Stefano Versace Gelato is coming to the Grove

Chugs is going to have a new neighbor at Florentine Plaza. Stefano Versace Galato is opening across the plaza at 3444 Main Highway.

Stefano has locations in other areas of the county including Brickell, Miami International Mall and Wynwood. They are also in Mirimar,  Ft. Myers, Boca Raton, , Sunny Isles, Port Charlotte and Siesta Key along with other places outside the state.

Dr. Stefano Versace is the founder, his goal is to acquaint the US market with authentic Italian gelato. Organic milk and Italian products go into each concoction - Piedmont hazelnut, pistachio from Sicily along with Sicilian almonds and lemons. The fruit is for their sorbets.

The gelato is made fresh daily at Stefano Versace Gelato, the make it like they do in Italy! Classically trained gelato makers (gelatieres) come in early each morning to start the process.

They have won awards like "Best Gelato of USA & Canada and "Best Gelato of North America."

Along with gelato, the cafe will serve sandwiches and pizza.

There is no opening date set, hopefully they'll be open by the end of the summer.

The old theaters

This is Times Square in NYC in 1917. In the center of the photo, to the left of the Loews New York is the Lyceum Theater. It was 14 years old then, built in 1908.

And you know what? I recently saw a play in the Lyceum. Same theater, same location, same building. It wasn't knocked down to make way for chrome and glass for larger productions.

And down the block I saw Bernadette Peters in Hello Dolly at the Shubert Theater, which opened in 1913. Same theater, same stage. Dolly was up on the big high staircase and came down singing "Hello Dolly," with no modifications to the building.

And there are many more old theaters lining those Broadway blocks. Original theaters.

Just saying . . . 

3rd annual In-Cider-Fest at The Spillover

The Spillover is holding the 3rd annual In-Cider-Fest, Miami’s first and only free Cider Festival. This yearly event is a celebration of cider, mead, seafood, and community. 

The event is on Saturday, June 1 from 3 to 7 pm.

This year  the following breweries will be offering their cider and mead for free: 

- Accomplice Cidery
- Barcode Brewing
- Broski Ciderworks
- Camino Viejo
- Keys Meads
- Maeloc
- Original Sin Cider

Music provided by Shake 94.3 FM
Outdoor Menu: Fresh shucked oysters, oyster shooters, conch salad, and fish dip.

Activities: Live art, kid activity table, games and prizes for raffle.

Plus, a full Bar with craft cocktails inside!

The Spillover is at 2911 Grand Avenue. 

Spider-man movie at The Barnacle on Friday

Spider-man: Into the Spiderverse is showing at The Barnacle on Friday, May 31 for the Free Movies in the Park series sponsored by the BID. the movies are held on select Fridays of each month. 

Bring your blankets and chairs for an evening of movie watching under the stars. Enjoy a family favorite and comedic classic movie, with a chance to enter the costume contest and win a special prize.

When a dimensional gateway opens up, Spider-man soon realizes he isn't the only spider superhero as he meets many different versions of Spider-man from other universes, including the original Peter Parker. 

Gates open at 8 pm with movie beginning at 8:30 pm.

The Barnacle is located at 3485 Main Highway.

A Tribute to Woodstock at Peacock Park

A Tribute Woodstock, which celebrates the 50th anniversary of Woodstock is Saturday, June 1. 

Peacock Park was a large part of the the 1960s culture back then, it's where Miamians hung out.

It will be transformed into a day of peace and music. Swing by for outdoor festivities to kick off the summer with great vibes, live music, artisan vendors, art activations and all the things we love to gather for. The free event is from 5 to 8 pm.

Enjoy two special '60s tribute sets by Miami’s very own musical songstress, Shira Lee. Expect to hear folk, jam, and rock-fueled adaptations of Woodstock classics and more. Explore art, kids activities, and refreshing summer eats & drinks while you take in the happy Grove neighborhood.

Free with RSVP, dogs and children welcome.

