Sonesta offering special Easter buffet

The Sonesta Bayfront Hotel (2889 McFarlane Road) is having an Easter Brunch on Sunday, April 4 from 11 am to 3 pm in the Biscayne Ballroom. There will be a breakfast station and a hot lunch buffet.

The breakfast station has items like sausages, blintzes, eggs, bacon, yogurt parfaits and assorted pastries. The Chef's Carving Station offers roast leg of lamb, prime rib and there is salmon, civiche, salads and so much more. The whole menu may be seen here.

Cost is $53.00 per person, $19 for children 5 to 12.

Complimentary Valet Parking For reservations, please visit the Virtual Concierge or call please call 305.447.8256.

New security guards covering the streets

Marcus Lenard (left) and Rene Iglesias, are two of the many new security guards you'll see patrolling the Grove.

They are with the ABM Security company.

Along with the security guards from Mayfair and CocoWalk and the police on bikes, cars and horseback, we seem to be well covered.

Chamber members meet the peacocks

The Coconut Grove Chamber of Commerce held a networker at the Coconut Grove Peacock Tour studio last night where everyone got to see a couple of peacocks up close and meet some of the artists. Above are Heather Bettner, president of the Peacock Tour; Mary McDonald, Mia Stierheim and artist Erika King, who is desiging the BID's peacock. The peaock here was designed by pop artist Lebo, sponsored by the Miami Heat.

Mary is on her way back to India, she's been back and forth lately, designing a couple of hotels. Her company MACCI does planning and designing of this sort.


From left: AnnaMaria Windisch-Hunt, Heather Bettner, Deborah Starbuck and Doreen LoCicero, artistic director of the Peacock Tour. At right: Susan and Roger Chai-onn, of FastSigns, one of the sponsors of the Peacock Tour with Bonnie Pickard; her daughter Andrea Ruggeri is one of the peacock artists.


Tom Santoro, Mary McDonald, Mia Stierheim, Monty Trainer, Camille DePhillips and Tony Noboa.


From left: Grove native Jane Muir, granddaughter of author Helen Muir, who has joined Alan Grinberg to form Grinberg & Muir, PLLC in Coral Gables; Sylvia Quinn with Camille DePhillips; artist Eileen Seitz.


David Guzikowski and Lisa Shallenberger of the Chamber of Commerce.


Artist Marilyn Haynes Smith, Armando Paz, Liliana Dones, Peter Laird and Tony Noboa.


Left: Camille DePhillips, Leo Succar and Joe Reyes; right: Ken Drodvillo with Heather Bettner.

Mary McDonald and Mia Stierheim check out Fred Hunt's peacock.

Peacock-tag

Try The Grove Spot for Easter Brunch

The Grove Spot (3324 Virginia Street) is offering up their Dutch special for Easter Sunday, from 10 am to 4 pm on April 4, enjoy the Uitsmijter for $7.95.

Shown at left, the Dutch breakfast, consists of eggs, multi grain bread (under the eggs), tavern ham and gouda cheese. (The banger is shown here for good measure, it is not part of the breakfast but may be ordered on the side).

It is a common lunch dish served in many cafés, lunch rooms and canteens in the Netherlands. Uitsmijter literally means "out-thrower", and it is also the Dutch word for a "bouncer". The Dutch name of this fried egg dish probably refers more to the fact that it is quickly made ("thrown out of the kitchen" so to speak) than that it has any connection to the similarly named doorman. “Great Hangover Remedy”

Another Grove Spot favorite is Bangers and Eggs, show at top: $7.95 with a side of bacon, $1.50.

New traffic patterns discussed at meeting

The BID (Business Improvement District) Board met at City Hall last night along with people from the City and County and lots of citizens, who filled the chamber.

The new proposed traffic pattern changes were discussed.

Phase one is the sidewalk project, which is a go and which will not change the traffic flow. All the bricks will be replaced with a different type of brick, which will allow for tree root growth and even allow pressure cleaning without disrupting the bricks or the sand below. And best of all, it should be stable and help to avoid the many trips and falls that happen on almost a daily basis.

The first phase will start on Commodore Plaza, Fuller, Virginia and Florida Avenue. Eventually the whole Grove will have new sidewalks. Phase one is scheduled to start in August and end in mid-December, weather permitting. The second phase will include widening sidewalks on Main Highway and possibly other areas, and this will affect the actual street scape.

