Greetings,

Happy New Year, one and all. Let's hope 2009 brings us better economic news, better local government and plenty of opportunities to spend quality time with friends and family in our community.

It's First Friday Gallery Night. We're expecting great weather and lots of people strolling around Coral Gables to enjoy the galleries, the music, the restaurants and the bars. Make plans now with friends to enjoy First Friday in Coral Gables.

4 Ballot Questions Approved For April Election
Coral Gables voters with bad vision better take their eyeglasses with them to the ballot box next spring, as the city elections will require more reading than any time in the recent past. http://www.cggazette.com/index.cfm?dsp=news.view&nid=996

National Accreditation Team To Review Gables PD
A team of assessors representing the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. (CALEA) will be visiting Coral Gables Police for the purposes of reviewing the department for compliance with accreditation standards, Jan. 3-7, 2009. If you have comments to share about our police department, now is the time to speak up. http://www.cggazette.com/index.cfm?dsp=news.view&nid=1023

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Friday, January 2 - First Friday Gallery Night

Bierhaus Friday Lunch Specials
Enjoy the lunch special, featuring an appetizer, entree, and dessert for a flat price of $12.95 at Fritz and Franz Bierhaus, 60 Merrick Way. Call 305-774-1883. http://www.bierhaus.cc

South Florida Arts Beat On WLRN
Tune in at 1pm to WLRN 91.3 FM to hear Ed Bell's South Florida Arts Beat program to stay abreast of cultural events in our community. You can also listen live on the internet. http://www.wlrn.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. Visit their Wine Seller, where you can choose from over 140 different wines by the bottle, and take advantage of 3-SUM: Their 3 bottle case, where you can save 15-20%. Call 305-444-WINE. http://www.yourgrape.com

Shakra Friday Specials
Shakra will come to your office or home to administer Chair Massages for a special rate of $75/hour. Visit their beautiful and serene Yoga Studio for Basic Yoga at beginners level from 5:30-6:45pm. 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

Happy Hour on the Bierhaus Plaza
It's Happy Hour on the Plaza at Fritz and Franz Bierhaus at 60 Merrick Way with two for one drinks from 5 to 7pm on Friday. Order the famous Bierhaus Burger, one of the best Burgers in Town, or Louisiana Fish fry with Harald's legendary potato salad or fries. The nightly special is Forelle Mullerin (fresh Rainbow Trout, sauteed in lemon butter with parsley potatoes and mixed greens) served from 5 to 10pm for $19.95. Enjoy live entertainment outdoors from 6 to 10pm. Call 305-774-1883. http://www.bierhaus.cc

Live Music Series at The Village of Merrick Park
Enjoy live music in the garden at the Village Of Merrick Park every Friday from 5:30 to 9:30pm, with a multicultural mix of Jazz, Bossanova, World Music, Flamenco, Classics, Pop Melodies, Contemporary and Latin Grooves. Guests can listen to the light musical stylings while enjoying all the shopping center has to offer including world-class boutiques, fine dining and light bites. This event is free and open to the public. Call 305-529-0200.

Ladies' Night At The Bar
Coral Gables' legacy pub presents drink specials: ladies can drink well drinks and Yuengling on draft for free from 5:30 to 7:30pm. Enjoy the 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

Gallery Night At Virginia Miller's ArtSpace Galleries
ArtSpace/Virginia Miller Galleries in downtown Coral Gables continues its 35-year tradition of introducing important artists and art movements to this area with "SAVE AS: Contemporary Chinese Art Born of Ancient Traditions," the first major exhibition of paintings in this country by Cao Xiaodong, opening from 7-10pm. Although his computerized screen-pattern technique and compositions clearly categorize Xiaodong as a contemporary artist, his style is compared by Chinese critics to that of their ancient ink and watercolor landscapes because of his use of traditional tones and his paintings' nostalgic sense of preserving the past. Call 305-444-4493. http://www.virginiamiller.com

