What’s New

27th Annual Jewish Book Festival
Each year, this festival brings in distinguished authors and celebrated personalities whose writings span a wide range of topics including history, humor, spirituality and Jewish identity. Among the guest authors at this year's Jewish Book Festival at Dave and Mary Alper Jewish Community Center is Judith Viorst, author of the bestselling children’s book, Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day. If you've ever wondered what became of Alexander after that famously bad day, read Ms. Viorst's latest tome, a non-fiction book for adults that wittily details the "grown up and married with kids" phase of Alexander's life when he and his entire family camp out at Viorst's home while their own home is being renovated.

Hidden Gem

El Rey de Las Fritas
This Little Havana diner is famous for its “Cuban hamburger”, a small hamburger patty (slightly bigger than a slider) subtly spiced and served with a mountain of fried shoestring potatoes on top and a squirt of special sauce. The special sauce tastes vaguely like sloppy joe sauce, but it’s the crispy fried potatoes that make everyone clamor for more. Service is quick, and there are other tasty Cuban dishes on the menu -- but once you try a frita, nothing else will matter. El Rey de Las Fritas, 1821 SW 8th St., Little Havana; tel: (305) 858-4223.

Don’t miss…

Artist Lisa Remeny at Miami Beach Botanical Garden
Lisa Remeny captures the beauty of Miami’s tropical environment like no one else. Her watercolors of tropical trees and plants dazzle with their electrifying colors and subtle use of light. She recently completed a giant mural of a Royal Poinciana tree that graces the ceiling of Schnebly Redland Winery in Homestead. Lisa’s newest work is on display at Miami Beach Botanical Garden through October 25. Opening Reception: Sunday, October 21 at 4 p.m.

Listen to...

FIU Music Festival
Listen to great performances of classical, jazz, big band, Caribbean and Latin American music at this annual fall music festival presented by Florida International University. The FIU Music Festival runs October 20 to November 17. Artists who have performed at the festival include such well-known names as Arturo Sandoval, David Sanborn, Paquito D'Rivera and Nestor Torres. Visit the website for a complete schedule of events.