I had a little chat with Officer Carrillo, the cop on the beat

I ran into Officer Leonardo Carrillo today, one of the nicest guys you'll ever meet, and I asked him about the roach coach issue.

Just as I suspected, it is not legal for them to pull up in the Central Grove and start selling from their trucks. They are only permitted in construction zones. He says that even parking near the post office is pushing it, but since that is a construction zone these days, that could be permitted.

But other areas, like Mayfair and Commodore Plaza and basically any street is not allowed.

Officer Carrillo was also mentioned that he would love to see more people at the many meetings held each month in the Grove -- the Crime Watch meeting, the merchants meetings, the Central Grove residents meeting, etc. I post the meeting notices in the Grapevine, so if you're interested, you can get the info here as they come up.

The next Crime Watch meeting is Wednesday, October 8 from 7 to 9 pm at St. Stephen's (2750 McFarlane Road). Come out and meet your neighbors, your police officers and your block captains. A representative from the State Attorney's office will be present. Parking is validated.

Ironically, while we were speaking, he got a call about a tree-cutting issue. So it's nice to know that people are using the special phone lines for that.

"A Crude Awakening" at City Hall

This Friday is "Film Night" at Miami City Hall (3500 Pan American Drive).

"A Crude Awakening -- The Oil Crash" is being shown from 7 to 9 pm. Admission is free. So is the popcorn. Seating is limited so please
arrive early.

Free film night is courtesy of Comm. Marc Sarnoff.

Are they just filling a void?

This always bothers me, I don't know why. But every time I see these lunch trucks, better known as "roach coaches," right in the center of town selling their wares, I wonder about all the Grove businesses who actually are part of the Grove and don't just drive through selling and then packing up and leaving.

What about all the Grove businesses that pay high rents and pay high taxes and pay for permits and inspections and may start paying into the BID fund and things like that. They have such high overhead and then this roach coach passes through town from who knows where, steals their customers and takes off for the next neighborhood.

Before I took this photo, there was a line of maybe 12 to 15 people waiting to order. That is 12 to 15 people not using Grove businesses who are licensed and legally here. And before those 12 to 15 people, there were another 12 to 15 people and so on.

But then you can look at it like this -- maybe they are just filling a void. They are actually doing what I always talk about -- having a breakfast cart in the center of town. So maybe it's a good thing. I'm not sure if Focaccia would agree in light of their new breakfast cart. But the customers were going for convenience and price and maybe that's the American way.

It might be easier to just put in a waste basket

I received the following email from a reader:

"I take the train a lot for work, and can't help noticing the rats that live in the bushes along the Southeast intersection of 27th avenue and US1 on the property of the Shell Gas Station. There's a bus stop nearby and some commuters like to throw their trash on the sidewalk and lawn since there isn't a waste basket around. I guess the rats can't resist because you can literally see several of them darting in and out of the bushes. This afternoon, while walking past the gas station toward Berrie's one good size rat missed my foot by about an inch! Maybe he was on his way for a snack!

"Since you like taking pictures around the Grove, maybe you could swing by in the morning or afternoon (when they are most easily seen) and take a couple shots of them, then you can post them on your blog and maybe the owner will put some rat traps in the bushes before they get REALLY brave and start biting young children."

I declined to take the pictures. It's not worth getting bitten by a rat; his email makes the point so well.

Urban Daddy likes Le P'tit Paris

Urban Daddy has a nice write up on Le P'tit Paris today. Right here.

Movie premier to benefit Shake-A-Leg

There's a special screening of "Morning Light" to benefit the Grove's Shake-A-Leg, this Thursday, October 2.

Honored guests will be Executive Producers Roy E. Disney and Leslie DeMeuse-Disney. The movie is hosted by Harry R. Horgan, CEO Shake-A-Leg Miami and Jeff E. Rubin, Vice Chairman US Sailing Center.

The event is $35.00. Seats are limited. A reception is at 6:00 pm and showtime is 7:00 pm.

Questions and Answers will follow.

Location: Regal Cinemas, 1100 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach

Get tickets on line here or call 305-858-5550, EXT 102

For the birds

Harry Emilio Gottlieb (who I saw at breakfast this morning), sent me this Non Sequitur cartoon and I found the Herman cartoon. Oddly enough, they both fit in with our peacock issue in the Grove. In fact, today, the CBS Sunday Morning Show will be filming around the Grove, doing a story on the peacocks.

Grab and go breakfast a success

My buds at Focaccia set up the grab and go breakfast cart outside this morning. They are there until about 10 am and will be there every morning.

Here is Gigi serving some delicious hot coffee to Yamila, who also enjoyed a croissant. If you're in the area, stop by, just pull up to the curb and order right from your car.

I had an egg and ham croissant, chocolate muffin and coffee. Yum.

"What a novel idea -- the ability to see the waterfront!"

For those of you who didn't catch the Commission hearing on the Grove Harbor project, it was heard Thursday when the request for a deferment was denied.

The proposed plan calls for a three-story office building literally on the waterfront, with no solid parking plan, (are they going to use The Fresh Market's parking?), there was no compliance with the Charter Amendment -- 50-foot setback rule (voted on by the public), and it was never included in the Waterfront Masterplan, which bothers many.

While the zoning board previously approved this project, it is clear to everyone that the zoning board is living in another world and has no clue what is going on with the Waterfront Masterplan or Coconut Grove. Another reason we need to reclaim the Grove and "take back the Grove."

Why did we spend $1.5 million on the Masterplan, which took years in the making, if they are going to ignore it? If this is allowed to pass, what next? Can anyone just come in and make changes to the plan as they see fit? Stuart Sorg, head of the Waterfront Advisory Board, stood up before the Commission and said, "yes." Guess he feels all the years of meetings, charrettes, public input and such were just suggestions and not to be taken seriously.

Commissioner Michelle Spence-Jones called the Masterplan an "Inspirational Plan" and says Masterplans change. Commissioner Joe Sanchez feels the water view is blocked already by the hangers and that he respects the Waterfront Advisory Board on these type of decisions (I think they are biased). Commissioner Tomás Reglado wants to hear more from the public but feels that the offices should be scrapped and only the dockmaster facilities should stay (showers, bathroom and dockmaster office).

The Sailing Club and U.S. Sailing Facility went through arduous negotiations to have their ideas heard as part of the Masterplan. Grove Harbour should have done the same at the time and not come up with their own selfish plan after the fact. They want to lease offices to yacht brokers at a new building on the public's right of way -- on the waterfront, in a public park.

After a two and a half hour hearing, the matter was continued until a Commission hearing on October 23. As you know, the Village Council was almost unanimous in their incredulence over the project and they weren't too crazy about the lack of respect they received from the project-pusher Santiago Echemendia. He is not a friend to the Grove. He was just as rude to the City Commission and has this attitude that he is right and everyone else is a fool. He has this way of double talking, too.

Enrique Núñez, City project manager of the Waterfront Masterplan, was grilled by Mr. Echemendia. While Mr. Núñez feels that the new project fits the footprint allowed for the area, he would like to leave the decision to the City Commission. But he says the Masterplan never involved more than a dockmaster facility with bathrooms and showers. It didn't include an office building.

Commissioner Marc Sarnoff was adamant about not allowing this project to be built. Mr. Echemendia tried to tie Marc and his chief of staff Ron Nelson as being biased against the project. Which they are. So what? Marc feels that the Masterplan is now a joke and a waste of taxpayers' money. What was the point of it?

Marc brought up an excellent point about the building -- he said that FEMA would not allow the building to be built at ground level, that is why Grove Harbour is being so "generous" to the public about having a "plaza" below the building. They have to do that. They are not giving out of generosity. They are snowing the public. Marc called it a "hair brained scheme." It is.

Speaking of the reason behind the Waterfront Masterplan Marc said, "What a novel idea in the City of Miami -- the ability to see the waterfront."

Mark your calendar for October 23, and let's all come out for this one and protect our waterfront. Do you want waterfront access or do you want private businesses to control it for their own benefit? How often do you plan on visiting that building to purchase a yacht?

"Grab and go" breakfast starts tomorrow

Just a reminder that tomorrow starts Focaccia's "grab and go" breakfast.

Dominique and Gigi will be offering quick breakfasts from a cart out front -- you know, coffee, pastries, egg sandwiches, muffins, bagels -- things like that.

They'll be there at 7 am. Will you?

How Starbucks triples their business on Sunday mornings

Starbucks triples their business on Sunday mornings by doing nothing. Actually they do one thing -- they open.

What I mean is that most places in Miami, actually, in the world, are closed on Sunday mornings.

Things don't start going until 11 am or noon. But for some reason, tour buses get the tourists out very early and just "dump them." Here in the Grove you can see them on Grand Avenue, across from FedEx/Kinko's.

The tourists start to wander and of course most things are closed, so they end up at the one obviously open place -- Starbucks.

I'm sure many wander into The Bookstore, which is open and others may wander all the way down to Commodore Plaza seeing that Greenstreet, Le P'tit Paris and George's are open for breakfast, passing Le Bouchon along the way, which is also open. But most end up at the only open spot in the area (other than The Bookstore and the Shaq gym) -- ubiquitous Starbucks.

You can see tourists mixing with locals and it's a very lively scene.

The tour buses that arrive later in the day have more to choose from, when the Grove is alive and jumping. But these few dumped tourists usually have nowhere to shop and just end up having coffee. Even Paul, the sunglasses guy at Mayfair is closed at that early hour, and he is usually open at all hours, so are most of the kiosk's at Mayfair. So you know it's early if they aren't there yet.


This is a good wake up call for many businesses in the area. If you can open on Sunday mornings, do it. And for those off the beaten track (away from CocoWalk), maybe have someone from your business guide the tourists over with flyers or something, as they exit the buses.

En Plein Air event will fill the Grove with artists

The En Plein Air competition in the Grove is next weekend -- October 4 and 5.

The two-day event features painters all over the streets, waterfront, parks, in the blooming neighborhoods with peacocks, and by the sidewalk cafés of Coconut Grove. So far 45 artists have signed up to capture the beauty of Coconut Grove on canvas.

"The Artists respond to the immediacy of the moment and reflect the excitement of the changing light and weather conditions," said AnnaMaria Windisch-Hunt, organizer of the event being called, "Coconut Grove though the Artist's Eye."

The en plein air or "paint out" has become a phenomena around the country especially in
areas that have lovely weather year round.

We explained what it is here, but for all the details, please stop by the Windish-Hunt Gallery at 2911 Grand Avenue or email fredhuntart@mac.com and put "attn: en plein air" in the subject line.

This cottage shown above, no longer stands; it was painted during a previous en plein air event. It used to be located at 3036 Allamanda Sreet, also known as the "Weatherd Edge" in the Center Grove.

"Not only do artists record beauty but also capture changing communities such as the Grove," said AnnaMaria who has made a study of some of the Hudson Valley en plein air painters like Asher Durand and Thomas Cole.

The crowds are filling up the Grove this Saturday night

The Grove is very crowded tonight. It's crawling with people. I love to see that.

