What we need . . .

A good Chinese food place -- take-out and eat-in.

How do we not have one?

Cutler Bay has this small place on Old Cutler Road called Takee Outee. It's only take-out and the place has lines around the block. We need this.

The Virginia Street Festival is coming in August

Coming August 2 -- The Virginia Street Festival.

Virginia Street will be closed from Grand Avenue to the Mayfair Hotel from 11 am to 5 pm. There will be food, drinks, music, lots of books (mini book fair), ice cream, face painting and art.

Some of the Florida Marlins are expected to be on hand, too. Anyone who would like to rent a booth, can speak with Felice or Sandy at the Bookstore.

Stay tuned.

Green Week spotlights restoration of Dinner Key’s islands

Model and ecologist Hunter Reno taught Shake-A-Leg campers (and Mayor Manny Diaz, front left, and others) about dragon flies and native butterflies during their trip to Eco-Island, as part of the Eco Island Adventure Camp, a summer program that teaches children ages 7 thorugh 17 about South Florida unique acquatic ecosystems and how to protect them.

Eco-Island, a successful environmental restoration project of the once trash-strewn Dinner Key Spoil Islands, is a partnership between Shake-A-Leg Miami, Royal Caribbean’s Ocean Fund, the Miami-Dade Department of Environmental Resources Management, and the Army Corps of Engineers. Shake-A-Leg Miami is a community-based aquatic activities center serving able bodied individuals as well as those with physical, developmental, and economic challenges.

For info on Eco Island and other Summer programs at Shake-A-Leg, please go here.

The Bookstore is holding Poetry Night on Friday

Michael Malone will be hosting another poetry night at the Bookstore (3399 Virginia Street) on Friday, July 3 at 7:30 pm. The theme is "Let Freedom Ring," being the day before 4th of July and all.

The last poetry night was standing room only, a great event, which introduced our own Grove poet in residence Jerry Wade. Bring an original poem or bring one of your favorites from the past. There is coffee, wine and pastries at the cafe and lots of new friends to be made.

For more info, please call 305-443-2855

Go Green, Buy American cars are at City Hall tonight

The Go Green, Buy American car event is at City Hall tonight, 6:30 pm.

Cars on hand will include: the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid, the 2010 Ford Escape Hybrid, and the 2010 Mercury Milan Hybrid.

More info here.

Why don't our neighbors know what is going on?

A couple of us walked around the Grove collecting for the Grove Bucks and Coconut Scavenger Hunt last week and while the usual players were well aware of what is going on, a vast majority of the businesses did not have a clue. Are people that apathetic or is it our fault for not keeping them informed?

By them, I mean the Grapevine, the BID and the Merchants Association. And where are the block captains who were supposed to tell their neighbors about this?

We are all so concerned about getting people to come to the Grove and shop, dine and unwind and our own neighbors don't know what is going on. Why?

And for those who said they would like to give the $20.00 donation, but their manager or the owner or their wife wasn't there, we are expecting you to step up and participate. By not participating, you are being part of the problem, not the solution. So you can't complain about lack of business and other things when you don't step up when asked.

I picked up a bunch more participants yesterday, thank you to those who signed up. Those were easy because they knew me, not necessarily the concept of the Hunt. In the end it will be lots of fun and there will be plenty of people taking part, but it would have been nicer if people had a clue what I was talking about as I walked around collecting the donations. There is a real lack of communication somewhere.

Chicago's Steak House prepared to open

Manny Martinez at Chicago's Bakery and Deli is opening Chicago's Steak House right next door in the larger space. Expected opening date is July 13.

There are different levels and rooms and in the back of the main space is a big black grand piano, surrounded by a bar, where first class performers will play. Think top notch lounge acts. This is the opposite of the rude, frenetic Crazy Pianos.

In fact, if you want to see the essence of class and friendliness and the way to run a business, stop in Chicago's Deli. If everyone in Chicago is like this, I think I might want to visit real soon.

Chicago skyline murals are filling the walls and various rooms will allow for private parties and a first class bar.

Blu Moon Studio knows how to throw a party

Blu Moon Studio (3444 Main Highway) had their Swarovski crystal bracelet project on Friday night. As usual, there was a lot going on. Sheri Friedman knows how to put on a party. The last Friday of every month is their Art Happy Hour where some sort of arts and crafts project is taught.

Atena Komar, standing in back, in red, conducted the class while Sheri ran around entertaining the rest of the guest. There is something going on in every corner of Blu Moon.


There is always one room where live music is performed.


There is the little seating area, where people visit and chat and there was even a massage chair set up last night. There is always great food and drinks.

I regret that I didn't get Sheri's photo, but she was so busy in the kitchen making apple and blueberry pies! If you haven't been to Blu Moon, you really are missing a great experience. You don't have to be into art or crafts, you can just hang out with friends.

We claimed our name on Facebook

We claimed our name on Facebook. It's easy to find us now: www.facebook.com/coconutgrovegrapevine

Join us for photos and blurbs that aren't posted here on the Grapevine. We have a great photo of Shaun, the rickshaw guy as Spider-man, saluting the flag as his rickshaw customers lie flat on their backs. It's funny. I actually had that photo printed to give Shaun the next time I see him.

And now you can join the BRING BACK TU TU TANGO Fan Page! Share your photos, stories and memories. That is here.

Crazy Pianos is the snobbiest place in town

I try to write upbeat and not put down businesses just for the sake of putting them down, but Crazy Pianos does not fit into the Grove and they probably never will. I had my own rude experience with them before they even opened and I never went back. Since the day they opened, (and even before), they have been quite rude to more people than not.

I have gotten many complaints about them during the Alfest bar crawl this past Saturday night and this was the last straw.

They actually made the bar crawlers wait outside because it was "dinner hour" and then only let in a few at a time. After 9 pm, if you had shorts or tank tops on, you were not allowed in. They basically just went through the motions. What type of bar crawl allows a person or two in, lets them have a beer and then shoves them out? What fun is that?

They were given the liquor to serve by the Alfest organizers, but refused to serve it all. They supposedly kept most of it for their own profit. Apparently the door staff was rude and so were the bartenders. The Alfest organizers received numerous phone calls with complaints.

Why sign up for the bar crawl if you don't want to participate? What's the point? To make yourself look good? Didn't work, you made yourself look bad. Screwing the charity and Grove patrons is not the way to gain friends and fit in with the village.

They were jerks the day I met them (the owner and staff), so I just turned the other cheek and walked away. I never stepped foot inside again and when people asked me my opinion of the place, I told them how I felt.

They got rid of Café Tu Tu Tango for this? The ironic part is that I don't think any of the artists or customers from the old Tu Tu Tango would be permitted in Crazy Pianos. They don't fit their demographic -- people with their noses up in the air and sticks up their asses, oh wait, that describes the owners and staff.

Color coded cars

Love when the cars match their background. Red on red and yellow on yellow on Commodore Plaza.

Gold Coast Mac Meet Up was at Science Museum

Once a month, the Gold Coast Macintosh User's Group meets at the Science Museum. The group met Wednesday night. The next meeting will be July 29, where they will be screening the film, "The Macintosh Way - TheDocumentary for the Rest of Us." They'll be giving away a DVD that the producers graciously donated as a door prize. There is also a beginner's class at 6:30 pm at the July meeting.

It's very informative, as they always share information regarding the latest applications for Macs. Last week they discussed Apple updates including the new iPhone 3. There are always presenters who have tried an app and then demo it to the rest of the group and the one part that is always looked forward to is a raffle with products that are given away.

From left, working to right and then back: André Perwin (President); Esver Camacho (Vice-President); Charlie Carlon (Vice-President); TJ Carlon (Treasurer); Dale LeCornu (Board Member); Yusty Saltzman (Board Member); Regular Members: Dennis Daley, Marian Wertalka, Carlisle Talbot, Bob Lasky, Mark Dresnic and John Burkowski

Photo by AnnaMaria Windisch-Hunt

Alfest is the best!

We are just hoping that we can do half as well with the Bed Race Pajama Pub Crawl in September as the Alfest Bar Crawl did last night. About 1000 people signed up to drink their way through the Grove! All in the name of charity.


Proceeds went to Camp Boggy Creek near Orlando. A great place for kids with cancer.


It all started at the Sandbar Grill and then extended to most of the other bars around the Grove.


A few new places that popped up in the Grove this year replaced some bars that dropped out and the participants had plenty of places to party.


Their favorites included Sandbar, the home of Alfest, and Cabana One. Of course the participants enjoyed Barracuda, Crazy Pianos, Mr. Moe's and the rest, too.


The totals are not all in yet, but if 1000 people signed up at $25.00 a head, you do the math. Not a bad haul for one night of drinking!

Perpetuating the myth

A couple just came up to me on Matilda Street, by the school. He asked if I knew the area well, I told him yes, he then asked if I knew where the cemetery was where the Michael Jackson video was filmed.

I didn't know how to respond. I didn't want to ruin their fun, so I gave them directions and told them that many believe it was a myth. They didn't care, they went off to the Grove's newest tourist attraction.

Old fashioned 4th of July is planned for Barnacle picnic

We are thrilled that the Rev. Wilifred Allen-Faiella has nothing to do with the Barnacle 3485 Main Highway), or that would probably not be standing now, she would have an outlet mall constructed on the spot of the old 1891 structure.

But luckily we still have this incredible piece of history. The Barnacle will be having its popular 4th of July picnic this year. The celebration is from 11 am to 4 pm and then of course the rest of the day will be all things Coconut Grove from the hot dog eating contest to the coconut scavenger hunt and ending with vendors and fireworks later in Peacock Park.

The Barnacle picnic is an old-fashioned picnic with lawn games, board games, knot tying, kite making and crafts. They will also have a scavenger hunt. Live music is on hand and the park will be decked out in red, white and blue.Bring a picnic basket or enjoy the hot dogs, veggie dogs, popcorn, soft drinks and other items which are available for purchase.

Admission to the park on the day of this event is $5.00; $2.00 for ages 6-12; children under 6 are free. The park opens at 9:00 am with activities from 11 am to 4 pm. The park closes at 5:00 pm Blankets or lawn chairs and picnics are welcome, but alcohol and fireworks are not permitted. For additional information call 305-442-6866 or visit http://www.thebarnacle.org/.

Lying and corruption in the name of the almighty buck

Two interesting stories in today's Miami Herald. Stories that we first talked about here.

One, the Mercy 300 Bay Residence project and how favors were sought. From the Herald:

"In March 2007, [Barbara] Hardemon [a confidant and former campaign worker] landed a $45,000 job as a community-outreach consultant with another developer, The Related Group, weeks before a crucial commission vote on the company's plan for condos near Mercy Hospital.

"Related executives said they hired Hardemon and another Spence-Jones ally, former Miami-Dade Commissioner Barbara Carey Shuler, to muster support in the black community -- in an effort to gain Spence-Jones' vote. They said Hardemon was recommended by Arriola.

"Related also bought ads on Spanish-language radio in an effort to sway Commissioner Joe Sanchez, who, like Spence-Jones, was considered a swing vote."

It goes on to say: "Related officials say they were not trying to conceal the payments. But the hospital's public-relations consultant, Israel Kreps, told investigators the arrangement made him 'very uncomfortable.' "

The whole story is here.


On May 4, 2009, demolition crews took a sledge hammer to the original 1912 cross and bell at St. Stephen's Episcopal.

CLUELESS WILIFRED ALLEN-FAIELLA

And in another story, regarding the old 1912 church demolition at St. Stephen's, the clueless rector, the Rev. Wilifred Allen-Faiella, goes on to explain how they hid the fact about the demolition, because they weren't required by law to tell people. I call this LYING BY OMISSION. This is a a woman of God?

