Coconut Grove Grapevine

Who has the best neighborhood for dining?

2012-02-02T12:25:00.000-05:00

Today's New Times poll is putting up Coconut Grove against South Beach in the Best Neighborhood for Dining in their Snackdown poll.

I voted for the Grove. I had to, even though I enjoy all the restaurants on South Beach and eat there often.

Here's the poll.

Not the Drum Circle, but just as good

2012-02-02T11:11:00.004-05:00

Who needs a drum circle, when only two drums will work? These two stopped passersby last weekend as they drummed in the center of town. You could hear them a block away. At first we thought the Grove Drum Circle was out doing their thing, but all that sound was coming from just the two of them. It was nice seeing them right in the center of things. We were hoping the Grove Drum Circle would come out to the center of town and draw more of a crowd, currently they are at the Mayfair Promenade the first Saturday of each month during Gallery Walk. They'll be out February 4 again for their next Drum Circle.

Disappointed and embarrassed

2012-02-02T08:08:00.009-05:00

I know that my ranting about the poor state of affairs in the Grove may come off as rude sometimes, but to be honest, I am concerned, like many others. What I am saying is what many others have been saying for quite a long time. You hear it all over the streets of Coconut Grove.

Daily I receive emails from residents concerned about what is closing around town and rumors they hear. I am stopped in the street daily by people concerned about the empty store fronts and the tree whacking plan. And if I am being emailed and approached, I am sure that those in charge around here are getting ten times that amount of email and questions from the community.

I write about the Grove daily, I can only ignore what's going on around us for so long. I always try to talk up the place, I like to write about events and fun things and new openings and things like that, but as the place gets bleaker and bleaker, it's hard to just make believe that everything is just great. I only blame the BID because the BID is the be all and end all when it comes to the Center Grove around here. They want to put their necks out and call all the shots, they want to take credit when things are great, so they have to accept the blame when things are not so good.

I am not picking on any one individual. But should we just ignore what's happening around here and act as if nothing is wrong? Is someone responsible? Is no one responsible? Is it the landlords and not the BID? But to be honest, the landlords ARE the BID. They pay the BID tax, they are on the BID board. Normally I would blame the poor economy, but when the rest of South Florida is booming, especially during tourist season, how can we assume that the poor economy is only hurting Coconut Grove? Makes no sense.

I have a large family event coming up soon and there will be lots of family members coming to town, many have asked about staying in Coconut Grove, they want to stay here rather than South Beach or Key Largo or other areas where they normally stay when visiting. And that has brought more awareness to the Grove for me because as I look around, quite frankly, I am totally embarrassed to have my cousins and relatives come to the Grove.

Just yesterday I was walking around the village with a friend who used to live here. She was totally shocked at all the shuttered businesses. It was quite embarrassing. We were walking behind these tourists (shown above) who were at a loss for things to do in the Grove as they walked down a block of empty store fronts.

I always tell people that I can easily get in my car and be in South Beach or Coral Gables in a few minutes, Brickell is right down the street, but to be honest, I don't live there. I live here. So while I can run out of the Grove to shop and eat and wine and dine, I prefer to do it here. But there are not many places to do that these days. I go to Lincoln Road often on Sundays where it is elbow to elbow people, especially during tourist season, and then I come back to the Grove and I hear crickets.

I stand in the Center Grove a lot and see the tour buses come through. They stop and one or two people get off, if that. These people on the top of the open air double decker buses, are not even intrigued enough by our village to get off the bus to spend some time here. Nothing catches their attention enough for them to exit the bus! They stay on and prefer Coral Gables and I hear that Little Havana is a big draw with the cigar rolling, Domino Park, food and culture. So as pretty as the Grove is compared to these other locations, people don't care. They don't want to stop and visit.

I am thinking my cousins are going to be very disappointed when they visit. And that disappoints me.

Village Council meets Thursday night

2012-02-01T17:25:00.000-05:00

The Village Council is meeting Thursday, February 2 from 7 to 9 pm at the Sailing Club (2990 South Bayshore Drive).

On the agenda:

TreeWatch report by Liliana Dones

Discussion regarding the Bird Avenue Zoning items and update on other District 2 issues
Website update and discussion regarding selection of vendor

Election of 2012 officers

Occupy Coconut Grove?

2012-02-01T11:11:00.002-05:00

I have a friend who sends me these often. I thought this one was funny and right on target.

We need new blood, the old blood is rancid

2012-02-01T08:08:00.005-05:00

Last night we had a lively conversation over at Facebook regarding the BID and other Grove issues. I like to think that most of the people on Facebook are young and fresh and not the same old guard who have run Coconut Grove into the ground these oh so many years.

People are concerned. While Brickell, South Miami, South Beach and Coral Gables thrive, Coconut Grove is going down hill fast.

Check out the comments that people left at Facebook. I think you do need to be a Facebook member to read them and you have to "like" the page. People are disgusted and something needs to be done to help our village which seems to be on life support these days.

Brian Breslin, prominent Grove businessman, brought up these questions:
1. Does the BID have a website or anywhere we can find out more information about them?
2. What is the chambers role in this?
3. What is the village council's role in this?

The BID's website is www.coconutgrove.com, they paid a lot for it, ironically nobody knows about it though. If a tree falls in the woods and nobody is there, does it make a sound?

As for question 2, anyone, anyone? Lili? Andres? Sandy?

As for question 3, Michelle?

Too many cooks spoil the broth

2012-01-31T13:50:00.005-05:00

Do you know how many County Commissioners there are for the 1946 square miles that it covers (larger than Rhode Island and Delaware)? There are 13 County Commissioners.

Do you know how many City Commissioners there are for the City of Miami, which is 55.27 square miles in size? There are 5 City Commissioners.

Now do you know how many members are on the Coconut Grove BID Board? That's the Business Improvement District, which basically covers 4 blocks. That's 4 major blocks in the Center Grove -- Grand Avenue, Main Highway, McFarlane Road and Commodore Plaza. The answer is 19. There are 19 members on the BID board who call the shots around our 4 little business blocks.

And those 19 people, who I like, each and every one of them, does nothing for the village. Nothing. The board consists of landlords who own and rent out property and of course business owners. And yet, the Center Grove is almost a ghost town these days. Empty store fronts line the streets while these 19 board members do who knows what. David Collins, BID director resigned last week, so that office will probably flounder for awhile now.

Their solution to the empty store fronts is to redo the brick sidewalks and take out large bunch of trees in the project. They think, they actually think that redoing the sidewalks will have the rest of the county (and a large group of tourists) flocking to our streets to spend money. They don't see that we need businesses to draw people.

We need someone that can go out and bring business into the Grove, you know, a recruiter of some type. Johnny Rockets is next to go, above you can see them taking the sign down at FYE at CocoWalk, so add music and movies to the list of things that we cannot purchase in the Grove.

Anne Taylor Loft left, two of the art galleries are gone, Hooters, The Burgundy Room, the Beer Garden and Sushi Place, also a shoe store at CocoWalk closed shop in the middle of the night and ran. And the BID board is worried about sidewalks and trees.

While the 19 board members are falling all over themselves with delusions of grandeur at the BID meetings (some are not even business owners, they are neighbors or people that don't even live in the Grove) the Grove is going to hell. The few board members who spoke their own minds were dumped by the board -- which is not elected, but appointed. And so it is basically a puppet board that does the bidding (no pun intended) of a few. The poor, shameless, lame bidding.

And if they think that by tearing up the sidewalks for years on end will help business, I think they are wrong. I think that that is going to be the nail in the coffin because when the place is all torn up and dusty, people will not be able to get to the few open businesses that are operating. That will be the end of it all.

You would think that people who have a financial interest in the village would care. They don't.

Adult sailing classes offered at Grove Sailing Club

2012-01-31T13:11:00.000-05:00

The Coconut Grove Sailing Club offers a full schedule of Beginner and Advanced adult sailing classes. Polish your downwind skills on a Flying Scot, get ready for a long voyage with US Sailing Cruising and Bareboat classes. Or get ready to take out a Club Ensign or Sunfish by taking our Basic Keelboat or Learn to Sail Program.

The next class is February 2. Visit http://www.cgsc.org/ for more details and to register. You can also contact Nick Mansbach, sailing director, with questions at sailingdirector@cgsc.org and be sure to register online.

Beginner Sailing Classes are held Saturdays and Sundays, and run from 9 am to 4:30 pm.

StartUp Florida Anniversary event is tonight

2012-01-31T11:11:00.001-05:00

Join South Florida’s top companies, CEOs and entrepreneurs for the Startup Florida Anniversary celebration featuring guest speakers, Abe Ng CEO of Sushi Maki, John Duffy CEO of 3Cinteractive, Zalmi Duchman CEO of The fresh Diet, Davide Di Cillo CEO of Sync Pad, Boo Zamek President of JustAskBoo and more.

Keynotes focusing on entrepreneurs and startups in this region will be followed by small group mentoring sessions with the qualified guest speakers. This is a free event.

Startup Florida is a statewide initiative focused on maximizing accessibility and growth of Florida’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. Startup Florida will connect entrepreneurs with a statewide network of resources, mentors and capital sources and in doing so will showcase Florida’s as an ideal location for high-growth, innovative companies that will drive job creation in our state. We are specifically focused on serving established young companies that range from newly launched startups through high growth speedups.

The event is at the Miami Science Museum (3280 S. Miami Avenue) today January 31, from 4:00 to 9:00 pm. Please RSVP here.

Speakers
4:00 p.m. - John Duffy CEO of 3Cinteractive
4:30 p.m. - Zalmi Duchman CEO of The fresh Diet
5:00 p.m. - Abe Ng CEO of Sushi Maki
6:00 p.m. - Boo Zamek President of JustAskBoo
7:00 p.m. - Davide Di Cillo CEO of Fifth Layer makers of SyncPad
8:00 p.m. - David Lekach CEO of Dream Water

Grove Arts Fest holds popular Sponsors Breakfast

2012-01-31T07:15:00.003-05:00

That's Bruce Siegel, GM of the Mayfair Hotel & Spa, welcoming me to the Coconut Grove Arts Festival Sponsors Breakast, which was held Friday morning at the Mayfair. The Grapevine is one of the sponsors, but I would have been there anyway to cover the event.

The yearly breakfast is quite popular and the board of directors meets with the sponsors and they discuss logistics of the Arts Festival over a buffet breakfast. At left are Melissa Nobles, from Kiskinis, the BID's PR firm and Brandon Vantuijn, Art Festival office volunteer; at right Monty Trainer, president of the festival board, welcomes guests to the breakfast.

Marshall Steingold, of Miami Maps and Arts Festival board member, Katrina Delgado, Special Events and Artist Manager and Alex Cubillos, Marketing Manager from Costco, one of the sponsors. For a bunch more photos, please click here.

A nice way to spend a winter afternoon

2012-01-30T15:50:00.000-05:00

Late afternoon, out in the Bay.

Meet Jeff Benjamin; at his comedy roast on Wed.

2012-01-30T11:11:00.005-05:00

I met Jeff Benjamin the other night at a Chamber event. He's running for City of Miami Mayor in 2013.

On Wednesday, February 1, there is a comedy roast for Jeff at Paragon Theaters at CocoWalk, the roast starts at 7 pm.

The Comedy & Cinema is that same night, but this is separate and in the main bar room, not part of the Comedy Night event. This is gutsy for a politician to put themselves out there for a roast and so far ahead of the elections. Good for Jeff. I like that.

"When I become Mayor of Miami, this City will have a robust economy, no more taxation by representation, no more building empty City high rises, 25,000 jobs in my first year, better graduation rates, safer schools, more police officers, policing our neighborhoods, lower taxes, a balanced City budget and most importantly an efficient public transportation system," says Jeff.

He went on to say, "I will be that innovative progressive thinking Mayor the City Of Miami yearns for. I will cut unemployment in half and create numerous job openings that pay well. I will create a City that is once more admired around the world as a crucible of creative thought, a force for progress, a place where dreams of generations become reality."

For now, you can get out and see the roast on Wednesday and meet Jeff. He's a very likable guy, he came up to me last week, knew who I was and joked around with me right away. He's a very comfortable person to know.

More on Jeff here: www.jeffbenjaminformayor.com.

Free bootcamp and 1980s party this week

2012-01-30T08:08:00.003-05:00

Each week, 24 Hour Fitness offers a free weekly Bootcamp at Peacock Park. It's for all Grove residents. You don't have to be a gym member to participate.

The bootcamp is every Saturday morning at at 11:00 am. For more info, please call the gym at 305.448.2416. There's a party at 24 Hour Fitness (2982 Grand Avenue) tomorrow, January 31. They are taking the gym back to the '80s with a theme party. And later, at 8 pm, a 1980s celebration will take place at Sandbar with an extended Happy Hour with 50% off food and beverages.

You must RSVP for the '80s party, do that at CMClub621@24hourfit.com or 305-4482416.

Photos by Sandy Speier.

Mangoheads throw Strut Wrap-up party

2012-01-29T17:40:00.003-05:00

The Mangoheads held their King Mango Strut Wrap-up Party at The Grove Spot on Sunday afternoon. Lots of familiar faces, and then some, turned up to celebrate another successful year. T-shirts were for sale, photos of the Strut and a movie of the Strut were shown and live music was played along with drink specials. More photos here.

