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.