The economy is supposed to be so bad, yet people like going out. Maybe many people are coming to the Grove now, rather than South Beach, where you can still get some bargains.

Not many places in the Grove sell $15.00 drinks, like in South Beach, so perhaps people are spending less and spending it in the Grove, where one can get reasonably priced dinners, drinks and fun. Parking is even cheaper here.

All I'm saying is that it's nice to see so many people out and about. There's a lot of electricity in the air.

Greening up the Grove

Francesca, Debbie and Tiffany are handing out free tote bags today in front of the Root for Miami American Express campaign. American Express donated $100,000 to the city which will go for the purchasing and planting of trees.

Below you can see one of the American Express crew finishing up the topiary at CocoWalk.

Custom printed tote bags are available here at wholesale pricing. You can add your logo, slogan, whatever . . . Some are even made from recycled materials. These are great for businesses, schools and organizations.

Surveying their domain

Danielle and Stefanus at Greenstreet Café.

Local boaters head out for Lime Cup

Local sailors headed out early today for an off-shore race called the Lime Cup.

The Lime Cup runs from here to Ft. Lauderdale and back.


It's windy and rough out today.


It will be a challenging day in the choppy water.


The new moon is bringing in very high tides this weekend, the water comes up to meet you in many places, you can see how it almost covers the seawall below.


Photos by Paige Brooks

Update on the Ransom Everglades sign

The new sign in question was approved by the zoning departement. Look for it to go up soon.

Register to vote tomorrow in the Center Grove

Tomorrow, Saturday, September 27, from 3 to 11 pm, the Obama campaign will be holding a voter registration drive near CocoWalk.

The deadline for voters to register in Florida is Monday, October 6. If you would like to volunteer to help register people you can sign up at http://www.barackobama.com.

Also anyone can check their registration status here: http://www.voteforchange.com/index_obama.php

Fierce at 40!

Vivian Jordan is getting ready for tonight's celebration. As you know, from 5 to 9 pm, she'll be celebrating Maya Hatcha's 40th Anniversary. They've been in the same location for all these years.

It's at 3058 Grand Avenue, you really can't miss the bright blue and yellow storefront, and it helps when there is a bright red Porche parked out front, as is the scene today.


Going into Maya Hatcha is like going back in time to the old Grove. There are so many things and incredible scents, you could spend hours in there exploring. If you've never been, or are a long time regular, tonight is the night to go and celebrate.

They accept Code 33, too. Their website is here: http://mayahatcha.com/

Should a "Skateboard Center" be added to Peacock Park?

Base Camp has put in a Class II permit application to create a "Skateboard Learning Center" in the south west corner of Peacock Park. I would assume this is a no brainer as long as on building structures are part of the plan. According to the building department, no plans have been submitted yet.

Base Camp is part of a Congressional District non-profit program which provides kids with an activity center for after school and weekends. Activities include homework and tutorial assistance, computers and gaming, skating/skate boarding, biking, water sports, fishing, eco-exploration and hobbies.

The City of Miami does not have any learning programs that combine adventure and sports. Partnering Base Camp with the city's parks department creates a platform for this.

The program sounds great, as long as no structures are built in the park.

Topiary going up at CocoWalk

Grayson and Heather from Topiary Joe are out today creating something in front of CocoWalk. It has something to do with an American Express promotion.


Freddie the Flamingo had to hop on over next to Starbucks for awhile, to make way for this imposter!

What are you lookin' at?

I love when they have the petting zoo at CocoWalk. Every once in awhile, usually on Family Days, they bring out all the little baby farm animals and plop them right down in the middle of the plaza. It's very surreal.


The animals are really cute and they like people.


There are chickens, goats, pigs and more, as you can see.


The kids love 'em. So do I.

The poor economy doesn't seem to be affecting the Grove

Hope I didn't jinx anything, but the economy seems to be up and running in the Grove in spite of the mess on Wall Street.

Restaurants are all humming with large crowds these days. Maybe it's the change of season, you can smell and feel it in the air. The humidity is lower, the temps are even a bit lower.

George's in the Grove had standing room only today and so did many other places like Greenstreet and Le Bouchon du Grove and Focaccia and Jaguar, and, actually most places.

The sad thing is that the poor tourists are all at Johnny Rockets because the tour buses leave them off in that area. Are we ever going to get those M*A*S*H signs that would show the tourists that there is more to eat than Johnny Rockets, Cheesecake Factory and Chilis? How about arrows pointing toward Commodore Plaza? Why are we sending them to chain restaurants when we have one-of-a-kind local places that they would probably enjoy more? The chains don't even take Code 33. Not that the tourists would use Code 33, but still. Let's promote local!

Virrik Park Library is open

The Virrik Park Library is open Monday, Tuesday, Friday and Saturday from 9:30 am to 6 pm and Wednesday and Thursday from 11:30 am to 8 pm

They are closed Sunday.

They have more than 15,000 books, DVDs, CDs and audio books. After hours book drop is available.

Stop in and make yourself at home. They are located at 3255 Plaza Street. For info: 305-441-7862.

Are people even buying luxury cars these days?

Code Enforcement agrees that the car dealership that set up shop on South Dixie is in violation of zoning rules.

Elite Luxury Rent-A-Car at 2500 South Dixie Hwy. will be fined daily until they stop selling the cars. It was determined that they are a commercial business conducting business in an office zoned property.

The owners of Elite denied it. Phantom Properties is the owner (out of the Dominican Republic).
They said they are an office that arranges luxury packages that include cars, boats, airplanes and such and that their cars are not being rented from that location but from another office elsewhere.

Phantom Properties sent someone to the hearing, that honestly had nothing to do with the case, he seems to have been handy and was not an attorney or owner of the dealership. Guess they felt the would gamble and apparently they lost.

I have mixed feelings about this because I don't understand why South Dixie which has all sorts of businesses, can't have a luxury car business. (I know this wasn't zoned for it). But I guess with the economy the way it is today, no one is probably buying the luxury cars anyway.

Maya Hatcha celebrates 40 years in Grove

Maya Hatcha is celebrating their 40th Anniversary tomorrow. The wine and and hors d'oeuvres party will be from 5 to 9 pm at their location of 40 years, 3058 Grand Avenue.

There will be a raffle for a Treska bead bracelet. Come out, buy some water buffalo sandals and antique Naga necklaces from India. This one-of-a-kind shop has been around so long for a reason. They accept Code 33, too. The Herald's business section just did a nice story on Vivian and her store here.

Their website is here: http://mayahatcha.com/

My, how the mighty have fallen

Home Depot planted some new trees in their parking lot and some new bushes around the side of the building. Looks nice. And they're a nice big size, too.

It's ironic that not too long ago they wanted to gut the whole lot of trees and a lawsuit was the only way to stop them. Now they are going green? Interesting.

I asked my bud Sue McConnell, who was part of the Home Depot lawsuit about this. I wanted to know if it was part of the settlement. Her response was, "No comment." They are keeping the settlement secret. But I like what I'm seeing.

I was telling Sue that there are so many trees in the lot now that it sort of blocks the whole Home Depot sign. I tried to get a good shot with the sign in the background, but it was not to be. Good.

Blu Moon Studio of Art opens on Main Highway

There's a new art studio and gallery in the Grove which reminds me very much of art studios in New York's Greenwich Village and SoHo. And it reminds me a lot of the old Grove. It's a working studio and gallery.

Blu Moon Studio of Art is located in the Florentine Plaza (3444 Main Highway) tucked high up on the top floor above the Knife Restaurant. It's a nice well lit workspace, quite large, but cozy, where artist Sheri Friedman does her thing. It feels like an old fashioned artist's loft -- very inviting.There is one seating area, that reminds me so much of the old I-Ching building. Many of you old Grovites may know what I'm referring to. It just has that look and feel of the old funky Grove.

Sheri is offering a full schedule of art classes for adults, teens and kids, as well as a "Mommy and Me" class for ages three to five. She has been a member of the Grove House Artists Gallery for years, and was one of the many artists you may have seen painting right in the center of Café TuTu Tango, that is where I first met Sheri.

Besides being an exhibiting and award-winning artist, Sheri has a BFA, has taught art in many locations for the past ten years, and will apply her experience and expertise to her classes at Blu Moon. Her painting studio will also be at this location and students will be inspired by an atmosphere of creativity. We need this in the Grove -- working artists in galleries.

Sheri hopes to host art events and exhibits as well as a variety of workshops. Classes being offered include Stained Glass, Figure Drawing, Portfolio Prep. for Art Magnet programs and Mixed Media for Kids, to name a few.

“This is a dream come true for me,” says Sheri. “I have a fantastic space in which to paint and teach, in the heart the Grove. I hope that Blu Moon Studio of Art will become a haven of creativity and inspiration, and that I can share my love of art with my students and the community.“

Classes begin on Monday, October 6, you may sign up now. To receive a schedule of classes and to register, please call Sheri at 305-529-5006.

You can see Sheri's studio from below. It has a nice inviting terrace and really is very welcoming and comfortable.

"Hey, are you the guy who writes The Grapevine?"

I was having lunch and the guy at the next table says, "Hey, are you the guy who writes the Grapevine?" I hear that a lot, and every time I hear that sentence, I shudder and I am prepared for a punch in the nose.

I said, "Yes, hi, I'm Tom," and he responded with, "Hi, I'm John, I live in the military barracks you just wrote about."

I think his name was John. I turned beet red. I had just posted some photos given to me by Harry and it was a put down on the development this nice guy lived in. I felt bad.

One thing I felt good about was that he was eating in a place I had written about and recommended. He said he was there three times already this week, because of my blog story. So that was nice.

Micanopy Peacocks on tv tonight

ABC News, World News Tonight had the Micanopy peacocks on tonight. They did a fluff piece and there was Commissioner Marc Sarnoff being interviewed. Ironically, my phone rang at the time the report was on and it was Commissioner Sarnoff, on the phone, a recording actually, inviting me to a Town Hall meeting.

Weird.

CBS News will be out this weekend to do a story for their Sunday Morning show. But it's being done on a street near the Moorings. Not sure why, when the peacocks are on Micanopy.

BID update

The Business Improvement District is moving right along. As you know, about 138 votes are needed for it to happen. So far the vote is 64 for, 0 against.

A PDF of the BIC business plan is here.

Put your garbage out, it will be picked up

This just in from City Manager Pedro Hernandez about the garbage pick up issue:

Per my discussion with the Mayor, I will be recommending at the September 25th budget hearing that the City of Miami continue its long standing practice of providing weekly curbside bulky waste pickup. The Fiscal Year 2008-2009 budget has been adjusted to accommodate continuing the weekly trash pickup as part of the increased Solid Waste Fee revenues.

During the next couple of months, we will be conducting a through review of our solid waste services, including bulky waste and recycling, in order to provide the Commission with a comprehensive report describing various service alternatives. A recommendation will then be presented to the Commission taking into account the needs of the residents in the various neighborhoods of the City as well as the associated costs or savings.

Consequently, there will be no changes to our current collection schedule until the studies are completed and a plan is presented to the Commission for their consideration and approval.

