Bring "the girls" back, we miss them

Eleven Leprechauns did away with the drag shows. Shame, it was the only thing that made them different. Now they are just like everybody else. Yawn.

I heard it was too expensive, that they didn't want to be known as a gay bar and that there were complaints (I don't believe that last one), but it's a shame that some of the funky that makes the Grove the Grove is now gone. I think this was a big mistake. So many people in town told me they went and enjoyed it or that they planned to go and couldn't wait.

I was told that Elaine Lancaster and Adora, the performers, had people coming to the Grove from South Beach, just to see their shows. Nothing wrong with that -- filling a club on a Friday night. I question the managment's decision on this one.

So many people asked me to take them or asked me exactly where it was. One local restaurant owner stopped his car while driving by one day to tell me he and his wife went and had a ball. Just yesterday, my friend Theresa asked about, it so we walked over and that's when I found out about the change.

Another club owner said he would consider having "the girls" perform at his place. I think that's a smart move. It's very sophisticated and yet bawdy and something unique that draws people who want to have fun and enjoy something different.

Deco Drive reschedules Anokha filming

Channel 7 had to reschedule filming a Deco Drive segment at Anokha (3324 Virginia Street) until Thursday, March 5, during happy hour.

If you would like to be part of the activity, it starts at 5:30 pm.

Please RSVP at darine@anokhamiami.com or call 786-552-1030.

There will be dinner and drink specials.

The Weathered Edge painting

This painting of The Weathered Edge, was done by Fred Hunt. He painted four of them over the years while the house was on Allamanda.

Alex Rodrigues (A-Rod), owns one of the paintings.

My friend Dave asked if it was B.S. about A-Rod.

I told him no, that AnnaMaria told me and she doesn't make up stories.

He said, "No, I mean B.S. -- before steroids, did he get the painting before or after taking steroids?"

It's Flipper and the Godfather all over again

I hate get off subject, and not report on Grove events, but this is an important City of Miami issue.

Old Grover created the graphic at left and Harry Emilio Gottlieb created the graphic at right. The Michelle-Spence Jones graphic refers to the Herald story, where she is asking for her fair share of the Marlins money. And Jeffrey Loria, the rich owner of the Marlins, is said to want to flip the stadium once taxpayers give him the money, so he can double his money.

It's a great way to make money in these hard economic times -- screw the taxpayers. At least he is not foolish enough to ask Obama for a stimulus package, Obama would laugh in his face, something that the local politicians may be too greedy themselves to do.

If this vote passes in favor of Loria and the Marlins, I see a big political cleaning up in the City and County. I think voters would dump every single person who is in office now when elections roll around. That could be a good thing.

Mangoheads celebrate the end of Strut season

The Mangoheads partied it up last night at Sammy C's. Just before they arrived, the Miami Ski Club was doing their thing. Guess everyone wants to get one last weekend in before Sammy C's closes and transforms into Calamari's.

Even Clucky the Rooster was there, this year's mascot. Bob Brenner, who filmed the whole parade, said that the movie is still being edited, so there was no movie to show, people had been hoping to see the parade again and buy DVD's.


The music was loud and the place was crowded. These people are actually dancing. It was funny to see the one band pick up and leave from the Ski Club event and then right on cue, the new band arrived and set up for the Strut event.

I was with Theresa and Audrey and then Sue McConnell and I took a little walk down to the new asian tapas restaurant, Koi, where we signed them up for Code 33. Koi and Havana Grove are both now part of Code 33.

Alex, the owner, wanted me to be sure to say that they are not affiliated with the other Koi restaurants in New York or L.A. They are their own self, and they deliberatly chose the Grove over South Beach because of our small town atmosphere.

New gallery opening this weekend at CocoWalk

The new gallery at CocoWalk called Top of the Walk International Gallery, is having it's grand opening tonight, February 28 from 7 to 11 pm.

The gallery will feature artistic clothing and accessories. CocoWalk is calling their "hippest gallery." There will be live music, complimentary appetizers/cocktails. It's on the second level. For info, please call 205-726-1466.

This event is open to the public and free.

Perfect way to start the weekend

Arts and Minds School students Lauren, Ian, Diana (standing) and Dewey chillin' after school on Commodore Plaza yesterday afternoon.

The Marlins want to flip the stadium using our money

The graphic above by Harry Emilio Gottlieb, titled, "Marlins baseball stadium deal also requires a 'sanity clause,' " says it best.

You read it here first, that one problem with the new Marlin's stadium is that there were rumors that the owners plan to flip the stadium once they get the booty from the taxpayers. I was actually told this by someone deep inside negotiations.

Today's Herald talks about a "death clause," where if owner Jeffrey Loria dies, the heir does not owe taxpayers anything.

The stadium deal is a scam to fill the pockets of a select few. The public gets NOTHING out of it. Just say no.

I am keeping an eye on Commissioner Joe Sanchez who wants to be mayor. I am interested in his vote on this and the Grove Harbour Marina office building deal.

It's Calamari's Italian Seafood

The new place taking over Sammy C's old spot is called Calamari's Italian Seafood, not Carpacio Grove, as we stated here.

I'm not so sure if I like the name Calamari's. I love calamari, but many people don't and that may put a damper on it psychologically for those who don't like calamari.

But let's see, we hope they are here to stay.

I do wish I had the banner and sign business for that location, though. In this terrible economy, they seem to be doing pretty well with all the business they get from there making grand opening and closing signs.

I'll be there tonight for the King Mango Strut party while it's still Sammy C's.

To blast your ad like this or to run any ads, all ad info and rates are here.

Charles Avenue should be revered, not abandoned

Charles Avenue, one of the oldest streets in the Grove, is where many of the original Bahamians settled in the 1800s. This street and the area surrounding it could easily be turned into a tourist destination, yet it is neglected. It is easily accessable especially from Main Highway.

This particular house on Charles, near Main Highway, was supposed to have been restored by one group or other. They were given at least $500,000 by the city, yet it just sits here boarded up. Why? Where did the money go? Apparently they spent it on white paint and nothing else. That is some expensive paint.

The whole block in that area was to be restorted and talks went on about this. A local Grove historical association had planned to make this a nice area for tourists. Picture Magazine Street in New Orleans, or even Key West and all their old historical spaces made into shops, restaurants and galleries.

