Greetings,

The City of Coral Gables Division of Emergency Management is coordinating closely with Miami-Dade County, the Florida Department of Health, and community health partners to provide access to vaccination for our residents. For details, use this link: https://www.coralgables.com/COVID-19Testing

Spring Forward: Turn the clocks forward on Sunday, March 14 at 2am for Daylight Savings Time.

Wednesday, March 17 will be Saint Patrick's Day.

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/2021-election-home

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

Coral Gables Library East Entrance

Coral Gables scenic photo illustrations © Robin and Robert Burr.

Hillstone On Miracle Mile

A perennial favorite for Great Gables Guide readers, this restaurant and bar in the heart of downtown began life in the Gables as Houston's back in 2001, changing the name to Hillstone in 2010.

They really excel at delivering high quality food and service with consistency, and the bar is probably the most popular in the Gables for good reason: top quality cocktails and a good wine and beer list. Reader's recommend the Coconut Shrimp Roll and Ahi Tuna Tartare for starters, along with the Thai Steak & Noodle Salad.

The burgers are just fabulous, and the Famous French Dip Au Jus is a winner. Scottish Salmon is a classic here, as are the Campfire Barbecue Pork Ribs.

First and foremost, people will tell you Hillstone is about the perfect steak -- a Double-Cut Pork Chop, USDA Prime Filet, The Hawaiian Rib-Eye Steak, and the Prime New York Strip are top-notch. Finish with the warm apple walnut cobbler, or the house-made hot fudge sundae with candied pecans.

Hillstone is located at 201 Miracle Mile. Call 305-529-0141. https://hillstonerestaurant.com/locations/coralgables/

Now Playing In Theatre

The Mole Agent at Gables Cinema

Sergio is a Chilean spy. Sort of. At least, he is offered the role of one after a casting session organized by Detective Romulo, a private investigator who needs a credible mole to infiltrate a retirement home. Romulo’s client, the concerned daughter of a resident, suspects her mother is being abused and hires him to find out what is really happening. Maite Alberdi’s The Mole Agent is a stylish combination of an observational documentary and a spy movie, with sleek camerawork and wonderfully watchable characters. It’s a unique meditation on compassion and loneliness that will infiltrate your heart and never let go. Chile's Official Submission to the Oscars and shortlisted for both Best Documentary Feature and Best International Feature Film. https://www.gablescinema.com/events/the-mole-agent/

Final Weekend
Illuminate Coral Gables
A world-class art exhibition in downtown Coral Gables created for specific outdoor locations, Illuminate Coral Gables will be on view until March 14. Curated by Lance Fung, Catherine Cathers, Jennifer Easton and Rosie Gordon Wallace, the exhibition will feature eight projects incorporating video projections, sculpture and art installations by a stellar group of local, national, and international artists including Kiki Smith and Cai Guo-Qiang. http://illuminatecoralgables.org

Final Curtain
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/

Thursday, March 11 at 6pm
Candidates Forum at University of Miami
The Coral Gables Chamber Of Commerce and League of Women Voters of Miami-Dade County present an open forum of discussion and debate with candidates for elected office in Coral Gables. In person attendance is by invitation only and limited to the candidates, their guests, Chamber leadership, UM hosts and City officials. Please submit your questions for the candidates to: events@coralgableschamber.org. To view the event live on Zoom from 6 to 9pm, you must register online in advance.

Friday, March 12 at 7pm

Connor Munroe Quartet - Live at The Barnacle

-year-old Connor Munroe is a Miami native and a senior at Ransom Everglades School, but don't let his youth fool you. This soulful saxophonist has been performing jazz for half his life, has won numerous awards, and has been selected for twelve All-American and All-State jazz bands. His debut album "Then + Now" consists of classic jazz ballads that Munroe orchestrated and features his signature, expressive sound behind a lush orchestra that includes a jazz big band, strings, and backup vocalists. The gate opens one hour before show time. Outdoors and socially-distanced. Seating is limited to 50 people. Prices are $20 per person and $18 for Members of The Barnacle Society. Tickets are available online. 

