CoralGablesMagazine.FEB_2026_Issuu

CORAL GABLES MAGAZINE

FEBRUARY 2026

THE ANNUAL HOME EDITION

SOPHISTICATED INTERIORS

HOME STORES GUIDE

PLUS THE HURRICANES’ WILD RIDE

A SAKE MASTER’S TALE

SAVING CITY HALL

MYTH

Wealth defines success.

TRUTH

It defines options.

After 40 years, this one still trips people up. Money is a tool — powerful, yes, but only when it supports your values. The goal isn’t to have more. It’s to have enough to live with purpose and peace of mind.

Your worth isn’t measured in numbers — it’s reflected in what those numbers make possible.

TRUTH

Your behavior does. The market decides

We’ve watched markets again. The constant? Human investors who succeed are calm, stay disciplined, and what they can control.

The smartest investor isn’t the most consistent.

MYTH

decides your future.

Human nature. The are the ones who stay and stay focused on isn’t the boldest — it’s does.

rise, fall, and rise

MYTH

Financial planning starts with numbers.

TRUTH

It starts with values.

Good planning goes deeper than spreadsheets and returns. It’s about aligning money with meaning — because your values are the real strategy. That’s what 40 years have taught us, and it’s why we still love this work.

If we’ve learned anything in 40 years, it’s that the best conversations start with a question — not a product.

Here, COURAGE LEADS THE WAY.

At Jackson Heart Institute, the most complex cardiac care begins with courage—and is defined by deep expertise.

Courage takes many forms. For some, courage is committing to the climb, knowing there’s no easy way back. For us, it’s taking on the cases others turn away—severe heart failure, complex aortic disease, repeat surgeries, and multi-organ transplant patients—when the stakes are highest and the path forward is anything but simple. That courage shows up in every decision, every collaboration, and every moment of care.

Across Jackson Health System, our cardiac specialists work as one, pairing bold clinical judgment with advanced expertise and deep compassion. Recognized among the nation’s top cardiac surgery programs with the highest rating from the Society of Thoracic Surgeons, our outcomes reflect one simple truth: for the most complex hearts, courage doesn’t hesitate—it leads the way.

Visit MiamiHeartLeader.org or call 786-410-9188 to make your appointment today.

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

THE MOST EXQUISITE Expression of Home

Nestled along the tree-lined streets of Coral Gables, Ponce Park presents an intimate collection of 58 residences, ranging from twoto five-bedrooms. Each home is thoughtfully designed and curated by the renowned Meyer Davis, blending contemporary luxury with old world charm.

Project Address: 3000 Ponce de Leon Blvd, Coral Gables, FL 33134 Sales Gallery: 203 University Drive, Coral Gables, FL 33134

Departments

EDITOR’S NOTE

There's

READERS LETTERS

STREETWISE

BITES

PEOPLE

Dr. Josephine Johnson

Jimmy Morales

Solange Merdinian

EXTRAORDINARY VISION. EXTRAORDINARY HEART.

February is Heart Month, a time to celebrate the innovation, compassion and excellence made possible by philanthropy at Baptist Health.

The Power Extraordinary campaign is turning vision into reality by powering the research, innovation and excellence that raises the bar for our community and the world. When you choose to give, you’re helping provide hope and healing to the place we all call home.

“Our goal is to make Miami the crown jewel of cardiovascular care – a true destination where the best minds, the newest technologies and the most compassionate people come together for one purpose: to change the future of heart health.”

— Tom C. Nguyen M.D. Chief Medical Executive Baptist Health Miami Cardiac & Vascular Care

Advance cardiac and vascular care in South Florida. Give today.

THE HURRICANES’ WILD RIDE

It was a story simply too good to be true. After decades of a sputtering football program at the University of Miami (UM), the Hurricanes finally made an improbable playoff run, reaching the college football championship for the first time since 2002.

THREE INTERIOR DESIGNERS

Who better to design your home than one of the talented interior designers based here in the city. This year we look at three different homes designed by Carolina Freyre, Carola Pimental, and global phenom Adriana Hoyos. Look and learn.

INTERIOR DESIGN SOURCES IN THE GABLES 2026

An indispensable guide to every vendor and professional in Coral Gables for your home, from retailers of furnishings, home goods, and floorings, to purveyors of kitchen appliances, lighting systems, and interior design services.

There's No Place Like Home

For this, our annual home issue, we wanted to connect with the home team. For Hurricane Football fans, that means only one thing. So, we thought, what better way to celebrate the idea of home than with our cover girl Jessica Cristobal, the wife of UM ’Canes coach Mario Cristobal. She is, of course, much more than a wife. Not only is she a beauty pageant queen (Miss Florida World 1994, Mrs. Florida International 2025), she is an author, a philanthropist, and the founder of the Leading Ladies League, a non-profit that supports women. But forgive us this time, we featured her on the cover because she is the First Lady of the ‘Canes, and part of the essential support team for Coach Cristobal.

And that, in essence, is what home is all about. A place of refuge, a place of safety, an oasis of comfort and succor that one returns to after being out in the world, either on the road or on the job. The world is a pretty tough place these days, and we all need the solace of our private retreats. Every person’s home is their castle, as the Brits would say, the place where you feel protected. Home is where the heart is.

Having said that, home is also, for most of us, very much a physical space. And no one is more obsessed with their homes than the residents of Coral Gables. As English

artist and textile designer William Morris once advised, “Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful.” Fortunately, you don’t have to look far in the Gables to find the useful and beautiful things that comprise a home. In our guide to home stores, we list more than 50 shops in the Gables that cater to the homeowner, offering everything from designer lighting to options for flooring. We also list a dozen interior design firms based here, just in case you need a helping hand to create the home of your dreams.

Of course, once you've fashioned a beautiful dwelling for yourself, you can then proudly invite guests, for few things better reflect who you are than your abode. On the other hand, what does it matter who visits? As interior designer Jeff Lincoln once said, “The ultimate luxury is being able to relax and enjoy your home.” It’s for you, after all.

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 DIRECTOR

Jorge G. Gavilondo

WRITERS

Andrew Gayle

Katelin Stecz

Tina Wyngate

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Rodolfo Benitez

Jonathan Dann

PROOFREADER

Lesley Fonger

STAFF WRITER

Luke Chaney

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 2026 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.

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

A Humble Hero

Most of us know that February is Black History Month. But it is also “American Heart Month,” with an emphasis on heart care and heart disease prevention.

A few years ago, Coral Gables lost a pillar of our community when Sallye Jude died suddenly on Christmas Eve at the age of 96. Sallye was a wonderful wife, mother of seven, and well known throughout Miami for dedicating much of her life to her church, to environmental and sustainability issues, and to historic preservation.

What many do not know is that Sallye’s husband, Dr. James R. Jude, is credited with developing Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) when he was a young resident in the 1950s at Johns Hopkins University. Dr. Jude concluded that when manual pressure is applied to the exterior of a heart patient’s chest whose heart had stopped, heart rhythm could be restored. This closed-chest cardiac massage was a revolutionary discovery

because anyone could perform on-the-spot lifesaving care for another person experiencing cardiac arrest.

The Jude family moved to Miami in 1964 when Dr. Jude became the Chief of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery at UM. Jim Jude was a humble man and most of us never knew that we had a medical giant living in our midst, whose life-saving discovery of CPR is credited with saving hundreds of thousands of lives worldwide!

Marlin Ebbert

Let’s Maintain Our Standards

Bravo! Your editorial “You Mean Mis-Govern Don’t You” [January 2026 issue] hits the mark. The City Beautiful has disregarded the original vision of Coral Gables to appease developers, slighting all the current owners as well as any potential buyers.

I live at 700 Biltmore Way, and I am a Florida native. The development of South Florida has not been guided by any ethical

or sustainable standards since the 1970’s when my father was fired for speaking out about building standards in Homestead. We moved to California, because my father, who was an engineer, was upset that no standards for building were being enforced in Florida. In 1992 Hurricane Andrew took out the homes he was fired for not signing off on, because they were never built to the standards required to survive Florida hurricanes.

And here we are today, and it still persists. The City approved development behind 700 Biltmore Way with zero lot line, no permeable green space, and the alley behind my building still floods during heavy downpours.

I can say for a fact that nothing has changed in Florida in the last 50 years. Sustainable ethical building standards don’t exist in Florida, and Coral Gables [should be] a shining example for everything that is wrong with the world today.

Mary Rappa

YOU FROM: . Having To Pay Property Taxes . Constant Home Maintenance & Upkeep . Navigating The Drama of Condo Governance . Live Outside of A Flood Zone and an Evacuation Zone

Love, the Argentine Way

This Valentine’s Day, chose how you ce lebrate. Visit our Mercado s for handcrafted desserts and fine wine for a night at homes, or join us at our Restaurant for an intimate dining experience made to be shared

Talk of the Town

See page 22

From City Hall

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

A SAVE FOR THE CITY

Voted 4-1 on first reading to implement the University Station Rapid Transit District Overlay, which will ensure that the City of Coral Gables will control development in the Rapid Transit Zone (RTZ) around the UM Metrorail station, rather than the county. This means control of design standards in the vicinity of the station and substantial financial benefits for the Gables, and is considered a major win for the city (see story pg. 20).

GOLF CARTS ARE A GO

Voted 5-0 to authorize and regulate the operation of golf carts on city streets with a speed limit of 25 miles per hour or less. Operators will be required to get a decal from the city and have a valid driver’s license.

CASTRO’S ASSAULT

Voted 3-2 to shoot down legislation sponsored by Commissioner Melissa Castro to require public posting of business relationships, financial benefits, gifts, and campaign/political committee contributions following the approval of projects by the City Commission. Currently, an elected official can vote to approve a project and then later receive work, services, or contributions tied to the project postvote. Mayor Vince Lago called the legislation “political theater” by Castro to publicize work his firm did for developers whose projects were approved. Lago refuted these claims by noting that he had voted against or recused himself from voting on most of the projects Castro cited. He then brought up examples of jobs done for developers by Castro’s permit expediting firm.

Vice Mayor Anderson, a practicing lawyer, said the proposed ordinance had flawed language that was too vague and gave inappropriate enforcement powers to the commission. She also noted that all such information was already public record on the city’s website; Commissioner Lara called it a “perfect solution to a problem that doesn’t exist.” The discussion devolved into Castro and Lago trading accusations. Commissioner Ariel Fernandez joined Castro in voting for the failed legislation.

NO CENSURE VOTE

Refused to vote to censure Commissioner Castro for repeatedly referring to Mayor Lago’s family in arguments between them. Castro accused Lago of obsessing over her, rather than “focusing on [his] family.” Seemingly emotional, she left the Commission chambers before Lago’s move to censure her, which did not receive support from the remainder of the Commission. Upon returning to the chamber, Castro clarified, “I’m just asking you [Lago], to stop harassing me. Worry about your own things.” Lago then discontinued the meeting for an hour-long break, stating, “I will receive respect in this Commission.” After the meeting returned, yet another discussion devolved, with Lago declaring another hour-long break.

MAKING IT CLEAR

Listened to a presentation from Charter Review Committee (CRC) Chair Don Slesnick, who presented some of the Committee’s recommendations. These largely included changing or adding language on the April 21 Special Election ballots, which will determine whether city election dates change to coincide with federal ones. The Commission later discussed and voted on the recommendations, as well as several other pertinent issues:

1) VOTED 3-2 to keep language in the ballot referring to saving city funds that Commissioners Castro and Fernandez thought was biased toward moving elections.

2) VOTED 3-2 to add a question to the ballot asking if amending election dates via ordinance should be prohibited. Castro and Fernandez dissented.

3) VOTED 4-1 to add a question asking if a commissioner should be allowed to remove a city board member they appointed prior to the expiration of the appointee’s term. Castro dissented.

4) VOTED 5-0 to add a question asking if the CRC should be required to convene only every 10 years. Under the leadership of Castro and Fernandez, the current CRC was convened more than two years early and without two regular appointees.

5) VOTED 3-2 to add a question asking whether a four-fifths vote should be required for spending the city’s restricted reserve funds, outside of emergency situations. Castro and Fernandez dissented.

6) VOTED 5-0, as per the CRC’s recommendation to add a question asking if an Inspector General should be hired on an “as needed” basis.

THE DOG PARK GOES FORWARD

Voted 3-2 to shoot down a resolution that would've halted development of a dog park at 520 University Drive across from the Coral Gables Library. The park is planned to have separate sections for large and small dogs, and a 25-foot buffer between it and nearby residences.

Despite much support at a previous meeting when the park was approved 3-0 (Commissioners Castro and Fernandez were not in attendance), many nearby residents expressed unhappiness and claimed they had not received notice of the plan prior to the Commission’s vote. Vice Mayor Anderson, who had collected hundreds of approval signatures, said most residents in the area were in favor of the park, including those closest to it. Commissioners Castro and Fernandez voted to halt development, while the entire Commission agreed to host a sunshine meeting on the issue with residents from both sides.

