Those were the final words of our farewell to the Last Carrot, the Coconut Grove institution that nourished generations for more than 50 years before closing its doors on Grand Avenue.

But “hasta la vista” was never meant to be the end.

In the weeks since the restaurant’s closure, one question has echoed throughout the Grove: Will the Last Carrot return, and where?

The answer for now is simply, Erin doesn’t know.

After decades of dedicating herself to one of Coconut Grove’s most beloved eateries, Erin Compton isn’t rushing into another long-term lease or committing to a new location. Instead, she’s taking time to enjoy life, reconnect with family and friends, and thoughtfully consider what comes next. While many hope to see the Last Carrot reopen one day, Erin is embracing something she hasn’t had in years—the freedom to slow down and let the next chapter unfold naturally.

Instead, Erin has turned her attention to Coconut Grove Catering, where the same heart that defined the Last Carrot continues to guide every meal she prepares.

“Our vision is to create experiences where people feel seen, safe, and like they truly belong,” Erin says. “Whether it’s a quiet moment for themselves or a gathering with the people they love. Through simple, healthy food that’s beautiful, colorful, and thoughtfully made, I want people to feel nourished, comforted, and more like themselves again.”

Anyone who walked through the doors of the Last Carrot knows that philosophy isn’t new.

For decades, customers came for the fresh juices, vibrant salads, homemade soups, and wholesome meals, but they returned because they felt cared for. Erin has simply found a new way to deliver that same feeling.

Today, she specializes in intimate gatherings where every detail matters.

Rather than serving hundreds of guests each day, Erin now creates deeply personal dining experiences, believing that smaller gatherings allow for the strongest connections.

“Intimate gatherings are where connection lives,” she says. “I specialize in events where the guest list is small enough that every detail can be felt, the food, the presentation, the energy in the room. You focus on your people. I’ll take care of everything else.”

Her work also extends into one of life’s most meaningful, and often overlooked chapters: catering for new mothers.

Inspired by the Korean tradition of postpartum nourishment, Erin prepares warm, healing meals designed to support women during the first weeks after childbirth, helping families through one of the most demanding transitions in life with thoughtful, restorative food.

For others, she brings the restaurant directly into their homes.

As a private chef, Erin creates customized menus based on each family’s tastes, routines, and lifestyle—whether it’s weekly meal preparation to simplify busy schedules or an elegant dinner shared around a dining table.

“Your kitchen. Your schedule. Your preferences,” she says. “Whether you’re looking for weekly meal prep that keeps your family nourished through a busy season, or a special dinner designed just for you, I work closely with you to build menus around the way you actually want to eat and live.”

It’s a natural evolution for someone who has always believed food is about much more than eating.

“I’ve always led with kindness, and for me, food has never just been about what’s on the table, it’s about the people around it,” Erin says. “My love for cooking began alongside my dad in our family business, where I learned how deeply food can connect and bring people together. After more than 25 years of building meaningful relationships through that work, I now bring that same care into Coconut Grove Catering, creating fresh, vibrant, and thoughtful meals that allow hosts to be present and guests to truly enjoy the moment.”

Whether the Last Carrot returns someday remains an open question. Erin isn’t closing the door on the possibility, but she isn’t forcing the answer either.

For now, she’s exactly where she wants to be: creating meaningful experiences and embracing a much needed break.

Because while the Last Carrot’s address may be part of Coconut Grove’s history, the heart behind it never disappeared. Visit Erin’s new venture here www.coconutgrovecatering.com

The post Hasta la Vista… But Not Goodbye: What Erin Compton Is Doing Now appeared first on Coconut Grove Magazine.

The last of the old Grove walks beneath the new Grove.

She pauses and looks up at the gleaming glass offices with a quiet mix of disbelief, nostalgia, and loss. Though she never left, she now feels like a stranger in the place she once called home.

There was a time when Coconut Grove felt less like a destination and more like a neighborhood. Neighbors knew one another by name. Local shopkeepers greeted familiar faces. Artists, fishermen, musicians, longtime families, and colorful characters gave the Village its unmistakable soul.

Today, that Village is becoming harder to recognize.

