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.