Greetings,
I'm away from the office this week visiting friends in Venezuela. My weekly list of events will be fully updated when I return.
Labor Day Weekend
It's Labor Day Weekend, so get the grill ready, plan a family picnic or meet up with friends to celebrate the beginning of the end of Summer. Insitituted as a national holiday in 1894, Labor Day has long been celebrated as a day off for the working class on the first Monday in September. Locally, Labor Day also signals the beginning of football and basketball season for the University of Miami.
Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts
Mark your calendar for Saturday, September 6 for the annual Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts Open House at 1107 South Greenway at 1pm. Everyone is welcome to enjoy fun and games, food and drinks. For more information about the legacy George Merrick scouting programs in Coral Gables, call 305-443-7973. http://www.pack7.org or http://www.troop7.org
Tuesday, August 26
Kiwanis Club Weekly Luncheon
Meeting every Tuesday for lunch in Coral Gables since 1926, the Kiwanis Club is a group of civic minded business leaders and residents that give of their time and resources to programs that benefit children, as well as recognizing outstanding public safety professionals in our community. The group meets every Tuesday at noon. Lunch is $18. Visitors are welcome. Call 305-443-3136. http://www.kiwaniscoralgables.org
BRG Group Weekly Luncheon
The Business Referral Group meets every Tuesday from noon to 1:30pm at Anacapri Restaurant, 2530 Ponce to exchange referrals, references and business contacts. Contact Eli Ristine at 305-443-1364. http://www.businessreferralgroup.org
Live Music At The Grape
Stop in to your favorite wine bar at the Village Of Merrick Park for a great assortment of wines by the glass or the bottle, plus great food and live music to round out the experience. Now, from 5 to 7pm Monday through Friday, enjoy 2 for 1 glasses of wines in the 1 to 6 category. Meet up with friends at The Grape for a great time every time. Call 305-444-WINE. http://www.yourgrape.com
Shakra Tuesday Specials
All Massages and Skin Services 50% off. Check the website, and book your service now before there are no appointments left. Offers expire Sept. 8th. Enjoy their beautiful and serene Yoga Studio for Pilates at all levels from 5:30 to 6:30pm to stretch and tone your lower back and abdominal area, and Vinyasa Yoga at beginners level from 6:30 to 7:45PM. Enjoy their Zen-style and fully equipped locker rooms as well as class props for free. The first class for new students (Florida Residents) is always free at Shakra Relaxation Oasis, 271 Alhambra Circle. Call 305-774-1355. http://www.shakramiami.com
Novecento Presents Wine Tuesdays
Every Tuesday at Novecento, 121 Alhambra Plaza, enjoy 50% off the entire wine list with dinner. Some allocated wines are excluded. Call 305-557-0900. http://www.novecento.com
Bierhaus Schnitzel Night
Schnitzel lovers unite on Tuesdays at Fritz and Franz Bierhaus for a special two for one deal on authentic chicken and pork Bavarian schnitzel with Harald's legendary potato salad from 5 to 10pm. Harald also has beer specials before 7pm at 60 Merrick Way. Call 305-774-1883. http://www.bierhaus.cc
Havana Nights At The Biltmore
Every Tuesday at the Biltmore's Hotel's poolside restaurant enjoy Havana Night from 6 to 10pm (no passport required) featuring half off all Johnnie Walker cocktails and specialty cigars. The Cascade Poolside Bar & Grill is perched on the edge of the resort's famous 700,000-gallon swimming pool; the continent's largest resort pool. Call 305-445-1926. http://www.biltmorehotel.com
Reggae Night Specials At The Bar
It's Reggae Music Night every Tuesday at The Bar. Enjoy their selection of 48 bottled beers, 10 great brews on tap and the best comfort food at The Bar, 172 Giralda. Call 305-442-2730. http://www.gablesthebar.com
Wednesday, August 27
Shakra Wednesday Specials
Shakra will come to your office or home to administer Chair Massages for a special rate of $70/hour. Visit their beautiful and serene Yoga Studio for Yoga for Lunch at all levels from 12:15 to 1pm, Pilates at all levels from 5:15 to 6:15pm to stretch and tone your lower back and abdominal area, Basic Yoga at beginners level from 6:15 to 7:30pm, and Belly Dancing at beginners level from 7:30 to 8:30pm. Enjoy their Zen and fully equipped locker rooms as well as class props for free. The first class for new students (Florida Residents) is always free at Shakra Relaxation Oasis, 271 Alhambra Circle. Call 305-774-1355. http://www.shakramiami.com
Coral Gables Museum Preview Exhibit
Curated by historian Arva Moore Parks, the Coral Gables Museum Preview Exhibit showcases early Coral Gables, the Merrick Family and the incredible vision of Coral Gables founder and developer George Merrick, every Wednesday and Sunday from 1 to 4pm at Old Spanish Village, 2901 Ponce. Filled with never before seen early Gables photos and memorabilia, the exhibit provides a glimpse into what might be included in the future Coral Gables Museum. Call 305-910-3996.