Pedro G. Hernandez, P.E.
City Manager

A new breakfast place in the Grove; well, sort of

I've been bitching for awhile now about the Grove not having any grab and go breakfast places.

Well, I guess they got tired of my complaints and so they did something about it. I'm talking about my friends at Focaccia Rustica (3411 Grand Avenue).

Starting Monday, and every day after, from 7 to 10 am, Dominique and Gigi, who I like to call Laverne and Shirley (Lucy and Ethel?), will be having a grab and go breakfast cart right outside Focaccia.

For those of you who like Focaccia's regular breakfast served inside with table service, Daniel will still be serving up their full menu. But for something quick on the way to work, the new grab and go service is the way to go.

They will offer hot piping coffee, muffins, croissants, bagels, egg sandwiches, probably some of their delicious cupcakes and pastries and more, like water and orange juice (in bottles), for the fresh squeezed stuff, you'll still have to go inside.

But this is what we need and I'm excited about it. You can grab a large 16 oz. coffee for just two bucks or maybe have a quick egg sandwich for a couple of bucks or take a few cupcakes to work with you and all you have to do is drive up to the curb, order, grab and go! How about a bagel with a schmeer?

There is plenty of room now for a nice Fresh Market lunch

There's all this talk about allowing the new structure to be built at Grove Harbour Marina so that there will be open space to eat your sandwiches at The Fresh Market.

There is actually space there now not being used. Apparently The Fresh Market does not want people sitting and eating sandwiches on the property or they would have set up the area next door. It's a little dark presently, but it's in the shade, it has a very nice cool breeze blowing through from the water, I guess due to the tunnel effect and maybe they should experiment with a little eating spot there before Grove Harbour builds an office building on the water.

If Grove Harbour is doing this out of the goodness of their hearts, how about setting up some picnic tables now? Let people eat their Fresh Market lunch today since they have the space. The traffic may even help the angler shop that is there now. Or is it only a deal if they build the 21,600 square foot office building on the water? Then they will throw us a bone, I mean a picnic table or two?

Golden Coconut Awards/Casino was a big success

The Coconut Grove Chamber of Commerce celebrated its 52nd Annual Golden Coconut Awards Gala on Saturday, night, by transforming the former Cielo space at Shoppes at Mayfair into a nightclub featuring jazz, exotic cocktails, casino gaming and cigar rolling, with a sumptuous repast catered exclusively by Hy Vong.

The annual event honors Grove Chamber members and civic leaders who have distinguished themselves in the promotion of commerce, quality of life and community service in Coconut Grove. This year’s winners were:

Volunteers of the Year Award: Lisa Shallenberger and Cely Pareda, who have, for many years, been dedicated volunteers at nearly all Chamber functions.

The Community Service Award: The Waterfront Working Committee of the Cocoanut Grove Village Council, Michelle Niemeyer, Chair - A committee that was formed 4 years ago to ensure and assist in public input from the community during the planning process of the City of Miami’s Waterfront Master Plan for Coconut Grove.

The President’s Award: Gary E.Ciuca , RPC, ETSC - Vice President, Investments, Wachovia Securities, for his “Excellence in Leadership” as Vice President of the Chamber and Co-chair of the Great Taste of the Grove (Fellow Taste Co-chair, Monty Trainer, was the Golden Coconut Recipient for 2006)

Chamber Member of the Year Award: Anthony Noboa, Vice President and Branch Manager of Coconut Grove Bank, for his “Outstanding Service to the Chamber.”

The Golden Coconut Award for Outstanding Service to the Community: The Bookstore in the Grove, for representing “True Spirit of Commerce and Independence.”

This year’s prizes were more plentiful than ever. Grand Prizes included all-inclusive Paradisus Sol Melia Resort, Punta Cana, Dominican Republic; a luxury vacation beach house in Destin, Florida; Fiesta Americana Condesa in Cancun, a Coconut Grove Bed & Breakfast in Fiji; beauty treatments from dermatologist Dr. Janice Lima Maribona, a sunset cruise on a private yacht, jewelry form designer Steven Anton Rehage, and H & H Jewels weekend getaways and more.

Next year's event is already being planned!


Tony Noboa, with Chamber Prez Liliana Dones, Felice Dubin, Gary Ciuca, Michelle Niemeyer, Monty Trainer.


Board Members Manny Alonso Poch and Michelle Niemeyer

Photos and report by Lilliana Dones

Shotokan Karate-Do Federation coming to Grove

The SKIF USA National & Open Tournament of the Shotokan Karate-Do Federation is coming to the Grove this week.

The federation, with over 2 million members in over 100 countries, under the leadership of Sensei Jimmy Wong will be holding a tournament, which is a qualifier to the World Championship, Greece 2009, on September 26 and 27 at Ransom Everglades, featuring special guest Sensei Manabu Murakami, a World Champion and current SKIF Head of International Affairs.

Competitors and their families, over 200 in all, are expected to come from karate academies throughout the United States, Canada, Venezuela, Switzerland, Puerto Rico, Peru and West Africa.
SKIF was founded in 1977 and has become one of the world's largest and finest karate organizations. The "SKIF system" is a well organized and structured system of training that is both scientific and spiritual: 1. To strive for perfection of character; 2. To defend the paths of truth; 3. To foster the spirit of effort; 4. To honor the principles of etiquette; and 5. To guard against impetuous courage (maintain humility and self-control).

Admittance is $5.00, under 4 is free. More info, times and schedule is here: http://skifusa.com/Events.html

Obama rally in the Grove?

My friend Meredith wants to hold an Obama rally somewhere in the Grove, but she isn't sure if there is any interest. I was telling her I saw a huge rally this past weekend in Coral Gables on Miracle Mile, there must have been hundreds of people with signs, parading up and down.

If anyone is interested in organizing a rally with Meredith, please contact her here htiderem1977@yahoo.com

Trees to be removed from Kennedy Park?

There is a sign at Kennedy Park today stating that 945 "invasive trees" will be removed from the park soon. The trees in question are in the mangrove area. Are there even 945 trees in that area?

Hopefully the guys doing the cutting know that the mangroves are not part of the tree removal. I shudder to think what the finished product will look like. They are supposed to just remove Washington palms and Australian pines.

Barracuda Bar wins "People's Choice" at Chili Cookoff

Barracuda Bar and Grill ended up winning "People's Choice" award at the Chili Cookoff on Saturday. People kept going back to Barracuda for more and they would accommodate without taking more of the tickets, so they actually ran out. They were so good that they ran out of chili early!

Congrats to Barracuda. The other winners and categories are shown here.

Also, keep in mind that Frank said that anyone that mentions the "Coconut Grove Grapevine" will receive $1.00 off their drinks. So when if you go there, try doing that for a discount.

Community Bingo is starting at The Bookstore

The Bookstore's first Bingo Night is Wednesday, September 24 at 7:30 pm and will continue every third Wednesday of the month.

Community Bingo is fun. If you've never gone, you should. Lots of laughs.

Children's Story Telling Hour is every Thursday at 3:30 pm and Saturday at 11:30 am . If you would like to tell a story or bring a special book to read, just let let them know and they'll arrange it for you.

The Bookstore is at 3399 Virginia Street. For info: 305-443-2855

There's a Strut meeting tomorrow night

The next King Mango Strut meeting is tomorrow night at the Sailing Club (2990 South Bayshore Drive).

The Mangoheads will hold their meeting around their drinking schedule. It's like this: from 6:30 to 7 pm, it's the Happy Half-Hour. Then the meeting from 7 to 8 pm and then from 8 to 9 pm the Full Happy Hour.

The Bird Bath Coin Laundry to close next month

For over 30 years, the Bird Bath Coin Laundry has been a fixture on Bird Avenue, in the very same spot. As of October 21, it will be history.

According to owners Cassandra and Marco Quave, after tough negotiations with the landlord for almost a year, the landlord has decided to go "upscale" and have the building remodeled and subdivided to allow more rental options.

"They have expressed to us on many occasions that they would like to see a change in the 'kind of customers' that do business at their building. Apparently, the 'kind of customer' that the Laundromat attracts is the wrong kind. It is pretty clear to us what that means and we'll let you draw your own conclusions," says Cassandra.

"We want to express our sincere thanks to the people of the Coconut Grove community for their business, support, and friendship. We have valued their business and will miss them all greatly!" said Cassandra.

The Laundry will be open and continue to offer self-service laundry and wash and fold service through midnight on Monday, October 20, 2008. Due to these circumstances, they are going to liquidate the business assets after closing. If anyone is interested in purchasing some of the coin laundry equipment or vending machines, information can be found here: http://www.birdbathcoinlaundry.com/ or you can just go to the laundry and speak to Marco.

One unique feature of the laundry is the art on the walls. AnnaMaria Windisch-Hunt and her One Ear Society painted images all over the place years ago, which made it unique and tied it into the Grove arts community.

The laundry is one of the last remaining pieces of the old Grove. That whole shopping area looks like it has for 30 years, maybe it is time for an upgrade, but if you want to experience part of the old Grove before it is gone, stop by, enjoy the art, have a soda from the machine, play a video game and perhaps do your laundry one last time. Go back to the 1970s for awhile.

End of summer sail

As today comes to a close, another summer ends. Tomorrow is the first day of Autumn. Yay! I took this photo of the sailboat in Biscayne Bay, from the Coconut Grove shore.

"Can you hear me now?"

Skater Boy on cel phone this weekend at CocoWalk.

Ding, dong the witch is dead

Things seem to be happier and lighter at CocoWalk these days. Can it be because the nasty general manger, Rick Torres, is gone? He is. I was gladly told that yesterday by some of the staff.

Are bikes safe now after that bike fiasco last month?

I keep forgetting to ask about the new bike racks. I don't seem to see any, but I honestly don't think there will be much fuss now. You don't even see the security guards much, now. They are more docile and more in the shadows and not so in-your-face.

It's amazing the ill will and damage one person can do and it's amazing the way things can turn around so fast after the cancer is removed.

Maniacs on golf carts on sidewalks

OK, what's with the golf carts on city streets? I know Key Biscayne allows this nonsense, but I don't think it belongs on South Bayshore Drive. I almost hit these nuts with my car on Saturday because they came out of nowhere.

They zipped from one street to another, up on sidewalks and bike paths. Not good. Maybe if I was driving and having fun on it, it would be good, but from my car it's not good. I guess it's like Jet Skis, they are a nuisance until you get on one yourself, then they're a fun thing to do.

Ironically, Glenn Terry wrote about "obsticles on the bike path" in his Herald column today. This is one of them. Imagine coming around a bend and being hit by this thing on the sidewalk or bike path.

Moving fast at the post office

The post office lot is looking better and better. It's all cleaned up now, the curbs on the street have been completed and it's wide open now. After this photo was taken, they put down some dark gravel or blacktop. It looks so big and nice with the fence gone and the wide open spaces. They are scheduled to be done by the end of the month.

