LET'S HAVE A HEART-TO-HEART ABOUT VALENTINE'S DAYHere's some Valentine's advice straight from our hearts...go for a bite of give and a dash of take. If he treated you to the ultra-romantic night out last year, turn the tables and take him out for a meaty masterpiece. Last year, he brought Valentine's chocolate to your doorstep, this year show up with heart-shaped doughnuts. Went formal? Go comedy or country! If absence is making the heart grow fonder, send tokens of affection - we've listed some suggestions below!
KRISPY KREME HEART-SHAPED DOUGHNUTS ARE LOVE AT FIRST BITE
Why leave 'em guessing?
Krispy Kreme heart-shaped doughnuts are sweet through and
through! Unlike a box of chocolates, one always knows what to expect with Krispy Kreme doughnuts. The outsides are dazzling in white icing with pink, red and white sprinkles. Your beau will be heartbroken if you don't buy some of these luscious lovelies by February 14 . . . after that they're gone until next February!
Buy two-dozen doughnuts of any kind before February 14 and you'll receive 12
Share the Love Valentine's Day cards, each good for a free doughnut. Oh, and if you're sweet on lots of valentines, place your large order 48 hours in advance. Available at all Atlanta
Krispy Kreme stores:
Atlanta - 295 Ponce de Leon Avenue, 404-876- 7307
Buford - 3387 Buford Drive, 770-831-1174
Duluth - 1550 Pleasant Hill Road, 770-717-5134
Lilburn - 4129 Highway 78, 770-985-2810
Marietta - 299 Cobb Parkway, South, 770-425- 0374
Riverdale - 6689 Highway 85, 770-997-6210
Roswell - 791 Atlanta Street, 770-998-0779
THERE'S SOMETHING TO BE SAID FOR HEART-FELT SPONTANEITY - THEY'RE SAYING IT WITH HUMOR AT WHOLE WORLD THEATRE'S VALENTINE'S DAY IMPROV SPECIAL
Blackberry schedules and IM buzzes are so unromantic. Turn them off and turn on your date with the spontaneity of dinner, laughs and prizes at
Whole World Theatre's Valentine's Day improv comedy special. The evening's in the hands of a fun-loving twosome: Front Page News-Midtown serves dinner at 7 p.m., and
Whole World Theatre brings on the laughs at 9 p.m. In between, head for the dessert bar, complete with
Krispy Kreme's heart-shaped doughnuts! Per couple: show only, $75; show and dinner (including a bottle of wine), $120. For reservations, call 404-817-PLAY. 1216 Spring Street in Midtown.
WAYS TO EAT TO YOUR HEART'S DESIRE WITH THESE ATLANTA RESTAURANT SPECIALS AND GOURMET GIFT IDEASA dinner of authentic central Italian fare from
Allegro's special "Amore Mio" menu will steal
any lover's heart. The four-course Valentine's Day prix fixe menu is $100 per couple (tax, gratuity and wine excluded). Choose one dish for each course on the Valentine's menu:
First Course
Pane Sardo -- toasted Sardinian flat bread with king crab, slow-cooked tomatoes, celery micro greens with lemon juice and extra virgin olive oil
Carpaccio di Salmone -- smoked salmon carpaccio with blood oranges, cumin-flavored carrots, Pantelleria caper berries, basil micro greens
Second Course
Risotto al Balsamico -- butter and Parmigiano risotto topped with 12-year-old balsamic- marinated fresh strawberries
Cappellacci Cupido -- butternut squash cappellacci with cranberry compote and amaretti cookie crumbles
Third Course
Filetto Valentino -- grilled filet mignon with Brussels sprout au gratin flavored with horseradish and finished with black beef glaze
Branzino Casanova -- pan-seared Chilean sea bass served with crispy polenta topped with roasted tomato, capers and olive relish
Fourth Course
Dolcezza -- white chocolate and strawberry parfait
Tortino alla Nutella e Vaniglia -- chocolate and Nutella lava cake with vanilla gelato
Dinner will be served from 5:30 to 10:30 p.m. 560 Dutch Valley Road in the Belvedere condominium building; 404-888-1890. Buon appetito!
www.allegroatlanta.com
Aqua Blue woos with courses featuring lobster, crab and chocolate on its Valentine's dinner menu: Charleston she crab bisque; Maine lobster and spinach salad; thyme roast tenderloin with lobster, jumbo lump crab Napoleon, winter vegetable fricassee and lobster knuckle sauce; and
Aqua Blue Chocolate "Bomb" of dark and semi-sweet chocolate mousse with raspberry. $65 per person, $130 a couple, including two glasses of champagne. 1564 Holcomb Bridge Road, Roswell; 770-643-8886.
