La Dorada in Coral Gables is known for its traditional Spanish and Mediterranean seafood dishes, big wine list and ocean liner decor. Fresh products arrive daily by air directly from the North Atlantic, the Mediterranean and the Cantabrian Sea. The restaurant is the first and only Spanish Restaurant in the United States to receive the International Five Star Diamond Award and Five Star Green Diamond Award.

Our bubbly reception featured a special surprise with the compliments of Maître Restaurateur José Vila, owner of Pane Amore International which imports gourmet foods from Spain. He generously donated Bellota ham for our reception inviting his Master Slicer to expertly cut the delicious treat for us.

Once seated, ladies discovered gifts of embellished Spanish fans at their place setting. We delved into the cuisine; even the timid discovered an affinity for the delicate baby shark fillets, flash fried in extra virgin olive oil with homemade aioli and La Dorada’s signature black rice paella with cuttlefish in its own ink.

Throughout the evening, we were entertained by a Flamenco guitarist, and once inspired, members began to pirouette around the room.

A second surprise that evening was the induction of Cándidio Creis, Consul General of Spain in Miami, officiated by Bailli Provincial of Southeast Charles Radlauer. There was a roar of applause as Cándidio received his Chevalier d’Honneur regalia.

Bailli Nancy Radlauer presented Domingo Gandara, La Dorada’s owner, with a Bailliage commemorative award. The “flavours and sounds of Spain” evening proved to be a remarkable event.

Nancy Radlauer
Bailli