Get Your Carnaval On

This weekend, it's the popular Carnaval on the Mile!

Expect the same good time as always - great music, tons of food, art, jewelry and activities for the kids.

The deets: Saturday and Sunday, March 3 and 4, 11 a.m. - midnight (Sat) and 11 a.m. - 8 p.m. (Sun).

The performance schedule looks pretty great, including some personal favorites, Ozomatli, Locos Por Juana, Palo, Xperimento and Ed Calle.

The weather's supposed to be great this weekend, so no excuses - get out there and dance your butt off!

2011 Holiday Spectacular & Tree Lighting Ceremony

Time for the always-anticipated Holiday Spectacular in the City Beautiful!

This year, the tree lighting ceremony and related activities (opening of the park, pictures with Santa, bounce house, music and dance) takes place on Friday, December 2, from 5-10 p.m. The tree lighting ceremony takes places at 7 p.m.

Biltmore Way immediately west of Le Jeune Rd. will most likely close, as usual, so be aware of the usual related traffic issues.

This event is put together by the City of Coral Gables. Any questions, please contact Parks and Recreation at 305-460-5600.

Update on Les Halles

So in my last post on this topic, I said I'd keep my eye on in and see and what happens.

Here's an update: nothing's happened. While there were rumors of a rennovation, the site of Les Halles remains empty and sad and all alone. I walk or drive by at least once a week, and so far, nothing.

I think it's safe to call the time of death on this place.

I'm Loving Il Grissino

Another restaurant I've been loving lately is Il Grissino.

Let's start with the space. That used to be Jone's Meats (or something like that), which I used to frequent as a high schooler (I worked nearby). I remember thinking they were way overpriced (not sure if that's true or only seemed that way to me because I earned $4.25 an hour). I have no clue what it was before that, and it was a few other things before becoming Il Grissino. I was last there when it was La Gastronomia, and I remember it being more closed in. I'm pretty sure the current owners knocked down a wall, but in any case, the dining area is wide open and lovely. I love the look here - it's airy, calm and generally pleasing. For whatever reason, it reminds me of homes built in the late 50's/early 60's.

The food - decently priced Italian - is great. Not this spectacular, oh-my-god-I've-never-had-anything-like-this Italian, but it's delicious and solid. The burrata is amazing (burrata currently being my obsession. I'm trying it everywhere I go, and Il Grissino's is currently tied for first place with Osteria del Teatro's). Everything else we've tried - the gnocchetti, the tortelli, a couple of the risottos and various seafood dishes - has been a pleasure to eat. Great flavor, good portions. Delicious.

The service is good, too, with experienced staff that strikes a good balance between being attentive but not hovering. Everyone's pleasant and low-key.

Low-key -- that's a good word to describe the place. Something about it invites me to sit back, enjoy the wine and linger over a great meal. Which is exactly what I want out of my neighborhood Italian restaurant.


Il Grissino
127 Giralda
305-461-3391

Route 9: Yes

I had brunch this past Sunday at the recently opened (about six weeks, to be exact) Route 9, located on Ponce de Leon Blvd., north of Alhambra (formerly Don Chile, formerly Mama Lila's Bistro - which I sorely miss).

In essence: Win. Loved it. The menu was creative, delicious and reasonably priced. I had these black bean, chorizo and fried egg tacos that were the perfect blend of flavor and kick. The accompanying home fries tasted unlike any I've had before - I could swear they had a hint of lemon or something like it. I also had some of the frittata with potatoes, leeks and burrata, which alone makes that dish wonderful. I am crazy about burrata and am on a quest to eat every burrata dish in town.

My one quibble, food-wise, was that the blueberry scones were a bit too spongy and not enough blueberries, but it's no big deal. Brunch was sufficiently impressive that I'll be back soon for dinner.

I urge to check out the menu: it's got some interesting takes on classic dishes.

Service was good as well, though they're clearly still learning to find their groove. They very quickly and easily accommodated our group even though I didn't know the exact number of people in the party (whatever, I wasn't in charge of the RSVPs, I just got there first). Staff was friendly, accommodating and serviceable. I'm not too keen on the gray sweater uniform (boys, you'd look so much cuter in rolled-sleeve plaid shirts), but hey, minor detail.

