“To Do List” is a new regular feature — places and things I’ve found in my “recon missions” that can include everything from shops and wellness to travel tips and entertainment. This month it’s an eyeglass brand, new shops at Coconut Grove, great travel tips, a not to be missed play, dry eye remedy that doubles for relaxation, “feel good” news and more.
German heritage, always a good indicator of quality; Euro design; and value pricing, eyeglass brand Johann Wolff has it all. You hold the frame and see it’s light but durable, and on top of that they replace the frames if they break. Styles for men and women are contemporary classic, so they won’t go out of style. I also like the fact that if you want custom tinted lenses in a special color, they’ll do that too. Glass frames range from $150 to $200 (mine pictured above are $200) . You can buy them from the brand’s flagship store, TwelveSixtyNine, in Coconut Grove and online. They are also sold in several select retail locations including 1 Hotel in Miami Beach for whom they designed an exclusive frame. Besides Johann Wolff, the shop also sells other high quality brands such as Jacques Marie Wage, Eyevan, Barrett Leight and Krewe. Another big plus, they make it a practice to change frames in the shop twice a month for variety, and also change some brands several times a year. Johann Wolff at TwelveSixtyNine, 3113 Commodore Plaza, Coconut Grove, 33133.
New Shops at Coconut Grove
A much welcome shop for lovely handmade ceramics is The Chic Design in Coconut Grove. Brazilian owner Anacris Mastrodomenico is passionate about her business, and it shows. The selection isn’t large, but it’s very well curated. The emphasis is on pieces for entertaining and dining, with some doing double duty in dual-purpose decorative and serving pieces. She designs and paints her own line and features a selection of Italian pieces from Ravello, Italy, all hand-painted and signed.
Prices for the ceramics range from $20 for an espresso cup to $700 for a handsome plate that doubles as a decorative piece and for serving. She also takes commissions. One couple walked in recently and asked her to create six bowls with olive designs. She has been doing personalized collectibles for the last year, in a wide range of different colors and forms, and her creations are in homes all around the United States.
Anacris reconceptualized the store which used to be named Mandacaru and added a collection of silk and silk-like kaftans, stylish fashion, handbags, and accessories from Brazil. All are handmade and statement pieces.
They can ship what you select and decide to acquire anywhere in the world. The Chic Design, 3444 Main Highway, Suite #1, Coconut Grove.
You’ll truly think you’re at an upscale shop in Morocco at Moorish Ambiance. Find everything from a selection of home furnishings including small tables, mirrors and items for home décor and entertaining, to jewelry and of course textiles. My favorites were the fanciful metal lanterns, perfect for outdoor tables, leather and gold cuffs, and pewter trays. 3092 Fuller Street, Coconut Grove.
More Shops in Coconut Grove
Guadalupe Design boutique features its own fashion brand and other designers from Latin America. Their clothes are featured at tony spots like boutiques at the Four Seasons and Ritz Carlton hotels. Like light, cotton maxi dresses and kaftans with bright color accents, all made from sustainable fabrics? Check. Soft leather booties or adorned cowboy boots? Check. Also find fine straw hats from Ecuador, fashion jewelry, handbags, lovely bathing suits and coverups and totes. Two of my favorites were a printed jacket with matching shorts and a combo glam bathing suit and full length coverup.. Prices range from $95 to $250. 3162 Commodore Plaza, Coconut Grove.
Looking for a great place for lunch in the Grove? One of my faves is Sapore di Mare which earned special status as a best dish of the year. To read about it, click here.
Enjoy drama and want a deal too? Do not miss “The Price” by Arthur Miller at GableStage in the Biltmore Hotel which launched their new season with a new director, Bari Newport. The production is beautifully acted, and the play is rich in meaning about universal conditions and issues. In fact, after the play my friend and I couldn’t stop talking about it. Go. It closes December 12. In the meantime, they’re offering 50% off performances on Wednesdays at 2 and 7 pm and Thursday at 7 p.m. Use code MILLER50 at checkout.
A feel good story is The Homestead Miami Mariachi Conservatory, which I just learned of. It’s an after school music program with a special focus on children of farmworker background. Founded in 2015, it’s under the direction of “Mariachi Los Mora Arriaga’.
The Poseidon Ferry offers scenic 30 minute rides between downtown and South Beach along the Miami River and Biscayne Bay with hourly departures. They also offer a 75 minute skyline cruise where guests see the Miami River, Intercontinental Hotel Running Man, Bayfront Park, Bayside Marketplace, Miami Skyline, Port of Miami, Fisher Island, and the Miami Beach Skyline. And in January, look for an announcement about service between Miami/Miami Beach and Coconut Grove and Miami/Bimini/Nassau.
Have trouble keeping up with all your frequent flyer and award programs – as in how many miles/points you have, loyalty programs with everyone from hotels and dining to shopping and car rental? Check out the app Award Wallet. I’m loving it. It organizes loyalty points and miles, allows you to share the information and even advises you when your points are expiring.
One of my good friends told me about these cloth goggles that not only work for dry eyes, but also, they’re great for relaxation. They were recommended by her specialist at Bascom Palmer. Called tranquileyes XL Advanced with beads & instants XL-510, I put them on when I have dry eyes and/or feeling tired in the afternoon, keeping them on until I feel the urge to get up. On getting up I feel relaxed and ready to go.
Holiday Craft Market with Demos as Well at Vizcaya Farmers Market in December —
The major art guilds in South Florida will showcase a variety of hand-made objects featuring clay, fiber, wood and metal to celebrate the holiday season at Vizcaya Farmers Market. They will also have demos of quilting, weaving, woodturning, jewelry-making and ceramics so visitors to the market can learn about the creative process.
The Holiday Craft Market is the result of a new partnership between Partners for Art + Design, market manager Urban Oasis Project and Vizcaya Museum and Gardens. Pick up local produce and delicious eats and do your holiday gift shopping at the same time. December 12 and 19 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Also, while you’re there you can also learn some local history and take a FREE tour of Vizcaya Village. Visitors will see select areas of the Village to discuss the design and function of the spaces and learn more about people that lived and worked at Vizcaya 100 years ago as well as the present and future of the Vizcaya Village. These free 30-minute tours are available 11:00 a.m. every Sunday during the market.
4 Responses
OMG Karen, Moorish Ambiance on Fuller Street is where my grandmother’s shop was, Patti Mitchell Antiques, where I started working at 9 years old. Persian rugs, Tiffany lamps, cut crystal, and some of the finest Victorian and Art Nouveau jewelry I’ve ever seen. She was nationally known as an expert in cut crystal. Although she was once president of the CG Chamber, she left in 1973 when the Grove changed forever.
What a coincidence! It’s wonderful when things like this bring back memories too.
I am looking for a great restaurant to take my children for dinner when they arrive next week.
It could be Asian, European or American as they enjoy all good food.
How about Forte dei Marmi?