The daily digest of Twin Cities culture | Secrets of the City

When I was in 4th grade, my first boyfriend, Spencer, gave me a heart-shaped box of chocolates and a Snoopy valentine that had the words "Roses are red, violets are blue, I like you, do you like me too?" written in awkward 4th grader chicken-scratch. So charmed was I that I pranced around to all of my teachers and gave them each a piece of that candy. Unfortunately, Spencer unceremoniously dumped me two weeks later because I wouldn't kiss him in the school basement. Or anywhere, for that matter. My point is that a romantic gesture, no matter how small or silly, can make quite an impact. I still have Spencer's heart-shaped box and valentine in a closet somewhere at my parent's house, and the memory is a fond and funny one.  This Valentine's Day, wear your heart on your sleeve and make sure they know "you like them, too," no matter your budget. Peruse our guide below for ideas on traditional and non-traditional gift-giving, romancing, crafting, cooking, and, well, some fun reading. Happy kissing!

 

SWEETS FOR THE SWEET

The gift of candy - especially chocolate - will never get old. But with a bit of originality, this gift goes beyond a mere gesture. Buy your chocolate from the best in town, or think outside the heart-shaped box and get creative with your candy!

 

Just Truffles

If you haven't yet experienced a decadent,  ambrosial truffle from this Grand Avenue institution, we suggest remedying that tout suite. Among the most coveted treats in the Twin Cities, Just Truffles' confections have passed the lips of numerous no-name chocolate lovers and celebs alike. Luciano Pavarotti, who incidentally has a truffle named for him, once wore the elastic gold band from a Just Truffles box during a concert. Later, he kissed the hand of shop owner Kathleen O'Hehir Johnson and proclaimed, "I wore it for you." And if you can't trust Pavaraotti's taste in chocolate, whose can you trust, really?

Just Truffles, 1363 Grand Ave., St. Paul. Online at www.justtruffles.com

Miel y Leche

Here at Secrets of the City world HQ, we fancy ourselves cupcake connoisseurs. The perfect cupcake has to look just as good as it tastes. And our sensitive palates can detect whether a dash of love -- of utmost importance -- has been added to the batter. Lucky for us, Twin Cities cupcake queen and caterer Sheela Namakkal adds not just a dash, but a heaping spoonful of love to each batch. With selections such as Roasted Peach with Lime Ginger, White Chocolate Lavender, and Rosewater with Pistachio Butter Cream -- just to name a few -- we can't help but have almost inappropriate fantasies involving these adorable cakes. Miel y Leche does not have a retail location, but cupcakes are available by special order (in two-flavor split dozens), and at the locations below on specific days. 

Fridays, 10 a.m. @ The Golden Fig, 790 Grand Ave., St Paul

Saturdays, 10 a.m. @ Mitrebox, 213 Washington Ave. N., Minneapolis

For custom orders or catering visit www.mielyleche.net

Bissinger's French Confections

Any shop with the words "French" and "confection" in its name automatically sets off our cuteness radar, so it's really no surprise that we are enamored with Bissinger's. Located in the Galleria, and one of only four retail shops in the country, Bissinger's sweet success dates back to 17th Century Paris. The family's confections were a favorite of Emperor Louis Napoleon, who named Karl Frederic Bissinger the "Confiseur Imperial," or "Candy Maker of the Empire." And while the company has since transplanted to the less glamorous St. Louis, Missouri, its mastery of the sweet stuff is still just as impressive.

Bissingers French Confections, 3495 Galleria, Edina. Online at www.bissingers.com

LOVE IN BLOOM

Forget the red roses this year -- that's been done. If you want your gesture to be original and memorable, we suggest thinking beyond the baby's breath!

Bastian + Skoog Urban Flower Studio

Liz Bastian and Heidi Skoog are green-thumbed art stars. As owners of the hottest floral design studio in the Twin Cities, these ladies share some very key ideals that include "a hunger for good design and culture (and shoes), modern aesthetic sensibilities, and most importantly, discriminating taste." And these qualities are definitely evident in their unusual, custom floral designs, and their long, impressive roster of high-end clients. For those who hold art close to their heart, an arrangement from the contemporary perfectionists at Bastian + Skoog is equally satisfying to give and to get. But, beware. You'll likely become a regular, scheduling artsy arrangements for business, special occasions, and special people.

