New Grove billboard

Here's the new billboard on US1 and 27th Ave. Pretty mural below, ugly billboard above. I have to laugh at these billboards because it's on the border of the Grove and if anyone tried to put a large billboard like this in the center of the Grove, all hell would break loose. We do have that one ugly one at McDonald Street and Grand Avenue, but other than that, I think the Grove is billboard free except for a few small ones hear and there and maybe one large one on US1 near Douglas Road.

I think Old Grover has the best idea here. This billboard says it all.


Photo by Harry Emilio Gottlieb (and morphed by Old Grover)

Arts and literature are coming back

There's always something happening in the Grove. Today that small area outside the Bookstore was getting a new mural. These two artists were almost finished when I got there. Love the way the Grove is getting back into arts and literature -- reminds me of the old days.

Cup full of parking tickets -- is it trolley time?

I go through so many parking tickets in a week. It would be nice if Grove residents could buy monthly passes or something. I live in North Grove and I guess I could bike to Central Grove, but I drive like most people because I am all over the place (Grove, Gables, Brickell, South Miami) and I need the car. While I love to walk and bike ride, I work for a living and don't have time to leisurely ride my bike all over the county, as some would suggest or threaten that I do.

When I am in New York, Boston or Cambridge, which is often, I walk or use public transportation. Maybe the Grove could use a trolley that actually goes where you want to go -- not a retrofitted bus, but a real trolley. Maybe some of the money they are pissing away on the Midtown Miami Streetcar that will only go a few blocks could be sent to the Grove to travel our major streets here.

Even Coral Gables has a trolley that picks you up at the Metrorail station and brings you to Miracle Mile and environs -- for free. We could use that in the Grove, it's easier to navigate than a streetcar and can be done faster. It can wind through smaller streets and the route could easily be changed when needed (i.e. to avoid certain streets during Arts Festival time, etc.).

The key is making it free, like Coral Gables, and making it go where people want to go.

Author is checking out the Grove for next book

Author Sinthyia Darkness is in the Miami area, working on another book. This one will feature the haunted legends of Florida. I have heard (through another grapevine) that she is interested in the history of Coconut Grove, in fact she blogged a bit about it here.

Gallery full of names

The windows are filling up fast at the Windisch-Hunt Gallery (2911 Grand Avenue), with the names of the artists participating in the Women's Club art show benefit set for March 8, 9 and 10.

Old Time Dance at Barnacle tomorrow

Kick up your heels and dance in the outdoor Micco pavilion at The Barnacle (3485 Main Highway) tomorrow, Friday, February 29 from 6:30 to 10 pm. Wear comfortable shoes and clothes and come learn to dance the traditional American way: Contras, Squares, Circles, and Waltzes. Instruction is included so beginners are welcome.

Gate opens at 6 p.m. Picnics welcome. The cost for the evening is $8 per person; children under 10 are free. For additional information contact 305-442-6866

Ethical issues stalk Commissioner Sarnoff

Looks like our Commissioner Marc Sarnoff is getting into hot water over ethical issues regarding his staff. Zoning issues and money issues, the usual, are being looked into. Sarnoff says there are clear explanations for each issue. Hope so.

While I don't agree with many things that Marc came up with like the black info booths, Sarnoff Circle and the wall on US1, I don't think the guy is a crook, but I guess time will tell.

It's good to know that people do investigate the politicians, which hopefully stops corruption. I do notice that since McClatchy bought The Herald, there have been many more local sacred cows being looked into. Maybe it helps to have an outside company run the local newspaper, a company not tied to Miami, who can be objective and not try to protect cronies.

This is one good reason why residents should vote on issues like zoning and not the politicians. First Michele Spence-Jones, now Sarnoff. Who is going to be in trouble next?

Bookstore offers computer repair

The Bookstore in the Grove (3399 Virginia Street) now offers the "Fastest Computer Repair Shop." Bring in your computer in the morning and pick it up at night! Call for an appointment: 305-389-4542.

They also offer "SmartChats" by expert computer consultant Bryan Windmark, every Monday from 7 to 8:30 pm. For pricing and more info: http://computercaffe.com/

I'd like to see Best Buy's "Geek Squad" beat that. It usually takes from morning to night just to get their attention.

"Marjory's Circle" now forming

Grove residents were fortunate a year ago when the State decided not to move Marjory Stoneman Douglas' historic home out of Coconut Grove. Since then little has happened. It looks like a state park employee is living there and that some work is being done on the house. It isn't easy to get information on the present status. The public has not had access to the site since Marjory died nine years ago.

Would you like to help insure that the house has a bright future? A new group called "Marjory's Circle" is now forming. It will work toward restoration and preservation of the house and its grounds, and help create a plan that will allow the public to have access to the property.

The first meeting is Monday, March 3, from 7- 8 pm. It will take place at Plymouth Congregational Church (3400 Devon Road).

The meeting is in the "Pilgrim House", the two-story structure across the street from the main parking lot. You may park in the yard of the Pilgrim House as well.

For more info or to RSVP, please call or email Glenn: 305-448-3775; bettermiami@yahoo.com

Love their coffee

At Focaccia's this morning, the girl asked, "Would you like cinnamon or chocolate on your cappuccino?"

Then she explained, if I didn't like it, or wanted more milk, to let her know. I told her that their coffee was perfect just as they prepared it. That's why I was there and not at Starbucks.

I chose the chocolate on the cappuccino. :)

It was a beautiful day for a Regatta

Last Week's Washington's Birthday Regatta at the Barnacle turned out perfect. There were a record number of participants and the weather was magnificent.

Please click on the photos to have them open larger.

Artists complaining about the Arts Festival

I found a message board at: Art Fair Source Book. It's a site where artists say negative things about everything. Not one post was positive about anything. Guess you have to be sullen and miserable to be an artist these days. Maybe it helps in the creative process.

One artist was even putting down people for taking photographs, they actually think people take photos of the art, blow them up and hang them on the walls. Guess they don't understand that all those photos taken are free publicity for the artists when they are circulated around. I was told by one artist that major retailers send out people to take photos, then take those and have them reproduced cheaply in China. Sounds a bit far fetched but who knows. Maybe that is the case.

Here was one interesting post. I told the artist he/she would remain anonymous:

I just discovered this blog online: http://coconutgrovegrapevine.blogspot.com/

I see that someone was complaining about the cost of the kiddie rides. Now, I'm very confused. I have not heard anything about kiddie rides at the Coconut Grove show, and I don't ever remember seeing them there. Somebody please tell me that there were no kiddie rides at the Grove!

I don't think that reporting survey results alone is going to do much to get the attention of the powers that be, enough attention to cause them to change anything that they do. Hopefully, most of the attending artists completed the survey that was enclosed in their packets at the show. And, hopefully, the show carefully reviews the information gleaned from those surveys/reviews, and takes heed to any problems reported and suggestions made. I wonder whether or not the way that business and politics works, and the way that things get done, in that part of the country is a bit "different" from other areas.

Let's see now . . . . with crowd estimates of 150,000 (remember the good-old-days when it was in the 500,000 range?) . . . times $5.00 each (more if some came multiple days), that equals $750,000.00 . . . times the number of years that this gate fee has been in effect . . . hmmmm . . . . well, lot's of moola involved. CASH moola. (Just where is that art center?)

Perhaps artists got led down the primrose path . . . when being told that the gate fee would make things better, just to make the idea of a gate fee more "palatable" to the artists. My prediction . . . the "art" show will continue to die, and the event will eventually become a regular run-of-the-mill street festival (like it isn't already?) -- a place for the people who attend the boat show to go to drink and listen to music. And, unfortunately, the formerly good reputation of the "Grove" as the place to go and buy fine art . . . will totally disappear. I sure hope I'm wrong. Miami would surely miss out.

Now lets hear from the food vendors

Here is a response from Power Party Events, the ride guys at the Arts Festival, regarding pricing and complaints. We edited this down from the longer version.

