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 the Coconut Grove Collaborative. 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.

Kyle Boswell and Stephano present new works

The Commodore Gallery of Art (3162 Commodore Plaza) and Design is presenting new works by glass and metal scultor Kyle Boswell and panitings by Stephano.

The exhibition will be there from February 21 to March 20.

The opening reception is Saturday, February 21 from
7 to 10 pm.

For info: 305-528-4971 or coconutgroveart@comcast.net

This is the time to shine and promote the Grove

I have been speaking to businesses in the Grove about BarCamp Miami, which is this Sunday, February 22. Details here.

This is where over 500, maybe 600, techies will descend on the Grove for a conference. While the conference is at Anokha, it's a good idea for all businesses to get involved in some way, shape or form.

Make the guys feel welcome, show them we want them back. Most are local and can be persuaded to visit the Grove on a regular basis.

Bars and restaurants should offer drink and food deals and freebies, other businesses can do the same. Print up flyers and club cards. Have them available for Sunday.

If you have something you would like to promote ahead of time, like hotel deals or something they need to know before Sunday, please email me, I'll put you in touch with the guys in charge of BarCamp.

Old Grover dusts off the bobble heads

The Old Grover brought out the bobble heads again. For the rest of the Old Grover's take on the Baseball Stadium Scam, click here.

They are also saying "Yes Home Depot," "Yes Grove Harbour," "Yes non-stop massive development at Mercy Hospital," "Yes, Coconut Grove, we hate you . . ."

Art of Living course starts this week

The Art of Living Foundation is campaigning for a “Violence-Free Stress-Free America.” As part of this campaign, about 120 cities across the country will host the Art of Living Course from February 17 to 24, 2009. More than 3,000 Americans are expected to participate in the course that week. In Coconut Grove, the course will be held in at the Windisch-Hunt Gallery (2911 Grand Avenue) from February 19-22. For more details, please visit http://www.aolweek.org/.

The cornerstone of the course is the Sudarshan Kriya, an innovative breathing practice developed by renowned spiritual leader and humanitarian His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. The technique is based on the yogic principle that the breath possesses specific rhythms that can be used to naturally detoxify and energize the body. Independent studies of the Sudarshan Kriya show that it lowers cortisol (the "stress hormone") and bad cholesterol, and provides relief from depression and other symptoms of stress such as insomnia, fear, anxiety and grief.

For more info, please contact Jennifer at the Art of Living at 305-951-6743 or to register, please go here: http://secure.artofliving.org

Keith Olbermann has a story on the Art of Living Course here.

Sold out

Looks like many of the Grove visitors here for the Arts Festival this weekend left with lots of gas. I don't only mean from the food vendors, I mean the Shell gas station on 27th Avenue is totally out of petrol today and so is the PB, but they're always out of gas, I haven't figured them out yet.

Scamming the Grove's visitors all weekend

The scammers were out this weekend getting people to give to their fake "Coconut Grove Basektball Team."

As the visitors entered the festival, they were hit up for the fake charity.

The lady who sends the kids out made a lot of money this weekend. She's great at starting these young kids off on a life of crime.

Book signing and presentation on retirement challenge

Author Frank Armstrong will be giving a short presentation and signing his book, The Retirement Challenge; Sink or Swim, on Thursday, February 19 at The Bookstore in the Grove (3399 Virginia Street).

According to the author, "This book provides you with all the practical tools and actionable strategies you need to take control of your financial future-without drowning you in theory, trivia or complicated tasks. You’ll learn how to access the value of your current situation and pension plan (if you have one), you’ll learn what can go wrong and how to avoid it. Finally, you’ll identify smart moves you can take right now to invest properly for your future while systematically controlling your risk."

The presentation is free and starts at 7 pm.

He energized everyone after a long day

In honor of Black History Month, Vincent Onukurte from Nigeria, performed two nights at the Windisch-Hunt Fine Art Gallery during the Arts Festival.

He performed traditional Nigerian dances, which he shares with students at Verrick Park on Wednesday nights 6 pm, where he is the dance instructor. The classes are open to all ages.

Village of Center Grove meeting tomorrow

There's a Village of Center Grove meeting tomorrow night, February 18, at the Sailing Club (2990 S. Bayshore Drive).

Officers Joe Guell (305-303-9163) and Leonardo Carrillo (305-389-7998) will discuss the problems with young people harassing people in the area. Please put their number into your cell phones.

Nathan Kurland will provide updates on the Grove Harbour project, deferred from January's Commission hearing. Trina Collins has info on the upcoming Gifford Land Art Stroll (March 15).

