End of the road for Le Cafe Pop

This is the last weekend for our friends at Le Cafe Pop at 3425 Main Highway. It's sad to see them go, but I guess we were as guilty as anybody else who did not frequent the place enough.

The food was incredible and top notch. If you get a chance, stop by this weekend for one last taste. They are selling restaurant items, too, so maybe you'll see something else you like along with the food.

For the weekend, they recommend their fresh pepper, ground from an antique pepper mill. Try the duck or the mussels! All their dishes are delicious and their Brunch is fabulous too!

Saying goodbye to Ed Prelaz

Yesterday was Ed Prelaz's last day at the Shoppes of Mayfair, he had been the General Manager there for almost seven years. Late yesterday afternoon, Steve Steele, of AC Fine Art Gallery, threw an impromptu going away party at the gallery and all of Ed's friends came out. That's artist Karen Deilke with Ed, shown here.

Ed's a great guy, very competent at what he does and he always has a smile on his face. Hopefully we'll still see him around the Grove.

Kampong offering three guided tours for May

May Guided Tour Schedule at The Kampong (4013 S. Douglas Road).

Saturday, May 7, 1 - 3 pm

Saturday, May 21 - 10:30 am to 12:30 pm

Wednesday, May 25 - 10:30 am to 12:30 pm.

The guided tours offer a glimpse into The Kampong story. Experienced docents tell visitors about David and Marian Fairchild,

Kay Sweeney, Larry Schokman and their connection to the National Tropical Botanical Garden. During the 2-hour tour, visitors see the property from Biscayne Bay to Douglas Road. They learn about our Celebrity Trees and discover the history behind the Fairchild-Sweeney House.

They often have requests to open The Kampong on Saturdays –- here are two Saturdays in May when you may arrange a visit.

Cost for the tour is $20 for adult, with discount for seniors, students and children.

Please call to purchase your tickets: 305.442.7169.

Miami Reggae Festival comes to Coconut Grove

The Miami Reggae Festival is in Peacock Park, tomorrow, Saturday, April 30.

From 2 to 11 pm, enjoy the sites, sounds and fun of Rockaz MVMT's party. The show is free!

Cultura Profética from Puerto Rico, Cultura Profetica, Spam All Stars, Rastafaris Luciano & the Jah Messenjah Band, and young lion Warrior King will be performing along with many others.

They will be collecting canned goods for charity, so bring some by if possible. Their recent campaign to Feed the Hungry benefited Curley's House, a local nonprofit which serves those in need.

Over 10,000 people are expected in the park. Get there early!

"We are using the educational aspect of entertainment to bring knowledge to the public, to educate towards a positive structure. We are using the moral responsibility of our audience: eco, health, growing, hunger, education, hope, etc. by keeping an event that satisfies the climate of global change recognizing these efforts. A love supreme, a new behavior for our human existence," said Alfonso D'Niscio Brooks, president of Rockaz MVMT.

BID's new website is set to debut this weekend

The BID (Business Improvement District) has been pouring money into a new website to promote the BID and Coconut Grove. Personally, I feel that all those thousands could have gone to free parking and that would have done the Grove more of a service than a website.

Anyway, it's a nice site, there are plenty of things to see and do and it's planned to be rolled out May 1. But then again, it was planned to be rolled out January 1 and then February 1 and so on. So hopefully, it will appear live on Sunday.

Ivan Irias of ID Media (shown standing above) showed the BID Marketing Committee what the website will look like at Tuesday's meeting. He and his staff did an incredible job of wading through lots of information and making it easy to navigate on the site.

Every Center Grove business is on the site and there are nice photos of each business, taken by Javier Lopez-Rosende, there are links to each businesses' website and email and it's very clean and easy to use.

There is a Twitter and Facebook feed, only with Tweets and messages from the BID, which is always guarded and sanitized. I think they should open it up for all Tweets and Facebook mentions of Coconut Grove from anyone. There is an events calendar, a YouTube page and a map of the Grove and a parking map. The site is www.coconutgrove.com.

Kate Callahan was the only candidate to show up

Miami Commission 2 candidate Kate Callahan (right) was the only one to show up out of the five who were invited to last night's Coconut Grove Elementary School PTA meeting. There were hardly any audience members either, but Kate made it all worth while.