In regards to the services we provided at the 2008 Coconut Grove Arts Festival:

We want to start off by apologizing for your not being content with the pricing but, alas it is impossible to please everyone.

What the general public is probably not aware of is that Power Party Events Corp., although being a party rental company, does not charge the festival for its services. We rely on our wrist band or ticket sales to cover our expenses such as staffing, fuel, insurance and maintenance of rides. If there happens to be anything left over, then sure, just like every other vendor including the artists there, we try to make a dollar. Keep in mind that the amount of money we make at this 3-day festival in comparison to what our equipment normally rents for does not event come close, as well as, we are taking the risk of not generating enough dollars to even cover costs and expenses.

After reviewing comments from parents and the general public last year in regards to the wrist bands at $20, it was a decision made between Power Party Events Corp. and the administrative staff of the festival for the following reason:

Last year, the overall consensus was that the wrist bands were too much for parents with multiple children.

Additionally, our pricing is based on and commensurate with all of the local festivals such as Taste of Pinecrest, Taste of the Grove, Ribfest, etc. Our most expensive ride which was $5.00 for a ride on one of the newest and most popular rides out in this industry, the Euro Bungy, pales in comparison to the $3.25 you paid for a 20 oz. Pepsi product or the $8.00 you paid for a gyro and the list can go on and on. Talk about “fun and fairness for kids and parents”.

As we live in a very diverse world, again, it is impossible to please everyone. We are sorry to hear that you would consider not only boycotting our company but encouraging others to do so.

Let’s, in truth, be fair though, and boycott all vendors that were present at the festival.

Power Party Events Corp. went as far as to refund money for un-used tickets to parents, even though it was not policy to do refunds. In conclusion, we at Power Party Events Corp. continue to be proud of our equipment, service, professionalism and courteous and knowledgeable staff.

Sincerely,
Power Party Events Corp.

How not to run a store
Or how to torture customers in 10 easy steps


Sportive at CocoWalk has the worst customer service in the Grove.

The kids that work there are too young, so I don't blame them. One looks about 12, another is the spitting image of Adrian what's-his-face from Entourage and looks totally frustrated at having to work there.

The problem with the store is that they don't have anything in stock, and the kids can't just tell you right off, so they have some charade going on of going into the storage room and making believe they are looking for your sneakers. They never come out with what you want and it takes them about 45 minutes to actually tell you they don't have the item.

This has happened every time that I have shopped there, I don't know why I go back, I guess I have been with friends and they wanted to shop there so I went along. I won't anymore.

I saw quite a few confused tourists Sunday. One came in and looked for sales help and started yelling, "Is anybody here?" I told him they were all in the back. He got angry after waiting about 15 minutes and left.

Another tourist was yelling because she got a parking ticket due to their long waits and she wanted them to pay for the ticket. Another tourist, upon hearing this, dashed out to put more money in his meter.

Because of this store, the tourists must have some interesting impression of Coconut Grove.

I waited 45 minutes for them to tell me they didn't have the sneakers I wanted. I asked them many times, "Are you sure you have them? Because if you don't, it is no big deal and I'll look elsewhere." And yet, they proceeded for 45 minutes to tell me they had the sneakers I wanted. Only they didn't. And after 45 minutes the guy said, "We are still looking." And I said, "Should I give up or what? Should I stay or should I leave?" And this rude punk said, "You should leave." The first honest person in that store.

So I left and walked to my car on Matilda Street (the ugliest street), and there was a parking ticket waiting for me on my car. Matilda street got revenge on me from my past story putting her down.

Boot Camp in session

Fitness Together's Boot Camps are really taking off. Here's Andy, the owner/instructor whipping these guys into shape. The boot camp schedule is here.

There are many women who are part of the camp, but I sent Sylvia out to get the photos and naturally she took pictures of the men. When I send Harry out to get photos, he sends pictures of women. :)


Photos by Sylvia Rodriguez

Are Arts Festival prices getting out of hand?

I have been getting many emails from people asking about the exorbitant prices at the Coconut Grove Arts Festival.

When one mom asked why they were charging so much for the kiddie rides, the vendor actually told her that Monty Trainer, president, told them to charge that price, which I don't believe. That vendor is a liar and a greedy one at that.

The kiddie area had one minute rides for $5.00 each. The gyros go for $8.00 each. A coke is $5.00. Lemonade for $5.00 and $6.00 for a cup full of ice, some water and dirty lemons? Art is at all time highs, I told you about this one wooden bowl that I saw for $1000.00.

I probably will forget next year, but I think we need to boycott all vendors for one whole day next year and let them see that people have had enough. How would it be if no one bought any food for one whole day of the event?

I still don't like the $5.00 entrance fee. I have received emails from angry people stating that this is to keep poor families and minorities out, I don't know if this is true or not, but I say let everyone in and if they want to make money for charity, how about each vendor donate something from each sale like other art shows do? Art should be free to the masses, especially when they take over the streets paid for by taxpayers.

I'll never forget that when I emailed them the first year, complaining about the $5.00 fee, a lady at their end emailed me back saying, "This is to keep the riff raff out like you." Her exact words. I wish I had saved that email. I didn't have the blog then or I would have blasted it all over the place, including her name.

Chamber of Commerce cocktail party Tuesday

The Coconut Grove Chamber of Commerce meets for after hours cocktails and canapés at the Miami Science Museum (3280 S. Miami Avenue) on Tuesday, February 26 from 5:30 to 7:30 pm.
RSVP to info@coconutgrove.com or 305-444-7270.

"Family Day" takes over the Grove

Mayfair and CocoWalk have joined forces to present "Family Day" every fourth Saturday of the month from 2-5 pm. They have live music, a bounce house and lots of kids activities with a petting zoo, too. Here are some scenes from yesterday.

Nicholas the Story Teller is there to entertain the kids, too. And of course, it wouldn't be a Grove event without the face painting.

Photos by Sylvia Rodriguez

Village West Homeowners and Tenants meeting

The next Coconut Grove Village West Homeowners and Tenants Association meeting is Monday, at 7 pm at the Frankie Rolle Neighborhood Center (3750 S, Dixie Highway, Room 115).

It's the second meeting of the year and they'll have the results of their "2008 Resolutions and Goals Panel,"

There will be an after-action report and committees will continue to work with the elected officials and their staff's until all presented problems are solved. Anyone who wants to serve on one of these committees is welcome. Sign up, at the meeting on Monday.

It is also "Black History Month Extravaganza Time". There will be cash prizes, free food and drink, good music, cultural readings, best costumes contest and most patriotic dress and of course the ever-popular "Black History Month Jeopardy".

"He was the first Black Man to run for the Vic-Presidency of the United States". Answer in the form of a question and win up to $20.00 instantly.

St. Albans has volunteered to provide an on-site baby sitting services if needed. Call Ms. Sharie Blanton in advance at (305) 443-1234 or bring the child with you.

Focaccia Rustica revisited

I took the suggestion of many of you and revisited Focaccia Rustica (3111 Grand Avenue) today. I used to eat lunch there and stopped, not sure why, probably just wanted to try something different, I even blogged about it at the time.

I ordered the curry chicken salad, as per someone's suggestion. Ironically in the last blog post about them, I raved about the curry chicken salad sub (say that three times fast). I loved the cappuccino.
I had one there and ordered one to go.

I forgot how quaint and nice the place is -- very clean and inviting. I'll be back again, maybe for breakfast next time.

Burn Notice will be back for season two

The second season of "Burn Notice" was delayed due to the Hollywood writer's strike, but now that the strike has been settled, "Burn Notice" will begin filming right here in Coconut Grove at the end of April. They will start airing in the summer. As you know, they use the old Expo Center as the studio for filming interiors and of course the whole county, especially Coconut Grove and South Beach, are used for exterior scenes.

Sixteen new episodes are planned for season two and it appears that the whole cast is intact, so all of your favorites should be back.

