Thursday, September 30, 2010

Rodez Gallery celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month

The Rodez Gallery this month is presenting "Raices: The Root of All Things," premiering Saturday, October 2 at a party from 7 to 10 pm.

They're celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month with the collective exhibition that pays tribute to contemporary Hispanic visual artists of South Florida. They are sharing the culture and traditions of U.S. resident artists who trace their roots to Spain, Mexico, Central and South America and the Spanish speaking countries of the Caribbean.

A total of 31 artists will showcase their original artwork from oils, acrylics, and mixed media paintings to sculptures. The image on the left is by George Rodez, it's called "Conga Player," acrylic on canvas board.


Meet the artists on Saturday and enjoy wine and snacks. The exhibit will be on display through October. A special fundraiser will be held on Wednesday, October 13 from 6 to 8 pm to benefit the Young Patronesses of the Opera.

The Rodez Gallery is on the second floor at CocoWalk, next to Crazy Pianos. Gallery hours are Monday through Thursday, 11 am to 7 pm and Friday and Saturday, 11 am to 10 pm.

For info, please call or email: 786-543-7237 /
info@rodezart.com.

Traffic survey being conducted in Center Grove

The county has started their traffic survey to see if the change of traffic patterns in the Center Grove should go ahead. The plans are outlined here. So far we heard that they were approved by the county and they are just doing surveys at this point, but it seems that they want to see if there is a need to redo the whole traffic pattern because there are those rubber counters across a few of the streets that are to be changed.

There's one on Grand Avenue near the Bookstore and another is on South Bayshore Drive, where the idea is to convert two lanes on each side into one.

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The former plans did not include the Virginia Street closing, which is still being discussed. A drawing of the concept, shown here, was presented to the Village Council last Thursday, by Ron Nelson, Commissioner Marc Sarnoff's chief of staff. The Village Council had many questions about the plan to close Virginia. Some are confused, some feel it is a major artery and needs to be open, others feel it is not a problem.

Moonlight Jazz concert features Michelle Manzo

Moonlight Jazz at The Kampong opens their second concert season with the seductive music of jazz vocalist Michelle Manzo on Saturday, October 16 at 8 pm, performing at "The K Lounge."

"She is the only singer I know who can bridge the gap between Celia Cruz and Sarah Vaughan," said Bob Belden.

Michelle has a four-octave range, born and raised in Miami, after moving to New York for a few years, she is back home, currently recording a contemporary Latin album with tinges of jazz and R&B.

Enjoy the song stylings of Michelle surrounded by the lush gardens of The Kampong.

"If you are looking for a place to enjoy an evening of fine live jazz with other aficionados, where atmosphere and style combine with superb acoustics, then come and experience the K Lounge, said Vivianne Swietelsky, chair of the Moonlight Concert committee.

Seating is limited and is by reservation only. Tickets are on sale now for $75. Price includes table seating and complimentary Grey Goose signature cocktails. Tickets may be purchased
here or by calling 305-442-7169. For info, please email: kampong@ntbg.org.

Proceeds from this concert support The Kampong's living collections and education program. The Kampong is located at 4013 S. Douglas Road.

Thursday is T-bone steak day at Berries


Berries in the Grove (2884 SW 27 Avenue) has a great deal today for you non-vegetarians -- A 16 oz. T-bone steak with two sides for only $11.99!

Saturday is Lobster Night at Berries, enjoy a 1-1/4 lb. Maine Lobster with two sides for only $15.99.


And everyday, enjoy their wood oven pizzas and Paninis.

Thursdays are Ladies Night. Ladies drink free from 9 to 11 pm.

Their daily menu is
here. For info, please call 305-448-2111.

"Ancestor Night" is new exhibit at Blu Moon

"Ancestor Night" is the new exhibit opening in October, at Blu Moon Studio of Art (3444 Main Highway, top floor). Artist Carolina Nelida Gauna and a Gourd Rattle Workshop with artist Sheri Friedman will be featured on Saturday, October 2 from 7-10 pm, during Gallery Walk night.

"Ancestor Night" is an exhibit of acrylic works on canvas. This exhibit explores the themes of how various cultures celebrate the three days of All Hallows Eve, All Soul's Day and the Day of the Dead.

While these themes may seem macabre, they serve a purpose to remind us of the dualities of life, such as birth and death, poverty and plenty and to honor our connections to those who have gone before us. It is no coincidence that these celebrations occur at the time when the earth is going from the abundance of the harvest into the stillness of the winter. In our homogenized world, it is good to be reminded of the dualities that we live with, in order to fully experience them both.

Carolina Nelida Guana is a mostly self-taught artist who was born in Argentina and raised in Miami. Her focus is mostly on world cultures, religious and social themes done in a whimsical, folk art style.

I think the most fun that night will the be the Gourd Rattle Painting Workshop Sheri Friedman, where you can learn to make your own gourd creation to shake, rattle and roll downstairs in the drum circle. Sheri has a very limited number of natural gourd rattles to paint and decorate so arrive early to participate and claim one of them as your own.

These are painted gourds to the right. Amazing.

There is a fee of $20 to participate in the workshop and all materials are included. The workshop will take place from 7:30 to 9:00 pm first come first serve. And there is more -- jewelry artist Atena Komar will have some spooktacular Swarovsky crystal jewelry to add to your Halloween ensembles. So check that out while enjoying the plethora (yes, plethora) of events at Blu Moon on Saturday!

