A Blank Slate Media Special Section • Februar y 4, 2022
32 Valentine’s Dining & Gift Guide • Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, February 4, 2022
Valentine’s Day gifts couples enjoy together com) and learn photography tricks or insider tips from established professionals together. Valentine’s Day is a time to bring smiles to the faces of loved ones - particularly the special someone in a person’s life. Gifts that appeal directly to spouses or significant others may be the standard, but gifts couple can use together can bring them closer together. The following are some great Valentine’s Day gifts couples can enjoy together. · Quirky mugs: Mug sets come in all shapes and sizes and express various sentiments. Some even feature interlocking designs designed to symbolize that couples are two pieces of one puzzle. Kissing mugs, which look like lips touching when they are brought together, are perfect for
couples who enjoy their morning coffee together. Look for them at www.uncommongoods.com. · Matching robes: Plush terry cloth robes need not be reserved for luxurious stays at premiere hotels. Coordinating robes can be monogrammed and worn on lazy days when gathering in front of a cozy fire. · Charcuterie set: A romantic meal is the start of any Valentine’s Day celebration. Invest in a compact charcuterie board with two matching wine glasses and enjoy the set on date nights at home. · MasterClass lesson: Purchase a MasterClass instructional (www.masterclass.
· Travel excursion: Jet set to an exotic locale with a planned adventure. Parents can arrange for a sitter, friend or relative to look after the children so the trip provides some one-on-one time. This trip can serve as the second honeymoon couples dream about. · Custom cornhole set: Couples who love tailgating or opening up their homes (and yards) to guests can purchase monogrammed or custom-carved bean bag toss boards. · Fancy coffee maker: Couples who spend more time in take-out coffee shops than they probably should can brush up on their barista skills at home. There are plenty of coffee makers on the market that can help couples whip up
lattes, cappuccinos or espressos with ease. · Wine club membership: Couples who enjoy sampling the latest vintages and flavors may enjoy a wine subscription. Winc.com is just one of the delivery services available. Or couples who prefer to be a little more hands-on can experiment with winemaking kits. · Hot tub: What can be more relaxing than soaking in a warm bath of bubbling water? A backyard hot tub turns up the heat on relaxation and time spent together. · Tokens of love: Matching or coordinating bracelets, necklaces or even tattoos can serve as enduring symbols of a couple’s love. Valentine’s Day gifting may be even more enjoyable when gift-giving focuses on presents couples can enjoy together
Refresh your wardrobe and look sharp! Ƃ wÌ > ` ÃÌÞ i v À iÛiÀÞ > t
ONE % ITEM off
20
in store only
Õ« ÕÃÌ Li «ÀiÃi Ìi`° > Ì Li V L i` Ü Ì Ì iÀ vviÀð
£ÎÇn " ",/ , 6 ] ,"- 9 x£È {ää Σxx N "* Ç č9- č 7
Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, February 4, 2022 • Valentine’s Dining & Gift Guide
33
34 Valentine’s Dining & Gift Guide • Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, February 4, 2022
How to create a romantic night at home
Romance takes center stage on Valentine’s Day. February 14th is a chance for couples to express romantic sentiments that reflect just how much they care for one another. The relationship site Marriage.com offers that happily married couples with long histories together manage to preserve some elements present in the early stages of their relationships a time when couples typically make a concerted effort to show affection for one another. Romance is a key component of successful relationships. Couples may discover they don’t need to leave the house to enjoy a romantic night together. Hide romantic notes Engage in a romantic scavenger hunt by hiding notes that express thoughtful sentiments and give your partner a list of clues to guide the hunt. Start with a clue such as “Where did we go on our first date?” If it was an Italian restaurant, you can attach the next clue to a bunch of basil in the refrigerator, and so on. Alternate watching films Both of you probably have all-time favorite movies, but they may not be the same films. Encourage bonding time by queueing up two separate films to watch, yours and your signifi-
cant other’s. Whether one is a rom-com and the other is an action flick, watch them in succession while cuddling on the sofa. Prepare a meal together Valentine’s Day dinner can be all the more intimate when you dine alone at home. Together, shop for the ingredients for a delicious meal you both enjoy. Pour two glasses of wine and divvy up meal preparation tasks. Steal a few sample bites (and kisses) along the way. Cook to a romantic playlist to really enhance the ambiance. Dress up the bed Create a warm and inviting bedroom with some luxury bedding. Splurge on sheets with a high thread count and a new down duvet. Fluffy new pillows and room accents can make the space even more inviting. This new bedding may inspire extra cuddling together under the covers. Slow dance When was the last time you enjoyed a dance in each other’s arms? Turn up “your song” and sway to the beat. Dancing together can rekindle romantic feelings and needn’t be reserved for special occasions like weddings. Dialing up the romance at home for Valentine’s Day comes down to simple, thoughtful gestures.