Here is a photo of last seaon's wrap party in the Expo Center. Guess now that Sharon Gless is through wreaking havoc on Nip/Tuck, she can concentrate on Burn Notice.

Code 33 offers incredible discounts

Just a reminder that Code 33 is a great discount card that can be used all over the Grove. Residents and those who work in the Grove can get the card free. You can get the card by emailing Sue at mcconnell28@msn.com.

The list of participating businesses is right here, but keep in mind it is constantly changing. The Grapevine a participating member -- we offer 20% all ad rates if you have the card.

For businesses that would like to join, please email us and we'll email the form. It will take a few seconds to fill out.

Virginia Street is turning into a cabbie hangout

Just wondering -- why are the cabs allowed to take up valuable parking spots on Virginia Street without feeding the meters, while I have to circle the block five times looking for a spot? When I questioned a cabbie, he said all I have to do is ask them to move. How many people will do that?

And what's with this parking on the sidwalk, too? It looks like a cab parking lot. I have to make quite an effort to find parking to get to The Bookstore or the Pommes & Pané Café.

Another great restaurant addition to the Grove

Cita's Bar and Grill, a new Italian restaurant is taking shape on Commodore Plaza. The sign, and the manager tell me they are opening in the Spring.

Gifford Lane Art Stroll is on the horizon

The Coconut Grove Arts Festival and St. Stephen's Arts and Crafts Fair are behind us for another year, but the tenth annual Gifford Lane Art Stroll is coming up on Sunday, March 16, from 12 noon until 5:00 pm. This is a big favorite with the locals.

Along with the artists who are exhibiting, there will be a live blues band called Outta Da Blues and a crowd of art lovers who really look forward to an afternoon of cool art they can buy, free food, and plenty to drink.

This is a worthwhile charitable event. Participating artists donate 10% of their sales to designated charities. This year, the charities are the St. Stephen's AIDS Ministry and the St. Alban Child Enrichment Center in the West Grove.

For More Information, Contact: Trina Collins at (305) 445-9698.

We have the artist application. If you would like one, please email us and we'll send it via email.

Under the Full Moon at Barnacle tonight

For a larger version, please click on the image.

Pommes & Pané Café is what I was looking for

I just had an incredible breakfast at the Pommes & Pané Café at CocoWalk, on the Virginia Street side, you know, right across from the Mayfair House Hotel entrance, where Blue Man Grove performs on Friday nights.

Yesterday, after bitching about having no place quick to run in and out of for breakfast, a few of you mentioned Pommes & Pané in the comments section and quite a few people stopped me on the street to tell me about it yesterday.

So I popped in this morning and had one of the best, freshest breakfasts in a long time. Olav, below, was very welcoming and was delighted to prepare me a great omelet. The coffee is great, too.

This is what I was talking about -- a one-of-a-kind Grove place, in the Central Business District, that you can enter, order, take-out or eat-in and run. No fuss, no muss -- and delicious and fresh food in the bargain. They are very friendly there and it's honestly what I was looking for in my ranting yesterday.

Ask and ye shall receive. Thank you, Olav. Thank you, readers.

Art show to benefit Women's Club

The Windisch-Hunt Gallery (2911 Grand Avenue) is turning out to be a great Grove neighbor. In support of the Coconut Grove Woman's Club, the gallery will hold a three day art sale to help the historic institution on March 8, 9 and 10. All area artists are asked to to participate in the event, which is a fine art sale, not a donor event.

Fifty percent of the revenue will go to the Woman's Club and 50% to the artist. This is not an auction and artists can benefit from their sales while helping the Woman's Club renovate and provide handicap access to its historic building. Interested artists should contact the gallery as soon as possible as names of participating artists will be placed on the gallery windows beginning today.

For all the details and procedures, please email: grovite1@mac.com or stop in the gallery.

"Water" being shown at Mercy Pavillion

"WATER" an Indian movie by Deepa Metha is part of the collaborative events in the series Psychoanalyzing the Movies being presented by Culture in the City. It's a fascinating tale of a women's life in colonial times in India. This free event takes place at Mercy Hospital's Bayside Pavillion (3663 S. Miami Avenue) at 7:30 pm tomorrow, February 22.

For additional information call 305.752.9595

Complimentary refreshments served at 7:00 pm

General admission: $10, cash or check; Arts and Minds Students with valid ID - Free Admission; Arts and Minds Parent (with student) - $5; Students and SFWA members half price with valid ID; Code 33 cards honored, 10% discount.

Washington's Birthday Regatta

The 13th annual revival of the Washington’s Birthday Regatta takes place behind The Barnacle Historic State Park (3485 Main Highway). The Skipper's meeting is at 10:30 am and the race starts at noon, rain or shine on Saturday, February 23, 2008.

The regatta, first organized in 1887 by Commodore Ralph Munroe, founder of the Biscayne Bay Yacht Club and a Coconut Grove pioneer, is open to traditional-style sailboats (e.g. mudhens, seapearls, bullseyes, sharpies, Bahama dinghies, cat boats, gaff-rigs, etc.).

This is a great spectator event by land or sea. The awards ceremony follows the race at 4:30 pm at the park.

The entry fee is a suggested donation of $10 per boat, made payable to The Barnacle Society. To request an entry packet or additional information, call the park office at 305-442-6866.

Workout Spot grand opening celebration

The Workout Spot (3315 Rice Street) is having a grand opening celebration tomorrow, Feb. 22.

Starting at 5 pm, stop by for drinks and hors d'ouvres. For more info: 305-447-8589 or www.theworkoutspot.com

Don't forget Fitness Together's Boot Camps.

A few good changes at The Fresh Market

Some corporate people were out at the Fresh Market (2540 South Bayshore Drive) today.One told me they were checking up on the store and installing new ovens that will cook the food faster. For instance a chicken that takes 2.5 hours now will only take about half an hour.

She was taking inventory of the deli area and making sure they don't run out of things, which is constantly a problem there. They had a lot of nice new items in the deli; I bought a bunch of new things. Sylvia swears by their salmon wraps so I got one.

The corporate lady (wish I remembered her name) told me that the Grove store is the busiest and does the most volume out of all 78 of their locations. She said she was going to check this blog out, so now would be a good time to list your suggestions for her in the comments section.

We need a "run in, run out" breakfast place

It seems that every morning, Starbucks and The Bookstore are packed with people looking for breakfast. I would say from maybe 9 am to 11 am is the busiest, I guess it's all Grove workers, people who run stores and businesses, making a last dash before they open up. Today there were about 40 people waiting in Starbucks to get something for breakfast, and it honestly isn't even a breakfast that they offer.

It seems what we need in the Grove is a breakfast place, a fast food sort of place, but good food. I ended up at Gardner's Market, which is not in Center Grove and which offers stale pastries and over-priced slow service. Don't even get me started on Coral Bagels, I don't know how that filthy dump stays in business.

If Johnny Rockets could be retrofitted to serve breakfast from say 6 am to 10 am or 11 am, that would fill the need -- a fast order cook could make eggs, bacon and so on. People can dash in and dash out and get a decent breakfast.

Maybe even one of those push carts you see in New York would work. They usually have pastries, bagels and coffee, but maybe some other things could be added, too. This could be set up in a central area near Grand Avenue, McFarlane Road and Main Highway and could run for three to four hours in the morning.

There's a captive audience there. It would be perfect for the right minded entrepreneur.

Years ago Lum's fit the bill, remember them on McFarlane, up on the hill, where Oasis Internet Cafe is now? Maybe a smaller breakfast version of Lum's is what is needed. Maybe Oasis can fit the bill.

Pizza Hut closes

Looks like Pizza Hut finally closed after all these years. I was always amazed that they did business with all the "real" pizza places we have in the Grove like Slice 'n Ice, New York Pizza, Boardwalk Pizza and Cosola's to only name a few.