Cuban Artists From The 19th To 21st Centuries
Cernuda Arte at 3155 Ponce presents Selections of Works by Cuban Artists from the 19th to the 21st centuries with an opening reception form 7 to 10pm. Meet up with friends at the gallery for an exhibition of outstanding works by artists such as, Manuel Mesa Hermida, Rodríguez Morey, Pastor Argudín, Esteban Chartrand, Romañach, Fidelio Ponce, Víctor Manuel, Mirta Cerra, Oscar García Rivera, Ravenet, Amelia Peláez, Lam, Portocarrero, Carreño, Roberto Diago, Cundo Bermúdez, Mariano, Mijares, Acosta León, Cabrera Moreno, Antonia Eiriz, Hugo Consuegra, Guido Llinás, Carmelo González, Agustín Cárdenas, Mendive, Sosabravo, Flora Fong, Tomás Sánchez, José Bedia, Gina Pellón, Julio Larraz, Pedro Alvarez, Esterio Segura, Clara Morera, Vicente Hernández, Florido, David Rodríguez, Ramón Vázquez, Gabriel Sánchez, Irina Elén, César Santos, Giosvany Echevarría, Joel Besmar, Juan Miguel Suárez, Li Domínguez Fong, Sandro de la Rosa and others. Call 305-461-1050. http://swww.cernudaarte.com

Something In Common At miArte Gallery
miArte Gallery celebrates the new year with a new exhibition, "Something In Common", featuring new works by MANO and George Rodez. Also on view the 3rd annual 85@85, an international juried exhibition. miArte Gallery invited contemporary artists from around the world working in a broad range of styles and mediums to present their work. From the hundreds of artists who submit their work for consideration only eighty five are invited to participate in the exhibition each year. Join your friends for an evening of art and a toast to the winners of the miArte Awards, selected by a panel of distinguished judges from the field of contemporary art. Both exhibits will be on view through February 21, 2009. miArte Gallery is located at 85 Merrick Way in Coral Gables, one block north of Miracle Mile and west of Douglas Road. Call 305.445.2783. http://www.miartegallery.com

Live Music In The B&B Courtyard
Enjoy live music in the beautiful Mediterranean courtyard Friday night from 7 to 11pm at Books and Books, 265 Aragon. Call 305-442-4408. http://www.booksandbooks.com

Friday Night Wine Tasting Series at Christabelle's Quarter
Meet up with friends for a special tasting event hosted by wine educator Barry Alberts at the La Boheme Patio located on the third floor of the gorgeous Christabelle's Quarter, 3157 Commodore Plaza from 7 to 9:30pm featuring international wine selections. The cost is $15 per person and there is no need to RSVP. Call 305-793-3120.

Simon Bailey: Release Your Brilliance
Each of us is born brilliant. Then we spend the rest of our lives having our brilliance buried by people, circumstances, and experiences. Release Your Brilliance (HarperCollins, $19.95) provides the combination to the vault where your brilliance is kept. After struggling for thirty-two years with disillusion, defeat, and despair, author Simon T. Bailey cracked the code to personal transformation, turning his life around and becoming a highly successful entrepreneur, respected family man and community leader. Meet the author at Books And Books, 265 Aragon at 8pm. Call 305-442-4408. http://www.booksandbooks.com

Rock And Roll at JohnMartin's
Friday evening is Rock 'n' Roll night at JohnMartin's, with the best local bands. Meet up with friends, enjoy some good pub food and refreshments and dance to your favorite tunes all night at 253 Miracle Mile. Call 305-445-3777. http://www.johnmartins.com

Live Music At Titanic
Enjoy great live music, good food and drinks, featuring well-brewed beer on tap at Titanic Restaurant and Bar, 5813 Ponce. The music stars at 10pm. Call 305-667-ALES. http://www.TitanicBrewery.com

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Saturday, January 3

Breakfast And Brunch At Novecento
Enjoy the outdoor patio or have breakfast indoors at Novecento, 121 Alhambra from 10am to 11:30. Brunch is served until 4pm on Saturday, with an extensive kid's menu. Call 305-557-0900. http://www.novecento.com

Fun Family Yoga At The Biltmore Spa
Enjoy a new weekly one-hour yoga class for families each Saturday morning, starting at 9:30am on the Back Terrace. Fitness members and guests of the hotel are invited to participate with reservations. Call 305-913-3102. http://www.biltmorehotel.com/spa/

Shakra Saturday Specials
Visit their beautiful and serene Yoga Studio for Hatha Yoga at all levels from 10-11:30am. 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