Bastian + Skoog, 310 N. 2nd St., Minneapolis. Online at www.bastianskoog.com

The Highland Nursery

The lush, moist smell of a bustling plant nursery makes us nostalgic, bringing to mind freshly-turned earth, sweetly-worded lessons on nature from our green-thumbed mothers, pretty little gardening gloves, and the perfection of the tiny white bells on a lily of the valley plant. This year, turn traditional bouquet-giving on its ear and set your lover up with all the tools necessary to start a proper spring garden! Highland Nursery in St. Paul is a great place to gear up, with an array of seeds, bulbs, planters, and tools, along with expert advice to steer you in the right direction. For the more curatorial gardener, Highland Nursery also boasts an amazing collection of statuary, unusual (and often hand-painted) pots and planters, and oodles of gorgeous garden accessories.

Highland Nursery, 1742 7th St. W, St. Paul. Online at www.thehighlandnursery.com

The Conservatory

You don't need to give a bouquet to benefit from the romantic effect of beautiful flowers. The Marjorie McNeely Conservatory at Como Park is about as sweet-smelling as it gets! Take your darlin' for a meander through this winding maze of lush vegetation and vibrantly colored flower gardens. Lay eyes on the winter flower show and take a spin through the new Tropical Encounters exhibit, where you'll meet a special animal visitor. And if you really want to be romantic, book yourself for the Conservatory's "Enchanted Evening" Valentine's Day dinner, where you'll be treated to live music and an amazing feast of steak and lobster, topped off with triple chocolate pave for dessert.

Marjorie McNeely Conservatory, Como Park, 1225 Estabrook Dr., St. Paul. Online at www.comozooconservatory.org

More of our favorite Twin Cities florists:

Roger Beck

Wisteria Design Studio

Acanthus Floral Art

Indulge & Bloom

Pazzobello Flowers

Fleur de Lis

 

FOR THE BOYS

Let's be honest. This Hallmark holiday is designed for the ladies. And a lady with any sense knows that guys typically don't appreciate gestures like flowers and/or chocolates. However, there are a few gifts that almost any dude will covet. Keep it simple: Booze and meat.

 

Blanton's Single Barrel Bourbon

We don't claim to know much about bourbon, but we do know when we see a handsome bottle, and we aren't above equating "more expensive" with "better." (Thanks for those life lessons, Mom.) So, our choice is genuine Blanton's Single Barrel Kentucky Bourbon, a high-falutin' drink with a cringe-worthy price tag and a really cool bottle. Any guy will feel oh-so debonair sipping some of this stuff, and at 140 proof it will easily get him juiced for V-Day advantage taking. For the fellow who once OD'ed on bourbon and will never touch the stuff again, try Midleton, the fabulous Irish whisky that would be a crowd pleaser if we were man -- or lady -- enough to share it.

Available at Surdyk's Liquor, 303 E. Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis. Click HERE for their extensive selection of bourbons and whiskys at every price point!

Von Hanson's Meat Market

You've all heard the saying, "the way to a man's heart is through his stomach." Most guys we know love to channel their inner caveman by gnawing on a nice, bloody slab of meat from time to time. Von Hanson's Meat Market in St. Paul is a true Mecca of carnivorous pleasure, with an old-timey butcher shop feel. Pick up a package of perfectly aged steaks, or perhaps some seasoned chicken, stuffed pork chops, or Cajun beef jerky. Note: Vegetarians will not find this gift amusing.

Located at 2018 Ford Parkway, St. Paul. For other locations in Minnesota click HERE. Online at www.vonhansons.com

KISS AND TELL

Valentine's Day is all about z' romance, so why settle for anything less than a perfect pucker? A few key preparations will ensure your kisser is in top form! Maybe this Valentine gift is presented to yourself!

 

Grapefruit Lip Scrub

This homemade lip scrub will leave your lips soft and sweet and ready to suck face!

