- Looking for a great Cuban cookbook?
- "Three Guys From Miami Cook Cuban" and "Three Guys From Miami Celebrate Cuban"
Glenn: As a guy from the north -- they like to call me "el hombre blanco del norte" -- I enjoy the beach in summer. But the water is so warm -- like bath water! You just don't feel refreshed.
Raúl: That's the way Cubans like their swimming. Warm, NOT cold.
Glenn: Yes, and I have gotten used to that. However, there is a great place to cool off in Miami. When it gets really hot in the summer you'll see many people there...
Jorge: ...even many Cubans.
Glenn: This Hot Cuban Hangout is the Venetian Pool in Coral Gables.
Raúl: It is a very beautiful pool!
Glenn: Part of the great architectural history of Coral Gables, the Venetian Pool was created from a rock quarry.
Jorge: They used the natural coral limestone from the quarry to build many of the fine homes along Coral Way in Coral Gables.
Raúl: And when they were done, they were left with one BIG hole in the ground.
Jorge: That's right Raúl, so they decided to make a huge pool.
Glenn: Huge yes. More than 820,000 gallons! Best of all, the water flows from a natural spring so it is always cool and refreshing (about 76 to 78 degrees year 'round). It's also very clean and chemical free.
Glenn: Don't forget the royal and coconut palms.
Raúl: They have a nice white sand beach for sunbathing.
Jorge: Our kids love exploring the caves at the edge of the pool and the two waterfalls.
Glenn: The little kids aren't left out with a very large two-foot deep wading pool. My youngest spent a lot of time there before she "graduated" to the big pool. However, please note: Children under 3 are NOT admitted.
Jorge: The Pool also has a small café where you can choose from a selection of appetizers, salads, main dishes, and desserts.
Glenn: The food is good, but not great. And being so close to Bird Road and dozens of Cuban restaurants and cafes...
Jorge: ...we frequently smuggle, er bring our own treats in from outside.
Glenn: During the winter months, Northern-born guys like me can enjoy a nearly empty pool.
Jorge: He means empty of people, not water.
Glenn: Right! Most of the locals stay away because they think it is too cold. Your only competition for pool space in the winter is from the occasional photo shoot or wedding photography.
Raúl: Winter or summer, even if you don't want to swim, stop by and take a quick tour of the pool.
Jorge: It's very beautiful by day and even prettier at night when the many Venetian lanterns are lighted.
HOURS:
Open Monday through Friday at varying hours due to the season and special events. Call ahead to make sure that they're open. Closed Mondays, September through March.
Saturdays and Sundays: 10 AM to 4:30 PM year round
Admission: April through October: Adults $8 Children ages 3-12 $4 | November through March Adults $5, Children ages 3-12 $2
Children under 3 not admitted.
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