the idea is to funnel dollars directly to artists, rather than to artistic organizations – at least initially.
“By giving directly to artists who don’t have other support is really life changing, and the return on the investment is much higher,” says Vivero. “The money is limited
MOSAICIST RAY CORRAL, WITH A LITTLE HELP FROM HIS FRIENDS, LAUNCHES A NEW FOUNDATION TO SUPPORT LOCAL ARTISTS
RAY CORRAL, LEFT, WITH MAURICIO VIVERO, PRESIDENT AND CEO OF THE CORAL GABLES COMMUNITY FOUNDATION
“ I STARTED AS AN ARTIST IN THIS CITY, SO I FELT IT WAS THE RIGHT THING TO DO, TO GIVE BACK IN SOME WAY ... ”
RAY CORRAL OF MOSAICIST, FOUNDED THE CORRALCATHERS FUND, WHICH GAVE OUT GRANTS OF $5,000 TO LOCAL ARTISTS
BELOW: THE 2025 GRANTS RECEPTION
so you’re trying to select things that have the greatest impact. A [small] check to an artist means more than a similar check to an institution with a $4 million budget. So, that is part of the strategy for the most impact in the quickest way.”
Corral says that, ultimately, his foundation can fund the larger non-profit arts organizations, but that the biggest bang for the buck right now remains with individual artists.
“I think we can build a bigger foundation to that gives back to the arts organizations, but the problem is that these [arts]
RAY CORRAL, BOTTOM RIGHT, WITH CATHERINE CATHERS BEHIND HIM, PLUS THE 2025 ARTISTS WHO RECEIVED GRANTS “ BY GIVING DIRECTLY TO ARTISTS WHO DON’T HAVE OTHER SUPPORT IS REALLY LIFE CHANGING ... ”
organizations are funded in many other ways, while artists are very rarely funded,” says Corral. “The amount of feedback and the amount of gratitude and gratefulness coming from individual artists can help us grow, can help us network, build, and promote.”
Catherine Cathers, the city’s art and cultural specialist who was. a co-director of Corral’s first fund, will remain with the new foundation as an advisor and one of the judges selecting which artists should receive grants. “A check for $5,000 may not
seem like that much, but it has changed lives and allowed artists to do things they could otherwise not do – paying for supplies or renting studio space in order to produce their work. We have a large number of testimonials now.”
Says Mauricio, “Our mission is to support and provide the infrastructure for families and people like Ray that want to create positive impact. And there’s no better example than what this represents, a local leader, a philanthropist, tackling an issue, investing to make it better, and then inviting others to participate.”■
CATHERINE CATHERS, ABOVE: " A CHECK FOR $5,000 MAY NOT SEEM LIKE THAT MUCH, BUT IT HAS CHANGED LIVES AND ALLOWED ARTISTS TO DO THINGS THEY COULD OTHERWISE NOT DO..."
October 10 – November 2, 2025
November 21 – December 21, 2025 January 23 – February 15, 2026
March 20 – April 19, 2026 May 15 – June 14, 2026
Bites
CAFFE ABBRACCI'S TATIANA (LEFT) AND KATERINA PERNETTI
Quick (Dog)Bites
BY AMANDA MARTELL
Each month we assemble a bevy of brief reviews in our Quick Bites section, revolving around a food type (such as sandwiches, shrimps, sushi, etc.). Since this is our annual Dog Issue, we couldn’t resist seeing what’s out there for our furry, four-legged friends. Here’s what we found.
LET THEM HAVE CAKE
Peanut butter mixed with beef bone broth is enough to catch any pup’s attention. Let Them Have Cake offers $1 house-made treats, baked with simple ingredients. These small, crunchy bites make for an easy pickup while you’re in the neighborhood and are sure to please most dogs. They’re a quick reward for good behavior, a calm moment, or just because. And if the wagging tails are any clue, one might not be enough. 367 Alhambra Cir. letthemhavecakemiami.com
NANDOG
When the heat hits hard, even pups deserve something cold. Nandog serves popsicles made just for dogs, priced around $6. They’re made with oats, water, chia oil, fruit, and other natural ingredients, with no added sugar, artificial flavors, or coloring. Flavors rotate, but on our visit the standout was watermelon banana. It was gone before we even left the shop: a clear sign of approval by you-know-who. 60 Miracle Mile. nandogfl.com
PURA VIDA
For anyone who loves macarons, the dog versions at Pura Vida are an easy sell. We went for the peanut butter flavor, priced at $8 for a pack of three. They look good enough to pass for the real thing, and our pooch knew it the moment the peanut butter scent hit, her tail wagging in full tilt. You could save one for each time your dog earns a reward, or, like we did, give in and let them have all three at once. 244 Miracle Mile. puravidamiami.com
WOOF GANG BAKERY & GROOMING
Want to treat your pup to cookies that look like they came straight out of a bakery case? WoofGang, which opened recently near the Shops at Merrick Park, has a table near its entrance piled high with options, from small, iced cookies to oversized versions almost too pretty to eat. Our pup’s hopeful stare made the decision easy: the big cookie, priced at $6.99. The colorful icing and detailed designs make them just as fun to pick out as they are for your dog to enjoy. 235 Altara Ave. woofgangbakery.com
SAWA RESTAURANT & LOUNGE
Sawa Restaurant is the only restaurant in the Gables with a full canine menu, ranging from gourmet baked biscuits to an Angus beef burger patty. If you’re eating outside for lunch or dinner and want to share dinner with your dog, the filet mignon kebab is a great choice. Priced at $12, it’s served plain and in a portion suited for fido. It disappeared in seconds, leaving only an empty bowl and a very hopeful puppy-eyed look for more. 360 San Lorenzo Ave. #1500. sawarestaurant.com ■
LIVE LIFE WITHOUT COMPROMISE
Choosing the right senior living community is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. Care and safety come first, but lifestyle and independence are important too. At Belmont Village, you’ll find it all. An experienced staff, 24/7 licensed nurses, award-winning enrichment and memory programs in a luxurious and attentive environment. And unlike most, we build, own, and operate all of our communities. So residents can count on the continuity of those high standards, never compromising on the things that matter.
| 305-760-4408
Pernetti's Way
CAFFE ABBRACCI MAKES YOU PART OF THE FAMILY
BY KYLIE WANG
PHOTOS BY RODOLFO BENITEZ
Abbracci is one of those places that speaks of tradition just by its presence. A mainstay of over three decades, the restaurant just off Miracle Mile has stayed in the Pernetti family since proprietor Nino Pernetti first opened its doors in 1989. Following his passing three years ago, his daughter, Tatiana, has run the establishment with the same gracious connection to clientele, greeting each guest by name. “We want people to feel like they’re in the family, [like] they’re at home and they can ask for whatever they want,” she says.
We asked for a traditional Italian meal – and got more than we bargained for, since that means a marathon of courses (antipasto, primo, secondo, and dolce!). We started with the Grilled Mediterranean Octopus ($24), which is boiled, marinated, and grilled, then served with chopped arugula, roasted pine nuts, black olive sauce, and red pepper puree. It’s a savory bestseller, partly because of how it’s cooked, using a recipe from the Lake Region of Italy where the Pernettis are from. Another Old-World recipe we tried: Mozzarella in Carrozza ($17). Slices of fresh cheese are breaded using homemade breadcrumbs, fried, and served with pesto, balsamic, and hot bruschetta tomatoes. Mamma mia
Then came what we’d all been waiting for: the pasta course. Our round corner table was sizable, which gave us plenty of room for the pasta parade. Under a cut-glass chandelier, we rotated plates so everyone could have a forkful of each dish. Our favorites were those named for Nino’s daughters: the Tortellini Tatiana ($25) and the Cappelletti Katerina ($28). The tortellini is bathed in a surprisingly light vodka sauce, made with Prosecco instead of vodka. The pasta is stuffed with Asiago cheese and stewed pear, a textural complexity with a nice hint of sweetness. Katerina’s dish is also stuffed, but with veal. The sauce is made from the meat itself, a reduction with rosemary, cream, and white truffle oil. Chef Elmer Moreno tells us everything is portioned “delicately” so as not to overpower the meat, the real star of the dish. The Spaghetti Cacio e Pepe and Rigatoni Pesto (both $25) were also delicious, both traditionally prepared.
The main dining area of Abbracci has a wonderfully intimate feel to it. There is another dining area off to rear, and a bar (with an intricate stained-glass ceiling) just off the entrance to the restau-
ABOVE: THE LATE FOUNDER NINO PERNETTI'S DAUGHTER TATIANA (CENTER) WITH CHEF ELMER MORENO AND SECOND DAUGHTER, KATERINA. THE INTIMATE MAIN DINING ROOM ALLOWS FOR CONVERSATION WITH SOUND ABSORBING SURFACES.
rant. But the cozy main dining room is where you want to be, with its chandeliers, muted prints, and smoked glass dividers. There is a sense of privacy here, enhanced by sound-studio wall materials that absorb the noise and allow something rare in busy restaurants: the ability to hear the person next to you, sotto voce.
Abbracci was once the haunt of the global famous and powerful. Before South Beach and Brickell arrived, Abbracci was among the only fine dining places in town, so when celebrities like Robert De Niro, Frank Sinatra, Robin Williams, Matt Damon, etc. visited Miami, they dined at Abbracci. Presidents Clinton and Obama also ate here, partly because of its quality, but also because (until a few years ago) there were no windows, so it was easy to secure.
For us, however, it was about the food. The second course
TOP LEFT: TORTELLINI TATIANA MADE WITH A LIGHT VODKA SAUCE
MIDDLE LEFT: CAPPELLETTI KATERINA MADE WITH STUFFED VEAL AND REDUCED SAUCE WITH CREAM.
BOTTOM LEFT: GRILLED MEDITERRANEAN OCTOPUS IN A BLACK OLIVE SAUCE WITH RED PEPPER PUREE
TOP RIGHT: RED SNAPPER AL CARTOCCIO BAKED IN PARCHMENT PAPER, FUSED WITH HERB AND TOMATO SAUCE
BOTTOM RIGHT: TUNA SICILIANO - A STEAK GRILLED TO MEDIUM RARE, SERVED WITH PEPPERS AND TOMATO
arrived with aplomb, featuring the Red Snapper al Cartoccio ($41) baked in parchment paper with a blend of sauces, herbs, and tomatoes that infused it with flavor. The fish was dressed with balsamic vinegar, olive oil, lemon, and thyme, with bruschetta tomatoes cooked alongside for a light sauce overlay. The parchment wrap ensured a moist, tender fish.
Another standout was the Tuna Siciliano ($45), a slab of tuna steak grilled to medium rare and then adorned with red bell peppers, olives, capers, and tomatoes. It looked like a thick cut of filet mignon – and had a similar consistency. Not quite as flavorful as the snapper, but more substantial.
