We are not alone

Was my camera lens just dirty or am I seeing an Orb in the back seat of this old car that was part of the Cars & Cigars event at The Barnacle? Oddly enough, right after I took this photo, I ran into Javier Lopez-Resende, the Grove's official photographer. For some reason, we started talking about the Barnacle house and were wondering if it was haunted. Javier told me that one of the tour guides assured him it wasn't. I disagreed and thought that perhaps the tour guide just wasn't sensitive enough to notice anything. Then when I uploaded the photos, this is what I saw. None of the other photos from the event show this "orb."


In March, there was a "We Are the Champions" party to celebrate Coconut Grove's winning "Best Neighborhood for Dining" award in a New Times poll. Again, this strange orb showed up here in this photo. No other photo that night had anything like this in it. I was reminded that the orbs in the Men in Black movies are whole planets. So she could have the weight of a whole world on her shoulders here!


And then there was that strange black mist inside the Peacock Garden Cafe bar area during Naomi Evan's going way party in March. You can see it in one of the photos here. At the same time, I took a photo using someone's cell phone and the same mist was in that photo, as well.


A few years ago, there was this incredible red sky out over the Bay. I started taking photos of the Grove Isle Bridge area and unbeknownst to me, my next door neighbor was doing the same at that exact moment from her balcony. We post coincidentally posted the photos at the same time on Facebook and in both photos, you can see similar orbs in similar places, floating over the bay. Coincidence? Were both our camera lenses dirty at the same time at the same moment? I find this fascinating.

I think Coconut Grove is haunted. We are not alone.

Update on TreeWatch and the Grove tree circus

Liliana Dones of TreeWatch will be on Channel 10 news tonight, explaining hers and TreeWatch's position on TreeWatch and the Coconut Grove streetscape and tree replacement plan. I also received the Commissioner's newsletter and wondered why he is only doing this in the Grove and not his whole district since it's such a great idea. Why not Brickell and the North East and Midtown and all the other District 2 trees? Why aren't they being destroyed removed and replaced?

Liliana writes:

I was interviewed as a member of TreeWatch today by Glenna Milberg of Channel 10 News regarding the trees they plan to remove in Coconut Grove. I guess this is a result of the Newsletter Commissioner Sarnoff circulated yesterday explaining his being in favor of the tree removals. I will likely get about a one minute soundbite, so in case it does not all come out, here is the point I was trying to make:

Of course TreeWatch is NOT "critical of doing anything that would remove these trees." We would hardly insist on keeping a tree that is a true hazard.

The trees of downtown Grove are in many different degrees of health, and our objective is to have the City pause and truly determine if a tree indeed needs to come down for reasons of hazard or convenience. For example, a Tamarind on Florida Avenue, marked for removal, was since reviewed again and determined that perhaps it is not in as bad a shape as to require removal. Yet it still has a permit for removal dangling over its canopy, so to speak, and we still have no idea if the tree will be cut or spared. We cannot appeal to, because the appeal was upheld by the HEP Board before it was determined to not be in as bad a shape. Another tree on the same block also permitted for removal was found to be in good condition by the horticulturist consulting the project, but it happens to be in the way of a desired (but totally unnecessary) valet cut out in front of a restaurant. One wonders if it was ever pointed out to the restaurateur, who is relatively new, that there is a perfectly good designated valet drop off across the street, not 12 feet away which in its day served not only the restaurant in the exact same spot,which was packed, but several others and the entire shopping complex. Now that street barely gets a car every 5 minutes. So why take the tree down? It is these little details that TreeWatch wants to bring to light, otherwise they get obfuscated during the planning stages.

Such efforts have worked well with the County. We met with them this week to review and walk 27th avenue to see each individual tree they have marked for cutting or transplanting during Phase 2 of the Improvements project. Of the 55+ trees they had designated for removal when they showed us the plan last year, now only 14 will be cut down, and that is because they are in very, very bad shape. Many will be saved and relocated, in some cases a few feet from where they stood. Recently, 2 mahoganies were spared getting cut down and are now in their new home in the green space at Seminole Boat ramp, where hopefully they can thrive.


Liliana Dones
Coconut Grove TreeWatch

Trees became a political issue so long ago, too

I was watching a tv show about Queen Victoria and Prince Albert and the subject came up about the first World's Fair, which was called the Great Exhibition, that was created in Hyde Park in 1851. The trees in the park were a big issue at the time. It was Prince Albert's idea to bring the "first World's Fair" to London, to show how world economies could work together to make things better, especially in London. The Prince, and Queen, wanted to improve living and working conditions for "laboring classes."

The people that were against the project being placed in Hyde Park used all sorts of excuses because Parliament against the Prince at the time, not so much his idea, they just didn't like him. And the trees were used as reason for not allowing the project to proceed. Enormous Elm trees covered the park and this was a great concern to the people at the time (mostly as an excuse to stop the project, but it was interesting that even back then, trees were being used for political reasons).

