Breakfast to be served at The Ivy

The Ivy at the Grove (3159 Commodore Plaza) will serve breakfast weekdays starting tomorrow, March 1, from 9:00 to 11:00 am, Monday through Friday.

For one week, tomorrow, March 1 through Friday, March 5, the Ivy will be offering breakfast food items at half price.

Brunch will be served on the weekends until 3:00 pm.

A very small sampling of the large menu includes:
Smoked Salmon Benedict, Full $12 / Half $8
Classic Eggs Benedict, Full $9 / Half $6
Spinach and Feta Cheese Omelette, $9
Bacon and Farmhouse Cheddar Omelette, $11
Buttermilk Pancakes, $10Malted Belgium Waffles, $11
Brioche French Toast, $10

Sides that come with breakfast include bagels, English muffins, croissants, toasted brioche, home fries, etc.

And there is so much more with lots of separate side dishes and beverages from Ethiopian Bold coffee to Verveine, Yerba Buena and more.

Window dressing on empty storefronts

Here are two empty storefronts, which do you prefer the images of sailboat bay as window dressing or the plain white paper that says, "no one is here?" Of course the choice is obvious. It might be a good idea for the empty storefronts (there are too many in the Grove), to make the windows a bit more pleasant with the images rather than plain paper, or even worse, newspaper up and down the windows.

A unique spin to a typical science class

Shake-A-Leg Miami recently hosted a group outing for Drug Free Youth In Town (DFYIT) where over 50 students took part in a hands-on environmental education project both inside and outside of the Academy classrooms. The youth spent the day learning about plankton, making their own plankton slides using water from Biscayne Bay, and identifying plankton species using microscopes. A second science experiment involved the students’ creation of their own water filters from recycled and household materials.

Photo courtesy Shake-A-Leg

Crime Watch updates

All-Grove Crime Watch is reporting that there is an increase of crime in Center Grove.Cars have been broken into when items were seen like handbags and other valuables, as you know GPS devices are the biggest draw. All valuable items should be stored out of sight. At one location in Center Grove, four tires and rims were stolen from a Chevy Yukon, which was parked on the swale. The truck had an alarm, but it didn't sound.

The BID (Business Improvement District) has hired two additional police officers to patrol the Center Grove and the residential district on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights. One will patrol from 7 pm to 2 am and one from 9 pm to 5 am.

Neighborhood Resource Officer (NRO) Joe Guell will be on duty from 7 pm to 2 am each Thursday, his number is 305-303-9163. And NRO Leo Carillo's number is 305-389-7996. Before calling them it would be best to call 911 for an emergency and 305-579-6111 for non-emergencies.

Giving him a hand up

Camille DePhillips acts as a safety net for the window washer at the Mayfair Promenade.

FAM Festival coming to Coconut Grove

FAM Festival is coming to Coconut Grove on March 20. FAM Fest stands for Food, Arts and Music Festival, a new community event. It's an all day event from 10 am to 10 pm.

Peacock Park is the venue for a fun-filled day where you can lay your blankets on the ground and enjoy the beautiful breeze by the bay while enjoying live music and lots of different types of food. Children can play in the kids zone and get their face painted. Also stop by the Big Tent and try your luck for prizes at blackjack or roulette.

The live music throughout the day will include Rock, Salsa, Funk and pop. One of our favorite local bands will be part of the entertainment -- Ryan Stone.

Rehage Jewelry celebrates 2nd anniversary

Steven Anton Rehage Jewelry (3162 Commodore Plaza) celebrated the 2nd anniversary of their Signature Jewelry Boutique on Wednesday night. Wine, champagne and hors d'oeuvres were served, compliments of Calamari. DJ FR8-O provided the music.

Above left: Amber, with Steven Anton Rehage, at left: Michelle Niemeyer with Larry Beame.


Cely Pereda with Dyanne Feinberg; Marlene Erven and John Morris.


At left: Gaea Garrity and Steven Anton Rehage; at right: Sandy Arostegi, Ron and Joyce Nelson, Gaea Garrity.


Joyce Nelson, Carol Kamercia, CL Conroy, Arla Marr.


Val McAllister, Cely Pereda.