With just enough room for dessert, we sampled the profiteroles, the classic dessert claimed by the French but said to be introduced to the world by the Italian Catherine de Medici in the 1500s. The French recipe – pastry puffs filled with whipped cream and coated with dark chocolate – is doctored at Caffe Abbracci, using vanilla ice cream instead of the traditional thick cream, then drizzled in Grand Marnier liqueur. It’s a must-have – and what Abbracci does best: traditional Italian, with a little flair. ■
Cocktails and Tangy Bites
Everyone who lived in the Gables pre-pandemic seems to miss Tarpon Bend, which had the city’s liveliest happy hour. Now, hospitality guru (and former Tarpon Bend proprietor) Wayne Eldred has taken over the food and beverage program at the THesis Hotel, revamping Mamey’s weekday happy hour to include $10 cocktails; half-off beer, wine, and well liquors; and bar bites under $13.
On the Friday we visited, joining the after-work crowd from University of Miami plus some enterprising hotel guests, there was a DJ playing at the back. Somehow, despite sitting about 10 feet from the speakers, the music wasn’t overpowering and we could easily hear each other. The bar was actually louder, with a few patrons apparently having taken advantage of the early start to happy hour, which runs long from 3 to 8 pm.
We started with the Roasted Brussels Sprouts ($8), a favorite of the night, portioned nicely for two to share and drizzled in sweet chili sauce to give the bulbs a distinct Asian flavor. The Shorty Taquitos ($12) were more surprising, delicious and vibrant with braised short rib, pickled red onions, and zesty aji amarillo aioli that balanced the barbecue-style meat inside a crunchy shell. We paired these with glasses of the Temptation No. 2 cocktail, with Tempt Gin (made by Eldred himself) combined with grapefruit, tonic, and Chinola passionfruit, leaning powerfully into the already-citric flavoring of the gin. As the weather cools, we’ll try the next offering at THesis: the soon-to-be-renovated Ivy rooftop bar. – Kylie Wang ■
TEMPTATION NO.2 COCKTAILS PAIRED WITH THE SHORTY TAQUITOS
100 Montaditos
Tucked away in a tavern-like setting on Alhambra Circle (once home to the Green Gables Café), the recently opened 100 Montaditos is one of the better ways to get bang for your buck in the Gables. The Spanish chain offers a mini sandwich fit for any palate. In the mood for something savory and salty? Try the garlic pork loin with cheddar cheese and alioli sauce ($3.25). How about something sweet? Go for the guava and cream cheese ($2.99). In total, there are 80 different sandwich combinations.
We wanted something a bit more filling, so we went with the 11-inch “MightyMonty” sub ($9.99) with serrano ham, fresh mozzarella, tomato, arugula, and pesto, which did not disappoint. We also tried one of 100 Montaditos’ popular non-sandwich items – its pincho de tortilla. Maybe it’s because we’re so used to the American-style omelet of overcooked eggs and cheese, but its Spanish counterpart was tremendous. This combination of eggs, potatoes, and onions was seasoned perfectly and paired well with the side of garlic aioli.
The one let-down of our experience was the dessert. The traditional Tarta San Marcos tasted okay, but it wasn’t quite flavorful enough to finish. It was also massive, so make sure to bring a friend if you want to tackle this layered sponge cake.
As we were leaving, we caught sight of the drink menu. Its low prices made us do a double take. $6 glasses of wine? $4.50 bottles of beer? Maybe this isn’t just a grab-and-go lunch spot. ■ – Luke Chaney
327 ALHAMBRA CIR.
786.449.5203 US.100MONTADITOS.COM
100 MONTADITOS IS A SPANISH CHAIN OFFERING AN ASSORTMENT OF EIGHTY DIFFERENT MINI SANDWICHES
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The 2025 Coral Gables Magazine Guide to Private Schools
OUR ANNUAL GUIDE TO THE TOP PRIVATE SCHOOLS IN AND NEAR CORAL GABLES, FROM PRESCHOOL THROUGH HIGH SCHOOL
A New Model for Learning
HOW ONE MIAMI SCHOOL IS LEADING A NATIONWIDE SHIFT IN EDUCATION
Demand for This Reimagined School Model Took Miami by Storm
What if your child could finish their academic work before lunch – and spend the rest of the day exploring their passions, building skills, and growing into the most confident version of themselves?
That question isn’t hypothetical for dozens of Miami families. It’s the daily reality at Alpha Miami, a bold new school with a model that’s turning heads – and rewriting the rules – just a short drive from Coral Gables on Miller Drive, in front of Tropical Park.
The model, known as 2 Hour Learning, condenses core academics into focused morning sessions, leaving afternoons open for real-world skill building and exploration. Founded in Austin, Texas over a decade ago, Alpha has refined its approach for more than 12 years. In 2025, the academic network will open 15 new campuses across the U.S. – from New York City and Washington, D.C., to Charlotte and Santa Barbara – signaling a growing demand for an education that looks and feels very di erent from the traditional schools of today.
Miami Momentum:
From Small Start to Big Leap
When Alpha Miami opened in Fall 2024, it welcomed a handful of pioneering students. Just one year later, enrollment had grown tenfold.
Families came for the promise of e icient academics, mastery-based progression, and afternoons designed for building confidence through applied skills. At Alpha, students don’t move on until they’ve scored at least 90% on a subject – ensuring mastery before advancing.
Stephanie Montagna, a parent of three Alpha Miami students, says the impact has been remarkable:
“Because Alpha’s mastery-based model lets our children fully understand a subject before moving on, they’re not just keeping up – they’re excelling on their own paths. Each of them is making gains far beyond what was possible at their previous schools, and that competence has made them more confident in every part of life.”
Monthly fall open houses share more about the model for interested Miami families
Making School Something Kids Love
At At Alpha, joy isn’t a byproduct. It’s a goal. Every student’s voice matters, with regular surveys and one-on-one st dent-teacher meetings guiding the experience. Teachers act as mentors, using motivational challenges called Limitless Launches to turn obstacles into invitations.
School here feels more like a launchpad than a classroom. One week might include a field trip to the Florida Keys or a pitch competition in front of the Miami Heat business team. It’s learning as exploration, not obligation.
The Gift of Time Back
Time is the one resource kids can’t create more of. Alpha’s approach gives it back to them.
With AI-powered, personalized instruction in the mornings, students complete core subjects before lunch, mastering material at their own pace. Afternoons shift to teacher-led workshops that build critical life skills such as public speaking, entrepreneurship, coding, outdoor fitness challenges, and more.
The result is a powerful combination of deeper academic competence and space for the kind of hands-on experiences that shape who students become.
Preparing Kids for a Future That Doesn’t Yet Exist
According to the International Society for Technology in Education, about 65% of children entering primary school today will work in jobs that haven’t even been invented. Alpha treats that reality as a mandate to tech the critical skill of learning how to learn. That’s why every week includes sessions tied to 24 Life Skills, from creativity and adaptability to grit and collaboration.
Whether it’s a 45-second “Pit Stop Challenge” or training for a “Spartan Challenge,” students build durable skills they’ll need long after academic tests are forgotten.
From a Mother’s Choice to a National Movement
Alpha co-founder MacKenzie Price first sought this reimagined model for her own two daughters. Today, she’s helping bring it to families nationwide, with features in Forbes, Fox News, and The Today Show. Her message is simple: give kids mastery of knowledge, real-world skills, and time to be curious and creative, and they will thrive.
The Next Chapter for Miami
In a time where long school days often yield limited results, Alpha o ers something novel: a place where kids love learning, grow at a rapid pace, and spend their afternoons feeding their passions, not just filling their schedules.
Here, students aren’t bound by six-hour routines. They’re launched toward alimitless future.
Alpha Miami Private School
Email: admissions.miami@alpha.school
Telephone: (786) 864-0687
The Miami Heat Challenge
THE SCHOOL GUIDE
While the 2025-26 school year may have just started, it’s never too early to start thinking about next year. With some three dozen private schools in and near the Gables, there is a lot to think about when deciding where to send your children. Here, you’ll find our annual guide to the private schools serving the young students of Coral Gables, from babies to high schoolers.
DAYCARE - ELEMENTARY
ALEXANDER MONTESSORI SCHOOL
14850 SW 67th Ave., Miami, FL 33158
305.665.6274
alexandermontessori.com
AGES: 1.5 - 12 years
TUITION: $19,150 - $31-570 annually
CURRICULUM: Montessori Method - toddlers through 3rd grade, Spanish immersion, music, art, math, science, language arts & enrichment, cultural studies
“To cultivate children’s natural curiosity, independence, and love of learning as they discover the interdependent nature of life, explore their unique purpose, and peacefully transform the world. We strive to combine the Montessori Method and philosophy with the best of traditional and contemporary pedagogy. Our school uses observation and informal and formal testing to assess achievement. Students are individually challenged to work according to their ability and are encouraged and supported to advance as they are able.”
TUITION: Full Day (7am - 6pm): $1,045 | ¾ Day (until 2:30pm): $1.010.00 | ½ Day (until 12:30pm): $965.00 monthly
CURRICULUM: Language arts, Spanish, science/ social science, music & creative movement, math, social studies, and art. The activity centers are blocks, manipulatives, puzzles/games, writing/art/Playdough, library/books, science, and housekeeping/family.
CURRICULUM: Reading, writing, language, art, music, math, science, social studies, Spanish, learning through play
EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER (ECC)
3010 Columbus Blvd.
305.444.9792
gablespreschool.org
AGES: 18 months - Kindergarten
TUITION: $815 - $1000 monthly
CURRICULUM: As a NAEYC accredited program, play-based learning is integrated throughout the Creative Curriculum, incorporating reading, writing, math, science, music, art, Spanish storytelling, and outdoor play to support whole-child development.
CURRICULUM: A culture of free exploration infused with creative movement, music, art, storytelling, dramatic play and STEAM activities. Focus on reading, writing, early math, and early science.
EXTRACURRICULARS: Kidokinetics, soccer, ballet “Giralda Preschool is a community-based, year-
ALEXANDER MONTESSORI SCHOOL
round early childhood program designed for children aged six weeks to five years old. Our curriculum is carefully crafted to reflect each child’s unique interests, strengths and needs.”
GORDON SCHOOL
2625 SW 3rd Ave., Miami, FL 33129
305.854.3282
gordonschoolmiami.org
AGES: 3 months - Grade 7
TUITION: $14,700 - $39,775 annually
CURRICULUM: Writing, arts, science, Judaics, Spanish, Hebrew, math, social studies, STEAM, English language arts, music, iReady
EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES: ballet, breakdancing, chess, Crafty Creations, Nexplore, Gordon Musical, Hola Amigos Spanish, yoga, science, basketball, Get Moving Course, soccer, tennis, gardening, violin, woodshop, cooking, and flag football
“The Gordon School is dedicated to helping students reach their highest potential through our nurturing, child-centered environment and our program of academic excellence. We teach our children to cherish the wisdom and faith of Judaism and embrace its rich heritage. Our age-appropriate programs promote growth and development in each child’s intellectual, social-emotional, ethical, and spiritual domains.”