1. Combine 1 tsp. fresh grapefruit juice with 1 Tbls white sugar, mixing well.

2. Apply the mixture to your lips and let rest for 5 minutes.

3. Massage your lips gently to exfoliate, then rinse with warm water.

4. Gently pat lips dry, and apply a lip balm or moisturizer.

 

Chanel Levres Scintillantes Glossimer

This sparkly gloss is one of our faves. And while the price point is a little higher than drugstore brands, sometimes we just have to splurge, especially if it's for a treasure by Chanel. If you don't normally go for the fancy brands, consider buying a couple special occasion staples like this glitzy gloss or a radiant red lipstick. Having nice things, even if they are few and far between, makes life feel that much more dear.

Available online and at numerous locations in the Twin Cities. Online at www.chanel.com

Lipsmackers

Ok, so we didn't sell you on the $27 lip gloss? It's not for everyone, not in this recessive day and age! But take it back to 1985 for a moment, if you will: making out in the back seat of a Camero with a guy named "Chad" or "Ray," lips liberally loaded with strawberry Lipsmackers! (Nevermind that some of us were pre-teens then, and into Boy George -- we liked our Lipsmackers none the less.) Seal it with a kiss in endless flavor possibilities, such as Dr. Pepper, Cotton Candy, Bubble Gum, and yes, Strawberry.

Available online and at numerous retail locations in the Twin Cities. Online at www.lipsmacker.com

 

Kissing College

We expect you already know how to brush your teeth. However, some of you (and we know this from unfortunate experience) don't know how to kiss. If you're worried about your skills, kissingcollege.com has you covered. This mildly risque series of awkward short videos features two busty dames giving you instructions on how to lock lips properly. We were on the fence about this one until we clicked through to the parent company - which literally made us laugh out loud.

Online at www.kissingcollege.com 

 

SEXY TIMES

Even though we are quite modest around here (they don't call it Secrets of the City for nothing), we know ya'll have your pet perversions. When shopping for sexy-fun-stuff, it's best to include your mate; they may not be into those anal beads, despite the twinkle you thought you saw in their eye when you were psychically projecting the idea over coffee last week.

 

The Smitten Kitten

This lady-owned and operated Uptown "hot" spot is where all the cool kids go to get their romantic, ahem, personal items. A non-creepy environment that celebrates sexuality, as opposed to treating it like a dirty little secret, the Smitten Kitten is fully equipped to set you up for a sensational (pun intended) Valentine's Day. You'll avoid the piercing stares of mustachioed sex shop perverts while getting expert advice on all things erotic in a welcoming environment. Your lovva will love ya for it -- and you won't feel the intense need to shower after your shopping trip!

Smitten Kitten, 3010 Lyndale Ave. S., Minneapolis. Online at www.smittenkittenonline.com

Awakenings

Awakenings is St. Paul's answer to the Smitten Kitten. Their tag line, "Enhancing Intimacy, Education & Strengthening Relationships" sets the tone at this cutely suggestive boutique. Massage oils, candles, bath & body products and more abound, and their selection of lingerie is sexy and playful, without being too trashy. Well, ok, that feather puff crotch-cover thingy is a little trashy -- but who are we to judge? Play dress-up in a frilly costume, vamp in a bustier, or prance around in silky skivies -- we're pretty sure your mate won't hate it.

Awakenings, 32 Dunlap St. S., St. Paul. Online at www.awakenings-ppi.com

Sanctuary SalonSpa

If you're club-fisted when it comes to the art of massage, don't fret! You and your mate can experience a relaxing rubdown together without the fear of hurting each other, thanks to Sanctuary SalonSpa. While the professionals focus on bringing balance to the mind, body, and spirit, you and your special someone will be treated to a hot stone massage in a cozy private room. Other amazing spa treatments are available, such as rejuvenating facials, hydrotherapy baths, and body treatments, as well as other standard salon services. And while Sanctuary won't provide you with a "happy ending," that doesn't mean you can't go home and revel in your new-found flexibility and rejuvenation!

