We celebrate the loves of our lives every day, in the small ways our routines allow us. But Valentine’s Day gives us an excuse to turn up the romance, turn down the busy, and tune into each other. Seize the moment and reserve a table at one of our fabulous local restaurants. Or maybe you are inclined to take a more intimate approach and create a quiet, romantic evening in. Either way, these are a few of the local businesses that are inspiring romance in us this season.

Flowers

The Farmer’s Daughter

The Farmer’s Daughter, located on the North Side, is leaning into flirty citrus blooms for your main squeeze. The Valentine’s collection requires pre-ordering, but the shop also offers a selection of other items perfect for gifting. From candles to potted plants, handcrafted jewelry, pottery, and textiles with sweet sentiments, you’re bound to find a thoughtful little gift of your own choosing to pair with your flirty bouquet.

Bubbles

We consulted with our good friend and wine enthusiast, Camila Alarcón Cordón about bubbles. Drawing inspiration from love languages around the world, she selected these effervescent treats, all available at Fine Wine & Good Spirits.

If your love language is gift giving/ receiving, select a bottle of Moet Chandon Rosé Imperial. This luxe bottle of champagne is the perfect gift to share with someone you love. A sexy blend dominated by pinot noir results in a bouquet bursting with juicy red fruits. Pair the lively bubbles with caviar (aren’t they considered aphrodisiacs?) and the mood is set for a special celebration.

For those whose love language is words of affirmation, this bottle will quickly have you clinking glasses with your special someone. The palate dances with effervescent bubbles with this juicy, fresh and balanced Labrusca Lambrusco Rosso. Renowned in the region of Emilia-Romagna and beyond for its artisanal production, this special bottle will have you singing words of affirmation to it and to your special someone.

if your love language is that of physical touch, the Louis de Grenelle Corail Saumur Brut Rosé sparkling wine is the perfect pairing. This sparkling rosé is 100% Cabernet Franc, a sultry and velvety grape! It’s floral-forward while still remaining delicate and subtle, like a caress. This sparkling wine from France’s Loire Valley is something you will linger over and remember.

Chocolates

Tabbara (top)

Melt his/her heart with oh-so-delicious, elegant, handcrafted chocolates from Tabbara. Nancy Tabbara, third generation chocolatier, blends high quality ingredients in ways pleasing to the contemporary palate. This year she is offering a Valentine’s Day tablet made with raspberry white chocolate and sprinkled with crisp pearls and dried strawberry, a tablet made with a trio of chocolates (dark, milk, and white) and filled with caramelized biscuits, an assortment of 9 chocolate bonbons (also available in a box of 16) that features flavors like strawberry ganache, white chocolate mint ganache, raspberry jelly and milk chocolate ganache.

Lux Artisan Chocolates (bottom left)

The eye-catching hand painted bon bons created by Shelby Gibson, founder of Lux Artisan Chocolates and a pastry chef by trade, deliver unique and enticing flavor combinations such as Yuzu Meringue Pie, Honey & Chile-roasted Cashew & Cocoa Nib, Dark Chocolate Blackberry, Blood Orange Caramel, and Blueberry Toasted Oat & Cardamom. Made by hand in small batches, her chocolates incorporate only top quality ingredients. You will taste the time and passion Shelby puts into each piece.

Mon Aimee Chocolat (bottom right)

Owned and operated by Amy Rosenfield, Mon Aimee Chocolat is home to one of the largest collections of premium fine chocolate in the United States. The shop, located in the heart of PIttsburgh’s historic Strip district, showcases some of the best local handcrafted chocolatiers, as well as chocolates from over 60 countries around the globe. Travel a world of flavors with your partner and embark upon a journey of chocolate indulgence with the vast selection of decadence.

Jewelry

Henne Jewelers

Since 1883, Henne has been a leader in our region, providing exceptional service and beautiful unique jewelry to their clientele. They carry a wide selection of engagement rings, fine jewelry, and luxury watches.

Pictured:

14K white gold, 4.00ct diamond tennis bracelet

14K white gold solitaire pendant containing 2.00ct round brilliant diamond

35 mm Nomos Glashutte Minimatik watch with champagne gold and leather strap

14K rose gold 3.10ctw diamond tennis bracelet

14K rose gold diamond drop u-hoop earrings totaling 1.15ct

36mm Tudor Black Bay self-winding watch with black dial and aged leather strap

Caesar’s Designs

Experienced gemologist and designer Caesar Azzam crafts both tradition and innovation into his customers jewelry, using a variety of materials across a range of prices. His shop is located in the heart of Shadyside on Walnut Street.

Pictured:

Toi et Moi sapphire and diamond ring in 14K white gold

Star Sapphire unisex ring on 22K yellow gold

Square men’s ring in satin finish Palladium with diamond accents

Black diamond men’s band with all black finished 14K white gold 

Dessert Sauces

Tait Farm Foods

Spread love with dessert sauces from Tait Farm Foods. These artisan sauces are made in small batches and come in a variety of unique flavors. Each pairs decadent dark chocolate with either Raspberries, Strawberries, or Sour Cherries, great for serving over ice cream, topping fresh fruit, dipping cookies, and for numerous “creative uses” of your choosing. Tait also carries a diverse selection of other sauces and pantry items that can be purchased separately or in themed gift boxes.

Looking to make Valentine’s Day Plans? Find a few local suggestions here.

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