New Year Afternoon Tea At Theine Tea Salon
Enjoy a delightful afternoon tea and brunch with friends at Thiene Tea Salon, 119 Madeira from noon to 5pm. Their new hours will be Friday through Sunday from 10am to 6pm. The salon will be open Monday through Thursday for private events, catering and cooking classes. Call 305-774-0228. http://theineteasalon.com

Live Music Series at The Village of Merrick Park
Enjoy live music in the garden at the Village Of Merrick Park every Saturday from 2 to 6pm, with a multicultural mix of Jazz, Bossanova, World Music, Flamenco, Classics, Pop Melodies, Contemporary and Latin Grooves. Guests can listen to the light musical stylings while enjoying all the shopping center has to offer including world-class boutiques, fine dining and light bites. This event is free and open to the public. Call 305-529-0200.

Saturday Night Surf and Turf
Enjoy complimentary valet and a ticket to Saturday Night Fever at The Hyatt Regency's Alcazaba Lounge, 50 Alhambra Plaza, for $19.95. Call 305-447-6100.

Saturday Special At The Bierhaus
Never a cover charge at the Bierhaus. The Saturday dinner special is Zwiebelrostbraten (flattened Rib Eye Steak, sauteed and topped with a delicious onion sauce and fried onions with noodles) for $23.95 at Fritz and Franz Bierhaus, 60 Merrick Way. Call 305-774-1883. http://www.bierhaus.cc

Tarpon Bend Features Live Music
Drop into your favorite casual seafood restaurant Saturday evening from 8 to midnight for Tarpon Bend's live musical performances at 65 Miracle Mile. Call 305-444-3210. http://www.tarponbend.com

Live Music at JohnMartin's
Drop into your favorite Irish Pub to hear the best live music at JohnMartin's, 253 Miracle Mile every Saturday evening. Enjoy the Blacksmith, a refreshing combination of Smithwick's Ale and Guinness. Call 305-445-3777. http://www.johnmartins.com

Titanic Presents Live Music
Enjoy excellent pub food and drink, plus live music starting Saturday evening at 10pm at Titanic Brew Pub, 5813 Ponce. Call 305-667-ALES. http://www.TitanicBrewery.com

Live Rock & Roll At The Bar
Coral Gables' legacy pub presents live Rock & Roll each Saturday evening, with drink specials including 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

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Sunday, January 4

Sunday Gala Brunch At The Hyatt
Enjoy complimentary unlimited mimosas and house wines during Sunday Brunch at Two Sisters Restaurant at the Hyatt Regency, 50 Alhambra Plaza for $36. Call 305-447-6100.

Breakfast And Brunch At Novecento
Enjoy the outdoor patio or have breakfast indoors at Novecento, 121 Alhambra from 10am to 11:30. Brunch is served until 4pm on Sunday, with an extensive kid's menu. Call 305-557-0900. http://www.novecento.com

Sunday Brunch At The Biltmore
Enjoy a stunning display of fine foods at the Biltmore's Fountain Restaurant from 10am to 2pm as you're literally surrounded by the most elaborate spread of gourmet items in South Florida. This bountiful buffet features seafood and caviar, carved meats, made-to-order omelets, sushi, pastas, salads, tapas, quiches, artisanal cheeses, specialty dishes, a chocolate fountain and endless desserts. Enjoy live music by Juan Areco and his trio. The French champagne is flowing, the service is remarkable and the setting is perfect for entertaining guests and family members for special occasions. Reserve early; it usually sells out in advance. Call 305-913-3202. http://www.biltmorehotel.com/restaurants.asp

Sunday Brunch At The Grape
Enjoy a leisurely brunch at the Grape at the Village of Merrick Park from 11:30am to 3pm with complimentary tastes of rare wines from the four corners of the world. Call 305-444-WINE. http://www.yourgrape.com

Free Sunday Tours Of The Biltmore Hotel
The Biltmore Docents, members of Dade Heritage Trust, offer a free walking tour of the Historic Biltmore Hotel each Sunday at 1:30, 2:30 and 3:30pm, starting in the upstairs lobby by the front desk. When available, they take you to the 13th floor where the murder took place that created the ghost of the Biltmore. These 55 minute tours are free. Call the hotel at 305-445-1926. http://www.biltmorehotel.com

