Whether you call it global warming or climate change, the weather in Colombia has been hitting coffee aficionados in their wallet, whether it be on the shelves of the grocery store or in coffee shops.

Weather has been unusual for the last few years in South America, but particularly in Colombia, the number two exporter of coffee beans to the United States.

The mountain climate has been warmer and wetter than usual, retarding growth and enhancing conditions for coffee rust, a fungus that attacks coffee plants. The type of coffee bean grown in Colombia and Brazil, Arabica, is particularly valued for its rich-yet-mild flavor and lower caffeine.

Yields from Colombia have dropped from 1.58 billion pounds in 2006 to 1.14 billion in 2008, 1.07 billion in 2009 and 1.2 billion in 2010. According to the International Coffee Organization, world stocks are now at their lowest levels in years.

“The economy hasn’t picked up that much yet,” said Nicky Rose. “We are doing everything we can to keep from raising our prices to our customers for as long as we can. All our customers are feeling the economy also, so raising our prices wouldn’t be fair to them.”

Java Boys is celebrating its Third anniversary under the ownership of Steve & Nicki Rose. Seldom has a heterosexual couple been so embraced by the gay community as this dynamic duo, who have been in the forefront in helping to promote causes close to the hearts of the gay community.

Located in the Shoppes of Wilton Manors, Java Boys is an oasis for many who like a clean, comfortable, folksy place where the owners banter with the customers and vice versa, unlike the larger chain coffee houses that want you in and out.

Nicki is affectionately known as the Unofficial Mayor of the Drive. She fields questions from customers and visitors concerning local government, local events and consoles grieving customers who have had a spat with their partner or lost a loved one.

Steve opens the store at 7AM and immediately takes orders for the breakfast special that he created, the Java Scrambler; scrambled egg and Canadian bacon with cheese on a bagel, croissant, or English muffin ($3.95 – includes coffee). “We serve at least 100 Java Scramblers a week,” says Steve and chuckles when he says, “We’re giving McDonald’s a run for their money.”

Java Boys is a busy place and popular with the laptop boys and business people who drop in with their notebooks, iPads, etc., to internet cruise, finish business reports and proposals, or put the finishing touch on a job resume over a tasty Latte. Java Boys offers free Wi-Fi and connects with cable news to keep customers up to date on the news of the day. They have also added sandwiches for the lunch crowd.

While all of the major coffee houses have had dramatic increases in prices, Java Boys is holding the line on its prices.

Major outlets such as Starbucks have dramatically increased coffee prices. Steve and Nicki are struggling to hold down prices despite hefty increases in wholesale coffee. “We cater to a local clientele and we understand the state of the economy and we are doing our best not to pass on the price increases to our customers.” says Steve.

Reviews on Java Boys are extremely favorable. Writes Joel from Texas, “It’s just a grass roots kinda community coffee shop with a friendly Wilton Manor flair.” And Marcus of Wilton Manors says, “Great coffee and some nice little pastries, desserts and a lot of good conversation.” I believe that Joel and Marcus have described Java Boys to a T. We wish Steve and Nicki continued success with OUR little coffee shop!

Stonewall Street Festival

It’s going to be interesting to see the outcome of this year’s Stonewall Street Festival this Sunday in Wilton Manors. Hours of the event have been changed to 4PM to 9PM with a twilight parade, with the new hours bypassing the real heat of the day. This year’s event is being produced by the PR firm of Wedner & Friends of Miami, and they are adding some new twists to this year’s festival. Some big sponsors are involved with this year’s Stonewall, such as Delta Airlines, Coca Cola, Wachovia Bank to name just a few. We wish Wedner & Friends only success with this year’s Stonewall.

Stonewall Notes

Former Ft. Lauderdale entertainer Ricki Lee performs at Matty’s Pride weekend. The Shoppes of Wilton Manors are throwing a two day block party beginning on Saturday and running through Sunday. A Taste of NYC at Living Room Our very own Mark Lowe of the Living Room is the subject of a reality cable show pilot that has been taping at the trendy Living Room nightclub. The program will center on the hectic life of a club owner/designer. Bravo is reportedly interested in taking on the project. This Friday night, famed New York spin master Jaliz Z will tantalize the LR with a bit of the New York City sound. Gelato Martini Closes We were saddened to learn of the closing of Gelato Martini on Wilton Drive. Owner Gee was involved in an accident recently that left him physically unable to continue with the business. We wish Gee a speedy recovery and success in future endeavors. Thank You To everyone who turned out for John ‘Mary’ Lyons “retirement” party at Mona’s Saturday. It was heartwarming to see the love and respect given to John, who has spent most of his adult life serving up drink concoctions at many of our watering holes. And a BIG hug to Mona’s owner Jerry Schultz, who continues to amaze us with his generosity. Thanks for picking us up this week and remember: “To have a friend, you must first be a friend.