What I like about the place was that it felt warm and homey (down to a sweet little hang-out area in the back with couches), a neighborhood place where one could easily become a regular. I love places like this - privately owned, with clearly a lot of love and care poured into every aspect. My concern is that it's located farther away from the heavy foot traffic of the Miracle Mile area, which restaurants in the blocks immediately near it benefit from. I would hate to see this place go by the way of its predecessors. It was heartening to see it fairly busy when I was there, but I hope it grows into a bustling business.

All in all, I'm excited to try dinner and would definitely go back for brunch. This is the kind of place with the potential to become a neighborhood institution; so neighbors, go check it out!


Route 9
1915 Ponce De Leon
Coral Gables, FL 33134
305-569-9009

Really, City of Coral Gables, REALLY?

Last week, when westbound traffic on Miracle Mile was tied up early in the morning because of the tree trimmers, I was mildly frustrated; but since it was the opposite side of traffic, it was really no big deal and, whatever. Life moved on.

But with the tree trimmers (with the wood chipper) blocking the right lane these last three mornings on the eastbound side (that is, on the traffic side, during morning rush hour), I'm at my wits' end. Honestly, who in the City thought this was a good idea? I mean, come on! It's 8 a.m., traffic's picked up, and we all have to come to a dead stop, then a painful crawl because no one thought to have the guys do this work a little later?

Seriously?

Seasons 52 Set to Open Nov. 15 (Updated)

Wow, that was fast. I've been watching that spot, where a number of boutiques came and went, these last months. When I saw the entire building demolished and the sign for Seasons 52 come up, I was like, see you in two or three years.

Guess not! Looks like the opening is set for Nov. 15, which is just around the corner.

Driving by today, I noticed they'd removed the wooden planks, and I had a clear view into the restaurant, and my first thought is, very pretty.

Seasons 52 is apparently a chain restaurant (for lack of a better term, but it's not all over the place like Chili's or something). My boyfriend has been to one and has nothing but good things to say (going so far as saying numerous times he'll be taking me there soon, which is considerable endorsement from him).

According to material they sent me, "Seasons 52 is known for its seasonally inspired menu that features the freshest ingredients in flavorful dishes that are thoughtfully prepared. The restaurant uses natural cooking techniques like wood-fire grilling, brick oven cooking and caramelizing vegetables to let the flavors shine through in its dishes. The result is a delicious, fully satisfying meal, and every menu item is less than 475 calories," which is in essence exactly what I'd heard about the place.

Some facts about the Gables location: seating for 300; 100 different wines, including 60 available by the glass, in 26 different varietals; private seating available for 80 to 100 guests and a chef’s table for smaller parties; and a circular piano bar that will feature live music every night.

All in all, I'm reeeaallllyyy looking forward to this addition to the Gables.

Seasons 52
321 Miracle Mile
Website

Update:

I knew my "chain restaurant" comment wasn't the best description when I wrote it, but it inspired the folks at S52 to clarify that this is a “change” restaurant, a new concept in dining.

Quoted straight from them: "Rather than dining at the same place with the same menu and the same ingredients meal after meal, diners are seeking fresh and flavorful restaurants like Seasons 52, providing guests with seasonally inspired menus, award-wining wines and live nightly music.

The Seasons 52 name reflects the fact that each menu is inspired by the seasons and offers the fresh appeal of the farmer’s market, a concept that is truly right for the times. Every week of the year the menu strives to feature the freshest ingredients at the peak of ripeness and flavor and in ways that showcase culinary art and creativity."

Sounds good to me! I appreciate this concept and am curious to see it play out soon.

Halloween on the Mile Celebration - the Details

It's that time of year again! Here are the details for the annual Halloween on the Mile festivities:

This year's event will take place Saturday the 30th, from 3 to 6 p.m. It'll be the usual: trick-or-treating, live performances, costume contests (for humans and dogs alike), etc.

From the info I received, here are some specifics: "During this year’s Halloween on the Mile, children can collect candy from participating Miracle Mile merchants, visit a Halloween-themed photo booth at the Coral Gables Museum, listen to spooky stories at Books & Books and take part in the annual costume contest at 5 p.m. at The Actors’ Playhouse. Canines dressed in Halloween garb can also strut their stuff at a doggie costume contest emceed by NBC 6 WTVJ reporter Nathalie Pozo held at the Coral Gables Museum at 4 p.m. and sponsored by the Humane Society of Greater Miami Adopt-A-Pet."

