Chocolate Making Class

Romance is all about exciting the senses and Valentine’s Day celebrates that process on a major level.  If candlelight and massages sound too tame for your taste, consider these sensory focused activities in Chicago:

Chocolate Making Class (Canady Le Chocolatier, 824 S. Wabash, (312) 454-8700): There’s nothing more sensual than chocolate, whether you like to sip it, rub it on your skin or stuff it in your mouth, it stimulates all of the senses.  This three-hour “Divine Art of Chocolate Making” class is for chocolate lovers and general foodies alike. Students will learn to taste, temper and create cream-filled, custom chocolates. A box of custom made chocolates is included in the $200 price.

A Helicopter Tour over Chicago’s Skyline (Sun Aero Helicopters, Inc. 195th and S. Burnham Ave., Lansing, Il. (708-895-8658): The iconic Chicago skyline certainly stirs the senses but viewing it from a helicopter gives new meaning to the term thrill seeker. Soar over the lakefront and catch glimpses of Soldier Field, Millennium Park, Navy Pier and Buckingham Fountain. The 35-minute tour runs daily from 9AM-PM for $166.

Wine Tasting For Two (Fontana Grill & Wine Bar, 1329 W. WIlson, (773) 561-0400) : There’s nothing like wine tickling the taste buds to stir romance and a wine tasting for two will certainly elevate heartbeats. Couples will learn the variations of  two different wine flights while nibbling on an appetizer included in the $30.95 per couple price.

Photo courtesy of  Canady Le Chocolatier

1805 Columbia Valley wine

Sushi and wine tasting might not be a combination that you automatically think of but Chicago’s award-winning Hot Woks Sushi Cool Sushi is noted for innovation. The restaurant hosts an exclusive wine tasting and launch party on Friday, January 20 from 5:30-10:30 PM. Read More »

Beer on Tap by Reinis Traidas

I found myself at the Leaky Roof because I had a Groupon coupon for a gastro-pub meal there. It’s not much to look at from the outside, I have to admit. However, within its low-lit walls customers will find a cozy bar and eatery with a fabulous menu, extensive wine list and weekly happy hour.

There are a lot of pubs in Portland serving frothy craft beers and pub grub. While a slice of pizza or a burger goes well with pints of Oregon brews, not too many pubs have food that impresses (Deschutes in NW is an exception). That’s what I like about the Leaky Roof, it does mixed drinks, beer and dinner well.

Head to the Leaky Roof Mon-Fri for their happy hour from 3:30 to 6pm, or stop in any time for a glass of Oregon pinot at their small bar. The Leaky Roof is a Portland landmark, and has been around since the 1940s! Hungry pub goers should try the salmon and strawberry salad with Oregon hazelnuts or the fried brie with berry compote. The fried mozzarella balls are also pretty tasty. The Leaky Roof’s menu is very reasonable, and a dinner starts at about $20 and up, depending on how many pints you indulge in. Located in the Goose Hallow area, there’s plenty of parking near the Leaky Roof and a Max stop is nearby.

More:

Leaky Roof

16th & SW Jefferson
(503) 222-3745

http://www.theleakyroof.com/index.html

Post by Regina Winkle-Bryan. See more at : http://www.thespainscoop.com/

Photo credit : http://www.flickr.com/photos/reinis/

McMenamins

The Rock Creek Tavern has long been a countryside stomping grounds for farmers and hippies. About 40 minutes from Portland, Oregon, Rock Creek is found on the way westward out highway 26 towards the coast. Its beautiful setting keeps people coming, along with its nightly live music offerings and bonfire.

The Rock Creek Tavern is a McMenamins property, which means micro-brew beer, local wines, Ok pub food and bad service. I should say that my server at the Rock Creek was nice and attentive. He dropped a few forks but that’s not a big deal. Still, McMenamins has a bad rap in Portland for having spaced out servers. My friend from Portland describes McMenamins as ‘a hippy restaurant chain’, which I think is pretty accurate.

McMenamins Ruby Beer

Like all McMenamins properties, the Rock Creek is in an old wooden building from the 1800′s which  burned down in 2002 and was then rebuilt to look just like it did before. It has a tucked away, woodsy feel to it.

Come early to the Rock Creek for music EVERY NIGHT this month. Music usually begins at 7pm and goes until 9pm, but sometimes a show will start at 6pm or 9pm, so check online first. See the line-up here. Shows are free.

On the weekends you’ll want to go early to get a seat. Weekdays finding a booth shouldn’t be an issue. This is one of my favorite countryside pubs, which makes for a good place to stop on the way back to Portland from the beach, or for dinner after wine tasting in the area.

MORE:

10000 N.W. Old Cornelius Pass Rd.
Hillsboro, OR 97124

(503) 645-3822
Fax: (503) 439-1059
rockcreek@mcmenamins.com

Post by Regina Winkle-Bryan. See more of her work at: http://www.thespainscoop.com/

Photo Credits: http://www.flickr.com/photos/smcdevitt/