Greetings,

The weather is marvelous this time of the year.

Friday is National Wear Red Day, bringing attention to the problem of heart disease in women. On the First Sunday in February, the Super Bowl takes place in Tampa.

Next Friday, February 12 is Lincoln's Birthday and Chinese New Year -- The Year Of The Ox, followed closely by Valentine's Day on February 14 and Presidents' Day on February 15.

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

Every Sunday
Biltmore Sunday Brunch
The Biltmore is unveiling an A La Carte Sunday Brunch experience, with first seating at 10am. Enjoy an array of delicious breakfast and lunch boards featuring all of your favorite hot and cold selections. Reserve your table today and enjoy their new Sunday brunch experience at the Biltmore. Seating is limited. Second seating at noon; third seating at 2pm. Call 877-752-2171. Please reserve in advance.

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

Granada Coral Way Gate

Coral Gables scenic photo illustrations ©  Robin and Robert Burr.

Pascal's On Ponce
A legacy venue offering Contemporary French Cuisine, Pascal's On Ponce has endured the test of time with consistency, innovation and creativity in their approach to dinner service. By age 17, Chef Pascal Oudin received the prestigious "Best Apprentice Chef Award" in France. This top distinction allowed him to continue his education in the legendary kitchens of France and America, eventually building his home base in Coral Gables. The Dinner menu reads like poetry: Porcini Mushroom & Foie Gras Soup, Infused White Truffle Oil; Muscovy Duck Terrine with Pistachio, Pear, Dijon Mustard, Sweet Onion Chutney; and that's just the starters. Main courses include Beef Tenderloin with Red Wine Sweet Onion Fondue, Asparagus, Potato Mille Feuille, Sauce Bordelaise; Diver Sea Scallops Topped with Beef Short Rib, Young Fennel, Potato and Butternut Squash; Crispy Duck Confit, Sautéed Spinach, Pommes Sarladaise, Sauce Forestiere. Finish with Tahitian Vanilla Bean Crème Brûlée; Baked Apple Tart "Tatin" with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream; Traditional Bittersweet Chocolate Soufflé with Chocolate Ganache; Key Lime Tart with Raspberry, Sablé, Baked Meringue, Fromage Blanc Mousse; Baked Alaska, Strawberry and Vanilla Ice Cream, Grand Marnier Meringue; or a splendid assortment of cheeses. The tasting menu is recommended for those that trust the best choices of the chef, paired with appropriate wines. Magnifique. Pascal's On Ponce is located at 2611 Ponce. Call 305-444-2024. http://pascalmiami.com

In Theater
Supernova at Gables Cinema
Sam (Colin Firth) and Tusker (Stanley Tucci), partners of twenty years, are travelling across England in their old campervan visiting friends, family and places from their past. Following a life-changing diagnosis, their time together has become more important than ever until secret plans test their love like never before. View trailer. Now playing at the theater. Coral Gables Art Cinema is located at 260 Aragon. Call 786-385-9689 or visit the web site for details. https://www.gablescinema.com/events/supernova/

Saturday, from 8am to 2pm
Coral Gables Farmers' Market
Every Saturday through March 27 the community Farmers Market presents fresh produce, prepared foods, baked goods, flowers and workshops for all ages from 8am to 2pm at City Hall. Be safe. Wear a mask. https://www.coralgables.com/farmers-market-at-merrick-park

Saturday, February 6 at 4pm
Seraphic Fire - In Pursuit of Peace
Exploring humanity’s continual quest for peace through the music of American composers Steve Reich and Samuel Barber, Seraphic Fire sets the anonymous poems of Irish monks from the 8th to the 13th centuries to music composed in the 20th century. Samuel Barber’s Hermit Songs are a meditation on solitude, isolation, and the simple joys of life. A special rebroadcast of the 2016 performance of Reich’s The Desert Music by Seraphic Fire and New World Symphony, conducted by Patrick Quigley, raises the duality of war and peace and questions the lengths humankind will go to achieve its goals. https://www.seraphicfire.org

Saturday, February 6 at 6:30pm
Daddy & Daughter Dinner - Luau at Venetian Pool
The traditional daddy-daughter dance has been transformed this year into a Daddy & Daughter Dinner Luau at the Venetian Pool with early seating at 6pm. Cost is $50 per person, which includes a welcome and take-home gift, keepsake invitations, dinner/desert, souvenir photo, and table games and crafts. Venetian Pool is located at 2701 DeSoto Blvd. Tickets must be purchased in advance.

