It's Burgers, Burgers & More Burgers in Coral Gables



Top: One Burger, Burger Bob's. Bottom: BGR, Five Guys. Collage by Onelia Collazo Mendive.

If you have ever craved a good burger, then Coral Gables is rapidly becoming one of our community’s top places to find one.

I recently visited BGR the Burger Joint, which opened recently in the old Fat Burger space at 232 Miracle Mile. Although I do miss Fat Burger, at least folks can still find a good burger in the same spot just with an ’80s twist on the music and decor.

BGR, originally from Washington, D.C., is now a chain offering a blend of prime, dry-aged, all-natural, hormone-free, grain-feed beef (that’s a mouthful…literally). Apart from the traditional burger you can also try veggie, tuna, Greek and even a lobster burger! They also offer a 9-pound burger for free to anyone brave enough to eat it all in one sitting. It comes with a complimentary bottle of Maalox (LOL). I went for the traditional cheeseburger and was pleasantly surprised with the quality of the meat.

I also liked the freestyle soda fountain dispenser; kids will love mixing Sprite with strawberry soda. And parents can also enjoy a cold one -- they offer draft beer as well as some wine selections.
For those who want a more gourmet-style burger, try One Burger located at 367 Alhambra Circle next to The Globe. This place has been in the Gables for years and consistently serves up tasty traditional and gourmet burgers. They pride themselves on being anti-fast food style and only use the very best ingredients. My favorite is the Frita Cubana seasoned Cuban style with finely chopped raw onions, house-made shoestring fries and tomato sauce.

Speaking of fast-food style, who can say “no” to those Five Guys burgers, not even President Obama can. The Gables location is conveniently located across the University of Miami at 1540 South Dixie Highway. As greasy and high-calorie as these burgers may be, they are just irresistible. I like the simplicity of their menu; they just serve burgers, fries in a bag, hot dogs and grilled cheese sandwiches…oh, and the peanuts.

Last but not least is Burger Bob’s at the Granada Golf Course, 2001 Granada Blvd. The little, out-of-the-way diner has been a local secret spot forever. Bob Magruder will make sure that your burger is made to order and is the perfect size, not too big and not too small, just right.

So, the next time you’re in the Gables with a hamburger craving, there are plenty of places to visit to satisfy your appetite.

http://www.gableshomepage.com/conversations/2011/06/18/blog-burgers-burgers-and-more-burgers-gables

Hispanics Enjoy Networking at the Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables

Anel Brito, LABA's Exec. Director
photo by Jeannett Slesnick

The first rule of networking is to get out of the office and meet people! It’s always a plus when the backdrop is a historic hotel in Coral Gables. The Biltmore Hotel has become the hotspot for many Hispanic business organizations in Miami-Dade.

I recently attended a networking event hosted by the Latin American Business Association (LABA). Membership is a mixed bag of business people ranging from developers, insurance brokers, attorneys and PR firms to small mom-and-pop shops eager to expand their contacts.

Rick Rodriguez Piña, LABA's Chair Elect
with new members
photo by Jeannett Slesnick

LABA typically invites a prominent speaker to its functions and at this particular event Marc Sarnoff, city of Miami commissioner, shared his vision of bringing new business to the city and streamlining our government.

The very next day, I was back at the Biltmore! Geared up and ready for a day of golf and more networking during the 10th Annual South Florida Hispanic Chamber of Commerce’s Golf Tournament, benefiting Hispanic students seeking college scholarships.

Ready for golf with Rudy Bustamante of Junk Be Gone
photo by Julio Kamara

Members and guests were treated to a perfect day of golf. The Biltmore golf course is exceptional and anyone who plays there always comes back. The best part of these events is the networking that takes place post-tournament.


Golfers relaxed and enjoyed a sumptuous awards dinner along with a live auction. Of course, there is no Hispanic networking event that wouldn’t be complete without the bar, generously sponsored by Bacardi USA. It’s definitely mixing business with lots of fun!

The chamber’s president, Liliam Lopez, commented that this was the first golf tournament the group held at The Biltmore but it often hosts luncheons at the hotel. In fact, the group is returning for its board installation luncheon in a few weeks.

 Commissioner Luz Weinberg & Bouygues Civil Works
photo by Julio Kamara

But wait … there’s more! The Biltmore is hosting the Latin Chamber of Commerce of the United States (CAMACOL) for its 32nd Hemispheric Congress trade show this week (June 1-4). The event is focusing on job creation and retention, as well as economic growth through international trade. Over 19 countries and many national chambers of commerce plan to attend.

What can I say? Latinos love to network and The Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables is the place where they are doing it.

http://www.gableshomepage.com/conversations/2011/05/31/blog-hispanic-business-groups-enjoy-networking-biltmore