Friday, March 12 at 7:30pm
Jazz Roots on the Plaza: Big Band Jazz
Directed by Steve Guerra, The Frost Studio Jazz Band presents a chronological history of big band music in the United States. Starting with music from the birthplace of jazz, New Orleans, the Frost Studio Jazz Band will lead you on a journey through big band’s rich history, featuring music made popular by Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, the Count Basie Orchestra, Henry Mancini, Thad Jones, Mary Lou Williams, Frank Sinatra, and many others. https://www.arshtcenter.org/en/Tickets/Calendar/2020-2021-Season/Jazz-Roots-on-the-Plaza/Jazz-Roots-on-the-Plaza-Big-Band-Jazz/

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

Free Orchids For Residents
Fairchild Gardens Million Orchid Project

The City of Coral Gables has been working with Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden on the Million Orchid Project, with plans to reintroduce a select group of natives orchids back into the trees of Coral Gables. Since 2016, more than 47,000 orchids have been planted throughout the City. The program has been extended with the goal of planting 250,000 orchids within the next 10 years. To encourage resident participation, Fairchild is distributing orchids free of charge during the weekly Farmers Market. https://fairchildgarden.org/science-and-education/science/million-orchid-project/

Saturday & Sunday, March 13, 14, 20, 21

Fairchild Garden - Orchids in Bloom

Enjoy Orchids in Bloom with your family and friends in a tropical oasis. This year's special event covers multiple days of orchids with tours, live plant demos, orchid vendors, music and more, from 9:30am to 4:30pm. Special features and programs include National Orchid Garden Walking Tour; How to pollinate and breed orchids; The Million Orchid Project Walking Tour; How to attach orchids to trees; National Orchid Garden Walking Tour; and General Collection Walking Tour. The best local and international Orchid growers are back with a wide variety of orchids for sale. Enjoy the artisan market, as well as some amazing sweet and savory food trucks. Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden is located at 10901 Old Cutler Road. Call 305-667-1651. https://fairchildgarden.org/events/orchids-in-bloom/

Saturdays at 11:15am

Latin Dance Workout at Fred Astaire

Experience the ultimate Latin Dance Workout on Saturday mornings at Fred Astaire, 45 Alhambra Plaza. Limit ten people in house, or join on Zoom. Call 305-443-0085. https://www.fredastaire.com/coral-gables/

Saturday, March 13 at 6:30pm

Paddington Movie - Family Day on Aragon

Enjoy an outdoor viewing at the museum. From the beloved novels by Michael Bond and producer David Heyman (Harry Potter), Paddington tells the story of the comic misadventures of a young Peruvian bear (voiced by Ben Whishaw) who travels to London in search of a home. Finding himself lost and alone, he begins to realize that city life is not all he had imagined -- until he meets the kindly Brown family (including the loveable Sally Hawkins) who read the label around his neck that says "Please look after this bear. Thank you," and offer him a temporary haven. It looks as though his luck has changed until this rarest of bears catches the eye of a museum taxidermist (played by Nicole Kidman). https://www.gablescinema.com/events/paddington/

Friday and Saturday at 9pm

Beetlejuice - After Hours Movie

A recently deceased couple (Alec Baldwin & Geena Davis) are forced to haunt their house when they are put on a “waiting” list for heaven. When they realize that they don’t have what it takes to be scary ghosts, they hire an expert – Beetlejuice (Michael Keaton), a veteran ghost who isn’t as he seems. After the success of his directorial debut, Pee-wee’s Big Adventure, director Tim Burton was disheartened by the lack of imagination in all the scripts sent his way until Michael McDowell’s original script for Beetlejuice made it to his desk. https://www.gablescinema.com/events/beetlejuice/

Tuesday, March 16 at 7pm

Brigadoon - Musicals For Members

Gene Kelly, Cyd Charisse and Van Johnson star in this classic American film musical about a powerful love and the magical town Brigadoon. When two Americans, Tommy Albright (Kelly) and Jeff Douglas (Johnson), happen upon the innocent and magical town nestled in the Scottish Highlands, Tommy falls in love with Brigadoon's Fiona Campbell (Charisse). But this wondrous town appears only one day every 100 years -- never long enough to be corrupted by the outside world -- and Tommy can only stay with Fiona if he loves her enough to forever leave the life he knows. Featuring the songs "Almost Like Being in Love," "Heather on the Hill" and "Come to Me Bend to Me." Based on the Broadway musical Brigadoon. https://www.gablescinema.com/events/brigadoon/

