Black booths popping up around the Grove

These black booths are going up around the Grove. I like their look, but not their purpose.

They are "eyes on the street" supposedly. There are three locations: Grand and McDonald -- at the post office, across from Greenstreets on Main Highway -- by the Cloisters and one in front of CocoWalk. An attendant will be paid to sit on their ass all day and give directions to tourists and summon police and so on. Dumb.

I don't see too many tourists on Grand and McDonald or at the Cloisters, across from Greenstreets. But whatever.

They look like prison guard stations or even worse, Gulag booths. Do they need to be black and do tourists really need an info booth? The Grove is three streets long. The best thing is to let the tourists wander around and go into stores and ask around for things. It will bring more business to stores this way and it makes it a friendlier place than to have a cold black info booth.

Maybe it will work, I see them sitting empty in a matter of months. Maybe they can be used for other purposes once the initial plan fails -- perhaps a place to get out of the rain, or maybe a quiet place to talk on your cell phone. Time will tell.

I think a cop on the beat is what the Grove needs. One cop to walk the streets and answer questions and handle problems -- a nice friendly old-town type thing. Whatever happened to the cops on horseback anyway? That had such charm.

String Quartet performs Saturday

The Alhambra Orchestra String Quartet will be performing this Saturday, February 2 at The Bookstore in the Grove (corner of Grand Avenue and Virginia Street).

The free concert is from 5:30 to 7 pm. For more info: 305-443-2855.

Enjoy the music, peruse the books and gifts and enjoy snacks and coffee at the coffee bar.

Chains vs. one-of-a-kind businesses

Wow, such animosity over a simple post a few weeks ago.

Basically this is how I feel about the Grove. For a long time in the 1990s the Grove was changed into a tourist destination, before that I think it was both locals and tourists. Now the tourists are gone, they prefer South Beach and the Design District/Midtown area. That's where the celebs hang out and that is where the tourists and even the Kendall crowd goes.

The Grove needs to lure locals to survive, mostly Grovites. We in the Grove, and I think I speak for a large number of people, would prefer one-of-a-kind shops rather than chain stores. I can easily hop into my car and get to Dadeland or the new Midtown area and get what I need from the chains.

Recently I have been up north and I noticed that Greenwich Village, NY most of Cambridge, Mass, Salem, Mass and even Park Slope, Brooklyn thrive on local businesses. This is what draws out-of-towners and locals to small village-style areas.

That being said, I am not against the chains moving in, but I would prefer a local small clothing store to The Limited any day and I prefer The Bookstore's coffee area to Starbucks. These local establishments have a local ambiance and charm to them. I shop Shell Lumber, not Home Depot, I like The Sandbar Grill over TGI Fridays or Bennigan's. Just my choice. But I am not fighting the chains. Whomever pays the rent is welcome in my eyes. I am counting the days until Qdoba opens. I love them.

I think The Improv is a big asset to the Grove. They are a chain, but they nicely fit in and draw people to the area. Borders Books did the same and they are a chain. Apparently they didn't draw enough people, but they were more than welcome.

I think the ridiculous rents have a lot to do with who comes, who goes and who stays.

An open letter from Shakespeare in the Park

Dear Neighbors: Thank you very much for supporting Shakespeare in the Park - Miami at our recent production in Peacock Park. Despite a bit of rain, we had a record attendance of just under 4500 people for four shows! On Saturday night, the audience was all the way back to the far field light (in front of where the oak trees begin). We just about filled the entire park with neighbors, families and visitors.

According to our survey, the core of the audience came from the 33133 zip code. Surprisingly, a big chunk of audience (32%) came from Broward and Palm Beach Counties.

Thank you for your patience as we grow our company and work to raise the level of professionalism with each show. Although we have big plans for the coming years, our non-negotiable mission is to continue to keep admission FREE of charge.

Our major financial support so far, comes from The City of Miami and Miami-Dade County. If you liked these productions and want them to remain in Peacock Park, please let your local politicians (Mayor, Commissioners and City Manager) know how you feel.

