Decking the halls at the Deering Estate

The Deering Estate is presenting a Deering Holiday Wonderland at the estate from December 1 through December 31.

The estate will be all decked out for the holidays. Events scheduled include a Sunrise Canoe Tour, a Tree Lighting Ceremony a Night Hike and Campfire, Santa and storytime a bay cruise and more.

For info on what's going on, please visit their site at www.deeringestage.org.

Estate admission: $12 for adults and $7 for children (4 to 14); free for Foundation members. 

Deering Estate at Cutler
16701 S.W. 72nd Avenue, Miami
305-235-1668, Ext. 233

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas

The bull at the Mayfair Atrium is all decked out for the holidays, actually, the whole atrium is decked out. And don't forget tonight's tree lighting ceremony at CocoWalk, there's an all day thing starting at 2 pm, but the actual tree lighting is at 6:30.

Send us your Coconut Grove holiday photos and we'll post them in the Grapevine. Post them to Instagram and use the hashtag #GroveShare and we'll know we have permission to grab them and show them here. We'll give you credit and a link back to your Instagram account.

Celebrity Art Series at KROMA in Village West

From left art by Andre Guichard, Najee Dorsey and Joseph Grant Jr.

Art Week Miami and Art Basel Miami Beach expands to Historic Coconut Grove with Celebrity Art Series II from December 3 – 8 at KROMA (3670 Grand Avenue), with support of local Coconut Grove restaurateurs.

“I have been attending Art Basel since its inception and I noticed the lack of diversity in the presence of black art galleries and attendees. I asked other black art lovers and experts to host a black art show during Art Basel. I was finally fed up that it never materialized. With the encouragement and financial support of friends, I debued Celebrity Art Series in Wynwood in 2012,” says Grovite Que Simmons.

This year's exhibition, “Black: The Art of Color," presents primitive, contemporary, and modern art by African American, Haitian, and African artists. The exhibition and cultural programs showcase the talent of high-profile artists, such as: Andre Guichard, Charly Palmer, Joseph Grant Jr., Najee Dorsey, Adrian Pickett, and Derek Joshua Beard. Added to the event is a spin on the annual “Taste of the Grove,” in which each nightly reception is sponsored by a local Grove restaurant with samples of their signature appetizers. 

The Women’s International Film and Art Festival’s initiative “Reel Girls: Real Women” is the 2013 beneficiary of art sales. Signitaries, art collectors, and the black-arterati were invited to join in for an exciting week of events in historic Coconut Grove.


PROGRAM SCHEDULE:
Tuesday, December 3 - 4-8 pm - Vernissage
A Night in Tuscany Reception sponsored by STRADA in the Grove

Wednesday, December 4 - 6-8 pm - Art of Collecting – presented by Artist Joseph Grant Indian Delight Reception sponsored by Bombay Darbar Restaurant

Thursday, December 5 - 6- 10 pm - Art of Investing presented by Artist Adrian Pickett. Lyrical Palette presented by Medium Four.
Latin Flair Reception sponsored by Panorama Restaurant

Friday, December 6 - 6-8 pm - Performance Art– featuring Artist Charly Palmer; American Bistro Reception by Green Street Restaurant

Saturday, December 7 - 2–5 pm - Signature Art Auction A Night in France Reception sponsored by Georges in the Grove

Sunday, December 8 - noon-5 pm - Champagne Closing Reception
Thai Fusion Reception sponsored by Atchana's East West Kitchen

GALLERY HOURS: 
Wednesday, December 4 –9, noon-7 pm
Sunday, December 8 -  noon-5 pm

KROMA is a new collective art space located in Village West in the heart of the historic Coconut Grove consisting of 18 artists studios and a communal gallery space. KROMA’s mission is to serve as an affordable, contemporary space for artists, whose creative output will contribute to connecting the spirits of Coconut Grove’s rich past, present and future. As a premiere arts incubator and the latest initiative of the Collaborative Development Corporation, KROMA will host exhibits showcasing the myriad of perspectives that are a result of the African diaspora and beyond. KROMA looks to advance the knowledge and practice of the arts through education and programming, which will not only enrich the lives of the community, but further develop the careers of resident artists.

Celebrity Art Series was founded by Que Simmons in 2012 to promote art collecting and support non-profit organizations that work with artists and the creative arts community.

Shop local on Small Business Saturday

Small Business Saturday is November 30. This yearly day is the anti-Black Friday. It's a day when you are asked to spend money and buy gifts in local mom and pop, family-run businesses.

Small Business Saturday was created by American Express in 2010. Credit is given to shoppers who participate and businesses who participate receive marketing help.

Last year, an estimated $5.5 billion was spent in independent small business on just the Saturday after Thanksgiving.

