Coral Gables should look very different by the end of the year. To start, there's the ambitious renovation to Miracle Mile, which celebrated the competition of its first block at the end of July and hopes to bring tourists and locals back to the area to shop, eat and party.
For the latter, Gables folk will have a new option with the grand opening of Riviera Live (3138 Coral Way) this Thursday, August 17. The brand new venue will roll classic Cuban music and dancing into a dinner show that channels the variety performances of 1950s Havana. It’s a formula that has already worked wonders for El Tucán, Brickell’s successful Latin cabaret.
Riviera’s format will be similar. An hour-long show will take place during a dinner service. Afterward, the music blares, chairs get pushed aside and Riviera will morph into a Latin dance club. The kitchen is lead by Jose Davila and dishes include octopus a la Gallega, fried calamari and more—available in individual servings or through a four-course meal.
Riviera is bright and loud. Murals of ‘50s icons cover the wall and a synthetic palm tree stands in the center of the dining room. There is a center bar and a second floor reserved for VIP balconies. Riviera Live will be open Thursday through Saturday from 5pm–3am. Happy hour will be from 5–9pm. Stop by for $5 select wine, $7 cocktails and $8 appetizers. You can RSVP to this Thursday's grand opening here.
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