She says in the Herald: "Had there been different rules in place at the time, I'm sure we would have complied."

Guess she feels that morals don't matter if the law doesn't require it. We are just glad that it's not legal to kill small children and dogs.

From the Herald: "She blamed the city: 'They didn't do their homework. So the city has learned something from this.' City officials concede the old church fell through bureaucratic cracks."

The story goes on to say that new laws are in place and hopefully this desecration will not happen again. Whole Herald story here.

All of our coverage and photos are here.

Ice cream, sliders, wine and oh yea, books . . .

When I was a kid, I think it was Woolworths that sold ice cream between two waffles, sort of an ice cream sandwich made from waffles.

Well, today is Waffle Sunday at the Bookstore and they have their new ice cream machine in, so I'm thinkin' just maybe . . .

Here is Jonathan, who served me one of the first ice creams yesterday, they have lots of flavors and lots of toppings, too.

And they also now sell sliders, you know, those little hamburgers and cheeseburgers? Between that, the wine, the pastries and sandwiches, the tv and the books, you don't need to leave the place!

Standing room only

The Alfest Bar Crawl started early tonight. The Sandbar Grill (the starting point) is full of participants. They are expecting 1000 or more for the charity event. It will be an all-nighter! You can see the partiers all over the Grove as the night goes on. More pictures tomorrow.

Alfest, the Bar Crawl to Fight Cancer is tonight

Tonight, Saturday, June 27, starting at 5 pm, you can pick up your tickets for Alfest, the infamous bar crawl to raise money for Camp Boggy Creek. If you didn't buy tickets previously, you may still purchase tickets until 8 pm tonight at the Sandbar Grill (3064 Grand Avenue), where the event kicks off.

This year, the goal is to raise $20,000, so get in there and start drinking for a cause!

The Mayfair Hotel and Spa, as usual is offering discounted rooms for all Alfest bar crawlers. Contact the in-house reservations department at 305-441-0000 and identify yourself as a participant of Alfest to obtain the discounted room rates, which are based on availability.

Discounted rooms at The Mayfair are available for June 27 only at $119 + 13% tax for the Mayfair Suites (1 King Bed) or $149 + 13% tax for the Executive Suites (2 Queen Beds).

Children's Trust Miami Heart Gallery back in Grove

The Miami Heart Gallery is back in the Grove this year.

From July 5 through September 7, the exhibit will run at the Windisch-Hunt Gallery again this summer. Hours are 6 to 10 pm, Tuesday through Friday and noon to 9 on Saturday and Sunday.There will be a wine and cheese reception on Saturday, August 9, at 7:30 pm.

The Children’s Trust Miami Heart Gallery is a traveling, museum-quality exhibit featuring portraits of children in Miami-Dade’s foster care system who are available for adoption.

Photo courtesy of Miami Heart Gallery website

Great night of poker, music and friends

Despite the on and off rain, a nice crowd showed up for the Maverick Poker Charity Tournament at Cabana One last night, hosted by Camille DePhillips and Ben Arndt. Lou Stadler of the Miami Poker Society had tables set up in the actual cabanas.


Even if you didn't play poker, there was a slilent auction, jazz band, drinks, food and the incredible views. This photo was taken at sunset.


People had a good time. The cabanas were perfect for the poker tables.


Waitresses brought drinks to the tables, so the players could keep on going. It was all for a great cause -- the Coconut Grove Elementary School.


Beside the jazz band, a cigar maker rolled cigars and the bar was full of people all night. But the main attraction was Texas Hold 'em at the card tables.


Photo at left: Heather Bettner, Camille DePhillips, Doreen LoCicero, Dr. JL. Richardson. Center: Camille and Ben Arndt; Right: Camille sells raffle tickets.

Georgia Peaches visiting the Big Orange

We ran into these real housewives from Columbus, Georgia, who are visiting Coconut Grove this weekend. They are staying at a Grove hotel and spending all weekend shopping, dining and unwinding.

They were at lunch yesterday at Greenstreets, and enjoyed the best Bloody Mary in town. From left are Katie, Maggie, Meika and Lela.

They love the Grove and are partaking in village life before they go back to their husbands and children. They planned on checking out the Art Happy Hour at Blu Moon and also the Poker/Casino night at Cabana One.

They promised to come by and paint coconuts tonight. Hope they do.

Winners in the Grapevine contest

The winners of yesterday's Grapevine contest are Sandra Roche and Donna Sek.

They both received two entry tickets to the Kampong.

The question: The Bookstore in the Grove just won a "Best of" award from the Miami New Times. For what? The answer: For having the best Free Wifi in Miami.

The Bookstore will have ice cream and small burgers (sliders) starting today. And they have Kooky pens, Bakugan Deka items and the Twilight game.

Someone actually spilled coffee over a bunch of new books the other day and ran out, without saying a word. Now food and drinks are confined to the cafe area, which makes sense.

Thriller on Grand Avenue

Michael Jackson (Michael J. Greene) was walking all around the Grove today putting smiles on people's faces. I was tempted to drive him to the cemetery and take a picture with him there, but he had to beat it and so did I.

We need more coconuts painted!

Please bear with us -- one more coconut painting party is needed to get enough coconuts done by July 4th, for the Coconut Scavenger Hunt. It actually has turned into a new weekly tradition, but this will be the last one, although classes are being considered as a future thing.

And this one is now tomorrow, Saturday, June 27 at 7 pm, (not Friday like it usually is), at the Windisch-Hunt Gallery, 2911 Grand Avenue.

This one was done by talented Joe Harrison, who is making them much too nice to be put in the contest. Most of his actually end up in the front gallery window, under the spotlight.

Women's Int'l Film Festival presents "Rain" at Mutiny

If you missed "Rain" on June 6, there is one more showing this weekend.

"Rain," is a critically acclaimed award winning movie, about a teenager named Rain who has lived her entire life with her grandmother on a tiny rural island in the Bahamas. When here grandmother dies, Rain goes to Nassau to find her mother, Glory whom she has never met. It stars Ranel Brown, Niki Micheaux (Soul Food, Lincoln Heights) and Irma P. Hall (A Lesson Before Dying, Soul Food, Backdraft).

The movie will be shown tomorrow, Saturday, June 27, out by the pool at the Mutiny Hotel (2951 S. Bayshore Drive), under the stars. If it "rains," no pun intended, it will be shown inside.

Admission is $20 and includes food and drink, A 7 pm reception will precede the movie, which starts at 8 pm.For more info: www.womensfilmfest.com

Bracelet making featured at Blu Moon Art Happy Hour

Blu Moon Studio is having a pre-July 4th Happy Hour party tonight, June 26. They are teaching how to make a red, white and blue Swarovski crystal bracelet just in time to wear on Independence day.

$20.00 includes all materials and refreshments.

Join in for homemade apple pie, refreshments and listen to great live music among friends. Atena Komar will teach the skill of bracelet making.

Blue Moon is all the way on the top floor at 3444 Main Highway. Happy Hour is from 6 to 10 pm.

Registration is not required, however, to ensure enough bracelet beading kits, registered guests will have first pick of materials. Call 305-529-5006 or email sheri@blumoonstudio.com

Thriller filmed here or not?

Thelma Gibson, Grove historian, claimed on tv today that she witnessed the filming of Thriller at the Grove cemetery so many years ago. So make what you will about that. More here on that.

Did you see that deluge this morning?

It felt like a mini tropical storm around here this morning. Luckily it passed through fast. I almost got a great shot of lightning over the bay, but this is much nicer.

This is Jenny Nieto, who is working for her mom at Image Factory. She got lunch for the company.

Looks like it's clearing up now, just in time for lunch, but Johnny Rockets, Jenny? When there are fish tacos and Italian Beef sandwiches down the block?

The Miami New Times got tired of me raving about Chicago's Deli on Facebook and Twitter (and here) so they went out and tried it themselves. They loved it. Here is their review.

Photos by AnnaMaria Windisch-Hunt

What's up with the leaf blower mess?

My friend Riley Smith picked up on one of my pet peeves in his Real Estate Coconut Blog. It's the messy lawn cuttings and crap all over the swales.

His pet peeve is the stuff laying there on the side of the road, mine is the lawn guys who actually take a leaf blower and blow the stuff away from their client's yard and into the street and everywhere else.

Ever see this? It's all over the Grove; they blow the leaves and grass into the street or across the street into the neighbor's yard. I have a photo here of a guy blowing the stuff all over McDonald Street. Who does he think is going to pick this up?

Breakfast with the Artist is this Saturday

Grove artist Valentina Ramos is the featured artist for Breakfast with the Artist at Focaccia Rustica (3111 Grand Avenue) tomorrow, Saturday, June 27.

The Breakfast is at 10:00 am. Please feel free to join the group of friends and learn about Valentina and her art -- paintings picturing famous cities around the world.

Is it just an urban legend?

The Thriller video may not have been shot here in the Grove, but every news outlet wrote that it was the fact, so I guess we all grew up thinking that. I remember hearing it when I was a boy, right after Thriller came out. I know Michael Jackson stayed at the Grand Bay Hotel around that time and maybe that is how people got the Grove mixed into it.

Either way, the New Times disputes the rumor here. (That's my screen shot, so I guess they got the info here first and then checked out the facts, which maybe I should have done, but I just grew up with that fact, so I guess you hear something long enough and it becomes fact. I always pictured them filming on Charles Avenue. Now I guess I have to think a whole new way, with Michael gone, I guess we all have to think a whole new way.

But Thelma Gibson, probably the Grove historian, claimed on tv today that she witnessed the filming of Thriller at the Grove cemetery so many years ago. I tend to side with Ms. Gibson.

People are actually showing up at the cemetery this morning. I should go out and take pictures. Even if it's not in the video, it is a great part of Grove history. I wrote about The Weathered Edge, the old house next door, too, not long ago.

Michael Jackson and Coconut Grove

The Coconut Grove Cemetery (3650 Charles Avenue) is rumored to be where the cemetery scene in Michael Jackson's Thriller video was filmed in 1982.

Hot Dog eating contest is part of Grove festivities

There will be an old fashioned hot dog eating contest at CocoWalk on July 4th. The Hooters girls and maybe some others from Crazy Pianos, will be the counting -- doing the judging.

Naomi Evans from CocoWalk is running the contest and Olav Smit from Pomme and Pane is supplying the hot dogs.

Only 15 contestants will be allowed in the contest and it's first come, first served.

Participants will be allotted 10 minutes to eat as many hot dogs as possible. Prizes will be announced, but they will be nice prizes. The sign-up form is here. Again, it is the first 15 people who sign up, so do it now if you are serious.

Grapevine contest

The Bookstore in the Grove just won a "Best of" award from the Miami New Times. For what?

They said they were a great bookstore and probably the only decent bookstore in Miami, but they were given the award for a specific thing.

We will have two winners. Each winner will receive free admittance for two to the Kampong.

The contest ends tomorrow at 2 pm and winners will be announced sometime after that.

We will take all correct answers and choose two winners randomly from them.

Contest is now closed.

Grove Harbour Marina goes back to the drawing board

Press release from Commissioner Marc Sarnoff's office - just in, word-for-word:

City of Miami District 2 Commissioner Marc D. Sarnoff initiated the withdrawal of a controversial plan by a developer to build a 21,000-square-foot office building just 22 feet from the water in Coconut Grove.

The proposed three-story Grove Harbor Marina office building would have been located a block North of Miami City Hall at the Grove Harbor Marina site. The building was not included in the City’s Coconut Grove Waterfront Master Plan as adopted by the City Commission and approved by City residents during public workshops.

“This plan has been unacceptable and inappropriate since it was first introduced. There is no reason to have an office building 22 feet from the water, especially when our City allows nothing closer than 50 feet,” says Commissioner Sarnoff.