Tuesday, February 9 at 9am
City Commission Meeting
Mayor Raúl Valdés-Fauli and city commissioners Vince Lago, Jorge Fors, Pat Keon and Michael Mena meet at Commission Chambers to discuss city business. The public is invited to watch, and participate with live remote public comments via Zoom. https://zoom.us/j/305446680

February 10-14
Miami International Map Fair - Virtual
The Miami International Map Fair is back in virtual format for those that enjoy the experience of exceptional antiquities, featuring top-rated dealers from past fairs, and some new exhibitors too. The fair is open 24-hours a day from February 10 to 14. Enjoy lectures by renowned speakers, and live virtual booths where you can interact with dealers to acquire a new treasure, or just explore a vast array of antique maps, rare books, and globes at your leisure. The Five-Day Access Pass with no lectures is free. The All Access Pass is $25.

Friday, February 12 from 6 to 10pm
Illuminate Coral Gables at Giralda Plaza
The Illuminate Coral Gables exhibition will turn the streets, historic buildings, and public spaces of Coral Gables into a brilliant outdoor museum. Experience more than 40 illuminated animal constellations lining the sky. With downtown Coral Gables as a three-dimensional canvas, this first-of-its-kind exhibition will fill our beautiful city with newly commissioned and existing works by world-renowned local, national and international artists and emerging virtuosos. Enjoy stunning interactive art, video projections, and light sculptures. This free experience will be on view through March 14th. http://illuminatecoralgables.org

Friday and Saturday, February 12 and 13
Pasion Flamenca - Under The Stars
Celebrate love and friendship the Bellmónt Spanish Restaurant way with a special Gala Dinner -- Pasion Flamenca Under The Stars. Enjoy a four-course prix-fixe menu and a beautiful Flamenco performance outdoors featuring four talented artists on the tablao. Dinner reservations  6 to 11pm. Flamenco Performance starts at 8:30pm with two sets of 45 minutes each. Four-course dinner and entertainment is $59 per person, $43 per kid 4 to 11 years old. Bellmónt Spanish Restaurant is located at 339 Miracle Mile. Call 786-502-4684. https://www.bellmontrestaurant.com/events/bellmont-presents-pasion-flamenca-under-the-stars/

February 13 at 11am
Hansel and Gretel - Momentum Dance Company
Momentum uses excerpts from Humperdinck's famous opera music to create just the right scary feeling. The Wicked Witch lures children to her candy-covered gingerbread house with the evil intention of eating them. Brave and clever Gretel saves her brother from a terrible fate. The cast includes Father and Mother as well as the Angel that protects children and the Witch’s evil helper, the Crow. Call 305-284-8800. Tune in to the Momentum Dance Company Facebook page to experience this dance performance. https://www.facebook.com/MomentumDanceCompany/

Saturday, February 13 at 1pm
Secret Garden Tour Of Coconut Grove
Enjoy a self-guided tour of six private gardens in Coconut Grove. Ticket sales are very limited especially for car tickets. Bikes and scooters are encouraged. All proceeds benefit Friends of the Commodore Trail. Link to Tickets.