In the end, a huge glass structure called the "Crystal Palace" was erected, which enveloped the trees and included many inside the structure and not one tree was harmed. They called this technique "man's triumph over nature," because they managed to create the structure and not harm the trees. Their triumph and objective was to save the trees, and they did. The Great Exhibition opened on May 1, 1851 to massive crowds (six million in five months, London's population at the time was two million).

External links about the Great Palace:
Wikipedia
About.com
The London Exhibition

Still room in the Hot Dog Eating Contest for you!

As part of the All-Day Independence Celebration at CocoWalk, a minimum of five contestants will have 10 minutes to eat as many hot dogs as humanly possible to earn the title “Hot Dog Champion” and take home the coveted grand prize package worth hundreds of dollars.

Last year’s winner, Evan Martinez, left, ate 8 hot dogs! If you think you can beat that, then send an email to mpeggyq@cocowalk.net to get your application. It’s fun, easy, and free. Step up to the plate and enter to win today. Must be at least 18 years of age to compete.

Hot dogs sponsored by Paragon Grove 13, and the Guayabera Girls from Guayabera World will assist and keep time as the contestants chow down.

New this year at CocoWalk is Beer Pong. It’s a team sport so bring a friend and get ready to pong. The fun begins at 5 pm. And for the kids – it’s Kids Team Pong at 4 pm. Great prizes for the top teams.

"The Tap Takeover and Food Pairing" at LoKal

LoKal, the burger place at 3190 Commodore Plaza is having a new special beer pairing on Friday nights called, "The Tap Takeover and Food Pairing." They have legendary brewer Jonathan Wakefield brewing his special beers for one night only this week. They are also now the only restaurant/bar selling Miami Brewing Company's Blond Ale, a new brewery in Homestead.

This Friday's pairings are Homestead Guacamole paired with Jonathan Wakefield's Watermelon Berliner for appetizer, then for burger suggestion and pairing, there is Royal With Cheese paired with Wakefield's Pineapple Kolsh or try the Turkey Burger paired with Miami Madness.

For dessert they are offering Puerto Rican Tres Leches with Bourbon Barrel Aged Stout.

The Tap Takeover is $42. It's from 6 to 8 pm.

"City likes to suck blood out if it's host; the Grove"

The current situation with the city waterfront property proposals is ridiculous.  However, it clearly makes the case for secession from the City of Miami.  Clearly, Coconut Grove is a unique community that is different from the rest of Miami; just like any other community in Miami is unique.  That simple sentence explains why the city of Miami is too big. There are rumors, as reported in the Miami Herald,  that  the finalists competing  for  the  waterfront property will be up for vote in the Nov. elections. This means that people as far away as Mid-town or Little Havana can vote on the issue, even though they are not part of the Grove community or have the same values as people from the Grove.

In  other  words,  people from other communities with their own uniqueness will have as much say as the citizens of the Grove on this community  issue.  Now, I know that the City of Miami being the parasite that it is, likes to suck the blood of its host, Coconut Grove; blood being taxes.  However, enough is enough.

A person mentioned in a recent letter to the editor the phrase "taxation without representation."  Clearly the RFP Committee did not represent the Grove in terms of members.  One response to this is to declare the process as "not valid."  This could take place through a protest, organizing a campaign to vote against it in the elections, or voting with our money.  In other words, our final "trump card" would be to choose not to eat or drink at the new restaurant in order to protest the Committee's decision and actions.  While the Committee and City have a certain amount of power to choose which restaurant will rent the marina property, we as consumers could decide to not associate with the restaurant and shun it.  This would be "voting with our money and our feet" which are the only votes we have that count.  This strategy could be carried out by using some type of community awareness campaign.

Joshua Stevens
Coconut Grove

The Paddle House opens with an art exhibit

The Paddle House is opening at 2753 SW 27 Avenue with a party on Friday, June 29, including an art exhibit featuring the work of local aritsts Flex Maslan and Rick Poston.

Their plan is to host an artist each month and to present the art with a cocktail reception. Flex and Ric are both paddlers. Czech-born Flex is a digital photographer whose images capture his kayak trips to remote locations. He enhances the images digitally.

Rick, a master painter, has his paintings featured in private and public collections. He specializes in capturing the Everglades.

The Paddle House features everything recreational related to water, including kayaking, canoeing and fishing -- all nature and outdoor adventures. The have new items, used, and they buy, rent and trade.

They are offering classes, private and group lessons, fishing clinics, hiking, sea kayaking, canoeing, wilderness exploration, back country expeditions, beach paddling parties and so much more.

The grand opening party is from 6 to 10 pm. Stop by and meet the new neighbors.

Amazing voice and four course Spanish dinner

By special request, another Noche Flamenca with the incomparable, versatile Montserrat Franco will take place at La Cava, at La Bottega (3540 Main Highway). Transport yourself to Spain for one evening of Monserrat's singing and Chef Carmen's special Spanish-themed Menu. The concert and dinner are Friday, June 29, at 9 pm.

