its bright spots and down times. This past weekend, Art Basel in all its glory filled the room; it was packed nightly. But one event a year does not make for business. I have been there many a weekend night, and the room was filled with laughing voices, happy faces and the aromas of great food. But for a place to be open during lunch (late lunch at that), right into dinner, which has satisfied my tummy many a late night, you need people flowing through on a constant basis.
When Mary shut the doors of Piccadilly Garden on 40th Street (my original watering hole when I moved to this neck of the woods), she was there sun up and sun down. She finaly threw in the towel after a hefty offer. Someone took over, but it did not last. I had already discovered Sheba (well, not all by myself, but you know what I mean). Ogbe's Sheba served solid, consistent fare. Sometimes one had to push the wait staff, but they were all friendly and eager to serve. Many were quite knowledgable about Ethiopian cuisine. Nancy Ancrum and I did a Curated Dining event there last year just about this time, and all of us were educated and entertained by our lovely Ethiopian host and Ogbe's sister. What makes a restaurant good, and successful?
You would think good food, good service, ambiance, easy access, right? However, the traffic was just not there. Where the heck are all those folk that are supposed to be living in Midtown by now?
Let me say this to all the food writers who speak to the masses and call Michael Schwartz of Michael's Genuine, the "pioneer" of the District - PLEEZE, give me a break! I have been in this neighborhood since '95; Mary was the pioneer; she hung in there when everything was
shut down, nothing breathing. Before that was a restaurant I heard raves about: Food Among the Flowers. Maybe they don't understand the word pioneer - check out dictionary.com: "pioneer: a person who is among those who first enter or settle a region, thus opening it for
occupation and development by others." I have often referred to Ogbe as the pioneer of the new district. This does not take away anything from Mary, but as much as I love Michael Schwartz, it ain't Mike!
I wish Ogbe and his wife, Felicia, son and sister Godspeed, and we look forward to him finding another location for a Sheba to thrive. And remember, I drive for food!
Last Friday night, I took Cheryl and Jim Berry (CBSNews4 anchor) up on the invitation to go "steppin". The Black and Red Steppers Ball was fantastic. Congratulations to Jim. Everyone in the house had a "steppin'" good time! I am looking forward to next year. My friend Antonia has decided steppin' is going to be her new hobby - you go, girl!
Catch me this Thursday night at Bagua, 4734 NE 2nd Avenue, where I will host an evening of wine and cheese with my friend Milda Vaivada, owner of Bagua. She has fabulous gift items, and my friends Kimesha Wing will have samples of her Taylor Made Cookies and J.O. SweetsnTreats owner, Julie, will have samples of her famous Kanookies. Does that not sound decadent? What's a K'anookie - you have to come and ask Julie. For everyone that tells Milda I sent you, there is a 15% discount, and if you spend $100, the discount is 20%. Hope to see you from 5-8 this Thursday, December 18.
Enjoy your weekend and the season.
Robbie
Robbie
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Upcoming Happenings:
Drop what you’re doin’
Tonight - December 12
Miami – Arsht Center Jazz Roots: Bossa Nova, The First 50 Years
Program honoring the Bossa Nova when it emerged from Brazil on to the international scene made famous by Antonio Carlos Jobim, Luis Bonfa and João Gilberto, this performance stars three of bossa nova's major creators and interpreters: guitarist/producer Oscar Castro-Neves, Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriter Ivan Lins and multi-award-winning singer/pianist Eliane Elias. - 305.949.6722 – arshtcenter.org - $45-$125
Miami Beach - The Place - Dinner at 8 - Show at 10 pm - Arturo Sandoval
The hugely anticipated return of Arturo Sandoval to Miami has arrived!! Don't miss this one-night-only performance at the beautiful dinner club, THE PLACE. Enjoy a perfect night of all-new Afro-Cuban Jazz, first-class international cuisine, exceptional service and a gorgeous ambience. 833 SW 29th Avenue. Reservations: 305-642-6994. ThePlaceofMiami.com
North Bay Village - Barchetta on the Bay – 10 pm
4 Play Fridays - Ron Gibbs & Jawan Strade& The Urban Profession Networkr envite you to join the The Distinguished Men of The 100 Black Men of America as they visit South Florida for their National Summit - - 1601 79th St. Causeway
VIP guest list & comp entry before 12 Midnight. 4PlayFriday@bellsouth.net
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The Sound Scene
Dec. 14 - Hollywood - Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
Kool & the Gang and KC & The Sunshine Band
Dec. 18 - Coral Gables - Biltmore Hotel - 7 & 8 pm
Dine and relax to the wonderful sounds of song stylist Paulette Dozier - 1200 Anastasia
2 nightly performances at the glamorous
Biltmore Hotel's Cascade Restaurant.