Barnacle's Under the Moonlight concert

Prepare to experience the infectious jazz rhythms of "Swing from the Hip" as they take the stage for the Barnacle under Moonlight concert tomorrow, February 21 from 7-9pm, at The Barnacle Historic State Park (3485 Main Highway).

Consisting of acoustic bass, guitar, and mandolin with female vocals, Swing from the Hip embraces an eclectic mix of acoustic music with a delightful blend of traditional and modern styles of jazz, blues, and more. The group has a special affinity for the styles and compositions of Django Reinhardt, the great European gypsy guitarist and jazz innovator of the '30s and '40s.

Swing from the Hip was formed "for the love of the music" by players who believe music is something you PLAY. Come for one of the band's rare public performances under the moonlit skies of Coconut Grove.

Please bring blankets or lawn chairs and picnics are welcome, but alcohol and pets are not permitted at the concerts. Proceeds from The Barnacle under Moonlight Concert Series support special projects at the park sponsored by The Barnacle Society, Inc., which is a volunteer non-profit, citizen-supported organization created to generate public awareness, education, and financial support for the preservation and maintenance of this historic home.

Admission is $7.00 for adults and children from 10 and up
$3.00 for children 6 to 9
And free for children under 6

For additional information call 305-442-6866.

Thursday's Village Council agenda

The Village Council meets tomorrow, February 21, from 7 to 9 pm at City Hall (3500 Pan American Drive).

The agenda includes:

A presentation regarding reforestation of the Grove and Miami by local organizations whose efforts are protecting our existing trees and helping us plant more. Learn how these organizations can make trees available to residents and the City, for free, to increase our canopy:
1. Tree Man Trust – Jim McMaster
2. Treemendous Miami – Len Scinto
3. Native Flags – Coconut Grove Arts Festival 2008 poster artist Xavier Cortada
4. Adopt-A-Tree – Edith McClintock, Miami-Dade County

The Resident's Forum:
This is your night to tell the Village Council what you would like to see for the Grove. Anything goes, bring your family and friends.

Bye guys, see ya next year . . .

Couldn't resist this one last photo taken by Harry Emilio Gottlieb. I took photos of these guys being unloaded last week, now they are off to the next arts festival and we'll see them again here next year.

Aladdin's Grill opens on Main Highway

Aladdin's Grill has finally opened at 3415 Main Highway. They offer Mediterranean Cuisine including Falafel wraps, beef and chicken Shawerma wraps or platters, kababs and even has a kids menu that includes burgers, fries and chicken fingers. This is Sam, owner/chef.

I loved the chicken kabobs, the chicken is very tender, made with special spices and the roasted potatoes are delicious. I enjoyed sitting right outside on Main Highway, too.

The Hummus and stuffed grape leaves are incredible and so is the Tabouleh salad. For dessert, they offer Baklava, Kanafi and many other sweets. They offer Hookas, with apple, strawberry, mango, mint, orange or mixed fruit flavors.

For more info, you can visit www.aladdinsgrillmiami.com or call 305-442-2600 or why not just stop in, you can eat inside or out. They are right next door to Boardwalk Pizza.

Lost posts

I was cleaning out the blog today and notice there were about 180 comments that never were posted. For some reason, they got lost along the way. I posted most of them now, so I apologize that this happened. I am going to stop moderating the comments and just let them happen, but I will delete offending comments.

Please note: I had to moderate the posts because of what some people say here -- they slander others and remain anonymous and then attorneys come after me, trying to get the IP addresses of the offending poster. But even if that didn't happen, I can't have people coming on and saying bad things about a whole race of people or even one person and not stand behind their remarks. So please be careful in your remarks.

If you want to call someone gay, or a liar or a crook or a whole race lazy low ass bastards, then sign your name and have your email address and I'll post it. If you want to remain anonymous, then try to make your point without offending people emotionally or legally.

Also -- I DO NOT delete posts that are against what I am for. I don't delete those unless they call other people names in the posts, like I get a lot of "You and FUCKING Mark Sarnoff need to rot in hell you commie low life bastards." Or "You and all the Cubans need to rot in hell." That I won't post unless you sign your name. Woops, I just posted that. (And I am Italian, not Cuban).

I literally got a post that said, "My wife [name here] is having an affair with [name here] at this company [name here] and my children and I are heart broken. Her cell phone and his cell phone numbers are [numbers here]."

You think I will allow that post? And what? Spend the rest of my life in court defending the IP address of the anonymous poster, although I don't think he would be that anonymous since he lists names and phone numbers.

So anyway, I will let all comments go through and if I do see an offending one that can cause legal problems, I will remove it.

Meetings this week

Wednesday, February 20 - 7-9 pm - The Village of Center Grove meeting; Coconut Grove Sailing Club (2990 S. Bayshore Drive); - To obtain a Code 33 membership card for discounts or participating merchants or for merchants to join visit http://www.vocg.org/ or email mcconnell28@msn.com


Thursday, February 21 - 7-9 pm - Coconut Grove Village Council (Village Council meetings have moved to third Thursday of the month). This month is a Residents' forum to speak on topics you are concerned about. Agenda on http://www.coconutgrovevillagecouncil.com/
info: mniemeyer@paymyclaim.com Televised on Ch 77 - or at http://videos.miamigov.com/

End of the festival

As night descends on the village, the artists pack up and move out. The streets will be clean by morning rush hour. It went fast.

Too much art, too little time

Here are some more photos of this year's Coconut Grove Arts Festival taken by Harry Emilio Gottlieb. The Festival runs today until 6 pm.

If you click on the pictures, they will open larger.

Culinary Pavilion and wine tasting

As you know, there is more than just art at this weekends' Arts Festival.

Be sure to check out the Culinary Pavilion and wine tasting tent.

They are located directly across from the Mary Street entrance -- on the boat ramps. Sign up free for a suite of small kitchen appliances from Viking. The grand drawing is Monday and you do not need to be there to win.

Also, there is a drawing for a blender at every Chef Demonstration - 12:30, 1:30, 3:00 and 4:30 each day.

Sunday's agenda:
12:30 - Linda Gassenheimer, Meals in Minutes for people with Diabetes
1:30 - Chris Cramer, Sonesta (special guest Fred Tasker, Miami Herald Wine Columnist)
3:00 - Douglas Rodriguez OLA at the Sanctuary
4:30 - Hugh Sinclair, Caribbean Cuisine

Monday's agenda:
12:30 - Enrique Villardefrancos, Grand Bay
1:30 - Andrew Litherland and MiguelMagano, Ritz Carlton
3:00 - Oscar del Rivero, Jaguar
4:30 - Eleanor Hoh, the Wok Star

Wine Tasting: Premier Beverage Wine Tasting Pavilion -- adjacent to Culinary Pavilion (separate ticket required).

The festivals draw thousands again this year

As usual, the Coconut Grove Arts Festival and St. Stephen's Arts and Crafts Show brought everyone out this weekend -- they run through
6 pm Monday.

A lot of familiar favorites were shown along with some new items.

Some people dressed the part -- very artsy.

Some booths were just as artistic as the actual art.

It's an incredible thing when the art fits into the nature surrounding it. Above was the area where the Coconut Grove Women's Club was selling items to raise money for their renovation project. There was a very popular (and loud) wine tasting booth, right in the center of it all.

Many of the same food vendors are here year after year -- here's the kettle corn and iced tea guy in his usual spot at St. Stephen's.

There seemed to be much more glassware this year than in previous years -- all different styles and all very beautiful.
This one wooden bowl below blew me away -- I loved it, but the price tag said $1000. Can that be right or was that the item number?

Folks of all ages worked the festival. This little guy punched the 3-day passes at the Mary Street entrance.

Windish-Hunt Fine Art Gallery a success

Art in the Grove . . .who would have thought! Commissioner Mark Sarnoff joined Grove artists Fred Hunt, Karen Deilke, Annamaria Windisch-Hunt, and Audrey Scott at Windisch-Hunt Fine Art Gallery (2911 Grand Avenue) on Friday night.