The majority of the money spent at local businesses stays local.

Small Business Saturday of course, falls between Black Friday and Cyber Monday, as Monday is reserved for online sales, it is suggested that the Small Business Saturday sales take place at brick and mortar stores.

Coconut Grove is made for an event like this, as most of the village consists of one-of-a-kind small businesses. 

American Express will give back $10 when you spend $10. You can get more info and register here.

Don't forget Saturday is Christmas Tree Lighting Day

They have been preparing the Christmas tree all week at CocoWalk for the grand tree lighting ceremony on Saturday, November 30 from 2 to 8 pm. 

Stop by for the holiday event which will include Santa's arrival to Coconut Grove, plus lots of fun holiday activities,  a bounce house, exotic petting zoo, free popcorn and snow cones and arts and crafts, pictures with Santa Claus will be available and also a live performance of the Nutcracker by the Coconut Grove Ballet Studio. Radio Disney Miami will be on-site with the Radio Disney Miami Road Crew from 2:00 to 3:30 pm

For the grand finale, the tree will be lit at about 6:30 pm and local school groups will sing Christmas carols. 

The event will include the participation and performances on stage by children from local schools, various programs and studios including:
•       Coconut Grove Elementary School
•       St. Stephen’s Elementary School 
•       Coconut Grove Ballet Studio
•       the Miami Conservatory of Music
•       Academy of Arts and Minds 
•       Thomas Armour Youth Ballet Tap Team

How can you improve on organic?

As I was watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, I couldn't help but notice how polished it is getting. The organizers took something so organic and they tried to improve it. The lip syncing is so obvious. It makes the whole thing too polished. Who cares if the singers are off key or they forget a line or two, it's about the parade, not the performance. I mean lip syncing? This isn't a Britney Spears concert.

That's one thing great about our King Mango Strut Parade. It's real. Some years it's great, other year's it's questionable, but it's always fun. The whole town comes out and people do their thing along the parade route. There's no advertising, no lip syncing and you really never know what's going to happen next.

The King Mango Strut is Sunday, December 29 this year.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Design Miami's Global Forum for Design

Design Miami/ returns this year during Art Basel weekend, with its largest and most international gallery program to date. Featuring 37 galleries overall -- 31 in the main exhibition program and six in the On/Site program for solo exhibitions of new work –- this year's participants have been invited from 10 different countries, including first time exhibitors from Russia and Lebanon. Design Miami's gallery selection represents a broad range of specialist areas, from late 19th century art pottery, through masterworks of the mid 20th century to the most exciting developments at the cutting edge of contemporary design.

Included are:

Digital Design; Artist and Studio Jewelry; Emerging American Designers; Material Investigations; Designing Women; and Twentieth Century Masters.

Above, is a circa 1950s brooch by Margaret De Patta, showing at the Mark McDonald Gallery. The Design Miami/ Global Forum for Design tent will be set up at Meridian Avenue and 19th Street in South Beach, from December 4 to 8, 2013.

Jesús Rafael Soto, Large kinetic Earrings (1968) at Didier Ltd.

Ritsue Mishima, Ice (2013) at Pierre Marie Giraud

Hans Hedburg, Untitled Ceramic Sculpture at Hostler Burrows (1965)

There's an app for that

Ask and ye shall receive. There's an app for parking in the City of Miami. Who knew?

I mentioned in my rant yesterday, about Saturday's parking nightmare that an app or QR code or something would be perfect for parking and lo and behold there is an app.

I don't know why I haven't seen it mentioned anywhere. I knew about the pay by phone, where you call in the info, which is what I tried to do on Saturday, but there was never any mention by the guy on the phone about the app and I took a couple of photos here of Coconut Grove meters, which don't mention it either. The sign here doesn't even have the Location Number, so that could be a problem when the app or pay by phone asks for it.

I ran into a friends at the Bookstore and one had the app on her phone; she showed me how it works. I liked what I saw.

I downloaded it and I'll let you know how it goes the next time I use it. It did take some time to get it working and when I called a help number, which was in Canada, they told me that the City of Miami's parking sign-up, "causes lots of confusion," so I don't feel stupid, one reason is they don't take all credit cards, even though the system says they do, so when you try to use a card like American Express, it just locks the system without telling you why. The guy told me that Ft. Lauderdale, South Miami and other locations in South Florida are very easy to navigate, their systems work much smoother. They probably don't have every angle on how to screw their citizens worked into the plan like Miami does, so it works much smoother.

Here's the app. It's called Pay By Phone Parking and it works on Androids, Blackberry's and of course iPhones. It's free.

Ahh, those good old days of the Coconut Grove Meter Fairy, where is she now that we need her? 