The controversial part is the changing of street traffic patterns, to allow for more pedestrian traffic. If you click on the image here, it will open much larger and show you the new idea.

The county was asked to do a study of this new plan. They won't know if the plan will work until the study is done.

The idea is to eliminate turns which will allow for a more pedestrian friendly village. Traffic coming from South Bayshore Drive, up McFarlane will only be allowed to turn onto Main Highway. Traffic on Grand Avenue, will not be allowed to cross to Main, it would have to remain on Grand. To get to Main Highway from Grand Avenue, Commodore Plaza would be used.

A large plaza-type walkway will overtake one large area near the center of town, on Main Highway. The new plaza would also eliminate traffic lights at the triangle -- Main, Grand and McFarlane -- and only have a crosswalk light where needed. Traffic is expected to flow smoothly without any red light stops. A traffic round about was considered, but there is not enough room there without knocking down buildings, so that was scrapped.

A possible round about would be placed at Mary and Grand, probably to eliminate current stop sign runners. New bike lanes would be in the street, rather than on the sidewalk, and would extend all the way from South Bayshore Drive, up McFarlane, along Main Highway, to the Playhouse area.

One concern is the elimination of up to 18 parking spots on the street. The solution is for people to use the hundreds of spots available in parking lots and garages surrounding the area.

Monty Trainer, BID board member, put it this way: "Wake up Coconut Grove. Start walking," meaning use the garages and surface lots and walk to your destination in the village.

Special offer for next Moonlight Concert

Dealtificate is offering half off the next Barnacle Under Moonlight Concert, which is
Friday, April 9.

Entry is just $7 for two adults with this special offer.

Von Henry and Neil Bacher will be performing an evening of jazz.

Gates open at 6 pm, concert is from 7 to 9 pm.

Enjoy an evening on the big lawn, under the stars, right on Biscayne Bay. The Barnacle is at 3485 Main Highway. For the deal of the day, please go to www.dealtificate.com

Grove traffic patterns to be discussed today

The BID Board meeting regarding the change of Grove traffic patterns is today at 5:30.

Issues like turn lanes being changed or removed in certain areas and sidewalk widening are part of the plan.

The meeting is at City Hall (3500 Pan American Drive) at 5:30 pm, everyone is welcome.

First Saturday Art Stroll is this weekend

The First Saturday Art Stroll is back in Coconut Grove. On April 3, all the art, music and fun comes out onto the Promenade at Mayfair.

Enjoy free food, dance to the music and enjoy the art. The GroveHouse Artists are also doing their thing and so are all the galleries around town.

Stop in the Windisch-Hunt Gallery (2911 Grand Avenue) for the "Florida Scene" opening reception at 7:00 pm, also the Nomade Gallery (3133 Commodore Plaza) and the Christina Chacon Gallery, right across the street (3162 Commodore Plaza).

GroveHouse presenting "Sand, Sea & Surf"

"Sand, Sea & Surf" is the new exhibit at the GroveHouse Artist Gallery at the Mayfair Promenade. The exhibit opens April 1 and runs through April 30.

The opening reception is Saturday, April 3, from 7 to 9 pm, during the First Saturday Art Stroll which is on the Mayfair Promenade.

Vizcaya Moonlight Garden Tour

Vizcaya is having Moonlight Garden Tours tonight and tomorrow night, March 30 and 31.

Wander around the gardens under the full moon. Informal concerts and live music will be performed throughout. Light refreshments are sold.

Admission is $15 for adults, $10 for students and seniors and Vizcaya members. No reservations needed, just stop on by.

The Moonlight tour is from 6:30 to 9:00 pm.

Vizcaya is 3251 S. Miami Avenue. For info: 305-250-9133. They are open daily from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm, except for these special Moonlight Garden Tour nights.

Femfessionals hold launch party

Last week, the Femfessionals had a "Sweet Celebration" at the Museum of Science for the official launch of the Femfessionals group.


Marita Leonard with Partida Tequila; Patty Diaz and Micky Diaz Kahn.


Sandy Fernandez Masciatti, Sheena Eizmendiz, Patricia Vila, Nerelys Garcia, Yeleny Suarez.