PARKING PROGRAM EXTENDED

Voted 5-0 to extend the resident parking-rate pilot program by six months to gather more data on long-term feasibility. The program offers parking discounts to Coral Gables residents. ■

A Hail Mary Victory

CORAL

GABLES WINS A KEY ZONING BATTLE

BY KYLIE WANG

Miami-Dade County’s Rapid Transit Zone (RTZ) in Coral Gables has been the talk of the town lately, with the city slated to become home to a large, new RTZ development right across from the University Metrorail station. After much drama, the city made a Hail Mary attempt at keeping the project – and other future RTZ developments – within Coral Gables’ control, rather than the county’s. It was a last-minute effort spearheaded by Mayor Vince Lago, who negotiated with both the developer and County Commissioner Raquel Regalado to forestall what could have been an aesthetic and financial calamity for the city.

“I really thought this ship had sailed,” said a relieved Vice Mayor Rhonda Anderson, who voted with a majority of her colleagues to approve a new plan for the area at the first City Commission meeting in January. She credited City Manager Peter Iglesias for “steering the ship, turning it around, and bringing it back to our city” with his work on a new zoning overlay for the parcel in question.

The basis for the crisis was the county’s Rapid Transit Zone ordinance, which now allows Miami-Dade to control zoning within a quarter-mile of any Metrorail station. The idea is to give it the power to up-zone these rapid transit hubs, so that denser housing can be built for workers using the Metrorail to reach their jobs. For Coral Gables, that means overriding the city’s design standards, and letting developers avoid its stricter codes.

The Hail Mary solution was to create the city’s own RTZ-esque project: the University Station Rapid Transit District Overlay. On January 13, the City Commission voted 4-1 to approve that plan, the culmination of weeks’ worth of work, during which Iglesias planned the overlay and Lago negotiated with the first developers planning to build a mixed-use project within the zone. “This is what happens when you negotiate in good faith,” he said.

Under the city’s overlay, the new project will have to adhere to Mediterranean-style design standards and will need the Board of Architects’ approval. It will have larger setbacks than the original plan, in exchange for height variations, and gives the city control over things like signage, parking and retail appearance. Of equal importance is that the city does not lose permitting and impact fees that would have gone to the county rather than the city. “We are talking about millions and millions of dollars that would have been lost,” said Mayor Lago.

The only vote against the plan was Commissioner Melissa Castro. In previous meetings, Castro seemed skeptical of what the city’s overlay could achieve, despite much explanation from her colleagues and a 6-0 approval vote from the city’s Planning and Zoning Board.

“We don’t have control with the RTZ,” said Lago, to explain the necessity of the plan. Developers “can just go to the county, go the RTZ route, and avoid having to go [with] our standards.” There is no doubt that the Landmark Group, the developers in question –who have been pursuing this project since the latest RTZ regulations went into effect in 2023 – would have gone the “big box” county route if the Commission had voted against the new overlay plan.

Commissioner Richard Lara went even further, telling Castro, “Your vote on this item, to me, smacks of your support for further home rule erosion. You’re in furtherance of the RTZ, likely in furtherance of Live Local. What over-development looks like today is what a ‘no’ vote is encouraging.” ■

Talk of the Town

The Other Centennial

THE BILTMORE THROWS THE PARTY OF THE CENTURY

The year 2025 marked the 100th anniversary of the founding of Coral Gables, which was celebrated all year. Now comes the anniversary of the Biltmore Hotel, which opened its doors in January of 1926. To mark that momentous event, the Biltmore threw a massive party on January 14, 100 years to the day when city founder George Merrick threw his own huge fete, a larger-than-life party to promote the hotel to Northeasterners who came to stay at the hotel. “We wanted to do the party 100 years to the hour of the George Merrick dinner that he held the night before opening the hotel,” said Biltmore President Tom Prescott. “Our thinking was, let's do a dinner that embraces that spirit of over-the-top, of something you’ve never seen before, and simultaneously set the standard for what events of this type should be.”

Planning for the party began more than a year ago, and came down to details that included cuisine similar to that night a century ago. A select list of 285 guests were invited to attend, everyone from

civic leaders and captains of industry, to elected and career officials, along with “those whom have had a direct and tangible involvement with the Biltmore in some way, shape, or fashion,” said Prescott.

The evening’s dinner was a four-course meal that included onion soup, smoked trout with a lobster brandy sauce, beef Wellington, and a Bavarian cream raspberry mousse, all preceded by copious amounts of fresh seafood (including an oyster and caviar bar on ice) during the pre-cocktail mixer. After dancing to a 14-piece band, the evening concluded with a 22-minute overhead show by 1,250 drones, with imagery from the evolution of the Biltmore. “Yes, we spent a bit of money for it,” said Prescott. “It was the closest we probably have ever come to a White House State Dinner in the manner by which it was executed… and the event was a true success, because its underlying principle and reason for doing it was to showcase the landmark's resiliency and just how tremendous the Biltmore is and how critical it remains to this community.” (See “Seen” page 18).

Modern History

A NEW BOOK ABOUT MODERNIST GABLES ARCHITECTURE

When most people think about historic preservation in Coral Gables, what comes to mind are the Mediterranean Revival buildings from the 1920s. But the city continued to evolve after that, and one significant period was the Modernism movement from 1960 to 1980.

That era now comes to life with a new book by Karelia Martinez Carbonell and Bruce Fitzgerald. Carbonell is the president of the Historic Preservation Association of Coral Gables; Fitzgerald was a member of the Association before he passed away unexpectedly last year. Together they authored “CORAL GABLES: THE MODERNS: Redefining the City Beautiful 1960-1980.” The book brings to light Modernism in the Gables.

In the two decades beginning in 1960, architects infused the Modernist style in a significant number of buildings, including three designed by Morris Lapidus, the man behind the Fontainebleau Hotel on Miami Beach. These include Temple Judea on U.S.-1 (1966) and the Junior Chamber International Headquarters building on University Drive next to Le Jeune Road (1968). Other Modernism buildings include 201 and 255 Alhambra, both designed by O.K. Houstoun in 1973 and 1974, respectively. But what sparked Carbonell and Fitzgerald to write the book was the Brutalist style building on Salzedo and Almeria, the city’s former police and fire station, designed in 1973 by Walter Klements. When the police and fire departments decided to relocate, their former HQ was slated for demolition.

“That building started it all. It was Bruce and I who decided to fight this,” says Carbonell. “Initially the city was treating it as a scrap, worth nothing.” Then developer Armando Codina traded the building (which he’d purchased) with Bill Ussery of the Ussery Automotive Group, which owned the Mercedes dealership across the street, for a piece of land Codina wanted for his new Regency Parc project. The Brutalist building was repurposed to expand the dealership, and the rest, as they say, is history.

An Auto Dealership on Miracle Mile?

EV MAKER POLESTAR OPENS A SHOWROOM

Miracle Mile has long been home to bridal outfitters, restaurants, jewelry stores, and gift shops, so the idea of a car dealership in the midst of these retailers seems oddly out of place. But Polestar Miami, now owned and operated by Nordic Motors, has opened a sales center at 336 Miracle Mile. Polestar is an electric performance car brand headquartered in Gothenburg, Sweden, which is betting that Americans will continue to buy electric vehicles. Now you can shop for one on the same block as Merlili Bridal Boutique and Lister Jewelers.

Recognition for Supporting the Arts

THE HOME FOR GABLESTAGE GETS A NEW NAME

There is little doubt that the arts in South Florida need help from the private sector, as public funding – especially from the State – has dried up. Kudos then to Jessie Fox Wolfson and the Wolfson Family for their transformational gift to GableStage, the award-winning theater company based at the Biltmore Hotel.

The gift, which will provide crucial support for the theater company, was recently recognized in a ceremony that renamed the company’s venue The Wolfson Family Theater. Surrounded by family and friends, Jessie officially cut the ribbon for the newly renamed theater; funds will also be used to create a butterfly garden inspired by Jessie.“Jessie’s spirit is unmatched in kindness and her legacy of leading with grace and love – and butterflies – will now be writ large for all to see and celebrate,” said Bari Newport, GableStage’s producing artistic director at the December ceremony. Jessie thanked all who attended the event, including her children Howard and Tam. “This theater is not just a building. It is a legacy, one that my children and their children will carry forward. It represents who we are, what we value, and the belief that ideas brought into action can shape the world for the better,” said Jessie. “It also gives GableStage a lot more options.

Fairchild Gets the Gold INTERNATIONAL RECOGNITION FOR ITS ORCHID PROGRAM

Coral Gables is something of an Orchid-crazy city, with enthusiasts planting the beautiful blooms in public areas all over town. Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden has been catalytic to this flower fever, launching its Million Orchid Project more than a decade ago, with the aim of planting rare and native orchids in the urban landscape of Miami-Dade. As of last count, they were up to some 700,000, according to Dr. Jason Downing, who spearheads the project. Partly in recognition for this Herculean task, and partly in recognition of their orchid outreach program at Kew Gardens in London last year, Fairchild recently received a Gold Medal from the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS).

At last year’s Chelsea Flower Show at Kew Gardens, participation by a Florida contingent included representatives from Fairchild – who also provided a rare Florida Ghost Orchid, recently brought back from the edge of extinction by Fairchild.

The commemorative event was attended by a delegation from the RHS and other notables in the field of orchid preservation, including Prof. Lawrence W. Zettler, the Hitchcock Professor of Biology and Director of the Orchid Recovery Program at Illinois College in Chicago. Presenting the award was John Parke Wright IV, Chairman of Orchid Conservation Chelsea. Wright is a 6th generation Floridian whose family pioneered trade between the U.S. and Cuba from the 1850s until the Communist takeover.

“We are deeply grateful to accept the gold medal, which reflects not only the excellence of our display that day, but also our shared commitment to protecting orchids and the ecosystems that they represent,” said Dr. Downing. Said Wright as he gave the award, “If you would have seen him [Downing] in action at the Orchid Genius Bar, he really knew how to make everyone not only feel welcome, but to learn something.”

To Honor Those Who Fall LEAF HOLDS ITS SECOND ANNUAL FUNDRAISER

829 Malaga Avenue, Coral Gables

The idea originally came from Gables-based architect Willie Bermello, who wanted to give something back to first responders who risk their

829 Malaga Avenue

Coral Gables, FL 33134

$1,995,000 | 3 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1,660 sq. ft. | 6,750 Lot

Ideally located just west of Anderson Road and east of Granada, this charming home sits on a picturesque, tree-shaded street. Enjoy a bright, open floor plan with French doors that flow from the living room to a covered patio and a beautifully fenced backyard—complete with ample space for a future pool. Offering 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, and a 2-car garage, this well-maintained residence features 2,245 adjusted sq. ft. on a 6,750 sq. ft. lot. The house has been completely remodeled and updated. A spacious, impeccably groomed home in a coveted location.

lives to protect Coral Gables. He convinced Biltmore President Tom Prescott to host annual luncheons to raise funds for those injured, or for the families of those who lose their lives while serving. The Law Enforcement and Firefighter Appreciation event, in its second year, attracted an audience of local leaders, including Vice Mayor Rhonda Anderson, Armando Codina, Allen Morris, city manager Peter Iglesias, county school board chair Mari Tere Rojas, and Jorge Arrizurieta, President and CEO of the Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce, which houses the LEAF fund. Also in attendance was the key note speaker, Florida Lt. Gov. Jay Collins, as well as Gables Fire Chief Marcos de la Rosa and Gables Police Chief Ed Hudak.

Securing Foreign Investors

ALHAMBRA PARC WINS A COVETED EB-5 PROGRAM

With so much recent resistance to immigration into the U.S., it is noteworthy to see that the EB-5 program is alive and well in Coral Gables – at least at the Alhambra Parc project. The new development by MG Developer has been approved as an EB-5 qualified project from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Through the EB-5 program, foreign investors can pursue U.S. residency by investing in USCIS-approved developments. With approximately 50 EB-5 investment slots available at a minimum of $1.05 million each, Alhambra Parc stands as Coral Gables’ only approved project and among just a handful in Miami.

The nine-story Mediterranean-style building at 33 Alhambra Circle will house 78 luxury residences. One-to-three-bedroom options start at $1 million. Units range from 858 to 2,801 square feet and come equipped with high-end appliances and impressive 10-foot ceilings. Residents will have access to two rooftop decks with a resort-style pool and spa, fitness center, wellness spa featuring a

sauna, meditation and yoga gardens, plus a resident library. There’s also an executive business center, children’s playroom, and round-theclock concierge service with valet parking – all of which should spark investor interest. The EB-5 program is currently authorized through Sept. 30, 2027, but investors are advised to file before Sept. 30 of this year to lock in current rules and avoid potential future uncertainly. ■

FEBRUARY 21 & 22, 2026

Mommy Makeover

What the years have taught me

What’s a MM?