The meeting is from 7 to 8:30 pm.

Is there a secret "flip deal" in works for new Marlins stadium?

I have been hearing rumors that the Marlins owners plan on just flipping the stadium once taxpayers hand them the money. I don't know if it's true, I have no facts, it is only a rumor. But see if a couple of big shot local developers don't buy the stadium on a flip from current owners, after the city and county hand over the taxpayer dollars to the Marlins, which will allow the Marlins' current owners to double their money overnight -- all on the backs of the scammed taxpayers.

And will the developers involved even put a stadium there or some other type of real estate development? In fact, will the Marlins even stay in Miami? They only have about 5000 fans.

I agree with Commissioner Marc Sarnoff's idea of having the Marlins pay back the taxpayers before they see any profits of their own. Once we are repaid, they can sell anything they want. No flipping please, or we'll all flip out.

Tacky t-shirts added to the fun

These tacky broads were walking around the Arts Festival this weekend. They added some comedy and fun to the already bustling place.

I miss the arts festival already.

The mad dash is an interesting show to behold

An interesting show happens after the the sun goes down on the last day of the Arts Festival. That's when everyone runs around like chickens without heads.

The artists and vendors have a mad dash to break down the tents and booths. It happens fast. Vehicles come in and out, installations are struck down, some art is hauled out with cranes.

I joked that it was a tough weekend for me, I had a lot of eating, drinking and partying to do, but in reality, the artists have an exhausting job before and after.

Busy, colorful, artistic weekend comes to an end

Another end to another exciting Coconut Grove Arts Festival and St. Stephen's Arts Show. We enjoyed the high tea at the St. Stephen's today. We had scones and tea. I refused to hold out my pinkie as I drank the tea, though.

Even with the overpriced food, admission charges and art, the Arts Festivals were fun and will be missed until next year.

From her mouth to God's ears

I ran into our local cigar smoking clairvoyant, Ellen, last night on Commodore Plaza. She told me that since it rained a bit yesterday, during the Arts Festival, we will not have a hurricane this year.

She says that when it rains on the Sunday of the Coconut Grove Arts Festival, this is a fact.

Main Highway has lots of food and people watching

Ludos and Siam Oishi on Main Highway are two great places to watch the parade go by on weekends. On Main Highway, there's also Aladdin's Grill, Boardwalk Pizza, Le Moulin, Le Bouchon and Akashi, and at the other end, Le P'tit Paris and Greenstreet.


Le Moulin du Grove, below, also has jewelry on display during the Arts Festival.


Photos by AnnaMaria Windisch-Hunt

People enjoyed the classic cars

This classic car was part of the Mayfair Antique Market this weekend. I was told by Tony, who runs the market, that people really enjoyed it and they want to put more out. For those who were concerned about the cars taking up parking spots, this one was placed in the plaza area of Mayfair, and didn't take up any spots on the street.

Even so, there seemed to be plenty of parking this weekend. We found parking each time I looked in and around the Central Grove.

They offered to let me drive the car around the block, but I didn't want to mess with it. I even turned down trying out someone's Segway the other day. I don't want to tempt fate.

I was asked by someone to see if the Segways can be part of the Bed Race Day (Memorial Day). There will of course be the bed races, but also waiter races that day. But I am told that Segways are too dangerous to race.

The Coconut Grove Bed Race will take place up and down Commodore Plaza. Many think it's more fun on the turn at South Bayshore and McFarlane and it was also planned to have been on the King Mango Strut route, through the center of town, but it appears that it will just be on Commodore Plaza.

There's always time to be civilized

If you haven't been, there's a little tea room tucked into the St. Stephens Arts Festival every year, where amidst the frenetic pace of the festival, you can actually slow down and enjoy high tea.

It's a nine year tradition with Fred Hunt (left) and AnnaMaria Windisch-Hunt (right). With them is Grove artist Audrey Scott, on her first visit. Real clotted cream and strawberries, along with proper scones and all sorts of goodies are served up.

Today is the last day of the festival -- a good time to experience the high tea until next year.

The quiet before the storm

Two of our mounted police enjoy the quiet morning before the crowds descend on the streets for the final day of the Coconut Grove Arts Festival.

Lights out

It looks like someone hit this street light on Grand Avenue on Friday night.

With the lights being replaced, guess they don't have to worry about fixing this one.

I hear it is about $8,000 to replace these lights every time someone hits one, and that is why it's a good idea to put the responsibility and cost in FPL's hands if they want it. Only I hate to see the quaint gas light style go.

