Mary Poppins coming to the Grove

CocoWalk is celebrating the 45th anniversary of Mary Poppins with two live stage to screen performances by the actors from the Actor's Playhouse in Coral Gables.

This all happens February 15, from 2 to 5 pm. Performance will be in front of Bice Bistro on the first floor. It's of course free, CocoWalk is good like that. There will be raffle prizes, too.

Grove is proud to host US Sailing's Rolex Miami OCR

US Sailing's Rolex Miami OCR, is still in town, where 444 sailors from 41 countries are competing. Medals were determined in three Paralympic classes yesterday (Sonar, SKUD 18 and 2.4mR) as well as one Olympic class (Laser SB3, which is being used here instead of the Olympic Elliott 6 in the Women's Match Racing event). Other medals will be determined by how well today's racing goes.

Updates and photos may be seen here: www.RolexMiamiOCR.org.

Above, John Gilmour and Benjamin Allen (Richmond, CA,), 19th place after Day 3 of racing.


Stuart McNay and Graham Biehl (Lincoln, Mass), currently 2nd place overall in the 470-Men class.


Onan Barreiros & Aaron Sarmiento (Madrid) lead the 470-M after the 5th day of racing on Biscayne Bay.

Photos by Dan Nerney

Unruly teens, where are you?

The producers of “Supernanny” are back in town casting again. They are making a new show to help families with teens -- interviews are this weekend, They are looking for great parents who are willing to mentor two teens in their home for a week, and unruly teens who are willing to spend a week with another family.

If you know anyone who might be interested, please contact them now, they would love to use the Grove as a featured neighborhood. You may email: teens@ricochettelevision.com or call 323-904-4680, ext. 1006.

It's cold out there . . .

They look like a couple of models -- Mia and Cindy from CocoWalk were out this morning
enjoying the cold weather. They're getting ready for CocoWalk's big
Super Bowl party tomorrow.

Photo by AnnaMaria Windisch-Hunt

Cabana One is throwing a Super Bowl Bash

Cabana One (on the roof at the Mayfair Hotel) is throwing a Super Bowl BBQ Pool Party on Sunday. There is no cover charge includes the game on two large projector screens and 10 LCD flat screens.

There's a pre-game party featuring an Xbox 260 Madden tournament hosted by EA Sports from 1 to 5 pm (entry fee is $20.00 for the tournament). Winners will receive cash prizes.

With the purchase of a private cabana, patrons will receive a complimentary Heineken mini keg to share with friends. DJ Ethics will be spinning. Party until 2 am.

All day long, they will have hot dogs and burgers, chicken fingers and grilled cheese sandwiches and french fries. We will Tweet a Grapevine Cabana One special later via Twitter.

To reserve a cabana, please call 305-448 5088 or e-mail gillian@cabanaonelounge.com

What gives them the right?

What's with all these idiots driving golf carts on the sidewalks. Do they think it's legal? I think even bicycles by law are supposed to be in the streets and not even on the sidewalks.

Spend Super Bowl Sunday at CocoWalk

CocoWalk is showing the game on giant tv screens on Super Bowl Sunday (Feb. 1).

The party starts at noon. Enjoy beer specials and win prizes.

What do we want in a new mayor?

The race for Mayor is going to get nasty. I can just smell it.

I have been contacted by all sides already and today, an anonymous email arrived:

The subject line said: "Here to Listen," I almost deleted it thinking it was spam. It said:

"I know a certain politician who is running for Mayor pretty well. Anyways he will remain nameless, I am writing to you not to ask for your endorsement. I just want to know what you want/need/think should change or stay the same in the grove. I hope that you can keep your impartiality throughout the campaign. No tricks I am just here to listen. "

If this candidate doesn't know what we want for the Grove, he should try reading the archives here in the Grapevine. To start off, we want the Grove Harbour Marina project gone.

We want free parking 24/7, we want fair Code Enforcement people, we want all building zoning laws followed and not changed at whim, and we want the City Commissioners who are not part of our district to stop making the laws for us. They are ruining the Grove with their ignorance. We also want to be our own city and not be part of the City of Miami anymore. And and we want peace on earth. Anything else readers?

Check out the art before it changes

Jane Harris' art has been in Focaccia (3111 Grand Avenue) for three weeks now and it's being changed out tomorrow.

If you haven't seen the art, today would be the last day to go. It was part of the Breakfast with the Artist series, only there was no breakfast.

Jane will have a breakfast in the future. The next artist in the series is Linda Apriletti. There will be a breakfast with Linda. Details to come.

The last breakfast was a fun time.

Grab the tourists while you can; they are in and out fast

A couple of us were curious as to how long the tourists are here for on these tour buses.

The buses drop them off and then take off so fast. So I went over and chatted with the driver.

He said that the Grove is the longest stop, we had thought Little Havana was, but he says the Grove has a 30 minute layover and Little Havana is only 10 minutes. They actually go into a shop, buy a "Cuban" cigar, have a Cuban Coffee and leave.

It seems that they pick up the tourists in South Beach and they have to end up at Bayside at a certain time for a boat tour. So it's all planned out.

So anyway, the Grove is the longest in these stops along the way and it behooves Grove businesses to get the tourists while you can. The good thing is that it's an all day thing and the different tour companies are in and out with tourists on a regular time table. So there are a lot of people coming and going all day long.

The best thing could be to hand out brochures and hope they will come back later on in their trip to visit the Grove for other things rather than a quick pee or drink break.

Save money at local restaurants; and not so local

I'm not quite sure how this works, but Restaurant.com sent me a coupon code for 70% off their coupons at local restaurants via Twitter.

Right now they offer discounted food certificates for local restaurants and with the 70% off, that is a bigger savings. There are some catches, some places want you to spend $35.00 in order to use the certificate, others want you to order two entrees. Others don't demand as much.

It's all in the fine print, which actually is posted right there easy to see. But it looks like in some instances, $25.00 coupons are now $10.00 and with the 70% it comes to $3.00.

So if you are so inclined, some Grove restaurants are on the list like Le Bouchon, Le Moulin, Los Ranchos and Le P'tit Paris and even Flavour and of course you can see all of the restaurants listed in South Florida.

The coupon code is SUPER. Type that in the box at check out. I am guessing it is only good until after the Super Bowl. So purchase the certificates before then for the 70% off and then you can use them any time after that.

Please read all the fine print at Restaurant.com.

How about a "food crawl"?

Blind Mind told me of a great idea that is happening already in MiMo.

It's sort of a "bar crawl" for restaurants. The restaurants get together one day a week or month or whatever, maybe during the "Recession Decompression" happy hour, but on a separate day would be better, and they have a one day deal on small plates for maybe $2.00 to $5.00 each.

This would take place right at the restaurants. Any small appetizer or special could be prepared for the "food crawl." Signs would be posted with maybe drink specials, too.

I know Focaccia had this incredible Mango Salsa Burger they served only on Strut Day, maybe they could do this at every "food crawl." Other places may want to serve their regular food, just so people get a taste of what they normally serve, but of course the "food crawl" would serve a smaller, hand held portion.

What say? Sylvano? George? Daniel? BID?

Atelier gallery is moving to the Grove

The Atelier and Miami Mosaic Academy is moving to the Grove business district, near Shell Lumber.On Saturday, Feb. 7, they will be opening at 2762 SW 27 Avenue.

Their phone number is 786-457-7999. It's their concession to the recession -- a more petite location, but a more central location. Their website is here.

Some are doing their best to help struggling biz owners

While many restaurants are struggling because of the economy, high rents, etc. There are some that are getting breaks from their landlords.

One restaurant in town is having problems and the landlord has not charged them rent for months in order to help out. I don't want to mention names to protect both parties, but the landlord in this case should be commended for doing what they can in this tough economy.

For any restaurants that would like to offer specials to Grapevine readers through our daily tweets on Twitter, please email us. It can be a free appetizer or free drink or two for one or whatever, but we'll tweet it out.

We have the worst post office on the planet

It appears that the post office is not delivering the forms for the Gifford Lane Art Stroll because the forms have been addressed to Gifford Lane Art Stroll and not the person's name who is on the po box.

So the new address is for the forms is: Lisa Pardales, P.O. Box 331675, Miami, FL 33233, which is actually the same address, the only difference is Lisa's name is on it now.

If you've sent in a form and received it back, please send it in again. If you need another form, please email me and I'll email the form back.

The actual address was the SAME post office box number, but because it said "Gifford Lane Art Stroll" they would not put it in box 331675, which is Lisa Pardales' po box. Guess the actual name has to go with the actual box number. So why does everyone get junk mail in their po boxes addressed to occupant and box holder and no names at all, just the po box?

Does the Grove post office even know that Gifford Lane is a block behind them? Probably not. They don't care to be part of our community. Reminds me of these embassy's in other countries that are just their own little world and they have no interactions with the natives.

They couldn't find the gallery two blocks down when I sent a Christmas card last month. It had the actual gallery name address and zip code, but it came back occupant unknown. They are on the same street -- Grand Avenue -- two blocks down. Why is this post office allowed to operate like this? Or not operate. Lazy asses.

When we went to send out the Mail Art on January 20, they refused to hand cancel the envelopes. I know for a fact they will hand cancel them at the Gables and Coral Way and 17th Avenue branches. This happened to another person, too, they called me to complain about it. As if I could make the post office staff actually do their jobs. Nah, never gonna happen in the Grove branch.

We have the worst post office. The powers that be in Washington are planning to shut down one extra day per week in the coming year. Do us all a favor, shut down the Grove Post Office seven days a week and put them all out of their misery.

Senor Frogs finally closes

Looks like Senor Frogs finally closed down.

I was told they were closing six months ago, but I guess the economy finally got them.

If the sign fits . . .

It's crazy out there. Crazy Pianos is doing a lot of renovation at CocoWalk this week. Grand Avenue and Virginia Street is partially closed. Be prepared for traffic tie ups during rush hours.

I twittered this this morning and also twittered a free appetizer coupon this afternoon at a local restaurant. If you haven't signed up for Twitter. You can do it now, it's free. The link is to the right.

The shoe art is in the mail

The Mail Art project has really taken off.

I was walking by the gallery the other day with Louis, and AnnaMaria came running out asking us to come in to see what was just delivered.

It was this shoe. From Europe!

The show was sent just like that, no box, with stamps on the bottom.

Now it is hanging as part of the Mail Art that has been arriving from all over the world.

Beer Tasting at Angelo and Maxie's

Angelo and Maxie's is having a Beer Tasting tomorrow and every Thursday (6 to 8 pm).

For $20.00 you get all the chicken wings you can eat and beer for two hours, plus on top of that they'll give you a $10.00 gift certificate for your next visit.

Chris Montelius of FreshBeer.com will offer samples of eight of Beer Advocate's "Best Micro Brews of 2008".