If you have a “scoop” for Brad Casey, please e-mail your information to BradC@jumponmarkslist.com

Best Gourmet Market: Epicure

Since 1945, Miami Beach’s Epicure Gourmet Market has remained the best marketplace to find freshly prepared meals and gourmet foods. With three locations in Miami-Dade County, Epicure is famous for their homemade soups, bakery, deli counter and prepared foods created in their own commissary. Their prime meat, award-winning cheese department, high-end wine cellar and produce stand offer a full array of products to tease and please any palate.

Best Coffee Shop: Java Boys (Wilton Manors) and Tre Amici Wine & Espresso Bar (Ybor City)

Coffee shops have become more than just a place to grab a cup of coffee – they’ve become social centers where people can relax, read a paper, watch a little television and talk with friends. Nicky and Steve Rose have turned Java Boys in Wilton Manors into the place to relax and get away from it. Always attentive and with great service, Java Boys has received national recognition. Java Boys offers a wide variety of coffees and other beverages such as smoothies. There is also a small bakery and sandwich selection.

Tre Amici Wine & Espresso Bar at the Bunker in Ybor City is not a cookie-cutter café chain – they focus on what the community needs and not what some corporate structure wants them to do.

Tre Amici offers the best coffee and wine bar Ybor City has ever seen. They proudly serve organic/fair trade coffee and espresso, delicious teas, Italian sodas, imported beer and wine, pastries and a fresh mix of Italian and Cuban light fare including their original Ybor Sandwich.

Best place for Dinner: Le Patio (Wilton Manors) and Cityfish Restaurant (Orlando)

Tucked away in a little, unpretentious corner off Wilton Drive on NE 11 Avenue is Le Patio Restaurant and Wine Bar. Though the restaurant is small in stature, it’s big on quality. It’s Las Olas quality without the Las Olas prices.

Le Patio offers a great variety of French cuisine, and the French Onion Soup is very addictive. A high percentage of their business is from repeat customers who return time and time again to enjoy one of the finest eateries in the area.

Cityfish is a neighborhood seafood restaurant in Orlando that features daily fresh seafood and seasonal items. They offer a large menu of traditional and non-traditional seafood fare including seafood sandwiches. They have beer, wine and offer a full liquor bar. You have to check out their Panko and Potato Chip Crusted Broiled Sea Scallops. Cityfish represents an urban interpretation of the classic coastal fish shack and features a relaxed atmosphere with indoor and outdoor seating.

Best Place for Sunday Brunch: Rosie’s (Wilton Manors) and Palace (Miami Beach)

Rosie’s Bar and Grill is an institution on Wilton Drive that features outdoor or indoor dining (with an outdoor flare). Most people seem to prefer eating outside as Rosie’s is a great place to people watch. Rosie’s offers a campy atmosphere, lots of great burgers, chicken sandwiches, salads, wraps and snacks and a full liquor bar. The staff is always upbeat, and they always seem to be having a good time. Rosie’s Sunday brunch is a good reason to wake up and go out on a Sunday morning.

You know those places that look or make you feel like you’re in part of the backdrop for a movie? Well, at The Palace on South Beach you’re right in the middle of one of the most fun parts of Miami Beach’s famed Ocean Drive, and you’re also right on the corner by the 12th Street Gay Beach, which offers plenty of sights with all the girls and guys walking by. The Palace features a lot of healthy wraps and fun finger foods. If you’re in the mood for breakfast, they feature an all day/every day breakfast.

Best Place for Lunch: Painted Pickle (Wilton Manors) and Pasha’s (Lincoln Road Miami Beach)

Ever since it opened, the Painted Pickle on Wilton Drive has become the lunch time people pleasing place in town. Their goal is to stuff people with huge sandwiches: pastrami, corned beef, roast beef, honey smoked ham, smoked turkey, tuna, chicken and egg salad and more all on your choice of breads. Stop in for morning coffee, tea or espresso, and enjoy a hot bagel with a variety of spread choices, a plain or filled croissant or a fresh baked muffin.

