Miracle Mile's Only Cuban Restaurant Calle 23 Miami Reveals Revamped Menu For Summer

Trendy Coral Gables’ Cuban bar and restaurant Calle 23 Miami has unveiled a revamped menu for the summer season, serving up bold, chef-driven Cuban classics made with fresh, local ingredients that stay true to the rhythm and soul of Havana. As the only Cuban restaurant along the enchanting Miracle Mile, the colorful Calle 23 Miami fills a much-needed void in the neighborhood with its authentic flavors and lively atmosphere. New for summer, the refreshed menu doubles down on its Cuban inspiration with a Miami twist, featuring a selection of mouthwatering small, medium and large plates, along with refreshing salads, sides and desserts to satisfy all cravings.

Food

Get transported to the streets of Havana at Calle 23 Miami, where the team’s Cuban roots are expressed through sensational music, cocktails and a newly updated food menu. Ideal for sharing, new small plates like the Croquetas del Barrio (ham, chorizo, or cheese served with cilantro, BBQ chef sauce and pepper jelly) and the Tartar del Salmon (served with avocado, pico de gallo, passion fruit, olive oil and salt) reinvent beloved Cuban classics while celebrating summer in Miami with seasonal ingredients and refreshing preparations.

From the medium plates, La Frita Cubana (two sliders made with homemade chorizo beef patties, chipotle dressing, pepitas, and signature fries) is a satisfying handheld dish that’s perfect for fueling up before dancing the night away to Calle 23’s live salsa music. From the large plates, the Nobel Ropa Vieja de Res (slow-cooked beef, rice, black beans and maduros) hits the spot with its rich, soulful sauce.

Salads like the Ensalada de Aguacate (avocado, heirloom tomatoes, red onions, and citrus dijon dressing) complement any of Calle 23 Miami’s elevated yet familiar Cuban-inspired dishes, but also work well as a meal on their own. For dessert, the new Arroz con Mango is the ultimate refreshing finisher for a sweet end to an amazing summer evening.

Cocktails & Entertainment

Excellent handcrafted cocktails remain a centerpiece of Calle 23 Miami’s menu. Choose from tasty options like the Mojito, Cucumber Smash or the Coco Loco, to name a few. Calle 23 Miami offers a popular happy hour, plus live entertainment, dancing and plenty of Cuban sabor throughout the week. Calle 23 features live entertainment every Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

Calle 23 Miami is located at 230 Miracle Mile Coral Gables, FL 33134.

Location Ventures Completes Luxury Condominium 'Villa Valencia' In Coral Gables

Following record-breaking sales and its distinction as the first U.S. condominium development to integrate the revolutionary Delos’ DARWIN™ Home Wellness Intelligence network, Location Ventures has received its TCO for Villa Valencia. The now complete luxury condominium building in Downtown Coral Gables delivers a collection of 39 luxury condominiums which are currently 95% sold. The building was constructed by general contractor Winmar Construction. Closings are currently underway, and residents have begun to occupy their residences.

Villa Valencia has a limited amount of inventory remaining, including a $14.9 million upper penthouse which is also the most expensive listing in the submarket. Throughout its sales process, the building has set an unrivaled new standard for luxury condominium living in “The City Beautiful,” currently holding the record for the condo with the highest price-per-square-foot ever sold in the area at $1,100 per square foot.

Villa Valencia is centered on three pillars, nature, technology and wellness, to promote optimal living unlike any other. At its coveted address, 515 Valencia Avenue, the development has integrated Delos’ pioneering DARWIN Home Wellness Intelligence network within residences, as well as throughout common areas. This exclusive system is the world’s first platform aimed at enhancing human health, well-being, sleep and performance by monitoring and calibrating air, light and water quality. It aligns technology with nature’s intent by using innovation to bring the best of organic outdoor conditions, inside.

“Not only is this a pivotal moment for Location Ventures and Coral Gables, but also for wellness real estate,” said Rishi Kapoor, CEO of Location Ventures. “Villa Valencia showcases the ongoing demand for health-centric amenities and well-designed spaces that mirror those of nearby estates. Located in a desirable, growing Miami suburb, it is a testament that high quality and timeless elegance in a legacy offering is in great demand.”

With wellbeing as a centerpiece, Villa Valencia’s amenity program leaves no stone unturned. The building is complete with a hammam, steam room, his-and-her saunas, hydrotherapy plunge pools, as well as a state-of-the-art fitness facility with yoga, Pilates and weight training. For outdoor enjoyment, a 78-foot resort-style pool with a lap lane and waterfall is complemented by two summer kitchens, spacious sunbeds and resident-owned cabanas.