You don’t bring her flowers anymore. =SY ORS[ WLI´W [SVVMIH EFSYX [VMROPIW XLEX EVI XEOMRK XLIMV XSPP SR LIV JEFYPSYW JEGI 3R :EPIRXMRI´W (E] KMZI LIV WSQIXLMRK I\XVE WTIGMEP E ZMWMX XS 'SWQIXMUYI ;MXL E FIEQ SJ PMKLX JVSQ SYV PEWIVW EPSRK [MXL &SXS\ ERH E JYPP PMRI SJ ½PPIVW XLMW VIRS[RIH LYWFERH ERH [MJI FSEVH GIVXM½IH TPEWXMG WYVKISR ERH HIVQEXSPS KMWX PIEH E XIEQ XLEX GER WQSSXL XLI GVIEWIW ERH VIWXSVI XLI ZSPYQI SJ E QSVI ]SYXLJYP JEGI MR PIWW XMQI XLER MX XEOIW XS TMGO E FSYUYIX 7KLV \HDU VNLS WKH ½RZHUV DQG H[SUHVV \RXU ORYH ZLWK DOO \RXU KHDUW DW &RVPHWLTXH
You’re in... You’re ’ out... You’re ’ Gorgeous. G 2SVXLIVR &SYPIZEVH +VIIRZEPI 2= 4EVO %ZIRYI 2I[ =SVO 2= FRVPHWLTXH0' FRP 'IFSVEL 7 7EVRSJJ 1 ( &SEVH 'IVXM½IH (IVQEXSPSKMWX ±&IWX (SGXSVW MR 2=² ° 2I[ =SVO 1EKE^MRI 'PMRMGEP 4VSJIWWSV SJ (IVQEXSPSK] 2=9 0ERKSRI 1IHMGEP 'IRXIV
6SFIVX , +SXOMR 1 ( &SEVH 'IVXM½IH 4PEWXMG 7YVKISR D 8ST (SGXSV 2= 1IXVS %VIE²° ]IEVW 'EWXPI 'SRRSPP] 0XH & 2 0 3 / , 0 ( 1 7$ 5< & 2 1 6 8 /7$7 , 2 1
-AS SEEN IN -
Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, February 4, 2022 • Valentine’s Dining & Gift Guide
25 Northern Blvd, Greenvale NY 11548 | 516.464.4200 instagram: @charleskrypellstore
35
36 Valentine’s Dining & Gift Guide • Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, February 4, 2022
KGE=L@AF? >MJ =N=JQGF=
g^ Eaf]gdY Kaf[] )1,/
A Valentine’s dinner to warm you up Treating that special someone in your life to a delicious meal can be done any time of the year, but is especially poignant and romantic on Valentine’s Day. Even though plenty of people may be tempted to dish up gourmet fare, comfort foods can be equally appealing, especially on a cold February day. Soup can be both filling, tasty and customized with individuals’ favorite flavors. Italian seasonings and ingredients are on display in this recipe for “Hearty Tuscan Soup” from “Season’s Best: Fast, Fun & Fabulous” by The Pampered Chef® Test Kitchens. Try it for a satisfying Valentine’s meal for two or more. Hearty Tuscan Soup Serves 8 2 15-ounce cans reduced-sodium pinto beans 1 tablespoon olive oil 8 ounces Italian turkey sausage (about 2 links), casings removed 1 large onion 1 medium sweet potato, peeled 4 garlic cloves 4 cups unsalted chicken stock or chicken broth 1 14.5-ounce can fire-roasted diced tomatoes, undrained 1 tablespoon Pampered Chef® Rosemary Herb Seasoning Mix 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 1 package fresh baby spinach leaves, washed and dried
Hg&Lbm^ ?nk LmhkZ`^ Li^\bZebsbg` bg <nlmhf FZ]^ @Zkf^gml >qi^km Bg _nk :em^kZmbhgl K^&Lmrebg` K^iZbkl :ee Phkd =hg^ Hg Ik^fbl^l
**, B=JA;@G LMJFHAC=$ EAF=GD9 t -).! /,.%--(( E%> )(%.$ K9L& )(%- t =N=K :Q 9HHGAFLE=FL
Lkgflgk>mjk&[ge
)ROORZ 8V 2Q ,QVWDJUDP #7VRQWRVB)XUV
16 melba toast rounds 3 tablespoons shredded Italian cheese blend 1. Drain and rinse pinto beans in a small colander. Transfer half of the beans to a food processor; process until almost smooth. Set aside both whole and mashed beans. 2. Heat oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat 3 to 5 minutes or until shimmering. Cook sausage 4 to 6 minutes or until no longer pink, breaking into crumbles. 3. Wedge onion, then chop. Cut sweet potato into chunks, then coarsely chop. Add onion, sweet potato and garlic to Dutch oven; cook and stir 5 to 6 minutes or until onion is softened. 4. Stir all beans, chicken stock, tomatoes, seasoning mix, and pepper into Dutch oven. Cover; bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to medium; simmer, covered, 10 minutes. 5. Preheat broiler. Remove Dutch oven from heat; add spinach. Cover; let stand 2 to 3 minutes or until spinach is wilted. Top soup with melba rounds; sprinkle with cheese. 6. Place Dutch oven 2 to 4 inches from heating element. Broil 2 to 4 minutes or until croutons and cheese are lightly browned. Ladle soup and croutons into bowls.
Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, February 4, 2022 • Valentine’s Dining & Gift Guide
37
38 Valentine’s Dining & Gift Guide • Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, February 4, 2022
Celebrate Valentine’s Day at HIBACHI SUSHI YA!
From Any Special Occasion or Just a Fun Party… We Cater On or Off Premises For Any Custom Order!
Serving the TheCommunity CommunityOver Over2928Years! Years Serving
SWEET STUFF!
Fresh & Delicious Baked Goods for Valentine’s Day CHECK OUT OUR PARTY ROOM… Our Party Room Has Seating for Over 150 Guests. Birthdays, Anniversaries, Bridal & Baby Showers and Any Special Event COME IN AND ENJOY ALL YOU CAN EAT (Served On Sundays only) • ADULTS…$27.95 • CHILDREN…$16.95 (Under 4 Feet)
Experience the best Japanese Cuisine on the North Shore
BAR • SUSHI BAR HIBACHI CATERING FUSION CUISINE
15% OFF
Entire Dinner Check (Take-Out and Curbside Pick-up) With Coupon - Expires 2/28/2022 Max. 8 people or $40 discount. Cannot be combined w/any other offer. Not incl. holidays. New Hyde Park location only.
Hibachi & Sushi Ya R E S TA U R A N T Gift Certificates Available / FREE DELIVERY Call ahead to have order ready
2311 Jericho Turnpike, New Hyde Park, NY 11040 Tel: 516-741-2288 / 516-741-2298 • Fax: 516-741-2988
www.hibachisushiya.com
Some Of The Items We Will Be Making At Our Bakery:
h Heart Shaped Layer Cakes h Heart Shaped Strawberry Shortcake h Strawberry Cheesecakes h Cupcakes h Heart Shaped Cookies h Chocolate Covered Strawberries h Heart Shaped Linzer Tarts h Red Velvet Cake h Asst. Cookie Trays h Asst. Chocolate Pops
We also specialize in: Cookies, Cakes, Pastries, Breads yourNow order ahead forfree curbside pick-up & Call MuchinMore! baking gluten cupcakes & more!
Bring in this coupon to receive
10% OFF
ALL OF OUR SCRUMPTIOUS GOODIES. Exp. 3/15/22
775 Hillside Avenue, New Hyde Park, NY 11040 tel: 516-354-3930 fax: 516-354-7980 www.gourmetbakeshop.com OPEN Tues-Sat. 7am-6pm •• Sun. Sun. 6:30am-5pm 7am-4pm OPEN Tues-Sat. 6:30am-7pm,
Mondays & Tuesdays Are PASTA NIGHT
Host Your Party or Event With Us! ec Ch k Out Our Catering Menu Online.
$16.95
The Finest Quality & Freshest Ingredients
PLACE YOUR ORDER FOR THE BIG GAME!