Free Drinks At Uva Happy Hour
UVA Restaurant and Lounge at 2626 Ponce presents free well drinks and half price premium drinks from 5 to 7pm on Wednesday and Thursday evenings. Call 305-476-8111.
What's Hip Wednesday At The Biltmore
Don't miss What's Hip Wednesday, a weekly happy hour event at the BIltmore Lounge featuring half-price cocktails and complimentary hors d'oeuvres from 6 to 10pm, as well as entertainment and hip fashions from Neiman Marcus Coral Gables. The evening is hosted by "Trend Tracker" Tara Gilani. Call 305-445-1926. http://www.biltmorehotel.com
Wine Specials At The Grape
Stop in to your favorite wine bar at the Village Of Merrick Park for a great assortment of wines by the glass or the bottle, plus great food to round out the experience. It's only $15 for three preselected white or red wines. Meet up with friends at The Grape for a great time every time. Call 305-444-WINE. http://www.yourgrape.com
Wednesday Special At The Bierhaus
Enjoy Harald's Crisp Roasted Pork shanks with choice of two sides at Fritz and Franz Bierhaus, 60 Merrick Way. Listen to the sounds of local legend Piano Bob Wilder and his New Orleans style boogie. Call 305-774-1883. http://www.bierhaus.cc
The Life And Work Of Cuban Modern Master Painter
A lecture will be given at Cernuda Gallery, 3155 Ponce, by art historian and Director of the Art and Art History Department of Florida International University, Professor Juan Martinez, author of Cuban Art and National Identity, and also of the soon-to-be-published book, Carlos Enriquez: The Painter of Cuban Ballads. This is an excellent opportunity to examine the fascinating life of the painter and see the beauty of his art in its brilliance and unique imagination. Participation in this lecture series is by invitation only. There is a maximum capacity of 70 seats. Please call the gallery and reserve your seat as soon as possible. RSVP to Yvette Beaumont at 305-461-1050.