GRANADA DAY SCHOOL
900 University Dr.
305.444.2028
granadadayschool.com
AGES: 3 months – Voluntary PreK
TUITION: $8,500 - $18,900 annually
CURRICULUM: Wee Learn and Creative Curriculum. Includes chapel, Bible, writing, art, science, music, reading, math, playground
EXTRACURRICULARS: Tennis, ballet, sports, art, outdoor play
INTERNATIONAL CHRISTIAN SCHOOL*
3930 S. Le Jeune Rd.
305.770.6195
iscoralgables.com
AGES: Infant – Kindergarten
TUITION: $1,250 - $1,500 monthly
CURRICULUM: Science and social studies, physical education, Spanish, gardening, cooking, arts and crafts, music and singing, creative movement
KLA ACADEMY
375 SW 15th Rd., Miami, FL 33129
305.377.0391
klaacademy.org
AGES: PreK - Elementary
TUITION: $17,721 - $25,784
CURRICULUM: Our educational approach is inspired by the Reggio Emilia philosophy, which offers children endless possibilities and opportunities to be in charge of their own learning. Grounded in decades of research, science, and design, KLA Academy’s flexible, differentiated education provokes deep inquiry, active learning, collaborative work, and complex problem-solving. Offered as part of our curriculum during the academic day, students partake in
athletics & wellness, art atelier, music, Spanish, and design & technology classes on rotation throughout the week in small groups.
EXTRACURRICULARS: Soccer, basketball, physical education, martial arts, musical theatre, music time, piano, guitar, studio art, pottery, ballet, hip hop, aerial acrobatics, tennis, gymnastics, kidokinetics, yoga & mindfulness, cheer, stem, chess, and more
“Our mission at KLA Academy is to empower our students to become dynamic thinkers, creative collaborators, and motivated learners. Backed by decades of research and grounded in the Reggio Emilia philosophy, our curriculum provides a solid academic foundation, fosters strong emotional intelligence, and prepares students to be versatile, innovative, and community oriented. Our stateof-the-art campus serves students from 3 months to 5th grade. Visit our website to learn more about our school and to apply.”
LA PIAZZA ACADEMY*
3100 S Dixie Hwy., Miami, FL 33133
305.443.0066
lapiazzaacademy.com
AGES: PreK – Elementary
TUITION: $15,377 - $22,011 annually
CURRICULUM: Mandarin, Spanish, arts, music, physical education, language arts, social studies, science, math
ST. PHILIP’S EPISCOPAL SCHOOL
1121 Andalusia Ave.
305.444.6366
stphilips.org
AGES: PreK3 - Elementary
TUITION: $31,690 - $35,790 annually
CURRICULUM: Foreign languages (Spanish, French, Latin), music, violin, fine arts, sacred studies, science, social studies, coding, math, physical education, media center.
“Since 1953, St. Philip’s Episcopal School has been committed to educating children intellectually, physically, and spiritually in an atmosphere of acceptance and inquiry. St. Philip’s academic program builds a foundation for continuing education in a community that prizes learning for learning’s sake. Equipped with high expectations and leadership skills, graduates emerge as well-rounded scholars welcomed into the finest middle schools.”
ST. STEPHEN’S EPISCOPAL DAY SCHOOL
3439 Main Hwy., Coconut Grove, FL 33133
305.445.2606
sseds.org
AGES: PreK – Elementary
TUITION: $37,100 annually
CURRICULUM: STEAM, Spanish, math, language arts, music, fine arts
EXTRACURRICULARS: enrichment classes
ST. THOMAS EPISCOPAL PARISH SCHOOL
5692 North Kendall Dr. 305.665.4851
stepsmia.org
AGES: PK3 – Elementary
TUITION: $32,990 annually
CURRICULUM: Art, dance, executive functioning skills, language arts, math, media studies, music, performing arts, physical education, reading, science, social studies, social-emotional, Spanish, spiritual formation.
“St. Thomas Episcopal Parish School is a nurturing, secure, and inclusive community where every child is known, supported, and inspired. Rooted in faith and guided by love, we empower students to grow spiritually, think critically, and engage wholeheartedly with the world around them. We cultivate curious minds, compassionate hearts, and confident voices.”
EXTRACURRICULARS: Art, ballet, chess, cooking, French, hip hop, Math Club, Eco-Enthusiasts, Fitness and Friends, music, piano, Reading and Writing Club, STEM Lab, Zaniacs, basketball, tennis, soccer, cheer, Taekwondo, and yoga
“The Growing Place School is committed to providing an inclusive, faith-based education for children ages 1 through 5th grade, preparing children for entrance into diverse community middle school programs, and cultivating a community of spiritual, compassionate, creative, and thriving world citizens.”
PREK-12 SCHOOLS
THE BILTMORE SCHOOL*
1600 South Red Rd., Miami, FL 33155
305.266.4666
biltmoreschool.com
AGES: PreK – Middle School
TUITION: $10,000 - $20,000 annually
CURRICULUM: IB program, math, science, languages, literature, arts, social studies
EXTRACURRICULARS: Modern dance, art, drama, music, languages, summer camp
BRIGHTMONT ACADEMY
6101 SW 76th St., South Miami, FL 33143
305.433.7557
brightmontacademy.com/campuses/miami-fl
AGES: Grades 1-12
TUITION: $36,000 for elementary | $28,000 for middle | $33,600 for high school
CURRICULUM: Full-time, one-to-one instruction for math, language arts, science, social studies, foreign language, and electives for 1st through 12th grade. Advanced Placement and Honors courses.
EXTRACURRICULARS: GED and SAT Prep, customized tutoring and skill building for math, reading, writing and executive function skills.
CARROLLTON SCHOOL OF THE SACRED HEART
3747 Main Hwy.,, Miami, FL 33133
305.446.5673
carrollton.org
AGES: Pre-K3 – High School, Girls Only
TUITION: $35,040 - $49,610 annually
CURRICULUM: International Baccalaureate (IB), Honors, Advanced Placement (AP), Advanced Topics (AT) classes in all disciplines (math, science, English, history, arts, engineering, French, Spanish, Mandarin, etc.)
EXTRACURRICULARS: Developmental sports, theater, choir, student government, service
“Carrollton provides a challenging academic environment embracing students of diverse cultural and socio-economic backgrounds. We develop confident young women who are responsible, creative, and compassionate by encouraging them to seek challenges and develop leadership. With over 60 years in the Miami community and over 225 years of Sacred Heart tradition, we are committed to excellence in education, believing that only an education inclusive of spiritual, intellectual, emotional, and physical challenges can be called excellent.”
CENTNER ACADEMY
1911 NE Miami Ct., Miami, FL 33132
305.576.6070
centneracademy.com
AGES: PreK - High School
TUITION: $18,000 - $34,000 annually
CURRICULUM: mathematics, English language arts, science, social studies & history, Mandarin, Spanish, Italian, entrepreneurship, peak performance & mindfulness, executive functioning, public speaking, technology & artificial intelligence, physical education, art, music, and theater.
EXTRACURRICULARS: Athletic conditioning, ballet, cheerleading, chess, cooking, Etiquette Club, Hands on Fun in Spanish, Homework Help, Jewish Studies, movement foundations,
Inspiring children to be well-rounded, creative, and kind human beings.
CEA provides a dynamic, intimate and nurturing environment that helps students grow into confident human beings with curious minds, healthy bodies, and strong civic, spiritual, and cultural values. Through its demanding academic program, Conservatory of the Arts, athletic division, and mastery program, students are challenged and inspired to grow as passionate thinkers and doers who make an impact on their communities.
EXTRACURRICULARS: Dance: ballet, Spanish dance, lyrical, contemporary, Cuban dance, and hip hop. Music: piano, voice, guitar, ukelele, bass, violin, viola, cello, clarinet, flute, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, percussion, and music theory & solfeggio. Visual arts, martial arts
ESPINOSA ACADEMY ™
ST. THOMAS EPISCOPAL PARISH SCHOOL
and student council. Honor Societies: National Junior Honor Society, National Honor Society for Dance Arts, Tri-M Music Honor Society, National Art Honor Society, and Thespian Honor Society. Sports: basketball, cross country, flag football, pickleball, soccer, t-ball, track and field, volleyball, strength & conditioning.
“Conchita Espinosa Academy™ (CEA) is a fully-accredited, co-educational, independent private school for grades K3 through 8th. Since 1933, CEA has followed founder Conchita Espinosa’s vision of education, The Espinosa Method™, which
is designed to ignite students’ curiosity and encourage their love of learning. CEA offers students a strong academic foundation and immersion in the arts and humanities from an early age in an intimate environment that supports development and helps them grow to become well-rounded, creative, and confident individuals.”
GULLIVER PREPARATORY SCHOOL
Upper School Campus: 6575 North Kendall Dr., Pinecrest, FL 33156 PK - 8 Campus: 12595 Red Rd.
305.666.6333
gulliverprep.org
AGES: PreK – High School
TUITION: $34,600 - $53,400 annually
CURRICULUM: 30+ AP courses, Honors courses, IB courses, Dual Enrollment, 6 world languages, performing & visual arts. Signature academic programs in architecture, biomedical sciences, digital mass media, engineering & computer science, international business & entrepreneurship, and international diplomacy & legal studies
EXTRACURRICULARS: 75+ campus organizations including special interest clubs, service clubs, academic clubs, and honor societies. Bowling, cheerleading, cross country, football, golf, swimming, volleyball, rowing, basketball, soccer, weightlifting, baseball, lacrosse, sailing, softball, tennis, track & field, and water polo
“At Gulliver, our mission is to create an academic community devoted to educational excellence, with a personal touch that fulfills each student’s potential. We embrace success as a measure of both what you achieve and who you become, and empower our students to think, create, and grow with purpose so they can step into their futures with confidence and courage.”
KEY POINT CHRISTIAN ACADEMY*
609 Brickell Ave., Miami, FL 33131
305.424.7170
keypointacademybrickell.com
THE GROWING PLACE SCHOOL
AGES: 2 years – Middle School
TUITION: $15,800 - $21,979 annually
CURRICULUM: Physical education, tennis, swimming, math, language arts, science, social studies, IXL, Christian education, art, music, STEAM
EXTRACURRICULARS: Art, music, physical education, STEAM, mindfulness, student council
RIVIERA SCHOOLS
9775 SW 87th Ave., Miami, FL 33176 786.300.0300
rivieraschools.com
AGES: Pre-K - High School
TUITION: $21,450 - $37,300 annually
CURRICULUM: Language arts, literature & composition; math (Algebra–Calculus; CP/Honors/AP); science (biology, chemistry, physics; CP/Honors/AP); social studies (World/U.S. History, Gov/Econ; AP); Spanish & French; Fine Arts (visual arts, drama, music, dance); PE & Health; STEM (PLTW: Engineering, Biomed, CS); business; academic enrichment; critical thinking; 27+ AP classes.