In a nutshell, it’s about personal innovation and reclaiming your pre-baby body.

This should start with a return to regular exercise and sound nutrition. But there are challenges that are beyond these important self-help measures. Breastfeeding often causes breasts to look deflated or saggy. Replacing lost fill with an implant often can lift and re-energize breast appearance, although at times a breast lift or reduction might be indicated. That’s Part 1 of the MM. Part 2 is the tummy. The last trimester of pregnancy is especially hard on the tummy since the muscle wall needs to stretch so much. Often the tummy doesn’t retighten enough, especially after more than one baby. Exercise is important to re-tone your muscles, but it won’t tighten the stretched-out areas between the muscles (so called ‘diastasis’). It also won’t remove loose skin. The job of the tummy tuck is to re-tighten the stretched ‘muscle’ tissues as well as loose skin, along with some optional liposuction on the sides.

Things the years have taught me:

1. Safety must be always come first, especially for moms. Thus, time in surgery should not exceed four hours and be performed in the safest environment possible and with safe anesthesia. For me, that means an ambulatory surgery center, next to and operated by a major hospital.

2. Doing good work takes time. An aesthetically pleasing tummy tuck takes about three hours. A breast augmentation adds about one hour, so both together are a safe combo in a healthy patient. But if an implant alone is not enough and a breast lift or reduction is indicated, it’s safer to divide the MM into two separate surgeries.

3. There are 3 keys to a good TT result: low, out-of-sight placement of the smiley-shaped tummy scar, thorough ‘muscle’ tightening, and a small, inconspicuous belly button. Surgical markings are critical for final scar shape and placement and are best done, without rush, the day before surgery.

4. To use or not to use a drain is NOT a critical issue. The point is to minimize the main complication of TT surgery which is the accumulation of fluid under the skin (called ‘seroma’). What is critical is that you end up with the best possible aesthetic result, independent of surgeon technique or drain preference.

5. Best TT results happen when patient and an experienced surgeon work together as a team. The TT addresses anatomic issues beyond the reach of the patient and patients can do things that go beyond the surgery. So patients who embrace good exercise and nutrition habits enjoy the best results.

6. Patients who have been well prepared and have realistic expectations do well.

As always, research carefully both the procedure and your plastic surgeon before proceeding, so you end up safe and happy.

PLUS FEBRUARY BEST BETS

VALENTINE'S NIGHT ON THE TOWN

NEW OPENINGS

MEET YOUR MERCHANT

February Best Bets

THE BEST BURGERS, BALLET, THEATER, AND CLASSICAL MUSIC

"SOTTO VOCE"

For its third production of 2026, GableStage presents “Sotto Voce,” written and directed by Cuban-American playwright and Pulitzer Prize winner Nilo Cruz. This moving tale explores the relationship between a young Cuban-Jewish researcher and an 80-year-old German novelist who survived the tragedy of the MS St. Louis just prior to WWII. The production runs through Feb. 15, 7:30 pm Thurs.Sat., 2 pm Weds. and Suns. Tickets $60-$95. 1200 Anastasia Ave. (at the Biltmore Hotel) gablestage.org

BURGERLISCIOUS

Attention all meat lovers! On Feb. 5, the Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce is presenting its 14th annual Burgerliscious Block Party. Last year’s participating restaurants included PINCHO, Americana Kitchen, JohnMartin’s, Morton’s Steakhouse, and more, all competing to win “Best in Bun.” Americana Kitchen took home the first-place prize, while PINCHO won the coveted People’s Choice award. More details on location and time of this year’s festival to come soon, available at burgerliscious.com.

GALA IN THE GARDEN

One of Miami’s most important philanthropic events is back, with the Gala in the Garden returning to Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden on Feb. 7 at 6:30 pm. Guests are invited to dine and dance while surrounded by bright and colorful orchids. The dress code is black tie. Tickets start at $1,500. Proceeds benefit The Fairchild

Challenge, the nation’s largest tropical science education program. 10901 Old Cutler Rd. fairchildgarden.org

FANTASTIC SYMPHONY

Led by conductor Gerard Schwarz, the Frost Symphony Orchestra performs at the University of Miami’s Gusman Concert Hall on Feb. 7 at 7:30 pm. The program for “Fantastic Symphony” features Aaron Copland’s “Symphonic Ode,” Max Bruch’s Violin Concerto No. 1 in G minor, and Hector Berlioz’s “Symphonie fantastique.” Tickets $15 to $30. 1314 Miller Dr. frost.music.edu

ARTS BALLET THEATRE OF FLORIDA RETURNS

On Feb. 7 at 7:30 pm, the acclaimed Arts Ballet Theatre of Florida returns to the City Beautiful for an extraordinary night of dance. The night’s program includes highlights by Vicente Nebrada, including “Glinka Suite Fantastique,” “Talisman Pas de Deux,” and “Double Clef.” Attendees will also see excerpts from the production of “Firebird,” choreographed by Vladimir Issaev. Tickets $43. 410 Andalusia Ave. sanctuaryofthearts.org

NEW YORK PHILHARMONIC QUARTET

Clarinetist Alexander Fiterstein joins the New York Philharmonic Quartet for an evening of chamber music on Feb. 9 from 7:30 to 10 pm

at the Coral Gables Congregational United Church of Christ. Among other classics, the performance includes the interpretation of Johannes Brahms’ Clarinet Quintet. 3010 De Soto Blvd. gablesucc.org

“DEAR EVAN HANSEN”

An anxious teenager has an opportunity to reinvent himself in the contemporary coming-of-age story “Dear Evan Hansen.” The winner of the Tony and Olivier Awards for Best Musical, this production takes the stage at Actors’ Playhouse at the Miracle Theatre from Feb. 11 to March 8. Wed.-Sat. 8 pm, Sun. 3 pm. Tickets $50 to $100, depending on date and seating. 280 Miracle Mile. actorsplayhouse.org

GARDEN D’AMORE

Celebrate Valentine’s Day at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden with its Garden D’Amore: Valentine’s Day Concert on Feb. 14 from 5:30 to 9:30 pm. Highlights of the event include live music under the stars; a scenic tram ride; cocktail, wine, and prosecco flights; a cheese and charcuterie board; and a picnic basket. Tickets $89 to $99. 10901 Old Cutler Rd. fairchildgarden.org COST PLEASE!

AMERICAN FOLK

GRAMMY-nominated choir Seraphic Fire performs in Coral Gables once again at the Church of the Little Flower on Feb. 20 at 8 pm. As the name suggests, “American Folk” encapsulates the roots of folk music in the United States in a 75-minute show. Its program includes “Simple Gifts” by Joseph Brackett, “This Land is Your Land” by Woody Guthrie, and “Hymnodic Delays” by Ingram Marshall. General admission tickets cost $45. 2711 Indian Mound Trail. cotlf.org

“LIFE OF PI”

Based on the international bestselling novel, a theatrical adaptation of “Life of Pi” will be shown at the Coral Gables Art Cinema from Feb. 20 to 22. Each production, which is filmed live from London’s West End as part of National Theatre Live, starts at noon. Experience Pi’s emotional and spiritual journey, drifting alone through the Pacific Ocean, for $14 to $20. 260 Aragon Ave. gablescinema.com

“COSÌ FAN TUTTE”

Presented by UM’s Frost Opera Theater and the Frost Symphony Orchestra, revel in the brilliance of Mozart’s “Così fan tutte,” which originally premiered in 1790. Performances on Feb. 26 and 28 at 7:30 pm at Gusman Concert Hall. Tickets $15 to $35. 1314 Miller Dr. frost.music.edu ■

Navigating You Home

From Land to Se a, w ith Tr u st, Care and Lo c al Ex p e r tise

PRIME ACRE

7400 SW 47th Court

Ponce Davis

JUST SOLD: $6,900,000

Exceptional acre peacefully surrounded by majestic oaks and palms on the non-flood coral ridge, ready to further personalize or create an outstanding estate home in one of Miami’s most coveted neighborhoods

DIRECT OCEAN ACCESS

1051 San Pedro Ave

Gables by the Sea

PENDING SALE: $7,150,000

Yachtman’s dream home: 2025 fully reconstructed with qualit y craftsmanship. solid wood floors, Calcutta marble, and a dream kitchen overlooking 100’ direct ocean access from brand-new dock and seawall on a 12k lot in a guard-gated communit y with a neighborhood park

A Valentine’s Night on the Town

GIFTS, PASTA, AND A NEW SPEAKEASY

BY AMANDA MARTELL

February brings familiar signs of romance, the store windows lined with chocolate boxes and the flower shops filled with roses. Less obvious is what makes a date night truly work. To help our amorous readers, I set out to craft an ideal Valentine’s experience in Coral Gables.

I began the evening by myself at Coco Bella, a cozy gem of a store on Alcazar, mainly known for its vast array of gifts for all occasions. I browsed through the shelves looking for something meaningful yet useful for my Valentine. Amid the well-stocked shelves, I found a square glass decanter with a silver stag head – a great addition for his bar cart. After completing my purchase, Coco Bella proprietor Esther Prinz carefully wrapped the gift for me, ready to present later in the evening.

Just down the street, I met up with my date at Fugato. Off the beaten path, this romantic hideaway is a great date night spot – not just for the food, but for the atmosphere. Soft, dimmed lights, a slow jazz soundtrack, and Tuscan red walls set the mood. While we took our time perusing the menu we ordered a starter to take the edge off, opting for the Chèvre Croquettes ($16), made with goat cheese, organic pine nuts, homemade marinara, and strawberry-guava sauce. I might be a bit biased when it comes to anything involving goat cheese (my true love – don’t tell my Valentine!), but its flavor mixed with the strawberry-guava sauce made this one of my new favorite dishes. According to Fugato owner Luis Buitron, it’s a customer favorite.

The menu here offers an extensive selection of Italian cuisine with some Continental twists, from signature pastas and risottos to Chicken Julien and grilled NY Strip. I ordered the recommended Pappardelle Fugato ($35), made with fresh pasta, sun-dried tomatoes, truffle oil, mushrooms, and shredded short rib. It’s a full-flavor dish for the palate, with tender meat. My date, meanwhile, chose

the Gnocchi Asiago ($29), made with sliced porcini mushrooms and gorgonzola truffle sauce. Indulgent without feeling heavy, the dish leans into comfort, letting texture and ingredients do the work rather than relying on excess seasoning.

As dinner came to an end, we walked to the corner of Alcazar and Salzedo Street, where Babette recently opened its new upstairs speakeasy. Walking in through the corner door, you’ll see a somewhat precipitous early 20th-century European spiral stairway made from burgundy wood steps. Teetering up these, you’re greeted by the Romeo Room, a private speakeasy that mixes Victorian Revival and Mid-Century design. With various seating options, we decided to sit by the DJ for our post-dinner cocktails (his beats were pleasantly toned down). I opted for the Romeo Martini ($22), the bar’s take on a classic dirty martini, while my date went with a glass of Macallan ($27).

For a final bite, we ordered the Croquetas de Jamón with Golden Osetra caviar ($18), because a good toast with a side of caviar felt like the perfect way to say, “Happy Valentine’s Day.” It was also the perfect moment to reveal the glass decanter which I had hidden in my (fortunately large) purse, another perfect way to celebrate the day. ■

How Convenient!

THE NEW TAX COLLECTOR’S OFFICE IS ANOTHER REASON WHY IT’S GOOD TO LIVE HERE

BY J.P. FABER

Anyone who has had to renew their driver’s license in Little Havana – previously the closest location to do so from the Gables – understands what a nightmare it can be. Even with an appointment, a long line forms in the early morning, with some arriving before sunrise to queue up. A police presence is necessary to maintain order.

Since August of last year, however, Gables residents need merely drive (or walk) to the new Miami-Dade Tax Collector’s office at 224 Minorca Ave., just off Ponce. In a ceremony attended by city and Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce officials, along with Miami-Dade Tax Collector Dariel Fernandez, the ribbon was cut for the seventh such office in the county. In what Fernandez called a “great moment for residents of Coral Gables,” he noted that, for the first time, locals no longer need to leave the city to renew their licenses in person. He also thanked Mayor Vince Lago and the city for providing the office’s bright and airy space, which is part of the Public Safety Building complex.

While many services can be accomplished online – a first renewal or updating an address, for example – other changes do require an office visit. These include updating your photo, becoming REAL ID compliant, changing your name after marriage, or updating your license if you used the online service in your last renewal.

I stopped in to renew my photo on a late Tuesday morning. I hadn’t made an appointment ahead of time (which is recommended), so took my chances on a walk-in. The staff could not have been more accommodating. I was told I would be seen within 20 minutes, enough time to walk down the street and get a coffee at Café Demetrio.