Photos by Lisa Shallenberger

African Picnic at Abanico Theater

African Picnic is back by popular demand and will be performed again on Wednesday March 3 at 8:00 pm in the Abanico Theater, at the Academy of Arts & Minds Center (3138 Commodore Plaza).

Wesiah Poux, Britney Polycarpe, Isabella Diaz and Yesiah Poux, directed by Larry Villaneuva will keep you laughing and smiling.

General admission is $10, A&M students admitted free.

I'm just putting this out there . . .

What do you think of a Lechon Cook-off on the 4th of July as part of the Coconut Grove festivities.

This is coming out of the 4th of July committee that has been meeting weekly.

Baynanza now in 28th year of celebrating the bay

Baynanza is coming up, the six-week celebration of Biscayne Bay. Now in it's 28th year, Baynanza is even more special this year in that it is also celebrating the 40th anniversary of Earth Day.

One major part of Baynanza is Biscayne Bay Cleanup Day, where volunteers clean up the waterfront throughout the county. Four sites are designated for cleanup in the Grove: Vizcaya, Kennedy Park, Shake-A-Leg and Peacock Park. This year, Cleanup Day is Saturday, April 17 from 9 am to noon.

Last year over 8500 people participated and had a great day of making our parks look good by cleaning the environment.

To get in on the cleanup and other Baynanza activities, please visit their site here. There is a form to join the clean up and there are other activities listed.

He's a sick, lonely man, without a life

There is a sick old man who has been scaring people around town for quite awhile, using my name and the Grapevine for his tirades. He basically has no life and is jealous of our success, he does nothing for the Grove, has never done anything postitive for any businesses or anyone in the Grove and is a parasite and cancer on the Grove. I have ignored it for many years, he has cyber stalked me for about two, but now that he is scaring people, I have contacted the proper authorities and also ask that you do, too.

He doesn't realize how he is bothering people and how people are scared of this crackpot. Someone has notified Homeland Security already, so he may be put away before we know it. His neighbors shun him, as does most of the Grove, but he cannot get away with threatening people on a daily basis.

If you receive faxes or email or phone call threats, you may reach the police at:
Officer Carillo: 305-389-7996 or Officer Guell: 305-303-9163.

If you do receive unsolicited faxes (which are illegal) and threatening phone calls and message, which some of you have, he can be fined for $10,000 for each fax and each unsolicited threatening phone call. I have collected a bunch from some of you and have forwarded them to the proper authorities.

You may reach the Florida Attorney General here:

Here is where fellow bloggers and those who have been spammed can complain legally:
http://myfloridalegal.com/spam (you can file a complaint there).

Emails, illegal unsoliticed faxes and phone threats may be reported here:
Office of Attorney General
State of Florida
The Capitol PL-01
Tallahassee, FL 32399-1050
Email Attorney General Bill McCollum
Main office telephone numbers
Switchboard: 850-414-3300
Fax your threatening faxes here: 850.410.1630
Citizens Services: 850-414-3990

Florida Toll Free: 1-866-966-7226

Neighbors are sticking their heads in the sand

There are grumblings in the neighborhoods by neighbors who feel that the Cocoanut Grove Village Council is not serving their interests. It might be a good idea if the neighbors start attending Village Council meetings and perhaps their voices will be heard. Avoiding the Village Council is just a case of putting their heads in the sand -- avoiding the issues they don't like.

We do feel that the Village Council does care about the North Grove and South Grove, but keep in mind that we are a small village surrounding a village center which consists of businesses. Everyone needs to be heard and if at some point certain issues are being discussed by the Village Council, that is just a point in time and an issue of the moment, it does not mean that the neighborhoods are forgotten.

The Village Council members live in the neighborhoods. Don't they want what's good for their neighborhoods since they do live here, too?

At the last meeting Crime Watch had a comprehensive report, this is largely a neighborhood group. Also the Playhouse, which I would assume concerns neighbors and the Mariah Brown House and Charles Avenue and most importantly the Glass House. If neighbors want the Glass House to become a community center and place for the neighborhood families and kids, it would behoove them to let their voices be heard at Village Council meetings and other places, but especially in public meetings, where it all can be seen, heard and recorded.

Vegetarian Fusion Cuisine cooking class

Zen Village (3570 Main Highway) is having a gourmet vegetarian cooking class called "Vegetarian Fusion Cuisine" with Chef Julez, of the Perugia Cuisine University in Italy.

