• When: Wednesday, December 3rd
• Time: 6:00 – 8:00 pm
• Where: Ortanique on the Mile, 278 Miracle Mile in Coral Gables, 305-446-7110
• Cost: $35

Buy your tickets now.

Here’s a look at the scrumptious menu:

Viognier, Russian River Valley, Catie’s Corner Vineyard
Green Apple Brie Tartlettes with Lavender Honey

Pinot Noir, Saralee’s Vineyard
Tuna Tartare Spoons with Bacon Butter

Pinot Noir, Widdoes Vineyard
Creamed Spinach Stuffed Mushrooms

Pinot Noir, Dutton Ranch, Morelli Lane Vineyard
Coffee & Cocoa Rubbed Pork Tenderloin
With Chipotle Honey Glaze

Syrah, Sonoma Coast, Stage Gulch Vineyard
Cherrywood BBQ Salmon Puffs

Syrah, Russian River Valley, Trenton Station
Braised Short Ribs with Truffled Crostini

Syrah, Russian River Valley, Alegria Vineyard
Triple Chocolate Bites with Amarena Cherries

Lost Canyon is best known for producing small lots of vineyard designated Pinot Noir and Syrah from the Russian River, Sonoma Coast and Los Carneros.  This stellar winery has nurtured a passion for crafting the finest wine since 1978. Their Pinot Noir just won a bronze medal at the American Fine Wine Competition.

Post from: The South Florida Traveler

I am always amazed at how in sync Books and Books is with what’s going on in the area. No matter what my interest is in any particular week, I can always find something at this unique independent bookstore that appeals to me. Whether it be an author event, a discussion, a workshop or a chef’s demonstration, I always find myself penciling something onto my calendar.  Plus with locations in Coral Gables, South Beach and Bal Harbour, there is always some sort of activity going on.

Take a look at some of the upcoming authors paying a visit:

• Friday, Nov. 21st at 8:00 pm  at Books and Books in Coral Gables – This collection of 21 essays from award-winning female authors highlights Other Woman: 21 Wives, Lovers and Others Talk Openly About Sex, Deception and Betrayal (Grand Central, $13.99). This taboo topic, regarding women who steal husbands and lovers from other women, will be openly discussed. 2 of the authors will be on hand to lead this controversial discussion during this thought provoking evening.
• Saturday, November 22nd at 8:00 pm in Coral Gables -  Alex Beckstead from Paperback Dreams: The Life and Times of the Independent Bookstore will be around to present an hour-long documentary to highlight 2 independent bookstores and document what it takes to survive. It takes a look at Cody’s Books and Kepler’s Books and showcases what these stores offer the local communities, and the effect their closings had on those nearby. Along with the screening, there will be a discussion regarding the making of the film. Guests will also get a preview of Books & Books: The Movie to be released in January.
• On Tuesday, November 25th, Annie Leibovitz will be in Coral Gables at The Biltmore at 7:30 pm introducing her new book, Annie Leibovitz at Work. She will describe how her pictures were made spanning from Nixon’s resignation to Obama’s campaign. Tickets are $10 per person and can be used to go toward the purchase of her book.

For a complete list of events, visit Books and Books online. Be sure not to miss the event on December 12th, as executive chef Thomas Buckley introduces Nobu Miami to fans in Coral Gables, and explains how he brings his own creativity into the kitchen.

Photo Credit: Phing @ flickr

Post from: The South Florida Traveler

Today is one of the days that it is just hot out. All I can think about is eating popsicles and swimming in the pool. Earlier I wrote about South Florida A to Z and included the Venetian pool in the line up, but it is definitely worthy of a feature especially on a hot day like today.

Located in Coral Gables, the Venetian Pool is a historic landmark filled with 820,000 gallons of fresh spring water. It was built sporting Venetian-style architecture and features waterfalls, caves and grottos. It also has a 3-story observation tower. This pool used to be a quarry pit, but through the help of George Merrick, the Dade County Commissioner of the time, the city of Coral Gables including the Venetian Pool was transformed into a visitor’s attraction.

It started off with locals swimming in the pool, local dancers entertaining guests poolside and tourist visiting to see what this beauty was all about. Today its grown and over 100,000 visitors a year come to check it out. Every day, its 800.000 gallons of water are replenished to maintain the clear water the Venetian pool is famous for. One might think that this is a waste would be surprised and happy to find out that the water is recycled through a natural ground filtration system.

The pool is open year round, but the hours change slightly from season to season.

From now until August 12th the following hours are in effect:

Monday – Friday 11:00am – 7:30pm

Saturday – Sunday 10:00am – 4:30pm

The cost to get in is $10/day (non-residents of Coral Gables) and $4.50 (residents of Coral Gables) for adults. For children under 12, it’s $6.50 for non-residents and $3.50 for residents.

The Venetian Pool is located at:

2701 De Soto Blvd

Coral Gables, FL 33134

(305) 460-5306

Photo Credit [How Stuff Works]

Post from: The South Florida Traveler