The other candidates who were to attend, current Commissioner Marc Sarnoff, Williams Armbrister, Michelle Niemeyer, and Donna Milo were no shows. One had an emergency, others were at a Commission meeting. Kate joked, "It looks like I am the only one running, so I am sure to be elected." She did make a very good first impression to many last night.

A couple of people in the audience thought it was a good idea to heckle Kate with rude questions, but Kate held her own and her class showed through while the others showed they had none.

Kate was elegant and was grace under rudeness. She mostly talked about her personal life, how she was a nurse for 39 years and now owns a business with her husband and has been a community activist since moving here in 1992 (four days after Hurricane Andrew, in fact). But some rude folks thought it was a good idea to sit there, arms crossed, shaking their heads the whole time as if Kate's lifetime accomplishments were all made up.

One person, a well-known Sarnoff supporter, had the audacity to question Kate on ethics, when Kate explained that she taught ethics classes for many years. This coming from a person who has never acted ethically in her life. I thought she was gonna ask for Kate's birth certificate next!

With the anti-incumbent attitudes and recalls in the air these days, the hecklers are not helping Sarnoff at all. The other people in the audience did not seem to like it or appreciate it either, especially since these were PTA parents and not cut throat political people.

It's gonna get ugly this campaign season and it's only beginning.

New at Chili's Restaurant and Margarita Bar

Experience the Triple Dipper for $11.29. Combine your three favorite appetizers at Chili's, CocoWalk including: Big Mouth Bites, Boneless Buffalo Wings, Southwestern Egg Rolls, Chicken Crispers, Wings Over Buffalo, Frida Cheese and Hot Spinach Artichoke Dip.

And did you see the Grapevine special? If you clicked on the Chili's ad below, you would have seen a coupon for Free Chips and Salsa with purchase of an entree. You can see the coupon here. It's good throughout May. Print it and use it!

Bagels breakfast with the BID is announced

The Grove BID has a new program called Bagels with the BID. It's a small group of invited guests that will meet for breakfast to discuss Grove issues.

Local business owners will be invited to the Bagels breakfasts periodically. This will allow people to discuss business improvement issues in the Grove and the small breakfast group can have a give and take on what is needed and maybe not needed in Coconut Grove.

The BID will discuss their new advertising co-op program, where they will share in the cost of ads for merchants in newspapers, tv, radio, billboards and yes, electronic media (like the Grapevine).

GMCVB industry breakfast at Mayfair Hotel

Looks like the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau (GMCVB) is taking notice of the Grove. They usually don't.

On Tuesday, May 10, the GMCVB is holding their State of Travel & Tourism Industry Breakfast at the Mayfair Hotel. It's also the U.S. Travel Industry Rally Day.

The breakfast from 8 to 10 am, will draw the brightest in the travel industry to our little village. Maybe they'll take some notice of us now.

For more info, please call 305-539-3000.

Peacock Garden hosts Shake-A-Leg fundraiser

Shake-A-Leg Miami held a fundraiser at Peacock Garden Cafe on Tuesday night. Above are Paul Johnston, Harry Horgan and Robin Smith.


Dusty Melton, Michelle Niemeyer, Jack King.


Vinnie Preziotti, Charlie Green.


Will and Jamie Furry, with baby Jack.


Stephanie Ansin, artistic director of The Red Thread, a new original production at Miami Shores' PlayGround Theatre with Herbie Parets, owner of Coconut Grove's The Design Box on Fuller Street.


The live music and garden venue completed the benefit and made it a perfect spring evening.

Tai Chi/Qi Gong Day at Zen Village this weekend

This Saturday, April 30, Zen Village will be celebrating world Tai Chi/Qi Gong day, which is celebrated in over 60 countries.

Donation-based Tai Chi and Qi Gong classes will be held throughout the day. Please call or email to register as space is limited.

The schedule will be as follows:
Qi Gong: 9-10 am, 11-12 am.
Tai Chi: 2-3 pm, 4-5 pm

From 2 to 3:30 pm, Zen Village will be hosting a children's mala beading workshop. This is a wonderful opportunity for children to cultivate peace of mind and calmness. Malas are traditional loops made of beaded string. Each mala consists of 108 beads. This number has been used for thousands of years and has much auspiciousness in it.