It turned out to be more like 15 minutes, and I was called to a window (first in Spanish, then in English) where the clerk had me sit for the photo, which then appeared on a small screen for my approval. “You should smile some more,” she rather correctly recommended. The second shot was “much better,” she said with a chuckle. I also agreed to become an organ donor – “It won’t matter to me at that point,” I said, to which she agreed.

The fee for the new driver’s license, with a photo that looked a little more like my present self, was $31.25. Within moments, it was printed out. And while we would not recommend going in without an appointment, the entire process for me still took just a little over 20 minutes.

The Tax Collector’s office on Minorca, a first in the history of the city, also provides other services, such as first-time vehicle registration. You can also pay property and business taxes at the office, or get a fishing or hunting license, but these are easily accomplished online – unless you want to stretch your legs in the City Beautiful. ■

Meet Your Merchant: Bliss Imprints & Gifts

BY AMANDA MARTELL

As shopping becomes more digital, one thing remains unchanged. Small business is what defines Coral Gables, with customers who turn into regulars for the personal touch of shopping locally. Bliss Imprints & Gifts is no exception.

Eddy Martinez grew up in Coral Gables. A graphic artist, he previously had a store on Miracle Mile from 1996 to 2005 and worked in wholesale with his wife, Marilyn Martinez. Together, they created stationery and wedding invitations, which won four Greeting Card Association awards in 2006 and 2013. They sold their store in 2005 to focus on raising four children, continuing their wholesale business.

Years later, a moment on Miracle Mile sparked their return. “After COVID, the first place we went to was to get ice cream on Miracle Mile,” recalls Eddy. “The minute I opened the door and got out of the car to go into the ice cream shop, I said, ‘Now’s the time. We need to move to Miracle Mile again, open our store, and do the dream we

always wanted.” That moment led to the opening of Bliss Imprints & Gifts at the end of 2021, a stationery gift shop that includes items the couple creates and curates themselves, adding a personal touch. Marilyn, who was raised in Hialeah, felt drawn to Coral Gables even before she was married. “I would always come down to Miracle Mile,” she says. “It gives you that small town feeling. And why wouldn’t you want to come to Coral Gables? It’s gorgeous.”

Owning a business comes with challenges, particularly after the pandemic. “We had a difficult time getting merchandise,” explains Eddy. “But since we manufacture a lot of stuff, we were able to create tote bags and fill the store with merchandise that we created.” The store also carries products from artists on consignment. “We try to work with local artisans as well, those who can produce products that we want to have in the store,” Eddy says.

Beyond retail, the Martinez's are involved in the Coral Gables community

through promotional products and custom printing. Their work includes signage for Armstrong Jazz House and projects for Arcano, Crystal Academy, and the Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce.

Among items carried in the store is a selection of board games, including Cuba-Opoly and Puerto Rico-Opoly. Last year, Eddy thought it was time to "Opoly" the Gables. “I started working on it last year," he says. "I put together an entire program, a proposal, to present it to the Chamber.”

After connecting with Christina Miller from the Chamber Foundation, the idea was then presented to the city. “We got into the City Commission [and] we got the city to be the sponsor," Eddy says proudly. "Our small little store connected with a huge chamber that does the most events [here] and in one of the most affluent and beautiful cities."

Every design element of Gables-Opoly was created by Eddy, with each piece developed specifically for the businesses involved. “It’s so custom and so specific,” he says.

Gables-Opoly will be released mid-February at $29.95, with a portion of the proceeds donated to the Mark A. Trowbridge Chamber Foundation. As Marilyn says, “The fact that the proceeds go to the Foundation means so much to us, and to a lot of people, because when we opened the first person that came to meet us was Mark. I won’t ever forget that.” ■

The Palace owners aren’t in Corporate Headquarters. They’re here every day.

Helen & Jacob Shaham founded The Palace Senior Living 45 years ago and they’ve never changed their “hands-on” rule of management. Joined by their sons Zach & Haim, they are familiar friendly faces to every Palace resident.

They come to the parties, seldom miss a birthday, and you can talk to them whenever you want because everyone has their personal cell numbers.

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.

Fantastic Illusion

A NEW SCULPTURE AT THE CORAL GABLES MUSEUM DEFIES YOUR EYES

BY J.P. FABER / PHOTOS BY RODOLFO BENITEZ

I

f you have been to Millennium Park in Chicago, then you have seen his "Crown Fountain" and one of his carved heads. Likewise, his large-scale sculptures can be found in cities like Dubai, Tokyo, Toronto, and Barcelona. Now, you can add Coral Gables to places where works by Spanish artist Jaume Plensa are on display. Unveiled in December in front of the Coral Gables Museum, his sculpture “Minna” now casts its magical spell along Salzedo Street. The bronze sculpture of a woman’s face is painted white, and despite its 900-pound weight and 12-foot height, is a mere 14-inches wide. And yet, it appears fully three dimensional.

“The illusion is amazing,” says Museum Director Elvis Fuentes. “His work is all about creating tension between private and public space. Here, the contrast is between very heavy bronze and how it looks ethereal and light.”

The sculpture is part of Coral Gables’ Art in Public Places program, where developers earmark funds for public art. “Minna” was commissioned by The Constellation Group, which is building the 74-unit CORA condominium adjacent to the Shops at Merrick

Park, and a low-rise office building nearby on Ponce. When CORA is completed next year, the sculpture will relocate to a 5,000-squarefoot public park fronting the building.

“The artist has a strong focus on art in public places on a worldwide level,” says Eduardo Otaola, managing principal of Constellation Group and vice chair of the Museum's board. “From a personal standpoint, I like figurative sculpture, and it seemed appropriate for Coral Gables, given the European connections in the city… We are proud to offer this gift of art to the community.” ■

The winner of 6 Tony Awards®, the Grammy® Award and the Olivier Award for Best Musical, DEAR EVAN HANSEN is the deeply personal and profoundly contemporary musical about life and the way we live it. DEAR EVAN HANSEN has struck a remarkable chord with audiences and critics everywhere

-

The New York Times calls it “a breathtaking knockout of a musical.” And “NBC Nightly News” declares the musical “an anthem resonating on Broadway and beyond.”

Exciting Plays Up Next:

A Better Cup of Joe

BY J.P. FABER / PHOTOS BY RODOLFO BENITEZ

It can be argued that America can’t function without coffee. For most citizens, it’s the daily kickstarter as well as the afternoon and/ or evening boost. According to the National Coffee Association, roughly two-thirds of U.S. adults drink it daily, for a total national consumption of about 400 million cups per day. Here are a few places in the Gables where coffee takes center stage.

ARTE Y PASIÓN CAFÉ

Down the block from Books & Books, Arte y Pasión takes the coffee obsession to the next level. You start by picking your variety from a menu of locations in Colombia. To help you choose, they have the beans in jars so you can smell them. Then, they prepare your coffee tableside, either through filters or with a Bunsen burner that pushes the hot water through glass tubes as you watch. Nice pastries and Colombian food, too. 205 Aragon Ave. arteypasioncafe.com

CAFÉ DEMETRIO

The sign outside says it all: Café Demetrio, The Coffee Experience. Located on the corner of Salzedo and Alhambra, it’s been serving the brew since 1997, when it opened in the historic 1925 building where the Miami News started. The interior is Euro elegant, like its massive copper Italian expresso machines, and it makes exceptional specialty coffees like cinnamon toast lattes, caramel lattes, and The Demetrio, a cappuccino with sweet cacao powder and evaporated milk. Also, great bites and courtyard seating. 300 Alhambra Cir. cafedemetrio.com

PASION DEL CIELO

Made for the global connoisseur, Pasion del Cielo offers coffee from Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Ethiopia, Hawaii, Java, Jamaica, Mexico, Kenya, or Sumatra, each rated for aroma, flavor, body, and acidity. The most popular is Sumatran since it scores high in all categories except acidity. The place itself, on the corner of Giralda Plaza and Galiano, is small and brick-walled, with just a handful of tables outside and in. But Giralda Plaza is perfect for strolling with your cup of java. 100 Giralda Ave. pasiondelcielocoffee.com

CREMA GOURMET

Crema is the place you go for your morning coffee, since they also serve great breakfast dishes (eggs scrambled with turkey and cheese, for example). They also have plenty of outdoor seating under umbrellas or under the arches of the Hotel Colonnade on Miracle Mile, where they are located on the corner of Ponce. Because they use high-quality Italian Illy espresso beans, the result is a consistent European-style coffee experience. Great heavy cups as well, and all the classic styles of coffee. 169 Miracle Mile. cremagourmet.com ■

Top producer Mauricio J. Barba has been a mainstay in Miami’s uber competitive high-end real estate market since 1994. Respected in his native community by clients and colleagues alike; he has logged top honors for elite performance in his field. Mauricio is connected worldwide but specializes in Coral Gables, Coconut Grove, Key Biscayne, Brickell, Village of Pinecrest, South Miami, Palmetto Bay/ Falls area and the Beaches. His expertise is demonstrated through his ability to facilitate trouble-free transactions winning him clients for life who also become friends.

Mauricio enters every room with confidence and professional approachability. But more importantly he is prepared and precise, saving you time and effort. Clients rely on him to deliver and he takes the responsibility very seriously. “People trust me with their single largest asset. It’s a role that drives me to push for excellence every day. I give 110% because my success is their success.”

Off the Beach

SOBEWFF RETURNS FOR ITS 25TH YEAR, WITH A FEW GABLES CULINARY CONNECTIONS

BY KYLIE WANG

Dinner Hosted by Niven Patel

WHERE: GHEE INDIAN KITCHEN WYNWOOD

WHEN: THURSDAY, FEB. 19 FROM 7 TO 10 PM COST: $399

Chef Niven Patel has been a Coral Gables staple for much of his career, starting restaurants like Mamey, Orno, and, most recently, Erba. Known for sourcing seasonal ingredients directly from his own farm in Miami-Dade’s agriculture area, the James Beard Award nominee is teaming up with Chef Nina Compton, a New Orleans-based Beard Award winner, to create this special culinary night. Located at Patel’s own modern Indian restaurant in nearby Wynwood, these two powerhouses are curating a multi-course dinner that blends tradition with contemporary flair.

Brunch Hosted by Giorgio Rapicavoli

WHERE: EATING HOUSE

WHEN: SATURDAY, FEB. 21 FROM 12 TO 2 PM COST: $199

Chef Giorgio Rapicavoli has become a Gables superstar, launching first his popular and sophisticated Luca Osteria on Giralda Plaza, followed by the re-birth of his iconoclastic Eating House just down the street. Bringing SOBEWFF home to the Gables, this Italian-inspired brunch will showcase the abilities of our local celebrity chef in combination with Chef Gabe Bertaccini, commonly known for his roles on Food Network shows like “Ciao House.” These two innovators will infuse bold flavors, playful creativity, and masterful techniques into every dish, reimagining traditional Italian cuisine through seasonal ingredients, inventive pairings, and their own signature flairs.

Celebrating a quarter-century of what has become one of the world’s biggest food festivals, the South Beach Wine and Food Festival returns this year with over 100 events and 500 chefs, winemakers, and personalities from all over the globe. Most events take place on Miami Beach, from Thursday, Feb. 19 to Sunday, Feb. 22. But you can also get a taste of the celebrated food fete right in Coral Gables’ backyard. Here’s a look at a few of the events we’re most looking forward to, featuring chefs and restaurants with ties to the Gables. Tickets at SOBEWFF.org.

WHERE: LOEWS MIAMI BEACH HOTEL

WHEN: SATURDAY, FEB. 21 FROM 7 TO 11 PM COST: $569

Chef Michelle Bernstein, James Beard Award winner, has long been known for her trailblazing approach to Latin-inspired cuisine. Her latest restaurant opening, Sra. Martinez in Coral Gables, is both a testament to this and to her Spanish roots. Now, the Miami native and celebrity chef is being honored alongside Chef Sacha Lichine, the visionary behind Whispering Angel Rosé. Lichine is credited with redefining Provence rosé wines, elevating them to the global stage and making him one of the most important figures in modern winemaking. This dinner will honor both innovators under the guidance of Food Network Chef Bobby Flay, who will serve as master of ceremonies for this exclusive event, which features a curated menu that pays homage to Bernstein’s culinary talent and Lichine’s exceptional wine. ■

One Team, One Vision With You at

the Center

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Up and Down, But Finally Back on Top!

BY KYLIE WANG

Elevator: 1, Cebada: 2. That’s the score now, as beloved rooftop bar Cebada has finally reopened after a four-month hiatus and years of elevator malfunctions. But the saga may not have reached a happy ending just yet, as owner Jorgie Ramos cautions. Ramos says he expects “around four months” of functionality but remains worried about long-term use of the elevator, especially given how often it’s used on weekend nights.

For now, the elevator is in working order, as we discovered on our latest ride up. There is no more menacing thumping noise when you reach the second floor, though the smooth ride seems to take longer than it should.