Theresa Colluori, Olav Smith, Police Commander Richard Gentry. By the way, Theresa has a one-woman show on Saturday, February 4 during the Gallery Walk Night at Dharma Studio (3170 Commodore Plaza), the exhibit is from 7 to 10 pm. Stop by for art and complimentary refreshments.

Dan Bondroff chosen as Art Stroll poster artist

2012-01-29T11:11:00.003-05:00

The Gifford Lane Art Stroll is proud to announce Dan Bondroff as the winner of the second annual Poster Artist Contest.

So many great works of art were entered, they had a hard choice choosing this year.

As the winning artist, Dan will receive a free booth space. His winning painting in soft pastel, titled "Grove Morning Sunrise" will be used as the design for the t-shirt, poster, postcard and all promotional materials for the 2012 Gifford Lane Art Stroll on Sunday, March 18.

$1 Million bounty for the Grove SLAM!

2012-01-29T08:10:00.000-05:00

$1 million in cash is the prize at this year's Grove SLAM!, coming in May. My friend Tony Albelo tells me it's easy to win. Easy??

They will be tagging 10 dolphin in April with unique id tags. If any of these fish are caught during the Grove SLAM! you'll win $1,000. And if you catch the mahi with the unique $1 million tag, then you win $1 million! It could not be any easier.

Stay tuned to www.GroveSLAM.com for more details.

The Grove SLAM! is May 3-5 -- it's called the "World's Funnest Fishing Tournament."

ING Miami Marathon passing through on Sunday

2012-01-28T13:30:00.000-05:00

The ING Miami Marathon is coming through town on Sunday, January 29. The race starts at 6:15 am, downtown at the American Airlines Arena and as usual, it will come through the Grove. 25,000 runners are expected this year.

Road closures in Coconut Grove include Tigertail Avenue, southbound; Grand Avenue, southbound to 32nd Avenue; Main Highway, northbound Charles to McFarlane Road and S. Bayshore Drive, northbound.

Water stations are set up at Mile 16 (Tigertail and Atlaka), Mile 17 (Tigertail and Kirk), Mile 18 (Grand and Virginia), Mile 19 (S. Bayshore and SW 27 Avenue) and Mile 20 (Kennedy Park).

You are able to cheer on the runners along the way, they should be coming through between 6:50 am and 11:50 am. For more details on the marathon, I've done a story at the Examiner here.

France's Damien Seguin wins gold medal at regatta

2012-01-28T11:30:00.000-05:00

France’s Damien Seguin (shown here), the 2.4mR class’s early leader, finished 3-1 yesterday at the Rolex Miami OCR regatta, which has been in Coconut Grove all week. He posted 17 points overall to win a gold medal that he can now hang next to his Paralympic Gold from Athens and his Silver from Qingdao. Seguin’s performance increased his lead over Canada’s Silver Medalist Paul Tingley (with a 2-7) to a staggering 25 points--quite an accomplishment in a fleet of 25 boats.

"Damien is very good and very consistent and has been at this a long time," said the USA’s Mark LeBlanc (New Orleans), whose finish of eighth overall here (over the 11th posted by fellow US Sailing Team AlphaGraphics member John Ruf) will finally give him his shot at a Paralympic medal. "Hopefully we can train together," he said.

LeBlanc explained that he was in the Paralympic Trials in 2007 and tied for first but, losing out to tie-breaker rules, did not go to the Games, which was heart breaking. "To be honest, looking back now to where I am versus then I can say I wasn’t ready then," said LeBlanc. "I had no idea what was going on and was just going out and sailing, but this time around I’m well prepared and ready to go to the Paralympics."

Medals will be awarded to the top three boats in each Olympic and Paralympic class today.

Regatta Headquarters is located at the US Sailing Center Miami, an official Olympic training center, in Coconut Grove. Event organizers have partnered with the city of Miami to provide world-class venues for competition. Additional hosts for the event include Coral Reef Yacht Club, Key Biscayne Yacht Club, Coconut Grove Sailing Club, Miami Rowing Club and Shake-a-Leg Miami. These sailing organizations host classes onshore, as well as help run the on-the-water racing. The Coral Reef Yacht Club also hosts the Opening and Closing Ceremonies.

"Midsummer Night's Dream" playing all weekend

2012-01-28T07:30:00.001-05:00

Laura Ruchala plays Titania, in this winter's production of "A Midsummer Night's Dream," playing as part of Miami's Shakespeare in the Park. This weekend, the play is being performed at Shell Lumber (2733 SW 27 Avenue). It opened last night and is playing again tonight, January 28 and Sunday, January 29 at 7:30 pm, both nights. It's free and open to the public.

Colleen Stovall, directed this version of Midsummer. It's very funny and the actors are very engaging. They play to each other as well as the audience. As they zoom up and down the center aisle, it's like you are part of the play yourself.

Shell Lumber is very cozy and a nice breeze came in the open ceiling last night, making it quite enjoyable. People brought picnic baskets along with wine and martinis and they settled in for the production. The play moves to the Amphitheater at Young Circle in Hollywood next weekend, it played at Pinecrest Gardens last weekend. Details at their website here: www.shakespearemiami.com

Below are Mick McGuire as Oberon with Laura Ruchala. For more photos of last night's opening, please go to our Facebook page here.

David Collins proffers resignation as BID director

2012-01-27T16:00:00.018-05:00

I got a call from David Collins. He proffered his resignation as BID director, but IT WAS NOT ACCEPTED YET by the BID board. The executive committee has the letter, but has not responded yet. He would like to say on and finish projects and let the replacement process happen organically.

David told me that he wishes to complete the BID's street scape and trees project and also have something finally done in the way of restoration of the Coconut Grove Playhouse.

He handed in his resignation to Comm. Marc Sarnoff a couple of days ago. I have this long diatribe I am publishing next week on all that is wrong with the BID, but David was not on my list.

According to sources, there will be a nationwide search for a replacement, but between you and me, that is just going through the motions and they will probably hire someone from within Sarnoff's inner circle after the charade of an RFP goes forward. Let's see what happens. But I am also told by other sources that David isn't going anywhere. They will not accept his resignation. Let's see how this plays out. As the Grove Turns . . .

The ineptness of the BID is more than the BID director. As stores fall like dominoes up and down the streets, the BID goes on as if nothing is wrong. They were literally counting bricks the other day at a BID meeting, preparing for their street scape project. It's more important for them to replace the sidewalks (and trees) than to deal with the non-stop departure of longtime tenants. Rumor is that Johnny Rockets is next to go, next month.

David and I have our disagreements, which are almost daily, but we are friends and get along fine. I do hold back stories so as not to hurt his feelings at times. I write about everyone else in town, but they seem to brush it off, David doesn't. But he is friendly enough with me to come up and tell me to my face. So I always respect that. And his door is always open to me, but I do creep around his office when I write something I know he might not care for.

Al Crespo broke the story, as he does with most of this type stuff, so I'll hand over the story from here to Al, where you can read David's resignation letter and more at the Crespo-Gram Report.

Photo courtesy Al Crespo

Celebrating The Bar, back at Calamari

2012-01-27T13:05:00.000-05:00

Jenny Love is performing jazz tonight at La Bottega, but if you want stop by earlier, Calamari, next door, is having an extended Happy Hour from 4 to 9 pm, to celebrate the rebirth of the Bar at Calamari.

They have drink specials and some complimentary munchies. That's at 3540 Main Highway.

We get no respect

2012-01-27T11:30:00.001-05:00

I had to laugh when I saw a story in today's Miami Herald, via my friend Sebastian Rusk, from Social Buzz. Traffic is being disrupted today on Miami Beach due to the filming of "CSI Miami." Here in the Grove, our traffic is disrupted by a Home Depot commercial.

Morning Joe will be doing a show from Jerry's Famous Deli on South Beach. In the Grove, we have a guy with a video camera on the corner filming the tour buses as they go by.

2012-01-27T10:00:00.001-05:00

Shakespeare weekend

SHELL LUMBER, 2733 SW 27 Avenue - January 27 - 28 - 29 - 7:30 pm.
.

Chamber launches new website and logo

2012-01-27T07:11:00.001-05:00

This is the Coconut Grove Chamber of Commerce's new logo. It was introduced at a party last night at the Backlot bar at Paragon movie theater at CocoWalk.

Along with the logo, the Chamber's new website was introduced and launched. Check it out at www.coconutgrovechamber.com.

It's good looking, fresh and up-to-date. There's an events calendar and news and listings and info on all Chamber members.

A few of us, that are the Chamber's media partners talked a bit about what we do and how we help promote the Chamber, I, along with Sebastian Rusk from Social Buzz and Gene and Fabiola from Fabulous Miami gave little talks to the group in one of the movie theaters.

It was a fun, and intimate night. Photos here at Facebook.

Commercial shoot on SW 17 Avenue

2012-01-26T13:11:00.000-05:00

Bully Pictures in association with Home Depot is shooting a Home Depot commercial at 3305 SW 17 Avenue, Friday, January 27, from approximately 6:00 am to 10:00 pm.

The crew says they are parking away from the property on Micanopy and Halissee and will shuttle people back and forth in vans. Hope so. That is a main artery, between that and those guys who pick up the tree cuttings, that may be a difficult street to navigate tomorrow.

The filming will primarily contained to private property and streets will not be closed and traffic will not need to be redirected.

One foot in the Grave?

2012-01-26T11:11:00.003-05:00

Fearghal O'Reilly, "an Irish chap now living in Miami" according to his Twitter profile, tweeted me his blog post from his "One foot in the Grove" blog which sort of should be called, "One foot in the Grave."

With the closing of so many places in town, it's getting worrisome -- Hooters, The Burgundy Room, the Sushi place, the Beer Garden, AC Fine Arts, American Apparel, Anne Taylor's The Loft. Does anyone care? Is anyone out there selling the Grove? I know that from various events I attend around the City of Miami, I don't see anyone out there selling the Grove. Coconut Grove is usually not represented at many events -- not at Chamber events outside the Grove, not at art walks outside the Grove, not at various social events outside the Grove. Shouldn't someone be out there talking us up and selling us? Hmm, maybe they should hire my PR firm to promote the Grove outside the Grove.

Fearghal talks about the sorry state of affairs around here. He's only been coming to the Grove since 2009, imagine if he had been here during the heydays (probably anything before 2000).

He says in is blog, "What is Coconut Grove’s brand now? What is it known for? In my opinion, Coconut Grove needs to get back to basics. Covent Garden Market is a small sub district of London, yet everyday, tens of thousands of people converge on that area to visit the stalls and enjoy street theatre. Throughout London there are designated places for buskers and street theatre. In Dublin’s Temple Bar district, there are buskers and street theatre. Activities are the reason people visit an area. At present there are none."

Please read what he has to say in his blog here, it is eye opening.

Take some time to stop and smell the village

2012-01-26T07:30:00.004-05:00

I had such a nice time in the Grove the other day and it's all because I know people and know the neighborhood and maybe that is how we need to promote Coconut Grove -- as a place where everybody knows your name.

I popped into the Antique Market at Mayfair and kibitzed a bit and then stopped by Johnny's jewelry kiosk, next door, to chat. After that, I met up Gigi and we went to the Cheesecake Factory, where we had a long leisurely lunch. Our waiter Allan was very patient with us, we could get loud and crazy at times. But we all had a good time, including Allan.

After a long lunch, we brought Louis, the Grove Ambassador, a slice of cheesecake as a little surprise and then walked down to Commodore Plaza, where we hung out at The Loft, with Yvonne, for awhile. People would go in and out of LoKal, the burger joint, next door, and we visited with them, Brian, from Barracuda, pulled up on his motorcycle to say hello, and the guys from LoKal come out and spent time -- the owners, the chefs, the staff -- it's a lively little corner these days.

From there we went across the street to one of the hair salons (for the girls, not me), where they spent time getting their "hair did." As I hung around, I met a fan, David, from The Brickell Reporter, who was going door to door, selling ads. Alas, he got no play, no one in the Grove seems to want to advertise these days. Not even with me. But we visited for awhile. I also stood outside a bit and talked with friends who walked by. It was a nice day, one of those coolish, overcast days, that looks like it might snow.

After the girls were through, we walked back towards CocoWalk and checked out the new Tervis Tumbler store, Gigi liked the Charlie Brown stuff. From there we went to the Coconut Grove Arts Festival Gallery and visited Monty and crew who were getting ready for next month's big event. People came and went from the gallery and we visited with them. From there we finally called it a day, it was about 6 pm by then. It started with lunch at 1 pm and ended at 6 pm. We ate, shopped and visited in all that time and it's shame that most people don't do that.

People stop me on the street all the time and they want to talk about the trees, store closings and various things going on around the village, so they do care about what's up here, but they also don't really take the time to savor the village. Maybe they do, but not enough do.

Yvonne kept asking me, "Aren't you lucky to be spending this time with us? Look at all the fun we are having!" And I had to actually remind her that I do this almost daily, with a few meetings thrown in like Bed Race, 4th of July, Mad Hatter and so on. She is the one who is usually cooped up in her store and I am usually out and about and doing this. If more people took the time to enjoy the village and leave their stores and homes and just explore, it might change the complexion around here. Maybe not. Who knows?

Grove featured on Color Splash this weekend

2012-01-25T13:11:00.001-05:00

Riley Smith tells me that one of his client's homes will be featured on the HGTV show Color Splash this weekend.

They chose Peacock Garden Cafe as their inspiration. The show airs Saturday night at 9:00. More at Riley's blog here.

