Spotlight 134-250829

Good morning. What we’re covering in today’s Spotlight:

The Kampong Opens its Gates
Boxy Robots Invade the Grove
Miami Police Arrest a Murder Suspect

Grove’s Hidden Eden: The Kampong Opens Its Gates

Once the private paradise of famed botanist David Fairchild, The Kampong is shedding its air of mystery — inviting visitors to explore historic gardens, rare plants, art installations, and a century of South Florida history.

By Mike Clary

For years one of the most storied homesteads in Coconut Grove has remained for many shrouded in mystery as deep as the lush vegetation that frames its ornate red gate.

Thousands of motorists drive past The Kampong sign on South Douglas Road each day, and many may well have wondered what happens on the property that runs from the roadway to Biscayne Bay.

“The Kampong has had thereputation as being exclusive,” says Brian Sidoti, director of the botanical garden that was once the home of famed botanist and globe-trotting plant collector David Fairchild. “We’re being intentional about changing that.”

Plans to raise the profile of the historic house and grounds include hosting more community events – an upcoming Halloween party in October, for example – promoting lectures and art shows, holding plant sales and increasing the number of student groups who make use of the garden’s resources for research projects.

Meals on Wheels: Robot Invasion Hits the Grove

With AI brains, cartoonish looks and relentless energy, food delivery robots are zipping past pedestrians and turning heads in the Grove — and perhaps offering a glimpse of the future for takeout meals.

By Erik Bojnansky

Alfred Rios had seen food delivery robots before but never in Coconut Grove. That changed early this month when the four-wheeled, autonomous meal containers, with large headlight eyes, zipped along the sidewalks of Center Grove.

“It was one of those weird things where they just showed up randomly and started driving, moving around and delivering whatever they deliver,” recalled Rios, manager of Salt & Straw ice cream parlor at Cocowalk. “We don’t know how they got here or where they came from.”

With little fanfare – and plenty of doubletakes from startled bystanders – robot delivery has arrived in Coconut Grove.

Since late July, San Francisco-based Serve Robotics’ delivery robots have been maneuvering the crowded streets of the Grove’s central business district on behalf of its principal client, Uber Eats.

Suspect Arrested in Fatal Grove Shooting

Police have charged 33-year-old Keith Leebrooks Wilson in the Aug. 6 shooting at Ike’s Food Center in Coconut Grove that left one man dead.

By Jenny Jacoby

Miami Police have arrested a man for the murder of 30-year-old Robert Denardes Whittle Jr. earlier this month inside Ike’s Food Center in Coconut Grove, in what local Police Commander Freddie Cruz called an isolated narcotics and gang-related event.

Keith Leebrooks Wilson, 33, was taken into custody on Friday Aug. 22 in Opa-locka, just over two weeks after the Aug. 6 shooting inside the well-trafficked market on the corner of Douglas Road and Florida Avenue.

Wilson has been charged with second-degree murder and is being held without bond.

The deadly assault began just before 6:30 p.m. on a Wednesday evening when Wilson arrived at the scene on a stand-up motorized scooter and chased Whittle inside the store, police said.

Where We’ll Be

Long Weekend Forecast: Full Plates, Full Schedules, No Regrets.

Long weekend, strong vibes.

It’s Labor Day weekend in Miami — and Monday’s a day off. Teachers and parents already deserve a break (school just started and so did the traffic). So, consider this the neighborhood cue: get outside, eat something tasty, hear some live music, and catch a breeze. The listings ahead do the heavy lifting. All that’s left is to show up and soak it in.

Where We Should Be: At the table. It’s halfway through Miami Spice 2025, which means it’s officially time to loosen your belt and make some memories. There’s absolutely no way to summarize the seduction of Coconut Grove’s best restaurants with words on a screen. The only honest suggestion is this: close the laptop, text your most fabulous dining companion, and pick a place. Or two. Or twelve.

Miami Spice menus are prix-fixe ($30 lunch/brunch, $45–$60 dinner) and plated with love — not samples, but full-course invitations to dine like you mean it. Here are the Grove spots that deserve a seat at your table:

Amal Miami — Sophisticated, sunlit Lebanese cuisine in a sleek, linen-draped setting with warm hospitality to match.
Ariete — Coconut Grove’s Michelin-starred rebel: genre-defying dishes, precise service, and deep local soul.
BaiaBlu Italian Restaurant — A polished Italian bistro with Riviera flair, classic dishes, and a water-view romance.
Bayshore Club — Big, bold, and breezy, with seafood towers, outdoor vibes, and sharp service that never misses a beat.
Bellini — Elegant rooftop glamour meets Italian refinement with a view to match your prosecco.
Bombay Darbar Miami — Spice-forward Indian cuisine that’s rich, raucous, and beloved for a reason.
Glass & Vine — A garden-party dream under the trees, where the plates are fresh and the mood is pure Miami ease.
Happy Wine in the Grove — Funky, fabulous, and slightly chaotic—in the best way—this is where tapas meet dance party.
Isabelle’s Coconut Grove — Classy and contemporary with a Southern twist, and service that treats you like a regular.
Jaguar Restaurant — Latin fusion with jungle energy, ceviche samplers, and staff who know their mango salsas.
KOKO — Trendy Asian-fusion spot with low lighting, lush cocktails, and plates built to impress.
La Cabrera – Coconut Grove — Argentine steakhouse swagger with portions (and charm) to spare.
Level 6 Rooftop — Sunset views, Basque-inspired plates, and sleek service for your elevated dining mood.
Loretta & the Butcher — Argentine fare in a cozy corner bistro, with expertly grilled meats and a thoughtful wine list.
Mayfair Grill — High-style American with wood-fired magic, desert-meets-tropics flavor, and polished pace.
Narbona Coconut Grove — Rustic Italian charm with comfort food classics and sweet service that feels like family.
Ossobuco Coconut Grove — Cozy Italian classic with crisp linens, white-tablecloth service, and pasta that sings.

