Cronin’s German-style I-Heart-Pretzels
Anne Cronin lovingly shapes these elegant heart-shaped pretzels, which are perfect for pairing with beer and brats for salt-of-the-earth sweethearts. The pretzels are made fresh daily—when they’re gone for the day, they’re gone.
Insider Tip: The pretzels are available to enjoy at Das Bevo (4749 Gravois) or to carry out. (Although they're on the prix fixe menu for Wednesday’s Valentine Dinner with Elvis, they will be available packaged and ready to go at the hostess stand.) First come, first served.
Bolyard’s Meatheart Box of Charcuterie
Bolyard’s Meats & Provisions (2810 Sutton) packs red boxes with an assortment of house-made charcuterie guaranteed to please your carnivorous comrade. While you’re there, pick up a sweetheart steak for a romantic dinner for two.
Insider Tip: Call ahead to reserve a charcuterie box.
Penzeys' "Choose Love" Gift Boxes
For the cooks on your list, consider Choose Love gift boxes at Penzeys (7338 Manchester, 246 THF). They're packaged and ready to go, or assemble your own selection of herbs and spices. Add a little swag to your spice box with love-themed magnets, bumper stickers, pins, and mugs.
Insider Tip: Sign up for emails from Penzeys to receive free spices with a minimum purchase.
Beer Lover's Delight
Check off two favorites at once—beer and chocolates—by picking up a six-pack of Charleville Box of Chocolate beer, a 10.5 ABV Belgian quadruple ale, from The Hop Shop St. Louis (2600 Cherokee). Or for something hoppier, consider Bell’s Two-Hearted Ale from Craft Beer Cellar (8113 Maryland).
The Sangria Guy’s Valentine’s Sangria, Shrub, and Bloody Mary Mixes
Want to mix up some stellar drinks on Wednesday night, followed by a dynamite Bloody Mary in the morning? Contact Todd Brutcher (a.k.a. The Sangria Guy) for a dynamite mix (frozen or bottled).
Insider Tip: The chocolate strawberry Valentine’s sangria mix is particularly popular, so order it right away.
Baetje Farms' Dark Chocolate and Raspberry Coeur de la Creme Goat Cheese
Heart-shaped and studded with chocolate, this raspberry goat cheese is ideal for a Valentine’s dinner at home or as a late night snack with a favorite wine or cocktail.
Insider Tip: It's only available at the Baetje Farms' store (8932 Jackson School, Bloomdale) on February 14 from 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
