Valentine's Day Gifts Close to Home

Valentine's Day is a week away on Friday February 14th. Avoid a last minute panic by scoping out available gifts this week. Here are a few ideas from local merchants:

Nothing says Valentine's Day like roses. The Scarsdale Flower Shop is offering lovely arrangements of fresh red roses in custom made arrangements. Chose from a dozen long stem roses, a bouquet of pink and white roses, a mixture of roses, lilies and gerbera daisies and more. Or go exotic with a blooming orchid plant or a terrarium. Prices for roses range from $45 to $95. To order, stop by Scarsdale Flower Shop at 7 Harwood Court, call 914-723-0852 or visit their website at scarsdaleflowershops.com.

Current Home at the Heathcote Five Corners has a beautiful array of gifts for the home that will last long after Valentine's Day is over. Here are just a few ways to say "I love you." Lend your shelf a touch of love and style with a bold pair of heart bookends. Red or pink available. $145. Infuse love in the air with their hand jeweled heart fragrance candle. $24. Visit Current Home at 8 Palmer Avenue, Scarsdale, call the store to order at (914) 723-2462 or visit their website at: www.currenthomeny.com

Or, toast your Valentine with wonderful libations from Zachys on East Parkway in Scarsdale. Here are their holiday selections:

-The Rule Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2011, 19.99: Rule the night! This top selling Cabernet Sauvignon is a hearty and rich red that evokes dark chocolate, vanilla and cherry. Wine and dine your sweetheart with The Rule Cabernet Sauvignon without breaking the bank or skimping on Valentine's Day indulgence.
-Fleury Fleur de LEurope Brut NV 41.99: Champagne is better than Flowers, no? Fleur de L'Europe or the "Flower of Europe" from Champagne Fleury is simply divine. This rich and mouthwatering champagne offers an endless stream of bubbles that will stand out over any bouquet of flowers!
-Piper Heidsieck Brut Rose Sauvage NV 54.00: Pretty in Pink! This eye catching Piper Hiediseick Rose Brut Sauvage is an exuberant and pronounced champagne that is sure to kick off your evening in style. With an explosive POP of color on the label and in the glass this breathtaking 92 point Rose from world celebrated champagne house, Piper Heidseick.
-Slovenia Vodka 37.99: You can't spell Slovenia without LOVE. Celebrate your loved one with a martini crafted from the premium vodka from dream team, Peter X. Kelly, Bill Murray and Mikhail Baryshnikov. Deliciously smooth and dangerously delicious shake up your favorite cocktail with Slovenia Vodka.

Dinner out? Taiim on Boniface Circle in Scarsdale is offering a special Valentine's Day prix fixe dinner for $45 per person. Start with a complimentary glass of sparkling wine or a pomegranate and sparkling wine cocktail before your pistachio soup or Piyaz salad with tomatoes, onion, olive, egg and beans. Appetizers include tuna kebab or falafel with yogurt dip. Special entrees are Shish tawook –(sautéed chicken with peppers, paprika, yogurt and tomato, clams, shrimp and scallops or beef kibbee with bulgur, mint, all spice, cinnamon and parsley. Finish with white chocolate bon bons! Call to reserve at (914) 723-6900.

Fig and Olive Westchester hosts the holiday with a $55 prix fixe dinner menu. Check out the menu here: Choose from appetizers like seared scallops and chanterelles, oysters on the half shell and beef tartar. Main course include seared salmon, Chilean sea bass, filet mignon and rack of lamb. Save room for the Valrhona chocolate brownie for dessert.
Fig and Olive Westchester, 696 White Plains Road, Scarsdale, (914) 725-2900.

What else? Who can resist chocolate from Imagine Candy on Harwood Court or chocolate bark from Chocolations on East Boston Post Road in Mamaroneck. Check out Balducci's Valentine's Day menu with lobster bites, a Valentine's seafood platter for two with shrimp, lobster tails and lobster salad –and petit fours and chocolate-dipped strawberries for dessert. On February 14th get a free chocolate bar with every Gourmet on the Go location purchase. More sweet treats are available at Lulu Cake Boutique on Garth Road where they are baking heart-shaped mini cakes for two, hand painted heart cookies, "Conversation Heart" cupcakes and edible chocolate candy boxes made from cake. Yum! Too busy or lazy to leave your desk? If all else fails, go to Paperless Post and send an e-card.

Happy, happy!