Aria, known as one of Atlanta's most romantic dining destinations, serves a four-course prix fixe Valentine's Day menu that sings of romance. $90 per person (tax, gratuity and beverages not included). Serving dinner from 6 to 10 p.m. 490 East Paces Ferry Road; 404-233-7673.
http://www.aria-atl.com/Chipotle wraps up that extra something...a receipt worth a free burrito on February 13 or 14 for any guest who purchases a gift card for their valentine this month before February 12 (minimum $10). One free burrito per gift card purchased.
Chipotle has 12 Atlanta-area locations.
Sweetheart, forget the frou-frou, "meat" your man for the Valentine's meal of his dreams at
Fogo de Chão, a true Brazilian churrascaria. Give your gaucho the green light on table-side carving of 15 savory cuts of meat -- as much as your man wants. Voracious for veggies? Tour the sumptuous salad bar laden with vegetables, salads, fruits, cheeses, meats and more. Lunch (served from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.) is $29.50 per person; dinner (served from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.) is $46.50 per person. 3101 Piedmont Road;404-266-9988.
http://www.fogodechao.com/Food Studio, near the heart of the city, offers a Valentine's Day four-course prix fixe menu for $65 per person. Choose one item for each course from the special menu:
Amuse Bouche
First Course
Hammock Hallow field greens, fingerling potatoes, white asparagus with mustard vinaigretteSeared Maine diver scallops, parsnip- black truffle risotto
Grilled Carolina quail with caramelized onion tart and spiced fig compote
Butter-poached shrimp with cauliflower puree, grilled porcini mushrooms
Second Course
Grilled beef tenderloin, horseradish potatoes, Swiss chard, red wine reduction
Braised lamb shank, polenta, creamed escarole, braise reduction
Alaskan halibut, ricotta gnocchi, Brussels sprouts, hedgehog mushrooms
Spice-rubbed pork tenderloin with root vegetable hash, Tuscan kale, sherry jus
Third Course
Warm walnut tart with poached pears and rosemary sabayon
Valrhona chocolate-covered cherry bombe with sour cherry reduction.
Dinner hours are 5:30 to 10 p.m. 887 W. Marietta Street in the King Plow Arts Center; 404-815-6677.
http://www.fifthgroup.com/Marlow's Tavern in Alpharetta, Kennesaw, Midtown and Vinings are all offering different, special three-course dinner menus on Valentine's Day (regular menu also will be available). A Sexy Singles Party at the Vinings location begins at 9 p.m. on Valentine's night and will feature drink specials in the bar area. Check individual locations for menu items and pricing information. In Alpharetta at 3719 Old Alabama Road, 770-475-1800; Kennesaw at 745 Chastain Road, NW, 770-425-8777; Midtown at 950 West Peachtree Street, 404-815-0323; and Vinings at 2355 Cumberland Parkway, 770-432-2526.
http://www.marlowstavern.com/Morton's Steakhouse in Buckhead marries its signature steak and seafood together in one of the best Valentine's Day four-course menu deals around. For just $99 for two, each person enjoys a single-cut filet; choice of seafood options including
Morton's jumbo lump crab cake, Shrimp Alexander or broiled sea scallops wrapped in bacon with apricot chutney; choice of Caesar or Morton's salad; and a choice of Morton's legendary hot chocolate cake or Key lime pie for dessert. Buckhead location ONLY, located in the Peachtree Lenox Building at 3379 Peachtree Road, NE; 404-816-6535.
http://www.mortons.com/ 
Trilogy will have East Cobb swooning in the main dining room with a rose for each lady and menu specials. Entertainment room guests will be enamored with the Kenny Chesney and Shania Twain cover band and look-a-likes at 8 p.m. The entertainment room has a $20 cover charge per person. 4930 Davidson Road behind the Parkaire shopping center in East Cobb; 770-971-4770.
http://www.trilogydining.net/Wolf Mountain Vineyard and Winery is hosting the second of their Valentine Gourmet Dinners with wine pairings on Saturday, February 16 at 7 p.m. Cost is $80 per person, all inclusive. Dinner begins with a cellar reception featuring mini-smoked duck ravioli with ginger hoisin dipping sauce accompanied by 2006 Chanteloup. Dinner menu and pairings include:
- Stuffed jumbo shrimp with crab meat in a bed of baby mixed greens, walnuts, shaved Asiago and tossed in a roasted shallot vinaigrette; 2006 Chanteloup
- Sorbet
- Fried lobster tail and Chateaubriand duo drizzled in a rosemary demi glace with potato croquets and asparagus; 2006 Coupage
- Cheese course brings a sampling of artisan cheeses; 2005 Instinct
- Flourless chocolate cake with raspberry sauce garnished with fresh berries, served with gourmet Brazilian coffee roasted for Wolf Mountain Vineyards; 2005 Claret or 2006 Seyval Demi-Sec
For reservations, call 706-867-9862. 180 Wolf Mountain Trail in Dahlonega.
http://www.wolfmountainvineyards.com/If your Valentine loves you, and all things of food and vine, we've found some gifts to tickle their fancy:
tsp spices will spice up your relationship by delivering organic spices in perfectly-measured, freshly sealed, single-use packages. Spice gals and guys can now kiss kitchen chaos goodbye and embrace more flavorful foods at home! To learn more or to buy, visit
http://www.tspspices.com/ -- and be sure to stop over at
The Seasoned Palate Weblog for spicy revelations.