Luxury condominiums continue to rise. Boutique offices, upscale retailers, and high-end restaurants are reshaping the streetscape. Property values have soared, bringing new investment and new residents. Many celebrate this transformation as progress, and in many ways, it is. New businesses create jobs, historic buildings are restored, and the Grove continues to attract visitors from around the world.

Yet beneath the polished storefronts and gleaming glass facades lies a question many longtime residents quietly ask:

Progress for whom?

The people who helped build Coconut Grove’s identity are finding it increasingly difficult to remain here. Rising housing costs, higher property taxes, expensive commercial leases, and the everyday cost of living have made it harder for many longtime residents and independent businesses to stay. Many have already left. Others are wondering how much longer they can hold on.

The Grove’s greatest asset has never been its real estate. It has always been its people.

It was the artists who painted its culture. The boaters who filled the marinas. The families who gathered in Peacock Park. The small business owners who opened their doors before Coconut Grove became one of Miami’s most desirable neighborhoods. The musicians, café owners, gardeners, teachers, and familiar faces who made visitors feel like they had discovered something authentic.

The Village has also long been defined by its lush canopy. Majestic banyans, towering live oaks, and mature tropical trees have shaded its streets for generations, giving Coconut Grove a character unlike anywhere else in Miami. While many trees remain protected, longtime residents have expressed concern about the loss of portions of the Grove’s mature tree canopy as redevelopment continues. Each loss is deeply felt, not only because of their beauty, but because they are living landmarks that connect the Grove’s past to its future.

Today, luxury has become part of Coconut Grove’s identity. Elegant restaurants, sophisticated residences, designer boutiques, and Class A office spaces are bringing a new era of prosperity. Growth itself is not the enemy. Successful communities evolve, and investment can strengthen neighborhoods when it respects what already exists.

But growth should never come at the expense of the community, and natural beauty, that gave the Grove its character.

There is an irony many longtime residents point to: people are drawn to Coconut Grove for its authenticity, while those who helped shape that character often face increasing financial pressure to remain. As familiar storefronts disappear, longtime residents relocate, and pieces of the historic tree canopy are lost, the Village risks becoming beautiful in a different way, but less personal, less shaded by history, and less rooted in the identity that made it so special.

A neighborhood can gain new buildings overnight.

Its soul takes generations to create.

Perhaps the greatest challenge facing Coconut Grove is not deciding how tall the next building should be or which luxury brand arrives next. It is deciding whether there will still be room for the people, and the natural landscape, whose stories shaped this community long before it became one of South Florida’s most coveted addresses.

Because once those stories are gone, they rarely return.

The Grove will undoubtedly continue to evolve. New businesses will open, new families will arrive, and new chapters will be written. The hope is that the Village can embrace the future without forgetting the importance of its people, places, and trees that have long defined its identity.

After all, the Grove is not defined by its buildings. It is defined by the people, the history, and the canopy that make it feel like home.

After all, the Grove is not defined by its buildings. It is defined by its mature tree canopy and the people who call it home.

The post When the Village No Longer Feels Like Home appeared first on Coconut Grove Magazine.

As a fourth-generation Miamian, Carly’s perspective is shaped by Miami’s architecture, coastal atmosphere, and natural landscape, along with years spent photographing spaces and environments while traveling internationally. That influence can be seen in her clean, observational approach to imagery that feels refined, organic, and warm.

Whether she’s documenting a growing family, capturing thoughtfully designed homes, photographing beloved local restaurants, or producing editorial imagery for Coconut Grove Magazine, her work has a way of making people and businesses feel both elevated and completely themselves. Her lens captures the Grove not as a tourist destination, but as the community locals know and love — layered with history, creativity, charm, and authenticity.

That ability to blend storytelling with artistry is what has made Carly’s work resonate with so many people throughout the area. Her images feel less like posed photographs and more like timeless memories — sun-soaked, intimate, and unmistakably Miami.

When she’s not behind the camera, Carly can usually be found immersed in another creative project. Whether it’s interior design, sourcing vintage finds, experimenting in the kitchen, or tending to her garden, she’s always drawn to the process of creating. No matter the medium much of her work continues to be inspired by the slower, thoughtful rhythms of everyday life in Coconut Grove.

Interested in being featured in Coconut Grove Magazine’s upcoming annual Medical Edition? 

Reach out to Carly to book your shoot! 

