More competition or not?

As the Grove gets more and more new restaurants, I know that some of the older restaurants are concerned. They have told me, "More competition."

What do you think? I think more restaurants brings more people and everyone benefits. Others don't feel like that, but without new restaurants the Grove is stale. Consumers have told me that they get tired of eating at the same old places. I am sort of the opposite, I get used to a place and go back daily. But I do like to see all the new places opening up.

Get ready to welcome CraveClean Bakery

Francesca Morello, owner of Crave Clean

We have a new bakery opening in Coconut Grove sometime in the spring. It's CraveClean Protein Bake Shop, which some of you may know from their first location at 3822 SW 8th Street. 

CraveClean in Coconut Grove will be at 3012 Grand Avenue, next to Soles sneaker store. CraveClean believes in the power of clean eating. According to Francesca Morello, the owner, you will recognize every ingredient in their baked goods. "We pride ourselves on bridging the gap between fitness and foodies."

All their items are loaded with protein and have less than 1g of sugar, they are low in calories and carbs. There are no additives or preservatives used.

They have just about everything from doughnuts to cupcakes, brownies, muffins, cookies and cakes.

Francesca got tired of eating unhealthy protein bars and shakes and started experimenting in her own kitchen and the rest is magic. 

They are just starting the build out now at the Grove location and are hoping to be in by the end of March beginning of April. They will likely have a Grand Opening party to celebrate.

Daniella Morello, head of marking told me, "We will be adding a few more breakfast items as this new location has many men and women working in the area that could use a quick, healthy, high protein breakfast, items for example, like our Proats (oatmeal packed with protein and the toppings of your choice) that we have now."

The location is perfect, right across from the ad agencies and CocoWalk, right in the center of town. 

Delivery, local and national, will be an option, through an outside company called Postmates.

The new location will have extended hours. They currently close at 6 pm and will be closing at 8 pm in the Grove. They will be open 7 days a week, vs the 6 days a week now, and staying open later on Friday and Saturday evenings.

As usual, we'll let you know about opening day, subscribe to the Grapevine so you don't miss the notice!

The wall

Ancient Greece? Rome? Nope. It's part of the wall at Mayfair in the Grove on Rice Street and Florida Avenue.

Bacardi Sailing Week is the theme of FAM Night

This March, sailing will be introduced to the public in a whole new way - through art. Coconut Grove's FAM Night - Fashion + Art + Music night is pleased to present the Bacardi Miami Sailing Week Art Exhibit. 

The exhibit will feature three different components: Italian artist and painter, Roberto Fiorentino, will feature his "OFFshore" collection in his pop-up "WeGallery" inside CocoWalk. Many of his works are sailing inspired pieces that explore different painting techniques. Bright, glistening characteristics dominate Roberto's work: a purely recreational act, unaffected by any sort of logical complexity. Roberto's past exhibitions, including those in New York, Florence, Sorrento, Milan, Naples, have all received critical acclaim and he has been featured in several publications.

For this years exhibit, Bacardi Miami Sailing Week has also partnered with Wooden Boat Magazine, a publication for wooden boat owners and builders and boat builder George Krewson to build an original 11 foot Shellback sailboat in one-week's time. A temporary boat-building shed will be set-up in CocoWalk that, coincidentally, was home, back in the 1950's, of a real boat building business. Sailing week is March 6 through 12, based at the Coral Reef Yacht Club.

There will also be a photography installation which will display beautiful images of the past sailing weeks.

The exhibit will run from Saturday, March 5 to Sunday, March 12 with an opening night reception at 6:00 pm inside CocoWalk on March 5.

In addition to these events, celebrated artist Daniel Pontet will conduct an artistic performance inside CocoWalk with accompanying musicians. The artist's technique is very unique as he interacts with his canvas to create art made with his feet. He calls it art experience and he uses the action painting movement as his reference for great work he creates.

Additional events will be held in the District as well, such as fashion and trunk shows, special offers from participating restaurants as well as more live art and music throughout the neighborhood.

FAM Night is a neighborhood celebration that showcases musicians and artists who display their work in participating businesses. It is sponsored by the Coconut Grove Business Improvement District to promote cultural tourism. It is a wonderful opportunity for residents and visitors to become acquainted with local businesses and the art community.