EXTRACURRICULARS: Animal Awareness Club, Chess Club, Drumline & Pep Band, Environmental Club / Marine Conservation, Film Society, Geography Club, Investment/Finance Club, Italian Honor Society, Key Club, Model UN, Mythology Club, Pottery Club, Programming Club, Robotics, Riviera Vocalists / Choir,
RPG / Strategic Games Club, Table Tennis Club, Yearbook Club, Bulldog Buddies mentoring and Parents Club –sponsored events, cross country, swimming, golf, volleyball (girls), basketball, soccer, baseball (boys), tennis, track & field, water polo, dance (girls), cheerleading, and 38 interscholastic teams.
“At Riviera, potential is limitless. Known for a long tradition of educational excellence, Riviera Schools nurture students from preschool through grade 12 to exceed limits and defy expectations.
Located in vibrant Miami, our dedicated faculty and small class sizes inspire personal success, integrity, and service. Blending tradition with innovation, our campuses foster a dynamic community where academic rigor meets compassionate support, empowering students to pursue their passions and make meaningful contributions.”
ST. THERESA CATHOLIC SCHOOL* 2701 Indian Mound Trail 305.446.1738
CARROLLTON SCHOOL OF THE SACRED HEART
stscg.org
AGES: PreK - Middle School
TUITION: $8,914 annually
CURRICULUM: English, reading and literature, handwriting, math, science, social studies, Spanish, music, technology, art, physical education, weekly mass
EXTRACURRICULARS: Student council, theater, soccer, basketball, cross country, track and field, baseball, volleyball, golf, flag football, softball
BELEN JESUIT PREPARATORY SCHOOL
500 SW 127th Avenue Miami, FL 33184
786.621.4177
belenjesuit.org
AGES: Middle & High School, Boys Only TUITION: $25,100 annually
CURRICULUM: Belen Jesuit’s faculty-to-student ratio is 10:1. We have a 100 percent college acceptance rate with 10 dual-enrollment courses,
13 Honor Societies, more than 40 scholastic clubs, 28 Advanced Placement courses, and 28 Honors courses.
EXTRACURRICULARS: 40+ clubs and organizations, Model United Nations, baseball, basketball, bowling, crew, cross country, fencing, flag football, football, golf, lacrosse, sailing, soccer, swimming, tennis, track & field, volleyball, water polo, and wrestling.
CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS HIGH SCHOOL*
3000 SW 87th Ave., Miami, FL 33165
305.223.5650
columbushs.com
AGES: High School, Boys Only TUITION: $16,300 annually
CURRICULUM: English, math, theology, social studies, science, foreign language, physical education, Advanced Placement courses, dual enrollment, honors courses, college prep
CURRICULUM: Language arts, social studies, mathematics, world languages, science, fine arts, physical fitness, theology, College Board Capstone, business & technology, STEAM concentration programs (separate application)
TUITION: $16,600 for Grades 9-11 | $17,100 for Grade 12
CURRICULUM: Business, computer science, English, fine arts, health/exercise science, mathematics, media, science, social studies, theology, and world languages.
CURRICULUM: Honors, Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, English, math, computer science, science, history, world languages, religious and philosophical studies, visual arts, performing arts, theater, dance, physical education, contemporary studies, and independent studies.
EXTRACURRICULARS: Student clubs, Model
UN, service living, environmental stewardship, community events, cheerleading, cross country, football, golf, girls’ volleyball, basketball, soccer, baseball, lacrosse, girls’ softball, tennis, and track and field.
RANSOM EVERGLADES*
Middle School: 2045 S Bayshore Dr., Miami, FL 33133
CURRICULUM: English, history and social sciences, math, computer science, performing arts, physical education, science, visual arts, world languages (Chinese, French, Portuguese, Spanish)
softball, tennis, track and field, ASL, chess, cooking, knitting and crochet, esports, fishing, GSA, Model United Nations, pickleball, poetry, politics, technology, Ultimate Frisbee
ST. BRENDAN HIGH SCHOOL*
2950 SW 87th Ave., Miami, FL 33165
305.223.5181
stbrendanhigh.org
AGES: High School
TUITION: $15,500 - $19,750 annually
CURRICULUM: Dual enrollment, Advanced
Placement, business and technology, art, English, math, physical education, science, social science, theology, world languages
EXTRACURRICULARS: Cross country, swimming, golf, football, volleyball, basketball, soccer, dance, cheerleading, baseball, lacrosse, track and field, tennis, softball, campus ministry, medical science clubs, STEM clubs, visual and performing arts, law and global business, honor societies
XCEED PREPARATORY ACADEMY*
9350 S Dixie Hwy. #160, Kendall, FL 33156
305.901.2115
xceedprep.org
AGES: Middle – High School
TUITION: $23,500 annually
CURRICULUM: Individualized learning for college preparedness with a flexible schedule and one-on-one college counseling, dual enrollment
SPECIAL NEEDS
CRYSTAL ACADEMY*
107 Antilla Ave.
305.567.5881
crystalacademycg.org
AGES: Early Intervention - High School
TUITION: Therapy Center: based on insurance coverage | School: based on student-to-provider ratio after evaluation from Academic and Behavior Dept., insurance coverage, and FES-UA scholarship.
RIVIERA SCHOOLS
CURRICULUM: Therapy Center: Individual ABA, OT, speech, language, and music. School: Language arts, science, math, social studies, art, music, theatre, social and living skills, physical education, community-based instruction, and inclusion opportunities. Program has been developed to provide a behavior and communication-based intervention promoting language, cognition, independence, and social development for students with autism and related neurological conditions.
EXTRACURRICULARS: Individual Therapy for ABA, OT, speech, language, and music. Group and personal physical training.
MIAMI LEARNING EXPERIENCE
5651 SW 82nd Avenue Rd., Miami, FL 33143
305.275.5900
mleschool.org
AGES: 5 years – Adult
TUITION: $29,000 annually
CURRICULUM: Individualized instruction, mathematics, reading, science, history, art, music, and physical education daily living skills.
EXTRACURRICULARS: Dance, cooking and gardening, Special Olympics, basketball, soccer, golf, tennis, flag football, track & field, gymnastics, softball, and bowling.
“We prioritize personalized care, tailored programs, and individual attention to empower every student with special needs to accomplish their goals,
offering uninterrupted education from kindergarten to adulthood for individuals with varying developmental exceptionalities. Our meticulously crafted programs foster the expansion of over 130 students’ growth and enhance their abilities and our school practices sequential, theory-based, and developmentally appropriate instruction at every level. Our strategic plan focuses on fostering new and meaningful community-wide relationships.”
THE ROIG ACADEMY
8000 SW 112 St., Miami, FL 33156
305.235.1313
roigacademy.com
AGES: K-8
TUITION: $40,125 annually
CURRICULUM: The IB choice for students with dyslexia. 25 years of empowering students with dyslexia through research-based instruction.
*information as of 2024
MIAMI LEARNING EXPERIENCE
Schools Located in CORAL GABLES
CRYSTAL
For over 60 years, Alexander Montessori School has nurtured a lifelong love of learning through hands-on, self-directed education. Our compassionate staff supports the growth of the whole child in a caring, engaging environment. We serve children from 1½ to 12 years across four Miami campuses. Apply today to spark your child’s curiosity and passion for learning.
Dog Stories
SIX LOCALS AND THEIR BELOVED POOCHES
BY OLIVIA TORRE / PHOTOS BY RODOLFO BENITEZ
SHADOW HUSKY, AGE 8
THE OWNER
Diego Cancel, Supervisor, Coral Gables Sustainability and Resiliency Department
DOG STORY
Shadow, an eight-year-old husky, isn’t a normal dog. He’s a Spanish-speaking, Bad-Bunny-singing superstar. “The song ‘Dakiti’ by Bad Bunny – he sings to that song,” says his owner, Diego Cancel. Shadow lives with three cats and a replica Husky toy that once terrified him. “We have a pretty big replica of a Husky and when we first got it he was terrified of it. He actually growled at the fake Husky. Now it’s one of his favorite toys,” he recalls. Shadow is also impressively multi-lingual: “[He] knows Sign Language and Spanish and pretty much every trick with sign,” says Cancel. With Shadow’s pop culture upbringing and linguistic savviness, there’s no denying that he’s “definitely a Latino dog.”
One Team, One Vision With You at the Center
Led by Lani Kahn Drody, The Lani Group is a luxury real estate team offering boutique-style service to home sellers and buyers across South Florida.
Anchored by Lani’s 30 years of experience, over $1 billion in sales, and her deep roots as a native Miami local, The Lani Group offers unmatched expertise in the greater Miami area.
JUST LISTED | FAIRCHILD OAKS
11055 GIRASOL AVE. CORAL GABLES, FL 33156
5 BED | 4.5 BATH | 4,598 SQ FT | 11055GIRASOLAVE.COM | $4,195,000 FILLED W/ NATURAL LIGHT & VIEWS OF MATURE MAJESTIC OAK TREES LISTED BY LANI KAHN DRODY | (305) 216-1550
UNDER CONTRACT 11942 SW 14TH PL. DAVIE, FL
5 BED | 7.5 BATH | 6,491 SQ FT | 36,459 SQ FT LOT
A TRADITION OF EXCELLENCE, BUILT BY LOWELL HOMES LISTED BY LANI KAHN DRODY | (305) 216-1550
UNDER CONTRACT | PINECREST
7160 SW 124TH ST PINECREST, FL 33156
4 BED | 3 BATH | 3,152 SQ FT | SALTWATER POOL & SPA
EXPANSIVE OUTDOOR AREA WITH BUILT-IN KITCHEN, BBQ & LOUNGE LISTED BY LAUREN DOWLEN | (786) 942-0193
JUST SOLD | THE RESERVE OF PINECREST
7598 SW 102ND ST #300 PINECREST, FL 33156
3 BED | 2.5 BATH | 1,842 SQ FT | FRESHLY RENOVATED
LISTED BY TIFFANY SMITH GARCIA | (305) 905-9197 JUST
PRISTINE CONDO WITH LARGE COVERED PATIO OVERLOOKING TREETOPS LISTED BY LAUREN DOWLEN | (786) 942-0193
JUST SOLD 1132 ASTURIA AVE. CORAL GABLES
5 BED | 7 BATH | 4,712 SQ FT | 12,500 SQ. FT. LOT
LISTED BY LANI KAHN DRODY | (305) 216-1550
JUST SOLD 2460 ABACO AVE. MIAMI
3 BED | 3 BATH | 2,122 SQ FT | 6,550 SQ. FT. LOT
LANI KAHN DRODY & TIFFANY SMITH GARCIA BROUGHT BUYER
NEWLY PRICED | DUPLEX FOR SALE 1236 NW 27TH ST MIAMI, FL 33142 | ALLAPATTAH
UPDATED DUPLEX HAS 2 UNITS EACH WITH 3 BEDROOMS, 2 BATHS GREAT INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY $995,000
KOBE PINCHER-GREYHOUND, AGE 13
THE
OWNER
Luli Lameran, Corporate Patient Experience Manager, Baptist Health South Florida
DOG STORY
Rescued during COVID-19 after being returned by three families, Kobe, a 13-year-old pincher-greyhound mix, finally found the home she’d been waiting for with Luli Lameran and her family. “She was the first one that came up to me. And when she did, I looked at my daughter and I said, ‘This is the dog,’” says Lameran. “I always say dogs pick you, you don’t pick the dog.” Though Kobe had her fair share of challenges as a rescue, “she is the perfect definition of what unconditional love is… When I get a cold, I’ll get really, really sick for like two or three days. I’ll be in bed. She will not even go out to do her necessities until I get up. She will stay next to me the entire time. She’s just very kind, a very kind soul,” says Lameran.