Social: @carlyterenzio
Website: carlyterenzio.com 
Email: Carlyterenzio@gmail.com

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We’re launching Impact: Three Questions to feature persons of impact in Coconut Grove. These are leaders whose work shapes the Grove’s quality of life, its business environment, and the neighborhood experience that makes this community special. For our first installment, we’re honored to feature Mayor Eileen Higgins, the first woman elected Mayor of the City of Miami.

I’ve known Mayor Higgins since 2018, and I consider her one of the most impactful elected officials in the State of Florida. What sets her apart is competence built on a foundation of public administration and hands-on expertise in transportation and engineering. In my view, that combination makes her exceptionally effective at translating policy into practical, measurable results.

Mayor Higgins leads a results-driven administration focused on making Miami more affordable, more resilient, and more responsive to residents. Her priorities include accelerating housing delivery, modernizing infrastructure and mobility, strengthening neighborhood services, supporting small businesses, and improving how City Hall performs through transparency and measurable progress. Previously, she served seven years as the Miami-Dade County Commissioner for District 5, where she advanced affordable housing, expanded transportation access, supported small and minority-owned businesses, and championed environmental protection. Trained as an engineer and holding an MBA from Cornell University, she brings a problem-solving mindset to public service. She also served as a Peace Corps Country Director and as a U.S. diplomat before entering local government. As Mayor, she is committed to building a safer, more connected, and more livable Miami for every neighborhood, including Coconut Grove.

What is your oldest memory of Coconut Grove?

I loved visiting The Kampong, what a hidden gem in the heart of the Grove. Learning about David Fairchild and his adventures in botany and science took me all around the globe, but it all comes back to this treasured garden in our hometown. This beautiful garden reflects the lush landscape of Miami and the Grove, and when you step across the street, brunch is waiting at GreenStreet.

Where do you see the biggest opportunity for the Grove over the next 12 to 18 months?

I look forward to working with Commissioner Damian Pardo and the City administration to make the streets of Coconut Grove safer for pedestrians and cyclists, improve traffic flow, and strengthen the neighborhood experience in a way that supports small businesses without compromising quality of life. There is also tremendous opportunity in the West Grove, ensuring growth is shaped by the community, honors the Grove’s deep Bahamian roots, and creates real opportunity and housing affordability for longtime residents and local entrepreneurs.

What is your favorite thing to do in Coconut Grove?

Catching a sunset by the water is hard to beat. Joining friends and neighbors at the Coconut Grove Sailing Club, looking out over Biscayne Bay, and watching the day wind down is one of my favorite ways to enjoy Miami at its best.

About Luis Andre

Luis Andre Gazitua is a long-time Coconut Grove resident, advocate, investor, and board member of the Coconut Grove Business Improvement District. He works at the intersection of government, business, and public affairs, helping teams navigate complex processes and build practical partnerships that strengthen the region.

Coconut Grove Magazine Feature Luis Gazitua and Mayor Eileen Higgins

The post Grove Impact: Three Questions Featuring Miami’s New Mayor Eileen Higgins appeared first on Coconut Grove Magazine.

A retina specialist with training from some of the nation’s most esteemed institutions, Dr. Segal has seamlessly blended a tradition of family-driven, patient-centered care with a forward-looking vision rooted in innovation and clinical excellence. A Miami native, Dr. Segal earned his undergraduate degree from Brown University and his medical degree from the University of Miami. He completed his ophthalmology residency as Chief Resident at Georgetown/Washington Hospital Center, followed by two years of advanced retina surgery training at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

Today, MedEye Associates cares for patients with a wide range of eye conditions, including cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, dry eye, and floaters. With fellowship trained specialists working together under one roof, patients receive thoughtful, well-coordinated care that’s both thorough and personal. This team-based approach helps ensure smooth communication, consistent treatment, and attention to each individual’s needs.

“I’m incredibly proud to work alongside some of the most skilled and dedicated ophthalmologists and technicians in the field. The exceptional care we provide at MedEye is a direct reflection of their expertise and unwavering commitment to our shared values.”— Dr. Zachary Segal

Established in 2018, The Center for Eye Surgery serves as MedEye’s dedicated surgical facility for specialized eye care. Designed exclusively for ophthalmology, it features modern technology that supports precise and gentle treatment. The center reflects MedEye’s commitment to providing safe, effective care in a comfortable setting, helping patients achieve clearer vision and a smoother recovery.

