If you're on our email list, you'd already know that I've been spending a lot of time in my bathroom.  Our apartment is freezing.  So with my laptop and space heater, I've managed to turn our toilette into a warm working paradise.  February is certainly a bitter sweet month.  Chilly days, cupid and chocolate aren't such a bad combination.  But mainly because of the chocolate. 

We're having our first Chocolate + Wine Pairing event on Tues, Feb. 10th.  This one strikes sweet memories for me as we feature Jersey City's fine chocolate maker, Lee Sims.  My first job was brushing and boxing chocolate for Valerie at Lee Sims.  Eating them also came with the job.  So from first hand tasting, I can't rave enough about the chocolate covered caramarsh, raspberry jelly, apricot, pretzels....   Ladies, need I convince you more?  (If by chance you can't make it, you can order chocolate from their online store.  My fave is the milk chocolate covered crackers!)  Our chocolate and wine pairings can be pre-ordered online, Click here.



For the cupids who are earnestly planning for the 14th, our Valentine's Day dinner menu has been decided.  And here it is...

    

      Valentines  Day 2009

 

      Chefs Amuse Bouche

      ****

      Butternut Squash Gnoccci  with Cocoa Cardona Cheese cream sauce

      ***

      Organic Greens, Mocha Walnut Vinaigrette

      ***

      Grilled Rack of Lamb rubbed with Juniper Berry & Cocoa Bean

      Braised Leek and endive Barlotto, Mint Lamb Jus

      Or

      Jersey Day Boat Scallops dusted with Cocoa & Saffron

      Sweet Potato Confit, Sautéed Rainbow Swiss Chard, Blood Orange Beurre Blanc

      ***

      Warm Valrhona Chocolate Tart

      Fresh Berries  and creme anglaise

This menu is $45 per person, rose petals included at Love is the Message.  Make your reservations today, 201-536-5557 or email Leah@litm.com     .




This may be a short month, but we definitely didn't skimp on the number of activities for you to choose from.  So if I still have your attention, here are some more sugar and spice...

On Wed, Feb. 18th we're taking a chartered bus to Fairfield, NJ's Cricket Hill Brewery.  You may have noticed by now that I've got some Jersey pride going on.  Rick Reed is the master brewer and he's been so generous to give LITM's 99 Beer Club a private tasting and tour that night.  For $36 you'll get 5 beers, a boxed dinner, free ride on the beer bus and entertainment from the "Awesome" Rick Reed.  Tickets are available online or at LITM. 



On the 21st, which is a Saturday...we have "Mastering Martinis", the second LITM bartending class with Andrea.  There is so much information to share about this one, so click onto Brown Paper Tickets or read below...


That Sat. evening on the 21st, we have the fabulous, the fantastic and the funky Cate Musiq Group!  Performing again and again and again...Their set starts @ 9:00 PM. 

And lastly, you won't believe this but the bathroom story comes full circle with our final event of the month.  Are you ready for this one??  LITM is going to put in a 2nd BATHROOM!!!!  Yes, it's been a long time coming and you've been a long time waiting for your chance at the toilet.  So we're cutting the line, finally!  We are having a TIDY BOWL FUNDRAISER PARTY!!!  And tidy bowl shots are just the beginning... this his happening on Thursday, Feb. 26th.  Stay in line for the rest of the details.  Are you as excited as I am?!! 

Tidy Bowl Fundraiser Party!!


xoxoxoxoxoxo jelynne