Quit yer belly achin'

I have to laugh, this post about Señor Frogs has turned into a noise issue debate.

No matter what the noise ordinances are, let's be real: You move across the street from a restaurant and bar and you are going to hear noise. To complain all the time is idiotic.

I live next to Mercy Hospital, I expect to hear ambulances, do you think I call Mercy every time one goes by? And get this: The music and noise from Vizcaya flows over to us during the season constantly, I am hearing noisy wedding parties until 1 am on a regular basis. And Grove Isle is the worst -- the music and noise that flows over from them is really annoying.

But we live with it. Even in a residential area.

For people in the Cloisters and other neighborhoods near the Center Grove to complain about noise from across the street, down the block or even Peacock Park is stupid. Real stupid. That Cloisters land should have been a park anyway, the City sees nothing wrong with spending billions on a Mega Plan (without even a public vote) that most don't want, and yet they could not pony up for a small park in the Grove at the time it was available, which was the right thing to do.

Art doings at the Windisch-Hunt Gallery

Betty Ann Pober and Jeff Passage, both artists at the Windish-Hunt Fine Art Gallery (2911 Grand Avenue), check out Betty Ann's window. The art in the window is changed every few weeks or so.

The Children's Trust Miami Heart Gallery project is still running until September 7. The gallery is running on summer hours: Tuesday thru Friday, 6 to 10 pm; Saturday, noon to 10 pm, Sunday, noon to 9 pm, closed Monday.

AnnaMaria Windisch-Hunt informs me that the Children's Trust is interested in doing a more "formal show" this fall, maybe to coincide with the Art Stroll.

Now speaking of the Art Stroll is it still the first Saturday or is it now the second Saturday? I am getting conflicting stories. Seems like no one wants to take it on and do it right.

Peeking in windows . . .

The Heart of the Grove (3439 Main Hwy.) window this week. For art, clothing and one-of-a-king jewelry, stop in. More info here.

I caught them, they caught lobster

Just caught these guys with my camera. A happy crew coming in with their dinner, as you know, today was the first day of the two day lobster mini-season.

Chamber mixer tomorrow night

Please click on the image for larger version.

Yummy

I caught these two little ones sharing Yogurbella frozen yogurt at CocoWalk.

The neighbors are not amused

Which local establishment had a private swingers party last week, where 300 people attended (all couples)?

Business is slow and they needed to mix things things up a bit, so apparently they advertised to swingers through private channels and the place was packed. Word of mouth is spreading fast, people want to know about the next party.

The Frog is croaking

Rumor has it that Señor Frog's is closing soon. A new Mexican restaurant will be leasing the space from the building owner.

As for that empty lot next door, no one is talking, they tell me it's a big "political mess" involving the city, whatever that means.

Anyway, that's the scoop today, you can tell everyone you "heard it through the Grapevine."

"Breaking Dawn" party on Friday night

The Bookstore In the Grove (3399 Virginia Street) is having a party this Friday night, counting down to the release of Stephenie Meyer's new book "Breaking Dawn."

There will be plenty of food and entertainment ranging from the Forks High School bake sale to fortune tellers. You can test your knowledge with the book trivia contest and there are plenty of prizes. There's also a costume contest, so go dressed as your favorite character!

The party is 10 pm to 1 am, this Friday, August 1.

"Chillin' 'n Grillin" BBQ this Friday

The Coconut Grove Collaborative is holding "Chillin' 'n Grillin," a barbecue cookout on Friday, August 1 to raise money for community development programs. It's at the southwest corner of Grand Avenue and Douglas Road. If there's a rain out, the location will be 3628 Grand Avenue.

The cookout is from 3 to 8 pm. Golden Rib and House of Wings will be featured.

For more info, please call: 305-445-2418 or visit www.cgcollaborative.org

Rehage Jewelry is having a summer sale

Steven Anton Rehage Jewelry (3162 Commodore Plaza) is having their annual sample and overstock sale. Everything, including their latest collection, will be reduced 30 to 70% (and sometimes more).

The sale is Thursday, July 31 from 6 to 10 pm. They're calling it an "Enchanting evening of champagne, shopping and mystical surprises."

VIP private appointments are available Tuesday and Wednesday, July 29 and 30. To schedule a private peek or for more info, please call 305-441-0414.

The best way to get around town

Love the rickshaw guys. I'm surprised no one has a horse and buggy like in New York, around Central Park. Maybe it's too hot here for the horses.

Photo by AnnaMaria Windisch-Hunt

Free Yoga in the park

The free Yoga Miami classes are drawing larger and larger crowds each week. They start at 9:30 am on Saturday mornings, in Kennedy Park, usually around Kirk Street.

For more info, please call: 305-673-8496 or 305-608-6082.

Photos by Harry Emilio Gottlieb

Being an "extra" on "Burn Notice"

Sandrine, who does the "Not Exactly Coral Gables" blog was an extra on "Burn Notice" recently. She talks a little about her Grove experience here.

Tula and Tupi's invite you to their sale

Tula and Tupi, the children's store at 3113 Commodore Plaza is having a storewide 20% off sale this tomorrow and Thursday, to make way for the ton of new merchandise coming their way in the next few weeks.

They of course always have their "50% off" sale rack, too.

Their store hours are Mon-Wed 10-9, Thursday - Sat 10-10 and Sunday 12-8. They may be reached at 786-282-6218.

Leave the Grove and save on gas

I hope the Grove doesn't turn into South Beach, with overpriced gas stations just because they can. Here are current prices as of today at three stations in the area:

BP - $4.29 - Bird and 27th
Shell - $4.19 - 27th and US1
Sunoco - $3.95 - Coral way and 27th

You're actually lucky if you can get gas at BP, they are usually out of gas most of the time.

Coral Way, here I come.

Six Grove restaurants part of Miami Spice

The popular Miami Spice starts this Friday, August 1 and there are six restaurants in the Grove as part of the promotion.

It's not easy to be part of Miami Spice, you have to be Zagat-rated and you need to pass Miami Spice's strict guidelines. Many apply, only few are approved.

The Grove restaurants who are part of this year's Miami Spice are:

Baleen at Grove Isle
Bizcaya at the Ritz Carlton
Cita's
Christabelle's Quarter
Focaccia Rustica
Nikki Coconut Grove

In Cita's case, since they are so new, they had to provide dishes from their menu for review, which obviously the judges loved.

For more info and updated restaurants, please visit: http://ilovemiamispice.com

Biker buds

A group of friends enjoyed Commodore Plaza yesterday. They managed to find great parking for their motorcycles, all in a row. (If you click on the photo, it will open larger).

Anokha tried to open last night

Rohit Patel and Nick Patel owners of Anokha Indian Restaurant, flank guests Mike and Jacqueline Menendez, that's chef Bavesh Patel, in white, behind them.

Anokha sort of had their opening last night, but some permit issues kept them from serving guests, so they offered samples and appetizers, along with drinks to those who showed up.

We'll keep you posted on when they will open for sure. As you know, Anokha moved from their Commodore Plaza location to a larger new place at 3324 Virginia Street, right across from the Mayfair Hotel.

Some of the samplings last night: Duck Samosa, rice with goat curry, Spinach and Paneer Samosa.

Photos by Sylvia Rodriguez

It's hard to believe it's the middle of summer

I have to admit, I have been to Chili's twice already and they are only open a week. And I don't even like their food! I guess I just like healthier stuff. Maybe it's the novelty of it all, but it is an easy place to run in and out of, especially after I leave the gym across the street.

Between Chili's and the new Starbucks, CocoWalk is really a happening place these days.

They are both crowded most of the time, which is bringing business to the whole area. Can't wait for Crazy Pianos to open in the fall.

Anokha's opening was held up by the City

Unfortunately, Anokha Indian Restaurant did not open tonight
as planned. They had some sort of City inspection problems.

They did offer guests who showed up, complimentary cocktails and appetizers and samples, so apparently the kitchen and food are fine, most likely it is a permit issue or something like that.

Sylvia was on the scene and got photos of those who did show up tonight, we'll post them tomorrow.

Chamber's next networker at Bice Bistro

Please click on the image for a larger version.

Gobble, gobble, gobble

Gobbling the food down at Jaguar on a hot summer day. Be careful when you see me around with my camera. I might catch you.

I'm at Chili's, join me!

I am at the new Chili's. I've been sitting here being ignored for about 10 minutes. Ironically two of us were here yesterday and we could not hold a conversation because the staff was all over us every three seconds. Guess they have a slower staff on weekends.

Anyway I am here alone. Come over if you are in the area. I'll buy you
a drink.

Grove parking is a tricky issue for everyone

A couple of people emailed me about this truck recently, in fact, I drove by it myself yesterday, it's like a big wall in the Home Depot lot.

It has been parked day and night recently without moving. According to reports I received, the authorities were notified, the driver and company were fined and it should be gone.

It has nothing to do with Home Depot, in fact, Home Depot reported this to the city themselves. I'm guessing it's someone who lives in the area, in a place that cannot accommodate trucks of this size (can any residence?) or the driver sleeps in the cab at night between hauls.

Photo by Harry Emilio Gottlieb

St. Stephen's Kicks Off Red Cross Training

St. Stephen's is holding a standard first aid program for adults and children. In this six and a half hour class, participants will learn the skills to recognize and care for cardiac emergencies in adults and children and how to use an automated external defibrillator (AED).
The class also includes skills to care for poisoning, bleeding, diabetic emergencies, exposure to heat and cold, seizures, and injuries to bones, muscles and joints.

Participants will receive a booklet and skill cards to use reference material after the course. This course meets the ECC 2005 Guidelines and OSHA requirements.

