This month’s column was planned to be about Valentine’s Day. But when Valentine’s Day falls mid-week, the weekends sandwiching it can get lumped with the holiday.
That makes for more opportunities to shower loved ones with special outings. It also gives you an opportunity to cash in on promotions just for yourself.
Milk the week for all you can, and treat yourself to some of these upcoming events and specials.
Feb. 10: Aroma Therapy, Cooking and More
Who loves you? Whole Foods at Skillman and Kingsley does.
That’s why it’s featuring some special demonstrations and promotions the Saturday before Valentine’s Day from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. The lineup includes a cooking demonstration of healthy, romantic meals led by a guest chef from Vegetarian Times magazine. He’ll cook up dishes from menus featured in the February issue and let the crowd sample the results.
Other food freebies include samples of gourmet ice cream and sumptuous desserts offered throughout the store. Drawings will be held for prizes, including flowers and body care products.
If the way to your lover’s heart isn’t through the stomach, try the nose. For pointers, don’t miss the aroma therapy demonstration. Eucalyptus, lavender, peppermint and tea tree are among the essential oils employed in aroma therapy. Find out how to use them for relaxation or medicinal purposes, or just pure pleasure.
Whole Foods also is hosting a jewelry show featuring hand-crafted jewelry from Indonesia. For information, call 341-5445.
Don’t look for the same specials at the Greenville Whole Foods, where expansion work is temporarily keeping big events off the calendar.
Feb. 14: Eat, Drink and Be Merry
Sweet Temptations Bakery and Café pulls out all the stops on Valentine’s Day with an elegant, five-course dinner. It begins with heart-shaped puff pastry stuffed with smoked chicken and mushroom ragout. The second course is spinach salad with spicy pecans tossed in a cider poppy seed dressing.
The main course is a combination plate with beef tenderloin and roasted pork tenderloin in a Madeira sauce, as well as marinated and broiled jumbo gulf shrimp. Sides of almond crusted potatoes and a vegetable medley accompany the entrée.
Dessert is a show-stopping baked Alaska, followed by gourmet coffee and chocolate truffles. Forget about your diet.
Cost is $32.50 a person. Dinner hours are from 5:30-9 p.m.; reservations only. Call 503-6007. Sweet Temptations is located at 9090 Skillman at Audelia.
For a taste of European romance, try Franki’s Li’l Europe (362 Casa Linda Plaza, 320-0426). In addition to its regular menu, Franki’s will feature special dishes for two, such as Chateaubriand and rack of lamb.
