Valentine’s Day, widely celebrated around the globe with flowers, sweetheart messages and chocolate, has a bit of a checkered past. In ancient Rome, agricultural communities gathered for Lupercalia in mid-February, a festival that later fell out of favor with early Christians and Popes. Dr. Eliza Rosenberg, who lectures on biblical history at Utah State University, … [Read more...]
Why Do Utahns Hate Valentine’s Day?
“How’s your love life?” It’s a question we ask jokingly, but for people who are single by chance, divorced, widowed, or who were betrayed by a partner, it’s a vexing question that can’t be answered by a gushy card or a heart-shaped box of chocolates they may or may not have gotten. It can be a cruel reminder that they are alone, possibly just because Cupid’s arrow … [Read more...]
Valentine’s Day 2021: Delicious Dining Destinations for Valentine’s Day
It goes without saying that Valentine’s Day 2020 was very different than Valentine’s Day 2021 will be. And yet, maybe not that different insofar as there are restaurants that will offer couples romantic dinner options, albeit sanitized, socially distanced and as safe as possible. So if you’re looking to get out of the house and celebrate V-Day with someone special dining out, … [Read more...]
Bonterra Organic Rosé
If you’re looking to toast your honey on Valentine’s Day, why not do it with Rosé? Pink wines are terrific anytime, but seem especially appropriate when Cupid’s slinging his arrows. And on this special day devoted to love, how about showing some love for our planet by toasting with Bonterra Organic Vineyards Rosé, which is available in both bottles ($16) and boxes ($22.99). … [Read more...]
Where to Celebrate Valentine’s Day in Utah
If there is a more popular day/night for dining out than Valentine’s Day, I don’t know about it. I’ve received dozens of blurbs, press releases, emails and texts from local restaurants pitching their V-Day “specials” to me. Too often, Valentine’s Day dinners are, frankly, overpriced affairs that usually feature overcooked lobster tails and cheap bubbly. However, after sifting … [Read more...]
Romantic Tables: Best Bets for Valentine’s Day Dining
OF COURSE, dining out on Valentine’s Day is a well-worn cliche. But hey, I’m a romantic and a sentimentalist at heart. So I’m always down for making my Valentine’s meal a special one, whether it’s a quiet and intimate feast at home, or a more public dinner out on the town. As always, there's an abundance of local restaurants offering special dining options for Cupid’s big … [Read more...]
Babs in the City: Utah Roses
It’s the time of year we’re told that if we don’t give or receive roses we’re in trouble or not loved. What started as a Roman festival thousands of years ago has turned into a conspiracy between DeBeers diamonds, Hallmark cards and chocolatiers. Remember, it’s only been two months since you were convinced the only way to show your love was by spending a lot of money on useless … [Read more...]
Millcreek Cacao: Rare Chocolate for Valentine’s Day
Enterprising activity fills the small space at Millcreek Cacao Roasters. Steven Brewster is overseeing the roasting process and packaging. Mark DelVecchio heats and molds the chocolate, and Dana Brewster moves from station to station explaining the whole operation. In the bright space, the enticing aroma of chocolate is everywhere. “Farm to bar,” is how Dana describes their … [Read more...]
Keeping it Civil
Deputy Clerk Darline E. Von Bank Doesn't Cry At Weddings The young man and lady knew what they wanted. Smiling and looking confident, JD Cundick and Brittney Sanderson joined hands in front of Deputy Clerk Darlene E. Von Bank as she greeted them in a small room at the side of the Salt Lake County Clerk’s office. Wearing an official black gown, she had them sign documents and … [Read more...]
The Sweet Life: Cummings Chocolates
In hopes of impressing a girl, V. Clyde Cummings enrolled in a high school cooking where he learned he had a passion for making chocolate. Though his plan failed to win his crush’s affection, he had set in motion a journey that would win the hearts of many as one of the world’s finest chocolate makers. Like every young dreamer, Clyde began his business from home. While in … [Read more...]