Woodstock Food Vendors
Jaguar – Ceviche
Peacock Garden – Tiramisu
Don Guiseppe's Pizza – Specialty pizza flavor tbd
Gaucho Ranch – tbd (meats)
Oasis Hookah Bar – Chicken tacos & quesadillas
Cilieto Artisan Pops – ice pops
Icetasy Italian Ice
Brewing Life – Kombucha
Courtney's Cookies – cookie assortment

Woodstock Artisanal Vendors
Maya Hatcha - Worldwide items, tapestries, hats
BeltedbyMary - Macrame
Bookleggers - Books 
Eye of Shakti - eclectic jewelry 
Noise Lab - Vinyl and records
Fauta Harissa - Fautas
Trinkets for D - Boho jewelry 
French75Vintage - Vintage goods
La Succulenta - Succulents
Photography by Paloma - Colorful artwork
Golden Bar - Home/Women's goods
Soul Caravan - Funky/Hippie goods
Carla Merino Jewelry - Rock/Gem jewelry 

Woodstock Activations
Teratai Malaysia – tie dye station
Lady Yoly – Psychic
Coconut Grove Library – Kid's Crafts Station

Is it all over now?

A guy wrote this on one of those "old Miami" Facebook pages. I found it interesting, seeing the Grove from someone who moved away but passed through recently:

We were in the Keys for a few days this week....Key Largo and Key West. Yesterday we drove back to Miami to fly back to Houston. We had some extra time and drove thru the Grove, What a disappointment. I'm all for change and progress, but what made the Grove special was its proliferation of individually owned shops and restaurants as well as the classic Grove houses. 

What exists now could be anywhere in Florida. Our former home on Palmetto Avenue is now a mini-mansion. Not opposed to mini-mansions (or mansions), but the architecture has no relevance to the Grove. It's too bad that standards and guidelines relevant to the community were never put into place. 

It's all over now.

You can stay in touch with the old Grove at a couple of Facebook pages.

Old Coconut Grove Houses is here
You Know You Grove up in Old Coconut Grove If ... is here

Imaginative Art created by art teachers

Catherine Longueria - Estrella Binaria 2019

Nocturnal Views through the eyes of many of Miami-Dade County’s most creative art teachers is the focus of the June exhibition at the Gallery @ CGAF (3390 Mary Street in the Mayfair). The exhibit opens Saturday, June 1 from 6 to 9 pm.  

“We invited talented art teachers to present works of art that best exemplified their own concept of Nocturnal Views,” said Lilia Garcia, curator of gallery.  “Their creativity and imagination will truly captivate those who are able to join us during the month of June.”  

The exhibit will run through June 30.

Refreshments will be served during the opening night festivities. The Gallery @ CGAF is open Monday to Friday from 9 am to 5 pm and by appointment. For more information visit cgaf.com.   

The Gallery @ CGAF is a contemporary art gallery and neighborhood institution in Coconut Grove. Produced by the Coconut Grove Arts & Historical Association, the gallery presents regular exhibitions by emerging and established artists representing varied mediums, yet all with a connection to South Florida. The gallery takes pride in creating, leading and participating in many inspiring arts education and community-based events. 

Lisa Oberlander "New Orleans LA" 2010

Have a peaceful Memorial Day

Music and wine tasting at Vinos in the Grove

Enjoy Sunset Sunday and Memorial Day eve at Vinos in the Grove. They have the talented Justina Shandler playing Sunday, May 26 from 6-9 pm. 

In honor of Veterans and all active military members, they are offering 20% off all bottles to the public and a “buy a glass get a glass on us” for all veterans and military. 

Wine brings out conversation, and thought ... a chance to contemplate the price of our cherished freedoms.

On Thursday, May 30, Vinos is hosting a wine tasting from 7 to 9 pm. May has been a celebration of Oregon Pinot Noir.  Join in for their final guided tasting.  Five amazing wines...$25 (applies to any bottle purchased post tasting).

Vinos is at 2889 McFarlane Road.

Two steps forward; three steps back

This is the shape the county left an area of the South Grove, where they put in the new traffic light on Douglas at Poinciana. These mature trees mean nothing to them. 

The county is a bully and I am convinced Miami-Dade County does not like Coconut Grove. The Playhouse alone is proof of this.

We always talk about seceding from the City of Miami, can secede from the County? 

The City and County of Coconut Grove. I like the sound of that.

Summer in the Grove!

Our new  Coconut Grove summer t-shirts are available!

Men's and women's sizes.

Check them out here.

Only $20. Free shipping!

It's a great way to support the Grapevine.