SAMMY SHEEPADOODLE MIX, AGE 6
THE OWNER
Jonah Kaplan, General Manager, Books & Books
DOG STORY
For Books & Books Manager Jonah Kaplan, his two rescue dogs feel like two reflections of himself. “They’re each like my opposites, each like my different personalities,” he says. “Mars is super outgoing and kinda crazy, super hyper. Sammy is more relaxed, more reserved.” Mars, a five- yearold Australian Cattledog, is the mad spirit of the house, “He’s like a wild animal. When I used to live in Colorado, he would dig under the snow and stay there,” Jonah laughs. On the other hand, Sammy, a six-year-old Sheepadoodle mix, prefers calm and familiarity. “He is scared of the dark, so I can’t really walk him at night unless, for some reason, we're with my girlfriend.” That contrast – or balance – even shows up in the way they sleep: “Sammy likes to sleep on the pillow above me. Like, literally, almost on the windowsill. And then Mars is always at my feet.”
SAVANNAH GERMAN SHEPHERD,
AGE 5
THE OWNER
Nicole Fridling Cook, Graduate Student Researcher, University of Miami Psychology Department
DOG STORY
Savannah, a five-year-old German Shepherd, is more than just a cuddly companion for Nicole Fridling Cook. As a guide dog, Savannah helps Fridling Cook, who is legally blind, navigate the world around her. “For me to get around, it’s way easier to have a guide dog because when you get around with a cane, you are basically looking for obstacles,” Fridling Cook says. Just like any working professional, Savannah takes her job seriously, but when she’s off the clock she likes to play and relax like any other dog – though her intelligence gives her certain advantages. “When my husband was getting his MBA, I taught her how to dunk into a little mini basketball hoop, because we were bored during the NCAA tournament,” says Friddling Cook. Despite her playful nature, Savannah clearly loves her occupation as a guide dog. “When I say ‘Hey, do you wanna go to work?’ she’ll sprint to the door and run into her harness She really wants to go to work, probably more than anybody else.”
IZZY FRENCH BULLDOG, AGE 4
MARLEY FRENCH BULLDOG, AGE 6
THE OWNERS
Monique Selman, General Contractor, Albany Homes Construction Inc., and Attorney George David
DOG STORY
Izzy and Marley are the ultimate Frenchie duo – equal parts chaos and cuddles. Izzy, the four-year-old rescue, is all heart – unless you’re the vet. “She’ll come up and lick you and do all these things, but to the vet she growls. She hates the vet and [sometimes] tries to bite,” says her owner, Monique Selman. Marley, the older Frenchie, is the full-time mischief maker. “If Izzy has a toy that Marley wants, Marley will come to me and get affection from me so Izzy will drop the toy and come, and then Marley goes off and gets the toy that Izzy dropped.” Despite the antics, the bond between them all is unbreakable. “I have a human-sized dog bed so I lie in it and watch tv. Then the dogs come and snuggle with me and fall asleep on my lap. That’s our favorite time of the day.”
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.
LUCY DACHSUND, AGE 17
SCOUT DACHSUND, AGE 6
GINNY FRENCH BULLDOG, AGE 1
THE OWNER
Vanessa Blanco-Baños, CEO, The Grove Title & Trust, PLLC Executive Vice President, Junior League Miami
DOG STORY
In the Blanco-Baños household there is never a dull moment with their three pups. Lucy, a 17-year-old Dachshund, is the dignified elder; Scout, six, is the friendliest pup; and Ginny, a deaf one-year-old French Bulldog, is the family clown. “They’re like the morning energy before the coffee, so before anything, it’s doggy time, every day,” says Vanessa Blanco-Baños, the mom of the house. Ginny is especially full of antics. “She’ll pretend she doesn’t know how to go up and down the stairs so she can be carried. But if there’s food on the other side of it, all of a sudden she figures out how to use the stairs very well,” says Blanco-Baños. Meanwhile, Scout and Lucy are two peas in a pod. “The Dachshunds – their favorite toy is each other. Like they really just will not do anything without the other one paying attention.”
These dogs are genetically built and bred to do police and military work...”
Photo by Rodolfo Benitez
STEPHANIE LARICCI, CORAL GABLES POLICE OFFICER, WITH WILLY
PROFESSIONAL POOCHES
THE WORKING DOGS OF CORAL GABLES ARE A NOBLE BREED – WITH A PURPOSE
BY LUKE CHANEY
The lives of most dogs in Coral Gables are quite simple. Eat. Play. Sleep. Sleep some more. Repeat. It’s hard not to envy these routines. But this isn’t the case for every dog. Some have to “clock in” and go to work, although they probably don’t think of it that way. Indeed, from Terriers to Sheepdogs, many canines are bred to serve, and in service find fulfillment. Here’s a look into some of the jobs that dogs have in the City Beautiful.
CORAL GABLES POLICE DEPARTMENT
The moment that Coral Gables Police Officer Stephanie LaRicci puts on her duty belt before leaving her house in the morning, Willy – her three-year-old Belgian Malinois shepherd – knows it’s also time for work.
Willy has spent the last year-and-a-half at LaRicci’s side, serving full-time as part of the Coral Gables Police K-9 Unit. He’s skilled at apprehending suspects and detecting the presence of bombs and explosives.
It’s not by chance that Willy became a police dog. Like all other canines with the Coral Gables Police Department (CGPD), he was born to be one. “These dogs are genetically built and bred to do police and military work,” says LaRicci. “They have an extra bit of courage. They’re not going to stop. They have a really strong drive. If they get a hard correction in training, it’s not going to discourage them at all.”
Originally from Hungary, Willy was selected by the CGPD when he was a year old, and, after grading well in various exercises, he and LaRicci then underwent a 470-hour training course together to receive their state certification. During this intense program, Willy was taught focus, obedience, and a series of different commands (which are given to him mostly in Dutch, as well as German, French, Czech, and English).
After learning the many commands – and the correct biting technique – Willie was instructed in how to detect human orders and how to react appropriately. The Belgian Malinois has an incredible sense of smell, with a nose that contains 220 million scent receptors. Humans, by comparison, only have five million. This means that Willy can make out even the faintest human scents, such as adrenaline and cortisol, which the body releases under stressful situations.
A misconception that people have about police dogs is that they bite everybody. This couldn’t be further from the truth, LaRicci says. “Our department specifically sends the dogs for violent felonies, so they’re not going for people that stole a book bag from a store that was $20,” she says. “It’s going to be a violent crime where [there was a victim].”
When a dog apprehends a suspect, LaRicci must then file a lengthy police report. In some cases, there could be a lawsuit that follows. Because of these risks, LaRicci and Willie must be in sync every time they’re called to action. This requires strict discipline from both of them, formed through the strong bonds they’ve developed at and away from work. “The handlers know the dogs like they know themselves,” says LaRicci.
by Rodolfo Benitez
Photo
LaRicci has been around dogs most of her life. In addition to her family dogs, her father – who is a sergeant with the Pinecrest Police Department – introduced her to police dogs at a young age. She was accepted into the coveted canine unit of the CGPD after just a few years with the department. To receive approval, she had to have superb policing stats and a history of not using excessive force.
Willy will continue working with LaRicci until he retires. When that time arrives, he’ll become a full-time house dog with LaRicci and spend his golden years doing other things that he loves, like chasing birds, digging up sand on the beach, and splashing around in the pool. “He enjoys home just as much as he likes it here,” says his handler.
NICKLAUS CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL
Ranked as one of the top children’s hospitals in the United States in various categories of expertise, Nicklaus features 40 pediatric specialties that create a sanctuary “where your child matters most,” according to the hospital’s website. In addition to its many medical services, Nicklaus also has a pet therapy program. This nine-dog coalition offers unconditional love and support to both patients and volunteers.
The emotional and psychological benefits provided by canines has long been known. Reinforcing that belief, the Journal of the American Medical Association published a peer-reviewed study in March 2025 confirming the obvious – that dogs decrease anxiety levels in pediatric patients.
Nicklaus Children’s Experiences Manager Jenny Oquendo sees the benefits firsthand. “Getting a child to have something to look forward to later in the day, helping to cheer them up, bringing some hope in a season where they might not be hopeful – those are all
by
Rodolfo Benitez
benefits of having a pet therapy dog visit them at the bedside,” says Oquendo. “I think, for our volunteers, it does something similar.”
One of the nine dogs within Nicklaus’ pet therapy program is Zeus, a Chow Chow who, at 10 years of age, is the oldest of the bunch. Other pooches include a chihuahua named Lucy, a Bernese Mountain Dog named Apollo, an Old English Sheepdog named Thor, a Bernadoodle named Beau, and a Labrador retriever named Nala. Nicklaus once even had a Great Dane.
A dog becomes eligible to be certified as a therapy pet once they turn one year old. The certification process, which is first completed through the Alliance of Therapy Dogs, is thorough. Each dog must pass an assortment of behavioral assessments. Volunteers who handle the dogs must also get approved by this same organization, which is required before they submit their documentation to become a volunteer at Nicklaus.
The dogs start their days at the Michael Fux Family Center. From there, pet therapy requests are carefully reviewed. These
Photo
TOP: APOLLO'S BIRTHDAY PARTY AT NICKLAUS CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL
RIGHT: SANTA PAWS AT THE HOSPITAL'S CHRISTMAS PARTY
BELOW: NURSE BIANCA LAZO WALKS NALA WITH A YOUNG PATIENT
by
"
Getting a child to have something to look forward to later in the day...”
