CoralGablesMagzine_DEC2025

CORAL GABLES

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ART IS IN RESIDENCE live where

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

EDITOR’S NOTE Another

STREETWISE

Latest News From City Hall Talk of the Town RTZ Update

LIVING

Best Events in December New Openings in the Gables Health & Wellness: Acupuncture

BITES

Quick Bites: All About Stew Fun Dining: A Spanish Kitchen New Places: Cafes to Restaurants Fine Dining Review: Rò Steakhouse

PEOPLE

Susan Rose Natalia Gonzalez Mimmi Balaam

BACK OF BOOK

Don’s Rambles: The Cavalier Spirit The Seen: The Golden Age Gala Historic Preservation: Saving Santa Travel: Five

A PATH TO PHILANTHROPY

Establishing and running your own charitable nonprofit is no easy business. There’s the cost, plus the legal headaches, hiring of employees, compliance, auditing, and more. For many, it’s simply not a viable method, no matter how resourceful they are. That’s why the donor advised fund (DAF) exists. Here's a look at five DAFs run by the Community Foundation.

2025 THE YEAR IN REVIEW

2025 has been an exciting year for the city, especially with the April elections that fundamentally shifted the political power balance and the city’s fiscal agenda. It was also a time of transition, with the passing of the head of the Coral Gables Chamber and the resignation of the Gables Foundation CEO – both fortunately replaced with top choices. Meanwhile, the city has spent the entire year celebrating its 100th birthday.

A WORLD OF ITS OWN

When developer Armando Codina decided to sell his waterfront mansion in Coral Gables – a sprawling home where he and his wife raised four daughters, now listed at $45 million – he wasn’t motivated by necessity or nostalgia. He wanted to control the details of his future.

Let’s Put on Bow on It

It has been a heck of a 2025 in Coral Gables, which we are happy to recall in our annual "Year in Review".

Probably the biggest news was the city election, which fundamentally shifted the balance of power in the City Commi sion. After two years of divisive, impolite wrangling at City Hall, the April vote saw the return of Mayor Vince Lago and Vice Mayor Rhonda Anderson, and the replacement of Commissioner Kirk Menendez with Commissioner Richard Lara. That vote broke the 3-2 strangle hold of Menendez with Commissioners Ariel Fernandez and Melissa Castro, who, together, doubled their salaries, fired a competent City Manager, hired an incompetent replacement, endangered the city budget with reckless staff and retirement benefit expansions, killed tax reductions, and demoralized the city administration with groundless accusations of corruption, losing several stellar employees in the process. Most of this has since been fixed.

The other big news was the changing of the guard at two of the city’s leading civic organizations. In February Mark A. Trowbridge, the beloved CEO and president of the Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce, passed away from a heart attack, followed the next month by the resignation of Mary Snow, CEO of the Coral Gables Community Foundation. Since then, we have a new Chamber chief in Jorge L. Arrizurieta and a new Community Foundation leader in Mauricio Vivero. We have high hopes for both.

We chose to put Vivero on the cover, not only as a symbol for the New Year, but also because we annually highlight residents who have been exemplary in their support of local charities every December. This year, the focus was on those who use the Foundation’s donor advised funds for their giving.

In 2025, Coral Gables again surpassed Beverly Hills as the most affluent community in the country. But whatever that may imply in terms of the self-indulgence of wealth, as a community Coral Gables is enormously generous when it comes to charitable giving. Maybe it is because so many of its residents, especially those whose families recently immigrated to the U.S., have created their fortunes from scratch, with little besides hard work and good ideas. Recognizing how difficult it was for them to succeed opens a certain window of empathy for others – an empathy passed down through generations.

Coral Gables is an exemplary generational community – not a transient stop to somewhere else, but a destination city for your family, where once you arrive you never want to leave.

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

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 2025 by City Regional Media. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part of any text, photograph or illustration without prior written permission from the publisher is strictly prohibited. Send address changes to subscriptions@coralgablesmagazine.com. General mailbox email and letters to editor@ coralgablesmagazine.com.

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Wishing you and yours a joyful holiday season!

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.

Slowdown on Rain Shelters

Built in the 1940s, the Gazebo rain shelters on Granada Golf Course survived the worst of South Florida’s weather including Hurricane Andrew, until finally, after 80 years, most of them finally needed repair and restoration.

The issue was first brought to Mayor Lago’s attention in late January 2025, and within a couple of weeks, he had placed it on the City Commission’s Agenda. Just two months later, in May, with the full support of the Mayor and Vice Mayor, as well as a petition signed by 265 local residents, the Director of Community Recreation presented plans at a public meeting to rebuild the original wooden shelters, as well as a couple of more modern ADA compliant shelters. At the May 29 public meeting at the Coral Gables Country Club, the proposed plans received overwhelming and unanimous public approval.

This truly inspiring four-month display of grass-roots democracy and decisive

responsiveness from the city’s leaders has sadly been betrayed by the inactivity of the city bureaucracy and the Board of Architects, where all good initiatives go to die.

On November 6, some five months after the plans had been approved, a large desultory group of city administrators and some outside architects were seen wandering around the golf course taking notes and vaguely discussing what might be needed. They did not consult with any of the people who use or who work at the Granada Golf Course.

In response to my requests for a status report, the Assistant City Manager has informed me that construction of the shelters might eventually begin in May 2026, exactly 12 months after the plans were approved by the city residents.

Ground was first broken for the construction of the Biltmore Hotel in March 1925 and a grand opening party took place in January 1926 – just 10 months later. The city’s administrative bureaucracy was

A SEASON OF SUCCESS IN NORTH GABLES

THREE HOMES. THREE STORIES. THREE WEEKS.

| 10/14/25

no doubt much leaner back then. Where is Elon Musk’s DOGE when it’s most needed?

Patrick Alexander

Welcome new Chamber CEO

Your one-on-one interview with Jorge L. Arrizurieta demonstrates his deeply instilled passion for our city and his desire to take on the challenges of stepping into a role that is at the core of a flourishing, diverse, and ever-growing business community. As the new CEO & president of the Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce, Jorge embodies the fundamental qualities of leadership and excellence that is reflective of the mission, vision, and future of this institution. Thanks to the magazine for giving our neighbors an opportunity to get to know Jorge on a more intimate level and for providing us with an outlet through which to learn more about his approach and goals for the Chamber. We wish him luck and success!

Nicolas R. Cabrera

Each reflects the continued appeal of this historic neighborhood and the trust clients place in thoughtful, informed representation.

Proud to guide clients in North Gables every day.

To celebrate 75 years of helping children grow up healthy and strong, Nicklaus Children’s Hospital Foundation has launched the 75 for 75 Legacy Challenge. We’re looking for 75 people who want to make a lasting difference —by including a future gift to Nicklaus Children’s in their will, trust, or retirement plan.

When you document your legacy gift, a 10% matching donation will be activated —immediately amplifying your impact at no cost to you.

Your legacy can carry children forward: through surgeries, recoveries, milestones, and dreams yet to be realized. Big or small, it matters—and there’s never been a better time to make it count.

Be one of the 75. Join the Legacy Challenge and help build healthier tomorrows for generations. Ready to learn more?

Contact Megan Brahimi, Senior Director, Gift Planning Megan.Brahimi@Nicklaushealth.org myimpact.nicklauschildrens.org/legacychallenge

THE GRAZIANO’S HOLIDAY BLOCK PARTY

A FULL-BODIED NIGHT OF STEAK, WINE, AND LIVE MUSIC

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5-9 PM

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CORAL GABLES

From City Hall

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

NEW PUBLIC ART

Voted 5-0 to accept the acquisition of a sculpture, “Le Couple, 1991” by Cuban artist Agustín Cárdenas. The Cultural Development Board voted unanimously to approve, with funds from the Art in Public Places reserve to go toward acquisition and installation. Cárdenas is considered one of the most important sculptors of the 20th century. Proposed locations include 427 Biltmore Way – which houses the Development Services Department – Coral Gables Museum, the country club, and the Art Cinema. Mayor Vince Lago expressed his preference for placement in the 427 Biltmore Way garden-paseo or outside the Art Cinema.

MOBILITY HUB UPDATE

Listened to a presentation from Gensler, the company designing the Mobility Hub, showcasing new renderings and options for a rooftop activation space. These include areas for a restaurant, a children’s park, concert venue, and/or outdoor movie theater. They are also exploring options for the pattern on the outside of the garage, meant to resemble a tree’s branches, and for murals and other artwork inside and outside the building. Commissioners Melissa Castro and Ariel Fernandez protested that the building will be too tall, though it falls within zoning code parameters.

CITY HALL UPDATE

Listened to an update on the restoration of City Hall from RJ Heisenbottle, the architecture firm responsible for its repairs. The firm wants to restore the building’s original garden courtyard, which famed city architect Phineas Paist originally designed, including two public restrooms for use during events on Biltmore Way. Exterior repairs and patches will be made, and the stone columns reinforced with steel. Anything that must be replaced will be 3D-scanned so it can be remade the same. The Commission Chamber will be reconfigured clos-

er to its original design, with additional seating and more dark wood. The Commission voted 5-0 for “option B” of the garden courtyard, as well as 5-0 to accept the chief procurement officer’s recommendation to award the project to Thornton Construction Company.

CORAL GABLES X ART BASEL

Listened to an update on the “Intervals” project, “a series of timespace encounters with contemporary art, specific sites, and thoughts that are beyond the everyday of Coral Gables, Miami, and the world,” according to Arts and Culture Specialist Catherine Cathers. The project will feature five artists’ works in five public spaces, partnering with galleries represented at Art Basel Miami Beach. Residents can see the works through January at the Fink Studio, the Hotel Colonnade, the Aloft Hotel, and two locations at The Plaza Coral Gables, with guided tours by the Economic Development Department. Celebratory events will be held at each location; details available on the city’s Art in Public Places webpage.

SIDEWALK CONTROVERSY CONTINUES

Voted 3-2 to refuse new guidelines proposed by Commissioner Melissa Castro for determining the placement of sidewalks. Castro (and Fernandez) wanted to set forth stricter guidelines, likely due to a controversial placement earlier this year on Alhambra Circle where the sidewalk wended around several trees and driveways. Supposedly this was at the expense of pedestrian safety – despite meeting all engineering and state regulations. “We already do this,” argued Mayor Lago, who called the proposal “redundant legislation.” Castro asked for sidewalks that “must align with best engineering and safety practices” and “must be as close as possible to the abutting property line.” The legislation would have made resident input moot, which at least one resident, a civil engineer, spoke strongly against. “Commissioner Castro has continuously implied that there are varying degrees of safety – safe versus safer – in engineering design. This notion is not only inaccurate but misleading,” he said.

RTZ UPDATE

Voted 4-1 to amend the city’s zoning code to allow for the county’s Rapid Transit Zone (RTZ), upzoning the area but hopefully keeping it under the purview of the city rather than the county or state. The mayor is also meeting with the RTZ developers to try to keep the project as aligned as possible with Coral Gables’ code. Currently, the project is going forward with or without the city’s input; Mayor Lago called his meeting with developers a “Hail Mary.” Commissioner Castro was the sole vote against, arguing that she wanted more resident input. Vice Mayor Rhonda Anderson, Commissioner Richard Lara, and Mayor Lago urged her to vote in favor to show unity in negotiations with the project’s developers, accusing her of politicking. “We have zero ability to preempt anybody [the county or state],” said Anderson. “What we can do is we can offer them options….” (See full story on pg. 26.) ■

Talk of the Town

A Gables Global Tennis Champ

DONNA FALES WINS AGAIN, FOR HERSELF AND THE USA

Gables resident Donna Fales has racked up countless honors in her 75 years of playing tennis. Most notably, she won the 1962 U.S. Clay Court singles title, first place at the 1966 U.S. Open mixed doubles championship, and was inducted into the Women’s Collegiate Tennis Hall of Fame and Virginia All Sports Hall of Fame in 1997.

Now 85, Fales has remained active, recently competing in the 2025 International Tennis Federation Masters World Team Championships in Croatia. Fales won the 85-year-old and over singles and doubles play, as well as the 80-and-above mixed doubles competition. She is also a part of the USA squad that has controlled the Angela Mortimer Cup (85+) since it began in 2019.

Since 2017, Fales has won three international titles on five separate occasions. Her 2025 success marked the fourth time in five years that she has done so.

Above all, Fales is proud to have the opportunity to represent the United States overseas. “I think the greatest honor that any athlete can have is to represent their country, so I am very proud to be selected as a member of a United States team that competes internationally, and to win the event obviously is one of the highest achievements I can achieve,” she says. – Luke Chaney

Making the Kids Even Smarter

GULLIVER PREP AND HARVARD GRAD SCHOOL OF EDUCATION FORGE AN ALLIANCE TO ELEVATE EXCELLENCE IN TEACHING

Gulliver Preparatory School, which has its PK-8 campus in the Gables (and its high school campus just outside the city in Pinecrest), is collaborating with Harvard University’s Graduate School of Education to establish the Harvard-Gulliver Prep Alliance. The partnership – the first of its kind between Harvard and a local school – is an unprecedented strategic initiative in professional development for pre-college educators.

Through the collaboration, Gulliver faculty will have direct access to cutting-edge research, best practices, and thought leadership from Harvard, one of the world’s most respected educational institutions. Gulliver educators will receive specialized training and immersive experiences, strengthening the school’s ability to prepare students for the future. In addition, Harvard has chosen Gulliver as its first fieldbased learning laboratory for professional development, pedagogical advancement, and applied practice in pre-K through 12th grade.

“Our collaboration with Harvard is a powerful affirmation of our dedication to pedagogical innovation, faculty development, and student outcomes,” said Gulliver President Simon Hess. Added Dr. Nonie K. Lesaux, dean of the Harvard Graduate School of Education: “Partnering with Gulliver [underscores] our shared commitment to shaping the future of education by preparing education leaders and innovators who will change the world.” – J.P.Faber

The holidays are here, and so are we.

Las fiestas están aquí. Nosotros también.

Erik Spoelstra’s Mansion Burns THE HEAT COACH’S GABLES HOME IS LOST TO FLAMES

Miami Heat Head Coach Erik Spoelstra’s $6.6 million Coral Gables mansion was destroyed by fire while he was returning home from a game against the Denver Nuggets in early November. More than 20 fire units responded to the scene, where parts of the property collapsed. Firefighters struggled to reach the home because of a privacy wall and heavy tree coverage, with only one way to access the property. Miami-Dade officials said the fire was so intense that smoke hung over the area through the next morning.

Spoelstra bought the home in December 2023 and had been making extensive renovations. Investigators are working to determine what caused the fire; fortunately, no nearby homes were affected. Spoelstra is one of the NBA’s most respected coaches, who has led the Heat since 2008, winning two NBA championships as head coach and one as assistant coach. Adding insult to injury, the Heat lost to the Nuggets 112 to 122. - Amanda Martell

UM’s Homecoming THE WEEKLONG CELEBRATION CULMINATES WITH A ’CANES WIN

The University of Miami recently celebrated its annual homecoming, centered around the motto, “Alma Mater, Stand Forever,” to align with the school’s centennial theme. The week of fun started on the first Monday in November, with opening ceremonies and a pep rally parade. Other highlights of the week included the Spirit Tree Competition, the Organized Cheer Competition, the Alma Mater Singing Competition, and a service event that supported the local community. The Association of Commuter Students was crowned as homecoming champions after finishing in first place in several homecoming-themed contests.