Angelo and Maxie's is at 3000 Florida Avenue, tucked in between the Mayfair Hotel entrance and the Bookstore. For info: 305-441-0000

Eva Longoria Parker to host "Lingerie Miami"

Desperate Housewife, Eva Longoria Parker is host to "Lingerie Miami," the Celebrity Catwalk show, is taking place at Vizcaya on Saturday, February 7.

The black tie event and catwalk show of Europe’s finest couture lingerie labels, will feature celebrity models. Money raised, helps empower women to rise out of poverty.

There will also be a dinner and concert, too. Tickets start at $750 per indiviudal. For more info and tickets, please visit http://www.lingeriemiami.org/

I wonder if W will visit

Jeb Bush, our ex Gov has been looking at condos next door to me in the North Grove. He seems like a nice guy, I saw him at Starbucks once and he was very down to earth and friendly.

Grove Harbour issue deferred again

You know the City Commission meeting this coming Thursday, with the Grove Harbour issue? Forget the issue for this go round. The attorney for Grove Harbor has deferred the item from the Jan. 29 commission agenda.

Things are getting interesting. How many deferments have there been already?

If you're having a Mac attack this meeting is for you

Are you a Mac user? The Gold Coast Macintosh User Group meets tomorrow at the Museum of Science (3280 S. Miami Avenue).

Their question and answer session starts at 6 pm.

At 6:30 pm, Esver Camacho will lead the Beginner's class. And at 7 pm the main meeting starts. It ends about 9:30 pm.

They'll have a presentation on Adobe's Creative Suite 4 Production Premium. If you care to see how the
professionals do it (or if you're a budding videographer itching to learn more than iMovie can give you) then Adobe will show you the tools you can use to really shine.

Another special guest is Nicole Martinez (Apple Certified Instructor, Editor, Filmaker, Composer).

Snacks and coffee are served.

For info: www.gcmac.org or 305-447-7888

Breakfast meeting for all restaurant owners

There is a meeting on Monday, February 2 for all restaurant owners. On the agenda: Discussions on the "Recession Decompression" Grove-wide Happy Hour, the Grove Arts Festival, the Bed Race and July 4th, which should be bigger and better this year with events from the Barnacle down around to Peacock Park and the final fireworks show to end the day.

The meeting is 8 am at Jaguar.

It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood

Dave Collins of the BID with Wachovia Financial Center Manager Melissa Rosado were visiting the business neighbors around town this morning.

Commish Joe Sanchez running for Mayor

City Commissioner Joe Sanchez (left) announced today that he will be in the running for Miami Mayor. Also running are Commissioner Tomás Regalado and lesser known candidate Juan Miguel Alfonso.

Creative Art Happy Hour planned

Blu Moon is having their very first Art Happy Hour, which will be a very creative event. Sheri from Blu Moon with Atena from Celestial Treasures will teach you how to make fashionable fiber necklaces while you enjoy refreshments.

These seven-string braided necklaces are made from colorful ribbons, yarn, felt and beads. Atena will show you how. The class is $25 and if you join the class, you'll receive a seven thread braiding took kit as a gift.

The Art Happy Hour is from 6 to 7:30 pm on Friday, January 30 at Blu Moon Studio of Art (3444 Main Highway, top floor, above The Knife Restaurant).

For info, please call 305-529-5006 or email: sheri@sheriaf.com

US Sailing had a beautiful opening day on the bay

US Sailing's Rolex Miami OCR kicked off yesterday in beautiful Biscayne Bay.

"Not only does the Bay provide good breezes and protected water but also there's enough space for running six racing circles and 13 events simultaneously," said Committee Chairman Dean Brenner .

Results of yesterday's races may be seen here: http://rmocr.ussailing.org/

Photo courtesy: Rolex / Dan Nerney

Happy Hour with Substance is back

The Miami Science museum's season opener of "Happy Hour with Substance" is Thursday, January 29.

There's still an open bar all night, great food and mingling with Miami's movers and shakers all night for only $15.00 at the door. Pop artist Nicole Patrick and the Juan Turros Band will be performing. Doors open at 6 pm.

For more info, please call 305-646-4209 or visit: www.miamisci.org/atmiamsci

The Museum is at 3280 South Miami Avenue, across from Vizcaya.

The situation is being looked into now

My story on the kid gangs below got the ear of the Miami Herald. They are going to investigate this. I was just contacted by them.

The word "gangs" came from the police, not from me. They used that word when describing this situation of the mail being stolen -- a federal offense. So if you see the Herald snooping around, give them the story if you know it.

I know of at least a dozen people who have told me about the situation over the past few weeks, all from different areas of the Grove, all with the same or similar story.

Someone told me last week about them kicking and trying to break into Kinkos, I thought she was exaggerating until I saw it myself on Saturday. The day they approached us at George's, I knew who they were right away, they fit the description that I had been hearing for weeks. Everyone has the same description of the punks.

They are getting more violent and have older guys watching out for them. They have protection. Young kids like this aren't charged as adults when caught, so the older guys use them to commit the violence.

City Commission to vote on Grove Harbour Marina project

The Grove Harbour Marina proposed building on the waterfront is being heard Thursday, January 29, by the City Commission. It is number 2 in the PZ agenda. Grove residents are asked to be there before 10 am. Let your voices be heard. This is at City Hall (3500 Pan American Drive).

Unfortunately, our district Commissioner, Marc Sarnoff will not be present. It is unfortunate that every time this thing comes up, Mr. Sarnoff is not present. Hopefully it will be deferred again if not just plain out rejected.

Let the Mayor and Commissioners know how you feel. They may be reached here:
mannydiaz@miamigov.com
agonzalez@miamigov.com
msarnoff@miamigov.com
jsanchez@miamigov.com
tregalado@miamigov.com
mspence@miamigov.gov

Gangs are taking over the Grove; does anybody care?

And we go from kids doing something great and constructive to this.

Gangs of kids have been harassing people all over the Grove, but nothing seems to be done about it.

My neighbor told me that the police are aware of it because they called her to return mail. The police told her that gangs have hit the neighborhoods in the North Grove and are stealing the mail.

Saturday I was coming from the gym and saw them banging on the door at Kinkos next door, trying to get in. They had the girls inside scared stiff. They were trying to break the glass. They were kicking and banging and trying to cause damage. When I asked what they were doing, they attacked me with rocks and cans and called me a few choice words. They literally threatened to kill me if I didn't leave them alone.

They also called out two older guys, who seemed to be running the show. These kids are young, but someone older is behind it all. When the older guys looked me in the eye, it was pure hate looking at me. These kids look innocent, but they are violent.

They were also doing their scam, trying to get people to give them money for non-existent school projects. They hit up the tourists exiting the buses. I blocked this one guy's face.

When I took the camera out and starting taking photos, they ran off. If they were innocent kids collecting for school, they would not have run.

I ran into them later down near Focaccia, they threw rocks at me on the street when they saw me. I told them I was calling the police and they ran off. If they were innocent kids, they would not be throwing rocks and running off when the police are mentioned. I counted up to 15 at one point. A large group that can cause major damage.

Stealing mail, throwing rocks, trying to break into businesses and scaring the tourists. Is someone going to step in and do something? I tried and I was attacked. Where are the police? One of the security guards from the black booths just watched. We finally have a guard in the booth and he stood there shaking in his boots.

The Grove is finally making a come back. Are we going to let these hoodlums spoil it and scare off the visitors?

US Sailing's Rolex Miami OCR starts today

US Sailing's Rolex Miami OCR has a record 443 sailors on 323 boats set to start sailing today, I see them in the bay right now, in fact.The event is a lead up for the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic hopefuls. This is the second of seven stops for the World Cup.

The sailors will be racing until the end of the week.

Sarah Lihan of Ft. Lauderdale, has been very promising and was just named to the newly launched US Sailing Team -- U23 (Under 23). The 20-year-old Laser Radial sailor said her 42-boat fleet (the second largest behind Laser, with 66 boats) is not quite as international as she had expected "but it's strong nevertheless."

The Star class is showing great promise with Brazil's Bruno Prada, who is crewing for local sailor and world champion Augie Diaz from Miami.

The 10 Olympic classes competing at US Sailing's 2009 Rolex Miami OCR are: Laser Radial, Laser, Finn, Men's RS:X, Women's RS:X, 49er, Men's 470, Women's 470, Star, and the SB3 Laser (replacing the Elliott 6m only at this regatta, for the new women's match racing discipline). The three Paralympic classes are: 2.4mR, SKUD-18 and Sonar.

A complete and final roster can be viewed at www.rolexmiamiocr.org, where regatta results, photos and updates will be posted daily once racing begins

Photo courtesy: Rolex / Dan Nerney and Rolex website

Did you get in on the free champagne yesterday?

Free champagne yesterday? Yes. We twittered it to our Twitter followers. Sign up to follow us on Twitter to receive free things including news updates.

We'll be offering other freebies via Twitter this week and often. Plus we will now Twitter Grove events on the day they happen, as a reminder. Like today there is something going on and our Twitter subscribers will receive the reminder.

And we would love to receive your Coconut Grove news tips via Twitter, too.

In Idle at the Improv -- January 28

They want to actually see and smell the paint

The drum circle has moved closer to the center of town. They are usually at the plaza at Mayfair and now have moved to Virginia Street and Grand Avenue.

Look for them more often and also for artists. There will be artists and musicians on the streets every weekend starting soon. I'm not sure how the musicians are going to be handled, I was the go between with some local schools and the Merchants Board and BID and they will handle the rest.

As for artists; that is being coordinated, too. Artists won't just set up in the streets. All artists need to be accepted into the program. For sign up forms and to be considered as a street artist, please email groovinginthegrove@yahoo.com.

Working artists will actually have to prove that they produced the art and that it is not some wholesale bought or imported pieces. They literally have to paint in public, not just show the art for sale.

Book Club starts this Tuesday at The Bookstore

The Bookstore in the Grove (3399 Virginia Street) is introducing its first Book Club this Tuesday at 7 pm.

They'll be discussing The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon. Have some coffee, a glass of wine or a light snack and enjoy the discussion.

The book won the Whitbread Book of the Year and the Commonwealth Writers' Prize for Best First Book. According to Wikipedia, "Its title is a quotation of a remark made by the fictional detective Sherlock Holmes in Arthur Conan Doyle's 1894 short story "Silver Blaze".

Dinner and a movie -- "Big Night"

The Chamber of Commerce is having a Dinner and Movie night at Alfresco Restaurant (3138 Commodore Plaza) on Thursday, January 29.

The entry fee of $20.00 includes gourmet pizza, one glass of beer or wine and the movie, "Big Night," starring Minnie Driver, Ian Holm, Isabella Rossellini and Tony Shalhoub.

Dinner starts at 7 pm. Please RSVP by Wednesday, January 28 to info@coconutgrove.com or call 305-444-7270.

