Fast Eddie's Pizzeria

Just a couple blocks from my house is a small pizzeria that has become a favorite with our family. Located at 3904 East 44th St, just off Minnehaha Avenue, Fast Eddie's serves fresh Italian thin crust pizza, ribs, Philly cheese steak and more. Fortunately, they also accommodate special requests for picky pizza eaters - cheese pizza, light on the sauce, anyone? Take-out or delivery only. Call to order at 612-729-7622.

The Hub Bicycle Co-op

At 3020 Minnehaha Avenue, The Hub Bike Co-op sports one of the biggest and most colorful murals in the city (compliments of local company Studio 253 Finishes). But even before the mural went up, The Hub had gained thousands of loyal customers, and will hold a September 29 grand opening at it's third location at the U of M Bike Center (401 Oak Street SE). The Hub is the only cooperatively owned and operated group of bike shops in the Twin Cities. In addition to bikes & gear, they offer repair & bike fitting services, and classes on bike maintenance, winter biking & more. The Minnehaha Ave shop can be reached at (612)729-0437.

Museum in the Streets: Lake Street

The Longfellow section of East Lake St will soon have a self-guided walking tour of local historical and cultural sites. It's part of the 'Museum in the Streets: Lake Street' project that will feature similar tours along Lake St at Midtown and West Lake St. The Museum in the Streets is a concept, and a company, created by Patrick Cardon, a museum director, historian and promoter of cultural heritage. These outdoor museums feature a series of panels with photos, descriptions and maps, and are designed, according to the Lake Street Council, to "foster a sense of historical identity, educate, encourage preservation of local historic sites and promote the knowledge of the stories, events and traditions of Lake Street." Did you know that from 1905 to 1911, Lake Street between 31st & 33rd Avenues had its own 10-acre Wonderland Amusement Park? Check out this article in the TC Daily Planet to find out more!

The Trylon microcinema

The Trylon is a microcinema that shows classic, independent and cult films in a 50-seat theatre located next to Peace Coffee on Minnehaha Avenue.  When it opened 2 years ago, The Trylon was the first single-screen independent theatre to debut in the Twin Cities in 40 years. With its deluxe rocker seats, 20-foot screen, two 35mm projectors and "1080p/24 digital projection and 8 channel sound", this is a movie lovers dream! The Trylon is run by Take-Up Productions, which also presents screenings at the Riverview, the Heights, and other neighborhood theatres. This month's offerings include Tim Burton's Beetlejuice, and a new documentary Life After Django Reinhardt, part of Jazz 88's REEL JAZZ Film Series. Advance tickets are available online, or with cash only at the box office. Showtime Hotline: 612-424-5468. Located at 3258 Minnehaha Ave.

Gandhi Mahal Restaurant

"Bringing peace by pleasing the palate" sets the tone for this socially conscious Bangladeshi & Indian restaurant. Ghandi Mahal, located across the street from Midori's Floating World Cafe on Lake & 27th, offers Indian cuisine cooked with locally & sustainably grown ingredients and using the owner's family recipes. Taking inspiration from Mahatma Gandhi, their mission is to "provide high quality, healthy food that promotes a peaceful mind and experience in a soothing environment." This environment is enhanced by live Indian, Hindustani and Iranian classical music on Wed-Sun evenings. Open for lunch (11:30-3:00) and dinner (5-10 pm) 7 days a week. 3009 27th Ave S, Mpls 55406. Call for take-out, delivery or catering (612) 729-5222.