Sunday, February 14 at 3pm
Orchestra Miami Presents Tango and More
Introduce your kids to the rich music of Argentina in a program of tango and Argentine folk songs, performed and narrated by Rosa Incaica -- the Argentinean voice and guitar duo performs an interactive concert of the classics, as well as a mix of traditional folk music from Argentina in a program for the whole family at Pinecrest Gardens. Masks are required to enter, and social distancing and other safety measures will be in place. Space is limited to 150 people. Tickets are: $10 - Kids (3-17), $12 Seniors (65+), $15 Adults, $36 for a Family pack. http://bit.ly/tangoduorosa

Sunday, February 14 at 4pm
Seraphic Fire - Serenade
This Valentine’s Day, let Seraphic Fire serenade you and your loved ones. Associate Conductor James K. Bass will host a presentation of never-before-released archival recordings of Seraphic Fire love songs–a highlight reel of some of the sweetest and most tender performances throughout the years. The performance continues into the next week as a Seraphic Fire artist prepares a personalized video performance serving as a one-on-one love-song serenade. Create a special moment by treating your valentine to a personalized concert with Seraphic Fire Serenade. Call 305-285-9060. https://www.seraphicfire.org/performances/tickets/serenade/

Sunday, February 14 at 5:30pm
Moonlight & Music -- Valentine's Day Concert
The gate opens at 5:30pm for the annual Moonlight & Music concert on Valentine's Day at the Deering Estate. The outdoor concert under the stars, from 8 to 11pm, features Miami jazz singer Melinda Rose with an opening performance by Leesa Richards. You can delight your Valentine with a decadent dinner catered by Joanna’s Marketplace. See the menu. Pre-ordered picnic baskets will be available for pick up at the concert. Limited refreshments and food will be available for purchase at the concert from Mateos Pizza & Cuban Guys. The Deering Estate Foundation will be hosting a bar selling beer, wine and Prosecco. The Deering Estate at Cutler is located at 16701 SW 72 Avenue. Call 305-235-1668. https://deeringestate.org/event/valentines-day-concert-miami/

Sunday, February 14
Lover’s Luau at Venetian Pool
Enjoy a romantic interlude with a Polynesian theme dinner experience at Venetian Pool for Valentine's Day. Dress in your swankiest South Seas attire for fun on the barefoot beach dance floor with a three-course meal alfresco for adults 21 and over. Enjoy live music and a souvenir photo to take home. The gate opens at 6pm. The cost is $150 per couple. Venetian Pool is located at 2701 De Soto Blvd. Call 305-446-6800. Details on the PlayGables web site.

Saturday, February 20 at 2pm
Wizard Of Oz - Live On Stage
After a tornado whisks her away to the magical land of OZ, young Kansas farm girl Dorothy Gale teams up with a Scarecrow, a Tin Woodsman and a Cowardly Lion to avoid the clutches of the Wicked Witch of the West to find the mighty Wizard who can send her home. Originally produced by the award-winning Prince Street Players, this funny and clever musical is sure to entertain both the largest and smallest of munchkins. https://www.actorsplayhouse.org/childrens-theatre/

Sunday, February 21 at 2pm
Charles H. Baker and Java Head
The Miami Pioneers and Natives of Dade historical society welcomes members and friends to an online presentation about the life of world travelers and celebrated bon vivants Charles and Pauline Baker, creators of the famed Java Head residence on the Coral Gables Waterway. Charles Henry Baker Jr. was an American author best known for his culinary and cocktail writings. During prohibition, Charles Baker traveled the world in search of exotic alcoholic beverages in addition to interesting people with whom he could share them. The Gentleman’s Companion: The Exotic Drinking Book is the summation of Baker’s drinking experiences abroad. https://www.mpnod.org/events/feb-21-charles-h-baker-and-java-head/

Seraphic Saturday Podcast - Episode 8
The 8th episode of the Seraphic Saturday Podcast features Artistic Director Patrick Quigley leading us on a listening tour of two important American works: Samuel Barber’s Hermit Songs, and Steve Reich’s The Desert Music. Hit play and enjoy the witty cast of Seraphic Fire’s artistic company and special guests as they dive into a smart and frank discussion of classical music. https://www.seraphicfire.org/Blog/

Valentine’s Day Special
Fred Astaire Dance Studios
Have fun with your honey learning easy and romantic moves -- an amorous notion for Valentine's Day. You will be dancing and dipping in no time with two private and two group lessons for $99. No partner necessary. Fred Astaire Dance Studios is located at 45 Alhambra Plaza. Call 305-443-0085. https://www.fredastaire.com/coral-gables/special-offers/

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

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