Photo
Rodolfo Benitez
MANAGER JENNY OQUENDO WITH NURSE BIANCA LAZO AND NALA
requests, which can be submitted by a physician, a clinician, or a hospital staff member, include the patient’s name, room number, and any precautions that must be taken to prevent any possible worsening of a child’s health. There are, however, some exceptions that are made.
“Sometimes, the child’s emotional wellbeing weighs into whether or not we allow them to get a visit from the dog,” Oquendo said. “Maybe that child is not doing well, maybe they’re in the PICU [pediatric intensive care unit], maybe the outcome might not be what we would aspire for, but if they wish to see a dog, we can get the green light from the physicians who would really consider that emotional well-being in the full equation.”
To enhance the overall experience, each visit from a dog includes a complimentary trading card, consisting of the dog’s name, breed, favorite food, and a couple of fun facts (who knew that Thor the Sheepdog could skateboard!) and photos. For patients who want to connect with their canine companions outside of the in-person visits, they can download the My Nicklaus Children’s app and play with virtual versions of each dog.
BELMONT VILLAGE SENIOR LIVING
Scampi, a four-year-old Australian Terrier, and Luna, a three-yearold Havanese, reflect the personalities of their owners to a tee. Patti is full of energy and somehow able to keep up with the always-scampering Scampi. Luna, on the other hand, has a much more laid-back demeanor – perfect for her equally laid-back owner, Rafa.
Scampi and Luna are two of five resident dogs that stay with their owners at Belmont Village Senior Living, the dog-friendly facility located right next to the Shops at Merrick Park. What Patti, 76, and Rafa, 81, appreciate the most about their pet pooches is their unconditional love. “It doesn’t matter if you’re a bad person or if you’re ugly,” says Patti. “No matter what, they still love you; it’s wonderful.” There are plenty of activities for residents to engage in with their dog. Rafa, who recently moved into Belmont Village, loves to walk with Luna throughout Merrick Park. Patty prefers to take Scampi to the beautiful outdoor terrace on the second floor of the building. Belmont also has a designated dog park that features grass turf and umbrellas. Once the summer heat cools down, Belmont Village plans on bringing back “Yappy Hour” – a happy hour event with a doggy-themed twist.
“At about an hour before dinner time... residents gather, and we chill, we talk, we hang out,” says Anna Moreno-Nava, the activities director at Belmont Village. “The dogs play together, and residents who don’t have dogs can come and get love from these dogs. They pet them and play with them.”
Another excellent resource for dog owners at Belmont Village is Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming, a pet grooming and doggie-treat company located adjacent to the senior living facility. Woof Gang even offers a service that will pick up an owner’s dog at their apartment and drop the pet back off once their service is completed.
For those needing a bit more care, Belmont Village arranges therapy dogs to visit Memory Care residents on a regular basis. Something as simple as a pet can lead to massive benefits. “Even just that one interaction … lowers your blood pressure,” Moreno-Nava says. “It calms your mood. It also makes you just forget everything for a second. It regroups; it rewires the brain – that smile, that contact with the dog.”
Belmont Village plans on continuing to introduce dog-friendly activities to its residents in the future. ■
Photo by Rodolfo Benitez
RIGHT: THOR, AN OLD ENGLISH SHEEPDOG, ON THE HOSPITAL'S THERAPY DOG DAY. AND BELOW: RAFA AND LUNA FROM BELMONT VILLAGE
A FOUR-YEAR-OLD
A THREE-YEAR-OLD
PATTI WITH SCAMPI,
AUSTRALIAN TERRIER, AND RAFA WITH LUNA,
HAVANESE
Photo by Rodolfo Benitez
DAVID CHANG’S FUKU® (FOO-KOO)
OPENS NEW RESTAURANT IN SOUTH FLORIDA SPICING THINGS UP ON MIRACLE MILE
As we celebrate the City Beautiful’s centennial, we’re excited to launch our new fuku® restaurant. The grand opening is in Fall 2025, and this is one of several new fuku restaurants coming soon to South Florida.
fuku® is a quick culinary, chef-driven eatery from David Chang, known for its signature, craveable spicy fried chicken sandwich. The “OG sando” (crispy habanero-brined chicken with fuku mayo, pickles on a potato roll) – a secret menu item in 2015 in NYC and part of David Chang’s Momofuku restaurants – is now a national foodie favorite.
Located at 135 Miracle Mile, Coral Gables, FL 33134 the 1929 sq. ft space will feature an urban contemporary design with a welcoming vibe showcasing the brand’s playful peach color, inspired by its namesake Momofuku or “lucky peach.” Dine-in and takeout services available and customers can order on the fuku app. Foodies will enjoy a menu lineup of sandos, crispy tenders, waffle fries, house made sauces, premium sides and slushies.
fuku® is on a mission to provide quality, hand-crafted food for everyone to enjoy anywhere, and is growing fast with 20 locations in major stadiums, arenas and ballparks across the U.S., including Miami’s own Hard Rock Stadium, and plans to launch more dine-in restaurants.
The Tactic of Neglect
CORAL GABLES, LIKE OTHER CITIES, NEEDS TO COMBAT THIS PATH TO THE DEMOLITION OF HISTORY
BY KARELIA MARTINEZ CARBONELL. PHOTOS BY VICKI CERDA
An increasingly disturbing situation affecting historically designated properties today is “demolition by neglect,” in which historic properties are allowed by their owners to fall into such disrepair that they cannot be saved. Local landmarks that have recently fallen victim to “neglect” include the Deauville Hotel, the Annell apartment building in Miami Beach, and two homes in historic districts in Coral Gables. All were/are protected under their respective historic preservation ordinances yet have either been lost or are struggling to survive due to a lack of maintenance or outright negligence.
Tackling demolition by neglect is crucial to the survival of historic districts and historic buildings. Some property owners sadly have used demolition by neglect to sidestep the authority of their community’s preservation ordinances. If a building deteriorates enough, local building officials are forced to step in and address the public health and safety liability by ordering demolition of the neglected property, regardless of its historic status. Property owners also abandon their historic properties for various other reasons, including not having the financial wherewithal to maintain the property, allowing it to fall passively into the demolition by neglect category.
IS THERE A REMEDY?
In order to prevent demolition by neglect, a number of cities have adopted ordinances requiring property owners to properly maintain historical buildings. However, enforcing anti-neglect ordinances poses challenges, including distinguishing intentional neglect from other factors. Coral Gables is one of the few cities with an ordinance or “remedy” to avert demolition by neglect under Zoning Code Section 8-108. The remedy, however, sometimes takes years and much legal procedure to enforce. Two properties in Coral Gables tell the tales of years of neglect while facing mounting fines and code violations.
The property at 117 Florida Avenue, part of the MacFarlane Historic District, accumulated numerous code violations and approximately $1 million of fines over a span of 17 years. By 2018, the property was so far gone it was lost to “demolition by neglect” despite the penalties incurred due to violations of Section 8-108. At the time, the Historic Preservation Board engaged in a heated discussion summoning changes to the compliance process pertaining to neglected/abandoned historic properties. During the meeting, then-City Attorney Miriam Ramos agreed that “the city needs a shift in policy in order to prevent scenarios such as the neglectful demolition…of 117.”
Today, the city is again facing a similar situation of demolition by neglect. The property at 1021 Hardee Road, part of the Historic French City Village, has been deteriorating for years, despite code violations and increasing fines. Recently, due to a groundswell of complaints from neighbors and a unanimous vote by the city’s Code Enforcement Board, the City of Coral Gables finally took mitigating action to protect the property from further decay (although litigation continues). Neighbors now question why it took years for the city to invoke its code provision. One aggravating factor in this situation, say city officials, was the use of private code inspectors who
“Preserve from deliberate or inadvertent neglect, the interior, exterior, structural stability and historic and architectural integrity of any historically designated building, structure, landscape feature, improvement, site or portion thereof. All such properties, building and structures shall be maintained in accordance to minimum maintenance standards, preserved against decay, deterioration and demolition and shall be free from structural defects through prompt and corrective action to any physical defect which jeopardizes the building’s historic, architectural and structural integrity.”
could sign off on permits and extensions without city oversight. This “loophole” has now been eliminated.
Yes, property rights are legally protected, but so is the ability for cities to protect their historical heritage and built environment. ■
Karelia Martinez Carbonell is president of the Historic Preservation Association of Coral Gables, a 501c3 non-profit founded in 1991. For more information, please visit historiccoralgables.org.
TOP: 117 FLORIDA AVENUE. ABOVE: 1021 HARDEE ROAD
SECTION 8-108 OF THE CORAL GABLES ZONING CODE: DEMOLITION BY NEGLECT ORDINANCE
Mr. & Mrs. Chris & Ashley Barber. Lake Como, Italy, Photographer @garvana_ph
Shadows of Beauty
BY
David Gary Lloyd presents his solo exhibition of photography, "Garden Shadows of the Sun," in the unconventional space of the lobby of the 255 Alhambra building. It is an exquisite series of color and black and white photographs that, in his words, “explores the hidden, coded, and resilient expressions of queer identity against the backdrop of South Florida’s landscape.” Palm and royal poinciana trees, peacocks, flamingos, flowers, and butterflies abound alongside human models. One is reminded of John Singer Sargent and his stunning watercolors over a century ago.
Although Lloyd often conceives his works as installations of numerous pieces extending organically both vertically and horizontally, the limitations of this space forced him to present them as single pieces, diptychs, or triptychs – but without losing their impact. On the contrary, it could be argued that this isolation has given some of his pieces greater force. Let’s look at two examples.
"Touch of the Monarch" is a haunting allegory of transformation and the delicate threshold between grounded strength and ephemeral ascent. A muscular male back fills the frame, sculpted with soft light and shadow. Resting gently upon the curve of his shoulder is a monarch butterfly – its wings poised in stillness.
The composition suggests a metamorphosis: the butterfly reads not simply as a visitor, but as an extension of the body itself, as though its wings might soon unfurl from the skin and lift the massive figure beyond the frame. It evokes the Classical myth of Icarus – not in failure, but in the sacred instant before the leap. The body becomes a vessel for grace, the butterfly a symbol of a soul awakening to its potential to rise. Thus, "Touch of the Monarch" becomes a portrait of possibility, of beauty taking root in the body, and the body, in turn, growing wings.
In the diptych, "I Became Both," the viewer is presented with
another tender yet charged metaphor for transformation, one that elegantly balances playfulness with paradox. On the left, a flamingo folds into itself, serene and singular, its elegant neck curved like a question mark. Opposite, the taut forearm of a man is raised, tattooed with the image of a feather morphing into a sword, an emblem that flickers between softness and strength, flight and fight.
