MiamiNights - Miami Night Clubs, Nightlife

Cafe Tu Tu Tango helped put CocoWalk on the map, but the homegrown Miami restaurant chain won't be around to help anchor the center's revival plans.

Chairman Brad Weiser said Tuesday that the restaurant will be closing at the end of the month. Known for its artist's loft design and tapas menu, Tango opened in February 1991 as one of CocoWalk's original tenants.

But for the last few years business at Tango, CocoWalk and many places in Coconut Grove have suffered.

Weiser said business has declined about 25 percent since 2005, as customers who once came to Coconut Grove headed to Miami Beach, Coral Gables, South Miami, the Design District and more recently Mary Brickell Village.

''South Florida has so many great neighborhoods and destinations now,'' Weiser said. ``The Grove is still a great area, but there's a lot more to choose from.''

Yet, Weiser said he still wanted to keep Tango open and was trying to negotiate with the landlord.

That's where the story behind Tango's closing gets a little murky.

Weiser said his lease expired and he couldn't come to terms on a new lease that made sense in the face of his declining business.

''We couldn't reach business terms that made sense for both parties,'' he said.

CocoWalk's owner says they've tried to work with Tango. The restaurant hasn't been paying rent since last fall, and has a valid lease that runs until 2016, according to Mia Stierheim of Colliers-Abood Wood Fay, who handles leasing for owner PMAT Real Estate Investments. The New Orleans development company purchased CocoWalk in Sept. 2006 for $87 million.

''They still owe us back rent as required by the lease,'' Stierheim said. ``We weren't going to let them off the hook.''

Since buying CocoWalk, PMAT has been trying to upgrade the property, investing $7 million to give the center a face lift, including new lighting, landscaping and parking garage improvements.

The next step is bringing in new tenants to help breathe new life into a center that was once hailed as the industry's model for a successful retail entertainment center but had fallen out of favor. The new ownership has announced a number of new tenants including Muvico Theaters, Starbucks, Chili's and Full Bodied Wine & Spa. Some of the tenants will start opening as soon as next month, while Muvico will not open until October 2009. There are also several prominent vacancies to fill.

''We just seem to be on a roll,'' Stierheim said. ``We foresee having CocoWalk fully leased and back up and running within two years.''

The new owners wanted Tango to upgrade its restaurant and be a part of the property's rebirth.

''Right now the concept is just a little tired and not having the sales that other restaurants have,'' Stierheim said. ``It's unfortunate something could not be worked out.''

There is already a lease in negotiation with a new tenant to take the prime second-floor space overlooking Grand Avenue.

Stierheim says Tango's problems in Coconut Grove are part of a broader issue facing the chain and an overall plan to close the other remaining locations: one in Orlando and two in California.

Weiser says that's not the case and there are no plans for any other closings. Weiser once had six locations and ambitious plans for national expansion, but locations in Aventura Mall and the Atlanta area have closed over the years.

''Tango is still a viable brand and one that we will continue to look to the future with,'' said Weiser, who intends to look for another South Florida location. ``All our other locations are still doing well.''

Despite Tango's departure, some CocoWalk tenants are more hopeful now than they have been in years, as the new owner tries to make the center more attractive to baby boomers and families, not a young party crowd.

They can't wait for Muvico's opening. The AMC Theatre will close at the end of the year to make way for Muvico to begin construction on its premier megaplex with VIP seating, full-service bar and restaurant.

''Right now it's a little rough, but it looks like it's going to get a lot better,'' said Jesus Calderon, a sales associate at Edward Beiner, a high-end optical shop who has been in CocoWalk for about 10 years and recently saw a bump in sales since relocating as part of the re-tenanting. ``As long as they don't bring in any more bars with drunk people, we'll be fine.''

Not all the small businesses in downtown Coconut Grove can afford to wait things out.

''The Grove kept losing its customer base and rents kept going up,'' said Ric Almas, who closed his Haagen-Dazs ice cream store last summer in Coconut Grove after more than 13 years, but still has a store in Dadeland Mall. ``As much as I loved the Grove, business doesn't work that way.''