Wednesday, March 17 at 4pm

Historic Preservation Board Meeting

The city's Historic Preservation Board will be holding its Regular Meeting at 4pm at City Hall Commission Chambers. View the agenda. While the City is back to live in-person meetings, members of the public are still required to participate via the Zoom platform used by the Historical Preservation Board for live remote comments. Members of the public may join the meeting via Zoom at https://zoom.us/j/97782184723

Wednesday, March 17 at 8pm

Test Pattern at Gables Cinema

Virtual Q&A with Test Pattern director Shatara Michelle Ford at 8pm. Part psychological horror, part realist drama, this exhilarating debut feature from Shatara Michelle Ford is set against the backdrop of national discussions around inequitable health care and policing, the #metoo movement, and race in America. Test Pattern follows an interracial couple whose relationship is put to the test after a Black woman is sexually assaulted and her white boyfriend drives her from hospital to hospital in search of a rape kit. Winner of top prizes at the BlackStar and New Orleans Film Festivals, this gripping social thriller offers a unique exploration of institutional racism and sexism from a Black woman's point of view. https://www.gablescinema.com/events/test-pattern/

Wednesday, March 17 at 8:30pm

Code Enforcement Board Meeting

The City Code Enforcement Board meets at City Hall Commission Chambers at 8:30pm. Link to the agenda. The public may join the meeting via Zoom: https://zoom.us/j/5892626316

Saturday, March 20

Great American Cleanup - Keep Coral Gables Beautiful

Coral Gables presents the Plogging At Matheson Event, a combination of jogging and plocka upp (Swedish for to pick up), plogging entails jogging and quickly stopping to pick up trash while you go. This event is at your own pace, whether that is walking, jogging or running from 8 to 10am at Matheson Hammock Park. Keep Coral Gables Beautiful is a local affiliate of the Keep America Beautiful and Keep Florida Beautiful organizations. Pre-register online.

Saturday, March 20 from 10am to 2pm

Blood Drive and Acupuncture at Woman's Club

Coral Gables Women's Club is holding a community participation day at the club house, presenting an opportunity to contribute to the annual blood drive, and presenting an acupuncture service for those interested in learning the benefits of these unique procedures. Proceeds and donations benefit the Coral Gables Children's Dental Clinic. Coral Gables Women's Club is located at 1001 E. Ponce de Leon Blvd. Contact info@itmblood.org for an appointment to donate blood. Call 305-812-1844 for an acupuncture appointment. https://acupuncturemiamiflorida.com

Sunday, March 28 at 3pm

Orchestra Miami - The Purple Palace

What happens when Princess Purple banishes all the other colors from the Land of Chromatica? Will diversity and tolerance triumph? Find out in The Purple Palace, a musical tale composed by Bruce Adolphe with the story written by Louise Gikow. The 14-piece orchestra will be led by Orchestra Miami Artistic Director Elaine Rinaldi and performed with a special guest narrator Neil Nelson. Perfect for children ages 3 and up. Also on the program is A Treeful of Monkeys by Daniel Dorff. This delightful story is based on a traditional African Folk Tale about a hat seller who takes a nap under a tree, and wakes to find that the monkeys have taken all his hats and are wearing them up in the trees. Watch the performance live in-person at Pinecrest Gardens, or catch the livestream broadcast at home. Pinecrest Gardens’ Banyan Bowl is located at 11000 SW 57 Avenue. Tickets are $15 for Adults, $12 for Seniors, $5 for children, and a Family Pack (2 Adults & 2 Children) are available for $36. Livestream tickets are available for just $10 per household. Call 305-274-2103. Get in-person tickets or livestream tickets.

March 29 to April 2

Actors' Playhouse Spring Break Camp for kids

Spring Break Mini-Camp offers students five days of concentrated study of theatre, including warm-up and audition techniques, theatre games, improvisation, music and dance. In addition, students will have an opportunity to perform at the end of the week for family and friends. https://www.actorsplayhouse.org/theatre-classes/

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

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 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. 

Now Available

305 Family Style Menu at Eating House

Enjoy a seven-dish family style menu at Eating House -- the new 305 Menu features Tomato y Aguacate, Croqueta Preparada, Ropa Vieja Poutine, Havana Hot Chicken, Crispy Pork Belly, Timba Panna Cotta and Café Con Leche Pancakes, for $45 per person. Eating House Miami is located at 804 Ponce. Call 305-448-6524. RSVP online. http://www.eatinghousemiami.com/#reservations-2-section