Coconut Grove's Lady Titans almost there

The  Coconut Grove Lady Titans made their second debut in the Greater Miami Pop Warner Local Cheerleading Championships and came home with two 1st Place and one 2nd Place trophies. Now the spirited squads are headed to Orlando to vie for the Southeast Regional Cheer Championships. This local championship marks the first time that the Coconut Grove Cheer program has ever placed first in a competition since its inception. This is a great accomplishment not only for the participating athletes and coaches, but for the community at large. 

$10,000 is needed for the trip and they have raised all but $1500.  They were down $5500 earlier today, but they raised $4000 in just the one day.

They leave Thursday and need the additional funds. If you can help, please contact Cheer Commissioner, Nikenna Benjamin at 305-546-1153. 
With annual cuts to funding and rising expenses, the Lady Titans need help covering their basic food, lodging and travel expenses.

The Titans Cheer Program is composed of 40 young ladies, ages 6-14, who have been loyal and hardworking throughout the entire season. Now they just want a chance to defend their hard earned title.

“It’s been a long wait and a lot of effort put into the Coconut Grove Cheer Program bringing it to this level. This is a great experience for our children to make history,” said team Grand-parent, Elaine Taylor.

“I know what God’s favor is and what He is capable of doing. I’m over joyed for my girls and my coaches because I know this is the result of obedience and hard work paying off,” Nikenna said. “Everyone has worked so very hard and we will do our very best to raise the funds so that we may continue on to Orlando.”

Police report; from Police Commander Morales

On Wednesday, November 20, at 4 pm, the pictured offender, Carlos Garcia, entered the Victoria's Secret at CocoWalk and stated to the clerk that he had a gun and demanded money. The offender took the cash and fled the scene prior to the arrival of responding officers.

At 10:30 pm,  Garcia entered the Quick Mart located in the 3100 block of Grand Avenue and told the clerk he had  a gun and demanded money. The clerk noticed the defendant did not appear to be armed and told him to leave the store as he called 911. The offender was departing the store and confronted an elderly female sitting in her vehicle in the parking lot. The offender told the victim he had a gun and reached inside her car and took her purse. The offender fled the scene prior to the arrival of responding officers.

At 11:30 pm, the Garcia entered the Walgreens in the 3600 block of S. Dixie Hwy. and advised the clerk he had a gun and demanded money from the register. The offender took the cash and fled the scene on a bike.

This violent serial robber was identified by the fine efforts of the investigators in the Robbery Unit. The information and identity was given to the members of our Tactical Robbery Unit who located and apprehended the offender today. A record check revealed the offender has numerous previous arrest to include robbery and battery.

On Tuesday, November 26, at 1:30 am the pictured offender Vincent Chiarantona entered the Walgreens located in the 3600 Block of S. Dixie Hwy. The offender attempted to steal several items and was confronted by the store clerk. The offender became violent and assaulted the clerk with a broken bottle. The offender fled the scene as the clerk called 911.

At 3 am, police received another 911 call from Quick Stop located in the 3100 block of grand Ave, where the same offender was threatening the clerk a pipe. Officer M. Inguanzo, who had handled the previous call, was around the corner and was able to place the offender under arrest. Further investigation revealed, the offender was wanted on both incidents. A record check revealed the offender has a long criminal history with over 30 arrests and is listed as a career violent repeat offender. Officers on the scene received anonymous information that the offender is also involved in our rise of bicycle theft in  Coconut Grove. 


The efforts of our Coconut Grove patrol officers, along with the assistance of our investigative and tactical units, quickly brought these two violent repeat offenders into custody. 

Toxic parks meeting

The Florida Department of Health (FDH) is holding a meeting at Miami City Hall on Tuesday, December 10 at 6 pm; they will be updating the community about toxic findings at Blanche and Merrie Christmas Parks including the DERM results. 

City Hall is at 3500 Pan American Drive.

Parking nightmares

I had a terrible time with parking in downtown Miami over the weekend. The Miami Parking Authority (MPA) and American Car Parks both should be ashamed of themselves. I missed the Kids King Mango Strut due to the MPA's incompetence and that's a shame since I got there almost 45 minutes early. What should have taken two minutes, took 45 minutes. The main thing here is that I wanted to pay, but I couldn't.

I usually park in a paid lot downtown, but a friend who was with me suggested we park at the meters. Bad decision. It took us forever to try and pay and never ended up doing so. It's almost impossible to navigate the system. You would think they want their $3.00 per hour (minimum two hours) for street parking.

None of the MPA parking meters in the vicinity worked, there were lines of people at three of four meters, trying to pay, up to 7 people at a time, all commiserating on what to do next; it was a rainy, overcast day, luckily it wasn't raining at that moment.

