Join the after party, but not the crawl

There's a Pub Crawl for Cancer in the Grove, Saturday, August 1, from 1 pm to 8 pm, long time, but I guess they are pacing themselves. Good idea.

It's too late to sign up for that and I regret that I only received the info now, or I would have shared it with you earlier. But you can attend the after parties at Sandbar Grill (3064 Grand Avenue) and the Boardwalk Tavern (3415 Main Highway) which start at 4 pm (which really are not after parties since the crawl ends at 8 pm. They are actually during the crawl, so you can still sort of be part of it.)

The "after party" is $20, paid on the spot. There are 12 kegs between the two bars and you can drink until they run dry or until you drop.

A group of friends at Random Social Events is doing the crawl.

Focaccia introduces a new dinner menu

If you haven't been by Focaccia Rustica lately, you'll be in for a surprise. They have done a lot of renovations, including their menu.

The first thing you'll notice when you enter is that the red walls are gone, I didn't think I would like that at first, but the soothing beige and brown is much nicer and classier.

They now have a large wine menu, which you can enjoy with lunch or dinner.

Tonight some of the new items on the dinner menu include Arugula Salad with shaved Parmesan or Crab cakes with a spicy fruit salsa for starters and as Entrees: Wild Mushroom Ravioli with Basil-Pine nut sauce; Fresh Fish and Piccata-Skirt Steak with Caramelized Shallots and Red Wine Jus.

They will have a formal anniversary/party in mid-August, so look for that. In the meantime, check them out tonight, they are located at 3111 Grand Avenue. Let owners Daniel (shown here) and Dominique pour you a delicious glass of wine as you unwind after a long week. Just go to Focaccia once and you will become part of the Focaccia family. It's like that there.

For info, you may call: 305-476-8292.

Summer Rendezvous

Relay for Life seeking committee volunteers

The American Cancer Society is calling for people to be part of the 2010 Relay for Life Planning Committee. Be part this great team. You may remember they had a successful event in Peacock Park just this past May, and this committee will be planning next year's event.

Relay for Life is an overnight event geared towards communities to get together and take a stand against cancer by celebrating life, remembering those who have lost their battle, and fighting back by raising donor dollars that go towards research, education, advocacy and patient services.

Dedicated volunteers are needed who would be willing to plan this party for survivors and get the community further involved. If you are interested in participating please contact Erika Krystle Gaeta - ACS Community Representative at erika.gaeta@cancer.org or 305.779.2849.

Practice bed runs on the speedway

Only 10 spots left for the Bed Race sign up now!

The Homestead-Miami Speedway is committed as a sponsor for the Great Grove Bed Race for the next two years. As sponsor, they are offering lots of great marketing opportunities. Some will involve celebrities, like their drivers, others will involve fun cross promotions with the Speedway itself.

Each Friday, the Speedy T&T is open for amateur drivers. This is the Speedy Test and Tune. This is where people are allowed on the 1/8 mile practice track and they can try out their cars and test and race them. Well on Friday, August 28, from 8 to 9 pm (prime time there), beds that are enrolled in the Great Grove Bed Race will have a chance to practice in front of the crowd.

It's BYOBBB (Bring your own Bed, Body and Booze) to the track and see how your bed fares on a real track. Will it be ready for the real Bed Race on September 6?

The slots are filling up fast for the actual Bed Race, there are 10 spots left. If you are serious about being in the Bed Race on September 6, now is the time to enroll. You may do that here.

"Pure Imagination" art exhibit at Mutiny

The Dominican American National Foundation (DANF) and The Mutiny Hotel (2951 S. Bayshore Dr.) are holding an art project tomorrow, August 1 called "Pure Imagination."

From 7 to 9 pm, enjoy the exhibit featuring art from the DANF Summer Camp Children, hosted by their art teacher Hector Maldonado.The reception is open to all, no charge, there will be hors d'oeuvres, wine pours, a cash bar and valet parking is available.

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

What's the rush? It's summer, no one's around

The city's budget workshop was rescheduled for August 14, so as not to infringe on Mayor Manny Diaz's Miami 21 August 6 meeting, which had been scheduled the same day. While many citizens were upset that the mayor chose to have the first reading of Miami 21 on a summer day, when many folks are out of town, the meeting will non-the-less go on.

The City Commissioners had planned a budget workshop to go over all the details before the public has their say in September. They wanted to be sure they knew what they were talking about, when it comes to next year's budget, so the workshop was planned.