Friday night capped off the week with a block party, boat burning, and fireworks that featured a dazzling, 10-minute drone show

season. The game provided some solace for Miami, which ranked as high as No. 2 in the AP Poll earlier this year before stumbling to No. 16. It remains in the mix for a College Football Playoff (CFP) berth as the regular season winds down. – Luke Chaney

Timbaland Moves On

Music producer, writer, and rapper Timothy Zachery Mosley, best known as Timbaland, has sold his Coral Gables home for $14 million, marking one of the area’s most notable real estate deals this year. The 8,452-square-foot residence includes seven bedrooms, nine full and one half-bath, floor-to-ceiling windows, a wine cellar for collectors, and a separate guest house.

According to Zillow, Timbaland purchased the home for $7.95 million in November 2019. Less than two years later, he listed it for $13.9 million but removed it from the market. It resurfaced in April for $15.9 million but sold for $14 million. The buyers are Zeri and Beatrice Zapata, business owners of Gables-based COR Medical Center and the 1-800-NO-FAULT network. The mansion is situated in the exclusive Hammock Lakes gated community. – Amanda Martell

A Gables Protest March

JUSTICE FOR JANITORS INCLUDES A MARCHING BAND

You might have seen them move through downtown Coral Gables, more than 100 janitors and supporters, following a marching band

of around 80 people dressed in purple T-shirts, drumming and chanting “Justicia para conserjes,” Spanish for “Justice for Janitors.” The demonstration, organized by service employees union 32BJ SEIU on the Wednesday before Halloween, focused on workers’ rights to organize and demands for improved working conditions.

Protesters included janitors from the University of Miami, who departed campus to participate, as well as janitors employed by Broward-based AK Building Services, who work in commercial properties throughout South Florida. Marchers were protesting troubling workplace conditions, including a lack of basic safety equipment, from gloves to proper cleaning products. According to the union, police were called in to intimidate AK workers at a Coral Gables building simply for speaking with union organizers on private property.

AK CEO Shari Cedar denies the allegations, stating that AK provides competitive wages and characterized the demonstration as disruptive tactics by unions that workers are not interested in joining. After marching from various starting points, participants concluded at The Plaza Coral Gables. – Amanda Martell

A Few (Very) Good Musicians

THE FROST SCHOOL GARNERS 10 GRAMMY NOMINATIONS

The Grammy Awards are considered the most prestigious music awards in the world. They are presented each February by the Recording Academy to recognize the best and brightest in the industry.

Just to be nominated is considered an honor. With that in mind, kudos to the University of Miami’s Frost School of Music, which this year received 10 nominations for their alumni, faculty and students.

Among them is the nomination for Best Large Jazz Ensemble Album, “Some Days are Better,” performed by The Frost Jazz Orchestra. The recording features solos by conductor John Daversa, the brilliant trumpet player who is chair of Studio Music and Jazz at Frost (and a multiple Grammy winner), Frost Dean Shelton Berg (piano), and Frost School faculty members Etienne Charles (sax), Brian Lynch (trumpet), and Maria Quintanilla (vocals).

Other nominees include: Gonzalo Rubalcaba, a lecturer at Frost, nominated for Best Latin Jazz Album; Pharrell Williams (yes, of “Happy” fame) – a Frost online alumnus who earned a master’s degree in Music Industry – for Album of the Year, Best Rap Song, and Best Music Video; Gloria Estefan (a UM alumna) and Emilio Estefan Jr. (Frost honorary doctorate holder) for Best Tropical Latin Album; bass guitarist Christian McBride, JAS Academy artistic director at Frost, for Best Jazz Performance and Best Jazz Instrumental Album; Federico Vindver, Frost alumnus, for Best Latin Rock or Alternative Album; and Frost alumni Connor Rohrer, David Mason, and Jason Charos, all for Best Jazz Vocal Album.

“It’s inspiring to see the sheer number of Frost School of Music alumni who are out in the world, making a significant impact on the music industry,” says Frost interim vice dean Serona Elton. “Frost School alumni are influencing how things are done and experienced on a global level.” Awards will be announced at the 68th Annual Grammy Awards, Feb. 1. – J.P. Faber ■

The Final Row

THE GEORGE, THE FINAL PIECE OF THE BILTMORE SQUARE PUZZLE, BREAKS GROUND

It was 10 years ago when Alirio Torrealba, the CEO of MG Developer, began his ambitious project to create a community of townhouses just west of downtown Coral Gables called Biltmore Square. It began with Biltmore Parc, and then came Beatrice Row, Althea Row, and Biltmore Row. (FYI, Althea was the name of city founder George Merrick’s mother). Now comes The George, a 13unit townhouse enclave on Valencia Avenue that is the final phase of the Square.

While Biltmore Parc is more of a low-rise row of condominiums, the following four structures are all pure townhouse, the kind you would find on the streets of New York, Philadelphia, or London. Designed by Gables-based De la Guardia Victoria Architects & Urbanists in historic Georgian and Spanish-colonial styles, the buildings have won awards for their architecture – and all speak to the modern urban concepts of walkable neighborhoods and downtowns.

“Breaking ground on The George is a defining moment not just for MG Developer, but for Coral Gables as a whole,” said Torrealba. “This project represents the apex of our architectural and cultural vision, an homage to George Merrick’s legacy.” Each of the townhomes in the final ultra-luxury phase of Biltmore Square will span more than 5,000-square-feet and list at $6.275 million. The buildings are expected to be finished by the summer of 2027. – J.P. Faber ■

RTZ: From A to Z

THE RTZ THREATENS TO RAISE BUILDING HEIGHTS NEAR THE UM METRORAIL STATION – UNLESS A MIDDLE GROUND IS REACHED

BY KYLIE WANG

Much has been made recently of Miami-Dade County’s latest Rapid Transit Zone (RTZ) project in Coral Gables. The RTZ, for those unfamiliar with the anacronym, stands for rapid transit zone. It is now a part of the county’s code that allows for higher density mixed-use development near transit stations to increase public transit usage.

Thanks to the RTZ, a 38-story apartment building went up next to the Douglas Road Metro Station in 2023. Adjacent to the border of Coral Gables, it is the tallest building outside of Brickell –clearly visible from as far away as the Biltmore Golf Course.

On September 3, the County Commission approved an ordinance to expand the RTZ to create the Coral Gables/University Station Sub-Zone around the University of Miami Metrorail station. This essentially bypasses Coral Gables’ zoning code, allowing for high-density development within a quarter-mile radius of the station; permit and impact fees will also go to the county and not the city.

The City of Coral Gables is known for its strict zoning code, which aims to keep density and height low, and maintain its Mediterranean Revival aesthetic. To find middle ground with the county, the city has proposed its own overlay district – the University Station Rapid Transit District Overlay – which would allow heights of 120-feet for buildings (or 147-feet if the developer provides public open space). This is less than the county’s plan, which has no cap on height, and allows the city to retain more control over development standards and impact fees.

In previous City Commission meetings, County Commissioner Raquel Regalado – whose district encompasses a large swath of the Gables – vowed to help the city retain some control of the project. But in an inflammatory meeting in July, Regalado accused former Gables’ Planning and Zoning board member Sue Kawalerski of “berating” her after a heated discussion that ended with a 5-1 vote to recommend moving forward with the city’s proposed

ABOVE: CORAL GABLES HAS PROPOSED A 'UNIVERSITY STATION RAPID TRANSIT DISTRICT OVERLAY' TO LIMIT BUILDING HEIGHTS NEAR THE UNIVERSITY METRORAIL STATION, AN ALTERNATIVE TO THE COUNTY'S RAPID TRANSIT ZONE

BELOW: COUNTY COMMISSIONER RAQUEL REGALADO, WHO REPRESENTS CORAL GABLES, IS LOOKING FOR A COMPROMISE WITH THE CITY

overlay (Kawalerski was the only “no” vote). The controversial board member was fired by a 3-1 vote of the Coral Gables Commission in August, largely because of her treatment of Regalado. The lone dissenter on that vote was Commissioner Melissa Castro.

Castro also voted against the city’s October “Hail Mary” ordinance to pass the overlay and show RTZ developers that the city would work with them – though by now developers know they don’t need the city’s approval to move forward. Castro argued that Gables residents needed more information on the issue – though this would make little difference in the county’s decision-making. In an Instagram post after the meeting, she wrote, “…others may be focused on competing with county zoning [but] I will not support zoning changes of this scale without transparency…. Rushing decisions that ultimately benefit developers goes against the commitment I made to the residents of Coral Gables.”

At the meeting, Mayor Vince Lago, Vice Mayor Rhonda Anderson, and Commissioner Richard Lara all expressed frustration over her decision, arguing that it was important to show unity in the fight to keep the city involved in planning the RTZ.

Although the overlay was approved by a 4-1 Commission vote (with Castro against), city staff must return with updated details on design guidelines, setbacks, parking metrics, and public-realm improvements. At the time of publication, these had not yet been presented. Given that the plan was passed, it’s possible the county will negotiate an inter-local framework with the city or amend its ordinances regarding the RTZ to include the city’s requests. Stay tuned. ■

Plastic Surgery

A Team Effort

Often patients focus only on the result - that’s understandable since that is what motivates them in the first place (“don’t like my neck”, “look tired” etc.). But arriving at your result involves a dedicated team of numerous professionals who together strive to create an overall positive and safe experience for you. Let’s highlight some of the team members without whom there would be no surgery.

The first contact on the phone and in the office tees off your experience- not just with a receptionist but the ‘Director of First Impressions’ who welcomes you to the practice, addresses initial questions and arranges your first appointment.

In the initial consultation, the doctor is the next team member, first to evaluate your medical history, and then to help you understand, in simple terms, options and relevant details in addressing your concerns, as well as potential risks. The goal is to allow you to understand how to safely match your aesthetic goals with your anatomic realities. Creating realistic expectations will determine your eventual happiness. You then meet the patient coordinator who continues your consultation and reviews further questions, including financial and scheduling information.

Once you have had sufficient time to reflect (varying from today to sometime years!) and wish to proceed, the surgery coordinator will become your guide, beginning with a search for a suitable surgery date. This sets into motion numerous communications between the scheduling specialists at the office and the surgery center.

Once a date is confirmed and about a month before surgery, another important team member, your personal physician (the one most familiar with your medical history) will determine if you are medically ok and cleared to proceed. This ‘medical clearance’ is reviewed by your surgeon and the anesthesiologist at the surgery center for final approval.

On the day of surgery, the surgery center team members make their contribution. They include professionals from registration to expert nurses before, during and after surgery, as well as surgical, instrument and equipment technicians who together with the hospital credentialed/board certified anesthesiologist and the plastic surgeon allow the surgery to become realityall with the goal of optimizing your safety and outcome.

When ready to go home, the recovery room nurse and the anesthesiologist will discharge you directly to a specialized private duty nurse (in the case of a facelift or tummy tuck). Further, after care visits are then arranged by the office team until the patient has fully recovered.

The thoughtful coordination of the various team members creates the patient experience and makes the surgery possible. The saying ‘it takes a village to raise a child’ comes to mind as it takes a trained team of professionals to provide you with a safe and happy outcome. In this the surgeon is similar to a pilot flying a plane, working with and relying on an entire team to get you to your ‘destination’. It’s worth noting, that to perform surgery competently and safely, a surgeon needs not only be well trained and experienced, but also well rested, physically conditioned and mentally-emotionally at peace to allow accurate and sustained focus during surgery.

As always, research and reflect carefully, and be realistic, before proceeding with any Plastic Surgery so as to minimize risk while optimizing your happiness.

STEPHAN BAKER, MD, FACS Plastic Surgery of the Face Breast and Body

Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery

305.381.8837 | www.drbaker.com

3850 Bird Road Suite 702, Miami, FL 33146

December Best Bets

CAROLING COMPETITION, TREE LIGHTING, AND MORE

A VERY MERRY GARDEN

This month-long celebration at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden is perfect for families of all ages. Notable activities include “Reindeer Round-Up,” “Letters to Santa,” “Storytime with Mrs. C.” Children are also invited to take photos with Santa Claus. Tickets range from free to $24 through the end of the month. 10901 Old Cutler Rd. fairchildgarden.org

The other month-long event at Fairchild is the annual return of the Night Garden, where the night comes alive through acres of lighting effects and music, along with food trucks and drink stations. Open nightly from 6 to 10 pm, till 11 pm Fridays and Saturdays. Tickets $31 to $40. 10901 Old Cutler Rd. fairchildgarden.org

“A CHRISTMAS CAROL, THE MUSICAL”

Get into the holiday spirit with this production of the classic “A Christmas Carol, The Musical.” From Dec. 2 to 20 on Saturdays at 2 pm, and watch Ebenezer Scrooge find Christmas joy at Actors’

Playhouse at the Miracle Theatre. Ticket prices range from $25 to $40, depending on the seating zone. There will be a sensory inclusive performance on Dec. 13 at 2 pm. 280 Miracle Mile. actorsplayhouse.org

Sally Baumgartner’s annual Merrick Festival Caroling Competition is back for another year, as some of the most talented middle school and high school singers in South Florida will be performing on Wednesday, Dec. 3 to Sunday, Dec. 7, from 7 to 10 pm. This is the first year of the Caroling Competition in which it is formally recognized as a city event by Coral Gables. 550 Biltmore Way. carolingcompetition.org

The annual holiday tree lighting at Coral Gables City Hall takes place from 5:30 pm to 10 pm on Friday, Dec. 5 this year. The event is free, but there are early access tickets available for purchase. Watch Santa light the tree alongside the Coral Gables City Commission, and enjoy food, beverages, and live music. 405 Biltmore Way. coralgables.com

GRAND FINALE AT THE VENETIAN POOL

The landmarks and achievements of past, present, and future Coral Gables will be celebrated at the Venetian Pool on Sunday, Dec. 7 from 6 to 10 pm with the Centennial Grand Finale concert. Includes a per-

4

formance by Maestro Eduardo Maturet and the Miami Symphony Orchestra. Tickets cost $250. 2701 De Soto Blvd. coralgables.com

JUNIOR ORANGE BOWL INTERNATIONAL TENNIS TOURNAMENT

From Tuesday, Dec. 9 to Wednesday, Dec. 17, the Junior Orange Bowl returns with its annual international youth tennis tournament. The event promises a chance to see the world’s rising tennis stars. The girls under 15 category will be played at Salvadore Park, while the boys under 15 tournament will be held at the William H. Kerdyk Biltmore Tennis Center. juniororangebowl.com

