By: Mark Trowbridge
Something is happening in the Gables that is making people sit up and take notice. No, I am not talking
about the Alice Aycock sculptures in the Segovia Circles or the multi-million dollar streetscape
renovation on Miracle Mile and Giralda Avenue, although they are certainly worthy of our attention.
I am referring to the positive vibe and inspiring energy that is coming from the newest hotspot in our
City Beautiful – Copper 29 Bar. That’s right, we have a bonafide hotspot in Coral Gables!
I gathered a group of friends on a recent Saturday night and decided to see what everyone was talking
about. So, after a great meal on the Mile, we walked a few blocks over to Copper 29 and found a crowd
of all ages enjoying amazing dance music, yummy bites and of course, liquid libations. We ordered a
round of Moscow Mules for our crew and joined in the packed house fun.
To say the place is sexy is an understatement – from the people to the décor to the sparklers shooting
above your drink – everyone is having a good time. They even blast you with ice cold CO2 to help you
cool your jets as the night heats up. The bartenders, all imports from the owners’ native Greece, are at
the top of their game and want you to enjoy your time at Copper 29 as much as they enjoy making your
drinks.
And though the crowd comes and goes during the evening, their impact is felt in such a positive way.
Even the macaron company next store now stays open until midnight to accommodate revelers seeking
to satisfy their late-night sugar fix.
All of this excitement is a prelude to something much bigger – including a third location and concept
featuring craft tacos designed by Copper 29’s ownership group (who also own Crema across the street)
that will open a few doors down very soon.
My biggest take-away is that the Gables is getting a bit more hip for late night and while we do not
currently allow nightclubs or bars only, Copper 29 is a happy medium offering a menu of options and a
nice change of pace to a quiet main street that rolls up its sidewalks as soon as the last supper is served.
Way to go gentlemen. Συγχαρητήρια!
As we wrap-up our second year and eighth issue of Let’s Eat Magazine, it has been an amazing run so
far. With Jessica Wilcox’s tenacity and aplomb, we have seen our magazine nearly grow in size thanks to
our advertisers and our partners. We have unveiled our own official website with more content under
the leadership of Cindi Avila, Green Goddess Public Relations and look for us to re-launch our Let’s Eat
Dinner Series in the coming months as a number of new concepts find their way to the Gables that we
will feature.
This latest issue revolves around coffee, that magical little mystery bean that helps wake up the world
each morning and contributes to our mood, productivity and of course, our overall digestive health.
While I have never been a coffee drinker, I am a coffee admirer – I love it when they infuse it into savory
dishes or even chocolate – and we have some of the best locations in the Gables for gathering and
gabbing over a cup of hot java. From Café Curuba to Café Demetrio, to down under with Threefold Café,
there is something for every palate, budget, proximity and pace. Take a deeper dive into a cup of joe
with us this month as we explore all things coffee.
Finally, we hear from sommelier Jacqueline Coleman who continues her love affair with great wines and
Food 4 Thought with the owner of the beloved Vicky Bakery and his new concept Off The Mile
Restaurant. Indeed, there is something happening here and we like the taste of that.
Now, Let’s Eat!