Greetings,

Friday, April 2 is Pascua Day in Florida, celebrated as the anniversary of the discovery of Florida in 1513 by Juan Ponce de León, who searched for gold and the Fountain of Youth. He originally named the land "Pascua Florida."

Sunday, April 4 is Easter Sunday and the last day of Passover.

Tuesday, April 6 is National Tartan Day, commemorating the Scottish Declaration of Independence, from which the American Declaration of Independence was modeled. It's also National Library Workers' Day.

Please prepare for the upcoming Coral Gables General Biennial Election for Mayor and Commission seats in Group II and III on Tuesday, April 13. https://www.coralgables.com/elections

April 13 is also Thomas Jefferson's birthday. 

Make plans to enjoy the great outdoors in our little city. Walk down Miracle Mile, visit the parks. Stay safe, and enjoy the best of Coral Gables in the coming days.

Robert and Robin Burr

René Portocarrero (1912-1985) A Focus Exhibition
Cernuda Arte presents a retrospective of twenty-four works across five decades of creation by Cuban Vanguardia artist René Portocarrero. The presentation features a breadth of artwork including renditions on paper and canvas from the 1940s to the 1980s. Among the works displayed are his signature ornamented women, Havana landscapes and still lifes. On view now at the gallery -- or view photos of the exhibit and information on the works on the gallery website. https://secure.cernudaarte.com/exhibitions/rene-portocarrero-a-focus-exhibition/

please enjoy this image that reminds us of the beauty and serenity of our majestic city

Merrick House Historical Marker

Coral Gables scenic photo illustrations © Robin and Robert Burr.

The Local Craft Food and Drink

The iconic local gathering space with a first class bar, great cocktails, a fine craft beer selection and well-crafted bites, The Local Craft Food and Drink on Restaurant Row is a Great Gables Guide reader favorite. The Happy Hour specials include cheeseburger fries, and tasty chicken bites in three variations: Al Pastor, Buffalo and classic fried.

Brunch on the weekends, from noon to 4pm, features chicken and waffles, french toast, omelets, and triple-stack lemon curd pancakes. A kids menu is also available.

Starters of note include the cornbread and honey butter, mac and cheese, kimchi fries, smoked fish dip and the charcuterie board. Burgers are the strong suit, but the spicy chicken sandwich and the fish and chips are favorites.

The craft cocktails and beer selection deserve special attention. There's always a craft cocktail on draft, ready to serve, which varies by the day. Try a Rum Old Fashioned, the Half Baked, the Smoking Section or the Voodoo Child. Craft beers are selected by the season, with special attention to local producers.

The Local Craft Food and Drink is located at 150 Giralda Ave. https://www.thelocal150.com

Now Activated

Miami-Dade 2021 Solar Co-op

Take control of your energy production -- with solar on the rooftop and money in your pocket. This award-winning non-profit organization makes all the difference. Solar United Neighbors offers co-operative free services to homeowners with expert advice. Co-op members work as a team to get the best equipment for the lowest prices from top-rated vendors, with support throughout every step of the process. There is no obligation and no cost for Solar United Neighbors services. Share the news with friends and family and start making a difference in your life, and in your community, with your own resilient, reliable, clean energy. https://coops.solarunitedneighbors.org/coops/miami-dade-2021-solar-co-op/

News From GableStage

Bari Newport Selected As Producing Artistic Director

GableStage announced today that Bari Newport will become its producing artistic director, succeeding Joe Adler, who passed away last April after 20 seasons leading the organization. "Bari has the rare combination of artistic ability and business skills to run a theater and lead our growth efforts," the GableStage Board said in a statement. Since 2012, Newport has led the Penobscot Theatre Company in Bangor, Maine, as producing artistic director. GableStage is the recipient of 64 Carbonell Awards, a prestigious South Florida theatre award. GableStage is located at the Biltmore Hotel, 1200 Anastasia Ave. Call 305-445-1119. Learn more about Bari on YouTube video.

Friday, April 2 at 7:30pm

Earth First Friday - Sonic Sea

The Barnacle invites all nature lovers to view Sonic Sea -- a one hour award-winning documentary film about the devastating impact of human-produced ocean noise on whales and other marine life. It is narrated by the Oscar-nominated actress Rachel McAdams and features Grammy Award-winning musician Sting, as well as renowned oceanographic explorers and educators Sylvia Earle and Jean-Michel Cousteau. South Florida Campaign Organizer for Oceana, Catherine Uden, will explain how Sonic Sea is related to Oceana’s campaign to stop seismic airgun blasting and new offshore drilling in the Atlantic Ocean. Tickets are $12 for adults and children. With gates opening an hour before the program begins, there's plenty of time to spread out a blanket and folding chairs and enjoy a picnic on the spacious front lawn. The Barnacle Historic State Park is located at 3485 Main Highway. Call 305-442-6866. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/earth-first-friday-sonic-sea-tickets-143016420965

