Coconut Grove Grapevine

‘Wild About Kids’ Gala held at Ritz-Carlton

2009-11-21T15:30:00.001-05:00

Mike Smith and Elena V. Carpenter (Publisher of Miami Monthly Magazine); Doris and Charnley Conway (VP of UPS)

Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade hosted their Third Annual Gala last weekend, featuring a “Wild About Kids” theme at The Ritz-Carlton Coconut Grove. The gala’s chair was philanthropist Lana DeSimone and the co-emcee was chef and TV personality Ralph Pagano, host of FLN’s Pressure Cook, who was also featured in TV’s Iron Chef & Hell’s Kitchen. His co-emcee was Michele Gillen, CBS4 I-Team Chief Investigative Reporter.

Alex Rodriguez-Roig (Executive Director of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade), Christina Rodriguez-Roig and Olga Guilarte

The highlight of the night was a special performance by children from Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade of Abbott and Costello’s Who’s on First routine. After their performance, the children walked around the ballroom encouraging guests to sponsor a child through a $250 donation. All proceeds benefited the five clubs in the Miami-Dade area.

“The Gala celebrated how wild we are about our kids. The children in our community count on our organization to have a place where they can attend after-school and summer programs for studying, sports, mentoring and organized activities,” stated Alex Rodriguez-Roig, Executive Director of Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade.

For more information, please visit http://www.bgcmia.org.

At left: Erika King and Lana DeSimone (Philanthropist and Gala Chair)

Gyorgy Lakatos and Spam Allstars at CocoWalk

2009-11-21T14:30:00.000-05:00

CocoWalk is presenting Gyorgy Lakatos in the center court tonight, November 21 at 7 pm, and then at 8:30, jam out to the Spam Allstars.

One of the hottest local bands in Miami, Spam Allstars will heat up your Grove night.

Femfessionals hold luncheon at Calamari

2009-11-21T13:00:00.000-05:00

The Femfessionals group had a luncheon attended by 60 women at Calamari yesterday. Guest Speaker was Lourdes Castillo de la Pena, who was appointed by the Florida Attorney General as Commissioner to the Florida Status of Women. She spoke on how community involvement impacts the status of All Women. The Femfessional events are monthly networking luncheons for women.

Photo by AnnaMaria Windisch-Hunt

Order complete turkey dinners from Ritz-Carlton

2009-11-21T11:30:00.001-05:00

Host a Traditional Thanksgiving Feast at home without cooking. Let the Ritz-Carlton Coconut Grove's Chefs prepare a lavish Thanksgiving dinner for you and your guests.

Order a four-course gourmet meal that you simply pick up on Thanksgiving Day, transfer it to your own dishware and it serves from six to eight guests. Everything is beautifully packed and will be ready to go Thanksgiving Day between 10:30 am and 2:30 pm.

The menu includes: Sweet potato and chestnut candies, picked garden greens, house dressings, roasted turkey with giblet gravy, range rosemary corn stuffing with spiced pecans, olive oil crushed Yukon with Gorgonzola cream festive medley of Fall harvest vegetables and a homemade pumpkin pie all for for just $135.00 plus tax.

There are a limited number of Turkey to Go feasts available, the deadline to order is Tuesday, November 24 at 2 pm.

Please call 305-644-4680 to order.

Another rape in Center Grove early today

2009-11-21T10:50:00.003-05:00

Another rape in Center Grove occurred early this morning on Virginia and Day. I took the composite down of the assailant because it may or may not be the same one from Halloween.

The assailant is described as a black male, 5' 7", 175 pounds, medium build, wearing blue jeans, black windbreaker, dark shirt, black skull cap and a red bandana over his mouth.

The victim apparently was sitting in her car in the area of Mary and Day Avenue waiting for a friend to come join her, and the assailant entered the car through the passenger door.

The assailant had a gun, and the crime began as a robbery.

The assailant then had the victim drive to a nearby parking lot, where the sexual battery occurred.

Although there are similarities in the area where the attack occurred and the description of the assailant, police have not been able to determine that this assailant is the same one who committed sexual battery on Halloween morning.

A composite sketch of the assailant is presently being done.

The area is still roped off and police are still investigating. Everyone is urged to remain alert and vigilant and report anything suspicious. Call 911 immediately or the non-emergency number: 305-579-6111.

Keep the non-emergency number in your cell phone to report anything suspicious -- call 911 if you see something happening.

