Dawn Xiana Moon: Melodic folk pop infused with passion and honesty. From Chicago.

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Saturday, January 07, 2006

Highlights of 2005: Chocolate, Books, and Cafes

Continuing our highlights of 2005, here's a list of the coolest spots that I've discovered in the last year to indulge these obsessions (again, in no particular order):

Chocolate Haven: New York, NY
I first read about this factory/store when Emily forwarded me a link to a New York Times feature. Back in October, I visited and found excellent candy, even if they didn't carry my beloved truffles.

Just Truffles: Minneapolis, MN
I did find a delicious source for chocolate truffles in August, and the store is a favorite of Yo-Yo Ma and Pavarotti for a reason.

Bookman's Alley: Evanston, IL
Hands down, this is the best bookstore I've ever been in. You think it's only a couple of rooms full, but when those rooms end you find yourself in another, and another, and another....

Myopic Books: Chicago, IL
Another incredible bookstore (because it's the used bookstores that have all the character) is in Chicago itself--besides being a wonderful place to read for a couple of hours, there are books from floor to ceiling, on the balcony, really, everywhere you look.

Rohs Street Café: Cincinnati, OH
Rohs Street is unique for a number of reasons, not the least of which is the fact that it's run by a church but doesn't feel like it. It's a fantastic music venue as well.

Unicorn Café: Evanston, IL
What's not to love about the wood floors? It's a great place to sit with a cup of coffee and journal about the people next to you (I need to write a song about the guy who couldn't stop farting, even though he tried to do it discreetly).

Acadia Cafe: Minneapolis, MN
Acadia makes the list not because of its cafe section, though it is comfy, but because the theatre section is now a contender for my favorite venue.

And while it doesn't fall into the above categories, I wanted to mention a very cool spot to dance that just opened in August:

Dance Revolution: Ann Arbor, MI
The loft space has a great floor and brick walls, and it's host to a plethora of vernacular dances, including swing, hip hop, and salsa. It's practically on the campus of U-M, and Jamie, the owner, is a wonderful person that gives chocolate to her DJs. Guess who DJed the hip hop/swing dance tonight and had a blast?

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