Wishing you all a happy and safe New Year's Eve

I'll be with family and friends tonight and hopefully see some of you around the Grove, too. One of my friends is coming in from Gainesville and wants me to celebrate the new year in South Beach, but I prefer the good old funky Grove.

I'd like to thank you for coming back day after day to read the Grapevine. I know many of you come back to see what crazy thing I am going to say next. Others come for Coconut Grove news and events and others come for the photos of themselves and friends at past events.

For whatever reason, thanks for coming back. I am trying to make the Grapevine into a full time business, that's why I work so hard on it, but also, when I start something, I just dive in and want to do it all they way and not half-assed. I'm neurotic that way. A friend sends me corrections all the time, typos and things. I actually appreciate that. I want to get it right.

I know many of you think I sit at a sidewalk café and just blog stories all day. I actually do work for a living, but maybe in the new year, I can make the Grapevine my full time job. I like writing and photography and can combine them both here. Actually, I'll will that and put it into the Universe: I am going to make the Grapevine my full time job in 2009.

Most stories are timed to post at various times throughout the day, I am not sitting at the keyboard all day writing. You may see me out and about while a story is being posted at that very moment.

I remember one time when a story was posted about how great it is to end Sundays at the Sandbar Grill as the sun goes down, while at that actual moment, on a late Sunday afternoon, I was at Greenstreet with a bunch of friends.

I'm taking tonight off, but feel free to send me any of your photos. I'd love to see what you are all up to in the Grove tonight as you celebrate the arrival of 2009. Email them to me tomorrow and I'll post them.

I'd like to thank AnnaMaria and Harry for their help. They take many of the photos you see here and they cover events that I cannot attend. I hang out with AnnaMaria and Harry, too, they are great people and fun to be with.

Also many others send me items, story ideas and photos, too. I give them published credit on the photos, as for the news items and stories, most like to remain anonymous on news tips and gossip. You know who you are, and I thank you, I couldn't do this alone, but I know you don't want to be revealed so I am not mentioning any names.

He lives and breathes Coconut Grove

Whenever I mention the BIC or the BID here, I get all kinds of comments -- mostly about David Collins, the head of the BIC/BID. Most comments are good, a few are not.

Whether you like the new BID or not, you have to admit that Dave worked hard for the BID and he has always worked hard for the benefit of the Grove. Someone said it best in a comment in one of the other posts: "David Collins lives and breathes Coconut Grove and the BIC."

You can find Dave in his office, or around the Grove, early in the morning and late at night. Whenever I show up, he always has a smile on his face and welcomes me with open arms.

Although I have lived in and around the Grove for most of my life, I never paid much attention to what went on politically or behind the scenes. When I first started the Grapevine, I met Dave for the first time inside his own house. It was at the Gifford Lane Art Stroll and he was ladling out his famous cucumber punch. I asked him his name for a photo I took, shown here, with my friend Victor (for this post), and he told me and spelled it for me. I think when he said the name, I realized he was the Village Council guy.

Many others would have said, "I'm Dave Collins for God's sake! I run the BIC, I am on the Village Council, you don't know who I am?" But he humbly spelled his name as he handed out the cucumber punch. That told me a lot about him.

Many times, most times, in fact, when the Village Council has been going back and forth on an issue, Dave waits until the end of the argument, and in that quiet way he has, he says one thing and calms the situation down.

I don't need to be kissing up to Dave, and you all know I haven't on many issues like the black Info Booths, which I still hate. But you'll have to agree, he does live and breathe Coconut Grove and he is always available for anyone who wants to stop in and talk with him.

He personally invited me to the BID launch party the other night, he didn't need to do that, I am not a merchant or landlord, in fact, I could have gone and ripped the whole thing apart the next day here in the Grapevine, but he was kind enough to include me anyway. So that's why I am writing this great story on him. No, just joking, I am writing it because it was a long time coming.

Where is the rest of my Fire Fee Refund?

I got my check for the settlement on the Miami Fire Fee case.
It was 25% of what it should be.

Who got the rest? The "settlement administrator?"

I would really like someone to take responsibility for this.

This image was sent in by Harry Emilio Gottlieb, he got it right on.

Many people want to work at Crazy Pianos it seems

I don't know why, but I have received dozens of job applications today for the new Crazy Pianos, which is opening at CocoWalk in February, according to one staff member. (Felice, I guess the scaffolding will be there for awhile).

The emails have photos of the applicants and they say they saw the ad on Craigslist. Talk about Crazy, the name fits.

I called up Crazy Pianos and got the chef, Peter. He says he'll look into it.

The weird part is that all the applicants are from far away like Argentina and Mexico and places like that. Let's hire local people Crazy Pianos! And what's up with the photos? Is it legal to ask for photos of the men and women applying?

I should post some of them here and we can vote on them, but I won't.

New exotic dance class forming for ladies

A new weekly Exotic Dance Workout Class is starting next week.

It's a class on Thursdays, for ladies, who can actually work out in their high heels if they wish. Renee O'Connor is inviting ladies to try out the first class for free.

Renee says her class is about "building self confidence and self expression in women. Showing women that their true confidence and beauty come from inside."

The first class is Thursday, January 8 from 7 to 8 pm and will continue every Thursday after that. It will be held at Renee's Studio @ The Grove 2964 Aviation Avenue (4th floor). Please wear workout attire and bring a pair of your heels and a friend!

For more info, please call 305-321-9506 or visit: www.artofexoticdancing.com

BID launch party held last night at Greenstreet Café

The BID (Business Improvement District) held a launch party last night. Dave Collins, leader of the BID sent out invitations earlier in the day to the holiday week event. Above, Dave addresses the crowd.

It was a meeting of minds to discuss how the Grove will now "chart its own course." Business owners, village leaders and property owners enjoyed the food, drink and conversation at Greenstreet Café on Commodore Plaza.


In attendance were Kim Koch, H (from H&H Jewels) and girlfriend Maria Prats, and Sylvano Bignon, owner of Greenstreet.


From left: Sandy Pukel, Steve Licata, Mark Shats, Sweet-Pea Ellman


Fred Hunt and JoAnne Davidson.

Photos by AnnaMaria Windisch-Hunt

Shakespeare in the Park coming back in January

Shakespeare in the Park will be presenting "Macbeth" in Peacock Park this January. If you attended last year's performances of Much Ado About Nothing, you'll know what a great experience this is.

The performances are all free, there is no ticket needed. It's outdoors, under the open sky.

The shows are Friday, January 16 at 7:30 pm; Saturday, January 17 at 2 pm and 7:30 pm; and Sunday, January 18 at 7:30 pm. There is also a schools show on Thursday, January 15 at 10:30 am.

Bring a blanket or beach chairs and a picnic basket. The shows are perfect for ages 8 and up. No pets please.

Angelo and Maxie's has a New Year's Eve deal

Angelo and Maxie's New York Steakhouse (3000 Florida Avenue) will be holding their first New Year's Eve Party in the Grove this year.

From 5 to 7:30 pm, there will be open seating and their regular a la carte menu. Then starting at 9:30 pm, their New Year's Eve Dinner Event starts. The menu includes Portobello Mushrooms stuffed with vegetables, Grilled Double Cut Rack of Lamb with mint jelly, Beef Carpaccio with arugula, parmiggano and lemon oil, their 26 oz. Ribeye Steak, 15 oz. Charbroilled New York Sirloin steak and more.

The dinner includes an Open Bar with house champagne, beers, house wine and call brand cocktails. At midnight there will be a champagne toast. The cost for all this is only $95.00 per person.

Angelo and Maxie's is a new Code 33 member, too.

For reservations, please call 305-445-8177.

The King Mango Strut IS Coconut Grove

Let's talk about the Strut. Is that the best thing ever or what? Where else can you have Trina Collins and her fake chicken come up against a real chicken, "Mr. Clucky," who was the Grand Marshall?

It brings everyone together and with all the gossip and problems and confusion, it always comes together in the end. It has it's own special positive energy. I have seen so many other stories and photos posted on other blogs about the Strut it's so great to see them all come to the Grove for this. It has been in all the local papers and on all the local tv news shows.

It reminds me of those old movies where someone says, "Let's put on a play," and they do.

So much work and effort and planning goes into this hour-long parade, that basically is put on by the nuts in Coconut Grove (they're the ones who put the NUT in CoconNut Grove). Thanks to them, everyone gets crazy and literally marches around the block. And then it's all over for another year!

Months and months of planning and fundraising go on all for this one moment. And it is worth all the effort and work.

This is what the Grove is about. If you ever wanted to explain our village to anyone, this is how to do it. We're one big dysfunctional family and we love it that way.

Some participate, others like to watch from the sidelines with the thousands of visitors who come to our community to share in the circus.

I helped plan one unit in the Strut but ended up taking photos instead and on the second go round, I hopped onto Sue McConnell's electric cart with the Peacocks (not the family, the birds played by Peer Everett and a friend) and we drove around the block again waving to the thousands of people.

All the restaurants and shops were full, the streets were full and everyone had a ball. Let's have another Strut next weekend.

Top photo by AnnaMaria Windisch-Hunt, bottom photo by Tom Falco

Jacob's in the Grove is now open; well, sort of

Jacob and Diana Leibundgut flank head chef Martin Taylor at the new Jacob's in the Grove at 3195 Commodore Plaza.

They have been open a few days now, but their main schedule starts next week. After the New Year, they will be open for lunch daily from 11:30 am to 3 pm and dinner from 5 to 11 pm.

They have a large menu including various fondus, soups, salmon, steak, chicken, the works.

For more info, please call 305-735-2578.

Yesterday's 2008 King Mango Strut -- a Grove tradition

Click on the song "Wish I had a Mango Tree" for better experience.

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Photos by Tom Falco and Harry Emilio Gottlieb

King Mango Strut was one of the best ever

Today's King Mango Strut was one of the best ever. Maybe it was all the crazy things that happened in the news this year -- there was plenty to parody. Antoinette Baldwin appeared as Sarah Palin and the crowd loved it.

Our group (I came up with it, but wasn't actually in it) of Code Enforcement officers brought a lot of smiles, too, people loved receiving fines for smiling, laughing and just scratching their heads. Anna Maria got the group to look very menacing and they marched in line and handed out the citations.

As you can see, I got the new blog masthead for the New Year. Like last month, where I got four bickering restaurant owners to pose (left), I managed to get bickering Glenn Terry and Antoinette Baldwin to pose. It took me six hours. I tried earlier in the day and finally, by the end of the parade, I guess they were both in a good mood and I got them together for the picture.

I had it planned in my head for weeks and when the time was right it just happened. I think Barbara Lange was involved but I'm not sure, she kept telling me she would help me get them together every time she saw me today. But I did a lot of begging all day and I think I just wore them down. I guess it helped that I was right in Glenn's face for most of the parade at Commdore Plaza and Main Highway and I did follow Antoinette around like a little puppy dog whenever I saw her.

But after all those hours of planning, just as they started posing for me, a Herald reporter and a few other photographers grabbed their cameras and they snapped away, too! I set up the shot and everyone got it, as well! I was going to save the new masthead until the New Year, but I have it here now, so that I can have it published first.

King Mango Strut has begun

The King Mango Strut just started (at 2 pm). I'll have a slide show posted here tomorrow.

The Grove is full of people and will be for the rest of the day -- before, during and after the Strut. So come out and enjoy!

Putting on a show at the Skateboard Park

Yesterday at the skateboard park in Peacock Park.


This is behind the Glass House, on McFarlane Road.


Photos by Harry Emilio Gottlieb

King Mango Strut is today - 2 pm - Center Grove!

Celebrate 2009 with a Coconut Grove Calendar or two

The 2009 Coconut Grove Calendar is still available.

I have cultivated photos over the year and put 13 of them in this glossy new calendar. They are only $19.99 each. You may see all 13 images and purchase them here. This is the inaugural run and will be a collector's item.

If you read us daily, this is a great way to support the Coconut Grove Grapevine and get a nice calendar in the bargain.

We have also added some nice note cards with Grove scenes and t-shirts and will be adding other items. They are all in our 33133 Store.

Things seem to be calming down

Speaking of The New Times calling for an interview. So did Plum TV. They want me on their talk show.

I think it was about the Code Enforcement stuff and I didn't want to get into that since it looks like things are calming down. I don't see any police on the streets these days giving parking tickets and I hear that the restaurants are being left in peace.

I think all the negative publicity finally got them to back off. Plus I don't think the Parking Authority wants us delving into their shift of money from the Grove to other areas of the City for various cultural events. Bunch of B.S.

The Parking Authority should not be ticketing cars and then promoting and paying for festivals elsewhere. Makes no sense and it is a total waste and abuse of taxpayer dollars. This is fiduciary irresponsibility in a big way. Let Budweiser sponsor the events, what is this crap with the Parking Authority using money they get from citations to sponsor events? If the Parking Authority wants to be altruistic, how about giving free parking? That's what people want.

Cita's Italian Chophouse has plans for New Year's Eve

Cita's Italian Chophouse (3176 Commodore Plaza) is pleased to be holding their first New Year's Eve.

