Ahhhhh Valentine’s Day.
Cards and Conversation Hearts; chocolates and flowers; strawberries and champagne….
(Or a big middle finger to the greeting card companies and a desire to turn Cupid’s bow and arrow right back at his diaper-clad little self. To each their own, eh?)
Having been in the floral design industry for a good part of my 20’s, I confess I am somewhere in between. I lean toward cussing the whole thing and assaulting the cherub, but I do love any excuse to eat an amazing meal. (Unless you bring me flowers – in which case I will shove them up your nose and stomp on your foot as I turn to walk away. I have floral industry Valentine’s Day induced flower trauma.)
So, where do you go if you want to show your honey some Local Love this Valentine’s Day?
A few suggestions:
I would rather get the tar-and-feather treatment with a vat of molten chocolate fondue and the stuffing from a red-and-pink teddy bear than go out to a restaurant on or around February 14th. The only day that is a bigger nightmare for dinner out is New Year’s Eve, FFS. Skip the crowds and pre-set menus and drop in to your local butcher for the perfect steak (or chop, or a selection of charcuterie, or something else special and delicious,) to make a meal that is sure to show your other just how significant he or she is to you. If the idea seems a bit intimidating to you, stop by Wally’s Quality Meats . The staff is approachable and quick to offer suggestions both for selection and preparation, they will lead you to the perfect pick (and preparation,) to wow your Valentine.
Sweets for your sweetie! You have to have a little something sweet on Valentine’s Day, right? Of course. Two of my favorites from around the area:
Sweet Cow – The original store in Louisville sees a lot of action from this family. So good. So. Dang. Good.
Indulge Bakery – Red velvet cupcakes, people. Come on now. (Or Salted Carmel. Or Butterscotch pie. Oooo, or Cookies!!)
Wine. CLEARLY you are going to need wine to compliment the fabulous meal you are about to whip up, (or to cover up for not listening to Keri about Wallys’s and serving Chipotle by candle light instead. ) Even if you have your everyday favorites, a special bottle of something grape can be THE thing that marks an occasion and sets it apart. For this reason a visit to The Wine Cellar (attached to Wine and Cheese,) at the Orchard Town Center is in order. Tell them what you are preparing, tell them what you like (or don’t,) and they will assist you in selecting a bottle (or two.. ahem.. why not?) This is a boutique approach to wine, so every bottle is a stand out, and (fair warning,) stopping in for something new here can be a bit addictive. You’ll be back.
Maybe you need a little gifty to bestow upon your beloved? Now if you are me, nothing says loving (to be given OR received by Keri,) like a growler or two from Big Choice Brewing. But if beer doesn’t = romance to you then I have just three words for you: Curating The Cool. A fun and funky and, in keeping with its name, very well curated selection of vintage, along with handmade items. Hint, the perfect change-his-life gift for your guy is a selection of Mod Cabin shaving and grooming products, which CtC carries. You are welcome.
But Keri, ONLY flowers will do. She/he/whatever EXPECTS the flowers. I can’t skip the flowers.
Then call Lafayette Florist. Or better yet, stop by and talk to the designers. Skip the internet flowers-wedged-in-shipping-box situation and have a conversation with these folks to get something special that shows you didn’t just “get flowers.” You got an arrangement that will appeal to the recipient. The great designers at Lafayette did my wedding flowers and they were beautiful, elegant, perfection. (It is not easy to please a floral designer on her wedding day, believe me. They did.)
Hint – if flowers are your goal, shop now. Like, maybe don’t finish reading this, just get on the blower or in the car and shop NOW. Except do finish reading this first, because hello – Keri worked hard on it and that’s just rude. Seriously though, if you want Valentine’s Day delivery, or even a nice arrangement to pick up and hand deliver yourself, get that squared away today, because calling on the day (or the day before,) is going to make for an extreme uphill battle.
There you have it – your NoBurbs Valentine’s Day survival – nay – THRIVAL guide. (Yep. That’s not a word. That’s what I do, people.)
Use it well, and remember: when it comes to steak, cupcakes, and wine, sometimes NOT having a significant other is a good thing. :::Side-eyeing The Mr.:::: Protecting your portion can be so much work.
Reluctantly Suburban 