For those of you who don’t reside in the 305 or just don’t want to deal with Miami’s infamous traffic and parking, there are many restaurants north of County Line Road where one can have a delicious and memorable Valentine’s Day. Whether you decide to dine on bustling Las Olas Boulevard or in quirky Delray Beach, Joonbug’s Broward/Palm Beach dining guide for V-day will help point you in the right direction. Here are a few of our picks:
Big City Tavern
609 E. Las Olas Blvd
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
(954) 727-0307
We've always been a fan of chocolatier and pastry chef, Francois Payard, and let's face it--it's hard not to be. But when the chocolatiest holiday of the year comes around, you know you are in for something special. Francois Payard shops are stocking up on delicious goodies for this decadent holiday and we couldn't be more thrilled. Francois has created great new desserts and flavors just for the occassion, so if you still need to pick up something sweet for your sweetie, now you know where to go.
Well known for his famous macarons, Payard is not just letting you purchase all his usual and seasonal flavors like chocolate, vanilla, and chestnut, but he has added four new flavors to the menu, which you can present to your beau in a heart-shaped box. Indulge in caramel coriander, strawberry basil, lemon thyme and mint chocolate in addition to all the classics ($48 for 17, $35 for 12). Looking for something super traditional? Scoop up a box of V-Day chocolates ($28 for 12, $55 for 30), comprised of specially made flavors such as mint chocolate, mango passion fruit & citrus zest, lemon thyme, and caramel coriander. Presented in a beautiful box, this will have anybody swooning.
February is filled with so much to do in South Florida for a foodie. As if our minds aren’t already constantly occupied with the South Beach Wine & Food Festival, we have Valentine’s Day to think about next week. If you’re lucky enough to have someone with whom to celebrate it, you probably know that a romantic dinner can truly take this day of love from simply romantic to truly memorable. While attempting to make a gourmet, multi course meal at home is an honorable feat, sometimes it’s best to let some our best chefs work at the food while you enjoy each other’s company. In case you haven't already made plans, here are some of Joonbug’s picks in Miami for Valentine’s Day dinner:
Valentine's Day is fast approaching and you need to narrow down your last-minute gift options. Whether you are looking for something simple 'n' swe et, something to accompany you on vacation, or something that screams committment, we've got a bunch of options to choose from. You can't go wrong with anything from our V-day list!
For the Simple Gifter: Guys, give your girl something hot to wear on your night out, like this flirty Dexter Dress ($260) in vibrant red by Rae Francis. Not up to the challenge? Give your gal something she can snuggle up to you in, like this popular Christopher Fischer Fox Intarsia sweater ($298), seen on plenty of celebs. You can pick one up at any Christopher Fischer retail locations, listed here.
Valentine's Day is the most romantic holiday of the year, so why not spice up your night with some fancy cocktails? Impress your special someone by whipping up one (or all) of these flirty libations...just wait till they take effect!
My Sassy Valentine (Courtesy of Pucker Vodka)
1 ½ oz. Pucker Vodka Sour Apple Sass
1 strawberry
1 raspberry
Dash cherry bitters
1 oz. soda
2 oz. cranberry-pomegranate juice
Add ice to the cocktail shaker. Muddle the strawberry and raspberry in cocktail shaker; add cherry bitters. Add in all remaining ingredients to cocktail shaker. Shake and pour into a collins glass.
Valentine's Day. You either love it or hate it. Whether you are spending the day with a lover or wincing at all things pink with a friend, there are plenty of ways to celebrate. We've got the best of the best activities going on in New York City for this romantic holiday. From the best prix fixe menus in town to fun ways to sultry cruises on the Hudson, we've got you covered.
Fall in Love Again at The Sanctuary Hotel: What better way to spend lovers' day than with a romantic getaway at this luxuury boutique hotel? The hotel's Fall in Love Again Package includes romantic dinner for two at Haven Rooftop, rose petals where it matters most (wink), melt in your mouth chocolate truffles, Mile High Tease Intimacy Kit, and a bottle of champagne upon arrival. Rates begin at $329 and the package is valid from February 10th- 17th.
Whether you've got a lover or a friend you can take a romantic getaway or staycay to celebrate your love. From New York City to California and all the way to the Caribbean, we've got eight naughty 'n' nice options for you to choose from. Enjoy!
Hotel El Convento: Located in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico, this small luxury hotel is offering a Romantic Memories Package starting at $250 a night. The package includes deluxe accommodations, complimentary reception serving daily wine and hors d'oeuvres at La Veranda Terrace, a signature tote bag, bottle of champagne, rose petal turndown, and chocolate covered strawberries. Do with them what you will.
Tuesday morning at Alice Tully Hall, Tory Burch unveiled her fall '12 collection of beautifully put together feminine dresses and separates. With it being Valentine's Day, it was a curious coincidence (or perhaps not?) the theme of her line was "a story of the right girl falling for the wrong man and the affect he has on her wardrobe after being together, and then breaking up." She stated in an interview that this is a common trend amongst women and when heartbreak happens, they sometimes need to recreate themselves and with that, comes a sexier look- even those who started out so prim and proper to begin with.
So ladies of New York, how was your Valentine's Day?
No other "holiday" can instantaneously turn single ladies into either Lovestruck Lucys...or the latest member to join Junk Foodies Anonymous. Why though? Surely there are plenty that are neither of the two! Who says every woman that went out last night had a good time? (I myself have a significant other, but we really didn't have the time to do much except share a Subway sandwich.) And who says the ones who didn't was curled up in her room, miserably crying over A Walk to Remember while worshipping a human shrine made of gum a la Helga Pataki?