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Coconut Grove Elementary looking for partners

The Coconut Grove Elementary School PTA is meeting Thursday, September 30 at 6:30 pm. All are welcome, you don't have to be a member. The school is at 3351 Matilda Street.

The PTA is looking for local businesses and community leaders to support the PTA through donations or sponsorship, who will receive recognition for their efforts.

The
SpendforED Program is one area where they are trying to acquire funds for much needed learning tools for the students. It's a program to help cash-strapped schools in the county.

Partners in SpendforEd include Dunkin' Donuts, Crepemaker, Tarpon Bend, Milam's Market, Johnny Rockets, the Grove Skate Park, the Miami Science Museum and the Seaquarium, there are currently 225 partners.

"Dunkin' Donuts is very excited to be a partner for SpendforED," said Jeannie Graff, South Florida Field Marketing Manager, Dunkin' Donuts. "With school just beginning, we believe this program is a great way to engage with students' parents and grandparents while building a sense of community."

We were in Dunkin' Donuts last weekend and noticed the sign that said, "We accept ED bucks." It reminded me of Grove Bucks. ED Bucks is a system which allows you to donate to schools and get back six times your donation in the form the ED Bucks. They are accepted as partial payment at participating businesses for up to 20% of the bill.

For info on the PTA or SpendforED, please email coconutgrove.pta@gmail.com. The PTA has a Facebook page here.

Shakespeare Miami is casting here in the Grove

Auditions for Romeo and Juliet begin this weekend at Shake-A-Leg Miami (2620 S. Bayshore Drive). Company members and former cast members can either come this weekend or next weekend. The hours are: Saturday, October 2 from 10 am to noon and 1 to 3pm and Sunday, October 3 from 10 am to 1 pm.

The play this January will be Romeo and Juliet. They are casting both men and women as fighters and non-traditional roles this weekend only. Email
shakesmiami@gmail.com to request a time slot. Or you can just show up and take your chances on a wait. The website has more details here: http://www.shakespearemiami.com/Auditions.html

"Excavate" is new exhibit at Arts Festival Gallery

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"Excavate" is the new exhibit opening up on October 2 at the Coconut Grove Arts Festival Gallery. It is a collection of works from Florida International University's top BFA graduates.

Monique Diaz, Alex Ferrer, C. E. Folgar, Ryan F L Hubert, Cristhian Montiel, Brian Murillo, Carrie Ochoa-Gomez, Melissa Pita, Deborah Rodriguez and Jonathan Small will present diverse media and themes. Above, Jonathan Small (right) with Shaohuan Huang, prepare to install an outdoor display in the Mayfair Atrium called, "Closed System." They are part of the art group at New Traditionalist.

The gallery is presenting the work as part of the Coconut Grove Gallery Walk, which is the first Saturday of each month. The artists will be in attendance that night, stop in to meet them and enjoy their art along with hors d'oeuvres and wine from 7 to 10 pm.

The Coconut Grove Arts Festival Gallery is at 3390 Mary Street, suite 128, where the Bull sculpture is. The art will be on display through the whole month of October. They are open Monday through Friday from 10 am to 5 pm. You may reach them at 305-447-0401

Property Experts meet and greet at Monty's

Property Experts International is having a Meet and Greet at Monty's (2550 S. Bayshore Drive, suite 205) on Thursday, September 30 from 6 to 8 pm.

Experts will be available to offer an assessment of the local market trends as well as investment opportunities.

For info or to RSVP, please call Santa Perez 786-228-8928.

Arva Moore Parks presents new Grove book

The Arva Moore Parks book release event is tomorrow night, September 30, at The Bookstore in the Grove (3399 Virginia Street) at 7 pm for her new book on Coconut Grove. The book is mostly old photos, with text, too, going back to the 1800s, so many of the locations are still around today, it's a very interesting history tour.

Local musician, Bobby Ingram, who is also featured in the book, will be performing, and Bo Bennett, Arva's co-editor will be on hand, too.


Miami Pioneers / Natives Of Dade meets every first Sunday of the month to hear guest speakers and talk about “old” Miami. Arva is the guest speaker this Sunday, October 3, where she will talk about the Grove book. If you can't make the Grove Bookstore event, this is a second chance. It's more of a “lecture,” than a book signing. It’s free and open to the public. Meetings begin at 2 pm at the Central Christian Church of Coral Gables (222 Menores Avenue).

Lots of new faces at Chamber networker last night

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Dori Barna served up some good drinks last night at the Chamber networker at Lulu. A lot of new faces showed up for the event and we saw a couple of people sign up as members right on the spot. It was a good night. Dori will be at Lulu's on White Friday offering complementary white sangria to all guests dressed in white.

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Mary Faden of Barriocuda won this bottle of liquor in the raffle and we ended up winning three prizes -- two restaurant certificates and a t-shirt. At right are Benjamin Caban, director of sales at the Sonesta Hotel and Giovanni Colosi a sales executive with the Marlins.

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From left are Ken Drodvillo with Curtis Crider, General Manager of the Sonesta and Krysten Llamas with Joe Reyes of Helicopters Over Miami.

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Some Coconut Grove Elementary PTA Members, from left: Ginji, Sacha and Abigail DuBĂ©arn with Marcie Lakin.

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Linda Sussman, Venus Brown and Susan Tolles enjoyed martinis outside under the awning.

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And preparing all those delicious fried green tomatoes, goat cheese croquettes and schichimi corn were Kris Gerlach, Jean-Marie Michel and Anne Wills.