It has been reported that Nikki Marina is hosting the Marely & Me wrap party this Saturday (5/10/08). Let e just say that I do love celebrity sighting, and with the possibility of a live John Mayer set I would love to be there. The question becomes how to score invites. Maybe we'll just sneak on by and in. Hey, I did buy and read the book which the movie was based on, it's not like I am a total freeloader.

The folks down at Circa 28 surely know how to keep a good thing going! Many thanks to Jason and Jeremy for keeping us going all night. See you Friday! xoxo! J

Thursday evening is upon us and the only question on deck is where am I going to let it rip tonight? Do I hit up Buck 15 for Edison's fun time pretty boy party on the Beach, or perhaps kick it with the kids from Poplife over at Money Shot at the Vagabond (my FAVORITE locale in the 305), or (dare I say) do both- Oooooohhhh I think we're going to be bad tonight kids.

Where: Art Rouge Gallery
When: 05/10/2008

May 10, 2008 / 7:00 – 12:00 PM
Wynwood Art District Gallery Walk

LIVE MASTER CLASS IN VISUAL ART
By Artists: Enrique Sierra, Miguel Fleitas, Silvius Krecu


Our unusual Live Master Class in painting will be given to our guests with the purpose of letting them step inside the world of an artist, to watch Masters at work producing new paintings inspired on the same object. With a unique approach and vision three masters will paint the same live model at the same time, each of them with his unique and original technique. This is an exceptionally rare and exclusive opportunity to witness the creation of a painting by well-known masters. In this special step-by-step presentation, the legendary artists will guide you from sketch to completion revealing their secrets of painting along the way.

Where: Bayfront Park
When: 08/02/2008

Rock the Bells Festival featuring:
Tribe Called Quest
Nas
Method Man + Redman
Mos Def
Raekwon + Ghostface
Spankrock
Kid Sister
Flosstradamus
Santo Gold
+ many many more!

Where: Grass
When: 05/09/2008

DJ Hyper Spins til 4 AM. For Bottle Specials Please Call (786)271-2345. Dress code is strictly chic and upscale.

If you have yet to get over to The Vag(abond), what the fuck are you waiting for? The freshest faces, the hottest music, yummiest drinks, fiercest crowd, and hands down the most fun being had on the weekend in all of the 305. That whole little block (14th street between The Vagabond and White Room) is our little weekend sanctuary. These kids know how to throw down and have a grand ole time with out ANY of the craptastic plasticity of SOBE. This past Friday I had the pleasure of meeting some fabulous people, Lolo; owner of Sweat records who was kind enough to pause and chat it up with us (I cannot wait for roller disco again!!!) We also met Duran of Miami Nights and had some good laughs (and some shots if I remember). It was all such a blur. Thankfully Justin of The Popness Party was snapping pics of all the partygoers (thanks again Justin). We (G, M, J and I) met up with T and proceed to delve into typical debauched Friday behavior (of which I do recall B getting in on it). Ay Dios Mio is all I could say after everything was said and done. I must add that of all the time that I have been going out (Since the days of Shelly Novak, Salvation, Groove Jet, Liquid, Glam Slam) never has there been more fun being had than now. You guys have got to get out there, check the tude at the causeways, glam it up if nothing more than for fun and have shots (I recommend ANYTHING with Jager… it just does the trick, and trick it does so well.) I can’t wait for Thursday’s Money Shot Party- after what I heard last week (pukey napkin?) I am def. checking it out. The only question now is whatever shall I wear?

[img][/img] Where: dek23 When: 05/07/2008 Description DO NOT BE FOOLED... THE ONLY END OF THE YEAR PARTY WORTH GOING TO IS: "SCHOOL'S OUT!" @ dek23, Wed. May 7th Join our "dek23 School Girl Staff" pouring FREE Shots all night long, as DJ MARK BARBAGALLO kills it on the turntables! ***2 HOUR OPEN BAR, 10pm-12am!*** ***Bottle Special = 2 VODKA for $400!*** No School, No Finals, No Excuses..See you there!! For Bottle Reservations & Info: 305-303-5082 Joseph Salzverg

Last night this we headed over to The Vag(abond) for the "Quinceañera" party. While I normally make it a point not to frequent teen nights (18 and over), the music draw had me at hello. So the 3 of us (Gui, Mo, and I) met w/ Thomas (yes- T now I know that "call me when you're close means prior to exiting the highway) and ventured back in time to the time of puffy white dresses, tiaras, and "pop that coochie".