DATE: Saturday, August 16th
PLACE: St. Stephen's, 2750 McFarlane Road
TIME: 9 am - 4:30 pm
COST: $62
Reduced rate parking is available in the St. Stephen's lot.

For info, please call Robin at St. Stephen's at 305.448.2601.

It's about real people and jobs

Here are portions of a letter sent out today by Graham Winick, President, Film Florida:

"Today, the Miami production community took a step forward. Without a single one of our voices being heard in the Miami City Commission Chamber, our presence spoke volumes. We did not achieve a complete victory, but I would argue we got more than we hoped to get. The Miami Commissioners did pass Resolution 5 unanimously, approving recommendation to proceed in principal with the Sasaki Associates waterfront master-plan. However, because four of the five commissioners expressed concern for the demolition of the Coconut Grove Expo Center and eviction of its current tenant, Fox/ USA's Burn Notice, the resolution passed amended to allow Burn Notice to at least complete Season 3, should the network pick up the show.

"Those fifty or so of us who filled the chamber and cheered and jeered at the appropriate times never were afforded a chance to speak. It was a resolution and did not mandate public comment. But frankly, the Commissioners, with the exception of Sarnoff, spoke rather well on our behalf. Unfortunately Commissioner Sarnoff was able to misrepresent certain elements of the situation without a proper defense provided, but hopefully that will be corrected shortly. For those of you who made it, thank you. For those of you that could not make it, but wrote letters and emails to the Commission, thank you as well. Rest assured, your voice was heard.

"This meeting was televised locally and streamed online, where its conclusion was met with joy in Tallahassee, Los Angeles and even Denmark! But as wonderful as the conclusion was, the greatest thrill I had today was walking across that scorching parking lot that sits between City Hall and the Expo Center to share the news with the cast and crew of Burn Notice, many of them offering hugs and covered in goose-bumps, thrilled that they will, in all likelihood, keep their jobs for the next year or so. This is for them. This is for us."

Motorcycle accident hits close to home

I didn't say anything at first, because I wanted to get Jorge's permission to post this, but many of you may not know that Jorge Fernandez's brother Rick, was the one killed in the motorcycle accident in Pembroke Pines the other day.

Many of you have known Jorge for years as your pet and house sitter. He's the best sitter in the Grove.

I just thought you would all want to know.

Calm down, let them film, the park will happen

I am not crazy about Comm. Marc Sarnoff's insistence that the Expo Center be demolished to make way for the Waterfront Master Plan right now. What is the rush? Why is it that the other four commissioners see that there is no rush? In fact, I am still a little bothered by the fact that I am in agreement with Commissioners Michelle Spence-Jones, Joe Sanchez and Angel Gonzalez. I feel like I am in the Bizarro World or something -- you know, up is down, in is out, black is white -- the Twilight Zone!

I know that Sarnoff is excited about the Waterfront plan, we all are.

I am glad to see that "Burn Notice" will be allowed to stay until they complete filming season three next year. Every one of the commissioners used their brains yesterday it seems, except for our own district commissioner, who should actually care about what his constituents want. Even the most die hard fans of the park plan have compromised and said the order of the phases can be tweaked a bit to accommodate the tv production.

If "Burn Notice" doesn't mind using the dilapidated Expo Center as home, why does anyone else?

I am even excited to see the place blown up as part of one of their episodes. But what's the rush?

I understand we all want open park land (love that), but why kill "Burn Notice" to have an empty lot sit there until the money is raised to even start the major park project? The idea of "showing progress" and that something is being done doesn't make sense. It's a done deal, the Master Plan has been approved, no one needs to prove anything to anyone. That is our park land now. Let's not celebrate by kicking out our friends and neighbors from "Burn Notice."

Why does it have to come down to the cast and crew from a famous tv program to actually stop production, show up at a Commission meeting, and beg for their livelihood when it all makes sense to allow them to work? The old building has been there for almost 50 years, is another year or so going to make a difference? Do you really want these people to lose their jobs or have to move production to Louisiana or somewhere else?

Yesterday's paper said tourism is drastically down. How about keeping this free Miami and Coconut Grove publicity machine running? Did you see the Barnacle on last night's show? Do you see how they film in a color noir sort of way? Every scene is a work of art. It exposes our community to the world. Did you see the last scene when they left Carlito's restaurant (shown above and below) driving off into the colorful world of beautiful people, surf boards, palm trees and a fantasy land? That was the Expo Center! Here is what it looks like when not on film.

It is such a high compliment to know that the cast and crew want to be in the Grove and not other parts of Miami. That means something. They are basically part of everyday life now and we all like it. The film industry is a clean industry and highly desired by every city in the nation. And we have it and for some stupid reason one or two people want to lose it for us.

Let's have a little class. It really is not about a tv show, it is about a group of people wanting to complete a project they started. Since it makes no sense to demolish the Expo Center at this point, it makes sense leave it and let them work until they absolutely have to go, which is what the Commisson seemed to decide yesterday.

Hopefully "Burn Notice" will go on for many years and hopefully by the time the third season is complete, some time next spring or summer, there will be another home for the production. And they can all stay in Miami, if not the Grove, and know they are welcome and wanted.

It's going to be sad when they leave the Grove. For them and for us.

Where is all the traffic?

Have you noticed there aren't many cars on the road these days? Is it summer? Is it the price of gas?

This is South Miami Avenue, in front of Mercy Hospital about 8:45 am yesterday. It should be rush hour right? Is everyone getting to their desks early these days, before 9 am?

Maybe people are taking Metrorail. Either way I like that there is no traffic, but it is scary in a way if it is a US economy issue.

Waterfront Master Plan approved
"Burn Notice" allowed to stay a while longer

The Sasaki Associates met the City Commission today and gave their never ending Waterfront Master Plan presentation (coming to a city near you). The City Commission approved the Waterfront Master Plan a few minutes ago. For now "Burn Notice" can stay at the Expo Center through season three.

As expected, the Expo Center subject came up right away. Comm. Tomas Regalado asked a Sasaki representative what he recommended for the Center and "Burn Notice." The rep. said the Expo Center demolition should happen asap, he got audible boos from the audience.

He went on to say that the Expo Center is in the wrong place and should be torn down at once. (Wish someone thought of that almost 50 years ago when it was first built).

Comm. Regalado questioned why the Expo Center could not continue as a tv/movie studio for the time being and got applause.

Comm. Marc Sarnoff said there have been over 40 meetings on the whole Master Plan subject. And at every meeting, it was agreed to by everyone that the Expo Center should be torn down right away. Sarnoff then quoted me, but attributed it to the newspaper. I said, "Basically it came down to this: TV watchers were in favor of keeping the Expo Center for a bit longer, those who don't watch TV are indifferent,"
in this post.

That being said, Sarnoff said "Burn Notice" should be allowed to film season three and have them blow up the Expo Center in an episode. And yet, he wants the Expo Center torn down asap, so I don't know how that can be accomplished unless they rush filming of season three, season two is currently being filmed. Ironically, these debates seem to always be on Thursdays, the day "Burn Notice" is on tv -- tonight, 10 pm, USA network.

A rumor according to Sarnoff is that the old Arena downtown is being torn down and a state of the art movie/tv sound stage may be built there. So perhaps "Burn Notice" can move there.

Comm. Joe Sanchez felt that the third season should be allowed to filmed at the Expo Center, especially in these hard economic times. He does not want to rush into knocking it down. He felt it made no sense to leave the land sitting there dormant (the whole park plan could take 10 to 20 years).

Sanchez likes and watches "Burn Notice." He said the exposure that Miami and the Grove gets from "Burn Notice" is "priceless."

Comm. Gonzalez showed up late for the meeting but I loved everything he said. I actually think Hell froze over today, because this is the first time I have ever agreed with him 100%. He felt that the Expo Center should remain until money is in place for phase one of the whole Master Plan. He says that for years, everyone keeps talking about the building falling down, yet it is still there.

Gonzalez supports the Master Plan, but is against demolishing the Expo Center right away. He says to demolish a crack house takes years of meetings and planning. Why is it so easy to just do away with the Expo Center? He asked for a report that says the building is condemned. There is none.

Gonzalez said the Orange Bowl was in worse shape and went on for years. So now the Orange Bowl is gone and there is an empty lot and he said there may not be a Marlins Stadium. Empty land sits there and may sit there for years. He got applause for that.

Comm. Michelle Spence-Jones also was concerned about rushing in to demolish the Expo Center. She also said she wanted to see the resources put in place before demolition is started and she too was concerned about putting people out of work. (Hell froze over again).

So the the windup is that the Waterfront Master Plan was approved by the whole City Commission and "Burn Notice" will be allowed to stay for the filming of season three. Exact dates for that will be discussed at a later date.

City Commission passes BID resolution

The current Business Improvement Committee (BIC) wants to become a Business Improvement District (BID) and the City Commission is all for it. A resolution was passed seconds ago (all in favor) to have Dave Collins, executive director, proceed with the plan.

This has been Dave's baby for a long time. It would allow the Grove to manage itself and provide services that the City does not provide or provide well. The City manager agreed to maintain the baseline services. Now a vote is needed by the various business owners to allow this self governance (to add and enhance services). The Grove will then decide what they want and need -- more police? more lighting? more garbage pick up? more marketing? This would all be in the hands of the Grove, not the City.

It is the next best thing to breaking away from Miami officially.

The BID is also known as a "self-taxing district." The current BIC is an advisory committee. The BID would actually govern itself with a governing body and staff. It will have an annual budget, based on a business plan. The plan could be modified on an annual basis.

The BID will not include Village West at this point and just cover the Central Business area. Stuart Sorg stood up and was concerned that the Bird Avenue area and Village West is left out of the first phase. But the Commissioners were all totally in favor and now the process starts. It is now up to the business owners to decide if they want this.