Transformation, in this image, is not simply about becoming something new. It is about holding contradiction. The man does not abandon the feather for the sword; he is the feather and the sword. He is the flamingo and the arm that lifts skyward. Lloyd plays with this doubling with the title itself – "I Became Both" – a quiet declaration of metamorphosis without erasure.
This is a portrait of queerness not as dichotomy, but as union: grace coexisting with defiance, tenderness with strength. The ink on the arm is permanent, yet it depicts flight. The flamingo, so often caricatured for its flamboyance, here rests in solemn poise, a silent teacher of balance. Through this pairing, Lloyd suggests that identity is not fixed, but performative and poetic. We are the creatures we admire, the myths we wear on our skin, the gestures that stretch toward something unknown. And sometimes, in the act of becoming, we carry both the feather and the blade.
For an artist, a solo exhibition is an exercise in courage because it is also a moment of vulnerability, and the public will judge and determine the reception of his work. Lloyd transformed this axiom into a poetic gesture by presenting his unframed photographic prints without the protection of glass. A printed skin that breathes. This visceral quality resonated with some viewers who complained about works depicting naked male torsos.
Censored by his host, David Gary Lloyd did not choose to remove his images or protest on social media, but instead grew new branches of the Garden, covering the homoerotic subjects with that same proverbial Florida shadow that enamored Sargent, with its delicious play of veiling and revealing. ■
Elvis Fuentes is an art critic and historian currently serving as Executive Director of Coral Gables Museum
THE DAVID GARY LLOYD PHOTO EXHIBIT AT 255 ALHAMBRA
ELVIS FUENTES
"I BECAME BOTH" BY PHOTOGRAPHER DAVID GARY LLOYD
"TOUCH OF THE MONARCH" BY PHOTOGRAPHER DAVID GARY LLOYD
Coral Gables Magazine’s "Best Of" Party
Sponsored by California Closets
On July 17, Coral Gables Magazine hosted a Best Of party featuring the winners of our annual Best Of Coral Gables contest. Every year, readers and staff select the businesses, landmarks, restaurants, and more that they consider “the best” of the Gables, which are then honored in the July/August issue of the magazine and at a party. This year’s event was at The Globe and included photo opportunities with the Best Of Edition’s cover, featuring art by Markham Cronin of Markham Yard.
1. Lorraine and Danny Guiteras of The Globe with Editor JP Faber
2. Mauricio Vivero, Amy Donner, & Eddy Snow
3. Markham and Sara Cronin
4. Mayor Vince Lago
5. Martha Pantin, Tom Prescott, & Vice Mayor Rhonda Anderson
6. Scott DeCecchis and David Evensky
7. Carlos Barbón and Venny Torre
8. Scott and Robin Bradley Hansel
9. Raul Valdes-Fauli and Mayda Cisneros
10. Joe Gomez, Peter Iglesias, Carolina Vester, & Don Slesnick
11. Jackie Zayas and Richard Cesari
12. Tony Guerra and Brenda Moe
13. Veronica Diaz & Nina Cedeno of California Closets
14. Michele Reese Granger, Barbara Devereux Reese, & Sherry Adams
15. Jill Hornik, Mark Mooney, and Maria Vargas
Meandering Around Town #25: Dog Patrol
AN ADVENTURE IN WHICH A FORMER MAYOR CONTINUES TO SEEK THE “SOUL” OF HIS HOMETOWN
BY DON SLESNICK
One could rightfully say that my contribution to this month’s magazine has “gone to the dogs.” Since this issue presents itself as the annual canine edition, my most recent ramble consisted of a visitation with the very special Miami-Dade County Public Schools “K-9 Therapy Unit” that lends its assistance in support of student welfare (our children and grandchildren) throughout the county.
As Officer Angel Morales sums it up: “From easing anxiety to simply bringing moments of joy, our presence helps create a safe and supportive atmosphere across school campuses.”
Officer Janice Herring adds: “I truly
love the work we do – seeing the smiles we create and the positive impact we make is what inspires me every day.”
Officer Amy Scotti provides this thoughtful comment: “Being a K-9 handler has shown me just how powerful a dog’s presence can be. Whether we’re visiting students at Gables Prep, Gables High, Little Carver, West Lab, Sunset, Ponce Middle, ISPA, or any of the many schools we serve across Miami-Dade County, our goal is the same: to bring comfort, reduce stress, and build meaningful connections. These dogs have a way of opening hearts and starting conversations that might not happen otherwise.”
FROM TOP LEFT TO RIGHT:
OFFICER ANGEL MORALES & K9 STRUZ
OFFICER AMY SCOTTI & K9 GOOFY
OFFICER JANICE HERRING & K9 ROGUE
OFFICER PETER AGUIRRE & K9 MAYO
OFFICER SAMANTHA LIEDEL & K9 AMBER
Officer Scotti provides an example of the kind of encounters the officers face every day – this one from the start of the school year: “A freshman who was well-loved passed away two weeks before school started. A lot of the students at the school were afraid and nervous to come in and speak with the crisis team and start sharing their grief. Goofy was able to bridge that gap. They saw him in the media center, initially came in just to pet him, and ended up staying and sharing with the group. They ended up leaving so much ‘lighter’ than they were when they walked in.”
The School Board’s Chief of Police Ivan Silva sums it up with this observation: “When you come home, who’s always happy to see you? Your dog. With our Emotional Support/Comfort K-9 Team, we aim to bring that same sense of comfort, connection, and unconditional support to the students and staff of your public school system.”
Many people are distressed for the lack of “positive news” that we are provided by the media in today’s society. Well, if you feel that way, I hope you’ve found some positivity in this article. As my dear, departed friend Ralph Renick would close his newscasts by saying: “May the good news be yours.” ■
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.
Best Fine Dining Restaurants
THE DINING GUIDE
Sept 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 61 of the best in the categories of Asian, Mediterranean, Seafood, Spanish, French, Italian, and Steak Houses. Next month we will look at the best of American and Latin American, along with more Pubs & Cafes.
$ ............ Under $25
$$ .......... $25-$40
$$$ ........ $35-$75
$$$$ ...... $70-$100+
Prices are per person for appetizer and entrée, without tax, tip, or drinks. Prices are approximations.
Benihana
ASIAN
There’s nowhere else in Coral Gables where you can see an onion volcano made at your table, and that kind of showmanship is why we can’t help but love Benihana. Great place for a kid’s birthday – or just to have some fun –with hibachi steak and teriyaki chicken. 242 Miracle Mile. 305.567.2000. $$-$$$
Dōjō
When Chef Pablo Zitzmann initially opened Zitz Sum, it was just a pop-up. That now-permanent structure is joined by his latest creation Dojo, an izakaya restaurant that encourages its patrons to start with some chilled sake. From there it’s mochiko fried chicken oysters, Okonomiyaki cabbage pancake, and a 14-ounce teak cooked on a teppanyaki grill and served with sides and dipping sauces. 148 Giralda Ave. 305.849.3456. $$-$$$
Ichimi
This off-Mile eatery has developed a cult following, with diners content to stand in line and stare just for the opportunity to eat Ichimi’s ramen and rice bowls. And the wait is worth it. Delicious, rich, and faraway flavors in dishes you can’t find just anywhere, in a raw, cool space. Pro tip: try the scallion pancake. 2330 Salzedo St. 305.960.7016 $-$$
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 $$-$$$
MEDITERRANEAN
Calista Greek Seafood Taverna
There aren’t many pure Greek restaurants in Coral Gables, but Calista is
CAFFE ABBRACCI
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 reminiscent 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 $$-$$$
Mika
Over three decades into a career that has amassed him six total Michelin stars, Chef Michael White’s new MIKA restaurant celebrates “coastal Riviera” cuisine, with a menu that ranges from steak to pasta to crudos, with an entire section devoted to latter. Recommended: The sea scallops with citrus colatura, the beef carpaccio, and the gnocchi, stuffed with ricotta and bathed in a pomodoro sauce. A comfortable, Boho-esque interior of woven chandeliers and imitation olive trees. 3007 Ponce de Leon Blvd. (The Plaza Coral Gables) 305.404.2200 $$$-$$$$
Motek
Surprisingly enough, this Israeli-inspired restaurant has taken home the prize for the best burger at Burger Bash twice in a row now, an unexpected feat explicable only by a bite of the sandwich itself. But as popular as the Arayes Burger is, it’s not why you should visit Motek. You come here for the Eastern Mediterranean food: a smorgasbord of shish kebabs, mezzes, shawarma, and hummus. 45 Miracle Mile. 305.396.8547 $$-$$$
Shahs of Kabob
From a hole-in-the-wall takeout place to a brick-and-mortar on Ponce, this instant hit serves up kabobs by the dozens, along with classic Middle Eastern dishes like slow-cooked meat stews and even some vegan dishes for the non-carnivores among us. Casual, with hearty fare. 2624 Ponce de Leon. 786.580.5865 $$ SEAFOOD
MesaMar
Some of the best – if not THE best –seafood in the Gables with inventive fusions between Peruvian and Japanese cuisine. Their fish is caught daily in local waters and brought to your table for inspection. The whole fried fish is a marvel. Also, make sure to try the
lobster tacos and the rock shrimp with mushrooms and ponzu sauce. 263 Giralda Ave. 305.640.8448 $$$
NOMA Beach at Redfish
Redfish is born again, this time as NOMA Beach at Redfish, under the command of celebrity chef Donatella Arpaia. The pricey haute cuisine of Chef Adrianne has been replaced with simpler, more moderately priced dishes that feel much closer to the old Redfish, albeit with an Italian seafood spin. Award winning meatballs and romantic views of the bay that are unbeatable. 9610 Old Cutler Rd. 305.668.8788 $$$
Sea Grill
Sea Grill is a popular weekend destination for lovers of Mediterranean seafood. A large, brightly lit and futuristic space with lots of energy, it serves fish that is caught in the Aegean Sea and flown to the Gables. Their octopus, which takes two days to prepare, is simply the best. Lots of outdoor seating, big screens inside showing visions of Greece. 4250 Salzedo St. (Shops at Merrick Park) 305.447.3990 $$$
SPANISH
Bulla Gastrobar
As valued for its cocktails as for its tapas, Bulla is also something Coral Gables needs – an informal, smart neighborhood hangout with a young, boisterous vibe. Great “small plates” and refreshing sangria. Yes, it is a national chain, but it still feels local. 2500 Ponce de Leon Blvd. 305.441.0107 $$
La Jamonteca
The specialty here is ham, as you might guess. It’s no ordinary ham, but the gourmet Iberico ham that is raised in a special place in Spain and raised on a special diet of local acorns. You can enjoy this ham in sandwich or sliced form – but there is also a short but authentic menu of traditional Spanish foods, from white anchovies, to stuffed red peppers, to potato and egg tortillas, etc. Pleasant outdoor seating, or inside with the hung hams. 359 Miracle Mile. 786.360.4376 $$-$$$
La Taberna Giralda
