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.

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.

Harriet Brewing

Harriet Brewing microbrewery recently opened it's doors at 3036 Minnehaha Ave South in Longfellow and this Saturday (3/5) they will open their tasting room for the first time!  Beer is served in take-home "growlers" (64 oz bottles) and can be returned when buying some more beer.  Harriet Brewing is open Wednesday through Friday 4:00 - 7:00 and Saturday 1:00 - 6:00. They offer open tours on Saturdays, and the tasting room features an Art Gallery. I have not tried this beer yet, but I am itching to!

Natural Built Home

Natural Built Home has been offering the "safest and most sustainable building and finishing materials" in the neighborhood at 4020 Minnehaha Avenue since Earth Day 2006.   Their mission is to make sustainability accessible to everyone:  homeowners, contractors, architects and designers.  It is a great source for ZERO VOC paints!  We are lucky to have this resource right in the neighborhood.  Check out their class schedule.  They are open Monday by appointment, Tue-Thurs 10:00-7:00, Friday 10:00-6:00 and Saturday 10:00-5:00. 

Dairy Queen is Open!

Dairy Queen at 4740 Minnehaha Avenue South and adjacent to Minnehaha Falls park opened this week!  While this DQ is in a pretty new buliding, it seems like it has been at this location forever.  Being from Texas, it seems strange to me that a DQ would shut down for the winter.  As a current Minnesotan, I'll take the opening of DQ as a sign that summer WILL return.  Really.  The current hours on 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM Sunday - Saturday.