After nearly a year of debate and negotiations, the Marina has agreed to withdraw the building as designed, solicit input from the community, and bring back a modified design in one year.

“I am very gratified that the developers are listening to the members of the public who’ve voiced their concerns. Protecting our waterfront must remain a priority,” says Commissioner Sarnoff.

Grove Bucks are coming to the Grove on the 4th of July

Like it? It's the new currency for Coconut Grove called Grove Bucks.

It actually will be part of the prizes during the Coconut Scavenger Hunt on July 4th. Many of the winners (most in fact) will win these bucks which can be used as currency in participating stores and restaurants. At the end of the week, merchants who accept the bucks will turn them in to a central location for reimbursement.

Participating merchants are the ones who participate in the Scavenger Hunt. So it would behoove them to say "yes" when their block captain or someone from the Merchants Group approaches them.

If a person wins 300 Grove Bucks, that will be like $300.00 Simple. These will have special codings on the back to prevent duplication.

The Merchants Group is hoping to use these at other events, too, like during the Great Grove Bed Race and maybe even during the holidays. I think it could work for bar crawls and just about anything. In the future we could actually have people use them instead of money in Coconut Grove by giving them more for their Grove Buck, like every 100 Grove Bucks would cost $90.00 in cash to buy, so the person with the Grove Bucks would automatically have an extra $10.00 to spend.

Liliana Dones designed the Grove Bucks. This incredible artwork is all her doing. A peacock was suggested for the center image and that's all she had to go on.

Mayoral candidates are out meeting the voters

City Commissioner Marc Sarnoff, above center, held a fundraising cocktail reception for mayoral candidate Commissioner Tomás Regalado, above, center left, last night at Calamari, in Coconut Grove.

Commissioner Joe Sanchez, who is running against Regalado in November's election, has a fundraising dinner tonight at Angelo and Maxie's, in Coconut Grove.


Here are a few fans of Regalado's including Janice Tarber, chairman of planning advisory board, Bernard Zyscovich and Suria Yaffar.

Photos by Harry Emilio Gottlieb

Ladies enjoy a great night of shopping for charity

Last night was Girls Night Out at the Museum of Science. The shopping event was a charity event to raise money for Kids Hope United.

Above, from left, are Alexandra Alvarez of "Coconut LifeStyle," Monica Grandos, Cheryl Herger and Raquel Batista.


The Shoes To You booth was manned by Jonell Zarich, Anette Gabriella and owner Kim Stone.

Photos by AnnaMaria Windisch-Hunt

So what else is new?

The Grove Harbour items that showed up on tomorrow’s Commission agenda are deferred for the umpteenth time. Grove Harbour wants to build a four story office building right on the waterfront, as you know. This is totally against zoning laws and not part of the Waterfront Master Plan, which was years in the making.

Grove Harbour has been invited to attend the next Waterfront Implementation Committee meeting (on July 8 at 5:30 pm) along with the management of Scotty’s Landing, Grove Key Marina, and Chart House, to discuss the implementation of the Waterfront Master Plan as it affects all of those properties.

Grove Harbour will also be on the next Waterfront Advisory Board agenda.

Mutiny Hotel is offering a July 4th special

The Mutiny Hotel (2951 S. Bayshore Drive) has a 4th of July Special.

It is a "Fireworks Suite" for only $149.00 per night and includes:
- A one bedroom suite, with private balcony and unobstructed view of the park, bay and fireworks
- Two complimentary signature robes
- 15% discount at Atchana's East/West Kitchen
and easy access to all the Grove events including a trolley back and forth.

For reservations, please call 305-441-2100 or email info@mutinyhotel.com

The "Go Green, Buy American" cars event back at City Hall

The popular Going Green car promotion is back at City Hall (3500 Pan American Drive).

The event last month with Chevy and GM was a big success. Part Two in the "Go Green, Buy American" series will be Tuesday, June 30 at 6:30 pm.

In an effort to shed light on the latest and possibly greatest "Green" cars to ever come out of Detroit, Commissioner Marc Sarnoff has invited American companies to showcase their newest Eco-friendly and hybrid vehicles right here in the Grove. Ford is the only American Car company to not take federal bailout money. Their company executives will present.

Cars on hand will include: the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid which recently was declared the "most patented" car in American history, it has 119 patents on file for technology and innovations; the 2010 Ford Escape Hybrid -- rated the most fuel efficient SUV on the planet at 34 mpg; and the 2010 Mercury Milan Hybrid (shown here) -- 41 mpg.

You can check under the hood, kick the tires and sit behind the wheel. Ford execs will even let you take the cars out for a quick spin. It's a great opportunity to see what American car makers have to offer. This is your chance to see these hybrids up close and personal and ask all the questions you want to the people who are touting their success.

"Miami Goin' Green" will be on hand to offer tips and advice on how to make your own cars run more efficiently. Learn great common sense ideas on how to save cash and help preserve the environment.

RefreshMiami tonight at Arts and Minds Center

RefreshMiami is meeting at the Arts and Mind Center (3138 Commodore Plaza) tonight from 7:30 to 9:30 pm. There is no charge, everyone is welcome.

RefreshMiami is a community for all web professionals, enthusiasts and students to connect. They host monthly meetups where members present their work, share their research or ideas and engage in lively conversations.

For info, please contact Brian Breslin at brianbreslin@gmail.com

Become famous! Share your party with us

We have a new feature here at the Grapevine -- Party coverage.

You may know them as party pages in various publications from Joan Nielsen's original Social Magazine and of course the knock-off Social Miami and Miami Monthly also features parties and events.

For a nominal fee, you can share your wedding, your corporate event or birthday, even a day out boating with friends. Become famous! You would be amazed at how many people read the Grapevine.

Another great plus is that when people do searches for you on line, your name will come up and so will all your guests! It's a great way to social network and have some clout. People will come up to you and say, "I saw you in the Grapevine!"

Your party will be featured right here and be seen by thousands of people a day. Your write-up could look something like this, which was done for the Chamber luncheon. Or you can just have one photo if you like, with a write-up under that.

We would love to work with party and wedding planners on this. So feel free to contact us to discuss logistics.

More info about doing this is here.

Losing one of our cops on the beat

One our beat cops, Officer Rolando Mesa, has been transferred after 15 years of working in the Grove, for no apparent reason.

This is sad because not only is he a good guy, he is one of us, and he knows the neighborhood and all the people (good and bad). He has a history, he belongs.

I know that he wants to stay and hopefully someone will come to their senses and keep him around. He was informed just this morning that he has six days and then he gets his new assignment.

Call for mermaids

You may remember the call for Mermaids awhile back. The Windisch-Hunt Gallery has a Mermaid Summer Art Project.

Submissions will be accepted from Saturday, June 27 until Tuesday, June 30. The submission fee is $15 per entry and they should be for sale. If they are not for sale, please add $10.

This is not going to be a judged show. Theresa Callouri was the first to bring her piece in a couple of weeks ago.

All media styles are accepted.

The opening reception is Sunday, July 5 from 4:00 to 7:00 pm.

For info, please email: awindisch@mac.com .

It's Wingsday Wednesday at Hooters

Wednesdays are Wingsdays at Hooters!

Special: $5.99 Boneless Wings and Curly Fries. Check 'em out upstairs at CocoWalk.

And Hooters also has a Summer on Ice special: Monday-Friday 3-7 pm:
$6.99 - 1lb. Crab legs
$2.99 - Margarita
$2.99 - 23 oz Big Beer (Miller Light & Coors Light)

Laz to the rescue; local Grovite saves a life

Laz Corrales, co-owner and one of the Elite Trainers from SET (Seal Evolution Training Fitness Camp), here in the Grove saved a life this past weekend. Laz witnessed a woman in distress, crying over a man who was unconscious near the Woman's Club.

After checking his vital signs and feeling no pulse or breathing, he performed CPR on the lifeless man and got his pulse back. He kept at it until the fire rescue arrived. You can see him above administering to the man.

Laz is a former navy seal, he has witnessed countless atrocities in his young life but also believes in the value of life. We do have heroes in the Grove. Laz can be found at RED gym (3206 Grand Avenue) or at SET.

Top photo by Harry Emilio Gottlieb

Cocoplum 500 Paddleboard race held over the weekend

On Sunday, about 30 hearty souls took off from Shake-A-Leg in the Cocoplum 500, part of the Hobie Stand-up Paddleboard Series. It started calmly at the docks, but then got a little hairy as the paddleboarders made their way out into the bay and then through the waterways to Cocoplum Circle and back, standing, and paddling (some falling) along the way.

The five mile course ended up being a bit longer, more like six miles.

The results were: Over 12' Men: First Place: Chip Bock; Second Place: James Brown

Under 12' Men: First: Jim DeSilva; Second: JP Perez; Third: Thad Foote; Fourth: Tyler Bixby; Fifth: Jason Barger; Sixth: Steve Chastain; Seventh: Stephane Lafosse Eighth: Sergio Mendoza

Under 12' Women: First: Meredith Bass; Second: Karen Perez

Lunch for Less

Bice Bistro at CocoWalk - $9.95 lunch
Le P'tit Paris - Half price Lunch menu before noon (you must get there between 11 and 12)
Smoothie King - daily special combo for 24 Hour fitness members
Los Ranchos - $4.99 specials
Ideas Spanish restaurant - 3 course prix fixe plus beverage for under $20

Where can you get a decent cup of coffee?

Best American coffee in the Grove?

I say McDonald's or the Bookstore.

The rest of the places seem to serve watered down or overly strong coffee, Starbucks' American coffee tastes burnt.

For other types like lattes and cafe con leche, there are many places, but the best American coffee seems to be those two places. Any others?

I loved this cup I had in Focaccia -- an espresso. It was so good, I took this photo.

A reader is concerned with lack of crosswalks

From a reader:

This is my main concern for the Grove: there are no decent pedestrian crossings in the neighborhood, such as in 27th and 22nd avenues. It is a daily threat to walk and cross to go to Kennedy Park with my children. Also, cars drive down 22nd and 27th Avenues as if they are highways. If the Grove had more pedestrian facilities, neighbors would head down to CocoWalk and the parks more often, feel safer, and happier in a wonderful location. I understand that the Grove's internal structure and street planning makes it very difficult to establish a pedestrian trail, due to its narrow streets and alleys, but we can only expect to have a decent paths at least where there is the possibility for so, that is, in the big wide avenues. Mothers and families of kids need and would use these pedestrian crosses, as well as all people in general. We want to feel that our city is really evolving towards a more human place to live."

Specials for under $25.00

From the Chamber:

Monday Night Lobster Feast at Calamari: MAINE LOBSTER over Linguine -$19.95
Angelo & Maxie's Sunset (5-7 pm) 3 course Dinner Specials - $20.99
Half price appetizers and Happy Hour drinks + NIGHTLY SPECIALS at Bice Bistro at CocoWalk

And at Greenstreet: 24 top quality wines for $24.00 dollars per bottle!

Historical hood

This quaint house is on Plaza Street in Village West. There is a lot of charm in the old Grove neighborhoods. This is what most of Center Grove looked like when I was a kid. Lots of these old houses around Oak Street used to have shops and stores inside. All the others lined the rest of the Grove and were residences.

It's a shame they could not be restored, rather than be replaced by the cookie cutter townhouses that has taken their place. The Grove could have been such a great historical district. Greedy developers and ignored zoning laws ruined the soul of Coconut Grove.

Young Women's Old Boy's Networker at Monty's

There is a Young Women's Old Boy's Networker is at Monty's (2550 S. Bayshore Drive) on Thursday, June 25.

Bring your business cards girls and connect with your peers. No men allowed.