Patsy Linares, Maria Hernandez of PIL Creative Group; Vida Perez, Susan Linning, Rita Borbon.


At left: Tobie Hollenbeck and Karen Vissepo; at right: Carissa Chesanek, Dr. Maria Delgado, Violette Sproul (President/CEO of Femfessionals), Ana Carolina Corrales.


At left: Dr. Georgina Merlo Quinones, Stephanie Taylor-Fink and Jessica Wilcox; at right:
Victoria Lopez Castro and Bibi Shifrin.


Dr. G Jackie Yee, Patricia Espinoza, Debbie Martinez and Bibi Shifrin.

Photos by Ada Stevens

Celebrate the Commodore's 159th birthday

Saturday, April 3 is the Commodore's 159th birthday party, that's right, Commodore Ralph Middleton Munroe, a grove pioneer will have a party thrown at his own house by the Barnacle Society.

The party is on the lawn behind the Commodore's 1891 house, The Barnacle (3485 Main Highway). Included with admission is a barbecue dinner, live music by Solar Dogs and of course a birthday cake.

Admission is $30 for members and $35 for non-members; it's $40 at the door; and for children under 10, it's only $5. Gates open at 6:00 pm.

Proceeds from this event go to support preservation efforts of The Barnacle. For additional information and tickets, please call 305-442-6866.

Lebo completes the first of the peaocks

Local artist Lebo completed the first of the peacocks for the Coconut Grove Peacock Tour.

Over the weekend Lebo and his assistant created the work of art at a Miami Heat Game. The Heat are sponsoring this particular peacock.

Tonight at 5 pm, the Chamber is holding their networker at the Peacock Gallery at the Promenade at Mayfair, where you can meet the artists and get more info on the Peacock Tour.

Peacock-tag

"River of Grass" exhibit at The Mutiny Hotel

"River of Grass," a new exhibit at The Mutiny Hotel (2951 S. Bayshore Drive) features local artist Paul Marcellini.

The exhibition opens Wednesday, March 31 with a cocktail party from 5:30 to 7:30 pm.

Paul Marcellini is an award-winning fine art photographer focusing on South Florida and specifically the Everglades.

Rainy days and Mondays . . .

The "Caution Wet Floor" sign is a bit of an understatement.

Meet the peacocks at Chamber networker

The Chamber Networker at the Coconut Grove Peacock Tour Studio (at the Mayfair Promenade) is tomorrow, March 30 from 5 to 8 pm.

Barefoot Vineyards and Specialty Coffees will serve the drinks and there will be hors d'oeuvres, too. There will also be live music.

You don't have to be a Chamber member to attend, the cost is only $5.00 for Chamber members and $10.00 for non-members.

Info on the Coconut Grove Peacock Tour may be seen here: http://www.coconutgrovepeacocktour.com.

Maybe they should just click their heels together

Steven and Thomas were walking around the Grove like this on Sunday, they say they were trying to raise money to go home.

According to Steven (left), they spent all their money at the Ultra Music Fest and they were charging people $5 a picture to raise funds for their return trip up north.

No matter what, they did find a great way to attract pretty girls, everyone wanted to stop and have their photo taken.

WIFF holds kids' Pajama Party; shows free movies

FIU Golden Panthers baskeball coach and Grove resident, Isiah Thomas, stopped by the Children's Pajama Party at Mayfair Sunday. The event was one of the features of this week's Women's International Film Festival (WIFF). Here with the NBA champ is Ana Gomez, WIFF membership director; Liliana Dones, chair of WIFF's host committee; Q, WIFF host committee member; and Paulette Elkind, the face painter for the day.


There were a lot of fun activities for the kids, including ice cream, a bounce house and free movies on the promenade.


Officer Patton stopped by on horseback, people always love that.


WIFF has three luncheons this week. More info here.

Critical Mass takes on Coconut Grove area

Critical Mass, the bike riding group, met at City Hall this morning. The 14.5 mile ride encompassed Coconut Grove, Brickell, the Roads and Little Havana and then ended back at City Hall. Many of the bikers then went on to have breakfast at Grove restaurants.


Photos by Harry Emilio Gottlieb

WIFF holding up-close and personal luncheons

The 5th Annual Women’s International Film & Arts Festival, (WIFF) will host three up-close and personal luncheons with best-selling authors and documentary filmmakers, Gary Null, Debbie Ford and Helie Lee. The luncheons will take place at the Mayfair Hotel ballroom and at the University of Miami’s Cosford Cinema.