This exciting exhibition of contemporary artists is staged in the space formerly occupied by The Limited in The Mayfair. Windisch-Hunt, the founding director of The One Ear Society has turned her attention to this latest project in her ongoing crusade to restore the spirit of the
Old Grove.

Unfriendly neighbors

I know the Arts Festival can be a pain to many people who live in the Grove but sometimes people can be very unfriendly. Is this really necessary? It's bad enough when some people charge for parking on the swale, which is city property, but it's even worse when people block it to be nasty. Is a car or two going to ruin a person's day if it sits there for a few hours? The grass is all burnt up and crummy already.

You never know what you'll see

The Bodies Exposed exhibit at CocoWalk makes for strange scenes this weekend during the Arts Festival.

Happenings this Arts Festival Weekend

Sat., Sun., Mon. - 9-6 pm - Coconut Grove Arts Festival, McFarlane Rd. and S. Bayshore Dr. Three day passes for Grove residents $5

Sat., Sun - 2 pm at the Target Family Stage Bobby Ingramam with the Ingram Hurley Band Grove Originals

Mon. - 2 pm at the Target Family Stage First October Band - Our own NET officers, Tom Braga and Dave Carpenter

Sat., Sun., Mon. - Also visit St. Stephen's Arts and Crafts Show - McFarlane Rd. - $1 donation

Sat., Sun., Mon. - Woman's Club artists' booth, wine and beer sales, McFarlane Rd.

Sat., Sun., Mon. - Cocowalk "Bodies Exposed" Cocowalk's Green Light District - 15 mannequins featured throughout courtyard auctioned off for charity 444-0777 x14

Sat., - Feb. 16 7-10 pm Dharma Studio presents "Regeneration" introducing new Director, Bernie Peabody with her new vision and new roster of nationally and internationally acclaimed artists - 3170 Commodore Plaza - 305-461-1777, www.dharmastudio.com

Also visit Heart of the Grove Gallery at St. Stephens, 3439 Main Hwy and Windish-Hunt Art Gallery, 2911 Grand Ave. (former Limited space) .

Bring on the art, food and fun

Along with this weekend's big Coconut Grove Arts Festival is the St. Stephen's Arts and Craft Show. This year the St. Stephen's show is celebrating its 20th Anniversary. It began humbly as a hot dog stand during the Coconut Grove Arts Festival and over the years it has grown and become a great event in it's own right.

According to Sunshine Artist magazine, it's one of the top 50 shows in the country.

I caught them setting up today -- all the vendors were scurrying around getting ready for the big weekend -- from art to food, it's all there.

This year for the first time, there is a charge -- only $1.00 to enter thet St. Stephen's Show, for those over 12 years of age. The money goes to their charities which include assistance to the homeless and AIDS charities.

The admission charge will go to Lotus House this year -- the only local shelter dedicated exclusively to assisting homeless and distressed women.


A popular favorite of the St. Stephen's Show is the Tea Room -- the elegant oasis of tea and scones, served in a proper English fashion amidst the frenetic festival atmosphere. Very "arTEAstic" as the sign says.

To offset the tea room, on the other side of the festival, on the McFarlane Road side is the Grolsh Beer Garten -- with lots of beer, knockwurst, sauerkraut, strudel, etc. A veritable German Oktoberfest in the middle of the arts festival! The Beer Garten will be manned by the local Rotary Club.

Freudian Slippers

Felice Dubin enjoying yesterday's beautiful weather outside The Bookstore In The Grove.

Photos by Harry Emilio Gottlieb

Photo Hunt contest

The photo hunt that was have happened some time back, is not scheduled for March 1.

Contestants will be assigned four words at sign up and their assignment will be to take four photos representing that word on March 1 (16 photos in all).

Winners will receive $250 and adult winners will receive a cruise for two.You can register at the Grove Arts Festival this weekend at the McFarlane Road entrance or you may order on line here: www.coconutgroveartsfestival.org. Those who enter at the festival will receive a free poster.

Registration fee is $25 for students in grades kindergarten through 12 and $50.00 for adults.

Dharma Studio introduces new director

Dharma Studio (3170 Commodore Plaza) presents "Regeneration" introducing new director Bernie Peabody with her new vision and new roster of nationally and internationally acclaimed artists tomorrow, February 16 from 7 to 10 pm.

For more info: 305-461-1777 or www.dharmastudio.com

Closing time is 3 am

So it's official, the City Commission voted today to have all Coconut Grove bars, clubs and restaurants, in the Central Business District, end liquor sales at 3 am, rolling back the time from 5 am. This does not include the area on Bird Avenue where the Loggerhead (Flanigan's) is located.

The new law starts June 20, 2008. So until then, drink up.

Graphic by Harry Emilio Gottlieb

Crawl for Cancer -- Grove Bar Crawl

It may be a bit late for this and it is a bit expensive, but the Crawl For Cancer sign up deadline is tomorrow, February 15. The actual bar crawl is March 1st.

Teams of 10 will go from bar to bar (five Coconut Grove bars in all), where each team will finish four pitchers of beer moving on the the next bar. Taxi vouchers will be given out, so not to worry if you see a bunch of drunks stumbling around the streets. It's for a cause.

This is only for groups of 10, individuals may not enter.

Details are here.

The art is arriving

Some of the art is being set up for the Grove Arts Festival this weekend. The food tents are going up, too. I'll go out tomorrow afternoon and snap some pics and post them.

Keep the drinks flowing

Today is the official City Commission Hearing to change the Grove bar closings to 3 am, rather than 5 am.

Again, I don't see a difference in two hours and again, I think it is going to hurt business.

While the Grove is starting to turn around and new businesses are arriving, we are not there yet and I don't see how being smug and bullying the current businesses is a good thing. Look what happened to Josiah on American Idol when he tried to be smug.

Commissioners -- think before you act.

How about putting a few more cops on the streets instead and having the bars pay for that? Someone else suggested vandal-proofing the Grove -- like having unbreakable glass installed on all storefronts, which would help with hurricanes, too. (I don't mean the UM Hurricane's, I know they do get rowdy in the Grove at times). Proactive is the way to go.

You can see the meeting on City Hall TV -- Channel 77 - or here: http://videos.miamigov.com or if you are so inclined, the meeting starts at 9 am at City Hall (3500 Pan American Drive).

And speaking of liquor flowing . . .

Cefalo's next "Tequila Confessions" is tomorrow, February 15 from 9 to 11 pm in Cefalo's Taurus Bar (3540 Main Highway). For info: 305-460-0067.

Gallery opening Friday

This is related to the story below -- the official opening invitation. If you click on it, it will open larger and you can get all the details.

New gallery on Grand Avenue

Looks like a bunch of local artists took over the empty location that The Limited vacated recently. I ran into Fred Hunt who is shown here in front of one of his works, he is showing his art at the new gallery along with his wife Anna Maria Windish-Hunt and a few more artists.

They are in this location for a couple of months. It's very peaceful and roomy and you really can enjoy the art because of the size of the gallery. It's not crowded at all, yet there is a lot to see. There are mostly paintings, but a few sculptures, too.

I think this is a super idea -- why not fill those empty storefronts with local art until a new business moves in? It's better than an ugly boarded up store front and it helps the local artists and local economy.

This one location is perfect for this weekend's Arts Festival. They are sure to do well. Good luck to them all.

Blue Man Grove's Arts Festival Fiesta

Blue Man Grove is hosting an Arts Festival Fiesta is celebration of this artful weekend in the Grove. Join them for live music, live art, and good food and drink.

Sunday, February 17, 3:30-7:00 pm
Pommes & Pané Café at Cocowalk

Izzy Buholzer—dobro & vocals
Eric Wagner—dreadnaught & vocals

Semi-pro nuts

These two nuts were grabbing people to take photos yesterday, trying to promote the new Will Ferrell movie, "Semi-Pro", which opens at CocoWalk's theater on February 29.

