A heart shaped box

Valentine’s Day is a word that conjures up images of fear and anxiety for most men – what to get her, what to do? – and anger and disappointment in most women – he forgot, my present wasn’t romantic enough. The holiday for me, only meant one thing. My little Whitman’s heart-shaped box of chocolate from the drug store, gifted by my Poppo every year. It was a little, thoughtful tradition that us grandkids eagerly anticipated year after year. Each of us had our unique rituals for enjoying our chocolates. I methodically determined which was the coconut and savored each piece over the course of several days until, yeah!, it was time for the finale…the coconut! My sister devoured hers all in one swift sitting. It was a gift that wasn’t expensive or showy and to this day, years after my grandpa has passed, I still miss those boxes and I especially miss him. That to me, is what Valentine’s Day is all about. A simple thought. A little token. And, if it’s something delicious…even better. Something to share…even more better. The joys of being married to a chef allow me to skip dining out on this holiday, but if I did there are some truly romantic options. Find some of my most seductive ideas for yummy things to gift and to share and if dining out, maybe consider one of my ideas for the most romantic tables in town. Love, Kristin

A table for two

Romantic dining more than likely means something different for everyone. Your guy might consider a box seat at the Giant’s game, hot dog in-hand, the epitome of romance, while a picnic blanket spread on the grass might be more your style. One spot sure to please you both is the über cozy corner banquette in the dimly lit, comfy bar at Estate. The restaurant’s unique selection of masterfully made cocktails and affordable wines by the glass are pure fun, while the friendly menu allows for a casual snack or a full-blown feast. Estate: 933.3663. It’s not romance without sparkling wine and it just so happens that we have two of the most divine spots to clink glasses with our special someones. Both Gloria Ferrer and Domaine Carneros have swoon-worthy terraces where every enviable table simply screams “I love you.” Pack a little hamper with an ooey gooey cheese and a Mike the Baker baguette, order up a bottle of bubbly and promptly cue the singing angels, strumming harps and fluttering cupids. gloriaferrer.com and domainecarneros.com. My all-time favorite spot to snuggle up to my honey is the intimate food bar overlooking the spectacular wood-burning oven at LaSalette. Plus, there are many sensual dishes to choose from: whole fish, gorgeous seared sea scallops, delectable sweetbreads or even seared foie gras, if you’re so inclined. Oo, la, LaSalette. LaSalette: 938.1927.

Sweets for your sweet

Why not gift your Valentine with a delectable, locally produced, adult beverage that not only tastes amazing, but will reputedly leave them loving you more? HelloCello’s newest creation, BelloCello, is the first orange liqueur to include Damiana, a natural aphrodisiac that has been used for centuries for it’s mood enhancing properties. Find BelloCello locally at Sonoma Market or Whole Foods. Give your love crabs this year! A thoughtful treat I absolutely adore is when my hubby prepares an easy, candlelit dinner of cracked crab and warm, lemony butter just for two. Even better if a frosty bottle of bubbly is involved! Why not take a minute to really, truly think about what your sweetie loves. What he or she simply craves or lusts for, but might not never buy for themselves. It could be something sinful and indulgent like a Twinky, a big bag of Doritos or – gasp! – Jello Pudding. It might be a basket of the most perfect apples, a jar of red wine caramel, or a pint of homemade lavender ice cream. How about something for future dinners like a little Meyer lemon tree to plant in the backyard or for future breakfasts in bed like a backyard chicken coop? Experiences to share are the most memorable and could include something as simple as a long walk in a garden – the Sonoma Garden Park is ideal, with a kiss in the fig forest? Maybe packets of her favorite vegetable seeds or you can cook his favorite dinner just like his mom used to do. No matter what you give, make it sweet and delicious.

On the Menu

What better way to celebrate your Valentine than with bubbles and sexy Spanish guitar music? On Saturday evening, February 12, Gloria Ferrer hosts a concert featuring flamenco guitarist Eric Symons and international recording artist, Patrick Imbimbo. This romantic event begins at 7:30 p.m. and includes a dessert buffet and sparkling wine, of course! Tickets are $38 and can be purchased at gloriaferrer.com/on-site-winery-events or by calling 933.1999.

• Rex Pickett, author of “Sideways” will be at Della Santina to celebrate the release of his new book, “Vertical.” You’ll enjoy a four-course dinner with three Pinot Noirs. The event is on February 21 at 7 p.m. and reservations are essential. Call Della’s at 938.4200 for details or to make your reservations.

• We know that Sonoma is one of the best places in the world to live and that our community is filled with artisans producing out of this world products, but it seems now the rest of the country is really beginning to take notice. The little historic general store on West Napa Street, Sonoma’s Best and their cottages, Les Petites Maisons, have been featured prominently in the February issue of Budget Travel Magazine in an article titled California’s New Wine Trail. The gushing piece touts the benefits of walking in the town of Sonoma and features Ravenswood, Sebastiani, Gundlach Bundschu, Buena Vista and Bartholomew Park wineries, as well as the girl and the fig. In addition, this month’s Sunset Magazine not only names Sonoma County one of the 37 Best Places to live, but also names Sonoma Valley Portworks’ sublime port and the girl and the fig’s fig jam both as delicious examples of “This year’s top trends shaping the West.” Check out budgettravel.com and sunset.com respectively.

• There is always something fun happening at Lokal, the quaint little Eastern European eatery on Broadway, just off the Plaza. On Saturday, February 26, listen to the live, jazzy sounds of the Adam Traum Trio. On Sunday, February 27, watch the Academy Awards on their humungous screen. Fun events and more, all while indulging in Hungarian specialties such as spaetzle and cheese or chicken paprikash. Call Lokal for details at 938.7373

• A handful of presenters from the agriculture community, public health fields and local businesses will come together for the first “Sonoma County Healthy Food Forum” on Thursday, February 24, at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds’ Showcase Cafe. The all-day event will bring together agricultural producers and consumers in effort to build a stronger local agricultural economy. Our own Sheana Davis will be on the panel and many of our beloved farmers will be in attendance. The event is from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. and is free and open to the public. To register, go online to cesonoma.ucdavis.edu or call 565.2621.

When asked what their most seductive ingredient or dish is, these Sonoma Tastemakers answered:

Linda Gilbert, owner of Broadway Catering. “Fresh cracked crab with hot drawn garlic butter, enjoyed with a glass of sparkling wine. It has to do with involving all the senses, eating with your fingers, the contrast in temperatures, the aromas. Of course, if this is eaten in front of a roaring fire, so much the better!”

John Cowles, owner of Lokal. “The most romantic dish is the one you’ve made with love.  Mine starts off with a salty kiss of olive oil and onions. As eyes close and bodies embrace, I’ll add another layer of passion with some Hungarian peppers, white wine and sweet paprika. Next, let things simmer for a while and taste to confirm all the ingredients have come together as one. I’ll serve this irresistible creation over some homemade dumplings with a dollop of sour cream. Works every time!”