Learn to prepare delicious, nutritionally balanced and cruelty free meals tomorrow, February 27 from 9 am to 1 pm. Cost of class is $75.00. Please register today, space is limited. Email info@zenvillage.org or call 305-567-0165.

Also, the same night from 5:00 pm to 12:30 am, there is a Full Moon Lantern Festival. This includes dinner, watching a movie, singing karaoke, drumming and midnight meditation. Suggested donation is $5.00.

CocoWalk on road to recovery

PMAT CocoWalk, LLC has reached an agreement to modify the terms of the loan on the property. The completion of the loan modification will allow CocoWalk to "complete its re-tenanting and reposition itself as the premier outdoor center in South Florida," according management.

The new Muvico theater is proceeding with construction and is now scheduled to open in May. I was invited to tour the new place while it is under construction, and I'll take pictures and share that soon.

This opening will provide significant revitalization of the property and for Coconut Grove. The new theater will be the first premier, all-digital theater in Miami-Dade County and will draw from a significantly expanded trade area.

Pipedreams weekend includes Vizcaya

A Pipedreams Pipe Organ Weekend in Miami is taking place starting tomorrow, February 26 through February 28.

A few venues around the county are part of the activities including Vizcaya on Sunday, February 28 where the 1917 3-manual Welte pipe organ will be the featured item, played every 15 minutes from 1 to 5 pm, and then afterwards a short history of the residence organs in early 20th century homes will be given.

For more info, please visit the Pipedreams website here.

Free concerts this weekend at CocoWalk

Friday, February 26: 8-10 pm - SPAM Allstars
Saturday, February 27: 7-11 pm - Ryan Stone
Sunday, February 28: 2-6 pm - Bryan Gonzalez

Wine tastings this week

Barry Alberts, wine guru, presents the Friday Night Wine Tasting Series at the Mayfair Hotel (3000 Florida Avenue), tomorrow, February 26. The theme this week is "California vs. South America" wines.

Cost is $15.00, the tasting is from 7 to 9:30 pm. For more info: 305-793-3120.

Tonight Barry hosts Thirsty Thursdays at Jaguar (3067 Grand Avenue). For $20, you get three drinks (any type) and ceviche spoons and skewers of various types. For info: 305-444-0216.

The Village Council is a Nomadic group

The Village Council is in the dark. Literally. They have been meeting at the auditorium at Ransom Everglades Middle School, which is beautiful, but there is one problem -- the mic never works right and the council is sitting up on stage in the dark, while the audience is brightly lit. Shouldn't it be the other way around? They may have their next meeting elsewhere next month.

City Hall is still not making a move on allowing the Village Council back to meet in the chamber there, they still are claiming they are trying to work out a meeting schedule where all neighborhood groups can share the space. Of course we all know that the majority, if not all neighborhood groups don't want to meet in City Hall before the glare of the tv cameras. They like to keep their meetings to themselves, they don't even like when I mention anything here about their goings on let alone a whole tv audience.

City Hall keeps pushing papers around and according to a Village Council member who has been asking for a decision, they are too busy to make one now. So for the time being and who knows, maybe forever, the Cocoanut Grove Village Council will meet outside City Hall Chambers and the tv cameras, which is a shame because they deserve to be treated better.

Spend an evening sailing under the stars

This Saturday night, February 27, there is another Shake-A-Leg Moonlight Sail embarking from 2920 S. Bayshore Drive.

Set sail with "Mother Nature" under a full moon out on Biscayne Bay. Check-in begins at 6:00 pm with all boats departing the dock by 6:30 and returning no later than 9 pm. Don’t miss out on this wonderful opportunity to see Miami from the best spot -- Biscayne Bay.

Registration is still open, click here to register! There are no walk-ups, all tickets must be purchased in advance. In the event they sell out, please contact their staff to be added to a waiting list. In case of inclement weather, ticket purchases will be credited to future Shake-A-Leg Miami events.

For more information this or other Shake-A-Leg Miami Programs, please call 305-858-5550 or email john@shakealegmiami.org.

Peacock season is getting closer

The Peacock Tour is coming this spring. Six foot tall painted fiberglass peacocks will fill the village and stick around for six months.