Maybe they don't like Mad Men Monday

An email has been going around town, supposedly by Carlos Migoya, the City Manager. But it could be a hoax. In the letter, it states that we are now banned from City Hall. Well, we are not physically banned, but we are now banned reading according to a memo that went out on Monday! Is the memo real? People are taking it seriously.

Allegedly, on Monday, September 27, 2010 at 11:34 am, the City Manager, Carlos Migoya, sent out an email to City Directors stating that they should spread the word to their respective departments, that all city employees are banned from reading a handful of blogs, the Coconut Grove Grapevine was on the list, so was the New Times' Riptide, if you can believe that. Maybe we should take it as a compliment and not as a put down or censorship. Maybe we are so popularly read there that we were called out for that reason, because people can't stop reading us all day, and they aren't doing their job for that reason. (I also have a bridge in Brooklyn I would like to sell you).

We have contacted various city employees and agencies, including the City Manager himself and all of our requests for an explanation were ignored. No one responded that it was a joke or spoof or whatever, so for now, we feel it is real. (There is now an update, please see below).

The City Directors allegedly were further advised to incorporate the rambling email into a policy memo to be published in the Fiscal Year 2011 report.

And allegedly they feel that City employees are morons and don't understand how to use Facebook or Twitter either. The memo says: "Inform employees that they should not use any social media tool unless they really understand how it works." Maybe they should all go to the new Facebook movie coming out this week called "The Social Network," and they can pick up some tips on how it works.

I'm not sure what we did to anger City Hall, I am actually very friendly with the Mayor and his family, they have literally paid for ads in the Grapevine when running for office. So I am scratching my head here. Normally I would assume that this is just the usual thing where employees are told to do their work and not waste time reading blogs and playing on Facebook during company time, but when we are literally called out by name with a handful of other blogs, this doesn't smell right..

The Groucho Marx quote, "I refuse to join any club that would have me as a member," fits in somewhere here, I think.

I am sure that if it is real, all the memo did was now make us required reading to every City employee. You can't buy this sort of advertising. But I'm not sure what they are going to find here other than our usual wackiness in the Grove: Mad Men Monday, Bed Races, Pumpkin Carving Contests, Park(ing) Day, the Mad Hatter festival, King Mango Strut, Gallery Walk, etc. It all sounds crazy, but they're all legit events.

To to all you new readers sent over by City Hall, Welcome! Hope you come back daily and enjoy!

You know that little area in City Hall, where all the free newspapers are distributed, you know, the Biscayne Times and Community Newspapers and the others? I'm picturing them all being picked up and thrown out as we speak.

Update: Lynn Westall, Senior Assistant to the City Manager, in an email this morning states that "No such alleged letter exists." So not sure if this is a scam or not, I held back until the New Times said something and felt that they would hold back until they knew the source or validity. But anyway, the letter is making its rounds and ruffling feathers.

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

They have Sake now!


We had to do a double take when we saw this at Barracuda. They have Sake now!

We were getting our sake fix at Siam Oishi on Main Highway, but now we can get it at the Cuda.

They also have Magic Hat Hex seasonal on draft. The only place in Miami!

You now them, they're at 3035 Fuller Street.

You can be a Facebook Fan of Barracuda here.

Ironman Miami competition coming through town

The BID Marketing sub-committee put Cristian Anderson, COO of Paramount Productions on the spot last week regarding the Ironman Miami competition, a USA Triathlon sanctioned event, coming to Miami on Saturday, October 30.

Cristian is running (literally and figuratively) the Ironman competition which is a 70.3 mile swimming, biking and running event. Coconut Grove is right in the center of the competition during the biking part and the BID and Grove merchants are concerned about street closures on a weekend.

Bikers will come up one side of the Grove, pass through to Coral Gables and Pinecrest and then return around another side of the Grove. The entire event is eight hours and includes about 2500 athletes. The Grove part should be between 9 am and 2 pm.

But according to Cristian and City police, the BID committee should not worry about traffic being tied up; streets will not be closed down on a full time basis, traffic will only be stopped as riders pass through, then auto traffic will be able to continue.

The BID also asked about the accommodations and other venues for the event, as it turns out, the Grove is not included in any of them and is only being passed through during the bike race. But this is a great opportunity for merchants to hold "viewing parties" and specials and sales to coincide with the race. Many are always asking about bringing back the old Coconut Grove Bike Race, and this could be that on October 30, if we make the best of it.

Coconut Grove galleries are ready for Gallery Walk

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Alfredo Gonzalez Alvarez (Alva) brought his paintings into the Windisch-Hunt Gallery yesterday. He's a hyper-realist. His art is from a vantage point of sitting in a car. The piece he is hold is called "Lejeune Electra," an image of a Buick Electra on LeJeune Road and Grand Avenue. The art is being installed for this weekend's premier of "Car Culture" at the gallery. All media styles were accepted and all art had to be automotive-related. The Windisch-Hunt Gallery will be offering refreshments and music at the "Car Culture" opening, this Saturday, October 2, as part of Coconut Grove's Gallery Walk night.

The season is kicking in and all the galleries have new art to present. The galleries all provide food, drink and art, lots of art.

The outdoor Art Stroll at the Mayfair Promenade will feature artists lining up and down the promenade along with music, food and drinks. All complimentary.

Also, at the Promenade is the Mayfair Antique Market, the GroveHouse Artists, Out of Africa and Fabulocity and Artway66, Johnny Valdes' new gallery is opening next to Fabulocity.