Routinely rated among the top tapas places in South Florida, La Taberna brings the added twist of a chef from Galicia, who puts his own regional spin on the dishes. It’s a small place with a neighborhood vibe, orange walls, string lights and live flamenco on the weekends ($5 cover), so reservations are a must. Great lunch specials. 254 Giralda Avenue 786.362.5677 $$
Sra. Martinez
Michelle Bernstein has revived her Sra. Martinez, and the space alone tells you you’re in for something special. The menu runs from croquetas filled
with carbonara to oxtail paella with bone marrow and a dry-aged strip steak finished in a wood-burning oven. Cocktails include a chocolate negroni and a lychee martini, with a happy hour worth checking out. 2325 Galiano St. 786.860.5980 $$$
Tabanco
The newest edition to Coral Gables’ tapas scene has arrived. Tabanco has all of the usual suspects: croquetas, patatas bravas, Jamón Iberico, etc., most under $17, except for the Iberico slices. Our favorite dish is the puntas de Ssolomillo entrée, an Iberian pork tenderloin that comes swimming in a Cabrales blue cheese sauce. With hand-cut potatoes on the side, a perfect bite is a combination of each of the three elements. 327 Alhambra Cir. 786.449.5203 $$$
FRENCH
Babette
One thing we all appreciate is a dinner that isn’t noisy, without having to overhear the table next to us. Babette has that figured out. Chef Dani Chávez-Bello, who cooked at El Bulli and in top kitchens across Europe and New York, brings a Mediterranean-French menu with dishes like beets tartare with truffle, crab truffle flan, seared scallops, and Colorado lamb with gastrique. 271 Alcazar Ave. babettecoralgables.com $$$-$$$$
Bouchon Bistro
Michelin-starred Chef Thomas Keller is considered one of the top masters of French cuisine in the country, which he proves with aplomb at his latest venture into traditional French fare. With romantic courtyard seating outside at the restored La Palma Hotel and an elegant interior, to sup in Bouchon is to dine in late 19th century Paris. Try the Poulet Roti and the rainbow trout. 2101 Galiano St. 305.990.1360 $$$-$$$$
Chocolate Fashion
Known primarily for its baked goods – in particular anything made with chocolate, including the best chocolate cakes anywhere in the Gables – it also serves up good basic French fare, with a couple of cute tables streetside. Good coffee as well, and an excellent place to break croissant for breakfast. 248 Andalusia Ave. 305.461.3200 $$
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 $$$-$$$$
Stephanie’s Crepes
It is a small, humble place off the mile, though nicely done with lots of woodwork. Their specialty is, of course, crepes, but done as a roll, sort of like a French ice cream cone but with sweet or savory fillings. Our favorite: Brie cheese with apple and walnut. The dulce de leche pistachio isn’t bad either. 2423 Galiano St. 786.402.1732 $
Sweet Paris
The new home for that quintessentially French phenomenon: the crepe. And they have all the varieties here, from the savory chicken, ham, turkey, and salmon – even a Philly cheesesteak – to the sweet dessert crepes such as Nutella, dulce de leche, and our favorite: lemon with whipped butter and a dusting of vanilla bean sugar. You can also get salads (goat cheese!) and paninis, all in a bright, open setting. 3005 Ponce de Leon Blvd. (The Plaza Coral Gables). 786.360-3519 $$
ITALIAN
450Gradi
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, featuring 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 $$$
Fontana
The ambiance is as elegant as it comes: the Biltmore’s famed fountain courtyard. You can sit under the stars, in a covered archway, or inside to enjoy classic Italian dishes. Fresh ingredients, from the salads to the homemade pasta. One of the most romantic restaurants in the Gables, and now with a new chef. 1200 Anastasia Ave. (Biltmore Hotel) 305.913.3200 $$$
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 $$$-$$$$
Luca Osteria
An Italian fine dining spot by local celebrity Chef Giorgio Rapicavoli (Eating House), Luca Osteria is a reservation-only hit for dinner on Giralda Plaza. Rapicavoli’s inventive take on classic Italian food is fresh and new; the pasta al limone and mortadella toast with fig balsamic are just the beginning. Great Italian cocktails. 116 Giralda Ave. 305.381.5097
$$$-$$$$
Portosole
When they bring the pecorino cheese wheel to the table to toss your pasta, you’re in heaven. Short of that, they do a fine job with the fritto misto, a mixture of calamari, shrimp, filet of sole, tiny artichokes, and zucchini, all lightly fried. Equally appetizing is the fresh burrata with heirloom tomatoes, a deceptively simple salad of tomato and burrata cheese. 2530 Ponce de Leon Blvd. 786.359.4275 $$$
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 $$
Terre Del Sapore
Terre started out as primarily a pizza place, and their Neapolitan style pizza – cooked in a massive
wood-burning over – won the Best Pizza in the Gables from Coral Gables Magazine. Now they have expanded to include a signature osso Bucco, along with an array of pasta dishes. Nice seating outside as well. 246 Giralda Ave. 786.870.5955 $$
Tullio
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 $$$-$$$$
Zucca
Located at the elegant St. Michel hotel, this is a star in the galaxy of Italian eateries in the Gables. Distinctly northern Italian, with recipes that Chef Manuel Garcia developed in a career that included the legendary Casa Tua on Miami Beach. Modern Italian design, sophisticated, with great service. Moving to the Regency Parc development in 2026, but for now still in the old hotel – and the hands down power lunch place in town. 162 Alcazar Ave. 786.580.3731 $$$-$$$$
STEAK HOUSES
Christy’s
Touted as Coral Gables’ oldest steakhouse, Christy’s was long the power lunch go-to – until it stopped
serving lunch. Still, its aged steaks are consistently excellent, as are the seafood entrees. Their classic Caesar salad is absolutely the best in town, and the jumbo shrimp cocktail is a house specialty. Feels like you are in an episode of Mad Men, with the dark red walls – and the only prime rib in the Gables. 3101 Ponce de Leon Blvd. 305.446.1400 $$$
Daniel’s
The new kid in town, replacing the previous super-haute Fiola, but with the same crew at the helm. First opening in Fort Lauderdale last year – and quickly earning a spot in the 2025 Michelin Guide – Daniel’s offers cuts of (you guessed it) wagyu beef and prime rib. They’ve also kept a couple of the Fiola favorites, like rigatoni vodka, while adding a lobster mac and cheese and oysters Rockefeller that uses watercress instead of spinach. 1500 San Ignacio Ave. 305.912.2639. $$$$
Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse
Fantastic aged steaks, a seafood tower that won’t quit, and a wine cellar that appears to have no end of depth. A place for special celebrations. Recently redecorated, but the open kitchen with its copper “sash” across the top still gives the main dining room a warm glow. Good menu at the bar – and now open for lunch! 2525 Ponce de Leon Blvd. 305.569.7995 $$$-$$$$
Fogo de Chão
At Fogo de Chão, meat reigns supreme. Try the “churrasco experience” ($61) and let expert gaucho chefs keep the finely cut slabs coming, from beef ribeye to flank steak to lamb pincanha. If you’re a Wagyu fan, this is the place to be. The interior is as grand as the experience, which is a show in itself, Brazilian-style. Great cocktails in the upstairs
lounge for before or after. 2801 Ponce de Leon Blvd. 786.297.8788 $$$-$$$$
Morton’s The Steakhouse
Morton’s in the Gables is not just another Morton’s. Its setting in the Colonnades gives it a unique elegance, with outdoor seating under the arches. Dependable quality, prime-aged beef, and excellent salads. Good place to take that important client. Great bar food with filet mignon sandwiches or short rib tacos. 2333 Ponce de Leon Blvd. 305.442.1662 $$$
Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille
The youngest entry among Coral Gables’ steak houses, Perry’s is a Texas chain that gets its beef from the heart of the Lone Star State. Great outdoor space with a fire pit and a huge interior with its own piano bar. The entrees are all carefully concocted, including excellent reduction sauces for the finer cuts and their famous five-finger giant pork chop that is carved at the table and can feed two. 4251 Salzedo St. (Shops at Merrick Park)
786.703.9094 $$$$
PUBS & CAFES
Bagel Emporium
And you thought all the great Jewish delis had disappeared. Not this one. Rated the best bagels and deli sandwiches in Miami, it’s also a great breakfast spot (waffles, blintzes, French toast). But this is where you come for a real pastrami or corned beef sandwich on rye. Yes, $20 a pop, but a time machine to New York’s lower East Side. Soon to relocate to Ponce de Leon Blvd. 1238 S. Dixie Highway. 305.666.9519 $$-$$$
Café at Books & Books
Healthy eats and a beautiful (mostly) shaded outdoor courtyard make this the perfect place for a quick catch-up or a solo lunch with a good book. Excellent salads for healthy readers. Live music on Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday nights gives this bookstore café a touch of the romantic. 265 Aragon Ave. 305.448.9599 $$
Fritz and Franz Bierhaus
Be transported from Coral Gables to Oktoberfest. Enjoy German comfort food like Weisswurst and Heringsschmaus and German beers straight from the source. Naturally, you must order a beer, but here you can have it served in a giant glass boot – and the selection, like the place, is huge, with outdoor seating. 60 Merrick Way 305.774.1883 $$
Threefold Café
You have to love a place that is dedicated to breakfast all day long. But who needs dinner when you can get shrimp tacos for breakfast, along with salmon scrambled eggs, chicken parma, and that Millennial favorite, smashed avocado toast? Also popular for Sunday brunch. And the coffee is some of the best around. 141 Giralda Ave. 305.704.8007 $$
Tinta y Café
Funky and comfortable, this former gas station turned Cuban café has 1) the best Cuban coffee, 2) great fluffy eggs for breakfast, 3) furniture that makes you feel like you are in someone’s living room, and 4) some of the most inventive Cuban sandwiches you will ever eat, way beyond the media noche. 1315 Ponce de Leon Blvd. 305.285.0101 $
Where Am I?
This fountain acts as a centerpiece to one of the Gables’ iconic plaza areas. 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 Gable-
Stage 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 tile mosaics around 51 Aragon Parking Garage building, which also houses Fritz & Franz, Sra. Martinez, and Graziano’s Market.
As Iconic as the City Beautiful
Celebrating 100 Years of “The City Beautiful”
This year, Coral Gables marks a century of visionary design, community spirit, and timeless elegance. For nearly 70 years, Mercedes-Benz of Coral Gables has shared that journey... mirroring the city’s commitment to craftsmanship and innovation from our first showroom on Miracle Mile to today’s iconic Salzedo Street location.
As Coral Gables looks ahead to its next century, we honor the values that bind us: quality, community, and excellence. Thank you for welcoming us into your story. Together, we drive forward, hand in hand, into the promise of tomorrow.
Mercedes-Benz of Coral Gables. Our Star is Our Promise.