Look for a book, or two or three

2009-11-21T10:30:00.002-05:00

We got breakfast at Havana Grove and then wandered over to the Used Book Fair at the Academy of Arts and Minds (3138 Commodore Plaza). Monika Mora and Alex Riviere, above, are a couple of the students involved in the event.

For $1.00, you can get any paperback book and for $2.00, you can get any hardcover book.

All money raised goes to the Honey Shine Mentoring Program for underprivileged girls. The Book Fair runs until 5 pm today, November 21.

DUI Checkpoint in Coconut Grove

2009-11-21T09:00:00.000-05:00

Last night, on the tv news, there was a report, which actually was an announcement about a DUI checkpoint in Coconut Grove from 8 pm to 1 am. It was some sort of "drunk driving awareness program."

Ironically, this comes out right after the 5 am bar closing issue was talked about and since when do the police announce a DUI checkpoint? Isn't the point to catch people unaware and not warn them to "avoid the Grove" or get caught? Who set this up and then leaked it to the news in time for the nightly report?

This reminds me of many Thursday nights when flashing police cars are set up on Commodore Plaza for hours on end, with no other business than obvious punishment to the businesses for 5 am talk -- it's a way to scare the business away from the Grove on one of their busiest nights.

As you all know by now, freedom of speech is dead in the Grove these days. You speak out, you get punished, usually where it hurts -- in your pocketbook.

So since the news outlets were told ahead of time about the DUI checkpoint in the Grove, many feel that the Grove was singled out, and all the partiers knew to keep away and hit South Beach, South Miami, Mary Brickell Village and other entertainment districts, where the situation says, "Welcome -- we want you here!"

Le Café Pop; French, fun and friendly

2009-11-21T07:45:00.001-05:00

Le Café Pop is preparing to open at 3425 Main Highway. Currently they are looking for wait staff and a cook.

They will serve breakfast, lunch and dinner. Some items on the lunch menu include:

- Confit de canard (Duck leg confit with frisée and sautéed potatoes)
- Parmentier de canard et sa salade (Duck confit with mashed potatoes)
- Cassoulet toulousain (White beans stew with sausage, pork, lamb and duck Confit)
- Pavé de Cabillaud lardé sauce moutarde (Cod with bacon and mustard sauce)
- Saumon à l’unilatérale (Grilled salmon)
- Entrecôte bordelaise (Grilled Rib eye, with French Fries and red wine sauce)
- Onglet à l’échalote (Hanger steak with Fries served with compote of shallot, red wine sauce)
- Filet de bœuf Roquefort (Beef tenderloin with French Fries and Roquefort sauce)
- Filet de bœuf béarnaise (Beef tenderloin with French Fries and béarnaise sauce)
- Steak Tartare (Raw ground beef, egg yolk, and condiments with French Fries)

They are still working on pricing, we don't have that yet.

There are salads, appetizers and desserts, too.

For more info or to apply for a position, please call 786-362-5901

A nice Grovey way to start the weekend

2009-11-20T16:15:00.001-05:00

The piano will be out front, stop by and sing-along with Niki and John or hop on the piano bench and play something, yourself.

There is wine, cheese, grapes, cookies and other nibblie things at the Mayfair outdoor Happy Hour at the Promenade, right outside the Antique Market.

It's tonight from 7:30 to 11 pm -- stop by and visit with friends.

Barnacle Old Time Dance is Sunday

2009-11-20T15:00:00.000-05:00

The Barnacle (3485 Main Highway) is holidng its popular Old Time Dance on Sunday, November 22 from 6:30 to 10 pm.

$10 admission is the price for adults and chidren under 10 enter free.

Dance to the music of the Mudhole Control under the outdoor Micco pavilion. Contras, Squares, Cirlces and Waltzes are on the dance card. Instruction is offered for beginners.

For info: 305-442-6866

Used Book Fair at Arts and Minds School

2009-11-20T14:00:00.001-05:00

Co-presidents of the Senior Committee at the Academy of Arts and Minds School (3138 Commodore Plaza, Andrew Webster and Johanna Roessler-Smith, are hosting a used book fair this Saturday, November 21 from 9 am to 5 pm to raise money for the Honey Shine Mentoring Program for underprivileged girls.

We need a Coconut Grove Christmas tree

2009-11-20T12:01:00.004-05:00

A couple of friends who live in the Grove called me to tell me how excited they were about Coral Gables' Village of Merrick Park's Christmas tree lighting ceremony last night. They loved the atmosphere, the music, the whole festiveness of it all. Their kids really loved it the most. Here is Merrick Park's Santa arriving last night.

I was told that many people there last night were Grovites.