“An amazing voice with all the ingredients that makes a singer with unlimited possibilities," says Aurora Magazine, Israel.

“Surprising, astonishing and promising," agrees La Lettre Sepharade, France.

Montserrat Franco is a singer-songwriter whose versatile career has spanned the world from Latin America to the Middle East. Featured as CNN en Español’s “Woman of the Week” and in other media such as Univision and the Miami Herald, this polyglot speaks and sings in seven languages, all with her own distinctive mastery and flair.

She has performed classical, jazz and her own compositions in concerts around the world with prestigious symphonic and chamber orchestras, as well with jazz and urban bands. To date she has captivated the hearts of audiences and rave reviewers from Brazil, Italy, the Caribbean Islands, Spain, Israel, Paraguay, Croatia, Australia and the US.

Montserrat Franco is a Recording Academy (American and Latin Grammy Awards) voting member and a songwriter for Estefan Enterprises in Miami, Florida. (Bio extracted by Susanna Zaraysky, Sharon and Elliot Zinner, Bobby Ramirez).

The reception includes a welcome glass of wine followed by:
1st COURSE
Warm Spanish Fava Bean Salad
Jamon Serrano and Manchego Cheese Platter

2nd COURSE
Duo of Gazpachos: Almond Romesco and 
Classic Tomato, Queso de Tetilla Tuille

3rd COURSE
Creamy Paella a la Valenciana with 
Seafood, Poultry, Clams and Mussels, Safron Ailioli
Black Ink Coulis & Pimenton Dust

4th COURSE
Turron de Jijona Panna Cotta, Mint Sauce, Berries

$75 per person includes 
Live entertainment, welcome glass of wine and 4-course dinner per person.

Limited Space, Reserve now: 305-441-0219.

The RFP correspondence regarding Scotty's, et al

Several days ago I made a public records request for all of the correspondence to Mr. Kenneth Robertson, the City of Miami Purchasing Director for all of his emails related to the recent RFP process for the Scotty's Landing/Grove Harbor Marina/Chart House Restaurant.

He complied to my request by sending me copies of 64 separate emails totaling 178 pages.

I was able to covert 63 of those emails into 3 PDF's and have posted them on my website.

I know that many of your readers have expressed concern/interest in this process, and while I haven't had time to review the emails myself, I  think it's important that as many people as possible have an opportunity to review these documents.

I don't necessarily believe there are any "Smoking Guns"  included, but I've always been a believer that the issue of process is important for citizens to understand, and this whole process definitely deserves scrutiny.

Anyone wishing to read and/or download the PDF's may do so by going here.

Because I haven't reviewed these documents myself, and am involved in researching several other stories, would appreciate that if any of your readers look over these documents and find anything "interesting" or worth discussing, that they email at al@alcrespo.net.

Thank you,
Al Crespo
Crespo Gram Report

July 4th in Coconut Grove; full day of events

Coconut Grove is the place to be every 4th of July, and this year is no exception. As usual, there will be a full day of celebration, starting at The Barnacle in the morning with an old-fashioned picnic and ending with a spectacular fireworks display at Peacock Park.

July 4th starts at 11 am at The Barnacle (3485 Main Highway) for their old-fashioned type of day. Lawn games, board games and even kite flying are part of the fun. Live music from Cool 'Ol Dudes will entertain. The usual red, white and blue bunting will festoon the house. Bring a picnic or treat yourself to hot dogs, hamburgers, veggie dogs and burgers, popcorn, soft drinks and ice cream available for purchase.

Admission to the park on the day of this event is $5; $3 for ages 6-12; children under 6 are free. The park opens at 9 am with activities from 11 am to 4 pm. Park closes at 5 pm. The Barnacle welcomes Blankets, lawn chairs and picnics, but alcohol and fireworks are not permitted.

From The Barnacle, head on over to The Bookstore where the Grove's famous Coconut Hunt begins at 3:30 pm. Win great prizes by finding hidden coconuts all around the Village. After the hunt, which ends at the CocoWalk fountain, stick around for CocoWalk's fun activities. Their now famous hot dog eating contest begins at 5 pm. How many hot dogs can you eat in 10 minutes? The winner wins big prizes.Beer Pong begins at 6 pm and Deck 52 will Rock the Walk beginning at 7, and everyone is invited to join the CocoWalk musical celebration following the 9 pm fireworks in Peacock Park. Email Peggy now at mpeggyq@cocowalk.net to enter the Hot Dog contest.

The Chamber takes over Peacock Park for Fireworks and fun starting at 4 pm. Food vendors include: New York Roma Pizza, Toby’s Concessions, Greek Eats, Candy & Chocolate Covered Fruit, Bahamian Conch Shack, Doña Arepa, LM Catering, Fireman Derek’s World-Famous Pies, Chart House and more. Beverages will include Sam Adams lager, Rex Goliath Wines and a variety of cocktails, plus water, sodas and Toby’s frozen lemonade. And Samuel Adams is the official beer of the event, as usual.