Florida Grand Opera: Rossini Rocks!
Florida Grand Opera presents Rossini Rocks! Justin Moss, well-known for his engaging and informative previews of FGO opera performances and guest stage director Scott Parry will speak about Rossini’s setting of the beloved Cinderella fairy-tale, with music provided by members of FGO’s renowned Young Artist Program. Join us and learn about Rossini’s La Cenerentola, a perfect opera for the entire family, which will be presented by FGO starting January 24. Meet the director at Books And Books, 265 Aragon at 3pm. Call 305-442-4408. http://www.booksandbooks.com

Sunday Afternoons Presents Eglise Gutierrez
Enjoy a performance by Eglise Gutierrez, soprano and Jorge Emilio Rodriguez, piano. Cuban American soprano Eglise Gutierrez is one of the fastest rising stars on the world's great opera stages. From her 2003 debut as Lucia di Lammermoor in Bogota, Gutierrez has gone on to give thrilling performances at Carnegie Hall, and the great stages of Buenos Aires, Rome, Mexico City, Helsinki, Seattle, Tel Aviv, and Santa Fe. Upcoming debuts include the title role of Linda di Chamonix at the Royal Opera House Covent Garden in London and her Miami operatic debut as Violetta in La Traviata. The event takes place at 4pm at University of Miami's Maurice Gusman Hall, 1314 Miller Drive. Call 305-271-7150. http://www.sundaymusicals.org

Sunday Special At The Bierhaus
It's sports time in the Bierhaus and the dinner special is Jagerschnitzel mit Spatzle (sauteed Pork Scaloppini in a savory bacon-mushroom sauce with home-made pasta) for $21.95 at Franz Bierhaus, 60 Merrick Way. Call 305-774-1883. http://www.bierhaus.cc

Acoustic Music Showcase And Wheat Beer At JohnMartin's
John Brown hosts the weekly acoustic music showcase, and special $5 pricing on JohnMartin's Wheat Beer each Sunday evening at JohnMartin's Irish Pub, 253 Miracle Mile. Call 305-445-3777. http://www.johnmartins.com

Karaoke Night At Titanic
Grab the microphone and sing your favorite songs Sunday evening at Karaoke Night at Titanic, hosted by Boogie Man George with the largest songbook in Miami. Karaoke starts at 9pm at Titanic Brew Pub, 5813 Ponce. Call 305-667-ALES. http://www.TitanicBrewery.com

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Monday, January 5

Ponce Business Association Monday Lunch
The guest speaker will be Vincent Damian, Esq., founder and president of the Coral Gables Citizens Political Action Committee (Coral Gables PAC). He will speak on: "Hopes For Coral Gables In The New Year" The Ponce Business Association meets every Monday (except holidays) for lunch at JohnMartin's Restaurant, 253 Miracle Mile, at noon. Lunch is $20 for members and $22 for guests. Call 305-443-7973. http://www.PonceAssociation.org

Power Yoga Class With Guillermo Gomez
The Biltmore Fitness Center presents a weekly Power Yoga Class each Monday from noon to 1pm with Guillermo Gomez. Call 305-913-3102. http://www.biltmorefitness.com

Shakra Monday Specials
Shakra will come to your office or home to administer Chair Massages for a special rate of $75/hour. Visit their beautiful and serene Yoga Studio for Yoga for Lunch at all levels from 12:15-1pm, Body Sculpting at all levels from 5:15-6:15pm, Basic Hatha Yoga at all levels from 6:15-7:30pm, and for Belly Dancing at intermediate level from 7:30-8:30pm. 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

Martini Monday At The Biltmore Bar
The weekly Martini Monday is an event dedicated to the most chic of cocktails for the choicest of singles at the Biltmore Bar featuring half price Belvedere Vodka, Ciroc Vodka, and Smirnoff Vodka. The hotel's resident expert mixologists have developed a menu of Martinis unlike any other at the Biltmore Bar, 1200 Anastasia, starting at 6pm every Monday. Call 305-445-1926. http://www.biltmorehotel.com

Fritz And Franz Monday Specials
The Fritz And Franz Bierhaus at 60 Merrick Way features Krautrouladen (Stuffed Cabbage) every Monday from 5 to 10pm for $15.95. Call 305-774-0883. http://www.bierhaus.cc