Siblings on a Mission to Grow Gardens, Not Landfills

Emma and Ugo Angeletti

Ugo Angeletti, Grovite and founder of back2earth, and his sister Emma won $50,000 from General Mills as the winners of its annual Feeding Better Futures Scholars Program. We wrote about the Angelettis in December 2018.

The program recognizes young people in North America who are doing great things to improve global food issues, such as fighting hunger, reducing food waste and advancing sustainable agriculture in their communities. 

The siblings learned they were this year's grand prize winners after presenting their initiative to a panel of judges at the General Mills headquarters in Minneapolis. Surrounded by family and General Mills employees, the Angeletti's were presented with a check for $50,000 and will also receive industry mentorship and a chance to attend the prestigious 2019 Aspen Ideas Festival.

"I am so excited we were named this year's Feeding Better Futures grand prize winners," said Ugo Angeletti. "It's amazing to be a part of this wonderful program and have the opportunity to expand the reach of back2earth in Florida and beyond. Back2earth's mission is to grow gardens, not landfills, and with the help of General Mills, we'll be able to do just that."

Emma and Ugo Angeletti receive check from Jeff Harmening, chairman and CEO, General Mills

Back2earth has collected more than 15,000 pounds of food waste and produced more than 4,000 pounds of compost to nourish hyperlocal gardens by installing food waste drop-off stations and compost stations around the Miami community. With the leadership and monetary support through the Feeding Better Futures program, Ugo and Emma plan to further their initiative by developing even more drop-off stations and local gardens, as well as distributing more compost kits for residents to use in their own homes.

"We're inspired by how driven today's youth is to champion a happier, healthier world," said Jeff Harmening, chairman and CEO, General Mills. "We're proud to combine the ideas and passion of these young leaders with General Mills' ability to scale. Together, we can turn small steps into big impact."

To learn more about back2earth, as well as the 2019 finalists, visit FeedingBetterFutures.com. 

Summer Music Camps now enrolling

For children with no musical background The Miami Conservatory of Music features "Music Discovery" where they will enjoy hands on opportunities to explore a variety of instruments like piano, guitar, violin, voice and percussion with the guidance of professional musicians. On the final day parents can come and see them perform for the first time on their instruments.

Immerse your child in music this summer. These camps are perfect for children with no musical background and for those who are already involved.  You can do one week or continue all summer long. The Miami Conservatory of Music has groups for ages 4- 5 and 7-and up.

Camps for summer of 2019 are as follows:  June 10-14, June 17-21, June 24-28, July 29-August 2, August 5-9 and August 12-16.  Hours are from 9:30 am to 4 pm (drop-off 9-9:30 am, dismissal 4-4:30 pm).

Fees: One-week camp | $275
Two-week camp | $525
Three-week | $785
5% discount for 2 or more siblings registering.

After camp private instruction is also offered on piano, violin, cello, voice, guitar, flute, clarinet, saxophone, and drums.  Lessons are available for all levels of experience, from beginners to advanced students. Contact MCM for availability and to hold your space.

Miami Conservatory of Music is located in the Mayfair Shops at 2911 Grand Avenue. Phone 305-442-2283.

For information and to register online please go here.

Stop by for a hot towel shave and a game of pool

Jimmy the barber and one of his happy clients.

When you hear the words, "Men's Barbershop," you probably think "expensive." Let's change that. There's a new place in the Grove for men to get their hair cut. You can also get your beard trimmed and get a hot towel shave, all at reasonable prices. Oh, and they also do kids' haircuts, too.

Mustache Barbershop, an "authentic barber shop," has an old fashioned feel as you enter. 

The first thing you'll notice as you enter, aside from the barber pole, is a pool table, which makes you feel quite welcome. You can play a game while you wait for your haircut and perhaps have a beer on them.

Co-founders Alvaro Puche and Andres Felipe Piedrahita opened their first shop in Doral, it is so successful that they opened their next shop in the Grove. Alvaro told me that the Doral location started slow. He saw a need and opened the shop, little by little it grew and they have 14 barbers now. That's his plan for the Grove.

Men's haircuts start at $25 - you'll receive $5 off on your first visit.

They prefer appointments, by calling 305-456-6738, but walk-ins are welcome.

Mustache Barbershop is tucked away at 3333 Rice Street, open Monday thru Friday from 10 am to 8 pm, Saturday from 10 am to 7 pm and Sunday, 10 am to 4 pm.