Cox Media DJs from Party 93.1, The Coast 97.3 and 99JAMZ will spin the latest tunes and keep the crowd entertained all the way through to the fireworks display which will be set to music. For little ones, a Kids Adventure Park will feature slides, rides, bounce houses and more.

Fireworks start around 9ish, give or take a few. This is open and free to the public. 

TreeWatch appeal to be heard at July 20 meeting

The Historical and Environmental Preservation Board (HEP) meeting has been moved from July 3 to July 20, 2012.

This is the meeting regarding the TreeWatch appeal for the trees on Commodore Plaza.

The meeting starts at 12:30 pm at City Hall, 3500 Pan American Drive.

Going All American for June's Wine Flight Dinner

El Carajo has a few twists on favorite American summer foods this month for their Wine Flight Dinner. Just in time to pick Wines for 4th of July, they're featuring All American wines like Chateau Montelena (the legendary American Winemakers who won the Judgment of Paris in 1976) and Zinfandel, America’s native grape.

The dinner is Wednesday, June 27 from 6 to 8 pm

- Course 1
Tuna Tartar with Watermelon Gelee'
Gloria Ferrer Blanc de Noirs NV

- Course 2
Green Tomato Tempura with Cucumber Aioli
Groth Sauvignon Blanc ‘11

- Course 3
Roasted Chicken with Southern Style Collard Greens
Chateau Montelena Chardonnay ‘09

- Course 4
Guava BBQ Pork Ribs with BBQ Baked Black Beans
Willakenzie Pinot Noir ‘08

- Course 5
El Carajo S'mores
Ed Meades Zinfandel ‘08

This casual yet elegant dinner includes several off the menu courses paired with wines to enhance their flavors. Be seated and start eating at your own table, and at your leisure, during the two hour seating window. Wine educator Barry Alberts will be floating around the dining room discussing and answering questions about the night’s wines.

$50 per person
Tax & Gratuity not included
RSVP Only – RSVP by end of today.
305.856.2424

El Carajo is located at 2465 SW 17th Avenue.

Why are no Grovites part of RFP committee?

How  is  it possible that no Coconut Grove resident or business operator has been appointed to the RFP Selection Committee? Don’t we Grovites deserve an opportunity to have a voice in our very own community? Didn’t we have a revolution over No Taxation Without Representation?

We should consider comparing Rusty Pelican, Monty Trainers, Scotty's Landing and the recent five submitted RFP submissions. What are revenues to City of Miami for each?Scotty’s has been paying around $18K a month. I suspect that no other city leased property generates as much. Isn’t that enough? For years Monty’s got away with paying little rent or nothing. Locals seldom patronize Rusty Pelican or Monty’s. The Grovites do not want a Tiki Hut, another Monty’s or Rusty Pelican in the Grove. They would rather have Scotty improve the place a bit and add a few items to the menu.


Look at  the success that Lalo has had with his recently opened Peacock Garden. The Grovites would welcome a successful and caring restaurateur like Lalo as well. Or perhaps Lalo and Scotty could join forces and make an even more successful restaurant together.

But please don’t allow another Monty’s or Rusty Pelican to get a foothold on our waterfront and ruin it for us locals. The Grove deserves better!

Harry Emilio Gottlieb
Coconut Grove

Grove is getting into the red, white and blue spirit

This afternoon, the US Flags started going up for the 4th of July. 82 flags will grace the Center Grove courtesy of the BID. 

Visiting Monks participate in Mandala Ceremony

Do you feel a little bit more blessed today? It could be because the Tibetan Monks, who have spent all week at Zen Village, paraded through the village yesterday, blessing everyone along the way.


Akshobhya Mandala sand painting took place all week at Zen Village. The monks created a beautiful Mandala. Then, on their last day, they destroyed the Mandala. The sacred cosmograms originated in India over 2,500 years ago. The intricate process is meant to reconsecrate the earth and heal its inhabitants.


After the monks pray over the Mandala, they sweep all the sand up and hand it out to those who watched or participated. Then the remaining sand is tossed into the nearest living stream to be swept away into the ocean.


The reason that the Mandala is destroyed it so show the world that nothing is permanent, not even the perfectly created Mandala. The monks marched from Zen Village down Main Highway.

Down McFarlane Road toward Peacock Park, with many followers behind.


As Master Tsai of Zen Village prays with the monks over the urn of sand. They prepare to disburse it into Sailboat Bay, our nearest waterway in Coconut Grove.

Photos by David McBurnett

Lucky bed may help another team win Bed Race

The Great Grove Bed Race is back Sunday, September 2. Sign-ups are starting this week. As you know, The Grove Spot won first place two years in a row, here's the team from UM, with last year's Grand Marshal and announcer Vanilla Ice. The team also won a previous year, when they ran for the Sandbar. So this is quite a team. Well guess what? Their bed is for sale! It's going up for auction, actually.

