Valentine’s Day is approaching, and a lot of C-U businesses have specials for the holiday. If you’re looking for some tasty ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day, here are some that give me heart eyes.
Sweet Treats
Try this DIY cookie decorating kit with cookies, icing, and festive sprinkles by small baker Cakes & Bakes by Kate. The box costs $24, and you can order by messaging the baker on Instagram. Last year, I was obsessed with her handmade strawberry pop-tarts (like really obsessed), so I know these sugar cookies will be delicious.
Harvest Market’s new coffee flights are a sweet way to start a day, and this month, the sampler is love-themed for Valentine’s Day. The coffee names are Lovebug, Cupid’s Kiss, Heart Beet (made with beet root powder), and Sweetheart Matcha.
If you want to have a very relaxing Valentine’s Day, these cannabis-infused marsh-mellow love bites are the way to go. There’s 50 mg of THC in a pack, split into five treats. You could share these with your valentine — or save them all for yourself. Buy the marsh-mellow bites at nuEra Champaign or nuEra in Urbana.
Another place with a variety of Valentine’s Day specials is Martinelli’s Market. The Cupid’s cannoli dessert sounds amazing: three chocolate-dipped cannoli with chocolate strawberry cream filling and heart shaped sprinkles. Order by February 9th for pick up on February 14th.
There are quite a few beautiful Valentine’s Day desserts available for pre-order at Suzu’s Bakery. At the Japanese bakery, find small chocolate heart cakes, strawberry shortbread in the shape of a heart, a roll cake for two, a cheesecake for two, and more. There are even pink heart shaped treats for your good doggo, too. Order online by February 11th for pick up on Tuesday, February 14th.
Valentine’s Day meals
If you want to celebrate early, Red Herring Vegetarian Restaurant has a Valentine’s brunch the Saturday before Valentine’s Day. On Saturday, February 11th, the Urbana staple will be serve a vegetarian brunch from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Red Herring has not yet announced a menu, but you can follow the restaurant on Facebook or Instagram for updates.
For a romantic dinner with a rose-decorated table, make a reservation at Neil St. Blues in Downtown Champaign. On Tuesday, February 14th, the restaurant will offer a special dinner for two: a three-course Valentine’s Day dinner for $100. The menu includes five different entree options (including a vegan dish), and they all sound delicious. Plus, the dinner includes a bottle of wine.