The mayor has the right to call a special meeting of the Commission, and as the Chair of the Commission Joe Sanchez does not have the power to cancel it. Sanchez requested that the Mayor reschedule the Miami 21 meeting but the mayor refused. So, there will be a Miami 21 meeting on August 6, 2009 at 2 pm, at City Hall (3500 Pan American Drive) which presents the Miami 21 legislation on first reading. There will also be a second reading.

Many feel that the mayor wants to push Miami 21 through before his term is up in November because he thinks this will be his legacy and of course he needs to take care of his big shot developer buddies, but his real legacy will be the mess that he left the city in with a deficit of $118 million (that we know about) and the exorbitant salaries and city fees.

The list of salaries here. Miami 21's website here.

Graphic by Harry Emilio Gottlieb

Final block party of summer is Saturday

Nil Lara will be on the north stage at the Summer Rendezvous block party on Commodore Plaza this Saturday night (about 8 pm, in front of Havana Grove). And this just in -- on the other end of the block, our own Ryan Stone will be performing in front of Le P'tit Paris and Greenstreets. I just personally spoke with Ryan, so it's a go!

This is the last block party of the summer. Come out and enjoy. This is some of what went on last week.

Grove Art Stroll this weekend

Over 40 local and international artists will be participating at this Saturday's Coconut Grove Art Stroll at the promenade at Mayfair.

Festivities will include Japanese dance performances by Etnia Fusion featuring guest martial artist Punong Guro Ken DeJesus; the show will be a signature fusion of Japanese Odori dance, martial art choreography and weaponry. It will include the use of traditional implements like the fan and sakura blossoms.

Free samples will be distributed by Kilo Kia Rum, Aalchemia Vodka, Don Eduardo Tequila, Presidente Imported Beer, Nestea, and Los Ranchos.

Captain Art, popular art teacher, in his red, white and blue super art costome, will assist the kids while they paint and draw in the art area.

This free public event offers a cultural and entertaining alternative for the entire family. Johnny Valdes, Director of Coconut Grove Art Stroll and owner of two galleries in CocoWalk, invites you to “come and be part of the reemergence of Coconut Grove as an artistic Mecca and the premier spot for cultural events.”

Mutiny Facebook special

You must be a fan of the Mutiny on Facebook for this incredible rate. Join here. And while at Facebook, become a fan of the Grapevine! The things we post there, we don't most here.

He needs to budge for the budget

Mayor Manny Diaz will not budge on rescheduling the date of his Miami 21 meeting in August. He has taken to Facebooking and Twittering about Miami 21.

The City Commission is having a budget workshop the same, day, which seems more important than handing over the city to the developers, but this is what the Mayor wants. He feels the boondoggle Miami 21 is more important than the $118 million in the hole he is leaving as his legacy.

Graphic by Harry Emilio Gottlieb

Grove marches on as techie haven

250 techies were expected, over 300 showed up, at Refresh Miami held at the DoubleTree Hotel last night. Above are Liliana Dones, from the Chamber; Brian Breslin, founder of Refresh Miami; Angelique Swann of the DoubleTree and Emanuel Pozo, Grovite who attended.

These cutting edge media savvy people will now be meeting there monthly, on the last Wednesday of the month. This coup was initiated between Liliana and Angelique, who graciously donated the space at the DoubleTree.

Last night, Comcast Cable introduced new cable tv technology, Murry Izenwasser presented "140 characters or less" about Twitter and David DiCillo, an iPhone application developer, presented his app to the group.


Photos by AnnaMaria Windisch-Hunt

MPA slights the Grove big time

The Parking Authority is offering $3.00 parking, a flat rate in their garages for back-to-school shoppers for the whole month of August! But guess what -- it is for Downtown Miami only!

According to their come on, "Miami Parking Authority offers three parking promotions that make visiting Downtown even more convenient, affordable and fun."

1) Every weekend in August, shoppers may park for a flat daily rate of only $3.00 at one of MPA’s three downtown garages.

2) The same garages will also offer flat-rate parking of $3.00 for up to three hours every weeknight after 5:00 p.m. for the entire month of August.

3) Every weekend in August, on-street parkers whose meters have expired will be issued a special “Courtesy Citation” explaining that they have been granted up to one free hour of parking beyond their expiration time, thus avoiding a parking ticket. The Courtesy Citation program will apply to all MPA metered on-street spaces in the central business district.

A courtesy of an hour? They don't even honor the courtesy of 10 to 15 minutes we have here in the Grove! They stand over the cars with their watches out, counting the minutes until they can pounce!

