The Love Letter Collection

Chocolates and love letters are de rigueur come the 14th of February - the trick is finding the right chocolates, and the right words for those sweet nothings. Well, look no further. The Love Letter Collection from Wiseman House Chocolates has the requisite delectable chocolates: Wild Woman, Love Potion, Passion, and First Kiss, AND a sweet love letter originally written in 1895 from Adeline to Rufus (her betrothed). $38 includes the chocolates, the letter and a beautiful pink box with matching cocoa brown bow.

If you want to break the bank (and raise the bar for future Valentine's Day gifts) splurge on "The Perfect Evening" which includes a cozy chocolate brown bathrobe, jazz music from Chris Botti, a Cocoa Fleur candle AND the aforementioned Love Letter Collection of chocolates and already-written-for-you love letter. $175.

Final Word: For those who like chocolate and sweet nothings, this is a good bet.

link: Wiseman House Chocolates  |  Wiseman House at Yahoo! Food

By Bryce Longton | February 7, 2007 in Chocolate, Valentine's Day | Permalink | Comments (0)
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Valentine Hearts Copper Cookie Cutter Set

Flowers are beautiful, but like my high school sweetheart, they soon fade away. This Valentine’s Day, forget the roses and make a lasting— and edible—impression with these beautiful heart-shaped copper cookie cutters.

Final Word: I heart you.

Heart Cookie Cutter Set  |  $25 at Sur La Table 

By Bryce Longton | January 13, 2007 in Baking, Valentine's Day | Permalink | Comments (0)

Top 10 List of Do's and Don't When Combining Cupid and a Cup of Beautiful Sake on Valentines

[via TrueSake.com] Herewith is a TOP TEN List of the Do's and Don'ts when combining Cupid and a Cup of beautiful sake:

1. If you will be "Hot Tubbing" on V-Day make certain to serve a sake that is best consumed at room temperature. Why? Cold sakes make your body work harder in heat and can be funny on the tummy, and hot sakes will make you too hot in the soup.
   
2. If you plan to take sake to bed, don't worry man! It's not red wine and won't stain the bedding if things get kicking and screaming (did I just type that?)!
   
3. If you plan to serve Champagne or Sparkling wine DON'T. These have sulfites added, whereas Sparkling Sake has been "slightly pasteurized" and is a cleaner buzz!
   
4. Body shot? That is so old school. Why not try the old "Lover's Chair"? Take your lover, remove her clothes, sit her very erect (no leaning back) in a chair and make her put her legs tightly together. Ahh and here is the fun yet tricky part. Hand your lover a glass of cool sake (cold enough to make goose bumps) and have her pour it down her neck between her ummmm breasts (does my mom read this Newsletter?) and watch as it races down her body, to her tightly closed knees, where the recipient shall drink from her kneecaps, which should be touching. This is called something else other than Lover's Chair, but I must first get a cable show before I say the real name. (Also for the guys detours often happen so improvise!)
   
5. Giving chocolate this V-day again? BORING! Why not mix it up by giving your valentine your favorite chocolate and a killer bottle of desert sake called Kijoshu. This 8-year aged sweet sake was made for chocolate and they go together like Donnie and Marie (does that sound incestuous?). Okay then they go together like France and cigarettes, fish and chips, Emelda Marcos and shoes etc. Point being the deep richness of this sweet sake works so well with anything chocolaty. It has the color and feel of a Port and hints of Sherry-like qualities. Amazing and so unique!
   
6. Beer is great. No questions. But when was the last time you drank a sixer and then started making out. You probably A) smelled like a brewery B) burped like a sailor and C) felt bloated like a traveling-for-2-weeks-piece of luggage. So don't even go there. Forget the brewski on the 14th and stick to the cleanest burning fuel that doesn't bog ya down, blow you up, or stink ya all over. Sake is recommended by 9 out 10 doctors for "making out," and is covered by most insurance carriers. Be smart. Be Sake.
   
