You can't help but think of pounds of chocolate when you think of Valentine's Day. And no, we are not referring to the pounds that may start to accumulate on your thighs. After all, all calories are free on holidays, right? We are referring to those neatly packaged, overly-decadent, edible works of art that give us the warm fuzzies all over.

We've decided that the best cure for our cravings is to go on a Seattle chocolate tour. Here are just a few of the locations we'll be visiting...


1. Oh! Chocolate: Located in Mercer Island at 2703 76th Ave SE, Mercer Island, WA 98040
2. Frans Chocolates: Located in Downtown Seattle, U Village and Bellevue. Get more info here.
3. Theo Chocolate: Many locations throughout Washington. Click here for locations.
4. Chocolopolis: Located in Queen Anne at 1527 Queen Anne Ave. N., Seattle, WA 98109
5. Seattle Chocolates: Located at several Seattle locations, click here for more info.
6. Dilettante: Click here for the various locations.
7. The Chocolate Box: Located in Downtown Seattle at 108 Pine Street, Seattle WA 98101
9. Fiore Chocolates: Buy their chocolates at various locations throughout Seattle
10. The Confectional: Located in Pike Place Market at 1530 Pike Place, Seattle WA 98101

Labels: Food and Beverage, holidays, Local Events

Ahhh, Valentine's Day. For some, this can be a very stressful day, especially when it comes to planning the perfect date. But remember, even if you don't have a significant other in your life at the moment, there is no reason you can't grab someone you love like a best friend or family member and hit the town running.

If you are in the Seattle area, check out these special events happening at local restaurants.

Acalia (Feb 13)
Special: Join us on this Beautiful Evening and Enjoy a Unique Menu Artistically Paired with Magnificent Wines!

BluWater Bistro (Feb 11-Feb 14)
Special: Offering a 6 oz Lobster Tail and 6 oz Filet Mignon for $26.99.

Palace Ballroom (Feb 13)
Special: Speak the language of amore while enjoying a sumptuous Italian dinner with your valentine. This sultry event will take place at the Palace Ballroom. 7pm cocktail hour;
8pm seated dinner service begins. This event is 21 and over. Tickets are $110 per person

Ponti Seafood Grill
Special: Featuring a special Valentine's Day Menu with 3-courses served.

Six Seven Restaurant & Lounge (All weekend)
Special: Take your lover to The Edge this Valentine’s Day, for our three course gourmet lover’s dinner for two on Friday and Saturday night for $90.00 per couple, or Valentine’s Day dinner on Sunday 2/14 offering six delectable courses at $75.00 per person. In addition, Sunday’s “Sweet Heart” Brunch will focus on an extravagant dessert display and will be offered at $35.00 per person.

Labels: Activities, holidays, Local Events, Real Events

Alexis Hotel:
THE ART OF ROMANCE

Package Details: We'll pamper you and that special someone. Accommodations for two. Champagne and Truffles. Etherea Spa.Salon Gift Box. Enjoy complimentary Full American breakfast served in the comfort of your room.

The Edgewater Hotel Seattle:
Snuggle & Smooch - Seattle Romance Package
Package Details: For Valentine's Day (and all of February 2010) come to The Edgewater for a steamy, sultry one-night escape with our newly redesigned romance package – Snuggle & Smooch. Start your overnight love-fest with chocolate dipped strawberries delivered to your room and hand made by our in-house pastry chef. With an exclusive Romance Box made especially for The Edgewater by Bumble B Design your romantic getaway is just a click away! Get down and chocolatey with chocolate body frosting, or indulge with ylang ylang and ginger lotion – perfect for a sensuous massage! To keep things easy, your overnight parking is also included!

Hilton Seattle:
Romance Package

Package Details: The ultimate in "do not disturb" getaways...There's just something about a luxurious hotel room that makes whispered sweet nothings sound even sweeter. Add a touch of elegance, a hint of indulgence, and you've got the makings for our Romance Package.

Homewood Suites Hilton Seattle Downtown:
Homewood Suites by Hilton® Romance Package

Package Details: Let the romance begin! Indulge yourself with our Homewood Suites Romance Package. Check-in to one of our spacious suites and relax in a comfortable bath robe - yours to keep - while enjoying a luscious box of assorted fine chocolates. There's no need to rush. Plan to sleep in late and feast on our delicious complimentary Suite Start® hot breakfast. And to top it all off, we'll arrange for a late check-out at 1:00pm.

