They just don't like Coconut Grove's food for some reason

Question: Has a Miami Herald food critic ever liked a Coconut Grove restaurant? I mean ever?

Here's a recent review on Angelo and Maxie's. They weren't that crazy about it.

I know I just put down the Dirty Deli and I call Coral Bagels the Dirty Deli, but I am a Grovite and I usually praise most places in the Grove, even when they are roach infested like Basil. So you can't put me in the Herald reviewer category.

I had Burger King for lunch

Guess I shouldn't share my lunch secrets with you all because today I went to Coral Bagels, the Dirty Deli, for the corned beef, which they actually made today at my request, and there was none left!

This has happened with their matzo ball soup in the past and with all turkey products, they were once out of everything turkey.

Now you know why I like Einstein Brothers -- they don't run out of food.

I left the Dirty Deli, promising not to return, and I got Burger King for lunch instead. They actually had their menu items in stock.

No Barriers Festival coming to Shake-A-Leg

I am holding a brochure in my hand, that my friend Dave Weiss gave to me for the No Barriers Festival 2009, which is at Shake-A-Leg from June 4 to 7, this year. Hundreds are expected for this amazing four days. Dave is a proud volunteer at Shake-A-Leg.

This is the first festival of its kind to combine land and water-based adaptive sports with cutting edge technologies that enable people with challenges to live as actively as possible. Interactive clinics are many including sailing, kayaking, windsurfing, scuba diving and lots more. Everyone is welcome to the festival.

One of the most important features of the festival is the interaction between scientists, manufacturers, pioneers, athletes, artists, and others to make the world equal for all.

For more info, please visit: www.nobarriersusa.org or email info@nobarriersusa.org

Photo courtesy of the No Barriers website

Bring in the old-fashioned drive-in movies!

The movie theater closing was brought up again earlier today at the Merchant's Meeting. As you know, AMC will be closing and Muvico will be moving in (despite their financial problems, the Grove project is proceeding), but there will be time where they are closed during renovations and merchants would like to keep movies in the Grove, to keep the crowds coming until the new super duper Muvico is up and running. Earlier this week there was a meeting with all interested parties -- the Merchants Assn., CocoWalk, the NET office, etc.

Movies in the park has been suggested -- in tents -- maybe near the glass house in Peacock Park and also suggested was to have Burn Notice reruns shown in the park with a meet and greet and autograph session with the actors on hand.

Also art movies shown around town was a good suggestion. Another great idea that came up this morning is drive-in movies. It's such an old-fashioned home town thing that it may work. Some areas where they can be shown are in front of City Hall or next door at the Expo Center lot or even at the Seminole Boat Ramp.

It may not work forever, but in the interim, why not? It could happen all through the summer and it would tie in with our old-fashioned 4th of July theme. I see they are already testing the bunting -- there is some up on Grand Avenue today!

Another tie-in with the drive-in movie could maybe be a classic car show to make it a festive grand opening. We could have that the weekend or the day that the drive-in opens sort of as a tandem promotion thing -- classic cars with a classic drive-in in our classic village.

It's corned beef and cabbage day!

I asked them at Coral Bagels (2750 SW 26 Avenue) when they would be doing the corned beef and cabbage again. The chef told me they just did it and had not planned it for awhile. But since I asked, he'll do it today.

So it's is corned beef and cabbage day at the Dirty Deli, er, Coral Bagels. Tell them the Grapevine sent you.

Are two townhomes on one lot illegal?

I have written about the ugly cookie cutter townhomes that have been popping up in the Center Grove and now it seems that they are illegal. An R2 zoned lot cannot have two separate homes on it and most of these townhomes hold two separate residences. Some even have more.

A reader has informed me that indeed, the sale of townhouses/condos of R2 properties (duplex) are illegal.

A couple of neighbors asked for almost four years for a legal opinion from their district commissioner, Joe Sanchez, after he promised them one at a meeting held in April 2005. They knew that two folios/two owners on a property zoned R2 was illegal. They insisted on a legal opinion. It never came.

Finally, through Commissioner Tomas Regalado they were able to obtain a legal opinion. The PDF of that is here.

Aside from the drastic change of the character of their neighborhood (old Spanish), according to the neighbors, the fact that this was allowed for so long had very damaging consequences to all the owners of R2 property that have two units -- the county has removed the homestead exemption from half the property. Therefore, increasing the property taxes.

Elderly neighbors are being forced out because they cannot come up with the difference, which is in the thousands of dollars, with their fixed income. One neighbor, 91-years-old, had his tax deed bought by someone and the outcome is that he has a couple of weeks to move out.

Just another consequence of the greed that goes on in the name of progress. But I guess if you are foolish enough to buy one of these things, then you should pay the exorbitant taxes that go with them.

Another new featured event for the Saturday Art Stroll

The Mutiny Hotel (2951 S. Bayshore Drive) is having an evening of Pure Imagination wtih Ed King Pop Art featuring a new collection of unique neon-pop artwork on Saturday, May 2 from 7 to 10 pm.

A portion of the art sales will benefit Family Resource Center of South Florida.

