10 Years Ago

I was in Tallahassee, Florida 10 years ago in a taxi cab on my way to the Capitol when on the radio I heard of the 1st plane crashing the WTC. It seemed like a freak accident but after arriving at the Capitol and waiting in an office for my first appointment, I saw with disbelief the 2nd plane hitting the 2nd building. At that moment, it all became crystal clear, this was no freak accident. Quickly they began to evacuate the building and my thoughts and nerves went to my 1 year old son in Miami.

I remember how hard it was to get calls through to loved ones as the lines were jammed with so much activity. The only thing in my mind was to get back to Miami as fast as possible but no air travel. I remember how strange it was that America's air travel stood still for those days post and how strange it was not to hear any planes fly overhead.

Fortunately, with the help of a few friends we shuttled back to Miami in packed car. I remember hugging my baby the minute I got home and the voice in my head telling me "never forget how precious life is and never forget how envied our freedom is". Those two are worth protecting and fighting for. A profound thank you to all of those who gave their lives that day and to those who continue to help protect our lives and freedom today.

Girl Summit for The Future of Girls in Miami, Florida

The Event

The Girl Scout Council of Tropical Florida will host a GIRL SUMMIT for the Future of Girls in Miami, Florida on Saturday, October 15, 2011 from 8:00am to 1:00pm at Jungle Island as a prelude to the 100th Anniversary of Girl Scouting in March 2012. Approximately 400 attendees are expected to attend this regional event and will include members of the general public, community leaders, and Girl Scout members from Tampa, West Palm Beach, Broward, Miami-Dade and Monroe counties.

Focus of the Girl Summit

The GIRL SUMMIT will feature speakers and panel discussions that are focused on the message – Live Healthy / Lead Healthy. As we approach the 100th year of Girl Scouting in the U.S., the roles that girls are being prepared to accept in every walk of life have a deliberate focus on girls as leaders. The GIRL SUMMIT will deal with this focus and on the evolving positive images of girls.

Invited Speakers

The Girl Scout Council of Tropical Florida has invited Kirsten Haglund (Miss America 2008), Dr. Donna Shalala (President, Univeristy of Miami), and other notable experts in the areas of media, advertising, youth, and health services, as well as alumnae of Girl Scouting and prominent women who have achieved the highest station in their professional and personal lives, to be panelists and speakers.

For Sponsorship Information or to purchase tickets go to www.girlscoutsfl.org

Gables Art Cinema Debuts International Children’s Film Series



Fairy Tale Character's in Eleanor's Secret



Just when Summer was starting to get a bit boring and parents are desperately trying to find anything to keep our kids busy, the Gables Arts Cinema launches its very first children’s film series with a screening this past weekend of Eleanor’s Secret.

The film is a beautifully animated French film (dubbed in English) with a magical and wonderful message about the joys of reading. My two nieces Vanessa and Valerie were happy to join me and truly enjoyed the film and free popcorn and drinks for the opening day festivities.

My nieces enjoying an afternoon at the cinema with Titi

The series continues July 22-24 with The Secret of Kells, a great film combines magic, fantasy and Celtic mythology and amazing animated drawing.  It tells the story of a young boy's adventures in an enchanted forest. The series ends with the Best of New York International Children's Film Festival, a collection of the top animation, live action and experimental film for kids from around the world and runs from July 29-31.

Midge Krams, Chair of the Children’s Program Committee for the Gables Arts Cinema told me that she was extremely pleased with the great turnout. She felt like a little girl waiting for guests to arrive at her birthday party and they did indeed. She also stated that the Gables Art Cinema plans to continue screening films for children and young adults throughout the year.

As a parent, I am happy that we have another film option in our community for our children versus the traditional IMAX 3D action packed over the top animation in mainstream cinemas today.  Kudos to the Gables Arts Cinema!

Upcoming films:
The Secret of the Kells - Friday, July 22 at 11 a.m.; Saturday, July 23 at 11 a.m.; Sunday, July 23 at 12:30 p.m.

Best of the New York International Children's Film Festival - Friday, July 29 at 11 a.m.; Saturday, July 30 at 11 a.m.; Sunday July 31 at 12:30 p.m.