On the roof, Cebada is much as it has always been: a beautiful outdoor patio with views of Giralda Plaza and a small indoor space for when the weather doesn’t comply with your happy hour plans. Ramos is adding Bar Bella inside – a concept he’s already tested in South Miami – offering more traditional cocktails than the outside bar’s specialties. We stayed there for our drinks, enjoying a cool breeze and the new menu, which Ramos has used the time off to rework slightly, adding more small plates and updating the drinks.

We’ll keep you posted on the Cebada vs. elevator rivalry moving forward, but for now, you don’t have to take the stairs. ■

All Coral Gables registered voters will receive a mail ballot at the end of March for the special mail-in only election. For your vote to count, your ballot must be received by 7 p.m. on April 21, 2026.

This election is conducted entirely by mail. No in-person voting locations will be available. No postage is required for sending the ballot. Ballot drop-off is available only at the Office of the Supervisor of Elections2700 NW 87th Ave, Doral, FL 33172.

There’s still time to register to vote.

A Brew on The Mile, Perú on Giralda

Alto Tostado Coffee Roasters

Located on Miracle Mile near the intersection with Le Jeune Road, Alto Tostado is the latest entry for fans of cappuccinos. That, at least, is our favorite. The menu offers a range of coffees, from espressos and lattes to drip coffee. We stopped by for a free-pour figurative-art cappuccino and chose the seahorse design to put the barista’s skills to the test. They did not disappoint. Each cappuccino is also served with a small brownie, adding a touch of sweetness.

If you prefer iced coffee, Alto also offers a selection of iced lattes and cold brews, priced from $6.50 for a 16-ounce drink to $7.50 for a 24-ounce. To go along with our cappuccinos, we ordered the ham and cheese croissant ($8.95). Flaky to the bite, it remained simple and paired well with our drink. The shop also features a small merchandise corner with coffee beans, including their house blend and a whole-bean dark roast priced at $55. Other items include filter drip coffeemakers, tote bags, and mugs. The interior is minimal, with a couple small tables on the right-hand side as you walk in. It leans more toward grab-and-go, though we appreciate having the option to sit down and enjoy something to eat.

One nice touch is that breakfast is served all day, making it a convenient option for a quick bite for those shopping the Mile later in the day. As for us, we’re looking forward to exploring the brunch menu – because what goes better with coffee than avocado toast?

– Amanda Martell

Aromas del Perú

Most diners think of Peruvian food as synonymous with ceviche, but its cuisine is one of the richest in Latin America, something which Aromas del Perú brings to gustatory life.

This family-run chain (six South Florida locations) has been located on Ponce just north of Navarre since 2011, but has now moved to a far more prominent (and accessible) location on Giralda Plaza. We recently stopped by for lunch and discovered the same extraordinary menu in a sleek and modern setting, the former home of Osumi Cocktail and Sushi Bar. Here you can sit outside under an umbrella, inside at comfortable table seating, or at the bar, always a good option if you're dining alone.

The menu has all the variety of Peruvian dishes that Aromas is known for, from their fried-rice chaufas to their aji de gallina, a classic Peruvian comfort stew of shredded chicken in a creamy yellow sauce made from aji amarillo peppers, milk, nuts, and cheese. We started with the Ceviche “Cholo Power” ($29), a citrusy seafood mix of classic leche de tigre broth with yellow peppers, shrimp, calamari squid, and thin slices of corvina. We asked for medium spice, but next time will go much hotter. We followed that by leaving our comfort zone and going for one of their authentic signature plates, the savory goat Seco de Cabrito stew ($29). The goat meat was tender, and the broth was flavorful. Like the rest of their menu, it gets a five-star rating from us. – Luke Chaney ■

110–112 GIRALDA AVE.

305.476.5885 AROMASPERU.COM

A Drink (and a Bite) at the Dojo

THERE ARE ONLY EIGHT MASTERS OF SAKE IN THE WORLD – AND ONE OF THEM IS NOW IN CORAL GABLES.

BY KYLIE WANG

By nightfall, Threefold Café on Giralda Plaza is usually closed. It’s only recently that passersby may have noticed the formerly dark storefront come alive with lights on weekend nights. Inside, you won’t find a breakfast-for-dinner concept, or a late-night coffee brewing session – you’ll find sake master Haider Hachem, the owner of Shōjō’s Dojo, Florida’s first sake brewery.

Hachem doesn’t look like a typical sake brewer. For starters, he’s tall, broad, and Hispanic, and at first impression seems like he would enjoy a craft beer over a tokkuri of sake. Indeed, that’s what he first started doing: brewing beer at Strange Beast Brewpub in West Kendall. But Hachem also has a passion for Japanese culture, and “when he found out that sake was brewed just like beer, he basically self-taught himself,” says Marilyn Orozco, Hachem’s wife and business partner. Or, at least he tried. After one "drinkable" brew, Hachem applied for the Sake Sommelier Academy’s Master of Sake program, a competitive and immersive course which takes place at a 176-year-old brewery in Japan. He was accepted and completed the course, marking him as the sixth Master of Sake in the world (there are now eight).

With that mastery under his belt, Hachem and Orozco – a sake sommelier herself – joined forces to create Shōjō’s Dojo, which is now popping up at Threefold Café Thursdays through Saturdays from 6 pm to midnight, and from 6 to 10 pm on Sundays. They’re joined by Pin Pan Pollo, which offers up a range of Asian-inspired chicken dishes. As part of his training, Hachem spent two months in Tamba, a rural city in Japan’s Hyōgo Prefecture. “It was a beautiful experience,” he says. Despite a language barrier, “I became a part of the family. From day one, they accepted me as one of their own.”

Orozco says the difference between Hachem’s first batch of home-brewed sake and his first post-certification was “night and day.” “You could taste the difference. What he learned in Japan wasn’t just how to properly brew sake, but also patience,” she says. “When he was back here teaching himself, he became impatient. And sake is a very spiritual liquid. You have to be patient.”

The two explained some of the Japanese sake brewing traditions to us. First and foremost is an offering to the sake gods on the first day of every month, usually at a dedicated shrine within the brewery where the whole team prays not only for themselves, but also for the people who drink their sake. Even more interesting is the psychological aspect. “When you come into a brew day, you can’t be angry,” Hachem says simply. Orozco explains further: “When you’re dealing with the rice and the koji” – a mold used in sake

LEFT: THE SIGN IS CHANGED ON WEEKEND NIGHTS

TOP: HAIDER HACHEM & MARILYN OROZCO

ABOVE: HACHEM GRADUATES IN JAPAN TO BECOME THE SIXTH MASTER OF SAKE IN THE WORLD

OPPOSITE -

TOP LEFT: BREWING SAKE BEGINS WITH THE RICE

TOP RIGHT: SAKE COCKTAIL – SHOJO'S VARIATION

BOTTOM LEFT: ASIAN STYLE FRIED CHICKEN

BOTTOM RIGHT: ASIAN STYLE SESAME CHICKEN

SHOJO’S DOJO AT THREEFOLD CAFÉ, 141 GIRALDA AVE. (786) 519-1831; SHOJO.BEER

brewing to convert starch into sugar – “you’re stirring everything exactly,” she says. “So, if you’re angry, you’re going to stir angrily. That energy transfer between the brewer and the sake shows in the product, and that’s a big thing he [Hachem] came back with. He’s a lot calmer when he’s brewing now; more confident, more patient. If something goes wrong, he knows how to take a deep breath and say, ‘This is how I messed up. This is how to fix it.’”

Hachem and Orozco’s philosophy, which is also the slogan of Shōjō’s Dojo, is “Honoring traditions while brewing new ones.” While both have now spent significant time in Japan, including brewing together in Tamba, they are ready to create their own sake variations. “Right now, we’re brewing true to style, but eventually we do want to have fun,” says Orozco.

Initially, Shōjō’s Dojo was a bit of a dream. Its original location, in a warehouse district near Glenvar Heights, was a funky, dimly lit space that Orozco and Hachem opened within two weeks of acquiring the lease. Some two years later, the property owner sold, prompting the husband-and-wife team to move to Threefold Café, if only temporarily.

Here, Shōjō’s Dojo is a smaller operation, though still with the same character. After Threefold closes, the small staff gets to work, adding their own improvised “sake bar” sign over the café’s “espresso bar” etching, and setting up shop for a long night of brewing, pouring sake cocktails (yes, cocktails), and doing tastings, which Hachem will walk you through for an added fee. They sell their own sake, as well as other brands, both by the bottle and in smaller portions.

The brewery itself is named after Shōjō, a mythical, sea-dwelling primate in Japanese mythology with a particular fondness for alcohol – especially sake. Hachem thought that was a perfect fit for Miami, since “[Shōjō] is always on the beach, always laughing, and always drunk.” The myth includes Shōjō’s ability to judge character. Should he find you unworthy, he will brew you toxic sake; if you are found to be worthy, “it’ll be the best thing you’ve ever tasted in your life,” says Hachem. That’s just what he and Orozco want at the Dojo: only “people with a good vibe,” says Hachem – though he promises not to brew anyone any toxic sake. Now the duo dreams of their own place – or, as Orozco calls it, “a forever home” – meaning that the sixth master of sake in the world may not be in Coral Gables for long. So, drink up! ■

People

FEATURING:

DR. JOSEPHINE JOHNSON

JIMMY MORALES

DR. JOSEPHINE JOHNSON, HISTORIC PRESERVATIONIST AND CENTENARIAN

There are few people who can rival the City of Coral Gables for age. One of them is Dr. Josephine Johnson, born on January 25, 1925, only a few months before the City Beautiful was incorporated. A longtime Gables resident, Dr. Johnson was first born in England, then evacuated to the U.S. as a teenager during World War II on the last converted troop ship that escaped German U-boats, just before the Blitz.

She moved from New York to Coral Gables in 1949, taking an interest in the city’s historic preservation efforts. At 100-years-old, Johnson is still an active preservationist and member of the Historic Preservation Association of Coral Gables. She, herself, lives in a beautifully restored Old Spanish residence in the Alcazar Historic District, which she and her neighbors helped designate as historic.

Beyond the Gables, Johnson has also worked on preservation projects nationwide and overseas, from the Pioneer Cemetery in Key West to steam ships in England. In 2009, she published a book, “SS Asteroid or Tell It to the Bees,” a moving account of a World War II vessel that rescued troops from Dunkirk, and how she helped to restore and preserve the historic ship.

In 1952, she – an English PhD –and her late husband Marvin S. Cone established the Deerborne School, a small private elementary and middle school formerly located at 311 Sevilla Avenue (today’s Mercedes Benz of Coral Gables dealership).

Dr. Josephine Johnson

HISTORIC PRESERVATIONIST, CENTENARIAN

LATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT

Dr. Johnson was recently honored by the University of Miami as the founder of the School of Communication, recognized for her tireless efforts in creating the school in 1985. She is referred to as the Communication School's "foundation builder,” and holds the distinct title of Chair Emeritus of The U. She was also instrumental in raising the funds to create the Cosford Cinema at UM. To add to her many awards and accomplishments, the Coral Gables City Commission recently presented Dr. Johnson with a “Certificate of Recognition,” honoring her lifelong legacy.

WHAT SHE SAYS

“Perhaps preservation is nothing more than an atavistic necessity to bring us closer to eternal life,” says Johnson. “Steps away from mummification, we attempt to preserve stone, bricks, sacred earth, the landscape, to align ourselves with creative spirits to guide us in our own journeys.” ■ – Karelia Carbonnell

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A Coral Gables resident since 1999, Jimmy Morales was appointed Chief Operating Officer for Miami-Dade County by Mayor Daniella Levine Cava in December 2020. In this role, he oversees key county departments, including Aviation, Seaport, Transportation and Public Works, and Housing Community Development. Effective October 1, 2025, the departments of Cultural Affairs and Libraries became part of his portfolio. Under his leadership, his departments have launched major initiatives, including a $1.7 billion Water and Sewer improvement program and the $9 billion expansion of Miami International Airport. He is currently leading the efforts to build a new waste-to-energy facility and to implement a zero-waste strategy. Before joining Miami-Dade County, Morales served as the city manager of Miami Beach for eight years, where he led significant projects, including a $620 million Convention Center renovation. Morales graduated Magna Cum Laude from Harvard Law School and Harvard

“THE TWO BIGGEST PROBLEMS IN DADE COUNTY ARE TRAFFIC AND HOUSING, AND SO THEY’RE MY PROBLEMS NOW...”

Jimmy Morales

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER, MIAMI-DADE COUNTY

RECENT ACHIEVEMENTS

Morales considers his most important recent achievement to be securing county control over the privately owned marine “fuel farms” on Fisher Island, which could have become residential enclaves. “That could have put a major dent in the economy, impacting the willingness of cruise ships [and others] to bring bigger ships here… We’re in the middle of achieving a secure source of fuel that hopefully will be owned by the port forever.” Another recent achievement was launching the Rapid Bus Transit (RBT) corridor in south Miami-Dade this past fall, which uses electric buses on a dedicated roadway as a far less expensive mass-transit alternative to an overhead rail system, which would have cost billions of dollars and taken years to construct.