Even if you're not popping the question you can pop the cork on fabulous wines from
Niner Wine Estates. Find your favorite on the list of high- quality varietals created from estate-grown fruit: Sauvignon Blanc, Barbera Rosato, Barbera, Sangiovese, Syrah, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. Available at several of Atlanta's top restaurants,
Niner Wines are also available at Hinton's Wine Store located at 8455 Holcomb Bridge Road in Alpharetta; 770-641-1900.
Those passionate about their grills will cherish love tokens of Grill Wipes, Stainless Steel Wipes and the Steaming Grill Brush from
Grate Chef®. Less time cleaning the grill means more time for thrills! Products are sold online at www.barbecue-store.com and in nationwide grocery stores, hardware stores and specialty stores. Grill 'em for more info at 877- 900-8415 or
http://www.gratechef.com/.
CUPID SHOPS AT WHOLE FOODS MARKET!The love-struck cherub knows less time spent driving, stopping and shopping means more time for romance!
Whole Foods 
Market and Harry's Farmers Market have it all, from flowers to food. The rest is up to you!
Run for the roses as
Whole Foods Market and Harry's Farmers Market locations in Georgia rise up with their annual Valentine's Day rose special: Two dozen roses for $19.99 through February 14! There's no excuse not to push the petals her way -- you can't miss the big outdoor wrapping tables.
Wake up to a romantic breakfast in bed for $24.99. Hit snooze and steal time for a boxed bounty for two, including mini quiches, fresh-baked muffins, healthy melon and OJ.
The Bundle of Love, $89.99, snuggles all of those Valentine's classics together for one quick pick up: Two-dozen roses OR 20 tulip stems arranged in a vase with baby's breath and greenery; Nicolas Feuillatte champagne; and Moonstruck all-natural chocolate truffles.
Seven locations are waiting to embrace you and your Valentine's Day needs:
Buckhead: 77 West Paces Ferry Road, NW; 404-324-4100
Briarcliff: 2111 Briarcliff Road; 404-634-7800
Duluth-Johns Creek: 5945 State Bridge Road; 678- 514-2400
Sandy Springs: 5930 Roswell Road; 404-236- 0810
Ponce: 650 Ponce de Leon Avenue, NE; 404-853- 1681
Harry's Farmers Market in Alpharetta: 1180 Upper Hembree Road; 770-664-6300
Harry's Farmers Market in Marietta: 70 Powers Ferry Road, SE; 770-578-4400
ATLANTA FINE WINE FESTIVAL ON FEBRUARY 16 BENEFITS VISITING NURSE - HOSPICE ATLANTA
The 4th Annual
Atlanta Fine Wine Festival on Saturday, February 16, ends Valentine's week on a compassionate note. As guests enjoy food from top restaurants, like
Canoe, and sample and bid on fine wines such as
Niner Wine Estates, they'll be helping raise funds for a loving cause,
Visiting Nurse - Hospice Atlanta. This year's event takes place from 2 - 6 p.m. on Saturday, February 16 at Mason Murer Fine Art, located at 199 Armour Drive in Atlanta; 404-879-1500. Learn more about the event's charity, auction, sponsors, participating wines and restaurants, and ticketing information at
http://www.atlantafinewinefestival.com/. Info number:404-520-3113.
TRILOGY HOSTS CHRISTIAN ROCK BAND SOULSTICE 
Trilogy continues to wow the neighborhood with a diverse range of entertainment! Bring the family to hear rock with a mission as Christian band Soulstice takes to the stage with fast- paced praise music on Sunday, February 17. This is not your grandpa's music. $15 cover charge per person includes a pre-show hamburger/hot dog buffet at 5 p.m. followed by the band's performance at 6:30 p.m. 4930 Davidson Road behind the Parkaire shopping center in East Cobb; 770-971-4770. www.trilogydining.net. Sneak preview the band at www.soulsticeband.net.
GOT 4 MINUTES? VAJRA STRATIGOS HAS A VALENTINE'S VIDEO WINE "TASTING" FOR YOU! 
His descriptions are so vivid you can almost taste them! Vajra Stratigos, beverage director for Fifth Group Restaurants® turns to YouTube to get the word out on the perfect wines for Valentine's. Garner his insight on bubbly through white, red and dessert wine suggestions.
