By Lindsay Forrest, DVI Intern
With Valentine’s Day quickly approaching, we put together a list of some of the best treats and places to eat for lovers, friends and even families in #DTJax.
SHOPPING
Chocolate-covered popcorn. Need we say more? For Valentine’s Day, the neighborhood stop shop on 100 W. Bay St. offers a special deal – buy one 24 ounce popcorn container, get one free! Famous for their European handcrafted chocolate, they also offer 12 different flavors of gelato, gift baskets, and roses made of chocolate.
Looking for customized treats and brownies? Need to ask your significant other that special question? Try out the brand new Mocha Misk’i brownie shop for customized treats located on 209 N. Laura St. They also offer vegan, nut-free, and gluten-free brownies and desserts with high quality, all-natural ingredients. Yum!
Stop by Sweet Pete’s chocolate shop for the sweetest valentine’s gifts on 400 N. Hogan St. Choose between sea salt caramels, chocolate rose petals and baskets full of a variety ofdelicious treats. They are also offering a Valentine’s Week in-store special – spend $55, receive a $15 gift card with no coupon required!
Visit the Valentine’s Day sale at Hemming Plaza Jewelers to buy that special someone sterling silver pendants, earrings, or a ring at an affordable price. Check out their website or stop by 231 N. Hogan St. to find what you are looking for.
************************************************************************************************
DINING
Attend the “Love is Sweet” Prix-Fixe Dinner on February 13 at The Candy Apple Café at 6 p.m. Enjoy a wide array of courses ranging from she-crab soup to herb-grilled filet mignon to toffee flavored brownies. Only $75 for a three course meal and an additional $25 for wine or alcoholic beverages. Call 904-353-9717 or visit their website to make a reservation.
Treat your valentine to “Romance on the River” at the Jacksonville Landing. Benny’s Steak & Seafood offers a gourmet dinner for two for $89.95 plus tax. Overlook the beautiful sunset while indulging in Florida lobster tail, scallops and chocolate-drizzled pound cake. Check out the full menu on their website or call 904-301-1014 to make a reservation.
Start your day off with a Champagne Brunch at NOLA MOCA on Sunday February 14 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. for $35. Enjoy a mimosa or a glass of champagne followed by a buffet of salad, pastries and many other options until you receive your full entrée. Finish the day off with a free admission to MOCA Jacksonville to stroll through the galleries with your significant other.
Through February 12-14, stop by Sbraga & Co. located in Brooklyn Riverside for a unforgettable prix-fixe dinner. For only $65 a person, enjoy chittara pasta, lobster, and expresso triple chocolate ice cream to compelte the meal. Check out the full menu here or call 904-746-0909 to book your reservation!
Looking for authentic Asian, Thai, or sushi rolls? Indochine located upstairs on 21 E. Adams St. will open their doors on Sunday, February 14 for a delicious Valentine’s Day dinner! Check out their website for the full menu or call 904-598-5303 to make reservations.
****************************************************************************************************
EVENTS
Saturday, February 14
Need a night out on the town? Celebrate with friends at Mavericks LIVE for the 8th Annual BrokenHeartsVille event on Saturday, February 14. First 100 ladies in the door receive a rose and a free glass of champagne. Find out more info on the website.
Fionn MacCool’s Irish Restaurant & Pub
Sunday, February 14
5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Celebrate at the The Walking Dead – drink your heart out party at Fionn MacCool’s on the waterfront starting at 5 p.m. on February 14. Happy hour includes $4.00 Wells, House Wines and Domestic Drafts and $4.50 Premium and Craft Beer. Check out their website for more info and events.
Sunday February 14
10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Bring the whole family to The Apple of My Eye Valentine’s Brunch + Sweet Pete’s Family Day on February 14 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. to enjoy three specialty entrees for brunch. Who can say no to buttermilk chicken and waffles, heart-shaped chocolate chip pancakes or decadent French toast bread pudding? Family activities begin at 11 a.m. including card making, dipping chocolate goodies and other crafts. To make reservations call 904-353-9717 or visit their website for more info.
Thursday February 11
6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Celebrate with friends at the “Love Bites” Candy and Cocktails event on Feb. 11 at The Candy Apple Cafe. Enjoy delicious appetizers and sip on drinks all while creating your own chocolate-dipped strawberries. The $45 admission price includes two drink tickets – redeemable for beer, wine, or chocolate-strawberry martinis. Purchase tickets here.