‘TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS

The Grammy-nominated chorus Seraphic Fire, led by Associate Conductor James Bass, sings ageless carols like “The First Noel,” “Joy to the World,” and “Silent Night,” as well as popular Christmas favorites like “O Come All Ye Faithful” and “Jesus Christ the Apple Tree” at the Church of the Little Flower on Friday, Dec. 12 at 8 pm. Tickets cost between $65 and $95. 2711 Indian Mound Trail. cotlf.org

JUNIOR ORANGE BOWL PARADE

The 77th annual Junior Orange Bowl Parade takes to Miracle Mile on Sunday, Dec. 14 from 3 to 8 pm. This all-ages celebration also features a newly revamped VIP Hospitality & Grandstand area for those who buy all-inclusive tickets, which include unlimited complimentary food and beverages, premiere seating, and pre-parade live

music. Free entry for access to paid vendors and the opportunity to watch the parade, with an appearance by Santa. juniororangebowl.org

JUNIOR LEAGUE HOLIDAY BAZAAR

Join Junior League Miami for a Christmas-themed market at Bay 13 Brewery and Kitchen on Saturday, Dec. 13 from 3 pm to 7 pm. Shop local gifts just in time for the holidays. First 100 guests will receive a free glass of champagne. 65 Alhambra Plaza. jlmiami.org

GABLES BIKE TOUR

The final Gables Bike Tour this year takes guests through the internationally themed villages of the City Beautiful, which were created as part of George Merrick’s vision for the city. This tour starts at the Coral Gables Museum on Sunday, Dec. 21 and runs from 10 am to 12 pm. Tickets are $5 to $10. Children under 16 must wear helmets. 285 Aragon Ave. coralgablesmuseum.org

NEW YEAR’S EVE DESSERT SOIREE & FIREWORKS

Join the Biltmore Hotel on Wednesday, Dec. 31 from 10 pm to 1 am to usher in the new year. Don your finest cocktail party attire and dance the night away with a sumptuous array of desserts, open bar, and a breathtaking fireworks display over the golf course. Tickets are $250. 1200 Anastasia Ave. biltmorehotel.com ■

New Stores

BY AMANDA MARTELL

Jenny Polanco

There is a particular shift when trying on a dress for the first time. Fabric settles, seams align, posture adjusts. At Jenny Polanco, that experience is intentional. Founded in the Dominican Republic, the is brand led by CEO Carla Quiñones Polanco (daughter of founder Jenny Polanco), who continues their clear design ethos: structured silhouettes, natural fibers, and craftsmanship rooted in Caribbean heritage. Inside the Gables boutique, the Milot Bucket Handbag ($365) sits on the center table, woven in a mosaic-like pattern with leather handles. Nearby, the Natacha Blouse ($345) from the Resort 2025 collection emphasizes the brand’s focus on breathable linen and clean tailoring, practical for South Florida’s humidity.

Racks to the left present the full 2025 selection, including relaxed linen pants, jumpsuits, and evening-ready looks. To the right, jewelry and home accessories are displayed in curated groups. Our favorites include the sculptural amber statement pieces, along with small home accents like pineapple coffee spoons that give a subtle nod to the Caribbean. In a retail landscape drowning in fast fashion, Jenny Polanco offers something unique: pieces you will not find anywhere else. It’s a wardrobe that begs the question, “Where did you get that?” instead of “Is that new?”

Founded in 1979, when Jenny Altagracia Polanco de León opened her first boutique, the brand has spent the past four decades perfecting garments designed for sunny environments while celebrating Dominican workmanship.

1100 PONCE DE LEON

305.530.8116

JENNYPOLANCO.COM.DO/EN-US

Holy Crab

If you’re a fan of seafood, Holy Crab has got you covered. With online ordering and local delivery or pickup, the seasonal stone crabs pop-up is back in full force. We got a first look into the new store, now located on LeJeune Road next to Tina in the Gables, and it’s just what you’d imagine: crabs, crabs, and more crabs – stone crab, Alaskan king crab, lobster tail, etc.

On the left-hand side is a colorful mural painted with the Holy Crab logo, featuring a vibrant crab set against a tropical South Florida backdrop complete with palm trees, ocean waves, and local landmarks. Past the mural, you’ll see the crabs on display, with different sizes to pick from. Glass-door freezers are stocked with the full selection.

The menu is posted on the right, with pricing for everything from caviar (50 grams for $99) to six-ounce lobster tails ($19.99), grouper ($XX), swordfish ($XX), and – if you want a sweet treat – even an award-winning Key lime pie ($XX). You can also order bundles like the Royal Feast, a premium surf and turf combo that includes lobster tails, king crab, and American Wagyu steak ($XX).

Moving the Needle of Relaxation

AN ACUPUNCTURE SESSION RESTORES EASE

BY AMANDA MARTELL

As someone who has never gotten acupuncture, the first question that popped into my head was: Will it hurt? After all, getting a bunch of needles stuck in you doesn’t exactly sound relaxing. But beyond the initial nerves, I really wanted to understand how acupuncture can help the body –The ancient healing practice has been around for over 3,000 years and is still popular among athletes. It’s not just for your basic “I slept on the wrong side of the bed” aches, but can help treat carpal tunnel, arthritis, migraines, and – as in my case – chronic pain and stiffness, an ongoing battle in my back and neck.

Dr. Lissa, our acupuncturist, has over 25 years of experience. She explains, “[There are] points that connect to different organs and systems in our body. Acupuncture works by stimulating these specific points to restore balance and get the energy flowing properly again.”

Gables Optimal Health has been here better than two decades, located right on Giralda Plaza. Walk through the door and up to the second floor, and you’ll find treatments ranging from cupping (a popular practice among athletes) to vibrational healing. Inside, the front desk sits to the left, with shelves full of energy sprays and gemstone sets. Dr. Lissa walked me into a cozy room with a treatment bed on one side and her desk on the other, where neatly arranged tuning forks used to stimulate acupoints lay ready for use.

She asked about areas of discomfort and past accidents, jotting everything down. Then she looked up and noted, “You seem a little dehydrated.” I usually keep my water bottle close, but that morning I’d been slacking on my liquid intake. The moment Dr. Lissa recognized that, I knew I was in the right hands.

Once I laid down, she began by massaging my back and neck for about 20 minutes, applying gentle pressure to work through tension. Before starting, I had noticeable knots – no surprise, considering I sit at a desk for over eight hours a day. Once my body was

GABLES OPTIMAL HEALTH 195 GIRALDA AVE. SUITE B 305.567.1973

GABLESOPTIMALHEALTH.COM

ABOVE: ACUPUNCTURIST DR. LISSA INSERTS NEEDLES TO STIMULATE SPECIFIC POINTS THAT WILL ALLOW ENERGY TO FLOW AGAIN LEFT: TOOLS OF ACUPUNCTURE, MEDICINES, SPRAYS AND TUNING FORKS

more at ease, she cleaned my back with an alcohol swab in preparation for treatment. The needles used for acupuncture are incredibly thin, almost hair-like in width, and she reassured me they wouldn’t hurt. When she inserted the first one, I felt a slight tingle, like a tiny pinch. After that, I barely noticed the others. She started from my neck, worked her way down my back, and placed a few on my legs to restore imbalanced energy flow.

In the background, a soothing fireplace sound helped my body become more relaxed by the second, melting away remaining tensions. After 10 minutes, she returned to gently remove the needles and then used tuning forks to create subtle vibrations along my spine. I could almost hear them, the quiet hum moving through my body as she explained how they help restore balance and calm. At the end of my hour at Optimal, the change was highly noticeable; I left refreshed. Treatments here start at $200, with follow-up sessions beginning at $100. ■

“Wealth is the ability to fully experience life.”

– Henry David Thoreau

Bites

Fine Dining Review

See page 50

PLUS QUICK BITES FUN DINING NEW OPENINGS

Quick Bites: Stews

As the weather finally cools down, we’re now officially in Stew (and Soup) Season. Here are some of our favorite stews in the Gables, just in time for winter.

CRAFT

We’re always surprised by the breadth of CRAFT’s menu, which seems to vacillate somewhere between breakfast, Argentine, and Italian. We’re not quite sure where the Old Fashioned Beef Stew ($25) lands, but it’s quickly become our favorite dish at CRAFT. The beef is slow-cooked for six hours and served with a delicious side of mashed potatoes. We added garlic bread for an extra $2 – a necessary addition. 127 Giralda Ave. craftmiami.us

AROMAS DEL PERU

The seco de cabrito ($23) at Aromas del Peru is a little out of our wheelhouse – because it has goat in it! The dish was nonetheless enjoyable, with a side of rice and beans, a few big hunks of bonein goat meat, and a delicious cilantro yellow pepper sauce. Classic Peruvian flavoring here, and very savory. Our only challenge was cutting the meat off the bone, but well worth it. 1930 Ponce de Leon (soon moving to 110 Giralda Ave.). aromasperu.com

BULLA GASTROBAR

Our Sopa de Garbanzo Frito ($10) at Bulla Gastrobar exceeded our expectations. The tomatoey stew is packed with chickpeas and chunks of chorizo, which give the dish a rich and meaty flavor. We recommend ordering a side of bread and using it to mop up the soupy goodness. While it’s not large enough to be considered an entire meal, the stew is perfect as a warm and cozy starter. 2500 Ponce de Leon. bullagastrobar.com

LA PATA GORDA

In English, La Pata Gorda translates as “the fat claw” in English, meaning the best crab to grab. Unfortunately, La Pata Gorda does not serve any crab-themed stew, but we still got our seafood fix with the cazuela ($27), a traditional Ecuadorian stew made with mashed green plantains, peanut sauce, shrimp, and fried fish. Served with rice, it was savory and flavorful, with a generous portion of cilantro sprinkled on top. 232 Miracle Mile. lapatagorda.com

OHHO NOODLES MARKET

You know a dish is nice and heavy when it leaves you longing for a midday nap. Or maybe we just need more sleep. Regardless of the cause behind our afternoon drowsiness, the Ramen Soup Beef Stew ($17) at Ohho Noodles Market was spectacular. The broth was flavorful and packed a spicy punch, and the large chunks of beef were tender and well-seasoned. Perfect for winter. 1100 S. Dixie Hwy. ohhonoodlesmarket.com ■

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

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

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

Being personally involved makes a huge difference for the staff as well. That’s why companies like Gallup and Fortune rate The Palace one of the world’s best places to work.

At The Palace, we’re all happy to be here every day. We bet you will be too. Call 305-445-7444 or visit us today.

Spanish Kitchen with Latin Soul

A WEEKLY DINING DIVE INTO IBERIAN CUISINE

BY AMANDA MARTELL

If you’ve seen a festive party bus driving around the Gables, it most likely was coming from one of Arcano’s Noches de Raíces, where each month they spotlight a different country through live music, traditional cuisine, and specialty cocktails. Now, Arcano has been transitioning their monthly Noches de Raíces into a weekly Spanish Kitchen with Latin Soul, every Wednesday.

Juan Diego and Nicole Canahuati, proprietors of Arcano, explain their vision: “Our goal is to take guests on a true journey through Spain. Each region has its own soul – its wines, its traditions, its accents, its comfort foods. In Noches de Raíces, we bring those stories to the table in a way that feels authentic, vibrant, and approachable.”

This new experience offers a Spanish culinary journey with a weekly rotating menu, “Sabores y Alma,” along with live music and wines from specific regions. Guests will go on journies from Galicia to Andalucía to Cataluña to Castilla y León, with more to come.

We had a sneak peek at some of the cocktails and dishes that will be featured in coming weeks. Their happy hour cocktails ($10) feature La Condesa, Mezcaloco, La Ultimate Palabra, and, my choice, Pasión y Agave, a mix of Tequila Joven, passionfruit nectar, lime, and cassis liqueur. From their main cocktail menu, my date sampled the Corn Fashioned ($17) – sweeter than a traditional Old Fashioned, made with Bulleit Bourbon, elote liqueur, roasted corn cocoa nibs, and saffron syrup.

To get some food in our system before continuing with the cocktails, we tried the Chicharrón con Tortilla ($15). Arranged as a tasting platter, they were crispy yet tender on the inside. We made small tacos with the tortillas, adding their smoked guacamole and pickled onions with a squeeze of lime. We also got a taste of their Montaditos (small sandwiches, $5-$7 based on protein), which vary based on the chef’s creativity. We tried the spicy avocado cream and garlic shrimp, as well as diced tomato with salt-cured anchovy in olive oil, both excellent.

While reviewing the menu, I noticed the “Bésame Mucho” cocktail, made with Ketel One vodka, blackberry-thyme shrub, guava-coconut, and tamarind. The cocktail arrived in a sculptured red “lips” cup that was a little over the top, but fun. We also tried the giant avocado cocktail glass called “Baila Conmigo” ($16), featuring Amazonian gin, cilantro liqueur, elderflower, and pepino-poblano-spinach shrub. Between these two cocktails, I would lean toward the Bésame Mucho. While it is sweeter, it has a stronger taste than the Baila Conmigo, which is more on the fresh, herbal side.

After the cocktails and appetizers, we moved to the outdoor area and grabbed our seats just as Matia Espinosa kicked off his set with songs like “Despacito” and “Mientes Tan Bien.” Among other things, Arcano’s outdoor area – a dining veranda out front and a larger covered space to the side – is cigar-friendly, with outdoor TVs, Jenga games, card games, and a pool table. We played a competitive game of pool while Matia performed in the background, and after a couple of rounds, it was time for our entrée. Unlike the previous Noches de Raices format, which had a prescribed menu, “Sabores y Alma” is à la cart. We went with the Arroz Marinero ($35), which features seafood rice, shrimp, calamari, fish, and octopus – a seafood lover’s dream. By the end of the evening we were so full we couldn’t find room for dessert, but that just gives us another reason to return for more fun. ■

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New Places

ELYU Omakase

In Japan, traditional sushi apprenticeships can take close to 10 years, where chefs master knife precision, ingredient selection, and rice preparation. At ELYU Omakase, Chef Reiji Yoshizawa brings that level of precise discipline. You can see it in how he works, how he explains each course, and in myriad small details – like the printed menu with your name on it.

We tried “Miyabi – The Elegance Experience” at $225 per person – which is the traditional option at ELYU, though you can also elevate it with a sake tasting for an extra $145. There are two seatings per night with a maximum of 12 guests, keeping the room intimate.

Our meal began with a kumamoto oyster, followed by sinuglaw with smoked fish, Jamón Ibérico, and ikura. The taste from the rare ham came through instantly and added a fun Miami flavor to the dish. The sake pairing comes with brown butter miso, kabocha, ginger, and shiso, a smooth, easy drink to start.

The nigiri lineup included hirame, kinmedai, akami, shima aji, akamutsu, negitoro maki, and otoro. Our favorite was the buttery and tender otoro, but the Elyu toast, layered with uni, toro tartare, and shokupan, was another highlight.

Chef Yoshizawa ends by serving miso ice cream with pumpkin crumble and vanilla poached pear. The presentation felt like art, the taste was phenomenal; an excellent introduction to the art of omaskase.