HOT -n-WEIRD, would be the best way to describe it.

Perhaps it was the fact that it was early (albeit 12:30 a.m. on a Wednesday isn't early in my 25-35 y/o book)
Perhaps it was the fact that the 4 of us made up 90% of all people of legal drinking age.
Perhaps it was the ever eager to hear their own voice DJ's spitting lyric over the music.
Perhaps it was the fact that there were actually people dressed in full Quinceañera regalia.
Perhaps it was the Domino's pizza delivered at midnight along with the DJ announcing the Pizza is here.
Who knows.
I will say that the music was def. fun and put a smile on my face and the pop in my lock. One good thing about teen nights-> no wait at the bar for cocktails... which def. helped the cause.

Final thought: fun night with friends and booty music.

I'm sure had I not have had to work and would have really cut loose it could been even funnier-> but that's what Friday's are for.

[img]www.miamichallenge2008.com[/img]

Where: 1785 S.W. 3rd Avenue, Miami, Fl 33129
When: 05/13/2008

Come join us on May 13, 2008 at 7:00pm for "Livestrong with Health, Wealth & Wine." This event will take place at 1785 S.W. 3rd Avenue, Miami, FL 33129. All we ask is that you make a $10 donation to Lance Armstrong's Livestrong Foundation. We will have guest speakers from fitness, finance & estate planning. There will also be door prizes and a silent auction.

All money collected at the door and from the silent auction will be given to Livestrong.

Please go to www.MiamiChallenge2008.com to register and to learn more about this great event to raise money for cancer.

Where: MIDTOWN STADIUM SOCCER CLUB
When: 06/00/2008

WMC indoor SOccer Event

Indoor SOccer League Registration

WWW.midtownindoorsoccer.com

call michael 786 253 2888

Where: Shine Nightclub When: 05/16/2008 Friday May 16th SHINE at the Shelborne Anthony Pappa with DJ Pride and Jonathan Cowan 1801 Collins Ave. @ 18th Street South Beach ~ Miami 11PM - 5:00 AM Club Shine that is located inside the Shelborne opens monthly for special events for one of the only Friday House parties on the beach. Friendly door drink specials all night advance tickets: http://www.wantickets.com/shine info line: 305 341 1455 tables 305 341 1589 DJ Anthony Pappa "Moments" Launch with special guest DJ Pride AT SHINE After his blow-out party in The Lounge and Lobby of the Shelborne during WMC 08, DJ Anthony Pappa returns to Miami and club SHINE for the launch of his April 08 album entitled "Moments" and a North American Tour. The Australian born Pappa moved to London, and built his name as a DJ being one of the unforgettable NUbreed albums on GU. From that point and several years of world tours and a break from his mega shows in Miami a few years back, he returns to Miami with a new album on High Note and the launch of a world tour starting in North America. Joining him on this special night is Miami's DJ Pride. One of the hottest DJ's in the USA Pride has managed to gender bend creating a crowd of multi racial and sexual clubbers that follow her throughout USA and Canada. She plays with Tenagela and Calderone; she headlines for some of the hottest gay and mixed crowds in Miami NY, Boston, Houston, SF, and Montreal to name a few. So come early, the party starts at 11:00 Shine on Friday May 16th is the place to be. http://www.myspace.com/djanthonypappa.com http://www.myspace.com/djpride2005 http://www.myspace.com/shinemiami

APT :: A Place for Friends, Great Music, Conversations & Dancing!!

This Thursday, May the 1st we welcome Guest DJ Lolo (Sweat Records) to the Apartment! Last time she was at APT she rocked the house! Don't miss her first set @ our new pad Love/Hate! Gonna be a great one...

Plus as always Music by Nail-im (offtheradarmusic.com) + Friends!!

$4 Grolsch Beers + $6 Premium Dos Lunas Tequila Shots All Night Long!!

No Cover!!
Starts at 10PM and we don't stop till 5AM!!

C u there...

APT Crew





















APT
Thursdays @ Love/Hate
423 Washington Ave
(Between 4th and 5th on Washington)
Miami Beach
10 PM - 5 AM
NO COVER!!