In this episode, produced especially for The Welcome Channel, David takes viewers around the historic neighborhood of Coconut Grove in his hometown of Miami, Florida. If you’ve ever wondered what you can do, see, or eat in this bohemian neighborhood, just watch and learn!
The Grove, as the locals like to call it, is an area known for historic landmarks like the beautiful 1920’s Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, and The Kampong – a beautiful botanical garden where David and his wife got married, and finally The Barnacle State Park. All three are located along the shores of Biscayne Bay.
In the Grove you can keep it as slow or fast-paced as you like. For decades it’s been a fantastic place to dine, shop and enjoy the amazing Miami weather. David still enjoys coming here to this day, especially for Sunday brunch. You’ll notice there are less crowds here than in South Beach, which gives it a more relaxed vibe.
Coconut Grove is Miami’s oldest seaside neighborhood, founded in 1873. More than 140 years later, this bohemian village offers the ideal setting for strolling, shopping, and dining. Located in the heart of Miami, the Grove offers an array of boutiques, sidewalk cafés, and gourmet restaurants, all in a pedestrian-friendly zone that can be enjoyed year round.
You can also enjoy the Coconut Grove waterfront by participating in free yoga classes in Peacock Park, paddle boarding, or heading over to Dinner Key for a boat ride. Virtually everything here exists beneath one lush canopy along Biscayne Bay.
Owner Miguel introduces us to his family-owned Spanish restaurant, La Gamba. All the ingredients used to create their dishes are flown in directly from Europe twice weekly to ensure tasty, fresh dishes like their signature seafood paella, flambéed grilled prawns, and tasty shrimp croquettes.
If you happen to be around on Wednesday or Saturday, come and enjoy the live Flamenco band. The serenading starts at 7pm.
If you think it’s weird to have a tattoo parlor and piercing studio featured, then you’re not getting the Coconut Grove vibe. The neighborhood is known for embracing a diverse community of people. Grove Ink has been (literally) adding color to the Grove for over five years. It is fully custom tattoo shop with customers who fly in from around the world.
Two doors down is its sister business, New Age Body Piercing. This is definitely the place you want to be if you want a permanent souvenir from your trip to Miami.
Strada is a charming Italian restaurant that serves up modern versions of traditional Italian classics. Their wine list is quite impressive, as is their commitment to organic ingredients free of harmful pesticides and GMOs. You can rest assured that the beef is grass-fed and the cheeses are imported from Italy.
Drool-worthy dishes here include the charcuterie platter, carpaccio di tonno (tuna carpaccio), grilled Mediterranean-style branzino, and ravioli d’aragosta (lobster ravioli).
As a new concept venue, Vinos in the Grove is elevating the wine tasting experience to a new level for Miamians. Whether you’re coming in to purchase a bottle of your favorite wine, or would like to sample international wines paired with meats and cheeses, Vinos in the Grove offers a casual, nonpretensious ambiance where you can kick back and enjoy the finer things in life.
They offer a selection of 25 different wines by the glass, and are always hosting live music and art events to spice up the experience.
Jaguar is a Latin-American restaurant that specializes in seafood dishes and ceviches inspired by the cuisines of Colombia, Argentina, Ecuador, Peru, and more. Chef Oscar Del Rivero prides himself on being able to deliver a wide range of Latin American specialties to customers by staying true to the traditional ingredients and adding modern touches.
The real star of the menu, however, is the assortment of ceviches. Favorites include the ceviche oriental, tiradito Nikkei, and ceviche Punta Mita. In case you haven’t noticed, ceviches are their passion!
These two classics, GreenStreet Cafe and Lulu are the ultimate “see and be seen” restaurants in Coconut Grove. They are both located at the intersection of Commodore Plaza and Main Highway, in the heart of the Grove. It is rare not to encounter celebrities and local politicians at Greenstreet, all enjoying the amazing weather.
Sunday brunch here is a must! Across the street, Lulu is a funky sidewalk cafe with an assorted menu of salads, burgers, tacos, and pastas made with all natural, organic ingredients.
No visit to Coconut Grove is complete without a visit to CocoWalk, a popular shopping destination and meeting point. As you enter through the grand entrance on Main Highway, you’ll be greeted by a lovely fountain. Inside, the airy courtyard opens up to reveal four expansive levels of retail and dining.
CocoWalk is home to premiere shopping, sidewalk cafes, and a movie theater. Located on the corner of McFarlane Road and Main Highway, this is the true heart of the Grove. CocoWalk is pet friendly!
Coconut Grove is a bohemian and historic neighborhood with a storied past and storied people with their own distinct laid-back lifestyle. It’s a tropical village within a city. Coconut Grove is a place to drop in and chill out; a little bohemian oasis within Miami. It’s a place with its own traditions, culture, history and community. It’s Bohemia By The Bay.
Production by Carlos de Varona from Chromahouse
Special thanks to the Coconut Grove Business Improvement District
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