Dr. Segal and his team care for thousands of patients each year, offering a wide range of treatments—from laser cataract surgery and LASIK to care for retinal and macular conditions, glaucoma, and eyelid concerns. By guiding patients through every step—from the first visit to follow-up care—MedEye creates a smooth, supportive experience focused on comfort, clarity, and lasting results.

MedEye Associates is proud to play a role in advancing eye care through its involvement in clinical research. As a trusted site for national ophthalmology trials, the practice works with leading companies to explore new treatments for a variety of eye conditions. These studies give patients early access to cutting edge therapies and reflect MedEye’s commitment to staying at the forefront of innovation.

What truly sets MedEye Associates apart is its deep commitment to the patient experience. Recognizing how essential vision is to everyday life, the team prioritizes accessibility, compassion, and timely care. Appointments are often available within days, and urgent concerns are seen the same day. Providers are available on call around the clock, and the multilingual staff ensures clear communication for South Florida’s diverse communities. Patients are welcomed into a space that values respect, education, and long-term relationships.

     Guided by Dr. Zachary Segal, MedEye continues to uphold the principles established by his father—integrity, innovation, compassion, and excellence. For nearly 50 years, the practice has earned the trust of thousands of families. Today, with Dr. Segal leading the way, MedEye is not only honoring its legacy but also shaping the future of eye care in South Florida and beyond.

www.medeyeassociates.com 

The post Dr. Zachary Segal and MedEye Associates Are Advancing Eye Care in South Florida appeared first on Coconut Grove Magazine.

A historic surge in ultra-wealthy migration is reshaping Miami’s luxury landscape, and no deal captures the moment more vividly than Google co-founder Larry Page’s jaw-dropping $173.4 million buying spree in Coconut Grove. Page quietly acquired two neighboring waterfront estates, marking one of the most consequential luxury real estate moves in Miami history—and a flashing signal of Florida’s growing gravitational pull on America’s richest citizens.

Larry Page’s $173.4 Million Statement Move

According to people familiar with the transactions, Page purchased the iconic Banyan Ridge estate at 3585 Anchorage Way for $101.5 million in December. The 4.5-acre Biscayne Bay compound—one of the largest private waterfront estates in Coconut Grove—was previously owned by the estate of the late Jonathan Lewis, a renowned Miami restaurateur and LGBTQ advocate. The property had once sought as much as $135 million before ultimately changing hands.

The sellers were represented by Danny Hertzberg, Jill Hertzberg, Nathan Zeder, and Judy Zeder of the Jills Zeder Group, who declined to comment.

Page also paid $71.9 million for a 10,400-square-foot waterfront home at 3085 Munroe Drive, a seven-bedroom, eight-bath residence sold off-market. Together, the purchases total $173.4 million, instantly vaulting Page into the top tier of Miami’s most influential property owners.

A Defining Moment for Coconut Grove

Larry Page’s Coconut Grove activity now ranks among the most significant luxury acquisitions the city has ever seen. What was once a discreet, old-money waterfront neighborhood has become a magnet for the world’s most powerful tech fortunes.

“This is not just another luxury sale,” said Brett Harris of Bespoke Real Estate. “This is the one percent of the one percent. What we’re seeing right now is historic.”

Silicon Valley’s Great Exit

Page’s purchases come as high-profile tech investors increasingly speak out against California’s proposed wealth tax, which would impose a 5% annual levy on residents with net worths above $1 billion. The proposed policy has accelerated a quiet but decisive exodus of ultra-wealthy Californians—many of whom are choosing Florida for its lack of state income tax, business-friendly climate, and lifestyle appeal.

Page has discussed leaving California, and public records show multiple LLCs tied to him recently incorporated in Florida—further fueling speculation that Miami is not just an investment, but a long-term base.

Sergey Brin Follows the Sun

Page is not alone.

Fellow Google co-founder Sergey Brin recently arrived in Miami for Art Basel aboard his $450 million megayacht, Dragonfly, which docked in Biscayne Bay. While early rumors linked Brin to the Banyan Ridge estate, sources now say he is actively shopping for a waterfront property in Miami Beach, reinforcing the notion that South Florida has become the preferred refuge for tech’s elite.