The meters did not take bills, they did not take coins, they did not take credit cards. No one remembered their license plate numbers, and since that is required to pay to park, it held up the line even more as people ran to their cars to check the plate.

I finally decided to call in the pay by phone system after half an hour, only I had a guy on the phone who did not know what he was doing. He insisted that he had nothing to do with the MPA parking meters and yet his number was on the meter. I told him that this is how I knew who to call. Finally, when he realized that he is with the MPA, he took my credit card info and tried to help, this took about 15 minutes, but after all that time, he told me he could not do it from his end, so this stranger now has my American Express card number and info and I didn't get any paid parking.

The pay by phone did not work. By this time, the Kids Mango Strut Parade at the Book Fair was over. The whole time, we could see the Book Fair down the block.

As we were having trouble at the meters, people were saying things like, "This is Miami, what do you expect?" This is how people think of the city we live in and they are used to it and accept it? How sad is that?

After dealing with the guy on the phone and trying to pay the meters, we gave up and went into the private lot across the street, which was my original plan. The lot is run by American Car Park, who have crooks working for them. The lot is at Biscayne Blvd. and NE 3rd Street.

Even though there are signs saying that parking is $10.00 and a guy is even waving signs, I didn't see them at first, so I pulled into the lot and asked the girl how much. She said $20.00. I told her that was too much. She then suggested, "How about $10.00?" to which I accepted.

After I handed her the $10.00 and left, that is when  I noticed all these signs. So this girl in the lot is now scamming people and keeping all the extra money she can get.

The Downtown Development Agency, the City of Miami and others need to get with the MPA and fast and ask them why they are so incompetent. Even in the Grove, when I try to park at a meter, there's always lost money and drama. I almost always park at one of the surface lots, which are actually cheaper than the meters, and there is no trouble. With the meters, there is always trouble.

Any day in Coconut Grove, you can pass a meter and there is someone there scratching their heads. I always am tempted to say something or try to help, but what can I do or say? I don't have a clue myself. Something as simple as meter parking is non-existent. Is this possible?

So many of the meters in the midtown area are old and unreadable. The sun glares down on the scratched screens and when you try to pay, you cannot even see the digital display because of the sun and the scratches. This has happened many times. I've lost money in them and just drove off in frustration.

And another thing, the MPA pay per phone system keeps telling you by robot as you make the call, that you get a 20% discount for using that service, you put your city of Miami zip code in and this supposedly happens, only I was being told by the robo person on the other end that extra money was being charged, I think 25 cents, to use the service because they also tag on a little fee for convenience. Convenience? I think throwing a few coins in the meter is convenient, not spending half an hour on the phone trying to pay and then getting charged for the privilege. Crooks? I say yes.

I think the City needs to rid itself of the MPA, put real meters back in at each parking space and maybe make some sort of app where you can pay for the meters with a QR code or UPC symbol or something; maybe have it linked to your credit card and one swipe and you're done.

Arts and Toys Holiday Event at Mayfair

There's something new this holiday season called The Arts and Toys Holiday Event At the Streets of Mayfair.

It's a toy drive for the St. Alban's Child Enrichment Center and Toys for Tots.

Santa will be there and also an art raffle.

The event is Saturday, December 7, 14 and 21 from noon to 5 pm each day. This is a free event.

Sponsored by The Streets of Mayfair, Out of Africa and GroveHouse Artists

War to War; popular peacekeepers with guns

There's an amazing display at Bayfront Park in downtown Miami by artist Ahmed Al-Bahrani, called "War to War." The exhibit starts December 2 and runs through January 3, but the sculptures are there now. On December 3, Miami Mayor Tomas Regalado will hold a ceremony to welcome the statues to the city at 3 pm. The Gary Nader Art Centre is presenting the exhibit.

This new series by Iraqi sculptor Ahmed Al-Bahrani stands against war and gun violence; a breakthrough in contemporary art. Al-Bahrani’s repertoire of large-scale sculptures creates a state of affairs in receptors contrary to what they’re comfortable with, by interacting conventional and unconventional symbols. For instance, above is Muhammad Ali in his boxing trunks, holding a gun.

Here is Charlie Chaplin, below is Michael Jackson. The sculptures are people we know, who we presume would not have anything to do with guns and violence.

The statues are much larger than life; they are on the lawn right off Biscayne Boulevard. 

Admission is free. It's worth the visit. 

Most striking are Mother Teresa and Gandhi. 

Bright Minds Film Festival

A group of talented and pioneering film and entertainment professionals will debut a series of short independent films they produced on location in South Florida at the inaugural Bright Minds Film Festival on Tuesday, November 26 at 7:30 pm. 