Mayor's Playhouse veto is upheld

Thursday morning, the City Commission met regarding the overturn of the Mayor's veto regarding the Coconut Grove Playhouse.

The City Commission voted  in favor of keeping the Mayor's veto in place. It wasn't actually a vote in favor, but there weren't enough votes against. it. The vote was a 3-2 in favor of overturning the veto, but a 4-1 vote was needed to do that. Commissioners Ken Russell and Keon Hardemon voted to uphold the veto.

As usual, the public spoke at length in favor and against the issue. It was mayor against mayor as both mayors spoke - City Mayor Francis Suarez spoke about his veto decision and County Mayor Carlos Gimenez spoke in favor of the county's project.

I'm still not quite sure why Gimenez is so invested in this in that he needs to show up at every meeting. Does he really care if the state takes back the theater, which seems to be a big part of his argument? 

Mayor Suarez had facts and figures. Real facts and figures; not rhetoric, which seems what Gimenez is good at. Suarez says the county has no money for the job, he said the City of Miami and the Miami Parking Authority are putting the money behind the plan. Not the county. "They have not dedicated one dollar of their bond money, to the restoration of the playhouse," said Mayor Suarez, referring to the county. The county's plan is not a fully funded plan."

The Mayor's veto reinstated the HEP Board's decision. An attorney for the mayor, Eddy Leal, said that the appeal was illegal and should not have been permitted. At the HEP Board meeting, the County asked that the HEP Board vote at that moment, rather than come back at anther meeting to discuss changes. The County preferred the vote at that moment. The HEP Board denied a certificate of demolition on the spot, which should have been the end of of discussion since the County asked for a final vote at that moment.

In the end there were not enough votes to overturn the Mayor's veto regarding the historical nature of the Playhouse. 

"The county does not respect the process," said Mayor Suarez, when it comes to adhering to the HEP Board, the veto and the full process.

The county will sue now.

Why Freebee is not working

A reader sent this in, he doesn't want his named used, but I think it's quite interesting:

Let me enlighten you on why Freebee is not working in the Grove. 1st of all if you do not tip you will be at the bottom of the list to be picked up. The people that are benefiting from Freebee are the Schools, Trains, Grocery Stores. If Freebee would eliminate taking people to the Grocery stores who have big parking lots with lots of parking that would free up a unit. If Freebee would quit taking Nannys from Frantz Road to La Pizza School and back because the parent it to lazy to make lunch in the morning, and the request in the after noon to pick up Nanny again and then go and pick up child and then back. Its a total round trip of almost 6 miles and a trip time of almost 35 to 40 minutes and a battery usage of about 20 percent.  This is just like the rider that gets picked up at Laselle High on Bayshore and taking him to Bonita Drive in Coral Gables, he does not even live in Coconut Grove. Coconut Grove can be done with 3 vehicles if they would quit from being taxis for everyone and doing what the service was meant for. You have 14 year old girls riding at 10 pm at night, just wait until one of them gets assaulted and the BID gets sued.  Freebee is afraid to go to the BID, their stand is lets sell them more vehicles and that's more money we make. Instead of them fixing what is broke lets keep expanding and selling units. Just like in Pinecrest, they started out with only 2 units knowing that it is an 8 unit zone. The owners are young and like I said they need to fix what is broken. let me know if you want more. I can explain more on why it is not working right in the Grove.

Juicing and Vegan Workshop at Choices Cafe

Choices Cafe is holding a Juicing and Vegan Workshop on Saturday, June 1 from 6 to 9 pm.

Everything Earth Tribe and Ital Vegan Chef will show you how to learn, connect and awaken to the importance of high vibrational, natural, unheated, alive fuel. What we consume into our bodies is direct fuel, and it directs our energy, thoughts and short/long term health. There are definitely more reasons than one to shift to a plant-based lifestyle and they will go over all of it.

To go Vegan for the animals and planet is beautiful, but it's just as important one does it for their health and does it correctly so you can thrive and not feel the need to return to old ways. 

They will offer an extensive, informational talk on this lifestyle (combination, superfoods, other holistic lifestyle tips) as well as make one raw juice, one raw lunch and one raw dessert will be served. 
This will be interactive and hands on.