The bed that won the last two Bed Races in 2010 and 2011, a little worn from a fierce competition will go up for auction in early August at the Bed Race's Build-A-Bed Happy Hour Workshop. Time and place will be announced, but we just wanted to give you the heads up in case you would like to bid.

The bed looks simple, but $1000 worth of technology went into creating it. So if you are considering racing and would like to attempt to take on the winningist team, racing them against their new bed, using their former bed, this is your chance! The team decided that they wanted something new to race with this year and so that is how the auction came to be.

Olav Smit, owner of The Grove Spot, graciously offered up the bed and all proceeds at auction will go toward the charities that are selected this year as beneficiaries of the Great Grove Bed Race. The charities will be announced probably in August. There will be two. The first will be whichever charity this year's celebrity Grand Marshal chooses (the Grand Marshall will be announced at a future date) and the second charity, will be a local Coconut Grove organization, also to be announced.

Jeff, in the mask here, will have to get used a new bed for The Grove Spot this year.

As we get closer to the event, it's apparent that many new groups are going to take part and race beds this year. It should be an exciting event, as usual, on that Labor Day Sunday. Please come back to the Grapevine for updates from now until race day. We'll let you know more about the bed auction as we get the info.

You're invited to farewell dinner for visiting monks

Earlier in the week, I posted about the Akshobhya Mandala Sand Painting going on this week at Zen Village with His Eminence Chungtsang Rinpoche and his fellow Monks (photos of the sand Mandalas here).

Today, Sunday, June 24, at 7:30 pm, is the Farewell Dinner and Candle Light Blessings and you're all welcome. The community is invited to join in celebrating and thanking the monks for the blessings given and being left behind. The evening will include a live musical performance, a thousand candle light blessing and a sit down dinner with the monks. This special dinner event will have limited seating therefore they request that you reserve your seat by calling 305-567-0165. Suggested donation: $35.00.

Zen Village is at 3570 Main Highway, Coconut Grove.

A rockin' Father's Day at CocoWalk

Last Sunday, Father' s Day, was sunny and hot, a total contrast to the rainy days we have been having this weekend. The CocoWalk Courtyard was steaming with sunny smiles and scorching Classic Rock to celebrate all the dads who stopped by.

A Mile of Smiles provided a variety of fun items for kids to make their dads, and hundreds of kids lined up to get creative and present dad with that special gift. Dads were seen throughout CocoWalk proudly wearing their #1 Dad badge and cute caterpillar clips with love-filled messages.

Sans of Tyme, a local 4-piece Classic Rock band of music veterans, transported the gathering back to the ‘60s and ‘70s with a powerful performance. Three outstanding lead singers took turns reeling off hit after hit, from the Beatles to Roy Orbison, the Eagles to James Brown, baked onto beats driven by drummer Tony Sinatra. It was fantastic to see the all-ages crowd rockin' out, smiling, singing, cheering, and clapping after nearly every song. It was a real Grove style Rock'n Fun Father's Day.


Even if it's rainy today, there's plenty to do. Stop by Bice Bistro for a nice Italian meal, Bloody Marys and Mimosas are only $5 at brunch on weekends; or one of my favorites, the Thai Lettuce Tacos at The Cheesecake Factory! "Abe Lincoln, Vampire Killer," is playing at Paragon Grove 13 now, too.

Help The Barnacle win "America's Favorite Park"

This summer, Coca-Cola is rallying people to cast a "swing vote" for their favorite park candidate. The third-annual America Is Your Park campaign has begun. In 2010, Oleta River State Park was awarded a $25,000 donation through this initiative with the America’s State Parks Foundation. We're hoping to get the award for our own Barnacle State Park this year!

With the click of a button, park goers can change their communities by voting for their favorite park to win the title of "America's Favorite Park." Also at stake is a $100,000 recreation grant made possible by the Coca-Cola Live Positively initiative. "Parks are the anchors of our communities, but budget cuts have left them with little funds for restoration,"said Celeste Bottorff, Vice President, Living Well, Coca-Cola North America. "Through the Coca-Cola America Is Your Park campaign, a small action today can turn your favorite park into a better place to play tomorrow. So whether it's an evening walk or a day of family fun, get out and play in the park - and vote to help your favorite win."

Voting for "America's Favorite Park" is easy! Park lovers can visit LivePositively to earn one vote per click for their favorite park. People can also earn 100 votes each time they check in on FourSquare from the park. More details on how to vote from the park are available on the website.

The three parks that receive the most votes by July 15, 2012 will be awarded recreation grants in the following amounts: First Place - $100,000; Second Place - $50,000; and Third Place - $25,000. In addition, a $15,000 grant will be awarded at random to another park that places in one of the remaining top 25 spots. These recreation grants are provided to help restore, rebuild or enhance activity areas in parks where people can play and be active.

And while you're at it, will you please visit the Florida Parks DEP site and rate the Barnacle here.

New locations added to this year's Alfest bar crawl

The 14th annual Alfest Bar Crawl is Saturday, June 30.

