Decorating for December

Joe Harrison got the garland decorations up this weekend around the Grove. It may be hard to see among all the sign pollution, but the decorations are up. The tall light poles have the snowflake banners and the smaller old fashioned light poles have the garland and greenery.

While it all looked good on paper, I think that next year we need red, lots of red. Below you can see the current streets at left and at right are the decorations from December 2007. Last year they were sort of in between, some red and gold, but they didn't stand out as much as 2007's decorations.

John El-Masry's open letter to Comm. Sarnoff

Open your mind and consider the best interest of the residents and businesses of Coconut Grove. Your Coconut Grove constituents paid a premium to live within walking distance of the village center to have a meal, enjoy live entertainment, visit art galleries, shop, and pursue leisure activities. This is one of the key selling points of residential and commercial real estate in Coconut Grove. Since June, 2008, your ordinance prohibiting the sale of alcohol after 3:00 a.m. ONLY in the Coconut Grove SD-2 Special District (downtown Coconut Grove) is killing that village center.

Commissioner, the Grove is in a crisis:

· There are 21 empty restaurant spaces in Coconut Grove;
· Many retailers serving young adults have gone out of business or chosen to leave the Grove in the last couple of months, including Ritchie Swimwear, XOT, Azul, and Guess;
· Numerous restaurants have opened and closed within the last year;
· All of the dance clubs that existed in Coconut Grove were put out of business by this ordinance.

The perception that has been created by the 3:00 a.m. ordinance is that the Grove is an early, sedate, place where young people are not welcome. Meanwhile, in spite of a difficult economy, businesses in South Miami, Brickell and Downtown Miami, Wynwood and the Design District are thriving. We cannot entirely blame the Grove’s decline on the economy, the Playhouse, the movie theater, or the loss of the Expo Center. The fact is people want to park their car, eat dinner, have some drinks, and go dancing all in the same area. They can do this elsewhere in YOUR District, but not in the Grove.

When you proposed the ordinance, there were complaints emanating from one establishment, Visions, which is no longer in existence. Any of those problems could have been handled by diligent enforcement of existing laws. Limiting drinking in a tiny portion of Coconut Grove does not make sense if your goal is protecting your constituents from drunk drivers. Other places within your District still allow drinking until 5:00 a.m., 7:00 a.m., and in some instances 24 hours. You have recently attended PTA meetings at schools in Coconut Grove drumming fear into mothers about drunk drivers harming their children at 5:00 a.m., to gain their support for your 3:00 a.m. ordinance, while you have been supporting 24 hour licenses in residential areas closer to downtown and presumably are not having similar meetings with the mothers there. Is the life of a child in a less affluent neighborhood worth less? If you care about the safety of children in Coconut Grove, don’t you care about the children in Overtown, Midtown, the Design District, Brickell, or the MiMo District?

This was never about drunk driving. You and a few of your supporters chose to purchase homes on Virginia Street, a main artery into the Center Grove commercial district. Now that you are a City Commissioner, you have spent $95,000 on a traffic circle to slow traffic and proposed the 3:00 rule to eliminate late night traffic in front of your house. This may improve your own quality of life, but limits the options available to your constituents, has caused job loss and business failure, and will ultimately lead to a decrease in everyone’s property values, including your own.

We don’t think you meant to decimate the Grove’s business district with this law, but that is what it has done. Please present legislation NOW to place the Grove businesses on an equal footing with the rest of the City, and keep the Grove alive.

With all Due Respect,

John El-Masry
Owner, Mr. Moes, former owner, Christabelle’s Quarter
and Barracuda Raw Bar and Grill

Forecast calls for snow in Coconut Grove

Over the weekend, Issa and Garland worked on one of the first Christmas Village houses that will be part of Saturday's Snow Days, happening December 5. Expect to see a snowball or two as Virginia Street is taken over by eight tons of real snow at the Grand Avenue end between The Bookstore and CocoWalk.

On Sunday, December 13 the snow will show up on Fuller Street and then on Sunday, December 20, the snow will be at the Promenade at Mayfair. But this Saturday, December 5, at noon, Santa will arrive to christen Snow Days on Virginia. Yes Virginia, there is snow in Miami -- in Coconut Grove to be exact!

Photo by AnnaMaria Windisch-Hunt

Miami's Top Brass perform at The Barnacle

Miami's Top Brass holiday concert will be held Wednesday, December 2 as part of The Barnacle's Under Moonlight series.

Gates open at 6 pm and the music is from 7 to 9 pm.

Admission is $7.00 for adults, $3.00 for kids under 10 and free for kids under 6.

Chairs, blankets and coolers are welcome. Pets are not.

The Barnacle is at 3485 Main Highway, for info, please call 305-442-6866.

King Mango Strut Meeting on Tuesday

There is a King Mango Strut meeting on Tuesday, December 1 at 7 pm at Greenstreets (3110 Commodore Plaza), in the lounge/library area.

Belly2Abs offers large array of December classes

Belly2Abs (2829 Bird Avenue) has many new Master Workshops in December from Pole Dancing to Divine Boot Camp and "Connecting with your Veil." Prices start at $40.00 per class and an all purpose pass is available for $160.00.

To sign up and for more info, please visit: http://www.belly2abs.com/

City Hall Tree lighting on Wednesday

Mayor Tomas Regalado and City Commissioners are presenting the annual Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony on Wednesday, December 2, at City Hall (3500 Pan American Drive).

Activities include a holiday parade featuring the City of Miami Police and Fire-Rescue Departments. The guest of honor for the parade is Santa Claus, who usually comes in on a bright red fire truck.

Children will also be able to ride the “Express Train” around City Hall as well as enjoy music, popcorn, food and beverages. The event is from 6 to 9 pm.

"Our Regional Treasures" featured at gallery

The Windisch-Hunt Gallery (2911 Grand Avenue) is presenting "Our Regional Treasures" opening today, November 29 (from 3 to 6 pm) and running through December 10, 2009.

These remarkable artists are in their 70s and 80s and still continue to paint with continued passion. Their legacy to Florida is infinitely valuable. Today you have the opportunity to meet them and see their work firsthand.

Roy McLendon, an original Highwayman, was inducted into the Florida Arts Council Hall of Fame. Fred Hunt, a painter of visual seduction, has worked for 60 years and was voted "Best Local Artist" and was recognized as a "Miami Master." P. Cherry, an Oasis for the Soul, took the plunge at age 50. Her work appeared on the Miami Vice tv series and has been featured at Bloomingdale's showrooms in New York.

Was there ever any doubt?

Everyone rejoice -- the King Mango Strut is on. Both parties hashed things out and the "Desperate Grovites" may go on. That's the name Antoinette Baldwin (shown here) came up with for a reality show based on the Grove, if there ever would be a reality show based on the Grove.