What happened was that all of the old original shotgun houses which line the street, which could have been turned into funky galleries and shops, were bought up and flipped for big bucks when the real estate market was high. Someone got wind of the plan, moved in and made a killing.

Now the houses are either abandoned or being lived in by people who obviously overpaid. Many may be foreclosed. I think it would be intersting for someone to look up the property records at miamidade.gov and report back as to who owns most of Charles Avenue now and who flipped all these historical places for a fast buck.

Across the street from this house is land, believed to be owned by the Coconut Grove Arts and Historical Association, it is behind the playhouse and sits empty and abandoned. Most likely that is part of the new playhouse plan now, so the land will not go to waste.

Perhaps after the playhouse is done, the block behind it could be turned into something nice and touristy and historical. Coconut Grove is one of the first settlements in all of South Florida. Why don't we appreciate that?

The book, African Americans in Florida has some interesting mentions of Charles Avenue.

Learn to make spectacular Swarovski crystal jewelry

Atena Komar is holding an advanced beading workshop where you will learn to make spectacular crystal jewelry with Swarsovski crystal.

The workshop runs from March 3 through 24, it's $170.00, plus the cost of materials: $155.00, which is needed for the four classes in the workshop.

The workshop is at Blu Moon Studio of Art (3444 Main Highway). The registration form is here.

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

Dr. Marmesh keeps crowd laughing at book signing

Dr. Michael Marmesh with daughter Dr. Kate Marmesh also a vet, and wife Nancy, a teacher at Coconut Grove Elementary School, were at The Bookstore last night for his book signing, which turned into a nice little wine and cheese event, too.

Dr. Marmesch wrote "Top of the Heap."

It seems that the whole Grove turned out for this event. We're really turning into a nice literary and arts community again.

The book is very funny and so is Dr. Marmesh, he had people laughing as they left The Bookstore and they were still laughing a block away.

The book is about a land developer who wants to build atop Mount Trashmore, hence the name "Top of the Heap."

Photo by AnnaMaria Windisch-Hunt

If it ain't broke, don't fix it -- bring the Taurus back

The revolving door continues at 3540 Main Highway. That's Sammy C's location.

Sammy C's will be closing Sunday. A new Italian seafood place will be taking over in a few weeks.

Sammy C returned to New Jersey a few months ago and now they have a new partnership with the restaurant group that owns Carpaccio in Bal Harbour and Villagio at Merrick Park. Most of the staff, headed by Myriam Aguilera, are staying.

Carpaccio Grove is in the running for the new name.

But keep in mind the Mangoheads are still having their party there tomorrow at Sammy C's which is still there until Sunday.

The Taurus was in that location for years, perhaps they can bring back that managment who knew how to keep the business running for more than just a few months. But seriously, Carpaccio Grove sounds great. To get an idea of "their vision" check out: http://villagiomerrickpark.com/

Residents are concerned about proposed high voltage lines

The subject of FPL's proposed high voltage power lines came up at a Merchant's Meeting and then again at a Village Council meeting. I didn't quite understand it then, but Eye on Miami has a great explanation today.

FPL wants to have "100-foot towers carrying 230-KV high-voltage power lines north from Turkey Point to Miami and beyond is right up South Dixie Highway right alongside the Metrorail." There is a meeting in South Miami on March 2.

You can get Eye on Miami's perspective and explanation here.

Mangoheads reuniting for the Wrap Party

The King Mango Strut Wrap Party is tomorrow, February 27 at Sammy C's (3540 Main Highway). You can do the Mangobama one more time.

Come dressed as you were -- hope Antoinette will be Sarah Palin again!

The gang will be there at 7 pm, the band starts playing at 8 pm. Hector Milia and his band will be playing.

Sammy C's is offering Mangoheads 10% off on food. Happy hour drink prices are in effect until 8 pm (that's half price).

Platano to perform at CocoWalk

National recording artist Platano will be signing CDs and performing at CocoWalk, Saturday, February 28 from 8 to 9 pm.

CD's will be signed at FYE on the second level and the peformance, with dancers and full band will be on the Center Stage below.

This is free to the public.

Museum of Science holds Happy Hour with Substance

As if there wasn't enough going on Happy Hour-wise with all the specials and the Chamber thing and all. Now the Museum of Science (3280 S. Miami Av) is having Happy Hour with Substance tonight.

The doors open at 6 pm. Cost is $20.00, cash only, which seems to be the case with a lot of places lately. The fee covers drinks and hors d'oeuvres. Yup -- open bar and nibblie things.

Mixology is the theme, so there should be some pretty amazing drinks coming from behind the bar.Music by Miami's own Historic Dance Floor.

At least The Barnacle is taken seriously

Someone mentioned in a comment in a previous post about Charles Avenue. Ironically, I took a little tour of the area by the cemetery last weekend. This could be a great tourist spot. It is actually the birthplace of Coconut Grove.

Right next to the cemetery on Charles is The Weathered Edge, a small cottage that is at this point totally dilapidated. At one time it was an artist's house at 3036 Allamanda, off of Shipping. About 10 years ago, it was moved to this location next to the cemetery in Village West at Douglas and Charles. It has been sitting and rotting since.

What has has become of the cottage is a shame -- real Grove history rotting away. It could have been cleaned up and made into some sort of museum or just a house to be toured, showing the "old Grove."

Some paint and flowers could have done the trick.

Below is a painting of how the house looked originally on Allamanda.

The Grove has a very important distinction in the Miami area -- we are historical, we are one of the first settlements in the county along with Lemon City and Perrine/Cutler. Why don't we capitalize on this for tourist dollars and just for history's sake?

Part two tomorrow -- the run down shotgun houses up and down Charles Avenue. What happened to the renovation plans?

If it's Thursday, it must be happy hour night in Grove

Panorama Restaurant at the Sonesta is having a Second Wind Happy Hour every Thursday night.

Enjoy your favorite cocktails, music and complimentary nibblie things. Panorama has spectacular views of the bay and Coconut Grove from their 8th floor, perched right above McFarlane Road.

The cocktails and amazing sunsets start at 5:30 and run until 7:30.