On Friday, March 12, at 7:00 pm, there is a "Peacock Vernissage" taking place at Windisch-Hunt Gallery (2911 Grand Avenue). This is the first of many peacock events coming up for spring and summer.

This first event in March, will allow guests will have the exclusive opportunity to see the fiberglass peacock as a blank canvas before the artists take brush to them.

Each peacock will be sponsored by local businesses and individuals and will then be decorated by local artists who will each incorporate their own themes. A “who’s who” of artists has been commissioned so far including renowned pop artists Romero Brito and Ed King, marionette pioneer Pablo Cano, sculptor Paula Turk, and post modern cartoonist, Lebo. Doreen LoCiero, a celebrated local artist, will serve as Artistic Director of the exhibit.

A self-guided tour brochure will be available that will allow for leisurely strolling around town where people can seek out the colorfully decorated birds as well as discover all the hidden pleasures the Grove has to offer. Hopefully the merchants will get involved with peacock-themed items and foods and drinks for sale, you know, a peacock rum punch at one place, peacock earrings at another, etc.

“Planning for The Peacock Tour has once again confirmed the community’s sense of pride and camaraderie,” says Camille DePhillips, Marketing and Events Coordinator for the exhibit. “It’s a really fun project that will not only bring visitors to the Grove but add an artistic elegance to our little village.”

For more information on The Coconut Grove Peacock Tour and a complete list of artists and sponsors, visit www.coconutgrovepeacocktour.com. To become a sponsor, contact Heather Bettner at 305.775.0113

Peacock-tag

Alhambra Orchestra performing at Barnacle

The Alhambra Orchestra will be be performing at the Barnacle (3485 Main Highway) 0n Sunday, February 28.

The moonlight pops concert will consist of salsa, rock, jazz and more. Dr. Leo Walz will conduct. The gates open at 6 pm, the concert is from 7 to 9 pm. Bring a picnic basket and blanket and lawn chair, no pets please.

Cost is $10 for ages 6 and up. Children under 5 are free. Tickets sold at gate. For more info: 305-442-6866.

Are the "Big Brother" cameras legal?

Speaking of the ugly black booths, the cameras above them may be illegal if they are being used for traffic. At least that is what a judge has said about the cameras in Aventura.

Another waste of taxpayer dollars.

Maybe we can throw baseballs at the cameras and try to destroy them as another part of the our black information booth sledgehammer knock down money raiser.

What's going on at the Film Office?

Is Harry Emilio Gottlieb to be the new head of Miami's Film Office? As you may remember, long time Miami Film Office head, Robert Parente, is being let go. According to Miami Today, Harry may have the job. I was told this awhile ago, but was told to keep it quiet, but now that it's been reported, I can confirm that I heard the same thing.

I was with Harry the other night, he didn't say a word.

I was also told by Robert Parente, that he of course wants to keep the job, and is willing to work for half his salary for about two years, and the Miami Today report confirms this.

The Miami Today story is here.

No movement at the Playhouse

The Coconut Grove Playhouse was brought up at the Village Council meeting last week. According to Patrick Sessions, head of the Council, the old Board of Directors and the current development company are "at odds."

Patrick would like to start a committee to possibly help break the logjam. Too many egos are involved (mostly on side of the board) and it would be a good idea for them to start thinking of Coconut Grove and not just themselves.

So far, while Joseph Adler has been brought in from the GableStage to operate the theater, nothing has been done on the construction end. $20 million dollars is available, which was designated by Miami-Dade County's capital-improvement funds in 2004, but the money can be taken away at any time. This is a county project, not a city project.

Ron Nelson, Chief of Staff for Commissioner Marc Sarnoff feels that it's a good idea for everyone to pressure the current board and get them to make a move. Patrick feels that if it needs to go to court, that needs to be facilitated and that may be the only way to get the inept board to make a decision.

Village Council member Michelle Niemeyer brought up a good point in that the board may be liable if the $20 million is revoked because of their apathy. The board has denied access to their records, so something is up there.

Mocking the ugly black information booths

Interesting column Fred Grimm had in yesterday's Herald, it was about our ugly black information booths.

Apparently the County is still at odds with the city over them and wants them removed; two for blocking the view of passing motorists and one blocks the bike path on Main Highway.