If you need a job, you'll have the chance to meet young women who work in government, non-profits, the arts, start-ups, consulting, law firms and more. If you love your job, share what you know and love.Executives from two of Miami's leading job placement firms (Adecco USA and Creative Staffing) will be on hand to answer questions and give their take on the local job scene. Parking is free with Monty's validation. The event is from 6 to 8:30 pm.

WMN - the Miami Chapter of the Younger Women's Task Force - is a progressive, grassroots group of women in their twenties and thirties who create and maintain a space for the engagement and activism of younger women. WMN has lobbied in Tallahassee, learned to Samba, planted a community garden and much more.

Questions? Comments? Email wmnblog@gmail.com

Try the "Al Capone" Italian Beef sandwich at Chicago's Deli

About five people have tweeted, emailed or stopped me in the grocery store to ask me if the new Chicago's Deli (3162 Commodore Plaza) has the Italian Beef sandwich.

I didn't know what that was at first and someone actually sent me a YouTube video of it being made.

So I ended up back at Chicago's Deli, and I asked Manny, the owner if they had it. They do.

It's on the menu, called the "Al Capone" -- thinly sliced marinated roast beef served warm, topped with spicy peppers and dripping with the marinated sauce. Here's mine. I ate it outside under the canopies. It's only $8.00 and I don't think you'll finish the whole thing. I had to take half home with me.

I ran home right after eating actually, because I made such a mess, I had it all over my shirt and pants. It's now my new favorite thing at Chicago's Bakery and Deli.

Another coconut painting story

Friday night, we had another coconut painting party. For those who are sick of coconut painting stories, you are free to close the page now.

Anyway, it's sort of turning into a nice Friday night tradition. People are staying late, past midnight. We have pizza, wine and soda and folks just pop in and out.

Tourist have stopped in. Some have read it here in the Grapevine, and just stop in as a fun thing to do on vacation and others just wander in. Young people on dates wander in and we put them to work on decorating coconuts. It's a nice memory they'll all have of Coconut Grove.

We have had Village Council members stop in and Chamber members and a lot of Grove business owners and everyone just gets very creative. It's a really great environment, very relaxing and fun. People have actually shown up the next day to paint some more, bringing friends and family with them. Naomi (in pink at left) has been doing a lot of painting and she's had family and friends come back. Tina (right, in purple) and Anton (right, in black t-shirt) really got into it and stayed late.

Steve Licata, behind them, enjoyed painting and across from Steve is a nice couple who read about it here in the Grapevine, they are from Washington, DC, and they stopped in for some painting. That's my friend Maggie between Steve and Tina. When one group would leave, another would show up, after a night out in the Grove. They would end the night by painting a few coconuts. Where else can you say you can do that on a late Friday night? Only in Coconut Grove!

We almost hate to give up the coconuts now for the scavenger hunt. I'll get into details about how the scavenger hunt will work as we get closer to July 4th.

The Grove's Alfest is back! Give till it hurts . . .

Are you ready to crawl through the Grove? Alfest is back. The bar crawl to fight cancer is Saturday, June 27, 2009. It's a great Grove signature event.

Last year, $17,000 was raised for Camp Boggy Creek and this year the goal is to raise even more -- $20,000! There are some new locations in the bar crawl and all your favorites are still included -- Sandbar, Mr. Moe's, Barracuda, etc. It's a really fun Grove event for a great cause.

There are only 700 positions and to guarantee a space you can sign up on line and get all the info here: http://www.alfest.net. You can then pick up your coupon books at Sandbar starting at 5:00 pm on Saturday.

Fundraiser this week for Commissioner Joe Sanchez

The Coconut Grove Friends of Commissioner Joe Sanchez are holding a fundraising event at Angelo and Maxie's (3000 Florida Avenue) on Thursday, June 25, 2009.

Joe is running for Miami Mayor in November.

Cocktails are at 6:30 pm, dinner is at 7:30 pm. Minimum contribution is $150.00 per person. To RSVP, please call 305-443-1818 or email mniemeyer@paymyclaim.com

Dinner consists of an appetizer and entree includes your choice of Grilled Filet Mignon, Grilled Veggie Platter, Charbroiled Sirloin, Herb-Roasted Chicken, to just name a few.

Texas Hold 'em poker charity event at Cabana One

Cabana One is holding the Maverick Poker Charity Tournament on Friday, June 26, 2009.

The beneficiary is the Coconut Grove Elementary School.


It will be an eight table Texas Hold 'Em tournament from 7 to 11:30 pm. Participants will purchase an initial buy-in of chips for $50.00, with the opportunity to re-buy twice. Prizes may include American Express gift cards, vacation packages, hotel and spa packages and other sponsored items.

There will also be a silent auction, wishing tree, door and raffle prizes. There will be a live band playing jazz and blues throughout evening. Even if you don't play poker, this will be a fun event.

For info, please call 305-448-5088 or email camille@princemediadevelopment.com

Make believe you're on a plane; shut off electronic devices

Too many Village Council members and others in committees and groups are on their iPhones or Blackberries too much during the meetings. One can even hear the phones ringing on tv, while at home watching the meetings!

If you are so indispensable at 8 pm on a Thursday night, where you cannot even turn off your phones, then maybe you are too busy to be on the Village Council.

Same goes for many at daytime meetings but that isn't as bad as when there is a dais and all eyes are facing the dais. It's worse when a nervous citizen is standing before the Village Council dais and the council members are ignoring the nervous person and are fiddling with their phone instead.

Maybe we need to do what they do in schools, you put your phone in a box when you enter the chambers and then pick it up when you leave at the end of the meeting.

Summer cooking and sampling at The Fresh Market

Shelly Farrell from Coconut Bay Trading Company, was at The Fresh Market yesterday preparing fresh veggie island rolls and handing out samples.

The Fresh Market also had cooking demonstrations all afternoon.

Let's make a deal

Louis (right) discusses price with an interested party at the Mayfair Antique and Collectibles Market yesterday.

The horse was circa 1950. The guy ended up buying it.

The Antique Market is on all day again today, it's indoors, it's air conditioned and it's free to enter.

A great place to pick up a last minute Father's Day gift.

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!

Miami Skyline Band performing at CocoWalk tomorrow

Celebrate Father's Day at CocoWalk tomorrow, June 21, with the Miami Skyline Band, who will be entertaining from 3 to 7 pm.

Coco Cigar's from the second floor will be down in the courtyard rolling cigars, where you may purchase a fresh rolled cigar or two for Dad!

Spin it as a Groovey Grove Weekend

We are talking about getting people here for July 4th weekend, but what about every weekend?

A great idea might be to put a flyer together with some Coconut Grove hotel weekend specials and add a couple of menus in the mix for our one-of-a-kind places like Greenstreets and Citas and Calamari. Also throw in some sailing options and prices.

Lure people with the quiet weekend prospect to shop, dine, sail and unwind. Hand these out in South Beach, Hollywood, Kendall and the outlying areas. Remind them of what the Grove has to offer.

We don't even have to leave the village to promote it in some instances. To get the people from Pinecrest and Cutler Bay, and South Miami, put a few hot girls on rollerblades and have them hand out the flyers to drivers stopped at the traffic light at Main and McFarlane. Lots of people pass through the Grove during rush hour -- a captive audience.

Summer Solstice Naam Yoga class @ Kennedy Park

Tomorrow morning, Sunday, June 21, the Naam Yoga Summer Solstice celebration is in Kennedy Park. It's a free class and starts at 9:30 am.

The summer solstice is the longest day of the year, Naam Yoga will bring you to the center of the sun's radience and magnetic energy. Naam is the most powerful tool available for the removal of mental, physical and spiritual suffering.

Fresh cooking demonstration today at The Fresh Market

Mayfair Antiques and Collectibles Market is this weekend

No one ever listens to me. The dummy on the right is the mascot for the Mayfair Antique and Collectibles Market. The event is Saturday and Sunday from 11 am to 6 pm both days. Stop by and have your picture taken with him (the one on the right).

The Grove's Antique Market is the only one going on all summer. The rest of the South Florida shows will resume in the fall. This actually brings more dealers out, dealers who normally do Palm Beach or Broward shows, who want to sell during the summer. So you may find some interesting things this time around that weren't there last month.

St. Alban's Family Day is today

St. Alban's Family Day is today, Saturday, June 20, also celebrating Dad's for Father's Day.

From 11 am to 3 pm the party is at Elizabeth Virrick Park (3255 Plaza Street).

There is free food, music, basketball tournament, dominos, cards, raffle, magic show and more.

Ladies Champagne Fridays today at Ritz-Carlton

Today is Ladies Champagne Fridays at the Ritz-Carlton Coconut Grove (3300 SW 27 Avenue).

From 5 to 7 pm, the Grove's only casually chic lounge presents complimentary champagne for ladies, paired with gourmet light bites and live music in the The Lobby Lounge.

Miami dress designers Lynda Martin and Emmanuelle Cagol-Landreu (featured in this month's Lucky Magazine) are throwing a trunk show. Their "Nibbatti" Summer Collection features "easy, classic silhouettes with a modern edge in bold, jewel tones that carry you from day to night with just a change of heels."

As New Orleans natives, the designers will donate a portion of their proceeds to support Katrina-related rebuilding efforts, including this year's charity, Sweet Home New Orleans.

For info: 305-644-4680.

Is the "classic" Taurus Burger really the Martinburger?

People are asking about the "classic burger," which is being brought back to the Taurus (3540 Main Highway) at their grand opening on July 4.

Is it their "own" burger from Dave Hill's kitchen that appeared on the regular menu or is it the "Martinburger," which everyone thinks of as being the classic Taurus burger, which was mostly served on weekends on the patio?

Hmm, good question. July 4 falls on the weekend, so who knows what they are conjuring up at the new Taurus, with the old recipes. Guess we'll all just have to wait and see.

Where is Commodore Plaza?

Yesterday, when I went out to get a photo of the Commodore Plaza sign for this story, I noticed that there is no sign at Grand Avenue and Commodore Plaza. The photo I took was at Commodore and Main Highway.

I didn't think much of it, but ironically, this morning, a lady stopped me as I walked from the post office across to Havana Grove on Commodore Plaza. She stopped me right on the corner and asked me where Commodore Plaza was.

I pointed to the street and said, "Right here." She asked, "Where?" And I said, "Right here, this street is Commodore Plaza." She went on to tell me that she had been driving back and forth looking for it. She was looking for the Arts and Minds School and I guess she thought it was on an actual plaza. Come to think of it, why is Commodore Plaza called a "plaza?" It's not a plaza.

Anyway, I think we need a sign up on that corner, and fast.

Fundraising reception for Tomás Regalado next week

Commissioner Marc Sarnoff is holding a fundraising reception for Commissioner Tomás Regalado who is running for Mayor.

This is Wednesday, June 24 from 6:30 to 8:30 pm at Calamari Italian Seafood (3540 Main Highway).

There will be beer, wine and complimentary hors d'oeuvres.

Please RSVP to Teresa Sarnoff at info@marcsarnoff.com or call 305-441-5966.

Village Council begrudgingly gives donation for 4th of July

Village Council member Liliana Dones asked the Village Council for $500.00 at the last meeting, for the 4th of July. As usual, the Council had to make a big deal over this, as if she asked for $1 million dollars.

Felice Dubin, who is the treasurer of the Village Council and also on the 4th of July Committee along with Liliana, offered only $250.00, the same amount that was given last year.

Dave Collins, Village Council member and also on the 4th of July committee (lots of overlapping here folks), offered the whole $500.00. Then the discussion started on why the money was needed.
Dave said the money is needed because the 4th of July event is in the red. He said the money could go to port-o-potties. In the end, the $500.00 was given for port-o-potties, taken from some other defunct committee in the Village West, which has never used their share of the money given out by the Village Council which gives up $500.00 to various sub-committees.