"This is a step in the right direction," said Comm. Joe Sanchez.

The first change you would see is cleanliness -- the Grove would be spotless according to Dave Collins. Marketing would be the second biggest difference and of course police officers would be on the street immediately, walking an old-fashioned beat, according to Dave.

But again, this is a long tedious process that starts today. Dave and his group now have to convince over 100 landlords and over 200 businesses to tax themselves and govern themselves.

What's with the rusty bicycles?

I noticed this odd thing at the waterfront, near the Seminole Boat Ramp and the marina -- various bike racks full of bikes -- old, rotten bikes. Most looked abandoned.

Do they belong to the live aboards? Did these people park their bikes and just disappear into the bay, never to return?

Anokha Indian Restaurant to open Saturday

There's another restaurant to add to our list of new places opening. In this case, a reopening.

Anokha Indian Restaurant, a Grove favorite, will be opening in their new location on Saturday, July 26 at 6 pm. As you know they moved from their Commodore Plaza location to 3324 Virginia Street.

Entrees are served over Bunsen burners here, to keep them from getting cold. Starters include potato-carrot croquettes flavored with cumin and mint, and carrots cooked with milk and cream. For a main course, try cauliflower curry in coconut sauce or lamb in almond cream sauce. The restaurant's name means "unique" and that it is. They also accept the Code 33 card.

Spot zoning is not allowed

On July 10, Comm. Marc Sarnoff made a pocket motion at a Commission meeting to direct the City Attorney NOT to appeal the decision of the Miami-Dade Circuit Court to the Third District Court of Appeal pertaining to the Mercy Hospital/300 Bay Residences project.

The Vizcayans, Grove Isle Association and neighbors in the Glencoe area sued to overturn the City's rezoning of the site. The motion passed and the Mercy Hospital site will return to its original zoning of Government/Institution (G/I).

HH Jewels robbers caught

The two punks who robbed HH Jewels last week, Alphanso Gainer (left) and Kelvin L. Mosley, both 20 years old (actually Kelvin will be 20 this Friday), will be celebrating Kelvin's birthday behind bars.

They were caught yesterday. City of Miami cops did an excellent job on this one.

Keep jobs in the area; let's keep "Burn Notice"

I just received this email:

"I work in the talent industry in Miami and received your email address (for the Grapevine) from an insider with the "Burn Notice" production. You should post this. Please don't post my name.

This is very important and I need your help. As you may or may not know, "Burn Notice" got picked up for a third season. However, the city of Miami is wanting to tear down our sound stage which is the Coconut Grove Convention Center (Expo Center). There is a meeting tomorrow at City Hall (3500 Pan American Drive) to discuss the issue. I would like everyone who lives in Miami or has a business in Miami to please attend. They don't understand how much work is provided and how much the city benefits from "Burn Notice." If they tear down the Convention Center, "Burn Notice" will leave. Also, please know that the city has no immediate plans or funds for this land. The city will in no way benefit from this destruction, it will only cause hardship.

I will be there, and I would like you all to show up, as there is strength in numbers. With the loss of incentives in the state, we must unite and try to keep our industry alive in Florida."

Note: It is item RE6. It should be heard later in the day, we're not sure the exact time. You may see the meeting on Channel 77 or live stream here: http://videos.miamigov.com , but of course it would be best for a large turnout in person.

Pigs

Although just a few business do this (we all know who they are), all businesses received this letter from the NET office today:

"This letter is being written to advise you that it has been brought to our attention that after staff cleans the gutter in front of your place of business that your maintenance staff is throwing the trash unto the streets again. It is imperative that the joint effort we had in the past be fortified by combining our efforts again. Please advise your maintenance staff that they are to pickup the trash on the sidewalk and that they are not to throw it unto the street or gutter, as per City of Miami Code, Section 22-5 (attached), which states in part: “…Every merchant, storekeeper or operator of a business in the city shall sweep or cause to be swept as often as necessary to keep the sidewalks adjoining his respective place of business before 10:00 am every morning, or as often as necessary to keep the area clean, on each day that such business shall be operated. Said sweepings shall be picked up and not swept in gutter.”

Please be advised that the Department of Solid Waste and NET maintains and coordinates the cleaning of the streets Monday through Friday beginning at 3:00 a.m. They clean the gutters before the cars start to come into the area for breakfast and other businesses. We will be having inspectors monitor the business areas. Failure to comply with the provisions of this section shall constitute a violation and serve as the basis for the assessment of a fine."

I don't think the letter will work because the offending parties never see themeslves, but I have seen so many slobs do this, just sweep everthing into the street. Maybe Harry needs to get out there again and take some photos of the offending slobs.

It's like they never existed

So a crew from Qdoba locations in Orlando were here bright and early this morning, picking the carcass of our now defunct Grove Qdoba.

The place is totally gutted now, the sign actually came down yesterday. No wasting time there. If only they had worked this fast when they were setting up the restaurant, I think that dragged on for nearly a year and within two days, the place looks like a set from "Burn Notice," here today, gone tomorrow.

We lost Häagen-Dazs for this?

Burn Notice is filming all over today

Here is Jeffrey Donovan, who plays Michael Westen on the set of "Burn Notice" today. They are currently filming at the promenade at Mayfair.

There's lots of activity going on. It's great when they film in the Central Grove, it adds so much life and a lot of buzz to the area.

This is of course between takes. There is a lot of hurry up and wait. Jeffrey was reading his script and going over things with the director.

And over at our little ol' Seminole Boat Ramp, you'll see this nice scene tucked into a corner by the water. It's some kind of set being use for filming later today.

It's right at the water's edge. Why can't city planners hook up with some movie and tv people and have them plan some places for the city or village? This would be such a great spot if it were real. Alas, at the end of today, it will all be gone.

I should have saved it and put it on ebay

I was talking about reading the mocha in the latte like tea leaves yesterday and I actually missed what was staring me right in the face. Lilliana Dones pointed it out and she sent me this image back -- it's the Blessed Mother!

Burning up the Grove, again

Our lovely friends at "Burn Notice" will be filming round the Grove tomorrow.

From 7 am to 11:30 am they will be filming at the Mayfair promenade, like they did last time.

After that, they will be at the Seminole Boat Ramp, topic of many discussions lately (here and here). They will have an outdoor café set up, the boat ramp will be open.

Later in the afternoon, they will be filming driving shots up and down South Bayshore Drive, with a police escort to keep the lookie loos away and out of the scenes.

Children's book reading tomorrow

The Bookstore in the Grove (3399 Virginia Street) will be having a children's book reading on tomorrow, July 23 at 3 pm. So bring the kiddies out for some culture. The reading is targeted for kids 2-5, but all are welcome. It's free.

The come and they go -- fast

Looks like Fonzie's is gone. The windows are boarded closed and there's a for sale sign up.

More park problems

Seems like Grove residents want to reclaim all of their parks these days and just kick out the visitors. First the Seminole Boat Ramp and now a reader wrote me, concerned about parking at the dog and kiddie park at Shipping and Virginia. She says that the neighbors with no additional parking use the few park spots when needed and that too many people from other areas are coming to the park.

She writes: "I'm curious why they didn't build in parking areas or at least zone it for Coconut Grove residents only instead of allowing overflow from South Miami and the Gables to use this park at the expense of Grove residents. It seems like an easy fix if we were to treat the area in the same fashion as other communities do where as the area is available to Grove residents and others at a small cost to go towards maintenance (i.e. The Venetian Pools in the Gables)."

Thoughts?

Patriotic Mocha Latte

We have so many coffee places in the Grove. Take your pick, bring a friend and enjoy a quiet moment. You can almost tell your fortune by reading the chocolate swirls in this mocha latte, as if they were tea leaves.

You can't have anything nice

I received the following photos and email from Lilliana Dones, president of the Grove Chamber of Commerce and member of the Village Council. (If you click on the photos, they will open larger).

"What you saw today, unfortunately, is the norm. In fact it's not over. As I write this (8:30 pm) I have a good view of the ramp, and it looks like Sea Tow is over there dealing with something, and possibly a police boat with lights flashing. Can't tell because it's too dark.

The overcrowding makes for tension between the ramp users. Living across the street, and being regular walkers of the parks and marina, we have observed, in the last couple years how the boats kept getting bigger so the trailers got bigger, and so did the SUV's that need to haul them, resulting in some of the images we took on Saturday of last week.

Trailers dangling precariously, sometimes ending in the water when the driver, at the end of the day of sun and fun (and possibly, some beers) hits reverse. I have also seen quite a few cars end up in the water, including a BMW and a Hummer.

Then there are the ones that simply ignore the No Parking or Ramp Full signs and park on the grass, which results in burned up grass. (Fortunately for the grass, it's been raining a lot). The Marina security guard on duty when these photos were taken, told us they were there when she arrived in the morning and she promptly called the Miami Parking Authority (MPA), which showed up while we were still on the lot.

On the way back from our walk, we checked the windshields, curious to see what the ticket would be. There were no tickets. We then saw the MPA officer, who explained a he called the towing company.

Anyone who's ever had the experience of having a car towed can only imagine the extreme hassle of having to retrieve a towed trailer, especially at the end of a day in which you are, for sure, tired, irritable and wanting to go home. (What do you do with the boat while you go fetch the trailer back from who know where?) . But get this, one of the homeless who hang out beneath the big tree came over and pointed out he had warned these guys about getting towed, and their response was "we don't care, we have money." Money for what? At the end of the day they still had to fetch their trailers themselves!

When Seminole ramp was redone a few years ago, there were nice landscaping details, such as hedges surrounding the parking lot.

