Selecting the right gift or planning a romantic evening on Valentine’s Day can be a daunting undertaking.  Everything needs to be perfect!  Downtown Coral Gables & Miracle Mile can remove the stress and help everyone plan an unforgettable Valentine’s Day.  Local restaurants and retailers are gearing up to offer a range of options which will satisfy a host of tastes.  From an affordable lobster dinner, to the more traditional options such as flowers and chocolates, the Downtown Coral Gables will be sure to provide a no-hassle dining and shopping experience. Below is a sampling of ideas which will certainly confirm the depth of one’s love.

FOR THE LOVE OF FOOD

Cibo Wine Bar- 45 Miracle Mile
Italian is known to be the language of love.  What better way to demonstrate it than through food? This Italian eatery and wine bar will be offering linguine with fresh whole lobster in a light tomato sauce for only $19.95.

Emporium- 2606 Ponce de Leon Blvd, La bella salon- 2604 Ponce de Leon Blvd, La Cofradia – 160 Andalusia Ave
Do you know a couple who deserves special pampering? Then nominate them today!  Three Coral Gables businesses are teaming up to give one deserving couple the opportunity to be treated like royalty this Valentine’s Day.  Emporium, La bella salon and La Cofradia will choose one lucky couple for the following: complete complimentary makeover from La bella salon; $100 gift certificate to Emporium, and an elegant dinner for two at La Cofradia. To nominate a couple visit: www.facebook.com/labellasalon and describe why you are nominating the couple. The winners will be announced via Facebook on February 6^th and arrangements will be made by Emporium, La bella salon and La Cofradia.

Fleming’s Steakhouse - 2525 Ponce de Leon Blvd
When you’re not feasting your eyes on each other, you can feast on an exceptional Valentine’s Day menu including a flirtatious cocktail, three mouthwatering entrées, special wine pairings, and a decadent dessert.  Choose from one of three dates: February 12^th, 13^th, or 14^th.  And to sweeten the deal, each couple will receive a $25 Dining Card toward a future rendezvous at Fleming’s. Click here to view their menu.

Le Provencal Restaurant- 266 Miracle Mile
For a French culinary love affair, Le Provencal is offering a four-course menu priced at $45 per person, featuring decadent items such as Prime Rib, Roasted Duck, Crab Cakes and Chocolate Lava Cake. Click here to view their menu.

Randazzo’s Little Italy -385 Miracle Mile
Taste the passion! Come celebrate your amore at Randazzo’s Little Italy. Their special heart-shaped ravioli Alfredo and new extensive wine list is sure to please. Romantic Italian movies on the screens set the mood while being serenaded by classic Sinatra songs. Call Jimmy or Abel at 305-448-7002 to reserve your table.

Talavera Restaurant - 2299 Ponce de Leon Blvd
Get ‘lost’ in chocolate heaven. In honor of Valentine’s Day, executive chef Oscar del Rivero has created Chocolate Berry Bliss, the perfect dessert to end an evening of delicious, authentic Mexican cuisine. Chocolate Berry Bliss is Chef Oscar’s take on a chocolate molten cake, served warm with Chantilly cream, crunchy almond brittle and topped with fresh berries macerated in Chambord liquor. The special dessert is available at Talavera from February 10 through 20.

CocoLimon -126 Miracle Mile
For frozen yogurt lovers, pick one of these two great offers and go home with a free teddy bear, balloon AND a red rose! Show that special someone you care by buying a To-Go Container for $7.99 and receive a free teddy bear, a heart balloon and red rose, a $15.99 value. Or choose the option of a $10 gift card and receive a free teddy bear, heart balloon and red rose.

Angelique Euro Cafe-117 Miracle Mile
Cupid is aiming his arrow at Angelique. The “Little Miracle on the Mile” will offer special brunch and dinner menus February 10-14th.  The four-course prix-fixe dinner menu is priced at $49 and is inclusive of a glass of French sparkling wine.  Some of the dishes include Pine Nut-Crusted Goat Cheese & Prosciutto Salad, Filet Mignon with Gorgonzola Mashed Potatoes, Seafood Risotto and Char-Grilled Swordfish.  Valentine’s brunch will be offered on Saturday and Sunday, and features items such as Salmon Carpaccio, Creole Grits, Rioja Steak-n-Huevos and Torreja with Crème Anglaise.