7. If you are officially proposing to you lover on Valentine's Day, don't put the ring in the bottom of her wine glass. Do you how many times the gal has swallowed the ring? Countless times. This would be worse if you hid the ring in the bottom of cloudy/milky sake known as Nigori Sake. Bad idea! But, and this if for the very desperate, if you were intending to propose and forgot the ring (or lost it you idiot) then try this fail-safe impromptu engagement secret. When you twist off the cap of unopened sake a perforated separate piece of metal comes off. This little round piece of metal, which is usually gold or silver, looks just like a.... you know.... a ring! Tadah the perfect "he was so cute putting this little sake ring on my finger" moment. Guys you can thank me later!
   
8. How do you know when things at dinner are starting to turn for the better? You look at your date on V-Day and notice that she is starting to flush a little. Man! You think. She is really starting to get hot for me. WRONG! The real reason your date is starting to turn the color of the fake red heart on the V-Day card that you gave her an hour before is that the histamines in her red wine are kicking in. Her face and body are having a reaction to the surge in histamines often found in big red wines. So before you yell "Check Please" think about pouring sake instead of the Red Death that could get you in a ton of "presumptuous" trouble.
   
9. Of course wines and beers have some great names that do so well on Valentine's Day but they can never compare to the names of sakes. For example how about pouring a bottle of "Drunken Heart" or "Dreamy Clouds"? Not bad heh? How about whipping out a bottle of "Venerable Virgin" or "Beautiful Boy"? There is always "Midnight Moon" or "Star-Filled Sky." Perhaps you would prefer "Root of Innocence" "Southern Beauty" "Mirror of Truth" "Fair Maiden" or "Heaven of Tipsy Delight." Point being if you are feeling strong enough pour a bottle of "Man's Mountain" and let nature take its course.
   
10. This Valentine's Day take a "Sake Bath." First get an "Ishobin" (1.8L) bottle of sake, drink a large portion for dinner then take the rest to your bath. Run some hot water and then place your lover sitting in the tub. Take the remains of the bottle and pour it on her/his head and then have them do the same to you. And then wait for the steam and heat to kick in. Oh so steamy!

This excerpt has been reprinted from February's True Sake newsletter written by Beau Timken, owner of True Sake: America’s first sake retail store located in San Francisco, CA.  Beau is a professional sake taster and sake sommelier.  Visit his website True Sake.com to learn more, and shop for your perfect bottle of sake to ring in the new year.

Technorati Tag:  Food and Drink

By Robert | February 13, 2006 in All Things Wine, Valentine's Day | Permalink | Comments (1)

Got $1,000? Why Not Try a Golden Opulence Sundae?

I know. It sounds crazy: $1,000 for an ice cream sundae? But, the sundae is The Grand Opulence Sundae from famed Serendipity of New York City and it's made up of the best of the best.  According to the restaurant, they sell approximately one a month, so apparently, quite a few people have some money to indulge in such opulence.

The Golden Opulence Sundae, the "World's most expensive sundae", was created to celebrate Serendipity's 50th Anniversay last year. (If you are paying attention, the 50th anniversary is the "golden" anniversary. Get it?)

Made with "5 scoops of the richest Tahitian vanilla bean ice cream infused with Madagascar vanilla and covered in 23K edible gold leaf, the sundae is drizzled with the world's most expensive chocolate, Amedei Porceleana, and covered with chunks of rare Chuao chocolate, which is from cocoa beans harvested by the Caribbean Sea on Venezuela's coast. The masterpiece is suffused with exotic candied fruits from Paris, gold dragets, truffles and Marzipan Cherries. It is topped with a tiny glass bowl of Grand Passion Caviar, an exclusive dessert caviar, made of salt-free American Golden caviar, known for its sparkling golden color. It's sweetened and infused with fresh passion fruit, orange and Armagnac. The sundae is served in a baccarat Harcourt crystal goblet with an 18K gold spoon to partake in the indulgenceserved with a petite mother of pearl spoon and topped with a gilded sugar flower by Ron Ben-Israel."

Wow. Now that's spectacular. Worth $1,000? Well, I'd like to find out, if only I can get out of paying my rent this month...

Visit Serendipity's website www.serendipity3.com for more information.