– Amanda Martell

2626 PONCE DE LEON 305.459.8316

TOP: SINUGLAW WITH SMOKED FISH

BOTTOM: AKAMUTSU FROM THE NIGIRI LINEUP

Arte y Pasión Café

Our experience at Arte y Pasión Café, which replaced Macondo Coffee Roasters on Aragon Avenue, was more immersive than expected. Instead of simply ordering a beverage at the counter, we were given a tour of a 10-page menu, filled with distinct types of Columbian coffee drinks originating from different regions. We ended up ordering something completely different than we thought we would: a coffee infused with panela, an unrefined whole cane sugar that tastes similar to honey. It was phenomenal, sweet and a tad bitter, the perfect balance for a coffee.

To pair with it, we tried the La Consentida ($16.70), a corn arepa filled with cheese, topped with two fried eggs, and served with avocado slices, bacon crumbles, and hogao sauce – a solid lunch option that could still use a bit more flavor. The highlight of our meal was the Taganga Bowl ($17), served with brown rice, salmon ceviche, avocado slices, green salad, and mango chunks. We were a bit skeptical of the combination of salmon and mango, but the two flavors harmonized perfectly. The bowl was also served with a healthy helping of refreshing carrot soup. On our next visit, we’ll continue our tour through Columbia by trying some of the other coffees that Arte y Pasión has to offer, while enjoying an empanada or pandebono. – Luke Chaney

LIVE LIFE WITHOUT COMPROMISE

Choosing the right senior living community is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. Care and safety come first, but lifestyle and independence are important too. At Belmont Village, you’ll find it all. An experienced staff, 24/7 licensed nurses, award-winning enrichment and memory programs in a luxurious and attentive environment. And unlike most, we build, own, and operate all of our communities. So residents can count on the continuity of those high standards, never compromising on the things that matter. BelmontVillage.com/CoralGables | 305-760-4408

Rivareno Gelato

This award-winning Italian gelateria just opened a new spot on Giralda Plaza, offering a wide range of gelatos, milkshakes, and affogatos for diners craving a quick dessert. The Bologna-based brand already has one location in Mary Brickell Village, with the Coral Gables location promising the same silky-smooth texture and rich flavors that made it a hit there. At Rivareno, each batch of gelato is prepared daily in-store, each bite free of preservatives or other chemical additives. Whole fruits and natural ingredients are the name of the game, in the authentic European commitment to quality.

We tried the stracciatella, one of our favorite flavors, and were pleasantly surprised. The gelato wasn’t warm, but it wasn’t exactly cold either. The expert at the counter told us this is because texture is so important to Rivareno and the slightly warmer temp means the gelato is creamier, smoother, and never icy. We could taste the difference, and the pieces of chocolate offered the perfect dose of sweetness.

In 2008, the Italian brand won Best Gelato in Italy from the Golosaria Association and it’s still recognized as a “Maestro del Gusto” (Master of Taste) by Slow Food International, which champions sustainable food production. – Kylie Wang ■

104 GIRALDA AVE.

786.851.2501

RIVERENO.COM

Just Listed 1036 South Greenway, Coral Gables

Timeless Design / Golf Course Views / Gated Residence

Overlooking the lush Granada Golf Course, this elegant home offers classic Coral Gables charm blended with modern upgrades. The main house includes a downstairs maid’s suite, while the detached 2-story casita adds guest flexibility.

Schedule a private showing today!

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HOLIDAYS. ACCOMPLISHED.

Immersive Dining

RÒ CREATES AN ENVIRONMENT LIKE NO OTHER

BY ANDREW GAYLE

Ameal at Rò, the new steakhouse inside Alhambra Towers, is not your typical fine dining experience. It is a deliberately immersive encounter with inventive cuisine, a windowless space that creates the atmosphere of a cave, albeit with a decidedly futuristic twist. You could be on another planet, let alone somewhere outside the Gables.

It is also not your typical steakhouse. The steak here is excellent, as you might expect; the sliced ribeye in particular is fire grilled, superbly seasoned, and well-priced (16 oz for $48). But the menu jumps beyond beef, with unique dishes like braised cabbage roasted in a béchamel sauce with chopped pistachios, capers and parmesan cheese – sweet, savory, creamy, with a roasted edge for crunch, an amazing elevation of the lowly cabbage.

This is the formula for Rò, the first American entry of restaurateurs Carlos Aguirre and Victor Ferraez, whose ViCa Hospitality Group has developed some 40 themed restaurants throughout Mexico. Rò is a mix of two of their highly successful concepts in Merida, 130° Steakhouse and Cienfuegos, the latter of which pushed the theme of wood-fired food in a cave-like space.

The interior of Rò is indeed striking. You enter through the

lobby of the iconic Alhambra Towers, down a darkened hallway with electric orange highlights. The first dining area has wall-sized orange abstractions (cosmic flowers or lava flows viewed from the air – you decide) reflected in a wall of black glass. A larger dining area with a patterned brick wall faces a large triangular bar, all with the rosy glow of fire; along the bar itself is a half-foot glass divider with underlit puffs of water vapor that look like flame. Overhead is a curved canopy of wooden blocks, a kind of cubist cave ceiling; columns of rough stone have bronze struts to the ceiling.

The overall effect is a vibe that’s at once primal and sophisticated, and certainly out of the norm. And with tall ceilings and music moderately volumed – we called it Aztec house – you can actually talk to your dining companions.

The service is ubiquitous and way too professional for someplace which just opened at the end of October. Our waiter told us that the crew was trained for three months before opening, and it shows. The staff is both knowledgeable and attentive, and happy to be there.

As for the rest of the menu, we found ourselves pleased with the meat (the filet mignon is like butter) but intrigued by the non-beef

choices. The rock shrimp with spicy mayo starter ($18) – large shrimp fried in a crunchy batter that uses scallions and sesame seeds – is addictive, while the artichoke hearts ($16), grilled and served with a roasted sweet pepper sauce, are showstoppers. We also fell for the wild mushrooms in garlic herb butter ($12) and the wedge salad ($19), which was refreshingly deconstructed so that you got the bacon bites and blue cheese without the usual struggle.

You can, of course, go wild on the steak side (a 32-ounce porterhouse will set you back $165). After all, Head Chef Marcelo Palacios, formerly of renowned steakhouse Prime 112, knows his way around a piece of meat. And we liked the fact that there are affordable choices (a half-pound of ribeye or filet is a modest $32). But what makes this steakhouse stand out are the inventive sides (crisp teriyaki brussels sprouts), solid seafood selection (excellent pistachio-crusted tuna), and

LEFT - TOP TO BOTTOM:

WEDGE SALAD WITH BACON BITES AND BLUE CHEESE

BRAISED CABBAGE ROASTED IN BÉCHAMEL SAUCE

RIGHT - TOP TO BOTTOM:

BATTERED ROCK SHRIMP WITH SPICY MAYO

FILET MIGNON SERVED ON A BED OF MASHED POTATOES

SLICED FIRE-GRILLED RIBEYE STEAK

haute Mexican details – like the Yucatán-style flan ($14, wonderfully heavy, with pastry and caramel) or the signature Illusion Corn ($22, corn-shaped, corn-flavored ice cream with a dulce de leche core). And yes, because its roots are Mexican, Rò offers some designer tuna tostadas and a taco with grilled steak and roasted bone marrow.

In the end, the over-the-top interior probably isn’t needed as a platform for such interesting and well-prepared food, but it’s one you won’t soon forget. ■

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Here, you have extra buildable space, room for a pool, and a professionally designed garden, all adding long-term value. FULL LISTING SCAN HERE

People

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE JUNIOR ORANGE BOWL

FEATURING:

by

Though Susan Rose was a theater major when she first began her career at University of Maryland, she knew performing wouldn’t be her career. “I wanted to have more control over my life. And as a performer, you’re always putting yourself out there and always getting rejected,” she says. So she started her career by producing plays, beginning with “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” at Ford’s Theatre in Washington, which eventually took her to New York. Since then she has been nominated for five Tony Awards, winning one as co-producer of “The Band’s Visit.” She’s also produced two movies – “Cooler Climate” starring Judy Davis and Sally Field and “Jack” with Stockard Channing – which have been nominated for Emmy awards. Eventually, life brought her to Coral Gables, to be near her daughter and grandchildren. It was here that the idea for her first children’s book struck her.

Susan Rose

CHILDREN’S BOOK AUTHOR, BROADWAY PRODUCER

by

LATEST ACCOMPLISHMENTS

“I’VE

ALWAYS BEEN PASSIONATE ABOUT EVERYTHING I’M INVOLVED IN. SO, I WOULD JUST SAY, FOLLOW YOUR PASSION....”

“José and El Perro,” a book about learning Spanish with some canine inspiration, was selected as one of the Best Children’s Books of 2023 by the New York Public Library. The third book in the series, “Happy Birthday José and Feliz,” is set for release in July 2026. A separate picture book, “Where Are All the Pink Pájaros?” is also in the works.

WHAT SHE SAYS

The idea for “José and El Perro,” she says, came from watching her dog “learn” Spanish from her Hispanic pet sitter in the company of the pet sitter's son José. “I would laugh and say, ‘Wow… my dog’s going to be bilingual.’” What happened was the inspiration that children could learn Spanish alongside the family dog as they read. “I’ve always been passionate about everything I’m involved in,” says Rose. “So, I would just say, follow your passion. Because if you’re passionate about something, chances are you’re going to make it happen.” – Amanda Martell ■

Now in her 18th season with the Miami Heat, Coral Gables native Natalia Gonzalez has steadily moved up the ranks of one of the NBA’s premier dance teams. She now oversees several organizations within the Heat’s entertainment department, including the Heat Dancers, the Hoop Troop (the Heat’s spirit squad), the Golden Oldies (the dance team for ages 60-plus), as well as the Heat Hype Band. She auditioned to become a Heat Dancer four times before finally making the team. Gonzalez credits her parents, who immigrated to the United States from Cuba and Colombia, for instilling in her the value of perseverance. “When I was growing up, the Heat Dancers were such a coveted team. If you were in the dance world, that was like the ‘it’ job, and that was kind of the era that I grew up in,” Gonzalez said. “I never saw myself leaving Miami unless I had that job first. And I finally made the team, and then I never wanted to leave after that.” Gonzalez also co-owns a dance company called “American Dance Alliance” that has worked with artists like Pitbull and Wisin.

“IF THERE’S SOMETHING THAT YOU REALLY WANT TO DO, FIND A WAY TO GET IT.”

Natalia Gonzalez

DIRECTOR OF ENTERTAINMENT TEAMS, MIAMI HEAT

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

A major source of pride for Gonzalez is a program she developed, unique among the 29 NBA dance teams: a professional development program that the Heat offers its dancers. This program assists them in furthering their professional, post-dance careers through different classes and seminars. Each dancer also has the chance to apply for a grant, which rewards one winner with $10,000 that can be used to pay for college or start a business.

WHAT SHE SAYS

“I think the biggest thing is to lead with your heart and your intuition and don’t take ‘no’ for an answer,” Gonzalez says when asked what advice she would give to young dancers. “If there’s something that you really want to do, find a way to get it. You’re going to get so many roadblocks, but those are just ways to teach you and progress you into whatever it is that you want to do in your life.” ■

One Team, One Vision With You at the Center

Led by Lani Kahn Drody, The Lani Group is a luxury real estate team offering boutique-style service to home sellers and buyers across South Florida.

Anchored by Lani’s 30 years of experience, over $1 billion in sales, and her deep roots as a native Miami local, The Lani Group offers unmatched expertise in the greater Miami area .

JUST SOLD | FAIRCHILD OAKS 11055 GIRASOL AVE. CORAL GABLES, FL 33156

5 BED | 4.5 BATH | 4,598 SQ FT | 11055GIRASOLAVE.COM EXPERT ADVICE. CAREFUL PREPARATION. UNDER CONTRACT IN 4 DAYS! LISTED BY LANI KAHN DRODY | (305) 216-1550

JUST LISTED | THE LAUREL HOME 11900 SW 14TH PLACE DAVIE, FL 33325

5 BED | 6 BATH | CLUB ROOM | 3 CAR GARAGE | POOL | 5,301 SQ FT LUXURY ESTATE-STYLE LIVING IN THE HEART OF DAVIE | $3,500,000 CONTACT PATTI CECCHERINE FOR DETAILS | (954) 473-9188

JUST LISTED | FOR LEASE IN SOUTH MIAMI

7460 SW 54TH CT #25-A MIAMI, FL 33146

2 BED | 1 BATH | 786 SQ FT | FRESHLY RENOVATED | $2,750/MONTH CENTRAL LOCATION & IN-UNIT WASHER & DRYER FOR EASY LIVING LISTED BY LAUREN DOWLEN & TIFFANY GARCIA | (305) 905-9197

JUST SOLD 11942 SW 14TH PL. DAVIE, FL

5 BED | 7.5 BATH | 6,491 SQ FT | 36,459 SQ FT LOT

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Originally from a small beach town in southern Australia, Mimmi Balaam’s route to Coral Gables came through a childhood passion for sports that has shaped her career. Throughout school, she competed in track and field, cross country, and rowing, often traveling for events. Her athletic prowess earned her scholarship offers in rowing from two American colleges, including the University of Miami, where she earned a bachelor’s and then a master’s degree in sports administration. She also interned in the athletic department, which helped get her a job working in partnerships for the U. “That really exposed me to the kind of power that UM has in the global community,” says Balaam. While speaking at a Women in Athletics event earlier this year, a representative from the Junior Orange Bowl – one of South Florida’s biggest nonprofits, dedicated to youth sports and culture, and based in Coral Gables – approached her about leading the organization. For the native Australian, it was a no-brainer.

“MORE THAN ANYTHING, I APPRECIATE THE VALUES AND SKILLS THAT I LEARNED THROUGH SPORT...”

Mimmi Balaam

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, JUNIOR ORANGE BOWL

by

LATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT

Balaam took over the reins of the Junior Orange Bowl in July at just 24-years-old. Her role encompasses everything you might imagine: marketing, event planning and management, member outreach, advertising, financial planning, social media, goal setting, and managing partnerships and sponsorships. That last is particularly important for her long-term vision, as she hopes to expand the Junior Orange Bowl’s Youth Ambassador program, and to create more programming for children with disabilities. “The best way for me to understand the organization is to understand all the roles that fit within it, learn them, and see what we can do better,” she says.

WHAT SHE SAYS

“Whenever I mention the organization, somehow someone in the Coral Gables community has been connected to it, been impacted by it, or knows someone who’s participated in something we’ve done,” says Balaam. “More than anything, I appreciate the values and skills that I learned through sport. In this day and age, where sports are becoming largely led by financial decisions, we still have to make sure that we are providing a platform for kids to learn those skills and lessons. It’s really important that I am part of an organization that shares the values of the community, and that has the ability to provide those experiences and teach those lessons.” – Kylie Wang ■

Philanthropy A Path to

A

BY KYLIE WANG / PHOTOS BY RODOLFO BENITEZ

Establishing and running your own nonprofit for the purposes of charity is no easy business. There’s the cost, plus the legal headaches, hiring of employees, compliance, auditing, and more. For many, it’s simply not a viable method, no matter how resourceful they are. That’s why the donor advised fund (DAF) exists: a charitable giving account that allows you to contribute to the causes you love most and receive an immediate tax deduction, with stewardship through a sponsoring organization. That organization, for many Gableites, is the Coral Gables Community Foundation (CGCF).