One of our local cops asked me what's up with the fact that the light has been lying on the ground all weekend so far. He said that in any other city, it would have been cleaned up by now. But this one is right in the center of town in the middle of one of the biggest weekends of the year, with thousands of people passing by.

Her smile is still as engaging as it was 29 cents ago

Lilliana Dones told me last week that she had a perfect piece for the Mail Art project.

When she was in college, she made a large envelope as an art project and she planned on sending a photo of that on an envelope as the mail art. The stamp on that envelope back then was only 13 cents.

And so she did. If you check out the windows at the old Borders Books this weekend, you'll see the mail art in the window, including Lilliana's piece.

The red high heel shoe mailed from Europe is there, too.

Mango shirts and posters are a hit with art lovers

I like the official Arts Festival t-shirts this year. They're different. I ran into some friends who were wearing the 2006 shirt and liked that, too.

But this one to the left is different in that the poster art covers the whole shirt and not just a portion.
That's the Honorable Ambassador Plenipotentiary George Neary, Miami's Cultural Ambassador.

And to the right are two other variations, worn by Grovites, John and his niece Garland.

Photo by AnnaMaria Windisch-Hunt

I don't wanna buy the booth, I just want a gyro

These guys at the Arts Festival stood there all day doing nothing because people were not prepared to pay $10.00 for a gyro. They also did not want to pay $4.00 for a hot dog or $8.00 for a cheeseburger. Can you spell rip off? A stupid move in these difficult economic times.

The items were a fraction of the cost at the St. Stephen's Arts and Crafts Fair.

Stop by Oak & Mary and play a little pool

The other day, while driving by the old Pisco's location (3310 Mary Street), I saw a pool table being moved in. I thought it might just be a private party thing during the Arts Festival.

But apparently a new place called Oak & Mary has opened. There is a bar and a restaurant, currently with a limited menu, and the lounge area has the pool table.

Don't park there if you don't want a ticket

A couple of people notified me that police were ticketing and towing cars on Oak Avenue and also by the tennis courts on the side streets off Matilda this weekend. Be forewarned -- park only at metered spots. I almost parked at the free spots along the side of the tennis courts, but thought it might be better to pay the meter on Matilda. Glad I did.

It's a shame that people can't just park and enjoy the festival for one week a year. I don't see how the cars along the tennis courts were bothering anyone.

Sensory overload

There is so much to do in the Grove this weekend. It's basically all art-related. Just the way we like it.

Someone likened it to Art Basil, where there is the one main show and many offshoots. The offshoots in the Grove seem to be more interesting than the major event this year, although this butt sculpture has been the subject of many photos. No buyer yet, but many photos.


Art has been in and around all the stores and galleries. Some have concentrated on Mail Art, others have had artists outside on the streets in front of their stores. The Antique Market is winding around both sides of Mayfair and the crowds are enjoying music on the streets, too.

Friends and neighbors are enjoying mingling on the streets with all of our visitors. I have heard more than once -- practically every other minute -- that there is an energy in the Grove. A good vibe. Something that has been missing for a long time.

There is something for the senses at each turn.


Two top photos by Tom Falco, two bottom photos by Harry Emilio Gottlieb

Update on Havana Grove

Turns out the new Havana Grove restaurant is owned by the same guys who own Somoto. I stopped in tonight because they were open.

They were still serving sushi until the change happens some time next week.

There are new counters and more space, they received their sandwich press machine and coffee makers and still need a few more things.

I asked them about my Tom Yum Kai soup, they said they'll always make that for me, even at the Cuban Grove restaurant. I know they were joking.

The rude guys this morning were some construction guys who didn' t speak English and didn't even have a clue what was what. So all is well and I look foward to their opening next week some time.

Does he know his Valentine's date is not a real doggie?

I kept seeing this dog all weekend outside the Kinetic Gallery on Grand Avenue, and each time, I would think it was real. Apparently I am not alone.

Photo by AnnaMaria Windisch-Hunt

Mary Poppins celebrated at CocoWalk tomorrow

At 2 pm, tomorrow, Feb. 15, CocoWalk will host live performances by Actors Playhouse to celebrate the 45th anniversary of Mary Poppins.

Two performances feature songs and dance numbers from Mary Poppins and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang taking place on the center stage on the first level courtyard.

Sign up to win Anniversary edition CDs. The event is free and open to the public. For info: 305-444-0777

And we're off to an artistic start . . .

What I love about the Coconut Grove Arts Festival this year is that there seems to be more art around the Grove, not just at the Festival area, but everywhere. Merchants are getting involved.

This allows artists who were not accepted into the big show, to share their art in other areas. CocoWalk and Mayfair have lots of things to see, of course, including the Antique Market and even as you walk up Main Highway and around to Commodore Plaza, you can see the whole Grove is into the festivities.

