Oktoberfest bier, music, food and fun hits Coral Gables

The Deutschland is definitely the place to be this October 2010. That’s because it’s the 200th anniversary of Oktoberfest! What other celebration allows you to dance polka while wearing lederhosen and still maintain your dignity?

If you aren’t fortunate enough to jet across the Atlantic this month, a close alternative is hitting Fritz & Franz Bierhaus in Coral Gables, FL.

The Bierhaus is planning Oktoberfest festivities from October 1 through October 10. That’s 10 days of great bier, music and my personal favorite… the bratwurst sandwich!

The Bierhaus will highlight three typical German biers in their bier garden: a blonde pilsner, a dark lager, and the “Oktoberfest” which is somewhere in the middle.

Although you will catch me practicing my German by ordering “Ein bier, bitte,” I much prefer to accompany my Brat with a glass of Riesling, which can be purchased at an adjacent wine garden.

As I’ve already alluded, Fritz & Franz serves traditional Bavarian/Austrian foods. Bratwurst, wiener schnitzel, sauerkraut, strudel… all the usual Oktoberfest staples to maintain atleast some level of sobriety.

Several bands from Austria and Germany will be performing throughout the festival as well. The catchy polka tunes are just perfect for the “happy” patrons to dance along to. And in usual German style, the bands stop playing every few songs to lead the crowd in a toast (any excuse to drink!).

If you’re brave (or inebriated), you can participate in Jodel and Bratwurst-eating contests. Plus they have a station conveniently located next to the alcoholic beverages selling raffle tickets to raise funds for CHARLEE Homes for Children. Help support the kids!

So bring along your stein (aka liter-sized beer glass), or better yet an enormous glass boot to toast to cooler Miami weather! Prost!

For more information on Fritz & Franz Bierhaus in Coral Gables, visit http://www.bierhaus.cc/.

Oktoberfest at Fritz & Franz Bierhaus
Where: 60 Merrick Way, Coral Gables, FL
When: Oct. 1 – 10, from 11 am – 12 am midnight
Admission: Free; payment for food and beverages based on tickets paid for in cash

© 2010, Alexandra Figueredo
To contact the writer, please email her at alexandra@artistamundo.com.

Master Cuban artist honored at Gables Hispanic Cultural Festival

By Alexandra Figueredo

ArtistaMundo.com

September 27, 2010

The City of Coral Gables held its first Hispanic Cultural Festival in downtown Coral Gables on September 25, coinciding with Miami Dade County’s Hispanic Heritage month between September 15 and October 15. 

The festival paid homage to late master Cuban artist Cundo Bermudez. To honor a distinguished career in the arts, the artist’s mural  “Madria Tiri” completed in 2005 was on display at Coral Gables City Hall during the festival. The piece shall serve as the official poster for the inaugural festival.

The mural has been held at the artist’s estate and was lent for the use at the festival. Word is that a local bank is paying over $2 million for the mural, but there has been no confirmation as of the publication date.

Bermudez was part of the popular Cuban Vanguard movement along with other well-known Cuban contemporaries in the 30s and 40s. His international career began in 1944 when he took part in the exhibit entitled Cuban Paintings at the Museum of Modern Art in New York. He was one of the first Cuban Modernists to be collected by MOMA, as two of his nine paintings from the exhibition became part of the permanent collection.

His artistic career has spanned over 70 years, in which he has worked and exhibited throughout the U.S., Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean. He is known not only for his paintings, but also his murals and public works.

He lived the last years of his life in Miami until he passed away in 2008. His estate founded the Cundo Bermudez Foundation, which provides scholarships and opportunities to young artists in need.

For more information on the artist and his works, visit the site www.cundobermudez.net.

© 2010, Alexandra Figueredo

To contact the writer, please email her at alexandra@artistamundo.com.

Coral Gables holds inaugural Hispanic heritage street festival

By Alexandra Figueredo
ArtistaMundo.com


September 23, 2010


Celebrating Hispanic Heritage month running from September 15 to October 15, the City of Coral Gables is holding its first Hispanic Cultural Festival in downtown Coral Gables all day Saturday September 25.


Several blocks of Biltmore Way will be closed off for the festival to pedestrian traffic only. Booths lining the streets are displaying art work and jewelry by local Hispanic artists such as Gilda Sacasas from GDS Fine Art, Leonor Murciano and Annie Maxwell. There are also several restaurants providing an array of culinary tastes and retail stores selling guayaberas and other typical Latin wear.


A main stage will hold a continuous stream of performances throughout the day, including Latin bands, flamenco dance, Miami Dolphins Cheerleaders, and children’s music acts.

One of the highlights of the festival is the VIP area for cigar lovers called the Smokin’ in the Gables VIP Lounge which features 30 cigar manufacturers and open bar by Bacardi. VIP tickets include special entertainment from CigaRobbie Radio Show Live and musical performances by Arias, Jenny Love and other groups.

Proceeds from the festival will benefit in part the Coral Gables Community Foundation, the Cundo Bermudez Foundation which provides scholarships to young artists, Samantha’s Purpose which provides financial assistance for therapy costs for those with special needs, and CCDH, Inc. which supports people with disabilities and their families.

The festival pays tribute to Cundo Bermudez, a master Cuban artist who passed away in 2008. In honor of the life of the artist, his mural entitled “Madria Tiri” is on display at Coral Gables City Hall during the festival.

(Photo posted 9/25/10)

© 2010, Alexandra Figueredo

To contact the writer, please email her at alexandra@artistamundo.com.