They are offering two seatings, the first is from 6 to 9 pm. They have a set menu at $100.00 or you may order a la carte. This includes a champagne toast.

The second seating is $150.00 for a set menu five course meal. This includes a bottle of champagne per couple. Live entertainment is planned.

Some of the items being served on New Year's Eve include Lobster Bisque, Gamberi VerCita (a pan seared jumbo shrimp appetizer), Lobster Termidore alla Donato, Grilliata Mista (a carved mixed grill of Cowboy Rib Eye, Rack of Lamb with Port wine reduction, Cervrolate sausage served with broccoli rabe and roasted potatoes.

Also on the menu: Tonno alla Vespa (Sushi grade Tuna lightly grilled, wrapped around baby arugula with lemon zest, extra virgin olive oil and sesame seed emulsion.

For more info and reservations, please call 305-446-2207.

Getting ready . . .

The barricades are being placed around the Grove today in anticipation for tomorrow's King Mango Strut.

I don't want to be part of the parade unit this year because I want to take photos and do a slide show of the Strut for the Grapevine. Our group is Code Enforcement, where we'll be dressed up as enforcers and give out citations for smiling, scratching your head, laughing, etc.

AnnaMaria feels I should take the photos from "the inside" but I don't see how I would get every group that way and then she was planning on how I could get shots from overhead at the end of the parade when the Mangobama dance happens -- like from Chili's or from Le Bouchon's roof or The Knife's terrace over Main Highway.

How can I be in the parade, get pictures of all the groups and then get the Mangobama dance from overhead all at the same time? Harry where are you?

Bird buds

The birds seem to like Bird Avenue.


The flock there in droves.


These birds think they are Christmas lights.

Photos by Harry Emilio Gottlieb

Doing the "Mangobama" all afternoon

Today Francesca Terry taught the Mangobama dance to about 20 hearty souls and to others who popped in and out of the art gallery.

It was one of those small town moments that I love. As the music blasted (sung with its own words to the tune of the Locomotion), Bob Brennan, certified arborist (and Santa), filmed the group. And as that went on, customers wandered in and out of the gallery, enjoying the art and enjoying the dancing even more. It was a pleasant surprise for them, mostly tourists who came about the charming scene right out of the movies.

The Mangobama dance will be performed at this Sunday's King Mango Strut around the band Road Kill's Mangobama float. I love the part that says, "Rolling over Hillary and John McCain now." And "Say hello to Camelot and Bye Bye Bush." You can hear it at the King Mango Strut website here. It will just start to play when the site opens.

Be forewarned, once you hear the song, it will play non-stop in your head forever. I still cannot shake it. So click the link at your own peril.

The Mayfair Antique Market starts in January

So it's official, the Mayfair Antique Market is coming to the Grove in January.

This is put on by Sud, the same people who do the Lincoln Road antique market. The Grove market will be inside and outside, in and around Mayfair. The old Cielo club is being used for the indoor air conditioned area, but I know that the organizers also had their eye on the old Wet Willy's spot and what about the old Borders spot?

Old this, old that, the Grove does need this event to bring some of the old back to life.

The winter/spring schedule looks like this:
January - 16, 17 and 18
February - 13, 14, 15
March - 13, 14, 15
April - 13, 14, 15
May 8, 9, 10.

The February show is the same weekend as the Coconut Grove Arts Festival, so I don't know how that will work. I can never understand why the Grove always lumps events together, rather than spread them out throughout the month.

This may be good though, because with all those thousands of people in for the Arts Festival, it may actually encourage them to return for future antique shows the following months. So it's sort of a captive audience that weekend who will hopefully return again and again.

It's a good weekend to promote other Grove events, hopefully that will be done, too.

The music waifs down Virginia Street

Blue Man Grove will be performing tonight at Pommes and Pané Café (at CocoWalk on the Virginia Street side) from 7:30 to 10:30 pm.

There's a real neighborhood feel at Pommes and Pané. Olav always makes you feel welcome and most of the Grove locals stop by at one time or another. They mix and mingle with Mayfair Hotel guests who are attracted to the music coming from across the street and people also wander over from the Bookstore when they hear the music. It's a very comfortable, informal thing and a nice way to spend a Friday night.

Grab a beer and a sandwich and enjoy the ambiance.

Tonight joining Izzy and Eric is special guest Bill "Wailin" Willy less-harmonicas.

Cabana One has some big New Year's Eve plans

Cabana One's New Year's Eve party is called "Eyes Wide Shut."

Tickets are $125.00 and tables start at $500.00, which includes Grey Goose Vodka and champagne. Food will be served until midnight. Dinner and hotel reservations are available. There is an open bar from 9 pm to 2 am. DJ Artime, Miami's own, will be featured.

The party of course is New Year's Eve at the Mayfair Hotel (3000 Florida Avenue), from 9 pm to 5 am. For info and reservations: 305-448-5088

Another Christmas is over . . .

Hope everyone had a nice Christmas and Hanukkah.

I noticed a lot of businesses were open in the Grove yesterday early in the day and later into the evening, which was a good thing, since it seemed that tourists were out early and then locals seemed to get out later to get to the movies or get something to eat or just hang out.

As you drive down Main Highway at night, the blue lit trees form a little light tunnel, welcoming you into the Grove.

I was looking for Christmas cactus to give to some neighbors and some businesses that I frequent, but I could not find anything decent, so on Tuesday I ended up at Coconut Grove Florist on Commodore Plaza and I got some really nice poinsettias. They were so nice that I went back on Christmas Eve and got a few more as gifts.

Today is the "Mangobama" dance lesson for Sunday's King Mango Strut at the Windisch-Hunt Gallery -- 3 pm. Bring your dancing shoes, Francesca Terry will be the instructor.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!



Santa listens intensely as Pandora tells him her Christmas list.

Good times . . .

Here is the old Publix Christmas commercial that reminds us all of younger days . . .

King Mango Strutters are ready for the big day

The Good Blend Quartet showed up at the King Mango Strut meeting last night at Sammy C's. The Strut is Sunday, December 28 at 2 pm on the streets of the Grove.

It will be interactive as always and since the theme is the "Mangobama," there is a Mangobama dance. On Friday Francesca Glenn (the choreographer) will be teaching the dance at the Windisch-Hunt Gallery (2911 Grand Avenue) at 3 pm.

We are trying to get a very large group for our unit -- Code Enforcement, so anyone intersted can also show up on Friday and speak with AnnaMaria. The more the merrier. T-shirts and caps and the poster are still available, too, you can purchase them at the gallery.

I see that the New Times article came out and they are asking if this is the last year for the Strut. I highly doubt it. It is rough dealing with the City these days, and I know the Mangoheads had a tough time this year. Maybe we can all ask Santa for freedom -- the Grove's freedom and we can get away from the City once and for all one day soon. If only.

The Christmas gifts are hanging on the wall

I'll have to wait for my Christmas gift from AnnaMaria this year. It's hanging on the wall in Focaccia Rustica (3111 Grand Avenue).

She's been painting in the gallery secretly for weeks, now I see what it was all about.

She made paintings of all her friends and she hung them up as part of the "Breakfast With the Artists" series at Focaccia. So I guess they will be there until this series of paintings is switched out. I'll let you know when the next artist's breakfast is. Maybe people can also have breakfast with the subjects of the paintings, not just the artist this time.

This is me. It's called, "A Little Birdie Told Me," because every time she asks me how I knew something or got a story, that is my reply.

If you have a minute, stop by, you may recognize many Grove characters in the paintings. AnnaMaria knows a lot of characters. That guy in the old fashioned bathing suit is Jerry, her next door neighbor. Next to my own image, I love that one the best.

Usually the art is for sale at Focaccia, but in this case since they are all gifts to the people depicted in them, they are there only to enjoy, but AnnaMaria will easily create a portrait for you -- of yourself or a loved one. While they make great Christmas gifts, they are perfect for birthdays, anniversaries or any occasion really.

You can see AnnaMaria in the mirror and that's Martin pouring the Coke, and all the way in the back is Dominque.

Still looking for last minute gifts?

I got a couple of gift certificates for a couple of nice Grove restaurants as Christmas gifts. That's a great idea for last minute gifts.

If you are still not finished shopping today, that may be your best bet. You can name your price and send a loved one to one of our fine restaurants here in the Grove. For someone that lives outside the Grove, it's a great gift, you are not only giving the meal, you are giving them a day or night in the Grove -- the whole ambiance thing from the restaurants to the streets and shops.

I ran into my neighbor Bobbie at The Bookstore. I was actually there searching for gifts for a few of my neighbors. That's another great place to find one-of-a-kind last minute things. Bobbie was actually looking for Hanukkah candles and they had them! And she bought a few dradles and other Hanukkah items.

If you search around, The Bookstore has everything in the way of gift giving. Someone told me yesterday they have about 25 or 28 greeting card racks, too.

Post office issues discussed

The new Miami Post Master, Ed J. Coppola, met with residents yesterday along with Congresswoman Illeana Ros-Lehtinen, City Commissioner Marc Sarnoff and other local officials to discuss the post office.

Many are not happy with the way the job turned out in the parking lot. The goal is more trees, less signs.

Graffiti was an issue, too. But the post office feels it is cleaned up as soon as possible.

Some wanted the drive thru to be open after hours, but they were told that it was never part of the plan and the drive thru will be locked at night along with the rest of the parking lot.

Mr. Coppola said he is new to the district but has lots of post offices that are in worse shape, he understands the concerns and plans to remove some of the signs and will try to make the Grove post office as good as possible considering the tight budgets.

Photo by Harry Emilio Gottlieb

Many merchants feel that the Grove is ugly

The scaffolding issue came up again at the merchants meeting last week. Many merchants are upset with the timing. They feel it is ugly and that the Grove is ugly.

I had thought that myself. When I tried to get a decent holiday display, there was none around. That's why I had those four mugs pose for me at the top there. But at night, the Grove does come alive. Is it ugly in the day though?

Sandy, from The Bookstore, was adamant about the ugliness of the Grove this holiday season. Felice, from The Bookstore was quite upset over the scaffolding being used to renovate Crazy Pianos. Remember they did have to deal with scaffolding, which seemed like a year, during the pool renovation at the Mayfair House.

Crazy Pianos did ask for a street closure for a few days, but that was denied. The scaffolding will be up until after the holidays unfortunately.

Someone at the meeting said that it is ironic that code enforcement is so concerned with tables being on the sidewalks blocking pedestrians, but they say nothing about the scaffolding which blocks that sidewalk in bad and ugly way.

Comm. Marc Sarnoff says that new lighting is in the works and also new planters which will go throughout the Grove. (Ironically planters were a major issue at the restaurants). Elliot from Red Kiwi wanted to know when it will be done. No one could give him a date. That bothered him, but he's quite new in town, he doesn't know how slow things move around here.

Little mystical dolls for the new year

You can now get a one-of-a-kind angel, created just for you, to help bring prosperity for the coming year. Or how about your own personal genie to grant wishes? Each one is made to meet your needs and comes in their own unique bottles.

For more info, please call Atena at 305-297-5516 or email: atena@MysticalFlorida.com, you can also stop by Celestial Treasures at (3444 Main Highway). I actually ran into Atena this morning at the UPS Store when I went in to get the Strut job printed.

We have decided on a group for the King Mango Strut

The One Ear Society will be portraying Code Enforcement in the King Mango Strut this year. What we are going to do is play "I heard it through the Grapevine" on a boom box and parade around in uniforms with signs and citations, many citations.

The citations will have a city seal and say "Code Enforcement Citation" and then list a bunch of things with check boxes like:
$500 fine for breathing
$200 fine for scratching your head
$100 fine for looking me right in the eye, and things like that.

If you would like to be part of our group, please email me.

I brought the job over to the UPS store this morning to get the citations printed up. I saw Glenn Terry, Mr. Strut, on his bike as I left, he was in Center Grove surveying his Strut domain I guess. Speaking of which, The New Times called me yesterday to talk about the Strut. Why me? I don't know. I told them Glenn was the man to speak with.

But she interviewed me anyway and I guess the Strut story will be out this Thursday.

Does Code Enforcment know what they are doing?

At last week's Village Council meeting, Pierre Sands, Village West resident and certified arborist, says he is cynical about the motives of Code Enforcement. He says that Code Enforcement does not have any formal training with it comes to tree cutting and arborist issues.

Mariano De Mola, Director of Code Enforcement, who was at the meeting, said that his crew follows City Codes written by the City Commission and his crew members do not need to be arborists to do their job.

Pierre says they come out just looking for trouble. They don't have a clue what they are looking for, but they want to cause trouble and write fines.

Pierre said, "The code is good. Enforcement is inept." He went on to say Code Enforcement is veracious in fining everyone.

Bob Brennan, one of our Grove Santas was at the meeting, he said, "Our inspectors don't have a clue and they don't know the code. Our Code Enforcement department is broken."