There will be hors d'oeuvres, wine pours, a cash bar and valet parking on hand.

Please RSVP Jean at 305-441-2100, ext. 2008 or email: JVillamizar@mutinyhotel.com

This coincides with the First Saturday Art Stroll that covers the whole Center Grove. All the art galleries will be having an open house and the plaza at Mayfair will be full of art and music, as well.

Out of sight, out of mind; we need to tell people we're here

We had a small merchants meeting recently, and we had a guest -- an ad saleswoman from Community Newspapers, Robin Korth. She lives in Pinecrest and has lived in Dade County most of her life, she used to frequent the Grove all the time, she actually went to school at Carrollton, but now she doesn't visit us much, I asked her why and what her opinon of the Grove was. I loved that we had someone from the outside looking in since we are so busy telling each other how great we all are at meeings, and truth be told, people don't know we are so great.

Her answer was something like, "We don't even know the Grove exists anymore. Other than the Arts Festival, you never hear anything going on."

Ironically, we have something going on every week and almost every night of the week. Look at our Calendar of Events to prove this.

We need to tell the rest of the county what is going on. I like to think that everyone gets their news and events from the Grapevine, but honestly, our readers read us daily because they know about us, and the rest find us through search engines, while searching for Grove events. If people are not familiar with the Grapevine or are not searching for Grove events, they don't have a clue.

We are still working on the brochure to be given out at rest stops along the turnpike, but I think it may also be important to give the brochures out around the county at restaurants and events where people congregate.

Maybe the trolley idea isn't too lame. Maybe we need a rolling billboard to drive around the county and tell people we have events going on like art stolls and poetry night and the Bed Race and plain old "non-events" -- we have shady, tree-lined streets and a sailing presence where people can just hang out and enjoy. What we have that many other places don't have are characters -- we have our citizens -- our cast of characters -- the ones you read about daily in the Grapevine. People like mix and mingle with us, we just need to remind them to come back and visit.

Grove Slam Poker Tournament starts tonight

The Grove Slam fishing tournament is starting today. The Grove Slam Poker Tournament is open to all, not just those in the fishing tournament. They have had a few calls wondering if it was only open to Grove Slam anglers and that is not the case. It is open to anyone who wants to play.

The action happens tonight, Wednesday night, at Monty's. Be there at 6:30 pm to register. Call with questions: 305-461-2700. Or more info here.

Mind Freeing Fridays with Poetry Night at Anokha

"Mind Freeing Fridays," an escape into poetry, is coming to Anokha (3324 Virginia Street) every Friday night, starting May 1.

Happy hour and poetry combine starting at 8 pm, where the doors open to luscious food, drink and prose. Admission is $7, there are $5 drink specials all night, along with Anokha's delicious dishes.

The South Dade Connection is a poetry troupe comprised of individuals that vary in age, background, and gender. They have been together since 2005. Motivational speakers as well, they strive to teach the youth that there are alternatives in regards to self expression.

FAN is holding its annual luncheon at the Sonesta Hotel

Funding Arts Network (FAN) is holding its annual awards luncheon and membership drive by handing out $200,000 in grant awards, including the $50,000 Knight Foundation New Work Award.The new FAN board will be presented at the luncheon. Rachel Blechman will be stepping down after six years as president and Terry Schechter will be incoming president from 2009 to 2011.

Over 20 artistic organizations will receive grants at the luncheon. So far, FAN has given $2.25 million to 75 groups. The luncheon is at the Sonesta Bayfront Hotel Coconut Grove (2889 McFarlane Road), Tuesday May 5 at noon.

For info or reservations, please call 305-476-5424 or email karengottlieb@fundingartsnetwork.org

The Grove had a very European flavor during Bike Day

It turns out that over 3000 people visited the Grove for Miami Bike Day last weekend, the largest group yet! And it was declared by many who have participated in other Miami Bike Days, as the best one yet. I have only heard good things about Sunday's event, from everyone.

The Grove had a very European flair about it during Bike Day. More than one person told me that, too. There was just something about the people, the bikes, the lack of many motor vehicles. Commodore Plaza's resturants were full and it was just a day for friends to have a good time visiting with friends.

The streets were buzzing and people weren't looking for the things we always talk about, that we always say we are lacking -- certain stores, restaurants, parking, etc.. It seems that just having a bunch of friends enjoying the day, the Grove, the whole vibe, is all that was needed. It did not come down to material things.

We need more of this. This is what the Grove is about and this is how we need to express ourselves and market ourselves to everyone. It's a feeling, a vibe, an experience.

Get Connected is having their premier event at Cabana One

Cabana One is having a networker event on Thursday, April 30. This is the premier of “Get Connected”, an event which offers young professionals a platform to network and build relationships in our community.

South Florida's leading networking organizations of young professionals will be partying it up.

Complimentary cocktails will be provided by The Bartender's Society from 7 to 9 pm. David Ortiz will be the mixologist on hand. No RSVP is needed, just grab a friend or two and show up!

A few participating groups will be Connect Florida, the Coral Gables Chamber's 20/30 Group, Coral Gables Rotaract Club, Impact Circle of Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Ronald McDonald House and many more.

