Wednesday, June 25

Shakra Wednesday Specials:
Unwind at the Westin Colonnade's lobby from 5 to 7pm with complimentary Chair Massages and Table Tai stretches at 180 Aragon. Visit Shakra's beautiful and serene Yoga Studio for Yoga for Lunch at all levels from 12:15 to 1pm, for Pilates at all levels from 5:15 to 6:15pm to stretch and tone your lower back and abdominal area, Basic Yoga at beginners level from 6:15 to 7:30pm and Belly Dancing at beginners level from 7:30 to 8:30pm. Enjoy their Zen and fully equipped locker rooms as well as class props for free. The first class for new students (Florida Residents) is always free at Shakra Relaxation Oasis, 271 Alhambra Circle. Call 305-774-1355. http://www.shakramiami.com

Coral Gables Museum Preview Exhibit
Curated by historian Arva Moore Parks, the Coral Gables Museum Preview Exhibit showcases early Coral Gables, the Merrick Family and the incredible vision of Coral Gables founder and developer George Merrick, every Wednesday and Sunday from 1 to 4pm at Old Spanish Village, 2901 Ponce. Filled with never before seen early Gables photos and memorabilia, the exhibit provides a glimpse into what might be included in the future Coral Gables Museum. Call 305-910-3996.

Free Drinks At Uva Happy Hour
UVA Restaurant and Lounge at 2626 Ponce presents free well drinks and half price premium drinks from 5 to 7pm on Wednesday and Thursday evenings. Call 305-476-8111.

What's Hip Wednesday At The Biltmore
Don't miss What's Hip Wednesday, a weekly happy hour event at the BIltmore Lounge featuring half-price cocktails and complimentary hors d'oeuvres from 7 to 9pm, as well as entertainment and hip fashions from Neiman Marcus Coral Gables. The evening is hosted by "Trend Tracker" Tara Gilani. Call 305-445-1926. http://www.biltmorehotel.com

Wine Specials At The Grape
Stop in to your favorite wine bar at the Village Of Merrick Park for a great assortment of wines by the glass or the bottle, plus great food to round out the experience. It's only $15 for three preselected white or red wines. Meet up with friends at The Grape for a great time every time. Call 305-444-WINE. http://www.yourgrape.com

Philip Yenawine: Introducing Children to Art
Philip Yenawine is founding director of Visual Understanding in Education (VUE), a nonprofit entity that conducts research in developmentally-based education specifically intending to foster cognitive growth through interaction with art. VUE develops programs for schools and museums, the primary example of which is Visual Thinking Strategies (VTS). Prior to founding VUE, Yenawine was director of education at The Museum of Modern Art for almost a decade. Along with many articles and essays, Yenawine is the author of six books about modern art for children and two books for adults also addressing the questions and interests of beginning viewers, How to Look at Modern Art and Key Art Terms for Beginners. He lectures all over the country, often regarding issues in contemporary art as well as on teaching about art. This evening, he will address a strength most kids have from birth: observing the world and reasoning about what they see. He will demonstrate a strategy that both parents and teachers can use to build on this strength, using art to develop language as well as critical thinking. This presentation is presented in conjunction with Books & Books' new discussion group for teachers and educators, co-sponsored by Arts For Learning: The Miami Affiliate of Young Audiences. Meet the author at Books And Books, 265 Aragon at 6pm. Call 305-442-4408. http://www.booksandbooks.com

Food and Wine Tasting To Benefit Sumando Manos Foundation
La Estancia Argentina invites you to enjoy premier South America wines, indulge in savory treats and make a difference in a child's life from 6:30 to 8:30pm, at La Estancia Argentina, 4425 Ponce. 100% of the proceeds from the evening's sales and raffle prizes will go to help underprivileged children in rural Latin America get needed food, education, clothing and medical attention. Cost is $20 per person. RSVP to 305-938-0553. http://www.sumandomanos.com

Battle Of The Chefs
Enjoy a culinary challenge between two high profile Gables' chefs on the last Wednesday of each of the summer months at 7pm at La Cuisine Gourmet, 60 Aragon, This event features a Beef Battle between Chef Chris Wakeman of Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar and Chef Pedro Aguilar of Morton's The Steakhouse. Admission is complimentary; however, a donation of $15 is encouraged. All donations will directly benefit The Buoniconti Fund to Cure Paralysis. The event will be emceed by Chamber President and CEO Mark A. Trowbridge. Call 305-662-7152 x103.