Coconut Grove Arts Festival Gallery is showcasing student's art at the Mayfair Atrium, which is down by the bull sculpture. And then the rest of the galleries go up Grand Avenue, around to Main Highway and down along Commodore Plaza.

Starting at 8 pm, the Coconut Grove Drum Circle will be set up
at the plaza by the Blu Moon Gallery, join in, there are drums available or bring your own!

The Galleries in the Gallery Walk include:
Artway66 - Mayfair Promenade (across from The Improv)
Blu Moon - 3444 Main Highway (way upstairs)
Coconut Grove Arts Festival - 3390 Mary Street, suite 128
Cristina Chacon - 3162 Commodore Plaza
Dharma Studio - 3170 Commodore Plaza
GroveHouse Artistst - Mayfair Promenade (next to The Improv)
Max in the Grove - 2996 McFarlane Road
Nomade Gallery - 3133 Commodore Plaza
Rodez Gallery - CocoWalk (2nd floor, next to Crazy Pianos)
Windisch-Hunt - 2911 Grand Avenue

The BID (Business Improvement District) has a great gallery locator map
here.
The Coconut Grove Parking locations may be found
here. Print it out, bring it with you!

Going Green on Rice Street

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Brothers Dylan Terry (right) and Ruy Arango spent all day yesterday installing an edible garden at the new Arquitectonica building on Rice and Oak, which is returning to its roots, no pun intended.

There are herbs, fruits and more, all along the Rice Street side of the building. This plant at left is a pineapple plant. It all smells so good as you walk by because of the herbs, but once the fruit trees and other plants start to flower, it will be an incredible place.

Dylan owns
Ready to Grow Gardens, an "edible garden experience." His main product, raised bed gardens, work best in South Florida because of the thin, alkaline soil.

We wrote recently about this area of the Grove, around the Mayfair Promenade and Rice, Florida and Oak, which is turning into quite a Bohemian place. To add to the livability of the area, the Workout Spot gym is expanding into the former location of the Miami Conservatory of Music on the corner of Oak and Rice and of course the Conservatory is at the Mayfair Promenade now, which is part of the little Bohemian neighborhood. In the early evenings, gym members work out on the sidewalk across the street, adding a lot of life to the area.

Dylan just installed a garden in LeBron James' new neighborhood at Hughes Cove. We heard it's a done deal and LeBron is definatly moving in.

For more info on the Ready to Grow Gardens, please call Dylan at 786-436-7703 or email dylanterry@gmail.com.

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Mayfair sold for $37.8 million

According to a report in the South Florida Business Journal, Mayfair in the Grove sold for $37.8 million. Timo Kipp, owner of Whalou Properties Management, in Palm Beach, is the new owner.

Story
here.

Monday, September 27, 2010

"White Friday" taking over "Black Friday"

This year will be the final White Party event at Vizcaya after 25 years. The costs at Vizcaya are getting prohibitive for many events (Herald story here). The White Party may continue, but not at Vizcaya after this November. White Party week is November 23 to 29 this year. It's the world's oldest and largest HIV/AIDS fundraiser.

Ironically, after all these years, the Grove is embracing the event by holding a "White Friday" day for the visitors (rather than what is traditionally called Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving), on Friday, November 26.

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Visitors for the White Party week will be offered a bay cruise off the shores of Coconut Grove and merchants are preparing "white" specials and discounts. Window decorations and street scapes may be in white to go with the theme. Macy's had this White Party display last year.

It was hoped that some sort of fashion show could take place, but that may not happen. But the whole concept of "White Friday" as opposed to "Black Friday," is a cool branding thing that Coconut Grove can embrace.


The Bookstore will be hosting author David Leddick, who will do a book signing.

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Miami Beach Commissioner Michael Gongora with Miami Beach Mayor Matti Bower at last year's event.

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Marketing & PR Manager of The White Party, Christopher Donahue with a group of attendees.

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Elaine Lancaster with Michael Gongora.

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Board of Directors with Expose (the recording group).

Photos by JR Davis

Yup, Mad Men Monday is tonight at the Mayfair


From 5:30 to 7:30 pm, stop by the Mayfair Lobby Bar for Mad Men Monday Happy Hour.

You don't have to watch the show, you just have to enjoy 1960s style drinks like Tom Collins, 7&7's, Manhattans and the Classic Martinis.

Enjoy an hour or so with friends, it's a fun night and a great way to start off the week.

If you're new in town or just want to catch up with Grove events, this is the place to mix and mingle.

Enter at the side entrance off Virginia, and slip into the '60s for a spell.

Beautifying South Bayshore Drive

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South Bayshore Drive is being beautified this week. Colorful flowers and foliage are being installed. The job should take from Monday to Friday and by week's end, the Grove will have a new pretty entryway as you come up S. Bayshore.

Now if only we could open up some of the water views. The Sailing Club is one of the worst culprits. Their ugly chain link fence and even uglier shrubs surrounding the fence ruin what could be an incredible view. As you look out from the Mutiny Hotel, shown here, all you see are beat up shrubs. That view should be opened up.

Another idea being discussed behind closed doors is a land swap, which would allow the village to take over the horseshoe area at the end of McFarlane Road and make that part of Peacock Park, if the mangroves can be opened up there, which is hopefully the case, in the form of "windows," that whole area could be one beautiful view.