Most recently, Villa Valencia debuted Elevate Wellness, a bespoke wellness program that presents spa and wellness services tailored to residents’ needs. This includes closet organization, physician-led health evaluations, acupuncture for humans and canines, dietician-led consultations, and more. The project will also feature an adjoining 9,000-square-foot public park with lush landscaping, contributing to Coral Gables’ green spaces.

Villa Valencia’s architectural DNA is a fresh rendition of Coral Gables signature Mediterranean architecture style, paired with tropical modern interiors. Each residence features private elevator entry and superior finishes such as European flooring, exterior sliding doors, and finished custom closets. Kitchens are equipped with state-of-the-art Subzero and Wolf appliances, a wine cooler, custom cabinetry and quartz countertops. Expansive outdoor terraces accompany each living space.

“We are proud to be a part of Villa Valencia’s journey from conception to completion,” said Daniel de la Vega, President, ONE Sotheby’s International Realty. “Location Ventures set out to deliver one of the most iconic buildings in the city, and that is exactly what they did. Villa Valencia is a market maker in a category of its own. With over $100 million sold to date, this is an unprecedented moment for our teams and the incredible city of Coral Gables. We are truly privileged to have achieved this milestone together.”

MG Developer Acquires 33 Alhambra Circle In Downtown Coral Gable, Plans New Luxury Condominium Alhambra Parc

MG Developer, one of the most active developers in Coral Gables, has acquired a parcel of land at 33 Alhambra in Coral Gables’ Northside entrance and has announced plans to build a new mixed-use condominium community. Named Alhambra Parc, the project will feature with 33 luxury condominiums and retail on the ground floor. This acquisition was made in partnership with VYV, a real estate development group with headquarters in Peru, that also partnered with MG Developer to build Gables Village.

“VYV is grateful and feels very proud of the joint venture that it has built with MG and our plans are to grow in South Florida with the support of MG,” said Cesar Paniagua, Director of VYV.

Knighthead Funding, LLC, a private mortgage lender based in New York, provided the loan. Executive Directors Jeffrey Donnelly and Dmitry Levkov of Colliers International financed this project.

“We are truly proud to further our partnership with MG Developer and VYV for this second site in Coral Gables,” said Brian Sullivan, Vice President of Knighthead Funding, LLC. “We are also very proud to be growing our portfolio of properties in South Florida.”

“We are excited to be partnering with Knighthead Funding for another project in Coral Gables,” said Alirio Torrealba, CEO of MG Developer. “We are grateful to our partners for trusting in our vision for the City Beautiful, and our commitment to elevate the City with each and every project we build,”

The new development will rise close to Downtown Coral Gables’ financial district and will be in walking distance to Giralda Plaza and several restaurants, shops and entertainment venues.

The acquisition further anchors MG Developer’s presence in Coral Gables. Alhambra Parc will complement the existing Biltmore Square enclave, and Gables Village which is in its pre-sale phase and has a new sales gallery is located at 2990 Ponce de Leon Boulevard, Suite 101. When completed in 2024, Gables Village will consist of duplexes, townhouses, and condominiums and integrate gardens and courtyards throughout an entire block, with 50 percent of the site to include lush landscaping and hidden parking garages.

Shoma Group Acquires 2.5 Acre Transit-Oriented Site in Coral Gables To Develop Shoma One Mixed-Use Multifamily

Miami-based developer Shoma Group has announced its latest acquisition, a 2.5-acre site at 3650 Bird Road, currently home to Deel Volvo, near Coral Gables for $34 million. It will be the site of Shoma One, a mixed-use project with a 391-unit apartment community and a Shoma Bazaar food hall. The development is expected to cost $220 million to build.

“Miami is more popular than ever and the robust demand for housing that we’ve seen over the last couple of years is here to stay,” said Masoud Shojaee, Shoma’s CEO and chairman of the board. “This location is ideally positioned between Coral Gables and Coconut Grove, with the bustling entertainment and dining scenes of Miracle Mile and CocoWalk just a short drive or bike ride away. We are very happy to bring this live-work-play mixed-use project with upscale apartments and fantastic amenities, including a Shoma Bazaar, to this thriving area.”

Designed by MSA Architects, Shoma One will comprise of two 18-story towers. It features thoughtfully designed amenities–a signature of Shoma's multifamily projects–including a bowling alley lounge, child daycare, 1,161-square-foot yoga and spinning studio, dog park, co-working café, rideshare lounge for awaiting Ubers and Lyfts, and a spa with steam room, sauna and massage rooms. Each tower will have a rooftop sky lounge on the 18th floor, where residents can take in expansive views of Coconut Grove extending all the way east to Biscayne Bay, as well as its own lobby and secure mail and package room.