Sampling of the best of NY Intl Children's Film Fest

Special ticket prices for the International Film Series for Children are $3 for children 12-and-under and $5 for everyone else and include free popcorn and a drink, tickets available at the box office in advance or day of screening.

260 Aragon Avenue, Coral Gables, Florida 33134, (786) 385-9689 

www.gablescinema.com

It's Burgers, Burgers & More Burgers in Coral Gables



Top: One Burger, Burger Bob's. Bottom: BGR, Five Guys. Collage by Onelia Collazo Mendive.

If you have ever craved a good burger, then Coral Gables is rapidly becoming one of our community’s top places to find one.

I recently visited BGR the Burger Joint, which opened recently in the old Fat Burger space at 232 Miracle Mile. Although I do miss Fat Burger, at least folks can still find a good burger in the same spot just with an ’80s twist on the music and decor.

BGR, originally from Washington, D.C., is now a chain offering a blend of prime, dry-aged, all-natural, hormone-free, grain-feed beef (that’s a mouthful…literally). Apart from the traditional burger you can also try veggie, tuna, Greek and even a lobster burger! They also offer a 9-pound burger for free to anyone brave enough to eat it all in one sitting. It comes with a complimentary bottle of Maalox (LOL). I went for the traditional cheeseburger and was pleasantly surprised with the quality of the meat.

I also liked the freestyle soda fountain dispenser; kids will love mixing Sprite with strawberry soda. And parents can also enjoy a cold one -- they offer draft beer as well as some wine selections.
For those who want a more gourmet-style burger, try One Burger located at 367 Alhambra Circle next to The Globe. This place has been in the Gables for years and consistently serves up tasty traditional and gourmet burgers. They pride themselves on being anti-fast food style and only use the very best ingredients. My favorite is the Frita Cubana seasoned Cuban style with finely chopped raw onions, house-made shoestring fries and tomato sauce.

Speaking of fast-food style, who can say “no” to those Five Guys burgers, not even President Obama can. The Gables location is conveniently located across the University of Miami at 1540 South Dixie Highway. As greasy and high-calorie as these burgers may be, they are just irresistible. I like the simplicity of their menu; they just serve burgers, fries in a bag, hot dogs and grilled cheese sandwiches…oh, and the peanuts.

Last but not least is Burger Bob’s at the Granada Golf Course, 2001 Granada Blvd. The little, out-of-the-way diner has been a local secret spot forever. Bob Magruder will make sure that your burger is made to order and is the perfect size, not too big and not too small, just right.

So, the next time you’re in the Gables with a hamburger craving, there are plenty of places to visit to satisfy your appetite.

http://www.gableshomepage.com/conversations/2011/06/18/blog-burgers-burgers-and-more-burgers-gables

Hispanics Enjoy Networking at the Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables

Anel Brito, LABA's Exec. Director
photo by Jeannett Slesnick

The first rule of networking is to get out of the office and meet people! It’s always a plus when the backdrop is a historic hotel in Coral Gables. The Biltmore Hotel has become the hotspot for many Hispanic business organizations in Miami-Dade.

I recently attended a networking event hosted by the Latin American Business Association (LABA). Membership is a mixed bag of business people ranging from developers, insurance brokers, attorneys and PR firms to small mom-and-pop shops eager to expand their contacts.

Rick Rodriguez Piña, LABA's Chair Elect
with new members
photo by Jeannett Slesnick

LABA typically invites a prominent speaker to its functions and at this particular event Marc Sarnoff, city of Miami commissioner, shared his vision of bringing new business to the city and streamlining our government.

The very next day, I was back at the Biltmore! Geared up and ready for a day of golf and more networking during the 10th Annual South Florida Hispanic Chamber of Commerce’s Golf Tournament, benefiting Hispanic students seeking college scholarships.

Ready for golf with Rudy Bustamante of Junk Be Gone
photo by Julio Kamara

Members and guests were treated to a perfect day of golf. The Biltmore golf course is exceptional and anyone who plays there always comes back. The best part of these events is the networking that takes place post-tournament.