Tickets for the workshop are all inclusive for juice, lunch, dessert and talk/take home guide. They are $50 each.

You can purchase through eventbrite or venmo Brielle @BrielleMurch to save the $4.67 Eventbrite fees.

Choices Cafe is at 2895 McFarlane Road. 

Dinner Key Marina may finally be repaired

The Office of Capital Improvements is asking the commission Thursday to accept a proposal from Kearns Construction Company, to be considered to finally do the work repairing Dinner Key Marina, which has been in bad shape since Hurricane Irma in September 2017. 

Three proposals came in, one from Dock and Marine Construction Corp., another from Marina Utilities Inc., and the third from Kearns. Kearns is the lowest responsible bidder at this point. Their total bid: $16,880,381 plus extras for piers 1, 3 and 8 at a cost of $3,919,619, there is also an owner’s contingency allowance for $1,688,038. The total is not to exceed $22,488,038. 

The work will be done in phases.

At Thursday's City Commission meeting, commissioners are being asked to approve this bid and proposal.

The City is counting on FEMA to pay a bulk of the cost. The City's General Fund and Florida Inland Navitagation District (FIND) along with sewer bonds will pay in the meantime.

There will be three phases and there will be "hurricane related repairs" and "non-hurricane related repairs."

Are crosswalks needed in South Grove?

Are better crosswalks needed in the South Grove? A reader posed that question.

I know folks are still a bit upset over the new traffic light on Douglas and Poinciana. It's like the Grove is growing up way too fast. Above is an example of a crosswalk that goes to nowhere. Once you cross the street, then what?

I'm told that parents would like the crosswalks on Royal Palm, Palmetto, Avocado and Loquat, these streets are being used as routes by parents to walk their kids to school.

I don't ever see people walking in the South Grove, so not sure how many people are walking through these streets to school. I did see a couple on those rental scooters once in South Grove and that made me smile.

What do you think?

Tigertail + Mary is a lush neighborhood retreat

You've probably seen the large Botero sculpture, "Mujer Vestida," at the corner of Tigertail + Mary - well, that's part of Tigertail + Mary, the new restaurant which opens Friday, May 24.

James Beard Award-winning chef-restaurateur Michael Schwartz is owner of the new restaurant, he also owns Harry's Pizzeria in Center Grove and started in 2007 with Michael's Genuine Food & Drink in the Design District. 

“Coconut Grove feels good I think because it doesn’t try too hard to be something. It is consistently, 100 percent itself, full of good energy and honesty. Food should be this way, too,” he explains. 

A Miami native, Executive Chef Stephen Ullrich’s menu includes Oysters with mignonette; Steak Tartare with smoked egg aioli, fingerling potatoes, chives; Charred Snap Peas with whipped ricotta, ham, mint, and lemon; Fideos with chorizo, littleneck clams, sea beans, and saffron aioli; Mashed Fava Pizza with ramps, snap peas, asparagus, fontina cheese; Sea Trout with crispy black lentils, herbs, yellow curry; and Slow-Roasted Curried Lamb Shoulder ‘Thali’, part of a Family-Style section with larger dishes perfect for sharing, served with assorted pickles and sauces, brown basmati, and paratha. Pastry Chef Antonia Grandberry delights with ease in desserts like vegan Pavlova with key lime curd and mango pineapple-coconut sorbet and Rhubarb Crisp with strawberry and quinoa honey oat gelato.

Partnering with Miami-based, nationally-recognized craft cocktail experts Bar Lab, Tigertail + Mary’s bar features a well-rounded list of cocktails. Rhubarb + Soda takes a flagship aperitif, Campari, and brightens it with the zing of rhubarb and strawberry for a twist on the classic Americano with Cocchi Torino and soda water. Tigertail Daiquiri combines coconut fat-washed white rum with Cocchi Americano, lime juice and fennel syrup. Bottled cocktails provide a perfect pour, including Salty Dove with Paloma lovers in mind, but here with blanco Tequila, lime juice and a house made grapefruit tepache, a bright, fermented mixer with pineapple. Guests can enjoy a rotating selection of Florida beer at the bar’s two taps, rounded out with a cross section of approachable local and American craft beers in a range of styles.