29 HILLSIDE AVENUE, WILLISTON PARK P: 516.248.8200 / www.SpuntinoWillistonPark.com
Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, February 4, 2022 • Valentine’s Dining & Gift Guide
Alternatives to common Valentine’s gifts Millions of people are set to spend untold dollars on Valentine’s Day gifts or experiences this year. Data compiled by InfographicPlaza.com indicates that individuals traditionally spend the most on jewelry, a night out, flowers, apparel, and gift cards on Valentine’s Day. Fifty-two percent of people who buy Valentine’s gifts will spend money on candy, particularly chocolate. Though tried and true gifts never fail, those looking for something a little different this Valentine’s day can consider these alternatives. Traditional: Candy/chocolate Alternative: Baked goods Bite-sized baked offerings can be a welcome change to boxed chocolates or chocolate-covered strawberries. Consider petit fours, which are tasty layered cakes about one to two inches in size. The popular franchise Nothing Bundt Cakes also offers Bundtinis®, which are slightly smaller than cupcakes and can be mixed and matched in a variety of cake flavors. Traditional: Bouquet of a dozen red roses Alternative: Flowering plant Even well-maintained cut bouquets only last so long. A flowering plant can endure much longer. Beautiful interior flowering plants include African violets, Bromeliads, Orchids, Peace lilies, Amaryllis, Christmas cactuses, and Jasmines.
Traditional: Dinner out Alternative: Feed the needy Civic-minded sweethearts may appreciate the thought of donating the time and money they might normally spend on a restaurant meal by helping to ensure needy children and adults have access to hot meals.The Feeding America network is a nationwide network of food banks that secures and distributes meals. Individuals can learn more about volunteerism or how to make donations at feedingamerica.org/.
;OPZ =HSLU[PUL»Z +H`
XS WR Rσ Z\NNLZ[LK YL[HPS
V]LY WLUKHU[Z LHYYPUNZ YPUNZ IYHJLSL[Z ZVTL[OPUN MVY L]LY`VUL
Traditional: Lingerie Alternative: Time spent together In a poll of more than 350 women, Business Insider discovered that lingerie was one of the gifts women did not want to receive on Valentine’s Day. In fact, 97 percent of respondents weren’t fans of receiving lingerie on Valentine’s Day. Spending time together doing something couples are passionate about may be more well-received. Traditional: Stuffed animal Alternative: Adopted animal There are only so many stuffed animals, particularly fuzzy teddy bears, an adult can collect. Instead, why not adopt a shelter animal or donate to an animal rights organization? Before gifting a pet, confirm the recipient is on board with the idea. A pet is a years-long emotional and financial commitment that requires forethought and planning. Couples can look beyond the traditional when shopping for Valentine’s Day gifts this year.
H Z[`SL MVY L]LY` [HZ[L HUK I\KNL[
4HPU :[YLL[ 7VY[ >HZOPUN[VU 5@
6WLU ;\LZKH` :\UKH` HT WT ;O\YZKH` HT WT ^^^ KPHTVUKIV\[PX\LPUJ JVT
39
40 Valentine’s Dining & Gift Guide • Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, February 4, 2022
The most romantic cities in the world Romance is in the air each February. Valentine’s Day is celebrated annually on February 14 and many couples take advantage of the holiday to express their affection for one another. There are many ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day, and couples with the time and means to do so may want to travel to a romantic locale to toast their love for one another. Each year, the spa experts at the United Kingdom-based SpaSeekers. com reveals its list of the most romantic cities in the world. The list is compiled after considering a host of criteria, including the number of romantic hotels and restaurants based on TripAdvisor tags. The 2021 list was not yet available at press time, but the following are the top 10 romantic getaways according to the 2020 report.
1. Amsterdam, Netherlands 2. Lisbon, Portugal 3. Paris, France 4. Barcelona, Spain 5. Utrecht, Netherlands 6. Copenhagen, Denmark 7. Edinburgh, Scotland 8. Vienna, Austria 9. New York, NY, United States 10. Ibiza Town, Spain
Buy a Gift. Get a Gift.
A Sweet Valentine’s Offer From GN Plaza Merchants We want to make this year’s Valentine’s Day your sweetest ever! So we’re offering a FREE box of chocolate truffles from Great Neck Plaza’s very own nationally acclaimed Kron’s Chocolatier. HOW TO CLAIM YOUR FREE CHOCOLATE TRUFFLE TREAT Simply bring a receipt showing a purchase of $50 or more at a qualifying shop or boutique* in Great Neck Plaza to Kron’s Chocolatier, located at 24 Middle Neck Road in Great Neck Plaza. The receipt must show your $50 or more purchase was made at a qualifying Great Neck Plaza store* between February 1 and February 13, 2022.