Commodore Plaza to be closed for Summer Rendezvous

July 4 will be the first of five Saturdays in a row, where Commodore Plaza will be closed to auto traffic for the night. This is an experiment, and it if works, who knows, it could be a permanent thing.

From 9:30 to 11 pm, bands will be playing and there will be food and drink and it will be a fun street party. It's perfectly timed to occur right after the fireworks in Peacock Park. In fact, there is talk of a conga line or something like that, which will wind its way from the park up to Commodore.

The party will go until 4 am, the music will just go inside at 11 pm.

The long working title for the street party is "Summer Rendezvous -- Fall in Love With the Grove Again." A mouthful.

Next RefreshMiami meeting is at Arts and Minds Center

Our quest to turn the Grove into a techie neighborhood is showing some promise.

RefreshMiami is meeting at the Arts and Mind Center (3138 Commodore Plaza) on June 24 from 7:30 to 9:30 pm.

RefreshMiami is a community for all web professionals, enthusiasts and students to connect. They host monthly meetups where members present their work, share their research or ideas and engage in lively conversations.

As you remember we had BarCamp here, sort of the same thing, in February and just last month was the Facebook Developer Garage at the Science Museum.

For info, please contact Brian Breslin at brianbreslin@gmail.com

Collecting signatures for Human Rights

Chris and Kerstin were out in front of CocoWalk today, collecting signatures for the Human Rights Campaign.

They are with Environment Florida, the grassroots group that is usually in the area collecting signatures for wildlife or the environment.

DoubleTree is having a free pool party on July 5

There are some changes at the DoubleTree for their Sunday, July 5 pool party.
It won't be a pig roast but there will be a buffet. The pool is open to everyone for free and there is only a charge for the buffet -- $15.00 for adults and $7.99 for kids.

Other than that fee, it's all free. Included that day in the free activities of course are access to the grounds and the pool, free massages by Sunny Side Massage, one free mojito or beer for adults and unlimited soft drinks for kids all day.

Junior's Tropical Orchestra will be performing poolside and there will be mermaids and Bacardi Girls and other fun surprises. The pool party is from 1 to 4 pm

The DoubleTree has a three-day package for anyone who wishes to spend the whole weekend. And why not? For $139.00 per night, standard double accommodation, you'll check in July 3 and leave by 3 pm on July 5.

For info on the pool party and/or weekend package, please call 305-858-2500 or visit: www.coconutgrove.doubletree.com.

Muvico theater to be subject at Village Council tonight

The Village Council meets tonight at City Hall (7 pm).

One interesting thing on the agenda is an update on the Muvico theater coming to CocoWalk next year. Mia Steirheim, leasing manager of CocoWalk, will speak on this.

It looks like the issue with AMC closing for eight months while Muvico renovates may not be an issue now. Apparently Muvico will leave part of the theater open during renovation, allowing for movies to be shown while they rebuild. We'll find out more tonight at the meeting.

The total closing of the theater had been a pressing issue with Grove merchants who were very concerned about the lack of traffic once the theater closed. Outdoor movies, drive-in movies, retro movies were all being discussed as alternatives. While these can still happen, it's good to know the main theater will still be operating in some capacity.

When the new Muvico theater, restaurant and bowling alley complex is completed, probably in a year, 62,000 people per month are expected to come through, bringing a lot of traffic to the Grove.

Chicago's Bakery and Deli has a very northern feel

The New Chicago's Bakery and Deli opened today. The people there are really nice. The place feels very northern, it reminds me of New York or Boston, but of course the inspiration is Chicago.

From the Bakery they offer Signature Desserts:
Keys Style Key Lime Pie, Dulce De Leche Cheesecake, Peanut Butter Cream Fudge Torte, Cappuccino Hazelnut Cheesecake and Raspberry Black and White Cheesecake all for $6.00. This is just a fraction of what is offered.

Coffees consist of:
Espresso: $2.00; Latte available in flavors: $3.00; Mocha: $3.00 and of course everything you would expect from the coffee area.

The area I like is their deli offerings. I like having these options for lunch. This is just a tiny sampling, their menu is much larger:

The Chicago Dog - classic hot dog with mustard, onions, tomatoes, pickle spear, sport peppers, relish and celery salt on a poppy seed bun: $5.00

Da Bear - Roasted turkey, ham, bacon, cheddar, lettuce, tomato with spicy mayo: $6.00

Harry Carey - Roasted turkey, bacon, gouda, lettuce and tomato: $7.00

Comisky Park - Freshly roasted beef, bleu cheese, lettuce, tomato: $7.00

Wrigley Fielder - Freshly roasted beef, turkey, cheddar, lettuce, tomato, spicy mustard: $7.00

Oprah is honored with a sandwich - Chicken or Tuna Salad, lettuce, tomato, banana peppers: $7.00

There is the Rush Street, the Ditka, the Al Capone, they have salads and sides like cole slaw, macaroni and potato salad.

Check out Chicago's at 3162 Commodore Plaza. They may be reached at 305-774-9981.

Have your aura photographed

You can have your aura photographed at Celestial Treasures (3444 Main Highway) by Atena Komar on Saturday, June 20, from noon to 5 pm.

Stop in and have your photo taken for only $35. You will receive an instant photograph showing your aura with a chart explaining the colors in your photo.

I have a ton of photos that look like that, didn't know it was auras, thought it was lousy photography.

There's something fishy going on around here

There is a debate going on over at our Facebook fan page.

I mentioned having fish tacos at the Sandbar Grill, another person said he could think of 100 other better places for fish tacos. He did mention Jaguar, does Jaguar have fish tacos?

Where are the best fish tacos? I didn't think Sandbar's fish tacos could be beat.

Here are their baja style fish tacos in front and the smoked salmon tacos behind them.

New bakery set to open tomorrow on Commodore Plaza

The new Chicago's Bakery and Deli is scheduled to open tomorrow at 3162 Commodore Plaza. This is part of the new Chicago's Steak House, which is opening later this month, next door. This was to be the Sweet Dreams Bakery, but they changed the name to fit in with the new restaurant.

Opening time is set for 7 am. The staff is having a dry run through today, actually a sugary, creamy cake-filled run through today, if you check the shelves out!

More coconut painters needed this weekend

There is another coconut painting party this Friday at 7 pm at the Windisch-Hunt Gallery (2911 Grand Avenue). We had a nice turn out last week, but hundreds more coconuts are needed for the Scavenger Hunt on July 4th!

This Friday night is for adults only. Children may come during the day Friday and/or Saturday from noon to 4 pm, with an adult.

There will be wine, soda and pizza on Friday night only. Many people have painted solid colored coconuts, so even if you think you are not artistic, it really takes no effort, just a little time, to paint solid colored coconuts.

Zip Robertson and Theresa Callouri (above), stopped by last weekend to paint.

Readers' Choice -- Best Coconut Grove Restaurant

I forgot to add to the list yesterday of the Best of choices in the New Times poll that Greenstreet came in as Readers' Choice for Best Coconut Grove restaurant.

4th of July night time firworks cruise

There is a 4th of July party cruise taking off from Dinner Key at 7:30 pm. This event is not a part of the official Coconut Grove 4th of July activities. It is run by a private party, Floribbean Hospitality Group.

The cost is $59.70 per person. There will be a full service cash bar on board throughout the cruise and a full buffet menu.

For more info, please check out their website here or you can call 305-445-8456

Base Camp is the coolest camp in town

The Base Camp at the One Cool World skate park in Peacock Park has begun. There are many four day sessions throughout the summer.

Each day is action packed with lots of activities including skateboarding, fishing, swimming, kayaking, riding bikes and more. They even have a "chill center" for music and art.

There are weekend camps and birthday parties and they really seem to have it all covered -- something for everyone. This is for ages 5 to 14.

For more info, please call 786-290-5151 or visit: www.basecampmiami.org

Grove Bucks to be prizes for Coconut Scavenger Hunt

The Block Captains are meeting this afternoon at The Bookstore to discuss the Coconut Scavenger Hunt which is part of the July 4th Celebration.

Grove Bucks are going to be prizes. Most likely in $5.00 denominations, winners will win a bunch and be able to spend them at participating locations around the Grove. At a later time, maybe a week, the merchants can turn in the Grove bucks to "the banker" for reimbursement.

The bank money will come from donations from the participating merchants -- minimum is $20.00 each. This will not be refunded, it will be used to fund the prizes.

There will be a golden coconut, which, if found, will offer the grand prize, maybe a hotel stay with all meals included or something like that.

Bikram Hot Yoga set to open at end of the month

There's a new yoga studio coming to Coconut Grove. In late June, Bikram Hot Yoga will be opening at 2500 SW 28 Lane, across US1,

The red banner, hanging outside, has already caught the attention of many. (Go get 'em Harry).

The 5,000 square foot studio will be run by Will and Mary Margaret Thomas, both certified Bikram Yoga instructors. They will offer 16 classes per week and include more classes as the demand grows.The most popular lesson package will probably be the 10 lessons for $140.00 deal.

The yoga series is designed for beginners, while at the same time, benefiting those who are more experienced. It involves 26 postures and two breathing exercises which are performed in a heated room. The 90-minute lesson is physically challenging and can be practiced by nearly everyone.For more information, please email info@miamibikram.com or visit http://miamibikram.com.

Heart for Humanity party; art, peace and harmony

Zen Village and Life is Art are co-hosting a premiere party for Heart for Humanity at Zen Village (3570 Main Highway).

On Friday, June 19 from 6 to 11 pm, the evening will consist of entertainment, art, peace and harmony. Here II Here will be performing music from their self-titled debut album, a collaboration between Grammy winning engineer Doc Wiley and producer Joel Sommeillan.

Digital Media Artist, Laurence Gartel, will be presenting his art inspired by a recent trip to India. "What I discovered throughout the country was truly life altering. India is a country so rich in spirituality, but confronting poverty and survival on a daily basis. It is my hopes and goals to enlighten the plight of these people," said Gartel.

Life Is Art, a local organization, is hosting local artists including Kacey Westall Keogh, Sabrina Joy Winogrond, Floyd the Rock Artist, Alissa Christine and R.E. Sanchez. Alissa created the wildly popular "I Love Miami 365" series.

Floyd the Rock Artist will be creating art live during the musical perforamance. All art on display wil be for sale and a portion of the proceeds go towards the fundraising efforts.

For info, pleaes call 305-567-0165 or email: events@zenvillage.org. Their website is here: www.zenvillage.org

Two Grovites performing acoustically tonight at Berrie's

Zip Robertson (left) and Eric Wagner (right) will have an acoustic peformance at Berrie's (2884 SW 27 Avenue) tonight, June 16, from 7 to 11 pm.

Zip is a Grove-based singer-songwriter-guitarist-harmonicist and he isn't bad at painting coconuts, he was doing that on Saturday at the gallery (for the coconut hunt coming up).Zip is a member of the Walking Catfish, Valerie Wisecracker's back-up band and can be found performing at local venues including John Martin's, Pommes and Pane, the Lunar Star and The Barnacle.

Eric is a Coconut Grove-based singer-songwriter-guitarist specializing in American Folk Blues. Eric is one-third of Blue Man Grove and one-half of Tar & Feather, and can be found performing at local venues including Tobacco Road, the Barnacle, Fairchild Garden, and the Coconut Grove Sailing Club.

The Best of . . .

The New Times came out with it's Best of Miami issue and quite a few Coconut Grove places are mentioned:

Reader's Choice for Best Restaurant in Coconut Grove: Greenstreets
Best Conch Fritters: Monty's
Best Restaurant to Celebrate a Birthday: George's
Best Cheap Thrill: The Lobster Zone game at Mr. Moe's
Best Grove Restaurant: Jaguar
Best TV show shot in Miami: Burn Notice
Best Chicken Wings: Casola's
Best Place to Get Free Wifi: The Bookstore in the Grove.