Ron Shaich Joined the Migration

Adding to the billionaire influx is Ron Shaich, the founder and former chairman and CEO of Panera Bread and longtime restaurateur-investor, who has established residency in Coconut Grove, Florida. He continues to lead his investment vehicle, Act III Holdings, and chair major fast-casual brands like Cava and other portfolio companies from South Florida.

Records also show that Shaich acquired luxury property in the Miami area, including a significant residence in the Coconut Grove–adjacent Grove at Grand Bay condominium tower, a residence developed by David Martin—an off-market deal valued at over $12 million—further illustrating how wealthy business leaders are not just investing in local real estate but planting roots in South Florida.

Tax Policy Fuels Billionaire Migration

These high-profile moves reflect a broader trend among ultra-wealthy Californians relocating to Florida. California’s proposed wealth tax has become a flashpoint in national debates over taxation and the mobility of capital. As policies shift, so too do the choices of where the ultra-rich choose to live, work, and invest.

Miami’s New Power Shift

Once known primarily for finance, fashion, and leisure, Miami is now cementing its role as a strategic stronghold for global tech and business wealth. Coconut Grove, with its deep-water frontage, privacy, and proximity to downtown Miami, has emerged as the crown jewel of this transformation.

What Larry Page—and now Ron Shaich—has done is more than buy real estate. They have validated a movement.

As California debates taxing its billionaires, Florida is welcoming them with open arms, and Coconut Grove is rapidly becoming the most exclusive address in America’s great wealth migration.

This is not a trend.
It’s a turning point.

DATE: 01/07/2026
ADDRESS: 3585 Anchorage Way & 3085 Munroe Drive
MARKET: Coconut Grove
ASSET TYPE: Single-Family Residences

BUYER: Larry Page
SELLER: Jonathan Lewis Estate; Sloan Barnett & Roger Barnett (Shaklee Corporation)
TOTAL SALE PRICE: $173,400,000

Photo attributions: Wallpaper by “phoward” on Wallpapers.com

The post Coconut Grove Becomes America’s New Capital of Extreme Wealth appeared first on Coconut Grove Magazine.

MIAMI, Fla. – Oct. 2, 2025 — HCA Florida Mercy Hospital has completed a $14.8 million expansion of its Inpatient Rehabilitation Center, adding 10 new private suites for a total of 35 private rooms. The project directly responds to the community’s growing need for acute inpatient rehabilitation services, which help patients recover strength, mobility, and independence following stroke, major surgery, illness, or accidents.

“This expansion reflects our commitment to meet our community’s needs with the highest level of rehabilitation services,” said Allyssa Tobitt, chief executive officer of HCA Florida Mercy Hospital. “Our goal is to help patients rebuild strength, restore independence, and reclaim their quality of life—close to home.”

Meeting the Demand for Comprehensive Recovery

HCA Florida Mercy Hospital’s rehabilitation program serves patients facing a wide range of health challenges. From stroke survivors to those recovering from orthopedic or cardiac surgeries, burns and major debilitating illness or injuries, the center individualized therapies designed to restore mobility, communication, and daily living skills.  

As a Comprehensive Stroke Center, HCA Florida Mercy Hospital also offers specialized services for stroke patients, including 24/7 acute interventional stroke coverage supported by advanced neurointerventional biplane technology. This ensures that patients not only receive life-saving interventions but also have access to the resources needed for recovery.

A CARF-Designated Facility

HCA Florida Mercy Hospital’s rehabilitation program holds accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF)—an international designation that recognizes hospitals for meeting rigorous quality standards and achieving superior patient outcomes.

“CARF accreditation underscores the exceptional care our patients receive,” said Dr. Terence Peppard, Medical Director of Rehabilitation Services at HCA Florida Mercy Hospital. “It assures families that we are committed to continuous improvement and excellence in rehabilitation.”

Advanced Technology & Patient-Centered Approach

Located on the hospital’s third floor, the expanded center features two therapeutic gyms and advanced rehabilitation technologies, including:

• Lite Gait partial body-weight support system for stroke and spinal cord patients learning to walk again.

• Electrical stimulation devices to improve strength and coordination.

• Real-world practice environments, such as car simulators and adaptive stairwells, to help patients safely transition back to independent living.