I recall going to the presentations before the Seminole Boat Ramp was redone, and that was a big deal because it somewhat screened the cars from view of those using the walking and jogging path. Due to the large size of the vehicles, the have literally "grilled" away the hedge.

All this was once covered with hedge. Also, here is another side effect: garbage cans filled to brim (most are before noon on a Saturday). And speaking of garbage, notice the garbage on the rocks.

We agree that power boaters need have a place to launch, but the Seminole Boat Ramp has long been outgrown. To insist it remain is not unlike Cinderella's step sisters trying to shoe-horn their way into that glass slipper."

Fire Deparement issue was deferred

The issue to abolish the City Fire Department, where Commissioner Bruno Barreiro wanted to have voters decide in the fall whether to have the county take over the City Fire Department, was put on hold and deferred for another discussion at another time.

Finally some good Italian

Cita's Italian Chophouse (3176 Commodore Plaza) is opening tomorrow, so say Ed Benitez (owner) and his daughter Vanessa. Italian on the French Street? Uh oh, I see trouble. Watch out Zuzu.

Their hours of operation are 5 pm to 11:30 pm Sundays thru Thursdays and 5 pm to 12 am on Fridays and Saturdays.

Brunch will be served from 10 am to 3 pm on weekends.

And Cita's also will be accepting the Code 33 card.

Chili's opens today

Look for the big red chili pepper on top of CocoWalk and you'll find Chilis, which opens today.

The Seminole Boat Ramp

I stopped by the boat ramp this morning to see what all the fuss was about because the park planners want this ramp out of the Waterfront Master Plan and I, and others thought it would be a good idea to keep it for the handful of people that use it.

While I can see people's concerns about this being a beautiful area catering to a small group of people who don't respect it, I also can see the handful of peoples' concerns.

They need a place to launch their boats and I guess this is the convenient one for them. But I went later in the morning (about 10 am) and at that late hour, it was annoying and loud. I can just imagine what it is like there when it's really early in the morning and everyone is trying to launch at once. Today I saw people screaming, music blasting, one idiot was yelling into his cell phone so loud that he was louder than all the music and other people combined. One truck almost hit another, people were beeping their car horns, it was really a mess in such a small area.

Wave Runners (Jet Skis), which should not even be allowed, were prevalent, they were going in and out of launching boats, zooming around peaceful kayakers and disturbing everything in their paths, including the delicate bay bottom.

This serene scene was chaos made by the few boaters (and Wave Runners) leaving the area. I didn't really want to get their photos, because I don't want to pick on one group of people, but just picture the opposite of this scene. That's what it's like on weekends there.

It's actually so nice and peaceful when the boaters are long gone.

I am having second thoughts now about keeping the boat ramp in the Waterfront Master Plan. I didn't like the element I saw at the waterfront today. I'm not talking about the guys in the little dingies and kayaks and small things that float, it was the others -- the huge boats, the huge trucks and the shameless display they made of putting on a show for anyone interested. It was just too over the top and really will take away from the whole Master Plan concept.

I think maybe a good idea would be to keep small docks there that accommodate small motor boats and row boats and kayaks and do away with the larger boats. Maybe Matheson Hammock is the place for them after all. Or maybe there should be a place, far from the serene area of the bay where these morons boaters can launch and party and make fools of themselves without disturbing the rest of the public.

Just now I drove by again, and now late boaters have South Bayshore Drive all backed up with their boats and trailers. The parking lot is full (so says the sign), but they don't care, they are going to launch if it kills them and if it holds up traffic on both sides of South Bayshore (and 27th Avenue) in the process, oh well.

The gallery makes a great photographer's studio

Photographer Sylvia Jaymes used the Windisch-Hunt Fine Art Gallery (2911 Grand Avenue) as a backdrop for her recent shoot with model Nadia Siu. They were just walking by and thought it would be the perfect place.

The Children's Trust Miami Heart Gallery project is still running until September 7. The gallery is running on summer hours: Tuesday thru Friday, 6 to 10 pm; Saturday, noon to 10 pm, Sunday, noon to 9 pm, closed Monday.

One side is the Children's Trust project and the rest of the gallery still features local artists and of course the popular gift shop, a great place to get something unique for the person who has everything

Photos by Jeffrey Passage

Come back people; parking is free!

As you know, parking is free at the post office (30 minutes worth) until the end of the parking lot project. But many times during the day, there is not anyone there to use the parking now. I think everyone just got so frustrated that they ended going to the Gables post office or the one near 17th Avenue on Coral Way.

At times it is still impossible to get a parking spot, but for the most part, it's not so bad.

Just the other day, one of the people who works in the post office hand delivered an overnight letter to my house. In a nasty lightening storm no less! It wasn't a mail carrier, it was one of the people who works the counter at the post office. Guess they have a lot of time on their hands these days and they are sending the counter staff out to deliver things now, too.

New Starbucks makes its debut

The new Starbucks opened this morning, bright and early, at 6 am, and people started flocking in and have not stopped yet.

The place is all new and clean and really enjoyable. The staff spent all day yesterday moving things from across the street.

There is plenty of seating inside and out. In fact, there are so many tables outside and so many windows, that the whole experience is so bright and cheery. I didn't realize how dark the old place was -- cozy, but dark.

CocoWalk is crawling with people today. I don't know if it is Starbucks or the incredible weather. The humidity seems so low this late afternoon and it's more like spring than summer.

Trying to get the right shot

It's not always easy getting the picture.

You can see me in the window, trying to get a photo.

But the it was too dark, and someone on a bike ruined the shot.

And then AnnaMaria pointed me out, so that ruined the shot.

Finally, AnnaMaria got this nice shot of Daniel with Christi and Grant. But Grant has one eye closed, so I think the top shot was the best, except for Daniel and me inside the window.

We need new and larger grocery stores

I like the idea that the Planning Advisory Board voted to support an amendment to the building code that would allow larger grocery stores in the Grove this past week. It will allow Milam's to expand and also allow for a decent sized supermarket to be built as part of the Grove Village project on Grand Avenue.

This will bring much needed jobs to the area, but also will bring more options to the area. Trader Joe's and Sweetbay, are you reading this?

Here is the form to suggest a Trader Joe's for the Grove. And if you see Mia, at CocoWalk, you can mention Sweetbay to her, apparently her partner, Earl Wesson, is involved with Sweetbay.

Post Office update

At the last Village Council meeting, while the main gist of the meeting was the Burn Notice/Expo Center debacle, the ongoing post office issue came up.

They plan to have the parking lot done by the end of September, no start date was given. If they don't replant all the trees that were lost, the remaining trees will be put at the substation on US1, hiding the building from traffic.

Martin Petrey from the USPS Atlanta office came down for a third time and expressed his apologies again for the mess that was left at our post office. They are working to become better neighbors.

They planned a Bahamian theme for the post office building itself, which would be nice since it goes back to the Grove's beginnings, but currently, there is no money for that. As for the parking lot, there will be 17 parking spaces, along with the street parking.

Proud of our local Track Club

Congratulations to the Miami Coconut Grove Track Club, Inc., and its team members who have qualified for the Junior Olympics, 2008.

Here are:
Carl Springer, III, Pentathlon, High Jump, Mile run
Cynthia Gardner, Pentathlon, 800 meters, 4 x 4
Yolanda Springer, Pentathlon, High Jump, 100 Hurdles
Carnesha Westbrooke, Triathlon, High Jump, 4 x 4
D'Anna Hallman, 100 meter, 4 x 4
Destyni Govan, 4 x 4
Sharmaria Armstrong , 4 x 4
Brianna Linder, 4 x 4
Daisja Fleming, 4 x 4
Dayaun Waiters, 4 x 4
Coaches: Carl Springer and Karen Hall

To get to Detroit for the competition next Friday, July 25, they need to raise $3,500. These children of merit, who are all from our Coconut Grove community could use our help.

Please send contribution
(check made to Miami Coconut Grove Track Club, Inc.)
c/o the Coconut Grove Chamber of Commerce
2820 McFarlane RoadMiami, FL 33133

The Chamber will make sure they get it.

For sale -- a nice part of the Grove history

Is Monty's for sale? This commercial listing just came up for 2550 South Bayshore Drive in the Grove.

It's listed as a Special Purpose Marina, 30,000 square feet, 2 acres. The price is not disclosed.

The listing goes on to say: "Fabulous Marina/Restaurant Office on Beautiful Biscayne Bay. Property offers superlative state-of-the-art marina with 150 Slips, showers and restrooms; 24,000 office space, 8,000 sq ft restaurant, 20,000 sw ft outdoor raw bar. Strong financial performance. MARINA MAY BE PURCHASED SEPARATELY."

For more information, please call Alvaro at 786-287-4422. The photo above was taken from the listing.

Make it, print it, pack it, ship it

I stopped in FedEx/Kinkos (2982 Grand Avenue) to get some things done and I love it. While they seem to have a steady flow of customers, it is never crowded and you usually never have to wait.

You can "make it, print it, pack it, and ship it" all at the one location. They have 49 cent color copies and an easy fast way to get signs, banners and posters. And they have lots of office supplies and greeting cards, too. Pretty convenient. It's better than waiting on line at CVS for 15 minutes to purchase a birthday card (terrible customer service at our Grove CVS).

Afro-Cuban Dance and Music Festival

The ninth annual IFE-ILE Afro-Cuban Dance and Music Festival is this weekend at the Arts and Minds Center (3138 Commodore Plaza). It runs Friday from 9 am to 8 pm, 9 am to 4:45 pm on Saturday and 9 am to 5:30 pm on Sunday.

It is a celebration of the music and culture that slaves brought to Cuba. There will be over 20 workshops and seminars for a fee: $25.00

For more info, please call 305-476-0832.