Click here to view . . . and the list:
Aubry, Brut Rosé, Premier Cru
Chateau Ste. Michelle, "Eroica," Riesling 2006
C. Joguet, "Les Varennes du Grand Clos," Chinon 2004
Turley Wine Cellars, "Duarte," Zinfandel Contra Costa County, CA 2005
Alvear, "Solera 1927," Pedro Ximénez Spain
Fifth Group Restaurants owns and operates Ecco, Food Studio®, La Tavola Trattoria, South City Kitchen®
Midtown and
Vinings and Bold American Catering®. For more information about Fifth Group Restaurants, visit www.fifthgroup.com. For more wine suggestions from Vajra, check out his blog,
Vajra Straight Up.
ANNUAL SHARE OUR STRENGTH GREAT AMERICAN BAKING CONTEST AND BAKE SALE!
. . . Or cookies, cakes, breads and secret recipes. Separate amateur and professional baker categories mean all that enter have a chance at winning bread while raising dough during
Share Our Strength's Great American Baking Contest on Thursday, February 21 at The Cook's Warehouse in Midtown. The 7 - 9 p.m. bake-off kicks off the organization's Great American Bake Sale in Atlanta to help alleviate childhood hunger in America. Contest entry fees are $25/amateurs and $95/professionals. Atlanta Journal- Constitution Food Writer John Kessler will judge the pros, and a panel of pastry chefs will slice into the amateur chefs' creations. Samplings of desserts and wines are included in the event admission fee of $25 per person. Obtain contest specifics at www.strength.org/bakingcontest,or call Amy Crowell at 770-436-5151.
The Cook's Warehouse in Midtown is located at 549-I Amsterdam Avenue; 404-815-4993.
http://www.cookswarehouse.com/Share Our Strength's Great American Bake Sale®, presented by Domino® Sugar and C&H®, is a national campaign that mobilizes Americans to end childhood hunger by holding bake sales in their communities. www.greatamericanbakesale.org
GUESTS ARE GREETED WTH NEW MENU FORMAT AT WOODFIRE GRILL: OWNER/CHEF MICHAEL TUOHY MEANS BIG BUSINESS WHEN IT COMES TO SMALL PLATES
While Owner/Chef Michael Tuohy, a San Francisco transplant who has been at the forefront of the Atlanta dining scene for more than 20 years, has always been ahead of his time by offering a variety of small plates at his restaurant since opening in 2002 - Bon Appetit magazine even named
Woodfire Grill as the spot for "Best Small Plates" in 2004. But now, he has further expanded this section of the Woodfire Grill menu to reflect the way Atlantans are eating today. Defined by the end of the entrée and the launch of a lifestyle of grazing among numerous flavors and textures, the focal point of Tuohy's menu is the enormous selection of little bites that give the diner complete control over his or her meal. Many of Woodfire Grill's previous entrée options have been made into smaller portions.
"I believe this change reflects the way guests want to eat when dining out," says Tuohy. "There is a convergence of diners young and mature that want to experience and share lots of flavors and tastes; it's a more communal approach. Diners want to move on from a dish after three to four bites, so an entree can be too much of a commitment," he adds.
Additionally, The Café at Woodfire's menu features artisan cured meats, artisan cheese selections with a wide variety of accompaniments and pizzettas to suit the mood of patrons. Several of these items are also available for purchase in The Café to take home. For those guests who are willing to put their meal choices into the capable hands of Chef Tuohy, a four-course vegetable tasting menu and a chef's tasting menu are featured on the backside of the regular menu to showcase the day's freshest locally grown organic produce and other seasonal offerings that are central to the restaurant's philosophy of ingredient-focused fair with a Northern California flair. Woodfire Grill is open for dinner Tuesday through Sunday and is located at 1782 Cheshire Bride Road; 404-347-9055;
http://www.woodfiregrill.com/.
SECOND HELPINGS: SOCIAL DIVA DIVIES UP SCOOP ON ATLANTASocial butterflies and event divas will see Atlanta's restaurant, happenings and retail scene bloom on
Socialdiva.com. Part newsletter, part blog, there's plenty of eye-candy and meaty information to make clicking on this link worth your while!
Although I was born in Chicago, I can’t truly call myself a Chicagoan. I only lived there for a year and obviously don’t remember much. My father, on the other hand, is a Chicagoan through and through. He was born and raised there and truly loves that city. He loves the history, the sports teams (especially the Cubs) and of course, the food. One of his favorite things in the world is going to Wrigley Field, watching the Cubs play and having a real Chicago-style hotdog. So, for his 53rd birthday my mother planned a trip to Hotdog Heaven (pictured above), a cute little restaurant that promised to offer real Chicago-style hotdogs. 
I don’t remember politics being so prevalent in the news (and everywhere you turn) in the past. So, when my favorite french pressed java joint, 