Six short films will be screened: "Alone", "Eternal Emotions", "Happiness", "One Life", "The Perfect Stroke" and "Cueva de Ilusiones," all either in English, Spanish or Portuguese with English subtitles. The goal of the organizers is to establish the festival as an annual new independent short film festival platform to showcase the talent of local, national and international professionals on a competitive basis. As one of the highlights of the evening, the first "Bright Minds Film Festival Life Achievement Award" will be given to internationally renowned Mexican television and film actress and director Adriana Barraza, who has been nominated for a Golden Globe, two Screen Actors Guild Awards, a Broadcast Films Critics Association, and an Academy Award for best supporting actress for her role in "Babel". 


Colony Theater
1040 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach
305-219-9943
Info@BrightMindsFilmFestival.com (RSVP)

Colorful Kids King Mango Strut at the Book Fair

I didn't make it to the Kids King Mango Strut parade at the Miami Book Fair on Saturday, but my friend Glenn Terry sent me these pictures. Looks like I missed a lot of fun.

I think the whole concept of using kids and the books and reading theme are perfect for the Book Fair setting.

Even though it was a rainy morning, Glenn tells me that the parade was dry. "Miraculously, when it was time to move the clouds parted and the rain stopped," says Glenn.

This looks like Glenn here, not sure. He tells me that in the 32 years that he has put on a King Mango Strut parade, it has never rained.

Over 100 kids (plus their parents) marched through the Miami Book Fair International before appreciative crowds. Looks like a new annual event may have started.

Celebrating 30 years at the Miami Book Fair

Had an enjoyable day at the Miami Book Fair Saturday, hopping around the rain clouds. It's their 30th year.

It's always an enjoyable event. There's all the book stalls of course and lots of food at the food court. I found a great veggie truck, which I wish would come to the Grove on Food Truck Friday at the Coconut Grove Bank. 

Unfortunately, due to parking issues, we missed the Kids King Mango Strut, I'll post about the creepy situation with the Miami Parking Authority and the private lots tomorrow.

But the fair itself made up for that and the food and of course Mr. Softee always makes the cloudy day seem like a great sunny day. The Book Fair's street festival is on all day Sunday, too, it's the last day of the week long event.

A free concert to usher in the holiday season

The Grove's own Alhambra Orchestra's chamber ensemble, conducted by artistic director Zoe Zeniodi, will present a delightful, free pre-Thanksgiving afternoon concert of popular chamber music for winds and strings. 

The program includes Gounod's Petit Symphonie, Elgar's Serenade for Strings, Respighi's Ancient Airs and Dances, Kritsotakis' Nocturneand more, featuring flutist Carol Naviera Nicholson.

Bring the whole family to enjoy these masterworks. No tickets required.

The concert is Sunday, November 24 at 4 pm. At Plymouth Congregational Church (3400 Devon Road) in Coconut Grove, for info: 305-668-9260.

Poster contest is on for Gifford Lane Art Stroll

The poster contest is on for the Gifford Lane Art Stroll, coming up in March.

The winning artist will receive a free booth space and all the recognition they can bestow upon you. The  winning design will be used for the poster, postcard, and all promotional materials for the 2014 Gifford Lane Art Stroll. 

The rules are as follows:
Must be signed original artwork
Art should be sent as attached jpeg files
Files must be hi-res 300 dpi or better
Art is to be submitted via email to giffordlaneartstroll@gmail.com

Deadline for submissions is December 31, 2013. The winner will be notified no later than January 31, 2014.

Upon completion of the Stroll, all ownership and rights to the original images will revert to the artist.

Andy Warhol and The Factory part of Art Basel week

The Kiwi Art Group has a special showing during Art Basel week. 

A portfolio created in partnership with the Andy Warhol Museum, features five very personal photographs of Andy Warhol at the Factory in 1964 with some of his most famous works plus a selection of rare, early original drawings by Andy Warhol from the 1950s. I think I have read everything there is on Andy Warhol (including the huge volume of diaries), I'm looking forward to this. 

From the Kiwi Art website: "Shot in the early 1960s when fine art photographer William John Kennedy and his wife, Marie, forged a friendship with Andy Warhol and Robert Indiana, this recently published collection of images capture the two artists and their most iconic works at the rise of the Pop Art Movement. Kennedy's extraordinary photographs — which lay in storage for nearly 50 years — reveal a story of the pivotal moments and players who shaped the course of American art in the second half of the 20th century, including James Rosenquist, Roy Lichtenstein, Henry Geldzahler, Dorothy Miller, Claes Oldenburg and Eleanor Ward."

The exhibition is part of other exhibits at Kiwi during Art Basel Week, from December 3 through 8, 2013. There is  a cocktail reception on December 5 from 7 to 11 pm.

The Kiwi Art Group is located at 48 NW 29th St. Miami, for info: 305.200.3047.