Village Council OKs two big projects tonight

As expected, the Village Council voted unanimously tonight in favor of phase one of the Pointe Group Advisors' Grove Village on Grand Avenue.

And then, as expected, chairman Michelle Niemeyer gushed over the plans for the Waterfront Master Plan just as she did at the meeting last week. She spent time explaining the plans to her fellow council members. Apparently the park planners, Sasaki Associates, weren't able to be paid, so they were not there to explain the plans.

Council member Felice Dubin (shown left) seemed to be the only person who made any sense. She was concerned about the budget for the project. According to Michelle, bay bottom leases paid by two of the yacht clubs after Hurricane Wilma (for permission to rebuild docks) totals $1.2 million. This was designated for the Waterfront Master Plan. Also Dinner Key Marina leases also bring in about $2 million. That is such a small fraction of the cost, I'm not sure how that makes sense.

But this project could take 10 to 20 years to get through all the phases according to Michelle. While that sounds crazy, the whole purpose of the Master Plan is to keep the City from touching the land. If the project is approved, the City cannot do anything other than keep the area as parkland. So even if it does drag out, the main goal will be completed -- preserving the land from development.

Felice had some good concerns. If the project is drawn out for years, she wanted to be sure there are no eyesores for 10 to 20 years. Would each phase be completed totally and landscaped totally or would the whole thing be a mess for all those years? You know, in bits and pieces.

She also is concerned about the Expo Center being torn down while Burn Notice is using it.

One citizen from a Quality of Life group in Coconut Grove suggested that Burn Notice blow up the Expo Center as part of the last episode of the third season (they are currently filming the second season). It is already being talked about with the producers. Also, the City is working on finding Burn Notice another home (film studio). The show seems to be a huge hit and getting bigger, and it may go on for years.

"I don't think a television show is worth slowing down our waterfront park," said David Collins, council member.

Council member Lilliana Dones is in favor of allowing Burn Notice to stay for another season (their third). She felt the Village Council could be flexible in light of the fact that Burn Notice was a fluke and everyone is surprised by the success.

Basically it came down to this: TV watchers were in favor of keeping the Expo Center for a bit longer, those who don't watch TV are indifferent.

In the end the plan was approved unanimously, as-is, with the current phasing schedule in place. A motion was also passed to have the City give consideration to Burn Notice and the Expo Center and try to work with them and their schedule and not be so fast to obliterate the whole thing.

I didn't care for the fact that they wanted to avoid the issue and come back and discuss it, but Felice kept them there until they made the motion to deal with the Burn Notice/Expo Center issue. She only had voted for the first phase as-is, because they told her there would be a motion to try and save the Expo Center right after, but then they tried to put off the vote for another time. Luckily Dave Collins stepped in and made the motion happen.

Ironically as they discussed this into the night, Burn Notice was actually on tv at that very moment, delighting millions of fans.

This goes to the City Commission for a vote on Thursday, July 24.

H&H Jewels has come a long way

I received these great pictures from H&H Jewels (3434 Main Highway). As you know, they have been the center of attention this week.

That's H. Bredemeier Senior and "H" Junior, the two "H's", taken in 1985. Long before the elegant storefront, they sold on the street.

H&H Jewels is offering 40% off all Raymond Weil, Dubey and Schaldenbrand, Locman and Officina del Tempo watches for Grove residents. They are also offering 50% off selected high-end watches. Restrictions do apply. The sale is until September 1.

Guess you can show them your Code 33 Card or an ID to receive the great discounts. For more info, please call them at 305-442-9760.

Please send us any old photos or advertisement, etc. of the Grove that you may have. We would all love to see them.

Annoying over-development

Every morning at the crack of dawn, these guys with the heavy machinery wake me up next door at the Hiawatha project. For weeks they have been taking down the old structure little by little, I don't know why they just didn't implode the whole thing.

It's amazing how over-development affects people in different ways. It ruins views, it kills history, it overpopulates, it brings much more traffic, strains resources and it is totally annoying. In this case they closed a tax-payer city park for the duration of building the project. Yet it provides housing (much needed? no), it provides jobs and it lines the pockets of the builders themselves. A double-edged sword. I could live without it.

Shrimp boats on the waterfront

I think everyone is happy that the shrimp boats are part of the Waterfront Master Plan. They add such character to the waterfront. They are located behind the Chart House in the new plan.

Chamber prez Lilliana Dones said it best, "They make it real and not Disney."

He wants to roll Miami Fire Dept. into County

This Friday, July 18 at 9:30 am, the County Commission will be holding a special meeting to propose changes to the County Charter.

County Commissioner Bruno Barreiro, who is Chairman has proposed the following special item #17: "Resolution calling a countywide special election in conjunction with a general election to be held Tuesday, November 4, 2008, for the purpose of submitting to the electors of the county the question of whether to amend the Home Rule Charter to require the Board of County Commissioners to transfer fire protection and rescue service from all municipalities to the county and provide a uniform countywide system of fire protection and rescue services."

Basically, he wants to abolish the Miami Fire Department and have the county take over. This will not only hurt services in the area, it will increase the cost of fire services for the Grove and the whole City of Miami.

If you are against the change and putting this amendment on the ballot, please email Comm. Barreiro at bruno@miamidade.gov and cc his Legislative Assistant Marlene Avalo at avalo@miamidade.gov . Also you may call his office at (305) 643-8525.

Check out Blue Man Grove this Friday

Grovites make magic in Woodstock, NY

Artists Jane Harris and AnnaMaria Windisch-Hunt, Philippe Petit, Kathy O'Donnell and artist Elaine Fasula

The Taleo Art Center in Woodstock, NY, hit its second summer running. This past weekend a traveling exhibition of works by Coconut Grove area artists, Theresa Calluori, Jean Cersani, Jane Harris, Fred Hunt, Annette Rawlings, Freda Coffing Tschumy and Areca Whatmore opened.

A successful Saturday screening of "Spiritual Warriors" was followed by a dialogue with co-writer, producer and actor in the film, Jsu Garcia and Rick Ojeda, line-producer. The film is based on the writings and teachings of John-Roger who was also present at the event.

Friday evening brought Woodstock residents and visitors alike including Philippe Petit whose life and work is depicted in the soon to be released documentary, "Man on the Wire."

New exhibition at Heart of the Grove

The Heart of the Grove (3439 Main Highway) is presenting a new exhibition of member artists' works featuring original works of local artists. An opening reception will be held Friday, July 18 at 6 pm.

The exhibit will run through September 7.

As you know, they are always part of the First Saturday Art Stroll. The next one is August 2 from 7 to 10 pm.

For information call 305-445-1743 or 305-979-9534

Cocoanut Village Council meets Thursday

The Village Council meets, tomorrow, July 17 at 7 pm at City Hall (3500 Pan American Drive).

On the agenda: Post Office update, Pointe Group's Grand Avenue project, Waterfront Masterplan discussion.

You may also view the meeting on Channel 77 or see it on line at http://videos.miamigov.com

New steakhouse coming to the Grove

High end steakhouse Angelo and Maxie's Steak House is coming into the Mayfair where Ginger Grove is now.

I don't know anticipated date. Stay tuned.

Excitement is over for the day

H&H Jewels on Main Highway and Fuller Street was held up. The armed bandits had guns and one held a gun on H. Bredemeier, owner, but they were more intent on getting jewelery and not on hurting anyone, according to an employee on the scene. Five employees were on duty at the time. One female employee sounded the silent alarm as she emptied the jewelry case for the robbers. The police arrived within minutes.

The crooks got away with jewelry, of course, but everyone at the store is fine. The police did an incredible job according to said employee.

The employees are now cleaning up and cataloging merchandise to see what was taken. There is surveillance tape from inside the store, but at this point the armed robbers are still on the run. Fingerprints, etc. are also being taken by the crime lab.

The streets are open again. All is safe with the world, or at least our little part of the world.

Armed men on the loose; H&H Jewels robbed

As I write this, part of Center Grove is shut down. At first I thought it was Burn Notice filming, but there are two armed guys on the loose. They had just robbed H&H Jewels on Main Highway, right on the corner of Fuller Street.

They are believed to have run behind the school on Matilda but Virginia Street down to McDonald Street are all blocked and of course Fuller Street, where the robbers escaped.

Unfortunately for Focaccia, just then a big tour bus full of Italian students filled the restaurant to eat and just as they were ordering, the cops came in and told them to vacate. It was so funny watching the teachers try to round up all the kids, checking the bathroom and other areas to be sure they didn't leave any behind. The teachers were in a panic, the kids loved it.

I never saw a bus take off so fast. They kids told me they enjoyed living in a "real" Miami Vice moment. I don't think the Chamber of Commerce would agree, but the kids loved the excitement as they hightailed it into the sunset rain.

The magic of Hollywood right here

On a hot, steamy Coconut Grove summer afternoon, this empty shell comes alive. It's Carlito's Restaurant where the "Burn Notice" characters hang out in many scenes on the show.

The colorful place appears to be in a busy area on Ocean Drive in South Beach when seen on tv, but it is actually behind the decrepit, soon to be demolished Expo Center in the Grove.

As the camera men film and actors act, Grove life goes on all around them. On one side is City Hall and Scotty's Landing, on the other side the boat ramp where folks are setting out to fish and the shrimp boats are just coming in. Behind them is the marina and around the front is South Bayshore Drive, with hundreds of cars passing, oblivious to the magic that is going on just a few feet away.

When you see the old rusty Expo Center, on tv, it appears glossy, colorful and glamorous, like some place you would like to sit and have a Mojito and watch the world pass by like the tv characters do each week. All this will soon be gone when the City kills it to make way for a park, yet is is all fake, so it can be recreated elsewhere.