Sanctuary SalonSpa, locations in Eden Prairie, Minneapolis, and Tonka Bay. Online at www.sanctuaryspa.com

Music to Stay Inside To

If intimacy is a steppingstone on the path to romance, then how, exactly, is going to a crowded restaurant on Valentine's Day a loving gesture? For those who want to have a truly personal holiday (and for those who managed to forget the OpenTable reservation lists), here's music to savor in the peace of your own home. The Absent Arch's Keep Calm and Carry On and Spirits of the Red City's Hunter Moon both exude the warmth and charm of a fireplace. So, especially for those apartment dwellers, you might consider snuggling up in front of the stereo. The bands share members and instruments, and the resonant, honey-like cellos and violas that underscore many of the songs might be a veritable acoustic aphrodisiac. Yow. -Max Ross

Available online at www.theabsentarch.com and www.spiritsoftheredcity.com

 

Feel the Wuv

Yeah, we know, it's a recession. But can you really put a price tag on sexy times and champagne in a swanky hotel room? We didn't think so. Rendezvous with your main squeeze at the beautiful W Hotel in downtown Minneapolis for a tantalizing evening of scandalous seduction! Feel the Wuv packages start at $259 and include a Jimmyjane "Spin Me" game, Feather Tickler, and Seduction Sash, as well as a box of Max Brenner chocolates and a bottle of bubbly. Grab a bite at the W's in-house restaurant, Manny's, to kick-start the evening, then retreat to your room for a little romance. A late 2 p.m. check out ensures you'll have enough time to recoup after your evening of champagne guzzling and sexy shenanigans.

W Minneapolis, 821 Marquette Ave., Downtown Minneapolis. Make your reservations by calling 612-215-3700 or online at www.starwoodhotels.com, quote rate plan "WUVS"

 
Minnesota Zoo Love Tour

In regards to this particular event, we're equal parts creeped out and fascinated. The Minnesota Zoo offers a glimpse into the carnal lives of a wide variety of untamed beasts. Learn all about animal courtship and mating rituals, and indulge in a little voyeurism, as your guide takes you on an "intimate tour" of the zoo. Your ticket price also includes a sumptous four-course meal featuring such delicious delights as hazelnut-crusted goat cheese salad, grilled Atlantic salmon with wildflower honey chili glaze, pan-seared Chateau sirloin, and a decadent chocolate torte. Live music from First Light completes the "wildly" romantic scene!

Feb 13-14, 6 p.m., Minnesota Zoo, 1300 Zoo Boulevard, Apple Valley. Online at www.mnzoo.com

 

GOOD COMPANY

You don't need to spend an arm and a leg to have a memorable Valentine's Day. Most often, quality time and simple displays of affection are keys to making this holiday count.  So plan big and don't scrimp on the originality!

The Great Outdoors

We are partial to cozy interiors this time of year, but you may be a bit braver than we. Parks all over the Twin Cities are accessible for such cold-weather folly as cross country skiing, ice fishing, ice skating, sledding, snowboarding, snowshoeing, ice climbing, and more. Most offer equipment for rent, too. Get creative and pack a picnic (don't forget the thermos of hot chocolate -- with a dash of cayenne pepper to spice it up!), or surprise your beau with a cheesy love poem, recited with good humor atop a picturesque hill. An outdoor V-day is not for the faint of heart, so bundle up -- the heat of passion only gets you so far in Minnesota.

For Minneapolis park activities and locations click HERE.
For St. Paul park activities and locations click HERE.

Roller Skating

Many of us have fond memories of roller rink romance! Recreate this time-honored tradition by donning a pair of skates and taking a spin around the rink, hand-in-hand, to Olivia Newton John's "Magic." Share some nachos at the food court, steal a few kisses in the arcade, and try not to break your neck -- you're probably not as limber as you were in 8th grade. This cute and nostalgic activity is as fun as it gets, and certainly won't hurt your wallet. Optional: Can be followed up with liquor pilfered from your parent’s house and an "advanced" game of spin the bottle!

Need some inspiration? Check out this video, filmed at Cheap Skate (with a little styling assistance from yours truly)

Cheap Skate, 3075 Coon Rapids Blvd, Coon Rapids. Online at www.cheapskatecr.com

For other roller rinks in the Twin Cities click HERE.