Preparing for the holidays in Center Grove

They have been preparing the Christmas tree all week at CocoWalk for the grand tree lighting ceremony on Saturday, November 30 from 2 to 8 pm. 

Stop by for the holiday event which will include Santa's arrival to Coconut Grove, plus lots of fun holiday activities,  a bounce house, exotic petting zoo, free popcorn and snow cones and arts and crafts, pictures with Santa Claus will be available and also a live performance of the Nutcracker by the Coconut Grove Ballet Studio. Radio Disney Miami will be on-site with the Radio Disney Miami Road Crew from 2:00 to 3:30 pm

For the grand finale, the tree will be lit at about 6:30 pm and local school groups will sing Christmas carols. 

"Madeline's Christmas" at Actors' Playhouse

Actors’ Playhouse (280 Miracle Mile) is premiering their latest show for young audiences, “Madeline’s Christmas,” this Saturday, November 23 at 2 pm. 

This holiday favorite is the classic tale of the famous children’s book and begins with the line, “In an old house in Paris covered with vines lived twelve little girls in two straight lines.” It’s a must see this holiday season, so bring the whole family. 

For tickets, show times & more info, call 305-444-9293 or visit their website.

Palate-Specific Plates by The Homemade Cookery

The Homemade Cookery, a customized in-home personal/private chef service, is now available for busy clients and their families in the Miami-Dade county area. The Homemade Cookery is owned and operated by Michael Burnaugh and offers 'palate-specific' personal meals cooked from fresh ingredients in private homes. 

Clients will appreciate the service as it gives them precious time with their families at the end of a busy day. No shopping, No cooking, No clean up! Clients will enjoy delicious home cooked meals at anytime with cook and freeze or set right before them.

Michael will meet with each client to determine his or hers specific wants and needs. Menus are then agreed upon and a cooking day is selected for cook and freeze or private service. All the shopping is  done, food is prepared, then the kitchen is cleaned up. Michael leaves nothing behind but delicious smells and great food! 

Chef Michael Burnaugh is a member of the American Personal and Private Chef Association and SafeStaff® certified food handler, fully insured with The Hartford and can be contacted at Cell: 305-773-6224, Office: 786-250-4954

Web: thehomemadecookery.blogspot.com or email: 
thehomemadecookery@gmail.com for more information.
This is a compensated feature as part of the Groovy Grove Gift Guide.

Give Miami Day shatters records; $3.2 million raised

The Miami Foundation celebrates the most active day of philanthropic giving ever
raising $3.2 million in 24 hours.

The Miami Foundation far exceeded the amount raised in their inaugural effort during its second annual Give Miami Day on November 20. The 24-hour online philanthropy blitz raised $3.2 million for more than 400 local nonprofit organizations.

Charities went crazy sending out social media messages asking for donations. Twitter and Facebook were swamped. Many organizations sent out emails almost every hour, counting down the hours that you had to give. 

“We are thrilled by the outpouring of generosity,” said Javier Alberto Soto, president and CEO of The Miami Foundation. “Once again, when given the right opportunity, Miamians and our supporters around the globe generously gave to build a better community. This new, philanthropic and engaged Miami is here to stay, and Give Miami Day should make us proud to call this place home."

Between midnight November 20 and midnight November 21, donors were able to view online profiles of various nonprofit organizations, learn about the mission and impact of each organization, and support the causes most important to them.

This year, givemiamiday.org received 12,286 donations. Last year, almost 5,000 donors gave more than $1.2 million to 300 organizations during the inaugural Give Miami Day. “Our goal is promote philanthropy and democratize giving. Give Miami Day does both by engaging Miamians across our community to invest in our future,” said Soto.

With the support of Knight Foundation, Marlins Foundation, Miami HEAT Charitable Fund, The Miami Foundation Board of Trustees and Hector Family Fund, every donation between $25 and $10,000 that was made on givemiamiday.org will have a percentage of it matched by The Miami Foundation. Many donors gave to the match pool throughout the day, adding an additional $36,812 for a total match pool of over $300,000.

Lead fundraisers for the event included Greater Miami Jewish Federation, which raised $207,362.00, the largest total out of all of the organizations, and The Children’s Movement of Florida, which received the most individual gifts at 397, and raised $95,585.

“The new Miami is one of hope and the people of our community are committed long term to helping Miami fulfill its extraordinary potential,” said Soto.

Join Chris Matthews for an intimate luncheon

Chris Matthews

City Theatre will host an intimate business lunch with Chris Matthews, anchor of MSNBC's "Hardball with Chris Matthews" and the NBC-syndicated "The Chris Matthews Show" on Monday, November 25, 2013. A television commentator with remarkable depth and breadth of experience, Mr. Matthews will share his in-depth political analysis, fiery opinions and sharp humor about politics, the arts, and his new book, “Tip and the Gipper:  When Politics Worked”.