A neighbor from Oak Avenue stood up and told of her horror stories and harassment, too.The bottom line is that the Village Council sent them off to debate the issue and solve it on their own and eventually have the City change code rules through the proper procedures.

Just another day in Paradise

First Code Enforcement, then the parking authority, now Homeland Security is getting in the act.

Today at the Sonesta on McFarlane Road, a suspicious package, the size of a laptop, was found next to a column in the underground parking garage.

A bomb alert was issued and the City bomb squad quarantined the garage and sent in a bomb sniffing robot, which then destroyed the package with its own explosive charge to neutralize it.

According to a village cop on site, it was not a bomb, but a package someone probably left by mistake while unloading their car.

About an hour later, around 2:30 pm, the all clear was given. Guess someone isn't getting their Christmas gift this year.

The Grove is very enchanting at night

The Grove comes alive at night around the holidays. If you haven't been out this season, this week is a good time to check things out.


The Angel is out, the Hare Krishnas are going from store to store, blessing them. The musicians and barber shop quartet and carolers hit the streets before dusk. The restaurants are full.


Everything is lit up and cheerful.

This is the necklace I won in the King Mango Strut raffle

I saw H. from HH Jewels (3434 Main Highway) the other day so I showed him the necklace I won in the Strut raffle. He told me that the necklace is one of his originals made way back in the day.

An original, from when he was selling on the street.

I appreciate it much more now. I wonder if it is in the photo here, on the table.

City of Miami is giving the Grove some autonomy

I ran into Dave Collins the other day, head of the BIC, soon to be BID.

Anway, Dave is excited about some changes that he and Haydee Wheeler from the NET office are working on.

I had brought up something in the past about signage promoting certain businesses or events at locations around the Grove. Until now it was not legal, now it is. So that may happen soon. For instance, a temporary sign may be posted announcing a new restaurant or a new art gallery, etc.

Also, benches may be offered with merchant names on them. I am not sure how this will work, I am assuming it is a small card or sticker or something and not a big bus bench sign. It's a new way to advertise and also raise money at the same time.

The reason this is interesting is because it is not permitted in other areas of Miami and Miami is finally giving the Grove our own autonomy in a small way. With the BID, I think it will happen more and more.

The Bridgeport Avenue street issue continues

The Bridgeport Avenue traffic issue was brought up at the Village Council meeting last Thursday.

Jim McMaster, resident of Bridgeport Avenue, says ballots were sent out, they are not all in yet. But it looks like the vote will fail -- meaning that votes are coming in mostly against the barricades on Bridgeport Avenue. The folks on 30th Court and Virginia Street are voting mostly against it because they don't want the traffic diverted to their streets. And since they can't get traffic closures or traffic calming devices, they don't want Bridgeport to have it.

Residents say that isn't so. They just want it all uniform. They say it makes no sense to send traffic from a street that has some commercial property (Bridgeport) to streets that are all residential.

Joe Benton (right) from Bridgeport Avenue also explained to the Council about all the tractor trailers that drive up and down Bridgeport -- speeding, hitting things, knocking down gates and so on. They want the street closed, blocked or something done. "Bridgeport is dangerous. Someone is going to get hurt," he said. He felt that one planter in one spot would solve the issue.

Chelsea Wilkerson from Bridgeport said it's a nightmare trying to navigate the street by foot. Truck speed is the main issue. All they want is a partial street closure which would buffer the residential part of the street, the rest of the street is commercial. The majority of the trucks are not servicing the Home Depot or any businesses in that area, they are just cutting through to avoid traffic and traffic lights on 32nd Avenue and 27th Avenue.

Michelle Niemeyer, Village Council chair, feels that something needs to be done, but all the Bridgeport buffer will do is shift traffic somewhere else, probably sending it to 30th Court and Virginia Street, which is just moving the problem a street or two over. It isn't solving the problem, except for Bridgeport.

One Virginia Street resident said that "creative stop signs" may solve the issue, they did that on Virginia and Tigertail. The round abouts don't work. Stop signs will work. It's a simple thing that the county will do if you ask them, but you need to persist.

Martin Zilber, Village Council member and the new Council chair starting in January, said they should get the neighbors together, talk and come up with a solution. Felice Dubin, Council member, says she will step in to help and an ad hoc committee will be formed which will include Felice, police and neighbors. Felice, police, say that three times fast.

Returning to the scene of the crime

On Tuesday, December 23, Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen is hosting a meeting with Comm. Marc Sarnoff and Miami Postmaster Ed Coppola to discuss various concerns over the Coconut Grove Post Office. This meeting is closed to the public.

The renovated parking lot will be discussed and a few issues regarding the foliage in the lot, or lack of it.

They all have another vision after hearing his vision

An anonymous reader sent this in.

You're never too old

This is your last weekend to see Santa before Christmas.

Grovites Christine and Jeff Hartsook took Pixie to see Santa at the Bookstore bright and early today. Pixie seemed to have her eye on something else.

Photo by AnnaMaria Windisch-Hunt

Stop by, sit a spell, take your shoes off, ya hear?

There are a lot of little cliques in town. There is one where anyone can join. It's at Paul's sunglasses kiosk at Mayfair, in the plaza area.

First off, Paul is always upbeat. He is always telling me that business is good, even when it isn't, but I like the way he thinks positive.

He's always got a group of friends around, they just sit and shoot the bull, it reminds me of the gas station on "The Andy Griffith Show." Yesterday I found Dave, who usually rides in for a visit on his bike and Brian was there and even the Balloon Clown was hanging out at Paul's. Paul has drinks and even sandwiches in a cooler under the kiosk.

Here is Paul serving some Coke to Jorge, the Grove's top pet sitter.

It's a good spot to unwind, shoot the breeze and just relax. You can find Paul there most days and you can reach Jorge for pet sitting at 305-528-0874. He has some openings for the holidays, book now.

Slow down this holiday season for a story

The Old Story Teller is out this weekend doing his thing.

Just mosey on up to him, have a seat and he'll work his magic taking you to a foreign place and time with his imaginative stories.

Kids love him. After Santa, he is one of the most popular people in the Grove.

"Miracle on 34th Street" played in Peacock Park last night

A nice crowd came out for last night's showing of "Miracle on 34th Street" in Peacock Park. People brought their blankets and picnic baskets and there was plenty of free stuff, too.


They had a chocolate fountain and bananas and marshmallows were dipped in the chocolate, also free popcorn was served and Santa and Mrs. Claus were on hand for free photos.


The crowd took in the ambiance of the old-fashioned community feel. A few of us walked over from the Center Grove and it's quite nice seeing the movie playing in the distance. And then you hear it as you get closer and you see so many people sitting in the dark, on the ground, enjoying the movie.

Stocking up on holiday goodies and zoning arguments

Here is realtor John Seidel of Coldwell Banker, at Focaccia Rustica, getting ready for an Open House.

Don't forget the wine, John, get them in the mood to buy in this crazy housing market.

Speaking of wine and real estate, the guy at the wine store that's in that multi-story building across from CVS wanted to argue over why they should have put a skyscraper on that spot.

He actually wants to chat with me about it. I told him there is nothing to talk about.

Roman from Basil delivers to the guy all the time so he happened to be there and was cracking up at our argument.

The guy seriously could not understand why people don't want a 40 story skyscraper on Virginia Street. He says that the same guy owns the car wash property (not the car wash) on the corner and wants to put a big building up there, too. He's trying to sell the property to a developer.

Evil lurks in the hearts of the Miami Parking Authority

This morning a guy from the Miami Parking Authority was ticketing cars. I asked if he knew about the grace period -- an hour as of yesterday. He said no. He said that there was no grace period.

I asked if he knew of the 15 minute all year long grace period. He said that was 10 minutes.

I asked him if he was going to ticket the car that just pulled up across the street, or was he going to be a mensch and tell the guy that he is parked in a loading zone (where a few signs were actually ripped out by someone angry, so there actually is no sign there that says loading zone now). He said, no, that the guy knows better and that he would wait for the guy to pay for parking, wait for the guy to leave and then ticket the guy.

Real class that Parking Authority is.

Guess the Miami Parking Authority needs the money from Coconut Grove so they can continue giving it all to Calle Ocho for their Viernes Culturales events. Yup, they are a proud sponsor. So all the parking money they get from Grove ticket citations seems to go to the other side of town.

More on this to come . . .

Skateboard contest and toy drive, all in one

There's a Skateboard Contest at the Grove Skate Park (2820 McFarlane Road) tomorrow. The Family Resource Center is making the event a toy drive for needy children who skate at the park.

There's an entry fee of $20.00 or just $10.00 with an unwrapped gift. The goal is to bring the unwrapped gift. There will be live music and lots of food. It all starts at 11 am.

For more info: 305-786-277-6757.

King Mango "Mangobama" t-shirts are available

The long-awaited Mangobama King Mango Strut t-shirts are in. The Windisch-Hunt Gallery (2911 Grand Avenue) has them for sale and also Strut posters are available, signed by the artist Dylan Terry (the Eco-Hunk). Here is Glenn, Dylan's dad, creator of the King Mango Strut which will be taking over the Grove streets on December 28.

There are also t-shirts from last year's Strut available for those who are missing that from their collection. Look for the clothes line in the window. That isn't really laundry hanging, those are the shirts. Only $15.00. See the birdies saying, "Cheap, cheap, cheap?"

There's an Amazing Race concept, too -- you rush in, purchase two shirts, ask for the Grapevine cube and you'll receive the lyrics to the Mangobama song and the cube. Then you run out. To where, I don't know, I guess to wait for the Strut to begin on December 28.

Movie in the park tonight!

Fresh Air Flicks is presenting "Miracle on 34th Street" tonight at 7 pm in Peacock Park.
It's free for everyone.

If you went to "It's a Wonderful Life" last year, you know what a perfect holiday event this is. It will make you feel like Donna Reed and Beaver Cleaver are about to pop up. It's a very nostalgic, quaint small town feel thing.


Come out, meet your neighbors. Bring your picnic baskets and blankets. The weather should be about 67 degrees and perfect. Popcorn is free, too!

The Grove needs a "real" tree lighting ceremony

The Tree Lighting ceremony at City Hall was a great event. It brought out what looked like thousands of people. Only I see one difference in our tree lighting ceremony and Coral Gables' ceremony.

The Gables does it right at the end of Miracle Mile. Thousands of people show up and they enjoy the ceremony and when it is over, they shop, eat and spend money on Miracle Mile.

Here in the Grove, people show up at the festivities at City Hall, but when the party is over, they get into their cars and leave.

Maybe next year we can have a big Coconut Grove tree somewhere in the center of town. City Hall can do their thing, as I see it more of a political thing.

But maybe next year, and for years to come, the Merchants Association or BID can set up a huge event on a weeknight, where thousands can fill the Central Business District in the Grove for the night. Before and after the actual tree lighting, people could eat, drink, shop and enjoy our galleries.

That being said, there are some beautiful trees throughout the Grove, including the City Hall tree, but there is the spoon ornament tree at Jaguar and CocoWalk has a great tree and Mayfair has one of the prettiest trees, in the arcade, where the bull sculpture is. Shown here.

South Grovites are not happy with SUV test drivers

The folks in the South Grove are not happy. The property just south of the Douglas Road, Main Highway light on the east side was recently used as a test driving area for Range Rover owners and potential buyers.

It's part of the old Grosverner estate (founder of National Geographic) and had to be the most expensive test track ever built. Right now they are trying to put it back and restore it to the way it was.

The neighbors were at first happy about the new traffic light at the crazy intersection of Douglas Road, Ingraham Hwy. and Park Avenue. But it may have been better off not to install the light. Now traffic is backed up for half a mile at certain rush hour times. It's the "law of unintended consequences," a friend told me. The issue is being looked into and will be fixed.

Village Council is looking for a new member

Cocoanut Grove Village Council member Susan Weintraub is in law school and will be leaving the Village Council. A vacancy needs to be filled.

There will be an election but first a committee will review the applications, hopefully before the next council meeting in mid January.

The application is here.

Grove Woman's Club throws traditional lunch and caroling

Yesterday, the Coconut Grove Woman's Club held their annual tradition of caroling. Here are Madelene Chasteau, Peggy Hall at the piano, Laverne Cuzzocrea and our own librarian Sherill Martin. Last year the tradition took place at the Macedonia Church because of construction, but the ladies are happily at home now.


The ladies had a gift exchange. Here are Madelene Chasteau, Irene Munroe, Lottie Person and Sherrill Martin singing "Felice Navidad." Lottie carried on the theme later into the evening by wearing her outfit to the Village Council meeting. She cheered up the dais with her Santa hat and red clothing.

Code Enforcement discussed at Village Council meeting

Last night at the Cocoanut Grove Village Council meeting, the Code Enforcement issue was brought up again.

Director of Code Enforcement Mariano De Mola was present and he was kind enough to answer all questions thrown at him. He said that Code Enforcement went out to Commodore Plaza restaurants and bars because residents complained. But he wanted to be clear that many complaints came from other businesses -- businesses complaining about other businesses. Jealous business owners reported others.