They voted the Bookstore not just the best place in the Grove, but the best place in Miami to get free wifi. To quote the New Times: "The Bookstore in the Grove is famous for being just about the only decent bookstore in the City of Miami limits, but it's also a bastion of free wi-fi. Comfortable seats, cool air, available outlets, and café cuisine that's better than the food at most of those places that end up charging you for wi-fi anyway."

We knew this. The Bookstore is the center of the Village. It's the best place to see everyone because at any given time, everyone passes through. We have so many meetings there, too, right in the center of everything. It's the place where everyone knows your name.

The Best blog was The South Florida Watershed Journal. Never heard of it, but congratulations and I'll start reading it now!

Pool party and possible pig roast at DoubleTree Hotel

The Coconut Grove DoubleTree Hotel (2649 S. Bayshore Drive) is having a pool party on July 5th. After all the activities on July 4th, it will be a good day to relax at the pool.

They may even have a pig roast, but that is still to be decided. There will be hot dogs, hamburgers and music and maybe even some mermaids. Also Mojito Girls by Bacardi and Junior's Tropical Orchestra.

They will have special weekend rooms package call 786-866-8217. Book early.

For pool party only: cost is $12 for kids, $25 for adults.

Overheard . . .

One of the dogs was panting very heavily, a man walked by and said to the lady, "He needs a Budweiser," She replied in a very thick Russian accent, "I know, he is very thirsty."

Guess the whole world knows Budweiser.

Girls Night Out; a night of shopping and fun

Girls Night Out is Wednesday, June 24 at the Museum of Science (3280 S. Miami Avenue).

It's a charity event to raise money for Kids Hope United.

Join the ladies for cocktails, hors d'oeuvres, music, goodie bags and shopping. There will be jewelry, accessories, handbags, shoes, swimwear, cosmetics, home decor and more.

It's from 5:30 to 10:30 pm. Cost is only $5.00 if tickets are bought ahead of time and $10.00 at the door.

There will be a live demo of a non-surgical facelift by Dr. Ajmad of Amjad Plastics, this is at 6:45 pm.

To purchase tickets, please email info@EBTSevents.com or you can download the form here.

More flags and bunting are filling the village

The Grove looks so great with all the flags and bunting. AAA Flag & Banner Mfg. did a great job with the bunting along South Bayshore Drive and McFarlane Road. And Bobby Starke, from the City's Special Events team worked with the BID office in getting 70 of the flags up on Grand Avenue, Main Highway and all the other spots around the Center Grove at no cost to the Grove. A Saturday morning crew worked from 5 am to noon with the supervision of Manny Gonzalez, the BID Projects Coordinator. They were all proud and honored to put up the American flags.

People have been asking me what all the flags are for, when I tell them they are for the 4th of July, they say it's too soon. But I think Christmas decorations in August or September are too soon. Flags around the village a couple of weeks before the 4th of July is perfect. It's a reminder of the big day to come. Also, yesterday was Flag Day.

Does the Grove need a Bed and Breakfast?

Do we have a Bed and Breakfast in the Grove? I know we have that little place on Commodore Plaza, that most people don't know about, but I don't think we have a B&B.

A lady named Sonia, sent a letter asking Grovites to help her get one going. She needs a very large house with a minimum of five bedrooms and three bathrooms with a pool. It should be a charming older house and even a property with a few cottages would work.

She plans on involving local stores and restaurants as vendors, even local spas and will promote local businesses in creative ways.

She is looking for someone possibly to go into partnership with. Maybe not. She is looking for suggestions and input. If you are interested, her email address is 2Sonia@bellsouth.net or you can call her at: 305-386-2911.

Lots of music and art filled the air

All the excitement last Saturday night was not enough for the Windisch-Hunt Summer Salon group. They rocked on Thursday night again, as the Leonard King opening happened next door. Folks went back and forth between the two.

Between these two galleries and the Art Stroll party that happens at the Mayfair Promenade every first Saturday night, looks like art is alive and well in Coconut Grove. And with Jerry Wade, Grove beatnik poet at large (far right), things are looking up for the art scene. Dare I say there is a 1960s revival feel in the air? A smoke-filled coffee house next?

Dorian Avila strummed guitar and Marco Haber on percussion played at the Windisch-Hunt Gallery (above) and at the King Kinteic Gallery next door, Rob Freedman played guitar.

Charlie Brown needs a tv

Remember Charlie Brown? Well, he needed a treadmill and one was contributed and delivered by Janie Coffey, and Charlie uses it regularly.

Now, he needs a tv. He has one that is so old, that it cannot accept the now required converter box to get reception. He has an antenna and a converter box, but he needs a tv to go with it!

If anyone has a tv they can donate, please email Deborah Crisp at: ddcrisp@msn.com.

The Tropees are partying at Cabana One on Thursday

The Tropees, the Historical Museum of Florida's Young Professionals, are heading to Cabana One to lounge poolside for an event called "Moon Over Mayfair" on Thursday, June 18 at 6:30 pm.

Join them for an evening of music, complimentary Ketel One Vodka cocktails and hors d'oeuvres.

Become a new Tropees member and admission is free. Cost is $10 for Tropees and $15 for Non-Members.

To join or RSVP, please call 305-375-1618.

Doesn't appear that Walgreens is open yet

I was mistaken about Walgreens being open on US1 and Bird Avenue.

I had gone to the old location next to Milam's and a manager there told a customer that they were opening June 11, I said to myself, "today is June 11," so I went over to the new location. While it appeared to be only work crews there, I entered the store and asked if they were open, I was told, "yes" by the lady at the front check out area, so I assumed they were open.

I didn't purchase anything since I had just come from the other Walgreens. I just left and reported back that they were open.

Sorry for the confusion. The sign on the door now says they will open Wednesday, June 17. We'll see.

Fairy Wings Workshop at Blu Moon Studio today

Create your own Midsummers Nights Dream today, Sunday June 14 from 2-7 pm.

Atena Komar will be offering a wearable fairy wing making workshop at Blu Moon Studio of Art (3444 Main Hightway).

All materials provided are included in the $48.00 fee. Escape the heat and indulge in flights of fancy!

For info, please call Sheri at 305-794-0329.

Disco Inferno is back at Temple Ultra Lounge tonight

Disco Inferno is back at Temple Ultra Lounge tonight. The party starts at 10 pm and lasts all night.

From their Facebook invitation: "Join DJ's Jack DeMatas and Jorge Jett from Cameo's, Original Disco Inferno night on South Beach, as they throw down nothing but old school! Come hear the best trash, classic, Italian and freestyle music mixed on 12" vinyl on turntables!! (You Don't Hear Or See This Anymore!!)"

Cover is only $10.00 and all drinks will be half price from 10 to 11 pm.

If you didn't experience the music the first time, ask someone who did.

Temple Ultra Lounge is at 2895 McFarlane Road. Public parking is available next door at the Sonesta Hotel, on the street near Peacock Park and at the Mayfair garage.

We've got a lovely bunch of coconuts . . .

Despite there being some confusion as to whether there was a coconut painting party last night or not, there was. As you can see a nice group came out. People came and went all night so there must have been about 30 to 35 in all, which was the perfect size.

I had forgotten how many creative people we had in the Grove.

Here are some of the creations, the golden coconut, in the center, is the one that must be found during the scavanger hunt to win the best prize.

As you know, all the coconuts will be used on the 4th of July in our Coconut Scavenger Hunt. Here Naomi Evans made a really sweet yellow coconut wearing a polka dotted bikini. Joe Harrison's in the center looks bare, but he was very creative as you'll see below. Ali Moztarzadeh had an eclectic style -- many images on one coconut -- very colorful.


Again, we were amazed at all the talent that was produced.


Here's our favorite -- the flamingo coconut done by Joe. This one was so good, it was removed from the contest and you'll see it in the gallery's front window, twirling under the hot lights on the lazy susan, basking in the place of honor.

Jerry Wade and I ran out for pizza and drinks. Here he is at Boardwalk Pizza ordering the pizza. There was also wine at the gallery already.

It was a fun night, people came and went, Liliana Dones showed up and Sue McConnell did some great painting and David Guzikowski from the Chamber was there. We all had a fun time.

Gigi Leyva did a lot of painting, she brought her daughters and they brought friends and the kids had a ball painting and eating.

You can be a part of it again if you like, we'll have another coconut painting party coming up soon. I'll announce it here. Some people read about it in the Grapevine and just showed up, they really enjoyed themselves and even enjoyed seeing a lot of the Grove characters in person, the people I write about here daily.

Tar & Feather performing tonight at Sailing Club

Tar & Feather will be performing tonight, June 13, at the Coconut Grove Sailing Club (2990 S. Bayshore Drive).

Join in for dockside entertainment, rain or shine, at their second floor deck overlooking the bay. Show time is 5 to 8 pm. Enjoy the sunset as the two Eric's -- Garcia and Wagner, entertain.

There is never a cover charge, there is always a large group of friends enjoying libations and great entertainment.

Scamming or honest mistakes?

Last night I was charged about $31.00 at a local convenience store for a few bottles of soda, paper towels and some ice, and some paper plates.

I didn't think about it until this morning, but I went back and they told me that the bill should have been $21.00. Still overpriced, but I was overcharged $10.00 last night.

Last weekend some people I know dined at a Grove restaurant. They were using a gift certificate. The restaurant padded the bill by adding things on that were not ordered, like a whole steak dinner and they also doubled up on the desserts. When asked to see the bill, they gave one of the diners a hard time, assuming that since it was a gift certificate, they didn't need to see the total.

Could these two instances be part of the problem of why people refuse to return to the Grove? I know times are hard, but scamming people is not the way to make up for a poor economy.

Chamber Luncheon held at Angelo and Maxie's yesterday

If the Mayfair Hotel came tumbling town yesterday, all the Grove's movers and shakers would have been lost in the rubble and the Grove would have to manage without them. Hmm, doesn't sound like such a bad idea.

Everyone who is anyone was at the Chamber installation luncheon at Angelo and Maxie's all afternoon, feting the new officers and saying goodbye to the old.

Above are new officers: Willy Vega, treasurer; Manny Alonso Poch, secretary; Liliana Dones, past president; Tony Noboa, new president; Mia Stierheim, executive vice president and Monty Trainer, officer at large. Missing is Gary Ciuca, vice president.


Above are Richard Issa, from the BID; Camille DePhillips, of Prince Media Development; Felice Dubin from The Bookstore and Village Council member; and Commissioner Marc Sarnoff who was the featured speaker. At right are outgoing president Liliana Dones, member of the Village Council with new Chamber president Tony Noboa of the Coconut Grove Bank.


Here are Jackie Gara of the Ritz-Carlton; Angelique Swann, DoubleTree Hotel; Curtis Crider, Sonesta Hotel; Barbara Wendel, DoubleTree Hotel and Frank Couzo from the Sonesta Hotel.


Seated above are Zaida Hously, marketing consultant; Nancy Boggio, President of the Coconut Grove Womans Club and Doreen LoCicero; behind them are Angelique Swann from the DoubleTree Hotel with Robert Parente, director of the Miami Film Office and Manny Poch, of the Art and Minds School.

At right: Maria Korge, City Commissioner Joe Sanchez, Carol Romine Hawks and Erika King.


All smiles are Mary MacDonald, Tom Santoro, Doreen LoCicero, Mia Stierheim, Heather Bettner, Michelle Niemeyer and Willy Vega.