Women's Happy Hour Monday now at Mayfair Hotel

The last Monday of each month, Miami Women's Networking Initiative along with the Coconut Grove Chamber of Commerce, hold their Women's Happy Hour Monday networking event. Starting this Monday, February 29, they will be in their new location, the Mayfair Hotel, 3000 Florida Avenue.

This is a time for women of all professional backgrounds to meet, network, share ideas, promote business and learn from featured guest speakers.

There is happy hour half priced drinks and complimentary hors d'oeuvres. The event is from 5:30 to 8 pm. 

This Monday, guest speaker is Katrina Boler, Park Manager of the Barnacle State Park, shown here. Katrina is responsible not only for the smooth operation of the park, but for all the events and activities that take place throughout the year, including festivals, VIP visits and performances including the Mad Hatter Festival, Dog Days, Shakespeare in the Park, the President's Day Regatta, Earth Day, Cars & Cigars, the old time dances, movies under the stars, Barnacle Under Moonlight live concerts and so on.

For more info, please email Lilia Garcia at lilia_garcia@bellsouth.net

New sandwich shop now in Kwik Stop

There's a new sandwich shop inside the Kwik Stop at 3135 Grand Avenue, the Asian Thai Kitchen is still in there, too. The sandwich shop is right in the center of the store, called the Kwik Stop Sandwich Bar with gourmet sandwiches. The food might seem familiar because the shop is being set up by Danial and Dominique of Focaccia Rustica fame, you know the restaurant next door that is  Sapore di Mare now. Danny has been in the Kwik Stop consulting and setting the menu. You'll recognize items from the old Focaccia like The Monty, which is now the IceBox (salami, black forest ham, turkey, provolone, romaine and tomatoes ($9). There is Roasted Chicken, Black Forest Ham and Brie, BLT Chicken, Cuban sandwich, Miami Club and so much more, all from $8.50 to $9.00 each.

Salads include Berry, Caesar, California Cobb, tuna, pasta salad and more. They have a soup of the day ($4.00) and combos (soup and sandwich or sandwich and salad) for $8.00.

Danny tells me that the next step is to include some baked items like flat bread pizzas and things like that. They will add breakfast next week.  Danny calls it his "Grab and Go" concept.

Got a Code 33 card? 10% Discount with that.

For info: 786-586-8309.

Try Spillover restaurant's menu early

The new Spillover restaurant is coming to the Mayfair Promenade, they have been renovating a space for months. The Spillover is the sister restaurant of LoKal on Commodore Plaza and Kush in Wynwood. It's a cider and seafood-focused eatery.

Join an exclusive menu preview for Spillover at Kush on Thursday, March 10 from 6 pm to closing time. Kush is located at 2003 N. Miami Avenue. The Spillover menu listed below, will be served along with Kush's regular menu.

On the menu:

Cowart Ranch Lamb Meatballs - $10
North Florida lamb meatballs served in their homemade tomato bisque and topped with feta cheese, pine nuts and fresh mint.

Conch Strips $12
Fried Bahamian conch and Florida grouper, served with their homemade creamy garlic, spicy Kush, and cocktail sauces.

Buffalo Shrimp Tacos $12,
Buffalo Gulf shrimp topped with blue cheese crumbles, chopped tomatoes, diced red onions, shredded lettuce and cilantro.

BBQ Gator Ribs - $22 (Only 15 orders roasted daily)
Half a rack of fall off the bone gator ribs from Starke, Florida, slow roasted for 2 1⁄2 hours then finished on the grill with their soon to be famous Honey BBQ sauce, served with a watermelon slice.

Homemade Cheesecake - $8
It’s their classic creamy style topped with their homemade strawberry sauce, if you want fancy go to the factory.

Memorial service; celebration planned for Christ Tavantzis

Christ Tavantzis' Memorial Service has been arranged for Sunday, February 28, at Caballero Rivero Funeral Home, 8200 Bird Road. Hours are between 11:00 am - 4:00 pm with a prayer service at 2:00 pm. Christ passed away at his home earlier this month.

A Celebration Wake will be held Sunday after the Service – 5  to 7 pm at The Grove Spot (3324 Virginia Street). Special prices and items by Olav.

Soon the Grove will resemble an urban downtown

This is an open letter to Commission Ken Russell:

Ken,|

We are steadily, ruthlessly destroying The Grove.

The Grove we love is so appreciated because of its trees and gardens. New developments have an 80% footprint, no trees, no gardens and soon The Grove will resemble an urban downtown. 