Jenny Love's Bolero Jazz at La Bottega

2012-01-25T11:11:00.002-05:00

La Bottega's Rhythm & Wine series is back on Friday, January 27, presenting Jenny Love, with Bolero Jazz.

Born and raised in a very black beans and rice culture, it was here in Miami that Jenny Love developed her musical tastes and interests. Jazz was one of her major musical influences and at 13 she began classical and jazz vocal training while also performing with her father’s 6-piece Latin band. In her teenage years Jenny sang in gospel choirs throughout Miami and with this experience, later created her own blend of Latin funk with a twist of powerhouse-southern soul. Her candid readiness to experiment with musical genres has had a profound influence on the direction her musical journey has taken and her unique style is the result of a lifetime of musical influence.

Jenny has been the first and only Latin artist ever sponsored by Peterson's Harley Davidson and in 2007 she was Billboard Latino’s House Band Musical Director as well as a performer. She has taken stage with Jazz Masters Arturo Sandoval and Michael Orta as well as Bobby McFerrin, Gloria Estefan, Nicole Yarling, Julio Sabala, Nicole Henry, the Luis Espindola Latin Jazz Band and Negroni's Trio .

Jenny has made appearances on television shows such as Sabado Gigante, Mega TV's La Descarga con Albita and Maria Elvira Live.

Shows are 8 pm and 10 pm. Reservations are a must. Please call 305-444-3493. Cost is $30 per person, which includes a wine reception before the show. It's free for La Cava Club Members (La Cava is their wine club).

Enjoy Chef Carmen Trigueros' new Pintxos and Tapas menu. Plus the wine and bar service during the show.

La Bottega is part of The Grove Garden Trilogy: La Bottega by Carmen Trigueros, Calamari & Taurus, Another Round all at 3540 Main Highway, Coconut Grove. 305-444-3493.

A thrill after lunch

2012-01-25T07:25:00.000-05:00

A friend and I went to lunch last week, he rode his bike into the Center Grove from his house a few blocks away. He locked it up and we went into the restaurant.

He was thrilled when we came out after lunch and his bike was still there, locked up at the bike rack. It's a thrill these days to see your bike where you left it in Coconut Grove, home to constant bicycle thefts.

I am sure the police know what they are doing, but my friend suggested that they lock up a couple of decoy bikes around town with sensors or tracking devices and then when the bikes are stolen, and they will be, they could track down the thieves.

Dave Barry featured at Lauren's Light benefit

2012-01-24T13:11:00.000-05:00

Lauren’s Light, a non-profit charity that empowers and supports families with young children in which a parent has cancer, presents: "Family Matters: an Evening with Dave Barry,” Saturday February 18, at 7:00 pm, 3390 Mary Street.

Family Matters will be a light-hearted conversation with syndicated humorist, author and Pulitzer Prize winner Dave Barry, his wife and Miami Herald sportswriter Michelle Kaufman and moderator, Books & Books owner Mitchell Kaplan.

Food donated by Town Kitchen & Bar, drinks by Bacardi USA, and wine selections donated by Milam's Markets.

Evening will include a live auction featuring an Azamara Club European Cruise for 2, and silent auction items feature hotel stays, restaurants, jewelry, sports, gifts and personal items.

100% of all proceeds will go to Lauren’s Light, a public charity founded in Coconut Grove.
Tickets are $75. Group Discounts available - Seating is limited
.
Purchase tickets at www.laurenslightfundraiser.com or for group discounts, call 305.285.1202.

Lauren’s Light, headquartered in Coconut Grove, is an innovative program to empower families with young children in which a parent has been diagnosed with cancer, through resources and information, to better address medical, psychological and administrative challenges. Lauren’s Light provides educational resources, arranges for professional counseling for the families, cancer patient, spouse, and children, and provides other important services; and has already made a huge difference in the lives of numerous families in South Florida in which a parent of young children has cancer.

For more information, please visit www.laurenslight.org.

Heavy lifting in light air; Rolex OCR gets fine start

2012-01-24T11:11:00.006-05:00

2.4 MR Fleet.

The Rolex Regatta people felt that yesterday was a perfect day in Coconut Grove -- weatherwise that is. They loved the sunshine and there were 12 knots of breeze, but by late afternoon, light winds blew in just as three of the Paralympic classes were trying to finish the opening day races.

At the end of the day, Canada’s David Wright took two first-place finishes in the Laser Blue Fleet, putting him in second place overall and three points ahead of his prime competitor Chris Dold. Dold, in third place overall (behind Great Britian's Paul Goodison) with a 2-3 in the Yellow fleet, is duking it out with Wright for Canada’s berth at the London 2012 Olympic Games.

Laser Radial, Marit Bouwmeester (Netherlands)

“This is the second part of our Olympic championship qualifiers, and he (Dold) is leading me by three places, so I have to outperform him,” said Wright, adding that Dold was in a different fleet from him today, because the Laser numbers were so large (78) they had to be split into two racing groups, then combined again for the purpose of overall scoring. “When we are in a split fleet like that we have to just make sure to finish with little points. I did it today, so hopefully I can do it again tomorrow.”

“It was a good day—light, but good,” said Chris Dold adding that he has been training against Wright for about five years. “I’m excited and sticking to my guns; if there’s any match racing between us it’s going to be later on in the week.”

One team who doesn’t have to worry about snagging an Olympic berth is Miami’s own Mark Mendelblatt and Brian Fatih, who finished a solid 3-4 yesterday in the Star class to take second overall on tied points with Sweden’s leader Fredrik Loof/Max Salminen. They were named to the USA’s 2012 Olympic Sailing Team after they recently finished third in their World Championship. “This is not a major regatta for us in the same regard, but we definitely want to train and improve our standing in the World Cup,” said Fatih, adding that this will be his first time to the Olympics after four times trying and Mendelblatt’s second (in Laser class).

US Sailing’s Rolex Miami OCR, established in 1990, is open to boats competing in events chosen for the Olympic and Paralympic Sailing Competitions. The 10 Olympic classes for 2012 are: Laser Radial (women), Laser (men), Finn (men), Men’s RS:X, Women’s RS:X, 49er (men), Men’s 470, Women’s 470, Star (men) and Elliot 6m (women). The three Paralympic classes are: 2.4mR (open), SKUD (mixed) and Sonar (mixed).

Medals will be awarded to the top three boats in each Olympic and Paralympic class on Saturday, January 28.

A complete roster of competitors can be viewed at the event website http://rmocr.ussailing.org, where real-time racecourse blogging, commentary and fan interaction, regatta results, photos and news updates have been integrated into a live coverage platform.

Laser race start.

Photo By: Rolex / Daniel Forster

Dogs on the loose, on leashes and not

2012-01-24T07:07:00.000-05:00

I hate writing about pets, especially dogs, because people then make me into a dog hater, which is far from the truth (I'm a cat hater, but that's another story).

This letter came in from a reader and I held onto it, but after yesterday's lunch at the Peacock Garden Cafe, where some woman brought this huge dog that wanted to bark and fight with every other dog in site, it got me to wondering, when is enough enough?

We all love our dogs. But do they need to be in restaurants and running loose all the time? Here's what a reader from the North Grove sent in:

I thought this might be an appropriate forum to discuss the increasing number of off leash dogs that have attacked other dogs (leashed) in the North Grove area. Personally, I was walking my 3 dogs about 6 weeks ago around 7ish am when a neighbor from another street had her lab mix offleash -- a lab mix that has attacked other dogs in the past. Her excuse? "She never gets to run" and "I didn't see you". She said she'd never let the dog "off leash" again. I am not so sure I believe her. Thankfully, although the lab went after one of my 3, all were fine.

Over the weekend, another neighbor was walking her dog when a pitbull mix came out of nowhere and attacked her leashed dog. The incident threw my friend to the ground causing her road rash and tremendous pain (she's going through radiation and chemo) and almost caused her dog to lose an ear. The responsible party simply said "Sorry" and "she has attacked my bullmastiff too". I have been in the Grove for some years now and the "rare" occurrence of a dog attack has turned into a common one. Why aren't people leashing/gating their dogs properly? Have you heard similar complaints?

Megan Renze
Coconut Grove

King Mango Strut Wrap-Up Party is Sunday

2012-01-23T11:45:00.002-05:00

The Mangoheads are partying to celebrate this year's successful King Mango Strut (here's our slide show). You're invited to the party on Sunday, January 29 at 3 pm at The Grove Spot (3324 Virginia Street). There will be music, the straight-to-DVD premiere of the 2011 Strut, a slide show of King Mango's Paparazzi Photos and t-shirts.

This year's t-shirts, designed by Theresa Calluori, sold out by the time the parade started so they have ordered more. There will be a few shirts available in each size/color and long-sleeved as well. King Mango did not forget his fair ladies this time, they've ordered women's tees, tanks and spaghetti straps.

At 4 pm, the 2011 Strut video by Orlando Santos will be shown in the back bar room. The 45-minute video will also be shown at 5 pm, 6 pm and the last showing at 7 pm. If you are in the Strut, this is your chance to see your crazy self and your crazy friends strut their stuff. Critics are already claiming the video is better than the book!

For more information: follow the Strut on facebook, email the King at kingmangostrut@gmail.com or call the Mango Hotline at 305-401-1171.

The Body Countour opening this week

2012-01-23T11:11:00.001-05:00

The Body Contour Company is having a grand opening event on Thursday, January 26. The body sculpting place is at 3403 Main Highway. 5 pm.

Services include face and body treatments, La Biosthetique Skin Care products and Power Plate training.

For more info: 786-223-2029.

A test for sailors at the Rolex Miami OCR

2012-01-23T07:20:00.000-05:00

Second overall in men's 470: Mathew Belcher, Malcolm Page, AUS 11

When US Sailing’s Rolex Miami OCR returns to Coconut Grove this week for its 23rd annual edition, top athletes from around the world will be using it as an opportunity to jump-start ambitious sailing goals for 2012, not the least of which, for some, is participation in this summer’s London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

With racing scheduled from Monday, January 23 through Saturday, January 28, the six-day Rolex Miami OCR is the second of seven 2011-2012 ISAF Sailing World Cup regattas and features elite-level competition in the classes selected for the Olympic and Paralympic Games. At the close of registration last week, 532 sailors representing 44 countries had registered.

Brazil's Robert Scheidt is the lead skipper in the Star fleet after 7 races

With 82 boats registered, the Laser class promises not to disappoint as the typically largest fleet at the Rolex Miami OCR. “It’s going to be fun to watch these guys fight it out for their Olympic Trials,” said Rob Crane (Darien, Conn., USA) who is coming off a jam-packed 2011 schedule that culminated with him winning an Olympic berth for the U.S. team after pulling off amazing 1-2 finishes on the last competition day in Perth to beat out his teammates for the spot.

Dutch Laser Radial sailor Marit Bouwmeester

As always, the Star class is shining with world-renowned champions, and perhaps the best-known names attending are two-time Olympic gold medalists Robert Scheidt and Bruno Prada (Brazil), who just wrapped up 2011 with their second straight title at the Star World Championships (as part of the ISAF Sailing World Championships in Perth).

Canadian Laser sailor Michael Leigh

The Rolex Miami OCR is organized by the United States Sailing Association (US Sailing), the national governing body for sailing, which provides leadership for the sport in the United States. Founded in 1897 and headquartered in Portsmouth, Rhode Island, US Sailing is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization. US Sailing offers training and education programs for instructors and race officials, supports a wide range of sailing organizations and communities, issues offshore rating certificates, and provides administration and oversight of competitive sailing across the country, including National Championships and the US Sailing Team AlphaGraphics.

470 Men's Fleet racing in front of the Miami skyline

Photos By: Rolex / Daniel Forster

24 Hour Fitness offering Free Weekly Bootcamp

2012-01-22T11:11:00.000-05:00

24 Hour Fitness is offering a Free weekly Bootcamp at Peacock Park. It's for all Grove residents. You don't have to be a gym member to participate. About 27 people attended the last one. Some were frisbee players in the park, who saw the bootcamp and walked over and joined in. The bootcamp is every Saturday morning at at 11:00 am. For more info, please call the gym at 305.448.2416.

And later this month, they're taking the gym back to the '80s with a theme party on January 31 at the gym (2982 Grand Avenue) and later, a 1980s celebration will take place at Sandbar with an extended Happy Hour with 50% off food and beverages.

You must RSVP for the '80s party, do that at CMClub621@24hourfit.com or 305-4482416.

How about a chocolate festival for Coconut Grove?

2012-01-22T07:07:00.000-05:00

I went to the chocolate festival yesterday at Fairchild Tropical Gardens and between you and me, it was not much of a chocolate festival and more of a food festival. There were many food booths on the grounds and lots of food trucks. The chocolate was sort of hard to find and when found, it was for sale. There were not many samples.

People paid $25 each to enter the festival and it reminded me a lot of the Taste of the Grove. Why not do a chocolate festival here or just have it be part of the Taste of the Grove, which is coming up in April?

This Fairchild festival brought so many people out. It was very crowded and there was lots to do. Children made chocolate and there was a children's play area and people bought lots of food and chocolate. Even though there was not much to sample, people still enjoyed themselves.

As a stand alone festival in Peacock Park, or as part of the Taste of the Grove, chocolate apparently brings in the crowds. I wrote a review for the Examiner and also put up a little slide show with about 20 or so photos. You can see that here if you like.

A little contest . . .

2012-01-21T13:11:00.000-05:00

I posted a little contest on our Facebook page today. It involves winning a pair of Coconut Grove Art Festival tickets. It also involves the Chocolate Festival at Fairchild Tropical Gardens.