You may reach Zen Village at 305-567-0165 or info@zenvillage.org

CocoWalk Cares award recipient chosen

CocoWalk has created an initiative to give back to outstanding individuals in our community. After receiving many deserving nominations, it has chosen its spring 2011 CocoWalk Cares award recipient.

This individual, who has battled many personal health issues and still finds the energy to dedicate all her free time to volunteering in Coconut Grove, will be honored in a surprise ceremony and awarded a $1,000 shopping spree courtesy of CocoWalk’s merchants on Tuesday May 3, at 11:30 am in the CocoWalk Courtyard on the ground floor.

This will be the first installment of the CocoWalk Cares Initiative. It will be presented twice a year to outstanding individuals who are helping to make a difference in the Coconut Grove community.

Cirque du Grove is coming back again in July

Good news, it appears that Cirque Du Grove will be back again this July 4th weekend, just like last year.

Saturday night, July 2, Commodore Plaza will be closed down for the fire show and then Sunday, July 3, during the day, for six hours, Virginia Street will be closed for the acrobatic stuff.

You may remember how cool the shows were last year, especially the fire show at night. Here's a look at that and here is the daytime acrobatic show.

Coconut Grove will be the place to be again this July 4th weekend. Again, we will be bringing back the Coconut Scavenger Hunt, CocoWalk will hold their now famous hot dog eating contest, The Barnacle will hold their yearly old-fashioned picnic and of course the Chamber has Peacock Park covered with food music and the all important fireworks.

We'll have more to report as the details come in.

Chamber mixer at Atchana's East/West Kitchen

The Chamber held it's monthly mixer at Atchana's East/West Kitchen at the Mutiny Hotel last night. Above are Sandy Masciatti, Branch Manager of Regions Bank with Susie Garcia and Fiorella Espinosa, also from the bank, flanking Peter Laird.


The Coconut Grove Arts Festival group: Lilia Garcia, Monty Trainer and Katherine Phillips Chaplin.


Sandy Stewart, Capt. Assad, Michele Honig and Ken Drodvillo.


Curtis Crider, manager of the Sonesta Hotel with Atchana Capellini, owner of Atchana's East/West Kitchen.


Tiffany Field with Annie White; Rick and Nancy Cooper, Nancy runs the Miami Herald's Coconut Grove Voice.


David Guzikowski and Andres Lemos of the Chamber with Richard Issa from Shake-A-Leg.


As usual, the Thai food at Atchan'a was first class. There was plenty to eat, all included in the $5.00 Chamber admission, which included a cocktail, too!

AmJam on the Plaza Wednesday night

AmJam is back Wednesday night, April 27, at the Academy of Arts and Minds (3138 Commodore Plaza).

AmJam is a jam session of the arts -- an open invitation to both performance and visual artists: musicians, singers, dancers, spoken word, painters, sculptors, and stand up. Everyone is welcome to participate and it's open to the public to watch.

Showtime is 6:30 pm. Stop by and enjoy!

For information, contact Lili Renteria, Interdisciplinary Activities Coordinator at
renterialili@gmail.com

Davis and Dow back for encore performance

Davis and Dow are back at La Cava's Rhythm and Wine Show.

The couple called "A South Florida version of Joe Pass and Ella Fitzgerald," by The Palm Beach Post was so popular last time that they will perform two shows Friday, April 29.

Seating is limited for both shows, one at 7 pm and the other at 9 pm. Please call 305-444-3493 to reserve.

The $30 per person includes a wine reception a half hour before each show.

There is a dinner menu available by Chef Carmen Trigueros and their extensive wine list and bar service is available during the performance.

La Cava is the wine cellar, below La Bottega at 3540 Main Highway.

Grove Elemenatry to host Commission candidates

Coconut Grove Elementary School has a general PTA membership meeting this Thursday, April 28, but special to this meeting is that they have invited all five of the City of Miami District 2 candidates to come and speak.

The meeting starts at 6 pm in the school auditorium and everyone is welcome, you don't have to be a PTA member. Speaking will be candidates Commissioner Marc Sarnoff, Williams Armbrister, Michelle Niemeyer, Kate Callahan and Donna Milo.

There will be a question and answer session to follow.

Coconut Grove Elementary is at 3351 Matilda.