The Peacock is coming next month

Speaking of Anokha, they are getting a new neighbor -- The Peacock. No, not the ones from Micanopy, there's a new little neighborhood bar opening at 3320 Virginia Street opening in February called The Peacock. They call themselves the place "where great food meets great prices."

They say they'll have the best drink prices in the Grove and none of their food is over $15.00. They want to be the new neighborhood gathering place.

Between The Bookstore, Olav's Pomme and Pane Café and Anokha, hopefully The Peacock will add some more life to the area and make that part of Virginia Street a neighborhood place.

Let's save Anokha from becoming a loud club

Anohka, the Indian Restaurant, with the best Indian food around is struggling. Since they moved from their very successful space on Commodore Plaza to Virginia Street, they have had a hard time of it.

Now they are trying to be a club (with Indian cuisine?).

This is a current ad running:

We are searching for professional experienced promoters with a proven track record of results. We are looking to attract professional and sophisticated clientele with an age range of 27-50. We offer over 4000 sq ft of indoor/outdoor space, International cuisine with an Indo-Asian concentration, Full-bar, extensive wine list, modern and sexy design, and full sound system. DJs available upon request. We are willing to negotiate on all fronts and offer the best bar percentage around. Every day of the week available for events.

Another noisy club for the neighbors to complain about? Perhaps if the neighbors that like to complain would dine at Anokha, it could stay alive as a restaurant. I don't mind the club aspect, but I hate to see a great restaurant turn into a club simply because no one is dining there.

Ransom Everglades students proudly showed their art

The Ransom Everglades High School students filled the gallery last night with friends and family to show off their art project.


Everyone got in the act, including this little 3-year-old. Arists Irene Kno, Robert Leal, and Andrea Consuegra, were proud to have their art appreciated by the large crowd.

Fred Hunt put on some music, "School of Rock," and everyone got into the grooving in the Grove, which ironically is the name of the new artists on the streets project. "Grooving in the Grove" will start the weekend after the Coconut Grove Arts Festival, probably February 21 and 22. Details to come.

Be a part of the Grove's Fun Zones for the ING Marathon

The ING Miami Marathon is tomorrow morning and there are three Community Fun Zones in the Grove. That's where people gather in groups to cheer on the runners.

The locations in the Grove are:
Hurricane Bahangra Zone at 3220 Virginia Street (near Anokha, Mile 18)
Miami Capoeira (3015 Grand Avenue, Mile 18.5)
Shake-A-Leg (2620 S. Bayshore Drive).

The Marathon starts early downtown, there's no telling what time the runners will hit the Grove Zones.

Photo from last year's Shake-A-Leg Zone courtesy the ING Website.

They just soaked in the whole Village

There was this young couple who I saw all over the Grove one weekend.

I saw them early in the morning and then finally about 6 pm, I saw them get into a car and leave. But all that time they were here, they really took in the Grove experience.

They seemed to do everything and really enjoyed themselves. They ate on Commodore Plaza, shopped at our stores, they looked at art (I saw them in galleries), they enjoyed CocoWalk and the musicans on the streets and they bought sunglasses from Paul's kiosk. Paul asked where they were from. Brooklyn, they said. I wasn't stalking them, I just saw them everywhere I happened to be.

I envied the way they just absorbed the whole village. Usually when I am traveling it isn't so thorough. I seem to run around from here to there and never really stop to enjoy one whole area of town all in a day. But that is what they did.

Perhaps they visited South Beach or Ft. Lauderdale or the Keys the next day. But for the one whole day, they really took the Grove in and didn't miss a thing. I think they really did it right and could teach us all a thing or two about living in the moment.

Now you can send us news via Twitter!

We jointed Twitter. We realized it would help us a lot and possibly you, too. You can follow us here.

For instance last week, we missed the fire, when it was right down the block. Someone is always joking with me that I need a police scanner, but with Twitter, someone could have sent me a heads up and I could have gotten there before the tv news. I did receive emails, but that was after the fact.

Another example was yesterday -- at FedEx/Kinkos. I could have Twittered you all about the free food and they would not have had so much left over at the end of the day.

Perhaps during the upcoming Arts Festival, I can get an on-the-spot special at a food booth and Twitter the Grapevine Twitterers to come to the Gyro booth for free drinks with gyro purchase or something. Or maybe one restaurant owner can have an on-the-spot two-for-one special and I can share that.

And of course, I can just send you on the spot headlines if something is really big news like Shaq is at the Shaq 24 Hour Fitness gym right now, or Madonna is at Greenstreet. Or maybe I just need someone to meet me at Focaccia or Starbucks for coffee and I can Twitter that.

But the main thing is that you can send me Grove news when it is happening. You can find us here. Be one of the first followers! We'll follow you back. :)

Delicious gifts at Chandi Wine and Spirits

Paul asked me to take a walk with him to get a bottle of wine. He went to see his son upstate this weekend and brought the wine.

We went to Chandi Wine and Spirits at Mayfair (3390 Mary Street) and were served by Julia (left) and Nina. I got a few Christmas gifts there, too, this year. They also deliver, you may call them at 305-441-9463.

Two Smiths, two real estate events

Jason Smith is hosting the Why Buy Now? Seminar is Thursday, January 29. at 3400 Main Highway (5:30 - 7:30 pm)

Topics covered will include...
-Current Market Conditions
-Steps in buying distressed and non-distressed properties
-Current interest rates and down payment requirements
-$7,500 tax credit for first-time home buyers

And our bud Riley Smith is having another one of his great Real Estate Talks at Greenstreet (3468 Main Highway) on Monday, February 2 at 7 pm. Come out for complimentary appetizers and beverages and lots of free real estate info on the changing market.

Lots going on at tonight's art opening

The Windisch-Hunt Gallery (2911 Grand Avenue) is presenting the Ransom Everglades students' art, who are part of the Upper School Advanced Studio Honors class. They have reproduced famous art pieces with the project called "Does Gertrude Stein have the time?" The opening reception is tonight from 7 to 9 pm.

You can probably make out some famous take offs here. The art is really great to see in person. The students did an excellent job. They are thrilled to be in a real gallery. AnnaMaria tells me they walk in one at a time, nonchalantly, checking the installation, all excited for tonight's opening.

Along with this, the Grove core artists are also being shown: Tom Virgin, Jeffrey Passage, Jane Harris, Bettyann Pober, Linda Apriletti, Karen Deilke, Yana Bem, Hans Feyerabend, Charles Corda and Fred Hunt. Also works by Tony Scornavacca are on display and for sale.

Customer Appreciation Day at FedEx/Kinkos

If you saw half the Grove walking around with plates of food today, it was thanks to FedEx/Kinkos. They had a Customer Appreciation Day and they offered free lunch -- Indian food and Latin food.

Madeline and crew had drinks and all the fixin's, too. It was a nice and generous thing to do. Good way to market themselves. I'm not exagerating when I say half the Central Grove passed through for a bite. They also had a large delicious cake for dessert. (Loved the orange soda).

We need more security or police waking the streets

Someone I know was jumped and beaten while waiting for the bus near CVS.

Three guys attacked him last week, about 8 pm. Just thought you should know.

Local realtors participating in softball tournament Saturday

The local realtors have donated $1000 to Coconut Grove Elementary by participating in a realtor softball tournament.

It's tomorrow, January 24, at 10:00 am at Peacock Park.

Avatar, Coldwell Banker, EWM, and ReMax Advance have each donated $250 to the school.

It's a "hurry up and wait job" I can do without

This episode of Burn Notice aired last night.

I'll never get tv or movie production. They were out on Commodore Plaza for maybe eight hours that day and the scene was about 30 seconds on the screen.

I used to see kids at Crandon Park years ago being photographed for magazine ads. It was the middle of summer, 90 degrees and humid, and they were wearing winter clothing, doing ads for the next season.

I would swim, lay out, enjoy the day, and after a few hours, I would leave and there were the same kids, maybe 4 or 5 years old, wearing the same heavy clothing, doing the same thing over and over while I was having fun all that time. That bothered me a lot, I can't see how parents do that to their kids, but the point is the whole thing of hurry up and wait.

It takes hours and hours to get one perfect photograph or 30 seconds of film that is usable. While I am a perfectionist, I don't have that kind of patience.

Oh, and Beth and I were cut out of our big 30 second scene as extras.

There are too many eyesores around town these days

It's a shame that the Grove looks so derelict these days, especially during tourist season.

Harry Emilio Gottlieb took one of his walks and he took these photos. Ironically, this graffiti is practically touching the Info/Security booth, and if the booths were ever manned, this wouldn't have happend, at least not right near the booths.


I often wonder about the brick sidewalks. I'm not sure how they are allowed to get like this. I know if this was at our condo building, the neighbors would be all over it. It's a law suit waiting to happen. We had so many people visit the Grove for the Taste of the Grove and the Antique Market and now the Arts Festivals are coming up and this is what they are presented with.


This one corner at the end of Commodore Plaza is a mess. There's no reason why this entrance to the prettiest street in the Grove should look like this. Some flowers and a park bench would fix it up and give it some class.

Maybe it's time for Sue McConnell and her crew to get out there again and fix things up on that corner. They did such an excellent job last time.

Coconut Grove Pharmacy is now open for business

We wrote about the Euro Sport Cafe and the pharmacy in August. It looks like the cafe is not happening due to the economy, the space is still empty. But the new Coconut Grove Pharmacy has opened at 3001 SW 27 Avenue (across from Slice 'n Ice) on 27th Avenue and Bird.

According to owner, Adriana Vergara, "The pharmacy is a hybrid between a traditional and a compounding pharmacy." Compounding refers to drugs that are not commercially available and are custom made in their lab to satisfy individual needs.

"We have broad range of homeopathic remedies and an amazing selection of beautiful organic skin care products. But the best part of the pharmacy is that we are local, independently owned and care about our customers and the community we serve," says Adriana.

The pharmacy has an old fashioned feel to it. The hours are: Monday / Wednesday / Friday 8:00 am - 6:00 pm; Tuesday and Thursday 9:00 am - 7:00 pm and Saturdays 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.

You may reach Adriana and her staff at 305-442-8700.

Last chance to join this year's Fitness Challenge

Tomorrow, Saturday, Jan. 24 from 12:00 to 2:00 pm is the last opportunity to enter the 2nd Annual Coconut Grove Fitness Challenge. You can find more info at www.coconutgrovefitnesschallenge.com.

St. Stephen's Arts Festival poster unveiled tonight

The St. Stephen's Art and Crafts Festival poster was unveiled tonight.

The artist, Daniel Caldwell, is a former Grovite. The painting is called "Fresh Fish Islamorada."

The crowd was bundled up in this weather but the show went on to applause under the outdoor tent.