They were installed also without the proper permits and they are ugly and unmanned for most of the time. And even when they are manned, the guards prefer to stand outside and move around, they don't usually sit inside.

Most of the time the lost tourists are on their own.

Fred's column is here.

PS, Maybe the City can raise badly needed funds by having a demolition day in the Grove, people would pay for sledge hammer whacks to knock the booths down. $1.00 a whack. I bet the City could raise lots of money that way.

Implementation Committee discusses Burn Notice

At the last waterfront Implementation Committee meeting the subject of Burn Notice came up, regarding the Expo Center. Board Chair Wendy Kamilar sent a letter to the members claiming that according to permits given out by the City each week, that most or all of the permits are for outdoor location shoots and there doesn't seem to be a need for indoor movie studios, so why keep them at the Expo Center.

But why would there be a need for permits at indoor studios? The permits are required for outdoor shoots for various reasons, such as shutting down streets, sidewalks and the like. Indoor studios don't normally need permits other than one overall permit for the project, isn't this the case? They don't need weekly permits to shoot indoors at the same studio location.

For some reason, so many people want to kill Burn Notice. This City really has no respect for the film industry, for the money it brings in and even more so, the goodwill and free publicity it gives for years and years, from just one project. Proof of this was the dismissal of Robert Parente, a major cog in the local film industry, with many connections and years of experience in finessing film and tv projects through the system.

Just the other day some of us were discussing the Key Biscayne location used for Corona Beer commercials. Each time the commercials show, Crandon Park is highlighted and it's just the backdrop for the commercial. Burn Notice and films and model shoots do so much more. The indoor sets seem like a no-brainer when filming is concerned, they tie-in with outdoor shoots.

The Implementation Committee was also concerned with the Miami Parking Authority and their plan to build a garage. The committee feels that there is no need for the garage. And if there is, why not add it near the post office, not in a park on the water? Let people walk through the Grove to get to the parks, it will help commerce.

Free Spam Allstars concert on Friday

The Spam Allstars will be perfoming Friday, February 26, at CocoWalk. The concert is free, in the courtyard, from 8:00 to 10:00 pm.

It's all about design, kinetics and construction

Legendary Grove artist Leonard Krakovitch King is offering art lessons each month. For a nominal fee, Leonard will supply all the materials and expertise on creating kinetic art boxes, just like he has on display at his Kinetic Art Gallery at 2911 Grand Avenue (next to the Bookstore).


If you haven't been by the gallery, it's hard to explain what the kinetic art is, basically inside the boxes are mirrors and the mirros allow the paper shapes to change and morf as you move around the boxes. When taking the course, you will receive all material shown here, which will allow you to creat your own kinetic art box.


The best part is that you don't have to be an artist. If you cannot draw or paint, this course is for you. It's all about a new school of abstract art.

If interested in the course, please call the gallery at 786-266-1547 or email kingleonardo@comcast.net. Leonard would like to get up a group of 10 students to start the glasses going.

Free sailboat seminar at Grove Sailing Club

The Coconut Grove Sailing Club (2990 S. Bayshore Drive) is holding a "Buying A Sailboat 101" seminar on Saturday, March 6.

This free seminar is a great way to learn about buying a boat, including what size you should buy, how much you should spend, where you would store it and so on. The panel of experts on hand will include sailing instructors, marine surveyors, veteran sailors and even chronic sailboat buyers.

Many sailboats will be on site for you to examine. The event is from 9 am to 1 pm.

Register now. Space is limited to the first 35, so please sign up today if you’re interested.

To register, go to www.cgsc.org/buyaboat or call 305-444-4571 ext. 10. If you have any questions, feel free to email event chair Doug Hanks at hanksmiami@yahoo.com

New City Manager introduced today

The new City Manager, Carlos Migoya, a former long time banker, will work pro bono. He is not asking for a car or any other perks. He only wants to help the city.

"He has the capability of bringing the common sense approach," said Mayor Tomas Regalado.

This is an interim position. He will stay as long as needed.

Baroque Psalmody concert at Plymouth Church

The University of Miami's Frost School of Music and the Miami Bach Society are presenting "Baroque Psalmody: A Benefit for Haitian Earthquake Relief" at Plymouth Congregational Church (3400 Devon Road) on Wednesday, February 24 at 7:30 pm.