"Bodies Exposed" at CocoWalk

CocoWalk is presenting "Bodies Exposed" -- CocoWalk's Green Light District. They were supposed to be "exposed" over the weekend, but I noticed a couple are already out by the fountain -- you know, where Freddie the Flamingo was during the holidays.

Fifteen mannequins will be featured throughout the courtyard and be auctioned off for charity. For more info: 305-444-0777, ext. 14.

New Mural/Billboard ordinance being pushed

This Thursday Mayor Manny Diaz is pushing an advertising industry friendly mural/billboard ordinance in place of Commissioner Sarnoff's much more resident friendly ordinance. The Commission meeting is at City Hall (3500 Pan American Drive) starting at 9 am.

Watch City Manager Pete Hernandez, Commissioner Marc Sarnoff and Steve Hagen on CBS 4 at 11 pm tonight or Tuesday night at 11.

According to Steve Hagen: "I basically said that murals and billboards are litter on a stick and that the public, including our tourists, have the right to a litter free environment or at least an environment which is highly regulated, not the advertising friendly ordinance drafted by Mayor Diaz."

You can email or call Commissioners and tell them to either approve "no ordinance on murals" or "approve Commissioner Sarnoff's version" as it is the most regulated and it provides dollars for purchasing public parkland.

Commissioner emails and phone numbers are here: http://www.miamigov.com/City_Officials/

Also please tell your Commissioner to schedule these important items after 5 pm so residents can attend meetings and be heard. They need to realize that most people work during daytime hours. Remember we just passed the Citizens Bill of Rights!

Coconut Grove Bed Races

The Coconut Grove Bed Races may be coming back. I heard from a reliable source today that a local company wants to sponsor the event and talks are happening now. I'll post the info as I receive it.

Meetings this week

Tomorrow, February 12, 11:30 am - The Grove Chamber of Commerce luncheonat Cefalo's Italian Village (3540 Main Highway). Guest speaker is Robert Parente, the director of the Mayor's Office of Film, Arts and Entertainment. Cost is $25 for members/$35 for non-members. Please RSVP at305-444-7270 or email info@coconutgrove.com

Tomorrow, February 12, 6:30 pm - The Waterfront Advisory Board meets at City Hall (3500 Pan American Drive). It may also be seen on City Hall TV -- Channel 77 or here: http://videos.miamigov.com

Wednesday, February 13, 7-9 pm - All Grove Crimewatch meeting at St. Stephen's Church Great Room (2750 McFarlane Road) Parking validated. For info, please email: rloupo@aol.com or ymcdonald@bellsouth.net or call: 310-8769. Website: www.grovecrimewatch.org

Thursday, February 14, 9 am - City Commission Hearing at City Hall (3500 Pan American Drive). See it on City Hall TV -- Channel 77 - or here: http://videos.miamigov.com

"Public safety kiosks" are a waste of money

I was laughing as I read the Herald story on the "public safety kiosks" as they call them. They claim that they are there just in time for the Arts Festival next weekend -- available to give advice to the many lost tourists.

Guess the "lost tourists" are too damn stupid to ask the 150,000 people milling around the streets enjoying the Arts Festival for advice and directions. The Herald thinks they need to go to some lacky in a $67,213 kiosk for advice.

Talk about a waste and pissing away of tax-payers' money. I am willing to do a test. Once the lacky is in place, I am going to play tourist and ask questions and see what I come up with. I am betting anything that they don't have a clue and the first thing they do is pull out a map and try to decipher it.

When are taxpayers going to have a say in what goes and what doesn't go in our neighborhoods?

I am tempted to ask for a list, by readers, of wasteful things that have been happening around here lately, but I don't think I have enough room to post them all.

Wacky lights

I received the following email from a reader:

I have emailed [the City] but have had no reply whatsoever, and I would love to have this issue addressed.

I live in South Grove (area Douglas, Avocado, Palmetto, Plaza) and walk my dogs daily in my neighborhood. In the evenings, when one walks by the recently installed street lights, they go out, rather than becomming brighter - sort of a reverse motion detector. When you approach the street lights, they are lit, but as soon as you get close, they go dark.

You can imagine how much more difficult it is to walk in total darkness. As soon as you pass the lights they go back on. I asked [the City] if this was a malfunction, or intentional because it makes absolutely no sense to me. Is this another brilliant City of Miami light installation, or something stranger?

Chamber luncheon at Cefalo's on Tuesday

The Grove Chamber of Commerce luncheon is Tuesday, February 12 at 11:30 am at Cefalo's Italian Village (3540 Main Highway).

Guest speaker is Robert Parente, the director of the Mayor's Office of Film, Arts and Entertainment.

Valet parking is available or there is parking available at the lot next to the Playhouse.

Cost is $25 for members/$35 for non-members. Please RSVP at
305-444-7270 or email info@coconutgrove.com

Why I continue to hate the Farmer's Market

I have that feeling where you are so overheated and you can't cool down, you know what I mean?

And it is all because of the incompetence of Stan Glaser and his moronic farmer's market -- the place for total disregard for customer service.

I left my car next door to be washed and I walked over to the Shaq 24 Hour Fitness Gym (is it going to keep the name now that Shaq is gone?). Anyway, I worked out and then had lunch at Qdoba. After that I popped into Starbucks, where I ran into local author Philip Dickenson Peters, we chatted for a bit, and mind you, after the gym work out, I was not exhausted or overheated at all.

From there I headed back to my car and decided to pop into Stan's farmer's market since the paper just did a story on them this week, and I like the coconut water, so I decided to give them another try, even with their pathetically overpriced items.

But therein lies the rub. After filling a basket up with all sorts of goodies, I proceeded to wait in line. And I waited, and waited under the hot, airless tent. And Stan stood there with his arms folded and just watched as the line grew longer and longer and we waited and we waited in the sweltering heat and humidity on this uncomfortable winter's day.

And a man behind me said, "Stan, why don't you do something?" And Stan said, "There are seven cashiers, what else do you want me to do?" And a lady said, "Add a few more!" And another man said, "Hire a few that aren't stoned on weed all the time and who don't move at a snail's pace."

Keep in mind that about four of the cashiers actually serve ice cream and pie and don't really charge you for the veggies and other items unless you insist. So there are three cashiers.

And with all that being said, Stan ignored it all and sauntered away in the opposite direction to kibitz with someone else, rather than fix the problem by perhaps bagging the items himself to get people checked out fast or ringing up cash only sales or something like that. And three of us, me and two people behind me, dropped our full baskets of food and left. Stan's apathy is sickening.

I ended up at Gardner's Market where I got everything I needed except the coconut water and I can live without that. And I can live without Stan's hopeless attitude.

Painting classes now forming

There's a four week art class starting February 21 at the Arts and Minds Center (3138 Commodre Plaza).

Each Thursday, explore the colorful world that exists within you. Use your imagination and a paintbrush to discover your soul's unique poetry in this creative and playful class. By learning the basics of acrylic painting you will be able to create works of art that deepen your understanding of yourself and others. No prior art experience is necessary and all materials are provided.

Facilitator Sheri Friedman is a professional artist who has been teaching art for over 10 years. She believes that art is the language of the collective unconscious and is a vital necessity in today's world.

Classes are from 6 to 8 pm. You may register at www.iihu.org or email Sherifr@bellsouth.net for more information.

Alhambra Orchestra performs at Ransom

Alhambra Orchestra Violist Michael Klotz of FIU's Amernet Quartet and pianist Alan Ngim of MDC are performing with the Alhambra Orchestra at Ransom Everglades School (3575 Main Highway) tomorrow, February 10 at 7:30 pm. Admission and parking is free. For info: 305-668-9260 or you may email: info@alhambramusic.org

Fitness Together is holding Boot Camps

Fitness Together is having Boot Camps a few times a week.