Please check out the website for more information on Shakespeare Miami, production demographics and production photos. Feel free to email me with suggestions or comments.

Again, many, many thanks for your support.
Colleen Stovall
Executive Director (and Neighbor)
Shakespeare Miami
http://www.shakespearemiami.com/
miamishakes@gmail.com

Flushed

Harry Emilio Gottlieb has been at it again. He sent me this

The Fabulous French Club Garage Sale

You know how I love those old-town feel events. Looks like there's another one coming up -- The Coconut Grove Elementary School's "Fabulous French Club Garage Sale" on Saturday, February 2, 2008.

It's from 9 am to 4 pm at 2474 SW 13 Street. They say it will have the variety of an Oriental Bazaar with a modern twist -- and the best prices in town. There will also be lemonade, baked goods and French pastry. I'm there. :)

Mad Hatter's Tea Party at the Ritz Carlton

On Saturday, February 2, The PlayGound Theatre is presenting "The Mad Hatter's Tea Party" to raise money for the theater's education and outreach program.

Children are encouraged to dress up as the characters from "Alice in Wonderland." There's a costume parade and "English tea attire" may also be worn.

The event is from 3 to 5 pm at the Ritz-Carlton (3300 SW 27 Avenue). Tickets are $100.00 ea. for adults and $25.00 for children.

For more info, please call 305751-9550 ext. 223 or visit www.theplaygroundtheatre.com

Michelle Spence-Jones in more hot water

I don't want to pick on Michelle Spence-Jones, I honestly don't but this is a Grove on-going story and I feel it is my duty to follow up from time to time, especially when The Herald is running stories on the subject.

It appears now that Commissioner Michelle-Spence Jones' office was "pushing for a politically connected friend to be hired by the condo developer [Related Group], a former top city official testified," according to today's Herald. This was weeks before her controversial "yes" vote for the 300 Grove Bay (Mercy Hospital condo project). Story here.

The Herald story goes on to say, "While some details differ between the Sarnoff memo and Conway deposition, the overall thrust -- that Spence-Jones was pushing for payments to her close political allies -- is consistent."

So I feel a bit vindicated on my views posted here in December.

What happened to the old house?

I just got this question from a reader, anyone know what's up with this?

"Each day I commute from south Grove to work using Douglas and turning onto Grand. There was an historically designated home on the north side of Grand, just past Douglas, which has obviously now been torn down. All that remains is a chain link fence and rubble. What happened to that home that was supposed to be preserved? Does anyone know?"

Vote today

Please get out and vote today if you already haven't. It's a beautiful day. No reason not to.

Clueless cop

As I watched the marathon Sunday, I saw something very disturbing -- a City of Miami cop who had no clue where he was.

We were standing near 17th Avenue and South Bayshore Drive.

A lost tourist asked him where Downtown Miami was and he pointed south and told him to go past Coconut Grove and he'll find it. The tourist asked him, "Aren't we in Coconut Grove? I see signs all over that say Coconut Grove." The copy told him no, to keep going south and he'll find the Grove. Maybe he meant the Center Grove. Who knows.

But I found it to be a sad thing when a City cop can't even give you directions and has no clue where he is himself.

Party at CocoWalk's Carnival

The First Annual Carnival at CocoWalk will be Saturday, February 2 – Kicking off the first day of Carnival in Brazil.

Cocowalk will have a fun-filled Carnival event for the whole family from 7 pm to midnight. The event will include a live Samba band and Sexy Brazilian Samba Dancers, Moleca Girls and samplings of Moleca a traditional Brazilian Drink . Also Basil in the Grove will be offering samples of native dishes of Brazil.

Noise on the horizon

It appears that the crane last week at CocoWalk was putting up some sort of roofing structure at Chili's for some sort of outdoor patio. See it in the photo here -- those gray beams?

I can just hear the late night noise now wafting through the neighborhoods. Do they have a 5 am liquor license or not?

