by Tanya Henry
With the carefully timed release of the movie Fifty Shades of Grey (Feb. 14), some plan to spend the day with their amour glued to the big screen. But if your tastes tend toward the more, er modest, here are a few ideas for you that don’t require toys that can’t be purchased in a children’s store.
DO IT YOURSELF DECADENTLY Grab your sweetie and head over to ITK (In The Kitchen) Culinary in Sausalito. Spend the evening together preparing a decadent chocolate lava cake topped with fresh berries and cream. The cost is $150 per romantic meal. The sumptuous menu includes the classic Oysters Rockefeller, a Carrot Ginger Soup and Cornish Game Hens. You will even have the opportunity to whip up a couple of dishes, and the class begins at 5pm, lasting approximately 2.5 hours. Saturday, Feb. 14, 5-6:30pm, 300 Turney St., Sausalito, 415/331-8766.
GOOD SEED Here is a tasty idea that also supports a good cause. The Living Seed Company, an organization that gives heirloom and open-pollinated seeds to schools and groups who are growing gardens, has planned a fundraiser dinner that will be prepared exclusively from food that comes from farms and local West Marin producers. This dinner—on Saturday, Feb. 14 at 7pm—will support the Giving Seed Program. Tickets are $75. To reserve a spot, call 415/663-8002.
ALL-STAR CAST FOR V-DAY For a lively Valentine’s Day, check out Terrapin Crossroads for a special brunch at 11am. Stay for dinner and live music by Bonafacio Silas and Terrapin All-Stars. The restaurant is located at 100 Yacht Club Dr. in San Rafael. Reservations are recommended. 415/524-2773.
WINE ABOUT IT If it’s wine you desire on Valentine’s Day but don’t want to travel far, just head into downtown Novato and visit Trek Winery’s tasting room. The family-owned winery offers up a number of varietals, including Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Syrahs and Zinfandels. The tasting room is located at 1026 Machin Ave. in Novato. Tasting room hours: Sunday 1-7pm, Wednesday-Thursday noon-8pm, Friday-Saturday noon-10pm, closed Monday & Tuesday. Learn more here: www.trekwine.com.
GOT TO HAVE THE HEART-SHAPED BOX If Valentine’s Day just isn’t right for you without the heart-shaped box, here is a cheat sheet for those who just gotta have it:
See’s Candies—348 Corte Madera Town Center
Miette—2227 Larkspur Landing Circle, Marin Country Mart
Yum Chocolates—73 Throckmorton Ave., Mill Valley
SweetE Organic—800 Redwood Highway, Suite 612, Strawberry Village, Mill Valley
EARLY BIRD GETS THE WORM If you have never been to Slide Ranch, it is a must-visit! I’m posting this early because it always fills up—so reserve your spot now—you won’t regret it! This Spring Fling event is for the whole family, and it’s a perfect way to welcome the new season. Celebrate springtime at the Slide Ranch farm with live music, organic cuisine and hands-on farm and craft activities. Milk goats, feed chickens, tour the organic garden, make fresh food, watch sheep-shearing, learn about nature crafts, go on a coastal hike and more! Saturday, April 25. 10am-4pm, $25/person; $30/person at the gate. Children 2 and under are free. Call the office at 415/381-6155 for more information.
Share your hunger pains with Tanya at [email protected].