Mr. De Mola went on to say that Code Enforcement is aggressive with tree cutting, garbage dumping and things like that, but he said that they are not aggressive with restaurant permits and issues regarding that.

Council Member Felice Dubin (right) brought up the subject of rudeness of the code enforcement officials and their nasty attitudes in the middle of the night. Mr. De Mola did not believe that his officers were rude to anyone, but it seems there is not only Code Enforcement out in the middle of the night. There are many forces at play.

There is some group called "Club Safe" that makes random visits to clubs and restaurants. They now are being blamed for the harassment, too. Public Works also came in and inspected and the Fire Department did, too.

So now it is a case of the Police, Code Enforcement, Public Works, the Fire Department and Club Safe all converging on the Grove all coincidentally in a two week period to wreak havoc. Can that be?

Dave Collins, council member asked if "Coconut Grove brought this on itself?" being that businesses complained about other businesses.

John El-Masry owner of Mr. Moe's and Christabelle's Quarter stood before the Council and reiterated what he said at the merchants meeting the day before, that he feels that there is a movement to phase out anybody who sells alcohol. He believes the step up of enforcement has more to do with the "new vision," of Commissioner Marc Sarnoff than with resident and business complaints.

He asked why the inspectors don't check the shoe stores or clothing stores? And why they don't hassle people in other areas of the City? Which doesn't seem to be happening according to other business owners in other parts of the City.

John went on to say how the inspectors come in the middle of the night, week after week, asking for the same licenses. He wondered if that is harassment.

Village Council chair Michelle Niemeyer asked why in this computer age, does Code Enforcement or any of the agencie have to come out to see licenses?

As John was talking at the podium, Comm. Marc Sarnoff surprised everyone by showing up at the meeting. He came up and said that over a dozen restaurants in the Grove have complained about other restaurants in the Grove. He also said, he was not responsible for the 3 am bar closings alone but felt it is a good idea so that the people leaving the bars at 5 am don't collide with those going to work at 5 am or running or bicycling at that early hour. The bars and clubs can actually remain open, they just cannot sell liquor after 3 am.

John wanted to know why the rest of the City is not saddled with the 3 am closings. Aren't they worthy of the same protections? Why just the Grove? Wynwood and other areas have 24 hour licenses to sell liquor. Don't they have people going to work at 5 am or bicyclists or joggers, too at that hour?

Comm. Sarnoff did say his vision includes everyone -- old, young, UM students, etc. But I did find it very telling about the many complaints by restaurant owners against other restaurant owners. If this is the case, and I believe Comm. Sarnoff, then the Grove is killing itself. I can actually see one or two people out there calling in complaints.

Comm. Sarnoff said that the noise issue is the main thing. It always has been, it always will be. And it probably will be the same in seven years, after he leaves office. Yes, he said that, "seven years after I leave office". He believes in The Secret.

Beware if you park in the "loading zones"

So, right there on Virginia Street for over an hour, I had a chat with a bunch of the beat cops. They had the taxi cabs move from the metered spaces and quickly cars did fill the spaces up and use the meters to pay for the parking.

I am told that they are only enforcing the "loading zone" enforcement now and they can ticket any car they choose for other issues. One officer, Ivan, the one I wrote about here, showed me a long list that he says can be obtained at www.municode.com. (I couldn't find it), but the list was very long, which showed all the parking infractions they could write tickets for.

The say that starting next week, they are going to tow cars and not just ticket them at the "loading zones." These orders come from higher up. Residents and businesses have complained about a lot of the parking issues with the Sysco food delivery trucks and other deliveries and this is what promoted the "loading zones" which honestly are used for an hour or two a day. So you can thank your neighbors for the stupid zones.

At the merchants meeting, it was brought up that the loading zones are never used. Hardly any tour buses arrive and when they do, they are on only one side of the street. And when the Sysco truck used the loading zone, he was ticketed by the meter maid. Basically the "loading zones" need to go.

Merchants were upset and said that all areas of the country are trying to encourage shoppers and guests, here we punish them. More than one person brought up the fact that officers and meter maids are there shadowing people and pouncing on them to write tickets the second the meter is up or the second they park in the wrong area. I witnessed this many times and was pleased to see that many others noticed this, as well.

John El-Masry from Mr. Moe's brought out a recent parking ticket he received in Coral Gables. It said something to the affect: "You would normally be fined, but what the heck, happy holidays from the City of Coral Gables! We'll give you a pass on this one."

I invited the officers to the merchants meeting, one took me up on the offer and came and he saw how the locals feel about the police, the parking and all the code enforcement issues. Of course he felt the need to ticket one last car as we entered the bookstore. A white BMW was parked across the street, at a "loading zone," and he managed to get a fast ticket written before he entered the bookstore for the meeting. In spite of that, I like him. He's a nice guy, but crazy with his ticket writing fingers.

I had a long pow wow with the local police

I was trying to find parking to get to the merchants meeting and finally I found a space on Virginia Street, the last one.

As I walked from the car (after paying for parking), I noticed a bunch of police cars coming around the corner, I also noticed that a bunch of taxi cabs were parked in desired spots without paying for parking. One was sitting, one was eating his lunch, another was sleeping.

The only reason I even bring up the issue is because I must receive five emails a week asking me to write about the taxis taking up all the parking spots and not paying for parking.

I flagged down the cops and we got into a long discussion about the recent parking issues. The meeting went on for over an hour, right on Virginia Street. There were about three police cars, maybe four, the lights were flashing, the cops were surrounding me and it looked like I was being arrested. Everyone that walked by stared.

But we were having a good natured talk about the parking issues. Also, the cabs were told to pay up or vacate, so they vacated and now every time I walk by their parking areas, where they do congregate, I am called every name in the book.

But the police told me a lot of intesting things, including that towing will start next week in the "loading zone" areas on Grand Avenue. They all were very familiar with the Grapevine and read everything about themselves, including all comments left by readers. They weren't too thrilled with all the negative publicity.

More tomorrow.

Open up the flood gates

Due to the "pathetic merchants meeting" yesterday, one business owner has lost faith and is closing up shop on Commodore Plaza and moving to another area of the City. Not sure what that will do, because it's the City that is the problem, not the Grove itself.

Anyway "pathetic merchants meeting" is that person's words not mine, but I may have to agree. I really felt the meeting didn't accomplish anything.

We wish them well in their move, and regret seeing them go, we were just getting to know them and liked them a lot.

Celestial Fridays offers Basic EFT Techniques

Celestial Treasures (3444 Main Highway), will present a free lecture on how basic Emotional Freedom Technique to heal allergies, sleeplessness, emotion and circumstantial issues, and how to personalize the method for maximum results.

This free class is tomorrow, December 19 at 2, 4 and 8 pm.

Learn more about EFT at http://www.mysticalflorida.com/tapping-map.html

Confusion over free parking passes

I am being told by people that the parking attendants are still charging them even though they have these tickets.

Also, some people are confused. They are parking at the garage for six hours and thinking that two hours would be deducted from the parking, but I assume it is for a one two hour period and you have to be in and out within two hours.

Anyone else having problems with this?

Changes in tonight's Village Council agenda

The agenda has changed for tonight's Village Council meeting.

Off the agenda are the playhouse, Bridgeport street issue, and movie theater issue, those will be heard in January now, where more people will be able to attend and discuss the issues.

Tonight on the agenda still is:

Discussion on the recent Code Enforcement issues. There are links to the right that will update you on what has been going on if you missed it.

- Explanation of BID ratification and what it all means.

- Discussion of the open seat on the board and what to do about it.

The meeting is from 7 to 9 pm, tonight, at City Hall (3500 Pan American Drive).

Guess the cops were too busy giving parking tickets

This in from a reader:

"I wanted to let you know that two neighbors, boys in their 20's, were held up at gunpoint in front of the cemetery Tuesday evening. They were robbed of money, phones and keys. In our compound on Kumquat we put chains on our gates that evening and at 1:20 am an SUV with three men got out to try to come in but the chains kept them out. Yesterday we had our locks changed. I thought this needed to get out to the Grapevine because at this time of year people are getting desperate."

Most don't agree with his vision for the Grove

Commissioner Marc Sarnoff and City Manager Pete Hernandez met with Grove merchants yesterday afternoon at The Bookstore. I think the whole town turned out for this meeting.

The main issues were the local code enforcement problems at bars and restaurants and of course the non-stop parking tickets being handed out all over the place.

I think people stopped listening to Marc Sarnoff when he said "his vision" for the Grove is "more food, less drink" and he used the word "upscale." You can almost see the boredom on their faces. People don't want upscale, people who live here and visit here love it for what it is -- funky -- and for what it isn't -- upscale. People want the Grove to be all inclusive and don't like this elitist attitude.

This upset most in the room. It appears as if his "vision" is to change the Grove from what it has been for the past 100 years and turn it into Naples or some other sleepy little town that rolls in the sidewalks at 8 pm.


The 3 am bar closings were addressed and that seems to be hurting many businesses to this day. Tomás, from New York Roma Pizza said his business is down 80%. Partly because of the way the economy is now and also because all those 3 am drinkers are now gone and not ordering pizza anymore.

When Comm. Sarnoff proudly brought up that the good news is that crime is down, many responded that crime is down because nobody is around anymore. The streets, bars and restaurants are dead. There is no one around to commit crime. Just the way he likes it, many suspect.

John El-Masry from Mr. Moe's and Christabelle's Quarter says he is on the verge of closing Christabelle's because he was able to subsidize it with monies from Mr. Moe's, but since the 3 am closing time and now with the Code Enforcement guys showing up in the middle of the night scaring customers away, business is bad.

He said that it's a very hostile environment for liquor sellers in the Grove. He is upset that "the rules are changing now in the middle of the game" and he would not have started up a business in the Grove if he knew the rules would change at whim.

Many felt that the midnight visits by Code Enforcement was out of line and not needed. Asking for licenses in the middle of the night in a forceful and belligerent manner while paying customers look on is very bad for business. And it embarrasses the customer, as well as the business owner.

Elliot Lavigne from Red Kiwi Frozen Yogurt and the Butter shoe store on Commodore Plaza (not to be confused with the Butter Gallery on Commodore) had a lot to say. For one thing, he told Comm. Sarnoff that the current stance on making UM students and any young people feel unwelcome is not right. He said that the Grove is discriminating against young people and that "We can't throw out the bad [young people] because we are getting old." And everyone applauded loudly.


Many felt that the authorities are actually telling the younger generation that they are not wanted, by their code enforcement actions. It appears as if Comm. Sarnoff wants the Grove to grow old with him (and us). Many felt we are not respecting the younger generation and not "passing the torch." The Grove will die without them.

The restaurants and bars fuel the economy in the Grove. There is a trickle down effect, where everyone benefits. When they suffer, all businesses suffer.

Pete Hernandez wisely said that people who live near the entertainment zone need to take a chill pill. (My words, not his), but basically, if you move into an entertainment zone, which has been an entertainment zone since the 1800s, you should expect to hear some noise.

I honestly think this was just a venting match and that not much will be accomplished. I think most complaints went in one ear and out the other. Come election time we will see how people feel. I think most feel that they want the Grove to be the Grove and not Bal Harbour or Key Biscayne.

Photos by AnnaMaria Windisch-Hunt

Community Bay Day at Shake-A-Leg

Shake-A-Leg is holding their Community Bay Day again this month.

There are free water sports like sailing, kayaking and power boat rides for the whole family.

This is an open house day to show the community the great things in the Shake-A-Leg program. It's a perfect way to enjoy Biscayne Bay. There will be food and refreshments.

Shake-A-Leg's Community Bay Day is Sunday, December 21 from 1 to 5 pm. They are located at 2620 S. Bayshore Drive. For info: 305-858-5550 or:www.shakealegmiami.org

I met with the local police about the parking issues

I had a long talk with many of the local police force today and also, we got rid of a lot of the taxis parked on Virginia Street who were parked free at metered parking spots.

I don't know how long that will last, but as I walk by now, I am threatened and hooted at by most of the remaining taxis that are parked along the street.

Details of our meeting to come . . .

Lots of prizes handed out at the Strut party last night

Michael and Regina McFall with Keith Root partied at last night's King Mango Strut meeting at Sammy C's. Love their antlers and Keith's fancy hat.

It was the party where the raffle prizes were announced. Over 60 prizes here handed out!

Sharon Beels won the grand prize, the cruise for two on Royal Caribbean. Ironically, she left minutes before the prize was announced.

Some of the lucky winners won more than one prize, including Brian Logan, Richard Ives and Kenny Wynn .

At left are Mary Coureaux and Glenn Terry masquerading as O.J. or Obama. O. and O. are both prominent in the Strut this year.


Francesca Terry and Eileen Brennan showed off the highly collectible Mangobama T-shirt.


Chantall, left, won the $650 pearl necklace, donated by Doriann Marx of Clearly Creative on Brickell, Avenue, and Debbie Reed won a gold necklace from HH Jewels. I actually won a gold necklace from
HH Jewels, too.