More on today's Chili Cookoff

So the winner of the Fat Tuesday's Chili Cookoff today was not even a Grove business -- it was Bar-B-Que South Beach, which I love and go to often, but I thought this contest was a Grove contest. Anyway, here are proud Tom and Jessica holding their trophy. Centered is Joshua from Sammy C's. You may recognize Joshua from the tv show "Hell's Kitchen," with Chef Gordon Ramsey. Josh came in 5th place one season, he was on 10 of the 11 episodes that season.

Sammy C's booth came in "Most Creative" tying with Anokha for the same honor. To the right is Chuck and Frank from Barracuda. Frank says he'll give $1.00 off any drink at Barracuda if you mention the "Coconut Grove Grapevine," I don't know how long that is for, but try it next time you visit Barracuda.


Here are the pretty ladies from Anokha, Pilar, Sandra and Marissa. Anokah is open tonight, so if you aren't all filled up on chili, stop in at their new location on Virginia Street, across from the Mayfair Hotel.


Here are Libria and Susy from Hooters. Libria was in the Waiter's Race today with Roman from Basil and Devon from Chili's Bar and Grill. Devon won, he got $150.00 cash.


Cousins Marc and Philly, Marc is from Boardwalk Pizza and Philly is from the Sandbar Grill (also cousins in business). I know their fathers for years, I know Philly since he was born, probably Marc, too, but I've been friendly with Philly all these years. Centered are Nadia and Kelly from Pomme and Pane Café and to the left are Luis and Roman from Basil in the Grove.

Not shown is the Los Ranchos booth, they won "Best Decorated."So it's like this:

"Best Chili" - BBQ South Beach
"Most Creative" - tie - Sammy C's and Anokha
"Best Decorated" - Los Ranchos
and to come is the "Most Popular" but that may be hard to do because many places like Barracuda actually gave seconds and thirds on one food ticket, so their count would be way down.

This was a really great event. We need more of this in the Grove. It brought a lot of people out and really was a nice big community event enjoyed by everyone.

It's all about the chili today

Fat Tuesday's Chili Cook-off contest is happenning now. You have until 6 pm to get out there and get some delicous chili prepared by many of the Grove's own restaurants.


Here is Frank, from Barracuda, serving up his special recipe to Sean.


Jessica and Teresa, from Land Shark Lager were out sampling the various recipes, along with promoting their lager.


Bianca and Krystal (left) were at the Kristi House booth. Kristi House is the beneficiary of the charity event. Sonia and Natasha (right) enjoyed the chili. Natasha has a free sample in her hand, the chili you buy will be in a larger bowl, see Frank above.


I tasted a lot of chili and it is going to be a tough call. Joshua from Sammy C's was out serving up their new recipe, and Luis and Roman from Basil had their special dish. Pilar, Sandra and Marissa from Anokha were there with Anokah's recipe and Peewee and Rosie from Sandbar Grill were there, too, with Sandbar's recipe. This is just naming a few places.

If you like chili, get out there and try some of your favorite restaurant's recipe. They may just end up being today's winner!

Restaurants are selling their chili for $5.00, which includes beer or soda. Local residents' recipes will be judged, but not sold. The Ramblers Band and DJ Friendly are performing and beer specials from Land Shark Lager and Budweiser are on tap along with giveaways, kids activities, a waiter’s race, and much more, I even saw a free energy water promotion as you enter CocoWalk.

It's time to get RED

RED, the new personal training studio is now open at Grand Avenue and McDonald Street (under the billboard). RED stands for "revitalize, energize, define."

According to owner Patrick Vital, the “gym” that was part of Tan Solaire Body Spa has been turned into a well stocked, clean, friendly and professional one-on-one personal training studio. Every day and one body at a time, they take the needs and goals of each client and give them an exercise experience that is unrivaled in the business. That's Patrick and Marc above.

Many of you may remember Patrick as general manager of the old Grove Fitness on Florida Avenue, he has over 15 years of personal training experience transforming the lives and bodies of hundreds of clients. All of the Elite Trainers at RED are qualified and distinguished in their own right. In fact, the entire personal training team formally at Fitness Together are now Elite Trainers at RED. Led by Andy Clark, they now call RED, their home. That's Marilyn and Andy below

"As a cohesive training team, it is our mission to provide exceptional exercise experiences for each client, one session and one body at a time," said Patrick.

Their website is here: http://www.redelitept.com/

Golden Coconut Indochine Club and Casino event is tonight

Tonight's the Golden Coconut Indochine Club & Casino.

If you haven't RSVP's this would be a good time so that they can alert the caterers on the headcount. If you still aren't sure, you can still show up and pay at the door.

Complimentary parking is available right across the street at the Coconut Grove Bank lot, so why not pop in and play a hand or two for a good cause?

The Vietnamese cuisine by Hy Vong Catering is worth the trip, as well.

AmEx Grassroots Merchant Challenge begins

The Grove Chamber has joined the American Express Grassroots Merchant Challenge, a multi-city promotional campaign benefiting local urban tree planting programs. By enrolling in the challenge, any transactions on eligible American Express Cards processed at the Chamber between September 22 and October 31, 2008 will count toward "votes" for the City of Miami in its competition with the seven other cities for the larger share of $1 million to support local tree-planting efforts.

The city with the most "votes" at the end of the challenge receives $300,000 for their local urban tree planting organization, while the seven other cities will receive $100,000 each toward their own beautification initiatives.

The other cities involved are Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco and Washington, DC.

"American Girl" contest drawing is tomorrow

Tomorrow, September 20, is the drawing for the "American Girl" Contest at The Bookstore (3399 Virginia Street). If you entered the contest, be there at 11:30 am for fun and of course, the actual drawing.

Seasons change

I always know that Fall is here by the timing of the pumpkins. Usually it's the Boys and Girls Club on 32nd Avenue that alerts me. But The Fresh Market has them beat. They have all their pumpkins and candy out now.

I managed to get these guys to smile for the camera.


Guess it won't be long before they have their hot apple cider pots all over the store and their delicious pumpkin pie should be available, too.

Code Enforcement and tree cutting in the Grove

Last night at the Village Council meeting, the code enforcement people discussed illegal tree cutting in the Grove. If 35% of a tree is to be cut, a permit is needed. City residents will pay a fine of $500.00 if they do not abide by the rule and a permit will also be required. Mitigation is required (figured by the diameter of the tree) or you can pay a fee.

The $500 amount is the highest amount for fines right now based on City laws. If four of the five City Commissioners vote to raise it, it can be raised. The Council is considering asking the City Commission to raise the fines.

Basically you can do what you want if you are willing to pay a fine. Code Enforcement doesn't really care if trees are destroyed in the Grove. If you are willing to pay, you can destroy any tree canopy.

Code Enforcement left the whole Village Council scratching their heads. As Council Member Felice Dubin brought up: If someone is denied a permit, they can screw the city, knock down the trees and pay a fine, no fuss, no muss. So if you are building a multi-million dollar house, paying a fine of a thousand dollars or two is just the cost of doing business.

Code Enforcement says there are mulitple fines issued, like $250.00 per day, which had one resident paying $80,000 in fines, but this is rare but maybe a deterrant.

As for response time, when calling, you must use the words, "in progress" to get immediate action. It is advised that you call direct numbers depending on the day of the week and the time of day.

To report illegal tree removal in progress:

Monday - Friday 8 am - 5 pm - call the Code Enforcement office South - 305-329-4770

Saturday - 8 - 5 am - You'll be diverted to the cel phone of the Officer on duty: 305-416-2087

All other times not covered above - contact police non-emergeny number 305-579-6111

Please have these numbers in your cel phone. If you do not have them handy, contact 311 as a last resort, but you must explain that the tree cutting is "IN PROGRESS" - they will then contact Code or Police depending on time of day.

To report problems with 311 contact Kathy Kern at 305 416 1763 or kkern@miamigov.com

After the fact -- after it's too late, and a tree has been destroyed, then you call 311.

Hear the beat of the Drum Circle

I read about the Drum Circle in the New York Times about a month ago (here) and now lo and behold, our own AnnaMaria Windisch-Hunt tells me she wants to get one going in the Grove. I don't really get it, it's a throwback to the 1960s, I think, something to do with healing and peace and, honestly, I'm not sure. I guess it could be set up in Peacock Park.

AnnaMaria and Fred have been in Woodstock, NY for awhile where folks have the Drum Circle every Sunday, in fact, AnnaMaria has set up a page of photos here.You can see Fred enjoying a Woodstock Drum Circle below. I'll get you more details on this when AnnaMaria gives me more details in a week or so, upon their return to the Grove.

There is a Drum Circle planned for Virginia Key Beach the third Sunday of every month, which I guess would be this Sunday. So if you want to see what it's all about, check that out from 2 to 6 pm at Virginia Key Beach.

The Click performing at Sammy C's

Tonight, The Click will be performing for the first time at Sammy C’s Restaurant & Lounge. (3450 Main Highway).

They'll be performing from 9 pm to 1 am playing all your favorites and theirs. Stop in and say hello for a set, or stay all night.

Their website is here: www.theclickband.com

Going from 150 square feet to 21,600 square feet - NO

The folks from Grove Harbour Marina presented their project plans to the Village Council tonight. It was a rehash of what I posted here.

The developers wanted to show the before and after plans, showing that they have downsized the plans from their first draft. But of course, who is to say they didn't design a larger building to begin with and then pull the switch and end up with the smaller structure, which may have been their intention all the time. They say it went from 38,000 in size to 21,600 in size. The current building is 150 square feet.

They keep throwing in that the open area under the new structure will allow Fresh Market customers to have a dining area. But as one resident stated, there are parks on either side of the Fresh Market. Take your food there! The empy area next to the Fresh Market now, in the shade, is never used.

What is the point of all those years of designing the Waterfront Masterplan to have someone just come in and change it because they feel like it? That was the sticking point at the meeting.

They want to build a big building 22 feet from the water, the easement law is 50 feet!

This project is ready to go now, while the Waterfront Masterplan is still trying to come up with money and a start date. So the funny part is that this can be done and open years before the Waterfront Masterplan work even begins. The zoning board has recommended 5 to 2 in favor of the project. But it is felt they were mislead.

Felice Dubin (left), Council Member, was concerned about them trying to push the plan through. None of the neighbors was notified of this plan, it really did come out of the blue.

According to Santiago Echemendia, speaking for the project (a land use lawyer), he was before the Village Council as a courtesy, and didn't seem to want to be bothered with the Council. Felice felt that an office building is not needed on the waterfront. He felt that it fits in with the Waterfront Masterplan and that they had "vested rights," but offices were not approved as part of the Masterplan. This is an office building to be built on the water.

"You think going from 150 square feet to 21,600 square feet is a compromise?" scoffed Felice.

Michelle Neimeyer, head of the Village Council, and only one of two Council Members, for the project, stated that the marina was never treated as part of the Waterfront Masterplan, but it is a private business, with a 40 year lease -- a working marina, and it was just assumed that it would "do it's own thing" to survive in the businessword.

Dave Collins (right), Village Council member, proposed that the City Commission not support this project. Blocking the water is not a good thing in his view (in fact it will block views). He said "vested rights" is not a good thing to bring up either (as Echemendia did) to the Village Council, because the last group that used that phrase was Home Depot.