I know, I'm such a trouble maker. :)

Tere recently brought this up in the Coral Gables blog. Apparently they are having noise concerns in their entertainment district, too. Some City Commissioners in the Gables feel as I do -- don't move near the entertainment district (in any town) if you don't want to hear noise.

Historic Ye Little Wood house saved

As you may know, the the Miami City Commission actually did something good last week by keeping the historic designation of Ye Little Wood, a home built in 1902 at 3848 Little Avenue. The current owner. Joshua Goldberg was planning on selling the house to developers, who no doubt planned to destroy it for another unwanted McMansion.

Most of the neighbors supported the historic designation, a few selfish money hungry neighbors were against it. Luckily the Commission had their senses the day of the vote. Hopefully the whole neighborhood will be designated historic and the greedy developers and speculators will go away.

ING Miami Marathon brings out the crowds

The ING Miami Marathon winded its way through the Grove this morning. The UM Hindu Students were cheering everyone on at Hiawatha and South Bayshore Drive.

Lots of people also were out early to cheer on the runners.

There was every type runner, and rider in the race. A center lane was open for bikes.

I'm not sure if the Hindu students were an encouragement or a distraction, but everyone enjoyed them. The marathon after party
is at CocoWalk today, starting at 5:30 pm.

Village West Homeowners meet Wednesday

A panel to seek solutions to issues from the Coconut Grove Village West Homeowners and Tenants Association will convene 7 pm, January 30, at the Frankie Rolle Center, Room 115, 3750 S. Dixie Hwy.

The panel -- co-hosted by Miami-Dade Commissioner Carlos A. Gimenez and City of Miami Commissioner Marc Sarnoff -- will be made up of State Sen. Larcenia Bullard, State Rep. Carlos Lopez-Cantera, Coral Gables Commissioner Maria Anderson, School Board Member A.J. Barrera, South Miami Mayor Horace Feliu and Nila Padrosa, legislative aide to Sen. Mel Martinez.

The panel is tasked to come up with solutions to 12 issues the residents of Golden Gate, South Miami and Village West have identified as crucial to their continued existence and ability to grow.
Included in the 12 points are funding requests and charges in legislative designations.

For more information, please call Will Johnson at 305-310-2075.

Future tennis pros enjoying the Grove courts

Harry Emilio Gottlieb got some shots of these future tennis pros today at the Kirk Munroe Tennis Center on Florida Avenue. If you have any "Grove-life" photos, feel free to send them to us. You may think your photos are trivial, but chronicling daily life in the Grove is what we like to do and they are important to us.

Devour the billboard

Jaguar restaurant has a cool new billboard up at 27th Avenue and US1. It promotes themselves through promoting the Coconut Grove Arts Festival.

I guess we can all agree is more user-friendly than the infamous one that was there in the past.

Meeting neighbors

I ran into author Philip Dickenson Peters, a Grove resident, at The Bookstore the other day. He and the bookstore had a little problem -- they keep running out of his books, they sell out. Not a bad problem for an author and a book seller to have.

Philip's books include, "Caribbean Zen" and "Caribbean Wow 2.0."

New street lamps beautify the area

New street lamps were installed this past week along Grand Avenue. Those light fixtures and the brick sidewalks really make the Grove special. I miss the Christmas greenery and bows on the street lamps. They really were beautiful.

5 am liquor licenses

Chairman of the Village Council, Michelle Niemeyer, left a comment on a previous post, but not all of you may have seen it. It pertains to the 5 am liquor licenses. I think she makes total sense. This is part of what she said:

One problem we have is that nightclubs are so profitable you can make more money in the Grove renting a big space and leaving it empty all day, opening at 10 pm and closing at 5 am, than you can if you have a full service restaurant that is open during the day. We do not want the Grove to become an empty club district during the day, dominated by places that are only open at night -- at least I don't. My solution to this problem would be to ONLY allow establishments that are full service restaurants open for lunch and dinner to have 5 am privileges, places like Mr. Moe's and the Loggerhead.

