Not dining out on Valentine’s? Fresno businesses have many options, but deadlines approach
What does Valentine’s Day look like during a coronavirus pandemic?
With Fresno County still in the purple tier, it probably means that romantic indoor meal at a restaurant still won’t be allowed under state and local regulations.
Outdoor dining is allowed, but reservations are filling up fast. And if you don’t want to freeze your bonbons off, or just want to stay safe by staying home, there are fun things you can do.
Fresno businesses are adapting to the times and offering several creative ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day at home with your partner or your family.
The day is coming up fast, so pay attention to the deadlines listed here.
DIY sushi – Toshiko Japanese Cuisine in Fresno and Hanford is selling at-home make-your-own sushi kits.
The $40 kits come with seaweed, rice, imitation crab and other ingredients, a bamboo roller, chopsticks and more. An advanced kit for $55 comes with sashimi like spicy tuna and salmon.
Order online at toshikojc.com by the end of the day Thursday, Feb. 11. Pick up the kits at the restaurants Feb. 11 to Feb. 13.
Hot chocolate bombs – All the rage over the holidays, these are the chocolate globes full of marshmallows and other goodies that dissolve when you pour hot milk over them to make hot cocoa.
It’s a fun activity to do with kids. Or, if you want the big kid version, put them in coffee.
Fresno-based Debbas Gourmet is selling them under the name Bev Bombs. Buy online atdebbasgourmet.com or acappellachocolate.com and have them shipped, or do curbside pickup at its central Fresno factory. The company also sells several other sweet options, including subscription boxes of chocolate.
Wine dinner at home – Moravia Wines is partnering with Bella Pasta restaurant and candy maker Sweet Inspirations for a romantic dinner at home.
The heat-at-home dinner for two includes a choice of New York steak, chicken piccata or eggplant Parmigiana, along with pasta, sautéed vegetables, salad, and focaccia bread. It also comes with a bottle of Moravia wine, chocolate truffles and two long-stemmed roses.
The meal costs $99 (slightly more or less if you’re a member of the wine club or want the meal delivered). The deadline to order is 5 p.m. Friday, Feb. 12.
If you’ve already got dinner covered, Moravia also is offering a stand-alone wine and chocolate bundle. For $30, you get chocolate truffles, a bottle of wine – your choice of Hygge, Symphony or a chardonnay – and two long-stemmed roses.
Order both online at moraviawines.com.
Share a dessert box – Sweet Lyfe Boba Bar at the Campus Pointe shopping center is selling treat boxes full of goodies that can be shared with a family.
There are several different options ranging from $22 to $57, including a box of chocolate-dipped strawberries.
Other boxes feature a large heart or teddy bear made from pink chocolate that’s full of candies and other treats. It comes with a little hammer to break it open, and the box features other goodies like chocolate-dipped Oreos.
The deadline to order is Thursday, Feb. 11. The preferred method of ordering is by messaging Sweet Lyfe via Instagram or Facebook. Or, stop by the shop at 3052 E. Campus Pointe Drive.
Get local chocolate – Local chocolate maker Raphio Chocolate is once again making their limited-edition bonbons. The multi-colored chocolates with an intricate design on them sell for $29 for 12. They come in flavors like rose cardamom honey and strawberry dark ganache.
Buy them at their store and coffee shop, or order online for shipping. There’s a limited number of them, so act quick. If they sell out, the company also sells chocolate bars and other goodies in many different flavors.
Raphio Chocolate is at 783 E. Barstow Ave. and is open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays.
This story was originally published February 8, 2021 at 9:59 AM.
