It's a never ending public works project

Blanche Park is getting a makeover. Again. This is one of those ongoing things where it's always a work in progress and the neighborhood consensus is that that people are not pleased. For one: they don't want AstroTurf which is what is being put down and two, they don't like the city throwing money away on a pocket park, which this basically is.

I was told by Commissioner Marc Sarnoff's office that the AstroTurf is necessary because this is a very highly used park, which I took as fact until I actually used my brain. On any given day, there are a handful of people, it only looks crowded since it is a small park and people are always jammed in one area, because they usually have to avoid tractors and building materials which are always part of the landscape there.

If you go to Kennedy or Peacock Parks, you'll see many more people, especially on weekends. There are more cars at Kennedy, than there are people on any given day.

I was told by the Commissioner's office that AstroTurf is a good thing and it's porous and it won't entail any upkeep. I was not told the cost. When I asked the Commissioner's office for the cost of this project, I was told to ask the Parks Department, I did ask the Parks Department and I did not receive an answer, I asked the NET office and I did not receive an answer. I went by the park to see if one of those big signs was up explaining the costs, it is not. So I can only assume it is an exorbitant amount of money since no one wants to talk.

I am thinking that money spent on the park could have gone to the police department where it is needed. But what do I know?

Update: This info came from the City's Capital Improvements Department: 
The scope of work includes the removal of the existing natural grass and replacing it with artificial grass.  In addition, the seashell walkway will be removed and replaced with a rubberized walkway.  The total cost for this work is $190,000.

I am upset now.

Window washer

This window washer was up on the second floor ledge at 24 Hour Fitness last weekend, cleaning the windows. This was the scene from inside on an early Sunday morning.

Not a good way to do business

I walked into a new restaurant in town. No one was in the place except for me, there usually isn't a crowd there.

I ordered a turkey club and fries, the girl, I think the manager, who took the order, asked if I wanted truffle fries. I said, "ok." She then took the order by hand, into the kitchen, she didn't punch it into the system, she just walked in with my order in her head.

I thought for a second, "Hmm, I bet they are charging me extra for the truffle fries, which I really didn't want, since I usually don't eat fries." I asked the bartender if I was being charged extra for the truffle fries, rather than the regular fries. She said yes. I then said, "Well then, can I change it to broccoli or spinach or something else since I'm paying for the side?"

Without missing a beat, she said, "No, it's too late."

I knew it wasn't too late since the kitchen door was practically still swinging from when the manager walked through to give the cook my order.

I said to the girl, can you check. She repeated, "It's too late."

I just walked out and left them with the order. I don't see them lasting around here too long. I passed by yesterday at lunch time and they were closed. I think they may just be open for dinner now. Wonder for how long.

The breakfast lines are long

They say the economy is turning around, the Dow went above 14,000 yesterday and they say that's a good sign, but the way I can tell is by the breakfast lines for a fast breakfast on weekends.

Today The Bookstore, Starbucks and McDonald's had long lines. That's a good thing I guess. That's how you can see that times are good. Greenstreets is always mobbed, so you cannot tell from that.

The Bookstore started Mimosa Weekends today and they have delicious French Toast, too. So It's French Toast Saturday and Waffle Sunday. The Mimosas are available all day Saturdays and Sundays, they are $8 for one flute and $12 for two.

Play hard, Live fit

When he's not baristing (that's what a barista does, right?) he's reshaping bodies. You all know Bruno (far left) from Starbucks at CocoWalk, right? He is also a personal trainer with his own Boot Camp.

Through a holistic and primal approach to fitness that accounts for the need for natural movement, the outdoors and socializing, Bruiser Fitness is providing the next paradigm shift in fitness training.

Bruiser, AKA Bruno Cunha, focuses on short bouts of high-intensity functional  bodyweight exercise. The workouts are scalable to perfectly  fit  the  needs of everyone, from beginners to elite athletes. During every session, Bruiser provides relevant instruction so  that  you’re  consistently  training with proper form in an environment based on competition and camaraderie.

Bruiser Fitness offers both boot camp and private instruction to Coconut Grove and surrounding areas. Boot camp meets Monday thru Friday at 7:00 PM at Jose Marti Park, located at 362 SW 4th Ave, Miami, FL 33130. For a limited time only, your first month of boot camp  is only $30! Interested?

Schedule a free 1-on-1 demo with Bruiser himself. For more information, visit http://bruiserfitness.com, email bruno@bruiserfitness.com, or call 786-529-6952.

Bruiser Fitness - Miami's primal boot camp and personal trainer.

Saturday Trunk Show at the new Manolo Grove

This Saturday is Gallery Walk Night, which is the First Saturday of every month and this month, there is a new addition. It's the Manolo Grove Salon. The salon is at 3334 Virginia Street, above the Grove Spot.

Each first Saturday, the Manolo Salon is having a trunk show with amazing jewelry, including pieces from Lamaritere. The salon will also be offering artwork by local artists.

Stop by and celebrate from 6 pm-9 pm while viewing artwork created by local thriving artists of all ages. Enjoy the back balcony for a glass of wine or champagne and a small bite. It's perfect weather for that!

The Manolo Grove Salon is a full service salon and designer boutique. Owner Manni Portuondo is a color specialist and stylist and has been doing this for over 30 years. Coming back to the Grove is senior stylist and color expert, Danny Aruj (formerly of Aveda Salon).

The salon is pleased to welcome Bob Pitts, professional hair and make up artist, and color expert (formerly represented by Elite Chicago and Irene Marie for hair and make up).

Manolo Grove is a place where you can come for a full salon experience, shopping excursion or simply a blowout or make up application, while sipping champagne.  Their retail boutique, created by Carla O’Reilly, stylist and personal shopper, offers women’s apparel featuring lines such as Nation, Young Fabulous and Broke, Gypsy 05, as well as other similar lines at extremely competitive prices.

Stop by this Saturday night and hang out. We'll be there taking pictures for the Grapevine. Join us!

For more info, please call 305-444-3334 / 917-841-7491.

This year's Arts Festival poster is unveiled

This is this year's Coconut Grove Arts Festival poster art. A piece by world famous artist, Romero Britto. It was unveiled last night at an invitation only party at the Sonesta Bayfront Hotel. 


As usual, the unveiling was broadcast live on NBC6, reporter Roxanne Vargas, did the honors, so you probably saw the beautiful work of art already. The moment of the actual unveiling was aired on live tv.


At left, head of the Arts Festival, Monty Trainer accepts a handshake from Romero Britto at Curtis Crider, GM of the Sonesta looks on. Mayor Tomas Regalado is behind Britto.

The event was catered with an open bar and lots of food. The ocean breezes swept through the ballroom, from the pool and cabanas. It was an amazing evening.

The Coconut Grove Arts Festival is February 16 through 18 this year in the Center of Coconut Grove. Britto had done one of the previous posters which was one of the best sellers. This one in 2007. So he was chosen to do the poster to celebrate 50 years of the festival this year.