By Michelle Alderson | February 10, 2006 in A Food & Wine Gift Guide, Desserts & Other Sweets, Valentine's Day | Permalink | Comments (40)

Valentine's Recipes from Table 8's Govind Armstrong

One of our favorite restaurant's in Los Angeles is Govind Armstrong's Table 8.  For those of you planning a home-cooked romantic dinner for Valentines, check out two of Armstrong's recipes that won't be found on his restaurant's menu.  How about Chilled Oysters with a Frozen Sparkling Mignonette and Broiled Lobster with Risotto and Winter Truffle to start the night out right?  These recipes are bound to make an impression.  [via DailyCandy]

By Robert | February 10, 2006 in Chef News, Valentine's Day | Permalink | Comments (0)

Serious Valentine's Gift: Chocolate Making Classes with Richard Donnelly

Spend a weekend learning chocolate magic from one of our premier chocolatiers.  Richard Donnelly offers chocolate basics, as well as truffle and assorted chocolate making, in his Santa Cruz studio.  You can plan now for April through November dates, or create your own group of six devotees and arrange a special session.  $150 per person per 3 hour course.

Don't forget to enter our "What I've Done For Chocolate" Contest!  Your confession could be rewarded with a Richard Donnelly assortment.  

By Kyeann Sayer | February 7, 2006 in Chocolate, Valentine's Day | Permalink | Comments (0)

Win Richard Donnelly Chocolates or Join His Chocolate of the Month Club

Most of us have an humorous, impressive, or embarrassing story about the lengths we've gone to in order to get a chocolate fix.  What's the most extraordinary thing you've done? Describe it in 200 words or less and send it to kyeann(at)dailyolive(dot)com (along with your delivery address) by 11:59 PST February 9.  The winner will receive an 8 oz. Richard Donnelly assortment just in time for Valentine's Day and your confession will be posted (anonymously if you prefer!) for Daily Olive readers.

Maybe your pen isn't flowing with personal chocolate lore? Here's a gift that will give your favorite chocolate lover a reason to unconditionally worship you on Valentine's Day and once a week well into the year.  Joining the Chocolate of the Month Club will mean a sumptuous surprise sent from Richard Donnelly for three or six months. Choose between the Sampler and Deluxe clubs, each including an assortment of chocolates, bars, dipped fruits and other goodies.  Anticipating the mail will take on an entirely new meaning!

Donnelly Chocolates

By Kyeann Sayer | February 6, 2006 in Chocolate, Valentine's Day | Permalink | Comments (0)

Ben Ford's New Los Angeles Restaurant to Open

To find out more information about Culver City, California, dining go to www.downtownculvercity.com.

By Michelle Alderson | February 3, 2006 in Restaurant News, Valentine's Day | Permalink | Comments (2)

Satisfy your love Jones...

Jones Soda has a special Valentines package, so forget the chocolate and send soda instead.  Each Valentines pack includes two bottles of Love Potion #6, a music sampler disc, love potion lip balm, and a Love Coupon book.  Quantities are limited, order soon.

Jones Soda Valentines Day Packs  |  $9.99 plus S&H 

By Robert | February 2, 2006 in Valentine's Day | Permalink | Comments (0)

Top Ten Valentine's Day Gifts

1. Valentine Pez. Need we say more?
2. Strip chocolate board game. We're not sure how the rules work here, but chocolate with anything is a bonus.
3. Red Heart Casserole from Le Creuset. They make some of the best products around.
4. Valentine fortune cookie. You get to choose what fortune will be in the cookie. Nice.
5. Chocolate dipped Oreos. Chocolate + Oreos = yum.
6. Heart-shaped candy dish. A great gift for the person who loves to throw parties.
7. Fun foodie T-shirt. Love it. May have to buy it ourselves.
8. Wine tote in red. It's practical for wine lovers and perfect for V-day.
9. Dessert fondue pot. Melted chocolate: chocolate dipped strawberries, anyone?
10. Valentine popcorn pops. Sounded interesting and Oprah loves it. 

If you still don't know what to get your Valentine for the big day, take him/her out to dinner. Check out citysearch.com for your best local restaurants. Or cook dinner. Epicurious.com has some great ideas for a romantic feast.