Love that idea. It almost encourages two businesses in one -- a restaurant during the day and a club at night.

ING Miami Marathon party in the Grove

CocoWalk will be the After Party location for the ING Miami Marathon on Sunday, January 27 and also the Awards Ceremony Venue for the winners of the race. Over 2,000 runners and attendees will be expected from 5:30pm to 8:30pm.

There will be Presidente Light Beer specials and giveaways -- so come celebrate with the winners.

St. Stephen's Arts Show poster unveiling

The St. Stephen's Arts and Crafts Show is having their 20th Anniversary poster unveiling tomorrow, January 25. The festivities are from 5:30 to 9 pm at The Heart of the Grove Gallery (3439 Main Highway). Music will be provided by the Arts and Minds School.

The 5 am club closings

One of the issues on the agenda for today's Commission meeting is the 5 am club closings.

I have mixed feelings about this. Most feel that this is a problem which directly affects quality of life in the Grove. There are many issues involved here according to those who want the earlier closings: late club-goers hang out in our streets, increased break-ins, particularly to cars in the area, more litter, trash, and bottles on the streets, drive through the Grove with loud boom boxes, increased motorcycle traffic,and a big concern is the public safety issue of people driving drunk, etc. Passage would mean clubs now open to 5:00 am must stop serving liquor at 3:00 am.

This is not an issue of noise within the clubs or security guards at the clubs, although noise reverberating from some of these clubs has been an issue. This is primarily the noise and criminal acts that occur in the Grove once these people leave the clubs.

I don't see how 3 am or 5 am makes a difference. Vandals are vandals at 3 am or 5 am.

I don't have an opinion either way and am just wondering how others really feel. Do most people care about this two hour difference? Does the two hours really make a difference?

Three more Grove items added to agenda

In addition to the three items agreed to be heard last on tomorrow's City Commission agenda so that Coconut Grove residents can attend, there are three other items important to the Grove.

1) Sign Ordinance - deals with posters and signs illegally posted.

2) Handbill Ordinance - deals with postcard type advertising scattered as litter.

3) Upzoning for a proposed hotel of between 16-20 stories at 2660 Brickell Ave. - the entrance to Key Biscayne. These developers just never get enough. They just do not give a crap about quality of life. More, more, more, more. . . . they sicken me. Is this terrible real estate climate not enough of a sign of their greed? How can any fool be for more density?

Happy Hour with substance at Science Museum

Art and science will converge the fourth Thursday of every month at the Miami Science Museum (MiaSci). Join young professionals, science aficionados, art enthusiasts and other 21-45 year olds for a happy hour alternative in a non-traditional setting. Enjoy an open bar, hors d’oevres and the museum's exhibits while listening to the sounds of renown DJ’s.

Every month the focus will change to include a short program dedicated to an artform, from dance to poetry to the visual and delicious culinary arts.

On tomorrow's agenda, January 24th: Dance @MiaSci, featuring Dance Theater of Miami. For further information contact Tony Lima at 305-646-4209.

Free Yoga in the Park

This is Luana Hervier and Vic Munoz who are part of the Community Yoga Project, started by Hector Alvarez.

The free yoga sessions are held in Kennedy Park every Saturday from 10 to 11:15 am. The first session is running through February 16, 2008. You can come and go as you please and all levels are more than welcome. Bring a mat, towel and water and they do suggest a donation of $10.00 to Camillus House, but I guess that's not necessary.

On February 16, there is a "Grand Event" where twenty teachers will bring twenty students and they will be practicing yoga around ten to twenty blind people to spread health and energy to them and the City. I personally think the City needs it more.

Again, the sessions are at Kennedy Park, right inside the park by the traffic light at Kirk Street and South Bayshore Drive. You can't miss the yoga sign, when the class is in session.

For more info, you can call 786-417-4450 or email vicmunoz@globalwealthcoach.com or info@luanahervier.com.ar. Luana and Vic also hold private classes and you may contact them for that at any time.