I urge you to visit the hideous developments in Ann Court, just down the road from you as prime examples of the vandalism.

Do you agree?

What can be done before it's all trashed?

Andy Buys
Coconut Grove

(Andy also sent the letter directly to Ken).

Open House and Ice Cream social

Open House and Ice Cream Social - Saturday February 27, noon-3 pm

OPEN HOUSE & ICE CREAM - In the heart of Center Coconut Grove, on one of the most sought after streets, this 3/2.5 2,040 square foot Townhouse is bright and great for entertaining. It has a wonderful layout and a great sized back yard. Chicago brick driveway welcomes you as you walk in to this home. Featuring an updated kitchen with wood cabinets, granite & stainless steel appliances, and walk-in pantry. Travertine tile throughout, wood in bedrooms. Large family room with walk-in closets with elegant built-ins. Laundry room on 2nd floor by the bedrooms. Large master bedroom has an en-suite bath with dual sink vanity, soaking tub with separate shower. A/C is less than 3 years old. Fenced yard for families and 1 block from Blanche Park. 4 blocks from Cocowalk, elegant dining & boutique shops.   Location: 3051 Orange Street, Coconut Grove.

This Coconut Grove Charmer won't last - make it yours now. Ed Ferenczi 786-556-6446 or Ed@premierSFRE.com

Advertise your property in the Grapevine Showplace Showcase. Pricing here.

A visit to Glass & Vine

I had the pleasure of visiting Glass & Vine yesterday, the new restaurant by top chef Giorgio Rapicavoli along with Grove Bay Hospitality Group, opening at the Glass House in Peacock Park, the former Chamber of Commerce location. You would not recognize the place, they did an incredible job of renovation. I met two of the managers at separate times and they were both very welcoming. Barbaro Dominguez, restaurant manager, shown here, training the bartenders and Emilio Eliades, general manager; both very happy and proud to show me around.

The new restaurant is modern and clean; first class. There is a bar inside along one windowed wall and food prep area on the opposite inside wall.

And between both areas in the center of the room is a long table that can seat 20 or more people, there is also bar seating.

The majority of the seating (200 seats total) is outside, at another bar and on the veranda, which overlooks Peacock Park, and also, some seating wraps around the building on the McFarlane Road side. The glass wall between the inside and outside bar opens up, garage door style, which sort of makes the whole restaurant an outdoor experience and connects the two bars where the bartender can then attend to both sides of the bar, inside and outside.

Menu items include a section called "Snacks" which offers Zak the Baker bread, Marinated olives, Crispy Almonds, Manchego in Olive Oil and Country Ham, all at $6 each, or all five for $25 (shown here).

There is Bitter Lettuces ($12); Charred Cauliflower ($10) and Whole Roasted Broccoli ($11) as part of the "Garden" side of the menu, along with a few other items. The "Sea" side offers seven items including Raw Scallop "Waldorf" ($18), Conch Fritters ($14) and Florida Clams ($19) among the items and the "Land" section offers seven items including Beef Carpaccio ($10), Lamb Ribs ($15) and Wood Oven Chicken ($30) to name a few.

Barbaro told me that there would be just the one menu for lunch and dinner. There is a full bar and the location is stunning.

Chef Giorgio Rapicavoli is known for his Coral Gables restaurant, Eating House and for winning as top chef on the Food Network tv show "Chopped."

Lunch will be served from 11:30 am until 2:00 pm and then dinner from 5:00 to 11:00 pm; the bar will stay open much later.

I'll let you know when opening day is, they are trying for mid-March. There is a lot of buzz about Glass & Vine being a destination restaurant, which is great news for Coconut Grove.

Glass & Vine is in the Glass House in Peacock Park at 2820 McFarlane Road.

Kickball tournament to raise money for charity

There's a kickball tournament this Saturday, February 27, at Peacock Park.

Join the group for kickball, music, food and drink specials afterwards at the Sandbar. The tournament benefits the Chapman Partnership. 

Sandbar specials include $3 drafts, $9 pitchers, $4 fireball, $7 burritos.

Visit grovesportsclub.com/tournaments to sign up, only $20/player.

The Chapman Partnership works with homeless men, women and children to help build a positive future by providing the resources and assistance critical to growth and independence.