Photos by AnnaMaria Windisch-Hunt except the Obama/OJ photo, that is from Harry Emilio Gottlieb

The little greedy assembly line continues

There are more cops than cars are on the streets again today, particularly near the Shaq 24 Hour Fitness Gym and the Bookstore. On both sides of the street cars are being ticketed left and right. I should have taken a photo, it's quite a show. All the cops are writing tickets, their patrol cars are on and off the sidewalks, they have the lights flashing. You would think there was a murder. One guy looked to be about 90 years old -- he was getting a parking ticket.

People are not reading the "no parking" signs and at this point I am beginning to believe that people are just plain stupid.

I still think that four or five police cars in literally a one block area for about eight "no parking" spots is a bit much, but if people want to continue to be jerks, I guess the cops will take advantage of the situation.

I don't know why there are eight "no parking" zones right in the center of town, shouldn't they be around the corner on Florida Avenue or Rice Street where loading and unloading of trucks, buses and what not can go on? How about taking those parking spots that the taxis seem to live in 24/7, on both sides of Virginia Street near the Mayfair Hotel, and make them "no parking zones" and "loading zones"? They are doing no one any service now except the taxi drivers that park there free night and day. And no money is coming in via the meters or parking citations. They are not generating money for anyone except the taxi drivers.

In fact, if the buses stopped in that area, including Florida and Rice, they could actually have people walk through the Mayfair plaza to Grand Avenue, maybe get some business for Anokha and give a little life to the area. Does anybody think in this town? Ever?

Learn beading at Blu Moon Studio of Art

My friend Atena from Celestial Treasures will be teaching a beading class in the coming year at Blu Moon Studio (both at 3444 Main Highway).

Classes will be forming soon, for more info: 305-297-5516 or 305-529-5006 or you can email: atena@MysticalFlorida.com

Village Council meets tomorrow night

On the agenda:

- Discussion on the recent Code Enforcement issues. There are links to the right that will update you on what has been going on if you missed it.

- Update on Coconut Grove Playhouse plans

- Discussion on AMC movie theater update. Local businesses are trying to minimize the impact by maybe having new releases shown in various venues around the Grove until the 8 month renovation is done at CocoWalk's theater. Some suggestions have been showing movies in the Playhouse, the Expo Center and maybe even the old Sephora location across the street from The Bookstore.

- Explanation of BID ratification and what it all means.

- Discussion of the open seat on the board and what to do about it.

- Discussion of traffic calming devices on a few Grove streets.

The meeting is from 7 to 9 pm, Thursday, December 18, at City Hall (3500 Pan American Drive).

Merchants and Comm. Sarnoff meet today

Reminder: Grove Merchants will meet with Comm. Marc Sarnoff today from 3 to 4 pm at The Bookstore. Bring your concerns and ideas.

This is our future . . .

This is what the Grove will look like next weekend if Code Enforcement and the Parking Authority are permitted to harass the residents, businesses and visitors. Take note. People aren't stupid, they can easily go a couple of miles to Coral Gables or South Miami to shop, hang out and spend money.

I did see a bunch of Code Enforcement and Parking Authority people out today, and many police cars. They all seemed to be backing off with their aggressiveness. Also, many of the merchants and even one of the Grove's parking attendants, and me, have been telling people to not park in certain areas when they do park in a "no parking" zone. Which is a common thing.

I really think larger signs are needed. You can stand out in one spot on Virginia Street and car after car parks at the "no parking" zones. The driver goes to the meter, gets a ticket and puts the receipt in the windshield. Many of us are trying to catch them before they put the money in the meter.

I know many of you, by your comments, don't really get what we are saying. We are not saying that people should not be ticketed for wrong things. We are saying that a majority of the people who park at these zones are confused with the signs or don't even see the sign. That says something.

FRESH AIR FLICK THIS SATURDAY

Things are very strange around here

I stopped at the NET office this morning to drop off a bunch of toys for the Toy Drive (the Chamber office was closed).

I was amazed to see that everyone there, including all the officers, read the Grapevine very thoroughly, they were able to go into details about comments left by readers, as well as my posts.

I found out that this officer giving tickets is named Ivan, he is the top narcotics officer in the Grove and has done phenomenal work, according to the officers at the NET office.

But my question is this: Why is Ivan giving parking tickets then? Shouldn't he be doing his narcotics work? Isn't that what the Parking Authority and the meter maids are for? I don't get it, maybe I never will.

Now I love the officers in the Grove, they are part of the community. They are the nicest guys you would want to meet. It is their superiors who are giving them orders to write thousands of tickets or harass the restaurants. Guess they just need money at this time of year.

Many locals feel that one local politician is behind most of it.

Speaking of Code Enforcement, I sat behind a Code Enforcement officer today while he chatted in the middle of traffic while chatting with some guy walking his dog. He literally stopped his car at the intersection of Mary and S. Bayshore and chatted on and on with total disregard for the others behind him.

Then I saw a police officer parked at a handicapped parking spot. He was inside a business chatting it up. It wasn't official business. It was a case of do what I say, not what I do.

I'm just sayin' . . . .

We have a lot of "corporate" Scrooges in the Grove

As you know, we have been having the Toy Drive to benefit St. Alban's. I managed to get a lot of Grove businesses to participate and so did Lilliana Dones, whose idea it was.

But I find it very disturbing that the chain stores along Grand Avenue just gave us a flat out "no" when asked to participate.

These chain stores never participate in any Grove events and all this entailed was putting a small sign up in the window. I am the one doing the running around by collecting and delivering the toys for the drive. All they had to do was put the sign up.

They say the reason is "corporate." Corporate this, corporate that. B.S. They reap the rewards of Grove locals and visitors doing business with them, they should give something back, like putting a small sign in the window to encourage people to donate to a worthy cause at Christmas time. How would they like if everyone in the Grove said "no" to them and shopped, ate and brought their business elsewhere?

Anyway, the drive is still on until tomorrow. You'll see signs in the windows of participants. They don't all have boxes set up, but they are collecting the toys if you see the signs. So please feel free to drop of a toy or two and they'll get to the right place by Christmas. Toy drive info here.

Was he a magazine salesman or an ex-con?

There was an incident yesterday with a "door to door" magazine salesman. The guy was very suspicious and soliciting after dark (around 6:30 pm) around the Irvington Avenue area.

He appeared to have a fake ID badge or "permit" as he called it. He said he was from a group called "Omega."

One of the neighbors who felt uneasy and called the police, who arrived within seconds. The police then escorted the man away in the back of their police car. The police said that the man was from Alabama and many ex-cons are being dumped in neighborhoods from other states. This doesn't mean he was an ex-con, but he surely didn't belong in the area, soliciting magazines after dark all the way from Alabama (and not even with a banjo on his knee to prove it).

This is a good reason to bring up Crime Watch. They meet the second Wednesday of each month at St. Stephens in the Great Room -- the next meeting is Wednesday January 14 at 7 pm. Neighborhood watch representatives are needed, too. Until then, lock your doors.

King Mango Strut party and raffle contest tonight

Tonight is the raffle meeting and party for the King Mango Strut at Sammy C's (3450 Main Highway). If you bought a raffle ticket, you may have won the Grand Prize -- a cruise on Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines. Be there at 6:30 pm to find out.

The new Coconut Grove Grapevine cube pads are out

I've been asked about the Coconut Grove Grapevine cube pads people see popping up all over town.

They're our latest promotional item. We give out pens, note pads, t-shirts and various things all the time.

These post-it cube pads can be had simply by going to the Windisch-Hunt Gallery at 2911 Grand Avenue. Just ask AnnaMaria or Fred for one, tell them we sent you.

Jimmy the Balloon Twister

I ran into my buddy Jimmy at CocoWalk. He is one of Santa's helpers. He was entertaining the kids with balloon creations I think he calls himself a "balloon twister." He's good. He made a lot of nice unique balloon sculptures, the only problem is that most of the little kids like plain balloons -- no sculpture needed and some don't even want them blown up.

They can't write tickets fast enough

It's bad enough that the parking authority meter maids are out constantly write up folks, but now, for some reason, the police feel the need to ticket everybody in site. Aren't there real crimes that the police can be dealing with?

The interesting part is that this one particular cop has one whole lane of traffic blocked. He just stopped his car in the middle of the street, as if it was such an emergency to ticket the cars. He had a long line of cars behind him trying to get by. Does he know there is a grace period?

The other day there were two cops parked at "no parking" zones. And all the while, six, seven, even eight cabs take up great parking spots on Virginia Street, never putting any money in the meters and the cops allow this to happen. The cabs tie up parking spots day and night and the City doesn't make any money on those metered spots. Maybe they should look into that.

If only they were trees

Message received. Guess they don't want you to enter the new parking lot at the post office these days. Actually, it just looks like that because the signs are confusing. Some feel that there are too many signs at the new post office lot on Grand Avenue.

There is a call for a new meeting with Congresswoman Illeana Ros-Lehtinen, you'll remember she was instrumental in getting the post office lot fixed staring with the meeting last June. Many want more trees and less signs.

Photo by Harry Emilio Gottlieb

Strike a pose . . .

In Focus magazine was out here last week taking pictures of some of the movers and shakers in the Grove. Here are Dave Collins, Monty Trainer and Jeff Hicks posing at Mayfair. Others from the Grove were photographed, too.

Below is Tony, from In Focus, getting a shot of Jeff Hicks, from Crispin Porter + Bogusky.

"No wonder nobody comes here anymore"

Here is the confusing sign that Jay was taking a photo of, there are dozens of them throughout the Grove. No one understands them. And even if they do, what tour buses have you seen late in the afternoon past 1 pm and what trucks do you see loading or unloading in the afternoons or weekend?

These spots sit there empty, unless a confused person parks there and them BAM, the tickets come flying. This is entrapment.

I told you about the one meter maid who ticketed the Sysco truck that was actually parked at one of these signs and was actually unloading. He was ticketed. So who is permitted to park here?

Our posts are picked up daily by the wire services. That one made Reuters and the whole world is now reading about Coconut Grove's parking issues.

Now for another story: Yesterday, a guy had a ticket on his car. He was parked at one of these signs. When I asked him what the problem was he said, "I didn't understand the sign, but there was a cop parked at the spot in front of me, which also had the same sign. He saw me pay for parking, he saw me put the receipt in the window and he didnt' say a thing. He waited until I left and he ticketed me."

His girlfriend responded, "No wonder no one comes here anymore."

I asked here what she meant. She said, "I work at a store at CocoWalk and it is always dead."

Ironically, the Meter Fairy will start handing out free parking passes today on Commodore Plaza. Too little, too late?

King Mango's Strut Raffle Party is Tuesday

The King Mango Strut Raffle Party featuring The Paddy Kelleghan Duo is at Sammy C's (3540 Main Highway) on Tuesday, December 16.

There are more than 60 prizes including:
* A 7-day Royal Caribbean Cruise for 2
* A $650 strand of fresh water pearls
* Gift Certificates to various Grove restaurants
* A gold plated necklace from HH Jewels
* Parking for a month free at one of the Grove garages and so many more great things.

Raffle tickets and Mangobama t-shirts may be purchased at the Windisch-Hunt Gallery (2911 Grand Avenue) and from any Mangohead you may know.

Artist, Muralist, Eco-Hunk?

That's what Ocean Drive magazine calls Dylan Terry, Glenn Terry's son, who has a nice write up in this month's magazine.

Coming up at the Museum of Science

December 16: Music Together - This is a fun-filled music class for newborns through age four accompanied by their parent(s) or caregivers. The class is research based, developmentally appropriate and fun! Activities include songs, rhythmic activities, dances and rhythmic instrument play. Come join us and discover your musician/singer within! Price per class, $15.00.

December 19: The Nutcracker at Miami Science Museum - A musical based on the Holiday favorite. Performed by Theater Institute of South Florida. Admission, $12.00.

December 26-27: LASER FEST WEEKEND 2008 - Friday and Saturday - 8:00 pm - Best of Pink Floyd 9:00 pm - The Beatles Sgt. Peppers Lonely Heart Club Band 10:00 pm - Led Zeppelin 11:00 pm - Jimi Hendrix Midnight - Best of Pink Floyd.

For info: http://www.miamisci.org/ or 305-646-4200.

The musicians are out on the streets again this weekend. Even Santa enjoys the soothing sounds of holiday music.

Photo by AnnaMaria Windisch-Hunt

Merchant meeting with Comm. Sarnoff next week

Comm. Marc Sarnoff will be meeting with Grove merchants on Wednesday afternoon to discuss Grove issues. I am sure his ears will be ringing by the end of the meeting.

If you wish to bend his ear, the meeting is at The Bookstore from 3 to 4 pm, Dec. 17.

There are more cops on the streets than people these days

This in from a reader:

"My wife and I have a one-year-old daughter and a son on the way due in April. We are therefore trying to sell our condo in order to find a house in the Grove with more space. We just had a terrible code enforcement problem that impacts all Grove residents who are trying to sell their real estate by owner. A City of Miami truck drove down Bird Avenue and literally snatched our For Sale by Owner sign out of the ground, threw it into the back of their truck along with about 50 others, and drove off. How the heck are we supposed to sell our residence in this economic environment with that type of idiotic conduct by mindless code enforcement officers."