By Michelle Alderson | January 31, 2006 in A Food & Wine Gift Guide, Chocolate, Valentine's Day | Permalink | Comments (0)

"What I've Done for Chocolate" Daily Olive Valentine's Contest

Most of us have an humorous, impressive, or embarrassing story about the lengths we've gone to in order to get a chocolate fix.  What's the most extraordinary thing you've done? Describe it in 200 words or less and send it to kyeann(at)dailyolive(dot)com (along with your delivery address) by 11:59 PST February 9.  The winner will receive an 8 oz. Richard Donnelly assortment just in time for Valentine's Day and your confession will be posted (anonymously if you prefer!) for Daily Olive readers.

We are very pleased to offer Richard Donnelly Chocolates.  Often premium chocolate is associated with elaborate packaging or sophisticated branding rather than quality.  Richard Donnelly focuses primarily on the highest caliber ingredients and on craft at his low-key Santa Cruz, CA studio.  Many of us have become accustomed to products (even quite expensive ones) that sit on shelves for months - so much so that we don't know how fresh, fine chocolate should taste.  Donnelly urges consumption of his preservative-free truffles, caramels and chocolates within one week!

Stay tuned as we fill you in on Donnelly Chocolates' offerings between now and Valentine's Day. And start writing!

By Kyeann Sayer | January 23, 2006 in Chocolate, Contests, Daily Olive News, Special Promotions, Valentine's Day | Permalink | Comments (23)

Norman Love's "G" Collection Chocolates by Godiva

Pastry chef, Norman Love, has collaborated with Godiva Chocolate to create a gourmet collection of "couture style line of handcrafted chocolates made from pure and fresh ingredients."  Just in time for Valentine's Day, the G Collection is limited in production and available as supplies last through February 14, 2006.

G Collection is available in 3 different packages

• 15-pc. G Collection Gift Box (5 oz.)
• 30-pc. G Collection Gift Box (10.25 oz.)
• 48-pc. G Collection Gift Box (1 lb. 0.75 oz.)

Plus, in an all-hearts collection just for your Valentine's sweetheart

• 15-pc. All Hearts G Assortment (6.25 oz.)
• 30-pc. All Hearts G Assortment (12.75 oz.)

By Robert | January 23, 2006 in Chocolate, Valentine's Day | Permalink | Comments (0)

Recchiuti Confections Valentines Box and Chocolate Obsession

 

Give the chocolate devotee in your life a sumptuous Recchiuti box, and the secrets to confection artistry. With three layers of delicious infusions of tea, herbs and flowers, your love will have so many delicious ways to think of you.  Michael Recchiuti's Chocolate Obsession provides step-by-step instructions to the those ambitious enough to take on, say, Force Noire ganache.  It offers page after page of chocolate pornography for the rest of us. 32 Piece Large Valentines Box, $75, Chocolate Obsession, $23.

By Kyeann Sayer | January 15, 2006 in Chef Books, Chocolate, Cookbooks, Cooking, Food, Valentine's Day | Permalink | Comments (0)

Valentine's Day Wine Trips

Currently I am in San Francisco, tagging along on my husband's business trip. It's a nice perk. Tomorrow we head to Sonoma for wine tasting. That said, I have to say, that since Sonoma and Napa were my first real wine-tasting experiences, these regions have become my favorite. Especially for cabs and chardonnays. I really like what they produce up there. And I am very lucky to be able to live close enough to enjoy a visit often.

For those who can't make it to California this Valentine's Day, don't worry, I found a few other outings out there. Well, I found many, many wine country adventures available for the romantic holiday, but could only list a few that caught my eye:

Austin
Who knew Texas had a nice wine country? If you can't make it to Texas, maybe you can check out this article in The Austin Chronicle. It's helpful and fun.

Long Island
LongIslandWineCountry.com offers a "Sideways" tour this February. It'd be great to compare a Pinot from the East Coast to one highlighted in the movie.

Washington
Chocolate and red wine? Who could resist. Find out more at North Sound Wineries.

By Michelle Alderson | January 12, 2006 in All Things Wine, Food & Wine Country Travel, Gourmet Food Events, Valentine's Day | Permalink | Comments (0)
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