Miami Catfish

Another One Bites the Dust

2008-10-21T20:10:00.003-04:00

It looks like Big Al's Bagels (830 5th Street) has bitten the big one. The inside is in disarray, and there is graffiti on the outdoor table. When I moved to South Beach three years ago it was either open 24/7, or at the very least almost all of the time. A year or so ago its hours were cut back. Now it's closed. Although the economy may have been a factor, I suspect that it may simply be a poor location. There have been at least two unsuccessful restaurants a few doors down on the corner or 5th and Jefferson.

City of Miami May Get 'Trolleys'

2008-10-16T08:34:00.002-04:00

According to Miami Today News the City of Miami is considering a pilot program to run 'rubber-tired trolleys' in the Health District (an area which Metrorail refers to as Civic Center).

What the heck is a rubber-tired trolley? Sounds a lot like a bus to me.

Two Dade Labor Unions Snub Martinez

2008-04-03T14:13:00.004-04:00

In another blow to Raul Martinez's congressional campaign, the Miami-Dade County Police Benevolent Association and the Metro Dade Fire Fighters have endorsed Lincoln Diaz-Balart.

This follows the refusal of both Debbie Wasserman Schultz and Kendrick Meek to support Martinez's campaign.

It looks like the former Hialeah Mayor is in for an uphill battle with fellow Democrats sitting on their hand and labor unions backing his Republican opponent.

FDOT Alton Road Redesign Meeting This Thursday

2008-04-01T22:57:00.002-04:00

FDOT will be holding meeting to present redesign plans for Alton Road at 6:00 this Thursday at the Miami Beach Library.

A New Drink at South Beach's Best Beer Joint

2008-03-31T21:51:00.007-04:00

South Beach's oldest bar now serves Yuengling Lager, the best-selling beer from America's oldest brewery. It's a great tasting, inexpensive domestic lager. And it's my favorite beer.

D. G. Yuengling & Son was founded in 1829 in Pottsville, PA. Yuengling Lager is very popular in Pennsylvania and surrounding states, and is now available in the Sunshine State due to the company's purchase of a brewery in Tampa.

Many of the laid-back bars on South Beach like Dewey's and Ted's Hideaway have been serving Yuengling for several years now. But Mac's Club Deuce has resisted. Apparently the Deuce hadn't added Yuengling to its menu due to limited storage space. Michelob Light has now been given the heave-ho in favor adding Yuengling to the lineup.

If you've never been to the Deuce, it is a hole-in-wall with with an eclectic cast of regulars and itinerant drinkers. Bikers, businessmen, models, and hookers are part of the panoply of humanity you will find there. One of my friends refers to it as the 'Star Wars bar,' in reference to the Mos Eisley Cantina from the first Star Wars movie. I wouldn't describe it a a wretched hive of scum and villany, but you will find your share of shady characters and barstool philosophers, as well as the friendliest bartenders on South Beach.

The Deuce is located at 222 14th St. 2-for-1 Happy Hour is from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM everyday.

Cranes and Charlie Crist

2008-03-30T19:18:00.005-04:00

One again, Governor Charlie Crist shows why he is one of the most savvy politicians in Florida. Three days after a crane collapse kills two people in Miami, he visits the accident site and gains some positive press. His press office obviously knows what they are doing, but talented staffers will only help a politician go so far. Governor Crist has an uncanny ability to connect with people.

I first met him in 2005 when he and Tom Gallagher were both seeking the Republican nod to suceed Jeb Bush. Both Crist and Gallagher were the the Miami-Dade Republican Executive Committee's Christmas party. Gallagher made the rounds first. I introduced myself as a member of the Biscayne Bay Young Republicans. Gallagher responded with a smile and"That's great" and moved on. I was surprised at his lack of interest, considering that he is an alumnus of the club. Crist, on the other hand, asked me several questions about me and the Young Republicans. Did he really care about me and my involvement in the Young Republicans? I don't know, but for a few moments he had me convinced.

And about those cranes. There are several cranes a few blocks from my apartment working on the Fifth and Alton project. Fortunately it's far enough away that if something were to happen, it would not crush my apartment or my car.