“A lot of people don’t know that our main work is to hold donor advised funds and work with families and companies to advance their philanthropy,” says Mauricio

Vivero, CEO of the CGCF. “Think of us as a philanthropy bank…. The way that we reinvest back into the community is really by executing the visions of the families that we have the honor of supporting, and that means making grants locally, nationally, and even internationally.”

Many of these grants come from donor advised funds, which Vivero describes as “a checking account with a nice tax advantage.”

As Adam Carlin, managing director and private wealth advisor for Carlin Wealth Management at Morgan Stanley, explains, “You can contribute cash, securities, even complex assets into [a DAF]. The funds can even grow tax-free in the meantime, potentially increasing what you’re able to give. It’s like having your own family foundation, but

with fewer costs, less paperwork, and more flexibility.”

DAFs are especially useful for those who have experienced an unusually high-income year, or for those who hold appreciated assets. The legacy aspect is also a plus. Vivero says many donor-advised funds help introduce and engage the donor's children and grandchildren in philanthropy – turning charitable giving into a shared family value across generations.

We interviewed five community leaders with donor advised funds at the Coral Gables Community Foundation, and found that, while the causes close to their hearts may differ, they all have an innate desire to support their community. What follows are their stories.

Michael & Oriana Walsh

“ [DAF S ARE] WIDELY USED IN MY BUSINESS AND BY ANYONE IN FINANCIAL SERVICES... ”

As a former chair of the Coral Gables Community Foundation and a principal for wealth management firm Evensky & Katz / Foldes, Michael Walsh was uniquely prepared for setting up the Walsh Family Fund at the CGCF. “My company works with a lot of clients who are philanthropically inclined, and the donor advised fund is a vehicle that they use to fulfill their philanthropic impact and to teach stewardship to the next generation of their family members,” he says. “It’s widely used in my business and by anyone in financial services.”

The Walshes describe three reasons why they love their donor advised fund: simplicity, local expertise, and increased impact. Oftentimes, philanthropists who don’t set up a fund or charity are sending myriad checks, wires, and credit card payments out, which makes it difficult to keep track of who received what and what to write off on their taxes at year’s end. With a donor advised fund, however, “we just make one transfer each year,” says Michael. “From there, we create grants from the fund itself. So, the only thing I need to provide to my CPA at the end of the year is the confirmation from the one transfer we made from our account into our DAF.”

Local expertise is another defining factor, especially with so many organizations vying for philanthropists’ time and money. Michael and Oriana tell the Foundation what they want to focus on – for them, it’s been education – and receive recommendations for local nonprofits with that same mission. The Foundation can even connect them to other donors with similar interests so they can multiply the money (and impact) for those charities. And, of course, with a donor advised fund, “We’re able to change where we can deploy those funds when we see more of what the community needs,” Michael says.

One of their current focuses is on the Friendship Circle of Miami, which promotes inclusion for individuals with special needs. They also work with the Coral Gables Museum, the Make-A-Wish Foundation, the Coral Gables Art Cinema, Coral Gables High School, and Legal Services of Greater Miami.

Kaiser Ahmed & Nitasha Yacoob

“ WE KNEW EDUCATION WAS ALWAYS BIG FOR US, BUT WE DIDN’T KNOW THAT IT WAS OUR CALLING... ”

Both Kaiser Ahmed and Nitasha Yacoob were born in India, where “the poverty is very up close and personal,” says Ahmed. Now living in Coral Gables, the couple is particularly motivated to give back, and they found their calling in the Coral Gables Community Foundation and its rapidly growing scholarship program. “I read up on so many different kids’ lives, how they grew up, their struggle, why they’re applying for a scholarship, and what they want to do once they graduate,” Ahmed says. “We knew education was always big for us, but we didn’t know that it was our calling.”

Through their donor advised fund at the Foundation, Ahmed and Yacoob primarily support the scholarship program, which recently awarded over $3 million to local high school students, due to donors like Ahmed and Yacoob. But while education is a focus for the family, they also appreciate the flexibility offered by the Foundation to explore other areas of charitable giving. “They really try to make sure that they expose us to what we are passionate about,” says Ahmed. “They’re always thinking about how to do it, in a way where you can have multiple purposes or passions.”

To that end, Ahmed and Yacoob are also planning to donate to Alzheimer’s research through their donor advised fund at the Foundation. It’s a cause close to Ahmed, whose father is currently struggling with the disease. “It’s heartbreaking, and when something touches you that emotionally, you want to do something,” he says. The Foundation is helping the family identify nonprofits aligned with that goal.

Meanwhile, the couple’s young elementary-aged children are being exposed to the spirit of giving, which is important to Yacoob and Ahmed’s larger goal of educating the next generation. “As they get older, we’re going to tell them, ‘This is what we do every year and how we support the community and other kids. So, this is bigger than just the two of you.’ Hopefully, that gets them motivated and they actually see that their parents are standing up for something that they believe in,” says Ahmed.

45 DAYS | AVERAGE DAYS ON MARKET IN CORAL GABLES One of the lowest among her peers*

Josie Wang is deeply passionate about giving back to

Her dedication is evident through her active leadership and generous support of numerous organizations, including the University of Miami, Archdiocese of Miami, Vizcaya Museum and Gardens and Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden and an active member of the Baptist Health Foundation and the United Way Tocqueville Society. Her commitment has been recognized with significant accolades, such as the Miracle Maker Award for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Miami, the prestigious Circle of Twelve for the American Cancer Society, and as an Honoree for the Chapman Partnership’s Take a Walk in Her Shoes event.

Bill Bonn and Ruben Ceballos

“ ONE HAS TO BE CIVICALLY ENGAGED, SO WE BELIEVE IN DONATING OUR TIME AS WELL AS MONEY... ”

Driving around Coral Gables, you can literally see the impact Bill Bonn and Ruben Ceballos have made in the city. There is the work and dollars they’ve donated to restoring the Alhambra Water Tower, the trees their money helped plant in the commercial district, and the surprisingly welldressed high school football players at Coral Gables High whose shirts and ties came from the couple’s generosity. “We have many different interests,” Bonn says modestly. These interests go beyond just Coral Gables, however. “We spend summers up in Cape Cod, and there’s an organization there [the Center for Coastal Studies] that saves the whales from being trapped in lobster traps,” says Ceballos, who shares a love for animals with Bonn (and their eight rescue pets). “We try to get involved wherever we are.”

Bonn sums things up succinctly. “Ruben and I share three important values…. One is responsibility for one’s surroundings – not just your immediate neighborhood, but your city. Number two is compassion for others, both humans and animals…. And three, one has to be civically engaged, so we believe in donating our time as well as money.” In that vein, Bonn has served on multiple nonprofit boards, including the Coral Gables Community Foundation’s. Together, the couple has donated to myriad local organizations – including the Coral Gables Museum, the Art Cinema, the Miracle Theatre, and GableStage, amongst many others – largely through the Community Foundation. They describe the Foundation as being “like the U.S. Constitution…. It’s a malleable document that can move and shift to address the needs of citizens over time.”

That’s part of what made them decide to open their own donor advised fund, which they are still investing in and growing to become a legacy centered around local causes. “The costs associated with running a private foundation can be staggering. Here, it’s all set up. It’s a piece of cake,” says Bonn. Ceballos adds, “Rather than creating a competing priority with your own organization, it’s better to just continue supporting [the Foundation] and making it stronger.”

Celebrating 100 Years of The City

As we celebrate these momentous occasions, it’s a time to reflect on the storied past, celebrate the present, and look forward to a future filled with continued prosperity and great success.

As we celebrate these momentous occasions, it’s a time to reflect on the storied past, celebrate the present, and look forward to a future filled with continued prosperity and great success.

These milestones are a testament to the rich histories and vibrant communities that make Coral Gables and the University so extraordinary. Here’s to the next 100!

These milestones are a testament to the rich histories and vibrant communities that make Coral Gables and the University so extraordinary. Here’s to the next 100!

Michael and Rene McCarthy

“ YOU DON’T NEED TO MANAGE THE ADMINISTRATIVE BURDEN OF RUNNING A PRIVATE FOUNDATION... ”

For Michael and Rene McCarthy, giving back isn’t just a value – it’s a family tradition. Through their donor advised fund at the Coral Gables Community Foundation, they’ve found a way to make their philanthropy more strategic, impactful, and deeply rooted in the community they love. “A donor advised fund is like a charitable investment account,” Michael explains. “You contribute to the fund, receive an immediate tax benefit, and then recommend grants to nonprofits over time.”

What drew them to a DAF was the simplicity. “You don’t need to manage the administrative burden of running a private foundation: no board meetings, filings, or overhead. Instead, you can focus on impact,” Michael adds. “It also provides flexibility to give to multiple organizations and adapt as [our] priorities evolve.” Most of the organizations they donate to are involved with education and community enrichment. “We believe in creating opportunities for young people and supporting programs that make Coral Gables vibrant and inclusive,” says Rene. Among the many grants they’ve given, one stands out – a scholarship that directly changed a high school student’s life. “Hearing their story reminded us why we do this. It’s about changing lives in tangible ways,” she says.

Beyond donating dollars, the McCarthys also believe in the value of donating time, which is why Michael will be stepping into the role of Community Foundation Chair in January. He describes joining the Foundation as a “turning point” in his life.

Giving is something the McCarthys hope to instill in their young daughters. At the dinner table, conversations about various causes the family cares about are common. The couple even lets their daughters help choose which charities receive their contributions. Generosity is “a part of who we are” in the McCarthy household, says Rene, backed up by years of philanthropy and a simple philosophy: give where you live. “Partnering with the CGCF means we’re part of something bigger, helping neighbors and shaping the future of the city we call home.”

Mike and Bekki Haggard

“ THERE ARE SO MANY PEOPLE DOING GREAT WORK RIGHT HERE… GET INVOLVED. THEY NEED YOU. ”

As former public defenders, Mike and Bekki Haggard are no strangers to adversity. “You really see the disadvantage, you really see people that need help in a stark way and how unfair life can be,” says Mike. “That really inspires you to give back.” Bekki adds, “We’re not so different; we just have different circumstances.”

The couple has multiple causes close to their hearts, including prevention of gun violence and research into polycystic kidney disease (PKD), an illness Mike struggled with before he received a kidney donation nine years ago. Part of that mission includes hosting the yearly PKD Casino Night for a Cure at the University of Miami’s alumni center. “It always comes back to Coral Gables,” says Mike.

The Haggards use strikingly intentional language to describe their aims. They’re “dedicated to finding a cure” for PKD; gun violence is “something we can stop.” Their methods are simple and bold, going beyond donating money to creating opportunities for others through actions – even establishing the role of a living donor coordinator at Tampa General Hospital (TGH), where Mike had his kidney transplant. “People were just going on dialysis and waiting for a kidney. Nobody was trying to find a living donor,” says Mike. After the couple funded the new program at TGH, living donor transplants increased by a whopping 100 percent in the next year. “It just shows that with philanthropy and a little innovation, you can really make a ripple effect,” says Mike.

To Bekki, there is a “misconception” that the world is all about hoarding wealth. “Our philosophy is quite the opposite,” she says. “My founding philosophy is: if I can, I will.” Mike adds, “There’s nothing like knowing you’ve made a difference. There’s no car, no jewelry, nothing in the world as valuable as that.” Asked what they would tell others who are considering opening a fund at the Community Foundation, Bekki says “Just do it!” Mike laughs and echoes her sentiment. “There are so many people doing great work right here… Get involved. They need you.” ■

Turn Holiday Cheer into Lasting Change

The holidays are a time of giving, gratitude, and hope. With a donor-advised fund, you can carry that spirit forward all year—supporting students, research, innovation, and programs that impact campus life and the wider community.

A donor-advised fund is a simple, flexible, and tax-wise way to give. With one contribution, you can:

Enjoy tax benefits.

Grow your gift tax-free.

Support University programs as well as other charities you value.

The University of Miami even offers its own private label donor-advised fund.

Celebrate the season with a gift that shapes futures at the U and beyond.

or

The Year in Review Coral Gables 2025

2025 has been an exciting year for the city, especially with the April elections that fundamentally shifted the political balance of power and the city’s fiscal agenda. It was also a time of transition, with the passing of the head of the Coral Gables Chamber and the resignation of the Gables Community Foundation CEO – both fortunately replaced with top choices. The festivals have continued, new companies and celebrities have moved in, and the city has spent the entire year celebrating its 100th birthday.

JANUARY

Founded in 1952, Beaux Arts returns for its 74th annual Festival of Art, featuring over 240 juried artists (supported by a cast of all-volunteers) on the University of Miami campus. Proceeds go to the Lowe Art Museum and to arts access and education in Coral Gables.

SURVEY SAYS

The Coral Gables Community Foundation releases its first “Community Needs Assessment” survey, based on resident input. The results reveal that the No. 1 concern among citizens was housing affordability, followed by concerns about civility in local government (No. 2) and bicycle safety and lanes (No. 3).

After one year in office, City Manager Amos Rojas, Jr. retires. Rojas (above), a former U.S. Marshal, had been hired in a controversial 3-2 City Commission vote by Commissioners Kirk Menendez, Ariel Fernandez, and Melissa Castro, despite his lack of qualifications. He is replaced in another 3-2 vote, with no search process, by Deputy City Manager Alberto Parjus.

SMUGGLERS CAUGHT

In the space of less than two weeks, Coral Gables police interdict two different human smuggling operations. Both take place on Old Cutler Road, and both are intercepted based on citizens calling in tips. In one raid, Gables police discovered 21 migrants – 19 Chinese nationals plus one Ecuadorian and one Cuban – in a U-Haul. In the second, Gables police stopped two vans with 13 Chinese migrants –men and women – in each vehicle.

OUR FAMOUS FEMINIST

The television game show Jeopardy recognizes Coral Gables activist Roxcy Bolton with a clue about what day she was “the driving force” behind (Answer: National Women’s Equality Day).

FEBRUARY

ULTIMATE ROAD RALLY

Considered by Italians to be the “Most Beautiful Race in the World,” Italy’s 1000 Miglia starts a three-day cross-Florida competition from the Biltmore Hotel. Some 127 cars, of brands that include Ferrari,

Bugatti, Alfa Romeo, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Lamborghini, Jaguar, and Fiat, participated. Gables-based MG Developer partnered with the 1000 Miglia Experience Florida, welcoming dignitaries, classic car drivers, and officials from the Italian consulate.