For more info, please contact Natalie Leon at (786) 537-0751 or Cristina Tacoronte at (305) 788-0808.

Little village of shops had a great grand opening night

Friday night several shops on the other side of US1 celebrated a joint grand openings. Gina Hubler opened the long awaited Mosaic Academy. Gina also teaches at Corning Glass, in upstate New York. Classes are being scheduled at the gallery and there always is an instructional trip to Italy every summer. You may purchase your materials at Mosaic Academy.

Next door is "Grove" which in Woodstock, NY is the popular "Legends" store, also making their debut was Irita Photography Studio, an actors studio and sound staging complex and Lakshmi Spa and Salon; all off 27th Avenue.

Above is artist Hans Feyerabend, Beverly Ainsworth, Inga Eleutheria, and Gina Hubler (in purple).

Breaking the Silence luncheon is this Thursday

Kristi House is having it's 3rd Annual "Breaking the Silence" luncheon at Grove Isle Thursday, April 30.

The luncheon builds awareness for Kristi House and draws support from concerned, caring inviduals and business leaders, who can assist in the Krisi House mission to end child sexual abuse in our community.

The luncheon starts at noon.For info, or to RSVP, please email Bianca at bfernandez@kristihouse.org or call 305-547-6802.

Blast your ad. Info here.

Hootenanny at Berries

Come to Hootenanny at Berries (2884 SW 27 Avenue) tomorrow night, Tuesday.

Three acoustic musicians will be performing: Bill Kunz, Eric Wagner and Zip Robertson with some special guests from 8 to 11 pm.

Pleasant dining experience at George's in the Grove

George's in the Grove is known for their great food, now they make the dining experince even nicer. In the winter they used outdoor heaters, now that the hot summer months are coming George's has this cool new thing -- literally -- it's an outside air conditioner.

I've never seen this before. I guess it is the opposite of the heating lamps used in the winter.

I don't think it is probably a very green thing to do for the environment, and especially the grass in the planter there, but it will make outside dining more bearable in the hot summer months.

The Mayfair Plaza is turning into quite the hang out

The plaza at Mayfair always seems to have something going on each weekend. This past weekend Captain Art was out along with the Old Story Teller and the petting zoo and Bev the Steel Drum player, oh yea, and Freddie the Balloon Artist and magician.

Captain Art, shown here with Alexis and Freddie had us all drawing in a short time. He just set out his markers, paint and paper and we all had a ball. Freddie did a lot of magical tricks in between, he's good at a lot of David Blaine's stuff.


Robert joined us, you can see him here drawing with Capt. Art and Alexis. It really was a fun day. I went back and forth between the guys hanging at Paul's Sunglasses Kiosk and here.

Next weekend, Johnny Valdes tells me that there will be a lot more going on for the First Saturday Art Stoll, including a liquor company sponsoring the event and local restaurants handing out samples of their food. Of course the artists will be out like last time, too. And there will be more music.

Another Freddie, Freddie the Flamingo, has moved from CocoWalk to Mayfair and is being spruced up for his grand entrance. So look for him soon, too.

Change of artists for free Mother's Day Concert

The Mother's Day concert is still on in Peacock Park, only Roberta Flack has been replaced by local Jon Secada. It will now be Jon Secada and Maxi Priest.

It's free, at Peacock Park, Saturday, May 9.

There will be food, art and a fashion show. It starts at 4 pm.

For info: 305-642-1271.

A little farmer's market and barbecue at The Fresh Market

The Fresh Market had quite a weekend. They had their wine tasting on Friday and also on Friday and Saturday they had a mini farmer's market and tent sale where they sold vegetables and barbecued delicious food outside.

Hector and Jeff prepared sirloin hamburgers and cheeseburgers and steak sandwiches -- $3.00 each, including a soda! -- and they had a nice little area to sit and enjoy the food, next door, including live music.

Inside they had lots of tastings and one of my favorites -- rootbeer floats for sale.

Hector told me that they are trying this out and may do it a couple of times a month if it went well. From the looks of it, it went incredibly well. Do it every weekend! I don't remember when I had a better burger -- seriously. Delish!

Goodie special today at Focaccia Rustica

Today Focaccia Rustica (3111 Grand Avenue) has these special goodies.

There are chocolate mousse cakes, a chocolate pyramid, a Maracuya cake, chocolate mint cake and Tiramisu cake.

Each is $3.99.

Bike Day is a perfect fit for Coconut Grove

Kathryn Moore (above left), from the Mayor's office, and her Miami Bike Team should be very proud of themselves today. They did an incredible job bringing Bike Day to Coconut Grove yesterday.

It was a perfect day for the event and the Grove was packed with happy bikers, skaters, bladers and the like. Two new bike racks were introduced, too. You can see the bike-shaped green rack, proudly displayed by Miami's Magnificent Six Bicycle Action Committee. This is right next to the Bookstore on Virginia Street.


A red, guitar-shaped bike rack was also installed on Main Highway, across from Le P'tit Paris, Marshall and Douglas were the first to try it out yesterday morning. Everyone was very impressed at how they were installed in the middle of the night, so as to be a surprise the next morning. Richard and David from the BID and Chamber, respecively, manned the info booth next to the bike rack all day. I also worked with Manny and Ingrid from the BID office, at another info booth. They actually spent more time there than I did, since I was wandering all over the place taking photos.