Hotel Monaco:
Wine Me, Dine Me

Package Details: Accommodations for two at our hotel in downtown Seattle. $50 dining credit in Sazerac restaurant, offering serious food and damn good fun. Complimentary valet parking.

Mayflower Park Hotel:
Love is in the Air Romance Package

Package Details: Available February 1st through February 28, 2010. Deluxe or Suite Accommodations. Bottle of Sparkling Wine or Cider and chocolates upon check-in. Full American Breakfast for Two. Valet Parking.

W Hotel Seattle:
WHO PUTS YOU IN THE MOOD THIS VALENTINES DAY?

Package Details: Get away with your special someone for a provocative escape at W Seattle this Valentine's Day Weekend. Your racy rendezvous will include:

• Tickle Me Intimacy Lovekit by Booty Parlor
• Exclusive Jimmyjane SPIN ME game, Feather Tickler and Seduction Sash
• Box of truffles
• Two sexy cocktails
• Plus, a wonderful room you won't want to leave!

Labels: Activities, holidays, Industry Alerts, Local Events, Real Events

Labels: holidays

Labels: holidays

Everyone is designing the metro watches, and these are available from TKOwatches.com. Next are the sensation of the season, the Gurgle Pot (take a listen). They are available at Mort's Cabin - best price on it. The color range is wide and this decantor fits your hand perfectly. For the softer side - hot holiday gift are these versatile cashmere 2-in-1 gloves. And a great final offering are these compact highly versatile lunch boxes by Oots - for all of us who take lunch to work! Hope this helps with some possible new ideas.

Labels: holidays, Smart Solutions, What's new

Labels: holidays, Smart Solutions

Labels: Activities, holidays, Real Events

Labels: holidays

Not everyone enjoys the concept of being in the kitchen cooking all day. Celebrating the holiday with family and friends can sometimes be more enjoyable for everyone when eating out. Maybe you are a vegetarian or prefer duck or ham. Here are a few key places to look for restaurants with menu selections for Thanksgiving in your area:
Zagot - selections in your area
Restaurant Reservations online in your area: Open Table

If you want to have someone else cook it - why not consider asking some incredible caterers - it might not be too late - here are some great catering options in and around Western Washington State:
Banquet Event Resource Inc's - Event Guide on-line (click on the region of your choice - the click on the catering category)

Possibly you want someone else to cook it and then bring it home? Here is a link to try as an option:
Chowhound - check out all of the options - in your area

Labels: holidays

Labels: holidays, Real Events

Labels: Food and Beverage, holidays

Labels: holidays, Local Events

What: Valentine's Day Lovers Repast
Where: Pomegranate Bistro by chef Lisa Dupar
When: February 14th
Special Details: $65 food only; $105 with wine
Click here for the menu

What: DECA ROMANTIK - Seattle Romance Package
Where: Hotel Deca
When: Now
Special Details: Upon your arrival, you will be welcomed into your Sky Level Room with a bottle of champagne on ice and a box of romantic goodies. Our Cupid’s Arrow box includes rose petals for a romantic bath, strawberry-champagne flavored love oil, Fran’s chocolates and other fanciful gifts that will be sure to create many lasting memories.

What: KWJZ VALENTINE'S BRUNCH CRUISE!
Where: Argosy Cruises, Pier 56, Seattle Waterfront
When: Saturday, February 14th, 12-2pm
Special Details: Join Argosy and KWJZ for a wonderful event this Valentine's Day, featuring the Paul Richardson Trio with vocalist Josephine Howell. You'll take a leisurely cruise aboard the Royal Argosy, enjoy a champagne greeting and a fabulous seated-served brunch. What a great way to spend the day with someone you love!

What: Valentine's Day Brunch Cruise
Where: Royal Argosy, Pier 56, Seattle Waterfront
When: Saturday, February 14th, 12-2pm or Sunday, February 15th, 12-2pm
Special Details: Ahhh romance is in the air! Enjoy a Northwest brunch buffet with champagne greeting, live jazz music and table-served dessert including a Heart shape red velvet cake and Heart shape chocolate truffles during your 2-hour cruise.