“Downtown Miami is a key economic engine for the city and the back-to-school season is a great time for residents and visitors to explore the diverse offerings of the shops, restaurants, services, arts and culture,” said Art Noriega, CEO of the Miami Parking Authority. “The added incentive of tax-free shopping days in August and affordable parking from MPA makes it a can’t-miss deal.”

Miami Parking Authority's motto should be: "Rape the Grove; Support Downtown Miami."

And last week, the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) wrapped the City Commission around their little fingers at the budget hearing. Is it any wonder why the Grove needs to be it's own city/village? I honestly think the time has come for action.

Breakfast at Slice & Ice only $4.00

There is a new breakfast place in town and it's only $4.00 for the whole thing, including tax!

It's Slice & Ice! They now have a full menu of breakfast sandwiches made fresh. No hot light box for them like at McDonald's or EZ Kwik. These are made from scratch after your order is placed.

On the menu for $4.00 (coffee included):
Two eggs, ham and cheese on a roll
Two eggs, turkey and cheese on a roll
Two eggs, bacon and cheese on a roll
Two eggs, sausage and cheese on a roll
English muffins may be substituted at no charge or a bagel for $1.00.

They will actually deliver this breakfast special free, too. Call 305-461-9190.

Breakfast is from 6 am to 11 am.

For lunch, order two slices of pizza and get a free soda!

Slice & Ice (3024 SW 27 Avenue) knows how to treat their customers. Is it any wonder everyone keeps going back?

It's wet out there

But it comes and goes. Sunny now, a little rain, then some sun. Perfect time for happy hour!

Caught on Commodore

On Commodore Plaza: Local artists Karen Deilke and Trina Collins; Harry Gottlieb who told me he was searching for a rack, I think he meant a bike rack, but with Harry, you never know. And a dude wearing a derby, sitting outside the Arts and Minds School.

Artist Trading Cards featured at Blu Moon

Back by popular demand, this month's Art Happy Hour at Blu Moon Studio features ATC's -- Artist Trading Cards -- mini works of art to keep or trade with other ATC artists. We were at the last one of these and the are quite fun. The little works of art are traded, never sold, and a very popular item.


Misha's Cupcakes will be served with pink lemonade, and Cava!

The workshop fee is $10 which includes materials, or a $5 donation to stop by to hang out and "supervise" or partake of a soothing chair massage.

The Art Happy Hour is Friday, July 31 from 6 to 9 pm, all the way at the top of the building at 3444 Main Hwy, where the Blu Moon Studio is located.

For more info, please call 305-529-5006 or email sheri@blumoonstudio.com

Will it be a ghost town when AMC closes?

Folks are worried about the movie theater renovation. It's been a confusing thing, first they are closing the AMC, then they aren't now they are again.

The AMC theater is scheduled to close in October and and then a brand new Muvico is scheduled to open six months later. With or without a bowling alley now, that is now in question, so are the 62,000 people per month that were projected to pass through Coconut Grove because of the spiffy new theater/bowling alley complex (and restaurant, which was part of the plans).

Some local merchants feel that the six month period, which is during season, could easily turn the Grove into a ghost town. And that six months can easily turn into eight months or a year.

People are asking for answers, but no one has any. So far, nothing has been done to take the place of the closed theater. There was talk of various small theaters around the village and maybe live plays and some sort of old movie house -- shows to keep people coming to the Grove. There is even talk of setting up movies in the promenade at Mayfair.

But to tell you the truth, if the Grove is only about the movie theater then we are in bad shape. The Grove needs to be about art and music and food and lots more than a chain movie theater.

Refresh Miami meets tonight

Brian Breslin (left) and his crew have moved Refresh Miami to the DoubleTree Hotel (2469 South Bayshore Drive) tonight.

This is a community of web professionals and enthusiasts who meet monthly. Everyone is welcome, Refresh Miami is free. Web designers, developers, entrepreneurs, marketers and students come looking to "refresh" the tech scene in South Florida.

The meet up at 7:30 pm. Please rsvp at their Facebook page here.

"Julie and Julia" film screened last night

Yvonne McCormack-Lyons, left, is being handed membership applications to the Women's International Film Festival (WIFF) last night at CocoWalk.

The WIFF is dedicated to women's accomplishments and supports the promotion of women in media. The new Meryl Streep movie, Julie and Julia was shown at the AMC theater last night.

Photo by AnnaMaria Windisch-Hunt

Mojito Tuesday at Greenstreets

It's Mojito Tuesday at Greenstreets. Anyone going?

I love the Bloody Mary's, too.

Free ice cream -- now at CocoWalk!

