Valentine's Day is actually upon us...
I will admit that there were years of my life where I hosted a *U** Valentine's Day party. The tone was silliness and good sippers. On occasion I was known to bake a cake and paint the words omitted above across the top of the chocolaty goodness.
ha ha ha
While my perspective on love and life has certainly shifted into a more fulfilling direction, my affiliation with Valentine's Day has also taken a new tone.
Whether you wish to openly down-cast this particular greeting card holiday, or embrace it openly for the sake of someone you hold dear-- by all means HAVE SOME FUN WITH IT!!!
If you are in the market for some favors for your fiesta, or a treasure for your treasured one, know that you need not travel beyond Akron's city limits.
Yes, Rubber City folks, there are a few key contributors who would love to enhance your heart-filled holiday!
If chocolate is what your heart desires, step on into
Temo's Chocolates
(495 West Exchange Street - they are just around the corner from the Krispy Kreme near the Akron Zoo). While I am certain that I have sampled Temo's chocolates a number of times over the years, I can honestly say that I had not visited their charming establishment until I decided to pen this post. Just last Thursday, I ventured through the chilling air, and into the cozy shop-- and boy am I glad I did!
Temo's Chocolates is an Akron classic!
Temo's offered a number of beautiful red heart boxes filled with succulent treasures. Also, you can find chocolate lips covered in luscious red foil (sure to set the mood) and traditional roses (made of chocolate, of-course)!
Personally, I opted for a mixed collection. My favorite truffle of them all? The Black Forest!!!!!
This particular truffle boasts subtle hints of cherry inside of a buttery smooth dark chocolate exterior. One bite of this truffle and I was literally returned to the charming hillsides of Germany, craving good wine, cuckoo clocks, spatzle, schnitzel and maybe a warm pretzel with mustard for good measure. Charming that a treasure as small as this darling truffle could overwhelm my senses in such a way! Beautiful!
Temo's is open weekdays - including Valentine's - from 11 AM to 5 PM. Plenty of time to pick up your goodies!
Another fantastic option for the last minute Akron Valentine's shopper is the
Peanut Shoppe
(203 South Main Street).
I remember my earliest days at the University of Akron (no I will not tell you when this was). At the time, the Peanut Shoppe was located on the opposite side of Main Street from where it can be found today. I would venture down through their delicate aisle while I waited between classes at the Polsky building. While I always managed to pick up some treasure or another, it was not uncommon for me to also pick up a small bag of treats to bring along to share with my friends. The Peanut Shoppe has long made visits to the Civic Theatre and sharing goodies with friends a memorable and attainable event.
I will have to admit, I was thrilled to see that the place was full of goodie grabbers and those with a taste for the finest treats in town.
We picked up a pound of their ***Deluxe Mixed Nuts*** for our Grandpa's birthday (which he thoroughly enjoyed and proceeded to devour during our visit) and a half pound of almond butter.
We could have spent hours sampling all the treasures that were laid out before us, but it simply would not have been fair to monopolize the patient staff any longer. There was quite a demand for mid Saturday scruplous sweets!
Oh my goodness!
I must confess, I knew that The Peanut Shoppe offered fresh peanut butter, but somehow I overlooked the fact that they were also kind enough to offer my absolute favorite butter-- fresh almond butter! These folks pay such attention to detail that they offer salted, unsalted or mixed options to the discerning almond butter consumer. aaahhhh. I was in heaven! I barely had enough willpower to avoid sticking my finger in the tub on the short drive home.
As soon as I removed my cozy winter garb, I slathered the 'made before my eyes' almond butter across bit of bread... and let my taste buds take over. DELICIOUS!!!!!
If you are a fan, want to be a fan, or have a slight curiosity for almond butter-- GO ON DOWN TO THE PEANUT SHOPPE! Not only is it fresh, not only is it made to your personal taste, not only is it more reasonably priced than ALL the health food stores in town, it is also the single best almond butter I have ever had the pleasure of tasting!
Keep in mind that The Peanut Shoppe will happily place your choice of sweet or salty treats into a heat-shaped box for your darling Valentine.
The Peanut Shoppe is open from 9 AM - 6 PM on Valentine's Day, so be sure to stop by!
Temo's will truffle your chocolaty lips and provide a bouquet of smooth chocolate goodness. The Peanut Shoppe will dazzle you with salty and sweet treasures that are sure to blow your mind, or that of your sweetheart!
May your day be filled with
love and surprises that bring a smile to your face!
mmmmm...
All the best, Akron.
The Rubber City Homestead
No comments:
Post a Comment