For $25, you'll get a free drink in up to eight bars in Coconut Grove. This is South Florida's biggest and best bar crawl, with up to 1000 crawlers.

The Goose and the new Mr. Frog's (opening soon on Main Highway) are part of the mix this year, along with the usual's: The Sandbar, Mr. Moe's, The Grove Spot, Barracuda, Chili's and The Tavern.

For 5 bucks, you can be part of the raffle to win the only Alfest Bobble Head in the world.

All money raised goes to Camp Boggy Creek and children battling cancer. You can register online. Everyone who prepays will receive an Alfest Gym Towel the day of the event.

The Mayfair Hotel & SPa is offering a special rate of $109 for Alfesters for a nice suite for the night, so you don't have to drink and drive!

For more info, to buy your tix now and to get in on the Mayfair deal, go to the Alfest website here: www.alfest.net.

New tiki hut-style restaurant to take over Scotty's?

A group called David One, LLC, was chosen today, as the group to build a restaurant on the Scotty's Landing site, at the RPF proposal meeting at the MRC (Miami River Center) building downtown, which is the City's Administration Building.

The group already owns Monty's South Beach and the Flanigan's chain, also Sugarcane and Sushisamba.

Their plan is to build a tiki hut-style restaurant on the site and to keep it feeling "Grovey."

Many feel that this is not a good decision in light of the fact that the Grove already has a Monty's and Flanagan's but to be fair, that doesn't mean the new proposal will be a knock-off of either.

The one proposal for the Chart House that came in by current Chart House owners was of course accepted, and they plan to upgrade their site. Landry, the group that owns the Chart House, had also proposed a bid for the Scotty's site, too, in order to combine the two.

It's up to City Manager, Johnny Martinez who can reject or pass the proposals along to the City Commission.

Earlier in the day, a group of friends met at Scotty's and a bus transported them downtown to the start of the 1:30 pm hearing. 

The Herald has all the details here.


Photos by Patty Gonzalez

Ca$H Mob Reminder

Join in the Coconut Grove Cash Mob this Saturday!

It was a musical night in Coconut Grove

Eddie Roses, lead singer of Main Street band, was amazing last night during the Fete de la Musique event, which had musicians performing all over Coconut Grove. Eddie and his group were in front of Wine, Etc., on Commodore Plaza. Their Beatles songs were spot on.


The atmosphere felt like a little European street with the diners next door at Bombay Darbar enjoying the show at streetside tables, along with the people enjoying the wine from the wine shop.


The Jacob Jeffries Band rocked the Mayfair Promenade and drew an early crowd, they have an interesting sound, very original.

One group that drew a large crowd for most of the night was the all girl band called That Girl Band of 305. They sang and played string instruments. At times they were overshadowed by the loud band across the street -- the Rodiles, a young group of guys who are also there most weekends. They're really good.

Guides with red berets were very helpful with the maps they handed out, which showed the times and locations of the performers. The rain held out and the musical night led into crowds coming into the village to watch the Heat play -- and win -- in local bars and restaurants.

The event was held in conjunction with the Summer Solstice, June 21, next year it will be held on a Friday, which should bring out larger crowds. The event was put together by the Miami Conservatory of Music, Coconut Grove's own music academy, along with Ronald Jakubisin & Associates. Tony Angione of the Mayfair Antique Market provided the tents, which luckily were not needed since it was a rainless night!

More photos here on Facebook by Ron Jakubisin & Tom Falco.

Strangers deciding Coconut Grove's fate

AAA Marine Group's proposal for the hanger/marina on the site.

This is the selection committee regarding the Chart House / Scotty's Landing RFP, none of them has anything to do with Coconut Grove, which could be a good or bad thing, but we think they are more into real estate and restaurant construction, than village life. And what's with the Miami Beach people deciding Coconut Grove's fate?

They are:

Anna Perekh
Director, Real Estate, Housing & Community Development Dept. City of Miami Beach

Christina De Hombre
Restaurant Services

Navidad Soto
Architect, Ferguson, Glasgow, Schuster Soto, Inc.

Enrique (Henry) Torre
Director, Dept. of Public Facilities, City of Miami

Zari Watkins
Ass't to the Chief of Infrastructure/Assistant City of Miami

Alternates:

Mark Millisits
City of Miami Beach

Kevin Asher
Supervisor Miami-Dade Parks Dept.

"Save our local bar rally" for Scotty's Landing

There is a "Save our local bar rally" Friday. The goal is to gather at Scotty's Landing to show support for them. Locals want them to stay and be part of the RFP process. The rally starts at 11:30 am, Friday, June 22. If you have time, buses will leave from Scotty's to bring you downtown to observe the meeting of the selection committee who will be deciding which bidder will get the lease on Scotty's property.

Scotty's (3381 Pan American Drive) wants to improve and stay! Later, or after work, go back to Scotty's to gather with others who love the place, for Happy Hour and party into the night.