From the press release: "The psalms are among the oldest, most personal, and most loved texts in the Judeo-Christian world. This concert traces some of the best-known psalms from their earliest printed musical settings in 1524 and proceeds through more than four hundred years of musical twists and surprises."

Admission is free but donations will be accepted. For more info please call 305-284-4162.

Pop Art by Les Roberts, Jr.

This is my friend Les Roberts, Jr. He does a lot of pop art, mostly cartoon characters, you can see him with his Spider-man painting here.

I have him doing some commissions for me -- a bunch of cartoon characters from my youth, you know, Huckleberry Hound, Yogi Bear, Quickdraw McGraw and so on, the gallery is licensed to reproduce the characters.

Les can be found at the Britto store at 2994 McFarlane Road. Stop in and browse or buy a comic character or two.

Lots of fun at Community Bay Day

Yesterday was Community Bay Day at Shake-A-Leg, they have a Community Bay Day usually once a month or so. This is where anyone can come out and partake of the Shake-A-Leg activities for free, from kayaking to sailing to trips to the spoil islands off shore and more.


Volunteers like Juan Garcia and Dave Weiss, shown at right, guide folks around or take them out for fun on the water.


Here, Juan guides the boat out with a bunch of happy sailors as they head out to Spoil Island E to check out the beach and wildlife.


It's a lot of fun and a great way to experience Miami if you have not been on the water before, or even if you have. Their facilities for handicapped water lovers are the best.


There is food on the mainland at home base and lots to do for friends and families. Shake-A-Leg has many programs for adults and children like "Intro to Sailing" and "Intro to Windsurfing" and "Cruising Certifications."


While everything is free on Community Bay Day, on any other day, kayaks and power boats and such are available for hourly rentals. Shake-A-Leg is located at 2920 S. Bayshore Drive, they may be reached at 305-858-5550 or john@shakealegmiami.org.

Chris Carpenter retires from Coconut Grove Bank

Chris Carpenter retired from the Coconut Grove Bank the other night, after 40 years. Above are Chris, her husband Jim, Sandy and Ty Roche, Maria Montesino, Haydee Orozco, and Bob Coords (bank CEO).


In 1976, for the bank's 50th anniversary, Chris and others in 1926 period costume, had a ribbon cutting ceremony for the branch opening on the corner of Main Highway and McFarlane, which stood there for so many years until Coldwell Banker took it over a couple of years ago.

Special circus day for the kiddies

The kids enjoyed the circus performances yesterday at the Windisch-Hunt Gallery to celebrate the current exhibit, "Circus, Circus." There were juggling and magic acts and pink lemonade and popcorn.

Getting a head at the GroveHouse gallery

This sculpture is called "Ode to Brancusi," by artist Alicia Manning. You can find it at the GroveHouse Gallery at the Mayfair Promenade. Cost: $450.00. For info: 305-569-3097.

Gallery Hours: Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday: Noon - 6 pm; Friday & Saturday: Noon - 9 pm' Sunday: 11 am - 5 pm; Monday: by appointment

Rehage Jewelry celebrating 2nd Anniversary

Steven Anton Rehage Jewelry is celebrating his 2nd year anniversary of his Signature Jewelry Boutique at 3162 Commodore Plaza.

Starting at 6 pm, on Wednesday, February 24, the celebration begins. Enjoy wine and champagne and hors d'oeuvres compliments of Calamari. DJ FR8-O will be spinning.

RSVP to 305-441-0414 or rsvp@stevenantonrehage.com.

What's going on at the waterfront

Coastal Systems was hired to work on the Kennedy Park shoreline restoration and to add the floating docks to the area. They will be in charge of design and permitting to put "windows" the mangroves also trim and remove exotic growths to allow for water views.

In addition, the wetland needs to be reconnected to the tidal flow. A bay walk will be added as the final phase of the job. The current dock will be destroyed and the newly constructed dock will return to its 1988 configuration.

The Island E floating dock design and permitting project will apply for 50% matching funds from FIND (Florida Inland Navigation District). Floating docks will be constructed at Scotty’s Landing and The Chart House, which will allow for daily stops by boaters to dock, come in and enjoy the Grove and then leave. It is not a permanent dock for boat storage.