They help the homeless by providing a comprehensive support program that includes emergency housing, meals, health, dental and psychiatric care, day care, job training, job placement and assistance with securing stable housing. 

Whiskey Expo taking place at The Taurus

Whiskey Expo a tasting of fine whiskies from around the world, returns for a second year on Saturday, March 5 at the Taurus: Beer & Whisk(e)y House (3540 Main Highway). Showcasing 50+ different brands and over 100+ different expressions of whiskies from Ireland, Scotland, Canada, Japan, Taiwan and the US, this is the largest whiskey event in Miami. Attendees will be able to enjoy unlimited tastings plus some fine hors d’oeuvres, cigars by Drew Estate and live jazz.

“South Florida is regarded as one of the hottest markets for whiskies in the United States, and the Miami Whisk(e)y Mash presents a perfect way to celebrate this beloved class of spirits. The craftsmanship, authenticity, and traditions that are associated with Whiskey deserves its own focused event. The second year of this focused event offers an in depth study of a single type of spirit and the multiple expressions through exploration, education and enjoyment," said Frank Moreno, Miami Whiskey Mash Founder.

Whiskey Expo General Admission tickets will be available for $60 online and $75 at-the-door and includes admission from 3-6 pm. A very limited number of VIP tickets are also available for $75 online and $90 at-the-door. Tickets and more info may be seen at the Miami Whiskey Mash website: miamiwhiskeymash.com.

Special event ticketing options and pricing will be available through the website, Facebook and social media.

Partying like a pirate at the Chamber networker

The Coconut Grove Chamber of Commerce had a "Network Like a Pirate" event on Tuesday night at the Mutiny Hotel. The Mutiny - where else for pirates?  Lots of people came out and enjoyed mingling poolside - many dressed as pirates. Above from left, Rafael Gutierrez artist/realtor My Miami Dream Home; Rebecca Smith, LineStudio Group; Tom Bishop, Tradewind Realty and Lilliana Dones, Chamber president.

Lilliana Dones, Steve Williamson and Katrina Boler, park ranger at The Barnacle.

Rosie Palamino and Hector Roos.

Derrick Wenger and Carl Levin.

Samantha Nordin, Louise Gross and Capt. Asaad.

Monty Trainer with Ken Drodvillo.

Evelio Medina, left, Downtown/Brickell Chamber of Commerce President and Gilbert Fonticoba, Second Income Coach.

Howard Kane of the Chamber, Lilia Garcia,  Richard Roer and Wendy Zane,  Mutiny Hotel Senior Sales Manager.

Larry Adkins, Steve Weiss

Karl Fong Lee, Regions Bank Assistant VP and James Anderson.

 Narciso L. Gomez, MD and Hortensia Valeron, MD

Peter Laird, Katell Gringoire,  Steve Williamson


Photos by Rafael Gutierrez

Closing reception for Renaissance Exhibit

KROMA is presenting the closing reception of the Village West Renaissance Exhibit on Saturday, February 27 from 6 to 10 pm.

Artists that were featured all month were Judith Salmon (Memories and the Carriage of Feet); Bob Simms (Glory in the Grove) and Alan Laird (Mine Eyes Have Seen Through the Mist).

Stop by for light refreshments and enjoy this great art space which includes many more artists in their small working galleries and studios inside KROMA.

KROMA is located at 3670 Grand Avenue. For info: 305-576-6278.

Walk with the Animals is Saturday

Jacquie from Silverado asked me to share this with you. The event is in downtown Miami, it's Walk for the Animals, a charity event on Saturday, February 27. 

It's a day of fun and all proceeds benefit the animals at the Humane Society of Greater Miami.

The one mile stroll around Bayfront Park (with or without your dog) is designed to raise funds. Walkers will have a registration form where they collect donations from friend. People walk as individuals or in groups, called "packs." 

Check in is 8:30 am and the walk begins at 10 am, there is entertainment from 9 am to noon.

Grand Marshall is Commissioner Sally A. Heyman; Emcees are Ryan Phillips from NBC6 and Radio Host Julie Guy from WLYF. 

Over 400 homeless dogs and cats are cared for daily by the Humane Society and the money raised will help care for them.

For info and to sign up, please visit humanesocietymiami.org

The best jewelry with an old-Grove feel

Our own Silverado Boutique made the "Where to Shop for Jewelry in Miami" list in "Miami Racked" the fashion blog. And they are in some very nice company, too, the list includes Bulgari, Cartier and Harry Winston. Not bad for one of Coconut Grove's best kept secrets.