And don't forget that Angelo and Maxie's at the Mayfair Hotel has their weekly Thursday night Beer Tasting from 7 to 9:30 pm.

For $20.00, enjoy unlimited tasting of a variety of high quality microbrew beers and a unlimited buffalo wings. Also you'll receive a discount coupon to dine at Angelo and Maxie's Steakhouse. This week's theme is "Beers of the South."

And don't forget Berrie's MMM happy hour. There is also Greenstreet's usual happy hour and Jaguar's Thursty Thursdays. And Sandbar and Barracuda and Mr. Moe's

Do I hear bar crawl? By the way, what ever happened with the food crawl? Any takers?

Grove Scuba is holding an Open House tonight

Grove Scuba (3310 A Mary Street) is having an Open House tonight, Thursday, February 26, from 6 pm to 9 pm. It's a little wine and cheese party where Bill will show the underwater video shoot from their recent Bahamas trip. Everyone is welcome, whether you scuba or not. For info, pleaes call 305-443-1313.

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I got the little macros above from them. :)

Chamber mixer is off

The Chamber mixer at Cita's has been cancelled.

Get your camera ready; Snap it in the Grove wants you

Snap it in the Grove is a photography event happening March 21, all over the streets of Coconut Grove.

It's open to professional and amateur professional photographers of all ages. Those who participate will be provided with four mystery topics. Photographers will then take to the streets of the Grove to snap four photo representing each of the four mystery topics (a total of 16 photos).

There will be four hours to get the photos, so it's four photos in four hours. The contest runs from 10 am to 2 pm. Registration begins at 9 am. There is a $50.00 registration fee for adults and $25.00 for children. The application may be downloaded here.

After all the photos have been downloaded at the Arts Festival office, judges will select one photograph per topic, leaving each contestant with four photos out of the 16.

The judges will then choose winners in each category.

Best Overall Photograph winner in the adult and child categories will receive a cash prize of $250.00. All winners of the "Best Photograph" award for each topic and the "Best Overall Photograph" will have their photos framed, compliments of Frameworks and they will be displayed in the Arts Festival's gallery at Mayfair.

For more info, please visit: www.coconutgroveartsfestival.org or call 305-447-0401.

Village Council Member Michelle Niemeyer responds to a reader's anonymous comment

Village Council Member Michelle Niemeyer (left) was a bit upset over this comment left by an anonymous person on the Grove Harbour Marina story. She called me today to ask my opinion. I told her to give me her response so I can post it here.

I can't blame Michelle for being upset. Too many people like to libel people anonymously and I think from now on, I am going to stop these anonymous comments from being published. While we all believe in the freedom of press, I do think that if you want to slander or libel someone, you should have the guts to sign your name to your vitriol.

If you have facts and have a name to sign to your facts, please do, we want to hear it. If you have nasty things to say anonymously, hit the "delete" button before you actually hit the "send" button.

Here is the anonymous comment in question:

"Village Council members Michelle Neimeyer and Lottie Person were in favor of the plan, for various reasons of their own. Interesting, isn't she the biggest supporter of Sanchez? We have to stop Grove Harbor, Remember what we did with Mercy so lets be vigilant."

Here is Michelle's response:

It is not possible for something to secretly go before the Commission. The Commission agendas are posted on the City's website here. and should be there ten days before each meeting. Same for the advisory boards, although they are not always as good about getting the agendas up on time. Ron in Marc Sarnoff's office can help get these things, too. Once you've downloaded the agenda, you can also click on attachments, often plans, reports from the planning department, etc.

Yes, I absolutely support Joe Sanchez and strongly believe he is the best candidate to be our next Mayor. We will be having a number of "meet and greet" events in the Grove and I hope you, Anonymous, will come to one of them and meet him, let him know about your concerns and what you want to see for our City, and then make up your own mind.

I did support the Grove Harbour building, but have not done so before the Commission since the Village Council voted against it. In my capacity as Village Council Chairwoman I presented the Council's position on the project, not my own.

My reasons for supporting it have been explained ad nausaeum in this blog. I believe having a large, shady place with tables and seating and landscaping, paid for and maintained by Grove Harbour, along the baywalk enhances the whole concept of the public realm. If the new building is not built the old one can stay, with its 22 foot setback that's grandfathered in as it is.

The improvements to the public realm Grove Harbour agreed to make are consistent with what I and many of our neighbors fought for in providing input to and supporting the passage of the waterfront master plan. Sometimes it is possible to reach a compromise that benefits both parties, and Grove Harbour agreed to such a compromise. I do not have a personal, business or financial relationship with Grove Harbour in any way.

To the extent your gutless anonymous post implies that, I ask that you stop defaming me with these insinuations. I give a great deal of my time to this community, at a significant cost due to time away from my real work, with no compensation of any kind. You, Anonymous, do not even have the character to sign your name.

Michelle Niemeyer
Cocoanut Grove Village Council

Deco Drive will be filming a segment at Anokha

Channel 7 will be filming a Deco Drive segment at Anokha (3324 Virginia Street) this Friday, February 27, during happy hour. If you would like to be part of the fun, it starts at 5:30 pm.There will be dinner and drink specials and maybe you'll end up on tv.

Please RSVP at darine@anokhamiami.com or call 786-552-1030.

RSVP online before Friday and receive $50 Gift Certificate good towards food only to be used on the day of event.

Tourists and visiting guests, you're on your own

There is this "Information Center" sign at Mayfair and when you go to look for information, there is a small rack of brochures, about 100 feet away, in a dark corner. The brochures are for Busch Gardens, Key West, Sea World, Monkey Jungle, Bahama Cruises, Tri Rail and even the erotic sex museum on South Beach. There isn't one Coconut Grove brochure.

And I'll bet that at all the information centers at all these locations that are indicated on the brochures, there is not one Coconut Grove brochure either. Something is wrong here. The Grove should be represented on our own rack and in every other rack location that has their brochure here. It should be a trade off.

We have empty black information booths scattered around the village and in the brochure racks, we have brochures for everything else but the Grove. I think we hate tourists.

We were mentioned on Nip/Tuck

Last night on Nip/Tuck, a couple was from Coconut Grove. It thought it was funny, I didn't see it coming and out of the blue the lady says, "This is Manny, our butcher from Coconut Grove."