What: Valentine's Day Dinner Cruise
Where: Royal Argosy, Pier 56, Seattle Waterfront
When: Valentine's Eve: Friday, February 13th, 7-10pm or; Valentine's Day: Saturday, February 14th, 7-10pm
Special Details: Come aboard for a romantic evening for two aboard the Royal Argosy. Guests will enjoy a live band with female vocalist. Dinner is a special 4-course seated-served meal.

What: Valentine's Day Brunch Cruise
Where: Waterways Cruises & Events, Waterways HomePort, Seattle
When: 02/14/2009 at 11:30 am
Special Details: Departing from our North Lake Union homeport; treat your Valentine to a relaxing brunch cruise with its extensive buffet menu. Cruise leisurely on scenic Lake Washington and view sights of Seattle's beautiful shorelines, regional highlights and "backyards of the rich and famous" accompanied by a narrated tour.

What: Valentine's Day Aphrodisiac Cooking Class and Cruise
Where: Waterways Cruises & Events, Waterways HomePort, Seattle
When: 02/14/2009 at 6 pm
Special Details: Take our sentimental journey into Aphrodisiac cooking. A 90 minute course covering sensual ingredients to enhance any romantic experience. Chef Trinity Mack will demonstrate the techniques and narrate how each ingredient lends itself to romance. Enjoy the lights of the Seattle skyline during this fun romantic and adventurous three hour cruise!

What: Sweethearts Creative Cooking Class
Where: Novelty Hill - Januik Winery, Woodinville
When: Sunday, February 15th • Noon – 3 p.m.
Special Details: Give your Valentine a sweet experience! Chef Koommoo will guide you through preparing the perfect menu for two, pairing award winning wines from Mike Januik along the way.

What: VALENTINE'S DAY DINNER
Where: Kaspar's Special Events
When: February 14, 5 pm
Special Details: February has long been the month of romance. Every year, St. Valentine, the patron saint of lovers, is recognized on February 14 when, across the country, candy, flowers, gifts and love messages are exchanged between loved ones. Celebrate this special holiday at Kaspars!

What: St. Valentine’s Dinner
Where: Ponti's Seafood Grill
When: Sat., Feb. 14, 2009
Special Details: Every night is a study in romance at Ponti--the intimate lounge, the warm, embracing dining room, dishes to swoon over. For Valentine's, it goes up another notch with a five-course menu for $70. You'll fall in love all over again as each new course arrives.

What: Blend Your Own Wine
Where: Novelty Hill - Januik Winery, Woodinville
When: Sunday, February 22nd • Noon – 2:30 p.m. and 3:00 – 5:30 p.m.
Special Details: Know someone who has always wanted to make their own wine? Give them an opportunity to put together a custom blend working with a selection of our favorite 2007 barrels. Our amazing winemaking team will be on-hand to offer blending pointers and help participants fill, cork and apply their own label to each guest’s one-of-a-kind bottle.

What: Snuggle & Smooch - Seattle Romance Package
Where: The Edgewater, Seattle
When: Now
Special Details: Come to The Edgewater for a steamy, sultry one-night escape with our newly redesigned romance package – Snuggle & Smooch. Start your overnight love-fest with chocolate dipped strawberries delivered to your room and hand made by our in-house pastry chef. With an exclusive Romance Box made especially for The Edgewater by Bumble B Design your romantic getaway is just a click away! Get down and chocolatey with chocolate body frosting, or indulge with ylang ylang and ginger lotion – perfect for a sensuous massage! To keep things easy, your overnight parking is also included!

What: "Get It On" The Edge - Valentine's Package in Seattle, Washington
Where: The Edgewater, Seattle
When: Now
Special Details: Get playful and passionate with The Edgewater’s exclusive Valentine's package for lovers. Designed especially with you and your partner in mind and available throughout February - the month of love. Enjoy a steamy overnight sojourn to ignite new sparks or rekindle old flames (be oh-so-careful of the fireplace in your room). Your night of ardor includes a booty parlor gift box featuring games, oils, chocolate body frosting and more. Even the gift box is tied with a wide satin ribbon for you to slip in to your evening of amore! This Valentine's Day take your lover over The Edge.

What: Love is in the Air Package
Where: Pan Pacific Hotel, Seattle
When: Valid From 09 Jan 2009 to 28 Feb 2009
Special Details: This package includes overnight accommodations in a Premiere guestroom with rose petals strewn on the bed, a welcome amenity of a bottle of Champagne and the sumptuous Aphrodisiac Collection by Theo Chocolates, a couples massage in Vida Spa’s private room with a complimentary candle to take home as a keepsake, overnight valet parking and of course, breakfast in bed for two to end a blissful night of romance.