The first of three Snow Days is planned for the Grove for December 5, there will be eight tons of snow in the street, the shops will all be lit up, Santa will arrive, but I don't think there is an actual Christmas tree.

There is talk of lighting the few dying palms in the center triangle at Virginia and Grand, in front of The Bookstore, but we need a huge Grove-style Christmas tree.

City Hall has a Christmas tree and thousands of people come out for their lighting ceremony every year. It could be the free food, but there is music and a ceremony and a whole to do about it. Why not here?

A huge Christmas tree in the center of the village would be perfect. Carollers in costume and music around the Grove all season would be perfect. We are a small village; it would be so nice if we looked like what a small village is supposed to look like at holiday time. We don't.

There was talk of 100 Christmas trees being placed around the village at one point, now there is not even one, except for CocoWalk and Mayfair, which doesn't count since most people don't see them or know they are even there.

Being civil amongst the controversy

2009-11-20T10:00:00.003-05:00

The Village Council meeting was very civil the other night, both sides had their turns to speak and the Village Council heard them all. There was applause from the audience on both sides and I even enjoyed Ron Nelson's remarks about the Grapevine, he said that the story I wrote about people in the shadows and calling them names was disgraceful and not right.

The whole room turned to look at me sitting in the back row, but honestly, I enjoyed that part and it didn't phase me at all. I did regret calling people "mafia," and not being civil myself in that story, but I was not embarrassed about being called out in public. I knew 90% of the people in the room and I consider them all friends, so it was just friends looking back at me after Ron called me out.

In fact, I ran into CBS4 reporter Gio Benitez downstairs after the meeting, and asked him about putting that on the news. But Gio said that he only had one and a half minutes of sound bite to show on the news out of the whole three hour meeting, and that wasn't the sound bite they would use. Too bad, we could always use the publicity.

Speaking of being civil, there was one part where a number of the Grove residents (those mostly on keep the 3 am closing time) just walked out after they had their say. The Village Council did not even speak yet to voice their concerns and opinions and this huge mass of people just stormed out as if on cue. Guess they knew the majority of the Village Council is in favor of the 5 am closings, and they didn't want to give them the courtesy of hearing their reasons why, which were very interesting and compelling.

It was very rude and uncalled for and didn't help their cause.

Here is the video report that ended up on CBS4.

Special Thanksgiving deal at Mayfair Hotel

2009-11-20T07:40:00.000-05:00

This Thanksgiving, book your out-of-town guests in Mayfair's luxurious suites for only $139 per night.

The Mayfair Hotel & Spa is recognized as one of South Florida's most unique hotels, a tranquil oasis in the center of the vibrant exitement of Coconut Grove, steps from sailing on Biscayne Bay, sidewalk cafes, galleries and shops, and minutes from everywhere else.

Luxurious guestrooms feature private terraces and Japanese got tubs. And don't forget the fabulous rooftop pool and cabana lounge and Jurlique Spa.

To book, call 305-441-0000, and ask for the Thanksgiving Rate, which is good for any night or
combination of nights from November 23 -27, 2009.

Wow

2009-11-19T21:40:00.000-05:00

Holiday Fashion Show at CocoWalk tonight

2009-11-19T16:00:00.002-05:00

CocoWalk's Holiday Preview Fashion Show and Toys for Tots Toy Drive is tonight, November 19, at 7:30 pm.

Enjoy the eclectic styles from retailers such as Palm Produce, White House / Black Market, GAP and many more as International Models take to the 80 foot runway that in the courtyard.

The show will run to the beats of DJ Bill James and feature specials, discounts and giveaways throughout CocoWalk.

Please bring one new, unwrapped toy to show to support Toys for Tots.

Crime is down, so are Grove visitors

2009-11-19T14:00:00.004-05:00

I don't want to pick on one person or group, but I found this quite telling about the All Grove Crime Watch organization at the Village Council meeting last night. They seem to either be so against one person -- John El Masry at Mr. Moe's or they seem to be so blinded by their fearless leader Commissioner Marc Sarnoff or they are just selfish NIMBY people and really don't care about other areas of the Grove, or the rest of the City of Miami for that matter.

Regarding the 3 am vs. 5 am debate, Robert Lupo, head of All Grove Crime Watch, stood up before the Village Council and used the same old drunk drivers killing nurses and teachers story as the reason for being against the change back to 5 am for the bar closing time. (Someone forgot to send him the memo that that lame excuse is too laughable and stupid to use now).