December 27, the last Sunday of the year is the date for the Strut. This Tuesday, December 1, there is a meeting at Greenstreets at 7 pm.

Baubles and Bubbles

Keeping the Grove Bucks going

I'm not saying who, but a restaurant recently accepted Grove Bucks. In the last go round at the Mad Hatter Arts Festival, Grove Bucks were handed out and only merchants were supposed to accept them. The restaurants had the Tea Party specials.

But I love the fact that a restaurant accepted the Bucks.

It would be a great thing to keep Grove Bucks going every day of the year, not just during special events.

The Grove Bucks that were handed out during the Mad Hatter Arts Festival are good until December 24, Christmas Eve, at participating merchants, and I guess at other places that are willing to accept them.

Rogue parking meter

Speaking of parking meters, beware of the one parking meter in front of the Guess store on Grand Avenue, it charges $1.25 per hour, where all the rest are $1.00, and it does not stop at the three hour limit, so you can absent mindedly keep pushing the button, thinking it will stop at three hours, but it won't.

Circo Barcelona offers nice variety

Circo Barcelona at CocoWalk has some interesting and simple dishes that make for a nice light meal. At left is a tapas platter of Serrano ham, cheese, olives and eggplant. At right the Ibiza sandwich: cold roast beef with horseradish cream cheese a side of mixed greens and potato salad ($8.00).

Other sandwiches include the Spanish Sandwich: Serrano ham, manchego cheese and aioli sauce ($7.00); Barcelona Sandwich: Roasted chicken, arugula, tomatoes, white cheddar and olive oil ($8.00); Vanencia Sandwich: Pesto sauce, arugula, carrots, eggplant, tomatoes and fennel ($7.00); Toledo Sandwich: Roasted turkey and cucumber in a mango-chutney butter sauce ($7.00). All sandwiches are served in Ciabatta bread with potato salad and mixed greens.

Cold Tapas, all $4.00 include Cheeses, Spanish Chorizo, Serrano Ham, Olives Aioli potatoes and much more.

Hot Tapas, all $6.00 include Spanish Tortilla, Crispy Salmon, Pincho Moruno, Mediterranea Chicken and Corquetas, just to name a few.

They have soups, salads and daily specials, too.

The next Dylan or Lovin' Spoonful?

Speaking of having young musicians on the streets, Ryan Olmedo and Frances Blades are a throwback to the old Grove.

You may have seen them around Mayfair, by the promenade and also in front of The Bookstore.

They have a sweet old-fashioned folk song-type sound and they are very talented.

Look for them on the streets of Coconut Grove this holiday season, enjoy this new talent for just tips at the moment, they are going to be big some day, you can say you knew them when.

St. Stephen's tree lot is open

St. Stephen's Episcopal Church (2750 McFarlane Road) has Christmas tree today, November 27, shipped fresh from North Carolina.

The lot is open Monday through Friday from 3 to 8 pm and Saturday and Sunday from 8 am to 8 pm. Proceeds help the whole community through their outreach programs.

CocoWalk goes Bollywood tonight

After a long day of shopping, head to CocoWalk for the Bollywood Divas tonight, November 27, from 7 to 10 pm. Learn how to dance right out of a Bollywood movie. Sip on Indian inspired cocktails, eat at one of their many restaurants, listen to music and just relax.

We need more young music on the streets

I am told that young people enjoy young musical performers. There is a group of young students, wh have a band, who perform regularly at Sunset Place and that draws many of their school friends and young fans.

While we are supposed to have music around the Grove, we don't. There is sometimes a drum circle and Bev, the steal drum guy is at Mayfair, but how about some young performers being out there?

Last January, almost a year ago, we tried to get music students from the Academy of Arts and Minds and other local high schools out on the streets to perform. They were willing to perform for tips, but we were told to hold off because they should be paid and not be performing for free, and that was it. The subject was never brought up again.

I am sure young bands would love to take to street corners in the Grove to show off their music and I am sure they would work for tips. They in turn would bring their school friends to hear them and that in turn would bring parents.

Groovy Grove Gift Guide

The Nikki Sedacca collection is now available at Steven Anton Rehage Jewelry.

Nikki, a very talented designer, was born in Key West, and grew up in Coconut Grove.

Above, from left are Cuff Earrings, 18k gold, also available in sterling silver; Angolo Dangle earrings are availble in 18k gold and sterling silver.

Sterling silver designs start at $90.00 and pricing goes up to $12,000 to $18,000 for 18k signature wire work with south sea pearls. Nikki is known for her signature, hand manipulated wire work. She works with sterling silver and 14k and 18k gold.

The work is all hand woven and is inspired by nature. The Nikki Sedacca Collection consists of both women's and men's jewelry.

Below left: Favorita Cuff, sterling silver with Amethysts, Peridots and Pearls. At right: L'ile De Paridis 18k gold with Abalone, South Sea Pearls, Blue Topaz, Turquoise Coin Pearls and Black Coral.

For further information, please visit her website www.sedacca.com or contact: Steven Anton Rehage Jewelry (3162 Commodore Plaza) at 213-445-7775.

End Black Friday with some tunes and friends

They don't need the applause sign. Everybody loves them!

John and Niki perform at the Mayfair Promenade every Friday night, join them tonight!

From 7:30 to 10:30 pm, they sing show tunes and other familiar songs and the crowd loves to join in.

People actually stop on the street as they are walking by, to sing along and cars pull up to the curb to enjoy a number or two.

There is complimentary wine, cheese, cookies and other goodies, the Antique Market and all the promenade stores are open including the GroveHouse Art Gallery, Out of Africa, Hibiscus Hill and Paul's Sunglasses kiosk.

It's a nice way to start the weekend. Come out and wind down your Black Friday with some music and friends.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Anne Blazejack's art to be presented

The Coconut Grove Arts Festival Gallery is premiering figurative and abstract by Anne Blazejack in celebration of Art Basel. The opening night party is Monday, November 30 from 6 to 8:30 pm. Light refreshments will be served.

The gallery is at 3390 Mary Street, suite 128 (at the Mayfair Atrium - by the bull). Please RSVP: katrina@coconutgroveartsfest.com.

The exhibit runs through Sunday, January 3, 2010.

Moonlight Sail at Shake-A-Leg this Saturday

Spend a special evening under the stars. Set sail under a full moon out on Biscayne Bay. Shake-A-Leg Miami’s Moonlight Sail is this Saturday, November 28. Check-in begins at 7:30 pm with all boats departing the dock by 8:00 pm and returning no later than 10 pm.

Don’t miss this wonderful opportunity to see Miami from the best spot . . . Biscayne Bay!

Registration is still open, click here to register, the cost is $25.00 per person. Please no walk-ups. In the event they sell out, please contact John at john@shakealegmiami.org to be added to a waiting list.