Above and below is the Expo Center on screen, with cars and people passing by as Carlito's Restaurant appears out of nothing.

Right behind the restaurant set, inside the Expo Center are all the other sets. Sharon Gless plays the mother. Her house (interior and exterior) is inside here with lots of other sets all around, of course Michael Westen (played by Jeffrey Donovan) has his loft interior in there, too.

This is the exterior to Michael's loft -- the green door. It is only a few feet to the left of the bar/restaurant set. Yesterday a small crew with a hand held camera was filming something there, probably a close up of someone opening the door or something easy. There were there and gone within minutes, back inside the Expo Center, where all the interiors were being filmed.

This scene was filmed in the Sandbar Grill. It ended up being an old-fashioned bar brawl with broken tables and chairs.

Outside the lighting trucks, make-up trailers and dressing rooms all buzz with activity.

You can see it all Thursday nights at 10 pm on the USA network.

Improvements at the Woman's Club

Speaking of the Woman's Club, looks like the Woman's Club has finally started getting the place up to code. The Handicap ramp is being installed this week.

Village of Center Grove meets tomorrow

The Village of Center Grove meets tomorrow, July 16 at 7 pm at the Sailing Club (2990 South Bayshore Drive).

On the agenda: Crimewatch report, recycling report, post office update. Sue McConnell will be reporting on the next Chamber Networker which will be at Bice, she'll have updates on new Code 33 members and she'll have updates on the First Saturday Art Stroll.

Qdoba, we hardly knew ya!

Qdoba is closed; here in the Grove and also the Miracle Mile location in the Gables.

That didn't take long. What a crock, they took months to renovate, proudly opened February 8 and five months later they are kaput.

Let them eat cake

Yup, that's Georges Farge all decked out as Marie Antoinette with his family, Candice, Andreas and Camille. If you want to see Ms. Antoinette, head over to George's in the Grove tonight for Bastille Day.

Marie Antoinette on a cell phone? Yup!

Flower vendors are back

Looks like some of the flower vendors are returning to Bird Avenue. I saw a couple this weekend. I still like my idea of the black info booths being used as flower kiosks.

Cefalo's is now history

Looks likes Cefalo's is finally gone. It will be Sammy C's in the fall.

From my viewpoint Cefalo's never catered to anyone. Each time I was there they were confused and rude and whenever I would email or call them to help try to promote them, they would not respond. Guess they figured they didn't need anyone. Yet I am still here and they are gone.

Also, I ate there about four times and never liked the food, but I kept going back with different people who wanted to try it. I know many of you complained about the wine servings, but the way they served wine (half or 1/3 of a glass) was the proper way. They weren't jipping you, that is the correct way to allow the wine to breathe.

I hate to see any business fail, but they had this written on the wall for a long time and now Sammy C's is written all over their soaped up windows, announcing their fall opening.

Happy Bastille Day!

Today is Bastille Day at George's in the Grove (3145 Commodore Plaza). Here are a few of their popular items, above is anti pasta.

Here is local Cobia fish with risotto.

And Chicken Tajine with couscous.

Stop in for some champagne and celebrate Bastille Day!

Update on fallen tree at Woman's Club

Bob Brennan, certified arborist, Grove resident and Tree Watch Committee member is on the case. Bob says he found a sample of a fungus that he believes contributed to the failure of the limb.

The sample will go to the Tropical Research Center and be identified and a recomended course of action will be taken. When the city cleans up the debris he will go and repair the damage and see if he can repair the limb and save the tree.

There is a fair amount of decay and other problems.

Sunday morning bikers

This new blog nameplate photo was taken this morning on South Bayshore Drive near Rockerman. Thought you might like to see the whole thing. I had the camera out of the car window and was just snapping away at whatever I saw. I loved the way this came out so it will be up at the top for awhile. If you click on it, it will open larger.

Tree trouble

This beautiful Royal Poinciana, which I blogged about recently, was hurt in the torrential rains we had early this morning. It's the one in front of the Woman's Club, right on the turn on S. Bayshore going onto McFarlane. One lane of traffic is still blocked because of it.

I wish things could be this simple again

Tony Scornavacca, Jr. sent me these two old Coconut Grove ads from 1968. The Waverly Inn is where the Grand Bay Hotel stands now. It was three stories and in the 1970s, two of the penthouse suites were converted into a recording studio which is where the Eagles recorded Hotel California and The Long Run.

Notice the $.95 Complete Luncheon!

The Bayshore Inn is where Monty's stands now. Monty started out renting a small shack by the docks. He had one long table and served clams, oysters, conch fritters, and beer.

Do you have old Grove advertisements or photos? Please send them in. We would all love to see them.

Norman Braman shows up at today's protest

Many Grovites and others showed up on Watson Island today to protest the County's $3 billion Mega-Plan.

''There will be no settlement without giving people the right to vote,'' Norman Braman said to a crowd of about supporters ."If they will allow people to vote on this, I will drop my litigation first thing," he continued. That's Braman above with Wendy Stephan.

''Thank God for Norman Braman,'' said City Commissioner and candidate for Miami Mayor Tomas Regalado said. "We're ready to fight. And we will win.''

Morningside activist Elvis Cruz, who came up with the whole protest idea and county commission candidate Val Screen also were present.

So far the Grovites are two for two in large battles -- they have kept the 300 Grove Bay Residences project at bay (no pun intended) and Home Depot is a mere shell of its true self because of the lawsuit. Can we go three for three? Don't count the taxpayers and little guys out just yet.

Elvis Cruz, event organizer.

City Commissioner Tomas Regalado is interviewed.

Photos by Harry Emilio Gottlieb

Village Eye report . . .

Okay Grapevine what's the skinny on the West Grove Smack Down that took place yesterday?

The buzz on the street has it that "CC" Holloman the hand picked successor of Yvonne McDonald by Yvonne McDonald (3 toadies for District 2 for Marc Sarnoff) roughed up Cocoanut Grove Village Council member Lottie Person in the Urban Empowerment Corporation (UEC) offices, Friday afternoon, July 11.

Its seems that Lottie Person who provides so much comic relief to all the panels in and around the Grove wasn't so funny to Big CC whom was reportedly to have manhandled the petite and senior Lottie Person. Word is that Person was inquiring about CC's intrusion into the activities of the West Grove Cemetery Committee without including Miss Lottie. Unfortunately for Lottie she did not know that you dare not question CC.

Allegedly big CC slung little Lottie like a fishmonger in Seattle slinging fish. This was witnessed by a Miami Herald reporter who was interviewing CC at the time. Sorry folks all the tickets for the rematch have been sold out. However scalpers have been reported as getting obscene amounts for the revenge of Little Lottie -- "The Reaper Keeper vs. CC The Bad Ass Biffa of West Grove."

Sent in by "Village Eye"

Lots of Grovites going to protest today

A lot of concerned Grovites are heading to the protest today on Watson Island.

Norman Braman, County Commission (district 3) candidate Val Screen, Miami Commissioner Tomas Regalado, Miami Neighborhoods United and concerned citizens all across the county oppose the so-called “Miami Mega-Plan” or “Global Agreement”, a $3 billion dollar boondoggle, from happening without a vote of the people.

Norman Braman is fighting the battle in court, and we, the public who will end up paying for this, need to make our voices heard as well. Since we in Disctrict 2 pay a big share of the bills, this is important to the Grove.

The demonstration will take place at 11:00 am at Watson Island, on the West Side, just North of the Children’s Museum.

A big turnout is needed so the media sees there is much public opposition to this back-room deal that will cost at minimum, 3 billion dollars, without a public vote!

Why is the demonstration at Watson Island? Because the city and county are trying to declare Watson Island as “slum and blight”, so they can expand the boundaries of the Omni CRA, which would allow them to divert community redevelopment money to their pet projects, without a vote of the people.

So today is the day to be on Watson Island -- 11 am.

Capoeira at Academy of Martial Arts

The Academy of Martial Arts (2830 Oak Ave.) has classes in Capoeira; A dance form incorporating martial arts elements, originating in Brazil as a system of physical discipline and movement.

Photos by Harry Emilio Gottlieb

Join the community bike ride tomorrow

The City of Miami Office of Sustainable Initiatives (MSI) and Critical Mass Miami invite bicycle enthusiasts to celebrate Critical Mass Miami's Second Anniversary with a community bike ride tomorrow, July 12 starting at 10:00 am from South Miami Metrorail Station (5949 South US-1), arriving at their destination at Peacock Park in Coconut Grove.

Tomorrow's ride includes a picnic celebration at Peacock Park and a feedback session with working drafts of the City of Miami Bicycle Action Committee's upcoming Bike Friendly Maps. The public is invited to attend and provide feedback on the City's bike action plan and user maps being developed.

Rides are held monthly in the spirit of alternative transportation, physical fitness, environmental awareness and community building. Each free ride invites bicyclists of all ages to join. To join in and receive updates about rides, visit: www.criticalmass.meetup.com/40

The Miami Office of Sustainable Initiatives (MSI) is the designated office responsible for addressing the City's environmental programs by coordinating with other City Departments and environmental experts to assure that the City of Miami is working toward becoming a model for environmental best practices.

For more information on the Second Anniversary celebration, contact Jennifer Grimm at 305-416-1601.

Sneak peek

A first look at the new Starbucks opening this summer at CocoWalk.

Is it a cry for attention?
Or do they just hate their neighbors?

While I don't want those strict rules that Coral Gables has, I think we need some rules in the Grove. Ever see some of the ugly colors people paint their houses around here?

Graphic by Harry Emilio Gottlieb

Out with the old

This is the current state of Chateau Elizabeth on Hiawatha. Little by little it's coming down for the new condo project. I only posted this because I keep running into people in the Grove who seemed to have lived here at some time over the years. It was like a little Grove starter home for so many.