Vizcayans-Mercy hearing today

The Vizcayans-Mercy (300 Bay Residences) hearing is going on right now. Attached here is the the Motion filed by the Vizcayans. All the exhibits are not here since the document would be 95 pages long. Should you want to view the exhibits, go to:

Florida division administrative hearings here.
Case search - enter Vizcayans under Petitioners,
click search Click the tab "Docket" on the top
First document click on the date and it should open

Dinner and a Movie

The Grove Chamber of Commerce and Al Fresco Ristorante, at the Arts & Minds Center terrace (3138 Commodore Plaza) continue their series of foodie films with "Waitress" tomorrow, January 23, 2008. Call 305-444-7270 or email info@coconutgrove.com to RSVP.

Their last film, Dinner Rush, became one of my favorite movies.
I actually went out and bought it.

Important Grove issues at Commission meeting

This Thursday, January 24, there are many Grove issues coming up on the City Commission agenda at City Hall (3500 Pan American Drive).

Specially set at 10:00 am is the appeal of the historic designation for a house in Ye Little Wood. This item was continued from last month and that is the only reason it is Item #1 on the Planning and Zoning agenda. Ye Little Wood is encouraging people to come out to support the designation of this historic house in a lovely historic neighborhood.

Later in the day, perhaps after 4:00 pm, there is the following:

1. 5:00 a.m.club closings. Passage would mean clubs now open to 5:00 am must stop serving liquor at 3:00 am.

2. Appeal on the 5 am club closing for Apple Martini and Visions.

3. Appeal of a tree removal at 2840 Shipping Ave. Following a 5-2 defeat wherein the HEP Board denied owner's appeal of the City's Public Works Dept. to deny permit for removing an oak tree on the swale in front of the property on which the owner now wants to construct a driveway for a duplex in the path of the tree, owner is now appealing the matter to the City Commission.

The new Chair, Commissioner Joe Sanchez, has issued new rules stating that he will no longer specially set any item unless it is a City-wide issue. Many feel it is unreasonable for him to expect people to take off work and sit at City Hall all day waiting for an issue that affects only one area like the Grove. There are very few city-wide issues.

However, for Jan 24th, through Commissioner's Office, most of the Grove issues will be heard at the end of the calendar. Therefore, if you get to City Hall by 4 pm you will be able to hear Items 1-3 and be able to speak.

Commissioner Sanchez needs to know that City Hall is for the people to be heard and this makes it more difficult for residents to come out and be heard. Not everyone has a flexible schedule or can be at City Hall all day waiting for their item. Certainly, all the Planning and Zoning items should not be heard before 5:00 pm, otherwise, the only people who speak are pro-development lobbyists and attorneys, who are paid to be there all day.

Those interested in contacting Comm. Sanchez to let him know how you feel on this issue, may email him here: jsanchez@miamigov.com .

OpenU Spring Open House

OpenU Spring Open House is this Thursday, January 24 from 6 to 8 pm at the Arts and Minds Center (3138 Commodore Plaza).

Life-long learners and seekers of wisdom and knowledge can find a wide range of exciting classes and workshops in the OpenU Spring 2008 program. For a more detailed listing of courses, meeting dates and times and facilitators, as well as registration forms, visit www.iihu.org.

Come for refreshments, live music and a raffle surprise while you meet the faculty and learn more about the programs that this dynamic new center offers. For more information, please email: pmunhall@aol.com

OpenU is an integral part of fostering tolerance, compassion and justice through human understanding.

Lots of people out and enjoying the weather

The Central Business District is packed with people today. Lots of families are out enjoying the "snow-like" weather. It looks a bit like it did around the holidays -- lots of hustle and bustle.

The new center of town

The Bookstore (2911 Grand Ave.) has really become quite a hangout, inside and out. One popular feature is the free internet (wifi) service. They also are very community oriented -- the Girl Scouts spent the past weekend there selling cookies and I have seen musicians outside on the Virginia Street side just doing their thing.