Gift Certificates for Moonlight Sails make terriffic gifts. Contact Jenny at jenny@shakealegmiami.org or information. For more information this or other Shake-A-Leg Miami Programs go to www.shakealegmiami.org, call 305.858.5500.

Groovey Grove Gift Guide

Tula and Tupi is the one stop shop for all your children's needs. Above are Candyce Preston originals -- handmade crocheted knit ponchos, sweaters, purses and dresses ($18 to $85). Melanie the Mermaid is $27.50. Handmade baby gift baskets make beautiful gifts. They are filled with onesies, blankets, t-shirts, books and more (boys and girls baskets $100).


Melissa and Doug arts and crafts items along with wooden learning toys start at $1.50 and go to $80. Boys love the Ferrari and Ducati toys from Europe ($6 to $65).

Tula and Tupi is at 3133 Commodore Plaza. For info, please call 305-441-2153. Tula and Tupi may be found online too: http://tulaandtupiboutique.blogspot.com/

Tula and Tupi accepts Grove Bucks.

Students enjoy another successful AM-Jam

Last week's free AM-Jam on the plaza at the Academy of Arts and Minds Charter High School was a huge success with several hundred people attending. Students performed in all of the academy's special areas -- music, drama, art, dance, and creative creative writing.


Here Maestro Juan Torres, conducts the orchestra. The next evening AM-JAM performances are scheduled to coincide with A Taste of the Grove on January 9, from 6:00 - 10:00 pm.


At left, students prepare for performance. At right: Andres Manuel Ocampo, Perla Fernandez, Aline Manella Pereira, and Pedro Alberto Ynigo adimre students' art.

Photos by Robin L. Sarantos

St. Stephen's serving Thanksgiving dinner

Thanksgiving Dinner is free for everyone at St. Stephen's (2750 McFarlane Road) tomorrow, Thanksgiving Day. The will generously be serving at 11:15 in the Great Hall.

Please mention this to someone who may not have anywhere to go. A subtle hint will work.

Latest sketch of rape suspect released

This is the computer generated sketch of the suspect in the Coconut Grove Rape incident last week. There is not much to go on, the assailant is described as a black male, 5' 7", 175 pounds, medium build, wearing blue jeans, black windbreaker, dark shirt, black skull cap and a red bandanna over his mouth.

Neighbors in Village West are concerned that any black man fitting this description will be a suspect. Miami Police Chief Miguel Exposito, explained at a town meeting yesterday that the police will be observing more than just body and facial features.

Currently, there is a $1000 reward (neighbors hope to raise more money to put toward the reward). Anyone with information on this incident is urged to contact the Miami Police Department's Special Victims Unit at (305) 603-6300 or Crime Stoppers of Miami-Dade at (305) 471-8477 (TIPS).

Anna Kournikova helps start the holiday season

Local tennis favorite Anna Kournikova did the honors at the ribbon cutting ceremony at the Christmas tree lot at the Boys & Girls Club on Monday. Trees start at $55.00, there are also wreaths and poinsettias. The lot is open from 9 am to 9 pm every day.

Photos courtesy Boys & Girls Club

Mutiny Hotel serving Thanksgiving Dinner

The Mutiny Hotel (2951 S. Bayshore Drive) will be serving Thanksgiving Dinner on Thursday. Atchana's East/West Kitchen will be serving up a traditional feast for $25.00 per person (plus tax and tip) from 2 to 7 pm. There is a vegetarian menu available for $20.00 per person.

Your choice includes traditional Roast Turkey with Gravy, dressing, mashed potatoes, etc. or Honey Sweet Spiral Ham with green beans, rum-glazed sweet potatoes, etc. The vegetarian option is grilled tofu with an herb rub, green beans, cranberry relish, etc.

Dessert is offered, too.

For full menu details and reservations, please call 305-774-0404.

Casablanca under the stars

The Barnacle (3485 Main Highway) is presenting Casablanca on Sunday, November 29, as part of their Starlight Movie Classics program.

Watch an American classic movie on the lawn of The Barnacle while feasting on your own picnic with friends and family. This semi-annual event is for Barnacle Society members only. There is no cost.

Gates open at 6 pm, movie starts at 7 pm. No entry after 7:15 pm. No pets.

To learn how to become a member, please call (305) 442-6866.

Touring The Kampong

State Representative Carlos Lopez-Cantera, a Grove resident, recently toured The Kampong (4013 S. Douglas Road). He calls it the "jewel of the Grove."

The Kampong is contains a "fascinating array of tropical fruit cultivars and flowering trees."

The Kampong is open from 10 am to 2 pm, Tuesday through Thursday, guided tours are available. Admission is $15.00 per person. For info, please call 305-442-7169.

Dharma Studio now offering Yoga classes

The Dharma Studio will be offering their first day of Yoga classes on Thanksgiving morning, Thursday, November 26 from 9 to 10:30 am. This first day Yoga Shala class is free.

Dharma Studio has existed for eight years as a Contemporary Art Gallery. As of Thanksgiving 2009, it will open its doors as a Yoga Studio. The schedule will start off simple, but will expand according to your feedback.

Show your love of the Grove, and in the Spirit of Community, please join this free Yoga class. Jump-start your holiday with an invigorating class (or just stop by for some spicy ginger-lemongrass tea.)

Dharma Studio: 3170 Commodore Plaza / 305-461-1777.

South Grove "traffic calming" meeting

District 2 Commissioner Marc Sarnoff and the Office of Capital Improvements invite you to attend a meeting to discuss proposed traffic calming devices within the South Grove.

The meeting is on Thursday, December 3 at 6:30 pm at Plymouth Congregational Church, Davis Hall (3400 Devon Road).

For more info, please contact Danette Perez at 305-416-1286.

The Ivy is now open for lunch and dinner

The Ivy at the Grove (3159 Commodore Plaza) is now open from 11:30 am for lunch and dinner seven days a week.The kitchen is open until 10 pm Monday through Thursday and until 11 pm on Friday,Saturday and Sunday. Happy Hour is offered daily between 4 pm to 7 pm and again after 11 pm.

Visit in the next few days and receive a 25% price reduction off the menu prices. And for the first 50 Coconut Grove Grapevine readers,the Ivy would like to offer a Loyalty Card.

These card reads: "Loyalty Card The Ivy thanks you for your continued patronage and invites you to enjoy: 25% off food purchases in restaurant only. Happy Hour Pricing for Drinks all-day in the restaurant and bar." Grapevine Readers may obtain one of these by stopping by the restaurant and speaking with Bruce, Dominic or Frances.

The restaurant will be open Thanksgiving evening from 5 pm with a limited menu. Additionally,Raffles,the Private Membership Club will be opening on the third floor on December 12.

There is a large menu. Just a few items include: Appetizers like Bang Bang Chicken ($8 and $12); Sauteed Foie Gras $19); Lobster Cocktail ($11).

