Wednesday, October 15

Shakra Wednesday Specials
Enjoy "Massages a Deux" (Couple's Massages) at a discounted rate -- one person receives a 10% discount on the massage of the same or lower rate than the other person's massage. Visit their beautiful and serene Yoga Studio for Yoga for Lunch at all levels from 12:15 to 1pm, 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.

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 6 to 10pm, 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

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

Tropical Inspirations: Paintings by Pauline Goldsmith
Pauline Goldsmith of Goldsmith Galleries will be presenting her current collection of tropical botanic watercolors at Deering Estate at Cutler, with a reception at 7pm. Pauline's work reflects the love she has for our lush tropical vegetation which has so inspired her life in Miami. She translates the beauty of our every day plants using the fine details of botanical art in a new and contemporary light. This solo show will be at the Visitor Center Exhibit Hall and Auditorium, Deering Estate at Cutler, 16791 72nd Avenue through November 7th. The Opening Reception is at 7pm. http://www.goldsmithgalleries.com

Gold Medal Wine Tour Dinner
The Gold and Double Gold Medal winners from the 2007 American Fine Wine Competition will be "on tour" in South Florida. Experience the award-winning cuisine at Ortanique on the Mile, starting at 6:30pm. Enjoy a Sparkling Wine reception, five Gold Medal wines paired with a five-course wine country-inspired dinner, a silent auction to benefit End Childhood Hunger and a few surprises. The cost of the benefit dinner is $175 or $150 if prepaid, and checks should be made payable to End Childhood Hunger. Ortanique on the Mile is located ar 278 Miracle Mile. Call 561-504-8463.

Frost Opera: The Child and the Enchantments
Join the University of Miami Frost Opera Theater as they open the season with a staged production of Maurice Ravel's ingenious opera of 1925, L'Enfant et les Sortileges at 7pm at University of Miami's Clarke Hall. The opera tells the story of a child grounded by his mother who "smashes furniture, rips pages from a storybook, and torments his pets, and then, in his imagination is chastised for his wickedness by his victims -- animals and objects alike." The performance will be sung in French with English subtitles in a chamber orchestration for two pianos, a cello and a flute. The concert will be held at Clarke Hall located at the Frost School of Music on the University of Miami Coral Gables campus, 1314 Miller Drive. General admission tickets are $20; seniors are $10; and $5 for UM students/faculty/staff. Call 305-284-4886.

John Zogby: Transformation Of The American Dream
According to super pollster John Zogby, whom The Washington Post calls "the maverick predictor," the conventional wisdom about the United States -- that we're isolated from the world, politically fragmented, and inclined toward material pleasure -- isn't just flawed; it may be 180 degrees from the truth. In this far-reaching and illuminating look at contemporary American life, Zogby reveals nothing less than The Way We'll Be (Random House, $26). Drawing on thousands of in-depth surveys conducted especially for the book, Zogby points out where we're headed politically, culturally, and spiritually. Presented in collaboration with the Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce at Coral Gables Congregational Church, 3010 De Soto at 7:30pm. Call 305-442-4408. http://www.booksandbooks.com

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