It has actually become the center of town. It's like, "Meet me in front of The Bookstore at 10:30," or "Let's meet for coffee at The Bookstore," or "I'll leave the meeting notice with Felice at The Bookstore for you," which someone did for me once.

Keeping it local

People have been saying we should stay in the Grove and support local businesses rather than run to Coral Gables or other nearby areas.

I was just telling someone the other day that since I joined the Shaq Gym, I spend many days in a row not leaving the Grove for anything. I work here, I eat here, I shop here and now I work-out here.

The show (and crawfish) must go on

The sky is gray and it's a bit chilly out today, but the crowds still came for the Crawfish Boil and the last showing of "Much Ado About Nothing," in Peacock Park.

It was actually 68 degrees and overcast at show time (4 pm), but it was really perfect. The skies looked more like snow than rain and it was very comfortable out.

After a four day run, the Miami Shakespeare in the Park group is packing it in until their next event, but they have a lot to be proud of. They performed to thousands of appreciative fans since Thursday --
all at no cost to the public.

Work at CocoWalk is blocking the street

Grand Avenue is blocked in front of CocoWalk this morning by a huge truck and crane. Looks like they are repairing something on the roof. Expect delays.

Looking for a good deed doer

See that map there? It's on the corner of Virginia St. and Grand Ave.

Well, I don't know if vandals got to it or what, but the Plexiglas door is always flying open, it's bent out of shape and the lock is broken. I was told by a Business Improvement Committee member that they are trying to get it fixed, but for some reason it's a process. I don't know why, but I am asking now if anyone can volunteer and do it for them.

It just needs a lock, some new Plexiglas and maybe a frame. If anyone can help by donating their expertise and materials, please email us here at the Grapevine and we'll pass your info on to the correct person. It's a nice little thing and it's a shame that it always looks like crap right in the center of town. Also, we'll give you a nice little mention in the blog here.

Christabelle's Quarter Jazz Sunday Brunch

Christabelle's Quarter (3157 Commodore Plaza) is now open for "Live Jazz Sunday Brunches" from 11 am to 3 pm each week. Don't forget they'll also be catering the Crawfish Boil at Peacock Park today at 2 pm, before the 4 pm matinee of "Much Ado About Nothing."

Culture in the Village

Miami's Shakespeare in the Park group has been performing, "Much Ado About Nothing" in Peacock Park this weekend. They had a show Thursday night and last night and tonight there is a show at 8 pm and a matinee on Sunday at 4 pm, with a crawfish boil on Sunday at 2 pm before the show. The play is free, thanks to grants they receive throughout the year.

Before the show started, the emcee came out and she was thanking the sponsors, one of them being Shell Lumber, who donated everything you see on stage. She remarked that you should shop Shell and not Home Depot and that got a good laugh and applause.

The show was excellent. Professional actors and crew were brought in. The weather was nice and everyone showed up with blankets and picnic baskets. There were also bleachers with plenty of seating for all.

Back at the Pommes and Pane Café at CocoWalk, Blue Man Grove were performing to a large crowd, with their special guest Graham Wood Drout (right). There were other musicians around the Grove at some restaurants on Main Highway, Commodore Plaza and even the arcade where Brenda's Boutique is, near Fuller Street.

The Girl Scouts were even out, selling cookies in front of The Bookstore.

Join the Martin Luther King Jr. celebration

The Coconut Grove Ecumenical Network and the Coconut Grove Ministerial Alliance, has teamed up once again to offer worship, song, fellowship, fun and food in praise of Martin Luther King Jr.

The Greater St. Paul A.M.E. Church (3680 Thomas Avenue -- across from Tucker Elementary) is the place to be -- 2:30 pm, tomorrow, Sunday, January 20. Reverend Jessie Harvin, Jr. and his congregation will make you feel welcome -- like one of the family.

After the ceremony, share good food and good conversation.

