There are two kinds of people in this world: people who love Valentine’s Day and people who hate it. It’s rare that you’ll find someone who’s ambivalent about the day, someone who inhabits the grey area in between the red and pink plushness of the Love Camp and the darker, cooler club of the Hate.
We here at Edible fall all over the spectrum, but unite—always—on Team Food.
And if you love food (or wine and artisanal spirits), there’s actually a lot to love about Valentine’s Day. There’s the opportunity to go out or stay in with someone you love (or like, or lust after) for a really great meal. And there’s the chance to support local producers and makers here on Long Island by buying gifts for your friends, families, and lovers that will nourish, enchant, and surprise them.
So, there you go, V-Day lovers and haters alike. We hope you enjoy our 2017 Valentine’s Day Gift Guide.
❤️
For the Home Cook
1. An Apron from Stanley & Sons
Made by a husband-and-wife team in Springs, Stanley & Sons aprons ($97-$143) have been on our wish-lists for an achingly long time. They’re beautiful and durable and responsibly, ethically made. You can buy your own online.
2. A Gift Certificate for a Cooking Class
#MakeCookingRomanticAgain! Learn the ins and outs of the kitchen beside the person whose insides and outsides you love most with any one of these five local cooking classes ($49-200). (Ed Note: I recently attended a cooking class at Elegant Eating in Smithtown with my future mother-in-law and we cooked up a beautiful meal and experience. I highly recommend it!)
3. A Piece of Pottery by Chris Fanjul
You read about his beautiful work earlier this month; now buy a piece for your sweetheart this Valentine’s Day! Available online at his Etsy shop and in-person at Loaves & Fishes Cookshop in Bridgehampton, Chris’s pottery is gorgeous and reasonably priced.
For the Cocktail Connoisseur
1. A Bottle of Locally-Made Strawberry Liqueur
Chocolate-covered strawberries are so passé. Up the ante this year with some truffles and strawberry liqueur from Long Island Spirits ($20)! It’s widely available at most local liquor stores; just check out their website to see who carries it near you.
2. A Bottle of Locally-Made Honey-Flavored Moonshine
Can’t decide between a sweet gift and a boozy gift for your sweetheart this year? Grab him or her a bottle of honey-flavored moonshine from Twin Stills! Find out where you can find a bottle here.
For the Beer Drinker
1. A Cozy Sweatshirt from Montauk Brewing Company
I love these sweatshirts ($50) so much that I recently bought one for myself, my fiancé, and my father (and no, Montauk Brewing Company is not paying me to say that). These sweatshirts are sinfully soft. I really can’t rave about them enough; just buy one (or, y’know, three).
2. A Double-Walled 64-Ounce Growler from Blue Point Brewing Company
Love so good it makes you growl? Get it, girl—and then get your valentine one of these growlers from Blue Point Brewing Company ($40). You can buy yours online here.
For the Wino
1. Membership to the Channing Daughters Wine Club
Nothing to whine about here! This Valentine’s Day, give the gift of great wine all year with membership to the Channing Daughters Wine Club. It’s free to join; members simply receive two different bottles of Channing Daughters’ newest releases six times a year (the average price per shipment is $65). You can sign up online right here.
2. A Stay for Two at Sannino Vineyard
What could possibly be more romantic than a stay-for-two at one of the North Fork’s most beautiful vineyards? Nothing. And even better? Every stay at Sannino Vineyards includes a complimentary wine tasting and cheese platter, as well as a discount card to local wineries, shops, and restaurants. Reserve your stay online.
For Your Sweetie’s Sweet Tooth
1. Chocolates from North Fork Chocolate Company
North Fork Chocolate Company is our go-to spot for chocolates all year, but we especially love it for Valentine’s Day. Try one of their truffles and you’ll know exactly why so many local wineries are pairing up with them to offer wine & chocolate tastings. You can find their chocolates at their shop in Aquebogue and also at this list of locations on their website.
Not Into Exchanging Gifts? No Problem. Stay in and Snack.
Start with cheese from Cavaniola’s. Always a great idea. Next, enjoy oysters from Blue Island Oyster Farm with some bubbly from Sparkling Pointe (but be sure to limit your “shucking” puns to about 2 or 3). Finally, end the night with truffles from North Fork Chocolate Company.
And voilà! Viva la Valentine’s Day.
This post was originally published in February 2017.