HOPPING LOCAL Is
HOPPING SMART
Visit ShopGreatNeck.com for program details, restrictions, and qualifying merchants. * Restaurants, grocery stores, supermarkets, food stores, drug stores, mail centers, and financial institutions are excluded from purchases qualifying for free chocolate truffle. Visit ShopGreatNeck.com for a list of qualifying Great Neck Plaza merchants.
Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, February 4, 2022 • Valentine’s Dining & Gift Guide
ALL YOU NEED IS
LOVE!
Remember this Valentine’s Day with flowers and so much more! YOUR TRUSTED LOCAL FLORIST FOR VALENTINE’S DAY AND EVERY DAY!
At The Douglaston Manor
• Floral Bouquets • Centerpieces • Plants • Gift Baskets & more • We Deliver
We specialize in weddings, get-well soon, graduation, baby & wedding showers, funerals, etc.
ORDER YOUR FLOWERS FOR ANY OCCASION!
WE DELIVER LOCALLY & NATIONALLY
East Williston Florist 79 East Jericho Tpke., Mineola, NY 11501
1-800-4florist eastwillistonflorist.net 516-742-9129
$GUV
2)
0CUUCW %QWPV[ 9+00'4 35(6(17(' %< %/$1. 6/$7( 0(',$
23(1 9$/(17,1(µ6 '$< $0 30
<RXU 6WRS < RXU
)RU $OO <RXU ) RU $ $O -HZHOU\ 6KRSSLQJ HZHOU\ 6 6
:( 63(&,$/,=( ,1 $// 7<3(6 2) :$7&+ -(:(/5< 5(3$,56 :( $/62 63(&,$/,=( ,1 5(028176 $1' $335$,6$/6
&XVWRP 0DGH -HZHOU\ )RU <RXU 6SHFLDO 1HHGV
UPON ARRIVAL TUSCAN ANTIPASTO TABLE Herb Grilled Veggies / Mushrooms Artichokes Roasted Pepper / Parma Prosciutto Salami / Soppressata Cheese Board: Swiss / Cheddar / Fontina Housemade Focaccia / Fresh Mozzarella Olive Medley / Bruschetta
Four Course Dinner Valentino Salad Spiced raspberries / goat cheese / baby arugula citrus Housemade Spinach & Asiago Ravioli
Entrée (Choice of) Seared Shrimp Scampi / vino bianco, citrus, chilies Sliced Filet Mignon Crisp Chicken Taldostana’ / prosciutto, fontina, marsala Baked Eggplant Rollatini Pomodoro ricotta, pompdoro, mozzarella Grilled Asparagus & Yukon Gold Potatoes with all entrees
Dessert Cupid’s Arrow
! "
COMPLIMENTARY GLASS OF CHAMPAGNE $65.00 PER PERSON + TAX 7:00pm
:( %8< *2/' 6,/9(5
That’s Amore!!
:( &$55< $ )8// /,1( 2)
CALL FOR RESERVATIONS:
,7·6 1($5 $1 $// 7,0( +,*+ *5($7 7,0( 72 6(//
718-224-8787 -HULFKR 7XUQSLNH *DUGHQ &LW\ 3DUN 1< P 3 ) ZZZ KHUULFNVMHZHOHUV FRP +RXUV 7XHVGD\ 6DWXUGD\ DP SP
63-20 COMMONWEALTH BLVD., DOUGLASTON, NY 11363
41
42 Valentine’s Dining & Gift Guide • Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, February 4, 2022
Celebrate Love With Your Valentine at Eddie’s FREE LONG STEM ROSE! entar y
Complim
W RAINBO S COOKIE
MANY ITALIAN SPECIALTIES TO CHOOSE FROM GREAT VALUE PACKED MENU
Pizzas, Heroes, Burgers & More ENJOY OUR FAMOUS GLUTEN FREE PIZZA & PASTA OPEN 6 DAYS A WEEK FOR LUNCH & DINNER And Late Night Dining! TAKE-OUT AVAILABLE We can accomodate small parties up to 20 people for your special event!
Serving the community for over 85 years!
THE ITALIAN FOOD YOU LOVE TO EAT AT EVERYDAY LOW PRICES!
2048 HILLSIDE AVENUE NEW HYDE PARK, NY 11040 516-354-9780
ZAGAT RATED
CASH OR CHECKS ACCEPTED
1
3 e19
c Sin
www.EddiesPizzaNY.com
OPEN 6 DAYS - Closed Wednesdays Sun., Mon., Tues. & Thurs. 11am-10pm, Fri. & Sat.11am-11pm