And here is another incident which happened earlier today: Jay, from Brickell Avenue was visiting the Grove. He is taking a photo of the confusing sign. He paid for parking and had the receipt in his windshield and still got a ticket. He had just visited Santa at the Bookstore with his little daughter. I guess Jay won't be coming back to the Grove any time soon. There goes another paying customer. Say goodbye to Jay Grove merchants. Lost another one.

The thing is that the Parking Authority and the cops see people parking in the spots that are marked poorly. They witness them paying for parking and they witness them putting the parking receipt in the windshield. But they keep quiet. Rather than be decent human beings and say something to the obviously confused person, they wait until the person walks away and then they pounce with their ticket books. Can you imagine this happening anywhere else in the world? Well maybe Chicago. Do we want to be like that?

This is how people are being treated these days. Basically it says, "We don't want you in the Grove," although with the "for sale sign" incident, it may actually say, "We don't want you moving from the Grove."

It's all a really confusing mess. It's unfair and it is not right, especially around the holidays in these poor economic times. People are coming to spend money in the Grove or even trying to sell their houses and they are being harassed. It's almost un-American.

Two Santas, no waiting

Take your pick. The Bookstore has their Santa on one side of Virginia Street (above) and CocoWalk has their Santa (below). Yes, Virginia Street, there are two Santa Clauses. Both have staked their domain and ask that you choose their lap to sit on. The Bookstore Santa has the Grove Balloon Clown on his side (see her above) and the CocoWalk Santa has Freddie the Flamingo and the whole Coral Gables Marching Band on his side (see how the one little drummer boy is enthralled?).





Apparently AnnaMaria has
made it quite clear who
her favorite Santa is.

No, I'm not wearing lipstick!

People keep asking me why I'm wearing lipstick today. I'm not.

It's the red from the free snow cone I got at Shell Lumber from Tracy.

I had to stop by for a few things and as usual, there was Tracy handing out the snow cones right at the entrance.

At least my lips aren't blue from the raspberry, that would really look weird.

Join the 2nd Annual Coconut Grove Fitness Challenge

The 2nd Annual Coconut Grove Fitness Challenge is starting next month. This is an 8 week challenge starting right after the holidays -- January 5, 2009.The challenge is free. You can workout on your own or at RED's gym or SET's Boot Camp.

Prizes will be given to the top male and female in three different age groups and top couple. Grand prize is $1000 cash to the overall winner.

If you want to get in shape and compete at the same time for prizes, contact Patrick or Andy at
(786) 218-1077 or stop by RED at 3206 Grand Avenue (under the billboards). You can also email: coconutgrovefitnesschallenge@redelitept.com

Also, SET's Boot Camp is starting up again in January. For info, please go to: http://www.sealevolutiontraining.com/.

Elaine Fasula, Don Kesler closing party tonight

New York artist Elaine Fasula will be in town this weekend for the closing party of her exhibit at the Windisch-Hunt Gallery (2911 Grand Avenue) at 7 pm tonight.

Also closing is the photography exhibit by the Grove's own Don Kesler. Stop by to meet the artists.

Above is Elaine's work entitled, "Man on Wire." It's Philippe Petit, her ex-husband, walking a tightrope across the World Trade Center buildings in New York.

You can see a snippit of the Man on Wire Movie here: http://www.manonwire.com/

The inmate is running the asylum

This letter was sent by Stuart Sorg, Chairman of the City's Waterfront Advisory Board, to members of the Miami City Commission. (If you click on it, it will open to full size.)

Sorg is asking that Jack King not be reappointed to the Watefront Advisory Board. His reason being, that he doesn't vote the way Sorg wants him to vote on board issues. Say what?

I want to start calling him Fidel Sorg.

One reason given in the letter, which I love, is that, "King refuses to vote with the Board and votes with the Village Council [on issues] ."

YES! That is what we need. Someone who cares about the Grove waterfront and doesn't want to sell it off to the highest bidder!

Another thing Sorg doesn't like is that, "King refers to Commissioners Joe Sanchez, Angel Gonzalez and Michelle Spence-Jones as the three clowns."

They are, Stuart. And you are the fourth.

I say Stuart Sorg needs to retire (forever) into a nice rocking chair, with a nice cup of cocoa and he needs to get over his delusions of grandeur real fast.

Here is Jack's column in the Biscayne Times. The "clowns" comment is toward the bottom.

Bridgeport Ave. issue deferred, Village Council officers chosen

At the Village Council meeting last night, it was agreed that the Bridgeport traffic calming issue should go before the public at the next meeting on Dec. 18. The City and the County will receive a letter from the Village Council informing them that the issue will be discussed at the next meeting, which is televised from City Hall.

After the meeting, neighbors on both sides of the issue met outside, so hopefully they ironed some issues out that were coming between them.

The officers for next year were chosen, they are:
Chairman: Martin Zilber
Vice-Chair / Treasurer: Felice Dubin
Secretary: Liliana Dones
Sergeant at Arms: Gary Hecht

Love them all, but this is just juggling folks around, isn't there any new blood out there? I know people ask me to run, I don't know if they are joking or not, but I am more comfortable on this side, writing about the issues, rather than causing them.

Nothing was decided on adding a new member or an African American member from Village West.

Free parking is available and a grace period, too!

Want two hours of free parking in the Oak Plaza Garage? Spend $20.00 at any Grove merchant and they'll give you a free parking coupon.

Also, starting soon, the Meter Fairy will be flitting around giving free parking passes, as well.

And starting Friday, December 19, a one hour grace period will be given on all metered street parking. One little known fact is that there is a 15 minute grace period given all year round.

Code Enforcement issues addressed at meeting

Our few articles here on Code Enforcement problems seemed to have lit a fire under our community leaders and the problem has been solved in two days.

Here's the scoop on the meeting yesterday on the Code Enforcement issue.

The main players were Comm. Marc Sarnoff, his chief of staff Ron Nelson, Dave Collins from the BID, Haydee Wheeler from the NET office, City Manager Peter Hernandez, Deputy Chief of Police Frank Fernandez, Coconut Grove Commander Jorge Martin and Mariano De Mola from Code Enforcement.

Comm. Sarnoff seemed to come to the rescue with all issues, taking the side of the restaurants that were being harassed.

The main thing is the way Code Enforcement went about their jobs. They had valid issues, but the demeanor is very negative and someone told me that their whole job is filled with "negative energy" and it just flows through their actions.

The outdoor heaters were a safety issue not an aesthetic issue. Many were not set up correctly, many were too close to awnings and buildings and many were dripping fluid. Also, the propane was not stored correctly. Comm. Sarnoff came up with a simple solution: all restaurant owners will meet with a fire inspector who will show them the proper procedures on using the heaters. He has been out to a few restaurants already.

As for planters -- many were blocking foot traffic, people could not cross the street in some cases because they were in the way, so those have been addressed. Less is more, in my opinion and many restaurants don't realize that two plants have the same effect as 20, unless you want to look like a jungle.

Tables must be in line and on the restaurant property and not in the right of way so passersby can use the sidewalks. The benches at Jaguar may stay. They bring "charm and atmosphere" and are appealing to people, so as long as they don't block the right of way, which they don't.

Dave Collins and Haydee Wheeler will meet with restaurants in the future to see that all enforcement issues are followed.

The bottom line is that Comm. Marc Sarnoff stood up to authorities for his district and everything is back to normal, but in a safe way, which will benefit the restaurants and the public. Case closed.

NEXT . . . .

It's loud and crazy and everyone joins in!

Every once in awhile, I am at George's in the Grove and all of a sudden, all hell breaks loose.

Party music starts blasting, the whole staff starts singing and clapping and fireworks come out of nowhere. Then I remember, it's someone's birthday and they are celebrating the only way they know how at George's -- like crazy men!

Everyone loves it and gets into it. The whole restaurant cheers for the birthday boy or girl and it really brings a smile to everyone's face for the rest of the day. Look at those faces.

They did that for my birthday and I always remember it with a smile. Every person at the restaurant at every other table became part of the celebration. It's an all inclusive thing that makes everyone feel good. Georges Farge knows how to throw a party.

Upcoming . . .

Look for these events in the coming months.

In January, the folks who run the antique's show on Lincoln Road, will be holding an antiques show in the promenade at Mayfair -- where the big bull sculpture is now by Palm Produce and they will take over the old Cielo Club, too, for those expensive "indoor items." Details to come.

In the works -- bringing back the Banyan Festival. Remember that? They are planning for maybe Memorial Day Weekend (at the end of May) and may bring back the Coconut Grove Bed Race that same weekend. Details to come.

It was an elegant art opening reception enjoyed by all

The Windisch-Hunt Fine Art Gallery hosted a standing room only opening reception during Art Basel/Miami last weekend for Areca Whatmore and Annette Rawlings, two Grove artists, along with gallery artists Jane Harris, Fred Hunt, Yana Bem, Hans Feyerabend, Donald Kesler, Elaine Fasula, Gina Hubler, Karen Deilke, and J Porras.

Over 350 attendees were treated to Bill Hansen's catering. It seemed like a Culver alumni reunion since both Areca and AnnaMaria have ties to the Culver Military Academy in Crown Point Indiana.

Several pieces were purchased during the evening reconfirming that the art curated at the Windisch-Hunt Gallery (2911 Grand Avenue) was on par with the top venues seen throughout Art Basel/Miami.

Today a bunch of Tony Scornavacca paintings arrived (left) and also works by Russian artist Alexander Khomsky from the Bridge Arts Fair. Art is alive and well even in Coconut Grove!

Get this 'n that at This 'N That

Here are June Williams with Lynn Esco at the This 'N That Shop at 3155 Commodore Plaza. Let's not forget them during the holidays. They have been helping the community for 50 years. You can purchase cards, ornaments, and they are great for small exchange gifts for the office or as stocking stuffers.

Grove Harbour Marina issue deferred . . . again

The discussion on Grove Harbour was deferred again today at 4:15 pm. The item will be discussed at the next City Commission meeting, which is January 29, 2009. Attorney for the project, Santiago Echemendia requested the deferment and it was granted unanimously.

Again, they let people sit and wait all day and then defer the issue. But no news is better than an office building on the waterfront.

The Playhouse issue explained

C.L.J.'s post about the Coconut Grove Playhouse in "South Florida Theatre Scene" explains the issue better than I can. Here it is.

Experience a traditional Spanish hunter's meal

Ideas Restaurant (2833 Bird Avenue) is presenting "Semana Gastronomica Castilla Y Leon" -- a traditional Spanish hunter's menu hosted by Chef Francisco Alonso. The first successful meal was served last night and two additional meals will be served tonight and tomorrow.

To RSVP, please call 305-567-9074.

The Alhambra Orchestra performs Holiday Pops concert

A favorite of the holiday season is the Alhambra Orchestra Holiday Pops concert at The Barnacle. The event is tomorrow, December 12 at 6 pm.

Enjoy the Grove's own symphony orchestra as they perform holiday favorites on the sprawling lawn.The program also features jazz, klezmer, ballet, plus a sing-along with soprano Beverly Coulter.

The gates open at 6, the pre-show begins at 6:30. No reservations required. Bring a blanket. No alcohol or dogs allowed. $10 Admission, kids under 6 free. For info: 305-442-6866.

The attack against Grove restaurants continues

There is something else going down in the Grove now and it is hurting the merchants and everyone who owns a business. And I don't think this is intentional, but it's happening.

There is a "no noise" ordinance after 11 pm and apparently some of the restaurants get loud at that time, particularly on Commodore Plaza. The neighbors who live close by are annoyed at the holiday crowds who are enjoying the season.

One resident in Camp Biscayne is selling his house because he is "sick of the noise," according to a neighbor and others have put in hurricane impact windows to buffer the sound, but apparently it is still quite loud. The neighbors are now resorting to calling the police and politicians. These neighbors choose to live a block or so away from the Central Business District, and then they want to complain about the businesses in the Central Business District.

And because of the complaints, in come the police, but the police are not really going in respectfully, they are showing up at midnight in SWAT uniforms to inspect licenses and even to see if the bathrooms have soap, according to one restaurant owner. This is intimidation and harassment. They are trying to find something in order to fine the establishments. So they go back again and again.

They are doing this more than once a week at the same establishments which in turn is scaring their business away. Many of these places on Commodore cater to an older crowd, so picture your parents or friends at one of these places enjoying a late night dinner and picture the SWAT team invading the place. Not a pretty thing. A younger crowd might laugh it off, but I don't think these older folks are going to appreciate that and return.

All this does it hurt business in the Grove. The customers are going to Midtown, Coral Gables or South Miami now. They are not returning to the Grove because of this. The customers are respectable people being put in an embarrassing situation and all they are doing is enjoying a night out. They are not going to stand for this. They are just leaving and not coming back.