In Arva Moore Parks' new book, on the Grove, there is a photo of a stone monument at the water's edge at that very spot. It must have been something to actually see the water as you drove down McFarlane Road. It was probably like that when I was a kid, I vaguely remember that. I do remember that at the water's edge inside the park there were tables with shelters and the water view was wide open.

ACS holds Friday happy hour fundraiser at Mutiny

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The American Cancer Society held a Happy Hour fundraiser at Atchana's at the Mutiny Hotel on Friday night. The event was sponsored by the Entertainment Team for Key Biscayne's Relay For Life. From left are: Don Schneider, Marc Flitchner, Amanda Braun and Sebastian Banchs.

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Siri Lek Chuaindhara, Miss Miami Jaife Calil, guest of honor and Elizabeth Yazdani.

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Michelle Barnett, chair of Key Biscayne Relay for Life with Jill Stephens, one of the night's performers; Sandra Cohen and Adrienne D'Annunzio.

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Angelica Fernandez, Jack Goldberg, Christine Ward.

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Miss Miami's family: Boyfriend Stefano Rainelli, Rudy Diaz and Maria Diaz, parents; Miss Miami Jaife Calil, and her sisters Silvia Ortiz and Tiffany Ortiz.

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Will Furry, Jesus Wong, Cesar Torres and Alex Casals.

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Heather Utset and Lise Federman, volunteers who manned the entry desk; Kristin Gonzalez and Jorge Arce.

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Maggie Isern and Camille Olabarrieta; Siri Lek Chuaindhara and Kevin Mohammed. Camille donated many of the fine jewelry pieces up for the silent auction in the lobby.

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Whitney Delphos performed overhead in the balcony as guests entered the lobby; Jaife Calil, Miss Miami, with Monty Trainer.

LeBron James may become a Grovite

According to the Palm Beach Post, LeBron James is seriously looking for a home in Coconut Grove. Guess that's why he was at lunch at Lulu's on Friday.

He's said to be interested in a house in the exclusive Hughes Cove neighborhood (named after Howard Hughes). The neighborhood is behind Carrollton School, off Main Highway, near The Anchorage.

The 4 bedroom, 5 bath house on the bay on Devon Court once listed for $7.65. Who knows, we may be seeing LeBron at Lulu's and other local places more often if he moves into the hood.

Sunday, September 26, 2010

Networking Breakfast at Science Museum

The Science of Success Networking Breakfast is Thursday, September 30 at the Miami Science Museum (3280 S. Miami Avenue). Albert Santalo is featured speaker. He is the president and CEO of CareCloud, a web-based medical practice management software company.

The breakfast is 8 am, tickets are $15. For info, please call: 305-646-4209.

Mr. Nick is featured at Kampong for Kids Concert

The first Kampong for Kids Concert of the season is Saturday, October 16, featuring Mr. Nick, creator of In the Nick of Time music, winner of the 2010 Parent's Choice Award Gold Medal.

Nick Deysher, the beloved music teacher at several local schools, will delivery his high-energy performance at 1:30 pm.

Clever lyrics and cheerful tunes from Mr. Nick's new release "People, Places and Things" and Coconut Groove, will be featured. Mr. Nick's music is influenced by the Beatles, Bob Marley and Paul Simon.

"The Kampong is pleased to welcome new audiences to this historic garden and home, to enjoy exceptional live performances in magical setting," said Ann Parsons, Director of The Kampong.

Seating is limited and is by reservation only. Tickets are on sale now for $25 for adults and $15 children over three. Price includes snack after concert. Tickets may be purchased here or by calling 305-442-7169. For info, please email:
kampong@ntbg.org.

The Kampong is located at 4013 S. Douglas Road.

"Trusted" benefit at The Mutiny for Triad Trust

"Trusted," a celebration to benefit Triad Trust is being held at the Mutiny Hotel on October 2 from 7 to 10 pm.

The Triad Trust is a not-for-profit organization serving local leaders and their communities in the areas hardest-hit by HIV/AIDS.

Cost is $40, you may purchase tickets on line at the Triad Trust site,
www.triadtrust.org or at the door.

There will be an open bar, sponsored by Bacardi and a buffet provided by Atchana's East/West Kitchen. Music is by DJ LaTrice Perry with special live performance by Cleveland Jones and Sunny Singh, and there are complimentary chair massages all night.

Each ticket donation receives an entry into the raffle for a pair of sold out Miami Heat tickets.

There is also a silent auction with prizes ranging from sporting events to the ballet and symphony, also spa treatments, gym memberships and hotel accommodations.

All proceeds from the evening will go to the Triad Trust.

Making ice cream on "Science Rock Star Day"

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Who says science can’t be fun? Just ask the lively students in Arts & Minds (A&M) Instructor Tricia Vold Alvarez’s class about their recent lab! Making sweet, sweet ice cream on a very hot day was quite a delicious class experience. The purpose of the hands-on lab, according to Mrs. Alvarez was "to observe a phase change in matter." Not only was the day deemed "Science Rock Star Day" with some decked out in costume, but also the class got to eat their experiments after they diligently observed a phase change from the liquid to solid state utilizing the steps of the famous Scientific Method. Ingredients were simple and outlandishly tempting: real cream, the whitish of sugar, decadent chocolate syrup and ice. Wonder what Mrs. Alvarez has planned for the next class on the plaza?

Above from left: Helen Arce, A&M Science Instructor Tricia V. Alvarez, Mariana Rodriguez, Santiago Sabogal, Alessandra Camargo.