MiaSci hits the road at Crazy Pianos

The inaugural @MiaSci: Hits the Road event is Thursday, February 25 at Crazy Pianos at CocoWalk from 7:00 to 10:00 pm.

This is the Science Museum's Young Patron's, a thriving group of young professionals with a mission to establish the Miami Science Museum as a beacon for professional exchange and networking in South Florida. The Young Patrons host a series of events based out of the Museum that include: @MiaSci: Happy Hour with Substance, a happy hour alternative held at the Museum; @MiaSci: Hits the Road, a mixer at local Miami hot spots; and @MiaSci: The Science of Success, a breakfast series featuring well-known Miami leaders.

A $10.00 donation to the Museum includes one free drink.

For more information, please visit www.miamisci.org/atMiaSci

Tignanello Wine Dinner presented by La Bottega

La Bottega is presenting "Tignanello Wine Dinner" on Wednesday February 24, with a 7:30 reception followed by dinner at 8:30 pm.

At the reception enjoy skewered shrimp and scallops served over a Bernaise sauce paired with Montenisa Franciacorta Brut.

The appetizer: Grilled octopus marinated with EVOO, garlic and Italian herbs, served over a bed of tri color salad, paired with Guado al Tasso Vermentino 2008.

First Course: Candela pasta “rotta-a-mano” and cooked al dente, tossed with a hearty and tender lamb ragu, paired with Peppoli Chianti Classico 2006.

Main Course: 16 oz. prime Fiorentina steak, aged 21-days and grilled to perfection, served with roasted rosemary potatoes and arugula salad, paired with Tignanello 2006.

Dessert: Perugia’s chocolate mousse with sprinkled Sicilian pistachio nuts, paired with Muffato della Sala.

Cost is $85.00 per person + tax and 20% service charge
Reservations: 305 444 3493
La Bottega Enoteca Sociale, 3540 Main Highway

Community Bay Day at Shake-A-Leg

Tomorrow, Sunday, February 21, is another popular Community Bay Day at Shake-A-Leg (2620 S. Bayshore Drive).

Enjoy kayaking, sailing and powerboat rides from 1:00 to 5:00 pm. For info, please email: watersports@shakealegmiami.org or call 305-858-5550.

Special children's circus art opening

Everyone Loves the Circus! Tomorrow, Feb. 21, is a special children's art opening from 2 - 4 pm at the Windisch-Hunt Gallery (2911 Grand Avenue). Performance start at 3 pm sharp.
Popcorn will be served.

"This is the largest selection of circus images in one place," said ringmaster Elias Joseph. That's Debra Schurman enjoying the secret delights of "Under the Big Top" even though she is an adult or so she says.

There is an open call for all artists in recognition of Women's History Month called "Homage." The subject is women, this is for women artists, but male artitst who depcit the feminine in their work are also welcome.

Submission fee is $35.00 for up to 2 pieces, they must be 30" x 30" or larger. Photography must be 16" x 20" or larger. Submission deadline is Tuesday, March 2 at 7 pm. The opening reception is Saturday, March 6 from 7 to 9 pm. Stop by the gallery or email awindisch@mac.com for more info.

Village Council needs a peacock sponsor

Heather Bettner, Village Council member and the brains behind the Coconut Grove Peacock Tour coming in April, asked the Village Council to sponsor a peacock to the tune of $4400.00.

This is the cost of the fiberglass bird, the fee for the artist who will decorate the bird, the insurance, transportation, permitting, etc.

Right now, the Village Council only has about $13,000 in their budget and putting up a third for the peacocks was not advisable by most of the council. So now a sponsor is being looked for. A corporate sponsor who will buy the peacock and then get their money back when it is raffled off by the Village Council at the end of the Peacock Tour, which will be six months.

Currently, about 20 peacocks are sponsored. There is to be a reception in honor of the artists in March, details to come.

If anyone is interested in helping out the Village Council in sponsoring a peacock, please contact Heather or someone on the Village Council. You can email me and I'll pass the word along to them if you don't know how to reach them.

It's like Old Home Week at The Grove Spot

It's official The Grove Spot IS the new Grove spot. I see the same people there for breakfast at 9 am and then again at the bar at 9 pm. People just don't want to go home. I call it the "Breakfast Club."