Heart Local Art

What's hotter than supporting local artists? Not much, say we! Grab your lover and head to Northeast Minneapolis for The California Building's Second Saturday Open Studio Crawl, conveniently occurring on Saturday, February 14th! Peruse five floors of artists' studios in this sprawling warehouse: Meet the artists, see their latest creations, and hear the interesting stories behind their respective crafts. Visit mixed media artist Doug Padilla on the 4th floor for vibrant art and great conversation (ask him about the Minneapolis art scene in the '80s!); or head down to floor 3 to visit Robyne Robinson's Rox Jewelry studio and boutique; or perhaps seek out artist Kendall Bohn, whose whimsical line of children's coloring books would make the perfect Valentine's Day gift for your little one. We always visit the Rainbow Collective, too. In these tough economic times, supporting independent artists and small businesses is the sexiest thing you can do. After all, the couple that shops for art together, stays together!

Every second Saturday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., California Building, 2205 California Street NE, Northeast Minneapolis. Online at www.californiabuildingartists.com

For more info on the Northeast Arts District visit www.northeastminneapolisartsdistrict.com

 

CUTE-IT-YOURSELF

A personal touch is always endearing. Wow your sweetie with something special made just for them this year! Even if you end up burning your house down in the process, at least you'll have a good story to tell your grandkids. After all, it's the thought that counts!

 

Velvet Embossing

For those of you with minimal creativity and semi-decent hand-eye coordination, this crafty project is right up your alley. It looks really fancy, but is ridiculously easy!

All you need:

- Some light-weight velvet

- cute rubber stamps (hearts, hello! It's V-Day!)

- Spray bottle with water

- An iron

First, decide what you're going to do with your embossed velvet. We like the idea of sachets, scarves, pillows, or pins. If you have no ideas on your own (sorry), remember, Google is your friend! Embossing velvet is easy. Heat your iron up, place your rubber stamp face up on your ironing board. Lay the fabric, velvet side down, over the stamp. Spritz the non-velvet side of the fabric over the stamp with a fine mist of water and hold the iron down, pressing firmly for 10-15 seconds. Iron temperatures vary, so experiment until you get it right. The result is a pretty imprint of your rubber stamp on the velvet. You can layer different stamp designs for a bigger project, or just do one or two for something small. The world is your velvet-embossing oyster!

Click HERE for tons of cute n' easy V-Day craft ideas a la Martha Stewart.

 

Get Saucy

There's nothing more seductive than sharing a bowl of ice cream topped with a rich hot fudge sauce. Well, maybe there are more seductive things, but we really like ice cream, so don't judge. Try out this bad-for-you, but delicious and easy recipe for Peanut Butter Fudge Sauce, and impress your date with your skillz in more ways than one!

Peanut Butter Fudge Sauce

1 cup corn syrup (light or dark)

1 cup creamy peanut butter

1/2 cup heavy cream

1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Prep:

Combine corn syrup, peanut butter, and cream in a bowl. Microwave for 1 1/2 minutes, until hot and bubbly. Add chocolate chips and stir until melted. Can be stored in the fridge and warmed up to be served over ice cream. Makes 2 1/2 cups.

For more saucy recipes check out www.epicurious.com

 

DECADENT DRINKING

Valentine's Day happens to fall on a Saturday this year, so boozing is not just okay, it's practically expected. Nothing puts stars in the eyes and sweet words on the tongue like a bit of the ol' liquid courage. Indulge in the following potions and you'll be reciting poetry on bended knee in no time -- or maybe you'll just do something inappropriate. We say take your chances!

 

Chocolate Covered Cherry

1 part Kahlua

1 part amaretto

1 part white creme de cacao

1 dash grenadine

Combine in a cocktail shaker with ice, shake and strain into a shot glass.

 

Apricot Bubbly

1 Shot of Apricot Brandy

Champagne or Prosecco

Pour one shot of Apricot Brandy into a champagne flute, top with bubbly. Other flavored brandies can be substituted to your taste.

 

Raspberry Kiss

2 oz. Tequila

1 oz. white creme de cacao

1 oz. heavy cream

1/2 oz. chambord

Combine in a cocktail shaker with ice, shake and strain into a martini glass and serve with a spear of fresh raspberries.

For more decadent drink recipes click HERE.