Atop the eight-story gated parking garage it will have a 2,500-square-foot state-of-the-art fitness center, a club room, and a pool and pavilion with an outdoor grill, water features and lounge areas equipped with large projection screens for viewing parties.

A bicycle-friendly development, Shoma One will also have a designated bike room for storage with a repair station for conveniently performing light maintenance. The site appealed to Shoma because of its proximity to the Metrorail and the Underline. Shoma One’s courtyard will link to the linear park, giving residents direct access to its lush green landscaping and cycling and running paths.

The apartments will be stylish and modern, with upgraded finishes and tech-savvy details for seamless living, including biometric fingerprint door entries for keyless, secure access. They will range in size from 375-square-foot micro studios, which will be furnished with space-efficient convertible furniture, to 1,400-square-foot two-bedroom units. There will also be seven two-story live-work residences, which allow for separate office and bedroom spaces on each floor, ranging from 1,344 to 1,400 square feet.

Michael Fay of Avison Young was the agent representing the seller, Deel Volvo, in the transaction. Shoma One is scheduled to break ground in January 2023 and is expected to be completed in 18-24 months.

Step Inside This Coral Gables Mansion In The Exclusive Tahiti Beach Asking $12.9 Million

A stunning non-waterfront mansion on an exclusive cul-de-sac in Coral Gable’s gated Tahiti Beach has hit the market for $12.9 million. The Mediterranean residence stuns with its majestic arches, winding walkways, and private beach access. The 10,768-square foot estate offers 7 bedrooms, 6.5 baths, and sits on an expansive 1+ acre lot. The entryway features a double-height foyer leading into a spacious family room with curated neutral tones.

The estate also features a full guest house, dreamy terraces, and a massive backyard perfect for entertaining with a turquoise pool. Additional features include an oversized kitchen with a butler’s pantry, a large office with a full bath and balcony, 3 car garage, service room, impact windows throughout and a recently updated roof.

Owners of this home, one of only 26 total homes on the guard-gated island of Tahiti Beach, gain access to a private club and clubhouse, gym, tennis courts, yacht club, and 24-hour security.

3 Tahiti Beach Island Road is currently listed by Saddy Delgado with ONE Sotheby’s International Realty for $12.9 million.

Images via Pedro Torres for ONE Sotheby’s International Realty

Merrick Manor Sells Out Commercial Spaces With Sales Of Prime Ground-Floor Retail Suite

Merrick Manor continues to generate strong interest from investors seeking Class A commercial real estate in Coral Gables. The luxury mixed-use building developed by the Henry Torres-led Astor Companies, has sold out the commercial spaces following the $5.44 million sale of several retail condominiums, including two units occupied by popular fitness studio Sweat 440.

Prisma Properties LLC acquired Merrick Manor commercial units CU3, CU8-9 and CU10 in a transaction that closed on April 26. ONE Sotheby’s International Realty Global Commercial Director Manny Chamizo III, the exclusive sales representative for Merrick Manor’s 20,000 square feet of prime ground-floor commercial space, brokered the sale. Merrick Manor’s ground-floor retail space is now fully leased or owned by owner/users.

Sweat 440 occupies 3,055 square feet in CU8-9. The high-intensity interval training (HITT) studio has a passionate following among its members, which range from beginners to fitness enthusiasts. Sweat 440 has locations in Florida, New York and Canada.

The 1,307-square-foot CU3 is currently utilized as the Sales Gallery for Merrick Manor’s limited inventory of available luxury residences. Located at 301 Altara Ave., next to the world-class Shops at Merrick Park and in the middle of the city’s Design and Innovation District, Merrick Manor is experiencing brisk residential sales activity and is on pace to sell out within the next six months.

M&B Dental Associates, P.A., led by renowned aesthetic dentist and decorated U.S. Navy veteran Dr. Ivan Mendoza,occupies the 1,669-square-foot CU10. M&B and Sweat 440 are part of Merrick Manor’s Health and Beauty Corridor, which also includes Anaïs Nails & Spa, Body Details, Elegance Beauty Salon and Trésor.

“Our success in curating Merrick Manor’s ground-floor retail space with a dynamic mix of tenants, which comprise the building’s Health and Beauty Corridor, played a major role in this new investment sales transaction,” Chamizo said. “The buyer recognized that prime commercial real estate like this is at a premium in Coral Gables. We are proud to produce another tremendous outcome at Merrick Manor.”