The whole Grove partook of the fun. Even the Grove's own angel was out at the triangle in the center of the village, posing for photos. The Guys from Smoothie King, like most of the merchants, had a busy, successful day. That's my friend Alex, in the center photo. He's with FIU, they took surveys on biking in the county, to see what people are looking for in the way of bike paths and things like that.


The streets were void of cars, except for the few parked on the side and just a few were let in and out, so it was a strange feeling at first, but pretty quickly, people got used to not having motorized vehicles around. It actually was quite pleasant.


Peacock Park was the center of activities and the rally point, but people ended up all over the place -- riding, visiting, eating, drinking. It really was an amazing experience.


A couple of bike valet stations were set up and people could leave their bicycles and go eat or visit art galleries, and they knew their bikes would be safe. CocoWalk had one set up in an empty storefront and I suggested to them that this would be a good thing to have all the time.


It seemed that every city politician was out, which was great, but it would be a much better event in the future if it was a bit more low key. By that, I mean, no speeches and grandstanding and photo opps. Just close the streets to autos and let bikers take over like was done yesterday.


I spoke with many people and everyone would like to see this happen on a regular basis. Hopefully the BID can come up with something and this can be a once a month happening. The merchants were happy, the bicyclists were happy, the town leaders were happy. It's a win-win-win situation for everyone. Some merchants started out slow, but it picked up throughout the day and with more people here on a Sunday since maybe the King Mango Strut in December, there is no reason that anyone could not be happy with the results.


Bike Day brought so many new people into the Grove and so many people that had not been here for awhile. The streets were crowded, there was music all over the place -- flute playing, drummers, guitars and singers. It was a happening. And it was an organic happening. Very organic, natural and what the Grove is about.

Photos by Harry Emilio Gottlieb and Tom Falco for the Grapevine

It was a perfect day for a bike ride

It was a sea of orange as thousands took to Coconut Grove today for Miami Bike Day.

It all started early in Peacock Park and built up to the big orange bike parade at about 11 am, where bikers, rollerbladers, skateboarders and even baby strollers come up McFarlane Road and winded their way around the village.

I'll have a full report and many more photos tomorrow.

Today is Miami Bike Day in Coconut Grove!

Today is Miami Bike Day in Coconut Grove. I will Tweet live most of the day on Twitter, so there won't be other blog posts today, mostly because I assume most of you will be out enjoying the unique experience today.

All the streets will be closed to vehicular traffic and open only to bicycles, skateboarders, rollerbladers, walkers, etc. The whole Grove will be consumed with going green and going orange.

You see, orange is the theme of the event because that is the color of the Netherlands which has been ruled by the ‘House of Orange-Nassau’ since 1815, this color has been adopted as a ‘national color’. There are 1000 orange t-shirts, that they will be giving out.

Why the Netherlands? Well, the Consulate General and Dutch community will be joining us for Grove Bike Day in honor of Queen Beatrix's birthday, which is April 30. The Dutch know how to live green and how to incorporate bicycles as part of every day modern life.

They'll have a booth set up in Peacock Park and along with that, there will be an Orange Parade and bike valets will be on hand to watch your bikes for free. There are bike clinics and tune-up stations, where you can have your bike worked on -- all for free.

Bikes will be available for for free rentals, for those that don't have bicycles (limited supply) and it will just be one big bicycle celebration.Grove merchants will all be participating in one form or another with specials for all visitors. For a partial list of specials, check the Bike Miami Blog here. There are many more merchants participating than are listed.

All of the parking lots will be available for folks coming from other areas with bikes in tow, they are on the perimeter of the Grove and easily accessible. You can see the parking lots that will be open for car parking. The streets that are shown in green will be closed to motor vechicles for the duratoin of Bike Day. Please click on the map for a larger PDF version.

Please join me on Twitter to enjoy the live Tweets today.

What's up with this mess?

This eyesore is right in the center of the Village, most people in Coconut Grove see this. Why?

It's bad enough that FPL feels the need to graffiti the streets in the name of progress (leave the gas lights alone!), but does this crime scene image need to be there especially now and tomorrow for Bike Day? I am working that booth tomorrow, giving info to the lost and confused visitors, hope it's not looking like that when I get there at 9 am.

Mail Art reception is tomorrow afternoon

Tomorrow, Sunday, is the reception for the participants of the Mail Art Exhibit that has been going since February at the Windisch-Hunt Gallery (2911 Grand Avenue). All winter and into spring, people have been sending their mail art -- decorated, artistic envelopes and other items to the gallery. Even a red high heel shoe came all the way from Europe with just a few stamps stuck on the bottom!

This colorful envelope inspired by the stamp, arrived from seven-year-old Mariana Molano, a student from Children's House Montessori School. It was one of many envelopes that made it under the wire.

Three envelopes arrived from the Czech Republic's One Ear Society, last minute, too. The reception is right after the Bike Day events from 2 to 4 pm.