The festival runs the same weekend as the Coconut Grove Arts Festival, Feb. 14-16. Their poster was unveiled two weeks ago.


Photo by AnnaMaria Windisch-Hunt

It was a nice cold, crisp day for a stroll

Cheryl Brown and Lolita were bundled up for the cold weather. Everyone seems to like to stroll around our "walking village" in their sweaters and leather jackets when the mercury drops.

Photo by Harry Emilio Gottlieb

Grove to host 400 competing for US Sailing Team

The 2009 US Sailing Team AlphaGraphics will be selected this week. Their regatta is Sunday, January 25 through Saturday January 31, with races beginning Monday, January 26.

400 sailers from 41 countries will compete for the spot on the 2009 team. 323 boats have registered to date and are ready to set sail on Biscayne Bay. You may see them all around the Grove next week and of course in the bay.

Sailors will qualify through competition in US SAILING’s 2009 Rolex Miami OCR.

Opening ceremonies and a dinner will be at the Coral Reef Yacht Club on Sunday.

Streets to be filled with art and music regularly

Starting in February, right after the Arts Festival, you'll be seeing art and music on the streets every weekend.

It won't be like this past year's Mad Hatter Festival (left), but hopefully it will be close.

Also, for the monthly Art Stroll, which will now be on the first Thursday, it was suggested that art also be placed in stores, not just galleries. Focaccia has been displaying and selling art for years, it does add a special ambiance to the place and on Stroll nights, various stores and restaurants should also participate.

A few artists have wanted to paint in public. I guess they are exhibitionists as well as exhibitors because they miss Tu Tu Tango and would love to paint among people. That day the Travel Channel was here filming they were very impressed with the "Paint Out" that was going on. They loved the artists on the streets. I think everyone does.

Washington's Birthday Regatta back at Barnacle

Washington’s Birthday Regatta will be back for it's 14th revival next month just off shore of The Barnacle (3485 Main Highway). The regatta, first organized in 1887 by Commodore Ralph Munroe, founder of the Biscayne Bay Yacht Club and Coconut Grove pioneer, will be held at noon on Saturday, February 21.

The race is open to traditional-style sailboats (e.g. mudhens, seapearls, bullseyes, sharpies, Bahama dinghies, cat boats, gaff-rigs, etc.). It is a great spectator event by land or sea. An awards ceremony and chowder party for participants and their families follows the race at 5:30 pm at the park.

The entry fee is a suggested donation of $15 per boat, made payable to The Barnacle Society. To request an entry packet or additional information, call the park office at 305-442-6866.

New season of "Burn Notice" airs tonight on USA

My buddy Louis, just reminded me that Burn Notice starts airing new episodes tonight. That's on the USA Network at 10 pm.

I think this episode where I might be an extra is on tonight. I'm probably cut out, but it's the one that was filmed on Commodore Plaza last summer, using Le P'tit Paris as their dressing room. That was a fun day.

New beginner boot camp offering nine classes per week

SET is now offering nine classes per week in Coconut Grove including a new Beginner Boot Camp. Here's a group in Kennedy Park having a tug of war. For more info please click here.

New reality show casting this weekend

"The World's Strictest Parents," is casting in town this weekend. It's a show like "Supernanny," but with teenagers. Lilliana Dones is on top of it here, with an explanation of what they are looking for in the Examiner.com.

Planetarium seeking donations for new laser equipment

The Museum of Science is trying to raise funds to update its outdated laser equipment which is used for their Astronomy and Laser Light Shows at the Planetarium.

They need $75,000 for a state-of-the-art system. The Batchelor Foundation has offered to match donations up to $25,000, so whatever you donate will be doubled.

So far $7000 has been raised.For a $30 donation, you'll receive a limited edition t-shirt.

For $15 to $29.99, you'll receive Space Food Ice Cream.

For more info, please contact Lizzie Bassuk at 305.646.4283 or at ebassuk@miamisci.org. Or to just donate right now, the form is here.

"Waterfront as Backyards" issue is deferred by PAB

The Planning Advisory Board (PAB) has deferred the Waterfront as Backyards issue tonight at their meeting. The issue will be brought up again at the next meeting (March 18).

The Board smells something funny here and while the City Administrator says this has nothing to do with Grove Harbour Marina project, most don't believe that.

Residents feel that there is too much back room dealing going on here. Most do not want an office building on the waterfront. Various boards and councils have all agreed on this.

There is a new art blog

AnnaMaria has started the One Ear Society blog. It will cover art, artists, anything "one ear" related.
Right now the Mail Art is being featured. Read it here.

Is there a logical place to show first run movies?

Someone brought up movies in the park as an alternative to the AMC theater closing for renovations and still having first run movies in the Grove.

I'm not sure how the park would be blocked off to keep people out who have not paid, after all it is a public park and open to everyone. But I do like the idea.

Other areas brought up for first run movies were the Expo Center, the empty storefront next to the Shaq 24 Hour Fitness and of course the Playhouse, which already has been ruled out. The Woman's Club was another suggestion.

I don't know a big Tom Hanks or Tom Cruise movie would play in a smaller place, without the proper sound systems or set up. But I can see why the neighbors are concerned about the closing of the theater, which will take half a year or more, while renovations are done.

Saiboat was on fire this morning at Dinner Key

A sailboat burned at Dinner Key today, it is believed to be one of the live aboard boats.

Two people and two dogs were aboard, one dog died. The people were injured but are ok.

Channel 10 is all over it with a Slide show of all things.

Businesses had a very successful weekend

Many Grove businesses benefited from the Antiques Market last weekend. Here's Roman form Basil, making a delivery. The dealers fell in love with Basil's fresh, decently priced food and the fact that they delivered free and fast. Same with Focaccia.

Basil, Focaccia and other restaurants were quite busy feeding the dealers and buyers. And many places that sold coffee were busy, also. It was nice to see the buzz all weekend brought on by the Antiques Market.

Theater without a theater

One interesting thing that came out of the last Village Council meeting regarding the Coconut Grove Playhouse is that the playhouse board wants to get theater activities going in the Grove before the theater actually opens, before renovation even starts, in fact.

As soon as a partner is named, they will be required to get some sort of theater going, outside the playhouse, but inside the Grove -- maybe a tent event, street theater, things like that.

Dave Collins, council member and head of the BID asked the playhouse board to reach out to the BID for "right of way" help in getting the outside productions going.

Lots of color and music at International Saturday

International Saturday added a lot of color and fun to CocoWalk last weekend. Next month is the Brazilian Carnival Show.

Residents ask: "What's up with the new zoning verbiage?"

The following letter went out to homeowners in the area today:

I am being advised by MNU, Miami Neighborhoods United, that an important zoning issue is to be discussed tomorrow at the Planning Advisory Board meeting. It is my understanding, that the City of Miami is amending the Zoning Code, referring to WATERFRONT as BACKYARDS.

Grove civic leaders have been alerted to the wording change as it may apply to the ill-conceived Grove Harbour Marina Building. If this issue is also of concern to you, I urge you to please plan on attending City Hall tomorrow Jan. 21 at 7 pm. If you cannot make it, then please consider contacting your Mayor and City Commissioners for an explanation in the new zoning verbiage.

This edifice will block our water views and as it stands now, is neither meeting zoning/legal requirements for the City of Miami, nor the will of the majority of citizens in Coconut Grove who value the public waterfront. What's up with all of this? You have a right to know.

Maria Freed,
President
Coconut Grove Park Homeowners Association

The Mayor and City Commissioners can be reached at:
mannydiaz@miamigov.com
agonzalez@miamigov.com
msarnoff@miamigov.com
jsanchez@miamigov.com
tregalado@miamigov.com
mspence@miamigov.gov

Muvico is coming despite rumors to the contrary

Rumors are going around about Muvico cancelling plans to come to the Grove. That doesn't seem to be the case. Their actual opening date is planned for November 1, 2009.

AMC is soon to close as Muvico wants to start the renovations. They figure the job will take five months. Mia Stierhiem and others from CocoWalk are scheduled to explain the plans at the Village Council meeting in February.

I was personally invited by Mia to see the plans and she offered me a set. More to come.

The Mail Art arrived right on schedule

I sent three pieces to the Windisch-Hunt Gallery for the Mail Art exhibit. I was glad to see all three arrived, when I mailed a Christmas card this past season, it was returned addressee unknown.

Luckily this time around Alfredo was the mailman in charge and he made sure the mail was delivered.

You still have time to get the Mail Art in. Details here.


Today, lots of Mail Art went out. AnnaMaria brought a bunch of mail art, many Obama-themed, to the post office, where they were post marked with today's date, January 20, 2009.

Talk about first class mail. This is first class mail art. Sure to be a collector's item for those who receive them, many local, many going to Europe.

Merchants concerned about the movie theater closing

At the last Village Council meeting, Felice Dubin, Village Council member, brought up the fact that the AMC movie theater at CocoWalk is closing for an extended period of time for renovation soon. It will become a first class Muvico megaplex theater when it reopens. She wondered if it was possible to have the Coconut Grove Playhouse used as a movie theater in the interim.

The merchants are concerned about what will happen when the movie theater is closed for many months -- five to ten. They feel it is an integral part of business at night.

Felice was told that the playhouse currently is in no shape to house the movie theater, let alone it's current job as a playhouse.

So now locations are being sought to show first run movies until Muvico opens it's new theaters.

Grove traffic issues discussed at Village Council meeting

Tigertail Avenue's traffic issues were discussed at Thursday's Village Council meeting.

A traffic signal is being considered for Tigertail and 22nd Avenue. Also, possibly a roundabout.

The traffic calming device at Crystal Court and Tigertail (called a chicane) was brought up by council member, Gary Hecht. He, as well as most of the neighbors in the area, hate that thing. They don't think it was needed and they feel that all it does is have traffic swerve as if they are on a race course and that it doesn't slow people down.

There used to be a stop sign there (which now faces Crystal Court), but neighbors feel that the stop sign facing drivers on Tigertail would be best. Even though there is "no traffic" on Crystal Court and people would be made to stop for "no traffic." But it would have cars stop only for the purpose of slowing them down.

The light at Ingraham and Douglas was also discussed at Thursday's meeting. The timing is off which seems to back up traffic at rush hour times. For some reason, it cannot be made right at this point in time. DOT is working on it.

Wine and Cheese "Spectacle" on Friday

Coconut Grove Optical (3433 Main Highway) is having a Wine and Cheese "Spectacle."

Join them for an afternoon of wine, cheese and glasses. It's Friday, January 23 from 3 to 6 pm.

They are offering free single vision lenses to all who attend. For more info, please call 305-443-1007.

It's getting spicy at Jacob's in the Grove

The new Jacob's in the Grove (3195 Commodore Plaza) is presenting "Noche de Farra" every Friday -- an evening of Tapas, Sangria and Flamenco.