The neighbors need to meet with the restaurant and bar owners. The neighbors need to understand that these businesses could be put out of business because of this harassment. The economy is hurting now. We don't need to encourage people not to spend money in the Grove. All of the Grove suffers in the end.

The business owners need to lower the sound. Maybe they can't control the laughter and loud talk of their patrons, but they can lower the music a bit and put themselves in the neighbors' shoes.

The police need to get real and stop acting as if this is a Communist state. Code enforcement needs to back off, too. Barging into businesses at all hours to "inspect" the place while customers sit terrified is harassment and uncalled for. Police need to have a little dignity. Licenses can easily be inspected in the daytime, by plain clothes officers, not storm troopers.

I got some chocolate chip cookies from an elf!

I stopped by Pomme and Pane Café (Olav's place) for breakfast and ran into Michelle Niemeyer again. The more I get to know Michelle, the more I like her.

As I left Olav's I spied a little elf at The Bookstore across the street, handing out chocolate chip cookies. That's Leah, the elf and inside, you'll find Dylan the elf, at the coffee bar today.

There were a lot of school kids at The Bookstore this morning and lots of tourists at CocoWalk checking Freddie the Flamingo out.

There were also a few Grinches on the streets bright and early. Code Enforcement. My happy mood changed really fast. A cloud suddenly covered the bright sunny skies.

Bill Fish Tournament Series starts today

The Ron Atlantico Private Cask and annual Bill Fish Tournament Series starts today and runs through Sunday.

Optimal times to visit at Monty's (2550 S. Bayshore Drive) are:

Thursday (tonight), December 11: 7.30 p.m. – 8.30 p.m.
Saturday, December 13: 4.00 p.m. - 7.00 p.m.
Sunday, December 14: 3.00 p.m. - 8.00 p.m.

The Bridgeport, 30th Court, Virginia Street non-issue

The Village Council meets tonight in the Glass House in Peacock Park from 7 to 9 pm.

There will be a discussion on whether the Village Council should request a deferral on any decision from the City or County on the Bridgeport traffic calming device until after the public hearing on December 18 at that Village Council meeting.

Some council members feel that they are being pushed into voting on the issue tonight, but many would like to find out exactly what is planned for the streets in question: Bridgeport, 30th Court and maybe Virginia Street. The December 18 meeting will have experts present who will speak on the issue and explain what is actually planned and it will also be at City Hall where more people can attend and it will also be televised and streamed on the internet.

Meeting at the Glass House is sort of like meeting in the dark and it seems like a bad thing to be voting on important things when the public is not getting a 100% shot of seeing what is going on by attending the meeting, seeing it on tv or seeing it on the internet. I think that is fair for people to have those options.

Many Virginia Street residents don't want traffic diverted to their street from US1 and they feel that if Bridgeport gets a traffic calming device, it will send people over to Virginia. But is it a bump to slow traffic, an actual closed street or a traffic circle that is being planned? That is why the December 18 meeting should happen before any votes. How can the council vote on something they don't understand? Is this even legal?

I think this is all a non-issue. I don't believe I have ever seen much traffic on any of those streets, but that infamous circle was put in on Virginia Street at Shipping Avenue and in a sort of self fulfilling prophecy sort of way, maybe traffic should be diverted to Virginia so the damn traffic circle can finally serve a purpose. Right now all it does is make that corner look pretty.

Another solution is to just put a traffic bump on all three streets and let traffic flow where it may, but in a calming way, due to the traffic bump.

Also, more importantly at the meeting tonight are some real issues: the council will discuss adding another member and officers will be selected for 2009. That should be the purpose of the meeting tonight. Defer the Bridgeport vote until people can be more informed on December 18.

Grove Harbour office building project on today's agenda

The City Commission meets today, starting at 9 am at City Hall (3500 Pan American Drive).

Grace Solares, President of Miami Neighborhoods United has sent a letter to Comm. Marc Sarnoff and cc'd the other Miami Commissioners, regarding the Grove Harbour office building project, which is on the agenda for today's City Commission meeting.

They deferred the vote at the last meeting, due to Comm. Sarnoff's absence. City Commission Chairman, Comm. Joe Sanchez will not allow the public to speak on the matter.

Basically Ms. Solares is asking Comm. Sarnoff, as the District 2 Commissioner to have Grove Harbour's project rejected or denied. The letter is here. It's a PDF. You'll need Adobe Reader to see it.

Code Enforcement are a bunch of foolish Grinches

Last weekend, The Travel Channel was in town. I took them around showing them the "real" Grove.

They were very interested and delighted with Commodore Plaza. That was their favorite place in the Grove. Their eyes lit up when they saw the street cafes, the people, the colors, the activity and especially the artists who were out on the streets for the "Paint Out" who were capturing the scene. Picture the scene now without the planters, the trees, the umbrellas, the benches and all the colors of Commodore Plaza.

What would The Travel Channel have filmed? What would the painters have painted? Blank walls? Bare tables?

I find it totally unconscionable and ignorant that the City of Miami's Code Enforcement team feels that this is a problem. Can you imagine if they had cleared off the planters, and umbrellas and fans and heaters and ALL THE AMBIANCE a day or so before The Travel Channel arrived?

Removing all the things that give the cafes their ambiance is like having a room with white walls. It is functional, but totally blah.

I'll tell you one thing -- the Grove would not have been featured on The Travel Channel if the ignorant fools at Code Enforcement had their way -- The Travel Channel people would have shrugged, packed up their cameras and headed to South Beach.

Local businesses are being harassed by code enforcement

The Grove is being attacked by code enforcement.

I have written about the parking problems, now today code enforcement visited Le P'tit Paris, Greenstreet, Jaguar, and basically all the rest of the outdoor cafes and told them that they could no longer have heaters on the sidewalks. Also, no more planters on the sidewalks and in the case of Jaguar no more benches, and other items. The list is endless.

One restaurant owner told me that the planters are not only there for beauty but they are a protective barrier between street traffic and diners.

I know that Focaccia Rustica had some problems with code enforcement and they removed their outdoor tables months ago rather than jump through hoops and constantly pay fines. They were fined for something having to do with the tables.

These items have been on the sidewalks for 10 to 20 years in some cases, the sidewalks are inspected yearly. All of a sudden things have to be moved or changed.

"Every city in the world authorizes heaters on the sidewalks during the winter but here in Coconut Grove they are making it extremely hard to operate," one restaurant owner told me.

All the restaurants were told that the chief of code enforcement would be back in the next 48 hours and a $500 dollar a day fine will start if things are not changed according to their liking. This comes in addition to the police visiting businesses in the middle of the night asking for licenses, and setting up DUI stations in the Center Grove. (More shocking details on that tomorrow).

Our neighbors in South Miami, Mary Brickell Village, South Beach, Coral Gables, etc. are doing everything possible to take away business from the Grove and the City of Miami is doing everything possible to accommodate these other cities.

Filling the streets with holiday sounds

Dave Collins told me that Barkless Dawgs were performing Christmas songs in front of the Gap. I didn't understand what he meant, I thought they were actual dogs howling Christmas songs, as you see on tv sometimes.

But it ended up being these guys. The duo is called Barkless Dawgs. They were out as part of the Grove's holiday entertainers program. From now, through the end of the season, various performers and carollers will fill the streets at different locations on weekends.

By the way, everyone enjoyed Barkless Dawgs. They had a mellow sound that just filled the streets, with a nice, peaceful sound.

Family Fun Day at Museum of Science

The Science Museum (3280 S. Miami Ave.) is having their Family Fun Day this Sunday, December 13.

The fun-filled day will included music, games, food and entertainment. There are live performances by Maryel Epps and Nicole Patrick. Also live, New World Symphony and New World School of the Arts will collaborate on a never-before seen musical and dance performance.

Enjoy Disney giveaways, including the new High School Musical DVD game and the complete first season of Hannah Montana on DVD.

You'll also get a chance to see the new exhibit, and enjoy the entire Museum at a discounted price - Miami-Dade County residents receive 15% off admission.

For more information, please call 305-646-4209.

It's Ceviche spoon ornament time at Jaguar Spoon Bar and Grill

Jaguar Ceviche Spoon Bar and Latam Grill (3067 Grand Avenue) is continuing their holiday tradition this year with their ceviche spoon ornaments.

You may remember this from last year -- as customers wait for their meal, they decorate spoons at the table and then Jaguar hangs them on their Christmas tree, right up front, in the window. It's a quaint and nice tradition.

Also, as you walk back toward the bathrooms, you'll see the walls lined with framed spoons which were created by students during World Peace day in October. It's very clever tying in the different spoon projects with the whole restaurant theme.

Mangoheads met again last night

The Mangoheads met at Sammy C's last night, talking strategy for the upcoming (Dec. 28) King Mango Strut.

Basically the bottom line is that they need to raise more money and they need more units in the parade.

Here is Eileen Brennan with yet another poster for the Strut, promoting the "Mangobama."

The raffle has up to 65 prizes now, so it might be a good idea to buy a handful of tickets, it seems like you can be a winner of something. The prizes from a free cruise to a Miami Monopoly game and everything in between.

T-shirts are being printed and will be for sale next week.

Some of the groups already signed up are:

- OJ -- What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas
- I really am 16 (from the China Olympics)
- End of an Error countdown (Error, not Era)
- Save the Peacocks (you know you saw that coming)
- Most Current Affairs
- The scam Gov. of Illinois selling toilet seats with Obama's face on them

Photo by AnnaMaria Windisch-Hunt

North Grove neighbors hold annual Christmas party

The North Grove neighbors had their annual Christmas party yesterday at Silver Bluff Park. And Santa (borrowed from The Bookstore) even showed up at about 5 pm and gave out gifts to all the kids.

Plans seem to be moving ahead for a "new" playhouse

The Miami Herald had a story on the Coconut Grove Playhouse yesterday, giving details about plans for a smaller venue.

I had heard recently of a few different scenarios. A Broadway company would love to take over the Playhouse and fill it with presentations for most of the year. Also, a South American company was also interested in maybe running it in summer months if the Broadway people had no plans for summer.

Another rumor was that a local politician wanted to take millions in historical money and move the playhouse to the Expo Center site in the new park, after of course, the Expo Center is demolished. But I think that was just a rumor.

But the plans now seem to be a three to five year plan where there is a smaller theater and various artistic partners will present local programs. A smaller theater (300 seats, rather than the current 1100) would require less money to operate. I'm not sure why, it seems that the amount of seats doesn't have much to do with the production costs of putting on a play, but then again, I am not in the theater business, so I don't know.

Just the fact that there are serious talks going on is a great thing. Let's hope they can move faster than the three to five years predicted. They still need to pay off the $4 million dollar debt and of course there is the usual talk of changing the structure on the present site. Let's hope some of the facade can stay.

The Herald story is here.

4-day Mystic Warrior training program being offered

A four-day Mystic Warrior Training program will be taking place in the Grove.

The training takes you quickly beneath life's problems to the true causes of the chronic issues that haunt your life, according to their brochure. You meet the parts of you that act out and cause you to have negative thoughts and karma.

In training program, you will learn skills to help yourself and others. Facilitator is Bill Wich, a certified Leader and Leader Trainer in the ManKind Project.

The Grove program is four days, over a two weekend period -- December 13 and 14 and January 10 and 11. You must attend the first weekend to attend the second. For fees, schedule times and other information, please call Michael Malone at 305-281-4089 or email mikelrm@aol.com

The program will be held at the Blu Moon Studio (3444 Main Highway).

More parking problems -- the cops are a menace

I stopped in front of the Windisch-Hunt Art Gallery to see if there were any toys dropped off for the Toy Drive, I was making my rounds to pick up from various places. I parked in front, ran in for a second and when I exited, there was a cop, not a meter maid, a cop, ready to write a ticket.

The City of Miami Police are now stalking people in the Grove looking for problems. Are they short on money this month? Are they trying to raise money for the City by writing 1000 tickets a day in Coconut Grove, raising money for the City but scaring off customers for the tax-paying businesses?

This has happened at the gallery in the past with the meter maid. A person is lugging a $10,000 painting out of the gallery and is being ticketed by the meter maid because for some weird reason, this area is marked with weird signs that say "loading zone," "tour bus zone," "no parking", "yes parking," and "stand on your head parking." And of course no one has a clue what is going on. Because the signs are very confusing -- maybe on purpose?

I just assumed that loading an expensive painting into the car or picking up toys for a toy drive comes into the category of "loading" and/or "unloading."

I had to stop at the La Fenice Salon on Rice Street next for a toy pick up, but I skipped it today. I wasn't ready to park in the garage and drag a load of toys down the block when a quick run in and out would have done it.

But anyway, the Gallery at 2911 Grand Avenue and La Fenice at 3333 Rice Street are two of the many participating merchants in the Toy Drive. Please contribute. I'll manage to pick up the toys and deliver them, even if I do get a parking ticket in the process. Focaccia (3111 Grand Avenue) is another place collecting toys, but they have parking, so I can get the toys easily there.