Bastille Day plans

With all the French people taking over Commodore Plaza, you would think they would have more going on for Bastille Day, July 14, but it seems that the only thing going on is at George's in the Grove, where they are having a special menu and more tables out on the street, actually in the street, they are going to take up two parking spaces and add extra tables there.

They do have something special happening in the fall, which they want to keep a secret, but I think it has something to do with the elephants and giraffes that Georges used to have at Le Bouchon.

CEO of Mercy Hospital to resign

John Matuska, chief executive of Mercy Hospital, is taking early retirement. Coincidence?

''My decision to resign . . . has been long in process,'' Matuska said in a statement. ''I have elected to take an early retirement in order to spend time with my family and pursue other opportunities of interest.''

Spending time with family, isn't that what all the politicians say when they are shamed out of office? Wonder if John is going to try and pawn off that undeveloped Mercy land before he leaves, now what The Related Group isn't going to be needing it.

Another blow to the Related Group project

A court ruling today deals the second and probably fatal blow to the Related Group's Mercy Hospital high rise condominium project.

Administrative Judge J. Lawrence Johnston ruled that the change to the City of Miami's comprehensive plan, necessary for the 300 Grove Bay Residences project, was not in compliance with the state planning guidelines.

Today's ruling follows another Court's finding, last May, that the zoning change constituted spot zoning. Spot zoning is where a zoning change is made for a particular parcel without regard to the surrounding neighborhood. With these findings, two of the three necessary approvals for the project have been voided. A third court challenge to the project is pending before Judge Pedro P. Escharte, Jr.

John C. Lukacs and Patrick J. Goggins, attorneys for petitioners Grove Isle, and neighbors Constance Steen, and Jason Bloch are pleased with the Court's ruling. "This represents a victory, not just for Coconut Grove, but for the entire city," said Goggins, "High rise development belongs downtown."

"I am delighted [with this latest ruling]," said Mrs. Steen. "If this project goes thorough this would be the end of north Grove. Europeans have put moratoriums on huge condos all around Europe and it's about time we do that here."

The decision is not final, the respondents have fifteen days to take exception to the Court's order.

Kids on the bay

Sailing class today, out behind Grove Isle.

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

"Burn Notice" second season starts tonight

The second season of "Burn Notice" starts tonight at 10 pm on the USA Network.

You can see the Grove and other South Florida locations and see what the fuss is all about.

Related Herald story here.

It's Miami Spa Month

July is Miami Spa Month, where you can get special spa treatments for $99.00 at premier spas.

Three spas are participating in Coconut Grove:

The Boutique Spa, The Ritz-Carlton Coconut Grove, Miami
Jurlique Spa, Mayfair Hotel and Spa
Spa Terre, The Grove Isle Hotel & Spa

For more info: http://miamispamonth.com/

Sweet management changes at CocoWalk

A recent article in GlobeSt.com talks about Mia Stierheim, CocoWalk's leasing agent, and her new partner Earl Wesson (They are now Stierheim & Wesson Retail Realty, Inc.). I find it newsworthy because Wesson was responsible for changing Kash 'n Karry Food Stores into Sweetbay Market, which you know, I love.

I find this statement, made by Wesson, interesting: “Going forward, we will be focusing on grocery-anchored and lifestyle centers."

This probably means nothing, but I would love to see a Sweetbay in the Grove. And as the article suggests, Mia is now full time at CocoWalk, which is a great thing because she has really been turning the place around and it shows.

Alfest raised lots of money for Boggy Creek

Here are a few pictures from last month's Alfest Bar Crawl.

Plenty of people came out for the charity event.

You can see all the photos here: http://www.alfest.net/gallery/

Chamber Casual Friday lunchon at Mr. Moe's

The Grove Chamber luncheons are now a Friday event and this Friday, July 11, is Casual Friday at Mr. Moe's (3131 Commodore Plaza). They have been so well received that they will continue through the summer as TGIF Luncheons.

The networking reception starts at 11:30 and then at 12:15, an "open mike" lunch begins. For those who want to linger, a coffee klatch will follow.

Cost is $25 for members, $30 for non-members. RSVP: 305-444-1210.

Special: Join the Chamber at the monthly luncheon (Silver Level and above) or upgrade an existing membership (to Silver or above), And lunch is on them. (They will remove the $25 processing fee and apply it to your lunch). For information, call 305-444-7270 or do it at registration.

Advisory Board approves Waterfront Plan

The Waterfront Master Plan was presented to the Advisory Board tonight by the Sasaki Associates. If you click on the image above, the final draft will open.

Basically it's like this:

The waterfront will connect with the Center Grove, allowing easy foot traffic between the two. Along the process, the parks will all connect and be improved aesthetically.

The Chart House restaurant area will be used for commercial charter boats and working shrimp boats. This is part of phase one. There will be four phases. Lilliana Dones, Village Council member and President of the Chamber asked about the four phases: Why are there four phases, what is the purpose of the order of the phases and how long will it be between phases? That never was answered.

A three story garage will be built along South Bayshore Drive, camouflaged by vines and foliage. It will have retail space on the ground floor, mostly boating and nautical interests, and will not compete with Center Grove businesses.

The plan for McFarlane Road is to have the north bound lanes only as one lane, with parallel parking and the south side will be wider, used for pedestrians, connecting Center Grove with the waterfront, including the Commodore Bike Trail, which will run along the east side of South Bayshore Drive, too.

The Expo Center was brought up a lot. It seems like many feel that since it is bringing money into the area, why rush to bulldoze it? There is no reason other than "seeing action." This was the term used. They feel that this will show that something is being done.

Ron Nelson, Chief of Staff for Comm. Marc Sarnoff and David Collins, head of the BIC and Village Council member also feels that the time has come to get rid of the Expo Center. Michelle Niemeyer, head of the Village Council felt the same. So did Stuart Sorg, head of the Advisory Board.

Others like Sue McConnell feel that we should keep it as a movie studio until the final phase and that there was no rush to demolish it. Wendy Kalimar, on the Advisory Board, felt the same because it brings publicity and residual money to the area. As I have stated, no one is against razing the building. But why not leave that for the last phase and take the money and publicity it brings in now?

Many felt the Seminole Boat Ramp should stay. Others felt that Mathson Hammock was where boaters should go and that the Seminole Boat Ramp didn't accommodate enough people now to stay. I still don't get the whole idea of a waterfront without water access. Wendy Kalimar, who also runs the Orange Bowl Youth Regatta (the second biggest money maker for the Grove after the Arts Festival) was really flummoxed. Stuart Sorg felt the Seminole Boar Ramp launching ramp was critical and should stay.

He is very pleased that the dock masters office will stay. He is for the shrimp boats having easy access in and out. As Lilliana Dones said, the shrimp boats make the waterfront "real" and not "Disney World."

One resident who I really liked was Andy Hancock who said, "It ain't broke, why fix it?" While he reminded me of a cheap neighbor in my building who never wants to spend a penny, he felt that a boardwalk could be constructed and trees could beautify the area, without the City spending millions on redoing what does not need redoing. He also was for the movie studio staying put.

Stuart Sorg and many others want the Sailing Club to stay as-is. "Don't mess with the Coconut Grove Sailing Club," was how he put it.

He also said the best thing to do is NOT be a partner with the City simply because people come and go. The Waterfront Working Community should stay as it is.

Anyway, this all goes before the City Commission on July 24 and basically it all looks like a done deal.

The Waterfront Advisory Board voted tonight 6 to 2 in favor of keeping the Sasaki Plan. There was a motion, which passed 6 to 2, to add the boat ramp to the plan which makes total sense since the whole plan is based on the water.

The funny part is that no one really knows where the money is coming from, how the project will be paid for and when and where to start. They feel that demolition of the Expo Center, is the first step.

Do not demolish the Expo Center yet

Someone left a great comment on the plan to demolish the Expo Center. They mirror my thoughts exactly: Instead of rushing in and demolishing something that is actually bringing money into the Grove, why not wait and leave it for the last thing in the plan?

Why not keep the Expo Center running as a movie/tv studio and let it run it's course, then if necessary, demolish it. If the county stops funding "Burn Notice," they may not even be back next year and that will solve the problem. But until then, why kill it?

I fear that like many things (the post office for example) the place will be knocked down and sit there for years as a mound of dirt while in the meantime it could be used as-is to bring money into the area.

Instead of knocking the structure down to make things look like they are progressing, how about using our heads this time and not put the cart before the horse. As the person commented below, things like this should not be done in the summer when half the town is away. This is not fair and should not be permitted.

Any volunteers to chain themselves to the building and stand with "Burn Notice" signs?

The French are coming, actually, they are here

ZuZu, of Women Fitness Lounge and Trini Hair Salon on Commodore Plaza tells me that the French are taking over.

It seems that three out of the four corners on Commodore are French owned -- Greenstreet, Le P'tit Paris and Trini and Women's Fitness. With Georges Farge, from George's in the Grove, it's a fearsome foursome, but George is not on the other corner. So that leaves one corner French-less.

Chili's to open July 21

Chili's will be opening at CocoWalk on Monday, July 21. Located right above Cheesecake Factory, our Grove Chili's is 6400 square feet with 300-seat dining and 11 flat-screen tv's. There is also an outdoor Margarita Bar with incredible views of the Grove below.

“Being from Miami, I have spent most of my life frequenting CocoWalk and Coconut Grove, so for me, it is very exciting to be a part of this eclectic and vibrant community,” says William Alberni, director of operations for Master Restaurant Developers, which owns the Chili’s in CocoWalk. “We have created a Chili’s that promises to be one of the most exciting Chili’s in the market."