House fire in the vacinity

While I was out enjoying the Central Grove today, there was a fire in The Roads -- right outside the Grove -- at South Miami Avenue and 25th Road.

Harry Emilio Gottlieb got these great action photos. While they are really not Grove related, they are too good not to post here. Harry has some eye when it comes to photography.

Graham Wood Drout; Blue Man Grove tonight

Little Silver recording artist Graham Wood Drout (right) will be performing with Blue Man Grove tonight, 7:30 pm, at Pommes and Pane Café at CocoWalk.

Graham Wood Drout is well known to South Florida audiences as the leader of the legendary "swampadelic" band Iko-Iko. Graham received "Song of the Year" honors from the Blues Critics Choice Awards in February 2007 for "Ghosts of Mississippi," and has performed in Jimmy Buffett's "Don't Stop the Carnival" and the films "Cape Fear" and "Contact."

He has a My Space page here.

They come and they go

Another shop closing on Grand Avenue. The Limited has a limited number of days, this photo was taken yesterday, so I guess there are only 2 days left now.

Let's hope a local business takes that spot. Something that's not a national chain (unless it's a mini Target or something).

"Where in the Grove" winner

The winner of the "Where in the Grove" contest is Skot from the Center Grove. The wooden Indian is right in front of the Cigar store at CocoWalk (next to The Cheesecake Factory), right where a wooden Indian (Native American?) belongs.

We had about 90 correct answers and we put all the correct responses in a jar and picked out one winner. There were over 200 responses, but only 90 were correct. We'll have another contest soon.

What's up with CocoWalk?

I received this letter from a reader. I'm sure there is a logical explanation. At least the clock is working now:

"Went to the movies at CocoWalk last Sunday. None of the elevators and escalators (going up) were working and the ladies' room was closed. What is going on? On a Sunday night after the events of the day, the place was quite crowded. Are we trying to push people away? First they can't park and when they do, they can't ride the elevators, escalators nor go to the bathroom. I saw someone turned away from the theater who needed to use the loo. Its pretty awful."

Much Ado in Peacock Park

"Much Ado About Nothing" starts today, January 17 in Peacock Park and runs January 18 and 19 at 8 pm and January 20 at 4 pm. Bring your blanket, lawn chairs and picnic baskets. But on Sunday, the 20th, you don't need to bring the food -- there is a crawfish boil in the park at 2 pm before the 4 pm show.

The Grove production is set in New Orleans during Mardi Gras, rather than Italy during Carnivale, hence the Crawfish. Christabelle's Quarter is providing the food and the music.

More info here: http://www.shakespearemiami.com/

If you click on the poster above, it will open larger.

Where in the Grove contest

Where is this wooden Indian? It's in an outdoor public area in the Grove somewhere. The winner will receive one set of the beautiful note cards by artist Jeffrey Passage and a canvas City of Miami tote bag.

We'll take all correct answers and randomly choose a winner from those. Wrong answers will just be tossed and not be eligible.

I guess I have a thing for wooden idols. Last contest was this wooden mask at The Sandbar Grill.

CONTEST IS CLOSED. WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED SHORTLY.

A good night to be heard

The next Village Council meeting is tomorrow night, January 17 -- 7 pm at City Hall (3500 Pan American Drive).

The agenda includes installation of the new officers and chair (Michelle Niemeyer).

It's a good night to be there since it is the "Resident's Forum" -- the night to tell the Village Council what you would like to see for Coconut Grove this year. Bring your ideas and friends. Now is your chance to be heard.

Inspections are holding things up

I had a friend mention to me that he had not been in the Grove for a long time but he spent New Year's Eve here at CocoWalk. He said he loves the Grove, but was so depressed at seeing all the empty storefronts. He said he most likely won't be back for awhile because
of that.

It's really getting discouraging with these Grove restaurants all set to open but having inspection problems. I understand that things need to be right and safe before they are allowed to open, but come on. The list is endless. The following are awaiting inspection approval: Akashi, Qdoba, Chili's, Aladdin's, I think Nikki's and maybe some others. What do these inspectors want, bribes?