Open House at St. Stephen's Day School

St. Stephen's Episcopal Day School (3439 Main Highway) is having an open house on Thursday, December 11 at 9 am. They teach pre-K through Grade 6.

St. Stephen's is a co-ed parish day school for families of all faiths. While there, you can purchase a Christmas tree. They'll even deliver it to Grove residents!

Please RSVP (for the open house, not the trees) at 305-537-1277 or by emailing cdarcy@sseds.org.

Nice, fresh, green holiday wreaths for $5.00!

Want a nice, green, fresh Christmas wreath for a cheap price, maybe 5 to 10 bucks? Go to The Last Carrot and ask them where to get them. They have one hanging on their front door.

Louis, one of the homeless guys in the area is actually making them. He is taking the thrown away branches from Christmas tree lots, from the parts they cut from the bottoms of the trees and he is making nice holiday wreaths out of them.

They are plain, pine wreaths. You can add ribbon and stuff later, but the wreaths are very well made and healthy. They smell just like Christmas.

Too many parking tickets are being given out

Last weekend, two police cars were parked at a no parking zone and at the same time, the meter readers were out in force ticketing every car on the street. The police appeared to be giving tickets, too. No questions asked.

When the police were confronted by an angry Grove visitor with a parking ticket and asked what all the harassment was about, the police said they didn't know what they meant. The police were asked why they were allowed to park at a no parking zone, yet all these people shopping and spending money were being ticketed all over the place.

Their reply was that they were on an emergency call. Their cars were parked in front of Shaq 24 Hour Fitness, at a no-parking zone, I saw this myself. They were walking from blocks away, from Jaguar or that area, I saw them. Since when do police park their cars blocks away from emergency calls? I usually see them pull up at any spot they can as close as they can to the emergency, even if it is on the sidewalk.

Guess in this case, they felt parking in the no-parking zone and walking blocks to the emergency was the way to go. I actually think they were returning from lunch, not an emergency call.

But seriously, the parking signs are not clear. They say a spot is a loading zone, but yet it isn't a loading zone. They say parking is permitted on Sunday, but not Saturday, they say that parking is allowed in one spot but not two feet back. It is very confusing and honest drivers who are paying for parking in good faith are being ticketed out of confusion.

It was easy when there were meters at each spot, but now that there are a few meters on the block for many spots, it is a bit confusing and the parking authority should take that into consideration. When they see a "paid" ticket on the car windshield, they should know that the person did this in good faith and may be confused as to the nutty signage that is all over the place, thinking they are in a legit spot.

Why are there loading zones on weekends anyway?

The Christmas trees are flying out

Greg (left) and Thallieus were working the Christmas tree lot at St. Stephen's this weekend. Most people were lugging the trees home on their cars, but St. Stephen's will deliver to Grove residents.

They are open Monday through Friday from 4 to 8 pm and weekends from 10 am to 8 pm.

Also this week at St. Stephen's, the school is having a Book Fair at The Bookstore in the Grove where children buy books on a particular schedule and 20% is donated back to the school.

The All-Grove Crime Watch meeting is at St. Stephen's (2750 McFarlane Road), in the Great Room tomorrow night at 7 pm. Parking is free in the lot next door.

Winter Camp is starting up at the Museum of Science

The Miami Science Museum has their Winter Camp in session starting December 22. The cost is $50.00 per day, per child for members and $55.00 per day, per child for non-members.

Camp classes include: "Native Garden," where children will learn about native plants and such, "Let it Snow," "Sabor Jam Session," and so much more. All details are here at thier PDF registration form with class details. All one-day workshops have an environmental theme.

Coconut Grove Cares celebrates 60!

Don't forget that Coconut Grove Cares, Inc. is celebrating their 60th anniversary on Saturday.

There will be games, food, art and more. Enter your pie in the pie contest!

The fun is from noon to 3 at the Barnyard Community Center (3870 Washington Avenue).

Changes coming to the Art Stroll

There are plans to change the First Saturday Art Stroll to First Thursdays, hopefully starting
February 5, 2009.

The gallery owners feel there are "more attractions" on a Thursday night, and it's the start of the weekend. So far the Saturday Stroll has not brought out the crowds they desired, so I wonder how a Thursday night stroll would work. For one thing, they need more promotion and cooperation with all concerned.

One new option is to tie in the other Grove businesses to the galleries on Stoll night with some sort of discount tokens that could be used from the galleries. They would be used in other Grove businesses on that night. But I think the key is to be consistent and to get everyone to participate and promote it.

Paco from the Butter Gallery agreed to design the logo so that all participating galleries (hopefully all galleries), would display the logo. Flags and banners would also fly at the galleries on "stroll night." Richard Issa from the Chamber is working on permits and such and dealing with the BID.

Bringing so much art back to the Grove is really a great thing. The fact that our village is so into art again is really a thing to be proud of.

Get Scrooged holiday party is Wednesday

The Get Scrooged holiday party is Wednesday, Dec. 10 at Sammy C's (3540 Main Highway).

The Historical Museum of Southern Florida’s Young Professionals are enjoying the holiday season in style. Enjoy Italian fare and an open wine bar.

For more info please visit www.hmsf.org. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door. RSVP to
305-375-1619 or tropees@hmsf.org.

Freddie's new hat

De-Borah, from CocoWalk was proud to show off Freddie the Flamingo's new hat.

I saw Cindy Bettner putting the new hat on Freddie and asked her what had happened. She says a bunch of kids took the first one.

Just as I predicted. But of course, it's a yearly tradition -- taking Freddie's Santa hat.

It's beginning to look a lot like . . . crap . . .

Quite a few of the merchants are upset over the scaffolding at CocoWalk. They want to know why, at the busiest shopping month of the year and during Art Basel week, was this allowed to be constructed on Grand Avenue. It's a mess.

It's there for the work crews renovating the old Tu Tu Tango, where Crazy Pianos plans to open in January. I didn't think much about it at first, but it is sort of a bad idea to do this right around the holidays. Many want it removed now. Shoppers are finding it very ugly and inconvenient.

Presenting the new holiday masthead for your approval

I was wracking my brain trying to come up with a new holiday masthead this year for the Grapevine. I could not find a good image around the Village. So I decided to go to Commodore Plaza and I found a bunch of good sports.

I dragged four restaurant owners to the end of Commodore and Main, I set them up as carollers, using their menus as song books and tada, above is the holiday masthead with a little touching up here and there, like the Santa hat I photoshopped in.

I present to you Sylvano from Greenstreet Café, Regis from Le P'tit Paris and Le Bouchon du Grove, George from George's in the Grove and John from Mr. Moe's and Christabelle's Quarter.

They really were good sports to leave all of their busy restaurants on a Sunday afternoon to pose for me, but that's proof of the good old Coconut Grove spirit.

I am told often that the Grapevine has become a sort of "reality show" and many people think of the Grove now as a place full of Bohemian characters and places. So each time I change the masthead, I will use a group of Grove characters and/or a theme. So don't be surprised if somewhere, some how, some time when you least expect it, someone steps up to you and says, "Smile, you're now part of the Grapevine masthead."

The Feast of Sinterklaas

I ran into Michelle Niemeyer and Olav Smit at Olav's annual Feast of Sinterklaas at Pomme and Pane Café this weekend. There was quite a nice crowd enjoying the food and drink. Olav gave me a little gift from Sinterklaas, as I was leaving. It was a bar of chocolate.

As I walked up Virginia Street and then down Grand Avenue, a guy walking his dog asked if it was cigarettes, I guess he wanted to bum one. I said no, "it's chocolate, want some?" And he said, yes, and so I gave him the rest of the box. From Sinterklaas, to Olav, to me to some dude on the street walking his dog. Holiday spirit.

Coconut Grove Toy Drive

GroveHouse "Paint Out" winners announced today

The GroveHouse held their "Paint Out" yesterday and today on the streets throughout the Grove and this afternoon, in the courtyard of the GroveHouse, prizes were handed out to the winners.

Above are Barbara Tejada and Karen Deilke handing out awards, with Terry Arroyo Mulrooney behind them. It was a perfect weekend for the "Paint Out."


Charles Schuette, Chairman of Coconut Grove Bank, hands Don Calhoun his award. The Bank was sponsor of the Photography portion of the contest and Don won first prize. At right is a painting by Jean Rebholz of the Information Booth on Main Highway. I told Jean that most of us hate those booths, but this one I actually like, she did a great job at making it likable.


Marilyn Liedman won first prize in the painting competition. That's her winning entry.

The winners went like this:

Photography
1st place: Don Calhoun
2nd and 3rd place: Roneira Fruhstuck
Honorable Mention: Don Calhoun and Elizabeth Chacon

Painting
1st place: Marilyn Liedman
2nd place: Ruth Karp
3rd place: Angie Martinez
1st Honorable Mention: Erik Speyer
2nd Honorable Mention: Valentina Ramos
Judges' Choice: Linda Apriletti

Reiki Training and Certification class forming

Atena is offering Reiki Training and Certification in this one day accelerated Reiki workshop that includes Reiki 1, 2 & 3 Master level training, all symbols and all the information you need to teach and practice Reiki for yourself & others.

The cost is $585.00, bring a friend for $20 off each. Code 33 is accepted and receive an additional $10 discount. The class is Wednesday, December 17 at 1:15 pm.

Registration is required by calling 305-297-5516 or visiting: http://www.mysticalflorida.com/reiki.html.

Things that make you go hmmmm

Today there is an invitation only charity event going on at the Expo Center.

My question is this: Why is the Expo Center considered decrepit, dangerous and a firetrap, so much so that Michael Westen and his "Burn Notice" crew are being asked to vacate but it is safe enough for thousands of school children to party in?

As you can see, they were there early lining up for the festivities INSIDE as well as outside. What's up with that?

The Travel Channel likes Coconut Grove

Some folks from the Travel Channel were here this weekend, filming small "Grove scenes" for a new project. I was appointed liaison. I showed them the "real Grove." Well, I did keep some Grove family secrets. But actually I pointed them in the interesting directions.

They were very into the art scene and wanted info on that, which I found very cool. I took them to a couple of galleries and they enjoyed seeing some artists on the streets participating in the GroveHouse "Paint Out." They also wanted to see the Cabana One pool at the Mayfair Hotel and they really enjoyed The Bookstore since it was our own one-of-a-kind and not a chain store.

I was very pleased and proud to show them around.

The Meter Fairy doesn't help the parking situation

The Meter Fairy has been out all weekend, but the concept is different.

He/she doesn't stop the Meter Maid from ticketing cars, and boy, was she going at it this weekend, she's crazy with those tickets. I don't think a car has a chance these days with the new Meter Maid. No grace period here.

What the Meter Fairy does is give out discount passes to park in the garages.

I think this defeats the whole purpose of the Meter Fairy, who should be putting a quarter in the meter for meters that are about to expire. Of course we don't have the old fashioned meters so I guess that makes it hard. It's just not the same.

When is the parking authority going to give free parking for the holidays? One of the Santas even told me that he avoids the Grove (when he is not Santa-ing) because of the parking situation. Now when Santa doesn't even want to come here because of the ticket-crazy Meter Maids, there is a major problem. :(

The band played Santa in on his "green" eco-mobile

The Coral Gables Marching Band welcomed another Santa to the Grove this afternoon, right at CocoWalk. They took over the whole front area, stopping traffic and pedestrians and entertaining everyone within earshot.

Santa arrived on his "green" eco-mobile, with Cynthia at the wheel. They first took a spin around the central Grove, but to be honest, it was nothing like past years when Santa arrived in style in a big red fire truck. It had more of an impact and was more fun with the fire truck.

Santa will be in his enchanted forest next to Bice Bistro on the Virginia Street side each weekend until Christmas, where you can visit him and have your photo taken.

Yes, Virginia Street, there is a Santa Claus -- at The Bookstore

Santa has been quite busy these days in Coconut Grove. He was at the tree lighting ceremony the other night at City Hall and this morning, he arrived bright and early at The Bookstore (3399 Virginia Street). This is James, a Grove resident, with Santa. James was the first person to visit Santa at The Bookstore.

Santa will be there today until 4 pm and he'll be there tomorrow from 11 to 4. Sandy and Felice are discussing having him there every weekend until after Christmas because people are thrilled at seeing him when they enter the store.

The Bookstore is really a winter wonderland. If you haven't been lately, it's worth the trip. The whole place is like a Christmas village filled with toys, books, food, drinks. It's a nice place to spend time.

Later today Santa arrives (again) at CocoWalk.

The Bookstore is celebrating their one year anniversary all weekend with lots of specials and surprises.

They are offering 10% off every book in the store all weekend. On Monday, they will start accepting Code 33 for discounts and this weekend, they have a special where you receive another discount off the most expensive item you have.

As you can see above, Samantha has a bingo-type ball thingie and she spins the basket and depending on which color balls comes out, you receive an additional 5 to 10% off.

And get this -- you will now find wine at the cafe inside The Bookstore, so instead of going for coffee you can go for a glass of wine now!