Town Crier Articles

 

A sampling of New Town restaurants turned up precious little in terms of Valentine’s Day specials. Some places are normally closed on Mondays and were waiting for orders from headquarters whether to change that for one day. Others said it was too soon for them to determine what, if anything, they would offer. (Remember, the Crier had a late January deadline).

 

So, Dave decided to go in a different direction. Picking and choosing through the local grocers and others, here’s what will make the right impression on anyone’s honey bunny:

 

Appetizer – Publix (https//www.publix.com) is offering a “Taste of Italy” Charcuterie Box (feeds 5) for $24.99. Yes, we’re partial to food from The Boot, but any store that offers prosciutto, salame with white wine, parmigiano reggiano cheese, gorgonzola cheese, pitted olives, walnuts, white seedless grapes, naked wild honey and fresh Rosemary on one plate is too tempting to pass up.

 

Not into meat? Among other offerings, the store will prepare a mini deli fresh fruit platter (also serves 5) for $14.99.

 

As is the case with all of their Charcuterie offerings, the store requires 24 hours advance notice.

 

Main course – Fresh Market (https://www.thefreshmarket.com/valentinesday)  regularly offers some of the area’s best deals, and Valentine’s Day is no exception.

 

For less than $50 (okay $49.99), one gets to choose from two filet mignons (9 ounces each), or two crab cakes (4 ounces apiece), or two 7-ounce Chilean Sea Bass portions. You can also mix your entrée choices if you are both in the mood for something different. With that comes one pound of asparagus with diced red peppers, one pound of whipped potatoes, 8 hand-dipped chocolate strawberries, and a reusable shopping bag.

 

And . . . Another option -- Creative Cuisines (http://creative-cuisines.com/), a stone’s throw from Earth  Fare, has dinner for two for $90 plus tax and gratuity. Starting February 12 between 5 and 7:30 p.m., choose from a starter (salad, soup or beetroot tartare). Among the entrées is pan-seared sea scallops, followed by desert of triple chocolate brownie sundae or sour raspberry pie. For the full offer, including all of the sides, head to their website.

 

To drink – If you decide on the Publix appetizer option – and since you are already at Monticello Marketplace – walk the short distance from Publix to The Wine Seller (https://www.grapesbythecrate.com/). Tell the staff what you’re serving and let them pair your selection with something they recommend.

                           

 

 

A little something extra -- We’re mixing our big events here, but Trader Joe’s suggests purchasing a gift for your better half based on their astrological sign! (https://www.popsugar.com/food/trader-joes-product-to-buy-based-on-zodiac-sign).

 

Among the items available: cold brew coffee and boba (Aries). We’re not sophisticated enough to know what Boba is, but TJ’s has rarely steered us wrong. Other offerings: Almond Butter Chia Overnight Oats (Taurus), Kung Pao chicken Mochi Balls (Gemini), Fruit Frenzy Bars (Leo), Pancake Bread (Libra) and Neapolitan Joe-Joes sandwich cookies (Scorpio).

 

No matter what you decide to do, make this a Valentine’s Day your loved one will never forget.