Tarpon Bend Happy Hour
Meet up with friends at Tarpon Bend, 65 Miracle Mile from 7 tp 9pm for happy hour specials along with the fresh catch of the day and an amazing array of seasonal raw bar items. Call 305-444-3210. http://www.tarponbend.com

Weekly Exotic Dance Workout Class
Ladies, you're invited to enjoy a weekly Exotic Dance Workout class from 7 to 8pm at Body Sense Spa & Studio at 2292 Coral Way, with Renee OConnor's The Art of Exotic Dancing for Everyday Women. Wear workout attire and bring a pair of high heels. The cost is $20 for 1 class, or $70 for 4 classes. Call 305-321-9506. http://www.artofexoticdancing.com/miami

Reese Erlich: Dateline Havana
Covering popular culture, the economy, and Cuban politics, veteran reporter Reese Erlich combines original photography with on-the-ground reporting from Havana and Miami. In Dateline Havana (PoliPointPress, $22.95), he explores Cuba's strained history with the U.S., the power of the Cuba Lobby and offers a fresh look at the island nation nearly 50 years after their historic Revolution to create a tableau that is at once moving and informative. Meet the author at Books And Books, 265 Aragon at 8pm. Call 305-442-4408. http://www.booksandbooks.com

Late Night Specials At The Bar
Enjoy 2 for 1 drink specials from 11pm to 1am. 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

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Tuesday, January 6

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

Bierhaus Tuesday Lunch Specials
Enjoy the lunch special, featuring an appetizer, entree, and dessert for a flat price of $12.95, featuring grilled chicken breast with roasted potatoes and string beans with toasted almonds or stuffed cabbage with mashed potatoes at Fritz and Franz Bierhaus, 60 Merrick Way. Call 305-774-1883. http://www.bierhaus.cc

Two Sisters Business on the Run Lunch
The Hyatt's signature restaurant features "Business on the Run Lunch" featuring the Chef's Weekly Selection with unlimited soda for $17.50. Call 305-447-6100.

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
Enjoy their beautiful and serene Yoga Studio for Power Abs and Gluteus at all levels from 5:30-6:30pm. 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

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

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

Tarpon Bend Happy Hour
Meet up with friends at Tarpon Bend, 65 Miracle Mile from 7 to 9pm for happy hour specials along with the fresh catch of the day and an amazing array of seasonal raw bar items. Cal 305-444-3210. http://www.tarponbend.com

Mark Lane: Notes from a Coastal Columnist
Mark Lane's columns appear in the Daytona Beach News-Journal. He has received numerous honors for his work, including three National Society of Newspaper Columnists awards. In Sandspurs: Notes From a Coastal Columnist (University Press of Florida, $24.95) he is far from the myth of surf, sand, and orange juice, Lane's snapshots of life in the Sunshine State are more likely to feature gargantuan insects than bikini-clad coeds. Meet the author at Books And Books, 265 Aragon at 8pm. Call 305-442-4408. http://www.booksandbooks.com

Reggae Night Specials At The Bar
It's Bombs Awat every Tuesday at The Bar with $3.50 Car Bombs, Jager Bombs, Cherry Bombs, and Grape Bombs. 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

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Wednesday, January 7

Bierhaus Wednesday Lunch Specials
Enjoy the lunch special,featuring an appetizer, entree, and dessert for a flat price of $12.95 featuring assorted sauteed vegetables baked in a puff pastry with tartar sauce or Wiener Schnitzel: breaded pork scaloppini with potato salad at Fritz and Franz Bierhaus, 60 Merrick Way. Call 305-774-1883. http://www.bierhaus.cc

Two Sisters Business on the Run Lunch
The Hyatt's signature restaurant features "Business on the Run Lunch" featuring the Chef's Weekly Selection with unlimited soda for $17.50. Call 305-447-6100.

Shakra Wednesday Specials
Enjoy "Massages a Deux" (Couple's Massages) at a discounted rate -- one person receives a 10% discount on the massage of the same or lower rate than the other person's massage. 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. 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.

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

Hyatt's Wednesday Night Dinner Special
Enjoy the Alcazaba Sampler at The Hyatt Regency, 50 Alhambra Plaza for $13.95. Call 305-447-6100.