One thing to watch out for is the fakes on the street. This is one reason the artists on the streets idea needs to be regulated. They want "real" art, not factory knock-offs. Do you want these fake Romero Britto's (shown below?) or the real thing that is a block away? I hear the real Britto people are upset over the knock-offs, much like Gucci and Fendi don't like their fake items sold on New York street corners.

But to be honest, Britto saturates the market so much, who is to know what is real and what isn't? If he wasn't so commerical, he could actually regulate his own art. He's more of a factory than Andy Warhol ever was.

Megalodon, the largest shark in history at MiaSci

Gonna be in the Grove for the Arts Festival? Well, tomorrow is also Family Fun Day at the Museum of Science (3280 S. Miami Avenue).

Megalodon, the largest shark that ever lived will soon be on display and if you show up on Family Fun Day, you'll get a preview from 1 to 3 pm.

Performing will be The Greater Miami Youth Symphony, Gospel singer Maryel Epps and Jowee Omicil, Roots and Grooves, all in honor of Black History Month.

County residents receive 15% off admission.

New Britto gallery open on McFarlane Road

We have a Romero Britto Gallery in the Grove now. It's at 2994 McFarlane Road, it opened this week, just in time for the Arts Festival.

When you go to the festival today, stop in and meet the Roberts, Les and Les, father and son.

That's "Spring Bear" with them, a hand-carved wooden sculpture laced with Swarovski Crystals.

Also in the gallery are pieces by Romero Britto's brother Tom Britto and artist Sergio Astral.

New Cuban restaurant in the Grove

Looks like Somoto is out and Havana Grove is in at 3190 Commodore Plaza.

They are scheduled to open some time next week, no set date yet.

Cuban Grove will offer breakfast, lunch and dinner starting at 7 am.

Two problems I see so far -- they don't seem to speak a word of
English and if you attempt to speak to them in English they rudely
turn their backs and yell, "No English."

To that I say, "Hello Focaccia."

Elaine, Ellen and Eleven, say that three times fast

Last night we popped into Eleven Leprechauns (3120 Commodore Plaza) and there was Elaine Lancaster doing her show at their new "Late Night Friday Cabaret."

The place was packed. There's no cover and lots of drink specials like $6 Red Apple Martinis.


Dinner was served from 7 to 11 pm, inside or out. Elaine was nice enough to pose for me and so was R-rated Sarah Palin, who did a comedy skit after Elaine's performance. We kept looking for Dennis Rodman, Elaine's BFF. No luck, we didn't see him.


We even ran into Ellen, our own Queen of the Grove. That's Freddy Hernandez behind her, assistant manager.

Eleven Leprechauns seems to be the new happening place in the Grove every night of the week. There is something going on all the time. I can't wait for St. Patrick's Day, I am assuming this is the place to be for that!

Coconut Grove Arts Festival starts today

Unless you've been living under a rock, you know it's the big weekend around here. Today starts the Coconut Grove Arts Festival, which runs through Monday.

Details for all events, booths, street closures, etc,
are here.

We'll post photos here and also Twitter live.

Also, check out the St. Stephen's Arts and Crafts Show and the Woman's Club show, all part of the one large event.

No, they can't fly

Students from the Arts & Minds School on Commodre Plaza were shut out of Peacock Park today because of the Grove Arts Festival, so they took over the sidewalks for their PE class. These kids have it made, do they realize it? They go to school on one of the most beautiful blocks in the Grove, they are in fact, in one of the most beautiful villages in Miami and they have PE in Peacock Park.

I know another teacher was let go and didn't want to report on it because the comments get quite ugly. While I hate to see favorite teachers let go, it's a fact of life, people are fired daily. No comments will be taken on that subject.

Cabana One is having a Naughty and Nice party

Cabana One is hosting a Valentine's "Naughty and Nice" party tonight, Feb. 13, along with their usual Friday night shenanigans.

The party will feature a lingerie fashion show, intimacy boutique, various party favors. Special guest DJ Berrie will be playing and Cabana's owner Ron Berkowitz, will be celebrating his birthday.

Also, enjoy the live band, Brendan O'hara from 7 to 11 pm. For more info: 305-448-5088. Cabana One is on the roof of the Mayfair Hotel (3000 Florida Avenue).

It's a great weekend to be in Coconut Grove

The Grove is buzzing today. The Coconut Grove Arts Festival is setting up and the Mayfair Antique Market is already set up.