The private suites provide a peaceful environment for healing, while families are encouraged to participate in therapy sessions and learn techniques to support recovery at home.

“Our investment in this expansion is about restoring hope and confidence,” Tobitt added. “Whether recovering from a stroke, surgery, or serious accident, patients at HCA Florida Mercy Hospital receive comprehensive, compassionate care designed to help them return to the moments that matter.”

About HCA Florida Mercy Hospital

HCA Florida Mercy Hospital, a comprehensive medical facility serving the healthcare needs of South Florida for 75 years, is a part of HCA Florida Healthcare. The 488-bed, acute care hospital is an award-winning facility that specializes in emergency services that are kid and senior friendly, maternity with level III NICU, general and robotic surgery, hyperbaric and wound care center, cardiology, cancer care, orthopedic and spine, primary stroke center, weight loss programs and more. HCA Florida Mercy Hospital is Miami-Dade’s only catholic hospital and provides patients with the best quality care in a compassionate and caring environment. HCA Florida Mercy Hospital is located in the heart of Coconut Grove, FL with a bayfront property that makes it the only hospital in Miami to be accessible by land, air and sea.

About HCA Florida Healthcare

HCA Florida Healthcare, a part of HCA Healthcare, is a family of more than 650 affiliated sites of care, including hospitals, physician practices, freestanding emergency rooms and urgent care centers. As one of the state’s leading healthcare networks, HCA Florida Healthcare’s 11,100 experienced doctors and more than 84,000 colleagues work together to deliver equitable, evidence-based collaborative care through more than 12 million patient encounters annually. HCA Florida Healthcare is committed to improving more lives in more ways and giving back to the communities it serves. In 2024, the network provided more than $1 billion in uncompensated care and contributed more than $3.7 million to community organizations across the state. In addition, HCA Florida Healthcare offers patients access to highly trained specialists, including the state’s most comprehensive cardiovascular network. A strong advocate for the next generation of healthcare professionals, HCA Florida Healthcare is a leader in in training future healthcare professionals, offering 151 Graduate Medical Education (GME) programs at 27 different hospitals with more than 2,400 residents. For more information, please visit HCAFloridaHealthcare.com.  

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This highly anticipated 10,600 sq ft redevelopment project features an authentic Cuban Art Deco design with a refined twist of contemporary luxury and is slated to open in late Fall 2025. Each townhome is named after one of Laura’s ancestors: one of Cuba’s first female authors, a Cuban presidential candidate, pioneering Art Deco designer, and even a Wall Street “sugar baron” tycoon who was so revered that the New York Stock Exchange observed a moment of silence in his honor.

The design team is led by award-winning Cuban-born designer Rose Capestany and Manolo Romalde, blending global luxury with Cuban modernism. The project also honors Laura’s great-aunt Catalina Lasa, whose iconic Havana residence helped introduce Cuban Art Deco to the Americas 100 years ago.

“This project is more than just a long-term investment in Coconut Grove,” says Property Owner Laura Antuña Capestany. “It’s about honoring Havana’s forgotten form of Art Deco elegance, the resilience of its people, and offering a voice to a family once silenced.”

Laura’s journey began in 2001 with Together We Build, an interfaith project in Seattle founded by Laura that united thousands of Muslims, Jews, and Christians to build homes for Habitat for Humanity after 9/11. That work earned her the Bank of America Local Hero Award, while her Muslim co-leader, Jawad Khaki, received the Walter Cronkite Faith and Freedom Award, alongside Larry King at New York’s Rainbow Room. Now, Laura and Jimmy return to Miami to continue to approach building as both storytelling and healing. Once more, Laura utilizes a construction project with the purpose of preserving her family’s history while offering guests an elevated experience that reflects the glamour of Cuba’s past.

Coinciding with The Underline development project, La Victoria Miami Collection will be part of the ongoing neighborhood beautification set to continue over the coming years from Brickell to Dadeland.

This project plan was approved by the City of Miami on May 28, 2024.

Contact:
Laura Antuña Capestany
Co-Founder, Author, Real Estate Developer & Community Organizer
La Victoria Miami Collection
http://www.lavictoriamiamicollection.com
Instagram: @lavictoriamiami

Laura and Jimmy Capestany

The post FROM HAVANA TO MIAMI: LA VICTORIA MIAMI COLLECTION REDEFINES FAMILY AND GROUP TRAVEL appeared first on Coconut Grove Magazine.