Rhone Wine Theme Dinner At The Biltmore
Indulge in the subtle nuances of wines from France's Rhone Valley as native French Chef Ruiz infuses his culinary creations with a symphony of flavors to match with wines selected by Sommelier Verrier at the Biltmore Hotel's Palme D'Or restaurant at 7pm. The cost is $109, or $89 for Cellar Club members. RSVP to 305-913-3203. http://www.thecellarclub.com

First Course Book Club
Enjoy a series of ready-made book club evenings at The Cafe at Books and Books each Wednesday evening featuring great literature, lively conversation, fine wine and tasty appetizers in one convenient package. Your $40 also includes the paperback selection for the weekly meeting and a professional book-club facilitator to guide the discussion at Books And Books, 265 Aragon at 7pm. Call 305-442-4408. http://www.booksandbooks.com

Robert Thurman: Why the Dalai Lama Matters
His Holiness the Dalai Lama is an extraordinary example of a life dedicated to peace, communication, and unity. What he represents, and what he has accomplished, heals and transcends the current tensions between Tibet and China. In Why the Dalai Lama Matters (Atria, $25) Tibetan scholar Robert Thurman explores just why he has earned the world's love and respect, and how restoring Tibet's autonomy within China is not only possible, but highly reasonable, and absolutely necessary for all of us together to have a peaceful future as a global community. Why the Dalai Lama Matters is not merely a book about Tibet or the Dalai Lama. It is a revealing, provocative solution for a world in conflict, dealing with the very fundamentals of human rights and freedoms. By showing the work that the Dalai Lama has done on behalf of his people, Thurman illuminates a worldwide call to action, showing that power gained by might means nothing in the face of a determined act of truth. Presented in collaboration with the University of Miami, Tibetan Institute and Library of Miami, Miami Friends for Tibet and Florida Center for the Literary Arts. Meet the author at University of Miami Gusman Hall, 1314 Miller Drive at 7:30pm. Call 305-442-4408. http://www.booksandbooks.com

W. Hodding Carter: Off the Deep End
W. Hodding Carter dreamed of being an Olympian as a kid. He worshipped Mark Spitz, swam his heart out, and just missed qualifying for the Olympic trials in swimming as a college senior. Although he didn't qualify for the 1976, 1980, 1984, 1988, 1992, 1996, 2000, or 2004 Olympics, he never stopped believing he could make it. And despite past failures and the passage of time, Carter began his quest once more at the age of forty-two. This outrageous, courageous chronicle is much more than Carter's race with time to make it to the Olympics. Off the Deep End (Algonquin, $23.95) is the exhilarating story of a man who rebels against middle age the only way he can by chasing a dream. His article in Outside magazine, on which this book is based, was the winner of a Lowell Thomas award from the Society of American Travel Writers Foundation. Meet the author at Books And Books, 265 Aragon at 8pm. Call 305-442-4408. http://www.booksandbooks.com

Wednesday Special At The Bierhaus
Enjoy Harald's Crisp Roasted Pork shanks with choice of two sides at Fritz and Franz Bierhaus, 60 Merrick Way. Listen to the sounds of local legend Piano Bob Wilder and his New Orleans style boogie. Call 305-774-1883. http://www.bierhaus.cc

Blues Jam At Titanic
Wednesday is Blues Jam night at Titanic, hosted by Chris Cosner and his band, starting at 9pm. Titanic Brew Pub is located at 5813 Ponce. Call 305-667-ALES. http://www.TitanicBrewery.com

Shot Night At The Bar
It's Shot Night every Wednesday at The Bar with $2 shots of Cuervo and Jager all night. Enjoy their selection of 48 bottled beers, 10 great brews on tap and the best comfort food at The Bar, 172 Giralda. Call 305-442-2730. http://www.gablesthebar.com