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Gaebriel Fleites, Jessica Perez, A&M Science Instructor Tricia V. Alvarez, Jasseel Diaz, Alexis Rolle.

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Maura Torres, Courtney Ricketts, Jasseel Diaz, Alexis Rolle.

By Robin L. Sarantos

Saturday, September 25, 2010

Map of World Chamber Concert features Puccini

The Mutiny Hotel (2951 S. Bayshore Drive) is hosting the Center for Emerging Art (CEM) Map of the World Chamber Concert on Thursday, September 30 from 7 to 8:30 pm.

Highlights from Puccini's operas will be performed by the CEA Chamber Ensemble, Ava Rado is artistic director. Paul Martin, classical guitar Oderlyn Gutiez, flute and Beatriz Vera, violin are the ensemble.

RSVP is a must, please call Ava Rado 305.323.8832. For tickets call Jean Villamizar at 305.441.2100 ext. 2008.

$20 includes Concert and VIP Meet the Artist Reception.

Women's Movement Now holding networker

Women's Movement Now (WMN) is holding it's 2nd Annual Younger Women's Old Boys' Networker on September 30 from 6 to 8 pm at Monty's (2550 S. Bayshore Drive).

Drinks are half priced at the tiki bar. It's a great place to network with like minded women, bring your business cards and meet your peers who work in government, non-profits, the arts, consulting, law and more.Special guest is Suzanne M. Onorato, Ed.D,, Director of FIU's Women's Center, who will give a short presentation on "Networking for Success." Suzanne is an expert on leadership development, public speaking and coalition building.

WMN is a progressive, grassroots group of women in their twenties and thirties who create and maintain a space for the engagement and activism of younger women. WMN has lobbied in Tallahassee, learned to Samba, planted a community garden and much more.To RSVP for the networker, please email
ceperez78@yahoo.com.

For more info on WMN, please join their Facebook page
here.

Poetry Jam was throwback to another era

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When we entered Atchana's and signed in at the desk with Phaedra Robinson, little did we know that she was not only the greeter, but she was a great interpretive dancer. A bit later, she took to the stage at the DaRhydam Poetry Jam, and did her thing. There was poetry, music and dance.

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It was open mic night on Wednesday and it reminded me of those beatnick movies from the 1960s -- very organic, genuine and entertaining. Kristoff Skalet, right, was the host and very patient while I held up the whole thing at one point to take photos. That's Oscar Fuentes, at left, who recited a street-type poetry.

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Lela Lombardo and Lawrence Davis were part of the appreciative audience.

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Delia Caderno, Mia Batlle and Charmille Walters, also enjoyed the performances. Charmille is artistic director of Rhythmic Rapture, who works with HEALhome, the charity who was the beneficiary of the open mic night. HealHome is a multifaceted art-intervention and community outreach program that explores the concept of home. They give a creative voice to the displaced and homeless population.

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It was a classy, intimate event, at a great venue -- the pool deck at the Mutiny Hotel, all part of "Pure Imagination," The Mutiny's arts outreach program. There were drinks and Thai food served by Atchana's. The guests all enjoyed themselves, as well as the hotel guests who lounged around the pool and listened in.

Friday, September 24, 2010

Coneheads thanked at Bed Race follow-up party

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Thursday night, The Great Grove Bed Race's Coneheads were thanked at a party at the Sandbar Grill. The Coneheads are the heavy lifters on Bed Race day. While the Bed Race Committee prepares and coordinates and puts together the whole thing, on race day, the Coneheads are the ones who push and pull barriers, they hang banners and man beer booths and media booths and they sort of do all the heavy lifting.

Above are Alberto Fernandez, Heather Holliday and Michael Holliday.


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Daisy Lewis, Camilo Salazar and Richard Issa, man the Bed Race banner. Why, I don't know. But they were the hosts, so we went with it.

Barnacle Old Time Dance is Sunday

The Barnacle (3485 Main Highway) is having an Old Time Dance on Sunday, September 26 from 6:30 to 10 pm. The Micco Pavilion out back is the dance floor and waltzes, Contras and Square Dances are the theme of the night. It's an old Americana traditional event.

Wear comfy shoes and prepare to have an old fashioned time. “Keeping It Reel” will be playing the live music. Lou Dow will be calling the steps.

The gates open at 6 pm, the cost is $10 per person, children under 10 are free. For info, please call 305-442-6866.

Saturday Night Sangha at Zen Village

Zen Village is presenting Saturday Night Sangha every Saturday Night. It's an open house, the first get together is this week, September 25 from 7 to 10 pm.

Activities include event topics, with movies and discussions afterwards, karoke, pot luck dinners, music and dancing, socializing and more. The first topic event is "Seven Spiritual Laws of Success" by Deepak Chopra.

Suggested donation is $10. Refreshments will be served. No registration is required, just come when you can.

Zen Village is at 3570 Main Highway, for info, please call 305-567-0165.

Dine Out! on Tuesday with the Chamber

The Coconut Grove Chamber of Commerce is holding a special business networking event in conjunction with Dine Out! a national program which asks people to show support for their local restaurants by dining out that day to help stimulate the economy.

Dine Out! is designed as a collaborative effort supported by the leadership of 14 business organizations under the Coalition of Chambers umbrella. Dine Out! takes place on Tuesday, September 28 between 6 and 10 pm.

The Chamber networker is at Lulu (3105 Commodore Plaza) from 5:30 to 7:30 pm. Price of admission is $5 for members and $10 for non-members. Included with admission is one free drink with appetizers provided by Lulu.