Live shows start at 8:30 and 10:00 pm.

And every Saturday is "Siempre Tango" -- an evening of Tango.
The live show is at 9:00 pm.

They serve Western European/Continental cuisine.

For more info or reservations, please call 305-764-7369 or 305-302-8540.

The walking pill attracted a lot of attention

These aren't real medical people, walking around the Grove, with the walking pill. They were a group from the Fellowship Church in South Miami, trying to drum up parishoners this weekend. They handed out prescriptions that said, "Fill your prescription at Fellowship Church this Sunday."

Their main church is in Grapevine, TX, how could I not mention them here?

The City wants live aboards out

The city wants to start charging the "live aboards" rent at Dinner Key. 225 spots are up for grabs.

The city has sent out crews to clean up the area, saying their are derelict sunken vessels and trash, but many of the live aboards have told me that their boats/homes are being destroyed in the process. On purpose.

The State and DEP want the water bottom cleaned up and they want better moorings installed, that will not destroy the sea grass. The current situation has anchors tearing up the bottom beds.

March is the planned construction start date for the new mooring fields. The city has $1.7 for the project. Rental prices for the spots have not been decided yet.

Those who want a spot in the mooring field can apply at Dinner Key Marina (3400 Pan American Drive) or on the City Marinas website here: www.miami-marinas.com.
For info., you may also call Daniel Muelhaupt at 305-579-6950.

A couple of nuts tearing up the streets

Audrey Scott and I were practicing for the Coconut Grove Bed Race, which is on Memorial Day weekend. So if you saw us this weekend going around town like this, that is what we're doing.

I know the Shaq 24 Hour Fitness Gym has a bed crew and they have started building their bed.

That old couple you see in the background didn't seem to thrilled. They made some sort of comment as we went by. Guess they didn't get that this is what puts the "nut" in Coconut Grove.

Another upcoming event is the Banyan Festival. It has been moved up to Labor Day. So the Bed Race will start the summer off on Memorial Day and the Banyan Festival will celebrate the end of summer. Book ends.

The Banyan Festival will consist of a lot of plants and crafts.

Grove Harbour Marina project vote put on hold again?

At last week's meeting, The Waterfront Advisory Board requested that a decision on the Grove Harbour Marina project be put on hold again, thanks mostly to Grace Solares, from Miami Neighborhoods United, who has a letter on record stating that changes at the marina ''shall not be valid unless it has first been approved by a majority of the voters of the city,'' according to a charter amendment passed in November 2001.

Others are against the project because it is not part of the Waterfront Master Plan and of course, it is not set back the legal 50 feet that is the law.

Obama celebration at Sammy C's on Tuesday

The Grove Obama volunteers and the Sierra Club are celebrating the Presidential Inauguration at Sammy C's (3540 Main Highway) on Tuesday night. There's happy hour prices on drinks (half price)
and 10% off all food.

It's at 8 pm.

Deborah Rubin and Lisa Remeny featured at gallery

Sheila Kuhl (left), from Coconut Grove Gallery and Interiors, introduced artist Lisa Remeny's work at the opening of the Tropical Wonders art exhibit on Friday night. Deborah Rubin (below right) is the featured artist at the gallery. Deborah is with Fred Hunt and Jack Amaroso, two Grove artists.

It's been a great weekend to be out and about

Dominique and Gigi check out Paul's new line of sunglasses
at his popular kiosk at Mayfair.

The Grove is packed with people this weekend

Grove cool cat, Jerry Wade was out enjoying the Antique and Collectibles Market yesterday. It appears as if everyone in the Grove has passed through the market by now. Today is the last day of their January run, they open at 11 and will be there until dark. They'll be back next month (Feb. 13, 14 and 15) for more fun, with even more antique dealers.

Below, I caught Tony and Louis from the Antiques Market, moving things around the Grove. They'll actually carry your large purchases to your car if you like. That's AnnaMaria peeking over Tony's shoulders.

Also, don't forget Shakespeare in the Park has their final showing of "Macbeth," for this time around, tonight (7:30) at Peacock Park.

Love those Samoas

Sophie Sepehri and Claire Fandel sold out all their Girl Scout cookies yesterday morning in front of the Bookstore.

They'll be back next weekend but today the girls will be selling the cookies in front of The Fresh Market until 1 pm.

They did an excellent job yesterday, we all bought lots of cookies. Everywhere I went, I saw boxes of cookies on store counters, kisok counters, even some of the antiques dealers were munching cookies at their booths.

Middle Eastern Month celebrated at CocoWalk tonight

It's Middle Eastern Month at CocoWalk and they're having Belly Dancing and free samples of PAMA Pomegranate Liquor as part of their International Saturday night.

Kooka's and Mediterranean favorites are also on hand. Bring out your belly dancing skirt and come learn how belly dance. The party is tonight from 8 pm to midnight.

Avalon is now open for business

Avalon, the bar, restaurant and lounge is open at 2801 Florida Avenue. Yaki Flores, the manager showed me around. It's a nice, large, multi-level space.

There are four bars and a dinner menu. They are open three nights: Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 6 pm to 3 am.

It's a well organized scamming operation

Regarding the scammers -- a few people have told me that this is an organized group, run by adults. A lady drops the kids off and has them go around begging and asking for money under the guise of school events -- the football team, the school band, the art departement, etc.

FedEx/Kinkos has been part of the scheme, since they go there often and have their scam papers copied and printed. The girls at Kinkos have declined to let the mob in on occasion and they have gone to other businesses asking for "a favor" -- to make a few photo copies.

I don't know if this is legal or if they should just go around begging like normal beggars, but it seems like getting young, obviously well-dressed kids in on some type of scheme like this is not right.

Also, those older gangs that have been wilding stores in order to distract clerks so that they can steal seems to start from little innocent ventures like the school money collection scheme.

I know one spot where the lady drops the kids off and I may confront them the next time I see it happen. I wish many of you would not just watch the kids go by but take photos to scare them off. I think this will maybe save them from a life of crime if they are scared straight now. The adults are the crooks in this matter and they are using innocent kids to do the dirty work.

Macbeth has been playing to a full house park

It rained a bit last night, but just as the show was to begin, it cleared up and it got nice and cool -- about 65 degrees.

A large crowd showed up for last night's showing of "Macbeth," part of this weekend's Shakespeare in the Park event, which started Thursday and ends tomorrow.

The Miami Shakespeare group will be performing at 2 pm today and again at 7:30 pm and then tomorrow at 7:30 pm. This is a big production, with professional actors, a large stage, great lighting and effects and a nice, clear sound system.

It's in Peacock Park and it's free. There are bleachers or bring your blanket and come out and enjoy.

Antique and Collectibles Market had a great first day

The Antique Market is going full speed this weekend at the plaza at Mayfair. Inside and out, there's sure to be something you'll like. The Market opens at 10 am today and closes at sunset and opens tomorrow at 11 am tomorrow and closes at sunset.

Cindy from CocoWalk has been very generous in that she invited a couple of the antique dealers to set up a table or two in front of CocoWalk to direct people from there down to Mayfair. It seems like the whole Grove wants to help out and appreciates the Antique Market.

The guys running it, Tony and his crew, have really become part of our community. They seem to know everybody now and they fit right in. I saw a couple of them at CocoWalk yesterday afternoon and I thought they were admiring the fountain and Freddy the Flamingo, now I see that they were just staking out a space or two, taking Cindy up on her offer. They did wave to me as I walked by with a friend. They're fitting in really well.

Martin Luther King service and celebration planned

The Coconut Grove Ecumenical Network is holding the 16th Annual Service and Celebration in honor of Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. tomorrow, January 18 at 2:30 pm.

The ceremony is at the Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church, 3515 Douglas Road. Pastor is Rev. Rudolph Daniels. Fellowship after the program.

Scammers on the run

We were at George's on Commodore Plaza today for lunch and up come a group of kids, with white pieces of paper in their hands. Right on cue, they started hitting up the diners outside for money, saying they were collecting money for school.

I grabbed my camera and said, "Hey guys, you're famous! People have been talking about you and your scam. Let me get a picture!" They took off like bats out of hell. This is the photo.

Perhaps if more people would take a photo or just pretend to take one with a camera or cell phone, these little scammers would vacate the streets. My camera sure scared them off.

It's a shame that the police are ignoring this, but groups of kids are known to enter stores, go crazy and disrupt the place to get the clerks confused so that they can steal. This happened at the Kwik Stop on Grand Avenue the other day. We need to nip this in the bud now before it escalates.

Come out for the free Shakespeare and antique shows

The antiques and collectibles are all set up and ready for you. The Antique and Collectible Market is at Mayfair today through Sunday. From 11 am until dark. Entry is free. Come out, spend the day, do some shopping, enjoy lunch, don't forget Shakespeare in the Park, also free tonight and all weekend.

Above is jewelry offered by John and Nikki Blacker. If there was a piano present, they would actually put on a little show for you, too. Come out and meet John and Nikki and all the dealers who have come to our Village this weekend.

Mangoheads want to form a corporation to run the Strut

The Mangoheads met earlier this week and made plans for the future of the King Mango Strut.

Plans are now in the works to form a corporation to run the next parade. A board of directors will run the corporation. Seven people have stepped up so far and more are needed.

After the board is formed, they will apply for 501(c)(3) status. That will cost about $3000. It will allow the Strut to receive different types of funding and allow donors to deduct their donations from taxes.

About $8600 has been raised this year through t-shirt and poster sales. The Mango Wrap Party is coming up, probably in a few weeks. We'll keep you posted.

Two popular Mangoheads above are Trina Collins (left) and Antoinette Baldwin.

Photo by Harry Emilio Gottlieb

Is the Grove Playhouse finally on its way to recovery?

Many interested parties from all over the country are interested in being a "theater partner" for the Coconut Grove Playhouse. The partner would actually develop the theater, develop the programming and manage the theater.

A partner should be chosen in the second quarter of this year, Shelly Spivak, head of the Playhouse board, reported to the Village Council last night.

$20 million in capital funds is going to be used to renovate the playhouse. Two theaters are planned. A 600-seat and a 300-seat theater. Ms. Spivak says it will take a minimum of three years to build the theater from the start date. But there is no start date yet and they are not sure which theater would be built first (the 300-seat or the 600-seat theater).

Commercial development will be part of the plan, which will also help support local businesses in the area. Secured funding from the county will be used to assemble a team to work on the recovery. Creditors and the IRS are in on the plans. As of now, the playhouse building has been maintained, utilities are on, insurance is being paid.

Ms. Spivak said that the board members are dedicated to the recovery of the playhouse. Employees have been paid, the Bicycle Shop next door is secured.

Aries development will be the developer of the playhouse, which will include commercial development .

The playhouse is the prime concern of the site, the core of the plan. The plan is to have it running 12 months a year. Underground parking will be part of the project. Historic preservation issues have been considered along with consideration for the adjacent neighborhood.