The Antique Market will run through Sunday. The Arts Festival starts tomorrow, but be warned -- the main streets are either shut down or packed with traffic.

The Antique Market has many more vendors this time and extends around to the "bull" side of the plaza. Here are Federico and Perez doing something ironic -- putting the skin back on the cow so to speak.

That drum is authentic pre-Castro Cuban and signed. Not sure who signed it, but I was told it's signed.

Become a Friend of the Library this weekend

Friends of the Library is having their third annual membership book sale at the Grove Arts Festival this weekend (look for their booth). Books start at just $1.00 and if you join Friends of the Library, you can take up to 10 books free.

They are dedicated to furthering library initiatives through advocacy, volunteerism and fundraising to support the Miami-Dade Public Library System’s programs and initiatives in all 47 branch libraries and four bookmobiles.

When you join for a nominal annual fee, you are helping support: The Summer Reading Program, open to every child in Miami-Dade County through every branch in the library system; The Art of Storytelling, an annual international event: Children’s Bookmark Contest National Library Month programs...Special art exhibitions; Teen Read Week; Connections, which provides books-by-mail to the homebound; Project LEAD, Literacy for Every Adult in Dade; Black History Month, Hispanic Heritage Month, Women’s History Month & Kwanza programs; the Vasari Project (digital replacement for archiving of conventional photography and art); Early literacy initiatives; Funding for Native American Dance program and the Jazz Roots Series.

Maybe they think they're in South Beach

What's with all the fancy cars in the Grove lately? Are we "in" again?

I saw these two cars and a few minutes later, a double decker limo went by, the size of a house!

You'll notice that the Bently is parked in a "no parking" zone. Wonder if he got a ticket.

Big changes for Earth Day events in Grove

Earth Day is March 28. Look for big changes in the Grove this year for participation in this event. It will be more than just turning off the lights and lighting candles for an hour. Stay tuned.

Poetry night tonight at The Bookstore

It's Poetry Night at The Bookstore (3399 Virginia) tonight from 7:30 to 9:30 pm with Michael Malone. Bring a poem to read or just enjoy. 2 for 1 wine specials!

They have sexy and sweet Valentine's gifts and cards, too, for you last minute shoppers.

Cabana One is atop the Mayfair Hotel. Info: 305-448-5088.
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The animals have arrived; set them loose!

It's getting close -- The Coconut Grove Arts Festival, that mighty beast is almost upon us. The animals arrived today in fine form. I actually just saw them up in Sarasota's St. Armand's Circle, at the art show there. Now it's our turn.


Above photos by Harry Emilio Gottlieb. photo below by Tom Falco

Advertising the old fashioned way

Hey guys, we accept ads, too. It's the legal way to advertise in fact. This way isn't. Those beer and wings do sound good right about now.That' tonight, isn't it?

Photo by Harry Emilio Gottlieb

Love among the horses

Art lovers in love.

The Grove galleries are drawing more and more art lovers (and just lovers) to the Grove.

Big plans for 4th of July include a block party

This year for 4th of July, closing down Commodore Plaza may be part of the plan. Folks need something to do between the picnic at The Barnacle earlier in the day and the fireworks and Peacock Park activities later in the day.

A block party would be the thing to fill in the gap. It would of course be a lot about the restaurants on Commodore -- having them flow into the street, offering special foods and drinks that day and making the whole street a party and picnic type atmosphere.

The rest of the Grove would be encouraged to bring their wares outside too -- sales on the sidewalks, more food and drinks at other locations -- red, white and blue all over. It would be one big event.

For those who complained about the few antique cars taking up parking spots, what are you gonna do when all of Commodore Plaza is closed? Boycott the 4th of July?

King Mango Strut Wrap up party at Sammy C's

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

The party starts at 7 pm, the band starts playing at 8 pm. Come dressed as you were, during the Strut, or in your inaugural finest. Stay for dinner.

Sammy C's is offering Mangoheads 10% off on food. Happy hour drink prices are in effect until 8 pm (that's half price). "The king will spring for a few pizzas and hors d'oeuvres."

The slide show of the Strut is here.

Take a video tour of the Coconut Grove Cemetery

Author Sinthyia Darkness has posted a few short videos that were filmed at the Coconut Grove Cemetery. Ms. Darkness loves it here so much, she moved here.

The Cemetery videos are here:

Here is part 1
Here is part 2
Here is part 3

She also shows them on her blog here.

Mayfair Antique Market is back this weekend

It's going to be quite a busy weekend around here. Along with the Coconut Grove Arts Festival and all the art offshoots, the Mayfair Antique Market is back.