Chamber is holding After Hours Club at Cita's

The Chamber is having an After Hours Club at Cita's (3176 Commodore Plaza) this week. It's a great way to connect with friends and collegues.

That is this tomorrow, February 26 from 5:30 to 7:30 pm. In the garden behind the restaurant. Complimentary cocktail and hors d'oeuvres will be served. Additional drinks are at happy hour prices.There will be raffle prizes, too.

The cost is $5.00 for chamber members, $10.00 for non members. RSVP 305-444-7270 or info@coconutgrove.com

Grove Harbour office building sham put on hold

The Grove Harbour Marina office building sham will not be heard at this Thursday's Commission meeting.

It has been "indefinitely deferred" with a six month postponement. That should bring it right to the middle of August, right on schedule for "the mean season -- the scammer season."

Many feel that Grove Harbour wants the public to forget about the issue, then secretly go before the Commission and have it pushed through. This is something that usually happens during the hot sticky summer months when many people are on vacation and out of town.

We won't let it get by us. We are on top of it. Stay tuned . . .

Mojito reminder

Tonight is Mojito Tuesdays at Greenstreets. You going?

I'm hungry, who am I gonna call?

I have a great business idea for someone who wants to start a business: restaurant delivery.

What I mean is, the person could accept take-out orders from all Grove restaurants then tack on a delivery charge and they would have a nice little business going. Perhaps the restaurants would give the delivery company a discount so they would not have to tack on the extra cost.

Aside from the usual suspects: the pizza places, who else delivers? I get this question a lot from new residents to the Grove. I think the restaurants would do more business and it would be a convenient thing to have.

South Beach has a service like this, they put out a book each month with the menus printed and then you call one central number for the ordering. But it can work so many ways with texting and Twittering and all. The restaurant can take the order and just text or twitter the delivery guy or the delivery guy can take the orders, or whatever. It's doable.

This is a void that needs filling for any of you entrepreneurs out there. I will offer free ads in the Grapevine for anyone who starts this service. You can do it by car, bike or even skateboard, just get the food there hot!

Let's put dogs and cats and peacocks on the streets

Remember the painted cows and taxi cabs in New York and the painted Flamingos here and painted roosters in Little Havana? Well upstate New York has two events. The town of Hudson has painted dogs and the town of Catskill has cats (Catskill, cats, perfect fit).

I talked about the Chalk Festival yesterday and now AnnaMaria tells me about the dogs and cats that the Hudson Valley participated in last summer.

This, too, could be a great Grove project, we could also maybe do peacocks.

This could tie into the art in public places project that has been discussed only it could be a less expensive and on a smaller scale. The works could be sold off eventually to raise money for the Village or charities.

Picture these creatures around the Grove. Picture Commdore Plaza and Grand Avenue, that corner is blah, picture a colorful dog or cat on each corner.

The main problem would be maintenance and vandalism, but it has worked before with the other pieces (cows, flamingos, etc.) so why not these?

AnnaMaria seems to have some great ideas concerning art in the Grove. We ought to make her the Grove Zsar of Culture and Art, sort of like President Obama is doing on a national level with Quincy Jones.

Get your white suit and dancing shoes ready

Avalon Cafe is having a Disco Inferno event on Friday, April 17.

This event will feature a rare US appearance by multi-platinum recording artist Santa Esmeralda and other performers. South Florida legendary DJ from The Limelight turned producer Lewis Martinee, who wrote and produced for the girl group Expose, will be the special guest DJ.

Proceeds will benefit the We Are Family Foundation (WAFF), the charity formed by famed Nile Rodgers, a non profit organization which raises awareness about child education and cultural/world unity.

Remember Faces In The Grove, Rum Bottoms, Widows McCoy, Regines, Cats, Stringfellows and a host of other legendary dance spots? "Coconut Grove and it's disco history was the obvious choice to host this event." Says Rigo Garcia, one of the event promoters, who runs a website www.305Disco.com that concentrates on South Florida's Disco/Dance history.

Leroy Gomez of Santa Esmeralda said, "I have only performed in Miami but one time in 2007 for a private party, while in Miami I had the opportunity to visit Coconut Grove, it's shops and outdoor cafe's along with the over all beauty of Coconut Grove reminded me a lot of France, where I live, I found it to be a pleasant and diverse community with so much to offer, I am very excited about performing there and to meeting new friends while there."

Online discounted tickets to the event will go on sale soon at www.305Disco.com for only $15.00

Tickets the night of the event will be $25.00 Avalon Cafe is at 2801 Florida Avenue.

For table reservations and other info, please email Miami305Disco@aol.com

Advanced vortex healing workshop with the Masters

An advanced healing workshop is being held at Blu Moon Studio of Art (3444 Main Highway) Saturday, February 28.

Elka Boren (left) will channel answers to your questions about personal healing for your tired old emotional aches, traumas and pains.

If you're willing to truly heal, this workshop's vortex energy of the angelic beings and Masters will bring up core issues quickly and with clarity you have never experienced.

During the workshop, 23-year healing shaman, Elka opens a powerful vortex of healing, linked directly with the Masters. Through guided meditation, music, energy and the shared wisdom of her teacher, Derek O'Neill you will truly know what it means to have more truth set you free.

The workshop fee is $60.00, it is 10 am to 2 pm. For more info, please call call Marilyn Cabrera (305) 281-6444 or write marilyncabrera@bellsouth.net

Eat, drink and be creative!

Blu Moon Studio (3444 Main Highway) is hosting its second Art Happy Hour with Sheri Friedman this Friday, February 27 from 6:00-7:30 pm.

This month’s project will be ATC’s, which are Artist Trading Cards. What’s that? ATC’s are miniature works of art to keep or exchange with others.

Sheri says, "They are positively addictive!"

There will be food, refreshments and live music with local group Three Sheets to the Wind.

Join the fun… there is a $15.00 fee to do the project, which includes materials, but just hanging out is free. For more info, please call 305-529-5006

Local author having a book signing on Thursday

Local author and veterinarian, Michael Marmesh, will be signing his book, Top of the Heap, on Thursday, February 26 at The Bookstore (3399 Virginia Street). It starts at 7 pm.