To celebrate ice cream season and the introduction of Breyers new Smooth & Dreamy All Natural ½ Fat ice cream to South Florida this summer, food and lifestyle expert Ingrid Hoffmann is teaming up with Breyers to deliver fun and delicious recipes with Florida flair - including Creamy Mojito Shakes.

Ingrid is there right now until 8 pm. You can't miss the tent in front of CocoWalk. She is showcasing her recipes made with the ice cream. There are many varieties including Strawberry Cheesecake and Chocolate Chocolate Chip.

Stop by for free samples. And learn how to make some new special ice cream treats!

Getting the boot

First time we've seen this. Hoping it's for outstanding tickets or something worse and not a new thing for when the meter runs out. This was the scene on Grand Avenue last weekend.

Photo by AnnaMaria Windisch-Hunt

Commission for Women holding fundraiser

The Miami-Dade County Commission for Women will hold a wine tasting fundraiser on Thursday, July 30 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at Full Bodied Wine & Spa at CocoWalk.

The event aims to help the Commission for Women, an advisory board and an advocate for women in the community, raise monies for such endeavors as the Connections Directory 2009, a guide of local women's organizations.

Cost is $20 per person and includes wine tasting, hors d'oeuvres, and a raffle ticket, which will be good for a drawing to win a Full Bodied vinotherapy spa treatment. A portion of the proceeds from the admission fee as well as wine, product and spa services purchased during the evening will be donated to the Commission for Women.

Please RSVP by calling (305) 375-4967 or emailing Morilla@miamidade.gov. Tickets may be purchased at the door on the evening of the event. For more information call (305) 444-1085.

$2.00 parking at CocoWalk

Boycott the Miami Parking Authority meters! They stalk, they hound they treat you like crap. Now you can park for a $2.00 flat rate at prime times!

Lunch Parking, Happy Hour Parking and AMC movie-goer parking.

All this for only $2.00:
Lunch: Monday-Friday 11 am-3 pm
Happy Hour - Wednesday-Friday 5 pm-7 pm
AMC Movie-goers Special - any time
Up to 4 hours for only $2.00, that's half price from what you pay on the street at the meters and if you go over, you won't be socked with an $18.00 ticket! You just pay the extra hour fee!

You will be treated with respect and you can avoid the nasty broken street meters. Go for it! Thank you CocoWalk.

And please don't forget the FREE VALET service at Calamai's and The Taurus on the other end of the Village.

Chamber networker at Ideas Restaurant

The Chamber is having a networking cocktail hour tomorrow, July 29 from 5:30 to 7:30 pm at Ideas Restaurant (2833 Bird Avenue).

Complimentary hors d'oeuvres and a drink are included with admission, additional drinks are available at happy hour prices.

Cost is $5 for members, $10 for non-members. Raffle prizes will also be given out.

RSVP 305-444-7270 or info@coconutgrove.com.

Chart House-Bayside; that's the ticket

A reader sent this in. He will remain anonymous and this is verbatim:

"Here's a file (click here for a PDF) which I put together in early 2008 to suggest that some shenanigan's seemed to be afoot with the Grove Key Marina property just inland from Charthouse/Scotty's Landing parcel. At the time I was curious about apparent back taxes, not any prospect of new projects.

As I recall, Commissioner Marc Sarnoff's office looked into the matter with City staff and reported the following: At the time of the original lease, the property was thought to be exempt from taxes because it actually belonged to the City and was merely sub-leased to the current tenants. Somewhere along the line after the inception of the lease, the State of Florida decided that otherwise tax-exempt municipal properties that were leased to profit-making businesses were in fact taxable. (I suspect that this issue may have also figured in the back tax flap which accompanied the "sale" of Monty's early in the Mayor Manny Diaz administration.)

In any case, Grove Key Marina was not technically on the hook for any taxes and had in some suitably lawyerly fashion explained to the City just where they could stuff it whenever the City suggested that token taxes might be a good idea. The notion (in February 2008) was that the lease would be up in 2010 and the whole matter could be re-visited then.

Well 2010 is almost upon us, the City with its merry band of 1751 $100K+ employees has its fiscal ass in a crack and could easily be imagined to be looking for some additional tax base now that the Viagra has played out of Jorge Perez's condo erection frenzy. Charthouse-Bayside sounds like just the ticket."

Pizza's are priced by the clock on the wall

Calamari's Tuesday pizzas are priced by the time they are ordered!

For instance a pizza ordered at 5 pm is $5.00; $5.25 at 5:25 pm ; $6.15 at 6:15 pm and
so on, until 9 pm!

