The Taste of the Gables event last year in the Westin Colonnade's elegant, marble-tiled rotunda.

The 5th annual Taste of the Gables kicks off May 31 with a two-hour event at the Westin Colonnade Hotel. During the event, guests will enjoy food samples from the area’s best restaurants and vote for their favorite dishes.  Libations will include cocktails from Bacardi and wines from Jackson Family Estates.

Taste of the Gables continues in June for eager gourmands. Restaurant Week, which is actually two weeks of three-course lunch and dinner menus at discounted prices, takes place Monday, June 4 to Sunday, June 17.

Known as The City Beautiful, Coral Gables is visually appealing for its elegant homes, winding streets and lush landscaping. The historic city, founded by George Merrick in 1925, also offers a feast for the palate, featuring some of Miami-Dade County’s finest restaurants and upscale cocktail lounges.

All the participating restaurants are easily accessible within a few blocks of downtown Coral Gables and a testament to the city’s cosmopolitan flair  — French, Thai, Italian, Peruvian, Argentinian, German, Japanese, Mexican are just among some of the cuisines available — in addition to traditional steak house and American fare.

In between dining experiences, this summer or throughout the year, catch a movie at the Coral Gables Cinema, attend a book signing at Books and Books, enjoy a play at the Actor’s Playhouse or visit the local art galleries to round out a cultural evening in downtown Coral Gables.

Taste of the Gables begins at 6:30 PM on May 31.  Advance tickets are $25, available online at Coral Gables Restaurant Week. Visit the website for a list of participating Coral Gables restaurants.

– Maria de los Angeles is a freelance wordsmith based in Miami.