WHAT HE SAYS

“I tell people that the two biggest problems in Dade County are traffic and housing, and so they’re my problems now,” says Morales. For the future, he wants to expand RBT to a northeast corridor and save Tri-Rail, as well as complete upgrades to the infrastructure of both MIA and PortMiami. “I think over the next few years we probably aren’t going to finish all those transit projects, but hopefully we’ll get them geared up, funded, and leave that legacy,” he says. “These legacy type of projects are important for the mayor [Daniella Levine Cava], but for me as well. I got into this business because I wanted to make my hometown better. I was a lawyer on Wall Street, and while I was working on big deals, it just didn’t satisfy me.”– J.P. Faber ■

Solange Merdinian fell in love with singing at an early age. Born and raised in Argentina, she sat in on her mother’s voice lessons at just three-years-old, where her passion was born. Merdinian moved to New York at 14 to pursue a career in music, earning a bachelor’s of music from the prestigious Juilliard School and a master’s degree in voice and vocal performance from the Bard College Conservatory. Starting in 2012, she began touring with the Philip Glass Ensemble and others, performing at major venues such as Carnegie Hall. Merdinian moved to Miami in 2021 and is currently manager of the Steinway Piano Gallery on Ponce. With her day job here, she no longer goes on tour for months at a time, but fortunately for us, you can see her perform at the Sanctuary of the Arts, the Coral Gables Congregational Church, the Coral Gables Museum, and the University of Miami.

Solange Merdinian

LATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT

WHAT SHE SAYS

“I MIGHT NOT BE ABLE TO GO ON TOUR FOR A MONTH, OR TWO OR THREE AT A TIME, BUT I STILL GET TO SING, WHICH FILLS MY HEART...”

Throughout her career, Merdinian has performed in front of thousands, in venues from Madison Square Garden to Hard Rock Stadium. She sang at the United Nations General Assembly for India’s 70th Independence Day with award-winning composer A.R. Rahman, as well as on the soundtrack for “The Hundred-Foot Journey,” starring Meryl Streep. Along with her violinist older brother and cellist Yves Dharamraj, she co-founded the nonprofit Fundación New Docta in 2013, with a mission to bring world-class musicians to Argentina “to perform, to inspire children of all backgrounds, and to nurture the next generation of Latin American talent.” Most recently, she helped close out the 2025 season at Sanctuary for the Arts by leading a sold-out performance of guest artists from across the Americas.

Meridian likes the balance of managing Steinway Miami while still being able to perform. “I’m in a happy place because I can do both, and yes, I might not be able to go on tour for a month, or two, or three at a time, but I still get to sing, which fills my heart,” she says. As for why she decided on moving to Miami? “The main reason was I always thought I would love it because of the weather [and] I had a feeling that culturally it would be more influenced by the Latin culture – and in terms of last minute plans with friends and family oriented, it was closer to home [Argentina].” On eventually moving to Coral Gables, where she works, Meridian says that she will “end up here at some point … I spend most of my day here. I just need to sleep here. That’s the only difference.” – Luke Chaney ■

by Carter

Wild Ride The Hurricanes

THE MIAMI HURRICANES ROAR OUT ONTO THE FIELD IN THE COLLEGE FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP

A heartbreaker for ‘Canes fans, but a season to remember

BY LUKE CHANEY AND KYLIE WANG

It was a story simply too good to be true. After decades of a sputtering football program at the University of Miami (UM), the Hurricanes finally made an improbable playoff run, reaching the college football championship for the first time since 2002. Even better, they were able to play in their home stadium, and under Head Coach Mario Cristobal, who won two rings with the ‘Canes back in 1989 and ’92. But it just wasn’t meant to be.

Gableites may feel the university’s defeat softened by another improbable storyline: the rise of Coral Gables native and Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza, who led his team to victory, 27 to 21, against his hometown Hurricanes. For Mendoza, a Christopher Columbus High School graduate, this could be a revenge story – UM never made him an offer, despite his dreams of playing there – but the perpetually smiling Heisman winner kept his comments professional in his post-game interview. “I was a two-star recruit coming out of high school,” Mendoza told ESPN. “I got declined to walk-on at the University of Miami. [It’s a] full-circle moment playing here in Miami in front of friends and family.”

THIS IS WHY YOU PLAY THE GAME OF FOOTBALL. THIS IS WHY YOU COME TO THE UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI ... FOR MOMENTS LIKE THIS ... "

QUARTERBACK CARSON BECK, ABOVE, AT THE THE CHAMPIONSHIP GAME

The road back to prominence for UM has been long, windy, and occasionally tumultuous. From 2004 to 2021, the Hurricanes only won 10 or more games in a season one time. During that span, the ‘Canes failed under the leadership of five different head coaches and squandered

countless talented players. The once-admired football program that helped put Coral Gables’ proud university on the map seemed hopeless – a far cry from the iconic teams of the ’80s, ’90s, and early 2000s, when the ’Canes were five-time champs.

Left with yet another head coaching

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vacancy and in desperate need of a turnaround, Miami signed former Oregon head coach Mario Cristobal in December 2021 to a 10-year, $80 million contract. A second-generation Cuban American, Cristobal grew up playing football in South Florida. He, too, attended Christopher Columbus High School (alongside Mendoza’s father) and then UM, where he was a four-year offensive tackle on a two-time championship football team.

Cristobal also came with an impressive resume. At Oregon, he was in charge of a nationally relevant program that won two conference titles in 2019 and 2020, positioning the Ducks as one of college football’s premier teams. But the Miami native always dreamed of leading his hometown team back to the top.

“We want to make sure the program here is always a program you can be proud of for all the right reasons; a program of relentless competitors,” Cristobal told an audience of reporters, donors, and past and current players at his introductory press conference. “Always, always a team that nobody wants to play. We need to get together with

these coaches and young men and… we need to speak that into existence. We’ve got to work that into reality.”

Cleaning up the stains left by previous regimes over the last 17 years was not easy. It required a full rebuild, and plenty of time. The Hurricanes won a measly five games in Cristobal’s first season, which included a 14-point loss to massive underdog Middle Tennessee, as well as a 42-point drubbing at the hands of in-state rival Florida State. But the struggles of his first season didn’t shake Cristobal, who moved into Coral Gables immediately after taking the job.

With the acquisition of top talent, supported by the National Collegiate Athletic Association’s new NIL (name, image, and likeness) policy, the Hurricanes improved year after year. They won seven regular season games in 2023, 10 in 2024, and 10 again in 2025, granting the team a berth in the College Football Playoff for the first time in program history. (The revamped playoff structure debuted in 2014 with four teams, increasing to 12 as of this year.) Like most recent seasons, 2025-26 started strong, with a series of five victories that elevated the team to a No. 2 ranking. And like most recent seasons, it fell

WE WANT TO MAKE SURE THE PROGRAM HERE IS ALWAYS A PROGRAM YOU CAN BE PROUD OF... " "

THAT (ALMOST) CHAMPIONSHIP SEASON

REGULAR SEASON RANKING

vs. Notre Dame: W 27-24 No.5

vs. Bethune-Cookman: W 45-3 No.5

vs. South Florida: W 49-12 No.4

vs. U of Florida: W 26-7 No.3

vs. Florida State: W 28-22 No. 2

vs. Louisville: L 21-24 No.9

vs. Stanford: W 42-7 No.10

vs. SMU: L 20-26 (OT) No.18

vs. Syracuse: W 38-10 No.15

vs. NC State: W 41-7 No.13

vs. Virginia Tech: W 34-17 No.12

vs. Pittsburgh: W 38-7 No.10

PLAYOFFS

First Round vs. Texas A&M: W 10-3

Cotton Bowl vs. Ohio State: W 24-14

Fiesta Bowl vs. Ole Miss: W 31-27

Final vs. Indiana: L 21-27 No. 2

apart midway, with two losses to inferior teams that dropped the team to No. 18. Fighting back with four strong wins, the ‘Canes were the tenth seed going into the 2025-26 playoffs, an unlikely championship winner and the lowest ever seed to make the final. Wins over Texas A&M (10-3) and Ohio State (24-14) advanced the Hurricanes to the semifinal Fiesta Bowl, where they trailed Ole Miss 27-24 late in the fourth quarter. With the team’s championship game hopes on the line, quarterback Carson Beck relayed a message to his team that echoed Cristobal’s vision for the program.

“[I] looked at the guys on the sideline and said, ‘Man, this is what we worked for. This is what we live for. This is why you play the game of football. This is why you come to the University of Miami – for moments like this, to play in these big games, to have these big moments. Are we going to respond or are we not? What are we going to do?’” Beck said. Beck and the Hurricanes then drove down the length of the field, exorcising 17 years’ worth of demons with every first down and willing the team to yet another improbable victory at 31-27. Miami was back in the national championship and under college football’s spotlight once again.

But, two weeks later, in the final moments of the college football championship, the story came to a heartbreaking conclusion. With the season on the line, Beck led the team downfield with mere seconds left on the clock in what looked like a reprise of the previous win. The offense needed only a single touchdown to secure victory. Within range of that goal, Beck threw a deep ball to receiver Keelan Marion, right to the endzone. But Marion wasn’t looking. The ball ended in the hands of Indiana defensive

"

I DO SEE PAIN IN MOMENTS LIKE THIS, AND WE SHOULD, IF WE’RE A COMPETITOR THAT’S WORTH ANYTHING ... YOU FEEL IT AND YOU USE IT ... "

back Jamari Sharpe’s instead, an interception that sealed the Hoosier’s victory, 27-21.

“I do see pain in moments like this, and we should, if we’re a competitor that’s worth anything,” said Cristobal after the loss. “You feel it and you use it and you give those feelings a direction. I know the guys coming back will, and I know that the guys moving on will also use that as fuel.”

Beck, who is in his sixth and final year of college football eligibility, left the field in

I GOT DECLINED TO WALK-ON AT THE UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI. [IT’S A] FULL-CIRCLE MOMENT PLAYING HERE IN MIAMI IN FRONT OF FRIENDS AND FAMILY... " "

tears. “For it to end like that is hard,” he said in his postgame press conference. “It’s really tough, especially to battle the way that we did in the second half. To have a chance to win at the end, it says a lot about us. But to lose it – it really hurts.” In his final college game, Beck threw for 232 yards and a touchdown. He will now look to the NFL Draft, where he is a projected mid-round pick. “I’m just so grateful to have had the opportunity to play quarterback at this university,” he added in his final moments as the University of Miami’s quarterback. “It was a hell of a season.”

Mendoza, meanwhile, is largely expected to go first overall to the Las Vegas Raiders, who had team ownership in attendance for the final game at Hard Rock Stadium.

While the Hurricanes lost on Jan. 19, there’s no doubt that “The U” will be back in championship-style for its one hundredth season come August. Though now short a quarterback, there are plenty of options in the woodwork (and the transfer portal), especially those vying for a chance to join a championship caliber team. With Cristobal at the helm, the Hurricanes are expected to be just that. ■

HEAVEN CAN WAIT

The ethereal design of this home in Cocoplum was inspired by the clients who commissioned Carolina Feyre to create “something clean and light, with Belgian linens and white

CAROLINA DESIGN

Carolina Freyre’s approach to interiors is rooted in a lifelong immersion in culture, craft, and atmosphere. Her earliest sensibilities were shaped by a Cuban grandmother whose gatherings layered cuisine, poetry, linen, and ritual—an early study in elegance and intention. Her life unfolded across New Orleans, Philadelphia, Salamanca, Santo Domingo, New Hampshire, Boston, Atlanta, and ultimately Miami, each place informing her refined understanding of architecture, proportion, and lived beauty. Her projects range from a Tuscan-inspired estate in Coral Gables to a modern reinterpretation of a family lodge in Kentucky and the island-minded interiors of Mamey restaurant at the THesis Hotel. Freyre is known for spaces that feel collected and quietly luxurious, where materiality, light, and craftsmanship converge, balancing tropical ease with European restraint.

oak.” What she created was a world of comfortable, bright tones, an elegance that blends tropical sensibilities with modern design.

THE FAMILY ROOM/KITCHEN

(OPPOSITE PAGE)

The kitchen and adjoining seating area are anchored by custom cabinetry, including the kitchen, vitrine, and pantry, all crafted by Artemisa. Custom brass lamps from Urban Electric and fixtures from Coral Gables Kitchen & Bath bring warmth and patina, while island stools by Palecek with antique brass detailing sit alongside a relaxed seating area. A natural fiber rug from Carpet Boutique on Ponce grounds the space, layered with handwoven hyacinth stools, a bamboo side table, and pillows from Ryan Studio.