Pasha’s offers healthy Mediterranean cuisine on Lincoln Road in South Beach (plus five additional locations in Miami-Dade County). Their Lincoln Road location is a beautiful two-story venue with both indoor and outdoor seating. They serve breakfast, lunch and dinner and have a terrific champagne brunch on weekends. Pasha’s foods are all natural with no preservatives, additives, trans-fats or MSG.

Best World-Famous Eats: Joe’s Stone Crab

In 1913, Joe Weiss opened up a small lunch counter on Miami Beach. At that time, Miami Beach was just a quiet, backwater town where people would stop by for a fish sandwich and fries. It wasn’t even known that stone crabs were edible, but Joe’s Restaurant decided to give it a try due to the urging of a Harvard ichthyologist in 1921. Weiss figured out how to cook them, serve them and what to serve them with.

Joe’s Stone Crab was born, continuing to this day and has never looked back. Joe’s Stone Crab was mentioned so many times on the ’80s television show “The Golden Girls” that the landmark deserved (but never got) a formal co-starring role. Oh, and don’t forget their Key Lime Pie.

Best Local Diner: Andrews Diner (Fort Lauderdale) and Christo’s Café (Orlando)

Alice might not live here anymore, but her spirit is carried on at Andrews Diner. It’s nothing fancy — but they don’t pretend to be. Andrews serves a great meal, large portions and great service at a more-than reasonable price. Andrews is particularly well-known for its breakfast menu, and you’d be surprised at some of the people you will see eating there before heading into their offices downtown.

After a night of debauchery, there’s nothing like an early morning stop at Christo’s. Their coffee is amazing, their food is hearty, and make sure you check out their omelets or biscuits and gravy. They also have great sandwiches, and you can eat outside on their patio. There’s something utterly lovable about Christo’s Diner. It’s cozy, inexpensive, and they serve up delicious comfort food.

Best Late-Night Dining: Courtyard Café (Wilton Manors) and Pizza Rustica (Miami and Fort Lauderdale Beach)

Some people think that the Courtyard Café never closes, which unfortunately, is not true. They are closed for about four hours on Monday mornings. (Don’t these people ever sleep?) Courtyard serves great food, indoors and out, with friendly, fast service. Their prices are more than reasonable, and the menu is longer than Cher’s farewell tour. You’re sure to find something you like.

With locations conveniently located near Score, Twist and Cameo in the Miami area and even more in Broward County, there’s no excuse for going to bed hungry after a long night on the town. Open every day until 4 a.m., Pizza Rustica offers terrific pizzas and Italian specialties, all served quick, hot and ready to please. If you’re looking for that perfect Italian dish, Pizza Rustica will leave you begging for more.

Best Breakfast: Simply Delish

As long as anyone can remember, there’s been Simply Delish on Wilton Drive. Everyone loves the two dining rooms with their eclectic collection of art and antiques, and everyone raves about the food, especially breakfast. Their near-endless breakfast selection is one of the best you will find anywhere, all served fresh and quick by their friendly staff.

Best Place to Watch a Drag Show While Dining: Lips (Fort Lauderdale) and Hamburger Mary’s (Ybor City)

Lips brings the best in drag dining from New York to Fort Lauderdale. The hottest divas can be found in this restaurant/lounge located near Wilton Manors on Oakland Park Boulevard. Lips is undoubtedly the world’s most-famous drag palace with fabulous food and delicious divas all under one roof. Make sure not to miss their Sunday Gospel Brunch; no kneeling required.

Eat, drink and be Mary at Hamburger Mary’s in Ybor City. Hamburger Mary’s offers nightly shows including their famous (or perhaps, infamous) Diva shows on Friday and Saturday nights which offer twice the fun. Hamburger Mary’s is always a great place to see and be seen in the greater Tampa area.

Best Dessert (Tie): Humpy’s Cupcakes and Sweeter Days

Humpy’s has become as famous for their great homemade cupcakes as they have their terrific pizza. You may also see them being delivered to some of the other local restaurants. Always tasty, always sweet and almost the size of large muffins instead of cupcakes, give one a try today.