Stop by today and try it out. Calamari is at 3540 Main Highway.

Commission agrees to reappoint Regalado to seat

At last week's meeting, the City Commission agreed to have a special meeting on Friday, September 4, to reappoint Commissioner Tomás Regalado to his Commission seat.

He is to step down that day, because he is running for mayor in the November election. The seat would have remained empty for quite awhile and in the name of continuity, the Commission agreed that at 10:00 am on September 4, the Commission will meet briefly to reappoint Regalado to his seat.

Karaoke Mondays starts tonight at Los Ranchos

Come out to Los Ranchos at CocoWalk this and every Monday night to show off your singing skills! Karaoke Mondays are from 9:30 pm to 1:30 am. It kicks off tonight.

2 for 1 Presidente Bottles.
$10 Presidente Pitchers.
$2 Pama Mojitos for Ladies.
Kitchen open until late.

Comm. Sanchez requests date change for Miami 21

The public has been quite upset today after finding out that Mayor Manny Diaz called for a Miami 21 meeting early next month. Commission chairman Joe Sanchez issued a statement today urging the mayor to cancel the August 6 Miami 21 meeting party because of the outcry but also because there is a Commissioners workshop on the budget for next year, scheduled the same day.

"It is our mandate from the people to focus 100 percent on the budget crisis," said Comm. Sanchez in a letter to the mayor.

There were two budget workshops scheduled weeks ago by Sanchez's office so, unlike other years, when they go into budget meetings in September the Commissioners will be educated and knowledgeable about the budget issues and will have had a chance to ask hard questions of the administration, and will be able to knowledgably address the financial crisis that the City is in and deal with the out-of-control salaries and pensions. He considers that the highest priority.

In all reality, it was a slimy decision on the mayor's part to have a Miami 21 meeting in the dead of summer when many interested parties are out of town. On the other had, the Commissioners' budget workshops do not involve the public, the public budget meetings are in September when most people are back in town.

More retail on the waterfront? Is "Bayside" coming?

At last month's Coconut Grove Implementation Committee meeting, regarding the restaurants and leased land on the Grove waterfront, which are part of the Waterfront Master Plan, it was interesting to see that the only restaurant represented was The Chart House, who was represented there by VP Jeff Cantwell.

Scotty's Landing and Grove Key Marina were suspiciously not present. It is not known if they were invited or not. They do owe back taxes, is there a takeover in the works?

The interesting issue here is that Mr. Cantwell brought up "restaurant and retail projects" and the lack of parking more than once. He is under the impression that more than just a new Chart House is going on the existing property. He was told more than once that the current plan does not include retail on the waterfront with the exception of marine-related retail wrapped around the proposed parking garage, which is already in the plans. But he chose to ignore that, choosing to speak about something else. Does he know something everyone else doesn't?

The public, who was part of the process the whole time, expressed their desire to NOT have retail or any sort of commercial operations on the waterfront, keeping it a park and not wanting to compete with the Center Grove retail establishments. The big battle went on about keeping the Expo Center or not because it blocked the waterfront. Is there talk now about major retail establishments?

Strangely enough, a discussion was held at the last meeting of issuing a Request for Proposal (RFP) for the entire area, making it one large parcel.

Is the Chart House trying to control the whole area and then trying to include a Bayside-type project on the waterfront? Leases are coming up in the next few years. Are Scotty's and the Marina being pushed out?

Notes of the meeting are attached here in PDF format.

Tomorrow: "Chart House-Bayside sounds just like the ticket"

Ryan and the band rocked the house

Ryan Stone and his band took to the stage at CocoWalk on Friday night. They performed two shows. I stopped by with my friend Audrey for the early show. Later on, a few friends asked about the later show and I sent them over. They had a ball. With Ryan are Ozzie Jimenez, percussion; Rob Torra, guitar and Dan Norris, bass.

New delivery service at Chicago's Bakery and Deli

There's something new at Chicago's Bakery and Deli on Commodore Plaza -- delivery! Starting today, lunch will be delivered in the Grove from 11 am to 3 pm. They actually bought a new red scooter just for this!

Call 305-774-9981 for a menu or to order.

Also new is their "Windy City" Rotisserie Chicken, seasoned with their "award winning" secret blend of spices, slow cooked to tender perfection.

The kick-off special is $12 for a whole chicken and $7.00 for a half chicken.

Chicken platters are $8 for a half chicken and $6 for a quarter chicken. The platters are served with rolls, bbq beans and coleslaw. Sauces include hot and spicy, sweet, tangy mustard, Jamaican Jerk, chipotle and teryaki.