KITCHEN REDUX

The Tour of Kitchens is back for its 16th year! The self-guided tour organized by the Coral Gables Community takes participants to 11 homes (and their kitchens) in the Gables, drawing over 1,000 foodies and home design enthusiasts from all over Miami. Proceeds benefit the Culinary Arts Program at Coral Gables High School.

ANOTHER TECH CO ARRIVES

Kandji, a global Apple device management and security company, opens its new East Coast headquarters at The Plaza Coral Gables with 30,000-square-feet of penthouse office space. Kandji wanted to neighbor with Apple itself (also now at The Plaza), and was impressed with the Gables’ Smart City initiatives.

MARK TROWBRIDGE PASSES

Mark A. Trowbridge, 56, the legendary leader of the Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce, suffers from deadly complications during his recovery from blood cancer. Trowbridge is credited with creating the most successful chamber of commerce in the State of Florida. He served as its president and CEO for almost 19 years.

THE GARDEN CLUB TURNS 100

The Coral Gables Garden Club, which is dedicated to educating the public in gardening, horticulture, environmental issues, and community beautification, celebrates its 100th anniversary with the “A Century in Bloom” event at the Merrick House.

MARCH

MARY SNOW RESIGNS

After 11 years as CEO of the Coral Gables Community Foundation (CGCF), Mary Snow moves on. During her tenure, the CGCF increased its annual community impact from less than $100,000 to over $5 million and instituted numerous community programs, including a highly successful scholarship fund for local high schoolers.

Her best remembered project may be the Umbrellas over Giralda Plaza, which gained national recognition and drew thousands of visitors to the street.

TIME CAPSULE FOR 2125

One hundred years to the day after George Merrick’s team broke ground for the Biltmore Hotel, a star-studded array of local officials assembles to commemorate the event by witnessing the placement of a time capsule in front of the iconic building that, for many, symbolizes the city. The MC for the event was Tom Prescott who is now running the hotel for his family’s Seaway Corporation.

A MONTH OF FESTIVALS

March begins with the return of Carnaval on the Mile, attended by tens of thousands of celebrants. This is followed by Feria de Sevilla en Miami on Alhambra Circle, showcasing the traditions of Spain’s Andalusia region. In mid-March, the 32nd annual John Martin’s St. Patrick’s Street Festival celebrates with Irish whiskey and Guinness beer.

THE “LADY” UNVEILED AT UM

The University of Miami unveils “Lady,” a 50-foot steel sculpture by American artist John Henry. Painted in Coca-Cola red and installed in front of the Lowe Art Museum, the piece was a gift from the Palley family, which has supported the arts at UM for decades.

THE ELECTION POWER SHIFT

A highly contentious election season ends with three Coral Gables Commission seats filled. Mayor Vince Lago and Vice Mayor Rhonda Anderson are both re-elected in the first round of voting, while Commissioner Richard Lara is elected in a runoff. The election is seen as a vindication of the agendas of Lago and Anderson, which include fiscal responsibility, managed growth, lower taxes, green space expansion, tree canopy protection, environmental sustainability, and greater voter participation.

PARKING DISCOUNTS

Commissioner Melissa Castro launches a new program to give city residents a 25 percent parking discount, using the PaybyPhone app. Residents apply by emailing parking@coralgables.com with a copy of their driver’s license, vehicle registration or title, and proof of residency.

UM’S 100TH ANNIVERSARY PARTY

The University of Miami celebrates the 100th anniversary of its charter with thousands of students, alumni, and Coral Gables residents. The evening features performances by UM alumni that include singer/songwriter Bruce Hornsby, jazz guitarist Pat Metheny, and pop legend Jon Secada.

CITY NATIONAL BANK HQ

In one of South Florida’s largest office transactions, City National Bank of Florida announces it will move its headquarters to Coral Gables. The bank takes nearly 145,000-square-feet of office space on LeJeune Road, which formerly housed the Infiniti car dealership. City National Bank has almost $30 billion in assets.

is the story of Morris’ grandmother moving to the Gables in 1926. Morris’ mother, Dorothy Thomson, was the only female mayor of the Gables. Salzedo Street shuts down for a 1920s-themed dinner party.

MAY

THE NEW CITY COMMISSION MEETS

In a return to City Hall, the newly re-elected mayor of Coral Gables, Vince Lago, calls a special meeting of the City Commission. In a whirlwind 2.5 hours, the new commission approves a slew of legislation, including votes to: move elections to November; reign in lengthy and abusive tirades from citizens; slash commissioner salaries that had been doubled under the previous Fernandez-Castro-Menendez regime; require super-majority votes to spend monies from the city reserves; hire an inspector general; and cut commissioner expense accounts in half.

PETER IGLESIAS REINSTATED

City Manager Peter Iglesias is reinstated, after having been removed for political reasons the year before by Commissioners Fernandez, Castro, and Menendez. Iglesias, first appointed in 2018, was responsible for bringing in the Streetscape and Public Safety Building projects on time and under budget, as well as converting city government to paperless digital systems.

A RECORD FOR SCHOLARSHIPS

The Coral Gables Community Foundation distributes a record $3.25 million in scholarships to local high schoolers, nearly triple the previous year’s $1.42 million. The Community Foundation has awarded 694 scholarships for a total of $6.28 million since its inception in 1991.

GABLES REP TRIMS CELL PHONE USE

In a House bill led by Republican State Rep. Demi Busatta of Coral Gables, Florida lawmakers approve legislation that bans younger students from using their cellular devices for the entire school day. House Bill 1105 still allows high school students to use their phones outside of instructional time.

JUNE

A NEW FOUNDATION HEAD

Mauricio Vivero is appointed the new CEO and president of the Coral Gables Community Foundation. A nationally respected philanthropy leader, Vivero has helped channel $200 million in grants with foundations from New York to Seattle.

CHAPMAN FIELD REOPENS

Following a longer-than-anticipated 11-year closure to remove abnormally high arsenic levels from the soil, 483-acre Chapman Field Park reopens. The ribbon-cutting ceremony features Miami-Dade County officials including County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava.

The Biltmore’s New Year’s Eve

Don your finest cocktail party attire and usher in 2026 at the Biltmore Hotel. Dance the night away, indulge in a sumptuous array of desserts, and savor the delights of a premium open bar.

As the clock approaches midnight, raise a glass of bubbly and witness the sky above the golf course come alive with a breathtaking fireworks display.

WEDNESDAY

DECEMBER 31, 2025

10 PM – 1 AM

GRANADA BALLROOM

$250 inclusive per guest

Members Discount Applies

Scan the QR code for tickets and more information.

** Must be 21 years or older

** Tickets must be purchased in advance and are not refundable after December 21, 2025

The park, at the southern tip of the Gables, features two baseball diamonds and facilities for soccer and flag football.

SENIORS PROTEST

Gables seniors take to the streets, many from their assisted living facilities, to protest the administration’s threatened cuts to Medicare, Medicaid, and immigration policies they fear will deport their caregivers and support staff.

THE UNDERLINE ARRIVES

Coral Gables resident Meg Daly became a local hero when she led the effort to turn the space under the Metro Rail into a multi-mile recreational zone with pocket parks and greenspaces. The Underline,

which completed its first phase in Brickell in 2021, finally reaches the Gables with a groundbreaking for pickleball and basketball courts, an outdoor gym, and a mini soccer pitch, all open to the public at no cost by the summer of 2026.

JULY

The City Commission votes to censure Commissioner Melissa Castro (above) for going to the state attorney general, without Commission consensus or discussion, to ask for a reversal of the vote to move elections to November. The Commission later decides to put the issue up for public referendum, per Castro's request.

BILTMORE TO USE PARKING FEES

The Biltmore wins the right to charge for parking at its enormous west parking lot. Funds will be used for historic restoration of the hotel.

A MAJOR THEATER GIFT

GableStage announces a major gift from Jessie Fox Wolfson on behalf of The Wolfson Family. The theater, located at the Biltmore Hotel, will now be known as The Wolfson Family Theatre, while the theater company remains GableStage.

FASTER PERMITTING

Reacting to resident complaints, the city decides to add 20 full-time positions and $1.3 million to the Building Department to accelerate the city’s permitting process.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 7 | 10AM–1PM

10AM–11AM | LECTURE

STUDENT ACADEMIC SUCCESS CENTER FIU'S MMC CAMPUS, 11200 SW 8TH ST, MIAMI, FLORIDA 33199

11AM–1PM | PATRICIA & PHILLIP FROST ART MUSEUM FIU SHUTTLES PROVIDED BETWEEN VENUES

STEVEN AND DOROTHEA GREEN CRITICS’ LECTURE SERIES PRESENTS

Manuela Moscoso

Manuela Moscoso is the inaugural Executive and Artistic Director of CARA – Center for Art, Research and Alliances, where she develops institutional models grounded in research and collaboration. A curator and cultural strategist with experience across the Americas and beyond, she is the Curator of the 2ª Bienal das Amazônias (2025) in Belém, Brazil, and has held roles such as Senior Curator at Museo Tamayo in Mexico City and Curator of the 2021 Liverpool Biennial. She also co-founded Zarigüeya Contemporáneo in Quito and Rivet, an editorial initiative for research-based cultural discourse.

OUR NEXT CELEBRITY

British pop music star Robbie Williams pays $40 million for a seven-bedroom water-front mansion in the Old Cutler Bay neighborhood of the Gables. The record price purchase is reported everywhere from the New York Post to the Robb Report

MAYOR VINDICATED

Mayor Vince Lago drops his defamation lawsuit against Radio Station Actualidad (1040 AM) for a mid-six-figure payment. Lago filed suit two years ago when the program "Contacto Directo" reported he was under investigation by the Miami-Dade Commission on Ethics and Public Trust. In fact, the Commission decided not to investigate after reviewing a complaint.

AUGUST

KAWALERSKI EJECTED

In a rare move, the City Commission votes to remove civic activist Sue Kawalerski from the city’s Planning and Zoning Board, after Kawalerski clashed with County Commissioner Raquel Regalado over the county’s power to control zoning around public transportation hubs.

A PHISHING INVESTIGATION

The city deepens its investigation into potential “phishing” by Commissioner Ariel Fernandez, who allegedly used a fake company to collect polling information from city residents, using hidden tracking links to log responses for future campaign targeting. Fernandez,

who denies all allegations, is also at risk for lying about his involvement, which could lead to impeachment and first-degree misdemeanor charges. Fernandez misses four Commission meetings.

MOSAICIST FUND ANNOUNCED

Local philanthropist Ray Corral announces the Mosaic Fund to help local artists, following Gov. DeSantis’s decision to cut all state funding for the arts. The fund is supported by the city’s art and culture specialist Catherine Cathers and the Coral Gables Community Foundation.

BONNIE PROTESTS

Bonnie Bolton, daughter of legendary feminist Roxcy Bolton, leads an effort to save the Garden of Our Lord, and the adjacent St. James Evangelical Lutheran Church, from the developer’s wrecking ball in North Gables.

SEPTEMBER

ROBOT INVASION

The downtown is invaded by an army of wheeled delivery robots, deployed mostly for food deliveries through UberEats by the Serve Robotics company. The AI-powered bots have their own names and can be operated remotely by humans.

ST. THERESA’S BIRTHDAY

St. Theresa Catholic School, the oldest operating school in Coral Gables (and all of Miami-Dade County) celebrates its 100th birthday, raising money for its church, the Church of the Little Flower

BELT TIGHTENING AHEAD

Mayor Vince Lago delivers his annual State of the City address to the Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce at its induction ceremony for its board of directors. Lago warns of financial uncertainty ahead and lays out his vision for fiscal belt-tightening to protect the city’s financial reserves.

LIVE LOCAL ARRIVES

Live Local – the state program that allows developers who include affordable housing to break local zoning codes – officially arrives

in the form of Shoma Group’s high-rise development, Ponce 8, on Eighth Street. Gables-based Shoma graciously proposes the mixeduse project at only 16 stories, which is within the zoning code.

OCTOBER

A NEW CHAMBER PRESIDENT

The Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce announces that Jorge L. Arrizurieta will become its new CEO and president, replacing the late Mark Trowbridge. Arrizurieta brings an impressive resume to the job, including 14 years with business mogul Wayne Huizenga (Blockbuster Video), campaign work for both the Bush presidencies, and four years as president and CEO of the Florida FTAA.

ANOTHER CELEBRITY ARRIVES

Canadian singer and Grammy Award winner The Weeknd (“Blinding Lights,” “The Hills,” “Save Your Tears”) breaks all homeprice records by purchasing a $50 million estate on Biscayne Bay in the gated Gables Estates neighborhood. The eight-bed, 11-bath home includes a 62-foot infinity pool with mosaic floors.

GAME ON

Gables stationery and gift shop Bliss Imprints announces that it will create Gables-Opoly, a custom board game based on Monopoly, in partnership with the city and the Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce. Guess which property will replace Boardwalk?

GABLES HIGH TURNS 75

Coral Gables Senior High School – the only public high school in the City Beautiful and one of the oldest schools in Miami – celebrates its 75th birthday. The A-rated school serves students from the Gables and across Miami-Dade County.

NOVEMBER

NIGHTS OF LIGHTS

Another perennial favorite returns in the form of Night Garden at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, in which thousands of locals stroll the jungles at night amid mind-bending light displays and drink stations.

TROLLEY EXPANSION

Gableites take advantage of the new Southern Loop trolley route, which links the Douglas Road Metrorail Station (where the northsouth Ponce de Leon trolley route now ends) with the Gables boundary of Red Road (aka Southwest 57th Avenue). Along the

way, the trolley stops at the UM Metrorail Station, the Underline, West Lab, Lennar, and San Amaro Drive.

PIRATES WELCOME

The annual Rum Renaissance Festival returns with a two-day celebration at the Marriott Courtyard Coral Gables and the Coral Gables Woman’s Club. More than 10,000 people attend in the city where Bacardi is headquartered.

DECEMBER

REINDEER ALERT

Santa Claus returns to Coral Gables, showing up in a ceremony outside of City Hall.

The Junior Orange bowl parade fills the streets of the Gables with marching bands and parade floats, to the joy of children and adults of all ages.

CAROLERS

ALERT

The annual Merrick Festival Caroling Competition takes place from Dec. 3 through 7 at the 550 Building on Biltmore Way. An eagerly awaited holiday tradition in the City of Coral Gables, the competition began in 1987 and now features 30 choirs from middle and high schools across South Florida. The festival has donated over $650,000 to help support local music programs. ■

WE COULD STAY WHERE WE WERE. BUT I WANTED TO SIMPLIFY, EXTRACT THE EQUITY, AND MOVE SOMEWHERE THAT ACTUALLY ENHANCED OUR LIFESTYLE ... " "

DEVELOPER ARMANDO CODINA

OPPOSITE: EVENING VIEW RENDERINGS OF THE EXTERIOR AND ROOF DECK POOL

A World of Its Own

RIGHT-SIZING THE AMERICAN DREAM: ARMANDO CODINA’S NEXT CHAPTER

BY J.P. FABER

What strikes you first about Regency Parc is the completeness of its design. As a “home” in the sky, the building not only provides smartly designed living accommodations, but also recreational areas, a private movie theater, a restaurant (with room service), a bio-hacking spa, swimming pool, recreational area (with electric BBQ grills), a tele-medicine room, postal facilities, and a handsome courtyard that provides a place to quietly read, reflect, or listen to music played on an outdoor grand piano imported from Jerusalem.

