On June 2, foodies had the chance to cast their vote for the “Best Taste of the Gables” award after sampling various “tastes” from over 20 restaurants participating in Coral Gables Restaurant Week presented by Bacardi U.S.A., Inc.

Taste of the Gables was held in the historic Rotunda of the Westin Colonnade Hotel. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to United Way of Miami-Dade.

Now in its fourth year, Coral Gables Restaurant Week will officially launch on June 6 and run through June 19. During these two weeks, participating restaurants will offer special three-course lunch and dinner menus at savings of at least 20 percent. Guests (21 years and older) will also have the chance to try the Original BACARDI® Mojito Cocktail or a glass MARTINI® Prosecco wine, the official cocktails of Coral Gables Restaurant Week, at participating restaurants with full bars.

Coral Gables Restaurant Week serves to celebrate the great international chefs and venues which make Downtown Coral Gables one of the finest culinary destinations in South Florida. The two-week culinary event brings together the city’s top restaurants including Anacapri on Ponce, Angelique Euro Cafe, Coral Gables Ale House, Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar, Fritz & Franz Bierhaus, Gables Diner, Il Grissino, John Martin’s Irish Pub & Restaurant, La Cofradia, Morton’s The Steakhouse, Norman’s 180, Pardo’s Peruvian Cuisine, Por Fin Restaurant & Lounge, Randazzo’s Little Italy, Red Koi Thai & Sushi Lounge, Season 52, Sushi Maki, Talavera Cocina Mexicana and Tarpon Bend Raw Bar & Grill.

Restaurant Week menus are available for both lunch and dinner depending on the restaurant, and are now available online at www.coralgablesrestaurantweek.com. Advance reservations are recommended as many restaurants book completely during this popular promotion.

Photographs by Betty Alvarez copyright 2011