Jan. 10 - Davie - South Florida Jazz 17th Anniversary concert series
Eldar Trio – jazz pianist
8 pm – RAMPAC 954.462.0222
southfloridajazz.org - $35
Jan. 14 - Ft. Lauderdale - Broward Center for Performing Arts
A Tribute to Oscar Peterson by pianist Oliver Jones
7:45 pm - Gold Coast Jazz Society - 954.524.0805
Jan. 16 - Miami – Arsht Center Jazz Roots: A Tribute to Machito & Tito Puente
Latin Jazz all-stars celebrate these two great musicians
305.949.6722 – arshtcenter.org - $45-$125
Jan. 22 - Miami –Arsht Center
Wynton Marsalis
305.808.7446, ConcertFla.org
Jan. 23 - Miami –Arsht Center
Temptations & Four Tops
305.808.7446, ConcertFla.org
Jan. 30 - Miami Beach - Fillmore Miami Beach
John Legend, Estelle, Andre 3000, Bandy & Kanye West
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Community Connections
Dec. 14 - Miami - The Links, Inc., Greater Miami Chapter invite you to visit Overtown's Historic St. Agnes' Episcopal Church for a spirited holiday program of classical and jazz styles that will have toes tapping, spirits soaring, and St. Agnes' pipe organ (and you) singing! Coral Gables Congregational Church (CGCC) Community Arts Program (CAP) Conservatory for the Arts' and its Young Musicians' Junior Orchestra led by Ross DeBardelaben and Advanced Orchestra, conducted by Cristian Graces. - Historic St. Agnes - 1750 NW 3rd Avenue
Dec. 19 - Miami Beach - Table 8 - 6-8 pm And the Women Gather
invites you to a holiday celebration on the verandah with signature cocktails and appetizers hosted by Lorna Owens. RSVP by Dec. 16th at contact@lornaowens.com. 1458 Ocean Drive
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The Arts
___________________________________________________________________Miami -Sale & Exhibit Closing Night - Dec. 13 - Purvis Young - 7-10 pm
meet and chat with Purvis - Exhibit & Sale features works from the 1970s, and new paintings on wood, paper and other found objects - Miami Art Space, 244 NW 35 Street - www.miamiartspace.com
A portion of all sales will benefit the United Negro College Fund and Shake-A-Leg Miami.
Miami - Dec. 18 - Jam at Mam - - Happy hour with an artful twist: 5-8:30 pm
Museum members free; non-members $10.00, a nominal little fee for a whole lotta fun
The Plaza, Miami Art Museum, 101 West Flagler Street - RSVP - MiamiArtMuseum.org
A portion of all sales will benefit the United Negro College Fund and Shake-A-Leg Miami.
Miami - Dec. 18 - Jam at Mam - - Happy hour with an artful twist: 5-8:30 pm
Museum members free; non-members $10.00, a nominal little fee for a whole lotta fun
The Plaza, Miami Art Museum, 101 West Flagler Street - RSVP - MiamiArtMuseum.org
North Miami through Dec. 21 - M Ensemble presents: Joe Turner's Come and Gone
8 pm Thursday, Friday, Saturday and matinee 3 pm Sunday - M Ensemble's Actors Studio
12320 W. Dixie Highway - 305.895.0335 - themensemble.com.
8 pm Thursday, Friday, Saturday and matinee 3 pm Sunday - M Ensemble's Actors Studio
12320 W. Dixie Highway - 305.895.0335 - themensemble.com.
Weekly Happenings
Sundays Ron Gibbs & Jawan Strader present Recoup Sundays
Dec. 7th Theme: Big Boys & Their Toys Hosted by Dennis Rodman
This is a RSVP MUST – call 305.232.3757
Nikki Marina, 3600 So. Ocean Drive, Hollywood
Tuesdays
Miami Lakes - The Alibi Restaurant & Martini Bar – 8:30 pm
The Band with No Name
7357 Miami Lakes Drive – 305.823.0440
Fridays
Hallendale Beach - Gulfstream Track – Sport of Kings Room - 8 pm – 2 am
Louis Oliver presents: F.A.M.E. (Film, Fashion, Art, Music & Entertainment)
Dinner reservations & bottle service: 954.457.6201
Comp $25 Casino free play – $20 Cover after 10 pm
Hollywood
Sushi Blues – 9:30 pm – 11:30 pm - Poppa E Live – 2009 Harrison St – 954.929.9560
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Things To Do
Join me as I head to Paris in the spring..."Culture, Cuisine et Josephine"
April 1 - 9, 2009 - 9 days /8 nights in Paris and the DordogneKiss winter goodbye and say "bonjour" to springtime in Paris! Culture, Cuisine and Josephine combines the best of Black Paris with a unique excursion to the Dordorgne (5 hour train ride from Paris) for a private tour of Josephine Baker's former residence, Chateau des Milandes (pictured left). See Black Paris Divas. Join Robbie & her old travel bud, Kat St. Thomas. Call Robbie at 305.528.8557 or write Robbie@GoToRobbieBell.Info
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