Oh, Valentine’s Day…. it can get a little predictable, can’t it? Though we’ll never say no to a big old box of chocolate and a thoughtful card, sometimes it’s fun to shake things up. When I saw that Palmer Square was hosting an Ice Sculpture festival titled “Hearts on Fire,” it sent got me thinking of fun themes for this year’s Valentine’s Day gifting. If you’re looking for a new twist on this love-filled holiday, let me light your creative fire with ideas from a quick shopping trip around Palmer Square….
Get spicy: Instead of the bubbly, ask the staff at Princeton Corkscrew Wine Shop to point you in the direction of a spicy red. We picked up a Cab for $19 that we served with spicy noodles.
Stop into Carter & Cavero and pick up a bottle of their spicy Chipotle Olive Oil – on sale this month! Infused with smoky pepper, this oil would be a great marinade for a home-cooked V-Day dinner. (Don’t miss the recipes on their website!)
Red Hot: MAC Cosmetics are always a hit, if you ask me. Get her a gift card and let her find her perfect shade: Matte Lipstick in ‘Chili,’ perhaps?
How about a hot date: dinner at Mediterra. They’ve got a special menu for Valentine’s Day, with specials like Oysters with Rosé Cava, Braised Shortrib with Coffee and Chilies, and a Flourless ‘Boca Negra,’ made with bourbon and raspberry. Yum.
Get Cozy: Yes, Lace Silhouettes Lingerie has the luxe lingerie that you might expect for a Valentine’s Day surprise (ooh, la la!) but don’t forget they also have ultra-cozy PJs and robes. Yes, please!
And finally, when I think fire, I can’t help but picture the roaring fireplace at the Yankee Doodle Tap Room. Take your love on a date, grab a pint or a pour on the rocks, and sip together by the fire.
(By the way, if you’re looking for chocolate, flowers, or treats for the little ones, you can find all that on the Square, too!)