As I say every year, I love this event and will be there. I suggest arriving early, or walking if you live nearby, as it can get packed in the downtown area.

The number to call for more info is 305-569-0311.

Happy Halloween!

(As I get info from other businesses, I'll update this post.)

Coral Gables Art Cinema Opens Oct. 15

Ok, so not "Summer 2010," but close enough. By now I'm sure you're aware that the new art cinema opens the 15th (I know, late to the party. Whatev. Wish I could provide breaking news, but it usually comes in when I'm swamped with other stuff).

The opening night movie is Freakonomics, with screenings at 7 and 10 p.m., as well as a reception at 9 p.m. If you're a ticketholder to either screening, you can attend the reception.

As for cost - hold on to your lunch - it's $100. Each. All right, so they're using the opening night event as a fundrasier for the cinema... but... eeesh. You'll have to be a big believer in the cause to pay $100 for this.

You can buy your tickets or get more info at the website, or call 786-385-9689.

Oktoberfest Celebrations in the Gables

A couple of things going on around here for Oktoberfest.

First, the Kiwanis of Little Havana/Art in the Park bring us a weekend of festivities at Ponce Circle Park, October 1 (8 p.m.) and 2 (2 p.m.). Expect lots of German food, music, art and activities for the kiddies. Get the details here.

Next, Fritz and Franz, of course, have their annual celebration (I went in 2008 and it was lots of fun). You know they'll have tons of beer, plus food and live entertainment. Runs through October 10. Details here.

The Bar has some stuff going on, too, drink specials, DJ, outdoor bar -- Friday, Oct. 1.

Angelique Euro Cafe is offering craft beer and Bavarian treats through Monday the 4th.

If you know of others, feel free to post in the comments.

So What's Up with Les Halles? (Updated)

I noticed weeks ago that it was closed, and at the time, it wasn't clear if it was a temporary closing, or what. Now I hear it's most definitely closed for good.

This bites. I'd only been there once and really enjoyed my meal. The entire experience, actually, was really nice. I was looking forward to visiting again.

So, what happened?

And I was so looking forward to trying the mac 'n cheese. Sigh.

************************

Update: A friend who follows them on Facebook says the page says it's a temporary closure and hints it's just a major refurbishing. That's encouraging. But we'll see.

Coral Gables Cinemateque to Open Soon

I wrote about the Coral Gables Cinemateque last year. This venue has been a long time coming, and while details are minimal, it looks like it'll soon be opening.

The note on the website's homepage says it's opening in the Summer of 2010, which may be in the next month, since that's all that's left of summer. Given that they just launched a Facebook page, I'm going with the notion that an opening is imminent, but again, the website has scant info.

I'm curious about what movies they'll be showing. I'm already a big fan of the Tower Theater, which I think does a really great job of presenting independent and foreign films.

I'll post more details if I find any.

A Sports Post from a Non-Sports Person

A few weeks ago I discovered that Saturdays after Marlins home games there are some really neat concerts that follow. Now, for all I know, this has been going on for 13 years, or more, or less; I haven't got a clue because I am about as uninterested in sports as they come and have zero knowledge about what goes on at the stadium. (In fact, I went to my first-ever baseball game last September).

This is an interesting situation for me because I've fallen in love with a man who is the personification of "sports nut," and it's completely new territory for me. We've already established that I'm never going to care about sports in any way, but I'm open to learning from him and going to an occasional game of some kind.

Anyway. So these Saturday concerts? Are pretty neat. I haven't been to one yet, but from what I've been learning, the Marlins bring in a wide variety of acts, and they're FREE with your game ticket.

This Saturday (against Tampa Bay, btw), it's music for the merengue lovers: Sergio Vargas and Milly Quezada. Both these singers have been stars since the 1980's (I remember them from my childhood), and are bringing the Dominican love to the post-game party.

Next Saturday, the concert is O.A.R., which seriously impresses me because they're a major act right now and this is a FREE show to see them live. Crazy.

There's a lot of other stuff going on during Saturday games: giveaways (it's an airhorn this week, which I want quite badly. I need something to drown out those infernal vuvuzelas that are making me ill), pre-game autograph sessions with players, prizes, fireworks... the works.

You can get more info at the Marlins website or call 1-877-MARLINS.