Raffle tickets will also be sold. Please RSVP to 305-444-7270 or
info@coconutgrove.com.

Specials around the Grove for Dine Out! include The Grove Spot's (3324 Virginia Street) special of Beef Tagine (Couscousiere) with Focaccia Toast and a glass of any house wine for $14.95. Jaguar (3067 Grand Avenue) is offering one Ceviche spoon sampler for every two guests and Crazy Pianos (at CocoWalk) is offering your choice of one of their Crazy $28 Menu items and Half Off drinks and Appetizers until 8 pm.

Dine Magazine (no relation to Dine Out!) recently had one of their events at Lulu, which was similar to this networker and it crowded and a lot of fun. The photos are here, you can get an idea of how the Chamber event is expected to be.

Barracuda holding Great Pumpkin Carving Contest

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A new Grove event is taking shape and hopefully will become one of our signature yearly events. While Coconut Grove Halloween is wild and crazy every year, a pumpkin carving contest has never been part of the mix.

Barracuda Bar and Grill on Fuller Street is holding it's 2nd annual Great Pumpkin Carving Contest on Friday, October 29, a couple of days before Halloween. Fuller Street will be turned into a block party from 7 to 11 pm. There will be music, food, drinks and lots of fun. The Robby Hunter Band will perform live. Last year, Brian Davis, of Barracuda, put up a flyer a few days before and half a dozen people showed up with their carved pumpkins. This year's event will be a large extravaganza.

It's a family event and perfect for all ages. Jack-o-lanterns will be brought to the event and put on display and judged, they should be created ahead of time and brought completed and ready to be seen and judged, so you have time to create your pumpkin on your own time.

10% of all proceeds raised from beer sales will go to the Thelma Gibson Health Initiative in Village West. Merline Barton, represented the Initiative at a recent meeting at the BID office. You may remember that she is up for a large
General Mills award by the cereal maker. Deadline for that is October 21 and you may vote for Merline as a local hero here.

You can register at the event or pre-register at Barracuda Bar and Grill for all events that night. You must be at Barracuda and registered by 8 pm on the night of the event for all events. Bring your pumpkin already to be judged on the night of the event.

Also, contestants must be 18 to enter contest. No knives at event. Pumpkins must be carved and hollowed out. Painting is allowed. Multiple gourds can be used. Any gourd can be used. Organic material can be used for decoration. Lighting from inside is encouraged.

All pets must be there by 8 pm and ready to go. Pet handlers must be 18 or older. Pets must be people friendly.

Halloween costume contest is for adults 18 and older. Must be there by 8 pm to enter contest.

A $10 donation for each of the events is suggested, but not required.


For more info, please stop by Barracuda at 3035 Fuller Street, or call 305-448-1144.

Changes in store for the Playhouse parking lot

The Coconut Grove Playhouse parking lot is going to finally be run like a parking lot should be run.

The BID is holding a special meeting on October 7 to vote on ratifying expenditures in order to redo the lot's surface and operation, the cost should be between $70,000 and $100,000.

The Miami Parking Authority and the current lot operator, Rick Kalwani of Aries Development Group will form an arrangement to have the lot run properly. It will be resurfaced, re-lit and re-staffed. Costs are expected to be $3 for parking in the day and $5 at night.

The BID is hoping to persuade business owners, mostly restaurants, to validate parking, making it free for their patrons. A few business owners have been in discussions about this already.

It is expected to be ratified and the lot to be open by mid-November.

Thursday, September 23, 2010

Update on Beer Garden

In our story on Central Beer Garden, the new place coming to CocoWalk, we said they were coming in December 2011. It turns out that their opening goal is January or February 2011.

So it's sooner than we though. Good deal!

Columbus Day Regatta deadline drawing near

This year's Columbus Day Regatta, presented by Bacardi, is October 9 and 10. Saturday, September 25 is deadline to enter at the $75.00 fee. After that, until October 2, the cost is $95.00 and then $125.00 after October 2, 2010. No entries will be accepted after October 5, 2010.

To register, and for more info, please visit their website here:
http://www.columbusdayregatta.net/

LeBron knows where the best lunches are!

LeBron James had lunch at GreenStreet today. Guess he saw the half price deal in Groupon today. Guess, not, guess he just knows where all the Grove celebs eat. Reminds me of the t-shirt, "I'm famous in the Grove!"

And they want to know why no one is engaged

We still have not received the notification as to whether the Village Council is meeting at Ransom Everglades Middle School tonight, September 23, so we will assume that they are.

If they aren't we apologize for the erroneous information, but no information has been sent to us regarding this matter.

The meeting is assumed to be at 7 pm at the school (2045 S. Bayshore Drive, enter on the Tigertail side). The agenda is assumed to be:


1. Waterfront/Fuel Dock
2. CGVC Strategic Vision & Priorities
3. BID Update
4. Virginia Street Closure
5. New City Budget - Police NROs - Commander Jorge Colina
6. Council Member Absences
7. Distinguishing Personal Opinions from CGVC Opinions (they don't like VC members using VC letterheads to voice their own opinions, that is what this is about)
8. Historical Preservation - Committee Report

Big Bellies on the street today

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We mean these. Part of a recycling program.

The Grove has been selected by the City of Miami to be part of a pilot program on recycling. These Big Bellies were placed out today, for a one day test. They are on the corner of Mary and Grand. The compactors run on solar energy and they will not cost the city or village anything to run and maintain.