Salads include Rocket and Parmesan ($6); Heirloom Tomato ($13), Crispy Duck and Watercress ($12).

Soups include: Iced Plum Tomato ($5); Vichyssoise ($9); Chicken Soup ($5).

Fish includes Roasted Filet of Sea Bass ($17); Salmon Fish Cake ($11).Roasts and Grills: Chicken Paillard ($12); Roast Beef and Yorkshire Pudding ($19); The Ivy Hamburger ($10); Porterhouse Steak ($29).

There are sides, desserts and so much more of in the above categories.

Wines start at $5 per glass and $19 per bottle.

Keeping the Grove Alive!

Some neighbors and businesses got together and have decided that the time has come for some changes.

BACKGROUND: Coconut Grove has been established as one of Miami's most vibrant entertainment centers, attracting locals and tourists to its restaurants, bars, music, comedy and dance venues.

In June, 2008, The City of Miami passed legislation prohibiting restaurants and bars within the SD-2 Coconut Grove Central Commercial District (downtown Coconut Grove) from serving alcohol past 3 a.m.

This restriction has put downtown Coconut Grove establishments at an even greater disadvantage in an already down economy, as they are forced to compete with the emerging nightlife of nearby Brickell area and South Miami, which remain open until 5 a.m.

The restriction is also unfair in that it is limited to only those establishments within downtown Coconut Grove, while other establishments outside the area of restriction including one within 10 blocks of downtown, are allowed to remain open. At the time the restriction was established, only 2 bars had liquor licenses extending to 5 a.m. Temple and Mr. Moe's. Temple has since closed.

Due to the perception that the Grove Closes early, people are going elsewhere, and business for all the Grove has declined.

WHAT: The petition is to request that the City even the playing field by allowing the SD-2 area of Coconut Grove the "same a.m." alcohol serving cut-off time as it had previously, and which still currently exists in other areas of Coconut Grove and the City of Miami.

All the City has to do is simply remove City Code Chapter 4, Article I, Section 4-3(a)(6) from the City Code.

WHAT IT WOULD MEAN: In doing so, it DOES NOT MEAN that all of Coconut Grove will be serving alcohol until 5 a.m.

All it would do is simply return the right to serve alcohol until 5 a.m. to the one single establishment left that has a license to do so, Mr. Moe's.

Any establishment that would like a 5 a.m. license would still have to pass through the rigorous application process required by the City, and residents in the immediate area are notified, by law, so they have the right to input on each case.

WHAT TO DO: For Coconut Grove to thrive, its businesses need to survive. TELL CITY COMMISSION to SAY YES to SAME A.M. & help keep the Grove Alive!

Please sign the petition here.

Meeting called to discuss Grove sexual assaults

Miami Commission Chairman Marc Sarnoff, Police Chief Miguel Exposito, Commander Jorge Martin, and other members of the Miami Police Department will hold an open community meeting tomorrow, November 24, at 7 pm inside the cafeteria of Coconut Grove Elementary at 3351 Matilda Street.

In less than a month, two women have been robbed and sexually assaulted by a masked gunman in the Center Grove residential area. This is the police composite of the suspect.

“There is no higher priority than the safety and security of our citizens. The person or people responsible for these heinous crimes will be brought to justice,” says Commissioner Sarnoff.

The purpose of the meeting is to address questions and concerns regarding the two incidents and raise community awareness. All members of the community are invited to attend.

Similar meetings are planned in other District-2 communities to address crime related issues.

Mayfair Grille offers Thanksgiving Menu

Mayfair Hotel & Spa's Mayfair Grille presents A Special Thanksgiving Menu.

This is available in addition to their regular menu on Thursday, November 26, from noon to 10 pm.

Appetizer
Butternut Squash Soup with Caramelized Pears and Lardons
or Waldorf Salad with Endives, Candied Walnuts and Caramelized Apples with Aioli Dressing
or Arugula Salad with Dried Figs, Prosciutto, Gorgonzola and Black Currant Vinaigrette

Entrée
Traditional Roasted Turkey With Cranberry Sauce, Gravy, Green Bean Casserole, Mashed Candied Yams and Chestnut Stuffing

Dessert
Chocolate Laced Pumpkin Pie

$35.00 Adults / $17.50 Children 7 -12; 6 and Younger - Complimentary
9% sales tax is added to the bill.

Mayfair Grille is at 3000 Florida Avenue; Reservations: 305-779-5100 or:
www.mayfairhotelandspa.comwww.opentable.com

And why not make it a truly special night with overnight accomodations in one of
their luxurious suites with Japanese Hot Tub for only $139.00. More here.

It's not just Happy Hour, it's bliss . . .

La Bottega Enoteca Sociale presents Rhythm & Wine -- Unplugged Jazz, tomorrow, November 24, at 6 pm. Marina Martin Bossa Nova Blues Live in their La Cava Club (Underground at La Bottega).

$20 per person RSVP or coconutgroveevents@gmail.com

And every Tuesday at 5:30 pm, unplug from the workday with Unplugged Jazz + Wine for only $20.

Lat Bottega is part of the Grove Garden Trilogy: Calamari, La Bottega and Taurus at 3540 Main Highway.

Groovy Grove Gift Guide

Mark Cherry's IOS store (3109 Commodore Plaza) has fine women's clothing and accessories and plenty of modern art for sale, created by Mark himself. Above left and at bottom are a couple of his paintings. At right is Christy, modeling a Monroe blazer ($240.00).


The shoe is by Sergio Zelcer ($260.00), the black handbag is by Dylan ($740.00).


For more info, please call 305-442-7166. IOS accepts Grove Bucks.

Bring the people to the street; literally

Picture Lincoln Road on Miami Beach. Now picture last week's Mad Hatter Arts Festival in the Grove.

How about making Grand Avenue a weekend or Sunday-only closed street promenade? The Green Market could be out there as well as musicians, artists, the antique market and maybe a few other things like small food vendors (water, juice, maybe hot dogs, run by local restaurants).

There seems to be no adverse effect on traffic patterns, in fact, people can take the scenic route along the water when coming or going from the Grove when Grand Avenue is closed. It was a smashing success last week, maybe it can be a regular thing.

Coconut Grove pioneer dies at 102

My friend, Jerry Wade, was explaining to me last week how he rushed home from a Eurpean trip, to help with the estate of Estelle Caldwell Overstreet, a Coconut Grove pioneer, who died last week at the age of 102.

The Herald has a great obit, with a quote from Jerry and some really fine Grove history here.

Christmas trees are in!

Enjoy Thanksgiving at the Sonesta

The Sonesta's Panorama Restaurant and Sky Lounge (2889 McFarlane Road) is having a delicious Thanksgiving meal with all the fixin's on Thursday, November 26 for Thanksgiving Day.