Grove Slam fishing tournament starts this week

The Grove Slam (The world's "funnest" Fishing Tournament), starts Thursday, April 28 and runs through April 30. Here are last year's winners, the Vidal Communications team.

This is the 10th anniversary of the tournament and $10,000 for first place winners. $5000 goes to second place. Monty's is ground zero for the long fun-filled weekend.

There is still time to enter. The fee is $495.00 and includes everything for four anglers including all parties, and there are many with open bars and a dinner on Saturday. There is also a silent auction and free boat washes. And get good seats for the bikini contest, the most looked forward to event of the Slam.

From the Slam Survival guide:

Don’t Hate: If the SLAM! happened in the 60’s it would be called a love-fest. Everyone is having a good time trading stories, drinking, eating, and checking out the Bacardi girls. If you can’t handle your liquor then pace yourself. Our security force is made up of some of the City’s of Miami’s finest. We promise you, you will be Tazer’ed if you get out of line. And it’ll be on FaceBook too!

Wear your Hawaiian shirts: One of the easiest ways to spot a nube is anyone not wearing a Hawaiian shirt on Thursday. “Be inside the fishtank” don’t just spectate from the sidelines.

Be discrete: if you are checking out the boat wash girls, or the beer chick, or whomever – do it with some style. Anyone can scream “Oye Mami!” Will you be that guy?

To sign up and for all the rules and schedule, please visit: http://www.groveslam.com.


And don't forget the Luau party, too! All part of the Grove Slam this weekend.

Photos courtesy of Grove Slam

Shake-A-Leg celebrating 20th anniversary

Shake-A-Leg Miami is celebrating it's 20th anniversary on Friday, May 13 from 6 to 10 pm.
Tickets are $50 presale and $75 at the door. Admission includes dinner, music, open bar and other entertainment.

Shake-A-Leg helps the disabled community to achieve their potential through water activities.

For more info and to order tickets online, please go here or call305-858-5550.

Grove ToGo is a new pet food delivery service

Speaking of food, there is a new pet food business in the Grove called Grove ToGo which was started last month by Ray McElroy and friends. It's a pet food delivery service. Grove ToGo allows customers to subscribe and then receive pet food deliveries right to their door. You can have the food come bi-weekly, weekly or monthly if you like.

They charge only $7 for deliveries within Coconut Grove and only $8 for Brickell and Key Biscayne. Orders placed online will be processed within 12 hours. Your order is confirmed via email.

Brands available include Halo, Natural Balance, Iams, Pro Plan, Eukanuba, Pedigree and so many more.

You can check it all out at www.grovetogo.com

Let's get real about the food trucks

The food truck argument is so silly. Variety is the spice of life, the Food Trucks bring something different once in awhile and add to a community rather than take away. A report called Tactical Urbanism says: "Food carts and trucks not only stimulate entrepreneurial activity, they serve a critical role in the activation of the public realm. Indeed,few people know where people tend to congregates well as a good food vendor, as his or her success relies upon high pedestrian volumes. In turn, a good food vendor, or groups of vendors quickly become an additional destination within already successful places of congregation."

In Portland, Oregon, they are regulated like restaurants. The report goes on to day: "From Los Angeles to Miami, smart cities not only lower the barriers to entry, but also nurture such businesses because they contribute to the city’s local economy and add a great sense of place."

Not sure where they got the idea that Miami was a smart city that encourages the trucks, but we should. The report is here, the food truck issue is on page 13. You'll notice so many interesting things in the report including Guerilla gardening, "pop up" cafes and "pop up" shops and so much more. Things that really enhance an urban area. Reminds me of Park(ing) Day.

Perhaps we should stop having the Coconut Grove Arts Festival every year and maybe let's stop any food festivals or events where it might take business from the bricks and mortar businesses. Should the art galleries suffer by having the Arts Festival in town? I actually had one business complain that people were not stopping in their place of business to eat because they were eating at the Arts Festival. It's true, there is so much food at the Arts Festivals, should we stop them from serving food as well as art so as not to offend any businesses?

When and if the Playhouse reopens, should we stop Shakespeare in the Park? It's free and it could take business from the paying public who might pay to see a play or movie for that fact. When free Shakespeare comes to town should we send them away because they may tread on the movie theater's ticket sales?

