Tuesday, February 11, 2014

Valentine's Day plans for the pickiest of eaters

By Giselle Wedemire
Valentine's Day is quickly approaching, and if you haven't made your plans yet, allow us to help. Whether you're hitched or hooked up, there are plenty of ways to show your love for  your significant other (if you're into that kind of thing). 

 When it comes to spreading the love this Feb. 14, keep in mind these Picky Bitchez-approved local businesses for your dose of wheat- and meat-free V-Day treats.
Image courtesy of morgueFile

Chocolates
It may be too late to order online from great gluten-free/vegan chocolate suppliers like Chocolate Decadence and Premium Chocolatiers, but you can score chocolates for your picky Valentine at Purdy's. Purdy's carries chocolates fit for a Picky Bitch, though scoring them might mean doing a bit of research by means of consulting the company's online allergen guide. But then again, isn't your Valentine worth the time and effort spent researching these treats? (Hint: yes they are.)
And, now that you know about these other Picky Bitchez-approved online chocolatiers, you can bookmark them for next year. (Or, perhaps, you could check in on Feb. 15 to see if they have any great, post-Valentine's Day deals going on.)

 Snappy cards
If traditional Hallmark cards aren't your style, consider the vast card collection at Kricket's in Mission. With racy messages ranging from the snarky to the obscene, your Valentine will probably dig the unusual touch of sexually charged tension in many of the cards up for grabs -- or maybe they won't. But then you'll have a funny story to tell your friends, so it's really a win-win situation. 

 My pick for best Valentine's Day card? This one that screams sloppy sentimentality at the top of every former V-Day hater's lungs.

 Dining
There are two places that offer great-tasting vegan and gluten-free items that I highly recommend for a Valentine's Day date (or for any date, for that matter).

First up is Cafe Koi, a Beltline eatery that offers perfectly executed Asian fusion cuisine. The spices are on point, and the sauces are pure culinary magic, and while only a few menu items offer a crossover of vegan and gluten-free options, their tofu is a work of art that will convert any soy-haters out there. Keep an eye out for the dessert menu, too, as there's usually at least one vegan and gluten-free item that'll ensure you end your night on a sweet note.

 In Kensington is my second V-Day suggestion, Gratitude Cafe. With absolutely everything on the menu already gluten-free and vegan, Gratitude is a bonafide Picky Bitchez mecca. On top of all that, the food is inventive, unique, and delicious. Many of their menu items are raw vegan, so preparation times may be a bit longer than expected -- but the myriad  board games available at each table should help any dining lovebirds find a way to ignore their rumbly tummies.

 Wine
Jackson Triggs Winery is a British Columbia-based winery that foregoes the use of gelatin in its filtration process.  This means that their wines are completely cruelty-free, making it a great bet for your vegan Valentine.

 Short of driving/calling around to every liquor store within a 20 km radius of your house, you can scope out what stores in your area carry the Jackson Triggs wine of your choice by consulting Liquor Connect. Just plug in your wine of choice and your location, and you're on your way to enjoying a delicious glass of cruelty-free vino!

 So there you have it: a complete guide to wining and dining the pickiest of valentines. What are your plans for Valentine's Day? Let us know by leaving a comment or by tweeting us at @PickyBitchez.

 Happy romancing!
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