Council Member Martin Zilber didn't have a clue about this whole issue until the night before. He felt it should be revisited at a future meeting with more public input. Michelle did mention that we discussed it in the Grapevine, but it really did come up fast without much warning. But it makes no sense since the City Commission is voting Thursday next week. It's like closing the barn door after the horse has left. They are gambling that Commissioner Marc Sarnoff may defer the issue at next week's Commission meeting.

Martin moved to defer it until after the City meets. It was seconded. But Michelle Neimeyer felt they need to make a decision tonight and the deferral motion failed.

Village Council member Gary Hecht moved to deny building of the structure. It was seconded.

Santiago Echemendia, the attorney for the project, was full of hearsay. He talked about everyone and anyone that has approved the project. But there was no proof of any of this, not to say he was making anything up, but as an attorney he should know that hearsay means nothing in the court of law. He says, Enrique Nunez, the city guy in charge of the Waterfront Masterplan is for the Grove Harbour project. But does the City ever care about what the Grove wants? Is that a surprise?

Alyn Pruett, Village Council member, felt that it is odd that it is not part of the Waterfront Masterplan. It's like they are trying to do something that is not proper by holding the whole issue back. "Maybe it's a technical error," and should be an amendments on the Masterplan, according to Alyn.

"Is it absolutely necessary to have the square footage that you have now?" asked Lillian Dones, Council Member, wondering why leased office spaces are needed on the waterfront and not just a dockmaster's office.

Village Council members Michelle Neimeyer and Lottie Person were in favor of the plan, for various reasons of their own. The rest of the Village Council voted against it. Lottie felt it was "pretty," I really think that is not a good reason to screw up the waterfront and build an office building on the waterfront. She felt that Village Council members were against the plan because it isn't perfect. Lottie needs to get real, honestly. A four story office building on the water? How can that ever be made perfect?

So everyone voted to ask the City Commission to deny the project except for Michelle and Lottie. And the Council asked that the Sasaki people, who designed the Waterfront Masterplan, weigh in and see if they feel this should be part of their long drawn-out plan.

Village Council members at tonight's meeting: Michelle Neimeyer, Lottie Person, David Collins, Gary Hecht, Alyn Pruett, Felice Dubin, Lilliana Dones and Martin Zilber.

"Voices" premiers next month in the Grove

Sidney Portier and Lou Gossett Jr. will be in town next month for the premier of "Voices," a local documentary by Jeffrey Portier, Sidney's nephew.

"Voices" is a four year project which chronicles the beginnings of Coconut Grove, which as you know, started in Village West and was settled by Bahamians who left their island and settled here in the 1800s.

The showing is free to the public at AMC CocoWalk at 8 pm, on Saturday, October 25 and there is a meet and greet before, at 7 pm. The reception is open to the public as well at no cost.

Check out the new items in the 33133 Store

We've changed some products and added new ones to our 33133 Store. The store is a great way to support the Grapevine.

We have the popular 33133 logo items and also Coconut Grove Grapevine logo items, but we have been selling a lot of the "Shut Up and Deal" items around the country. It's a bit late to order for Saturday's Casino Night, but if you like to play blackjack or poker and such, these are fun items.

Also, for any tourists or locals for that matter, who would like to support the Grapevine and the Grove, we have our colorful Coconut Grove 2008 shirts in limited supply. These make great gifts as well as souvenirs.

Look for our new 2009 Coconut Grove Calendar coming soon, and also, we'll have some nice art tiles of Grove scenes coming soon, too.

Check out the 33133 Store today, by clicking here.

Clearing things up

I was mistaken on this issue about the Village Council. Carlos did email me questions the other day, but so did someone else and ironically, one of my neighbors asked me about the Village Council this week. I guess I just mashed them all together in my head and put them aside until I received the Village Council agenda for tonight and that reminded me of what I wanted to say. I don't always write things down, maybe I should.

Basically, I wasn't trying to make anyone look stupid, so if that came across, I apologize, my point was that people are not very aware of the good things the Village Council does. They get them confused with the City Commission, who many people do not care for.

In another effort not to long ago to "take back the Grove," the Village Council was born. It is the Cocoanut Grove Village Council. (Spelled Cocoanut, the way it was back in the 1800s). That's one thing that bugs me too, why does the Village Council stationery and press releases and such spell it Coconut when it is really Cocoanut?

Anyway, I guess it's nice to know that the Village Council members are humble people who walk around the village and go about their business without announcing themselves, but it would really be nice if people knew who they were.

When you see Dave Collins coming down the block with his usual Starbucks cup, it would be nice to say something to him if you have a concern, of course, maybe Dave wants to be anonymous, but I don't think so. I also don't think Felice would mind if you popped into the Bookstore and chatted with her about issues.

That was my point -- the Village Council needs to "advertise themselves," maybe just like Anokha and Pisco do. Maybe we can have photos put up somewhere, you know like where they have the managers photos up on the wall in Publix? Maybe we can post the Village Council members' photos somewhere so that when people see them, they'll recognize them.

As much as we like to think everyone is informed and on top of everything that goes on around here, that's not the case. The Village Council meetings have the same residents there month after month and many are not even aware of the meetings, even though I post them here and they are posted everywhere.

I may start posting their photos here. So when people see them, they will know them.

Chili Cook-off this weekend at Fat Tuesday

I was enjoying the chili at Basil in the Grove yesterday and was reminded of the Chili Cook-off on Saturday, September 20, at Fat Tuesday. The guys at Basil will be entering their secret recipe. That's their chili to the left.

Basil's chili is very light, not like any chili I have had before. It's delicious and doesn't fill you up. I am dying to check out the other recipes on Saturday, too.

The Cook-off is from noon to 6 pm. Many local restaurants are participating and local residents may present their own chili in a judging contest.
Restaurants will be selling their chili for $5.00, which includes beer or soda. Local residents' recipes will be judged, but not sold.

WSVN’s 7NEWS co-anchor Craig Stevens will join in on the fun as a guest judge. Additional festivities will take place throughout the shopping center including live country western music from The Ramblers Band and DJ Friendly, beer specials from Land Shark Lager and Budweiser, giveaways, kids activities, a waiter’s race, and much more. The event is free, although guests can purchase tickets to enjoy chili from participating cook-off restaurants, beer and refreshments.

Part of the proceeds go to Kristi House.

For more information contact: Cindy Bettner at 305-444-0777 ext 14.

The Village Council is not the City Commission

The Village Council meets tonight at 7 pm.

On the agenda: Crimewatch update, Update on effectiveness of Code Enforcement in relation to tree cutting violations, Discussion on the Grove Harbour Marina project, Update on Miami 21 and scheduling of special meetings.

As usual the Council meets at City Hall, 3500 Pan American Drive. They may be seen on tv -- Channel 77 or streaming video on your computer at: http://videos.miamigov.com

Which brings me to this . . .

I got an email from someone who was complaining about the Village Council and he wanted to know why they are allowed to use the Miami City Hall building and wanted to know who is paying for the meetings to be shown on tv. He was really upset with this.

I had to tell him to direct his tirade at the City Commission, not the Village Council, who except for maybe one member is totally on our side. (I do question the thinking of one member). I think he doesn't realize they are two entities. I wonder how many people don't realize that.

I think he is confused because he was upset about the Grove Harbour project that is up for review Thursday. It is the City Commission who is making the decision. Not the Village Council.

I wrote him: You can see almost every council member out in the Grove daily going about their business, you can talk to any of them at any time.

At the Bookstore you'll find Felice Dubin (she is behind the counter daily). You can walk into Dave Collins's BID office any time of day or night at Mayfair. Right in the plaza off the main street. He's usually there and when he isn't he's out on the main streets somewhere.

I saw Gary Hecht at the Fresh Market the other day. He is out and about daily selling real estate. And Michelle Neimeyer emails me all the time and so does Lilliana Dones who you can see out and about daily, too.

They are on our side. That is a good thing. If he has issues, I am sure any of them would gladly speak with him at any time.

This guy actually wants to throw the Village Council off tv and out of City Hall. Again, I think he is confused. I think it is a good thing that the Village Council uses the City Hall dias for meetings and I think it is very good that anyone can turn on the tv and watch what is going on.

City wants to limit some trash pick up to once a month

There is an important issue coming up on the September 25 Commission agenda that will limit trash pickup to once a month (that includes debris, tree trimmings, yard trimmings, and those items placed for pick up on Friday mornings).

Take a moment to email your Commissioners, the Mayor, City Manager (email addresses below) and let them know how this will affect the residents of Coconut Grove who live in a lush area with a heavy tree canopy. This will also impact residents preparing for hurricanes who prune and trim their trees.

Your attendance at the City Commission hearing on Thursday, September 25, at City Hall (3500 Pan American Drive) will be important.

MannyDiaz@miamgov.com
mspence@miamigov.com
AGonzalez@miamigov.com
TR@miamigov.com
JSanchez@miamigov.com
msarnoff@miamigov.com;
pgh@miamigov.com
rhernstadt@miamigov.com

Should sales tax be charged on newspapers?

I read a lot of newspapers; sometimes seven in one day. And I've noticed that some places in the Grove charge sales tax and others don't. Of course I've started going to the places that don't charge the sales tax.

Didn't they drop the sales tax on publications years ago in Dade County?

Screenwriting workshops being held at Museum of Science

Miami's Film Industry is having workshops this at the Museum of Science.The agenda on "Introduction to Screenwriting" is:

September 20, 21 - Weekend #1 - Character, story pitching and synopsis

September 27, 28 - Weekend #2 - Screenplay treatment and scene list + Writing the first draft

October 18, 19 - Weekend #3 - Writing the second draft, script revisions and the business of screenwriting.

Sign-up ends Friday, September 19. If you've ever wanted to write a screenplay but didn't know how to go about it, this is for you. Workshops are taught by professional screenwriters from Hollywood, CA.

For more info, or to register, email: btgproductionsinc@gmail.com or call 305-227-2750.

They come and they go so fast . . . Why?

So Nikki Beach Club is gone. Who's next? Why do so many Grove businesses open and close so fast?

To be honest, Nikki never seemed to fit in, they seemed to want to be South Beach, but people who wanted South Beach Nikki, went to the REAL South Beach Nikki Beach Club, they didn't come to Coconut Grove.

Some of you have mentioned other places that are on the brink -- Anokha (3324 Virginia Street) is empty all the time, they have incredible food, yet they are empty. They were always full when they were on Commodore Plaza, but they left. Why? I think that was a stupid decision. Now that the new Swiss place, Jacob's in the Grove (3195 Commodore Plaza) is in their old space, they must regret it. Commodore Plaza is the place to be in the Grove these days. Jacob's should do well.

And Pisco's Seafood Bar and Grill -- poor Pisco's (3310-B Mary Street). They have delicious food and atmosphere, but they don't get enough business. I guess it's their location. I'm always seeing those tables awkwardly out on the street, mere feet from a four way stop, an accident ready to happen. Plus all the gas fumes can't help. And Paco's Way (2810 Oak Avenue), does anyone know they exist?

