We'll Split the Difference, Go to...

Wifey and I had a lovely time last night. We went with our friends Diane and Charley (and one of their Havanese dogs, who was recovering from an attack earlier in the day) to a fine restaurant in Coconut Grove.

I first visited the Grove in the early 70s, when we used to vacation in Miami. My father loved the place immediately. Although he was a Greatest Generation guy, he had the heart of a young Liberal, and immediately recognized the Grove for its Greenwich Village-like feel.

I remember walking down Main Highway, and seeing the several head shops. Hare Krishnas annoyed the passersby, and I remember stopping into a homemade fudge shop.

Years later, I read that Woodstock had its roots in the Grove. The young producers of the event had a record store there, and tried out their ideas with the Miami Pop Festival up at Gulfstream Race Track. I also learned about all the terrific musicians who hung there, while making iconic records like "Layla and other Love Songs," and "Hotel California." Plus, Jimmy Buffett lived on a sail boat at Dinner Key, while he was writing his soft rock songs that would turn Key West into a national icon...

When I moved to Miami, the Grove became my hangout. I have countless memories of reggae music-fueled fun times at the old Monty's, and we used to get $1 pina coladas at a place next to the old theatre called Bananas.

The Grove was THE cheap date place. We'd go for a burger, and then music at the Village Inn, and a free walk, where we'd shock midwestern freshman with a visit upstairs to a sex shop that was there.

Over the years, a lot has changed there, but it's still our favorite place to go on a Saturday night. We went to an Italian place called Calimari's, and sat outside. The food was delicious, and Wifey remarked that the setting and temperature felt like we were on the Amalfi Coast.

At the next table, 4 aging hippie-types were sharing 3 different bottles of red wine. And, sure enough, one of Charley's old neighbors walked by, and stopped to chat. He had moved into a rental building that was built on site.

There's something about a restuaurant where you run into old friends. Like Wifey said --very European.

On the way out, we stopped into the remains of Taurus, a venerable old Grove tavern. When they built the new stuff, they left the original Taurus building, and, sure enough, some cool looking folks were inside, drinking and chatting. Apparently on random nights they have a blues singer, and I made a mental note to remember to stop in again.

The paper says the Grove is hurting, since there are now so many entertainment options. The younger set, moving into the Brickell and Downtown apartments, go to Mary Brickell Village, as well as the number of new restaurants and clubs opening along the Miami River.

South Miami now has a "scene," too. South Beach remains, but in my view is a place for vampires, not humans.

So, for us Boomers, the Grove remains the place to go, and last night's lovely time proved again why that's so.