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

Tarpon Bend Happy Hour
Meet up with friends at Tarpon Bend, 65 Miracle Mile from 7 to 9pm for happy hour specials along with the fresh catch of the day and an amazing array of seasonal raw bar items. Cal 305-444-3210. http://www.tarponbend.com

Norah Vincent: Voluntary Madness
Norah Vincent's New York Times bestselling book, Self-Made Man, ended on a harrowing note. Suffering from severe depression after her eighteen months living disguised as a man, Vincent felt she was a danger to herself. On the advice of her psychologist she committed herself to a mental institution. Out of this raw and overwhelming experience came the idea for her next book. She decided to get healthy and to study the effect of treatment on the depressed and insane "in the bin," as she calls it. Vincent applies brilliant insight as she exposes her personal struggle with depression and explores the range of people, caregivers, and methodologies that guide these strange, often scary, and bizarre environments. Eye opening, emotionally wrenching, and at times very funny, Voluntary Madness (Viking, $25.95) is a riveting work that exposes the state of mental healthcare in America from the inside out. Meet the author at Books And Books, 265 Aragon at 8pm. Call 305-442-4408. http://www.booksandbooks.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

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Thursday, January 8

Two Sisters Business on the Run Lunch
The Hyatt's signature restaurant features Business on the Run Lunch featuring the Chef's Weekly Selection with unlimited soda for $17.50. Call 305-447-6100.

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

Bierhaus Thursday Lunch Specials
Enjoy the lunch special, featuring an appetizer, entree, and dessert for a flat price of $12.95, featuring grilled fish of the day in a savory lemon-wine sauce with roasted potatoes and glazed baby carrots or lightly breaded chicken breast with roasted potatoes and cucumber salad at Fritz and Franz Bierhaus, 60 Merrick Way. Call 305-774-1883. http://www.bierhaus.cc

Shakra Thursday Specials
Take advantage of Shakra's Diamond Peel which eliminates fine lines, surface scarring, blemishes, shrinks large pores, and leaves your skin feeling silky soft and smooth. Experience immediate results. Regular Price: $125, Special Price: $99! Visit their beautiful and serene Yoga Studio for Body Sculpting at all levels 5:15 to 6:15pm, and Pilates at all levels from 6:15 to 7:15pm. 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

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

Biltmore Unplugged
The Biltmore Unplugged features live stripped down musical performances every Thursday night at Cascade Poolside Bar & Grill. This month, the Biltmore showcases Paulette Dozier, an adept trilingual jazz vocalist who's won international acclaim for her sultry voice and commanding showmanship. Live performances are at 7 and 8pm. In addition, guests will enjoy half off Don Julio Tequila and Belvedere Vodka cocktails every Thursday. 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

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.

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

Tarpon Bend Happy Hour
Meet up with friends at Tarpon Bend, 65 Miracle Mile from 7 to 9pm for happy hour specials along with the fresh catch of the day and an amazing array of seasonal raw bar items. Cal 305-444-3210. http://www.tarponbend.com

Hyatt's Thursday Night Steak Night
Enjoy a complimentary glass of wine with your steak dinner for $34 at the Hyatt, 50 Alhambra Plaza. Call 305-447-6100.

Carol O'Connor: Bone by Bone
Carol O'Connell's most recent Mallory novel, Find Me, was one of the most highly praised suspense novels of the year. In Bone by Bone (Penguin, $24.95), however, she may have written her most unforgettable novel yet. In the northern California town of Coventry, two teenage brothers go into the woods one day, but only one comes back. No one knows what happened to the younger brother, Josh, until twenty years later, when the older brother, Oren, now an ex-investigator for the Army CID, returns to Coventry for the first time in many years. His first morning back, he hears a thump on the front porch. Lying in front of the door is a human jawbone, the teeth still intact. And it is not the first such object, his father tells him. Other remains have been left there as well. Josh is coming home... bone by bone. Meet the author at Books And Books, 265 Aragon at 8pm. Call 305-442-4408. http://www.booksandbooks.com

Comedy Night At JohnMartin's
Enjoy Laughs On The Mile at JohnMartin's (253 Miracle Mile), every Thursday starting at 10pm 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

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Enjoy your quality time in Coral Gables and stay tuned to this channel for more Great Gables Events.

-Rob

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