THE BREAKFAST ROOM (RIGHT)

Designed as the most frequently used room in the home, the breakfast room was created with the lady of the house in mind. Fern-pattern wallpaper by Cowtan & Tout, sourced through Fabric & Walls, brings a fresh English note, paired with grey-washed wicker chairs from Serena & Lily. A wooden dining table, pendant and bench all from Gabby Home anchor the space, while a raffia-wrapped buffet from Villa & House adds texture and warmth.

THE BATHROOM (RIGHT)

The primary bath continues the home’s sense of elegant lightness, with custom millwork by Artemisa and brass accents bringing warmth to the cabinetry and shower. A freestanding tub from Coral Gables Kitchen & Bath is paired with antique brass hardware from Rejuvenation, while tile flooring and herringbone shower tile from Opustone ground the space. Floral wallpaper by Thibaut, sourced through Fabric & Walls, adds softness, complemented by wall sconces from Chapman & Myers and a chandelier by Aerin, both from Visual Comfort.

THE DINING ROOM (LEFT)

Floor-to-ceiling Belgian linen drapery lends height and softness to the dining room, custom fabricated by Marsh Industries and layered with York Wallcovering; both the fabric and wallpaper are from Fabric & Walls. Sculptural dining chairs from Worlds Away sit beneath pendants by Jamie Young, with twin buffets from Gabby Home anchoring the space. Antique mirrors reflect the surrounding palms, adding depth and age, while artwork from Casa Gusto completes the room.

THE BAR (BELOW)

Custom white oak millwork defines the bar, executed by Miami-based millworker Artemisa, whose craftsmanship is evident in the sculptural spindle detailing of the pillars. A statement marble countertop and checkered limestone porcelain flooring from Opustone ground the space, while an antique mirror adds depth and an old-world sensibility. Verdigris-finished pendants from Urban Electric introduce a rich patina overhead, paired with a burled wood coffee table from Four Hands, leather chairs from Lee Industries, and swivel bar stools from Bernhardt.

DOWN TO EARTH

A home designed using warm, earthy colors to exude a sense of calm and natural peace, with pieces of vintage and modern art to add unique elements to each space.

CAROLA PIMENTAL ASSURE INTERIORS

Carola Pimental founded her Gables-based interior design firm in 2000, focusing on residential projects in Miami, across the U.S., and in the Caribbean region. Her approach is to fuse the design tastes of the client with functionality. “It’s so important to take into account the function: Do they have kids? Do they entertain a lot or want quiet? Do they have pets or travel frequently?” She likes to start with a calming and earthy palette and to then add “pops of color” in the furniture and art. “Adding unique pieces and bespoke elements in the interior – vintage or custom elements –adds to the uniqueness of the space.”

by Gabriel

LIVING ROOM (OPPOSITE)

Pimental removed the walls between the original living and dining rooms to create “one room together; open, very Miami, very Coral Gables,” she says. “We created a larger space [including the same ceiling height] in order to entertain and make it more cohesive.” The sofas are of Italian design in a neutral grey-weave color, with a “subtle pop of color” in the blue and green throw pillows. Of note is the green Moleca lounge chair and ottoman, by Brazilian designer Sergio Rodrigues from the Espasso showroom in Miami. The two iron chairs in the foreground are from Arterios in North Carolina, the central wall art is by Dominican artist Tony Capellán, and the white table sculpture by Uruguayan artist Pablo Atchugarry.

DINING AREA (LEFT)

The vintage Thonet dining chairs were acquired from a gallery in Germany and echo the natural wood buffet. “The glass top table allows these special vintage chairs to standout,” says Pimental, and contrast with the large epoxy wall art by Peter Zimmerman. The table is supported by white cement pedestals from CB2, a division of Crate and Barrel. The carved wooden bowl, by Colombian artisans, is from CEU studio, while the iron statue is a family heirloom from the Dominican Republic. The table lamp, from CY Gallery, is mid-century wooden, with a pleated linen lampshade.

STAIRS (LEFT MIDDLE)

The table is an acrylic and polished chrome console from CB2, topped by a vintage wooden flower vase, a Murano glass bowl, and a glass pineapple from Mexican artisans in Oaxaca. The 3D art on the walls is made from clay, some with gold leaf, by Argentine artist Nicholas Leiva. “His art is inspired by nature and sea creatures, but with his unique take.” The two stools are by Brazilian designer Carlos Motta from the Espasso gallery. The stairwell art is by Regina Jestrow, a local textile artist. The plant baskets are from CB2; the black and white picture is by Walter Goldfarb, in charcoal and acid.

BEDROOM (LEFT BOTTOM)

“This is a warmer room, in keeping with the whole use of earth colors,” says Pimental. “The bedroom is very subdued, with considered textures.” Those textures start with the woolen Nordic Knots area rug and continues with the two swivel chairs of boucle fabric from CB2. The leather bench in front of the bed is Italian, from the Poltrona Frau showroom in Miami. The sculpture over the bed is a vintage piece by Curtis Jeré, which Pimental found through 1st Dibs, a platform for antique dealers and galleries. The table lamps are acrylic with linen lampshades.

PATIO (BELOW)

“People in Coral Gables love the outdoors,” says Pimental, so she pays special attention to outdoor areas. The teak wood/woven faux rattan couches are from Gloster in the DCOTA and the waterproof “performance fabric” cushions are by Christopher Farr. Again, pop-up color is provided by throw pillows, accented by two lanterns from Clima Home in Miami, one (left) of woven recycled plastic, the other (taller, right) of woven rope. The two chairs at the dining table (itself custom concrete terrazzo) are from DCOTA, the flooring is keystone, and the front right table is a cedar trunk “in keeping with the use of natural materials and organic shapes."

A HOME WITH A VIEW

Adriana Hoyos’ transformation of this home in Deering Estates opened its inherent connection to spectacular verdant vistas, while grounding it with neutral, natural elements.

ADRIANA HOYOS

Ecuadorian designer Adriana Hoyos began her career as a furniture designer in 1994, with her eponymous Adriana Hoyos Furnishings brand. That same design sensibility evolved into Adriana Hoyos Design Studio, which relocated to Coral Gables in 2023. Her work has ranged from the reimagined airport in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, to the complete renovation of the clubhouse and restaurant on Miami’s Fisher Island, to numerous private homes stretching from New York to Central and South America and even the Middle East. For residential projects, her philosophy has remained the same: to design livable spaces that reflect the lifestyles – and preferred color palettes – of her clients, and to do so with timeless style.

THE LIVING ROOM (OPPOSITE)

The main living area uses neutral tones for the main pieces of furniture, creating a warm, inviting space enlivened by the mustard color of the two swivel chairs and the over-sized wall art, “which creates drama,” says Hoyos. “The art is what ties everything together, while the mirror reflects the amazing view.” All the furniture was designed by Hoyos, with the seats and sofa from her Gem collection, and the coffee table from the Lua collection (it consists of two halfmoons). The wool rug is by Feysi, the chandelier from Visual Comfort, and the linen wallpaper from Arte.

THE POWDER ROOM (ABOVE)

“This room is pretty special, because it contrasts the traditional molding with the ultra-modern steel sink,” says Hoyos. The mirror is from Arterio, while the lighting fixture is from Visual Comfort, which has a showroom in Coral Gables. The two tables are from Interlude, made from brass and marble.

THE FAMILY ROOM (LEFT TOP)

This room had been separated by a wall from the rest of the home. Hoyos removed it, installing two wooden partitions to mark the separation while opening the home’s space “from east to west,” she says. The room itself is “a very comfortable space,” she adds, with a sofa made by Natuzzi, an end table from her Lua collection, and a plaid carpet “that anchors the room.” The cocktail table, with natural stone on top, has two levels, so you can put books and other objects on the lower level. The art is “very organic,” with human silhouettes in abstract form.

THE MASTER BEDROOM (LEFT MIDDLE)

The oversized headboard, low and white, extends past the bed in both directions. “I love to do this because it stretches the room,” says Hoyos. The textured wallpaper is from Arte, and the end tables are from her Lua collection. The wool rug adds to the comfort, while the neutral tone painting, done in watercolor on linen, “makes the room feel modern.”

THE

DINING ROOM (LEFT )

The dining room is done simply, once again using oversized decorative art (watercolor on linen) to add drama and expand the sense of space. The chandelier is from Visual Comfort, which Hoyos says she loves “because it looks like birds” and reflects the natural world of Deering Bay. The table, made from natural wood, comes from a Brazilian designer, while the chairs are vintage Hoyos, with caramel-colored leather braces.

INTERIOR DESIGN SOURCES IN THE GABLES 2026

EUROPEAN

1524 Ponce de Leon

305.222.7271 europeanflooring.com GRAND

383 Aragon Ave

305.442.4500 grandorientalruggallery.com

4221 Ponce de Leon Blvd

305.591.3880 iberiatiles.com

3218 Ponce de

305.446.9059 innosurfaces.com

305.445.1939. thecarpetboutiquemiami.com

The Saving of City Hall

BEGINNING NEXT MONTH, CITY HALL WILL BE EVACUATED FOR ITS LONG OVERDUE OVERHAUL

BY J.P. FABER

By any measure, the restoration of Coral Gables’ City Hall is long overdue. “Nothing’s been done [to restore] the building in about 98 years, and we need to do a major tune up,” says City Manager Peter Iglesias, a structural engineer by training who will oversee the project.

Most urgent are repairs to the stone columns that are the defining element of the building’s semi-circular Corinthian colonnade. According to Richard Heisenbottle, founding president of the firm (R.J. Heisenbottle Architects) undertaking the building’s repair assessment and design plans, some of these columns are so cracked that scaffolding has already been erected to help with their support. It turns out the columns were made with blocks of limestone, not of the reinforced concrete they were thought to be. Each will require steel bars installed inside.

“We know more about City Hall than we thought we ever could,” Heisenbottle told the City Commission last fall, when describing what needed to be done. Throughout the exterior, severely damaged limestone will be replaced with new matching stone, while damaged stucco will be replaced to match the original color, texture, and finish.

The most dramatic change will be the restoration of the original Garden Courtyard behind City Hall, which has, for years, been used as a civic and ceremonial space – even serving as a location to hold City Commission meetings when City Hall became too hot, back in the days before the building was air conditioned. In the 1960s, a small building was erected in part of the courtyard, effectively eliminating its use for public events.

NOTHING’S BEEN DONE [TO RESTORE] THE BUILDING IN ABOUT 98 YEARS... "

CITY MANAGER PETER IGLESIAS ON THE RESTORATION OF CITY HALL, STARTING WITH EMERGENCY REPAIRS TO THE STONE COLUMNS OF THE COLONNADE

Also removed from the courtyard was a smaller building off to the side, which once held public bathrooms. The idea, according to Heisenbottle, is to remove the newer, non-historic building there, restore the bathrooms, replace the original courtyard planters, remove an abandoned septic tank sitting in the middle of the courtyard, and repave the walkways. “We want to return this to its historic character [so] you get to see the building in its full breadth. It would return two public toilets for the public to use when there are events on Biltmore Way rather than using portable toilets, which no one likes,” said Heisenbottle.

In order to accommodate the rebuilding of City Hall, city staff will relocate to the 2020 Ponce building – including the city manager, city clerk, city attorney, and finance department – while the City Commission and its liaison staff move to offices at the Minorca Garage building adjacent to the Public Safety Building.

When staff relocates at the beginning of March, the city can

conduct exploratory demolition and finalize the construction documents. “We have elected to restore the building inside and out,” says Iglesias, “and restoration is very difficult.” The city manager says that demolishing the building and starting from scratch would have been far easier and less expensive. Completion date for the “very complicated” restoration is third quarter 2028.

Actual construction will begin this fall after final design documents are completed. Thornton Construction has been chosen

as the contractor. Because of complications inherent in the project, Thornton was awarded what’s called a “construction manager at risk” contract, which means the city will be involved in all aspects of the process, including awarding sub-contracts.

Other changes envisioned for the restoration include a return of the original orientation of the City Commission, toward the curve of windows which are now behind them, and restoration of a semi-circular area on the first floor beneath the Commission chamber, which will be used as an event space.

Iglesias says the city’s Historic Preservation Board was very impressed with the restoration plan, as has been most of the public. One of the few objections raised was to the replacement of the building’s original windows with modern framing, rather than re-

LEFT: THE COURTYARD RESTORED AS IT IS TODAY (OPTION A), AND BELOW, THE COURTYARD RESTORED TO ITS ORIGINAL LAYOUT (OPTION B)

storing them to their original wooden enclosures, which would have been far more expensive and arguably less hurricane resistant.

“The windows were an issue. We wanted them to be restored,” says Karelia Carbonell, president of the Historic Preservation Association of Coral Gables. “City Hall is one of the few buildings that retained its original fenestration. Other than that, the Heisenbottle team is very sincere in following the national guidelines [and] very aligned with the authenticity of the building. The proposal to bring back the chamber to its original design gave me a big smile. I think the project is in good hands.”