You can see many of the thousands of mail art that came in at the local One Ear Society blog here.

Chamber's next After Hours Club event at Calamari's

The Chamber's After Hours Club will be at Calamari (3540 Main Highway) on Tuesday, April 28 from 5:30 to 7:30 pm.

The World Assn of Alcohol Beverage Industry will be on hand for this special networking cocktail event. Complimentary prosecco, wine or beer plus hors d'oeuvres will be served, plus there are raffle prizes.

Free valet parking is also on hand, always available at Calamari's.Cost is $5.00 Chamber and WAABI members and $10 non-members. Please RSVP by calling 305-444-7270 or emailing info@coconutgrove.com

Scaffolding is down; let the party begin

So the scaffolding at CocoWalk is down after so many months -- almost six, I think. The new addition that Crazy Pianos added is nice. I am surprised that a major shopping center would allow such a total structural change, and right on the front street, but I guess these days, any tenant is better than none and if they can make changes that don't hurt the integrity of the structure, why not? In this case I think he really has enhanced it.

They did a number on the trees during construction and while they took the scaffolding down. I was shuddering at the way they treated them as they removed all the planks, but they look ok now I guess.

Crazy Pianos is opening May 6, to get on the guest list, please use this form.

I'm just sayin' . . .

We need an Einstein Brothers Bagels in the Grove.

The Sweet Dreams Bakery on Commodore Plaza did not open today as scheduled. If you look inside, it looks like there is weeks, if not months' worth of work to do. Not sure why people say they are opening when they obviously are nowhere near ready.

Crazy Pianos is scheduled to open May 6. The scaffolding is down, let's hope they can open on schedule.

Sad to say Basil was shut down for being dirty, roach infested, in fact. I wasn't going to say anything, but the more I think the about it, the more furious I get, since I eat there often.

How hard it is to have the place bug bombed once a month?

Come to the Cabaret -- at the church!

Come to the Cabaret at St. Stephen's Church, of all places!

On Saturday, May 9, St. Stephens (2750 McFarlane Road) will turn into a musical Cabaret with professional performers. Enjoy dinner as the show goes on.

There will be a cash bar. Tickets are $25 each and $40 per couple. Parking is free with advanced ticket purchase.

The Cabaret opens at 7 pm and goes all night.

For info and tickets, please email choircabaret@att.net or call Carmela at 305.666.3329.

Charity Cut-A-Thon in May at Allure Salon

Allure Salon (3405 Main Highway) is having a Cut-A-Thon on Sunday, May 3. All money raised (100%) will go to the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are requested. Women's haircuts are $35.00 and Men's are $25.00.

Split Ends, the Style Network tv show filmed an episode one week at Allure recently.

The Cut-A-Thon is from 10 am to 6 pm. Reservations may be made by calling (305) 461-0020.

Grove Sailing Club is offering youth summer program

The Coconut Grove Sailing Club (2990 S. Bayshore Drive) is again offering summer youth sailing instruction for both sailing club members and non-members.

There will be five, two-week sessions. Sailors will be classified as either beginner, intermediate, or racing level. A US Sailing certified instructor and several junior instructors supervises the classes.

Campers must be between the ages of seven and 14 years old. Camp will begin weekdays at 9:00 am and end at 4:00 pm each day and will be held rain or shine.

Beginners will learn basic sailing skills, knots, nomenclature, and safety. By the end of the course, beginning sailors will be able to single-hand a pram boat, know the names of all parts of the boat, and know what to do if the boat capsizes. Intermediate sailors will learn more advanced techniques, racing rules, and explore further into Biscayne Bay.

The sessions are like this:
Session 1 - June 8 thru June 19
Session 2 - June 22 thru July 3
Session 3 - July 6 thru July 17
Session 4 - July 20 thru July 31
Session 5 - August 3 thru August 14

Applicants are accepted on a first come first serve basis. Please go here to download the Medical Release and Registration forms and the Equipment/Clothing Checklist. You may also pick them up in the club office, or call: 305-444-4571 Ext. 10. For info, you can also email: sailingdirector@cgsc.org. Scholarships are available.

Coconut Grove Bike Day Ambassador

My BID buds asked me to be an ambassador of sorts during Bike Day on Sunday. So I may be in the black booth giving directions and answering questions in front of CocoWalk. Hopefully I can just wander around and give out directions and answers since I would like to cover everything for the Grapevine, including the parade, etc.

Restaurant Reality Check

Coral Bagels

We call it the Dirty Deli (I didn't make up the name), out of force of habit, but it seems that Coral Bagels (2750 SW 26 Avenue) has cleaned up its act. They are still a bit frayed around the edges, but the tables don't smell like cleaning fluid and the food is actually delicious and presentable now. I'm a fan.