Michael has lived in South Florida since he was 5 years old. He is married to his high school sweetheart, Nancy, and they have three beautiful daughters: Kate, Liz, and Mo.

He was the winner of the Miami Herald contest to write the final chapter of Naked Came the Manatee --a serialized story with authors, including James W. Hall, Les Standiford, Dave Barry, and Elmore Leonard contributing successive chapters. Dr. Marmesh has also written free-lance articles for the Herald.

The crowds come out for chalk art on the streets

There's a Street Painting Festival going on in Lake Worth this weekend. AnnaMaria and Theresa went yesterday and took these photos. This is something we should consider for the Grove.

The two-day event has artists literally working on the closed streets, using chalk to create their art. It brings out lots of people who stick around for the two days, enjoying the village and waiting to see the finished pieces.


The Lake Worth event closes a few streets, but we could start small and perhaps just close Commodore Plaza. There would be a winner for best art or certain categories and other festivities could be held all over the Grove.

This could actually turn into a yearly Grove signature event, eventually taking over other streets around the village. I would suggest it have it's own weekend and not be tagged on to other events.



According to Chalk It Up: "Street Painting originated in Italy in the 16th century. Street painters were called "madonnaro", which translates to Madonna, As this art form continued, the subject matter expanded to other religious icons and reproductions of old masters. Now, hundreds of years later, the subjects of street paintings are unlimited, and range from simple to very complex.

"In 1972, the small northern Italian town of Grazie Di Curtatone held its first International Street Painting Festival inviting artists to come and show spectators their talent through this historic art form. This festival continues to be an annual event, and is held each year in mid-August.

"Street Painting in the United States became popular in the mid 1980's and many U.S. Cities hold annual events as well."

Joke "heard" on Twitter

I'm green and round and squishy!!! Sorry, that was just something I heard on the Grapevine.

I've got to stop burning the candle at both ends

I want to apologize to the neighbors on Gifford Lane for not attending the dinner last night.

I had been going non-stop since 8 am and I was involved with BarCamp for most of the day and then the Wellness Seminar, which ran past 6 pm. In between I fit in the gym and other things. By the time the ended, I was practically sleep walking.

Dave Collins was nice enough to come by and remind me, and I did have good intentions of coming, but there was too much going on and by the time I got home to change my clothing, I just conked out.

I'm hoping someone took pictures there and can send them to me so I can share them with everyone via the Grapevine.

The day the geeks came to town

Yesterday, Virginia Street was taken over by BarCamp Miami. Anokha was the home base for the techie seminars and there were two banquet rooms across the street at the Mayfair Hotel, which were also used for the event. All of this was free for anyone to attend. I wandered around with a few friends on and off all day and everyone was very impressed.

Attendees listened to impromptu seminars on anything tech-based from "How to make money blogging (good one for me); to how to upload photos to certain websites. There was so much social networking being talked and Tweeted (on Twitter), it was hard to keep up.

The crowd was great, we enjoyed interacting with all of them. Alex de Carvalho and Brian Breslin and crew did an incredible job. Michael and Christie at the sign in table did a great job of making people feel welcome the minute they arrived.

One thing I found very funny -- if a person wanted to speak on a subject, all they had to do was write it down on a post-it note and post it on a large board at an open time slot. The funny part is that this whole crowd was there to teach and learn about most state of the art techie stuff and they used an old fashioned method to set up the seminars -- paper, ink and a large board. I'm surprised this wasn't electronically done.

But it was an enjoyable day for everyone and at the end of the day, everyone headed to the rooftop of the Mayfair Hotel for the Cabana One club, some went to Sammy C's for dinner and others to Angelo and Maxie's.

Here's a slide show of what went on. Click the music icon and enjoy.

Come in for the green MMM drinks

Berries in the Grove (2884 SW 27 Avenue) has $5.00 Cuervo Margaritas, Myer's Mojitos and Smirnoff Martini's every day. All day. The three "M's."

Also, their happy hour is every day from 4 to 7, drinks are half price.

Celebrate Fat Tuesday at Fat Tuesdays! Where else?

While it's always Fat Tuesday at Fat Tuesdays, they will be celebrating THE Fat Tuesday on February 24.

The DJ starts at 8 pm. There will free Jambalaya (while it lasts) and free prizes and giveaways. Fat Tuesday is right up the front staircase at CocoWalk. For more info, please call 305-441-2992.

Good deed of the day

Harry Emilio Gottlieb has a great idea and he has had me doing it for months: When you see trash on the floor, why not bend over and pick it up? Even if it's one item a day, it makes a difference.

Lots of colorful and fun things to do

I think CocoWalk really had the artists on the streets idea down pat this last weekend. There was so much activity going on and there was so much to do that the energy was contageous.

This is what we need every weekend. Artists actually painting on the spot and crafts people selling their wares. The rickshaw guys added to the activites and so did the peformance artists, henna tattoo artists, cotton candy and musicians. This is what the visitors to the Grove like.

Restaurant Reality Check

First up: Havana Grove

Ok, here we go, let's talk about the prices of some items at Havana Grove, my new favorite place in the Grove (this week anyway, I've been there three times in two days in already).

Cuban coffee is 75¢
Cafe con Leche is $1.25
Pastelitos (guava, meet or cheese) are 85¢ ea.
Croquetas are 90¢ ea.
Empanadas are $1.25 ea.
Sodas are $2.00 ea.

Two eggs with bacon, ham or sausage, Cuban toast and coffee are $5.95
Regular Cuban Sandwich is $5.95
Large Cuban Sandwich is $6.95
Media Noche is $5.25
Chicken Soup is $2.95 small, $3.95 large

And since today is Sunday, here a couple of the Sunday specials (they have different specials for every day of the week):
Galacian white bean soup: $5.50
Braised Lamb in white wine sauce: $14.90
Arroz con Pollo: $7.50
Sauteed Chicken Fillets with choice of side: $6.90

So there you have it. Those are just a few things chosen from their large menu. And they have quite a large menu. I love this place and recommend it highly. They make you feel like family and they even had a family and friends thing yesterday where you weren't charged if they knew you. Nice touch.

Havana Grove is at 3190 Commodore Plaza. They deliver and will fax you a menu if you like, they can be reached at 305-448-6172.