Check it out.

Delray String Quartet returns to St. Stephen's

2012-01-21T11:11:00.000-05:00

The Delray String Quartet will be performing at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church (2750 McFarlane Road) on Sunday, January 22 at 4 pm. This is the start of the eight season for the popular quartet.

From left, Tomas Cotik, Mei Mei Luo, Richard Fleischman and Claudio Jaffe will present, "Hayden, Schubert and a world premiere of Kenneth Fuchs' String Quartet No. 5, "American," composed for the Delray String Quartet.

Featured: Joseph Hayden, "Quartet in E flat major, op 64, no 6; Franz Schubert, Quartettsatz in c minor, D. 703; Kenneth Fuchs, Quartet no 5, "American" and Gershwin, Excerpts from "Porgy and Bess."

Tickets may be purchased at the door for $20 each.

Party like it's 1891 at the Old Time Dance

2012-01-21T08:20:00.000-05:00

The Old Time Dance is back at The Barnacle on Sunday, January 22. So if you wanna party like it's 1891, this is the place to be.

Gates open at 6 pm, the dance goes to 10 pm.

Under the Micco Pavilion on the big lawn out back is the dance floor. Wear comfy shoes and clothes and come ready to learn to dance the traditional American way. There are contras, squares, waltzes and so much more.Keeping It Reel will provide the music and Lou Dow will call the steps.

Admission: $10.00 per person; children under 10 - free. Picnics welcome. For additional information contact 305-442-6866 or visit www.TheBarnacle.org.

The Barnacle is at 3485 Main Highway.

2012-01-20T11:11:00.003-05:00

Faculty Concert at MCM Recital Hall

LoKal Burgers & Beer celebrates grand opening

2012-01-20T07:07:00.001-05:00

If you weren't at the grand opening of LoKal, the Burger & Beer place last night, you were probably the only one. It seemed like the whole village was out, and then some. Hundreds showed up to celebrate LoKal, which actually has been open since December 24. Here's our story about their opening day, with more details about the menu.

Politicians and the movers and shakers of Coconut Grove came out last night to enjoy burgers, chili, beer and wine, which were all handed out throughout the night. Miami Mayor Tomas Regalado gave LoKal a proclamation and then cut the big ribbon. We had suggested he cut into a burger, but they didn't go for that plan.

We have a ton of photos on our Facebook Fan Page. Check 'em out and tag yourself if you're there! And "like us" and become a fan while you're there! We plan on putting most of our photos there in the future, it's more social media-ish. You don't have to have a Facebook account to see the pictures, just click the link.

(To share this story, just click on the time under it and a permalink will open, where you can copy that URL for this story only, works with all stories).

The Best of . . .

2012-01-19T11:11:00.001-05:00

Congrats to my friend Riley Smith. This marks the second consecutive year that his team at The Riley Smith Group has sold the most number of homes in Coconut Grove!

I run into Riley almost daily somewhere in the Grove, I am all over the place and apparently so is Riley, out there, selling homes!

More on Riley at: http://www.rileysmithgroup.com/

More congrats to the Sandbar Grill, who won "Miami's Best Sports Bars" in Miam New Times' recent Best of Miami contest. Here's the list of bars.

The New Times has been spreading out the awards over the past few months.

Tavern In the Grove came was in the Best Dive Bar category.

Le Bouchon du Grove was one of the best in Best French Bistros.

The Grapevine got honorable mention in the Blog category. The Crespogram Report won Best Blog. Here's the list.

People don't want to pay to park

2012-01-19T07:07:00.000-05:00

So many places are closing in the Grove because people are not visiting. The main reason I hear is lack of parking or problems parking, even my friends who live in the Grove complain about parking. I don't think it's the fact that people can't find the 4800 spaces all around the area, I think it's the fact that they do not want to pay to park.

I was at a couple of arts festivals over the weekend and I didn't have to park at either one. I went to the Miami Beach Art Deco Festival and parked at a lot without meters and I went to the Pinecrest Gardens Fine Arts Festival and again, we parked for free.

But then again, Brickell and S. Miami are thriving and you do have to park in lots, at meters or in garages there, too. So maybe the parking issue is not the problem, although that is the top reason I hear from most people -- lack of parking (or the idea that they have to pay for parking).

But then I see a lot of restaurants on Commodore Plaza that are packed to the rafters -- Bombay Darbar, LoKal, Lulu and Greenstreets are usually mobbed, especially on weekends. So I guess people will find and pay for parking when there is somewhere they are interested in being. Go figure.

2012-01-18T00:01:00.001-05:00

STOP CENSORSHIP.
We're on Strike today - read this.
Help Stop SOPA/PIPA - read this.
Explanation in Washintgon Post here

Olympic Gold Medal night in Coconut Grove

2012-01-17T11:11:00.000-05:00

Olympic Gold Medalist Magnus Liljedahl and US Sailing Team members will talk about what they did as teens to train in their sport at an open house event at MCA Academy on Friday, January 20. Sponsored by SailLaser and the MCA Academy, the reception will also have student sailors from around the world who are in Miami for the Rolex Miami OCR Regatta.

Liljedahl, who won the Gold Medal at the Sydney games, overcame many obstacles in his drive to achieve greatness in his sport. His appearance will enlighten young athletes and others who have talents outside of school and need to know how to balance education and the demands of their passions. The open house is ideal for student athletes, and students who are pursuing other activities like acting or the performing arts but desire a high-quality education.

After the talks by the Olympic team, prizes including a $500 Sail Laser Summer Camp award and $500 MCA Tuition Vouchers will be given away at a reception that also includes music, refreshments and raffle prizes for sailing gear. The US Sailing Team and the Olympic Sailors will mingle and talk with guests at the party. A 14-foot Sail Laser Olympic boat will be on display.

The event is free and open to everyone. It will start at 5 pm at MCA Academy at 2911 Grand Avenue, back by the fountain, off of Florida Avenue.

Was that trip necessary?

2012-01-17T07:11:00.002-05:00

Sandy and I were at Pinecrest Gardens over the weekend for the annual arts festival. As we were walking around the lush, winding paths, she tripped on the uneven bricks, she didn't fall, just stumbled. We both laughed and imagined that they would have to possibly change the bricks out at the park and in doing so, remove all the trees, just like the plan in Coconut Grove.

Remove the bricks, take all the trees with them. As if. I'm sure if anyone tried to remove one limb of one tree in Pinecrest, their heads would be served on a platter. Here in the Grove, it's the plan on the books.

Coconut Grove TreeWatch has filed an appeal to stop the removal of two trees at the corner of SW 27 Avenue and US1. They were slated for removal as part of the renovation project, then taken off the plans for removal, now they are back on the plans to be removed. There was no notice given and now TreeWatch has filed an appeal. You can read the appeal here at the TreeWatch Facebook page.

Save up to 77% at Dharma Yoga Studio

2012-01-16T11:11:00.000-05:00

Our friends at Dharma Yoga Studio are featured on Groupon today. Get up to 77% off as part of the deal.

You can get five yoga classes for just $17 (a $75 value) or one month of unlimited yoga classes for just $35 (a $155 value). These are great deals for beginners or more seasoned yoga vets.

Anusara sessions are included, where instructors teach sequences of poses that focus on proper spinal alignment and focused concentration to increase body awareness. There are also Vinyasa classes and Yin yoga.

You can purchase a groupon for yourself or purchase them as gifts. This is what one City Search reviewer said about Dharma: "It is perfect: Friendly, knowledgeable and a serene environment. It is everything that I imagined a real yoga studio should be."

And while I don't do yoga (and I should), I do like to stop by and hang out with Natalie and Loree, who are great people and fun to be with. I stop in at almost during almost every Gallery Walk when they change the yoga studio into an art gallery for the night, too.

Dharma Studio is at 3170 Commodore Plaza, they may be reached at 305-461-1777. The groupon may be purchased here, under today's Miami special. The deal is only today, but the groupon is good until next January. So you have a year to use it.

They'll tumble for ya

2012-01-16T07:35:00.000-05:00

Tervis Tumbler is open at CocoWalk. They're right at the entrance on the other side of Starbucks. This is their eighth concept store, there are 11 stores in total. Charlie Brown and the Peanuts gang are newly licensed and coming soon is Starwars items.

The tumbler store reminds me of the old Scotchtape store on Saturday Night Live, remember that? Only one item sold in the store.

Gifford Lane Art Stroll looking for artists

2012-01-15T11:11:00.000-05:00

Art Festival season is upon us and they should all be coming up fast. The Gifford Lane Art Stroll will take place in Coconut Grove on Sunday, March 18, from noon until 5:00 pm. This is one of my favorites as it is a throwback to the "Old Grove."

The entry fee is $40.00. If you would like to participate as an artist, you'll need to fill in their information form.

Everything is open for your particular media including Painting/Drawing, Photography, Sculpture, Clay, Wood, Fiberglass, Jewelry and Mixed Media.

Please contact Trina Collins for a sign up form, the deadline to sign up is February 17, you may call Trina at 305-445-9698 or please email Lisa Butler at giffordlaneartstroll@gmail.com.

There is the yearly Poster Artist Contest taking place too, they will be announcing the winner before the end of the month. If you are interested in that, as well, please contact the ladies.

Last year over 70 artists exhibited at the Stroll. There will be live bands and a crowd of Coconut Grove Art Lovers who really look forward to an afternoon of cool art they can buy, good food, and plenty to drink. This is a worthwhile charitable event. They ask all participating artists to donate 10% of their sales to our designated charities: St. Alban’s Child Enrichment Center, and St. Stephen’s AIDS Ministry.

Botanist Roger Hammer discusses Florida Icons

2012-01-15T08:08:00.000-05:00

The Kampong resumes it's Lecture Series for the year with an event on Thursday, January 19. Botanist and author Roger Hammer will share stories behind some of Florida’s best-known and loved features. During the fun and fact-filled presentation based on his book: Florida Icons: 50 Classic Views of the Sunshine State, you’ll discover a fantastic key lime pie recipe, the river in the famed Stephen Foster song, and what makes Apalachicola oysters so tasty.

A native Floridian who has lived in Homestead since 1969, Mr. Hammer has been a senior interpretive naturalist for the Miami-Dade Parks Department and Manager of Castellow Hammock Nature Center since 1977. He has served on the Tropical Audubon Society’s Board of Directors since 1998. An avid wildlife photographer who also enjoys canoeing, kayak fishing, camping, and gardening, Mr. Hammer is the consummate naturalist and outdoorsman.

“We are so pleased to welcome Roger back to The Kampong. His talks are always lively and engaging, and his new book is a great read for Florida natives and newcomers alike,” said Ann Parsons, Director of The Kampong.

The Kampong (4013 S. Douglas Road) opens at 6:30 pm with a dessert reception, and the lecture begins at 7 pm. Attendance is free to Kampong Fellows and Members; tickets for the public are $10.

Reservations required: 305.442.7169 or email kampong@ntbg.org.

Service for Martin Luther King, Jr. is Sunday

2012-01-14T12:01:00.000-05:00

The Coconut Grove Ecumenical Network is holding a service and celebration for Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on Sunday, January 15. This 19th Anuual event will feature The Rev. Barbara Baptise williams who will deliver the homily.

The ceremony is at 2:30 pm at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church (2750 McFarlane Road). This year's service is dedicated to the good works of Dr. David white, a Coconut Grove activist.

Farmer's market back at Zen Village

2012-01-14T09:25:00.000-05:00

The first of this year's weekly organic farmer's markets is back at Zen Village this Sunday, January 15.

Share a beautiful afternoon enjoying affordable organic produce, honey, jams, teas, juices, music and much more. Very soon they will also have a cook and nutritionist on hand to give lectures on healthy living as well as pass out recipes, teach cooking classes and prepare delicious worldly infused dishes.

Zen Village is at 3570 Main Highway. The market is open from 10 am to 3 pm.

The siege on our trees just never ends

2012-01-13T14:50:00.001-05:00

As the fire loomed at the former Grand Bay site today, right down the block, trees were being destroyed at the corner of S. Bayshore and Mary Street. While all eyes were on the fire up the street, these guys were taking down large chunks of Gumbo Limbo trees on the public right of way. When questioned by Liliana Dones of Coconut Grove TreeWatch, the workers claimed they had permits for the job.

As is the case with all of these tree cutting events, when questioned, the workers jumped in their truck and sped off. If they had a permit, why would they do that?

"If a permit was indeed taken out for the purpose of pruning more than 25 percent, shouldn't there be a notice on the tree, so that we know what it is about and we don't waste our time or your time?" asked Liliana of the City Code Enforcement Department via email.

She went on to ask, "What happens now? Is the tree ok with major artery of the trunk missing? Is there follow up care? (or will this tree eventually be marked for removal because it is now compromised?"

To get involved and help protect our canopy, which is getting smaller and smaller these days, please get involved with Coconut Grove TreeWatch. The easiest step is to join the Facebook page here.

CrossFit holding Box competition tomorrow

2012-01-13T11:11:00.003-05:00

CrossFit Coconut Grove, the gym owned by Jose Nicolas at 2900 SW 28 Lane (which is called a Box), is having a competition tomorrow, at the Box, January 14, with other Boxes in the area including Vida (Brickell), Coral Gables, Doral and South Miami. These competitions are intense and quite exciting to watch. CrossFit is known as "the sport of fitness."