The meal will be served from noon to 11 pm, cost is $38 per person, which includes a glass of house wine. Valet parking is complimentary. And while there, enjoy what is probably the best view in the Grove.

For the full menu, please go here.

For reservations and info, please call: 305-447.8256.

Restaurant space for lease

This is a list of the current empty restaurant spaces in the Grove, in no particular order. The subject came up at the Village Council meeting last week. It's interesting to note because a lot of reasons are given for their demise. Who really knows why they closed.

Los Ranchos, CocoWalk (soon to be new Greek restaurant)
Grab 'n Go / NY Pizza, Main Highway
Visons, CocoWalk
Coyote Ugly, CocoWalk
Les Deux Fontaines, Mayfair
Chicken Grill, Mayfair
Wet Willies, Mayfair
Pizza Rustica, Mayfair
News Café, Mayfair
Cielo, Mayfair
Pisco, 3310 Mary Street
Modern Art Café, 2801 Florida Avenue
Anokha, 3324 Virginia Street
Qdoba, 2982 Grand Avenue
Temple, 2895 McFarlane Road
Nikki Beach, 2889 McFarlane Road
Biscaya (closed for dinner) Ritz-Carlton
Jacob's, 3195 Commodor Plaza (soon to be new Indian restaurant)
Kaleidoscope, 3112 Commodore Plaza
Tuscany, 3484 Main Highway
Moulin du Grove, 3425 Main Highway (soon to be new French restaurant)

Shake-A-Leg receives prestigious award

Shake-A-Leg Miami was recently honored with the prestigious Rosa O’Neill Community Resource Award by the Miami Council for International Visitors (MCIV) at the Council’s 50th Annual Meeting at Calamari Restaurant.

The Rosa O'Neill Community Resource Award is awarded to organizations or individuals who have engaged in foreign relations and assisted in bringing an international presence to the city of Miami.

“We are honored to receive this award and privileged to be able to assist the Miami Council for International Visitors in its partnership with the U.S. State Department as it establishes and enhances citizen to citizen diplomacy with communities around the world” said Harry R. Horgan, founder and CEO of Shake-A-Leg Miami. “As Shake-A-Leg Miami represents the gateway to Biscayne Bay, we enjoy sharing the wonders of the bay and our facility with both the local community and our international guests, and demonstrating how the power of sailing can rebuild the human spirit, improve self confidence and quality of life.”

Shake-A-Leg Miami has formed a partnership with The City of Miami to preserve its commitment to the community and is also sponsored by several other organizations, including The Florida Department of Education’s “21st Century Learning Centers” program, Royal Caribbean’s “Ocean Fund”, The Children’s Trust, Dade Community Foundation, and American Airlines among others.

GroveHouse holding Small Wonders competition

The GroveHouse Artists are having a juried competition called "Small Wonders." The works of art are no larger than 144 square inches in size.

Merchandise prizes will be awarded for First, Second, Third place and Honorable Mention.

The application fee is $25.00, which allows each artist up to three pieces.The registration deadline is December 19. The application may be downloaded here.

For more info and an application, please email Jopie Estaver at jopiee@aol.com or call 305-308-8024 or contact Barbara Tejada at ba.tejada@gmail.com or 305-979-9534.

Message from All Grove Crime Watch

In light of the recent sexual assault incidents in Center Grove, All Grove Crime Watch will be distributing fliers today, Sunday, to raise awareness and help catch the perpetrator.

If you can help, bring tape to post fliers, a friend, and some energy, to the entrance of the Tennis Courts (Kirk Monroe Park, Matilda Street and Oak Avenue) at 3:30 pm.

This action compliments the efforts of the Miami Police Department.

Ways to protect yourself

Liliana Dones sent in this great list:

Stuff my grandmother and mother taught me, and a few things I picked up on my own:

STOP BEING SO POLITE. As women we are taught to be nice, to not be rude. You know what, until this rapist is caught, be rude.To stay safe, be sensible. Go with your gut. If something or someone creeps you out, don't worry about looking foolish. Scream. Hit the accelerator, lean on the car horn, RUN.

IF IT IS DARK AND DESERTED, DO NOT approach a car you think is looking for directions. Stay back, keep walking, just point to nearest big intersection tell them "go there and ask for directions" or say I don't know. Make your friends get out of the car and walk you to your front door. Even in the rain.

LOCK THE DOOR TO THE CAR, ALWAYS, even if you are just waiting for your friend to get in.

STOP TEXTING while you are walking the dog.

IF YOU MUST WALK ALONE AFTER DARK, WALK WITH A PURPOSE, and have the keys to your car, or front door out, in a fisted hand with the key poking through your middle and index fingers. If someone is following you cross the street. Keep comfortable flat shoes in your car so you can ditch the 4 inch platform shoes the minute you get into the car while you are still in a crowded, well lit area, that way you will not be teetering around when you get home, and can run, should you actually have to.

GET TO KNOW YOUR NEIGHBORS, their work schedules and routines. Years ago, when I live in New York, I was attacked in my building while I waited for the elevator on my way to work at 8 am. I made my get away because I knew exactly which neighbor was home at that time and ran to his door screaming. It saved my life.

ORGANIZE WITH YOUR NEIGHBORS, building association or homeowner or tenants association. Organize with friends and neighbors to walk your dogs in groups of 2 or more.

GET PROFESSIONAL PROTECTION: a Brinks alarm or whatever they are called now. They've been spending a ton of money on ads about the name change promotion so maybe they have a special deal. Get a high beam light that switches on when they detect motion. It will annoy your neighbors but, so what? No rapist is going to hide in the bushes with out that thing flashing on every time he moves.

CHANGE YOUR ROUTINE. Change your running, walking or jogging patterns. This guy is serial and has been stalking the neighborhood, so fake him out.

IF YOU ARE IN YOUR CAR ARRIVING HOME LATE AT NIGHT AND THINK SOMEONE IS FOLLOWING YOU, head to the downtown area of the Grove, to where there is a crowd, Moe's Sandbar, Greenstreet. Or to any of our hotels: Mayfair, Sonesta, Mutiny. Or the firehouse on Day. If it is after 3 am, head to Flanigans.

‘Wild About Kids’ Gala held at Ritz-Carlton

Mike Smith and Elena V. Carpenter (Publisher of Miami Monthly Magazine); Doris and Charnley Conway (VP of UPS)

Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade hosted their Third Annual Gala last weekend, featuring a “Wild About Kids” theme at The Ritz-Carlton Coconut Grove. The gala’s chair was philanthropist Lana DeSimone and the co-emcee was chef and TV personality Ralph Pagano, host of FLN’s Pressure Cook, who was also featured in TV’s Iron Chef & Hell’s Kitchen. His co-emcee was Michele Gillen, CBS4 I-Team Chief Investigative Reporter.