BarCamp crowd descends on Grove today

I am headed to BarCamp at Anokha to hand out promo items like pads and pens.

If you see a bunch of techie geeks overtaking the Grove today, welcome them, they are the crowd from BarCamp, over 700 strong!

Free meditation session this afternoon

The Art of Living seminar is winding down today (Sunday) and at 5 pm, the doors will open for a free guided meditation session, then there's a little party afterwards.

Stop by, bring your friends, it's open to all.

Art Class

The girls from Carrollton stopped by recently for a little art outing. Very Madeline.

I've been thrown out of better places

I walked into the Windisch-Hunt gallery to say hello to Fred today, but some lady threw me out. They were having that Art of Living course. But it was intermission and Fred was standing right at the door.

Last week, I was thrown out of the Arts Festival office, they said it was after hours. I just wanted to show a friend a piece of art.

I am afraid to even dare try open mic night at Eleven Leprechauns.

I am beginning to have a complex.

Basil in the Grove gets good Herald review

The Miami Herald had a nice story on Basil in the Grove in yesterday's paper.
If you missed it, you can read it here.

Roman tells me they are getting lots of new customers because of the article.

Sunday is Open Mic Night at Eleven Leprechauns

Eleven Leprechauns (3120-3162 Commodore Plaza) is presenting Miami’s longest and Hippest Open Mic night every Sunday from noon to 10 pm.

Everyone is welcome to sing a song, dance, tell a story and even put on a play. They provide the stage, sound system, music amps and drums. You provide the talent! All performers receive a complimentary beverage and snack.

For more information please contact Jeff at 786 200 4540 or musicinmiami@gmail.com

Scammers are still out on the streets

Here is one of the usual scammers. He was bothering people at George's in the Grove as they ate, on Commodore yesterday. That's his location, he hit me up at George's before. Didn't they outlaw panhandlers hitting people up as they eat at restaurants? Where are the cops?

Let's start talking about the price of restaurant food

Paige asked in a previous post about the prices of the coffee at the new Havana Grove. I listed them in the comments section of this post.

But now I am thinking of randomly posting prices of various things from various menus throughout the Grove. I see this trend of outrageous prices for mediocre or common food. I feel that $1.25 for a Cuban coffee is a bit much at a Cuban restaurant. Shouldn't it be like 49 to 69 cents? I mean it's served in a thimble.

Last week when we paid $50.00 for a couple of burgers, sides and beers, I felt that that was really outrageous. The cheeseburgers that day were only 59 cents at McDonald's. I know it's not a good comparison but the price difference is quite ridiculous.

Contrary to popular opinion, I don't eat free around the Grove. Many places offer me free stuff, but I don't take it. I don't want to compromise myself. So in the interest of "getting real" and helping the consumers in this ailing economy, I am going to randomly pick and choose items from Grove menus and post prices here for your opinions.

I know rents are high and restaurants need to pay their bills, and while I am always pulling for local businesses, consumers need to know what is what.

I won't accept any comments here about pricing that you may have come upon, even though I know you are dying to tell us all, but please email me and I'll post them in a future post. Comments here on pricing will only defeat the whole purpose of this project since I would like to randomly choose places and items to price out.

We can even do things like the price of popcorn at the new movie theater and so on.

In December 2007, I complained about the price of a sandwich and coffee at The Bookstore, Felice took it to heart and the next time she saw me she told me I was right, and she lowered the prices. So maybe we can do some real good here when it comes to consumerism in Coconut Grove.

Please come back later today or possibly tomorrow for the first price review. I have the Havana Grove menu in front of me now, so I'll start with them.

Update: The small Cuban coffee is 75 cents at Havana Grove. The cafe con leche is $1.25.

Ommmmmmm, I feel better already

The Art of Living course started Thursday night and is running for four nights. Details here.

Who will be number 700?

So far 699 tickets have been sold for this Sunday's BarCamp. Get ready for the influx!

Lots of Grove restaurant news to report

I was a busy boy today, I hit a couple of the new places in the Grove.

First, I had lunch at Havana Grove (3190 Commodore Plaza), they had sandwiches, pastelitos, coffee and things like that today but will have their full menu on Monday.

Above are some of the staff: Gladys, Mauricio, Ernesto and Julio.


I brought a bunch of pastelitos back to Paul and the gang at the sunglasses kiosk, but before that, I popped into the new Koi Coconut Grove at 3480 Main Highway. Here are bartenders Michael and Aaron. I assume you'll all be stopping in to check the place out. When you do, please tell them Tom from the Grapevine said, "hi." I told them you would.

Koi is having a soft opening tonight, they will be serving dinner and drinks from 5 pm to 1 am. It's all sorts of new pan-Asian food, brought to you by the new chef who is from New Orleans, but actually apprenticed and worked in the Pacific Rim, where he learned all those tasty secrets.

On another restaurant note: Jacobs in the Grove on Commodore is now changing hands, details to come. Ironically, the space next door that was the gym was to become a Cuban restaurant, but too many city regulations kept that from happening.

Muvico theater project was presented to Village Council

Mia Steirheim from CocoWalk and George Fiegler from Muvico spoke at the Village Council meeting last night about the new movie theater complex. Mr. Fiegler says that they are targeting autumn for the grand opening. Currently permits and such are holding up the start of renovation.

The theater will consist of two levels -- a general admission area and a premier level, it is set up like their theater in Boca Raton. The premier level will have drinks and food served and other amenities. It will have 10 separate theaters actually.

At night, some theaters would only be available to those 21 and older. During the day, it's open to everyone. The Grove location will be the first with an attached bowling alley and restaurant/bar. Visitors will be able to go back and forth between the venues, all under one roof.

Diagrams and photos were shown at the meeting and it all looks to be first class. Muvico is very excited to enter our market. Sony is providing a brand new 4K movie projection system -- providing twice the pixels. This is a first for Florida.

Muvico will also provide a valet service, but their projects are to have the same amount of seats as the AMC had (900), which should not affect parking, by adding any burdens.

Muvico is limited by the movie studios as to how and where they show the movies. So a replacement option for first run movies while under renovation, may be a problem. They want to make the down time minimal and not have AMC close until the last possible moment. Actual construction is planned to be five to six months.

