Whether you’re going it alone on this Hallmark-heavy holiday or you’ve got a main squeeze, here are a few ways to get through the day
By Kirsten Ott
GREEN HEARTS AND HAM
Valentine’s Day dinner specials abound at nearly every restaurant in town, but if you’re craving something truly different, join Georgia Organics and Slow Food Atlanta at the Gardens at Kennesaw for the Lusting for Local Food dinner. Singles, couples and groups will gather for music from Sarah Lee Guthrie and Johnny Irion, cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, dancing and a seated dinner featuring local, fresh and organic dishes prepared by Parsley’s Catering. Featured local foods include Sweetwater Growers microgreens, Serenbe Farms, Rise ’N Shine Farms, Jake’s Chocolates, Riverview Farms and Rasberry TruffAle and InaugurAle from 5 Seasons Brewing. While there, check out the Gardens’ 100 percent recycling, composting, water-saving facilities and solar panels. $50 for members of Georgia Organics or Slow Food Atlanta; $65 for non-members. The Gardens at Kennesaw is located at 1127 White Circle NW in Marietta. For more information, call 678-702-0400 or visit www.georgiaorganics.org.
TOAST TO LOVE
Mixing some romantic libations at home to get you in the mood? Try whipping up Grand Marnier and Chandon Rosé’s new pretty-and-pink “Cupid’s Arrow” cocktail for you and your amore.
Cupid’s Arrow
* 1 part pomegranate juice
* 2 parts Grand Marnier
* 2 parts Chandon Rosé
* ½ part lemon juice
Shake pomegranate juice, Grand Marnier and lemon with ice. Pour into a champagne flute. Top with Chandon Rosé.
BROKEN CUPID’S ARROW
There’s no shortage of people that would rather gouge out their right eye than spend Valentine’s Day oohing and aahing over someone at a major gooey love overload dinner. I’ve got something for this special lot. On Feb. 14, LITKitchen is hosting a Valentine’s Day Sux party. A $40 entry fee gets you an all-access pass to hearty passed hors d’oeuvres, two drinks and live entertainment from DJ Keith Evans. Plus, you’ll be in good company with like-minded souls. Other perks include chair massages and fun surprises. The menu lineup includes bites such as stuffed jalapeño with bacon, onions, red peppers, mozzarella and panko-and-parmesan crust; spicy pork tenderloin rolled in spaghetti squash with a citrus honey-glazed salad; sesame-spiced seared tuna on flatbread, seaweed salad, arugula and balsamic reduction; and chocolate mango-mint lollipops. LITKitchen is located at 433-C Bishop St. RSVP at www.litkitchen.com.
HOLY BIRTHDAY
For a complete seasonal cycle, Holy Taco has welcomed diners, families and late-night barflies to its ultra-fresh eatery in East Atlanta Village. Guests have noshed on Chef Robert Phalen’s superb pan-Latin menu and sampled some of the 50 resident tequilas. Join Holy Taco on Friday, Feb. 13 for a first-anniversary celebration. It’s the perfect excuse to try an organic margarita, a pork belly torta and decadent churros dipped in dark chocolate sauce. Party starts at 5 p.m. Lot and street parking available. Holy Taco is located at 1314 Glenwood Ave. SE. www.holy-taco.com.
This article originally appeared in The Sunday Paper on February 8, 2009.