“The purpose of the luncheons serve as the opportunity to hear from the noted industry professionals on what their journey was about when transferring their visions unto film,” said Yvonne McCormack Lyons, Founder and Director of WIFF.

“Each year, I am continually impressed with the films our festival receives. An array of talent such as Gary Null, Debbie Ford and Helie Lee will sure feed the appetite and minds of our audiences.”

In addition, Helie Lee, will present his film Macho Like Me at the Cosford Cinema at the University of Miami. Each luncheon will offer attendees with a tasty buffet, the opportunity to meet & greet the directors, and the candid opportunity for Q & A’s.

The luncheons, on March 29, 30 and April 1 are: $30 for WIFF members • $35 for Students & Seniors • $40 for Attendees.

For movie, luncheon and ticket info, please visit the WIFF site here.

Refresh Miami and Design Miami meetups

Design Miami's next Meetup is at The Grove Spot (3324 Virginia Street) on Wednesday, March 31 at 7:30 pm.

A panel discussion is planned on "Product Design Lessons Learned." Peter Martinez, Matt Lally and Ulises Orozco will lead the discussion on ways they have improved their own web apps. They'll be revealing what driving forces have guided them to make various design changes as well as share some of the benefits (or desired benefits) from these decisions. This will transition into a round table for everyone to share their own successes and struggles in honing projects to better suit their users.

Learn more and RSVP here.

Spaghetti Western night at The Grove Spot

Beginning this Tuesday, March 30, and every Tuesday, The Grove Spot (3324 Virginia Street) is presenting Spaghetti Western Night.

Starting at 8 pm, it's all you can eat spaghetti (with meat sauce), a side of garlic bread, and a small salad and all the soda you can drink, for $14.95, in the main dining room.

This week's movie is My Name is Nobody a 1973 Western directed by Tonino Valerii and starring Henry Fonda and Terence Hill.

Kids' Pajama Party today at Mayfair Promenade

The Women's International Film Festival (WIFF) is throwing a Pajama Party for kids today, March 28.

It all starts at NOON with a bazaar at the Shoppes at Mayfair Promenade.

Movies will be shown at dusk, including the feature length film, The Magistical, all part of WIFF's movie week, and best of all it's free.

Find good food, great music and fun activities for the whole family, all day. Kids bring pjs and blankets!

Fresh Market celebrating spring with festival

The Taste of Spring Festival is going on at The Fresh Market (2640 S. Bayshore Drive).

Sunday, from noon to 6 pm, The Fresh Market welcomes spring with an outdoor event. On display will be their offering of beautiful seasonal fruits, vegetables and other delicious foods.

Lunch will be sold right off the grill and you can sign up to win a $100 gift basket and other prizes. Try their sirloin burgers and other special items.

Participating in Earth Hour

Audrey Scott, Fred Hunt and Uta celebrate Earth Hour with Max the Peacock in Coconut Grove tonight. Earth Hour was from 8:30 to 9:30 pm.

Photo by AnnaMaria Windisch-Hunt

It was a perfect day for a coconut hunt

Hundreds showed up Saturday for Coconut Grove's Easter Nut Hunt (coconuts to look like Easter eggs). The starting point was at Mayfair's Atrium and the ending point right in front of CocoWalk by the fountain. Coconut Hunts are becoming a signature game at Grove events a couple of times a year. There was one last July 4th and there will be another one this July 4th.


There was a hunt at noon and another at 2:00 pm. At left, Richard Issa gives out prizes to all the kids; everybody who played, got something. At right are the winners of the first hunt, Ty Roche who came in with the most coconuts (10 of them) and Jennasea Gruszka, who was first in with five, both Coconut Grove Elementary School students.


As you can see, the Easter Bunny was around for all the festivities. Everyone enjoyed taking photos with him, although Dylan Jacobs may not have (at right, with aunt Barbara Ferenczi) but it could just the sun in his eyes, it was an incredible day for a hunt, sunny and warm.


From left: Lauren and Jennasea Gruszka check out some of the prizes, Chanel Hart and Sienna at CocoWalk and Nelsy Rivas and Richard Issa manned the cotton candy machine. The cotton candy, snow cones, flowers for Mom and other items were all free thanks to CocoWalk and Mayfair who teamed up to host the event.


