Our big ol’ Ely roadtrip makes MPR (pictured above; see also Crapola Granola and The Boathouse Brewpub). Stephanie March rounds up Valentine’s Day date spots and specials so you don’t have to. Chowgirls puts together a “hearts and crafts” event for Valentine’s Day. An old-school ad for the Uptown Ovens. An interview with Korad “Sadia” Abdi of Sadia’s hot sauces (here’s our review). Rick Nelson dives through the archives for photos of great restaurants of the past. Rainbow Chinese is doing a mix and match small plates menu to celebrate Chinese New Year (from Feb. 8-14 — .JPG of menu). And Phillips Distilling unveiled its UV Candy Bar flavored vodka, with “chocolate, velvety caramel and peanut butter flavors.”