Jose has a team of dedicated trainers who train individuals in constantly varied, functional movements, performed at a high intensity. Think of it as P90X for Titans (Greek Gods) or the workouts for the movie 300.

The Box opened on the first of the year and they are running a special for Grovites. For new members who live in 33133 they are offering $33.00 off the monthly fee if you sign up before February 1, 2012. Also, they are offering a free Workout of the Day (WOD) every Saturday at 9 am for anyone to try the place out. Finally, once a Grovite is a member, and they bring in a new member they get a free month.

Regatta season kicking in at Grove Sailing Club

2012-01-13T07:07:00.000-05:00

This weekend, The Coconut Grove Sailing Club (CGSC) is hosting the 470 North American Championship (Jan. 13-15).

These sleek skiffs are an Olympic Class that will be at this summer's Olympics. Several of the registered competitors have been selected to represent the USA this summer in Weymouth, England. Olympian Amanda Clark (in photo) and a few of the other Olympic team members will be on hand Saturday morning, Jan. 14 at 9 am to speak with the club's Junior Sailors. All are welcome to listen in.

The Sailing Club will be hosting the Miami Invitational Open Elliott 6m Match Racing event in February with racing days of Friday, February 24 thru Sunday, February 26.

This event is closely associated with the Olympic Selection Process for the US Women's berth in the 2012 Olympics for the Match Racing event. CGSC will host an Introduction to Match Racing Presentation on Friday evening, February 24 in the Main Room upstairs at the Club. One or more of the competing teams will be present to discuss basic match racing strategy.

The jerk store called; they're running out of you

2012-01-12T11:11:00.006-05:00

There is a debate going on over at the Facebook page of the Coconut Grove Drum Circle. Some dude named Danny, who seems to be a professional drummer, is putting down the Drum Circle drummers for being amateurish and not wanting to further their drum beating skills.

He is not getting the whole purpose of the drum circle. It's not a place for the likes of Buddy Rich and Sheila E, even though perhaps they might enjoy it, but it's a place for community spirit and fun.

I took this photo last Saturday of Ty and Sandy. Look at their faces!

Liz Gibson, one of the founders of the Grove Drum Circle, found this info on a website: "A community drum circle is often a fun, multicultural, mixed level, group music making event, with freely improvised rhythms, and the music is created on the spot, in the moment. There is no 'audience'; everyone is welcome to play, dance, or listen as the mood strikes them. Bring a drum if you have one. It's a jam session, an exploration. The language of rhythm transcends normal communication boundaries, so one sometimes finds folks interacting who would normally have trouble doing so. Often at larger community drum circles, some people will choose to dance in the middle of the circle, or fire/hoop dancers or others will be practicing at the same time, so that the drumming is part of a larger social event."

Liz is so dedicated to the drum circle along with Karen and Richard Deilke and Mark Richards. It is their baby. Look at this one Drum Circle from July. It was packed! More people than I've seen at any of the drum circles -- in the dead of summer!

This is the essence of the Coconut Grove Drum Circle. It is not a place for a drum concert and the drummers all have other lives, they are not professional musicians and never claimed to be.

All I know is that every time I am at the Drum Circle, I see dozens of people with big happy smiles on their faces all getting into the beat, whether drumming, dancing or just watching, it is an event and people enjoy it and always come back.

This comment from Danny on Facebook is uncalled for: "As for that video I saw, there were maybe 2 people actually playing a rhythm and a whole bunch of people randomly hitting their drums."

He goes on to insult them by saying, "I can't imagine why a good drummer would go unless forced or bored out of their mind. It's like a math professor wanting to add numbers with elementary school students. If you want to play the same thing over and over unchallenged and give percussion a worse name go ahead. Majority of musicians say drums and percussion aren't real instruments, that anybody can play it, I guess I couldn't prove them wrong even if I did study percussion! Like any instrument, there are people who play for real, and people who don't and give it a bad name! It's obvious who they are!"

He doesn't get it and he never will. Again, look at the faces of Ty and Sandy above. This is what it's all about. Not sheet music and professionals.

BTW: I have a request from The Loft and the other stores at the corner of Grand and Commodore. They would like to see the Drum Circle on the corner there next Gallery Walk or even before!

Multi-Chamber networker at Cebu Lounge

2012-01-12T07:07:00.002-05:00

A few of us represented Coconut Grove at last night's Multi-Chamber of Commerce networker at Cebu Lounge in Coral Gables. Out of the hundreds that showed, up, three of us were from the Grove: from left, myself, Sandy Speier and Yvonne Rosemeier. That is Evelio Medina with us, of the Downtown Miami-Brickell Chamber. About 15 different chambers came together for the event including the Coconut Grove Chamber, although I did not see one person from the Grove Chamber there. Then the Grove wonders why no one shows up at our events. Karma folks.

Yanet Torres, Robert Mercado, Ligia Espinosa. Robert is with the BBC Worldwide. Which is pretty cool at a networking event.

Tasty morsels were served, Cebu is new on the scene and they were proud to share their menu items with the large crowd. At right is Fabiola Castro, of Fabulous Miami.

Vickie Rojas, Yami Garcia, Sandra Ellerby Averhoff.

These handsome guys are from the Holiday Inn Coral Gables, from left: Joel Becerra, Miguel Hernandez and Marco Mejia, the GM.

The restaurant was very nice and quite large which accommodated the big crowd. I started a Social Media/Publicist business, so it was nice meeting so many new people and lots of media folks, who were among them. There was a line to get in all night.

Sandy Speier and Katrina Khatibi of Persian Kittycat, at left. At right, the girls signing people in as they entered and then making name tags for them right on the spot.

Multi-Chamber networker is tonight

2012-01-11T13:00:00.000-05:00

Tonight is the first Multi-Chamber of Commerce event of the new Year at the new Cebu Lounge in Coral Gables (141 Giralda Avenue).

As you know, the Grove Chamber members have been few and far between when it comes to being part of other Chambers' events, but as a partner, I'm hoping that many of our own Chamber members show up tonight.

The cost is $10 for members and $15 for non members. The mixer is from 6 to 9:30 pm. Chambers on hand include Camacol, Colombia, Costa Rica, Greater Doral, Downtown Miami & Brickell and so many more. It's gonna be a big one.

Rembrandt for sale!

2012-01-11T11:11:00.001-05:00

Max in the Grove Gallery (2996 McFarlane Road) has exciting news. On loan from Dublin Gallery in Amsterdam is a Rembrandt etching hundreds of years old in a frame 180 years old with full documentation.

Its a very rare chance for an art lover to be able to buy a classic piece of history by a grand masterpiece painter. It's dated 1636 and is a portrait of "Manoel Dias Soeiro (1604 – November 20, 1657), better known by his Hebrew name Menasseh Ben Israel (also, Menasheh ben Yossef ben Yisrael, also known with the Hebrew acronym, MB"Y), was a Portuguese rabbi, kabbalist, scholar, writer, diplomat,printer and publisher, founder of the first Hebrew printing press (named Emeth Meerets Titsma`h) in Amsterdam in 1626."

The Max in the Grove Gallery is open daily at 10 am. For info: 786-313-3222.

Have you signed the TreeWatch petition yet?

2012-01-11T07:07:00.002-05:00

Coconut Grove TreeWatch is circulating a petition regarding the tree issue. Liliana Dones and Santiago Villegas have been getting signatures in the parks, here last week, a yoga group was approached for signatures at Kennedy Park.

If you like you can sign it online. Here is what it says:

Dear City Commissioner Sarnoff and County Commissioner Suarez,

We are the neighbors, friends, citizens, residents and visitors of Coconut Grove, Florida. We have concerns about the tree removal projects by the Coconut Grove BID/City of Miami Capital Improvements Program, specifically, Phase 1 encompassing Florida Avenue, Fuller St. and Commodore Plaza, Phase 2 encompassing Grand Ave. and Main Highway, and the County’s 27th Avenue Beautification Project, Phase 2. Altogether these projects compromise approximately 100 mature trees that are part of the history of Coconut Grove and the canopy that has defined, to residents and visitors alike, its special character and charm.

We encourage the planting of new trees, but not at the cost of trees we currently have. We do not want our streets to look like an artist’s rendering. We do not want to look like other parts of the City or the County. We do not want Coconut Grove to lose the trees we currently have so that they may be replaced with exactly spaced, uniform trees of the same thickness and height, which will never grow to abundance in our lifetimes. We ask that the City and County explore ways to safeguard our existing trees in order to promote their health and longevity.

Respectfully submitted by Coconut Grove TreeWatch and supporters

The online petition is here.

Barnacle Moonlight concert back for the new year

2012-01-10T12:01:00.000-05:00

The Barnacle Under Moonlight Concerts are back. Dana and Susan Robinson will be putting on the first concert of the year, lucky Friday, January 13.

Enjoy the music from 7-9 pm as Dana and Susan do their guitar-playing, banjo-flailing, fiddle-sawing, and harmony-singing interpreters of the American experience. Their unique blend of contemporary songwriting and traditional Appalachian music bring to their performances a deep understanding of America’s musical heritage.

Gates open at 6:00 pm; music plays from 7-9 pm rain or shine.

Admission: $7.00; age 6 through 9 $3.00; children under 6 are free.

Blankets or lawn chairs and coolers are welcome, but pets are not permitted at the concerts. Proceeds from The Barnacle under Moonlight Concert Series support special projects at the park sponsored by The Barnacle Society, Inc., which is a volunteer non-profit, citizen-supported organization created to generate public awareness, education, and financial support for the preservation and maintenance of this historic home.

The Barnacle is at 3485 Main Highway.

Guess they got bored with skateboarding

2012-01-10T07:40:00.000-05:00

While I am a fan of the skateboarders that I see all over the Grove, I am not a fan of what they did recently. A bunch of them got into the Coconut Grove Playhouse and wreaked havoc all over the place.

The interior is just as the day it closed. The sets are still on the stage from the last production, Lucie Arnaz's "Sonja Flew," and the offices are all just as if they were left -- computers and papers on desks. Everything just left in place.

Well, the little skater boys decided to get in and destroy the place, you can't see it from the exterior, but they broke all sorts of glass inside, including computer monitors and other things.

It's a shame the the Playhouse is still just sitting there waiting for a revival. Last we heard the deed was being handed over to the County. But squatters have been living in the old building and nothing has been done, except for the recent damage by the skaters.

LoKal is celebrating their grand opening

2012-01-09T18:30:00.000-05:00

Lokal Burgers has been open for a few weeks, but Thursday, January 19 is the Grand Opening Party. Mayor Tomas Regalado will be on hand to cut the red ribbon and there will be live music and lots of fun.

Stop by from 5 to 7 pm and enjoy passed LoKal bites, beer and wine. Special guests include FIU head football coach Mario Cristobal.

LoKal is at 3190 Commodore Plaza. Here's the story we did the day they opened.

Shakespeare in the Park is back at Shell Lumber

2012-01-09T11:35:00.003-05:00

If it's January, it must be Shakespeare time in the Grove. As is the case every year at this time, Shakespeare in the Park is back. And it's back at Shell Lumber this year. The lumber yard will be turned into an old school Shakespearean theater on January 27, 28 and 29 (7:30 each night) for "A Midsummer Night's Dream."

Director (and longtime Coconut Grove resident) Colleen Stovall melds classical Shakespeare with slapstick humor in Shakespeare's most delightful story of love, power and magic. Arguably his most accessible play, Midsummer tells the tale of four young Athenian lovers and a group of hapless amateur actors, who stray into an enchanted forest and are set upon by the mischievous fairies that inhabit the forest.

This rollicking production features a full cast, live music and classical Shakespeare performed in a way that is easy to understand. Pack a picnic and bring your friends, but get there early because seats at this venue are very limited. Because of the demand for seats and the unusual shape of the “theater”, no outside chairs are permitted. Bring a blanket and sit on the ground or rental chairs will be available for $3.00 each.

Food trucks and a full bar will be on site, too!

Shell Lumber is at 2733 SW 27th Avenue. Admission is free. Seating is limited. Info. 305/856-6401.

Madeliene Abling brings her P-town style to town

2012-01-09T07:11:00.000-05:00

I met artist Madeliene Abling at Framworks on Saturday night, where her work was featured for the Gallery Walk. Madeliene is in town from Provencetown, MA, where she owns the Abling Gallery, which his open every summer. She is quite prolific in her art and her style as she moves from nautical scenes to martinis and wine, which down here in the Grove are quite interchangeable. Above are Madeliene, left, with Cris Sweeny, of Frameworks.

It's quite apropos that during Regatta season, that Madeliene has blown into town to paint beautiful, colorful sail boats and lots of juicy beverages. If you pass by Frameworks, you cannot help but notice the incredible window displays that feature the art mingled with the real thing.

Madeline's work fits into the local scene of the moment as her Provencetown pieces are more about old schooners, VW buses and jazz.

Madeliene's art is for sale and on display at Frameworks through the end of the month. Frameworks is at the corner of Commodore Plaza and Grand Avenue, you can't miss those lively windows. Her work is also represented by Studio E Gallery in Palm Beach and she will soon have her work represented in South Beach by one of the top galleries, the Williams McCall Gallery (110 Washington Avenue). And of course the art is at her own gallery in P-town in the summer. She usually sells out everything during her summer run up north.

She enjoyed the Grove Gallery Walk on Saturday night. "I felt somewhat like a debutante being introduced into the South Florida art world. I've not shown here before. We had a great turnout; the traffic increased the later it got," says Madeliene.