Red Koi Thai & Sushi Lounge- 317 Miracle Mile
Roll into Red Koi Lounge with your special someone for an evening of mouth watering food combined with a sensual ambiance. A menu created to leave you wanting more, yet perfectly satisfied. Choose from a three-course prix-fixe menu of delicious choices, and enjoy a complimentary glass of wine for $60 per person. Click here to view their menu.

California Pizza Kitchen- 300 Miracle Mile
CPK invites you to enjoy the dessert that’s inspired thousands of oohs and aahs. Three layers of moist red velvet cake frosted with vanilla bean cream cheese and white chocolate curls. Served on vanilla bean sauce and perfect for sharing on Valentine’s Day and every day!

JohnMartin’s Irish Pub-253 Miracle Mile
Enjoy an exquisite evening that includes a candlelight 3-course meal with a choice of an appetizer, entrée and dessert along with a delicious Prosecco Martini for $42.50 per person.

Gables Aragon Cuisine, 141 Aragon Avenue
Enjoy an exotic and unforgettable dinner for two that includes a choice of appetizer, entree, bottle of wine and a dessert, all for $59. 99! You’ll leave with your hearts, stomachs & wallets full!

Nothing Says “I LOVE YOU” Like a Diamond

Twinkle Twinkle- 40 Miracle Mile
It’s been said that ‘diamonds are a girl’s best friend’!  Receive 20% off any heart-themed jewelry of sterling silver, or cubic zirconia designer-inspired collections. Did we mention there is complimentary gift wrapping for all gift purchases?

Jae’s Jewelers – 237 Miracle Mile
To accompany your special purchase (minimum purchase of $200 required) Jae’s is offering a free 24-karat rose, a real rose that has been lacquered and dipped in 24-karat gold, a $100 value.  The roses come in a wide variety of colors such as pink, cream pink, purple, cream purple, cream red, peach, yellow, ivory and burgundy, and come in an exquisite gold gift box. In addition, selected merchandise will be on sale from 10% to 50% off. The roses themselves are also for sale: $99/each or 3 for $250.

Montica Jewelers- 75 Miracle Mile
Express your love with Montica Jewelers! Receive a Pandora heart jewelry box with your Pandora purchase of $150 or more, and enjoy silver mesh & diamond bangle specials of buy two, get one free!

FLOWERS , SWEETS AND OTHER TREATS

Peterbrooke Chocolatiers- 227 Aragon Avenue
Give your loved ones a special treat! Receive one 6 oz. Chocolate Covered Popcorn with any prepaid Valentine order of $25 or more, until Monday,  February 13th!

Essence Boutique- 78 Miracle Mile
Does your lady like to dress to impress? Essence Boutique is offering 20% off merchandise except sale items.

GBS-The Beauty Store-308 Miracle Mile
Spice up your Valentine’s Day with red hot romantic treats from GBS! Get 20% off favorite love-inducing brands like Booty Parlor, Kama Sutra, Ta-Ta-Toos, Sweet Spot and on all candles.

Violetas Home Design - 223 Miracle Mile
For some home goods loving, Violetas is offering a 15% discount with a minimum purchase of $100.

Reminiscence- 357 Miracle Mile
Create an exotic and sensual garden of fragrances with Seda France’s three-wick candles, regularly priced at $42 and now $36. Select from Japanese Quince, Gardenia, French Tulip and more. Feel like royalty with exclusive Rance fragrances once coveted by Napoleon Bonaparte.  Mention “Shop Coral Gables” and receive a discount on your purchase until February 10^th.

ZenHair- 300 Aragon Avenue
Prepare for your big night by pampering yourself! Enjoy $25 Blow Dries, $35 Mani-Pedis, or come with your special someone for $60 massages! Call 305-936-4247 for an appointment.