Felice Dubin, council member, asked, "What does commercial development mean?"

That means maybe a boutique hotel, a conference center, a steak house. Maybe even a home for the Coconut Grove Arts Festival. But the theater board made it clear that the playhouse is the main entity. The rest will fit in around that.

Gary Hecht, village council member, wants to see "magic." He wants the playhouse to happen now. He also asked why the board is still intact when they are the ones who ran it into the ground.

Shelly Spivak, head of the board, said that the place is such a mess, that they are lucky to have any board and essentially, they are lucky that the current board did not desert the ship because of all the problems. She said that if the board had not stayed in place, the site most likely would be a parking garage now.

But the fact still remains that the current board did run the place into the ground in the first place. So it's another case of the inmates running the asylum.

"We will do everything we can to get our theater back," Felice Dubin said.

The Coconut Grove Playhouse Charrette report is here.

Coconut Grove Playhouse Charrette report is available

The Coconut Grove Playhouse Charrette is available here. The Village Council is discussing it tonight. We'll have more details tomorrow on the meeting.

The antique dealers have taken over the Grove

Mayfair is all abuzz today because the Antique Market has come to town.

There is so much activity that it is infectious. The antique dealers have started filling up the space inside the old Benetton store and the plaza outside has tents going up at this very moment.

At left is Hugo Pintos, one of the dealers, who has antique pens and ink wells. Above is one of the booths set up inside the window, right on Grand Avenue.

Cars and vans are in and out and people are back and forth, inside and out and all around the Grove. The vendors are getting coffee at The Bookstore and checking out the local restaurants. It's enveloping the Grove.

The Antiques and Collectible Market will be here all weekend -- Friday, Saturday and Sunday. They'll be open all day, starting at about 11 am. There is no entry fee.

Photos by AnnaMaria Windisch-Hunt

Free Shakespeare in the Park event starts tonight

Shakespeare Miami was out this morning at Peacock Park giving a lecture-type performance of this weekend's Shakespeare in the Park event, "Macbeth."

This morning's performance was not the actual play, but more of a lesson on Shakespeare, including readings.

Three school buses, full of high school students, were taught about the various plays and costumes and culture of Shakespeare.

At one point, a mounted police officer trotted up on his shiny stallion and the stallion did his thing on the grass, mere feet from the stage, right on cue. Everyone's a critic.

It was hard to get the performers back on track and especially the audience, after that.

"Macbeth" will be performed starting tonight at 7:30. The performances are all free. There are bleachers set up in Peacock Park and also, blankets and low beach-type chairs are also encouraged, along with a picnic lunch.

The schedule is:
Thursday - 7:30 pm performance
Friday - 7:30 pm performance
Saturday - 2:00 pm Matinee and 7:30 pm performance
Sunday - 7:30 pm Performance

He probably likes Code Enforcement officers, too

I didn't see these letters to the editor in the Herald, but someone sent them to me. I just found them interesting because people see the King Mango Strut as different things:

Re the King Mango Strut Parade:
"Since Glenn Terry and the Strutters already have coroneted President-elect Barack Obama, it will be interesting to see if they attack the president after his first year in office with the same level of spite and vitriol used to attack President George W. Bush the last few years. My guess is that they will not."

Signed,
JOHN E. MORROW III, Coral Gables

==

Response by Tom Lopez, Fan of the Strut:

"Perhaps not Mr Morrow. Perhaps it will be because we elected someone with integrity and intelligence this time - not a Supreme Court appointed poser. But if Obama acts with the same disdain for the constitution and truth as the current president it will be our duty as citizens to attack him with the same level of spite and vitriol as it was our duty to attack Bush. For the likes of you to continue to defend this rogue president whose acts repeatedly rose to the level of crimes and misdemeanor is beyond me."

When has he ever followed proper procedure?

There were complaints about this letter sent from Stuart Sorg about Jack King.

In response, this letter was sent by City Manager Pete Hernandez (if you click on it, it will open larger). It says that Sorg is not to use City's stationery anymore and he is to destroy or return any letterheads he has on hand.

He is also asked not to make decisions without communicating with the Waterfront Advisory Board, in essence, if you don't like Jack King, have the Board do something about it, a letter to the City Commission from one Board member, with only that one Board member's opinion is not proper procedure.

Presidential Inauguration Day activities planned

There's a Presidential Inauguration Day celebration on January 20 at the Greater St. Paul AME Church (3680 Thomas Avenue, Village West).

The day starts at 9 am and will follow the Inauguration live from Washington, DC. It will include a live speech by General Colin Powell (Ret.) broadcast live from the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Breakfast in Minneapolis.

At 11 am, brunch will be served. And the live broadcast from Washington begins at noon.

Please RSVP: 305-448-2742.

Building the stage for Shakespeare in the Park

It's getting exciting around here. The Antique Market is preparing their space at Mayfair and the crew from Shakespeare in the Park is now building the stage for the free Macbeth event in Peacock Park.

Village Council meets tomorrow night

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

On the agenda:

1) The swearing in of new officers: Martin Zilber, Chair; Felice Dubin, Vice Chair / Treasurer; Liliana Dones, Secretary; Gary Hecht, Sergeant at Arms
2) Post office update
3) Update regarding Coconut Grove Playhouse.
4) Noise Ordinance Initial Discussion (public input in February
5) Traffic Issues – New Light on Ingham , Tigertail, etc…
6) Miami 21 – Do we or do we not agree to either the Rolle Center parcel being increased to T-10-12 or to the adjacent property being upzoned to T-4, which would with bonuses given for affordable housing allow the construction of the affordable housing development the Coconut Grove Collaborative proposed on the site (12 stories)?

Vote for a local artist in the "Nature of Compassion" contest

After receiving more than 500 original entries throughout the country, J. Jill announced the top 10 finalists in its third annual “Nature of Compassion” t-shirt design contest. The annual competition helps poor and homeless women become self-sufficient. From now until January 19, 2009, the public can view the 10 designs and vote for their favorite here.

The “Nature of Compassion” contest was established in 2006 as a way to showcase original works of art, to pay homage to nature’s ever changing beauty and to help women in need through its Compassion Fund.

What makes this Grove-related is that our own AnnaMaria Windisch-Hunt is one of the finalists. That's her image, which is in the running.

The grand prize winner will receive a $2,000 J. Jill shopping spree, as well as an artistic getaway for herself and a friend to Artista Creative Safaris for Women in Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA. Each of the nine finalists will receive a $500 shopping spree at J. Jill.

Antique and Collectible Market arrives this weekend

You know that antique market on Lincoln Road that they have every few weeks? Well it's coming to the Grove starting this weekend. Yup, the Outdoor Antique Collectible Market will be at Mayfair this weekend, starting Friday and running through Sunday.

That's what is going on at the old Benetton store on Grand Avenue, you may have seen the workers preparing the space. The more expensive items will be inside that location and the rest of the great items will be in and around the plaza at Mayfair.


This is something really exciting for the Grove. It will bring a lot of life to the area and on top of that, it's a new attraction once a month. If all goes well, it may end up happening twice a month. Also, plans are to have it as a full year attraction -- every month, not just winter and spring.

Come out and browse for something you didn't know you just had to have. There is everything from fine art to all sorts of antiques and collectibles, lots of tchotchkes, too.

It's an event and not to be missed. Tony and his crew have put a lot of time and effort into this. Let's all show them that we appreciate them choosing the Grove for this popular and exciting Antique Market. Many vendors from the old Coconut Grove Cares shows at the Grove Expo Center will be back showing their wares.

Come out for a night of Tropical Wonders

Tropical Wonders, an art exhibit of recent works by artist Deborah Rubin is opening at Coconut Grove Gallery and Interiors (2884 Bird Avenue) and artist Lisa Remeny is being introduced.

Deborah is one of the foremost floral watercolor artists in the country. Above is one of her works called Palms, Water and Sky. Lisa uses the tropics as a source of inspiration for her work. Her medium is oil and watercolor.

The opening is this Friday, January 16 from 5:30 to 8:00 pm. The exhibit runs through February 16, 2009. There is free parking on site.

To RSVP, please contact Sheila Kuhl at designers designers@coconutgrovegallery.com or 305.445.7401.

Keep an eye on the merchandise

The Sunglass Hut on Grand Avenue was robbed. The thieves got in from behind (the old Starbucks) and took lots of expensive glasses.

Another concern are groups of kids roaming the streets at dusk. They are entering stores, wreaking havoc and leaving. When asked to leave, they really get angry.

Some have fake forms and say they are collecting money for their school or sports team but it is not legit.

Mayor's Cup fishing tournament at Monty's

The Mayor's Cup, the most prestigious fishing tournament in South Florida is January 22 to 25 this year. As usual, Monty's in the Grove is the venue. To sign up and more info, please go here. You may also call 305-461-2700 for info.

Shakespeare in Peacock Park -- January 15-18

27th Avenue entrance into the Grove was discussed

The Grove entrance at 27th Avenue on US1 was discussed at last week's Merchant's Meeting.

Many feel it needs to be cleaned up and signs need to introduce the Grove to people passing by or entering. Dave Collins of the BID said that one blue sign is planned to go near Crook and Crook. It will say "Welcome to the Village of Coconut Grove," but it will be one of those ugly metal county signs. Others want a real entrance sign.

The Shell gas station use to have nice palm trees on their corner, it was part of their agreement when the station was opened. They were to maintain a nice entrance area with the trees and plants. There was a sign there, too, that was donated by a local artist, but that disappeared around Hurricane Wilma as part of trash pick ups.

Haydee from the NET office will look into this issue with a few others and they'll see if a little class can be added to the area, introducing our Village in a clean and proper way.

Great Taste winners announced

The Great Taste of the Grove announced the "Best of the Taste" awards yesterday.

For Saturday's "Taste," Cita's Italian Chophouse (above left) came in first for a sensational Scallop wrapped in Bacon and a fabulous Lasagna Tradicionale. Ironcially, that is the first thing we ordered on Saturday, after getting a Presidente beer, we went to Cita's booth and ordered those two items. So lesson be learned -- next year if you see us enter the booth, call us over to purchase your food first!

The "Great Style" award went to Bizcaya at Ritz Carlton (above right) for an outstanding culinary presentation.

For Sunday's "Taste," Panorama at the Sonesta, won first prize for their "triple crown menu" of Chupe de Camarones, Tuna Nikkei and Butifarra. The "Great Style" award sent to Monty's Raw Bar for their outstanding booth design. It was a boat hull with a whole prep kitchen built inside. It looked great and was totally self-contained and functional.

Official judges for this year's event were Linda Gassenheimer, culinary media personality; Katherine Phillips, Coconut Grove Arts Festival; and Chef Paul LeBlanc.

