Ideas For Romantic Procrastinators

Valentine's Day is tomorrow. The time for finding that special something for your special someone is running out.

In the spirit of the holiday of romance, I hit the streets and went looking for tokens of love - the edible kind.

Chocolate? Wine? How about both?

WineStyles in Riverview has plenty of Valentine's Day-worthy gifts. Select a pre-made "quick grab" basket or bag, or you can custom-make either in minutes by choosing a bottle of wine, wine accessories or perhaps a wine club membership.

The store also sells Sharon O'Connor's inspiring "Menus and Music" boxed sets of cookbooks with music CDs. Owner Cheryl Mellon will be discounting the sets Thursday.

She also will host a happy hour from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Thursday, with specially priced glasses of wine from hard-to-find, small vineyards.

If you're looking to woo your lover with a little Old South charm, head over to Southern Grace in Ruskin.

Owner Frances Hereford carries oodles of gift items - from floor to ceiling. Choose one, or assemble many, including an array of Village Gourmet dips; the Paula Deen Collection of sauces, marinades and dressings; Rothschild Farm relishes and preserves; and Bag Lady Teas.

Go a little further and really woo and wow your sweetheart by adding a unique serving accessory, such as a unique wooden spoon, teapot or cake platter.

It may be a little late at this hour for dinner reservations, but it's not too late for Cupid to fix dessert - in as little as five minutes.

At Taste of Europe in Riverview, I bought a large jar of Hungarian pitted sour cherries with rum. The fruit is delightful spooned over vanilla ice cream or plain cake.

Owned by Artur Barnat, the store also carries heart-shaped, chocolate-covered gingerbread cakes from Poland that are filled with strawberry or apple jam. And I can't forget to mention the German chocolates, with centers of vodka, whisky or rum. Take it from me - the rum-filled chocolates were heavenly.

So much chocolate and so little time - I better pace myself.

How about some edible flowers?

Cathy Seal, owner of Edible Arrangements in Valrico, said she will have plenty of pre-made, chocolate-dipped bouquets on hand for all of you romantic procrastinators. A dozen will cost you $35.

Actually, I prefer to stay home on Valentine's Day and enjoy a romantic dinner that takes little effort - something like veal scallopini, leafy green salad, crusty bread and a nice glass or two of pinot grigio. I do, however, enjoy dining out either a few nights before or after the holiday, when the crowds are fewer.

VEAL SCALLOPINI FOR TWO

1 pound scallopini of veal, sliced thin

Flour

1/4 cup butter

6 fresh mushrooms, sliced

1/2 cup white wine

1 teaspoon capers

Juice of 1 lemon

1/2 sliced lemon

Freshly chopped parsley

Salt and pepper

Dredge veal slices in flour. Place butter in an extremely hot skillet. When butter browns, add veal and cook quickly, turning often. Then add mushrooms, wine and capers. Squeeze lemon juice over veal. Add salt and pepper. Place veal on serving dish and garnish with lemon slices and the chopped parsley.

LAST-MINUTE STOPS

WINESTYLES: 10273 Big Bend Road, Riverview; (813) 672-3400

SOUTHERN GRACE: 301 U.S. 41 S., Ruskin; (813) 641-0004

TASTE OF EUROPE: 11246 Boyette Road, Riverview; (813) 234-3653

EDIBLE ARRANGEMENTS: 4361 Lynx Paw Trail, Valrico; (813) 571-7200