Streaming April 2 to 6
The Belle of Amherst - Emily Dickinson
Palm Beach Dramaworks Producing Artistic Director William Hayes and Actors’ Playhouse Artistic Director David Arisco are pleased to announce a virtual coproduction of The Belle of Amherst, William Luce’s one-woman play based on the life of poet Emily Dickinson from 1830 to 1886, and set in her Amherst, Massachusetts home. The 1976 play makes use of her work, diaries, and letters to recollect her encounters with the significant people in her life -- family, close friends, and acquaintances. It balances the agony of her seclusion with the brief bright moments when she was able to experience some joy. Margery Lowe portrays the enigmatic poet and Hayes directs. Tickets are $30 and all proceeds will benefit PBD and Actors' Playhouse, supplying much-needed revenue at a time when the theatres are earning no income. Once a ticket is purchased, the play can be viewed at the ticket holder’s convenience any time from April 2nd through April 6th. https://www.palmbeachdramaworks.org/program/artaffair

Now In Theater

Shiva Baby at Gables Cinema

After getting paid by her sugar daddy, Danielle (Rachel Sennott) rushes to meet her neurotic parents at a family shiva. Upon arrival, she is accosted by various estranged relatives about her appearance and lack of post-grad plans, while her confident ex-girlfriend, Maya (Molly Gordon), is applauded by everyone for getting into law school. The day takes a turn for the worst when Danielle's sugar daddy, Max (Danny Deferrari), arrives at the shiva -- with his wife (Dianna Agron) and crying baby in tow. Shiva Baby, the feature film debut from Emma Seligman, is a cringe-inducing, sex-positive coming-of-age comedy that ushers in a bold new voice -- both from Seligman and star Rachel Sennott, who perfectly captures the contradictory and suffocating pressures placed upon young women with equal parts pathos and humor. https://www.gablescinema.com/events/shiva-baby/

Now Showing Virtually

2021 Oscar Nominated Short Films

A perennial hit with audiences around the country and the world, the 2021 Oscar Nominated Short Films are available to you right at home. With all three categories offered -- Animated, Live Action and Documentary -- this is your annual chance to predict the winners. Each individual program costs $12 and a bundle of all three is available for $30. For a full list of all the virtual titles: http://www.gablescinema.com/programs/virtual-screening-room/

Friday to Sunday - April 2 to 4

Celebrate Easter At Morton's

Bring the family to Morton's The Steakhouse for Easter Weekend, featuring the famous slow-roasted prime rib dinner. Experience the signature "Chicago Cut" with house made au jus and fresh whipped horseradish cream for $49. Ask about the Easter-To-Go package for home. https://www.mortons.com/featuring/easter-menu

Saturday, April 3 at 9pm

Life of Brian - Cinema After Hours

Sharing a birthday with a celebrity is always fun but when that person is the son of God and you were born right next door, well, that's a recipe for disaster. Brian Cohen is born in Bethlehem in the stable next door to Jesus, which confuses the three wise men who come to praise the future King of the Jews. This mistake follows young Brian throughout his life, where he often finds himself in the shadow of the Messiah. Through a series of absurd circumstances, Brian becomes the unwitting leader of a revolt against Roman imperial rule. Monty Python's Life of Brian was a cutting-edge box office hit that got a rise out of several religious groups for its "blasphemous" satire. A number of UK town councils banned the film, with some lasting well into the 21st century. But that didn't prevent Life of Brian from becoming one of the Python's signature films and a contender for one of the greatest comedies of all time. As they say, always look on the bright side of life! https://www.gablescinema.com/events/life-of-brian/

Monday, April 5 at 9am

Coral Gables Board of Adjustment Meeting

The Board of Adjustment is a quasi-judicial board that meets on the first Monday of the month, hearing variances and appeals from staff’s decision other than the City Architect. The Board of Adjustment will be holding its regular board meeting via the Zoom platform at 9am. View agenda. The public may comment on an item on the agenda by sending an email to planning@coralgables.com prior to the meeting. Zoom link: https://zoom.us/j/91726422661 

Saturday, April 11 at 4pm

Miami Premiere of Lost and Found Dance Performance

Karen Peterson and Dancers, Florida's leading physically integrated company, returns to onstage performance with the Miami premiere of their full-length program Lost And Found at Pinecrest Gardens. The group, which includes professional dancers with and without disabilities, will address this past pandemic year in a series of duets that push the envelope on what dance can be and how we face a global crisis. The afternoon features all seven company members, with choreography by Artistic Director Karen Peterson in collaboration with the dancers. $20 general admission, or $10 for those under 18. Pinecrest Gardens is located at 11000 SW 57th Ave. Call 305-298-5879.  Order tickets online from EventBrite. 

Register In Advance
Summer Camp In The Gables

Get the kids ready for fun and safe summer camps -- gymnastics, basketball, volleyball, swimming, fitness, tennis, golf, and more. Registration is now open for residents, members and non-residents. Sign up in-person at the Youth Center on 405 University Drive or online. Call 305-460-5600. Email: parks@coralgables.com. Youth Center web site: https://www.coralgables.com/coral-gables-war-memorial-youth-center

Many of our favorite eateries in the Gables are offering curbside takeout, as well as delivery services. Here's a handy list of choices for Gables residents and friends.

http://www.greatgables.com/CoralGables/ToGo.html