New masthead, quiet among the madness

The new masthead above was shot by AnnaMaria Windisch-Hunt.

That cement pole got in the way, but a few clicks here and there with Photoshop manged to solve the problem.

I thought the photo explained the Grove -- be and let be. Right in the midst of it all, these two found a moment of peace and nobody bothered them. Not even AnnaMaria with her stealth photography.

Teen boy almost abducted at La Salle High School

There was an attempted abduction at La Salle High School (3601 S. Miami Ave.) last Friday.

A 16-year-old boy was waiting for his father to pick him up after a late game. He was sitting on the steps at the gym alone. A car pulled up and insisted that he get in. The teen had a brief verbal exchange with the stranger, and after realizing something was not right, the teen ran into a dark side of the football field.

The stranger in the car went searching for him in the car. The teen was spotted again but ran again and hid in some bushes until his father finally arrived. The boy told his father what happened and the father called the police, but the strange car had disappeared by then.

Day and night, the crowds enjoyed it all

I didn't plan it, but I ended up getting the same vantage point day and night at the Great Taste of the Grove this past weekend.

Tell the tourists The Grove exists and is open for biz

As you travel the Florida Turnpike and make stops at rest stops along the way, there are all sorts of brochures for local towns like Hollywood, South Beach, Ft. Lauderdale, but Coconut Grove is missing.

This is going to be remedied. The Merchant's Association along with the BID is planning a nice eye-catching brochure. Maybe they can be distributed at tourist locations, too like South Beach and Ft. Lauderdale. I think tourists need to be reminded of The Grove and would appreciate this.

She's good at keeping a secret

Jacqueline Roch, this year's Coconut Grove Arts Festival poster artist, stopped into the Windisch-Hunt Gallery the day before the unveiling of her poster to buy some King Mango Strut t-shirts. AnnaMaria asked her if she would be at the poster unveiling party the next night. Jacqueline just giggled, because she was supposed to keep it a secret. But of course the secret came out the next night, when her beautiful poster was unveiled.

It's a big food festival with a small town feel

The Great Taste of the Grove had another successful run this past weekend. It brought out the crowds, thanks in part to the fantastic weather and big full moon, but mostly for the food. But it's more than that. The Taste of the Grove is many things. The huge tents are reminscent of a big wine and food festival, and yet, picnics are spread throughout the park under big shady trees, which give it a small town feel.


Friends enjoyed being with friends. It was so comfortable and easy to get some food, some drinks and just plop down on the grass and enjoy. The music played non-stop. It was an event.


All the locals were out, mixing and mingling with so many visitors to our village.


The music was first class. Above you can see Joe Donato and crew playing as one of the last acts last night. I was standing on the side of the stage to take this photo and Joe came over, I thought he was through playing, I said, "Hi Joe," and he looked at me thinking who the hell is this? He was still in the middle of the show -- I didn't realize he was just changing instruments. But he realized it was me, and said "Hi Tom," grabbed his flute and went on without missing a beat.


I was at the information booth with Dave Collins and Sue McConnell. Earlier I was with Antoinette Baldwin at the ticket booth, later we separated and she went to the rum booth and I to the info booth, I felt like I got the bad part of the deal, not because of Dave and Sue, but because I thought there would be more activity at the rum booth, but after seeing how frenetic it was getting at the rum booth, I realized I got the better end of the deal. You can see Antoinette with Robert Parente doling out the drinks above.

One person complained about getting vodka instead of rum, but I told him it was a rum booth with only rum, how could he get vodka?

Loose Cannons on the Run this Wednesday

The Loose Cannons on the Run Bike Race this Wednesday, January 14 starts at Revolution Bicycle Services (3444 Main Highway) and ends at PS14 (28 NE 14th Street). This is a weekly bike race which starts at a different location and usually ends at PS14.

The race starts at 10 pm. The distance is about six miles. For more info, stop in Revolution and ask Danny what it's all about.

All they wanted was a simple bagel with a schmeer

A couple of tourists stopped me yesterday and asked if there was a nice bagel place or deli that they could go to for breakfast.

I suggested the dirty deli Coral Bagels but they wanted something within walking distance of their hotel in the Center Grove. They couldn't believe we didn't have something like that in the center of town. There's a need to be filled.

New barbecue restaurant coming to the Grove

Nieva was manning the Southern Experience booth at the Great Taste of the Grove.

Southern Experience is a new business opening in the next few months at 3645 Grand Avenue.

They'll be serving barbecue ribs and wings, chicken, piled pork sandwiches, sweet potato pie . . . the works!

Oh yea, and corn on the cob.

Right on cue . . .

Code Enforcement moved in on the Great Taste of the Grove yesterday. They actually went from booth to booth, during the festival, to check for licenses and permits. They had already done that the first thing in the morning, storming into the Chamber office looking for the same licenses and permits. They were quite rude to the staff, I am told. I guess they feel that everyone is breaking the law. You're presumed guilty with them always.

I saw them do the same thing at the Goombay Festival in June. They went from booth to booth, midday, while all the activity was taking place, checking for permits. No class.

It would be nice if they actually went in with smiles on their faces with the attitude and hopes of not finding any violations (which they didn't), rather than going in like gangbusters trying to make everyone's day miserable.

King Mango Strut "Wrap Party" on Tuesday

The Mangoheads are having a "Wrap Meeting" to discuss the King Mango Strut, What was done right? What was done wrong?

The meeting and happy hour is at Sammy C's on January 13 and starts at 6:30 or so. There is also a "Wrap Party" coming soon. That's where the film of the Strut is usually shown.

More Great Taste and jazz today

The Great Taste of the Grove food and jazz festival continues today from 11 am to 7 pm.

Come out, enjoy!

The food vendors are listed here.
The music line up is here.

Moon over Coconut Grove

Have you been out tonight? Have you looked up? Tonight the Full Moon will appear much larger and brighter because it is much closer to the Earth. It will be the biggest and brightest Moon of 2009.

Photo by AnnaMaria Windisch-Hunt

It was a perfect day for tasting the Grove with friends

The beautiful weather brought all the beautiful people out to the Great Taste of the Grove and Jazz Festival today. As you can see, it was packed.

This year they had large tents set up and people enjoyed being in the shade while they sampled all the great food the Grove has to offer.


The staff from Cita's Italian Chophouse (left) had everything Italian from meatballs to lasagna and they even had large delicious scallops wrapped in bacon. One of my favorites. To the right are Chris, in brown and Bryan in black from the Sonesta, flanking Daniel from Focaccia.


There was lots of music, some of the best came from the Arts and Minds School, from right here in the Grove. That's Jan and Eddie, up on the stage. Lucila, Andres and Esther (center) were manning the Sweet Art by Lucila booth, which had delicous desserts. Later on we saw people walking in the Center Grove with trays of them, bringing them back to various stores and things to share.


There was all sorts of food, for every taste. From Atchana's spicy tuna on wontons, to ribs, chicken, pork, basically everthing. And all high quality food. We did overhear one group who said they wanted "real food" and they were heading to the Cheesecake Factory. I guess they didn't get that it was "a taste" of the Grove and full meals were not served.


The closest thing to a meal was at Monty's, who served up stone crabs for $3.00 per claw with other fixin's. That's Jaya serving up some.

The Great Taste of the Grove is over at 7 tonight and starts up again tomorrow at 11 am. The weather should be the same as today and if you're into good food, good music and good friends, it's the place to spend the day.

The food vendors are listed here. The music line up is here.

The art subjects were quite impressed at breakfast

A lot of friends showed up for this morning's Breakfast with the Artists series at Focaccia.

Most who showed up were actually subjects of the paintings being displayed; as you know they were Christmas presents from AnnaMaria.

At left, Jerry, Audrey and Karen, pose in front of their images.

I cut some of the art here to fit, but to see the real thing, you have until Wednesday, it's at Focaccia (3111 Grand Ave). Then the art will be changed out for the next exhibition.

Gifford Lane Art Stroll is looking for artists

The Gifford Lane Art Stroll is Sunday, March 15.

This is one of the all time favorites of Grovites. It's the way the Grove "used to be." It's a day of art, free food, drinks, music and friends all out under the tree canopy up and down little 'ol Gifford Lane. Dave Collins serves up his famous cucumber punch and all is right with the world.

Last year over 70 artists exhibited at the Stroll. This year, the band performing is Outta D Blues. The event is free to everyone, but there is a fee for artists and vendors. It's $35.00 this year, up from $25.00, but all entries received before February 6 will be held at the old rate of $25.00.

Participating artists are asked to donate 10% of their sales to the designated charities. The absolute deadline for entering the show is February 28. Trina and Bill have asked that you mail in the forms and not leave them in their mailboxes. I have the form here if you would like a copy. Just email me.

For more info, please call Trina Collins at 305-445-9698.

A few things going on this weekend

Breakfast with the Artist - today, 9 am - Focaccia

Great Taste of the Grove - Peacock Park 11 am to 7 pm (today and tomorrow)

Barnacle Under Moonlight - tomorrow

Windisch-Hunt Gallery's new exhibit (ongoing)

Heart of the Grove's new exhibit (ongoing)

Come out and Taste the Grove this weekend

The Great Taste of the Grove and Jazz Festival starts tomorrow, the tents and stages were going up all day today.

Here are Chefs Mike and Juan, with Jihane from the Ritz Carlton's Bizcaya restaurant at last year's event. Biscaya won "Best Single Taste" for their kobe and also for "Best Looking Booth," last year.

Will they repeat this over the weekend? Will they have their delicious kobe beef again? Come out and find out.

Enjoy the music and food and beautiful weather we've been having.


The Great Taste of the Grove is Saturday and Sunday in Peacock Park from 11 am to 7 pm both days. Ticket prices go from $1.00 to $8.00. There is wine, beer and liquor, too. Admission is free for everyone.

Here are the players:
Monty's Raw Bar (Shellfish)
Southern Experience (Southern/BBQ)
Al Fresco Ristorante (Italian)
Sandbar Sports Grill (Tacos)
Chilis-CocoWalk (Southwestern)
Los Ranchos - CocoWalk (Nicaraguan)
Smoothie King (Smoothies)
Atchana's East/West Kitchen (Pan Asian)
Citas Italian Chophouse (Italian)
Charthouse (Seafood)
Plus many drink and liquor and beer booths

SATURDAY ONLY
Bizcaya at Ritz Carlton (Fusion)
Angelo & Maxie's at Mayfair Hotel (American)

SUNDAY ONLY
Panorama at Sonesta Bayfront Hotel (Peruvian)
Mr. Moe's (American)
Jaguar Ceviche Spoon (Pan Latin)
Sweet Art by Lucila (Dessert)
Nespresso (Coffee Bar)

The music line-up is here.