Matthews will begin his talk at noon at Stearns Weaver Miller Weissler Alhadeff & Sitterson, P.A., (150 West Flagler Street, Suite 2200).  Proceeds from the luncheon will benefit City Theatre's 2013-2014 Season.

Matthews has been following American politics since his teenage years and started working in the U.S. Senate after a term in the Peace Corps. He has worked as a presidential speechwriter in the White House and as top aide to Speaker of the House Thomas P. "Tip" O'Neill Jr.

In the late 1980s, Matthews switched to full-time journalism as Washington Bureau Chief for the San Francisco Examiner before turning his career to television. He launched "Hardball" in 1997 and the show has been on the air every weekday night since. In 2002, NBC premiered Sunday morning's "The Chris Matthews Show."

He's the author of five best-selling books, in addition to the 2011 release "Jack Kennedy: Elusive Hero" and the featured book, a personal history about conservative President Ronald Reagan (served 1981-1989) and liberal Speaker Tip O'Neill. As a top aide to O'Neill, Matthews saw firsthand how the two political leaders forged compromises that shaped America's future and became one of history's most celebrated political pairings-the epitome of how ideological opposites can get things done.

This event is made possible by Artistic Directing Sponsor Stearns Weaver Miller Weissler Alhadeff & Sitterson, P.A. Producing Sponsors include Colson Hicks Eidson, Dimond Kaplan & Rothstein, P.A. and the Miami HEAT. Directing Sponsors include: Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts, Apollo Bank, Aventura Limousine, Benihana, Books & Books, Gelber Schachter & Greenberg, P.A., Key Biscayne Community Foundation and Wicker Smith O'Hara McCoy & Ford, P.A.

For more information regarding this program, purchasing tickets or about City Theatre, please call (305) 755-9401.

City Theatre is a professional theatre company founded in February 1996 and dedicated to the development and production of new work, specifically the short play format, featured in its award-winning annual Summer Shorts Festivals. Since its inception, the company has received over 15,000 national script submissions (with over 900 submitted for this season alone); produced over 375 original short plays by established playwrights and important new voices in the theatre; and brought together the largest ensemble annually of artists, actors, directors, designers, and production staff for programming that includes the annual Summer Shorts  - America’s Short Play Festival, The Festival Family Musical, Shorts 4 Kids Educational Tour  and the CityWrights Conference.

Celebrating Chanukah at The Barnacle

The Barnacle is hosting Chanukah on December 3, 2013.

The event, sponsored by Chabad of the Grove will hold the family event at 5:30, out on the big back lawn for a waterfront menorah lighting. Atarah Montessori Academy will perform. There will be crafts, Barbecue and Latkes.

Admission is free.

Long ago, a small band of faithful Jews defeated one of the mightiest armies on earth, drove the Greeks from Israel and reclaimed the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. Inside the Temple, they found only a single cruse of olive oil to light the menorah. The one-day supply burned for eight days. Chanukah, the eight-day festival of light, commemorates these miracles and celebrates the triumph of light over darkness. 

This year marks the first time since 1888 that Chanukah occurs during the Thanksgiving season. It will be a special, and hopefully yearly event.

For additional information, please call 305-442-6866 or visit www.chabadmiami.com.

The Barnacle is located at 3485 Main Highway.

Get a taste of the Brickell Food & Wine Festival

The Miami Taste of Brickell Food and Wine Festival Pre-Party is back at Mary Brickell Village on Thursday, December 12, starting at 8 pm. This is the pre-party kick-off of the main event which is in March. Delectable food, wine and liquor samples, as well as a Brickell-Holiday themed runway fashion show are all part of the event.

Held on the first floor of Mary Brickell Village (901 South Miami Avenue), the event will bring together some of Brickell’s finest and emerging restaurants. Sample delicious food from: New on the block “Batch Gastropub," Porcao Farm to Grill, Oceanaire Seafood Room, Tapas Xperience, Balans, Doraku Sushi, and many others. After the event party goers are encouraged to continue over to “Porcao Farm to Grill” which includes a "hip and casual" patio (Patio at Porcao), an upstairs lounge (KAO Ultra Lounge) and KAO Smoke, where you can enjoy a "cognac and a cigar."

Guest’s will be treated to a tasting of fine wines and spirits of The Tapas Xperience, Aficionado’s Liquor & Cigar Shop, Wines of Delibori Vigneti e Cantine, Complimentary cocktails from “Papa’s Pilar Rum, Angels Envy Kentucky Bourbon Whiskey, Beer from CUSQUENA. Also, non-alcoholic beverages from Fiji Water and Onli Beverages will be on hand.  Also, enjoy a relaxing chair massage while at the event courtesy of Massage Envy Spa Brickell and belly dancers compliments of Taverna Opa.