The restaurant is cultivating a small, raised bed garden with the guidance of urban farmer and Little River Cooperative founder Muriel Olivares. Freshly planted this summer, the garden has peppers, shiso, basil, sweet potato and more to make the best of Miami’s year-round growing season.

Nicole Kelly, long-time General Manager at The Genuine Hospitality Group, will oversee Tigertail + Mary.

Opening hours of operation will be dinner hours to start: Friday and Saturday from 5:30 – 11:30 pm and Sunday through Thursday until 10:30 pm. The restaurant’s café will open soon for breakfast including coffee and bakery items, as well as grab and go sandwiches and drinks. Brunch and lunch service at the restaurant will soon follow this summer. The restaurant’s myriad spaces are available for events, including a chef’s table at the open kitchen and a private room with A/V capability. 

The American Contemporary dinner menu features items like oysters, sea trout, along with pizza and pasta, there is also suckling pig, NY Strip, chicken, burgers and there is a large selection of fresh vegetables including charcoal-grilled artichokes, roasted carrots, charred escarole, grilled leeks, asparagus, and marinated green cabbage.

Valet parking is available in addition to metered street spots and a nearby garage. 

Reservations can be made by calling 305.722.5688, emailing reservations@tigertailandmary.com or via Open Table through tigertailandmary.com. Walk-ins are always welcome.

Tigertail + Mary, located at 3321 Mary Street.

The Playhouse project is not fully funded

The following letter was sent by Architect Richard Heisenbottle to the Mayor and Commissioners on Tuesday afternoon. Heisenbottle has alternative plans for the playhouse.

Good afternoon Mayor Suarez and City Commissioners,

For the past few days I have been working through the construction costs for the Playhouse Foundations Alternative Preservation Scheme for the Playhouse with SKANSKA USA.  This has led me to question how the County was preparing to fund the Arquitectonica Playhouse plan, so I texted my old friend Art Noriega to get clarity on who was funding what.  What I found out was startling and I feel compelled to share it with you and the other Commissioners as I don’t believe that any of you or the general public are aware. I have outlined what I have learned below.

Every County presentation to the City Commission, to lower Boards and to the numerous public meetings, have included Gimenez/Spring’s categorical statements that the Arquitectonica plan is fully developed, fully funded and ready to go.

The County Mayor made the statement, “We have the money available to restore that corner of Coconut Grove.” I believe that statement to be a misleading untruth. In fact Michael Spring and Mayor Gimenez appear to have been materially misleading. Rather than being a theater arts or historic preservation driven project, this is a developer driven project and both the public and the City Commission need to be made aware.  In the County plan, 33% of the space is for theater related purposes, 67% is given over to office and retail space. Not for Arts Education, Not for a Bahamian Cultural Center, Not for Affordable Housing.

Read more »

US Flags are up!

The US Flags went up Tuesday morning, a bit earlier than usual. They have been going up on Flag Day, which is June 14, but now they are up earlier, in time for Memorial Day, which is May 27.
Summer is coming!

The return of Mail Art; be a part of it

In 2009, the Windisch-Hunt Gallery had a "Mail Art" exhibition. People sent Mail Art to AnnaMaria Windisch Hunt and it ended up being a show at the gallery. One time a guy sent a red high heel shoe in with stamps on it, and it arrived! The mailman was as thrilled as AnnaMaria with the surprises that arrived each day, people from all over the world participated.

Mail Art is just that -- art sent through the mail. You can see all the stories and photos we posted on the Mail Art in 2009 here, including the red high heel. The Grapevine formatting was a bit different so the photos may overlap a bit.

AnnaMaria is doing it again, but this time in Lake Worth. If you would like to participate, please send your mail art to: Congratulations, City Hall, 7 N. Dixie Highway, Lake Worth Beach, FL 33460.
                                           
The mail art may be envelopes or post cards. Please don't put anything inside the envelopes, they won't be opened. The deadline for all arrivals is August 10, 2019.

This is open to everyone. 

For more info, please email lakeworthart@gmail.com, and please put "mail art" in the subject line.

A little Woman's Club history

I was speaking with the ladies at the Woman's Club, they were telling me so much about the history.

One funny thing is that if you read the minutes from over the years - yes, they have all the original minutes locked up and safe - you'll see them discussing the same issues in 1891 that they discuss today. The club was started as the Housekeeper's Club that year by Flora McFarlane and other pioneers of the time.  The current clubhouse was built in 1924. The ladies names line the streets today - McFarlane, Gifford, Frow, etc.