I received so many emails from people, all in favor of allowing the food trucks in. They were so afraid of me publishing their names and wanted me to keep their identities private, which I will. But it's just a matter of giving the people what they want. People want sit down, eat in restaurants, but we like change, too. My new favorite place is the Peacock Garden Cafe. Just looking at the place makes me smile. I would never not go there in favor of a food truck, but it's nice to have the choice.

People seem to be afraid of the unknown, restaurants are afraid of losing business, others are just plain snobs, this is an email I got from a reader: "It is prudent to see the people that follow the food trucks -- and is that sort of following that would be an enhancement to the Grove?" I am not sure who she thinks follows the food trucks, but I do, so do lawyers, doctors, office workers and young professionals. And families, gallery owners, art lovers and people who enjoy gourmet food that the trucks serve. People follow the food trucks, thousands of people. I think their presence in the Grove would enhance the Grove.

Have a Grovey Easter

Palm Produce is ready for summer

Palm Produce is ready for summer. Their newest swimwear line is in the house. Women's Gottex and Pistol Pete and Sauvage for men are the most popular styles. The woman's suit above is $188.00. The paisley men's Sauvage is $54.00.


The Navy Pistol Pete square cut with white belt is $48.00, the white Pistol Pete bikini is $39.00.


The new thing for summer are these black Sperry Topsiders. The ones with the laces are $75.00, the penny loafers are $76.00. I bought a pair with the laces. There are lots of Havaianas flip flops, too, in all colors.


Perfect for the Florida summer sun are hats. There are plenty of those, too.


These cool ladies belts are $32.00.


And Palm Produce is the place for retro Pan Am leather bags. They come in all sizes and styles. Perfect for carrying all your new summer fashions. Palm Produce has two locations in Coconut Grove, one at the Shops of Mayfair next to The Bookstore on Grand Avenue and one shop at CocoWalk on the first floor.

Shake-A-Leg offering sailing classes

Shake-A-Leg Miami will be holding youth and adult sailing classes beginning on Saturday, May 7. Classes take place over four consecutive Saturday’s. Sessions are three hours long (1:30 pm – 4:30 pm) and introduce students to sailing and necessary skills such as rigging, steering, tacking, knot tying, points of sail and safety. Levels include introductory, intermediate and advanced.

Shake-A-Leg Miami is a non-profit organization that offers lessons, water sports rentals, and special outings in addition to being one of the largest adaptive water sports centers in the United States.

The fee for the classes is $195. Registration can be completed online at www.shakealegmiami.org. For more information, please visit www.shakealegmiami.org or call 305-858-5550.

The Chart House is rolling out their Easter Brunch

The Chart House (51 Chart House Drive) is offering a special Easter Brunch Buffet on Sunday, April 24 from 10:30 am to 3:30 pm.

Enjoy delicious Roasted Beef Rib and Glazed Ham carving stations; made-to-order omelets, Eggs Benedict, waffles, home fries, sausage and bacon. There's a Seafood bar which includes peel and eat shrimp, oysters, mussels and snow crabs. The Asian station serves pork pot stickers, shrimp dumpling and Ahi Tuna sushi rolls.

Also available are the house specialities like Macadamia Crusted Mahi-Mahi, Herb Crusted Salmon, Maryland Style Mini Crab Cakes and Chicken Marsala. All of these will be served with their house sides.

Homemade desserts and a kids' meal will also be part of the meal.

Brunch is $44.99 for adults and $14.99 for children. Valet parking is complimentary. To make a reservation, please call 305-856-9741.

Govinda's is open for Indian and veggie dishes

Govinda's, the vegetarian restaurant at the Hare Krishna temple (3220 Virginia Street) is open again. They call it a dining club and it's open more than just on Sundays now, which had previously been the case.

Govinda's is open Tuesday through Thursday from 11 am to 4 pm and Friday and Saturday from 11 am to 8 pm. They offer dine in, take out or delivery and catering. The food is 95% vegan and mostly organic. The menu includes Tabbouleh with pita bread, Pakoras and Tamarind Chutney, salads, Thali (an Indian plate) and so much more.

Prices start at $4.00 for Samosas and Tamarind Chutney. There are soups, wraps and sandwiches. The menu is here. Call 305-441-0555 for more info. or you can email info@govindasmiami.com.