They loved the Grove so much last time that this time, they are expanding. Just like last time, they will be in the old Benetton's storefront and all around that plaza, but they will also be in the other plaza, by the big bull sculpture.

They start showing their wares tomorrow and go through the weekend.

The Antique Market were the ones with the connection to the antique cars. But with all the negative feedback, perhaps that won't happen now. Too many scrooges around here.

Joe Donato and Barry Alberts wine tasting at Anokha

Joe Donato will be playing at Anokha (3324 Virginia Street) tonight, Thursday, at 8 pm. Joe is actually there every Thursday. Well drinks are $5.00 and Coconut Grove residents with ID, receive 10% off.

There is also a wine tasting of special selections from 8 to 11 with Barry Alberts.

On Sundays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays, Grove residents with ID receive 20% off.

Monday night is Cooking Class at Anokha, please call 305-338-2300 for more info.

And don't forget the techie BarCamp is taking place all day at Anokha on Sunday, February 22.

Get a copy of Joan's funny new book -- autographed

We went to see Joan Nielsen,of Miami's Social Magazine, over the weekend at Books and Books, she was giving a little talk and signing her new hilarious book, "I'm Leaving the Kids All the Money They Owe Me!"

I know her four kids, so I don't know how they are taking the book's title, but Joan holds back no punches, she tears apart society leaders in Miami who have screwed her over these past 30 years -- by name.

I couldn't put the book down. Actually I was looking to see if my name was mentioned, but it wasn't and as far as I know, I am in good standing.

Joan has offered the $24.00 book to Grapevine readers for only $19.99 (with free shipping) and she'll even autograph it to you or anyone else personally.

You can read more and see a few excerpts and order here.

What's up with the ancient tourist maps?

There is this map on the pole here at Mayfair. It's so outdated that many of the stores listed have not been around since last century, yet the map is there.

Daily many tourists try to find things in the Grove by looking at the map. Luckily, Paul is there, selling sunglasses and handing out info.

If it wasn't for Paul, the tourists would really be lost.

How about updating the map and making the whole Grove a part of it because the things that the tourists are looking at the map for are not all in Mayfair, in fact, most aren't.

They usually ask for Commodore Plaza or even Chili's. I know it would be a case of Mayfair sending people to other locations, but look how good that worked in "Miracle on 34th Street," Santa sent the Macy's customers to Gimbels and they loved it and were loyal to Macy's in return.

Macy's is still around, Gimbels is ancent history.

Those jokes you hear is coming from the tv in the window

As the tourist exit the bus in front of Mayfair, they now have a little comedy act they can see.

It's hard to see in the sunlight, but to the right of the door there, is a tv and above is a speaker and comedians from The Improv are shown doing their thing.

Since it's the tour bus stop it might make more sense for the tv to show things the tourist can do around the Grove, telling them about restaurants and The Barnacle and maybe things like that. But for the time being, you can hear some comedy from the Improv.

A few people suggested just opening up the space and making it an information area with brochures and things for the tourists.

Those old clunkers are part of the scenery

The gas lights are out, but antique cars are in, go figure.

Look for antique cars to be parked around the Grove in the coming months.

The Merchants Group is arranging to have cars parked at various areas of the Grove, as a featured attraction, and hopefully people walking around will enjoy them and they'll be encourage to walk everywhere in the Central Grove area to enjoy the cars. It's sort of an art on the streets, thing, too.

They are trying to have the first set of cars on the streets this weekend during the Arts Festival. I actually like the idea and feel it will add some "color" to the area on a regular basis -- sort of photo opps as you walk around the Grove.

The revolving door welcomes David Boardman

We have a new Postmaster at the Grove Post Office -- third in nine months. Ed Coppola is now in Pompano Beach, the new Postmaster is David Boardman, from Buffalo.

Only he is not really called the Postmaster, his title is Officer-In-Charge, a term used for an “acting” Postmaster, meaning he is on assignment.

I guess this explains all the problems with our post office. They are using it as a training ground or something, the Postmaster is only passing through, so rather than take care of the problems there, apparently they wait their time out there and then move on.

Another interesting thing is that our post office processes a lot of mail. Most don't. If the post office had a smaller branch, like that small one on Miracle Mile, there would be more efficiency. But now, the Grove post office is used as a "factory for mail," and does not have a permanent man at the helm. I think that explains a lot.

That's Ed at left with Letter Carrier Andy Ross in Buffalo.

Sidewalk Art Bazaar at Coconut Grove Gallery & Interiors

Coconut Grove Gallery and Interiors is holding a Sidewalk Art Bazaar during the Arts Festival Weekend (Feb. 14, 15 and 16).