Alex Rodriguez-Roig (Executive Director of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade), Christina Rodriguez-Roig and Olga Guilarte

The highlight of the night was a special performance by children from Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade of Abbott and Costello’s Who’s on First routine. After their performance, the children walked around the ballroom encouraging guests to sponsor a child through a $250 donation. All proceeds benefited the five clubs in the Miami-Dade area.

“The Gala celebrated how wild we are about our kids. The children in our community count on our organization to have a place where they can attend after-school and summer programs for studying, sports, mentoring and organized activities,” stated Alex Rodriguez-Roig, Executive Director of Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade.

For more information, please visit http://www.bgcmia.org.

At left: Erika King and Lana DeSimone (Philanthropist and Gala Chair)

Gyorgy Lakatos and Spam Allstars at CocoWalk

CocoWalk is presenting Gyorgy Lakatos in the center court tonight, November 21 at 7 pm, and then at 8:30, jam out to the Spam Allstars.

One of the hottest local bands in Miami, Spam Allstars will heat up your Grove night.

Femfessionals hold luncheon at Calamari

The Femfessionals group had a luncheon attended by 60 women at Calamari yesterday. Guest Speaker was Lourdes Castillo de la Pena, who was appointed by the Florida Attorney General as Commissioner to the Florida Status of Women. She spoke on how community involvement impacts the status of All Women. The Femfessional events are monthly networking luncheons for women.

Photo by AnnaMaria Windisch-Hunt

Order complete turkey dinners from Ritz-Carlton

Host a Traditional Thanksgiving Feast at home without cooking. Let the Ritz-Carlton Coconut Grove's Chefs prepare a lavish Thanksgiving dinner for you and your guests.

Order a four-course gourmet meal that you simply pick up on Thanksgiving Day, transfer it to your own dishware and it serves from six to eight guests. Everything is beautifully packed and will be ready to go Thanksgiving Day between 10:30 am and 2:30 pm.

The menu includes: Sweet potato and chestnut candies, picked garden greens, house dressings, roasted turkey with giblet gravy, range rosemary corn stuffing with spiced pecans, olive oil crushed Yukon with Gorgonzola cream festive medley of Fall harvest vegetables and a homemade pumpkin pie all for for just $135.00 plus tax.

There are a limited number of Turkey to Go feasts available, the deadline to order is Tuesday, November 24 at 2 pm.

Please call 305-644-4680 to order.

Another rape in Center Grove early today

Another rape in Center Grove occurred early this morning on Virginia and Day. I took the composite down of the assailant because it may or may not be the same one from Halloween.

The assailant is described as a black male, 5' 7", 175 pounds, medium build, wearing blue jeans, black windbreaker, dark shirt, black skull cap and a red bandana over his mouth.

The victim apparently was sitting in her car in the area of Mary and Day Avenue waiting for a friend to come join her, and the assailant entered the car through the passenger door.

The assailant had a gun, and the crime began as a robbery.

The assailant then had the victim drive to a nearby parking lot, where the sexual battery occurred.

Although there are similarities in the area where the attack occurred and the description of the assailant, police have not been able to determine that this assailant is the same one who committed sexual battery on Halloween morning.

A composite sketch of the assailant is presently being done.

The area is still roped off and police are still investigating. Everyone is urged to remain alert and vigilant and report anything suspicious. Call 911 immediately or the non-emergency number: 305-579-6111.

Keep the non-emergency number in your cell phone to report anything suspicious -- call 911 if you see something happening.

Look for a book, or two or three

We got breakfast at Havana Grove and then wandered over to the Used Book Fair at the Academy of Arts and Minds (3138 Commodore Plaza). Monika Mora and Alex Riviere, above, are a couple of the students involved in the event.

For $1.00, you can get any paperback book and for $2.00, you can get any hardcover book.

All money raised goes to the Honey Shine Mentoring Program for underprivileged girls. The Book Fair runs until 5 pm today, November 21.

DUI Checkpoint in Coconut Grove

Last night, on the tv news, there was a report, which actually was an announcement about a DUI checkpoint in Coconut Grove from 8 pm to 1 am. It was some sort of "drunk driving awareness program."

Ironically, this comes out right after the 5 am bar closing issue was talked about and since when do the police announce a DUI checkpoint? Isn't the point to catch people unaware and not warn them to "avoid the Grove" or get caught? Who set this up and then leaked it to the news in time for the nightly report?

This reminds me of many Thursday nights when flashing police cars are set up on Commodore Plaza for hours on end, with no other business than obvious punishment to the businesses for 5 am talk -- it's a way to scare the business away from the Grove on one of their busiest nights.

As you all know by now, freedom of speech is dead in the Grove these days. You speak out, you get punished, usually where it hurts -- in your pocketbook.

So since the news outlets were told ahead of time about the DUI checkpoint in the Grove, many feel that the Grove was singled out, and all the partiers knew to keep away and hit South Beach, South Miami, Mary Brickell Village and other entertainment districts, where the situation says, "Welcome -- we want you here!"

Le Café Pop; French, fun and friendly

Le Café Pop is preparing to open at 3425 Main Highway. Currently they are looking for wait staff and a cook.

They will serve breakfast, lunch and dinner. Some items on the lunch menu include:

- Confit de canard (Duck leg confit with frisée and sautéed potatoes)
- Parmentier de canard et sa salade (Duck confit with mashed potatoes)
- Cassoulet toulousain (White beans stew with sausage, pork, lamb and duck Confit)
- Pavé de Cabillaud lardé sauce moutarde (Cod with bacon and mustard sauce)
- Saumon à l’unilatérale (Grilled salmon)
- Entrecôte bordelaise (Grilled Rib eye, with French Fries and red wine sauce)
- Onglet à l’échalote (Hanger steak with Fries served with compote of shallot, red wine sauce)
- Filet de bœuf Roquefort (Beef tenderloin with French Fries and Roquefort sauce)
- Filet de bœuf béarnaise (Beef tenderloin with French Fries and béarnaise sauce)
- Steak Tartare (Raw ground beef, egg yolk, and condiments with French Fries)

They are still working on pricing, we don't have that yet.

There are salads, appetizers and desserts, too.

For more info or to apply for a position, please call 786-362-5901

A nice Grovey way to start the weekend

The piano will be out front, stop by and sing-along with Niki and John or hop on the piano bench and play something, yourself.

There is wine, cheese, grapes, cookies and other nibblie things at the Mayfair outdoor Happy Hour at the Promenade, right outside the Antique Market.

It's tonight from 7:30 to 11 pm -- stop by and visit with friends.

Barnacle Old Time Dance is Sunday

The Barnacle (3485 Main Highway) is holidng its popular Old Time Dance on Sunday, November 22 from 6:30 to 10 pm.

$10 admission is the price for adults and chidren under 10 enter free.