They like to sneak things past the public in summer

As long-time Miamians know, the local government likes to scam people in the summer when many residents are on vacation and not paying attention to politics.

So, as usual, they are trying to get something by on the public on Thursday, August 6 when the City Commission has decided to have a "special" meeting to hear the Miami 21 zoning changes. Many are disturbed by this and would like you to remember the politicians involved at election time. Diminishing citizen participation by doing this in the summer is unconscionable.

The meeting is at 2 pm (when the people in town are working), so please try to attend and Miami Neighborhoods United is requesting that you email Commission Chairman Joe Sanchez and ask that the meeting be moved to the fall, when more citizens can attend. His email address is JSanchez@miamigov.com

Bottom graphic by Harry Emilio Gottlieb

We made some changes

We changed the layout of the Grapevine a bit. We have three columns rather than the usual two. Two columns seemed cleaner, but adding another column showcased the ads better.

There are a few little ticks, like the photos are too large now and they will resize themselves over time and when viewed in Firefox browsers, the headlines for each story are quite small, that's being worked on. If anyone has a suggestion on fixing that, please email me. Thanks.

One more thing you may have noticed is the width of the Grapevine, it's a bit wider, we had to do that to accommodate the extra column. Ironically daily newspapers are shrinking in width and on line news sources are getting fatter. Just a sign of the times. Hope you don't mind the extra width and can easily see it all now. I know some might be cut off, but a small adjustment with your browser window and it's all there.

The new masthead above features the Art Stroll that happens the first Saturday of each month. It's becoming quite popular. The promenade at Mayfair turns into a little arts village for the night. It's very European. There's free food, drinks and live music and lots of art and people.

The promenade has been hosting many things lately including the Antiques Market which comes once a month, but has been so successful, that they open most weekends now. Paul is always there with his sunglasses kiosk, always with a smile and a kind word, a hot cup of coffee, a bunch of neighborhood characters with him, and oh yea, sunglasses, for sale.

A new green market is in the works from the folks from Lincoln Road. It's still in the planning stages. It will start off slow with a few vendors selling fruits and veggies and of course there will be baked goods and other things. It's been tried before, but they seem to have their act together now with new management, so it could be a great thing. Details to come.

Buzz kill

It's amazing, with all the great stuff going on in the Grove, we still have the anti-fun entitity lurking in the shadows, just waiting to ruin it all. What's it like having a job that brings misery on everyone every day of the week? I mean, not even a day of rest.

Even today, the Parking Authority stalks the boat ramp as crafts are launched. Hopefully someone will forget to feed the meter and make the greed monger's day, while ruining the boaters' day.

How I spent my evening

The Summer Rendezvous block party on Commodore Plaza was another success last night. Each week more and more people are coming out. The Spam Allstars brought many of their own fans with them it seems, they had people dancing in the street, literally.


Lots of friends came out. It was a nice, clear night to hang out and enjoy the ambiance.


A young crowd took over the block and enjoyed drinks, food and music. Daniela was a table this week, as you remember she's been everything from an angel to the Statue of Liberty, something different each week.

I had the best bloody marys at Greenstreets with friends. We actually took the glasses from the restaurant and walked around with them, with the celery popping out. You can see those photos on Facebook. (We did return the glasses when empty).

I used Daniela, "the table," to hold my drinks and stuff. I told her earlier that I liked when she was the angel better and the table creeped me out, but whenever I needed a table, I summoned her over, she would come over and I would put my drink down or I would use the table to write notes on a pad and she would laugh and say, "See, and you said you didn't like when I was a table!" But I did!


This group of friends enjoyed George's in the Grove. Every restaurant on the block was packed.


Chicago's had people eating steak at tables right on the street as well as the sidewalk.


Many of the Grove artists were out showing their work. I've enjoyed hanging out with friends each week and also liked running into many readers. Many have come up to me to introduce themselves and many loved when I would approach them to take their picture, telling me that they read the Grapevine daily. Meeting everyone and hanging out is the best part.

Next Saturday is the last of the Summer Rendezvous block parties. Hopefully they will bring it back full time after a little tinkering.

How I spent my morning

You know about the Great Grove Bed Race, but have you heard about the Great Grove Crossword Puzzle? It's at The Bookstore!

This morning, Felice, Vincent and I spent two hours putting the puzzle together! No, we didn't fill in the words, we physically put it together and hung it on the wall.