FOR THE LOVE OF FOOD

Cibo Wine Bar- 45 Miracle Mile
Italian is known to be the language of love.  What better way to demonstrate it than through food? This Italian eatery and wine bar will be offering linguine with fresh whole lobster in a light tomato sauce for only $19.95. For reservations or more information, please visit: www.cibowinebar.com.

Emporium- 2606 Ponce de Leon Blvd
La bella salon- 2604 Ponce de Leon Blvd
La Cofradia- 160 Andalusia Ave
Do you know a couple who deserves special pampering? Then nominate them today!  Three Coral Gables businesses are teaming up to give one deserving couple the opportunity to be treated like royalty this Valentine’s Day.  Emporium, La bella salon and La Cofradia will choose one lucky couple for the following: complete complimentary makeover from La bella salon; $100 gift certificate to Emporium, and an elegant dinner for two at La Cofradia. To nominate a couple visit: www.facebook.com/labellasalon or www.facebook.com/emporiummiami and describe why you are nominating the couple. The winners will be announced via Facebook on February 6^th and arrangements will be made by Emporium, La bella salon and La Cofradia.

Fleming’s Steakhouse- 2525 Ponce de Leon Blvd
When you’re not feasting your eyes on each other, you can feast on an exceptional Valentine’s Day menu including a flirtatious cocktail, three mouthwatering entrées, special wine pairings, and a decadent dessert.  Choose from one of three dates: February 12^th, 13^th, or 14^th.  And to sweeten the deal, each couple will receive a $25 Dining Card toward a future rendezvous at Fleming’s. www.flemingssteakhouse.com

Le Provencal Restaurant- 266 Miracle Mile
For a French culinary love affair, Le Provencal is offering a four-course menu priced at $45 per person, featuring decadent items such as Prime Rib, Roasted Duck, Crab Cakes and Chocolate Lava Cake. Visit their page for additional information: www.leprovencalrestaurant.com

Randazzo’s Little Italy-385 Miracle Mile
Taste the passion! Come celebrate your amore at Randazzo’s Little Italy. Their special heart-shaped ravioli Alfredo and new extensive wine list is sure to please. Romantic Italian movies on the screens set the mood while being serenaded by classic Sinatra songs. Call Jimmy or Abel at 305-448-7002 to reserve your table. www.randazzoslittleitaly.com

Talavera Restaurant- 2299 Ponce de Leon Blvd
Get ‘lost’ in chocolate heaven. In honor of Valentine’s Day, executive chef Oscar del Rivero has created Chocolate Berry Bliss, the perfect dessert to end an evening of delicious, authentic Mexican cuisine. Chocolate Berry Bliss is Chef Oscar’s take on a chocolate molten cake, served warm with Chantilly cream, crunchy almond brittle and topped with fresh berries macerated in Chambord liquor. The special dessert is available at Talavera from February 10 through 20. www.talaveraspot.com

CocoLimon-126 Miracle Mile
For frozen yogurt lovers, pick one of these two great offers and go home with a free teddy bear, balloon AND a red rose! Show that special someone you care by buying a To-Go Container for $7.99 and receive a free teddy bear, a heart balloon and red rose, a $15.99 value. Or choose the option of a $10 gift card and receive a free teddy bear, heart balloon and red rose. www.cocolimonusa.com

Nothing Says “I LOVE YOU” Like a Diamond

Twinkle Twinkle- 40 Miracle Mile
It’s been said that ‘diamonds are a girl’s best friend’!  Receive 20% off any heart-themed jewelry of sterling silver, or cubic zirconia designer-inspired collections. Did we mention there is complimentary gift wrapping for all gift purchases?  www.twinklebridal.com

Jae’s Jewelers-237 Miracle Mile
To accompany your special purchase (minimum purchase of $200 required) Jae’s is offering a free 24-karat rose, a real rose that has been lacquered and dipped in 24-karat gold, a $100 value.  The roses come in a wide variety of colors such as pink, cream pink, purple, cream purple, cream red, peach, yellow, ivory and burgundy, and come in an exquisite gold gift box. In addition, selected merchandise will be on sale from 10% to 50% off. The roses themselves are also for sale: $99/each or 3 for $250.