The Grove will be the first place in the county to have these. They are mostly out today so that BID Operations Committee members can see how they look. They will be voting on whether to make them a part of the village permanently. It's assumed it will be approved unanimously by the committee at a future meeting.

You can't see here, but on the side of the Big Bellies is advertising. The BID will be in control of that and only local ads would be used on the sides, no ads from outside the area. And the BID's thought process is to use it as we want to use the chalk boards -- to promote Village events. If ads could be slipped in and out of the encasement easily, things like Arva Moore Parks book signing could be placed in for a week and then maybe Snow Days and Gallery Walk, and so on. It would be a great way to promote events and go green at the same time!

I'm not crazy about the BID these days

Why do I have to go to another blog to get the minutes of the BID board meetings? I usually don't have an opinion about the BID, I don't pay into them and they don't fund me, so I'm usually Meh, when it comes to them. You know, indifferent. But after seeing the meeting minutes, I do have some comments, because it seems that the people paying into the BID never seem to mind how their money is pissed away spent.

I see the BID is once again interested in the 27th Avenue billboard on US1. They agreed to do business again with the billboard company after last year's fiasco, I guess a year is up. I still don't know why this billboard, which is a total waste of money, is so important. As of now, business owners do not want to partner with the BID to be part of the billboard. So it's on hold for the moment.

Wonder why they don't subsidize ads in the Grapevine. We are a community service, the billboard is not, plus our rates are reasonable. And we are seen by thousands of fresh eyes a week, not the same commuters who see the billboard daily, day after day, year after year. I mean once you've seen it, you've seen it, you take action or you don't. Most don't.

A bunch of local businessmen met with Herald editors yesterday to whine about lack of coverage in the Herald for the Grove. They met at the BID office. You would think that as a courtesy I would be invited, especially since I am a Herald partner and my Grove stories appear in the Herald, when and if they have time and when the Herald's Grove editor is not busy doing other things like running her own marketing business and then doing her hobby which is the Herald reporting.

The BID is paying $5000 to MDS Consulting, Inc. to help them find grants. I have a good way to make $5000 without a grant. Ask me about it. BID Director, David Collins comes from the non-for-profit sector, and he should have that knowledge without paying a consulting company.

To be fair, the BID has done some great thinks like fund The Great Grove Bed Race and make Ed Prelaz of the Mayfair, the BID board co-chair, since Maurice Weiner stepped down, although Ed did make the motion to hire the MDS Consulting firm, so I'm not sure what to think now. Knowing how the BID works, we feel that someone we know owns MDS Consulting. It's all usually a little cozy arrangement. They never go far to piss money away, they keep it in the family. I can think of a couple of names with the initials MDS, but I won't go there. (No, it's not who you are thinking, that's too easy).

And does the BID office deserve a $5000 makeover. Why not? They do have to meet and greet people. We are going in to get funding for Grove Bucks. I do hope that these other expenditures don't hurt our chances of helping promote the Grove in this sensible way. A way that actually promotes business.

The August BID board minutes and the budget may be seen here.

Coconut Players appeals City's Strut decision

Keith Root, the president of Coconut Players, Inc. has sent a letter to City Attorney Carlos
Migoya, appealing his September 9, King Mango Strut decision, on giving the Strut date to King Mango Strut, Inc., which the BID agreed to on Tuesday at a late afternoon meeting. The BID also agreed to give $15,000 in funding to King Mango Strut, Inc. on Tuesday.

Keith states in the two page letter: "After you approved our permit, the Coconut Players spent a significant amount of money to notify the property owners near the parade route that we are producing this year’s parade and how that might affect them. This is part of a city requirement for a mailing with returned signed receipts. We have also been promoting the parade and encouraging participation through a variety of media."

He went on to say: "Last year, the Coconut Players submitted their application to produce the 2009 parade. Without corporate authority Ms. [Antoinette] Baldwin submitted an application using the name of King Mango Strut Inc. In November former City Manager Pete Hernandez mediated an agreement to break the deadlock. At the end of that meeting, King Mango Strut, Inc. was awarded the parade permit based on certain conditions to be met, including the two officers [Glenn and Antoinette according to the letter] working together with a new appointed board to produce the parade."

The whole letter may be seen here.

Dressing up the Information Booth

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When you pass the center of town today, you'll notice that the Information Booth in front of CocoWalk has some new signage. I covered four events last night, including the sign hanging, which you would think is like watching paint dry, but it was actually a lot of fun and of all the events last night, my favorite one. Ron Carrier, shown here, along with Eileen Seitz, the artist who painted the info booth and the signs, and I, all had a good time putting up the signs. They actually hung the signs, I stood around, took pictures and kibitzed.

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Signs cover all four sides of the booths, here Eileen holds one of the signs, while Ron brands the Grove with the other. It may seem funny, but a couple of years back, I had a tourist who was standing right across the street ask me where Coconut Grove was. Now people will know that they are right in the center of the Grove. Eileen says it reminds her of a little train depot. But it is home to the Gray Line bus ambassadors, so there is also a Gray Line sign and logo on one side.

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I like the international symbol of the letter "I" which indicates information, being added to one side of the info booths. I thought that since the Grapevine disseminates information, I should walk around with this on my head. Maybe not.

The good news is that Eileen is almost ready to start painting the two other info booths -- the one across from Lulu and the one at McDonald Street, by the post office. She showed me a couple of color schemes and they really will dress up the areas, just like the first booth did for the center of town.