Miami Living Magazine

Elsa Pataky

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MIAMI LIVING 33 CITY NEWS The Biltmore Culinary Academy has begun a unique set of cooking classes, with a maximum of eight students admitted at a time and taught by the hotel's top chefs. A 700- square-foot space was created on the second floor of the Conference Center of the Americas, where a custom- designed kitchen laboratory was built. The majority of classes last about three hours and conclude with a complete meal. No prerequisites are required and hotel guests are invited to sign up, but reservations are required. For information, call: (305) 445-1926; email: Culinary Academy@BiltmoreHotel.com, or visit: www.BiltmoreHotel.com. Named after the most expensive ornamental fish in the world, Red Koi Thai & Sushi Lounge, located in the heart of downtown Coral Gables, is a must-add to one's 'to be seen at' list. Formerly known as Bonsai, the restaurant is under new management that is constantly experimenting in the kitchen to offer customers unique and exciting sushi. Call (305) 446-2690, or head over to 317 Miracle Mile, Coral Gables. The family-owned Mena Travel International, located at 3907 SW 67 Ave., and established in 1943 in Havana, Cuba, by Guillermo de Mena, is celebrating its 65 th anniversary. Among all manner of travel and vacation options, Mena offers a variety of cruise packages, such as a luxury float to the Bahamas, and the Imperial Cities cruise, from June 10-24, that leaves from Miami airport and wings on over to Vienna, where the cruise- tour begins. The company is currently run by Guillermo's grandchildren, Carlos de Mena, Jr., President, and Hilda Maria de Mena, Vice President, and his great-grandchild, Eduardo, is Director of Sales and Marketing. Call (305) 649-7066 or (800) 327-4514, to arrange your own dream trip. The Palms Hotel & Spa, owned by the Krause family, is a tropical, boutique style property that has opened a new Aveda concept spa, as well as a signature restaurant and lounge, Essensia. The Palms Spa is Aveda's first luxury beach resort spa in the U.S. This 5,000 square-foot facility offers holistic treatments and a series of multi- purpose rooms, including a couple's suite. Located 12 miles from the airport and 15 blocks from Ocean Drive, it sits on its own stretch of beach. For reservations and information, call (800) 550-0505, or visit: www.thepalmshotel.com. Local athlete retires: In October, 2000, Miami Heat player Alonzo Mourning was diagnosed with a life-threatening kidney disease that forced him to spend most of that season on the sidelines. He rebounded several times, only to be sidelined again a year ago, and it was at this point that he knew he could no longer play. In 15 seasons, Mourning averaged 17.1 points and 8.5 rebounds and twice was chosen NBA defensive player of the year. His total of 2,356 blocks ranks 10th in league history, and he's the Heat's career leader in points, rebounds, and games. Mourning and his family will continue to make Miami their home, where they've been an unstoppable force in campaigning for better education for local children. For information, visit: www.amcharities.org, or: www.zsg.com. The 24-year-old gallerist, Eric Charest Weinberg, whose eponymous gallery, located at 250 NW 23 rd St., Space 408, in Miami's Design District, featured local students from DASH (Design and Architecture Senior High School) during the March 2009 Wynwood Gallery Walk. Local businesses who partnered with the gallery by contributing donations to the exhibition included Impress Digital Printing, Clic Studio Photography, and USA Frame. The event was a success and it's hoped that there will be more such venues for our city's artistic youth! ML City Scoop Miami is one happening city—and here's the lowdown on a few of the reasons why! Words by Marla E. Schwartz

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