Photos by AnnaMaria Windisch-Hunt and Erika King

Jewelry design workshop this Tuesday

Blu Moon Studio (3444 Main Highway) is offering a Silver Metal Clay Jewelry Design Workshop on Tuesday, June 16, from 10 am to 4 pm.

The all day workshop will teach you to create a piece of jewelry that is uniquely yours, in silver metal clay. Bernadette Denoux will be teaching the class.

The workshop is $100.00 + $ 60.00 materials fee

For more info, or to sign up, please call Blu Moon at 305-529-5006 or email: sheri@blumoonstudio.com

Starting to show our red, white and blue

As you drive home from work today, you'll notice that the bunting and flags are starting to go up for the 4th of July. Paul here, is pointing to the bunting that has been up on Grand Avenue for the past month or so, as a test to see how they weather. Guess they are weathering fine because Cesar Carillo from Flag and Banner Co. and his crew are out on South Bayshore Drive and McFarlane Road right now starting the mass installation.

This always gives the Grove such a nice home town feel. I like it because with Facebook and Twitter and YouTube and everything else these days, the red, white and blue colors make the Grove a perfect photo op where we appear all over the internet.

And having these photos weeks before July 4th is sort of like free advertising for our 4th of July day. When people share the pictures and "tag" others in the pictures and say they are in Coconut Grove, that is the best promotion.

Get your own mango tree for free; or lychee or avocado

For those of you mango thieves out there, tomorrow is your day. The City is giving away fruit trees. They are free.

From 8 am to noon, tomorrow, June 13, the NET office is giving away two trees per address. Proof or residency will be required (a driver's license or utility bill). That's two per residence, not two per person.

Mangos, avocados, tamarinds and lychee trees are available. This is on a first come, first serve basis, so get there early.

The trees may be obtained just outside the Grove at the Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, 900 SW 26 Road.

For more info, please call 305-516-1551.

Green or blue martinis for 4th of July celebration

One thing being played with for the 4th of July is having a martini tent. One of the vendors may be a vodka company, we'll also have a rum company, but the vodka company will be asked to come up with a green or blue martini, with maybe coconuts chips around the rim of the glass and that would be the featured drink of the night in Peacock Park, while watching fireworks.

We are just picturing the silhouette of people holding the martini glasses (plastic) with the fireworks in the background. An only-in-the-Grove moment.

There will also be beer and soda and water sold in the park along with about six or seven food vendors. Chris and Jamie will probably have Smoothie King set up, too, so there should be a nice assortment of food and drinks.

As mentioned before, there will be lots of live music with four bands performing, including the Grove's own Ryan Stone as emcee and performer. And of course the Grove's police officer from the past Tom Bragga and his First October band are also performing.

Coconut Grove turns out for one of its own

Many showed up last night for the grand opening celebration of Leonard Krakovitch King's Kinetic Gallery (2911 Grand Avenue, next to the Bookstore).

Leonard is an old-time Grove artist and lived in the Grove when it was a "real" artists colony in the 1960s and '70s.

Above are Leonard, Barry Massin and Fred Hunt, classic Grove artists.

As many know, Leonard got his inspiration for his kinetic art while walking by windows in downtown Miami, he noticed the way shapes changed as he walked by the reflections.

That is what his kinetic art is all about. No two people see the images the same. If you stop by the gallery, you'll see how the art is set up. Simple construction paper turns into magical art as the randomly cut paper is reflected in the mirrors.


Last night's event not only took over his gallery, but it spilled out onto the streets and bus benches. I don't know how the transit authority feels, but the bus bench ads were turned into art announcements for Leonard, too. You can get more info on Leonard here: http://www.leonardking.com/ .

Photos by AnnaMaria Windisch-Hunt

Grove Bucks are coming to a store near you

There is going to be a meeting next week for Block Captains asking them to help raise money from the merchants for the Grove Bucks, which will be prizes in the Coconut Scavenger Hunt on the 4th of July.

The meeting is at the Bookstore, at 3 pm on Tuesday, June 16. Each business is being asked to contribute $20.00. This will enter the business as one of the choices that the winners will select from to use their Grove Bucks, which will be in $5.00 increments.

The merchants will collect the Grove Bucks, during a one week period and the Merchants Group will reimburse the merchants for the bucks that are taken in during the promotion.

We need to let the tourists know we are here

People ask me why I hate South Beach. They say I am trying to steal tourists.

That is not the case and for the record, I love South Beach. I am there all the time. Someone who wants attention started trouble by saying I said that the trolley idea was my idea. Not so, my idea was to take a trolley from one city to another and advertise or pick up tourists that way, for a day trip. I didn't say I invented the trolley or circulator. In fact, one trolley could be used by all communities, it would shuttle people back and forth between tourist destinations, so it could be a county run thing.

When I call Coconut Grove the anti-South Beach, I don't mean it in a negative way. I mean that we are the opposite and we are an alternative to South Beach and many tourists don't know about it through our own fault. We don't promote the Grove to tourists correctly.

My suggestion is that South Beach tourists, who are in town for more than a day or two, take a day trip to the Grove. Many take day trips to the Everglades and the Keys and many don't really know that we are only a few minutes from South Beach.

Many South Beach tourists come to Vizcaya, but they don't realize that a mile or two south is a whole village awaiting them. They are here already, we just need them to come in that extra mile.

So when I say we need to promote ourselves as the anti-South Beach, I basically mean, let's let the tourists know there is a day trip alternative to the partying, beaching and wildness, if they choose to partake in that.

Does he look like Sal Mineo?

The other night, we were all sitting around the gallery, and Leonard Krakovitch King, who owns the Kenetic Gallery, next door said to Gaudry, "You look like Sal Mineo!" [See inset]. You can even see Lawrence's finger pointing to Gaudry as he said that.

So Gaudry asked who Sal Mineo was, and he, Leonard and Jerry, got on the computer to look Sal up. I don't know if Gaudry looks like Sal Mineo, but we joked that he could always get a job as a look-alike at parties, you know, with fake Marilyn Monroe's and Clark Gables, and others.

Gaudry vowed to rent "Rebel Without a Cause" and other Sal Mineo movies now. But it was so funny that the whole conversation took place at the computer desk and it was so easy to just look it all up on line at that very moment.

Speaking of the Kenetic Gallery, tonight is there big shindig.

Domestic partnership benefits approved by City

Today the City of Miami extended employee benefits, like health insurance, to domestic partners.

The Domestic Partnership Registry must be filled out at the county, in order to join. Info is here.

Bice Bistro has a special every night of the week

Bice Bistro at CocoWalk has the following specials:

Monday: Buy 1 entree, get 1 free
Tuesday: Pasta Night $9.95
Wednesday: Wine Night! 50% of all wine!
Thursday: Steak Night! $12.95
Friday: Free glass of Champagne with any Chef's Special!
Saturday: Receive a coupon for a free Mimosa valid at Sunday Brunch!
Sunday: Steak Night $12.95!

New Walgreens is open; Milam's is making changes

The new Walgreens is open at US1 and Bird Ave., not a bit too soon. It's a little out of the way, but worth the drive. Anything to avoid that CVS on Grand Avenue.

At the CVS, they feel that customer service is one cashier for every 15 people. If you need to get in and out fast, this is not the place, prepare to wait a half hour or so to pay for a stick of gum.

Worst customer service in town.

The old Walgreens next to Milam's was getting a bit run down, so now that they have the new store up on the highway, it's a good thing. The folks at Milam's are already out there today with their survey crews, so they should be ready to start their renovation soon.

The Walgreens liquor store closed already at the old location, but a local liquor store will now be squeezed in between the new Milam's and the Home Depot. This is the Grove, can't have too many liquor stores I guess.

But all that being said, if you do need drug store items, the best place in the Grove is the Coconut Grove Pharmacy at 3001 SW 27 Avenue, across from Slice 'N Ice.

Music for the 4th of July

The music for July 4th has been firmed up.

There will be a stage in Peacock Park, among the vendors and starting a bit after 5 pm, the line-up is Ryan Stone (shown here), First October, JT4 (Juan Turros Quartet) and Campo Deluxe.

Fireworks will start at 9ish.

Ryan Stone will also be the emcee for the evening. You can here some of Ryan's music and even purchase it here.

Is it Mango Madness?

A reader wrote:

"Is it just me or is anyone else totally offended when people come into our yards or swales to take the mangos, coconuts, lychees, avocados or any other wonderful fruit that we have grown in our yards? The other day after a particularly bad storm, I saw a car pulled over on Aviation Avenue with a woman grabbing as many mangos off the ground that she could stuff in her very large bag. As my dear mother used to say “why don’t you just get a mask and a gun?” Is this not stealing?"

A call to coconut painters

Coconut painters are needed to paint the coconuts that will be used during the Coconut Scavenger Hunt during our 4th of July activities. Be a part of what puts the nut in Coconut Grove!

Come to the Windisch-Hunt Gallery (2911 Grand Avenue) this Friday, June 12 at 7 pm, bring coconuts if you have them (dried out ones)! There will be pizza and drinks and it will be a good time. Just feel free to show up, bring a friend, and bring your creativity. We need lots of coconuts for the hunt.

We are working on details now, but anyone will be able enter the contest for free on July 4th at a given time, they will have to find a certain amount of coconuts in an allotted time period and all people that arrive with the coconuts to the finish point will win prizes. We may even have a "golden coconut" floating around, where the person who finds that will win the grand prize.

Passing out the posters

You probably have seen the bright yellow Great Grove Bed Race posters up in store windows around town by now.

Yesterday afternoon, Daisy Lewis and I went round the Center Grove handing them out.

Here is Pablo Hernandez, owner of Allure Salon (3405 Main Highway), one of the first to put up the poster.

The response has been amazing. We would just walk into a business, hold up the sign, and people would get such broad smiles. They were almost expecting us.

We left the rules and sign-up forms, too, but you can easily get them at the Great Grove Bed Race website here.

You can also follow us on twitter here: http://twitter.com/grovebedrace

Sprucing up Coconut Grove Elementary School

Sheri Friedman (left) of Blu Moon Studio and Cyndy Hill, Coconut Grove mosaic artist, were working on a project yesterday that Cyndy started as a Millennium project in 2000.

They are creating six beautiful mosaic planters which include the names of all the students, faculty and staff at Coconut Grove Elementary.

Photo by Sandra Speier-Roche

Quaintness out, ugly in

The ugly acorn lights are being installed in front of Mayfair today. The old quaint gas lights are quivering, knowing their days are numbered.

It's a shame that the taxpayers don't get to vote on how their money is spent. Something is wrong with the system. The new lights are not only blah they are up in the trees and do nothing to enhance the situation in any way, shape or form.

Taurus, another round

The Taurus is back -- July 4th!

Right back in it's original location at 3540 Main Highway (next to Calamari). They will have the classic Taurus burgers, using the same recipe you know and love.

To celebrate their opening, on July 4, from 4 to 6 pm they will have an open bar for those who RSVP @ 305.441.0219.

Grove Harbour Marina meeting to be held today

There will be a committee meeting today, Wednesday, June 10, in the staff room behind the Commission chambers at City Hall (3500 Pan American Drive) from 5:30 to 7:30 pm. Grove Harbor Marina is on the agenda.

This was announced at the last Waterfront Advisory Board meeting by Robert Weinraub (after the tv cameras stopped running). Weinraub said that this was a public meeting.

The Chair of the Waterfront Advisory Board was concerned that the owners of Grove Harbor have not returned to the Waterfront Advisory Board with a revised plan and the final vote will be at the City Commission on June 25 (not in October as was what the public was told).

Let's put on a fashion show!

I was thinking about the fashion show at the gallery the other night and still can't get over how so many people came out on a rainy night and found parking and enjoyed the event. It just proves that we need to learn to market the Grove in the correct manner, because the guys that ran the fashion show know how to do that and they got the crowds out.

