Beyond the Bouquet: Foodie Gifts for Valentine’s Day

Still looking for a great V-Day gift idea? Try one of these experience gifts with your honey—or on your own! Note: Some of these take place before Valentine’s Day!
Note: Availability not guaranteed.

February 10
Cocktails Mixology/Tasting Event, Ho-Ho-Kus Inn and Tavern, Ho-Ho-Kus
Mixologist Darryl Pettigano will hold mixology class on Wednesday, February 10, at 6:30 p.m. at the Ho-Ho-Kus Inn and Tavern. Guests will learn how to make various drinks as they enjoy complimentary small bites paired with four cocktails (recipes included). $40 per person. 201-445-4115.

February 11
Craft Beer and Chocolate at Garden State Ale House, New Brunswick
Sample new seasonal craft beers, ciders and meads as well as gourmet bon bons from 2 Chicks with Chocolate! Classes at the event will be taught by award-winning beer columnist and TV host Tara Nuri. The event will run at 8 p.m. on Thursday, February 11, for $30 per person.

February 12, 13, 14
Taste and Technique, Fair Haven
Friday, February 12, and Saturday, February 13, from 7 to 10 p.m., join Diana Albanese for a Be My Valentine partial hands-on event, featuring dishes like sautéed shrimp with shiitake mushrooms, tomatoes and capers, lobster-stuffed beef tenderloins, and raspberry chocolate créme brulee. On the 14th, Albanese will host Be My Foodie, featuring crab cakes with mango and cucumber gazpacho with pomegranate glaze, roast beef with red wine and herb butter, mashed potato brown Betty with crispy onions, fricassee of mushroom, hearts of palm, avocado and ruby grapefruit salad, raspberry soufflés with mango sauce.

February 13 and 14
Chocolate Trail Weekend, Cape May Court House
Enjoy a wine-and-chocolate tasting featuring delicious chocolate creations paired with five of Natali Vinyards’ wines for $10. The Chocolate Trail Weekend at Natali Vineyards will run February 13 and 14 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day.

Photo courtesy of Ho-Ho-Kus Inn and Tavern.