Explore all Miami Spice menus here. But remember that a great dining experience includes more than just the food that can be delivered by others. Read more about, Aisha, the delivery robot here.

Bugs, bubbles, and a movie under the stars. Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden keeps the summer fun going with its popular Twilight Safari Party and Movie Night. Hop aboard the Twilight Bug Safari tram, catch butterflies fluttering after dark, and join the bubble bash dance dash before settling in for a bug-themed movie at 8:30 p.m. Wings of the Tropics exhibit and dance floor are open from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Two chances to catch the fun: Friday 8/30 and Friday 9/27 from 6:30 to 10:00 p.m. Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, 10901 Old Cutler Road. Tickets here.

Be a hero, one story at a time. Reading books to children for an hour might be the easiest way to change a life — and with Uplift Literacy’s ReadingPals program, that’s exactly the idea. Volunteers can choose in-person or virtual sessions, and all it takes is a willingness to show up, read out loud, and connect. Perfect for anyone who believes in the power of books and small acts of kindness. More info here.

Bridges of Sound. Step into the past with historically informed performances from Libiamo Antiqua Ensemble, exploring the stylistic shifts from early Baroque through the Galant to the Classical period. The program includes works by the best of the best—Marais, Bach and Mozart, performed on period instruments and interpreted from facsimiles and critical urtext editions. Expect lush textures and rare clarity. Thursday 9/4 at 7:00 p.m. Sanctuary of the Arts, 410 Andalusia Avenue, Coral Gables. Very modestly priced tickets here.

¿Hablas español? Sí, tú puedes. A laid-back Spanish Conversation Circle is forming at the Coconut Grove Branch Library, open to adults of all skill levels who want to practice speaking in a relaxed, encouraging setting. Whether you’re brushing up or just getting started, this is a great way to meet new people and expand your language chops. Thursday 9/11 from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m. at Coconut Grove Branch Library, 2875 McFarlane Road. Free. Ages 18+. Questions? Call 305-442-8695 or email [email protected].

Save Me a Seat

Strings attached — or not. New World Symphony kicks off its season with a pay-what-you-wish concert that proves “serious music” doesn’t have to take itself too seriously. Clyne’s Stride riffs on Beethoven with a jazz edge, Mozart’s Sinfonia concertante makes a duet out of a concerto, and Beethoven’s String Quartet Op. 95 keeps things intense before winking at the end. Saturday 9/13 at 7:30 p.m. New World Center, 500 17th Street, Miami Beach. Pay-what-you-wish tickets.

130 Years Strong. Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church celebrates 130 years of faith, legacy, and community with a three-part anniversary series. First up: “An Inspiring Morning with Astronaut Winston Scott” on Sunday 9/14 at 11:00 a.m. Then a brunch celebration on Saturday 10/11 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. And finally, a Church Anniversary Close-Out Service with Guest Speaker Pastor Walter T. Richardson on Sunday 10/26 at 11:00 a.m. All events at Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church, 3515 Douglas Road. Free.

Friday Night Lights, Grove edition. Ransom Everglades hosts Immaculata-LaSalle in a neighborhood gridiron clash that’s about more than just touchdowns — it’s a battle for Commodore Trail bragging rights. Both schools sit along the Trail, but only one walks away with the win. Ransom Everglades, 3575 Main Highway. Thursday 9/26 at 7:00 p.m. Modestly priced entry.

One night. One stage. Infinite passion. Alhambra Orchestra launches its 36th season with a fiery celebration of Hispanic heritage — think regal melodies, bold rhythms, and full-orchestra drama. The program includes Arriaga’s Symphony in D and Márquez’s Danzón No. 2, led by Maestro Andai. Sunday 9/28 at 7:30 p.m. at FIU Wertheim Performing Arts Center, 10910 Southwest 17th Street. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for students and seniors. Reserve now. Worth the drive.

The genius is in the details. Step inside the mind of a master as Leonardo da Vinci – 500 Years of Genius opens at Frost Science. This new blockbuster exhibition blends digital wizardry, full-scale models, rare artifacts, and interactive stations — all exploring the bold ideas and endless curiosity of history’s ultimate Renaissance man. Opens Saturday 10/4 and runs through Sunday 4/5/26 at Frost Science Museum, 1101 Biscayne Boulevard. Included with general admission. Tickets and details.

Two decades, one unforgettable sound. Seraphic Fire launches its 23rd season with a greatest-hits celebration — featuring groundbreaking commissions, audience favorites, and signature pieces that have defined the ensemble’s legacy. Expect a cappella masterworks by composers like Jake Runestad, Sydney Guillaume, and Alvaro Bermudez, led by conductor James K. Bass. Friday 10/10 at 7:30 p.m. St. Philip’s Episcopal Church, 1121 Andalusia Avenue, Coral Gables. Tickets here.

Esplanade, Joplin, and more. The New World Dance Ensemble performs a 90-minute program packed with powerhouse choreography — from Robert Battle’s joyful Coming Home to excerpts from Paul Taylor’s Esplanade, and bold works by Jamar Roberts, Robert Garland, and Maleek Washington. A one-night-only showcase of precision, energy, and contemporary vision. Friday 10/17 at 7:30 p.m. Sanctuary of the Arts, 410 Andalusia Avenue, Coral Gables. Tickets here.

If you read this far… Admit it — you’re a Spotlight fan. Lucky for you, we’ve got a backstage pass. Volunteer with the team and you’ll get to plan, post, mingle, or brainstorm — all while knowing the Grove a little better than everyone else. Drop a line here and put your toe in the water. You’ll like it.