The sale to Prisma comes as another signature Merrick Manor commercial tenant, high-end furniture retailer Sierra Muebles, prepares to open its first U.S. showroom at the building in the next few months. A Peru-based retailer that has exclusive representation of the Brazilian brand in Peru and Miami-Dade County leases Merrick Manor’s largest commercial space, which totals 4,448-square-foot.

“This transaction underscores the long-term belief in our building from the real estate community,” Torres said. “Merrick Manor has an unparalleled location and commercial space that perfectly complements the building’s 227 residences.”

Check Out The Most Expensive Penthouse In Coral Gables Listed For $14.9 Million At Villa Valencia

A wellness escape in the sky, this upper penthouse at Villa Valencia is expected to shatter records once sold. It’s currently the most expensive condo listed in Coral Gables at $14.9 million. The building holds the record for most expensive condo sale of the lower penthouse for $6.5M. Villa Valencia is being developed by Location Ventures and will deliver early this year.

Designed with wellness in mind, the ultra-luxury penthouse is a full floor four-bedroom, five and a half-bathroom residence, with office and den. In addition to the typical features that make for life in the lap of luxury such as rain showers, Wolf appliances, Brizo fixtures and more, the most unique aspect of this residence is its more than 4,000 SF of outdoor space, complete with a summer kitchen, bar and dining area, buyer’s option plunge pool and meditation space. A product of the pandemic, an expansive, and highly functional outdoor terrace for condo buyers is the new necessity. Further aiding in residents’ health, high-tech air and water filtration, via the Delos DARWIN system.

Each residence interior at Villa Valencia will showcase a private foyer and elevator entry, complete with superior finishes, including European flooring, 10-foot exterior sliding doors, and finished custom closets. Kitchens are equipped with state-of-the-art Subzero and Wolf appliances, a wine cooler, custom cabinetry and quartz countertops. On the outside, the façade features a modern take of Coral Gables’ signature Mediterranean architecture style, designed by Hamed Rodriguez Architects.

In the boutique building, residents can enjoy an amenity portfolio that leaves no stone unturned. The wellness program includes a hammam, steam room, his-and-her saunas, hydrotherapy plunge pools, alongside a state-of-the-art fitness facility with areas for yoga, Pilates and weight training. For outdoor enjoyment, a 78-foot resort-style pool with a lap lane and waterfall is complemented by two summer kitchens and spacious sunbeds for relaxation. A dinner party can be hosted in the Cucina, while a game night can take place in the lively entertainment room, followed by movies in the theater. An executive room with video conferencing allows professionals to work from home with ease. It overlooks the adjacent park, whose grassy field features a large sculpture and water features. Nearby a dog run is perfect for pet lovers.

For residents looking for additional private space, poolside cabanas and private garages are also available for purchase.

Villa Valencia is also pursuing a National Green Building Standard certification, along with bespoke residence services such as closet organization, physician-led health evaluations, acupuncture, dietician-led consultations and more via its Elevate Wellness brochure.

Located in the heart of the City Beautiful, the building has direct access to Miami International Airport and is blocks from Miracle Mile. The Greater Miami Area is a rapidly expanding economic hub, and Coral Gables alone is home to 20 consulates and 140 multinational corporations. It is an ideal community with “Class A” office space, top private and public schools and universities, country clubs, golf courses and world-class culture – all within steps to Villa Valencia.

MG Developer Adds New 'Coral Carpet' Public Art Installation To Balboa Plaza in Coral Gables

Balboa Plaza, one of the most original parks in Coral Gables, where the stone bench named “A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ is located, has a new decorative Coral Carpet, which now completes the “living room” setting at the popular outdoor park.

In 2018, MG Developer celebrated the first installation of the original stone bench at Balboa Plaza for an inaugural dedication event for the City’s Art in Public Places, Public Art in Private Development program.

This new installation of art furthers MG Developer’s commitment to creating enclaves that reflect the city's tradition of being the most desired living destination in South Florida and reigniting George Merrick’s vision of Building Beautiful in the city.

Now, the new inlaid, terrazzo piece at Midnight Summer’s Dream that has been installed complements the stone sofa and the lush green landscaping throughout the park. The predominant coral color of the carpet also pays homage to the City’s traditional European vibrant charm that can be found throughout the Gables while the pattern in the carpet features a flower pattern that appears to be blooming, pulsating, or dancing through a coral field of flowers that represent the city’s people and rich culture.

The 30 foot long sofa and carpet act as an extension of a home at the park, together with the giant banyan tree that overlooks the living space, which creates an enormous amount of shade for those that want to lounge on the bench, also reflects the canopy-lined streets of Coral Gables. Additionally, two statuesque lamps that stand on each side of the sofa, frame and illuminate the living area at Balboa Plaza every night. Created by artists Roberto Behar and Rosario Marquardt.