Fonte, a Miami Beach native with deep Dominican and Cuban roots, has transformed her vision into reality with the opening of Arrae. The gallery represents more than just another art space—it’s a love letter to Miami’s evolving creative landscape and a bridge between the city’s cherished past and its dynamic present.

From FIU Student to Visionary

Armed with a BFA in Fine Arts from Florida International University, Fonte has built her artistic practice around ceramics and fabric, though her multidisciplinary approach spans various mediums. Her journey from student to gallery owner reflects the same organic growth she champions in her curatorial philosophy.

“I want to create a space where art doesn’t intimidate,” Fonte explains. “Where someone can walk in, feel welcomed, and discover something that speaks to them personally.”

This accessibility philosophy stems from Fonte’s own relationship with art and her hometown. Growing up in Miami Beach, she witnessed firsthand how creativity could flourish in unexpected places and how community connections could shape artistic expression.

A Love Affair with Coconut Grove

Fonte’s connection to the Grove runs deeper than just a physical location. Her memories paint a picture of a neighborhood that once embodied Miami’s free-spirited essence.

“The first time we ventured into the Grove, we ended up at the Hare Krishna temple. They fed us, gave us candies and flower leis. They were beautiful people who shared wisdom with me that I still draw on today,” she recalls. “The hippies smoking pot in the street often talked about politics, the ever-changing world, music, love, and art. I loved getting lost in the canopy-lined streets and finding old bungalows and cottages adorned in wacky colors and an assortment of lawn ornaments.”

That magical first encounter sparked a lifelong connection. The Grove represented everything Fonte loved about Miami—its eclectic spirit, cultural diversity, and welcoming embrace of artistic expression. She made a promise to herself that if she stayed in Miami, this would be her home.

“It was the Grove that I kept wanting to return to day after day. I vowed that if I stayed in Miami, this is where I wanted to live, and ultimately I did.”

Navigating Change and Transformation

Yet Fonte’s relationship with her beloved neighborhood has evolved alongside Miami itself. The artist doesn’t shy away from acknowledging the bittersweet reality of urban transformation.

“The years passed, and I saw the Grove I fell in love with slowly dying. Tiny bungalows were replaced with cold concrete boxes. Trees destroyed. Hippies were replaced by yuppies. VW Vans replaced by Tesla’s. Hare Krishna replaced by women in Lululemon and Cartier bracelets.”

This observation extends beyond the Grove to encompass Miami’s broader evolution. The city Fonte grew up in feels increasingly distant, replaced by something shinier but perhaps less soulful.

“I then pulled back and realized much of Miami had gone this way. I don’t want to say I am disillusioned, but it feels like the Miami I grew up in is just a memory. I want to love this new version, but it’s hard not to reminisce about what was.”

Rather than retreat into nostalgia, Fonte channels these feelings into creative action. ARRAE represents her attempt to bridge past and present, honoring Miami’s artistic heritage while embracing its contemporary energy.

The Salon-Style Experience

Step inside ARRAE and you’ll immediately understand Fonte’s vision. The gallery embraces a salon-style approach that breaks from the minimalist aesthetic dominating many contemporary art spaces. Here, walls come alive with diverse works hung closely together, creating an immersive experience that encourages exploration and discovery.

This curatorial choice reflects Fonte’s belief that art should be abundant and accessible rather than precious and distant. The dense hanging style invites visitors to spend time with each piece, to make personal connections, and to see how different works dialogue with each other.

The gallery currently features works from 43 artists from the Grove and Miami area. This local focus aligns with Fonte’s mission to support and celebrate regional talent. Rather than importing art from distant markets, ARRAE serves as a platform for Miami’s creative community to shine.

Celebrating Local Voices

Among the featured artists, Victoria Pesce Elliott’s “Works from the Tropics” collection commands attention at the gallery entrance. Elliott’s pieces, crafted entirely from natural materials gathered in the lush tropical environments surrounding her homes in Miami and Jamaica, embody the connection between place and artistic practice that Arrae champions.

Elliott’s story resonates with many visitors. A lifelong creator who recently committed herself full-time to her art, she represents the transformation of passion into professional practice. Her work transforms childhood fascination into vibrant artistic expression, much like Fonte’s own journey from art student to gallery owner.

