RLM Art Studio

Right across the street from the Tapestry Folkdance Center (see blog post from Jan 31) sits a small art studio with a lot of heart and soul. RLM Art Studio is the home of Ricardo Levins Morales and his "art for social justice". Born in Puerto Rico and Minneapolis-based since the mid-70's, Levins Morales was a founding member and "Director of Outreach and Troublemaking" at Northland Poster Collective for 30 years. The shop and internet store & gallery feature beautiful posters, notecards, buttons, calendars and commissioned art work for individuals and organizations, not to mention his free monthly downloadable calendar. 3745 Minnehaha Ave S; 612-455-2242.

Blue Moon Coffee Cafe

The Blue Moon Coffee Cafe has been an East Lake Street mainstay for over a decade. This independently-owned corner coffee shop offers coffee, tea, sandwiches, pastries and more in a warm, cozy atmosphere. With it's rotating art display (currently featuring beautiful nature photographs by Kay Christianson), board games and huge notice board, the Blue Moon is a true neighborhood cafe and a favorite stop for many local residents. 3822 E Lake St; (612)721-9230. Hours are Mon-Fri 7am-10pm, Sat & Sun 8am-10pm.

Merlin's Rest Pub

Merlin's Rest Pub at 36th & E Lake St is a fun place to hang out, where all are welcome to eat, drink and be merry. As the 'British Isles home in Minneapolis', Merlin's offers traditional pub food like fish & chips and the less well know Scotch egg, pints & half pints of 2 dozen different beers, as well as wine and specialty drinks. And for those of you brave (or blasphemous) enough to request the 'Whiskey Bible', you can choose from a huge selection of Irish whiskies and single malt scotches. But just as much fun as the food & drink is the 7 nights a week schedule of live music, pub quizes, pub song sessions, Celtic music sessions, darts, rugby matches on the TV, and of course, the Friday kilt & corset night. (612) 216-2419.

Free Appetizer Offer at Midori's Floating World

Living in Longfellow's February Special Offer At Midori's Floating World Cafe - To redeem, just print the coupon below and bring it to Midori's any evening, except Mondays, after 7 pm. Offer good through February 16.