Last night the place had lots going on. Robert Clark played his red guitar and the party atmosphere flowed from one end to the other. At right are Armando and Charlene Paz.


Gwen Taylor-Grayson had her birthday party at The Grove Spot last night and friends made new friends as they joined in on the fun.


The beer, wine and mixed drinks flowed. The party crowd found their new hang out.


The Olympics played on the tv's inside and people ate and drank and danced outside.


My friend Chris told me that the place had just the right set-up, there was so much space and there was so much going on. In one area people were dining, in another they were dancing, in another they were enjoying Gwen's birthday at another side, Robert was performing and at another friends were hanging out and laughing. There's a lot going on at The Grove Spot (3324 Virginia Street).

A celebration of Coconut Grove artists

The Coconut Grove Arts Festival Gallery (3390 Mary Street, suite 128) is presenting a taste of the past. Premiering Friday, March 5, with a cocktail reception from 6:00 to 8:00 pm, over 50 original lithographs will be unveiled from the Gold Coast Collection.

These feature the legendary Coconut Grove artists of the 1970's. It is comprised of signed and numbered pieces by Tony Scornavacca (this is one of Tony's pieces at left), Meredith Miller, Jack Amoroso, Roy Lohr, Su Yue Lee and many others. This collection was put together by William S. Doyle, who worked with the artists to produce these pieces. The art has been appraised and the pieces are in the permanent collections of several museums and many private collections.

Please RSVP for the opening reception to Katrina at katrina@cgaf.com or 305-447-0401.The exhibit will be on display through April 2, 2010. The gallery is open Monday through Friday from 9 am to 5 pm.

City Manager to resign

According to the Miami Herald, City Manager
Pete Hernandez will resign.

Can't say I blamed him, the city is a total mess, financially and, well, just about every other way, too.

Woman's Club celebrating 119 years!

The Woman's Club of Coconut Grove (2985 S. Bayshore Drive) is holding a special 119th Anniversary celebration of the club on Friday, March 5 from 6 to 8 pm.

The Eighth Annual Young Artists Gallery will be previewed at the reception. Refreshments will be served followed by an awards presentation.

Please rsvp to info@coconutgroveevents.com or 305-446-2909.

Muvico is moving along for April opening

Dave Collins, BID Executive Director, took a little tour of the new Muvico theater at CocoWalk the other day. He says all looks good. Muvico says they will open phase one on April 15.

Phase one is 12 movie theaters in various sizes, some theaters are quite intimate. Phase two will consist of the bar/restaurant and possibly small bowling alley, to be opened in July.

Dave says that he saw scaffolding up and around all the theaters and in three of them, the platforms were in for the stadium seating.

While it seems that work is not being done, it really isn't rocket science and it's basically a bunch of rooms with chairs and a movie screen, to put it plainly.

The City was slow with the initial permits and when changes had to be made, according to the City, the new plans with changes, were slow in being returned to the City. So it's a bit of slowness on both ends that has kept the project from moving along.

While the actual Muvico company is not involved in the project, the Muvico name will remain on the project.

Aladdin's Grill celebrating 2nd anniversary

Aladdin's Grill (3415 Main Highway) is celebrating their second anniversary on Sunday, February 21. There's a party from 7:30 to 11:30 pm.

Enjoy delicious Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine. There's a special belly dance and Indian performances by Florida's top dancers, also DJ and raffles.

Reserve a table now by calling 305-442-2608.

More ideas needed for Glass House

The Glass House in Peacock Park was discussed at last night's Village Council meeting. Ron Nelson, Chief of Staff for Commissioner Sarnoff said that they are still accepting ideas from the public before an actual RFP (Request for Proposal) goes out.

Currently surveys are in progress, also testing for asbestos and things of that nature, but while many feel it is a foregone conclusion that a restaurant is going in, they say that is not the case and public input is needed. What would you like to see done with the glass house?

The Chamber of Commerce and NET office would like to stay. According to the Chamber up to 20 tourists a day stop in for info and brochures, from the little welcome center they have set up there. They would like to continue operating out of that office.

If you have any ideas for the place, please email them to Ron Nelson at rnelson@miamigov.com.