Dance to the music of the Mudhole Control under the outdoor Micco pavilion. Contras, Squares, Cirlces and Waltzes are on the dance card. Instruction is offered for beginners.

For info: 305-442-6866

Used Book Fair at Arts and Minds School

Co-presidents of the Senior Committee at the Academy of Arts and Minds School (3138 Commodore Plaza, Andrew Webster and Johanna Roessler-Smith, are hosting a used book fair this Saturday, November 21 from 9 am to 5 pm to raise money for the Honey Shine Mentoring Program for underprivileged girls.

We need a Coconut Grove Christmas tree

A couple of friends who live in the Grove called me to tell me how excited they were about Coral Gables' Village of Merrick Park's Christmas tree lighting ceremony last night. They loved the atmosphere, the music, the whole festiveness of it all. Their kids really loved it the most. Here is Merrick Park's Santa arriving last night.

I was told that many people there last night were Grovites.

The first of three Snow Days is planned for the Grove for December 5, there will be eight tons of snow in the street, the shops will all be lit up, Santa will arrive, but I don't think there is an actual Christmas tree.

There is talk of lighting the few dying palms in the center triangle at Virginia and Grand, in front of The Bookstore, but we need a huge Grove-style Christmas tree.

City Hall has a Christmas tree and thousands of people come out for their lighting ceremony every year. It could be the free food, but there is music and a ceremony and a whole to do about it. Why not here?

A huge Christmas tree in the center of the village would be perfect. Carollers in costume and music around the Grove all season would be perfect. We are a small village; it would be so nice if we looked like what a small village is supposed to look like at holiday time. We don't.

There was talk of 100 Christmas trees being placed around the village at one point, now there is not even one, except for CocoWalk and Mayfair, which doesn't count since most people don't see them or know they are even there.

Being civil amongst the controversy

The Village Council meeting was very civil the other night, both sides had their turns to speak and the Village Council heard them all. There was applause from the audience on both sides and I even enjoyed Ron Nelson's remarks about the Grapevine, he said that the story I wrote about people in the shadows and calling them names was disgraceful and not right.

The whole room turned to look at me sitting in the back row, but honestly, I enjoyed that part and it didn't phase me at all. I did regret calling people "mafia," and not being civil myself in that story, but I was not embarrassed about being called out in public. I knew 90% of the people in the room and I consider them all friends, so it was just friends looking back at me after Ron called me out.

In fact, I ran into CBS4 reporter Gio Benitez downstairs after the meeting, and asked him about putting that on the news. But Gio said that he only had one and a half minutes of sound bite to show on the news out of the whole three hour meeting, and that wasn't the sound bite they would use. Too bad, we could always use the publicity.

Speaking of being civil, there was one part where a number of the Grove residents (those mostly on keep the 3 am closing time) just walked out after they had their say. The Village Council did not even speak yet to voice their concerns and opinions and this huge mass of people just stormed out as if on cue. Guess they knew the majority of the Village Council is in favor of the 5 am closings, and they didn't want to give them the courtesy of hearing their reasons why, which were very interesting and compelling.

It was very rude and uncalled for and didn't help their cause.

Here is the video report that ended up on CBS4.

Special Thanksgiving deal at Mayfair Hotel

This Thanksgiving, book your out-of-town guests in Mayfair's luxurious suites for only $139 per night.

The Mayfair Hotel & Spa is recognized as one of South Florida's most unique hotels, a tranquil oasis in the center of the vibrant exitement of Coconut Grove, steps from sailing on Biscayne Bay, sidewalk cafes, galleries and shops, and minutes from everywhere else.

Luxurious guestrooms feature private terraces and Japanese got tubs. And don't forget the fabulous rooftop pool and cabana lounge and Jurlique Spa.

To book, call 305-441-0000, and ask for the Thanksgiving Rate, which is good for any night or
combination of nights from November 23 -27, 2009.

Wow

Holiday Fashion Show at CocoWalk tonight

CocoWalk's Holiday Preview Fashion Show and Toys for Tots Toy Drive is tonight, November 19, at 7:30 pm.

Enjoy the eclectic styles from retailers such as Palm Produce, White House / Black Market, GAP and many more as International Models take to the 80 foot runway that in the courtyard.

The show will run to the beats of DJ Bill James and feature specials, discounts and giveaways throughout CocoWalk.

Please bring one new, unwrapped toy to show to support Toys for Tots.

Crime is down, so are Grove visitors

I don't want to pick on one person or group, but I found this quite telling about the All Grove Crime Watch organization at the Village Council meeting last night. They seem to either be so against one person -- John El Masry at Mr. Moe's or they seem to be so blinded by their fearless leader Commissioner Marc Sarnoff or they are just selfish NIMBY people and really don't care about other areas of the Grove, or the rest of the City of Miami for that matter.

Regarding the 3 am vs. 5 am debate, Robert Lupo, head of All Grove Crime Watch, stood up before the Village Council and used the same old drunk drivers killing nurses and teachers story as the reason for being against the change back to 5 am for the bar closing time. (Someone forgot to send him the memo that that lame excuse is too laughable and stupid to use now).

But either way he and his group don't seem to be too worried about most nurses and teachers because when Liliana Dones, on the Village Council, asked about Flanigan's, on Bird Avenue, not too far from Robert's own house, he said he is indifferent to Flanigan's, which closes at 5 am. This is on tape, thanks to the Grand Avenue News, who taped the whole meeting for future broadcast.

Robert actually said, he doesn't care about the rest of the City of Miami. Just his area. Guess dead nurses and teachers (what about nuns and school children?) are ok as long as it isn't on his block.

As for the rest of the neighbors who stood up and spoke, they were brief and really did not give a reason for being against the change back to 5 am. They just don't want it. Keep in mind that these were the neighbors who showed up, I am assuming that most of the Grove neighbors don't care about the issue or want to play fair and feel that the Grove needs to be on the same playing field as the rest of the city when it comes to bar closing times.

As for the police, Commander Jorge Martin was asked about crime statistics. They didn't have many figures, but it appears that crime is down about 23% (including disturbance calls), but of course some people were quick to bring up that crime would be down since Grove attendance is down. If no one is in the bars and restaurants and on the streets, then who would be out there to commit the crimes. No one.

Highwaymen art featured at Grove gallery

Windisch-Hunt Fine Art welcomes Roy A. McLendon to the gallery. AnnaMaria is featuring three artists all over the age of 75.

The featured artists are all highly collectible and have all had their art in museums. Roy is one of the original Highwaymen who is self taught and hails from Vero Beach.

The exhibition, called "Our Regional Treasures," will be up through December. These artists have brought honor and distinction to the state of Florida.

The painting shown here is by Roy, called "Road to Orlando."

Local students in theater productions

Two students from St. Hugh Catholic School, and Coconut Grove residents Aliana and Alexsa Gonzalez-Leyva (7th and 4th Grade) have been chosen as part of the cast for Madeline's Christmas at the Actor's Playhouse in Miracle Mile. The play runs today through December 26.