It would be interesting to see if we could do this every quarter, you know, have a village fashion show event. People seem to like it. I am not into fashion myself, but the electricity in the air was infectious. So many of us knew each other, so that was the real fun part. For the fashionistas, their fun part is seeing the fashion and experiencing the whole event.

For instance, the gallery can hold the event, Allure Salon can maybe do hair and make up, the fashions can come from any number of clothing stores in the Grove, the food and drink can come from any number of restaurants in the Grove. Everyone would get to show off their best for the appreciative crowd. Ad cards or flyers could be given out after the event, inviting people back to the hair salon or restaurant or gallery, etc.

The Fashionista offers swanky and chic fashions

Looking for elegant items at affordable prices? The Fashionista Consignment Boutique at 3138 Commodore Plaza may be just what you're looking for.

Valerie Shwank Pazmino's new location (they moved from across the street), offers up some very nice items.

According to their website, they offer some swanky and chic items from designers like Bottega Veneta, Balenciaga, Chanel, Chloe, Christian Dior, Christian Louboutin, Hermes, Fendi, Gucci, Manolo Blahnik, Jimmy Choo, Tory Burch, Roberto Cavalli, Dolce and Gabbana and many more at up to 75% off retail price.

For more info, stop by or call 305-443-4331.

The Great Grove Bed Race is on line now!

The website is now up for The Great Grove Bed Race. Here.

You can get all info there and finally get the sign up forms and waivers and rules and everything you need to know!

Restaurant Reality Check

Neighborhood Bistro


There's a new restaurant called the Neighborhood Bistro at 2779 Bird Avenue (the former French Kiss place). Funny enough, a few of us always say that we need a restaurant in the Grove called the Grove Bistro, so this is close enough.

It's a small restaurant with an air conditioned terrace. The prices are incredibly low for such high quality food. It's owner operated. The owner is a French chef from Cordon Bleu named Yoan Acosta. He worked at Le Chansonnier, Le Joayeaox del Morne and Mi Cayita in Paris. His partner is Alejandra Acosta, his wife, both are shown here.

They have only been open a few days and have already joined the Chamber and Code 33. With Code 33 they are offering a free glass of wine with dinner.

Some examples of pricing are:

Appetizers:
Fried Yuca: $4.99 / Chicken Caesar Salad: $6.99 / Cold Cuts Platter: $6.99

Entrees:
Meat Lasagna: $6.99 / Baked Chicken: $5.99 / Grilled Salmon with Leek Cream: $10.99
Bistro Burger (served with fries, salad and mushrooms: $8.99 / Beef Bourginon: $10.99
Pork Teriaki Kabobs: $7.99 / Grilled Churrasco steak: $10.99 / Pouched Chicken Breast: $10.99

Sides: Rice Pilaf, French Fries, Sauteed Vegetables, Green Salad, Tomatoes Provencal: $1.55 each.

They may be reached at 305-967-8170

Two Hoots playing at Berries in the Grove tonight

"Two Hoots" -- Bill Kunz and Eric Wagner will be performing at Berries in the Grove (2884 SW 27 Avenue) tonight from 8 to 11 pm.

Bill is a Coconut Grove "anything with strings" musician. He was a house guitarist for Monty's back in the day and performed at Flick and the Gaslight coffee houses, with Vince Martin, Bobby Ingraham, Ron Kickasolo, Joni Mitchell, Bob Gibson, Spanky and Our Gang and many more. He has flown private planes for David Bowie, the Rolling Stones, the Who and more. These days, Bill is mostly playing fiddle at local venues and at mountain music festivals.

Eric, also a Grovite, is a singer-songwriter-guitarist specializing in American Folk Blues. He is one third of Blue Man Grove and one half of Tar & Feather and can be found performing at local venues around the Grove like the Barnacle and the Sailing Club and also at Tobacco Road, Fairchild Gardens, etc.

Science Museum starting 43rd year of summer camp

The Miami Science Museum (3280 S. Miami Avenue) is starting it's 43rd year of Summer Camp. Classes are from June 15 to July 31 and are available for ages 3 to 14.

Animals Plus, Moon Over Miami, Mystery Machines and Edible Energy are just a small sampling of what is in store. For info and registration, please go here.

Lobster Feast at Calamari

Calamari (3540) Main Highway) is presenting "Lobster Feast," starting June 22, 2009.

Monday nights starting at 5:30, 1-1/4 lb. Main Lobster, served on a bed of linguine in a light spicy tomato sauce is only $19.95.

For more info or reservations: 305-441-0219.

Late night weekend Gemini party

We had planned our Gemini Party to take place after Saturday's fashion show, but the fashion show was so successful that it got sort of late. By the end of the night we had a few Gemini's around still and first we started with four, me, AnnaMaria, Martin and Emily and then we lined up a few more as you can see below. We lined up in order of the dates of our birthdays: me, AnnaMaria, Martin, Monique, Louis, Deborah, Guido and Emily.

The No Barriers guests enjoyed their Coconut Grove stay

The No Barriers Festival was a great success. Everyone had a good time and they really liked Coconut Grove. I wad told that by many of the visitors. One couple form New England was very impressed, they felt that we had our own little bit of New England right here in Florida and they are considering moving down, where in the past, they weren't very crazy about Florida. Coconut Grove changed their mind.


I ran into Jack King again, here with the pink hat. He was very proud of Shake-A-Leg, the home of the No Barriers Festival. He was telling everyone about the programs and even the security guard who was hired for the day was quite intersted. Lots of media was out covering the event, there was someone, somewhere, being filmed at any given moment.


Lots of people went out boating, some tried out the scuba tank and the rock climbing wall on site and many went on day trips to other places in Miami, like the Seaquarium. I invited many people to the Center Grove for the Art Stroll.


A lot of new items were shown at Shake-A-Leg. Booths were set up in tents. There was lots to eat and it seemed almost to have an Olympic Village feel to it. There was lots of comrarderie. Being in Coconut Grove, you could say it was a village within a village. I enjoyed the visitors, I saw them all over the Grove all weekend. I hope they come back again soon. They are nice people with a great outlook on life.

Chamber invites you to their Installation Luncheon

The Coconut Grove Chamber of Commerce is having their Installation Luncheon of the new Executive Committee and Board of Directors on Friday, June 12, 2009 at noon.

The luncheon is at Angelo and Maxie's (at the Mayfair Hotel, 3000 Florida Avenue).

New officers are:
President: Anthony Noboa, Coconut Grove Bank
Executive Vice President: Mia Stierheim, Stierheim & Wesson Retail Realty/CocoWalk
Vice President: Gary Ciuca, Wells Fargo Advisors
Secretary: Manuel Alonso Poch, Arts & Minds Center
Treasurer: Guillermo Vega, Oppenheimer & Co. Inc.

At Large Executive Board:
Monty Trainer, Coconut Grove Arts Festival

Board:
Heather Bettner, Prince Media Development
Felice Dubin, Bookstore in the Grove
Claire Lardner, Frameworks
Stephen Licata, Palm Produce Resortwear
Doreen LoCicero, LoCicero & Perkins Inc. /CrepeMaker
Mary T. MacDonald, MACCI Design Studio International
Sue McConnell, Village of Center Grove, Inc.
Michelle M. Niemeyer, Michelle M. Niemeyer, P.A.
Ed Prelaz, CB Richard Ellis/Shoppes of Mayfair
Thomas Mead Santoro, Jackson Lewis, LLP

Immediate Past President Liliana Dones, Creative Tools, Inc.
Past President Rebecca Greer, Rebecca J. Greer Consulting

Special luncheon guest is Marc Sarnoff, City of Miami Commissioner, District 2

Cost is $25 for Members, their Guests and Non-members
RSVP: 305 444 7270 or info@coconutgrove.com

Grand opening party for Kinetic Art Gallery

The Kinetic Art Gallery at 2911 Grand Avenue, next to the Bookstore, is having it's Grand Opening Cocktail Reception Thursday, June 11 from 6:30 to 9 pm.

This is a good chance to see artist Leonard Krakovitch King's amazing 3-D art. Leonard is known for his innovative Kinetic Art forms. The new gallery is the first Kinetic Art Gallery to be opened in Florida. The contemporary artwork features abstract art forms that transform the commonplace into images that interact with the movement of the viewer. There are only 24 Kinetic Art Galleries in the world.

For more than 35 years, Leonard has experimented with a unique art form that began with his invention in 1972 of the Variable Form Abstract Image Reflector, which uses concave mirrors to create intriguing abstract forms that move in the direction of the viewer, creating images that laugh, glide and dance in the viewers’ minds. Through the use of Optic Kinetic construction, Leonard places simple objects in front of the mirrors until shapes and space are artfully shifted to produce abstract images that create beautiful works of art.

Leonard's work is on display in permanent collections at the Miami Beach City Hall, the New England Center for Contemporary Art and the Modern Art Museum in Kiev, Russia. In addition, his work has been published in numerous outlets including Leonardo, Journal of the International Society for the Arts, Sciences and Technology; in the book “Plastics as Sculpture” in the 70s, Display World Magazine, Women’s Wear Daily, Visual Merchandising and on Public Television.

For more information on the L.K. King Gallery call 786-266-1547 or visit www.leonardking.com.

Gentle reminder . . .

© All content in the Coconut Grove Grapevine is copyrighted by law. This means text, photos, ads and all images. Any content that is picked up and used in full or part unless otherwise stated must not be modified or altered. This especially is true of photos and graphics. No photo or image may be picked up, morphed and reused. If text is used on-line, an actual clickable link must go back to the source on the Grapevine. No photos may be used on any other site including blogs, Facebook, MySpace and so on. One photo may be used on Facebook if linking to the whole story. Only one picture and a link the whole story.

NOTE: the Copyright Law required a copyright notice to protect works until 1977. In 1978, however, the law changed and abolished the requirement for copyright notice. This means that every published work (be it on paper or digital media) automatically gets copyright protection, whether expressed with a notice or not.

Commodore Plaza Saturday night party

Still in the works is an all night out thing on Commodore Plaza.

The plan is to have Commodore Plaza closed each Saturday night starting June 20, for a two month period. The times being played with are 5 pm to 3 am. But that is still in the works.

The businesses on Commodore will then do whatever they would like in the way of food, music and entertainment. As the time gets closer, I'll give more details as they are firmed up.

It looks like Bike Day all over again

I am lovin' all the bikers that converge on the Grove on weekend mornings. It looks like Miami Bike Day all over again.

I think we really do need more bike racks, this proves it. I wonder if these guys who park their bikes at Le P'tit Paris, realize that the guitar across the street is a bike rack.


Photos by Harry Emilio Gottlieb

Los Ranchos offers Daily Specials

Los Ranchos Steakhouse at CocoWalk, has daily specials.

Wine Lovers's Mondays -- all wine bottles are half off.
Super Tuesdays: Buy one Steak Ranchero and the second is free.
Appetizing Wednesdays: Free "Tid Bit - Antojito" of your choice with purchase of two dinner entrees.
Social Thursdays: Margarita and Sangira glasses are two for one.
"Flor" Fridays: Flor de Cana Mojitos are $5.00
And all weekend is Family Weekends: From noon to 3 pm, receive a complimentary kid's entree with each adult entree purchased (limit two per table).

Ladies Night Karaoke at Mr. Moe's

Ladies Night Karaoke is at Mr. Moe's (3131 Commodore Plaza) this Tuesday and every Tuesday from 10 pm to 2 am.

And Happy Hour drink specials include $1 drafts, $1 well drinks and $1 Moose Juices for all the ladies.

Fashion show (and the Krishnas) took over the gallery