She went on to say, "I was reading through your blog and saw a photo which said something like 'put the nut back in Coconut Grove,' and it so reminded me of P-town. I'm thinking of buying something down here in the next year or so and Coconut Grove will definitely be on the list."

Lots of activity on Commodore and Grand

2012-01-08T07:07:00.001-05:00

I spent a large part of the Gallery Walk last night at Commodore Plaza, for some reason, after all these years of being drawn at the Mayfair end of the Gallery Walk, I am now drawn to Commodore. I hung out with my friends at The Loft and Frameworks, where I met Cape Cod artist Madeliene Abling and some of her friends from up north. Madeliene is quite prolific, the paint was still wet on one of the paintings! I have a great story on her and her work which will run tomorrow.

I spent a lot of time at LoKal, the burger joint, which seems to be the place to be in the Grove now. Just stand there for a bit and the whole Grove ends up there after awhile. I have seen more local service industry people there than anything! They literally come from other restaurants to eat or take out!

The reason I bring up LoKal is because a sad thing happened last night. Matt's bike was stolen from out front, and it was right in front of everyone's eyes. There must have been 100 people in the area and still, it vanished. Matt is the owner of the new LoKal.

Even sadder is that I think I saw the culprit. As I was taking photos on the corner, I saw a suspicious guy who was sort of casing the area, but there were so many people out -- families, couples, even lots of people with pets, I didn't really think anything could happen, so I took my eye of the guy who stood out for some reason, and about 10 minutes later is when Matt cried out about the bicycle being missing. Unfortunately, this is a common occurrence in Coconut Grove and I must personally know six or seven people that I could name that this has happened to.

Matt innocently did not have the bicycle locked up. He said it was out there as a piece of art, which made it even more heart breaking, I can still see his face, how badly he felt and how surprised he was at that this could happen here, only like I said, it happens here daily. The bicycle has the LoKal logo on it and big red tires, hopefully easy to spot to the police who were called out and took a report. I also gave the police a description of the guy I had seen a few minutes earlier, so here's hoping that Matt's faith can be resorted in the Grove by getting his bicycle back.

Other than that, it was a great Gallery Walk night. I also stopped in the Darma Studio and a few other place, but my favorite spot seems to be the corner of Commodore and Grand these days.

It's a beautiful weekend for a Regatta

2012-01-07T12:01:00.000-05:00

The Etchell's Fleet Regatta Series is being hosted by Biscayne Yacht Club this weekend. You've probably seen these red, white and blue-sailed boats in the bay since yesterday.

With the crystal clear blue skies and cool weather we've been having, they make a beautiful picture.

This regatta is classified as an “Open Event” under Appendix “A” of the International Etchells Class rules, except that all skippers are required to be current members of the International Etchells Class Association.

The Mutiny, Marriott Residence Inn and Hampton Inn are full with the racers, who are keeping it all in the Grove.

Speaking of sports, you may have noticed lots of runners all over the Grove yesterday, they were part of the Regnar Relay, a Miami to Key West run for charity. There are various routes, but all roads lead to Key West. It's a relay race, so people run a certain amount of miles and then hand it off to the next runner. The goal is to end up in Key West by today.

Coconut Grove Gallery Walk is tonight

2012-01-07T08:08:00.001-05:00

This is the winning photograph in this month's Grove Shoot Out, held by the GroveHouse Artists Gallery. The winning works along with the rest of their exhibit will be on display tonight during the Gallery Walk, from 7 to 10 pm. Stop in and check out all the art. Second place in the contest went to Javier Lopez-Rosende, his photo of boats in the bay actually appears as an EKG readout until you get up close. It's a great piece of optical illusion.

Third place went to Tom Smith, of The Wine News. I know Tom for so many years, he and the Wine News were a client of mine so many years ago, when we were both starting out. I also did cartoons for The Wine News way back when. Honorable mention goes to Lynn Lathan who also did a haunting black and white boats in the bay image. And Jeanine Watkins is the featured artist of the month.

The GroveHouse Artists Gallery is next to the Improv at the Mayfair Promenade.

The A.C. Fine Arts Gallery at 2911 Grand Avenue is shutting its doors at the end of the month. Tonight is the last time to see the Marilyn Monroe exibit, along with the Warhols, Dalis and other featured art.

All the galleries around Coconut Grove will be open, showing off their art and featuring music and refreshments. Take advantage of the cool weather and stroll around the village enjoying all that we have to offer.

TreeWatch meeting wrap-up

2012-01-06T11:11:00.001-05:00

In case you missed Liliana Dones' response to the Tree Meeting last night, here it is below. As I suspected, the District 2 Commission camp felt the need to show up to intimidate people by their mere presence. You cannot even have a neighborhood meeting without them infiltrating. It's sickening. Really sickening.

From Liliana Dones:

Actually Grape, Tree Watch supporters got together as planned, even though I did get emails from some that having read on the Grapevine that someone from the Commissioner's office was coming, they thought it was going to turn into some sort of formal debate and like you, were weary of that.

Some others turned around and left when they got there and saw District 2 Chief of staff, the BID Director, the BID Capital Improvements coordinator, The BID Capital Improvements Chair, the Consulting Arborist, The Capital City Improvements Program Director, and a handful of the tree removal project supporters, assuming they were not there to drink and mingle.

Indeed at first if felt like this was right out of the school dance scene in West Side Story. But you know what? we sat ourselves right down with our clipboard, and greeted people as they walked in. And they flowed in all night-- we were there 'til 10:30. Lots of earnest, caring people. Many were young. Many were new to the Grove. Many were residents from the street itself that had not gotten any kind of warning until they saw the signs.

Most of the people who came to sign the petition did just that, had a drink and left (it was a good night for Peacock Garden too!). Some had gotten some sort of email, like the lady from Abitare and were wondering about when the debate was going to start. Happy to report that the majority of these people signed the petition as well, except for one lady who said she felt uncomfortable because someone from "the other side" had asked her to come.

In the end we made it close to our goal of signatures and plan to keep going. Oh, and please pass this on to Al [Crespo]: Everyone I spoke to is a voter. Some, alas, could not vote as they are not citizens, but as legal residents and in most cases, property owners, and green-card holders and tax payers, they too, have a right to have a say about the neighborhood they love.

And on the subject of those who can't vote, you would be surprised how many high school students support TreeWatch. Apparently its their Grove too.

Liliana Dones
TreeWatch

Anyone lose a Yellow Submarine?

2012-01-06T07:56:00.000-05:00

This Yellow Submarine is sitting on Commodore Plaza, in front of LoKal. It's left over from last week's King Mango Strut. The interesting thing is that people are using it as a trash bin, so it's nice to see that people actually throw things in a bin and not on the sidewalk.

I'm wondering what the tourists are thinking when they read that it's a "Cocaine Submarine." It probably enhances their visit to the Grove and gives them something to talk about when they go home.

People get what they deserve

2012-01-05T12:15:00.006-05:00

Tonight is the TreeWatch meeting at the Peacock Garden Cafe. They are trying in vain to save the trees, when all they had to do was actually go out and vote at election time and this would have saved the trees. I don't think I have run into one resident in favor of the trees coming down around Coconut Grove as part of the street scape project. Those who spoke up for the issue had their marching orders and they spoke up, but the average tax paying citizens are still against the trees coming down, or being replaced or whatever the City is calling it, in the name of progress.

I read Al Crespo's take on the whole thing today, calling TreeWatch a bunch of whiners, etc. and I have to agree with him to a point, but I think that Al is singling out TreeWatch because that is the big issue on the table in the Grove right now, but I think when it comes to all the idiotic ideas that come and go around here, things might have changed if the election results were different. I know for a fact that those involved with TreeWatch (most anyway), did everything in their power to change things at election time. Liliana Dones and Santiago Villegas are always involved and I know for a fact they they voted. They are the ones issuing appeals and trying to do something before it is too late.

But I wonder how many of the others going to the meeting tonight actually voted? They just found out about the tree issue less than a month ago it seems and this tree issue has been in the news (and on the Grapevine) for over a year or so now. So to try and stop the project now is sort of like closing the barn door after the horses already got out, where were all these concerned citizens a year ago, or on election day for that matter?

But it's true what Al says, and that is that fact that you get what you deserve.

I won't be at tonight's TreeWatch meeting because someone from Sarnoff's office is supposed to explain "their side." I have heard their side 100 times, how about the elected officials start listening to the side of the public and taxpayers who actually pay the bills around here? When do the taxpayers and residents get their say?

I would ask, "When do the voters get their say?" but as we saw in the last election, most of the voters don't vote. So they will NEVER get their say at that rate.

Coconut Grove is like it's own little reality show

2012-01-05T08:30:00.000-05:00

Burn Notice will be back to film in March. As of now, they seem to be the Grove's current claim to fame. I still get many emails regarding Burn Notice. People ask where they are filming and if they can watch or they just want to see the locations when they are in town.

I had a couple email me about coming down for the King Mango Strut and they wanted to eat or have a drink in a location that Burn Notice has filmed in. I told them about various places, I also told them where they could see some of the sets, even though they are closed for the season, they're still a tourist attraction.

I used to joke about having a reality show about Coconut Grove, but perhaps that would be something that would keep us on the map, tourist-wise -- a weekly reality show. Someone came up with the name, "Desperate Grovites," one time. I always liked that.

When the Grapevine first started out, I would write about the same people and places over and over again, which seemed to annoy some, but I was actually writing as if we were a little reality show and I was keeping up with the characters in the same locations. I know that visitors would come to town and ask to see the places and people I was writing about.

I have connections with Bravo tv and Endomal productions, which produces so many reality shows. Maybe we should really look into it.

Bordeaux wines featured at La Bottega's tasting

2012-01-04T11:11:00.001-05:00

Wine Director Henry Barrow is pleased to announce that Monsieur Jean Guyon, owner of Ch. Rollan de By, will be pouring his Bordeaux wines at La Bottega in Coconut Grove on Thursday January 5, from 6:30 until 8:30 pm.

Guests will also be treated to a selection of cheeses and meats to compliment the wines. As always, there will be plenty of warm bread to keep you smiling.

$25.00 per person/ fee is waived for members of La Cava (La Bottega's wine club. For reservations call 305-444-3493.

La Bottega is at 3540 Main Highway.

Moving forward on the tree removal protest

2012-01-04T08:08:00.002-05:00

Coconut Grove TreeWatch and a group of neighbors are meeting tomorrow night to discuss the BID's plan to remove 11 trees on Florida Avenue, they have a petition against it, and in short say, "The City needs to recognize that tearing down trees as the first and only option cannot continue to be business as usual. There are other mitigation efforts to fix deficient sidewalks and save these trees that are being completely ignored. Thus, we're hopeful that we can get at least 100 residents to meet up for a drink and ultimately sign a petition to Commissioner Sarnoff and the Capital Improvement department expressing our frustration with the tree removal projects."

If you click the image above, it will open much larger and you can see the plan for the trees.

Miami's Historical and Environmental Preservation Board recently denied an appeal by TreeWatch, which hoped to stop the removal of the trees.

The meeting is being held tomorrow, Thursday, January 5 at 8:00 pm. at Peacock Garden Cafe (2889 McFarlane Road).

The neighbors have asked for various materials regarding the issue, but to this date only received the arborist report, which they call "a naked eye assessment."

That assessment is attached here as a PDF file.

"Serum" featured at Comedy and Cinema night

2012-01-03T11:11:00.001-05:00

"Serum," directed by Chidi The-Artist Ozieh, is the featured film this Wednesday, January 4, at Comedy and Cinema in the Grove. Admission is free, there is a one drink minimum.

"The year is 2067. In a world filled with fraud and corruption, a shadowy government organization called 'The Black Flag' secretly controls all facets of society. Their dominance is almost complete; except for one thorn in their side -- a serial killer called 'The Red Scarlet.'

In a downtown police precinct, two detectives try to piece together the puzzle woven by the red scarlet and her attempt to release the serum and expose the truth.

The Backlot is the venue, located in Paragon Theater at Cocowalk (3015 Grand Avenue), hosted by Comedian RJay with a performance by artist Treece. Doors open at 6:30 pm, show time starts at 7:30 pm.

$7 Appetizers, $5 Draft & $6 Wines / $25.00 for a bottle of Wine & Appetizer.

I discovered where all the people are!

2012-01-03T08:08:00.000-05:00

I was saying that the Grove looks like a ghost town now that the holidays are over, but I have actually found everyone. They're at the gyms!

I went into Shaq 24 Hour Fitness yesterday and was bombarded with bodies all over the place. It's usually quiet on a weekday about 1 pm, but of course it's all the "resolutionists" as I call them, you know, those that made New Years resolutions to work out, be fit and get back into shape for the new year. But like all or at least most, of our resolutions, these resolutionists will probably be gone in a couple of weeks and the rest of us will have our gym back to ourselves.

I'm not saying this to be mean, I just know that it's hard for most of us to keep our New Years resolutions and one of the most commonly joked about resolutions is joining the gym and then of course dropping off the work outs as the new year rolls on.

Those who spoke with me at the gym, those I know, agreed and said I should write a story about it. And so I did.

Getting back to normal, or whatever that is here

2012-01-02T12:01:00.000-05:00

Ah well . . . you can tell the holidays are over. The cops are back on the corner of Grand and Mary giving tickets to all who run the stop signs (so don't run the stop signs, you shouldn't need cops there to remind you) and the Parking Authority is back out in full force ticketing scofflaws who run over their parking meters (if only).