We need our Martini drinkers back among other things

It's been said that the Grove cannot support itself. It needs people coming in from outside to spend money. The BID will be taking a look at what the mix should be of stores, restaurants and other businesses. A committee of 30 to 50 members will be in charge of conducting a "void study" where they will review what is missing and what is needed in the Grove.

Does Coconut Grove have the offerings that people spending money want? "We lost our martini drinkers," Dave Collins, head of the BID says. "We need to get them back."

He said there's been enough talk, now resources and intelligence will be applied toward the solution. Yesterday's Merchant's meeting was a start.

Let's make The Grove a destination!

The "Recession Decompression" Happy Hour is being planned which would include all Grove bars and restaurants. It's sort of a pub crawl on a weekly basis.

Daisy Lewis was put in charge of coordinating this with the Grove establishments. Free parking is being talked about and of course drink and food specials on a regular basis.

The taxis may be on their way out

There has been talk about moving the taxis off of Virginia Street. Haydee from the NET office met with some of the drivers the other day.

Right now, they don't seem to be parking in the metered spaces, I think that day I was out there did the trick. They think I am a nut, but my talk with the police and the cabbies worked. They got the message.

Now the two spots in front of the Mayfair Hotel may make way for outdoor seating, perhaps for Angelo and Maxie's Steak House, once the cabs vacate.

What's up with the lights around here?

Do you see anything strange here? I mean beside the fact that the Christmas decorations are still up at this late date. I mean the various light fixtures that are around the Grove.

As you pass from street to street, each street has a different lighting fixture. Supposedly they are all going to conform, I think, to the ugly one in the center above, which is front of the post office. It fits the post office ambiance, or lack of it, but the main issue is that the old fashioned gas light style will be disappearing from the Grove.

The current ones are about 30 years old and it's hard to find replacements, so the county, who is in charge now, is changing the style. Grand Avenue and Main Highway are county owned roads.

Grove leaders do not want the responsibility of maintaining the fixtures if the county is willing to take it. They will service the lights, repair them and maintain them. But the charm is going.

New fixtures were installed on Fuller Street and Commodore Plaza, but they are wrong for some reason and they will be changed. I think one reason is that they are too high and if you see the ones on Mary Street and McFarlane, they are way up in the sky and need to be lowered. They did add power to each tree base, so trees may be lit up, but who cares? We want to keep the gas light style.

It's on the logo of various Grove organizations and it's just part of the area. But currently, nothing matches anyway. In the photos below you can see the two styles: the ones on the left have the same sort of crown look but the base is different and in the photos above, the fixtures may be the same, but the lamps or bulb areas are different.

A few people brought up the fact that there are areas in the state that have the gaslight style that are new, but have the old look and we should get those. We'll see what happens.

One thing is for sure: Planters will hang from the fixtures on either side, like you see in many cities. That always adds some color and charm.

BID "self nomination" forms were distributed

BID (Business Improvement District) forms were distributed which were "Self-Nomination Forms" for people to nominate themselves for the BID's new Board of Directors. Also, there are positions open for various committees.

The BID's main board will meet four times year, the committees will meet monthly and report to the board. The committees will sort of call the shots for day-to-day issues.

Many are clamoring to be on the board and committees, people finally want to take their destiny into their own hands. They want to take The Grove back and this is the first way.

Results will be announced at 7 pm on Thursday, February 5. If you did not receive a form, please stop by the BID office (3390 Mary Street, suite 130) to pick one up. They are due in by Thursday, January 15, 2009.

A few businesses that didn't make it this season

As many of you know, there have been quite a few business closings in the Grove recently.

Unfortunately, John had to close Christabelle's Quarter. He of course still has popular Mr. Moe's (winner of "Best Overall" at last year's Taste of the Grove). I did complain about Christabelle's many times and he knows it, I've told him to his face, but I would never want to see a business close for any reason. I didn't like the lady at the door, I like John and liked Christabelle's.

Pisco's is gone as well as Paco's Way. The writing was on the wall there from day one, they could never draw a crowd. Around the block, I noticed the karate studio we featured has vacated. They moved to Key Biscayne.

The Speak Easy, one of the most original places, above Boardwalk Pizza was also closed. Their issue was lack of liquor license. The second floor was not licensed for that. The first floor is, but someone told me the place was "a fire trap," and they were closed because the place was unsafe.

It's a shame to see these places go. I am told a few other local restaurants are having problems. I know many of you say that they don't cater to you or ask for your business or show you that they want you, but trust me, they want you.

We need to frequent our own local restaurants, talk them up, show visitors what it's all about and work as a community to help businesses survive. If you don't like a place, don't go. If you do like a place go one more day a week or month.

Those Oklahoma Sooners, were looking for Denny's, I tried to steered them to local places telling them the cost was about the same and the food was better. In the end they went to Chili's, but they stayed in the Grove. I could have told them to go to Coral Gables for Denny's. I didn't.

Start making your beds -- with glue guns and wood

The Bed Race is coming back -- Memorial Day weekend (the end of May).

It's in the works, details to come, but finally, the popular Coconut Grove Bed Race is a go.

I think they complain just for the sake of complaining

There's a new building going up next to Senior Frogs. It's going up slowly, and methodically.

The owner has no plans for it yet, he honestly does not know what will go in there or who may want to rent it.

But already, there have been complaints about noise, from the usual suspects -- the neighbors who live in the area. Not construction noise. Noise that might be in the future!

They don't even know what it is and they are lodging their complaints.

It think it is high time that these misfits move out of the Grove to maybe the Everglades or maybe to an old age home where they can be miserable in peace.

I know a nice realtor named Riley; the market is ripe for good deals, perhaps these complainers should call Riley up and make an offer on a sound proof bomb shelter or bunker, you know, some place way underground, far away from humanity -- just the way they like it.

They don't like Eggs Benedict or Eggs Florentine

I was talking to someone about the big game tonight. We were talking about 150,000 people being in town for the game, but where were they? Probably all in South Beach, none were in the Grove.

Just then three Sooner fans walked up (right). They were lost and wanted to know where the Denny's or IHOP was.

We sent them to Chilis. Guess they don't appreciate the one-of-a-kind village atmosphere we have here in the Grove. The balked at Focaccia, Jaguar and Greenstreet.

The Merchants met this morning to plan the new year

"Stop, dine, unwind." A new billboard slogan? It could be, that was the theme of this morning's Merchant's Meeting, held at the NET office.

Daisy Lewis, Steve Licata and Felice Dubin (shown above) conducted the first real meeting in a long time. About 20 to 25 merchants showed up. Not bad, but 250 notices went out, so only 10% showed up. Others like Dave Collins from the BID and Haydee Wheeler, from the NET office were also present, as well as Ron Nelson, Comm. Sarnoff's Chief of Staff and other local leaders. Maybe 40 to 50 people were there in total.

The goal now for the merchants is to increase traffic and commerce in the Grove through art, shops, dining and their theme of "tree-lined tropical streets" and pushing the fact that we are the only Village in the area that is also a sailing community. That uniqueness should be a main theme.

There is a new concept of Block Captains. Those at the meeting were appointed the Block Captain of their block or side of the street and their job is to inform and disseminate information, for instance, Jeffrey Catanach from the UPS store is in charge of that small block from the dry cleaners to Focaccia, Subway, The Last Carrot, etc.

H. from H&H Jewels is in charge of that area around Main Highway. John El-Masry of Mr. Moe's was named Block Captain for his side of Commodore Plaza and Sylvano Bignon of Greenstreet was named Block Captain for his side, and so on.

I think the Grapevine is the only real block captain they need. Just have all employees and residents read us daily and they don't have to go walking door to door to give the daily news. I mean, after all, the town crier died out years ago.

Sylvano felt there should be one vision and that right now there are too many committees and groups.

Felice's main focus was to bring events to the Grove. Business goes up dramatically when there are events which draw people. More art and music on the streets is planned as well as new events planned throughout the year.

A village-wide Happy Hour should start soon under the direction of Daisy. It will be called "Recession Decompression."

The Bed Race is back -- Memorial Day Weekend. The Banyan Festival was set for March, but more time is needed, so it may be later in the year or early next year.

Here is the Taste of the Grove music line up

The Taste of the Grove is Saturday and Sunday from 11 am to 7 pm in Peacock Park. Along with the delicious food is great music. Here is the tentative music line up:

SATURDAY - January 10
12:00 - House Music Classic Jazz
1:15 - Arts & Minds - Jazz Fusion
2:20 - Joe Donato - Latin Jazz
3:45 - Arte Vivo - Jazz Fusion
5:15 - Pocket Change - R&B, Funk, Disco
6:25 - House Music - R&B Wind up

SUNDAY - January 11
1:00 - 1:15: House Music - Classic Jazz
1:15 - 2:00 Arts & Minds - Jazz Fusion
2:00 - 2:20 House Music - Jazz Variations
2:20 - 3:30 Arte Vivo - Jazz Fusion
3:30 - 3:45 House Music - R&B, Funk
3:45 - 4:55 Pocket Change - R&B, Funk, Disco
4:55 - 5:15 House Music - Jazz Variations
5:15 - 6:25 Joe Donato - Jazz Classics
5:25 - 7:00 House Music - R&B Wind-up

Two in one advertising on the billboard

Jaguar took the billboard on US1 and 27 Avenue again this year to promote themselves and the Coconut Grove Arts Festival.

And I noticed that H&H Jewels has a little ad on the bottom, too.

I may call about getting a Grapevine ad up there. I know I hate billboards, but when in Rome . . .

Merchants meeting this morning

The Merchants meeting is this morning from 9:30 to 10:30 am at the Glass House in Peacock Park. Afterwards, there is a Police liaison meeting. All the Grove "characters/players" will be there.

Beautiful Arts Festival poster was unveiled tonight

It was elbow-to-elbow tonight at the unveiling of this year's Coconut Grove Arts Festival poster at the Sonesta Hotel in the Grove and it was worth the wait. As you can see it's an incredible image of mangos by artist Jacqueline Roch, shown here. These particular type of mangos are actually grown in Coconut Grove.

This has got to be one of the nicest posters I have seen for the Grove Festival. I wasn't too crazy about a few of the past ones. I can see these selling out real fast.


In the crowd were Robert Parente, Director of the City's Office of Film and Cultural Affairs, with Double Tree execs Wayne Haltiwanger, Director of Catering and Barbara Wendel GM and Anthony Noboa, Senior VP of Coconut Grove Bank.

Photos by AnnaMaria Windisch-Hunt

Blue Man Grove performing Friday

Blue Man Grove will be performing Friday, January 9 at Pommes and Pané Café at CocoWalk, on Virginia Street (across from the Mayfair Hotel) from 7:30 to 10:30 pm.

For a real piece of the Grove, stop by. There is never a cover.

Blue Man Grove is Izzy Buholzer on dobro and vocals; Eric Garcia on mouth organs abd vocals and Eric Wagner on dreadnaughts and vocals.