Immaculata La Salle High School (3601 S. Miami Avenue) is currently preparing for its first major dramatic event of the 2009-2010 school year. "The Ricky and Nicky Show (live from Miami)," is a murder mystery dinner theatre production, set at the live recording of a late night talk show.

Audiences will be drawn into the illusion of a recording studio and witness an array of guests and performance acts, dine on delicious Miami flavored food and help solve the mystery of the most unfortunate murder. This is no ordinary high school play, It's an interactive experience for all to enjoy.The performances take place on December 3, 4 and 5 at 7 pm in the Cafeteria (Bayshore Ballroom). Tickets are $20 (including dinner). For info: 305-854-2334.

Get your eggnog and gingerbread man on!

Do you have a secret eggnog recipe? Compete to be the Best Eggnog in Coconut Grove, on Saturday, December 5, from 5 to 7 pm in the Courtyard at CocoWalk during the Coconut Grove Holiday Kick-Off on Snow Days in the Grove.

Eggnog will be judged on taste, presentation and overall.

If you are not an eggnog expert, do you love to bake? Do you have a gingerbread recipe that puts a smile on the face of even the grumpiest Scrooge? CocoWalk is hosting it’s inaugural Holiday Gingerbread Man Competition. The event will also take place on December 5 from 2 to 4 pm. The community will judge who makes the Best Holiday Gingerbread Man in town.

This will be judged on gingerbread man decor and overall. Prizes will be announced closer to the events, you must be 21 or older for the Eggnog competition.

Deadline to sign up for both events is December 1. Please email to Naomi@cocowalk.net .

5 am bar closing issue was discussed last night

The Village Council meeting went well last night at the Abanico Theater, atop the Academy of Arts and Minds School. The 3 am vs. 5 am bar closing time was discussed and everyone had a chance to speak. It basically comes down to the residents present, wanting 3 am to stay and the business owners (not just the bars, but most business owners) want the 5 am bar closing time back.

Ron Nelson, Commissioner Marc Sarnoff's Chief of Staff, called me and the Grapevine out for this story, (Coming out of the Shadows), calling it disgraceful, and I have to say, I have always liked Ron and for what he did last night, I really like Ron even more now. I like and respect people who call me out to my face (not necessarily in front of about 250 people and tv cameras, like last night). But it's nice to be up front and honest rather than hold things in and comment anonymously here.

Elena Carpenter from Miami Monthly said that those who used to party late into the wee hours are growing old now and so they want the Grove to grow old with them, which should not be the case. Rightly so, she said self control and law enforcement are the issue for 5 am bar closings.

John El Masry, owner of Mr. Moe's, gave the analogy of having a house with termites and just tenting one closet to get rid of the problem. So if drunk driving and noise and late 5 am bar closings are the problem (which is the line being sold), why is only one little sliver, Coconut Grove, being closed at 3 am when the rest of the City of Miami's special entertainment districts are open until 5 am, 7 am and even some are open 24 hours now. Why not protect everyone from the nasty old drunk drivers and close everyone down at 3 am.

As Liliana Dones, Village Council member says, "Same am" for the whole City, and maybe even County.

Nathan Kurland spoke for the Village of Center Grove (VOCG). They are against the change back to 5 am and they have a resolution that says so, but Nathan personally spoke out in favor of grandfathering Mr. Moe's and allowing them the 5 am closings. Nathan personally agrees that Mr. Moe's was done wrong. He is for 5 am if the majority of people are for it.

One interesting thing: the Village of Center Grove consists of less than 40 members. It's amazing how this mighty little machine calls so many shots and they really are not very well represented in the scheme of things. Strength without numbers.

Trina Collins, was probably the sweetest speaker last night. She spoke of her niece, a college honor student, who loves Mr. Moe's and misses the 5 am closings. She asked that Mr. Moe's be grandfathered in for 5 am closings because the college students love it and the majority of them are respectable people who are young and like to be out late.

Gary Hecht, Village Council member, spoke of his recent trip to South Miami on a Saturday night, about 8:30 pm, and how it was so lively and jumping, while the Grove was totally dead at the same hour. He now understands the perception issue of 5 am and sees how it affects business all day and night. He said that the Grove has a failing urban core that needs to be saved now. And he agrees that the return to 5 am is a start.

David Collins of the BID says that the BID has made no formal announcement or stand on the 5 am issue, which is strange, since the BID is all about business and you would assume they all would be for more business, which the 5 am change would bring.

Village Council members Michelle Niemeyer is for 5 am, so is Liliana Dones, who talked of her youth in the Grove, staying out late, enjoying life and how the young people today should have the same privilege and choice. Felice Dubin and David Collins were not too clear on their stance, Lottie Person was in favor of the return of 5 am and emphatically loves Mr. Moe's and likes being out late herself. Martin Zilber wondered if Commissioner Sarnoff has the Grove's best interest at heart. And Gary Hecht, of course gave his great story of South Miami and his reasons of why the Grove should be open until 5 am.

Village Council members Adam Weirich was not present because of a family emergency and Alyn Pruett left early for another board meeting elsewhere. We know that Adam is for the change to 5 am and don't know where Alyn stands on the issue.

This sitting Village Council may not revisit the issue and it may be left to the newly seated Village Council in December or January.

Another great Thanksgiving Food Drive

Boardwalk Tavern (3421 Main Highway) is having a Thanksgiving Canned Food Drive Thursday, Friday and Saturday (November 19-21).

Bring three items of canned food at receive a free beer! This is a great way to give something back this holiday, and enjoy something to be thankful for -- beer!

High Gear Cycling offering sales and rentals

High Gear Cycling is partially open at 3210 Grand Avenue. Currently they have some bikes in and they are doing repairs and selling parts, they plan to open fully on December 1. Look for children's and adults's bikes, racing bikes and this all includes sales and rentals.

Above are Pedro, Gustavo and Ricky. Reach them at 305-444-2175.

Village Council to discuss 5 am closings tonight

The Village Council meeting is still on tonight, November 18 from 6 to 8 pm at the Abanico Theater (3138 Commodore Plaza). Please show up!

The new Village Council will be introduced and then the discussion will be about the 3 am to 5 am bar closings. This is the first reading and it will be a discussion only, everyone is encouraged to come out. The 5 am issue is quite important and has been put off for months. This is not going to happen and we hope everyone shows up to voice their concerns.

Green Market today at Mayfair Atrium

Come out and enjoy the Green Market today from 3 to 6 pm at the Atrium at Mayfair. You'll see all the goodies surrounding the bull.

There are fruits and veggies, freshly made pasta of all shapes and sizes, honey, frozen wine, plants and more.

It's a great way to spend a Wednesday afternoon.