Every sign says "coming soon", maybe we should change the zip code from 33133 to "coming soon." Chili's, coming soon; Aladdin's, coming soon; Akashi, coming soon.

Then there are those that open right away: Boardwalk Pizza and Tavern, The Bookstore and Mari-Nalli. What are they doing right the that others aren't? Maybe the businesses having problems should ask these successful businesses for some tips.

What's up with Akashi?

Update. They are open. Info is here.

That Akashi restaurant is a mess. They sit there -- an empty storefront for years. Why don't they just give up their lease already and let a viable business move in?

This email was sent around recently, it comes from a concerned pet lover and citizen, I'm reprinting it here:

"Akashi Japanese restaurant (3444 Main Highway) has had it's power shut off for some time now and while wandering by the other night I noticed they have already put fish in their saltwater tank and some are still alive. I was wondering if there was anyone in a position to rescue the fish, as without power I'm sure the fragile tropical fish will not last long."

The Great Taste of the Grove winners

Here are Sunday's Winners at The Great Taste of the Grove:

"Best Taste of the Grove" - Panorama at Sonesta Bayfront
"Best Single Taste" - Nikki Coconut Grove
"Best Decorated Booth" - Monty's Raw Bar

Saturday's winners are here.

Bake sale at The Bookstore

The girls from The Bookstore in the Grove (3399 Grand Avenue) were out this past weekend selling empanadas, cup cakes, lemonade and orange juice. Here are Davi, Monique and Sandy. The empanadas included chicken, guava and cheese among other fillings.

Calendar Model Auction at Cielo Garden Club

Cielo Garden and Supper Club is the location of the Caring About the Strays 2008 "Model Auction: It's Raining Calendar Men,' on Saturday, January 19.

The winning bidders will win a date with a calendar guy, including dinner. Money raised benefits the animal rescue program at Caring About the Strays. For info: 305-889-0840. Cielo is located at 3390 Mary Street and the event is from 6 to 9 pm.

Town Hall Meeting tomorrow

Because of the importance of the impending tax reform issue and the rapidly approaching election on Tuesday, January 29, the Village of Center Grove meeting set for tomorrow, Wednesday, Jan. 16 at the Sailing Club is being rolled into the Town Hall meeting presented by State Representative Carlos Lopez-Cantera.

State Representative Carlos Lopez-Cantera will present a town hall meeting to discuss property taxes on the 16th from 7-9 p.m. at the Miami Science Museum (3280 S. Miami Avenue). Take this opportunity to ask questions, make comments and propose solutions to rising property tax problems. District 2 Commissioner Marc Sarnoff will also be present.

Please invite your neighbors, friends, business associates, and concerned residents and property owners. This is not limited to Coconut Grove. Everyone is invited. Free admission. Light refreshments. For more info please call 305-442-6877.

Early voting started today

Early voting began today for the January 29 Florida primary and property tax referendum.

By law, early voting is designated to begin 15 days before an election.

Early voting in the Grove takes place from 7 am to 3 pm at Miami City Hall (3500 Pan American Drive).

Another reason why I like City Hall's presence in the Grove -- it brings people into the area to vote, and hopefully stick around to eat and shop and also, it's very convenient for Grovites.

A model in our midst

Frankie, one of the valet's at Yacht Harbor condo is one of the contestants on Bravo's "Make Me A Supermodel" reality show. They can't keep the young girls away from the building who want a glimpse of the next possible super model.

Frankie's bio reads: "He loves the ocean, enjoys surfing and has a bad habit of driving with his feet." Remind me not to have him park my car when I'm at Yacht Harbor.

Aladdin's Grill opening soon

Aladdin's Grill is opening up at the old Tacos and Crepes location (3415 Main Highway), right next to Boardwalk Pizza and Tavern. They are waiting for inspections to pass.