There are 28,000 clues to the puzzle. I put the first word in at Felice's insistence. The clue was "opposite of pro," the answer was "amateur." It's that easy. I can be seen here writing it in at the very top corner.

Stop by and try it, have some fun, there are 27,999 clues to go! We are hoping to have it completed by Christmas. I think after actually putting it together, the hardest part is finding where to write the words in. There is a booklet with the clues and if you don't go in order, but just choose a clue randomly, it's not that easy to find the boxes to fill in when there are 28,000 spaces staring at you in the face.

I just sent two friends over, Larry and Jamie. Try it, you'll like it!

Pajama Pub Crawl is taking shape

The Pajama Pub Crawl is coming along just dandy. That will be the night before the Great Grove Bed Race, on Saturday, September 5. It will start at Fat Tuesdays at CocoWalk and then spread throughout the Grove.

All your favorite bars are from one end of the Grove to the other will be part of the crawl. It should be a wild, fun night. There is talk of putting a zig zag in the street going from CocoWalk to Johnny Rockets and when someone seems a bit tipsy, they will be asked to walk the zig zag line. If they can't it's over for them, stick them in a rickshaw and off with them. :)

Afro-Cuban Dance group performs at block party

A group from the Afro-Cuban Dance and Music Festival performed for the crowds at the Summer Rendezvous block party last night. The festival continues today.

Grove's Dining and Entertainment Guide is out

Cindy Bettner has been all around town (usually on her mean green little electric machine), handing out the third edition of her Coconut Grove Dining and Entertainment Guide.

Every Coconut Grove restaurant and hot spot is listed and it's quite a full publication. You don't realize all the places we have in town until you see them all together in a booklet.

There's a nice map in the back of the booklet, too.

In the next week or two, both of us will be handing out the guides to motorists sitting in rush hour traffic at the triangle intersection in the center of the village. Why not take advantage of this captive audience and get them to come back and spend some time in the Grove?

Summer Rendezvous block party is tonight

The Spam Allstars will be performing at the Summer Rendezvous block party on Commdore Plaza tonight. Show time is 8:30 pm, but the blocked is closed off around 6 pm.

Come out, eat, drink, hang out, dance and enjoy the night. It's lots of fun, all your neighbors will be out. There are only two more weeks of this, next week, being the last for the season, so enjoy it while you can!

Beadmakers converged on the Grove last night

The Convergence bead party at the Windisch-Hunt Gallery last night was a lot of fun. Many bus loads of artists were brougth in from downtown, where they were staying at the Hyatt. Many had their art on display as part of the exhibit. They were from the International Society of Glass Beadmakers.

Above is Jeffrey with AnnaMaria, keep your eyes out for Jeffrey, he is an actor in town from L.A. to film an episode of Burn Notice this week. He stopped by to enjoy the bead show.

As guests entered, Grove performance artist, Uta, stood like a statue without moving, she had the program in her hands for guests to take. Many weren't sure if she was real or not, she's good and she stays in character no matter what she's performing at the time.


Jerry Wade, was doorman for most of the night, as the buses arrived, Jerry ushered them inside the gallery. At left is AnnaMaria with David and Michael.

Hundreds of the bead convention people came and so many of the locals were there, it was really fun. Three or four Village Council members were there and a few people from the BID. Many of the Grove artists were present, too.


Here are Leah, one of the bead guests from the convention group that came in, with AnnaMaria and locals Cooper and Michelle, and Eliot, Jerry and Dale.


There was bead art in cases all through the gallery. The visitors enjoyed all the art along with wine and food at a little buffet table.


Lisa, Peggy, Beth and Nita were part of the bead convention.


At left are Kim, Dolly, Marianne and Bronwen; at right: Sharon, Tori and Cynthia.

"Pay it Forward Weekend" spreads good karma

It's "Pay it Forward Weekend" at Celestial Treasures (3444 Main Highway), their second year.

Here's how it works: When you go to the store, you will have your choice of either a psychic reading or a spiritual healing. Receive a message for guidance in your life or energy to help you heal any ailment. There is no cost for the service, but in return, you have to do something nice for two other people. The people you help can be known to you or complete strangers.

Then the two people you help have to do something in service for two more people. Here's your chance to create positive change and build good karma. Many gifted healers and psychics are donating their time and services. This is a good opportunity to meet some fine meta physicians and network with others.

That's today, Saturday, July 25 from 1 to 10 pm and tomorrow, Sunday, July 26 from 12:30 to 6:00 pm.

They have their seasons mixed up

It's Christmas already, or so think Felice and Kathy at The Bookstore (3399 Virginia Street). They are celebrating Christmas in July this weekend.