Burgundy Wine Theme Dinner
Reward your palate and your senses with a special menu prepared by Chef Ruiz at the Biltmore Hotel's Palme D'Or restaurant to accompany select wines from one of the most famous wine regions in the world. Wines selected by Sommelier Verrier. Dinner begins at 7pm and the cost is $109, or $89 for Cellar Club Members. Call 305-913-3203. http://www.thecellarclub.com
Weekly Cooking Class At Via Quadronno
Spend a blissful evening discovering great food and wine with master chef Maurizio Florio each Wednesday at Via Quadronno in the Village of Merrick Park, 320 San Lorenzo from 7:30 to 9. The cost is $55. Seating is limited to 20 persons. Dinner includes complimentary wines from their wonderful selection. Call 305-476-1160. http://www.viaquadronno.com
Blues Jam At Titanic
Wednesday is Blues Jam night at Titanic, hosted by Chris Cosner and his band, starting at 9pm. Titanic Brew Pub is located at 5813 Ponce. Call 305-667-ALES. http://www.TitanicBrewery.com
Shot Night At The Bar
It's Shot Night every Wednesday at The Bar with $2 shots of Cuervo and Jager all night. Enjoy their selection of 48 bottled beers, 10 great brews on tap and the best comfort food at The Bar, 172 Giralda. Call 305-442-2730. http://www.gablesthebar.com
Thursday, August 28
Shakra Thursday Specials
Unwind at the Westin Colonnade’s lobby from 5 to 7pm with complimentary Chair Massages and Table Tai stretches at 180Aragon. Visit their beautiful and serene Yoga Studio for Yoga for Lunch al all levels from 12:15 to 1pm, for Body Sculpting at all levels from 5:15 to 6:15pm, and for Pilates at all levels from 6:15 to 7:15pm to stretch and tone your lower back and abdominal area. Enjoy their Zen and fully equipped locker rooms as well as class props for free. The first class for new students (Florida Residents) is always free at Shakra Relaxation Oasis, 271 Alhambra Circle. Call 305-774-1355. http://www.shakramiami.com
Miracle Mile Toastmasters Thursday Lunch
With a shared interest in public speaking, members of the Miracle Mile Toastmasters meet every Thursday at 12:15pm at JohnMartin's Irish Restaurant, 253 Miracle Mile. Enjoy the opportunity to network, gain confidence and become an effective public speaker. The cost of lunch is $19. Call 786-399-9609. http://miraclemile.freetoasthost.us
Shakra Thursday Specials
Visit Shakra's beautiful and serene Yoga Studio for Yoga for Lunch al all levels from 12:15 to 1pm, for Body Sculpting at all levels from 5:15 to 6:15pm, and for Pilates at all levels from 6:15 to 7:15pm to stretch and tone your lower back and abdominal area. Enjoy their Zen and fully equipped locker rooms as well as class props for free. The first class for new students (Florida Residents) is always free at Shakra Relaxation Oasis, 271 Alhambra Circle. Call 305 to 774-1355. http://www.shakramiami.com
"Hurricane Season" Starts Now
Dolphin Stadium is becoming 'Canes Country. Be there as your Hurricanes storm onto the field through the tunnel of smoke to kick off the 2008 season at 4pm. Enjoy one of the world's largest plasma screens, high-definition video boards and a large variety of concessions and restaurants at this world-class facility. Call 305-284-2263. http://www.hurricanesports.com
Free Drinks At Uva Happy Hour
UVA Restaurant and Lounge at 2626 Ponce presents free well drinks and half price premium drinks from 5 to 7pm on Wednesday and Thursday evenings. Call 305-476-8111.
Live Music At The Grape
Stop in to your favorite wine bar at the Village Of Merrick Park for a great assortment of wines by the glass or the bottle, plus great food and live music to round out the experience. Now, from 5 to 7pm Monday through Friday, enjoy 2 for 1 glasses of wines in the 1 to 6 category. Meet up with friends at The Grape for a great time every time. Call 305-444-WINE. http://www.yourgrape.com
Live At The Biltmore
This month's band is PALO!, an Afro-Cuban funk band that intertwines Latin beats with an urban sound as the series Live At The Biltmore continues poolside every Thursday night at the Biltmore Hotel's Cascade Poolside Bar & Grill. In addition, Don Julio and Belvedere Vodka cocktails will be half off every Thursday this summer at Cascade Cascade Poolside Bar & Grill is perched on the edge of the resort's famous 700,000-gallon swimming pool, the continent's largest resort pool. Call 305-445-1926. http://www.biltmorehotel.com
Thursday Bierhaus Specials
It's home-made Goulash Night at the Bierhaus, with choice of two side dishes at Fritz and Franz Bierhaus, 60 Merrick Way. Call 305-774-1883. http://www.bierhaus.cc
End Of Summer Special With Live Music At Vinisimo
Enjoy three delicious tapas of your choice and one bottle of wine at Vinisimo, 2960 Coral Way each Thursday evening at 6pm to midnight for $40 with live music: Salsa, Rumba and Merenge all night long with Marlon & Barby. Call 305 648-2964. http://www.vinisimo.us
Thirsty Thursday Wine Tastings
Join your hosts, Lalo Durazo, owner of Jaguar, and wine educator Barry Alberts of Berries to Wine for a weekly sampling of fine wines and great food at Jaguar Ceviche Spoon Bar & Latam Grill, 3067 Grand Avenue from 7 to 9pm each Thursday. The cost is $15 per person for food and wine. RSVP is not required.