FLOWERS , SWEETS AND OTHER TREATS

Essence Boutique- 78 Miracle Mile
Does your lady like to dress to impress? Essence Boutique is offering 20% off merchandise except sale items. http://www.facebook.com/pages/Essence-Boutique/23265546432

GBS-The Beauty Store-308 Miracle Mile
Spice up your Valentine’s Day with red hot romantic treats from GBS! Get 20% off favorite love-inducing brands like Booty Parlor, Kama Sutra, Ta-Ta-Toos, Sweet Spot and on all candles. www.gbsbeauty.com

Violetas Home Design - 223 Miracle Mile
For some home goods loving, Violetas is offering a 15% discount with a minimum purchase of $100. www.violetashomedesign.com

Reminiscence- 357 Miracle Mile
Create an exotic and sensual garden of fragrances with Seda France’s three-wick candles, regularly priced at $42 and now $36. Select from Japanese Quince, Gardenia, French Tulip and more. Feel like royalty with exclusive Rance fragrances once coveted by Napoleon Bonaparte.  Mention the ShopCoralGables.com and receive a discount on your purchase until February 10^th.

About the Business Improvement District of Coral Gables
Created in 1997, the Business Improvement District of Coral Gables’ (BID-CG) mission is to promote commercial vitality for Miracle Mile and Downtown Coral Gables, and to act as a strategic catalyst for the overall improvement of the area.   Downtown Coral Gables’ Miracle Mile is a pedestrian-friendly neighborhood with more than 160 retailers and over 70 restaurants.  Infused with a chic European feel, tree-lined streets and Mediterranean architecture, the historic area boasts some of Miami’s finest boutiques, acclaimed restaurants and lively cultural venues.   Downtown Coral Gables, with its Miracle Mile, is an elegant and sophisticated destination to live, shop, play and work.  It is Miami’s charming gem that locals like to keep secret and visitors fall in love with when they find it.  For more information and a directory, visit www.shopcoralgables.com, become a fan www.facebook.com/ShopCoralGables or follow us on Twitter @ShopCoralGables.

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A destination event of Latin jazz & funk, fine art, children’s entertainment & fun foods  ‘Miami style!’
Carnaval on the Mile is a cultural experience appealing to the senses – it is two miles of ART in all its forms, it is 3 stages packed with live musical groups; it is wine, cocktails and fine foods; it is children’s activities.  CARNAVAL ON THE MILE IS A HAPPENING FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY!

Carnaval on the Mile is held in the heart of Coral Gables’ Miracle Mile.   Coral Gables is known as City Beautiful for its distinctive architecture, lush vegetation, fabulous restaurants, boutiques and galleries. The city is home to hundreds of international companies and prestigious University of Miami.

Carnaval on the Mile kicks off on March 2nd-4th with a Friday evening concert at Ponce Circle Park, continuing throughout the weekend.

Three main stages located at LeJeune, Douglas and Ponce present more than 30 musical groups of Jazz, Latin Funk and Caribbean rhythms, with local and out of town ensembles.

This year’s confirmed performers include from Los Angeles, OZOMATLI, headliners on Saturday evening and closing number on Sunday. Other groups include RED BARAAT from NYC, SHAMARR ALLEN & the UNDERDAWGS, BRASS-A-HOLICS & STOOGES BRASS BAND from New Orleans; also, TIEMPO LIBRE, SPAM ALL STARS, SUENALO, LOCOS POR JUANA, ARTOFFICIAL, THE WHOLETONES and many others. Stay tuned as the list grows.

A Fine Arts Village lines the way with exhibits of paintings, sculptures, photography, crafts & jewelry of the highest caliber.  Carnaval on the Mile is a premier juried art fair recognized nationwide for the quality of artist it attracts and the collectors it draws.

For more information, please visit their website, or call 305-644-8888.

