Think you’re too old or savvy for Valentine’s Day? Pooh on you. So what if the holiday oozes commercialism. We all have an innate desire to feel special and there is nothing wrong with feeding that emotion. From elementary school Valentine’s Day cards to roses and chocolate, the holiday matures for each generation. I like to think that you can celebrate this holiday regardless of your relationship status. Seriously, it’s not just for the newly dating. Whether you’re single or have been in a relationship with someone for so long that it’s customary to fart in each other’s presence, there are ways to celebrate the day. When I arrived at work this morning my co-worker was in the lobby signing for a beautiful floral arrangement. I asked him who they were from and he said his husband of 18 years! He went on to tell me that 18 years was easy, it was the second date that was hard. I made a list of favorite’s that would delight even the most cynical person. Lavish yourself or someone else today and I bet you won’t regret it.
Candy or rather chocolate is a Valentine’s Day staple. Check out Charles Chocolates, http://www.charleschocolates.com Charles a.k.a. Chuck, is the husband of my friend and former co-worker Shabana. Chuck’s gift with chocolate making is phenomenal. When we worked together, Shabana could be relied upon to grace the staff with treats like chocolate scones, truffles, and homemade hot chocolate brought to the office in a thermos. Chuck’s innovative approach to chocolate is definitely worth trying. His creations include chocolates hearts infused with Raspberry, Passion Fruit, and Mojito flavors or a chocolate tea collection with chocolates infused with lichee, jasmine, Formosa oolong, osmanthus, and roasted twig flavors. Items come in what else? An edible chocolate box! (see above)
Flowers are another must. Roses are most expected by why not pick a flower that will last longer than a couple of days? My pick is an orchid. If properly tended, they will last a long time.
Dining out? Try O’Chame in Berkeley. I became a fan of O’Chame years ago when I worked at the boutique next door to the restaurant. Located on a street where the pretentious thrive, this humble oasis serves as a breath of fresh air. When you arrive, you are warmly greeted, regardless of the purse on your arm or the clothes you are wearing. The interior of the restaurant is quite calming and unintentionally romantic. Stucco walls, teak wood furniture, beeswax candles and muted lighting, help to create a soothing ambiance. Typically, the owner’s wife will welcome you when you arrive. The menu is Japanese/Californian, serving treats like Crimini Mushroom and Green Onion Pancake, Blanched Spinach w/ Sesame Seed, Grilled Skirt Steak with Lacinato Kale, Portabello Mushrooms and Edamame Beans, and Caramel Balsamic Gelato. I’ve had many things on the menu and they always delight my palette. http://www.themenupage.com/ochame.html
If you go, be sure to make a trip to the restroom. The restaurant boasts a hand painted masterpiece on the floor.
If you’re single or just looking for a place to chill with girls, try Luka’s Taproom and Lounge in Oakland; inspired by the old restaurants of Belgium and France, Luka’s serves up wine, mussles, and one of the largest beer collections in the East Bay. The restaurant sits on the corner of 2212 Broadway in a building that used to be home to a hof brau.
If you are intent on being anti-Valentine’s Day, not to fret, there is still a a place for the haters in all of us. Check out the website, http://www.antivday.com/forum/.
Do you have ideas or suggestions for how to celebrate the day? What was your most romantic Valentine’s Day gift or memory?
Candy or rather chocolate is a Valentine’s Day staple. Check out Charles Chocolates, http://www.charleschocolates.com Charles a.k.a. Chuck, is the husband of my friend and former co-worker Shabana. Chuck’s gift with chocolate making is phenomenal. When we worked together, Shabana could be relied upon to grace the staff with treats like chocolate scones, truffles, and homemade hot chocolate brought to the office in a thermos. Chuck’s innovative approach to chocolate is definitely worth trying. His creations include chocolates hearts infused with Raspberry, Passion Fruit, and Mojito flavors or a chocolate tea collection with chocolates infused with lichee, jasmine, Formosa oolong, osmanthus, and roasted twig flavors. Items come in what else? An edible chocolate box! (see above)
Flowers are another must. Roses are most expected by why not pick a flower that will last longer than a couple of days? My pick is an orchid. If properly tended, they will last a long time.Dining out? Try O’Chame in Berkeley. I became a fan of O’Chame years ago when I worked at the boutique next door to the restaurant. Located on a street where the pretentious thrive, this humble oasis serves as a breath of fresh air. When you arrive, you are warmly greeted, regardless of the purse on your arm or the clothes you are wearing. The interior of the restaurant is quite calming and unintentionally romantic. Stucco walls, teak wood furniture, beeswax candles and muted lighting, help to create a soothing ambiance. Typically, the owner’s wife will welcome you when you arrive. The menu is Japanese/Californian, serving treats like Crimini Mushroom and Green Onion Pancake, Blanched Spinach w/ Sesame Seed, Grilled Skirt Steak with Lacinato Kale, Portabello Mushrooms and Edamame Beans, and Caramel Balsamic Gelato. I’ve had many things on the menu and they always delight my palette. http://www.themenupage.com/ochame.html
If you go, be sure to make a trip to the restroom. The restaurant boasts a hand painted masterpiece on the floor.
If you’re single or just looking for a place to chill with girls, try Luka’s Taproom and Lounge in Oakland; inspired by the old restaurants of Belgium and France, Luka’s serves up wine, mussles, and one of the largest beer collections in the East Bay. The restaurant sits on the corner of 2212 Broadway in a building that used to be home to a hof brau.
If you are intent on being anti-Valentine’s Day, not to fret, there is still a a place for the haters in all of us. Check out the website, http://www.antivday.com/forum/.
Do you have ideas or suggestions for how to celebrate the day? What was your most romantic Valentine’s Day gift or memory?
No comments:
Post a Comment