Valentines Day is swiftly approaching. Whether you are sharing the day with a partner, friends, your pet, or with family, Valentines is a day to celebrate togetherness and care with the people you love. Unsure of what to do? Granite City Good Food is here to help.
We’ve compiled a list of sustainable experiences and gift ideas for your loved ones this Valentines Day (for a range of budgets!) that will make sure this year is a memorable one.
1) Go Home Made
Home-made gifts are some of the most intimate gifts you can give. On top of which they can be fun, budget friendly, and something for the whole family to enjoy! Knowing that you spent the time and care creating something your partner will love means more than anything pricey. You can go sweet and make truffles, cookies, cupcakes, and more or go savory and do breakfast in bed! Get the ingredients for your boo’s favorite cocktail or cook a fantastic dinner together. The personal touch will always make your gift or experience that much more special.
2) If You’re Going To Buy Treats, Buy Fairtrade
Life can be busy, and you might not have the time to make something. So if you are looking to buy your loved one a treat, make it Fairtrade. Fairtrade is a system of certification for ingredients and products that mean safer working conditions for farmers and workers, improved workers’ rights, and better pay. Fairtrade stands for equality and humanity throughout the entire supply chain, from farm to consumer. You can buy fairtrade products in most supermarkets and Oxfam shops or to find out more about Fairtrade and the selection of products available please see here; https://www.fairtrade.org.uk/buying-fairtrade/.
3) Support Local
For all the sweet toothed out there.. instead of buying a box of chocolates from the supermarket, why not give a local bakery or cake maker some love and buy from them instead. Aberdeen is home to some fantastic local bakers, and the
innovative flavours and combinations of some of the treats are incredible! Smores Brookie (brownie/cookie) anyone!?
@gumblossombakes @blackbirdbakery @veganbaybaker @cupcake_jo @fat_batch
4) Go to the Beach
Valentines doesn’t have to be a the typical date night meal – Aberdeen has more to offer than that! Why not take your date or loved ones down to the beach for a walk or even a paddle. Bring a basket and have a wee picnic or go to one of the fantastic cafes or bars. Want to do Valentines at the weekend instead of Tuesday? You could catch the food trucks! Check them out below:
@projectpizzaltd @foodstory.hut @rootscatering_uk @thehighlandercafe LA Sunny Foods
5) Wine & Dine
And finally, a classic is a classic! If your plan is to take your love out to a nice restaurant, please consider taking them to one of Aberdeen’s fantastic independents. See a selection below;
- Da Vinci Italian Restaurant
‘Da Vinci’s highest aspration is to reproduce fresh and high quality Italian & Tuscan cuisine in another country, Scotland. Proposing high-quality Italian, fresh, & local ingredients is our means to get there’
- Café Harmony
‘At Café Harmony we are dedicated to and passionate about showcasing the incredible artisan food and drinks producers in the North East of Soctland.’
- Seoul
‘Here at Seoul we provide the very best authentic Japanese and Korean dining experience in the city’
- 210 Bistro
‘We look forward to welcoming you to 210 Bistro. Be it for a quick coffee or a large private dinner, we aim to provide you with a service that keeps our many regular customers returning’
- Poldinos
‘Established in 1977 [….] Poldino’s shas been serving family favourites for over fourty five years. Like Italian cooking, we believe the recipe of our success is a mixture of few but quality ingredients: warm atmosphere unassuming service and consistently good food.’
- Maggies Grill
‘Using locally sourced produce and armed with Maggie’s own cookbooks brought back from New Orleans, the boys embarked on a culinary journey of discovery with one simple mission in mind; to create a relaxed dining environment in which their guests can enjoy home cooked soul food.’
However you plan to spend your Valentines, from everyone here at Granite City Good Food we hope you have a joyous day full of love and Good Food!