Back in Bloom

Northeast 79th Street was kind of a dump before it suddenly became an up-and-coming area for fine food, art, and culture. Way back in 2003, the only artsy place-to-be was the Flower Bar – a funky flower shop and gallery that aimed to bring beauty to the rapidly gentrifying neighborhood. Rising rents and landlord disputes made that location as perishable as the products Flower Bar sells.

“It’s actually turned out to be a blessing in disguise. The new space is beautiful,” says co-owner Alex Rodriguez, touting two gallery spaces, a red Russian tea tasting room, and wireless Internet access. For Flower Bar first-timers, allow us to explain: The place is meant to be an oasis for the senses – the visual stimulation of art combining with the lush scent of fresh flowers, the taste of high-quality tea with the sounds of music and intelligent conversation. To celebrate its grand reopening, the once and future urban oasis is hosting an exhibition by Claudia Guerreiro called “A Hands Perception.” Stop by from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. for tea and aesthetic stimulation at the new and improved Flower Bar, 9612 NE Second Ave., Miami Shores. Call 305-759-2217, or e-mail flowerbar@aol.com.
Mon., Nov. 19, 9 a.m.-7 p.m., 2007