New names chosen for North Grove streets

The new street names in the North Grove were announced recently. You may remember that a couple of years ago neighbors were asked to suggest names for the numbered streets right off of US1. This is what they came up with. Not very imaginative.

• 23rd Avenue will become Kirk Street
  
• 24th Avenue will become Calusa Street
  
• 27th Lane will become Tequesta Lane
• 27th Way will become Tequesta Way
• 27th Terrace will become Secoffee Terrace
• 29th Street will become Overbrook Street
  

M Salon expands on Fuller Street

The M Salon at 3098 Fuller Street has expanded -- they now have the storefront next door, where a new spa-like atmosphere has taken over. Above Idalmis Zaldivar is doing Andrea Gamboa's nails. They not only do manicures, they do pedicures, waxing, shellacking, eyebrow threading, facials and massages.

Every instrument is medically sterilized before service. For an appointment or info on any of these services, please call 305-441-2736.

Chamber Networker at Atchana's at The Mutiny

The next Chamber networker is Tuesday, April 26 at Atchana's East/West Kitchen at the Mutiny Hotel (2951 S. Bayshore Drive) from 5:30 to 7:30 pm.

Enjoy complimentary drink and hors d'oeuvres with admission, additional drinks at Happy Hour prices. There is also a raffle for various prizes.

$5 for Chamber Members . $10 Non-MembersR.s.v.p. 305-444-7270 or info@coconutgrove.com

Cocktails and fashion show fundraiser for SALM

One of the first fundraisers is being held at the new Peacock Garden Cafe (2889 McFarlane Road). This is for Shake-A-Leg Miami (SALM).

On Tuesday, April 26, enjoy delicious appetizers, champagne and wines. There is also live jazz and Pineda Covalin fashion, all in the wonderful garden. The event is from 7 to 10 pm.

The cost is $50 per ticket. You may order that on line here.

All proceeds go to Shake-A-Leg Miami.

Taste of the Grove winners will surprise you

As usual, awards were given out during last weekend's Great Taste of the Grove. In between the torrential rains, a new set of judges made the rounds and here are the results:

Awards for Best Presentation and Best Taste were given on both days.

On Saturday, April 16, the winners were:
Best Presentation – Bizcaya at The Ritz-Carlton Coconut Grove
Best Taste – Panorama at the Sonesta Bayfront Hotel

On Sunday, April 17, the winners were:
Best Presentation – Atchana’s East/West Kitchen
Best Taste – AlphaBites (food truck from Miami-Dade College’s Miami Culinary Institute)

We are totally shocked on a few counts here. Number one -- there were new judges! Each year it was the same batch who chose the same winners. We are shocked that Monty's did not win this year, but after year after year of winning for the same thing, it was a pleasure to see a change and we are totally floored that a food truck won for Best Taste.

I'll say that again: AlphaBites Food Truck won for Best Taste on Sunday at the Great Taste if the Grove Food and Wine Food Festival!

Lots of sterling silver rings and one-of-a-kind items

We stopped in Out of Africa to visit Trina Collins, we love the store. You've seen it, across form The Improv at the Mayfair Promenade. If it's African, the store has it.


But they also have a lot of sterling silver rings, hundreds of them, all half price! Plus an extra $1.00 off for luck. From opulent sterling and ebony to jade and other semi-precious stones, there really are so many to choose from.


Pricing is great, for instance a $14.00 ring is $7.00, plus the $1.00 off makes it only $6.00! These rings above start at $36.00, making them only $17.00 at the end of all the discounting.


Need a drum for the Coconut Grove Drum Circle? They have them at Out of Africa, along with a full wall of African masks.


Trina also has a lot of her own paintings around the store, all for sale. And you can see there are also Nubian Heritage soaps.


Out of Africa is a great place for one-of-a-kind gifts. For more info, you can call them at 305-445-5900.

Panorama featuring special Easter menu

Panorama Restaurant & Sky Lounge at the Sonesta has a special Easter Menu for Sunday, April 24.

The Easter menu will be served from 11:30 am to 5:00 pm. The menu includes lamb, snapper, pork and so much more. The whole menu and reservations info is here.

Doing the right thing for Eva Amelia Munroe

You have all seen the grave of Eva Amelia Munroe, next to the library, and now right at the entrance of the new Peacock Garden Cafe.