Qdoba came and went within five months. I'm not sure why. They were fast food, which we need more of around here. I know a lot of you hated the food, but many of us liked the food and they are a large chain which continues to do well elsewhere.

I like to spread myself around, I know you all tease me about going to the same places over and over, but honestly, I try to hit all places in the Grove when I am out, not so much out of being fair, which is one reason, but also, so I have things to write about.

Maybe we should all make a conscious decision to try to throw business to a place we haven't been for awhile. When going out tonight or this weekend, why not try Anokha or Pisco's? They both have great food and service. They just need us to go.

Cefalo's was a whole different story. I'm not sure what happened there. They were a mess. But Sammy C's (3540 Main Highway) should do well.

The BIC website has a great list of Grove businesses, why not try one that you have not been to or have not been to for awhile? The list is here: http://coconutgrove.com/. I have written about restaurants, but they list shopping and services along with dining establishments.

Nikki Coconut Grove closes for good

Nikki Coconut Grove has closed. They weren't doing the business they expected. Another victim of the economy, I guess.

They blamed the location, being far from Center Grove, but they really weren't that far. The Sonesta is hoping another restaurant will take over the spot soon.

For the birds

We were at Scotty's Landing for lunch yesterday.

I love the way the black birds come right to the table and steal the sugar and Sweet'N Low. They like the Sweet'N Low more than the actual sugar. Maybe the pink package attracts them more.

I tried to get photos but the birds are too fast.

The staff there doesn't like it, they chase them away, but I think they are part of the fun.

Is the whole Grove in a flood zone now?

Many Coconut Grove residents just received a notice from the City of Miami's Building Department that that says they are now in a federally designated flood zone, where they were not before.

We all know that the Grove is on the waterfront and there are many flooding problems caused by heavy rains, but property owners west of Main Main Highway and South Bayshore Drive, which sit on the Shenandoah ridge (highest elevation in Dade County), now are wondering why they are considered part of the flood zone.

Will they be required to purchase flood insurance now? I'm surprised many would gamble and not have blood insurance already. What about storm surges? Are they that high on the Shenandoah ridge?

Update: The notice was sent to the whole Grove, when it should have only been sent to specific areas. The Building Department goofed. What else is new around here?

Cabana One Lounge and Pool Club coming to Mayfair Hotel

Looks like Ron Berkowitz, rapper Jay-Z's publicist is opening a club on the rooftop of the Mayfair Hotel. That and the new pool should make the Mayfair a popular hangout. The pool seems like it will never be complete, but the end of the year is the projection for the finished project.

The club will be the Cabana One Lounge and Pool Club and will surround the new rooftop pool deck. It will have barside cabanas with flat screen TVs where customers can not only watch tv but play video games.

Here are photos of the finished product.

French Film Festival to return to Grove in November

The publicly-acclaimed French Film Festival is coming to CocoWalk again this year.

It will take place November 7, 8 and 9 at the AMC Theater Cocowalk 16. A sister festival will debut this year in Boca Raton November 14, 15 and 16, at the Sunrise Cinemas in Mizner Park.

A selection of ten films will be shown Nov. 7, 8 and 9. These films were personally selected by Patrick Gimenez, the festival director. Patrick feels strongly that French culture, through cinema, is a positive addition to the ever-growing cultural scene in South Florida. “Seeing people’s eyes glimmer in a movie theater makes all the long hours worth it,” says Patrick about his motivation.

This year’s festival features the most popular film in the history of French cinema: “Welcome to the Land of Ch’tis.” This blockbuster has been seen by over 20 million people in France, a country of close to 62 million people. The film will be shown for the first time on the East Coast at the festival in the Grove. For the first time in the US, Kad Merad, the main actor will present the film and stay for Q&A.

Other talent will attend the festival, giving audiences the opportunity to hear directly from the creators and to interact with them in Q&A sessions. Director Pascal Bonitzer will present his film “The Great Alibi” on its US premiere. The critically-acclaimed film “Magic” will be presented by its up and coming director Philippe Muyl. The film is a French-Canadian co-production and will be preceded by a presentation by the Canadian consulate.

The festival will feature films for young audiences as well, including a live-action Asterix film with Gerard Depardieu and an animated Lucky Luke feature. All films will be shown in French with English sub-titles.

Advance tickets are available through France Cinema Florida’s website: http://www.francecinemafloride.com/Miami/index.html

Good news, bad news

Well right on cue, the BP gas station on Bird and 27th has raised their prices. Guess they are going to claim shortages due to Hurricane Ike, like all the rest of the gas stations who want to take advantage. That's the bad news. The good news is that the BP station is always out of gas, the pumps are always covered up, so they can charge anything they want, they have nothing to sell anyway. They never do. This is one of the worst managed gas stations around.

Helping Hurricane Ike victims

The Coconut Grove NET (City of Miami Neighborhood Enhancement Team) is looking for volunteers to help sort donated goods received for Ike victims.

Interested people may contact:

Haydee Wheeler, NET Administrator
North East Coconut Grove
Neighborhood Enhancement Team
2820 McFarlane Road
Phone: 305-960-4670 Fax: 305-960-4679
hwheeler@miamigov.com

Should Ransom Everglades be allowed to add signage?

Ransom Everglades Middle School has just completed contruction on their new administration and gymnasium buildings and they want to add a big round seal on the face of the building. It won't light up, it's just a big round aluminum thing, but I remember when people didn't know that they were passing a school, it blended in so well on South Bayshore Drive and on Tigertail, now they just want to "announce" themselves.

While it's understandable that the school wants to have their name and slogan up, many residents are against the Class II permit allowing the signage, they feel that subtle is better in this area -- it's a neighborhood, not a business district.

I am not sure what to make of the sign, but I do think that Ransom needs to cover themselves up with lots of foliage and blend in better with the neighborhood. That ugly metal fence on South Bayshore stands out too much and takes away form the nice high coral ridge and the guardhouse and gates on Tigertail make it too institutional for the neighborhood.

Meet Gryphon, one of your neighbors

So I'm snooping around yesterday, trying to get a story, and out from behind that fence comes Gryphon the horse dog.

I almost fell back over myself because I didn't see the lady with him. I was so flummoxed, I didn't get the lady's name, I just went on and on about how nice the dog was and how beautiful he was and all the time I wanted to just run.

When Gryphon came up and started sniffing me, I just said I had to go, his face was up to my chest while was still on all fours, I didn't want to see him on twos. I just got in my car and left.

Perfect Sunday afternoon

The bars and restaurants are full, the streets are full, the parks are full, all is well in the Grove on a beautiful Sunday afternoon, the perfect way to end a weekend.

Annual barbecue held by Abaco Avenue neighbors

Yesterday afternoon and until sundown Coconut Grove Park Homeowners (CGPHA) celebrated with a family barbecue on Abaco Avenue. The annual event, usually held a little earlier in the summer had been postponed due to the impending storms and hurricanes. Neighborhood children had an opportunity to try out the new trampoline and get their faces painted with Tot the Clown.


The next CGPHA event is "Freaky Friday" on October 31st to be held somewhere in the middle of the neighborhood. The 15 year old Halloween tradition involves taking over some streets, converting someone's beautiful home into a haunted disaster, & playing loud rock n roll music. This year some very special treats are planned for the children.


Story and photos by Maria Freed

The Barnacle begins its "Under Moonlight" concert season

Outta d’Blues takes the stage tomorrow, September 15 at The Barnacle (3485 Main Highway) for the first show of the season in the Barnacle under Moonlight concert series. This is their eight year performing at The Barnacle. Enjoy an entertaining evening in the park as this innovative blues band performs from 7 to 9 pm. Gates open at 6 pm (rain or shine).

Outta d’Blues performs a musical style referred to as a “raucous blend of traditional and contemporary blues.” This five piece South Florida band regularly plays at Kelly’s Pub in downtown Hollywood every other weekend. But, guitarists and vocalists Deny Rowand and Norman Lee Weatherby, bass and guitarist Josh Rowand, drummer Chris Muscarella, and harmonica player Boomer Hess, will be gracing the Grove with their melodic presence for an amazing night under a bright full moon.

Blankets or lawn chairs and picnics are welcome, but alcohol and pets are not permitted at the concerts. Proceeds from 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.

For additional information call 305-442-6866.

Admission is as follows:
$8.00 for Barnacle Society members 10 and up
$10.00 for non-member adults and kids 10 and up
$3.00 for children 6-9
Children under 6 - Free

Experience the "Shimmy" at The Studio

Adriana Echeverri (shown here) and Jeanine De la Torre have opened a new dance studio in the Grove, called The Studio in the Grove.They offer belly dancing and pilates classes.

Adrianna has offered classes in Europe and Curacao and recently had a studio in Doral, but she was in the Grove one day and saw a building she loved in the Grove and patiently negotiated an "amazing rent," in her words.

Her current clients come from Doral as well as the Grove.

The Studio in the Grove is located at 2964 Aviation Avenue, 4th floor and Adriana and Jeanine may be reached at 786-768-3690 or 310-430-5151. Hours of operation are: Monday-Friday 7am -8 pm and Saturdays 10 am - 5 pm.

The website is here: http://www.bellydancewithadriana.com/

The Studio offers Code 33 discounts and seniors 65 and over can take dance lessons at no charge (donations only), so not sure how that works, but call Adriana for info.

They hear it through "The Grapevine"

I write about places I visit in the Grove, and most times I don't tell people I am writing about them. I just eat at a restaurant and take photos or I go to a gallery or some new business that opened and most times, I just do my thing and leave. Many times I do get names and photos of the owners, but most times not.

So today, for the third time, I thought it was so funny that I went back to a place I wrote about recently and I mentioned to them I had written about them and I gave them my Grapevine card so they could look it up on line, and today, I heard from a guy for the third time: "People kept coming in saying they heard about us through the 'Grapevine,' but I didn't know what they meant."

Every time this happens it makes me smile to know that I am helping people find places they didn't know about in the Grove and that people are actually reading this and taking action by physically going and spending money at the places I write about. So please feel free to email me any time with any interesting news or openings or things that you may think the Grapevine readers might be interested in.

Also, while thousands of you read the Grapevine each month, many still don't know about us, so how about mentioning us to a friend or two today? Or just email them a link to us?

Post Office parking lot to be completed by end of month

According to Martin Petrey, the post office official from Georgia, in charge of the renovation, this is what's what as of now:

The parking lot project is proceeding as scheduled and should be completed by the end of September if not earlier. The Project Manager is working to coordinate plant selection with local arborists so that should go well.

They still need to meet with the Tree Man Trust and arrive at what the mitigation contribution will be.

They finally got approval to install an Automated Postal Center (APC) at the Coconut Grove branch and they are working to get it installed in the next couple of weeks. IBM is involved in this effort.

The exterior of the building itself is still in the planning stages. An architectural style that would fit into the Grove -- a "Grove look" is being explored.

I got a nice, delicious rootbeer float for a good cause

I got a great, frosty rootbeer float from Ingrid at The Fresh Market. Ingrid is with the Juvenile Diabetes group, at this weekend's Hope Floats event.