When developer Armando Codina decided to sell his waterfront mansion in Coral Gables – a sprawling home where he and his wife raised four daughters, now listed at $45 million – he wasn’t motivated by necessity or nostalgia. He wanted to control the details of his future.

“You come to a moment in life when you say, 'I'm going to have to move sometime,'” Codina says. “And I wanted to control my destiny. I wanted to simplify my estate, so my girls wouldn’t have to deal with a huge house, and I wanted to improve our quality of life.”

He calls it “right-sizing,” not downsizing. It’s a distinction that feels quintessentially Codina: practical, forward-looking, and faintly defiant. “We didn’t need to downsize,” he says. “We could stay where

we were. But I wanted to simplify, extract the equity, and move somewhere that actually enhanced our lifestyle.”

The result of that decision stands today in the heart of Coral Gables, two blocks south of Miracle Mile on Salzedo Street: Regency Parc, a meticulously designed, technology-infused, resort-caliber residential building that reimagines what it means to age in place –and what luxury living looks like after the mansion years are over. It also reflects a growing trend, where Codina is ahead of the curve.

A PERSONAL SOLUTION TO A GENERATIONAL QUESTION

For decades, Codina has helped shape South Florida’s skyline as one of its most influential developers. But Regency Parc, which he conceived and built through his firm Codina Partners, began as something more personal than professional: a solution to a problem he and many of his peers were quietly confronting.

“We raised four girls in that house. It’s a big place – too big,” he says. “They each had their rooms, they’re all married now, and suddenly it’s just my wife and me. You start thinking, 'What’s next? Where do I go that still feels like home?'”

The easy answer – buy a condo – was never an option. “I’ve been on the other side,” Codina says, laughing. “I built them. I know what happens when you get the condo commandos running the board. I didn’t want that.”

That skepticism only deepened after the Champlain Towers collapse in Surfside in 2021. Codina doesn’t see that tragedy as a condemnation of condominiums themselves, but rather as a symptom of systemic problems: deferred maintenance, flawed governance, spiraling insurance costs, and aging infrastructure.

“When that building fell, it wasn’t one mistake. It was a perfect storm,” he says. “The engineer, the architect, the developer, the board – they all missed something. And now the pendulum has swung hard in the other direction. You can’t kick the can down the road anymore. You’ve got inspections, you’ve got insurance premiums doubling. The lending environment has changed. And getting people to serve on condo boards is almost impossible.”

Meanwhile, Florida’s insurance crisis has only added pressure. “It’s become a market of haves and have-nots,” he says. “The newer buildings that are elevated, with hardened glass and new roofs –they’re the haves. The older ones can’t even get [insurance] quotes.”

That’s the context in which Codina’s decision to “right-size” becomes more than a personal milestone. It’s emblematic of a national trend: affluent homeowners, many in their 60s and 70s, seeking an alternative to traditional condo ownership, one that prioritizes inde-

pendence, walkability, safety, and wellness without the headaches of maintenance or association politics.

From Naples to Palo Alto, a generation of empty-nesters is trading square footage for convenience and liquidity, choosing well-managed, design-forward rentals that avoid the burdens of homeownership, such as skyrocketing insurance costs, HOA disputes (for condos), and constant maintenance. Leasing among the ultra-wealthy has more than tripled in the last five years, with more than 13,600 millionaire renters in 2025.

“There’s a generation that doesn’t want to own another asset they have to manage,” says a local broker. “They want freedom, but they don’t want to leave their community. Codina saw that before anyone else.”

THE VISION: A VILLA IN THE SKY

Regency Parc is the physical embodiment of that trend – but done with Codina’s standards in mind. “If I was going to move, it had to be an improvement,” he says. “I didn’t want to compromise.” Located just blocks from the dining and shopping amenities of downtown Gables, and steps from Codina’s own office, the building is at once

Interior Art

The courtyard of Regency Parc will enjoy lush plantings, privacy from the outside world, an outdoor grand piano, and one monumental work of art. Unlike the sculpture being placed in front of the entrance – the golden "Power Tower," by artist Lynda Benglis – inside the courtyard is a mammoth mural painted by South Florida artist Magnus Sodamin. Known for his expressionist-style canvases of native flora (including celebrated depictions of the Everglades), Sodamin was chosen from a pool of ten artists presented to Codina by Jessica Goldman Srebnick, founder and CEO of Goldman Global Arts, and her team.

“I’m mostly a studio artist, and I make oil paintings and sculpture, so, for me, a mural at this scale is like an extension of my studio practice, almost like a giant painting,” says Sodamin, who sketched and painted the work from scaffolding raised with pulleys and ropes. “We went back and forth on many designs and came down to the idea that this is kind of like an orchid garden,” he says, which he approached with photos of orchids, photoshop renderings, and collages.

While the work will not be visible from the street, and is essentially for the enjoyment of residents, Codina Partners is exploring the idea of art tours to Regency Parc so it can be viewed by the public.

Painting with a couple of assistants (like the High Renaissance masters did) Sodamin spent five to seven hours a day for 18 days finishing the mural. At 54 by 120-feet, “In Paradium” (Latin for “into paradise") is the largest mural in the city.

a luxury residence and a personal manifesto about how design and community should intersect.

He calls its aesthetic “understated elegance” – a kind of Lake Como villa meets Coral Gables modernism. The building’s limestone façade and layered courtyards echo European residential proportions; the scale, Codina says, “makes it feel like a home, not a hotel.”

Inside, nothing is off-the-shelf. Regency Parc was “built from the inside out,” designed first around how residents would actually live, “not around what would look good on a brochure,” says Codina. Every floor plan was scrutinized for months. There are no interior columns, for example, no generic corridors, no layouts borrowed from Miami’s glassy towers. “Every unit had to feel like a home I could live in,” he says. “That was the test.”

Units range from 1,768 to 12,000-square-feet, each with spacious terraces, generous storage, and stone floors. Kitchens feature WOLF and SUB-ZERO appliances; bathrooms are organized around what Codina calls “wet rooms” – fully enclosed, serene, spa-like spaces. “I see all these glossy condos with floating tubs and nowhere to put a towel,” he says, half amused. “That’s not how people live.”

But Regency Parc’s appeal isn’t just physical comfort. It’s philosophical. Codina designed it for people like himself – longtime Coral Gables residents who want to stay rooted but live differently. “We wanted to walk to dinner, to the office, to our favorite places,” he says. “And we wanted everything on one floor. That’s quality of life.” One of the first Gableites to join him was Richard Fain, former chairman of Royal Caribbean Group, who will take the entire floor below Codina’s penthouse. “We are empty nesters, and this was an opportunity to do something different,” says Fain. “We’ve been in our existing home for 36 years and weren’t thinking of moving into an apartment. But this is not an apartment. It's a home inside a 20-story building.”

TECHNOLOGY, WELLNESS, AND “BIOHACKING”

If the building’s architecture is rooted in classic proportions, its infrastructure is thoroughly 21st century.

Entry is managed by facial recognition software and AI-enhanced security. Packages and deliveries have their own separate access corridor (no more FedEx drivers wandering the lobby). Regency Parc’s power grid is tied to Coral Gables’ public safety network, meaning it’s among the first zones to be restored after a hurricane. And the site itself sits outside any flood or evacuation zone, a rarity in South Florida.

“Wellness” is not just a buzzword here; it’s a building system.

Amenities include a telehealth suite where residents can connect directly with a physician; a spa with red-light therapy, infrared saunas, full-body “biohacking pods”; yoga and meditation terraces with real greenery; even a dog park and hair salon.

The planning for Regency Parc extends to the operational details, too. It has on-site staff apartments – rare in residential projects – ensuring continuity of service. Residents can valet or self-park in a custom-designed garage with gentle ramps (“no corkscrew nightmares,” Codina jokes).

For all its amenities, Regency Parc is as much a civic statement as a personal one. “I could have built 360 units on this site,” Codina says. “We built 126. Less impact on traffic, less pressure on schools, and it keeps Coral Gables people here.”

That restraint – rare in a market obsessed with density and spectacle – feels almost radical. While nearby Miami neighborhoods chase the next starchitect skyscraper, Regency Parc quietly redefines what sustainable urban luxury can look like: intimate, intelligent, and integrated into the city’s fabric. “This isn’t a place to impress people,” Codina says. “It’s a place to live.”

At 78, Codina still speaks like a man mid-project, not post-career. When he describes the building’s courtyard or the private garden terraces for the 26 penthouse-level units, his enthusiasm sounds less like a developer’s sales pitch than a homeowner’s pride. “This building,” he says, “is what I wanted for myself, for my wife, for my family. But it turns out there are a lot of people in the same boat.”

He’s right. Nearly 90 percent of tenants committed thus far are local Coral Gables residents – neighbors who, like Codina, wanted to stay rooted while lightening their load. One of them is his daughter, Ana-Marie Codina, CEO of the development company they founded together in 2009. She and other young families have

YOU REACH A POINT IN LIFE, WHERE YOU DON’T WANT MORE – YOU JUST WANT BETTER . "

gravitated to Regency Parc. For all these residents, Regency Parc isn’t just another address. It’s the next logical evolution of the South Florida lifestyle: less about status, more about substance.

When Codina steps onto his terrace now, the view isn’t of the water, but of the city – its tree-lined streets, its historic architecture, its restaurants and offices and medical facilities just blocks away. Everything, finally, within reach. “You reach a point in life,” he says, “where you don’t want more – you just want better.”

In that sense, Regency Parc isn’t just a Coral Gables story. It’s a preview of how America’s aging elite intend to live: elegantly, efficiently, and on their own terms. Codina just happened to build the prototype for himself first. ■

Meandering Around Town # 28: 75 Years of Cavalier Spirit

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

BY DON SLESNICK

Recently, our hometown high school celebrated its first 75 years of existence with a day-long event that included a pep rally and convocation ceremony in the school auditorium, as well as multiple class reunions (held in various dining establishments around the city). The atmosphere was electric and full of good cheerfulness, with participants representing many decades of the school’s existence. Other articles have highlighted this very special event, but herein we will focus on the reflections of those people who were intimately involved in its planning and execution.

To Bertha Lopez-Lowell (class of 1993) this was a moment that capped a long relationship with Gables High: “The 75th celebration became a beautiful day of reconnection, nostalgia, and pride. This school has impacted my life in so many ways; it has shaped who I am and has given me friendships and memories that will last a lifetime.

Organizing this event was my way of giving back to a place that has given me so much.

I’m a proud Cavalier!”

Chair of Friends of Gables High (a nonprofit support group) Luciana Gonzalez summed up her feelings: “GHS has truly become home for our family and has provided our daughter (class of ’26) with an incredible experience. It feels only natural to want to give back and support that legacy. I am so grateful to have been part of the anniversary festivities.”

The school’s Activities Director Ana Suarez, (with over 30 years of dedicated service) adds: “The legacy of Gables High is built on generations of remarkable students who have gone on to do extraordinary things. Celebrating their life accomplishments reminds us why our work at this educational institution matters so deeply.”

June Thomson Morris (class of 1979),

founder of Friends of Gables High, provides a meaningful closing comment to these reflections: “At a time when many traditional public schools are struggling, Gables Senior High is an A-rated academic gem. Not only due to the beautiful new interior campus, but also due to the spirit of legacy that still shines brightly within its walls. Many alumni, along with former teachers and principals, returned for this very special event to celebrate 75 years of Cavalier pride.”

Let me conclude with this thought: Even though this “meanderer” is a proud Miami High Stingaree, I am honored that my daughter, Kathleen (‘90), my son Don III (‘94), my daughter-in-law Cecilia (‘96), and now my granddaughter Ceci (‘29) are all “Cavaliers forever” – thankful for what a Gables High education has done to ensure a lifetime of success (and happiness). ■

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.

i on a l c a r v i ng a n d b r eakfast sta t i on s

N o b r u n c h w o u l d b e c o m p l ete w i thout b otto m l ess b u bb l y

The Golden Age Gala

The Coral Gables Community Foundation marked its most successful gala to date with The Golden Age Gala: A 1925 Soirée, held Friday, October 17th at the Loews Coral Gables Hotel. Co-chaired by Ashley Cusack and Danielle Gonzalez, this year’s sold-out black-tie event paid tribute to Coral Gables’ centennial and the elegance of 1925, inviting guests to step into a world of Art Deco glamour, vintage cocktails, and jazz-age energy. Proceeds from the evening benefited the Foundation’s Scholarship Fund, which awarded $3.25 million in scholarships earlier this year. The honorees represented the legacy, generosity, and civic spirit upon which the City Beautiful was built and how it continues to evolve today.

1. Board Investments Committee Chair Peter Zubizarreta & wife Aymee, with Zhantra Entertainment.

2. 2023 Community Foundation Honorees Judy & Jon Zeder.

3. Gables Beautiful Award Honorees Alirio and Dorys Torrealba of MG Developer

4. 2017 Community Foundation Honoree Swanee DiMare

5. L to R: Co-Chair Danielle Gonzalez, presenter Alan T. Dimond, representing Greenberg Traurig; Legacy Award Honorees Ambassador Sue and Ambassador Chuck Cobb; Co-chair Ashley Cusack, Comunity Foundation President Mauricio Vivero

6. Honoree Sissy DeMaria-Koehne and Guenther Koehne

Saving Santa

OUR CITY’S SANTA FIGURE IS OVER 60 YEARS OLD. TIME TO PROTECT IT AS A CULTURAL ICON

BY KARELIA MARTINEZ CARBONELL

Ever wonder what the story is behind the tall stately figure that appears every holiday season in front of Christmas Park across from City Hall?

Records show that the City of Coral Gables’ towering Santa Claus figure is at least 60 years old and, at that age, certainly qualifies as a historic landmark under the historic preservation ordinance. Most importantly, Santa has earned the status of a cultural icon – because celebrating the holidays in Coral Gables would not be the same without this jolly fellow.

WHAT IS A CULTURAL ICON?

According to Wikipedia and the good folks at Webster’s Dictionary, a cultural icon can be a symbol, logo or image. It is easily recognized and generally represents an object or idea with great cultural significance to a specific community, hopefully a wide cultural group. It has a special status important to, or representative of, a particular group of people, a place, or a period in history. Most people in Coral Gables mark the start of the holiday season by visiting Christmas Park and seeing the tall figure of Santa waving at them in front of City Hall, making it a seasonal icon for the city.

SANTA IS QUITE A FIGURE

The larger than life fiberglass figure of our Santa Claus comes in two pieces – body and head – that connect at the neck. Every year it is assembled on-site just ahead of Christmas time.