 

FAKE IT (IN THE KITCHEN)

If you've been living the life of a career-focused bachelor or bachelorette (like some people we, um, know), there's a good chance you're missing a few key skills. Gourmet cooking, wine snobbery, or even matching dinnerware may not be in your repertoire, but there's no need to panic. There are plenty of idiot-proof ways to impress your Valentine's palate!

 

Pasta!

The basis is pretty easy: follow the instructions on the box. However, what really matters is what you top it with. And if you're reading this in any non-ironic fashion, we think it's safe to say you're not making the sauce from scratch -- but that's no excuse to go for the first jar of Ragu you see. Head to St. Paul's Buon Giorno Italia Market to stock up on everything you need to dazzle your date: fresh frozen pastas, savory sauces, crusty Italian breads, spicy sausages, huge meatballs, wines, and beautiful desserts -- all designed with your ignorance in mind. It's really as simple as heat n' serve, though we recommend adding a bit of tasty personal flair such as sautéed mushrooms, basil, and shaved parmesan to top off your dish. Presentation is everything!

 

Finger Food!

Ok, so you're nervous about the whole "boiling water" thing. We understand. Why not make your meal subtly seductive with numerous courses of decadent finger foods? Keep on the construction end of the cooking sphere by putting together artfully arranged platters of pre-made treats for your sweet. A trip to any higher-end grocery such as Whole Foods, Lunds, Byerlys, Kowalskis, or your favorite co-op will provide you with everything you need. Pick up olives stuffed with bleu cheese or garlic. Maybe some soft pita with an assortment of spreads such as babaganuch (sp), hummus, or tapenade. Custom create a pretty selection of seasoned nuts, unusual cheeses and maybe even some prosciutto. Perhaps a beautiful array of interesting fruits -- think bite sized, or things you can slice that are not too sticky or hard to deal with: champagne grapes, raspberries, Asian pear, etc. Toss in some handmade chocolate truffles, a bottle of Port, a little Barry White, and a bearskin rug and you're destined to score more than just brownie points!

 

Wine, not Whine

So, your knowledge of wine ends at that box of Franzia White Zinfandel that your friend left at your place that one time. Lesson one: White Zin is bitch wine. Lesson two: Go to an actual wine shop and ask the advice of the employees, who are usually knowledgeable wine snobs. While they might be snobs, they are completely used to people like you who don't know anything. So much so, they probably won't even talk smack about you after you've left. Probably. Anyhoo, you can pretty much trust them. Take a meander to Sorella Wine and Spirits,  Hennepin Lake Liquor, Warehouse District fave Sam's Wine Shop, or in St. Paul, Solo Vino on Selby.  They can all hook you up proper.

 

LOVE STARVED

Making out on an empty stomach is something we don't recommend. You'll definitely need your energy this Valentine's eve, so book a table sooner than later! Plenty of prix fixe sweetheart's dinners at reasonable prices are available, and nothing says "I love you" better than a four-course gourmet meal.

Spill the Wine

A special 3-course prix-fixe with wine pairings ($90/couple, $49/person).

Nicolett Island Inn

A 5-course menu for the evening ($65/guest; wine pairing: $20/guest)

Northcoast

5-course chef prepared tasting menu ($49) w. paired wines. Go the extra mile & pre-order a half bottle of Piper-Heidsieck Champagne ($30).

Sapor Cafe

A 4-course menu with fish, meat, & vegetarian options ($60). Wine pairing available ($30).

Cosmos at the Graves Hotel

6-6:30 seating includes a 5-course prix-fixe menu ($70; $125 w. wine). 9-9:30 seating includes a 7-course prix-fixe menu ($90; $170 w. wine).

Luci Ancora

A build your own 4-course dinner inlcuding your choice of antipasto, soup or salad, pasta, & meat/fish ($44.95).

Solera

8-course tapas tasting menu in the dining room ($40/person).

Cue at the Guthrie

3-course prix-fixe menu incl. a sweetheart dinner for 2 option available Fri-Sun. Special Sweetheart Package: dinner for 2 & premium theater tickets available.

For more restaurants open on Valentine's Day, visit Open Table by clicking HERE.