“We are really looking forward to the opening of Chili’s,” says Mia Stierheim of Stierheim & Wesson Retail Realty, Inc., exclusive leasing agent of CocoWalk. “The restaurant’s synergy of indoor dining and the outdoor Margarita Bar are a superb addition to CocoWalk’s third floor. I think people are going to be particularly impressed by the spectacular views.”

Chili's has already signed on to be the venue for two live CBS Sports Zone telecasts hosted by Jim Berry and Kim Bokamper on October 11 and November 15.

With Starbuck's opening on July 12 and other new businesses planned like Crazy Pianos and the first class movie theater and Lucky Strike Lanes, CocoWalk is starting to become the happening place again.

Traffic jam

For a couple of days now, traffic has been slow around Mercy Hospital on South Bayshore Drive. They are fixing the sidewalks and one lane of north bound traffic is closed, so bring your patience or try US1, which I guess would also require you to bring your patience.

Miami Heart Gallery opens at Windish-Hunt

The The Children's Trust Miami Heart Gallery opened at the Grove's Windisch-Hunt Gallery (2911 Grand Avenue) this past weekend. The charity event opening had quite a turnout. Here is Jay Ore the Prep Coordinator of the Miami Museum of Art, getting things prepared before the opening.

Suzan McDowell CEO and Pres. of CircleofOneMarketing.com stopped by to admire the exhibit.

Andy Brown, William and Laura Alton.

John Sax (his professional name) performed outside the gallery, drawing art and music lovers.

Flora Sweet (left) and Melissa Dunn of Circle of One Marketing.

The exhibit runs through September 7. Their website is here: http://www.miamiheartgallery.com/

Photos by Jeffrey Passage

Crime Watch meeting tomorrow night

There is an All-Grove Crime Watch meeting tomorrow, July 9; 7-9 pm at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church (2750 McFarlane Road), in the Great Room, located at the rear of the church grounds.

Follow the signs to the back of the grounds.

Free parking is in the surface lot adjacent to the church. Please let the parking attendant know you are there for the Crime Watch meeting and bring any parking voucher that you might be given to the meeting for stamped validation.

Come out and meet your police officers, State Attorney representatives and neighbors to discuss crime issues in the Grove.

Waterfront Master Plan meeting tomorrow

The Waterfront Master Plan will be presented to the City's Waterfront Advisory Board tomorrow before going before the Miami City Commission on July 24 for a vote. The meeting is at 6:30 pm at City Hall (3500 Pan American Drive).

There were quite a few concerns over the past three years, but the long drawn out process may finally be over and most seem to be pleased with the new plans. How to pay for it is the main issue now.

The Expo Center, which now houses movie studios, including sets and production facilities for "Burn Notice" is set to be demolished in favor of green space and possibly an amphitheater.

I would also love for someone to stand up for the Expo Center and keep it as a movie studio. I feel it's a great, clean industry which brings in revenue in these hard economic times. I love green space more than anything, but if it ain't broke, don't fix it in the Expo Center instance. I blogged about this before. You can read it here.

If you would like to email the City Commissioners about keeping the Expo Center as a movie studio, their email addresses are here.

North Grove celebrates by sharing

The North Grove celebrated 4th of July with an old fashioned bike/dog parade around the neighborhood followed by a "grill out." Ed and Heather put the grill out and everyone brought 4th of July items to grill and share. Then off to fireworks at Peacock Park.

"Burn Notice" filming today

"Burn Notice" will be filming at the Coconut Grove Elementary School parking lot and at Jaguar restaurant today from 6 am to 2 pm. This is Episode 8, Season 2.

Grand Avenue traffic may be tied up on and off during the day as they will be filming a car exiting the parking lot.

About 30 metered parking spaces around the area will be taken over by trucks and such with the affected merchants permission.

The second season of "Burn Notice" starts this Thurday at 10 pm on the USA Network. See what all the street closings are about.

Life is not so good

Looks like the "Life is Good" store on McFarlane is closing. The whole store is on sale - 2 for 1.

What are you lookin' at?

Between Greenstreet Café and Le P'tit Paris, the corner of Main Highway and Commodore Plaza is turning out to be quite a nice little meeting spot. Lots of kids with their moms have been enjoying the pastries at Le P'tit in the mornings.

Winding up the Independence Weekend

It ended up being a really great Old Town 4th of July in the Grove this year. Thousands attended Grove events. Shell Lumber got into the act, too, by really showing off their red, white and blue spirit.

Photos by Harry Emilio Gottlieb

Faces and places around the Grove

Miami Heart Gallery opens Grove exhibit today

Please click on the image for a larger version.

Happy 4th of July!

Today is the day to be in the Grove. It's our Old Fashioned 4th of July. Starting with a picnic at The Barnacle and ending with fireworks in Peacock Park, it's really a great day.

The streets are covered in red, white and blue. Many stores and restaurants will be offering specials and sampling. Details here.

Peace

A quiet morning in the park.

Photo by Harry Emilio Gottlieb

Snooping on grocery shoppers

AnnaMaria caught a bunch of Groveites shopping at The Fresh Market. This is Carolina Gelber.

And Ann Sokoloff.
And here's Yani Hernandez.

And Jerry Wade, who is AnnaMaria's neighbor, sampling the coffee.

And look who I caught at the check out line, AnnaMaria Windisch-Hunt herself buying her favorite coffee. I think it's an orange blend.

Please click on the image for a larger version.

The county is not amused with the black booths

The County is not happy about the black information booths. Apparently no permit was issued.

But a permit is the least of their concerns. According to David Smiley in The Herald, the county feels that:

• The kiosk in front of CocoWalk is in a dangerous location because a vehicle entering the awkward intersection of McFarlane Road, Main Highway and Grand Avenue could crash into the booth.
• The kiosk in front of the Grand Avenue post office blocks motorists' view of oncoming traffic and could endanger drivers during power outages.
• The kiosk on Main Highway is located in the middle of the Commodore Bike Trail.

I have to laugh. But I won't. We all hate these things, why don't they just say they made a mistake, take the loss and remove them?

Hungry, lost tourists

I have an idea. See this map? The plexiglas was finally fixed by the way. Well anyway, I think this map and the others around the Grove should be turned into information boards like you see at the mall. At least one side. The other side could remain the map.

So many days I see lost tourists looking for something. Yesterday two were looking for the Gap but most are looking for food, usually breakfast.

Early in the day, not many places are open. I see tourists get off the bus and start searching for breakfast. They walk as far as Jaguar, seeing that it is closed and they see the Sandbar is closed and so is Johnny Rockets and they don't know enough to head toward Commodore Plaza so they turn back.

I am always tempted to say something, but I keep my mouth shut since they don't approach me. I guess I always have a camera in my hand so they assume I am a lost tourist, too. Johnny Rockets padded my bill that time when they saw the camera. They thought I was a tourist, too. (Guess it's easy to go undercover as a tourist, just carry a camera around).

But info boards may help with this lost tourist situation. Also, maybe the black booths could come into play and they could have some sort of list on one side.

I took this photo in New York recently, it's near Herald Square and Macy's and is well used by tourists.

The landscape is on fire

The royal poincianas are really red this year. It's a pleasure to drive through the Grove and see these firey trees.

Picnic baskets to go for 4th of July

Daniel at Focaccia Rustica tells me that they will be offering picnic lunches to order for the 4th of July. Since there will be a lot of picnicking that day -- at the Barnacle and at Peacock Park and all day in between, this is an easy and convenient way to go about lunch and/or dinner.

Just call Focaccia at (305) 476-8292 to plan your picnic lunch or dinner basket. They'll custom make it for you.

"Burn Notice" in New York

I saw lots of "Burn Notice" posters on phone booths in New York City recently. It's like a little part of the Grove in NYC.

Home Depot law suit finally settled

The lawsuit brought against the City of Miami by Coconut Grove neighbors of the Grove Gate Home Depot has been settled out of court. Though not named in the original suit, Home Depot was granted permission to enter the suit in support of the City of Miami. The lawsuit was filed in October 2006 to contest permits the City issued to Home Depot enabling it to open its Grove Gate store in May 2007.

While the terms of the settlement are confidential, the City, the neighbors, and Home Depot are confident that the resolution best serves the interests of everyone and will bring about tangible and lasting results for the community.

The Grove First and Coconut Grove residents are very proud that their efforts resulted in the store being scaled back by nearly 50%, the trees were saved and Milam's the supermarket remains. In fact, there are plans to expand Milam's. (Originally Home Depot threatened to do away with Milam's if they didn't get their way).

Coconut Grove has not been severely impacted by the scaled down, non-contractor store (no wood cutting or garden center) and traffic has been kept to a minimum. The neighbors remain vigilant over the store and feel the Grove has been saved from having another SW 8th Street disaster.

Rest assured that the plaintiffs received no compensation, monetary or otherwise, as a result of this settlement.

Never doubt that a group of committed citizens can't make a difference. We should all be proud of our neighbors for standing up for what they believed in.

New club on the horizon

Dulce Cabana Club is planning for a summer opening. I ran into Ralph Ramirez from Cheney Brothers food service outside. He told me they are shooing for an August 1 opening. The multi level club is at 2801 Florida Avenue, right across from Cielo Garden and Supper Club.

Lunch at Jaguar

The always delicious ceviche spoons.

Churrasco (skirt steak).

Mahi Mahi Jarocho. They also have Snapper Jarocho.

Jaguar Ceviche Spoon Bar and Latam Grill
is located at 3067 Grand Avenue.

Busy holiday week

It seems that every time there's a holiday week, everyone likes to hang out in the Grove.

I caught all these people the other day walking around and enjoying the village.