Office Building On Ponce de Leon Boulevard In Coral Gables Trades For $14 Million

An office building located on Ponce de Leon Boulevard in Coral Gables has traded for $14,050,000 in a value add, off-market deal. The 7-story, 87,134 SF office building was mostly vacant at the time of sale and is located at 2000 Ponce De Leon Blvd. The property features 7,500 SF of ground-floor retail space and 100 parking spaces. 2000 Ponce de Leon Blvd. was acquired Westside Capital who plans to renovate the building including common areas and elevators before leasing out the property and occupying the 7th floor penthouse. The seller was the Kronfle family who acquired the land in 1996 for $840,000 and developed the building in 2000. Fabio Faerman and Sebastian Faerman of FA Commercial oversaw both sides of the transaction.

Coral Gables has seen high demand and a good deal of development activity for commercial real estate recently. In February Constellation Group paid $10 million for two single-story office buildings that they plan to redevelop into a 75,000 SF office building. In December Fortress Investment Group acquired Bancorp’s headquarters building for $135 million in a sale-leaseback and Terranova acquired an office building at 93 Miracle Mile for $6.8 million. Agave Holdings is also developing The Plaza Coral Gables, a mixed-use mega-project. To start off the year

Artist Julio Larraz is Celebrated at the Coral Gables Museum with a Retrospective Exhibition and Related Events

On Wednesday, December 1st, the Coral Gables Museum opened the exhibition, ‘Julio Larraz: The Kingdom We Carry Inside’ in collaboration with the Julio Larraz Foundation. Taking over the main three temporary galleries of the Museum, the show is the first museum retrospective of Larraz in the United States and will be on view through April 30th, 2022.

On that evening, a special viewing of Larraz’s latest video, Astral Flight (2021) by Ari Larraz, Laura Furcic, and Las Animas Films was held in the Museum’s courtyard.

As part of Art Basel Miami Beach morning schedule of events, the Museum hosted a Brunch and Book Launch of Rizzoli’s retrospective publication ‘Julio Larraz: The Kingdom We Carry Inside’ on Saturday, December 4th. With 200 paintings, 50 works on paper, and 10 sculptures ranging from the 1960s to the present, this is the most comprehensive book on the artist to date.

“As it is customary now, the Museum organizes a brunch on the last day of Art Basel Miami Beach as part of the Fair’s morning schedule of events. For us, this collaboration is very important as it attracts other people than our regular public, and doubles the impact of our show,” said Jose Valdes-Fauli, Coral Gables Museum’s Chairman.

“This exhibition has been much-expected. We have received amazing feedback from the public, and the numbers speak by themselves - even when there was a lot to see in the city during Miami Art Week we had over 500 attendees on those two days alone. We are looking forward to many more successful events in the months to come,” said John R. Allen, Coral Gables Museum’s Executive Director.

The Museum has announced a series of Curator Tours led by Chief Curator Yuni Villalonga that will take place during Gallery Nights (the first Fridays of the month,) starting on January 7th, 2022.

“These tours will offer an additional insight on the artist. Beside interesting anecdotes and stories that couldn’t be captured in the exhibition, we will have available facsimile copies of important catalogues in Larraz’s career that the public will be able to check out during the tours,” says curator Yuni Villalonga and adds, “We will soon announce other upcoming related events.”

Artist Julio Larraz (b. Havana, Cuba, 1944) is one of the most influential figures in Latin American art today. Throughout a career of six decades, institutional recognition has gone hand in hand with the admiration and following of colleagues and many younger painters from all over the world that praise his mastery of technique, color and light, and the poetry and subtlety of his work.

The show gathers works that span from Larraz’s early days in New York, as a caricaturist for major newspapers and magazines such as The New York Times, The Washington Post, and Vogue, to the drawings, paintings and sculptures realized in New Mexico, Paris and Florence, as well as in Miami, where the artist currently lives and works. Pieces are drawn from private and public collections, as well as from the Larraz family collection and archives, to represent all themes, mediums and key time periods of the artist’s life and oeuvre.

“Among the selection, there are important works in the artist’s life and career, such as his 1969 depictions of spacecraft Apollo 11’s launch from Cape Kennedy, while being one of the few selected artists to witness the moment when humans first landed on the moon; or the painting that represents Larraz in the CINTAS Foundation’s collection after a 1975 Cintas Award,” says curator Yuni Villalonga.

Coral Gables Museum is located at 285 Aragon Avenue, Coral Gables, Florida.