Want to treat your sweetheart to something a little different this Valentine's Day? Check out the wares at these new foodie destinations.
Maybe you're thinking of surprising Snookums with a romantic dinner for two at home. Then you might want to pick up a couple of well-marbled filets at The Meat House (1225 Kildaire Farm Road, Cary). The first North Carolina location of a New England-based chain, the shop specializes in aged beef cut to order by actual butchers (thought you'd seen the last of them, didn't you?).
Father and son owners Craig and Derek Wilkins and their crew can also cut you some nice lamb chops or a crown roast of pork. If you're not an especially confident cook, their vacuum-marinated beef tips are virtually foolproof. And if Lambikins isn't into red meat, the shop's naturally raised chicken ought to do the trick.
Looking for something more exotic? The freezer case is stocked with pheasant, venison and other game. If you don't see what you want, they'll order it for you. While you're there, you can also pick up a loaf of locally baked bread, a bottle of wine and some pencil asparagus from the small but thoughtfully stocked fresh produce case. Might as well get a made-to-order sandwich, too. You'll need something to fuel you through your labor of love in the kitchen.
For your sugar
Of course, Honeybunch will want something sweet, too. The next stop on your shopping trip depends on whether she's an old-fashioned girl or has more exotic tastes.
If it's the former, drive to Apex, where Sweet Memories Bakery (800-112 W. Williams St.; 363-1889; www.sweetmemoriesbakery.com) offers a wide assortment of cakes, pies and other sweet seductions. Owner Donna Ford has long been known locally for her wedding cakes and custom-ordered pastries, and she recently opened a retail shop.
Her extensive offering includes Black Forest cherry cake, classic tiramisu, apple crumb cheesecake, chocolate silk pie and a tempting assortment of cupcakes. Check the Web site for the full selection, and if you've got your heart set on a particular selection, be sure to order in advance.
Or head to Chapel Hill, where chocolatier Meghan Rosensweet is now selling her wares at The Chocolate Door (516 W. Franklin St.; 240-7290; www.thechocolatedoor.com). Rosensweet (now there's a name for Valentine's Day) offers more than 30 variations on the truffle theme, from classic chocolate (dark, white or milk) to exotic delicacies such as bacon, rosemary caramel, triple chile and potato chip.
Other sweet tooth satisfactions include chocolate bark, marshmallows rolled in milk chocolate and an assortment of baked goods. You can also get a cup of locally roasted coffee to go with the little treat you bought for yourself.