This weekend at the sidewalk sale, which is raising money for Juvenile Diabetes, along with rootbeer floats, they have orange soda floats and hot dogs, hamburgers and other goodies. All for a good cause. Stop by for lunch today or tomorrow or just donate. They are there from 11 am to 6 pm.

I did both actually, I got so involved in joking around with Ingrid and taking her picture and all, that I actually just walked out of the store without paying, as I got to the car it dawned on me, so I ran back and left the money for the rootbeer float and some extra.

"Your Grove" elects officers

Last night, "Your Grove" moved to its next step of development by electing its Committee Directors.

Seven highly motivated individuals were elected:

Marie-Line Germain was elected Chair
Matt Heitzenroder was elected Vice-Chair
Carlos Iglesia
William Furry
Tony Scornavacca
William Armbrister
Will Edwards

Their next meeting is Thursday, September 18 at 6pm at Flavour night club. For more, please visit: http://YourGrove.org

Rumor has it . . . .

. . . that Officer Thomas Braga is leaving his Grove beat for another area. This wasn't his choice, he was reassigned.

Come out to the Golden Coconut Indochine Club and Casino

The 52nd Annual Golden Coconut Awards Gala is Saturday, September 20. This supports the Chamber and will be a fun night for everyone. The theme is "The Golden Coconut Indochine Club & Casino" featuring jazz, cocktails, an actual casino, cigar rolling and great prizes.

Hy Vong is catering and there's an open bar.

7 pm is cocktails and hors d'oeuvres, 8 pm the awards ceremony starts, which includes the Civic Leadership Award, the Chamber Member of the Year Award, the President's Award, the Volunteer Award and the prestigious "Golden Coconut."

At 8:30 the games being with an open buffet dinner.Cost is only $100.00 per person. This includes the open bar, dinner and $25.00 in gaming chips that may also be used to win fabulous prizes including resort getaways.

Reservations are a must for this sell-out event, please rsvp by calling 305-444-7270 or emailing info@coconutgrove.com

The night takes place at 3390 Mary Street (the former Cielo Club location), courtesy of Mayfair/CB Richard Ellis. Parking is complimentary directly across from the club, courtesy of Coconut Grove Bank.

Hope Floats Sidewalk Sale starts today

They're not just for coffee and pastries anymore

Le P’tit Paris (3463 Main Highway) is offering Grilled Lobster au Beurre or Thermidor (chopped with spices and cream) made with the freshest seafood and ingredients directly from Europe.


For a limited time, you can’t miss this opportunity at a great price and as the French say: “A Vous Lecher les Babines!”

Lobster Season Special -- $24.95 + Cote de Provence wine $19; Weekdays 6 to 8pm – September only!

Enjoy deliciously prepared lobster in a fantastic ambiance while sipping great wine!

Author Lorna Owens signs new book Saturday

Author Lorna Owens will be signing books at Coconut Grove Gallery and Interiors (2884 Bird Avenue) Saturday, August 13 from 2 to 5 pm. She'll also do a reading from her newest book, "Living the Life You Were Born to Live."

Lorna, an inspirational speaker and author, wrote this novel based on her life and tells the story of a hardcore career woman who changed her career to achieve true happiness.

Question: Is this a military barracks or perhaps a Club Fed?

Answer: No, it's Grove Enclave Condo Association, Bird Road & McDonald Avenue.

Just one more reason why there needs to be some sort of Architectural Review Board to guaranty that this type of project never gets permitted to be built in Coconut Grove again.

This was sent in by Harry Emilio Gottlieb.

Maybe he was trying to get out of Ike's wind and rain

This in from a reader:

"I admit I've never been a fan of the information booths in the Grove and after today I'm even less so. About 9 am Wednesday morning I was walking by the one on Main Highway, I noticed the door handle bent out of shape. It looked like someone had attempted to break in. As I walked by I looked inside and there was a homeless guy sitting on the floor up against the wall in an effort to stay out of view. From part time information booth to homeless shelter. I think it's time to call the booths a failure and return the space to the pedestrians."

From the out of the blue department . . .

Grove Harbour wants to build a 20,000 square foot structure next to the Chart House property line. They met with the Waterfront Advisory Board last night. This comes out of nowhere. It involves an exception on setbacks.

Nobody knows how high it will be. They talk in stories, not feet. What about the roof? Will it be flat or go up on an angle which could add another story?

Basically, this is the proposal by Grove Harbour: They want to build restrooms and a locker room for their customers and they would like a larger dockmaster office and some other office space they can rent out to yacht brokers, which will defray costs. It will something similar to Shake-A-Leg's building.

Many are against this, saying that after all the work done on the Waterfront Master Plan, why allow a new structure on public right-of-way to block the water? But it appears that they have a 40-year lease and it is not "public space," other than the baywalk along the water, which is where the setback would change. Yet it is more building on the waterfront.

Village Council head, Michelle Neimeyer, and others are for this, but they are the first to want toknock down the Expo Center. Yet this 20,000 structure is a good thing? Doesn't make sense.

The new building will not block water views, because there are no water views there now. There is no retail in the plans and the latest of several designs is smaller and shorter than previous versions. It is not three stories (down from four) and is lower than the hanger building behind it.

The views are actually blocked now by The Fresh Market and the large Pan Am Yacht Harbour Hanger which are historically protected and aren't going anywhere.

After complaints, the owner of the marina has agreed to open up the entire space under the building (over 5000 square feet), which can be used by the public and hopefully tables can be set up there by The Fresh Market and people can eat there. It would be a welcoming shady place maintained by the marina. Yet do we need more building on the waterfront?

Some feel that fighting this plan would not be a good idea since it actually opens up the area for the public, rather then keep the small baywalk area that is there now. And the current area literally has port-a-potties in the parking lot, which of course would be gone if new facilities were built.

The folks from Grove Harbour have agreed to come to the Village Council's next meeting on Sept. 18 to present the issue to the public before it goes to the City Commission on Sept. 25.

"I would encourage everyone who is interested in either side of this issue to come. I for one am tired of us missing out on opportunities in the Grove because of our tendency to fight all change for the sake of fighting change. Not all change is bad and in my opinion this is a really nice compromise that will benefit the Grove and enhance our public enjoyment of the waterfront," said Michelle Niemeyer, Village Council President.

The plans may be seen here.

Diabetes Sidewalk Sale this weekend

The Fresh Market is having a Hope Floats Sidewalk Sale weekend -- Friday, Saturday and Sunday, from 11 am to 6 pm each day. The sale is an annual event to raise money for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. For more info, you can check out their site here: www.thefreshmarket.com

Riding the waves

I just caught these two riding the waves out in the bay. They were almost thrown into the seawall at Grove Isle, but they are enjoying the rough ride, I guess.

Try Basil in the Grove for unusual dishes

There's this great little place called Basil in the Grove at 3301 Grand Avenue. They have Brazilian and International food and everything there is delicious and very fresh.


Here is a salmon salad, the salad is topped with their famous orange salmon.


Here is Ginger Soy Tilapia with broccoli. The tilapia is so tender, it falls apart to the touch.

Also on the menu are dishes like Picanha Steak, curried chicken, portuguese baked chicken and keema (ground lamb with Indian spices) to name a few. They have sandwiches and daily weekend specials.

One major issue I have with them is their delivery policy. They advertise that they deliver but they pick and choose where and when and some days they just don't feel like it. They can be reached at 305-444-4848 or on line here: www.basilinthegrove.com

Marlins Mermaids unveil their new calendar

The Marlins Mermaids are unveiling their 2009 calendar at Nikki Coconut Grove (2889 McFarlane Road) on Thursday.

A catwalk will be set up in the main dining area. The event starts at 8 pm.

I will be offering a Coconut Grove 2009 Calendar. Look for that soon.

Jacqueline Roch watercolors to be shown

The Coconut Grove Arts and Historical Association will be presenting nationally recognized pastel artist Jacqueline Roch. Her works of tropical botanicals, fruits and landscapes of the everglades have won many awards for her larger than life approach to this classic medium.

The opening reception is Friday, September 12 from 6 to 9 pm at 3390 Mary Street, suite 128.

The exhibition will continue through Oct. 23, and be available Monday thru Friday from 10 am to 5 pm

Planning Department approves new Milam's plans

The Milam's exterior remodeling Class II permit has been approved with conditions.

As you know, they plan to expand the store and the exterior would consist of keystone cladding, oolite bricks, green wall, canvas and metal decorative canopies, with new landscaping planters and trees. They want wider sidewalks, a new outdoor eating area with tables and umbrellas and they want to improve the access drive with new median landscaping. This has all been approved.

One issue still under consideration by the zoning board is the signage. They need to present more information like the dimensions, the type, etc.

So basically, Milam's has the green light and as soon as Walgreen's vacates the space next door, they may proceed. You may have noticed that Walgreen's new store is going up quite fast at the corner of US1 and Bird.

Grab & Go now open on Main Highway

The old crepe place on Main Highway, which became the Cuban place, Fonzie's, is now "Grab & Go."

They were open all weekend and are closed today, apparently they just open at night on weekdays. They have burgers and hot dogs, chili, salads, etc. A great place for a fast lunch I would think, but again, at lunch time today, they were not open.

Perusing the books

My friend Mike Forte was enjoying reading looking at the pictures at The Bookstore in the Grove recently. They seem to have some very interesting reading material browsing material these days.

I had a neighbor ask me recently how the book store was. I can't believe he hasn't been and he was telling me, "We really needed one in the Grove." So I said, "Well then, why not go and enjoy it?" He said he would. We need to support all Grove businesses. I think it's a good idea to think twice before leaving the Grove for things you can buy in the Grove, including food.

Sammy C's now open for business

Sammy C's Restaurant and Lounge is now open at the old Cefalo's location, 3540 Main Highway, from 11 am to midnight, daily.

The food is primarily Italian, but there is ceviche, steak, salad, etc. They have a chocolate soufflé to die for. There's a great area with sofas and eight tv's.

Every night they are going to have a theme night, for instance Wednesday night is "Prime Rib Night" (16 oz. prime rib for $15.95, with salad, potato and veggies). Sunday brunch from 11 to 3 is themed, "Brunch with Sinatra," Monday night is pizza and pasta night.

Speaking of pizza, you can call ahead and they will bring it to your car -- 2 pizzas are only $18.00. This is the place to try out guys.

Sammy C's also offers Code 33 discounts.

New code enforcement number

There is a Code Enforcement Hotline for weekends, holidays, and after hours. This number is supposed to be forwarded to the cell phone of the manager on duty for that period. It is: 305-416-2087

This is for noise, graffiti, illegal tree trimming or removal, noisy construction work being performed other than between 8am and 6pm (not allowed on Sundays or holidays) etc.

Please use it responsibly, confirm that there is a real violation, get the correct address, and have a good description of what is going on. This is for EMERGENCY issues that must be dealt with immediately; like trimming more than 25% of a trees canopy and or removing a tree without a permit.