Fete de la Musique takes over the streets tonight

Tonight is the night! La Fete de la Musique is going to take place all over Coconut Grove! Just like in France, where this music festival started, starting at 5 pm today, until 11 pm, stroll Coconut Grove and enjoy live performances all over the village!

The event goes on rain or shine, all musicians are under tents or under cover some way or other. If you arrive early we recommend you check out Nikolas Metaxas at the Mayfair. Later the Jacob Jeffries band will rock the promenade as the star headliner. Also the Flamenco dancers of Bailes Ferrer will delight everyone from 7 pm on. They have been paired with a percussionist named Eddies Miami Groove at the Mayfair Atrium.

On Commodore Plaza there is Main Street performing at Wines Etc... with Cleveland Jones and Jessie Jackson doing sets -- that's three bands all night across from Lokal Burgers. Nine restaurant and bars doing promotions ranging from free champagne to extended Happy Hours -- so people can come, see the Fete and cheer the Heat on to victory.. Think of the Fete as a Heat pre-victory party!

Some cool bands, including an all girl "tween" band called That Girl of 305, will play at CocoWalk out front near the info booth. It's like the Del Rubio Sisters at age 15!  A Goose Cut Loose, a band made up of all cops, will take the stage at 6 pm. They play now at John Martin's and Harold at Goose liked them and hopefully they'll be a regular.

We have a full map of times and locations for tonight's La Fete de la Musique. It's here. Print it out and enjoy!

"Who benefits by closing this meeting?"

An Open Letter to City of Miami Mayor Tomas Regalado

Dear Mayor Regalado,

As a resident of the City of Miami and the Village of Coconut Grove, I was shocked and outraged that the City panel meeting to hear proposals for the development and leasing of the City-owned marina and waterfront in Coconut Grove was closed to the public and press last night.  This panel presentation which will ultimately impact the next 40 years of the marina, waterfront and public access should not be held in private.

This is the most basic form of “Transparency in Politics” and I’m disgusted that our City employees feel they have a right to close off the meeting.

Even if City employees were able to come up with a quasi-legal maneuver to close this meeting, why would they want to?  Aren’t the City employees there to serve the residents of the City and to steward the progress and growth of the City?  Who benefits by closing this meeting? By closing it, the panel members are only opening themselves up for closer scrutiny.  What are they trying to hide?  What’s going on in the panel presentations that they don’t want residents seeing and hearing?

I strongly urge you to immediately open these and all future meetings and documents to the public and press.

Sincerely,


Liam Crotty
Coconut Grove

Excellent Chamber networker at Villa Mayfair

Wednesday night's Chamber Networker at Villa Mayfair, was one of the most fun mixers in a long time. The place was jammed packed with people. The venue was incredible. Max and Rae had their hands full trying to serve all the guests at the bar. The drinks flowed non-stop. Hors d'oeuvres were passed around all night and there was a very generous raffle with lots of prizes like wine, magnums of champagne, hotel gift cards and more. I won three gifts myself -- a bottle of wine, a magnum of champagne and an Arts Festival poster! I gave them all away to friends at the bar.


Andres Lemos, commercial realtor and Chamber Board member, manned the front door with Monica Chaviano, the Chamber administrator, that's attorney Lee Marks, with them. Lee won a case of different wines in the raffle!


Stephan M, the DJ, kept the music going all night, from right beside the bar.


My friend Lynn Sanz, is here with the crew from the new magazine called More Miami. That's Hernan Valdez, Rosa Davis and George Alvarez, who enjoyed themselves so much that they stayed late and had dinner at Villa Mayfair after the Chamber event.

It was "Blush Wednesdays" night, Villa Mayfair's Ladies' Night, so as the Chamber event was ending, lots of beautiful ladies were entering. There was also a special birthday part in the back area of the restaurant, so Florida Avenue was hopping last night. Many went across town after the event to a fashion party going on at La Bottega.

Lots more Chamber Networker photos are here.

Waterfront RFP Committee met yesterday

Yesterday afternoon, the RFP Selection Committee got together to hear the oral presentations from the bidders for the Chart House / Grove Key Marina and Scotty's Landing RFPs. They did not post the bidders' documents and those present were told that they would be made public only after the City Manager has signed off on the selection.

It appears that there is no one on the committee who is associated with Coconut Grove or the Grove's Waterfront Master Plan.

After introductory remarks, it was announced that the oral presentation was exempt from the public hearing requirements and that everyone except the selection committee, the presenters and the city employees were shown out of the meeting.

GROVE VILLAGE COUNCIL PREPARES RESOLUTION

Regarding the Coconut Grove Waterfront Master Plan in relation to the RFPs, the Cocoanut Grove Village Council prepared a resolution at a meeting on June 7, 2012. The Master Plan covers all the leasholds used by commercial enterprises along the Grove waterfront as well as parkland.

The Village Council Resolution asks a question of a City worker: "The RFP makes reference to the Coconut Grove Comprehensive Master Plan for Dinner Key. In that Master Plan, they have a specific pier configuration, etc. What role does that play in these individual responses, especially since you've separated the two parts -- The Chart House is a separate RFP from the casual dining?"

