Miami’s November is warm, and the playful wind flapping the lush green leaves from the palm trees, has a calming effect against the pastel colored art deco homes. Although the heat is not reflective of the autumn season, the festivals that take place this November in Miami, invite the senses to explore beyond the marvels of the coastline that celebrate the arts, and cuisine. Two notable festivals deserve mentioning this November, which will have their proceeds sent to different charities . One such festival is that which celebrates cinema made all over the world. The Miami short film festival started on November 8th and ends on the 15th. The festival celebrates diversity by categorizing the movies into different themes. The films will be screened in different cinema theaters in the city. The Miami Beach Cinemateque, and the Paragon Grove 13 Theater in Cocowalk.
An all sense festival is the Savor Season and Wine Festival which will kick off at the Brickell World Plaza on Saturday, 16th. The festival celebrates the Christmas season in advance by offering the invitees to their new products. This examiner had the chance to speak with one of the exhibitors who specializes in making the sweet tooth dreamers relive their palate experiences by preparing their favorite cakes. Gilbert’s Bakery is a family run business that was created by Gilbert Arriaza, a Cuban native who decided to offer Miami his unique taste of baked products. Mr. Arriaza along with his wife started his bakery in Coral Gables back in 1973. When his family expanded, and his four children became involved in the family business, the business took a new turn where Cristina (the eldest daughter in charge of Marketing), says, new ideas begun flowing, as well as their production operation. The family becomes involved in the process of food selection. One of the notable aspects of their cuisine, is ensuring that their food menu changes, and adapts to the needs of the customers. One of the most symbolic dishes, is the Salgado, a potato and bechamel sauce croquette. Another aspect of the Gilbert family cuisine is the latin american diversity. They make food that will appeal to all the corners of the vast South American continent. The Cuban dessert Camagueyano originated in Camaguey (a region from Cuba), is another memorable dessert found in the bakery. Key Lime mousse, Key West christmas cake and other type of desserts with almond and raspberry, are Cristina’s favorites. The festival tickets are available on the event’s website: http://www.savortheseasonmiami.com/ Enjoy!
On Sunday November 17th, the Miami Book Fair International, will celebrate it’s 30th annual festival on Miami Dade College campus. The event will host a series of events with Junot Diaz, Dan Brown, and Spain. The largest book fair in the United States takes place in Miami from the 17th until the 24th of November. The princes of Spain Felipe and Letizia will inaugurate the event. Paul Auster and other illustrious literary icons such as the Chilean Jorge Edwards, will be attending the festival.