Cupcakes from Sweeter Days

Best Romantic Restaurant: La Lupa Di Roma (Miami) and Hi-Life Café (Fort Lauderdale)

Since 1997, La Lupa di Roma has been a favorite of local Italians for its authentic, home-style meals, premiere wines, warm hospitality and casual, al fresco dining. La Lupa Di Roma is owned by the Nisti family, which includes Giorgio, Giorgia, Flavio and Rosanna. With more than 600 varieties, the restaurant is widely recognized for having the largest selection of Italian wines in South Florida. The family started with a restaurant near Piazza Navona in Rome, and after a customer commented that it was easy to do Italian food right in Italy, Giorgio decided to show him that he could also do Italian food right in Miami Beach. It’s the next best thing to dining in Rome.

Hi-Life Cafe has been named one of Florida’s top 40 restaurants by Zagat. The menu includes a wide variety of seafood, chicken, duck, beef and pork. With their award-winning contemporary American cuisine, Chef Carlos Fernandez and host Aude Weis receive you in an ambiance that feels as if you are a guest at a private party in their own dining room. The menu also includes pasta and salads. No hamburgers here. Their extensive wine list and dessert menu are to die for. Try the Southern Derby Pecan Pie and you’ll see what we mean. Each candle-lit dining table is adorned with a fresh rose in the romantic, softly lit dining room. Hi-Life Café is a unique, intimate restaurant featuring fine food in a great atmosphere.

Best Celebrity Chef: Paula Deen

Paula Deen has been a staple on Food Network since 1999 when she started to appear in episodes of other chef’s programs. She was given her own show in 2002 called “Paula’s Home Cooking.” Since that time, Deen’s been given additional shows on Food Network including “Paula’s Party” and “Paula’s Best Dishes.” Her down home southern country charm and recipes (some of which are so tasty and hearty looking you can hear your arteries clogging) has made her a favorite on the network talk show circuit. She has also written a total of four cookbooks. She was featured in “Extraordinary Comebacks: 201 Inspiring Stories of Courage, Triumph and Success” and launched a lifestyle magazine called Cooking with Paula Deen.

by BOB KECSKEMETY

The last television show to regularly shoot in Broward County was “Caribe” starring Stacy Keach in 1975. The last television comedy shot in South Florida was “The Jackie Gleason Show” in the mid-sixties. That all may change soon.

On Tuesday, July 20, a video crew was shooting a pilot for a situation comedy at the Poverello Center Thrift Store and Java Boys.

The “production title” for the show is “Bummed Out.”

“It’s about two executives who lost their jobs in today’s economy,” said Rose Warner, co-producer and director of “Bummed Out”. “They tried the freelancing and unemployment routes when they realized that bums on the street are making more then they were. So they turned to being bums.” The other co-producer is Alan Darnay who also stars in the show.

The show will be based in Broward County using an all local cast and crew. Warner used to live in this area and knew how much character the area has. She also recognized that so many movies and television shows are shot in South Beach meanwhile, Broward County is virtually an untapped location. She was already familiar with Poverello but found Java Boys when scouting locations and saw that a many people were always patronizing the coffee shop. “The production team came in and asked if they could shoot a scene in the store,” said Nicki Rose, owner of Java Boys. “Then they asked me to be in the scene — which I hesitantly accepted.”

As regular customers showed up at Java Boys while the crew was setting up the lights, camera and microphones, they were asked if they would like to be extras for the shoot. Many of the regular Java Boys customers signed releases and are part of the scene.

“I’m very excited,” said Karlos Lofton, a regular customer of Java Boys-turned- TV-star, “Wilton Manors needs this.”

Realtor Robert Cieslak, another Java Boys customer chosen to be an extra said, “This is great and it would be amazing for the community [if the show succeeds].”

The Florida Film Commission took away the incentives for shooting in South Florida which was a multi-billion dollar business. Many shoots planned for South Florida were cancelled. When the legislature was shown a study that for every dollar spent on film production, $7 is returned to the community’s economy in goods and services, State representatives voted fund the film industry $242 million over the next five years. “Bummed Out” is one of the first new projects.

Shooting for the “Bummed Out” pilot is scheduled to be completed by August 1 with post production finished by mid- October. At that time, the producers will be pitching the show to two broadcast networks which have shown interest. The entire cast, including the extras and crew, will be invited to a wrap party and viewing of the completed pilot at Java Boys.

If picked up, “Bummed Out” should premier in the winter 2011 television schedule.