Here are some of their items and prices. They have a very large menu. This is only a small fraction:

Breakfast
Two eggs any style with potatoes or grits, bagel, coffee or tea: $3.75
Add bacon, ham or sausage to the above and it is $4.75
French Toast or Pancakes with syrup: $4.49
Triple cheese omelet: $6.49
Spanish omelet: $6.49
There are many more choices for breakfast

Bagels: $1.69 plain; $1.90 veggie; $1.90 strawberry and the list goes on
Coffee or tea: $1.50
Fresh Squeezed juices: $2.75
Dr. Brown's sodas: $2.00

Sandwiches (they come with lettuce, tomato onion, choice of coleslaw, potato salad or chips.
Chicken Salad: $6.49 / Tuna Salad: $5.99 / Egg Salad: $5.49 / Ham: $6.49
Reuben or Rachel: $7.49 / Turkey melt: $6.99 / Hot dog with fries: $5.99
Burger: $5.49 / Cheeseburger: $5.99 / Bostonian: $7.49 / BLT: $4.99
The list of sandwiches goes on.

Soups: $3.29; they have Matzo Ball soup daily and other soups depending on the day of the week.

Other
Nova or lox: $8.59 / White fish salad: $7.49 / Falafel, hummus, tabouli: $7.69
Fries: $2.49 / Potato Knish: $3.49 / 4 stuffed grape leaves: $5.00
Skirt steak: $10.99 / Meatloaf: $7.99 / 1/2 Baked Chicken: $8.99
These include veggies and potato of the day.

They also have many daily specials, different each day. I had a delicious corned beef and cabbage dish for $13.00 recently (shown above).

Call them for their daily specials: 305-854-0336. They are open only until 4 pm. They serve breakfast and lunch starting at 6:30 am.

Reggie Nicholson; Alhambra Orchestra Conductor

Reggie Nicholson, Alhambra Orchestra Conductor and Past Commodore of the Coconut Grove Sailing Club has passed after a strong fight against cancer.

Viewing is at Caballero Rivero Woodlawn, 3344 SW 8 Street, Miami 33135, (305) 445-9508. Friday, April 24 - 4 pm to 12 Midnight / Saturday, April 25 - 8 am to 1:30 pm (police escort available to memorial service)

Memorial Service is at St. Andrew Episcopal Church, 14260 Old Cutler Road, Palmetto Bay 33156, (305) 238-2161 Saturday, April 25 - from 2 pm to 3:15 pm.

Burial to follow at Woodlawn North Cemetery, 3200 SW 8 Street, Miami 33135In lieu of flowers, Reggie has asked for donations to be made to the Frost School of Music, University of Miami, 1320 S Dixie Hwy, Suite 300, Coral Gables, FL 33146 and earmarked for the Reginald F. Nicholson Scholarship Fund.

Mini wine tasting today at the Fresh Market

The Fresh Market (2640 S. Bayshore Drive) is having a mini Wine Tasting this afternoon (Friday) featuring wines from around the world.

It is free to everyone from 4 to 7 pm. Hors d'oeuvres will be served from all of their departments -- deli, sushi, meat, bakery, etc. And there is a 15% discount on purchase of 12 bottles or more. You can mix and match the varieties.

Playing hooky

Today was Take Your Child to Work Day and each year, Mayfair sets up things for the kids to do either in the plaza, like last year, with face painting clowns and games, etc. or today it was inside The Improv.

The kids love it, It must be nice having The Improv as part of your go to work experience. Some folks work in factories, these lucky guys' parents work in a fun place and they get the nice perks.

Photo by AnnaMaria Windisch-Hunt

Falling trees are preventing the park from being open

Blanche Park at Shipping and Virginia is closed for the time being because the large banyan trees are falling over!

So no doggies or kiddies in the park for the time being.

Photo by Harry Emilio Gottlieb

The Great Coconut Grove Bed Race is taking form

A drinking-racing event or bed, dash and beyond -- that is how we summed up the Great Coconut Grove Bed Race at yesterday's bed race meeting.

A nice crowd showed up for the meeting at the Bookstore -- about 15 people. Not bad, we usually have just a handful.

A lot was discussed regarding insurance, marketing and logistic planning. I read the rules that AnnaMaria and myself came up with and we went over them line by line, that took forever. We should have things formal pretty soon.

As it stands now, $50.00 is the sign up fee for each bed, which will consist of one rider and four people pushing. A charity will be named as the beneficiary for part of the money. We will have an early sign up period and then the fee will go up to about $75.00 for late signers.

We are playing the event up as a revival of a Grove tradition, which it is.

The main design should be a twin size bed, about 54" x 75" inches and there should be a headboard, foot board and it can be designed in any way, but must have four wheels that touch the floor and be made up with pillows and a blanket at the start of the race.

There will be categories which will be judged and prizes will be given for these, like best concept, best design, best team song, best team cheer, etc. Anyone may help design the bed, but only the five who sign up and fill out waivers, may be part of the actual race.

Again, it would be a good idea to hold off until we have the actual rules ready to send out and applications ready to be filled out. We will probably start taking applications on Memorial Day and take them all summer until a few weeks before the race, which is Sunday, September 6, Labor Day weekend.

The night before there will be a pajama pub crawl and a waiter race. And various places may show bedtime related movies, like "Bedtime for Bonzo," or "Pajama Game," etc.

Crazy Pianos opening May 6 at CocoWalk

Crazy Pianos is finally opening at CocoWalk on Wednesday, May 6. If you would like to go to the grand opening, please fill out this form for your invitation.