When it was originally finished in 1928, the building – designed by architects Phineas Paist and Harold Steward – had taken just five months to complete for a cost of about $200,000. The restoration will take two years and cost between $25 and $30 million. The city hopes to partially offset expenses with grant money from the Florida Department of Historical Resources. ■

The Biltmore Celebrates its Birthday

Photos by Alain Martinez Studio

On January 14, 1925, George E. Merrick gathered cherished friends, community leaders and other distinguished guests from out of town to celebrate the bold new vision of the new Biltmore Hotel, which opened to the public on the 15th. One hundred years to the day, the iconic Biltmore welcomed nearly 300 distinguished guests to celebrate and honor a century of hospitality, style and history.

The evening was themed in roaring ’20s Great Gatsby style, starting with a cocktail reception followed by a dinner that recreated the original menu with a modern spin, followed by dancing and a 20-minute 1,000 drone “Show In The Sky” that featured dramatic music and a narrative that told the history of The Biltmore, followed by a Prohibition themed After-Party at the Pool that went until 2:00 am.

1. Keynote speaker, Florida Lt. Gov. Jay Collins

2. Yesenia Randazzo

3. Miami-Dade Judge Javier Enriquez, Assistant City Manager Carolina Vester, County Tax Collector Dariel Fernandez, County Commissioner Natalie Orbis, and County Commission Chair Anthony Rodriguez

4. Lara Pavloff Director of Golf and Cristina Pavloff

5. Daine Kammerer, Matthias Kammerer, Jorge Arrizurieta and Mari Arrizurieta

6. Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier, Biltmore President Tom Prescott, bas ketball star Alonzo Mourning, Mayor Vince Lago

7. Ben Mollere and Marcia Mollere

8. Charmene Prescott, Li Winn, Gene Prescott, Kathleen Orosz, and Bruce Orosz

9. Jim McLean and wife Amparo McLean

Meandering Around Town # 30: The Orange Bowl

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

BY DON SLESNICK

Sometimes we need to meander outside the city limits to achieve a better perspective of what activities characterize our community’s soul – in other words, what makes us tick as a Gables society. Simply put, we in Coral Gables have proudly developed a culture of civic service – a commitment to making our hometown a vibrant metropolitan area through the work of nonprofit organizations that are committed to improving the lifestyle of South Floridians.

Coral Gables citizens have contributed time, talent, and treasure to ensure the success of various charitable organizations such as the Community Foundation, the United Way, the Red Cross, and the Salvation Army. In this installment of my wanderings, we will look at Coral Gables’ impact on the Orange Bowl Committee, which was created some 90 years ago to promote Miami as a place to live, work, and vacation. Thus, in the height of the Great Depression, a volunteer group of community leaders helped to strengthen the economic foundation of a fledgling, and sometimes floundering, South Florida.

The Bowl committee not only succeeded in its original purpose but grew the game and surrounding events (like the now regrettably defunct parade) into focal points for tourists and locals alike. The Orange Bowl game became one of the first collegiate sporting events featured from coast to coast on a major television network. Over the years, the community impact of the Orange Bowl has grown through the Committee’s funding of scholarships, its sponsorship of youth sports, financial assistance to help teachers purchase classroom materials, the construction of inner-city football/soccer fields with stadium facilities, and the modernization of public school libraries/media centers.

The City Beautiful has been intimately involved in the creation and evolution of the Orange Bowl Committee since its inception. Gables Mayor Keith Phillips, Sr. was the organization’s first president in 1935. Other Coral Gables elected officials who have served as the Committee’s president are Mayor Keith Phillips, Jr. (1970); Mayor Jimmy Dunn (1972); Commissioner Jim Barker (1988); and me (2017). We can be proud that there are too many Gables celebrities that have served as president to name them all, but a few of the more recent ones (going back to 1983) include: Frank Gonzalez, Luis Boue, Andrew Hertz, Ford Gibson, Jeff Roberts, Tony Argiz, Phillis Oeters, Peter Pruitt, Chris Knight, Dean Colson, Al Cueto, Susan Potter Norton, Sherrill Hudson, Edgar Jones, Leslie Pantin, Clark Cook, Ed Williamson, Harper Davidson, Art Hertz, Larry Adams, and Steve Lynch.

To that list, let me add the person being installed this month as the 2026 president: Coral Gables resident Michael Moran. With so many Gables personalities having served in the top leadership position, you can easily imagine how many Gables residents have filled the Committee roles over the past 90 years.

All of Florida owes a debt of gratitude to the many positive benefits that can be attributed to the work of the Orange Bowl Committee – and the Committee can proudly point to Coral Gables as having produced many of its leaders. Yes, the “soul” of our city might very well be found hovering around somewhere inside a football stadium. Unfortunately, it’s no longer the historic Orange Bowl! ■

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

47 Fine Dining Restaurants

THE DINING GUIDE

February

2026

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 47 of the best in the categories of Spanish, Steak Houses, Pubs & Cafes, Italian, French, and Mediterranean. Next month we will look at the best of Latin American, Seafood, Asian and American restaurants – along with some of our other perennial favorites.

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

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

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

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

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

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 Jamoteca

The specialty here is ham, and it’s no ordinary ham, but the gourmet Iberico ham that is raised in a special place in Spain 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, with ice-cold Spanish beer, 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 great live flamenco on Saturday nights ($5 cover), so reservations are a must. Sophisticated and inexpensive lunch specials that change daily, with a lovely hidden courtyard. 254 Giralda Avenue 786.362.5677 $$

Sra. Martinez

Michelle Bernstein has revived her Sra. Martinez, and the space alone –

with an alcove for live music - tells you you’re in for something special. The menu runs from carbonara croquetas 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 $$$

STEAK HOUSES

Christy’s

Coral Gables’ oldest steakhouse, Christy’s was long the power lunch go-to – until it stopped serving lunch. But its aged steaks are still consistently superb, as are the seafood entrees. Their Caesar salad is absolutely the best in town, matched by classic oysters Rockefeller, garlicy escargot, and a jumbo shrimp cocktail that’s 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. Great bar, top cocktails. 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, excellent salads, and warm fresh loaves of bread for the table. 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

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. Pro tip: The Friday pork chop special. 4251 Salzedo St. (Shops at Merrick Park) 786.703.9094 $$$$

Ruth’s Chris Steak House

Some of the most expensive steaks in the Gables, but also some of the best. A chain with a surprisingly sweet backstory in Ruth Fertel, who bought the original steakhouse in New Orleans in 1965, their Gables location is both spacious and business-like. Almost all the beef is USDA Prime and the menu ranges far beyond steak, including menus for those on specialty diets (keto, gluten-friendly, vegetarian). 2320 Salzedo St. 305.461.8360 $$$-$$$$

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 $$-$$$

Bay

13 Brewery + Kitchen

Bay 13 Brewery & Kitchen is Coral Gables’ go-to for craft beer and laid-back vibes. With Aussie-inspired brews, $5 happy hour bites, and standout dishes like scallops or steak with ale sauce, it’s perfect for casual meetups or relaxed dinners. Spacious patio, daily specials, and in- house brewing make it a must for beer and pub food lovers alike. 65 Alhambra Plaza. 786.452.0935. bay13brewery.com $$

Birdie Bistro

The beloved Burger Bob’s has returned – reborn as The Birdie Bistro at Granada Golf Course. Now run by longtime favorite Rita Tennyson, it keeps the spirit (and many menu items) of the original, with a few upgrades. Familiar faces, classic affordable burgers & fries, with American fare (great chili) and a fresh vibe make it a nostalgic yet new community spot worth visiting. 2001 Granada Blvd. (Granada Golf Course). 305.567.3100. birdiebistro.co $-$$

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 $$

Façade

Façade in Coral Gables goes beyond pastries with all-day breakfast, home-

made bread, and standout dishes. The spicy onion toast ($17) with eggs, caramelized onions, and chili oil is a flavor bomb, while the Dippy Soldiers ($14) offer an elevated take on eggs and toast. Cozy vibes, great music, and inventive eats. 271 Giralda Ave. @facademiami $$

Fritz and Franz Bierhaus

Be transported from Coral Gables to Oktoberfest. Enjoy German comfort food like Weisswurst and Heringsschmaus and German beers (amazing selection) 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 $$

Sanguich

Sanguich De Miami brings its award-winning Cuban sandwiches to The Plaza Coral Gables, now with a walk-up ventanita and tropical batidos. The standout pan con bistec features tender shredded steak and crisp potato sticks on toasted Cuban bread. Unpretentious, quick, and deeply satisfying, it’s a must-visit for classic Cuban favorites done right. 111 Palermo Ave. sanguich.com $

Sports Grill

A go-to spot for any major sporting event, but also a popular destination for any given night of the week. You don’t even need to look at the menu: the pub is home to the Special Grilled wings, dipped in their signature sauce, then charbroiled and lightly covered in a secret sauce. The Coral Gables Magazine perennial winner for best wings. 1559 Sunset Dr. 305.668.0396 $

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 their 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 $-$$

Titanic Brewery and Restaurant

A nice beer garden out back and pub food makes this English brewery a hotspot for nearby University of Miami students and staff. Karaoke on Sundays, blues on Wednesdays, and live bands regularly. Easy drinking, easy eating, and easy listening. 5813 Ponce de Leon Blvd. 305.667.2537 $$

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 $$$

Basilico

Basilico Ristorante has joined Coral Gables’ crowded Italian scene, taking over the former Il Duomo dei Sapori spot on Ponce. Backed by the team behind its Doral and Miami Springs locations, Basilico impresses with standout dishes like the crab ravioli in lobster sauce. Rich flavors, warm service, and a refined touch make it worth the visit. 2312 Ponce de Leon Blvd. 305.381.5604. $$$

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 has reliable pasta dishes under $20, entrees under $30, and as many dessert listings (12) as pasta pick. Pro tip: The only vichyssoise in the Gables, made fresh daily. 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 the late Pernetti had to publish his own cookbook. Now run by his daughters, its 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 with its

Venetian fountain. You can sit out under the stars, or in a covered archway, or inside to enjoy classic Italian dishes. Fresh ingredients, from the salads to the homemade pasta. Excellent seafood. One of the most romantic restaurants in the Gables. 1200 Anastasia Ave. (Biltmore Hotel) 305.913.3200 $$$

Fugato

They will tell you they serve “continental” fusion cuisine, and yes, there is a touch of French and Spanish cooking here. But the chicken Florentine, ravioli aragosta, ravioli zucca, golden calamari, and veal ossobuco say otherwise. Well-prepared dishes in an intimate setting, off the beaten path with a loyal clientele. 325 Alcazar Ave. 786.420.2910 $$$-$$$$

Fratellino

Small, family-run, with a fanatical fan base and brilliant southern 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 $$$

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 $$$-$$$$

Piccola

Piccola brings star-shaped, ricotta-stuffed “pixette” pizzas to Coral Gables. A standout is the Pi

cante Pixette, loaded with spicy salami and fresh mozzarella, best finished with their spicy olive oil. With white and red sauce options and rich cheese blends, this Doral favorite is now a Gables go-to for creative, crave-worthy pizza. 2305 Ponce de Leon. 786.615.5980. piccolapizzeria.us

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

This 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! Pro tip: The Monday night pasta specials. 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. Limited but 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 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 & 2025 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 top power lunch place in town. 162 Alcazar Ave. 786.580.3731 $$$-$$$$

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 for 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 on the Plaza Coral Gables courtyard. 3005 Ponce de Leon Blvd. 786.360-3519 $$

MEDITERRANEAN

Calista Greek Seafood Taverna

There aren’t many pure Greek restaurants in Coral Gables, but Calista is aiming to change that, serving authentic Greek dishes with fresh ingredients sourced from local farmers’ markets. Their specialty dish is the Moussaka, an eggplant or potato-based dish reminiscent of a lasagna that is commonly served in Egypt, the Balkans, and the Middle East. Also, excellent Greek meatballs, classic spinach and feta phyllo pie, and yes, seafood dishes. 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 their signature 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 six 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, in a comfortably cavernous space. 45 Miracle Mile. 305.396.8547 $$-$$$

Gables in Focus

Congratulations to Sherry Shu Zhang for winning this month’s Gables in Focus photography contest for her photo of the Venetian Pool. To enter for next month, submit your favorite snaps of Coral Gables to kwang@coralgablesmagazine.com (and your Instagram, if applicable) by February 10. The Coral Gables Magazine staff will judge the photos and choose one winner based on creativity, composition, and relevance to Coral Gables. The winner will have their picture printed in the magazine and receive two tickets to the Actors’ Playhouse or GableStage production of their choice. All submissions will be posted on our Instagram (@thecoralgablesmagazine) at the beginning of the month. Both amateur and professional photographers are welcome!