They'll have hand made jewlery, vintage posters, bonsia trees, framing specials and art from local artists. Also hot dogs, popcorn and lemonade. They are located at 2884 Bird Avenue.

Young Professionals mixer at The Improv tomorrow

The Young Professionals group is holding a networking event at the Improv tomorrow night, February 12.

Tony Rock (Chris' brother) will perform at 8:30 pm. There's a two-drink minimum during the show. Tickets are $25.00 and proceeds benefit the Ronald McDonald House Charity of South Florida.

The event starts at 6:30 pm, The Improv is at Mayfair (3390 Mary Street).

Please RSVP by calling 305-324-5683 or youngpros@rmhcsouthflorida.org

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New innovaton in street lighting

Speaking about the street lights. There is an interesting story on Street Lights in the NY Times. New lamps are now controlled by cell phones by the electric company staff.

“This is an exciting time for streetlamps," ~ PG&E spokesman

Artistic fundraiser at the Coconut Grove Woman's Club

The Woman's Club will be featuring art during the Coconut Grove Arts Festvial, and why not since they are situated right in the thick of it.

This weekend their Grand Tent will be featuring delicious food catered by Coconut Grove Events. There's a full premium bar and loung along with half pound beef burgers and lobster burgers. There will be fresh salads, warps and also fresh coffee and breakfast pastries in the morning.

Art will be shown from 25 nationally known artists. And this Thursday from 7 to 9 pm, there is a Preview Reception for The Young Artists Gallery in cooperation with the Miami-Dade County Public Schools. It is an exhibition and sale of art by senior high school students.

The students' actual exhibit hours are 10 am to 6 pm in the clubhouse on February 14-16.

Free introduction to meditation class offered tonight

Veronika Niyazova, teacher and guide, is offering a free introduction to Meditation tonight.

Calm your mind and increase your energy. This is an introduction to the upcoming world wide "Art of Living" course.

This will allow you to enhance and explore your mental and emotional well being. Be there at 7 pm tonight at the Windisch-Hunt Fine Art Gallery (2911 Grand Avenue). Wear comfortable clothes and bring a light blanket or shawl.

Keith Olbermann at MSNBC did a report on this technique here.

Say goodbye to the quaint gas lights around the village

The gas lights, which have been a fixture in the Grove for about forty years are now going to be history in favor of the acorn-shaped lights, shown here upper right. That quaint scene at the corner of Fuller and Grand (above left) and every quaint scene, will now be changed in the name of utility.

The gas lights, which are actually electric (but were gas at one time) added a lot of ambiance to the Grove, but it seems that they are not part of FPL's plans. FPL will be taking over the maintenance of all the new lighting and they will not maintain the gas lights.

The Grove relinquished the maintance and "ownership" of the lighting because FPL will actually take over all expenses on fixing, repairing and maintaining the lights.

What next, take away the brick sidewalks? Those gas lights said, "Coconut Grove" to me. It just won't be the same.

Coconut Grove are you ready for BarCamp?

Upwards of 500 people will be gathering at Anokha on Sunday, February 22 for BarCamp Miami.

BarCamp is a very popular techie event held all over the world. Previously it was at the Arsht Center downtown. Now we have it in the Grove and it truly is an honor. I've been learning about it on Twitter. It seems to be all over the place.

According to their website, this is where "new media, social media, their startups, their ideas, everything related to WordPress, and more. This is the opportunity for local new media professionals and aficionados to meet each other and to meet those who have traveled from across the US and from overseas to participate. Best of all, this is a free event and everyone who wishes to present … is welcome to present."

Barcamp is from 11 am to 5 pm. Anokha is at 3324 Virginia Street. More info here.

I will be contacting the Chamber, Merchants Group, BID and others about specials and deals for the BarCamp attendees. I'll announce them here when I know what they are and I'll explain to BarCamp attendees how to get them. Come back for that and you may read the Grapevine for up-to-date Coconut Grove news in the meantime.

Third Annual Palette Breakfast at Ritz Carlton

The Coconut Grove Arts and Historical Assn. is having the third annual Palette Breakfast at the Ritz Carlton on opening day of the Coconut Grove Arts Festival.

This is a private breakfast (Saturday Feb. 14) from 8 to 10 am. The poster artist Jacqueline Roch will be in attendance.

The breakfast is $100 per person and includes a 2009 commemorative poster, t-shirt, baseball cap, invitation to the 2010 poster unveiling, a 10% discount from participating artists, full buffet breakfast, VIP credential for entrance to the festival all 3 days, valet parking at the Ritz-Carlton the morning of the breakfast.