Stop in for a nice hot (cold?) cocoa and enjoy 50% off on holiday items. Or have a nice ice cold Mocha No Jocha, my favorite frozen coffee drink. (Jason, Felice's son, came up with that name).

Afro-Cuban Dance Festival starts tonight

The Afro-Cuban Dance Festival starts tonight and runs all weekend at the Arts and Minds Center (3138 Commodore Plaza).

Tyla Smith Gallery sets up at CocoWalk for weekend

Tyla Smith stands outside her gallery, which is set up at CocoWalk for the weekend. The Tyler Smith Galleries are always on the move, they go from city to city each week, selling art and giving part of the proceeds to charity.

There are quite a few nice things inside including lots of signed sports memorabilia, framed and ready to go, I saw one or two Michael Jackson signed photos, there is a lot of Britto. Basically, there is something for everyone.

The gallery is open all weekend, during CocoWalk hours. The gallery is across from Victoria's Secret and next to Bice Bistro (where Santa's village was last year).

Charities who benefit from the art sales are numerous, a few include the United Way, Juvenile Diabetes, the Humane Society, Multiple Sclerosis, the Urban League and dozens more.

You can get more info by calling 888-719-0689 or visiting www.tylasmithgalleries.com.

The most photographed guy in the Grove

It used to be that Freddie the Flamingo at CocoWalk was the most popular guy in town, photographed by all the tourists. But Freddy has flown the coop for now and it seems that this guy at the Mayfair Antique Market has taken the honor of being the most photographed in the Grove.

People are responding very favorably to the Antique Market at the promenade at Mayfair. They are scheduled to open one weekend each month but they have been opening almost every weekend now. The dealers had such a great time last weekend that they will open again this Saturday and Sunday. Stop by, the dealers are inside and outside. Inside is very well air conditioned, so you can shop in comfort. Hours are 11 am to 6 pm.

Live music and Happy Hour at The Taurus tonight

There's live music from 6 to 10 pm tonight at The Taurus, Robert Moore is performing.

Happy Hour is from 4 to 7 pm. Stop by for half priced drinks.

Robert Moore has been playing with Buddy Guy, Howlin' Wolf, Willie Dixon.

On Facebook today . . .

Picture essay of breakfast at Havana Grove this morning. You may see that here: http://www.facebook.com/coconutgrovegrapevine

(You don't need to be a Facebook member to see it).

Are they going to cut City salaries? We'll see

Lots of rhetoric at yesterday's City Commission meeting. Next year's budget was discussed. Right now the city is up to $118 million in the hole thanks the absurd salaries and pensions.

Commissioner Marc Sarnoff asked that the city workers whose pay is "bloated" and "excessive" give up some of their salary -- a small percentage. This list hit a nerve with many people.

Neisen Kasdin, of the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) stood before the Commission saying that they would reduce salaries if millage rates were approved for the upcoming fiscal year. This passed unanimously, even though the salary reductions should have come first.

It's all a big game. Business as usual. The commissioner asks for a reduction, the DDA agrees and lets see if anything happens.

Kasdin thought it was funny to say that they are cutting down on cookies at their downtown office. That's how they are saving money. No one found this to be funny. Getting rid of these bloated salaries is needed, not cutting down on the Oreos served with coffee in their offices. (Are taxpayers actually paying for the DDA's cookies, too? Someone is reimbursed for this?)

We shall see if salaries (and cookie eating) go down to any degree. Anyone want to take any bets that they don't?

We are about six weeks out from the Bed Race

This Saturday, July 25, is the last day to enter the Great Grove Bed Race at the entry fee of $50.00 per team. After Saturday, the fee is $75.00 per team. Last day to register is August 21, 2009.

You gotta be IN IT to WIN IT! Get your forms here now: www.thegreatgrovebedrace.com and get them in with the fee to The Bookstore in the Grove (3399 Virginia Street).

My new favorite song

The Grove's own Ryan Stone will be performing tomorrow night (Friday) at CocoWalk. Have a listen. Turn it up at the office! Enjoy . . .

It's the summer 2009 fad! Park on the sidewalks!

You know how every summer or two there seems to be a new fad? This year the fad is to park in the sidewalk!

First it was Code Enforcement, now it's the police. This was yesterday afternoon.

Two police offers were a few feet away, just kibitzing with someone, no emergency, no on duty stuff, just park and visit with the neighbors!

Is it any wonder why no one respects any of our local officials? They don't show any respect and they don't earn any for themselves.