But either way he and his group don't seem to be too worried about most nurses and teachers because when Liliana Dones, on the Village Council, asked about Flanigan's, on Bird Avenue, not too far from Robert's own house, he said he is indifferent to Flanigan's, which closes at 5 am. This is on tape, thanks to the Grand Avenue News, who taped the whole meeting for future broadcast.

Robert actually said, he doesn't care about the rest of the City of Miami. Just his area. Guess dead nurses and teachers (what about nuns and school children?) are ok as long as it isn't on his block.

As for the rest of the neighbors who stood up and spoke, they were brief and really did not give a reason for being against the change back to 5 am. They just don't want it. Keep in mind that these were the neighbors who showed up, I am assuming that most of the Grove neighbors don't care about the issue or want to play fair and feel that the Grove needs to be on the same playing field as the rest of the city when it comes to bar closing times.

As for the police, Commander Jorge Martin was asked about crime statistics. They didn't have many figures, but it appears that crime is down about 23% (including disturbance calls), but of course some people were quick to bring up that crime would be down since Grove attendance is down. If no one is in the bars and restaurants and on the streets, then who would be out there to commit the crimes. No one.

Highwaymen art featured at Grove gallery

2009-11-19T12:30:00.000-05:00

Windisch-Hunt Fine Art welcomes Roy A. McLendon to the gallery. AnnaMaria is featuring three artists all over the age of 75.

The featured artists are all highly collectible and have all had their art in museums. Roy is one of the original Highwaymen who is self taught and hails from Vero Beach.

The exhibition, called "Our Regional Treasures," will be up through December. These artists have brought honor and distinction to the state of Florida.

The painting shown here is by Roy, called "Road to Orlando."

Local students in theater productions

2009-11-19T11:30:00.001-05:00

Two students from St. Hugh Catholic School, and Coconut Grove residents Aliana and Alexsa Gonzalez-Leyva (7th and 4th Grade) have been chosen as part of the cast for Madeline's Christmas at the Actor's Playhouse in Miracle Mile. The play runs today through December 26.

Immaculata La Salle High School (3601 S. Miami Avenue) is currently preparing for its first major dramatic event of the 2009-2010 school year. "The Ricky and Nicky Show (live from Miami)," is a murder mystery dinner theatre production, set at the live recording of a late night talk show.

Audiences will be drawn into the illusion of a recording studio and witness an array of guests and performance acts, dine on delicious Miami flavored food and help solve the mystery of the most unfortunate murder. This is no ordinary high school play, It's an interactive experience for all to enjoy.The performances take place on December 3, 4 and 5 at 7 pm in the Cafeteria (Bayshore Ballroom). Tickets are $20 (including dinner). For info: 305-854-2334.

Get your eggnog and gingerbread man on!

2009-11-19T10:00:00.001-05:00

Do you have a secret eggnog recipe? Compete to be the Best Eggnog in Coconut Grove, on Saturday, December 5, from 5 to 7 pm in the Courtyard at CocoWalk during the Coconut Grove Holiday Kick-Off on Snow Days in the Grove.

Eggnog will be judged on taste, presentation and overall.

If you are not an eggnog expert, do you love to bake? Do you have a gingerbread recipe that puts a smile on the face of even the grumpiest Scrooge? CocoWalk is hosting it’s inaugural Holiday Gingerbread Man Competition. The event will also take place on December 5 from 2 to 4 pm. The community will judge who makes the Best Holiday Gingerbread Man in town.

This will be judged on gingerbread man decor and overall. Prizes will be announced closer to the events, you must be 21 or older for the Eggnog competition.

Deadline to sign up for both events is December 1. Please email to Naomi@cocowalk.net .

5 am bar closing issue was discussed last night

2009-11-19T08:00:00.007-05:00

The Village Council meeting went well last night at the Abanico Theater, atop the Academy of Arts and Minds School. The 3 am vs. 5 am bar closing time was discussed and everyone had a chance to speak. It basically comes down to the residents present, wanting 3 am to stay and the business owners (not just the bars, but most business owners) want the 5 am bar closing time back.

Ron Nelson, Commissioner Marc Sarnoff's Chief of Staff, called me and the Grapevine out for this story, (Coming out of the Shadows), calling it disgraceful, and I have to say, I have always liked Ron and for what he did last night, I really like Ron even more now. I like and respect people who call me out to my face (not necessarily in front of about 250 people and tv cameras, like last night). But it's nice to be up front and honest rather than hold things in and comment anonymously here.