The head measures approximately 55-inches wide by 55-inches deep and 95-inches tall. The body measures 125-inches wide by 65-inches deep and 150-inches tall. The figure is dressed in a traditional or classic Santa suit: red with white trim and black belt, boots and gloves. The figure stands with its left hand at its waist and its right hand raised in a wave. The body of the figure has seam lines which suggest the construction of the piece overall. And if you were curious, the figure is hollow, according to RLA Conservation. During the year, the statue is kept at the City’s Public Works Department. According to staff, it takes about 45 minutes to assemble.

For over 60 years, the 20-foot Santa figure has been a staple of the holiday season in Coral Gables. It stands on the corner of LeJeune Road and Miracle Mile.

It is time to officially protect Santa and designate him as a cultural landmark. The official designation would fall under “landscape feature” within the city’s historic preservation ordinance. The Coral Gables City Commission, along with the Historic Resources Department, should consider the designation and present a resolution to protect our City’s Santa figure as a special cultural icon. ■ Karelia Martinez Carbonell is the president of the Historic Preservation Association of Coral Gables

Five Days in Guatemala

JUST A TWO-HOUR FLIGHT FROM MIAMI, THIS CENTRAL AMERICAN NEIGHBOR DELIVERS BIG ON CULTURE, NATURE, AND AUTHENTICITY

BY YOUSRA BENKIRANE

Guatemala doesn’t try to impress you. It doesn’t come with the sleek branding of Costa Rica or the all-inclusive polish of Cancún. But spend a few days here – walking through centuries-old plazas, riding horseback up a volcano, or sipping coffee grown a few hills away – and you wonder why it took so long to get there. Touching down in Guatemala City after a flight that felt shorter than an episode of ‘The Bear,’ we headed straight for Antigua, the country’s former capital and a well-preserved colonial town.

The 90-minute drive winds from the city into a valley flanked by volcanoes. Cobblestones replace pavement, hand-painted signs replace neon, and color spills from wooden doors and clay-tiled roofs. Laundry flaps from balconies. Schoolchildren walk home in groups. It feels lived-in, not curated.

Antigua is a weekend getaway for Gua-

temala City locals and it’s still not overrun with international tourists. Small, walkable, and full of surprises, it’s a town that rewards wandering. Around every corner: a shaded courtyard, a crumbling church, or a hidden café behind a 200-year-old door.

We stayed at Las Farolas, a modest hotel with a quiet garden and mountain views, a short walk from Central Park, where time slows. Teenagers linger under trees, vendors sell fruit and woven bracelets, and couples sit quietly on benches. A walking tour gave context to the history surrounding us: the Palace of the Captains General, the earthquake-damaged yet graceful Cathedral of San José. The National Museum of Art (MUNAG), in a restored colonial building, blends classical and contemporary works that trace Guatemala’s evolving identity. At the Jade Museum, the stone once sacred

to the Maya is reimagined into modern sculpture and jewelry. Antigua doesn’t hide its past – it wears it openly.

Dinner near La Merced Church was simple but perfect – tamales in banana leaves, black beans with crema, warm tortillas. Later, we wandered into lively bars disguised as old homes. Inside, music, laughter, and glowing screens filled the space – an unexpected mix of old walls and new energy.

OPPOSITE PAGE: ANTIGUA, THE COUNTRY’S FORMER CAPITAL. A COLONIAL TOWN OF COBBLESTONES AND COLOR, REWARDS THOSE WHO WANDER ITS STREETS

BELOW: LUNCH AT DELEITE ANCESTRAL, IN SAN JUAN LA LAGUNA, COOKED IN THE OPEN AIR KITCHEN

THIS PAGE TOP: HORSEBACK RIDING AT THE VOLCÁN PACAYA, TWO HOURS AWAY FROM ANTIGUA

BELOW: THE VIEW FROM SAN ANTONIO PALOPÓ IN PACAYA, THE VAST BLUE MIRROR OF LAKE ATITLAN, LIES SURROUNDED BY VOLCANOES

BOTTOM: A TASTE OF MAYAN CULTURE IN TIKAL NATIONAL PARK IN THE PETÉN REGION. HERE, ANCIENT TOWERING PYRAMIDS BREAK THROUGH THE DENSE CANOPY OF THE JUNGLE

We left Antigua before sunrise for Volcán Pacaya, two hours away. At the base, local guides waited with walking sticks and horses. Most visitors hike, but horseback lets you conserve energy for the summit – and it’s more fun. My horse galloped confidently up the rocky trail, wind in my hair, volcano ahead.

The higher we climbed, the more the landscape shifted – from forest to jagged lava rock. Near the summit, guides cooked pizza on volcanic stone, the crust crisped by heat from underground. We roasted marshmallows over steaming vents, laughing at the absurd joy of toasting sugar on an active volcano.

From Pacaya, the pace slows as you approach Lake Atitlán. The road curves through quiet villages before revealing a vast blue mirror surrounded by volcanoes. From the lookout in San Antonio Palopó you can see boats trace ripples between distant shores. Think Lake Como – only wilder, and Central American. We stayed at Villa Santa Catarina, a quiet lakeside hotel just outside Panajachel. Perfect for the views.

The next morning, we crossed the lake to San Juan La Laguna, a model for community-led tourism. Streets are lined with murals celebrating Mayan culture, and

Lunch at Deleite Ancestral was like stepping into someone’s home. In the open-air kitchen, shaped like a clay jug, the chef cooked over an open flame, explaining the cultural meaning of each dish – tamales, seed-thickened stews, tortillas hot off the comal.

That evening, we drove back to Guatemala City and checked into the Barceló, a modern contrast after days in small towns. The next morning, we caught the red-eye to Flores, the capital of the Petén region and gateway to the ancient Maya world.

Flores sits on an island in Lake Petén Itzá. After breakfast by the water, we headed to Tikal National Park. Nothing prepares you for it: dense jungle, then suddenly, tow-

women in traditional dress head to weaving collectives. We rode a tuk-tuk three-wheeler up to the Kaqasiiwaan Viewpoint, past homes and maize fields. At a women’s cooperative, we watched thread dyed naturally with herbs and minerals – crimson from plants, pink from avocado pits – spun and woven entirely by hand. At a tiny chocolate workshop, cacao was ground on a stone metate and served warm with cinnamon, rich and earthy.

ering pyramids breaking through the canopy. Only part of this ancient city is excavated, but its scale is staggering. From the top of Temple IV, the jungle stretches endlessly, broken only by other pyramid peaks. Howler monkeys roared somewhere close – deep, primal – and spider monkeys swung above us. It felt both ancient and alive.

The next day, tired but content, we realized how easy it all was – a direct flight, no jet lag, yet experiences that are a world away. ■

40 Fine Dining Restaurants

December 2025

Each month we publish a select list of restaurants that we recommend for our readers. We cannot, of course, include the Top 100 each month, so this month we are featuring 40 of the best in the categories of Italian, Hispanamerican, and French. Next month we will look at the best of Steak Houses, Mediterranean, Seafood, and American restaurants, as well as Pubs & Cafes – along with some of our other perennial favorites.

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

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

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

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

THE DINING GUIDE ITALIAN

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

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

Bugatti

Bugatti prides itself on its pasta – and for good reason, since the restaurant started as a pasta factory. The décor is simple and contemporary, with lots of booths, and the service is crisp and superb, with most of the staff having worked here for over a decade. The dinner menu is straightforward, with pasta dishes under $20 and entrees under $30. And as many dessert listings (12) as pasta choices. 2504 Ponce de Leon Blvd. 305.441.2545 $$

Caffe Abbracci

A Gables icon, Nino Pernetti’s Italian restaurant is both a power lunch favorite for the business elite and a cozy evening gathering place for families and couples. Abbracci is quiet and elegant, and the food is so consistently good that Pernetti had to publish his own cookbook. Plus, unique sound dampers mean you can always be heard. 318 Aragon Ave. 305.441.0700 $$$

Caffe Vialetto

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

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

Fiola

Brought to you by Washington, D.C. Chef Fabio Trabocchi, this is fine dining at its finest. From the place settings to the artwork to the innovative cuisine, Fiola offers an exquisite dining experience. Among their must-try dishes are the porcini mushroom soup, sea scallops ceviche, and the signature lobster ravioli. Beautiful presentations. 1500 San Ignacio Ave. 305.912.2639 $$$$

Fontana

The ambiance is as elegant as it comes: the Biltmore’s famed fountain courtyard. You can sit under the stars, in a covered archway, or inside to enjoy classic Italian dishes. Fresh ingredients, from the salads to the homemade pasta. Excellent seafood. One of the most romantic restaurants in the Gables. 1200 Anastasia Ave. (Biltmore Hotel) 305.913.3200 $$$

Fugato

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

Fratellino

Small, family-run, with a fanatically loyal fan base and brilliant Italian comfort food. The long narrow set up with tile floors, wooden chairs, and tablecloths makes it feel like New York’s Little Italy. Their calamari, in any variation, is superb, as is the fettuccine with prosciutto, mushrooms, and green peas. 264 Miracle Mile. 786.452.0068 $$$

Il Duomo Dei Sapori

Yet another entry into Coral Gables’ spate of Italian eateries, Il Duomo Dei Sapori appears to have simply mate-

rialized as a fully formed fine dining restaurant on Ponce. Our favorite here is the chicche di patate al tartufo ($35), which is code for “creamy gnocchi with truffle.” Excellent cuisine. 2312 Ponce de Leon. 305.381.5604 $$$-$$$$

La Terrazza

The showstoppers here, at Fiola’s reinvented rooftop bar, are the fish and meat. The one-pound Margaret River New York Strip is an Australian Wagyu of exceptional flavor, rich and easily shared by a party of four. The fish is painted with an Adriatic blend of herbs in oil, like herb butter but less fatty, which lets the skin crisp to a sweet wafer that compliments the moist morsels of fish. Yum. 1500 San Ignacio Ave. 305.912.2639 $$$-$$$$

Luca Osteria

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

Portosole

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

Salumeria 104

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

Terre Del Sapore

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

Tullio

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

Zucca

Located at the elegant St. Michel hotel, this is a star in the galaxy of Italian eateries in the Gables. Distinctly northern Italian, with recipes that Chef Manuel Garcia developed in a career that included the legendary Casa Tua on Miami Beach. Modern Italian design, sophisticated, with great service. Moving to the Regency Parc development in 2026, but for now still in the old hotel – and the hands down power lunch place in town. 162 Alcazar Ave. 786.580.3731 $$$-$$$$

HISPANAMERICAN

Aromas del Peru

Yes, they serve a dozen types of ceviche here. But it’s the breadth of the menu that impresses, with traditional soups, grilled meats, wok stir fries, and signature dishes such as aji de gallina (shredded chicken in yellow pepper sauce) and seco de res (beef stewed in beer and cilantro, with vegetables). Good service, good prices, nice ambiance. 1930 Ponce de León Blvd. 305.476.5886 $$

Baire’s

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

Bistro Café

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

Bodega Taqueria y Tequila

Bodega Taqueria y Tequila’s eighth location gives us our latest go-to locale for all-day quick bites, including a hidden backroom mezcal lounge. The wide selection of tacos mixed with unconventional interpretations solidifies Bodega as a true taqueria, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get the classics here. And, of course, grab a shot of tequila. 317 Miracle Mile. 786.785.1501 $$

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 $$

CVI.CHE 105

If you want to delve into the wide array of flavors that

Peru has to offer, there is no better place than CVI. CHE 105 at The Plaza Coral Gables. The menu is rich with seafood, including a fine selection of tiraditos, ceviches, and rolls, along with an array of fried and grilled selections of mahi mahi, snapper, Pacific white fish, shrimp, etc. And there’s even a special Gables menu that you won’t find at anyther locations. This is the flagship of the local chain, and it show. 111 Palermo Ave. #108. 786.527.3939 $$-$$$

Divino Ceviche

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

Francesco

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

Graziano’s

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

La Casita

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

La Jamonteca

The specialty here is ham, as you might guess. It’s no ordinary ham, but the gourmet Iberico ham that is raised in a special place in Spain and raised on a special diet of local acorns. You can enjoy this ham in sandwich or sliced form – but there is also a short but authentic menu of traditional Spanish foods, from white anchovies, to stuffed red peppers, to potato and egg tortillas, etc. Pleasant outdoor seating, or inside with the hung hams. 359 Miracle Mile. 786.360.4376 $$-$$$

La Pata Gorda

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

La Taberna Giralda

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

must. Great lunch specials. 254 Giralda Avenue 786.362.5677 $$

Maiz y Agave

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

Ojo de Agua

With over 35 locations in Mexico, restaurant chain Ojo de Agua now has a second location in Miami, right here on Miracle Mile. Ojo de Agua provides Gableites with a long list of fresh options for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and even late-night bites (it’s open until 10 pm on weekdays), but what differentiates it from the slew of other health-conscious restaurants is its nod to authentic Mexican flavors, albeit adapted for the American palate. 219 Miracle Mile. $$

Pisco y Nazca

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

Tabanco

The newest edition to Coral Gables’ tapas scene has arrived. Tabanco has all of the usual suspects: croquetas, patatas bravas, Jamón Iberico, etc., most under $17, except for the Iberico slices. Our favorite

dish is the puntas de Ssolomillo entrée, an Iberian pork tenderloin that comes swimming in a Cabrales blue cheese sauce. With hand-cut potatoes on the side, a perfect bite is a combination of each of the three elements. 327 Alhambra Cir. 786.449.5203 $$$

Talavera Cocina Mexicana

Recently renovated, this is a pleasant place to dine, but it’s the authentic fare that shines. The place for Mexicans homesick for cooking that’s not Tex-Mex. The chicken mole poblano is a winner, and their huarache grill – masa flatbreads that are really haute tacos – are great. Somewhat pricy, but delicious. 2299 Ponce de Leon Blvd. 305.444.2955 $$-$$$

FRENCH

Bouchon Bistro

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

Chocolate Fashion

Known primarily for its baked goods – in particular anything made with chocolate, including the best chocolate cakes anywhere in the Gables – it also serves up good basic French fare, with a couple of cute tables streetside. Good coffee as well, and an excellent place to break croissant for breakfast. 248 Andalusia Ave. 305.461.3200 $$

Frenchie’s Diner

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

Pascal’s on Ponce

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

Stephanie’s Crepes

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

Sweet Paris

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

Gables in Focus

Though we will dearly miss our monthly “Where Am I” contest, Coral Gables Magazine is happy to present our new contest: “Gables in Focus.” To enter, submit your favorite snaps of Coral Gables to kwang@coralgablesmagazine.com by the 10th of each month. The Coral Gables Magazine staff will judge the photos and choose one winner based on creativity, composition, and relevance to the Gables. The winner will have their photo printed in the magazine and receive two tickets to the Actors’ Play-

house 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! Maximum of two wins per year per photographer. Seen here is “City Hall of Coral Gables in a Crystal Ball” by Marco Inzerillo, winner of the Centennial Treasures category of this year’s Capturing the Gables contest at the Coral Gables Museum.

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