Alexis, Sharaynae and Garland found a cool spot just before hunt time at the Mayfair Atrium.

Still time to sign up for the Grove Slam

The Grove Slam is back April 29 through May 1. From the poker tournament to the girls in bikinis and oh yes, the fishing, this is one of the best fishing tournaments of the year.

All events take place at Monty's. The kick-off Luau has an open bar and lots of food. Registration ends April 15 for those who will actually be fishing and not just partying.

For all the info, including the total schedule and registration forms, visit: http://groveslam.com

Photo courtesy Grove Slam

Arrests made in recent car-breakins

Four arrests have been made in the recent rash of car break-ins. Some of the property from the stolen cars was in the possession of those arrested.

Congrats to Commander Colina and the police staff and all who helped to solve this rash of crimes.

Remember to take all valuables out of your car at all times and lock you car even if you are leaving your car only for a short period of time.

Wine classes moved to Tuesdays

The Wine Class with Henry Barrow moves to Tuesday, starting March 30 (at 7:00 pm).

"Cabernet Sauvignon in the new world," is featured with Mr. Barrow, Wine Educator, who will present an overview of how to evaluate wines in this interactive series of tastings which feature different wines and regions each week and includes cheese and meat pairings together with an overview of happenings in the wine industry.

You need not participate in the entire series, but classes are limited to 20 participants, and reservations are a must.

$30 admission includes the class, a booklet and wine tastings. For reservations, please call 305-444-3493 or email info@labottegasociale.com.

The classes are held at La Bottega (3540 Main Highway) -- La Cava members may enjoy the classes at no charge.

Painting Jack Daniels

First we have painted peacocks, now painted Jack Daniels? Yes, that's the case at the Sandbar Grill (3064 Grand Avenue). Here the staff is with Jack, from left, Rosie Reyes (manager), Shaakira Chanda, Phil Estevez (manager) and Donnie Callender.

Certain bars around the country are receiving this foam statue which they have to paint as part of a contest, the winner will receive a large bar tab, a party and bragging rights from the Jack Daniels company.

When at the Sandbar, try the Grilled Mahi Melt. It's Mahi, topped with cheddar cheese, cabbage, tomato and jalapeño white sauce on sour dough bread. One of the favorites, at $8.25 with a side, shown below with french fries.

On another note, The Sandbar is claiming they will come in first again this year at the Great Grove Bed Race (they won the honor last year). The sign-up applications should be available next week. You can get all the latest news and updates at the Facebook Fan Page here.

Old Time Dance at The Barnacle this Sunday

This Sunday, March 28, The Barnacle (3485 Main Highway) is holding their Old Time Dance.

Kick up your heels and dance in the outdoor Micco Pavilion out back. Wear comfortable shoes and clothing and be prepared to dance, or learn the traditional American dances: Contras, Squares, Circles, Waltzes and more.

On the Fly will be playing the music and Andy Shore will be calling the steps. Gates open at 6 pm. Dancing is from 6:30 to 10:00 pm.Admission is $10 per person, children under 10 are free.

For additional information contact 305-442-6866 or visit www.TheBarnacle.org

New solar powered meters being installed

The Miami Parking Authority (MPA) has been installing new solar powered parking meters all over town.

Here is Charity Johnson at one of the new meters on Matilda Street in Center Grove.

These new meters from Digital Payment Technologies (DPT) are called "LUKE" meters, they offer greater flexibility than the previous meters. They have a larger, full color screen and are said to be easier to use. They have a 20 amp solar charging system.

According to the MPA, "This machine has the look of a parking meter, which automatically calls the attention of the customer. We have tested this machine for over four months and it has worked extremely well with no complaints."

Test drive a Colnago this weekend

Highgear Cycling (3210 Grand Avenue) is offering test rides on all Colnago bikes this weekend.

On Saturday and Sunday, March 27 and 28, from 8 am to sunset, stop by and try the smooth ride of a Colnago.

Highgear Cycling offers daily bicycle rentals, too. You can rent by the hour, the day, the week or longer.

Choose from hybrids and cruisers at $35 a day or $10 per hour or road bikes at $60 per day or $12 per hour.

For more info, please call 305-444-2175