Midori's Floating World Cafe

Inside an ordinary looking brick building on the corner of Lake Street & 27th Ave, Midori's Floating World Cafe offers Japanese cuisine at its best. Midori's offers traditional sushi, tempura, and noodles along with contemporary favorites and their own unique creations (like Aria's Tempura Rice Balls & Sushi Birthday cake!) They also serve a wide variety of tea, beer, wine, sake and sake cocktails. The phrase 'Floating World' refers to a Japanese artistic movement, and it's no surprise to learn that the owners of this cafe are artists themselves. Open for lunch & dinner - closed Mondays. Check out their fun website for photos, menus, prices & specials. Call for reservations: 612-721-3011. Address: 2629 East Lake St, Mpls 55406.

Sea Salt Eatery

Truly one of the treasures of living in Longfellow, Sea Salt Eatery offers up delicious fresh seafood, wine, imported bottled beer and locally brewed beer on tap, all in within steps of Minnehaha Falls. Often crowded during dinner and weekends with lines for both seafood and Sebastian Joe's ice cream snaking out into the park, the wait is both pleasant and rewarding. Bring your out-of-town visitors for a meal and a walk along Minnehaha Creek! Open seasonally from April to October. Summer hours: Tue-Sat 11 am- 9 pm; Sun & Mon 11 am-8 pm. Located within Minnehaha Falls Park at 4801 Minnehaha Ave. Ph: 612-721-8990.

Turtle Bread Now Open in Longfellow!

Just opened at 42nd Ave S & 34th St, the Longfellow Turtle Bread Company joins its three sister locations (48th & Chicago, Linden Hills & Downtown Mpls) in offering artisan breads, pastries, baked goods and more. Turtle Bread's philosophy is summed up in the slogan "Great Bread Takes Time", and like a turtle who finally wins the race, I'm glad they finally made it to Longfellow! With both indoor and outdoor seating on the (relatively) quiet 34th St side, the new Turtle Bread promises to become a popular gathering place. Hours are 6 am-6 pm; call 612-545-5757 for questions or to place an order.