Latin American Cafe: NO

I recently had breakfast at the new Latin American Cafe on Coral Way and SW 16 Ave, and I don't know if that location is permanently doomed or what, but wow, it was awful. I haven't had a meal that bad out in quite some time.

The main problem actually wasn't the food: my party of four sat at an outdoor table (be warned, much like the one that used to be further up the road at 28 Ave., the indoor seating is countertop, save for a couple of tables for 2; if you want to sit at a table, you'll have to sit outside), and while it was a square table with four chairs, it was ultimately so tiny that we could barely accommodate anything on it. I'm not exaggerating: between the water glasses, napkin dispenser (and our waiter moved the salt/pepper/oil/vinegar holder away), sugar dispenser and coffee cups, nothing else fit on the table. By the time the baskets with Cuban toast and breakfast dishes arrived, we were so crammed it was almost impossible to eat. It was just so uncomfortable; that table was really better suited for two, because we were on the verge of knocking things off throughout the meal.

The food itself left much to be desired. First of all, the menu is so full of typos that they should be embarrassed to use them. Inexcusable. Besides misspellings and errors in translation, some items were just plain wrong. The breakfast dishes came with "tater tots," yet we all got French fries. And it's not like the waiter said they were out of tots and were substituting. It was pretty disappointing to be anticipating tater tots (I love hash browns and any variation) and get fries, but worse, it was some crappy frozen stuff. Fresh-cut fries would've really been nice, as these were hard and tasteless. A couple of miles away, Islas Canarias serves fries with breakfast and they're these fresh-cut, thin pieces of pure heaven. Latin American can take a lesson from them.

The rest of the food was mediocre and overall disappointing. I asked for eggs over medium and got them soft and way runny; the bacon wasn't sufficiently cooked, and the toast, meh. That was o.k.

I think the restaurant's been open about a month, so maybe they're still finding their groove; however, I won't be back for breakfast. The wood tables currently set for four don't work, they need to reconfigure that. They also need to redo their menus and have them edited before they go to print (hell, I'd do it for free just to not have to look at them as they are ever again), and they really need to pay better attention to the food they're putting out. It's Cuban food, not rocket science; they should be able to get the basics down right. I mean, it was almost as if they just didn't care, and couldn't be bothered.

Nothing seems to survive in that location; if Latin America doesn't shape up, they might find themselves experiencing the same fate.

Cool News from Miami Tour Company

My good friends over at Miami Tour Company have come cool news to share, and I'm happy to spread the word: they've equipped their tour buses with front-view cameras, and judging by this video, it's pretty friggin' neat! Basically, when you’re on tour bus now, you get a full panoramic view of what’s ahead in front of the bus.

I took their city tour a while ago and shared my thoughts, and I can tell you from personal experience and knowing this team for a few years now, MTC knows what they're doing and they love what they do. This tour keeps getting better and better! It's not just about the unique content of the tour itself (written by locals!), but also the quality of service that they provide.

Go on and read about the new cameras. The tour, which has brought more than 4,300 people to see Coral Gables since January 1, is really a great experience for tourists and locals alike. I HIGHLY recommend it!

Time for Gables Restaurant Week

Back for a third year, Restaurant Week will take place June 7 – 20. Much like Miami Spice, you get to enjoy a three-course menu (lunch and dinner available at most places) for one reasonable price. This year, about 20 restaurants are participating.

Get the details here.

WTF, Taco Rico

**Note: edited after my boyfriend reminded me the correct order of phone calls, and ha, it's worse than I originally described.

I think Taco Rico is really very tasty, solid Mexican - which is why it sucks to write this post where I'm basically going to go on and on about how awful my experience with them recently was.

They offer online ordering for delivery, through eat24hours.com, which is very nice on a weeknight when you're too tired too cook or go pick food up. So we ordered one night last week, got a confirmation email letting us know it would take 30 to 60 minutes, and then.... nothing. We waited that hour, hungry as hell, and nothing.

So we called, and here's where my feeling of "WTF??" comes in. I call and get a man on the phone and explain that it's been an hour, and no food (and we're seriously no more than 1 mile away). I give him the name, and he says (and yes, this is a direct quote), "The driver left 9 minutes ago, he'll be there soon."

