Taking away the charm of the old gas lights

You can almost hear a whimper from the old gas lights as the new, tall and ugly acorn lights go up on Grand Avenue today, taking the place of a much beloved, photographed and a great flag holding Coconut Grove icon.

Comm. Sarnoff is buying American and going green

Commissioner Marc Sarnoff was so impressed with the Ford Hybrids at last month's Buy American, Go Green event that he purchased his own.

“Once I got behind the wheel of the Fusion Hybrid at the event, I knew I had to make the switch to Ford. The quality of the Fusion and the absolutely enjoyable experience at the Metro Ford dealership has made me a believer in Ford. With more than 100 patents on the Fusion Hybrid alone, Ford should now stand for Forging Our Research and Development," says Commissioner Sarnoff.

“We are extremely proud that Commissioner Sarnoff made the decision to publicly trade in his Smart Car for one of our new Fusion Hybrids," says Metro Ford Lincoln Mercury General Manager Lombardo Perez Jr. "This is a new era for Ford and we can clearly see that our vehicles match up against the best in the world.”

Homage to Aldemaro Romero at Albanico Theater

Junior Romero's Quartet performed at the Albanico Theater at the Arts and Minds Center on Saturday night. The concert was an homage to Aldemaro Romero.

Venezulan music filled the theater in Mr. Romero's honor. For many years, Aldemaro Romero conducted the Caracas Philharmonic, he was a prolific composer of many types of music, too.

At the piano is Junior Romero, Manny Patino is at the guitar, Jorge Guzman plays the flute and Keyliz Berti is the percussionist.

Chicago's Steak House opens tonight

The staff trained all weekend in anticipation of tonight's opening of Chicago's Steak House at 3162 Commodore Plaza. Above are Catrina, Danny, Steve and Emily.


At left are Sarah and Alex, at right: Ann Marie and Andre.


Huge murals of Chicago cover the walls, dark wood accents the red velvet chairs.

On the menu: Mango Crab Cakes, Garlic Steamed Clams, Baked French Onion Soup, Prime Rib, Porterhouse Steaks, Filet and Lobster Tail, Chicken Club, Blackend Mahi Mahi and so much more. Stop in tonight. They open at 4 pm.

All week, there will be entertainers at their sleek black grand piano in the back of the main room to usher in their first week, then most likely performers will take to the 88s only on weekends. Tonight Mel Dancy, renown jazz vocalist and pianist will be performing.

George's in the Grove to celebrate Bastille Day

Tomorrow, July 14 is Bastille Day and to commemorate the event George's in the Grove 3144 Commodore Plaza) is having a Disco Night. Yes, that's right -- Disco Night. Go dressed in your favorite disco era outfit.

Reservations are a must: 305-444-7878. Get out there and party like it's 1979!

Hindsight is 20/20 when it comes to marketing

The Wynwood Artwalk was held last night (it's the second Saturday each month) and of course the Summer Rendezvous on Commodore Plaza was held, too. The Summer Rendezvous needs a few more people. While there's a nice crowd, a few more wouldn't hurt.

A suggestion that could have worked for next week's Rendezvous: Have a few people handing out flyer cards to people leaving the Wynwood Artwalk advertising the Summer Rendezvous on Commodore Plaza next Saturday.

It could be unobtrusive, as people leave, just hand them a card. A plus on the card could be a coupon for something for next week, maybe a restaurant discount, maybe even a Grove Buck could have been handed out, too.

It's a cheap way to market and very effective especially in the summer when people are looking for something to do.

Future of Blanche Dog Park to be discussed at meeting

The Future of Blanche Dog Park on Shipping and Virginia, will be discussed at the Sailing Club (2990 South Bayshore Drive) on Wednesday, July 15 from 6 to 7 pm.

The city wants ideas to improve the park. Feel free to show up and participate in the process.