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Step Outside of the Heart-Shaped Box
Maybe this Valentine's Day you're looking for something different.
A gesture, a gift, a little extra je ne sais quoi that will up the ante and make cupid look downright amateurish when it comes to setting the stage for le romance.
It's easy to gravitate to what we know; the classic standby of dinner and chocolate, but why not step outside of the heart–shaped box and look into nontraditional ideas that will give Valentine's Day a twist of your personal style.
Take a peek into these flirty ideas:
 Champagne and Caviar
One may not realize that Sacramento is a hotbed for caviar farming, but Sterling Caviar, has been in the sturgeon business for 20 years and has made a name for themselves in the American caviar industry. Caviar is a delicate and wildly indulgent food—prices start at $62 for a 30 gram jar—that you can pair with a glass of bubbly champagne to feel extra luxurious and special. Which is exactly how you want to feel on Valentine's Day. Order online at www.sterlingcaviar.com or pick up at Corti Brothers, 5810 Folsom Blvd., Sacramento; (916) 736-3800 or David Berkley, 515 Pavilions Lane, Sacramento; (916) 929-0423
 Nothing says I Love You Like Cake
Forget the heart shaped pastel hard candies that read " Text Me" or " Kiss Me" and instead order a bittersweet chocolate mousse cake covered in chocolate ganache at Selland’s Market and Cafe. The heart shaped cake—specifically made for two—can be personalized with sayings "Be Mine" "Love" or "Valentine". Each cake sells for $9.50 a piece. For bite size sweets that make feeding one another easier, try one of Sacramento’s new cupcake shops. Cupcake makers have been quite busy frosting and adding colorful sprinkles to these little beauties that will make your heart beat quickly with a sugar high. Try Baby Cakes Bakery in East Sacramento, Icing on the Cupcake in Rocklin and Cupcake Craving on Arden Way. Baby Cakes Bakery, 3675 J St., Sacramento; (916) 451-7885; www.babycakessacramento.com; Icing on the Cupcake, 5065 Pacifc St., Rocklin; (916) 315-9500; www.icingonthecupcake.com; Cupcake Craving, 2100 Arden Way, Sacramento; (916) 923-5995; www.cupcakecraving.com
 Sake it to them
Bubbly champagne is often the libation of choice when setting the mood for celebration and romance. This year try Japan’s version with sparkling sake that has the same dry and fruity taste, but is made with rice and yeast instead of fermented grapes. Folsom-based Gekkeikan Sake makes Zipang, a naturally carbonated sake, that looks, feels and taste like champagne. Serve it in chilled sake cups for a unique presentation. Gekkeikan Sake Inc., 1136 Sibley St., Folsom; (916) 985-3111; www.gekkeikan-sake.com
 Seduce with Pizza and Beer
Maybe your sweetie is more beer and pizza than wine and roses; that’s OK. The popular pizza chain Papa Murphy’s has a heart shaped ‘take n’ bake’ pizza for $6.99 that is a perfect counterpart to a six-pack of Pabst Blue Ribbon. You can also order a special love–themed beer: Valentale Ale from Brew it Up in downtown Sacramento. It’s a Belgian-style ale made with fresh raspberries and has about a nine percent alcohol content. It comes in a champagne bottle and sells for about $14. It's released the week before Valentine’s Day. Papa Murphy’s www.papamurphys.com; Brew it Up, 801 14th St., Sacramento; (916) 441-3000; www.brewitup.com
 Couples who Cook Together
Spend an evening learning about the art of fondue at Whole Foods on Arden Way, at the Valentine’s Day class “Fondue for Lovers.” The class will feature three different chocolate fondues, a bevy of dipping items and samples of port and dessert wine. Class is $30 and will he held on Valentine’s Day starting at 6:30 p.m.
4315 Arden Way, Sacramento; (916) 488-2800; www.wholefoodsmarket.com
Do you have an interesting Valentine's Day idea? Let us know?
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Reader Comments:
i love the idea of seducing my man with a heart shaped beer and pizza...do they deliver to los angeles?
Text me cupcake mmmmm.