Public domain photo

Ms. McFarlane ran the schoolhouse which was built in 1887, she taught classes 1889-1894 and organized the Coconut Grove Housekeepers Club, oldest federated women's club in Florida. The Club met in this building till 1894. The building was located at 2916 Grand Avenue, across from where the Mayfair Promenade is today; sort of where the parking lot is across from that. The actual building was moved to the Plymouth Congregational Church property, where you can see it today at 3400 Devon Road.

Originally, the Woman's Club encompassed the Sonesta property and it went all the way down to the water's edge - where the Sailing Club is today. South Bayshore was not there and the big front lawn reached the water.

The land was divided and unfortunately up until this day, developers are always approaching the club, they wish to buy it and make waterfront condos on the spot.

This new address sign was made by club member Yudit Orlando. What's extra special about it is that the broken mosaic pieces are old, historic tea cups from the club, saved from over the years.

City Commission Should Override Mayor’s Playhouse Veto

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

“Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.”

The playhouse, as a large venue, has failed financially five times in its 91-year history. If we ignore this simple fact and allow well connected individuals to impose their will through political pressure (nothing new to the playhouses history) then we will repeat the folly of the past, and yet this time with the most far reaching consequences. 

As a Candidate for Commissioner of District 2 and former Chair of the Coconut Grove Village Council I’ve had a front row seat to the long-running playhouse drama.

In 2014, as the county began the lengthy process of securing a lease with the State of Florida -- satisfying all liens, developing a business plan, identifying a proven theater operator and educational component -- the Village Council, at my request, received a presentation from Miami Dade County’s Director of Cultural Affairs, Michael Spring. We were impressed with the county’s plan then; I remain impressed now.

Over the past four years, the County has done its due diligence by gaining approvals from City and County boards, and by gaining the support from local businesses, foundations, preservation groups and the Village Council. It has held countless meetings to hear residents’ concerns, it has overcome a litany of legal and regulatory obstacles, and most impressively it has engaged in robust public debate without stooping to incivility and deceit. 

The County plan has the funding in place to complete the project. A competing plan does not. Given the opportunity to raise fund for this alterative vision, supporters came up woefully short. Donors did not come forward, and the plan proved untenable.

I urge the City Commission on this Thursday to override the Mayors Veto and let the playhouse project move forward so that we can begin the revival of great regional theater in Coconut Grove.

Thank you,

Javier Gonzalez
Coconut Grove

Large turnout for for Grillin N Chillin

Lately, there have been so many events happening in Coconut Grove, that is feels like old times! On Sunday, Grillin N Chillin took over Peacock Park and it was a fantastic event. 

Did you see our Grapevine logo as you entered? We were proud to be a sponsor of this well-attended event. We're almost getting burned there by the SWARM logo. SWARM threw the party as only they can - first class.

It was free to enter, and they were handing out free drinks all over the place, but of course the main event was BBQ. BBQ and liquor. What could go wrong?

Nothing.

First let me say, we got there early, so these photos look sparse, but later in the day, the park was full of people, like all of the beer and food festivals usually are - a very successful event.

It started slow and built to thousands of people showing up by late afternoon, on what was a hot day. 

There were plenty of tables and plenty of vendors serving everything from BBQ chicken to ribs, to brisket and more. BBQ, beer, sides, and dessert were available all day long from variety of different vendors, ranging from Korean BBQ, Memphis, Texas or Kansas City barbecue to the well-known Brazilian Churrasco and Argentine Parrillada. It was a meat-lovers paradise.

The Knob Creek BBQ + Mixology Bar, shown here, had samples of their aromatic Rose on Rye sample specialty cocktail,  and they had smoky creations (what else at a BBQ?). Their Bourbon Brunch cocktail was quite popular.

The stage at the far end had live acts playing all day with big talents like Whiskey All-Stars, Tilt, Marquise Fair, and Jay Valor.


There were too many contests to keep track of from the The Kitchen Lab & BBQ Rib-Off to the Hot Dog Eating Contest. There was also a Mac n Cheese competition.

The Pit was a pop-up BBQ-infused sports bar, right in the center of the park, which complemented the live music lounge.