What next? The colorful Christmas decorations come down and we go back to drab? Guess so.

2012 is starting out quite slow

2012-01-02T08:08:00.003-05:00

Not much going on around here as the year turns to 2012. It' very quiet.

Quite a few businesses are closing down, which is going to make the Grove look a bit empty by the end of January. I don't usually like to report closed businesses, and prefer to report on new places that are opening, but there aren't many new places. LoKal, the burger place, seems to be the only new place of interest around here. There's a wine bar opening soon across from them, next to the Bombay Darbar Indian restaurant, so that's good news.

I was shocked to see that Aladdin's Grill closed without a whimper, they were there one day and then closed the next. AC Fine Arts is closing by the end of the month, this is the space where Windisch-Hunt used to be. Rumor is that the Anne Taylor Loft store, next door, is next. But that was also a rumor last January, so we'll see if that is true. Hope not.

American Apparel across the street is now gone and of course the large former Guess store location still sits empty. Burn Notice is coming back to film their 6th season in March, do they need a ghost town for any scenes? Throw in a few tumble weeds and they can film right on a section of Grand Avenue.

I don't think anyone is to blame, I think it's the economy. Everyone is hurting. I do know of a couple of locals who are trying to find space for two businesses and they say they cannot find any place. One landlord wants to pick and choose who goes in and told a friend that they don't want a "sporting-type place" in their building (he has a sort of private gym type club), another has a small restaurant concept in mind, which would include low key performances.

The Taste of the Grove has been moved to April as of last year, so there is nothing major going on in January, except for the Gallery Walk on January 7. But since the Art Stroll section has been eliminated at the Mayfair Promenade, the excitement of the Gallery Walk itself is gone.

We have the Coconut Grove Arts Festival in February to look forward to for our next big Coconut Grove event. But being the Grove, I know that something exciting will pop up in the next week or so, something always does.

The 2011 King Mango Strut Slide Show

2012-01-01T09:40:00.002-05:00

2011 King Mango Strut, Dec. 31, 2011

30th King Mango Strut possesses the Grove

2011-12-31T17:15:00.004-05:00

The 30th Annual King Mango Strut went off without a hitch, as usual. It was a beautiful day and lots of fun, the crowds seemed larger this year, maybe because it's New Year's Eve and everyone wanted to start partying early. That's Ron Magill from Zoo Miami, with a friend, yes, that's a large snake wrapped around Ron. The Strut Celebrity this year was Katy Sorenson, the never recalled/never indicted/never removed-by-the-governor, former commissioner of Miami-Dade County. She played the Good Witch from the Wizard of Oz -- Glinda. I'll have photos of Katy tomorrow as part of our big slide show presentation of this year's Strut.

As usual, the parade started at 2 pm on the dot and lasted over an hour, everyone and everything that was in the news this year was parodied.

My friend, Patty Gonzalez, at right, was with her friends, and they knew how to enjoy the parade, with chilled wine and front row seats (and table) on Main Highway.

It's a colorful parade, like every year with lots to see and enjoy. This dude reminds me of that guy on Boardwalk Empire, you know, the one with the half face.

The crowds lined up along the route and all seemed to have good seats as the Strut winded its way around the Center Grove.

Audrey Scott, Grove Ambassador, worked in the Info Booth in the morning, then strutted as an dangerous African snail, with her group and then was back at her booth, helping tourists, at the end of the parade.

After the Strut, people hung out around the Grove and enjoyed themselves. I stuck around the end of Commodore Plaza with my friends at LoKal, the new burger place, and The Loft, next door, where Yvonne and Michael always treat us like family. I was exhausted and I didn't even march or strut. I hung out there for a long time enjoying seeing all the people who were enjoying the Grove. If only it could be like that all the time around here! Restaurants and bars were packed from one end of the village to the other.

Please come back tomorrow for a full slide show of the wacky events. Happy New Year!

Start your New Year at the Strut! Mangohead-style!

2011-12-31T07:07:00.002-05:00

Today is King Mango Strut Day in Coconut Grove! Hope to see you all out for the wacky parade for it's 30th year! I watched some of the African Snail Group practice yesterday, they will be out slithering around along with the Coconut Grove Drum Circle. And another group marching will be the Real Housewives of Bin Laden, which ironically, I did this cartoon at the time of his death.

Other groups marching today include

· Time Magazine’s Person of the Year protesting protestors protesting protestors!
· Herman Cain reveals his 9-9-9 Plan for "Women for Cain"
· The Wizard of Odds at Miami’s new destination casino
· Highway Patrol Trooper Watts
· Wall Street Vampires tap Charlie Sheen’s Tiger Blood
· Citizens Revolting Against Politicians (The C.R.A.P. Party)
· The Miami Beach Party Cops
· North Korean grief counseling group
· Sierra Club throws a baby shower to welcome the 7th billion person on earth!
· Watch Dr. Buttock fix-a-flat butt, uh oh.
· Anthropology Majors for Rick Scott
and there is so much more.

The King Mango Strut starts at 2 pm at the corner of Commodore Plaza and Main Highway, it winds down Main, goes up to the triangle at McFarlane and Main and turns onto Grande Avenue. Come out early and check out the goings on all over Commodore Plaza, including the Little Miss and Mr. Strut Pageant, where everyone's a winner, this starts at 1:30 pm.

There's plenty of parking all around Coconut Grove, there's no excuse for you not to attend! Click here for Coconut Grove map for parking. There is also a shuttle from the 27th Avenue Metrolrail station, so take the train to the Strut!

The party continues on Commodore Plaza with live music and fun after the parade until 6 pm. Start your New Year at the Strut!

Winding down the holiday season with parties

2011-12-30T15:40:00.001-05:00

Tonight is the final Miami Ski Club Happy Hour for the year. It from 6 to 8 pm at The Grove Spot(3324 Virginia Street. You don't have to be a member to join in. There are drink specials and lots of fun. Stop by and continue your holiday celebration with Miami's Skiers, for info Call Pam at 305-774-3696.

All the Grove restaurants and bars are open tomorrow with specials for New Year's Eve. Ran into some of my own family today at Calamari, where the Calamari staff was setting up a band stand, right over the lighted fountain in the courtyard. And I know that the new Villa Mayfair has a special night planned for their brand new venue on Florida Avenue.

For more casual, there is Barracuda, Sandbar and Mr. Moe's. In between there is the Sonesta, GreenStreets and Lulu's and don't forget to pop into the new LoKal burger place on Commodore Plaza, saw them installing their new sign today. There's always something going on there, you'll always run into someone you know at LoKal!

And don't forget Le Bouchon, George's, Bombay Darbar, Bice, Spartico, Jaguar, The Grove Spot and Grove Garden Cafe, to name a few more. There's a lot of partying going on in Coconut Grove these days!

From the mouths of preservationists . . .

2011-12-30T11:11:00.004-05:00

I enjoyed this quote by John Muir, the long-time naturalist and preservationist, I saw it on the Grove TreeWatch Facebook page:

"God has cared for these trees, saved them from drought, disease, avalanches, and a thousand tempests and floods. But he cannot save them from fools." ~John Muir

You can join the Grove's TreeWatch page here.

By the way, there may be a meeting in the next week or so regarding the trees on Florida Avenue, Cary Aronovitz, who sent us this letter earlier in the week, has something up his sleeve. We'll let you know when it's concrete, wait, poor choice of words, we'll let you know the meeting details when we know.

"Trivia for a Cause" starts in January

2011-12-30T08:20:00.000-05:00

Starting in January every second Tuesday of the month, Hallowpalooza will be hosting “Trivia for a Cause” at The Grove Spot (3324 Virginia Street). There is a $5 collection from each participant that benefits the Transplant Foundation, Inc. Stop by to test your knowledge starting at 8:30 pm.

Hallowpalooza was founded in 2009 by three friends with the desire to create awareness and raise money for charities near and dear to their hearts. For the 2012 year they have chosen to promote for the local charity, Transplant Foundation, in honor of Sid Sussman who has advised them with their annual Halloween extravaganza the past few years.

Transplant Foundation’s mission is to provide services for transplant families, increase organ, eye and tissue donation through community education and fund transplant research.

Transplant Foundation, Inc., affiliated with the Miller School of Medicine at the University of Miami, is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization. It was established in 1987 by a group of thankful transplant recipients wanting to contribute funds toward research and has grown into the best form of itself–the only private, patient-geared transplant organization in South Florida. For more information please visit: www.transplantfoundation.org.

"Cultural warm-up" to New Year's Eve concert

2011-12-29T11:11:00.000-05:00

The Miami Conservatory of Music is presenting a "cultural warm-up" to New Year's Eve, on Friday, December 30 at 8 pm.

Marina Rudiushina on piano and Nathan Schram on viola will be performing. Experience the award winning musicians from Carnigie Hall's Ensemble ACJW.

They will play works by Arvo Pärt, Brahms, Schumann, De Falla and Granados. A perfect evening during the holiday break ... enjoy a complimentary glass of wine.

Admission -- donation please!

Some like our little village, some don't

2011-12-29T08:08:00.004-05:00

I was standing in front of the Information booth in front of The Gap, with my camera in my hand, as I can usually be seen, and these tourists came up to me, four of them, two women and two men.

They were about to ask me something and one of the ladies says, "Oh, forget it, he has a camera!" Talk about profiling, reminds me of the time Johnny Rockets padded my bill because they saw me with a camera and thought I was a tourist. By the way, that Johnny Rockets story made it all around the world. It's been published time and time again in various consumer publications and national news publications. Guess it wasn't such a common thing, that tourist profiling thing that they do.

Anyway, I told the four tourists that I wasn't a tourist, and I could help them, but alas, I was no help. They wanted to know where Bayside was. When I told them it was a few miles away downtown, they got exasperated and said, forget it. I pointed to our waterfront, such as it is and they were not interested. She asked, "Is this all there is here?" and she swept her hand around the area.

I said, "We'll we are a small village, this is all we've got." Her husband seemed to like that, he said, "Thank God for that."

So I guess it's all in how you see it. He was a small village sort of guy, she wanted a shopping mall.

You just can't have anything nice

2011-12-28T11:11:00.006-05:00

The City is playing Grinch these days. They were fining the High Gear bicycle shop on Main Highway for this mural, which is actually on the former Grove Central pizza place. I had wondered why it was never finished, I guess that is why.

The sign on the door (of the pizza shop, not the bicycle store) said that they have until December 29 to pay the permit fee or be fined $200 a day. The funny part is that Grove Central is closed, yet they are fining them for the bicycle shop mural which is next door, only the mural was on the Grove Central building and not on the bicycle shop building. It's a mess, which does not need to be. It's a small simple mural that brightens up the area. I know the City is broke and needs every penny, but this is crazy. I think the problem is the name on the mural. It constitutes advertising when there is a company name.

Counting down to this year's King Mango Strut

2011-12-28T07:07:00.004-05:00

Looks like it's going to be a big King Mango Strut this year, according to the crowd that showed up last night at Greenstreets Cafe, for the final meeting for this year's event, which hits the streets of Coconut Grove on Saturday, December 31, at 2 pm. Above, Karen Deilke and Liz Gibson, flank Theresa Calluori. Karen and Liz head up the drum circle, which will be on a flat bed truck as part of the Strut this year. Theresa showed me her costume, which is quite clever and will remain secret until Strut day.

As everyone munched on Bruschetta pizzas and had a drink or two, Antoinette Baldwin went over the rules and order for this year's event. At left are Deborah Crisp and Antoinette, at right are Alyn Pruett and Joel Krieger. Alyn is part of The Barnacle group, whose motto is, "Occupying the Grove since 1891."

The Grand Marshal this year is Ron Magill. With over 30 years as a wildlife expert and Communications Director for Zoo Miami, there's no better king of the jungle to lead the animal house of Mangoheads.

The Strut Celebrity this year is Katy Sorenson, the never recalled/never indicted/never removed-by-the-governor, former commissioner of Never-Neverland (dba Miami-Dade County.)

The Pre-Parade activities begin at 1:30 pm at the corner of Commodore Plaza and Main Highway with the Little Mr. & Miss Mango Pageant (for kids 4-10) hosted by Buzz Fleischman (shown here addressing the crowd last night). He's Radio Buzz from WLRN's "South Florida Arts Beat." Unlike Toddlers & Tiaras, everyone is expected to win. The winners will ride the first float of the Strut.

The parade begins at 2 pm at the corner of Commodore Plaza and Main Highway. The parade turns left onto Main Highway, turns left onto Grand Avenue at CocoWalk and back to Commodore Plaza. If they're having too much fun, they will go around again until they all fall down. After the Parade, Commodore Plaza will remain closed to traffic and the King Mango Music Massacre begins. All the bands in the parade will continue playing until the festivities end at 6 pm.

All this entertainment is free and open to the public. There is plenty of parking along or near the parade route at CocoWalk, Mayfair, Coconut Grove Playhouse parking lot on Main Highway and Charles Avenue, St. Stephens Episcopal Church, Coconut Grove Elementary School, City garage at Oak Avenue and Mary Street, and the City garage next to the Sonesta Hotel. Click here for Coconut Grove map for parking.

You can also take the Metrorail to the Coconut Grove Station. There will be shuttle buses (Coconut Grove Circulator) picking up eager parade-goers every 15 minutes at the station and dropping off by the parade route.

Can anything else be done to stop tree removal?