Still celebrating Earth Day with free trees. Want some?

The Coconut Grove NET office is working on a project to plant trees in the public right of way. If you are a home owner, and you would like a tree on your swale, please contact Haydee Wheeler at the NET office by email of fax, or by dropping off the information that includes:

1. Your name.
2. The exact address of your property
3. Your contact information, and the best time to reach you.
4. If you lease or rent, please get prior approval from your Landlord and include their contact information.

Fax: 305-960-4679
email: hwheeler@miamigov.com
The NET office is at: 2820 McFarlane Road
No phone calls please.

The Barnacle is celebrating Earth Day this Sunday

Yesterday was Earth Day, but The Barnacle (3485 Main Highway) is having its third annual Earth Day Celebration on Sunday, April 26 from 11am to 4 pm. Festivities include displays from earth-friendly businesses and organizations, crafts for kids, fun games and live music. Help promote the preservation of the earth by celebrating with and others who share a passion for the environment and wholesome, green living.

Blankets, lawn chairs and picnics are welcome, but alcohol is not permitted. Celebration is included in $1 park admission. Children under 6 are free. For additional information call 305-442-6866 or visit www.FloridaStateParks.org/TheBarnacle

Are you a Jabber? You can be . . .

Looking for a swim instructor? Personal chef? Birthday party entertainer? Have a puppy or kitten who needs for a new home? Need to help your favorite charity promote a special event? JustAskBoo!

JustAskBoo (commonly known as “JAB”) is the preferred source for a sophisticated group of subscribers, or JABBERS, throughout Miami-Dade County (lots of Grove residents!) who exchange referrals, recommendations, advice, special event information and more, three days a week, via a free e-blast called eJAB. To subscribe, go to www.justaskboo.com and click on eJAB newsletter. Referrals made via eJAB span a wide variety of topics. They are archived in the Treasure Chest section of JAB’s website. The key to the Treasure Chest is optional, requiring a separate subscription and a fee of $7.95 per month. To subscribe, go to www.justaskboo.com and click on Treasure Chest.

Caught in the act . . .

Harry Emilio Gottlieb caught this dude cutting class at Ransom Everglades yesterday afternoon. This has got to be one of the funniest things I have seen lately.

I tried the new lunch deal at The Fresh Market

A fellow customer at The Fresh Market (2640 S. Bayshore Drive) was telling me that the teriyaki chicken was good, so I tried it and he was right.

They have a new thing -- $6.99 meals, which includes one entree and two sides. They have so many choices for the entrees and sides, there is sure to be something for you. Picture their deli, now picture one main item and two sides -- gets confusing, there is so much to choose from!

New bakery on fast track for Saturday opening

I stopped by the new Sweet Dreams Bakery on Commodore Plaza.

They aren't open yet, but are planning to open this Saturday. It seemed like there was a lot of work still to be done, so we'll see how that goes.

Hope they get rid of the large gaudy chandelier that is still in the center of the room. You can barely see it this photo, but it's the big gold circular thing at the top.

It's Earth Day . . . Ride a horse!

This sweet horse was waiting to exit the wagon this morning on Grand Avenue, near Commodore Plaza for a day of Grove fun. It's a beautiful day. What will you be doing to celebrate Earth Day?

Beautiful day for an Icee

I was driving down S. Bayshore just now and A.C. was behind me, you know, A.C. from A.C. Icees in Kennedy Park. He was just arriving to work for the day.

What a day it is, too. Perfect weather today!

A.C. just celebrated his 31st year at Kennedy Park. It seems like just yesterday when he celebrated his 30th, there was a nice celebration for him. You can see that here.

We need to get the bridge and tunnel crowd

All the talk lately is about the big travel agent Pow Wow coming to the Grove on May 18. And while the tourists are great, how about the locals?

One goal of the Grove should be to promote ourselves to locals. Why not have a families come from Kendall on weekends or have visitors from Coral Gables? Those are maybe the ones we need to reach out to.

These people are called the "bridge and tunnel" crowd in New York. They commute to Manhattan from Brooklyn and Queens and the other boroughs. Right now, Kendall and Brickell and even Coral Gables and South Miami are the bridge and tunnel crowd here, going to South Beach to party. It would be great if we could offer all of these people something closer to home. They would not have to travel to South Beach all the time for their fun and entertainment, they could and should visit the Grove for that on occasion.

How do we get them here? That is the magic question. We're trying to get people from all over the world to visit Coconut Grove and we can't even get locals to stop by for dinner or a drink.

No one is responsible for quality service; they know it

My friend was at the Grove post office and on the wall is a large sign that says "The person responsible for bringing you quality service . . ." and there is a slot below for the person's name. But that area was left blank. Guess they know the truth about their service, or lack of it and they don't want to false advertise by putting anybody's name in the slot.

"Three Sides of Seidman" at Dharma Studio

The Dharma Studio (3170 Commodore Plaza) is presenting "Three Sides of Seidman," by internationally recognized photographer Barry Seidman.

The opening reception is April 25, from 6 to 9 pm and the show runs through May 23, 2009.

