Valentine’s Day is coming (ha, like we didn’t know), and there are a bunch of special events and tasty treats that aren’t just for couples. Everyone enjoys a passionate pastry or exceptionally deluxe chocolate, so consider buying a treat for all your loved ones, romantic or not. And, of course, don’t forget to show yourself how much you care with a little indulgence! I am all about buying myself some chocolate or macarons. Flowers too.
Celebrate food made with love at the annual Food from the Heart event at the ~FERRY BUILDING~ on Friday February 8th. Merchants will be offering seasonal bites for $2, plus you’ll find lots of great shopping and goodies for yourself, your friends, or your sweetie. The event is from 5pm-8pm, and tickets for bites are $2, pay as you go. Proceeds benefit Slow Food San Francisco.
Over in Berkeley, check out the For the Love of Chocolate tasting at THE PASTA SHOP on Fourth Street. The tasting runs on Saturday February 9th from 2pm-4pm and includes free tastes of many local chocolatiers’ confections. 1786 Fourth St. at Delaware, Berkeley, 510-250-6004.
On Thursday February 14th, local sweets-maker Barbary Brix will be popping up at BLACKBIRD BAR from 6pm-10pm with quarter pounds of their caramels for $10 (like the Morning Glory, with maple and bacon). The bar will also be mixing up some special drinks for your imbibing pleasure. 2124 Market St. at Church, 415-503-0630.
Another pop-up: on Thursday February 14th, Le Dix-Sept Pâtisserie will be at Rare Device from 3pm-8pm. They’ll be selling macaron boxes in various sizes (chocolate and Espelette, you will be mine), plus you can get stationery and other lovely paper goods from their hosts. How convenient, it’s right in my neighborhood. 600 Divisadero St. at Hayes, 415-863-3969.
Chefs love excuses to make things more beautiful and delicious, so celebrate their passion (and stuff your face) with these special delights:
Here’s an indulgent one that’s as deluxe as it gets. To celebrate its launch, IfOnly.com has a special box of chocolates with truffles from nine different Michelin-starred Bay Area chefs, including Michael Mina, Dominique Crenn, Matthew Accarrino, and Gary Danko. The box is $100 including express shipping, and all the proceeds benefit Share Our Strength.
Show your love for the local food-makers of ~LA COCINA~, which is continuing its tradition of fabulous seasonal baskets with the Valentine’s Gift Basket, which is available for pickup or delivery.
From now through February 15th, LA BOULANGE will be offering special macaron boxes and pastries for sharing or gifting. Various locations, check website for hours and contact info.
Check out PANDORA’S POPS for a fun take on candy: heart-shaped, handcrafted lollipops. And apparently these have aphrodisiac qualities too. Rawr. They can be ordered via Pandora’s Etsy shop.
For your design-forward loved one, or your own tasteful self, think about stopping at ~CRAFTSMAN AND WOLVES~ for some pastry love. They’ve got their usual array of fab treats, plus the “morning-after box,” with tea, treats, and a little love note, all packaged beautifully ($50). The Love Cubes ($7 each) are also great—they’re mini vanilla cream cheesecakes, with blood orange curd and lime (available in limited numbers).
And to help you out with your quality chocolate (and gift card!) shopping needs, FOG CITY NEWS encourages you to get your shopping in before February 12th, and it’s extending hours to help. Sat Feb 9th 12pm-6pm, Wed Feb 13th 8am-7pm, Thu Feb 14th 8am-7pm. 455 Market St. at 1st St., 415-543-7400.
Craftsman and Wolves love cubes. Photo via Facebook.
Event Info
Tuesday Feb 5, 2013 – Thursday Feb 14, 2013