Well there has been a big Comcast and AT&T utility box right next to the gravesite, which really doesn't belong at a gravesite.

Ron Nelson has been working with the Munroe family and has gotten the utilities to move the box and Josh Billig, from Rockers Stone Masonry is now restoring the bluff.

The utility companies agreed to pay the Munroe family for the restoration work.

Some years back, the Sonesta tried to move the gravesite for a parking lot entrance! No respect for the dead or for a Grove pioneer, but now thanks to Ron's good work, Eva can rest in peace and be treated in the proper manner.

New arrivals at Goldie on Fuller Street

Goldie, at 3092 Fuller Street, is getting a new line in for summer. This animal print dress is by Tracy Reese and there are new handbags arriving by Reznika of Chile, all hand painted.


And handmade Colombian bags and sandals from Liliana Esquivia are arriving as we speak. Goldie is open daily from 11 am to 7 pm. They may be reached at 305-444-4474.

Two new fitness classes starting for Spring

If you are tired of the gym or would like to take your fitness to the next level take a look at these two options for you this spring.

First there is a Free 5K Group Running Program.

This six week program is for the Twilight 5K Run. It is from April 25 - June 5.The purpose of this program is to have fun, provide a little extra motivation and accountability, and help you accomplish something significant. The goal is to remain injury-free and increase your fitness in order to run the best race possible. The 6-week program will consist primarily of different running workouts along with strength training.

Highlights Include:
3 weekly group sessions per week
Complete online training program
Free access to Alien Endurance Speed/Agility/Quickness classes each week
Discounts at local retailers

To register, please email info@alienendurance.com.

The next program is the Endurance Boot Camp Spring Special. Join now for only $69.00 per month.

Endurance Boot Camp is an outdoor action packed class. You will perform a wide variety of exercises and movements all designed to get you in kickass condition. This program is great for someone who just wants to get in better shape or an athlete looking to improve core skills. Boot Camp is open to all fitness levels as well as shapes and sizes of people. Results are will not only be measured and documented but also guaranteed.

Class Benefits:Increase cardiovascular enduranceLose body fatImprove speed, agility, and quicknessImprove core and functional strength Have fun working out outdoorsClasses offered: Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 6:45 to 7:30 pm and Saturday from 9:00 to 9:45 am. All classes are located at Kennedy Park in Coconut Grove near the volleyball pit. Boot Camp is open to all fitness levels.

For more info about the class please visit www.alienendurance.com or call 305.807-2896.

Injunction in works to stop Charles Ave. changes?

Neighbors on Charles Avenue, the oldest street in the Grove, are concerned about the zoning change request for Charles Avenue. We brought up the subject before.

It was thought that the PointeGroup was behind the zoning change request. They are responsible for the Grand Avenue project to be in Village West. But the zoning change for Charles Avenue is a request of the Aries Development Group, the people that own Calamari and the Taurus restaurants. They would like the zoning change for the Stirrup house, at 3242 Charles Avenue, which was built in 1888 by Grove pioneer Ebenezer Woodbury Franklin Stirrup. Their plan is to put a bed and breakfast, with a restaurant, in the historic house. But there are many concerns.


To begin with, the house butts up against the condo which is above Calamari, is the plan to extend the condo into the lot you see here, attached to the Stirrup House? Once the zoning is changed from residential to commercial, what is to stop that, although the condos would be residential anyway. But the street is not zones for high rises -- yet. Across the street are empty lots that abut the Coconut Grove Playhouse. It's assumed that those lots will become part of the new structure that is to be the future playhouse, if that ever gets underway. A parking garage and retail space is supposed to be part of the new playhouse. There is an injunction to stop the zoning changes on Grand Avenue and now another is being talked about to stop any changes from residential to commercial on Charles Avenue.


Residents want to keep the history of the Grove at the place where the Grove stared. It reminds us of this -- St. Stephen's church. This old 1912 church, you may remember, was knocked down a couple of years ago to build a replica, shown below. Laws were actually changed to protect our history due to this atrocity. And this is what residents on Charles Avenue are trying to avoid. A bed and breakfast is nice, especially in an historic house, but once the "door is opened" to zoning changes, what's to stop an atrocity like the St. Stephen's mess? Maybe not by the Aries Development Group, but someone else with bigger ideas. And therein lies the rub.