The schedule is:
Mondays - 7 am - Kennedy Park
Mondays - 6:30 pm - Fitness Together
Wednesdays - 7 am - Kennedy Park
Wednesdays - 6:30 pm - Fitness Together
Saturdays - 9 am - Kennedy Park

* All workouts will be held outside unless otherwise noted.
* Workouts may be cancelled do to severe weather.
* Please bring a workout towel, bottle of water, and stretching mat to each workout.
* Minimum of 6 participants required for each workout. If minimum attendance is not met workout may be cancelled.
* All Fitness Challenge participants can attend one workout per week free. Each additional workout is $10.
* Non-Fitness Challenge participants welcome. $15 fee per workout

Fitness Together is at 3333 Rice Street, unit 101
Kennedy Park is along the bay around 2400 S. Bayshore Drive
For more info, please email ftcoconutgrove@fitnesstogether.com
Or call (305) 648-2202

Major accident on US 1

There was a major pile up on US1 and 27th Ave., in front of the Shell gas station, a short while ago. It's a mess out there. US1 and 27th Ave. are back up for miles. Some of the side streets are affected like 22nd Ave. and 17th Ave. into and out of the Grove.

Avoid these streets if possible for the next few hours, which may be hard.

I witnessed the pile up and it isn't pretty. I had my camera, but decided against taking pictures of others' misfortunes.

Qdoba opens today

Qdoba Mexican Grill finally opens today at 11 am at 2982 Grand Avenue. Here are Victor, George and Eddy, who were working hard this morning to get the place open in time.

There will be indoor and outdoor seating. Stop by today, I know I'll be back for lunch.

"Double Indemnity" at The Barnacle

The Barnacle (3485 Main Highway) is presenting, a Starlight Movie Classic night on Sunday, February 10 for members only. Admission is free. You may join at the gate that night if you are not a member.

The classic film noir, "Double Indemnity" with Fred MacMurray, Barbara Stanwyck and Edward G. Robinson will be shown. Gates open at 6:00 pm. No admittance after 7:15 pm. This is a love story with lots of drama, betrayal, love and murder at first sight.

Bring a picnic, bring your flashlight! No pets. Please call for more info: 305-442-6866

Meet Severino Barzan at Cefalo's

Cefalos's Italian Village (3540 Main Highway) has another wine tasting planned for Saturday, February 9.

Severino Barzan, the man behind Bottega Del Vino, will host a special wine pairing dinner in "the Cave" at Cefalo's.

Severino's famous Risotto de Amarone and Osso Bucco will be served at 8 pm. The meal will be served with is wines in his own hand-blown stemware.

Cost is $150.00 per person. Please RSVP to anastasia@cefaloswine.com

For info on the "Cave Club" please call 305-971-2400 ext 4008 or email denyse@cefaloswine.com

Grapevine contest winner

The winner of the Grapevine Contest is Karlisa, from the Central Grove. Freddie is the name I gave the Flamingo back in December. Karlisa will receive the two Arts Festival posters.

Nikki Beach club has white party opening

Nikki Beach Club recently opened in the Grove at 2889 McFarlane Road. The beautiful people were out for the opening night party -- all dressed in white -- well most anyway.

Photos by Wade Caldwell

Blue Man Grove performs Friday

Grapevine contest

Regular readers of The Grapevine should know this one. What is the name I gave the Christmas flamingo that was in front of CocoWalk on and off during the holiday season? Remember, first his hat was stolen, then he disappeared and then he returned?

You have until noon tomorrow to answer. The winner will get two Coconut Grove Arts Festival posters. One is from last year -- the 2007 Romero Brito poster (22" x 30"). The other is from 2005, by Lisa Remeny (20" x 31").

We will randomly choose a winner from the correct entries and announce it here tomorrow. Again, you have until noon tomorrow. One answer per email please.

WE HAVE A WINNER. WE WILL POST THEIR NAME SHORTLY.

Old fashioned wine tasting at Cefalo's

Cefalo's Italian Village (3540 Main Highway) is having an "Old Fashioned Classical Wine Tasting" tomorrow, February 7. Starting at 4:30 pm, they will be showcasing over 30 wines at the tasting store and in the outside garden.

Price is $30 per person and includes a Cefalo's tasting glass to take home with you.

Every Sunday, Cefalo's has their Live Brazilian Jazz and brunch from 11 am to 3 pm. It's $19.95 per person, and includes one Mimosa. Complimentary valet parking is available at the Playhouse lot with validation.

For more info, please call 305-460-0067 or visit: www.cefaloswines.com

More ugly

This is a picture of the tree that was at the center of a "heated debate" recently. The City Commission gave the owner approval to cut the tree down at 2840 Shipping Avenue. I say cut the ugly townhouses down or plant more trees in front to mask them. Matilca Street architecture is proliferating through the Grove. It must be stopped.

Photo by Harry Emilio Gottlieb

The Workout Spot now open

The Workout Spot is now open in the Grove at 3315 Rice Street.Whether you are looking to train with a trainer or on your own, The Workout Spot offers a high energy environment. They have the latest in free weights, cardio and machine-based training technology including Precore, Cybex, Lifefitness and Free Motion.

They are open Monday through Friday from 6 am to 9 pm and Saturday and Sunday from 7 am to 6 pm. Training outside these hours is available upon request. Their grand opening party is planned for Friday, February 22, starting at 5 pm.

For more info: 305-447-8589 or www.theworkoutspot.com

Open U begins Spring semester

The Open U, the educational component of International Institute for Human Understanding (IIHU), begins its Spring Semester on Monday, February 11. Courses and workshops are offered at the Center for Arts & Minds (3138 Commodore Plaza).

Visit www.iihu.org for detailed listing of stimulating courses taught by leading faculty members from all over the world. There are still a few days to sign up. For info, please call 305-481-2459.

NET meeting at Rolle Center tomorrow

The City of Miami's Planning and Neighborhood Enhancement Team (NET) will be conducting a series of public meetings to present and seek public comment on the recent Evaluation and Appraisal Report (EAR) --Based Amendments of the City's goals, objectives and policies. The next meeing is tomorrow, February 6 at the Rolle Center (3750 S. Dixie Highway).

The purpose of the meeting is to seek public comments on the EAR document approved by the State in 2006 and on the State-required Comprehensive Neighborhood Plan as part of the amendment process. The State requires the process be completed for the City by August.

Women's Club luncheon this Thursday

The Coconut Grove Woman's Club luncheon is Thursday, February 7 at the Sailing Club (2990 S. Bayshore Drive). If you would like to attend, please call 305-323-3070 and plan to bring a covered dish that does not have to be heated; meeting is at 11:30 am; lunch at noon. Join the Woman's Club, or you can help raise money for the reconstruction, volunteer to help during Arts Festival.

The Village Council wants to hear from you

There is a "Resident's Forum" on Thursday, February 21, 7pm at City Hall (3500 Pan American Drive).

Everyone is encouraged to come out. It's a great opportunity for an open discussion on those issues that are of importance to the community, and specifically to you and your neighborhoods.

The Village Council wants to hear from everyone who lives or works in the Grove: Tell them about your home, your street, your neighborhood, your condo, your neighbors, your parks, sidewalks, bus benches, traffic, crime, trees, empty lots, neighborhood needs.

Give them your point of view as a home owner, as a renter, as a long time resident or a new arrival, as a bicyclist, jogger, pedestrian or driver; as shopper or bar hopper, business owner or employee; sailor, boater or landlubber; teen or old timer.

Anything you can think of to improve quality of life and our community is appreciated.

Bring your concerns, your solutions, and your ideas.

Cleanin' up the Grove

Sylvia Rodriquez is cleaning up the Grove. Her specialty is floors and windows. She's great with houses, apartments and all types of businesses. We highly recommend Sylvia. She can be reached at
305-979-3060.

