Ex party girl speaks at WIFF luncheon

One of the highlights of this year's Women's International Film Festival (WIFF) was a luncheon and presentation, at Mayfair Hoteld & Spa, of The Shadow Effect, the film by New York Times best-selling author, Debbie Ford, which exposes the opposing forces of both light and dark that compete for attention within every human being.

In her film, Ford presents the hidden power of 'the Shadow' alongside some of today's most provocative thinkers, including Deepak Chopra, Marianne Williamson, Mark Victor Hansen and James Van Praagh.

Debbie Ford is actually a former Grovite, and during her presentation she recalled her days of partying at such places as the Mutiny and Regine's, in the heyday of the Grove's "sex n' drugs n' rock-n-roll" 80s. The author and filmmaker overcame drug addiction and turned that experience into a positive force from which she emerged as the author of many best-selling books, including "The Dark Side of the Light Chasers," "The Secret of the Shadow," "Spiritual Divorce" and "Why Good People do Bad Things."

She has appeared numerous times on Oprah, Larry King Live, Good Morning America, and
other major media programs around the world. It was an empowering and enlightening luncheon.

Congratulations to Director Yvonne MacCormack-Lyons (shown above introducing Debbie) and Women's International Film Festival on bringing this remarkable film to Coconut Grove and Miami!

By Liliana Dones


Photos by AnnaMaria Windish-Hunt

Fairchild Challenge Happy Hour

Mingle with Miami's young professionals in the spectacular second level of the Ivy at the Grove (3159 Commodore Plaza) on Wednesday, April 7, from 6 to 9 pm, while supporting a great cause, the Fairchild Challenge.

Enjoy New Orleans-themed hurricane drink specials and appetizers in preparation for their next big event-- the Fairchild Palms Crawfish Boil on April 30.

The Fairchild Challenge, established in 2002 by South Florida’s 70-year-old Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, seeks to reconnect America’s youths with nature and instill life-long environmental stewardship through an inter-disciplinary program available free to middle and high schools.

For more information, visit www.fairchildchallenge.org or call (305) 667-1651.

New events planned for tonight's Art Stroll

Artist Sheri Friedman (left) will be opening the doors of Blu Moon Studio (3444 Main Highway, very top floor) this Saturday as part of the Coconut Grove First Saturday Art Stroll/Gallery Walk.

Share some wine and conversation, and take a tour of the studio. Sheri will have her original work as well as prints on display throughout the space, which is her working studio as well as where she teaches her popular classes. All visitors will receive a coupon for a free class.

Then, stop by the Nomade Gallery (3133 Commodore Plaza) where Artist Pierre Traversat will be creating a sculpture from the trunk of a palm tree from 7 to 11 pm, using chainsaws and other wild tools to create the wooden sculpture.

Pierre will also be introducing a new collection of paintings called "Lincoln Road" and a series of sculptures called "Les Filles de Christian Lacroix."

Artist Aida Tejada will be presenting her new photography collection "Reflections," as well.

The Art Stroll/Gallery Walk extends from the Mayfair Promenade, down Grand Avenue, to Main Highway and to Commodore Plaza. It's a great night to stroll the Grove and see what's new in the art galleries. GroveHouse, Windisch-Hunt, Christina Chacon, all have something special going on.

"Afternoon Tea with Bunny and Me"

The Ritz Carlton Coconut Grove (3300 SW 27 Avenue) is presenting a high tea tomorrow, April 3, called "Afternoon Tea with Bunny and Me," it's an Easter Cupcake Tea from 2 to 5 pm.

Sip fine teas and a enjoy gourmet cupcakes that can be customized with sprinkles and other toppings. This Easter family tradition can be enjoyed in the Italian villa-like Lobby Lounge or al fresco overlooking a cascading waterfall and lush tropical foliage.

Cost is $25 per adult and $14 per child 4-12, valet parking is included.

For reservations and more information please call 305-644-4680.

She offers Old World Soups at Farmer's Market

Teresa will be at the Farmers Market (across from CVS) tomorrow, April 3, she offers "Old World Soups." They are all home made with love, completely vegan, using 100% organic vegetables.

She even has a summer variety that is served cold for those hot Grove days.

Mention the Coconut Grove Grapevine to Teresa tomorrow and receive $1.00 off each order of soup.

"The Art of Survival" -- a very special exhibit

The GroveHouse has it's "Sand, Sea & Surf" exhibit opening tomorrow, April 3, but there is a very special exhibit planned for May. It's called "The Art of Survival."

This exhibit is opened to any artist who has survived or is living with cancer. It would be nice to get a lot of new artists involved and this is a great opportunity especially since all mediums will be accepted. So whether you paint, sculpt or do any other sort of art, this is for you.

Forms may be picked up from the gallery at the Mayfair Promenade (next to The Improv) or downloaded from the GHA website: www.grovehouseartists.net.

Work will hang the whole month of May and be premiered at the First Saturday Art Stroll on May 1, where a reception will be held with invited guests.

For all the details and/or more info, please contact:
Barbara Tejada: ba.tejada@gmail.com or 305-979-9534
Elizabeth Chacon: elicha@hotmail.com or 305-642-6909

Calamari presents Italian-style Easter Brunch

Calamari (3540 Main Highway) has a special Easter Brunch Italian Style.

"La Tavolata," is buffet filled with Italian delicacies.

For only $14.95, enjoy a wide selection of Italian antipasti combined with breakfast favorites. Also, a large A-La-Carte menu is available with plenty of breakfast items and sides.

For reservations, please call 305-441-0219.