Silverado, at 3092 Fuller Street, is the place to go for gifts of any type for anyone and of course great one-of-a-kind jewelry.

From Miami Racked: "This Coconut Grove boutique jets you back to the days when the Grove was purely an artsy, bohemian neighborhood. Inside you'll find Native American inspired necklaces, handcrafted bracelets, an entire wall full of belt buckles and more unique artisan finds." 

Silverado is just that, a step back to the old Grove. It's on an old street in an old building, a perfect setting.

For info, call Jacquie Longden, the owner at  305-744-2447. Even if you're not buying that day, stop by and have a chat, she's very welcoming and enjoys company.

Here is the whole list of Best Miami Jewelers by Miami Racked.

It's Open House Week at MCA Academy

MCA has helped students with passions beyond school like sports, acting and the arts persue their dreams, go to competitions and performances and get a high quality education. Virtually homework free and with no state tests, students learn in an enriched small class environment at MCA, a private, non-sectarian school for grades 1-12.

Come by now through Friday, February 26 from 10:30 am to 11:30 for group tours and from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm for private tours Other times are available by appointment (call 305-442-2283 for appointments). See the MCA campus in Coconut Grove, meet the teachers and principal Ingrid Acosta. MCA academy, 2911 Grand Avenue, Coconut Grove. For more details about MCA visit their website: www.mcaacademy.com

The photo is the elementary class field trip to the Miami Book Fair.

Woman's Club celebrates 125th birthday

The Coconut Grove Woman's Club celebrated 125 years on Friday, with a play called, "Footprints," which depicted our past history, followed by awards and a party. The beautiful cake above shows years past at the club.

Marlene Erven -the Club's Executive Board President presents playwright Sandra Riley an award as the cast joins in.

Mrs. Thelma Gibson, Grove pioneer with Marlene Erven.

Historian Arva Moore Parks with Grove artist Erika King, who created the beautiful commissioned piece depicting the club's history, including photos and newspapers clippings - the centerpiece of the evening.

Chris Dale, Yvonne Montalto, Sandra Riley and Emily Cecchi.

News clipping regarding the club, part of Erika's art piece.

Front row, from left: Sandra Riley - "Footprints" playwright; Clint Hooper who played Kirk Munroe; Melissa Hubicsak  who played Mary Barr Munroe, Ricky J. Martines, the New Theater Artistic Director; Marlene Erven, Club Executive Board President; Travis Neff, technical Director. 

Back row from left: Eileen Suarez, New Theater Managing Director; Steven A. Chambers, New Theater co-literary manager; Erik J. Rodriguez, New Theater co-literary manager.

Melissa Hubicsak, Clint Hooper, Irene Munroe, Sandra Riley, Bill Munroe, pioneer descendant. 

Clint Hooper, shows Bill Munroe an old part of Grove history - a Cocoanut Grove Library card from 1908 signed by Kirk Munroe, Bill's ancestor, who was president of the library at the time.

Marsha Joeben wtih Seth Sklarey; the old 1908 library card.

Photos by Rafael Gutierrez

Village Council meets Tuesday

The Village Council is meeting Tuesday, February 23 at 6 pm at the Elementary School on Matilida Street. Everyone is welcome.

Agenda:

I. Call to Order

II. Pledge of Allegiance 

III. Housekeeping
Roll Call:  
Approval of Previous Minutes  
Additions to Agenda:   


Treasury & Budget Update:  
Balance as of 1/31/16 $ 1,490.82

IV. Discussion Items

Change of Venue / Meeting Date
2017 CGVC election review; Precinct 634 Bi-Law Change
Grove 2030 / CGVC Involvement 


V. Project/Topic Updates

Playhouse
Trolley
Cycle Track


VI. Miscellaneous Discussions:

VII. Adjournment

The weekend's Street Painting Festival

So we went to the 22nd annual Lake Worth Street Painting Festival on Sunday, the event seems to get bigger every year. We found free street parking right away, parked and ventured in.

There was all kinds of art from children doing their thing to experts doing 3D Chalk paintings.

The crowds were thick, lots of people out on a Sunday; restaurants and bars were overflowing, we had a great lunch at a restaurant but still managed to get some ice cream and other goodies from street vendors.

It was overcast, but the rain held off.