Brubeck Brothers Quartet In Concert
The Brubeck Brothers Quartet (BBQ) is an exciting jazz group featuring two members of one of America's most accomplished musical families, Daniel Brubeck (drums) and Chris Brubeck (bass and trombone). Chris and Dan Brubeck had the unique privilege of growing up listening to, studying with, and eventually playing alongside some of the great jazz legends of our time: namely their father, Dave Brubeck. The concert begins at 8pm at the Coral Gables Congregational Church at 3010 De Soto Boulevard. Tickets are $25 to $35. Call 305-448-7421 x33. http://www.communityartsprogram.org
Comedy Night At JohnMartin's
Enjoy Laughs On The Mile at JohnMartin's (253 Miracle Mile), every Thursday starting at 9pm as local comedian Freddie Stebbins and friends host a night of fun and frivolity at JohnMartin's Irish Pub. Call 305-445-3777. http://www.johnmartins.com
DJ Boe Spins At The Bar
Coral Gables' legacy pub presents the music of DJ Boe each Thursday evening, with drink specials: It's Super Size It Night for an extra ounce of liquor for free. Enjoy the selection of 48 bottled beers, 10 great brews on tap and the best comfort food every Thursday at The Bar, 172 Giralda. Call 305-442-2730. http://www.gablesthebar.com
Saturday, August 30
Shakespeare's As You Like It
Under the artistic leadership of Ricky J. Martinez, New Theatre has refined its focus on new work by producing a "Nouveau Classic" blend of classics and new works for the upcoming season, beginning with one of the Bard's most accessible romantic comedies, As You Like It, through September 14, which follows Shakespeare's gorgeous heroine, Rosalind, into a forest of possibilities. The nature of true love versus romantic love are put to the test amidst hilarious misunderstandings, gender confusions, and mistaken identities. Performances are 8pm Thursday through Saturday, plus 5:30pm on select Sundays, through September 14. Call 305-443-5909. http://www.new-theatre.org
Betrayed At GableStage
GableStage at the Biltmore proudly presents the Southeastern Premiere of Betrayed by George Packer, now running thru September 14th. Based on Mr. Packer's interviews in Baghdad, tells the story of three young Iraqis -- two men and one woman -- motivated to risk everything by America's promise of freedom. The play explores the complex relationships among the Iraqis themselves, and with their American supervisor, as they struggle to find purpose while a country collapses around them. Performances are Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 8pm, plus Sunday at 2 and 7pm. Call 305-446-1116. http://www.gablestage.org
Thursday, September 4
Camelot Spa Thank You Event
Receive an exclusive beauty giveaway individually inspired by Splendidly-Soy as well as a beauty consultation from their staff of beauty specialists at Camelot Salon & Spa, 2600 Galiano from 7 to 10pm. In addition, you will have a chance to register for their drawing for your chance to win a free massage or facial. Complimentary cocktails and Spanish delectables will be served for your enjoyment. Call 305-443-5953. http://www.camelotspa.com
Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden Volunteer Information Days
Come to Volunteer Information Days this weekend and learn about all the ways in which you can help Fairchild grow by becoming a Fairchild volunteer. With Fairchild’s busy season just around the corner volunteers are needed to serve as guides, garden hosts and gardening assistants. Help is also needed in the gift shop and at the membership table. Come and meet the staff while you learn more about volunteering at one of the world’s great botanic gardens and one of our community’s leading cultural organizations. Contact Sandy at 305-667-1651 x3324. http://www.fairchildgarden.org
Enjoy your quality time in Coral Gables and stay tuned to this channel for more Great Gables Events.
-Rob