The use of local materials in Elliott’s work speaks to a broader theme running through ARRAE’s collection—the idea that Miami’s environment itself can be a collaborator in artistic creation. Palm fronds, shells, coral fragments, and other tropical elements become both medium and message.

Memory, Belonging, and Creative Spirit

Fonte’s curatorial vision centers on three interconnected themes: memory, belonging, and Miami’s creative spirit. These concepts weave through every aspect of ARRAE’s presentation, from the artist selection to the hanging style to the gallery’s welcoming atmosphere.

Memory appears not just in nostalgic references to Miami’s past but in the way art can capture and preserve moments of beauty, struggle, and transformation. The works on display serve as visual time capsules, preserving perspectives on life in this ever-changing city.

Belonging manifests in the gallery’s inclusive approach. ARRAE doesn’t cater to an exclusive art world elite but welcomes anyone curious about creative expression. The salon-style hanging creates multiple entry points for engagement, ensuring that visitors with different backgrounds and interests can find something that speaks to them.

Miami’s creative spirit flows through the diversity of artists and mediums represented. From Fonte’s own ceramic and fabric works to Elliott’s natural material sculptures to the varied expressions of dozens of other local creators, ARRAE showcases the breadth and depth of the city’s artistic community.

A Vision for the Future

As ARRAE establishes itself in Miami’s cultural landscape, Fonte’s vision extends beyond simply displaying art. The gallery aims to become a community hub where artists and art lovers can connect, where conversations about creativity and culture can flourish, and where Miami’s artistic future can take shape. She sees the beginning of a new Art District era in the Grove, taking over Grand Avenue.

The timing feels particularly right. As Miami continues to attract attention as an international art destination, spaces like ARRAE ensure that local voices remain central to the conversation. Rather than being displaced by outside influence, Miami’s homegrown creative community finds support and celebration.

Fonte’s background as both artist and entrepreneur positions her uniquely to understand the challenges facing local creators. Her multidisciplinary practice gives her insight into different artistic processes and communities, while her business acumen helps her create sustainable platforms for artistic expression.

The Dominican and Cuban Connection

Fonte’s Dominican and Cuban heritage infuses ARRAE with cultural richness that reflects Miami’s broader Latinx identity. This cultural grounding provides context for understanding how artistic expression can serve as a bridge between generations and traditions.

The waters of Biscayne Bay that inspire Fonte’s vision connect to broader themes of migration, adaptation, and belonging that resonate throughout Miami’s Caribbean and Latin American communities. Art becomes a way of maintaining cultural connections while embracing new possibilities.

Building Community Through Art

Arrae’s success will ultimately be measured not just in sales or critical acclaim but in its ability to foster community connections. The gallery’s approach encourages visitors to engage with art on personal terms, to ask questions, and to see themselves as part of Miami’s creative ecosystem.

This community-building aspect addresses one of Fonte’s core concerns about Miami’s transformation. While she mourns the loss of the Grove’s bohemian character, she’s working to create new spaces where authentic connection and creative exploration can flourish.

The salon-style presentation encourages lingering, conversation, and repeated visits. Unlike galleries where visitors might quickly walk through and leave, ARRAE invites deeper engagement. The dense hanging means there’s always something new to discover, even on return visits.

Looking Forward

As Arrae settles into its role in Miami’s art scene, Fonte continues to balance her roles as artist, curator, and community builder. The gallery represents her attempt to reconcile love for Miami’s past with excitement about its future.

The space serves as a testament to the power of local creativity and the importance of providing platforms for homegrown talent. In a city increasingly defined by external perceptions and outside investment, ARRAE insists on the value of indigenous artistic expression.

For visitors, the gallery offers more than just art viewing—it provides an opportunity to engage with Miami’s creative soul. Whether you’re a longtime resident nostalgic for the city’s artistic past or a newcomer curious about its cultural present, ARRAE welcomes you to explore, discover, and connect.

With the opening of ARRAE, Anai Fonte wishes to establish a cultural sanctuary where Miami’s creative spirit can flourish, where memory and belonging intersect with artistic expression, and where the city’s evolving identity finds visual form. It’s a space that honors what was while embracing what could be—much like Miami itself.

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