First established by Pope Gelasius I in 496 AD, Valentine’s Day was to be a holiday honoring early Christian martyrs named Saint Valentine. Clearly not very romantic. The first recorded association of Valentine’s Day with romantic love came in 1382 when Geoffrey Chaucer wrote in Parlement of Foules:
For this was on seynt Volantynys day
Whan euery bryd comyth there to chese his make.
"For this was on Saint Valentine's Day, when every bird cometh there to choose his mate."
The poem was written to honor the first anniversary of the engagement of King Richrad II of England to Anne of Bohemia. Readers of the poem assumed Chaucer was referring to February 14 as Valentine’s Day - although it is not likely that any birds were looking for their mates in the middle of February!
Today Valentine’s Day is observed by couples everywhere with cards, flowers and, of course, chocolate. And, gentlemen, if you forget to observe it you may find yourself uncoupled on February 15th!
For those of you living or visiting the Atlanta, Georgia area during the month of February, The Ritz-Carlton, Buckhead has released its countdown calendar to Valentine’s Day filled with plenty of creative celebration options and fortunately every single option involves chocolate!
Wednesday February 1 - Chocolate and Cherry Facial
The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Buckhead celebrates Valentine’s with a special facial offered the month of February. This delicious facial begins with a cherry wine peel to exfoliate and firm, followed by a chocolate wasabi mask to stimulate circulation and boost collagen. The result is a deliciously dewy and toned complexion. 50 minutes, $155.
Thursday February 2 - Chocolate Afternoon Tea, The Lobby Lounge
Specialties such as Chocolate Chip Cherry Scones, Flourless Chocolate Brandy Cherry Cake, Coconut Chocolate Frangipane and Milk Chocolate Hazelnut Torte are added to the traditional Afternoon Tea pastries, and guests take home a chocolate keepsake. Thursday through Sunday, February 2-5 and 9-12 from 2:30 to 4 pm, $34
Friday February 3 - White Chocolate Cherry Martini
Mixologist Christa Sladky created this romantic martini with house-infused cherry brandy, Godiva White Chocolate Liqueur and Stoli® Vanil. February 1-14 in The Lobby Lounge and February 2-4 and 9-11 in The Wine Bar, $14
Saturday February 4 - Haute Chocolate Bar
The Ritz-Carlton, Buckhead Haute Chocolate Bar will make winter your favorite season! Select from these dreamy chocolate blended beverages: Spicy Dark Chocolate, made with Valrhona Grand Cru Guanaja 70% chocolate; Milk Chocolate Caramel, rich and velvety; or, Red Berry Dark Chocolate, enhanced with a touch of red berry sauce by the pastry chef. Then choose from these garnishes: The Ritz-Carlton, Buckhead Secret Spice; House-made Marshmallows; House-made Whipped Creams; Chocolate Shavings and Cinnamon Sticks Saturday and Sunday, January 14 through February 26, from 2:30 to 4 pm, $10
Sunday February 5 - The Super Bowl of Chocolate
No matter who wins the championship football game it is clear the champions of chocolate desserts will be in attendance at The Ritz-Carlton, Buckhead's splendid Sunday Brunch.
Dark Chocolate Crème Brûlée, Miniature Chocolate Cream Pie, White Chocolate Lemon Bar and Baileys Milk Chocolate Cake made with Baileys® Irish Cream are sure to score winning points. 11:30 am to 2:30 pm, $59
Monday February 6 - Chocolate Bark for Children’s Scavenger Hunt
Children always get a special wristband when checking-in for an overnight stay denoting VIK (Very Important Kid) status, and enjoy complimentary ice cream and a prize upon completing a self-guided scavenger hunt. In February, children receive house-made Chocolate Bark at the end of their quest.
Tuesday February 7 - Breakfast Buffet with Chocolate Specialties
Chocolate Chip Belgian Waffles, Chocolate Croissants and Chocolate Muffins are added to our daily breakfast buffet in The Cafe, Monday through Saturday, February 1-14. $27
Wednesday February 8 – Pairing Chocolate with Port and Aperitifs
Sommelier Linda Torres Alarcon guides Club Level guests in an informal tasting of rich chocolates paired with her very special selections: Quinta do Noval, Tawny Port, "10 Yr Old", Douro, Portugal and Cocchi, Barolo Chinato, Piedmont, Italy. The Club Lounge from 8 to 9 pm.
Thursday February 9 – “Haute Fashion, Haute Chocolate”
Neiman Marcus presents informal modeling of the season’s “haute-est” fashions during Chocolate Afternoon Tea. All fashions and accessories are red or pink—the colors of the moment! Neiman Marcus is the premier shopping destination for finding the perfect gift for that special someone. The Lobby Lounge, 2:30 to 4 pm, $34
Friday February 10 - Aztec Manhattan
Mixologist Christa Sladky’s newest cocktail recipe includes bourbon, vermouth, house-made spiced cocoa nib syrup and Bittermen's Xocolatl Mole. February 1 through 14 in The Lobby Lounge and February 2 through 4 and 9 through 11 in The Wine Bar, $14
Saturday February 11 - “Haute Couples, Haute Chocolate” Candy-Making Class
Ingenious pastry chef Dallas Marsteller will join loving couples to make a luscious assortment of
hand-rolled Valrhona chocolate truffles just in time for Valentine’s Day. After class, everyone enjoys a delightful three-course lunch in The Café. Class starts at 11am, with lunch following. Limited to five couples only. $125 per couple, inclusive of taxes and gratuities
Sunday February 12 – Haute Chocolate Sunday Brunch
Magnificent chocolate sculptures will grace the presentation of glorious chocolate desserts. Look for White Chocolate Lemon Bar, Whoopie Pie, Dark Chocolate Crème Brûlée, Miniature Chocolate Cream Pie and Baileys® Irish Cream Milk Chocolate Cake. 11:30 am to 2:30 pm, $59
Monday February 13 - Love Potion No. 5
This couples’ massage features an alluring mélange of five essential oils— cranberry, Clary Sage, Ylang Ylang, Patchouli and orange—and is offered all month. 50 minutes, $290. Cocoa Truffle Tea, a light cocoa-infused tea, is complimentary with spa treatments in February.
Tuesday February 14 - “Two Hearts are One” Dessert in The Café
Dessert becomes a romantic work of art: Valentine’s couples enjoy a chocolate dessert for two, which transforms into two hearts melting together. $14
For reservations for Sunday Brunch and dinner in The Café, please call 404-240-7035 or visit www.opentable.com. For reservations for Chocolate Afternoon Tea including “Haute Fashion, Haute Chocolate”, and the “Haute Couples, Haute Chocolate” Candy-Making Class and Lunch, please call 404-240-7035. For Spa appointments and to purchase Spa Gift Cards, please call 404-240-7041 or touch extension 7041. Pairing Chocolate with Port and Aperitifs is offered to Club Level guests only and no reservations are required.
Comments