Three compelling series are featured that will celebrate the virtuosity of this extraordinary artist.

Blooms - Reveals the miracle of nature’s raiment.
Bagged - Satisfies the senses with simple pleasures (example shown above).
One World - Evokes our common humanity in a celebration of diversity.

For info, please email dharmastudio@earthlink.net or call: 305.461.1777.

Belly dancing class is featured at Art Happy Hour

On Friday, April 24, the Blu Moon Studio (3444 Main Highway) is holding another Art Happy Hour.

This one should be fun as Harley Komar is offering a belly dancing class as part of this month's art project. She will be giving a brief introduction to belly dance and showing you how to perform some basic steps and moves. Harley will also be teaching a regular belly dance class soon in the Bird Road and SW 72nd ave area, so please contact her at 305-905-0194 to find out the details or sign up for her belly dance classes.

But in the meantime, stop by Blu Moon on Friday at 6:00 pm for some belly dancing, food, drinks and friends.

Some good reasons why people don't spend $$ here

This is a comment left on another post. This is what one person says about shopping and spending money (or not spending money) in the Grove.

It think it says it all in a nutshell, here in blue.

"To me, the Grove is for walking around. If I want to shop, I go somewhere where the prices are reasonable and the parking is, ahem, FREE! Grove merchants have an uphill battle when I can get things delivered to my door for less plus free shipping. Sorry, we don't have enough extra money to shop in the overpriced stores in the Grove. Property taxes make sure we don't have anything left over. Maybe when the economy gets better."

While Grove rents are over the moon, and merchants need to charge more so they can afford to say in their storefronts, one aspect here can easily be remedied. Free parking. Maybe the new BID can do something about that.

We are being told that we have autonomy now. How about with the parking issue? Coral Gables has free parking on Sundays. We can may start with Sundays. Free parking on Sundays?

Grove car jacking

A woman was car jacked in the Grove last night. Story here.

Lots of artists want to know how to market themselves

I thought they were limiting the free Art Marketing Salon to only 16 people, but it looks like many more turned out for the event held by artist Debra Cortese last week. There's another salon tonight at 7 pm. Details are here.

We need more of a variety of stores in the village

People tell me all the time that we need more of a varity of stores. We are great in the restaurant departement, although a tourist asked for Japanese or Chinese food this weekend and I had to send her to Sekai, which is more Thai.

We do need a regular Chinese take-out place. I have been using Yum Yum and Tien Keu Inn, both on Coral Way, but we need something better and closer.

As for other stores, we need a Hallmark-type card store, some men's clothing stores other than the Gap and what else? People always ask for a shoe repair place, do people still have shoes repaired?

Tar and Feather at Berries tomorrow night

Tar and Feather (the two Eric's -- Eric Garcia and Eric Wagner) will be performing American Folk Blues music live tomorrow at Berries (2884 SW 27th Avenue) from 8 to 11 pm.

If crime is actually down why does it appear to be up?

I was happy to hear that the Grove district had the highest reduction in crime through the whole City of Miami last year. Ironically, I know two people personally who had a crime committed against them recently, in the same week.

My friend Jerry had his bike stolen right from in front of the Bookstore, the thieves cut the chain and made off with it. And another friend had her car window smashed in broad daylight near Kennedy Park and the thieves made off with everything that wasn't nailed down, including her hand bag with all her credit cards, money and ID's. I know she shouldn't have left that in the car.

During the First Saturday Art Stroll, those child scammers were out bothering people. This other guy goes around with a list of medications, telling people he has no money for his meds and he constantly bothers people. I have given money myself, because even though I suspect it's a scam, who knows, maybe he needs his heart and cholesterol pills. The guy is this sad sack right out of central casting.

Others are constantly hitting up tourists and locals while they are eating, shopping or enjoying art openings. This sends the wrong message.

You may have seen a large police presence recently at the Seminole Boat Ramp area. That is called Operation Difference. The police department pulls in resources from the entire department and utilizes them to stop crime. It is a very effective tool in keeping our community safe according to Sgt. Javier Ortiz.

If anyone would like to help stop crime, the next Crime Watch meeting is Thursday, April 23 at 7 pm at St. Stephen's Church (2750 McFarlane Road). Parking is free in the surface lot next to the church.

Getting ready for the Great Coconut Grove Bike Day

The Great Coconut Grove Bike Day is almost upon us, the whole Grove will be shut down Sunday, April 26. I know a few merchants are concerned about every street being closed, but it seems that that is how it will be.

People coming in from out of the area will have to park in the garages and hopefully take it by bike from there or hoof it. (That's Ellen, the clairvoyant's bike at left).

Merchants are being asked to participate in a big way. For one thing, the Merchants Group is asking that every merchant and business in Coconut Grove offer 10% off that day. You can do it on everything or just certain items or foods or drinks.

It's a great way to also market businesses. Water can be sold with ads on them, like a string, holding a flyer or coupon.

Another important thing is for merchants to open early. The event starts at 9 am and many places usually open at 11 am. But it might be a great idea to open earlier on Sunday so as to accommodate the very large crowds which art expected. Details here.