Please do not use it to report something that can wait until regular business hours.

Code Enforcement during business hours is: 311

Maui Nix, what Grove shopping should be about

It seems that one of the most popular stores in the Grove is Maui Nix, a little unassuming store on the corner of Virginia and Grand, right at CocoWalk.


The skaters love to stop in for new skateboard and accessories, and of course they have the latest in clothing, too.


The young staff is very polite and their customer service is the best. They really could give many adults a lesson or two. I think the Sportive store, the one upstairs at CocoWalk, the one with the worst customer service, could really learn something from the kids at Maui Nix. They should pop down for a visit and learn a lesson in customer service some time.

Weathering the storm

George's in the Grove, like most Grove restaurants plan to be open next week, whether Hurricane Ike arrives or not. Looks like Ike is going south, so hopefully everyone will be safe.

It took a hurricane to get Shell Lumber to open on Sunday!

Shell Lumber is open today and tomorrow, if you need hurricane supplies -- yes tomorrow, too, Sunday, from 7:30 am to 5 pm. It's nice to see that they are taking the residents' considerations to heart. Many complained about their Sunday closings.

They have plenty of plywood in stock, so if you need that, you can get it right here in the Grove now.

A quiet little world on early weekend mornings

It's a nice little quiet world early on weekend mornings. Before 8 am, you'll see bikers and runners all over Grove streets. Here on Hiawatha and South Bayshore, there is a little drink station set up for runners. No one mans it, it's self serve, where people stop, meet up, have a quick drink and get on with their running.

As I drove out onto South Bayshore this morning, I saw people waving, I assumed they were waving at each other, since they probably see each other running and biking each weekend, but now that I think about it, I think they were trying to alert me that they were passing by and they wanted to be sure that I saw them on their bikes.

New drainage on Bird and McDonald

The city is taking care of flooding problems on Bird and McDonald. Might not be fast enough for Ike, but hopefully Ike won't be a problem.


Photos by Harry Emilio Gottlieb

"Take Back the Grove" is now "Your Grove"

The "Take Back the Grove" group came up with a new name last night. It's Your Grove.

Next week they will be voting on a 5 to 7 member board, depending on the number of candidates that volunteer. Candidates must be present to be on the board. If anyone is interested in serving on the board of Your Grove, they are asking they post some information about themselves on www.YourGrove.org .

Of course, pending the result of Hurricane Ike, the meeting may be delayed/postponed.

First Saturday Art Stroll starting up for fall season

The First Saturday Art Stroll starts up again tomorrow. From 7 to 11 pm, most Grove galleries will be participating with special showings, wine, cheese, etc. Bryan Gonzalez and his band will be performing on the second level of CocoWalk and the new ArtWay66 Gallery is opening this weekend.

This will also be the last weekend to see the Children's Heart Gallery charity showing at Windisch-Hunt.

Boarding up

They aren't taking any chances at Mercy Hospital, they have already started boarding up today.

Let's hope they are doing it for nothing and Hurricane Ike disappears.

Open U's Fall open house

Open U, part of the International Institute for Human Understanding, is having their fall Open House on Wednesday, September 10 (weather permitting) to introduce their Fall 2008 Semester with a series of lectures and workshops designed to spark your imagination, stimulate your intellect and introduce you to new ways of understanding.

You may see the courses here: syllabi at www.iihu.org.

Details will be available at the open house and you'll have the chance to discuss the programs with the course facilitators. You can sign up right there or on line.

Those who become members of the Institute can deduct the membership fee from their first registered course, and enjoy other benefits. For more information email PMunhall@aol.com

The open house is at the Arts and Minds Center (3138 Commodore Plaza) from 6:30 to 8:30 pm.

"Let's Barack the Vote" kick-off party

Tomorrow, from 3 to 6 pm, there's a kick-off party for "Let's Barack the Vote" at 3674 Grand Avenue. They're calling it "Obama Place in Coconut Grove."

Ask and ye shall receive

Guess it pays to blog, I asked for home made chicken soup and I got it.

My next door neighbor, Denise, brought a whole pot of soup over for me last night. I don't know if she read the blog about me wanting the soup or if she just did it because she knew I was sick. I think the latter.

That's funny to say "latter" because that is how she ends her emails, she says "latter" with a smile, I don't know if she is trying to spell "later" or if she thinks "latter" is funny, but it does always make me smile.

Speaking of asking for things and getting them, I am now going to put this out into the Universe: Please hurricane Ike go away. Go up north into the Atlantic and don't hurt any people or land. Let's see if that works.

My yearly hate-fest with Coral Bagels

I went to Coral Bagels as some of you suggested, to get some old-fashioned chicken soup for my cold. I forgot how bad that place is.

First off, they didn't have chicken soup, I got a beef noodle which wasn't bad. But the rest of the food there makes my skin crawl. And the place itself looks varmint and rat infested. I am not saying it is, and I am sure it isn't, but it just looks like it.

I honestly would love to know why people go there. Is it because it's cheap, which I don't think it is? Or that everyone is on a high cholesterol heart-stopping diet these days? I see people I know there all the time, as I did today, I am tempted to ask what the attraction is, but I never do.

I'm not trying to be funny, but there is no customer service, and according to some old man next to me and the old busboy who works there, there literally is no manager. No one runs the place. People wanted to speak to the manager and were told there is no manager.

One waitress served all tables and two others sat there and watched as they did other things like fill the salt shakers and roll napkins. Neither did anything to help the one struggling girl.

They were out of everything I wanted -- everything health-related, they had nothing turkey-related or salad-related, but all the lard and fat items they had in large supply. And even with all that lard and fat, the food tastes terrible. How do you ruin a french fry? They need to remove the kids from the kitchen and get some real chefs or sandwich makers from the old school.

Also, I don't like the way anyone can just reach in and grab the potato salad and cole slaw and stuff. The food preparers should only do that, not any staff member that walks by. I think it's unsanitary.

The service was slow -- I honestly waited 45 minutes for a sandwich. I waited another 15 minutes for the check, even though she knew I was through. I finally just got up and went to the counter myself and paid without a check.

One customer got up, got his own coffee and then got his two friends their drinks.

Guess that was my yearly trip. I'll forget a year from now how I hate it and go back, but until I do, that's it for me and Coral Bagels.

"Take Back the Grove" meeting tonight

There's another "Take Back the Grove" meeting tonight at Falvour night club (2895 McFarlane Road).

It's 6 pm. The group will discuss the future of Coconut Grove and how they can be instrumental in its future. Tonight they may vote on the new name for the group. Their website is here.

The Cavalry has arrived

I love seeing all these cops on horses in the Grove these days.


Today this group was in Kenneth Myers Park. I love how they mix with the horse and giraffe sculptures in the park. These park photos were taken by Harry Emilio Gottlieb.


Yesterday afternoon, about 5 pm, there was one riding a horse up near 17th Avenue and South Bayshore Drive, toward the Mercy Hospital area. It looks strange at first, but very quaint. I took this photo of them.

We need an old fashioned diner in the Grove

While you know I love all of our Grove restaurants and frequent them all often (some more than others), I can't help but think we still need an old-fashioned, old-town diner right here in the Grove. I think it would help complete the Grove.

I was at the Gables Diner this past weekend and it seemed like such a perfect fit for the Grove. They serve breakfast, lunch and dinner, and it seems that at one time or other, the whole town ends up there.

It reminds me a bit of the old Lums that use to be up on the hill, where the Oasis Café bridal shop are now. It's a shame that I actually had to leave Coconut Grove to get some old-fashioned chicken soup for my cold.

Is there a location available in the Grove now for a real diner? I'm trying to think of a good spot.

County backs down on fire department grab

The Miami-Dade Commission backed down Tuesday on the fire department issue and allowed Miami and a few other cities to keep their fire departments in tact but will not allow any other cities to leave the county when it comes to running their own fire department. Talk about a power play.

Commissioner Dennis Moss set up some conditions that the fire departments need to meet and if they don't meet these conditions, the county can grab at the fire departments again.

Energy drinks and chicken soup

I've had a bad cold, so I went to Smooth King to get an energy drink.

I was surprised to see that they get quite a breakfast crowd. A long steady flow of people were in and out getting smoothies and healthy munchies instead of the usual breakfast fare.

Speaking of my cold, I was trying to find a place to get old fashioned chicken soup in the Grove. I don't think it can be had. I ended up at the usual spot, Sergio's on Coral Way and I even like Pollo Tropical's chicken soup. But I don't think we have a place to sit down and enjoy real old-fashioned chicken soup, the kind your mama used to make.

Daniel at Focaccia offered to make me his chicken soup, even though it wasn't on the menu today (he's really great that way), but even his soup is a gourmet-style, it isn't the old-fashioned type you would have to get rid of a cold.

Cleaning up the bay

Have you seen these ugly dumpsters up and down the waterfront at the Seminole Boat Ramp? They are actually part of a beautification project.

Twice a year, the government goes out with cranes and lifts abandoned and sunken boats from the water. Between the boat ramp and the lighthouse on Key Biscayne, dozens of dumpsters worth of old vessels will be collected and dumped.


All this pollutes the water. A perfectly new boat stolen from Sarasota a year ago was even found below the surface right here in our bay.

The dumpsters are donated by the various trash haulers who work in the county, sort of a little payback for being allowed to operate here and only the truck driver and crane operator are paid.

This usually takes two or three full days, and then all the dumpsters will be gone with the abandoned boats, flotsam and jetsam for another six months.

Artway 66 opening Friday

Be immortalized on the Walk of Honor

The Coconut Grove Woman's Club will be selling bricks on their new "Walk of Honor" for $100 each. The current clubhouse has been there for almost 100 years. Maybe your name on the walk will be there for the next 100.

Immortalize yourself or a loved one. Email chaille1@bellsouth.net for more info.

Invest in October this September!

How would you like the opportunity to invest in a local band? A successful band at that?

First October, our local Grove pop/rock group is looking for investors from the private sector to facilitate new equipment and help with their studio recording time.

The band recently appeared at Sunfest, the Marlins opening and closing days and for two years, performed at the FedEx Orange Bowl. They also recently performed at the Grove's 4th of July event and they are constnatly at tri-county venues from Dade to Palm Beach.

Tom Braga, our local NET police officer in the Grove is head of the band. You can contact Tom for this band investment at 786-486-1488 and check them out at www.myspace.com/firstoctober

The busiest corner in the Grove

Stefanus and Danielle at Greenstreet Café (3468 Main Highway) are more than welcoming as your come upon what is probably the busiest corner in the Grove. There is always something going on at Greenstreet and Le P'tit Paris, across Commodore Plaza.


Guillermo, our waiter, along with the rest of the staff, are all friendly and fit in perfectly with the Grove's laid back atmosphere. Victor Magluilo had the fluffy banana pancakes with real maple syrup. He said it was a toss up between that and the chocolate french toast.


I had the scambled eggs with salsa and some of the best coffee in town.


The breakfast menu is much larger than it used to be and there is something to please everyone. I like the prices, too.

Happy Labor Day

As we move into autumn, here are a few scenes from the past summer season.