Maybe some of the clubs can hire her to sweep up their filth in the mornings. She'll leave the streets so clean you can eat off of them.

Yoga by the Sea

Each Wednesday from 6:00-7:15 pm, The Barnacle (3485 Main Highway) offers Yoga by the Sea.

These classes are for all levels – including beginners. Classes are held on the lawn overlooking Biscayne Bay (in case of rain, class meets in the Micco pavilion).

Instructor Jennifer Dugan (shown here), experienced yoga instructor, was first introduced to yoga in high school. After graduating from Harvard and then acquiring a master’s from Yale, she decided to further develop her practice beginning with a series of yoga classes in 1992.

Along the way she attended Gourmet Cookery School in New York, learning of the physical, mental and spiritual effects of diet on the body. She continued to develop her yoga practice and in 2004 moved to Miami to take Mysore classes. She has studied with renowned instructors and traveled to India to study the Sri K. Pattabhi Jois, the modern founder of the Ashtanga yoga system. Jennifer is interested in helping people – through asana – explore habits and personal feelings stored in the body that interfere with a person’s growth, personal vision and spiritual path.

Bring a mat and any accessories you may want to use (strap, blocks, etc.). Classes are $13 each, which includes park entrance fee. There is minimal parking inside the park, so car pool if possible and arrive prior to 6 pm to ensure that class begins promptly. Call 305-442-6866 for more information.

Also, keep in mind the free yoga in Kennedy Park on weekends. More on that here.

Super Bowl at CocoWalk

Today you can watch the game on a giant big screen tv, play interactive football games and win prizes. Also featured are Budweiser specials and giveaways by the Bud Girls; noon-midnight. Free for the whole family.

Matilda Street has no curb appeal

I apologize to all residents on Matilda Street, but Matilda Street wins the award for the ugliest street in the Grove, except for maybe these two houses, which are in a cul de sac off of Madilda. This is what Matilda used to look like.

And there are one or two more nice places on Matilda, but basically it's all row after row of prefabricated looking townhomes. You know the type -- the one that is all garage exposed to the street -- no character, no beauty. UGLY. I took a walk from Bird Avenue to Grand Avenue and this is what I saw. I don't even know what this ugly thing is below.

This is what the Grove is going to become if we don't start fighting the demolition of the quaint older places or at least start regulating the architecture of what is built. Greedy developers build this crap and I guess people with no taste buy them. I just can't imagine house hunting in the Grove and choosing this junk over other beautiful houses available -- some new, some old, but with character. Gifford Lane may end up like this if we let it.

While I feel that Coral Gables is way over built now, I don't think this would happen there, they have some sort of review board there. I don't think this would happen in the Art Deco District of South Beach either. Here anything goes.

The houses in the neighborhoods should fit in. Can you see this crap in New Orleans or Boston's Back Bay? They would not allow it.

I felt like approaching the homeowners who I saw out in front of their houses and ask them "why?" But I didn't wanna cause a fight, so I just kept moving. The terrace and awning above is a nice touch, and they actually went out of their way here to block the ugly garage and add some character. The green on the house and the foliage really
enhance it.

Look at this. No curb appeal and nothing nice about it. That "for sale" sign is gonna be there for quite awhile I am guessing, unless some fool with a seeing eye dog is in the market.

The builders of these places have no imagination. I bet they were at the bottom of their classes in design and architecture. I can do it myself: Slap in a two car garage and build around it. Put the bedrooms above the garage and squeeze in the living room on the bottom floor, and usually squeeze in a kitchen/dining area on the second floor.

Use inferior materials -- formica and such, unless the buyer wants an upgrade. Use all white for the interiors, even the kitchens. Just slap it together fast and put a for sale sign up. That's the technique.

But the funny thing is that people actually buy this ugliness. "Build it and they will come," never rang so true. I don't even wanna know what this thing is above. Did they run out of room? Why is the second floor hanging out like that on the side?

I could walk around and take some pictures of classier townhouses, but you have seen them and know the difference. They have bricks, they have larger windows, they have couryards and the garages are not the main feature.

Some of the good ones look like French villages, some have deep darker paint colors and are embellished with classier framework. Some are designed so well that you actually miss them as you walk by, they blend in. Many can be seen on Virginia Street near Shipping and near Bird; and of course on and around Ruth and Jackson.

But poor Matilda Street is the ugliest street in the Grove. Looks like they just slapped it together with no thought.

Let the comments begin . . .

Home Depot is hopeless

This is a Saturday morning at the Home Depot. I love seeing the empty parking lot. Keep up the boycott people. We don't need these minipulating, greedy, spiteful bastards here.

Home Depot has bad karma written all over it. Avoid that black cloud.

Clubs need to contain their filth

This is the scene on and around Fuller Street (and lots of streets) many mornings. What's with the club flyers and beer bottles and boxes? When are the clubs going to be fined for this crap? If this keeps up, maybe the 3 am closing should be turned into "closed for good" and we should get rid of these slobs.

Maybe the clubs should just be responsible for the flyers only and the police should step in and stop the on-street drinking and littering.

Above photos by Harry Emilio Gottlieb

Volunteers needed for Grove Arts Festival

Volunteers are needed for the Grove Arts Festival Saturday February 16 thru Monday February 18 -- key assignments include staffing of merchandise and vintage poster booths, assisting and helping artists and help with the Coconut Gove Bank Kids Creative Corner.

Shifts are 9- 2pm and 1-6pm or a full day.

Adult volunteers will receive an arts Festival t-shirt and souvenir poster. Student volunteers (minimum age 16) will receive a t-shirt and community service hours. Those who volunteer both shifts all three days will be presented with a complimentary framed Arts Festival poster.



Please fill out the application online www.coconutgroveartsfestival.org. If you have any questions, please call 305-447-0401, ext. 28.

Another old house is gone

That old brown house that was at the end of Bird Avenue, on Aviation is gone -- like a thief in the night.

When do these people come in and knock these houses down? I never see a hint of their intention.

I know the house was old and maybe was termite ridden, but still, it was a piece of Grove history. When I was a kid, many old Grove houses were used for businesses, like antique shops and such. It's a shame those old houses on Aviation can't be saved for reasons like that. They are sort of in a commercial district.

These developers knocked down a beautiful mid-century house in our neighborhood a few years ago so that they could build huge multi story town homes on the area, with zero lot lines. They are still sitting empty -- unsold and unwanted and all they did was bring property values down to all of us.

When will people get a clue that fixing up the old and restoring it might be more desirable to buyers?

Rumor has it

A Kinko's may be coming to the Grove. Check back here for details.

Qdoba supposedly has closed all permits and will be opening next week. Let's see if that happens.

Grove Woman's Club needs your help

The Historic clubhouse built in 1924 needs community donations and help with fundraising efforts.

There is a court order to make the building compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act and this means new plumbing, restrooms, ramps, doors and fixtures. Let's all help save this piece of history in Coconut Grove!

Started in 1891, the Woman's Club has community outreach programs that provide scholarships and special assistance for those in need. There is a long list of awards that the Woman's Club has received for these services.

Stop by the Woman's Club during the Arts Festival on Feb. 16, 17 and 18. There will be 20 artists' booths, beer, wine, baked goods, books, antiques, and donated "Art for Sale." All will benefit the fundraising efforts for the construction.

You may donate to their sale; they are looking for collectibles as well as architectural books, art books, children's books, novels, and cookbooks in good condition.

Someone is at the Club from 10 am to 2pm on Wednesdays or you can make arrangements by calling 305-804-1005 to drop off your donations. You can also leave them at the Library with a note to hold for Judy at the Woman's Club.

You can become "A Friend of the Woman's Club for $50 per year. or actually join the Woman's Club - the next luncheon is Thursday, February 7. Call for more information on how to help: 305-323-3070. Or you can mail your tax deductible donation to the Woman's Club of Coconut Grove, 2985 S. Bayshore Drive, Coconut Grove, FL 33133.