2011-12-27T11:11:00.007-05:00

Cary Aronovitz, Florida Avenue resident, sent out this letter to residents and others today. Recently, Coconut Grove TreeWatch tried to stop the street scape project, which will entail removing many mature trees as part of the sidewalk renovation plan. The appeal was reversed by the HEP Board. Here is Cary's letter, he asked me to post it:

TREE DESTRUCTION - PERMIT 11-231

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

As many of you know, eleven fully mature live oak and mahogany trees on Florida Avenue are scheduled for removal. The destruction is one phase of a City of Miami Capital Improvement Program initiative. To my knowledge, a developer/landscape architect, hired an arborist and made a pitch to the City to have these trees removed. Justified by the hired arborist’s naked eye report, the City’s Capital Improvement Program decided that nine of the trees are diseased and should be replaced. Two of the trees subject to removal have the unfortunate fate of being situated near the new Villa Mayfair restaurant and will be torn down to create a valet parking stand for the restaurant. (In the photo above: Mayfair Hotel – live oak tree, front left, is one of eleven that will be removed for a newer sidewalk).

I do not pretend to be a botanist; however, my naked eye tells me this decision solely is driven by money. In short, the landscape architect will be paid, the new specialized sidewalk brick company will be paid, and the City politicians can brag about the money they’ve spent to revitalize downtown Coconut Grove. Most concerning about this “project” is that it appears all it takes is a hired arborist’s report that a tree is damaged and that is enough for the City to tear it down. All of this comes at the expense of the property owners, businesses, residents, and, of course, the tree lined streets that make Coconut Grove the jewel of South Florida.

If anyone else is interested, please email me at caryaron@gmail.com and we’ll meet as a group and decide what can be done. For more information please also check out TreeWatch Coconut Grove on Facebook, an activist group vehemently opposed to this project.

Finally, please vocalize your protest to City Commissioner Mark Sarnoff (msarnoff@miamigov.com), and the project managers Elia Nunez (elianunez@miamigov.com) and Albert Sosa (asosa@miamigov.com).

Sincerely,
Cary Aronovitz
Coconut Grove

American Apparel is out; what's coming in?

2011-12-27T08:08:00.000-05:00

I thought I was on 14th Street in New York for a minute as I walked down Grand Avenue. It's true that American Apparel is gone from the Grove -- over. They left. And now it looks like the landlords really want to rent the space out. So much so that this huge 14th Street-type sign is a can't miss feature in the windows now. I remember when that place was Miami Subs. Now, who knows what's coming in.

Word is that a new Tapas place is opening up on the other end of the building, to the left of the nail place, at the former Starbucks location.

Apples mingling with Coconuts and Mangos

2011-12-26T11:11:00.004-05:00

There's a conflict regarding the Apple store on Miami Beach -- on Lincoln Road, to be exact. They apparently want to expand, but the historical designation of the area will not allow much in the way of construction, demolition or renovation. So now is the time for maybe Coconut Grove to step up.

I know it is far fetched, but why can't Coconut Grove be the location of an Apple store? Right now the Apple Corp. is said to be looking for a place in downtown Miami, but Coconut Grove would be very suitable. Unfortunately, too many places are closing in the Grove, another few possibly in January, and this is opening up large spaces where Apple could feel very nicely at home.

There is not much traffic in the Grove, but in this case, Apple is a destination. People will come to Apple and to Coconut Grove to shop at Apple. Apple really does not rely on passersby, they aren't an impulse store. The Grove lost Apple to Dadeland one time, maybe they would consider coming back again.

This could be a big win-win for Apple and Coconut Grove and if there is someone or some entity in Coconut Grove who could woo Apple here, they would be the hero of the decade. This could be the start of the turn-around for Coconut Grove.

Got a minute for Body Minute?

2011-12-26T07:24:00.000-05:00

Body Minute Beauty Center is now open at 3133 Commodore Plaza. Above are Carol, Yenicey, Lyn and Manuela. They call it a "journey into wellness," the concept is that for members, there is a gift every month of professional products and services, they also offer free tanning and Bright waxing care. No appointment is necessary.

Along with waxing, Body Minute offers facial and body care along with nail care and body contouring along with the tanning beds.

For more info, you can call 305-450-3370 or just stop in, their hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 10:20 am to 7 pm. Their website is at http://www.bodyminute.com/

2011-12-25T01:00:00.000-05:00

Merry Christmas!

Last Train Home, Christmas commercial

2011-12-24T14:00:00.000-05:00

This is my favorite tv commercial. It's a Publix commercial from the late 1980s. It always reminds me of Christmas, I used to look forward to this commercial every year. I would stop whatever I was doing when it came on and I would just listen and watch.

It's called "Last Train Home," by Pat Metheny. Merry Christmas!

LoKal opens today, serving up gourmet burgers

2011-12-24T07:07:00.001-05:00

Looks like there will be a little more life on the corner of Grand Avenue and Commodore Plaza these days -- LoKal Burgers and Beer, the new place at 3190 Commodore Plaza is having a soft opening today, December 24, at noon. Take a break from your Christmas shopping and stop in if you get a chance, it's worth the visit.

Matt Kuscher and Albert Collado are featuring all natural food, including clean protein grass fed beef , kobe-style, from Ocala Florida, also from the same farm comes Florida bacon. The chicken is free range and comes from Central Florida, too. The beef is ground right at the restaurant daily. It's a comfort food place, with a conscience. That's Matt behind some of his new staff, from left: Nicole, Ruby, Carmen, Cris and Katie.

All the beers are craft, you won't find Bud or Bud Light at LoKal, David Rodriquez (their beer guru, made sure of that). They even make their own ketchup and other condiments! The desserts, including tres leches and key lime pie are made right on the premises, too.

I think we needed a burger joint like this in the Grove and hopefully you'll all agree and stop by for a visit.

Burgers include: the Frita ($11), the 50/50 ($12) the Classic ($9) and Miami Blues ($13) to name a few. Sandwiches include "My Wife's Tuna Fish Sandwich" ($8), Chick Chop ($10) and LoKal Mahi Sandwich ($12) among others. Above, left, Ruby is holding the 50/50, which is 50% grain fed beef and 50% bacon, with onion marmalade. At right, Katie has the Frita, with Guava paste and Gouda cheese. Both served with fries and homemade sauces.

There are bites and sides like New Mexico Chili and Heirloom Tomatoes and lots of salads, too. Michael, left, and David are part of the staff, which there is quite a lot of, you won't want for service at LoKal.

The beer menu is long, it includes Dog Fish Head 60 Min, Bells' Kalamazoo, Dale's Pale Ale, Palm and lots more in bottles and draft.

And if you dare, ask about the $300 Burger & Bubbles on the menu. Yes, $300. But we promise you, the prices are reasonable on the rest of the menu. In fact, here's the menu if you want more info. Above is the Frita. The Burger & Bubbles involves expensive Champagne and all.

This is the Heirloom Tomatoe salad, which is topped with Maytag blue cheese, cucumbers, homemade croutons and fresh basil, sprinked with LoKal vinaigrette dressing ($9).

The hours at LoKal, for now are, Tuesday, Wednesday and Sunday from noon to 10 pm and Thursday, Friday and Saturday from noon to 2 am. The way Wednesdays are going around here in the Grove, which is turning into one of our busier nights, they tell me that they may extend the hours to later than 10 pm.

Remember "the Gripevine" at the Strut parade?

2011-12-23T14:00:00.003-05:00

The masthead has gone a bit retro (by a couple of years) to celebrate the upcoming King Mango Strut's 30th Anniversary! On Saturday, December 31, the King Mango Strut will take to the streets of Coconut Grove at 2 pm.

This masthead is from the "Gripevine" group, who marched and parodied us in the 2009 parade, you can see the purple balloon Gripers here. It was such an honor, AnnaMaria Windisch-Hunt, from the Windisch-Hunt Gallery, came up with the concept, and so many friends joined in. It was the largest group that year and you really could not miss those big purple balloons coming down the street.

They parodied the Grapevine and the politics of the that year and the Anonymous commenters, which we had a lot of back then.

The Grapevine will soon be seven years old. It's been that long! Lucky seven. In honor of that, we have lowered our ad rates by a lot. Take a look at them here.

The Grapevine is read by all of you daily, isn't this where you want your ad to be seen? We actually publish stories and the news daily, we're fresh every day and we don't charge for inclusion in our Calendar of Events like other publications do, which makes us the only place to see what's really going on since we include every event in Coconut Grove, not just the ones who pay for the privilege.

The Grapevine is published as a community service, not as a money maker. And our stories are fresh, appearing when they actually happen. To keep it going, how about an ad or two? Support us, we support you. The Miami Herald and The Huffington Post both link to us, among so many others, people see your ads when they click over to us from those major publications and those links bring us lots of readers.

5 am bar closings will not help Coconut Grove

2011-12-23T07:07:00.001-05:00

Steve, from the Blind Mind blog replied to my post about Mr. Moe's getting their 5 am bar license back (as opposed to the 3 am license). I also mentioned that I had a feeling that Villa Mayfair may be getting a 5 am license in the scheme of things. I did not say that I felt the Grove was back and hopping, all I did was state the fact about Mr. Moe's and my hunch about Villa Mayfair. Here is Steve's response, edited, for the whole thing, you can go here.

I hate to break it to ya, Grape, but the days of the Grove being popular for nightlife are numbered. It wouldn't matter if the City told every business they could be open until 5am. It's too late. Time to focus on something else. Moe's may have gotten their 5 am license back but when was the last time you went to that place?

To think that 5am closing is going to revitalize the Grove is just plain silly. Had it never been taken away, maybe things would be different. But change was made and people adapt to change. Adapting meant finding somewhere else to enjoy a late night if that is your thing.

The Grove was a happenin' spot for awhile but between the loss of the late nights and the development of South Miami, people have adapted and moved on. The main nightlife crowd for the Grove was always the college kids from UM.

I moved to the Grove 8 years ago because I really liked the laid back vibe and the abundance of vegetation amongst the streets surrounding Center Grove. There were some cool spots to hang out at, most notably Cafe Tu Tu Tango which I felt did the best job at capturing the spirit of the Grove -- the laid back lifestyle, friendliness, funky art, and casual fun of it. In fact, that's the first place I would take visitors from out of town to get a feel for my Miami neighborhood. Well, I watched as that space plummeted downhill in terms of the building (during its last CG Arts Festival there were parts of the wooden floor that you would sink into when you walked!!) and soon they were forced to vacate. Between rising real estate costs and the decline of visitors to the Grove (for multiple reasons, lots of which have to do with the progress of other neighborhoods like S. Miami, Brickell, and the DD/Wynwood area), plus a down economy, the Grove dwindled away.

In the past year or so, I think that there's been a little pickup of activity thanks to some nice events at Peacock Park, parades, etc. The momentum that these events provide only lasts for a few days and then it's back to the current situation of struggling businesses and many empty storefronts.

I actually saw a commercial for the Grove on TV last week. It said, "Why is the Grove so cool?" I laughed, not because the Grove isn't cool in it's own way, but because the ad was pretty cheesy. I think the main challenge is figuring out what makes the Grove DIFFERENT. Late night bars and clubs are a "me too" and, quite frankly, they don't really fit the neighborhood outside of what currently exists. What I like about the Grove is being outside, seeing the waterfront, clean streets. There's a few decent spots to eat - Jaguar, Le Bouchon, Sandbar (for tacos and fries and football). I think being part of the outdoors and the waterfront needs to be played up. There's this Waterfront Master Plan that is supposed to be a game changer to our waterfront on Biscayne Bay but all I know is that the developers and resident groups are still battling about what is to be done.

Regardless of what happens to the waterfront plan, nightlife is not the answer. There have been plenty of spots who have tried and failed - Burgundy Room, Central Beer Garden, Central Sushi, just to name a few of the more recent casualties. The new spot at the Mayfair [Villa Mayfair] that wants to do bottle service will likely be the next victim. Nightlife in terms of bars and clubs are square pegs and the Grove is a round hole. They just don't fit.

Steve, Coconut Grove

Christmas comes early to St. Alban's Center

2011-12-22T11:11:00.002-05:00

The Coconut Grove Chamber of Commerce attended a very special party at St Alban's Child Enrichment Center in Village West yesterday, to celebrate the very best part of their annual toy drive: seeing the delight of the little ones as they choose from an amazing array of Santa's Bounty, the result of the generosity of Chamber members, friends and supporters, along with toys from the District 2 Commission office toy drive.

Above, from left: Chamber Board members Dr. Franklin Sands, Andres Lemos, Peter Laird, Liliana Dones & Carol Lopez-Bethel.

After the party, the chamber members were given a tour by St Alban's Director Dr. Frankin Sands, and marveled at the many ways in which this is truly and "enrichment center" for little ones. For instance, in the classrooms for 3 and 4 year olds, they noticed a neat stack of journals. The children are encouraged each day to draw their thoughts, and the teachers then write down their description in their own words.

St. Alban's is a quality childcare program, serving a diversity of families that may otherwise not be able to afford daycare. The facilities strive to have a positive impact not only on the children, but also on the families and the surrounding community. It is estimated that St. Alban's has served approximately 15,000 children over its more than 58 years of existence.

Dr. Sabrina Tassy-Lewis helps a little one choose from Santa’s bounty.

St Albans Director Dr. Franklin Sands and wife, Katherine Sands, administrator at St Albans.

Story & Photos by Liliana Dones