Elena Carpenter from Miami Monthly said that those who used to party late into the wee hours are growing old now and so they want the Grove to grow old with them, which should not be the case. Rightly so, she said self control and law enforcement are the issue for 5 am bar closings.

John El Masry, owner of Mr. Moe's, gave the analogy of having a house with termites and just tenting one closet to get rid of the problem. So if drunk driving and noise and late 5 am bar closings are the problem (which is the line being sold), why is only one little sliver, Coconut Grove, being closed at 3 am when the rest of the City of Miami's special entertainment districts are open until 5 am, 7 am and even some are open 24 hours now. Why not protect everyone from the nasty old drunk drivers and close everyone down at 3 am.

As Liliana Dones, Village Council member says, "Same am" for the whole City, and maybe even County.

Nathan Kurland spoke for the Village of Center Grove (VOCG). They are against the change back to 5 am and they have a resolution that says so, but Nathan personally spoke out in favor of grandfathering Mr. Moe's and allowing them the 5 am closings. Nathan personally agrees that Mr. Moe's was done wrong. He is for 5 am if the majority of people are for it.

One interesting thing: the Village of Center Grove consists of less than 40 members. It's amazing how this mighty little machine calls so many shots and they really are not very well represented in the scheme of things. Strength without numbers.

Trina Collins, was probably the sweetest speaker last night. She spoke of her niece, a college honor student, who loves Mr. Moe's and misses the 5 am closings. She asked that Mr. Moe's be grandfathered in for 5 am closings because the college students love it and the majority of them are respectable people who are young and like to be out late.

Gary Hecht, Village Council member, spoke of his recent trip to South Miami on a Saturday night, about 8:30 pm, and how it was so lively and jumping, while the Grove was totally dead at the same hour. He now understands the perception issue of 5 am and sees how it affects business all day and night. He said that the Grove has a failing urban core that needs to be saved now. And he agrees that the return to 5 am is a start.

David Collins of the BID says that the BID has made no formal announcement or stand on the 5 am issue, which is strange, since the BID is all about business and you would assume they all would be for more business, which the 5 am change would bring.

Village Council members Michelle Niemeyer is for 5 am, so is Liliana Dones, who talked of her youth in the Grove, staying out late, enjoying life and how the young people today should have the same privilege and choice. Felice Dubin and David Collins were not too clear on their stance, Lottie Person was in favor of the return of 5 am and emphatically loves Mr. Moe's and likes being out late herself. Martin Zilber wondered if Commissioner Sarnoff has the Grove's best interest at heart. And Gary Hecht, of course gave his great story of South Miami and his reasons of why the Grove should be open until 5 am.

Village Council members Adam Weirich was not present because of a family emergency and Alyn Pruett left early for another board meeting elsewhere. We know that Adam is for the change to 5 am and don't know where Alyn stands on the issue.

This sitting Village Council may not revisit the issue and it may be left to the newly seated Village Council in December or January.

Another great Thanksgiving Food Drive

2009-11-18T15:00:00.001-05:00

Boardwalk Tavern (3421 Main Highway) is having a Thanksgiving Canned Food Drive Thursday, Friday and Saturday (November 19-21).

Bring three items of canned food at receive a free beer! This is a great way to give something back this holiday, and enjoy something to be thankful for -- beer!

High Gear Cycling offering sales and rentals

2009-11-18T12:45:00.001-05:00

High Gear Cycling is partially open at 3210 Grand Avenue. Currently they have some bikes in and they are doing repairs and selling parts, they plan to open fully on December 1. Look for children's and adults's bikes, racing bikes and this all includes sales and rentals.

Above are Pedro, Gustavo and Ricky. Reach them at 305-444-2175.

Village Council to discuss 5 am closings tonight

2009-11-18T11:30:00.002-05:00

The Village Council meeting is still on tonight, November 18 from 6 to 8 pm at the Abanico Theater (3138 Commodore Plaza). Please show up!

The new Village Council will be introduced and then the discussion will be about the 3 am to 5 am bar closings. This is the first reading and it will be a discussion only, everyone is encouraged to come out. The 5 am issue is quite important and has been put off for months. This is not going to happen and we hope everyone shows up to voice their concerns.

Green Market today at Mayfair Atrium

2009-11-18T10:30:00.000-05:00

Come out and enjoy the Green Market today from 3 to 6 pm at the Atrium at Mayfair. You'll see all the goodies surrounding the bull.

There are fruits and veggies, freshly made pasta of all shapes and sizes, honey, frozen wine, plants and more.

It's a great way to spend a Wednesday afternoon.