Now, if someone tells you that, you believe them, right? That's not unreasonable, right? Except that no driver shows up, no food, nada. Thirty minutes later, my boyfriend calls and this time a woman answers, and she, too, when he gives the name, says that it's on the way. We wait 20 minutes and call back, BECAUSE THERE'S STILL NO FOOD. A woman answers (maybe same one who talked to BF?), and we go through the whole ritual again. Down to her telling me it's on the way. I'm mighty pissed by now and tell her that we ordered TWO HOURS AGO and was told an hour ago that it was on the way, so she stops and asks the name again, I give it, and then she informs me that there's no order under that name.

WTF?

I'm so mad at that point (anger fueled by hunger after a long day at the office, know what that's like?), that I do this freaky thing I do sometimes when my anger is so intense that I can't even burst into a tantrum like I'm known to do: I'm dead calm and am practically whispering and demand to talk to someone else. So the manager gets on the line, and he totally owns up to their massive f*^%k-up. I appreciate that, but the part I can't understand is why someone would tell me the driver left 9 minutes ago, etc., and it turns out there was never an order to begin with.

Basically, eat24hours.com never sent them my order (so they say, except that they clearly state that it's the restaurant that charges the credit card, and sure enough, I had a charge from Taco Rico - two days after this fiasco - on my card, which they credited back the same day), so they simply never filled it. The manager had no clue why I was told (TWICE) that my order was on the way but at least he admitted that his staff was not even checking before answering. And yes, I understand they were swamped that night and crazy busy, and maybe things were chaotic, but... I don't care. I got a confirmation e-mail; I waited patiently; I called - three times total - and staff assured me my food was on the way. When you're starving at 11 p.m., no excuse is going to be satisfactory.

In the end, they offered me a free appetizer next time I order or come in. I'm not one to demand free food or anything like that, but I think my inconvenience merited more than that; and seriously, are they going to remember that offer in two months? I doubt it.

For now, no Taco Rico. I need more time to cool off.

Luck o' the Irish, or Something Like That

As usual, John Martin's on Miracle Mile is gonna do St. Patty's Day up BIG this year.

As they've done in recent years, the party will take place on Salzedo Street and Aragon Ave. (both streets closed off), and starts at 5:00 PM.

This year, live music comes courtesy of UV, a U2 tribute band, Paddy Kelleghan and The Rolling C's and the Hard Liquor Band.

You all know the drill by now - lots of drinks, solid Irish food.

Full details here.

See you there!

More on Miracle Market Place

Have we figured out yet if it's Miracle Market Place or Miracle Marketplace? I keep meaning to check when I drive by (and I drive by every day), but I always forget, until moments like now when I have to write it out.

Anyway, reader lex has requested a new post on the shopping center, and since it's been a while and there are updates to share, it's a good idea to do so.

First, according to a sign that's gone up, Nordstrom Rack is set to open March 11, and I will finally check this mall out for myself (I know, I haven't gone yet - how shameful!).

In addition, Lex shared this schematic of MPP with me. I'm not sure what it is, if it's an official document or a proposal or sales/marketing piece. It mentions the Melody Inn - name written incorrectly - which closed years ago, so I'm not sure how reliable this is. Even so, there's some interesting stuff here. It lists a slot for Hooters, though I've heard nothing about that and their website has no info on it. There's also a listing for a Jewelry Exchange, Carter's (baby clothes/items), wireless store and yogurt and smoothie places. This appears to be an old document, so again, I have no idea what it means. The only signs out for soon-to-open spots are Nordstrom and Sal's.

Some thoughts: I'd love a yogurt or smoothie place, and I'd love a coffee shop even more (Barnie's would be nice; Joffrey's would be wonderful). I have to admit that I haven't been too eager to go because I've heard that the parking ramp is awful, and I have an issue about that (twisting up a ramp that sucks and getting into some kind of trouble while I'm way up there). Is it that bad?

If you've got any news, info or insights to share, please do!

Farmer's Market is Back!

Yay! It's the best time of year, what with the great weather and abundance of things to do... chief among them, the Coral Gables Farmer's Market!

I'm inordinately excited about this; but I do so enjoy spending some time on a Saturday morning to have some breakfast at the market and stroll around and people watch and buy goodies. I really do. I look forward to this market all year and am then really bummed when March comes and it's over.

The farmer's market opens this Saturday, the 16th, in front of City Hall. It will run every Saturday through March 27.

Whooo!