Seating is limited, to reserve, please call Katrina at 305-447-0401 or email katrina@coconutgroveartsfest.com

Valentine's Day in Coconut Grove is a good time to experience Angelo and Maxie's Steak House.

Studio offering free belly dancing classes tonight

The Studio in the Grove (2964 Aviation Avenue) is offering free Belly2Abs classes on Tuesdays from 7 to 8 pm the whole month of February. Join them tonight, in fact.

Belly2Abs is now resurrecting the ancient art that will shape you to the core. Belly dancing is now an acclaimed way to get into shape.

To experience the shimmy, please visit: www.bellydancewithadriana.com or call 786-768-3690.

At least the taxpayers aren't paying for it

A note to all those complaining about the new movie theater: You aren't going to be forced to go. Promise. No one is gonna make you. There will be more room, food and bowling for the rest of us.

St. Stephens Arts and Crafts Show looking for volunteers

The St. Stephen’s Arts and Crafts Show is in need of volunteers for this weekend's event.

Piggy backing onto the Coconut Grove Arts Festival, this is their largest fundraiser of the year.

The shifts are 8:45 am to 1:45 pm and from 1:30 to 6:30 pm, starting Saturday. This is a great way to spend the day, among the nicest of people and all for a very good cause. All monies raised go directly back to the Coconut Grove community.

For more info please contact Maggie Rossi at rossimm@bellsouth.net or 305-772-0738.

Get ready for a total movie, dining and bowling experience

Muvico Entertainment LLC, is moving ahead with the renovation of the AMC theater at CocoWalk. The new theater will consist of a 10-screen all stadium-seated theater with approximately 1,000 reserved seats including select Premier VIP auditoriums.

In addition, Muvico has partnered to develop a unique first of its kind “Lucky 7 Supper Club," which will feature a 6-piece house band. The club will also feature “Rockstar Karaoke” on Thursday nights where customers can belt out their favorite tune while accompanied by a live band. Lucky 7 will have seven lanes of luxury bowling, 120 dining seats, plush “bachelorette booths”, comfortable bars, in-house DJ’s and a prominent dance floor. They plan to offer a full-service kitchen showcasing “supper club” favorites like: table side Caesar salad, Steak Diane, Prime Rib, Chicken au Jus, Blackened Shrimp Scampi and Bananas Foster.

It is anticipated that construction will commence later this spring with an opening slated for early 2010.

Other services will include valet parking, on-line ticketing, reserved seating and lane reservations and a bowling concierge. An expanded concession menu will feature traditional movie-going fare along with gourmet appetizers and Napa-Style pizzas from the Lucky 7 Supper Club menu. The wall-to-wall screens will be presented in Sony 4K super definition digital projection allowing for the broadcasting of concerts and sporting events in selected auditoriums as well as 3D cinema presentations.

“We are very excited to be partnering with Lucky 7 Supper Club, to bring the finest entertainment experience available to Coconut Grove and the greater Miami area,” noted Muvico Theaters CEO and President Michael Whalen.

“The world of theater exhibition is changing rapidly due to changes in technology and other forms of competing entertainment. It is not good enough to offer just movies, popcorn, and soda to our guests. It is our vision to be the leaders in the entertainment space where movies are part of an overall entertainment experience that brings audiences of all ages to our complex. "

City Commish Joe Sanchez to have meet and greet

City Commish Joe Sanchez will be speaking at the Coconut Grove Park Homeowners Association (CGPHA) meeting next month.

Mr. Sanchez is running for mayor and has launched a campaigned called "Neighborhoods First." The folks at CGPHA want to ask him exactly when he ever put a neighborhood first, especially when it comes to the Grove. No one can find anything on record proving this.

Tomas Reglado, who also is running for mayor, will speak at a future meeting.

Everyone is welcome, the meeting with Mr. Sanchez is at the Woman's Club (2985 S. Bayshore Drive) at 7 pm on Wednesday, March 4.

The countdown begins . . .

Booths have started to go up today on South Bayshore Drive, in anticipation of the Coconut Grove Arts Festival this coming weekend. The Antique Market will be back along with the St. Stephen's Arts and Crafts Fair.

Temporary movie theater locations still being sought

Merchants have been concerned about the AMC movie theater's closing for a long period of time for renovations. They have been looking for locations for first run movies to take the place in the interim.

Havib at Temple (the old Flavour) has donated his second floor for just that -- first run movies. I highly doubt the movie distributors want a second rate theater to show their first rate films. Not that Havib has a second rate club, but it's just not a professional movie theater.

We'll have to see how it goes. More locations are being sought.