In true Brickell style, the Taste of Brickell pre-party also combines high fashion with holiday flair. The evening will feature a runway fashion show courtesy of several of Mary Brickell Village’s chic boutiques and shops, but perhaps the most exciting part of the event will be our fantastic raffle which will be on site with lots of great prizes from local businesses. 

“The pre-party really showcases what this burgeoning neighborhood is all about,” said Cynthia Bettner, festival producer and director. “Best of all, we were able to support many of our favorite charities throughout Miami Dade through event proceeds and promoting their initiatives in front of hundreds of people.”

The 2014 Miami Taste of Brickell Food and Wine Festival will be held in March 2014 and in the heart of Brickell and will feature cuisine from over 20 local restaurants, an exclusive VIP experience. Tickets are on sale now, you can call 786.355.4800 or visit tasteofbrickell.com.

Club Blue holding toy drive for Boys & Girls Clubs

Club Blue Miami is holding its 2nd annual Toy Drive for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami. The event is Thursday, November 21 from 6:30 to 8:30 at Grove Isle Hotel & Spa (4 Grove Isle Drive).

Please bring an unwrapped toy or a minimum donation of $20 that will go to an underprivileged child and make their holiday special.

Cocktails and appetizers are sponsored by Grove Isle Hotel & Spa.

For more info, please email clubblue@bgcmia.org and to RSVP, please call 305-446-9910.

LoKal receives award as Greenest Restaurant

The Nature Conservatory hosted an award ceremony at LoKal on Tuesday. LoKal won the award for being the Greenest Restaurant and most Sustainable Restaurant in Miami. Owner Matt Kuscher (center in hat), received the award from the Nature Conservatory crew along with Commissioner Marc Sarnoff and Peter Laird, Grove Chamber president, also Mark Towbridge, Coral Gables Chamber president.

LoKal has been featuring the special Nature’s Plate burger  these last few days. Today, November 20 is the last day it will be on the menu, although it should be a staple. The burger is made with locally sourced ingredients including grass-fed beef from Florida Fresh Meat Company in Ocala, portabella mushrooms from Central Florida, local avocados, rooftop arugula, red onions, jack cheese, and LoKal’s homemade sauce. LoKal makes all of its own sauces, including the ketchup!

“We try to do everything to raise awareness like buying clean energy, composting all our waste, buying everything local, making art out of trash,” said Matt. “It makes us feel so proud that Miami realizes we are much more than a burger joint but instead a casual farm-to-table concept trying to do the right thing for our environment.”

Local is located at 3190 Commodore Plaza.

Mayfair Hotel presents tribute to cultural pioneers

Last year's Art Basel Week kicked off with a much talked-about tribute to Miami pioneers - alongside the city's new cultural visionaries - with the retrospective of visionary artist Martin Kreloff's 1976 “Miami Says Art” (which 36 years ago brought together the city's then up-and-coming arts luminaries to look into his camera and exclaim “ART”). 

During last year's Art Basel week, Kreloff reunited cast members from his original 1976 show alongside Miami's current crop of cultural champions, all coming together to help create a new time-capsule honoring Miami s evolution, and providing a window into the city's bright future as an art destination. The photos and resulting artwork have been kept under lock-and-key for a whole year, and the much-anticipated installation will be revealed for the first time at a preview reception for the media on Monday, December 2, at noon at the Mayfair Hotel in Coconut Grove.

MIAMI SAYS ART 2 features a wall series of portraits by Kreloff, featuring some of the origin 1976 cast along side Miami's new museum directors, gallerists, performing arts leaders and directors of cultural institutions (all once again looking at the camera and proclaiming “ART!”) . Kreloff has also collaborated with Miami artist Gustavo Oviedo on a black-box installation featuring video, projections and sound art, “Art Euphoria” melding photos, original artwork, video and sound recordings for an experiential walk-through time capsule.

The original cast included so many well-known figures such as Martin Marguiles, Judy Drucker, Gloria Vanderbilt and Charlie Cinnamon to name a few.

Presented by The Mayfair Hotel & Spa Miami, MIAMI SAYS ART 2 ushers in Art Basel Week 2013 and is on view Dec. 2-8, 10:00 am-8:00 pm (free and open to the public) at the hotel's exquisite Palm Terrace, 3000 Florida Avenue.

The artist Martin Kreloff says: “After many years of living and working on the West Coast, Miami welcomed me back with open arms, as if it was urging me to return home ... and what a homecoming it has become! From the sleepy burg I first encountered when I moved to Miami in 1967, the city has exploded into a vibrant and vital cultural destination that pulsates with the glow of a world class art scene."