The 100 block of Giralda will be closed to vehicular traffic and visitors to Downtown Coral Gables will be able to stroll down Restaurant Row for a few magical hours on Friday night, February 3rd.  Thirteen Downtown Coral Gables restaurants and bars will fill the street with tables and chairs and serve patrons under the stars.  There will be live music, art, and cool weather to enjoy!

From the local dinner crowd looking to walk to their favorite neighborhood restaurant to the traveling gourmand seeking a new scene, Restaurant Row in Downtown Coral Gables has something for every palate.  Locals and foodies alike can enjoy Vietnamese, Spanish, Italian and Mexican cuisines among other ethnic and eclectic culinary options.

For reservations, please call the restaurant of your choice.

Participating restaurants and bars include:

Bangkok Bangkok II
Castelluccio Ristorante
Cebu Lounge
Costazul Peruvian Cuisine
Il Corso Trattoria
La Dorada
Las Vegas Restaurant
Miss Saigon Bistro
The Bar
Talavera
Spizzigo
Spris Restaurant
The Local

Upcoming Giralda Under the Stars Dates:
February 3
March 2

Valet parking is available in front of Talavera restaurant. For more information, please call (305) 569 – 0311.

EVENT: One family is about to face the music. Next to Normal, winner of three Tony Awards and the 2010 Pulitzer Prize for Drama, is an emotional powerhouse of a musical about a family trying to take care of themselves and each other. It is about one woman’s struggle with manic depression and the toll it takes on her family. Next to Normal’s surging score is intense, emotional and ultimately hopeful of how the family comes to terms with their past and faces their future. A truly remarkable, moving and powerful new musical.

DATES: January 18 – February 12, 2012

TIMES: Wednesday – Saturday at 8 p.m., Sunday at 2 p.m. A special weekday matinee is scheduled on Wednesday, January 25, 2012 at 2 p.m.

ADMISSION: Tickets for preview nights are $35, weeknights and matinees are $40, and on Friday and Saturday evenings $48. The theatre offers a 10 percent senior discount rate the day of performance and $15 student rush tickets 15 minutes prior to curtain with identification. Discounts are based on availability and exclude Saturday and Sunday.

Group discounted rates are offered for 15 or more through our group sales department.

PRICE RANGE: $15 – $48

TALKBACKS: A series of pre and post-show talkbacks to promote dialogue on mental wellness, lead by Next to Normal’s cast members and a team of mental health professionals provided by the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, are scheduled throughout the production run. Full details and a complete schedule outline will be available at www.actorsplayhouse.org.

LOCATION: Actors’ Playhouse at the Miracle Theatre, 280 Miracle Mile, Coral Gables, Florida 33134

CONTACT: To purchase tickets, call 305-444-9293 or visit www.actorsplayhouse.org

MEDIA CONTACT: Brooke Noble, Public Relations Manager, (305) 444-9293×604, pr@actorsplayhouse.org

EVENT:  In this hilarious sequel to Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day, Alexander has really bad news — his dad has taken a job in a new city a thousand miles away, which means that he, his mom, his dad and his bossy older brothers Nick and Anthony are going to have to move away from all his friends and the things he loves. Alexander already knows that he’ll hate it, so he decides that he just won’t move! Now Alexander must figure out HOW he’s not going to move. Will his family be able to convince him that home is “where your family is, where you’re with the people who love you best of all.” Or will Alexander really “Not Not Not  Not Not” move?

DATES: January 12 – March 3, 2012

TIMES: Saturdays at 2 p.m. through March 3. Select weekday performances at 10 a.m. for pre-arranged fieldtrips through March 30.

ADMISSION: Tickets are $17 for adults and children. Group rates are available for 15 people or more. Birthday parties are welcome.

LOCATION: Actors’ Playhouse at the Miracle Theatre, 280 Miracle Mile, Coral Gables, FL 33134

CONTACT: For more information, 305-444-9293 or www.actorsplayhouse.org

MEDIA CONTACT: Brooke Noble, Public Relations Manager, 305-444-9293×604, pr@actorsplayhouse.org