The Pinecrest Tribune has learned that the venerable Taurus Restaurant in Coconut Grove, which closed with so much fanfare late last month, will re-open by New Year's Eve.

That's the word from long-time owner-operator Dave Hill, who said he would re-open the restaurant as Taurus the Bull or Taurus Chops.

"But, rest assured," said Hill, "the Bull is back and it will be better than ever."

Saying he didn't want divulge the specifics at this time, Hill said he was negotiating with a well-known South Florida restaurateur to join with him in operating the popular Grove dining spot and watering hole. He said a number of cosmetic changes were in the offing, including the elimination of the brown fence that separates the restaurant's front patio from the sidewalk fronting Main Highway.

"We're going to clean the place up, paint it, put down new carpeting, tile the bathrooms, open the back patio for dining and make several other cosmetic changes that will make the place upscale and pretty," said Hill. "We're gonna do it right, we'll make the necessary changes but still keep the old feel. People will still know they're in the Taurus.

"The Taurus is a legendary place, a local place for local people with local traditions," he continued. "We want to continue the legend and the tradition."

Plans call for the restaurant to remain a steak-house-and-bar operation,

featuring sirloin, porterhouse, rib eye, filet and prime rib cuts of meat. An expanded wine selection also is contemplated, with bottle prices ranging from $20 to $200 and as many as 20 varietels available for wine-by-the-glass.

Hill said he initially wanted to have the Taurus revamped and open by Christmas day, but said he decided that was not a realistic goal.

"So, now we're shooting for New Year's Eve," he said. "But, even if we aren't ready to open by then, we're still going to have a party this Friday night with free food and drink for all the Taurus regulars over the years to show our appreciation for their patronage."

Hill has owned the Taurus building and the property it sits on since 1969, though the building dates back to 1923, when it housed Grove pioneer Patty Munroe's Tea Chest, a place to eat drink and shop. After Hill bought it, the restaurant became one of Miami-Dade's hot spots and was known as the place to be seen, particularly on Friday nights. It also served as a power-lunch theater over the years for many of Miami's movers and shakers.

Five years ago, Hill sold the restaurant business to the Wilson brothers -- Tom and Bruce -- who closed the place down late last month and auctioned the furnishings and interior decorations.

Hill says the interior will be re-decorated with new, more upscale artifacts, possibly including early photographs of Coconut Grove and its inhabitants.

For more information, please call 305-444-7111.