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Ode to St. Valentine’s Day

Tuesday, February 09, 2010

Birds do it, bees do it, even mortals do it — we fall in love. What better time to show that love (besides daily) in a special way, than Feb. 14. While hearts and flowers are tried and true icons of affection, this year consider some other ways to say, “I love you.”

One way to deliver that romantic message on Valentine’s Day: a chocolate bread teddy bear from Con Pane Rustic Breads & Café. Made from the bakery’s pane cioccollata (Italian chocolate bread), this tasty cutie comes boxed with a red ribbon. Not too rich, but with bits of Belgian chocolate scattered through it, this $12.95 bear will bring a smile to your true love. Order ahead: 1110 Rosecrans, Point Loma, 619-224-4344.

Should an edible teddy bear not suffice, how about a lovely wine or Champagne with a selection of cheeses, pates and crackers or bread. In Carlsbad, La Costa Wine Co. will help you choose the perfect bottle to go with their lovely selection of imported cheeses and pates that you would find in fine restaurants. 6986 El Camino Real, 760-431-8455, http://www.lacostawineco.com.

Venissimo Cheese with locations in Del Mar, Mission Hills and downtown, carry a wide variety of cheeses, crackers, jams and even honey (for dabbing on certain cheeses or just keeping your sweetie sweet throughout the year). Taste Artisan Cheese & Gourmet Shop can also help you with cheeses and local salumi from Knight for a platter to please the palate. 1243 ½ University Ave., 619-683-2306, http://www.tastecheese.com.

Most restaurants do special Valentine’s Day dinners, many with a prix-fixe menu so check with your favorite spot for options.  But should you want to try something different, reserve a space for a chocolate inspired dinner at the tiny Eclipse Chocolat shop. They serve a four-course dinner for $100 per couple.

Last year their Parisian menu was a sell-out and included a pink peppercorn pork roast, this year the food centers on chocolate and floral infusions. Well-known for their monthly chocolate dinners, they take just 200 reservations for their 27 seats on two nights, at multiple seatings. Dinner cost includes wines, plus tax and tip.  2121 El Cajon Blvd., at Alabama, 619-578-2984, http://www.eclipsechocolat.com.

 

Top chocolatiers and dessert makers

Valentine’s Day would not be complete without a mention of many of San Diego’s top chocolatiers and dessert makers. You’ll always find room for chocolate espresso kisses from The Elegant Truffle in Point Loma, or something special from Extraordinary Desserts in Bankers Hill and Little Italy or Heaven Sent Desserts in North Park. Chuao Chocolatier in Encinitas, University Towne Centre and Del Mar Heights creates uniquely flavored chocolates with chocolate from the Venezuela.  Chocolat Cremerie’s locations in Hillcrest and the Gaslamp feature Italian inspired desserts, crepes and more should you want to indulge for brunch.

The Elegant Truffle, 1111 Scott St., Point Loma, 619-222-1889

Extraordinary Desserts, 2929 Fifth Ave., Bankers Hill, 619-294-2132 and 1430 Union St., Little Italy, 619-294-7001, http://www.extraordinarydesserts.com

Heaven Sent Desserts, 3001 University Ave., North Park, 619- 793-4758, http://www.heavensentdesserts.com

Chuao Chocolatier, http://www.chuaochocolatier.com

Chocolat Cremerie, http://www.chocolatsandiego.com

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