The answer on tape, by a City worker, which is scratchy, I don't have his name, states that the Master Plan is not "etched in stone," and in the same sentence states that the Master Plan is City Policy (but not law). Yet, a developer is permitted to "steer away from the specific requirments." Many times, spokespersons say anything, especially to the Village Council, so that doesn't mean his actual comments are exactly as the city feels. It makes no sense to have a Master Plan and then say it is not etched in stone. What's the point of a Master Plan then?

The Village Council's resolution is concerned about the fact that the RFP's for The Chart House now has no provision for an easement for the driveway to the fishing pier nor does it require the relocation of The Chart House property.

The Waterfront Master plan says (from 2004): "The City envisions a Coastal Recreation Park that emphasizes human scale, public open spaces, and connectivity for the pedstrian realm through the creation of waterfront promenades, diverse open spaces, an active park with sensitive environmental spoil island connections (real or visual) that will enhance the water component and recreational environmental elements."

The plan goes on to state that site lines of the waterfront are an important part of the plan. "The Coconut Grove Waterfront Master Plan includes the relocation of the Chart House building and construction of a pier with a driveway running along the edge of the property occupied by Grove Harbour Marina, which change would both create a sight line to the water and provide a "tourist destination" which would house commercial shrimping and fishing charter boats, a component which is necessary to the plan."

The Miami Herald has excellent coverage of yesterday's meeting details here.

Questions about The Chart House bidding process

Now that there is movement at The Chart House and Scotty's Landing property, lots of things are being said and coming out of the woodwork.

For one, we have the list of bidders for the Scotty's property, here it is. You'll notice there are five. Out of the five, only one bid on The Chart House property, that is CHLN/Landry's. They apparently bid on both properties.

Now this is where it gets tricky, because it could just be a simple clerical error, but at the bid deadline, on Friday, June 15 at 2 pm, there were no bids on The Chart House property, there were only the five bids for the Scotty's property. Then, like magic, on Monday morning, June 18, CHLN/Landry's appeared as the lone bidder for The Chart House and also Scotty's. What transpired over the weekend and how could this bid come in late?

Now it could easily have been an error and after the closure of bids on Friday and maybe the last bid was found on the floor or something and quickly added to the roster, but it brings up questions because you would assume that it would have been the first bid because on July 8, 2009, at a Waterfront Implementation meeting, there was a discussion of a "public pier," and Jeff Cantwell, the VP of The Chart House at the time, was questioning where parking lots would go and asking about other future plans for the area. He was told that the area would all go up for bid and that parking would be part of the project. He was concerned about parking being closer to the restaurant.

This could be nothing and just coincidental, that the last bid that came in -- after bidding was closed -- was from Cantwell's company, who was asking about it back in 2009 and making plans in 2009. It begs the question: If the Chart House knew in 2009 that the lease was up in 2012 and that the area was going up for bid, why did they wait until the last minute to bid and why was their bid accepted after the closing date for bidding? Things that make you go hmmm. But then again, maybe it was just a clerical error.

The whole process has been rushing through at record pace because they want to get it on November's ballot. In fact, rumblings have been going on about the Expo Center, Burn Notice's home, being knocked down in November.

There are many questions regarding the project because the Waterfront Master Plan does not include garages right next to the water or other changes that may take place on the site, there was to be pier access, too, so some committee members are concerned about changes to the plan that was years in the making.

Also, Center Grove business owners are starting to get concerned about the shift that may take place regarding the business community from Center Grove to the waterfront. There apparently was an annoying police car patrolling the Grove on a quite Saturday night last weekend, for no apparent reason. I was told by business owners that it affected business because the police car was scaring off business. When the officer was asked what he was doing, he said that he was told to patrol the area and circle the Center Grove all night. Add that to the new liquor laws, which many feel inhibits business in the Center Grove and people are asking concerning questions now. (A couple of concerned citizens spoke to Channel 10 today and that will be on the 5:30 pm news).

The bidders list is at the City's Procurement Projects site here (at the very bottom) and all the updated material is there, too.

The unsinkable pontoon boat from Cuba

This 25 foot pontoon boat which originated in Cuba, ended up in Key West, then inexplicably, it appeared empty, right across the bay from us at the Key Biscayne Yacht Club in May, after sailing right by the Grove.

It has a Russian tractor diesel engine and must weigh several hundred pounds. This handmade creation has a three blade propeller, a rudder and tiller. The pontoons are made of the blue plastic material used on damaged roofs. The pontoons are filled with expandable insulation foam that hardens like Styrofoam.

The Coast Guard tried to sink the boat with several rifle shots, but the boat kept afloat. It is now going to be part of Key Biscayne's July 4th parade. Speaking of July 4th, Coconut Grove has a full day of activities planned, we'll post all that next week.

Coast Guard Commodore Hortensiah Sampedro is looking for a home for the boat, where it can be displayed and celebrated.