Maybe If I Pointed Out The Aphrodisiac Properties of Chocolate? The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay, CA

I’m exhausted from dropping ever-so-subtle hints to my boyfriend about “How this would make a Valentine’s Day present that I would never forget,” and getting no response. I’ve even offered to drive the golf cart around and promised not to make fun when he misses the shot. Unless… maybe… he’s already made reservations and is going to “surprise” me?

I love driving to The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay’s restaurant Navio to indulge in their decadent Sunday Brunch, but I have never spent the night there. With their array of special Valentines Packages, I think it is time to rectify the situation.

They are offering a scrumptious sounding dinner for $105 that includes a complimentary rose and a box of chocolates, or you can stroll over to the Wine Room for a Rose Champagne Flight paired with tapas. What could be more perfect than ordering their “Pillow Top Picnic” which is delivered to your bedroom (jammies optional) and includes such sensuous delights as homemade fois gras, truffled lobster cannelloni, valentine cheesecake?

But what I really want to try is the special “three-course” Chocolate Tasting Menu prepared by Pastry Chef William Werner, offered in The Conservatory, from February 9-16th. I was fortunate enough to taste his desserts at the Ritz’s “Inside the Kitchen” Grand Tasting Finale, (by the way, you do NOT want to miss this event next year) and immediately became one of his biggest fans.

I was totally wowed by his unique flavor pairings and imaginative presentations. For example, his Chocolate-Coffee “Tacos” with Lychee Espuma , or salted chocolate and chipotle cookies and honey eucalyptus bon bons. Werner says, “We try to focus on a lot of interesting flavors you don’t normally associate with desserts such as savory flavors like peppers and chilies.”

P.S. If you bump into my boyfriend, would please mention the candle-lit, rose petal, couples massage that their spa is offering?