Council Member, Dave Collins, brought up the aspect of outdoor movies, like Bayside had downtown for awhile. Merchants are concerned about the loss of business because of loss of movie traffic. Muvico liked the idea and said first run movies might not be possible, but other movies could be shown.

Studies show that 62,000 people per month are anticipated to pass through the theater/bowling complex and hopefully the rest of the Grove. Currently about 12,000 pass through per month, so even if Muvico's projections (get it? projections, Muvico?) are cut in half, that is still more than double the traffic now.

Alhambra Orchestra performs "European Tour"

The Alhambra Orchestra performs their "European Tour" concert at Ransom Everglades this Sunday, Feb. 22.

The concert is free, so is the parking, but donations are accepted to help support the orchestra.

Concert is at 7:30 pm, Ransom is at 3575 Main Highway. For info: 305-668-9260 or info@alhambramusic.org

I wanted some "real" French food

Every time I come home with some sort of take out, there is George Farge, owner of George's in the Grove (my neighbor) greeting me at our building. Today he sees me with a big bag. I told him I wanted some "real French food" and I showed him the bag, it was from Au Bon Pain, the fast food place at Mercy Hospital.

He laughed.

I had to go for a cholesterol test this morning and as I left I stopped in for croissants, egg salad coffee and soup, the stuff that adds to my cholesterol count. They have Carvel ice cream there, too.

They are great at drumming up business at Mercy. They sell the cholesterol causing foods, then have you come in for tests and bill your insurance company.

Come to the Friday Night Cabaret

The Late Night Cabaret at Eleven Leprechauns (3120 Commodore Plaza) this week features Adora with special performance by Natasha Tsakos from CircX. There's never a cover, the show starts at 10 pm, tonight, Feb. 20.

The drink special this week is the Blue Martini for $6.00.

Dinner is served from 7 to 11 pm. Reservations are needed for that (305) 443-0422.

Village Council is ready to choose a new member

New Council member nominees were introduced at the Village Council meeting last night.

Members Michelle Niemeyer, Lottie Person and activist Charles Gibson chose three out of six people, earlier in the week, who applied for the position.

The three chosen are Richard Conway, Harlene Kennedy and Adam Weirich. They spoke a bit to the council, sort of a little campaign speech by each.

Richard likes to talk on and on (but so do I) he does know what he is talking about, and he has some great ideas for the Grove, but I did start to glass over after awhile. While his ideas such as filling empty storefronts, doing something with the black info booths and the usual rhetoric sounds good, he had no concrete solutions, only pointing out the obvious.

Harlene doesn't seem to bring anything to the table except the fact that she works for a law firm that deals with other cities, mostly Islamorada, in the Keys, so maybe she could answer legal questions if they come up. She doesn't seem local enough though, she's only been in the Grove a short time and spends most of her time outside the Grove, it seems. Her interests seem to lie elsewhere. I like Village Council members that live and work and spend most of their time in the Grove, simply because they see all aspects of life here that way and if they are going to be calling the shots on the Village Council, they should know the Grove inside and out.

I like running into them on the streets on a daily basis and like to know they are one of us.

Adam, I liked, because he seems to read the Grapevine daily -- cover to cover. He mentioned reading things in the newspaper, but everything he mentioned was only covered here. But seriously, he is in his 30s, younger than everyone else up for consideration and currently on the council (except maybe Michelle) and he would add a breath of fresh air to the Council. He would bring a different perspective, a younger perspective and maybe show things in a different light.

I liked the fact that he wants to fight city hall, he has a plan of attack and seems to want to champion all the causes we talk about here daily. He named so many issues that bug him like the code enforcement harassment of restaurants and the wasted black info booths and so many other things that affect us all. I also think he would get his younger friends involved in many causes and just bring fresh blood and perspective to issues.

He is the one I would choose if asked. Adam Weirich.

March 5, there is a special meeting, where the Village Council will chose the new member.

Author Frank Armstrong, spoke at bookstore last night

Frank Armstrong spoke at The Bookstore last night on his new retirement planning book, that's Sandy from The Bookstore, introducing him.

Reminder: Village Council meets tonight

Village Council meets at 7 pm, City Hall, info and agenda here.

Havana Grove set to open tomorrow morning

The new Havana Grove (3190 Commodore Plaza) is scheduled to open tomorrow morning. They were there today cleaning up and getting things ready. See you for café con leche in the morning and some croquettas.

With mustard and sauerkraut, please

I like this (except for the Downtown Miami umbrellas, they should be Sabrett). It adds some color and life to the streets and it's almost like the breakfast cart idea I have talked about before. This one particular cart was set up during the Arts Festival this past weekend. I don't even know if she was there legally, but I did think it was a good idea.

I find it different than the roach coaches in that they are stationary, licensed and don't drive from business to business scooping up their customers.

Musical Tour of Europe through the ages

This Sunday, February 22, at 7:30 pm, the Alhambra Orchestra, with guest conductor Carlos Riazuelo and violin soloists Daniel Andai and Yova Milanova, will present a Musical Tour of Europe with crowd-pleasing music by Bach, Satie, Berlioz and DeFalla.

The program includes Concerto for 2 Violins (Bach); Selection from Damnation of Faust (Berlioz); Dances from "El Sombrero de Tres Picos" (DeFalla); and Gymnopedie (Satie).

Admission and parking are free.

The concert is at Ransom Everglades, 3575 Main Highway. For info, please call 305-668-9260

New bakery coming to Commodore Plaza

I was having drinks and little nibblies with friends at Eleven Leprechauns over the weekend and they informed me that a new bakery is going in up front, where the little bar is now. I showed the photo at the bottom here.

It's called Sweet Dreams and they plan on opening in a couple of months.

Commodore Plaza really seems to be the place to be. As we were sitting outside having a good time, all hell broke loose across the street at George's in the Grove. It was someone's birthday and the music started blasting, people started singing. It carried up and down the block -- a realy party atmosphere on Commodore Plaza latey.

Hitchin' a ride from Spidey

Spider-man was out pulling people on his rickshaw last weekend. He'll be back again this weekend if you want a ride from Spidey.

They plant, preserve and protect trees; join them!