What: Be Mine in '09 Romance Package
Where: Mayflower Park Hotel, Seattle
When: All of February
Special Details: For people who have only eyes for each other, we suggest a romantic evening at the intimate Mayflower Park Hotel.

What: He-She, He-He, She-She, Whatever Package
Where: Sorrento Hotel, Seattle
When: Now
Special Details: Romeo, Romeo, wherefore art thou...oh who cares?! We have a package for all of you Romeos and all of you Juliets regardless of who you are romancing.
What: TURN UP THE HEAT WITH A W ESCAPE!
Where: W Hotel, Seattle
When: Book now for stays through April 5, 2009.
Special Details: Baby its cold outside...Warm up with W Hotels Baby, It’s Cold Outside package. W Seattle's got everything you need for the hottest escape.

What: WILD THING
Where: Hotel Monaco
When: Offer good February 1, 2008–February 28, 2009
Special Details: Take a walk on the wild side this Valentine's Month.

What: "RUB THE ONE YOU'RE WITH" PACKAGE
Where: Hotel Monaco
When: This package is available from February 1–March 31, 2009
Special Details: Couples looking for a hands-on way to pamper their partner this Valentine's Day can book the "Rub the One Your With" Massage Package. Designed to keep the romance burning year-round, the package features a how-to-massage instruction class with a personal massage therapist. During the one-hour class, which takes place in the privacy of your room, you'll learn insider tips on how to provide relaxing head, shoulder, hand and foot massages.

What: Cave In To Love
Where: Cave B Inn at SageCliffe
When: Available Feb. 1 - 28
Special Details: Valentines Day is February 14th; give in to your most romantic impulses and plan an intimate getaway with the one you love during the month of February.

What: Do Not Disturb Romance Package
Where: Inn at Port Hadlock
When: Now
Special Details: 2 Days / 1 Nights - This is the ideal Romance Package for you and your sweetheart. Starting at $139.00 plus tax. The Inn at Port Hadlock is offer an opportunities for those seeking romance, a quick getaway or energizing retreat. Take advantage of one of the Inn's on-site Spa, for full Vitality. A unique experiences and memorable occasions, come enjoy all the Inn has to offer with our Romance Package.

What: Island Romance
Where: Lakedale Resort
When: Now through Feb 28
Special Details: Enjoy two nights with your sweet someone in a lake view room complete with soaking jetted bathtub and fireplace.

What: Do Not Disturb
Where: Marcus Whitman Hotel in Walla Walla
When: Now
Special Details: Celebrate an evening of romance with this special package that includes one night's stay, a bottle of champagne, Tuxedo Strawberries and a $80 dining voucher for our restaurant, The Marc. To make a reservation please call toll-free 866-826-9422. All package reservations must be made at least 24 hours in advance and are subject to availability.

What: The Ultimate Romance Getaway
Where: Skamania Lodge
When: Feb 14-15
Special Details: Let us help you plan the ultimate romantic getaway in the Columbia River Gorge at Skamania Lodge! Package includes a romantic dinner, strawberries & champagne, roses, two plush terry cloth robes & spa treatments. Advance reservations for spa services and dining are required.

What: Romantic by Essence
Where: Sooke Harbour House
When: February 12th through 15th 2009
Special Details: For your next romantic getaway, think Sooke Harbour House, a place where romance is always in season. This package includes:
- A 1 night stay in one of our oceanview guest rooms
- 4-Course romantic dinner for two
- Breakfast for two served in the privacy of your room
- Surprise Romantic turndown with silk rose petals, chilled bottle of sparkling wine, chocolate truffles and candles

What: Valentine's Adventures in Aphrodisiacs
Where: Suncadia in Cle Elem
When: Now
Special Details: This Valentine's weekend, treat your special someone to an 'Adventure in Aphrodisiacs'. An unforgettable romantic getaway you and your someone deserves!
Package Includes:
* Overnight accommodations for two in a cozy deluxe guest room.
* Your choice of champagne, sparkling cider or wine upon arrival.
* Intimate & specially designed dinner for two at Portals to put you in the mood. View menu.
* Romantic turndown with chocolate-covered strawberries and long stemmed roses.

Labels: holidays