Golfers relaxed and enjoyed a sumptuous awards dinner along with a live auction. Of course, there is no Hispanic networking event that wouldn’t be complete without the bar, generously sponsored by Bacardi USA. It’s definitely mixing business with lots of fun!

The chamber’s president, Liliam Lopez, commented that this was the first golf tournament the group held at The Biltmore but it often hosts luncheons at the hotel. In fact, the group is returning for its board installation luncheon in a few weeks.

 Commissioner Luz Weinberg & Bouygues Civil Works
photo by Julio Kamara

But wait … there’s more! The Biltmore is hosting the Latin Chamber of Commerce of the United States (CAMACOL) for its 32nd Hemispheric Congress trade show this week (June 1-4). The event is focusing on job creation and retention, as well as economic growth through international trade. Over 19 countries and many national chambers of commerce plan to attend.

What can I say? Latinos love to network and The Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables is the place where they are doing it.

http://www.gableshomepage.com/conversations/2011/05/31/blog-hispanic-business-groups-enjoy-networking-biltmore

Guayabera Time...and the Linen is Breezy

Berta Bravo aka
The Guayabera Lady

The heat is upon us and it’s not officially summer yet!  What’s a girl to wear in Miami without looking too under dressed but still professional?  

 A Guayabera of course!

 

The Guayabera, pronounced (goo-ah-yah-bay-rah) originally from Cuba dates back to the 1700’s. The garment was first made for farmers and workers who needed comfortable and cool work shirts.

Fast forward to 2011, and you can find all types and designs of Guayaberas for just about any occasion from casual to formal. 

Berta has been around these garments since she was a little girl. Her father ran a successful Guayabera shop in Cuba and again in Miami until his untimely death in 2003, that’s when Berta picked up where he left off and in 2006 opened The Guayabera Lady store on Biltmore Way in Coral Gables, Florida.  www.theguayaberalady.com

Berta re-fashions a standard Guayabera by changing the buttons, adding distinctive linings and custom fits the garment to your measurements and Voilà you have your own unique designer Guayabera. Customers look forward to having her add her own twist to the traditional garments. 

I personally own a variety of styles from traditional to formal and consider them the perfect summer wear and definitely the official attire for the annual “Cuba Libre” block party sponsored by The Globe in Coral Gables on

Friday, May 20^th.

So, don’t sweat the fashion this summer, get yourself a Guayabera and stay cool.   See you at the block party!

It's All Local at The Local

I was happy to hear that our neighborhood gained a new gastro-pub in the old Randazzo’s spot on Giralda Avenue in Coral Gables.

The Local promises to be a place where all can congregate over craft cold beers and enjoy unique food not typically found in a neighborhood bar. The atmosphere is reminiscent of a bar in Boston or Chicago with brick walls and a long polished wooden bar with friendly bartenders and wait staff.

What makes The Local distinctive from other bar spots in town is the focus on the local area, hence the name. They carry 24 specialty beers on tap with a focus on microbrews from Florida and the rest of the world. They are currently working on a specialized wine list featuring rare, family and regional vineyards.

Most of the food most is bought from local farms in Florida. (Yeah for local support!) Chef Alberto Cabrera, formerly of STK & Karu & Y, prepares a menu that although limited, for a time, due to the early opening of the pub, is creative and unexpected.

We tried the chicken wings, which were amazing! Laced with real honey (you can taste it!) and Korean spices together with hominy and a lime dipping sauce left you wanting more. Then we tried the Gulf Coast shrimp, again not your typical presentation as they were sautéed and placed on a bed of organic grits with tomatoes, onions and broth that melted in your mouth! (PS: I had the left over grits for breakfast the next day…still yummy!)

A must try, if you are just stopping by for a quick snack, is the Charcuterie, featuring a mix of pate, sausages and ham, or the American Artisan Cheeses. Don’t forget to check out the chalkboard for the daily specials.

The Local is currently opened for dinner with a limited menu (can’t wait for the full menu featured online) as well as lunch, coming soon.

150 Giralda Avenue, Coral Gables, Florida

(305) 648-5687       

www.thelocal150.com