The Foobooz Guide to an Actually Fun, Delicious Valentine’s Day To-Go
A last-minute guide for the happily in love, the bitterly single and everyone in between.
Courtesy of Lil’ Pop Shop
Moving forward, the ongoing Pandemic Policy is that we celebrate any and all holidays to the fullest extent that we can, in whatever way feels most celebratory while also being safe. That means that, this year, we’re embracing Valentine’s Day, a holiday which typically, historically, attracts the most amateur of restaurant diners. Because this year, as you’re all well aware, is different. And you better believe that just about every restaurant in the city is doing something, but these are the special menus, treats, and activities that actually rouse a semblance of feeling and excitement in our cold, uninspired hearts.
Lil’ Pop Shop cookie decorating kit
How pandemic-friendly is this cooke decorating kit? Let me count the ways: It gives you an activity, a bump of sugar, and the cookies are already baked so you don’t have to clean up the kitchen. Excellent for grown-ups and children alike. $25, pick-u.p 2/13 or 2/14
Jezabel’s alfajores and chai gift box
Champagne might be the stereotypical beverage of choice for Valentine’s Day, but a bag of The Chai Bar’s rose cardamom tea is better. Especially with a box of homemade alfajores. (Bonus: Jezabel’s now offers shipping nationwide.) $38, available for delivery in Philadelphia, pick-up, or shipping.
Shane Confectionery Heartshaped Truffle Box
A heart-shaped box of chocolates is a cliché, but, hey, sometimes a cliché is nice! Upgrade from the Walgreens version by ordering from Shane Confectionery, whose box features their classic buttercream truffles. $25-$30, pickup or mail order available.
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Small Oven Bake Shop’s Sweetheart Smash Tart
This cake is apparently based on one that Kim Kardashian recently smashed, but even if you (like me) have no idea what is going on with that, this cake is highly appealing. A hollow chocolate conversation heart holds a raspberry mint compote tart. To get to the tart, you have to smash the heart. $35, available for pick-up or delivery.
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Essen Bakery Conversation Heart Cookies
Essen’s heart cookies are really good at striking that perfect balance between sweet, funny and a little ironic that any sane (but loving) person strives to achieve on Valentine’s Day. $4 per cookie, available for preorder or day-of orders.
Slice Heart-Shaped Pizza
This is a good way to do Valentine’s Day without really doing Valentine’s Day. It’s just a pizza. But it’s heart-shaped. No need to be weird about it. Available for takeout or delivery on 2/14 only.
Dinner and a movie at AKA Rittenhouse
This is the go all-out option: Book an overnight stay with in-room dining from a.kitchen, and then upgrade to include a movie viewing in the hotel’s newly renovated private screening room. Bonus: There’s no need to scroll Netflix. The move options are curated by the Philadelphia Film Society. Call the hotel to book.
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Heart-shaped ravioli from Severino Pasta
Anyone who loves pasta will be delighted by this heart-shaped ravioli, available at Whole Foods and at the Severino Pasta shop for sale until Valentine’s Day. Bonus points if you stay in the seasonal color palate by topping it with marinara sauce.
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Fox and Son Fancy Corn Dogs Bouquet
Food-based bouquets have become a bit of a thing, but I must say this is my favorite one so far. You even get your choice of hot dog filling, so it feels extra personal. That’s romance, right? $24.99, available for pick-up only.
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El Merkury’s Churro Bouquet
If you prefer your food bouquets sweet (but still fried) go for El Merkury’s churro bouquet, which can be delivered anywhere in the city for a very sweet surprise breakfast. $35, preorder by February 12th.
Oyster House Shucking Kit
If you have one of those partners who can’t sit still for even a moment, get them a shucking kit from Oyster House, let them shuck you a dozen fresh oysters, and sit back knowing you both got a great gift. $96, preorder by February 11th.
River Twice Valentine’s Prix Fixe
River Twice always seems to takes the boring holiday prix fixe menu and turn into a can’t-miss dining experience. Valentine’s Day is no exception: Chef Randy Rucker’s menu include caviar on chicharrones, grilled squid, quail, and chocolate cake with hay caramel. Not a heart-shaped chocolate lava cake in sight. Menu available February 11-14. $75 per person, reservations available for indoor and outdoor dining.
Booker’s Restaurant & Bar Valentine’s Prix Fixe
For something a little more casual, book a table for Booker’s Valentine’s menu, and cozy up in their romantically lit outdoor dining setup. $50 per person. Reservations recommended.
Talula’s Daily Valentine’s Takeaway
Talula’s hits that note of something nicer than you probably want to make at home, but still comforting enough that it doesn’t seem out of place for takeout. Add a wine pairing to make it even more special. $100 per person.
Mousse & Musi
Ari Miller of Musi teamed up with the new dessert spot Cake & Joe to offer a special Valentine’s Day meal feature Miller’s epic hummus and a mousse-filled Valentine’s Day cake. $40 for two.
From Marjorie
From Marjorie’s Valentine’s date night package includes in a curated cheese board, a bouquet of roses, a heart-shaped chocolate cake for dessert and a bottle of wine. Plus they deliver, in case you completely forgot about Valentine’s Day and are now trying to act like you did not completely forget about Valentine’s Day. Valentine’s Day package starts at $110.
