Spreading around the love

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PASTRIES AT MAZZARO’S

If you have a significant other, you probably already have thought through what you’ll get as a Valentine’s Day gift. Sometimes, though, it’s fun to spread the love around on Valentine’s Day to folks you care about beyond that special someone. Remember getting all those little paper heart valentines from your grade school classmates when you were a kid? Felt good, didn’t it?

If you’d like to recreate that goodwill as an adult–maybe with your colleagues at work, maybe with a group of friends, maybe with an organization you belong to–here are some locally owned and operated St. Pete establishments who’ll create something special for your Valentine’s Day treat.

FOR YOUR FOOD LOVING FRIENDS

My #1 recommendation would be (in all categories, but certainly food) Mazzaro’s. They are so unique and outstanding. Visit this page: www.mazzarosmarketcatering.com/ — that even shows the zip codes they deliver to. Their main page is www.mazzarosmarket.com/. My Inkwatu review is at inkwatu.com/2008/03/12/mazzaros-italian-market/.

Some other foodie baskets with delivery are these three. They are all locally owned and operated places that deliver gourmet baskets. If Mazzaro’s doesn’t interest you, then you might consider one of these:

Garden Gate Gifts
Creative Creations (offers cheesecakes, too!)
Delectable Gourmet Gifts

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CHOCOLATES AT SCHAKOLADE’S

FOR YOUR CHOCOLATE LOVING FRIENDS

I have two chocolate recommendations. First would be the Schakolade Chocolate Factory with which I have had excellent experiences. Their St. Pete number is 727-892-2400; www.schakolad.com/. My Inkwatu review is at http://inkwatu.com/2008/09/24/schakolad-chocolate-factory/.

Or, you might try Chocolate Specialties by Joe (595 Corey Ave, Suite E, St. Pete Beach, FL 33706; 727-360-4800).

FOR YOUR FLOWER LOVING FRIENDS

My hands down favorite for flower gifts–but also a variety of imported Thai gifts–is Thai-rific. See my Inkwatu review of them at inkwatu.com/2008/03/31/thai-rific/. Not only do they have a complete standard florist service, they have a huge tropical flower nursery and they will create handmade orchid leis for you. It’s the kind of gift that isn’t forgotten easily.

Another locally owned and operated florist you might consider is Andrew’s (6101 4Th St. N., St. Petersburg, FL 33703; 727-521-3562/800-248-1824).

To recap, my top three Valentine’s Day gift source recommendations are these:

BUT…even if you don’t live in St. Pete, I’ll bet there’s similar places where you live from which you can order a little love to spread around among your friends.

Happy Valentine’s Day (a few days early)!