TREEmendous Miami is looking for volunteers to help plant trees and mulch on Saturday, February 21 from 8:30 am until around noon. They will be on US1 between SW 22 and 24 Avenues.

While you can just show up, they would prefer you contact the program coordinator at (305) 378-1863 or email them at treemendousmiami@mail.com so they know how many to expect.

If you have yard gloves and rakes, please bring them. They will also have supplies and water for everyone.

Washington's Birthday Regatta is this Saturday

Washington’s Birthday Regatta will be back for it's 14th revival just off shore of The Barnacle (3485 Main Highway) this Saturday at noon.

An awards ceremony and chowder party for participants and their families follows the race at 5:30 pm at the park.

Angelo and Maxie's is at the Mayfair Hotel, 3000 Florida Av.

I get some really stupid and ignorant comments here

I got this stupid comment, below in blue, from an ignorant person who really doesn't have a clue what a blog is.

They don't realize the the whole definition of a blog is that it is the point of view of the person writing the blog and it is not just facts on a page, like your daily newspaper should be but to be done right, it should consist of my opinions. The whole thing should consist of my opinions.

I doubt the readership would be so high here if I just posted the news in a dry manner, case in point is the daily decline of readership of every newspaper and news program on tv.

This blog has morphed into the daily news of the Grove, simply because we don't have a daily newspaper and 99% of the items you read here would not come to light if I didn't blog them. But to be true to blogging, I should have my opinion inserted in each blog post, otherwise this would be the daily newspaper.

So if you want to tear me down for doing my job as a blogger, fine. But have the courtesy and balls to sign your name and not hide like a wimp behind your ignorant vitriol. I don't hide things here as fact as stated below. I state the facts and then comment on them.

As for getting both sides of the story, I do this blog as a community service, I actually work 12 hours a day at my business and am the condo prez and on various boards, etc. I don't have all day to get out and get the story, and honestly, the comments section is there for anyone who was wronged to correct the wrongs. The only comments I don't publish are libelous and only by anonymous commenters who don't deserve their libelous comments printed since they hide behind their words. Sort of the like the coward below. I doubt the person commenting below gets off their ass and does a thing for the community or they would not be so nasty and ignorant in their views.

If the ignoramus below knew what I do for this community (behind the scenes on a daily basis) they would probably keep their stupid, ignorant comments to themselves.

Here is what the ignorant fool sent in:

"Anybody who thinks the grape is some kind of professional journalist who gets both sides of a story has really not been reading for long. He once specifically defended his "spin" on a meeting by saying it was his "duty" as a blogger to insert his opinion (even though it was disguised as a factual report)."

How about we all start signing our comments and be menches? Why hide behind your comments if you believe in them? I may start requiring that. Only 1% of readers leave comments and if they leave because of that, well, I still have the other 99% who read, absorb and move on without having a hissy fit at every sentence I post.

Burgers and beer

Had some burgers and beer at Mr. Moe's the other night. Forgot how great they are.

Village Council meets tomorrow night

The Village Council meets tomorrow night (Feb. 19) at City Hall (3500 Pan American Drive)
from 7 to 9 pm.

On the agenda:
1) Crime watch Report – Robert Loupo and Commander Martin will speak
2) Update regarding CocoWalk Movie Theater – Mia Steirheim will speak
3) New Council member presentations (a seat needs to be filled)

Note to Village Council. Be done by 9 pm, or you're on opposite "The Office" and you don't wanna be opposite Must See TV -- Comedy Night Done Right, even for Village business.

The Council is on tv, as you know, cable channel 77 or streamed live on line here: http://videos.miamigov.com

Grove author, Philip Peters' new book just published

I see Philip Dickenson Peters all over the Grove, he always seems so studious, working on something, and I am always loathe to bother him, so I see now what our local author has been doing, this month Philip had his new novella in verse published.

"Manikato: only the lover can know God" is Philip's new ebook that may be downloaded on line. It's a contemporary interpretation of the Old Testament's Song of Solomon-Song of Song, restaged in a tropical Caribbean setting.

Philip did a lot of research in order to get a deeper understanding and perspective of the cultural setting of the story. He has joked that the friends, calling the novella the "Caribbean Kama Sutra."

The book is only available here right now: www.manikatobook.com, but will be in printed book form in the coming months. You may also see Philip's other books at the website.

Now if I could just figure out what Brian, my boating, live aboard friend, is always writing in those notebooks he scribbles in at the Bookstore and Starbucks.

Planning and Zoning Boards seek applicants

The Planning Advisory Board and the Zoning Board are seeking applicants.

The application can be downloaded from the City Clerk's website at http://miamigov.com/city_clerk/Pages/Board/Board.asp.

The deadline for receipt of applications by the City Clerk's Office is Thursday, February 26, 2009 at 4 pm. The City Commission will consider filling existing vacancies at its meeting of March 12, 2009.

She is stealing from the rent-paying merchants

Picture it, the Mayfair Antique Market is on, $5,000 paintings are being sold, the Grove is finally making a comeback. The Arts Festival is around the corner and everything is abuzz. Up drives this roach coach, it parks in a "no parking" zone and the lady gets out and starts selling.

The Grove now looks like a construction zone. The glamour is gone -- right in front of the Antique Market.

Not only that, business for all the merchants who sell food and drink are gone. The Bookstore lost business in it's cafe, the gym did not sell any water, the vendors who pay to sell food at the arts festival lost money, all to this roach coach lady, who does this on a daily basis.

She also parks in front of the Kwik Stop and Focaccia, after her stop at Mayfair, and she takes business from them -- drinks, breakfast and lunch. The vendors at the Antique Market who order from Basil, Focaccia, Jaguar and the pizza places, didn't have to. They got food and drinks from her. So there went the business that the Antique Market was supposed to bring to town.

So to all the merchants who are having a hard time paying your rent this month. This is one major cause.

And to all of you who have received parking tickets for parking right where she parks, in the "no parking" zones, feel good about the fact that she parks for free and drives off with hundreds of dollars in her pockets that could go to rent and insurance-paying merchants.

And to the few staffers from the NET office who give business to this lady, you should be ashamed of yourselves for taking money from the people who pay your salary -- the merchants.