Sunday, February 12, 2012
Ignite valentine passion with blazing flames and sensory candles.
Almost every night around 6, from mid-October until mid-March, my mother would start a fire in the fireplace in our den. As children, we’d grumble when she asked my siblings and me to bring in some logs. The grumbling, of course, didn’t last once the fire was lit. Living in the chilly Midwest, we cherished the flickering warmth that the daily ritual provided. That time of day was special. According to the Virginia-based Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association and the Washington, DC-based National Association of Home Builders, fireplaces rank second among the top features desired by buyers of new homes. And there’s no better time than Valentine’s Day evening to ignite the night, whether fireside or with the flicker and glow of candles. …
42.627718
-82.946522
The Mall at Partridge Creek
17420 Hall Rd, Clinton Township, MI
/articles/come-on-baby-light-me-a-fire-48fca7dc
1877195
/locations/6363173
Saturday, February 11, 2012
Metropolitan Cafe tops the Food Fight poll as the most romantic restaurant in Macomb County.
Looking for a romantic restaurant? Then try Metropolitan Cafe, which Patch users called the most romantic restaurant in Macomb County. Metropolitan Cafe, which is located at 52969 Van Dyke Ave. in Shelby Township, received 54 percent of the vote to win the Food Fight poll. Eastside Tavern in Mount Clemens finished second. Voting took place from Wednesday morning until Friday at 5 p.m. Congratulations, Metropolitan Cafe, and thanks to all who participated in the Food Fight by voting in the poll and leaving comments on the site. We look forward to hearing from you again in the next edition of Food Fight. Have you eaten at Metropolitan Cafe? Let us know what you thought by leaving a review on Patch.
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Valentine season is not just for the romantic. Make a pledge Feb. 14 to think with your heart throughout the year.
- VALENTINE'S DAY GUIDE
- Megan Swoyer
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Thursday, February 9, 2012
Valentine season is not just for romantic love. There are two paper red hearts that hang on a cupboard in my kitchen as a reminder that there are several people living alone who need a hug or a kind gesture this Valentine’s Day. Strangers’ names are written on the bright, cut-out hearts, including Ray from Warren and Ann of Troy. I don’t know them, but I have their addresses (also inscribed on the hearts) and will soon put Valentine’s Day cards in the mail for these two. I’ll ask my sons to write a line or two to Ann and Ray, wishing them a good day and letting them know that people — even strangers — are thinking of them on this day. I plucked those little heart ornaments from the Church of St. Alan’s “Heart Tree” after attending Mass …
42.68661
-82.94183
Macomb Charitable Foundation
18215 24 Mile Rd, Macomb, MI
/articles/the-heart-beat-check-in-with-lonely-hearts-and-others-on-valentine-s-day-6dac6079
1820081
/locations/6353574
Jessica Long's prize is overnight stay at Royal Park Hotel.
It was a last-minute entry on Wednesday morning that was selected as the random winner of Patch's "Object of My Affection" Valentine Contest. The winner, Jessica Long, of Rochester Hills entered a picture of a sunset on Lake Michigan in Leland. In the caption she wrote: ".. one of my favorite vacation spots. I might get back there this summer; I'll settle for a night at the Royal Park in the meantime." Long will receive an overnight stay at the Royal Park Hotel in Rochester. The package will include two Valentine martinis and the choice of one of the following to be delivered to her room: Make Whoopie (the couple can enjoy making their own whoopie pies); Sweetie Pies with Milk Shooters; Champagne and dipped berries. Patch received 194 …
42.68186
-83.12773
600 E University Dr, Rochester, MI
/articles/contest-rochester-hills-woman-wins-patch-valentine-s-day-contest
/locations/6483403
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Try these favorite dishes to make you fall in love all over again.
When my husband and I were dating some 20 years ago, I decided to try to impress him with a home-cooked meal for Valentine’s Day. The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, right? I knew my man’s stomach was no exception. So off to the market I went for fresh shrimp, wine, flowers and more. I’d seen my mom make a deviled shrimp dish for my dad through the years, and the two always seemed to be happier when tucking forks into this delicious seafood-starring meal. The same was true with my then-boyfriend and me the night I made it for him, and I’ve been creating deviled shrimp for us for Valentine’s Day ever since. Culinary prowess and affairs of the heart go hand-in-hand for several Metro Detroit and nationally known chefs. Here are…
42.483801
-83.474611
Diamond Jim Brady's of Novi
43271 Crescent Blvd, Novi, MI
/articles/romantic-recipes-eat-your-heart-out-with-these-valentine-s-delectables
712288
/locations/6483345
Eastside Tavern and Metropolitan Cafe are vying for top honors in the Food Fight poll.
- VALENTINE'S DAY GUIDE
- John Hetzler
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Wednesday, February 8, 2012
When Patch asked for people’s opinions on the best romantic restaurant in Macomb County, you responded. We listened, and you have told us your top choices: Eastside Tavern and the Metropolitan Cafe. Now we’re asking for a little more help to finish off this Food Fight. We would like you to vote on one of those places for the best romantic restaurant. If you would like, please leave a comment on why you voted, or share your choice on Facebook and Twitter. You can also leave a review of the restaurant on Patch. You have until Friday at 5 p.m. to vote, and we’ll announce the winner of the Food Fight on Saturday morning. Thanks again, and happy eating.
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Show us a picture of the object of your affection and you will have a chance to win a romantic getaway for Valentine's Day!
UPDATE: The contest is now closed and we'll be announcing the winner, Thursday, Feb. 9. Thanks for your entries! Valentine's Day is fast approaching and we've got the perfect gift for you and your sweetie: an overnight stay for two at the Royal Park Hotel in Rochester. So, enter our "Object of My Affection" contest for a chance to win. Here's how: Besides the overnight stay, the Royal Park package will include two Valentine martinis and the choice of one of the following to be delivered to your room: Make Whoopie (the couple can enjoy making their own whoopie pies); Sweetie Pies with Milk Shooters; Champagne and dipped berries. Even if you don't win the prize, this Valentine's Day package is available to any hotel guest throughout the …
Monday, February 6, 2012
Wrap up a red, pink or sparkly Valentine's Day surprise for your significant other — or treat yourself to something "love-ly."
As Diane Harris of My House of Style peruses her wares in her inviting Birmingham boutique, she contemplates the popularity of the color red. “Red is such a beautiful and strong color,” notes the purveyor of jewelry and great boxes and bags in which to keep one’s jewels. The shop features everything from bangles and cuffs to necklaces, rings and earrings and various accessories that would make any woman happy, especially on Valentine’s Day. “We have a special program where a woman can come in and register her favorite items in the store and then her significant other can come in and check the list if shopping for a gift,” explains Harris. My House of Style joins dozens of stores and boutiques that are displaying great accessories for …
42.627718
-82.946522
The Mall at Partridge Creek
17420 Hall Rd, Clinton Township, MI
/articles/red-hot-fashions-accessories-get-hearts-pumpin-4ba5ef82
1877195
/locations/6338069
Leave a comment below to let us know your pick for the most romantic restaurant in Macomb County.
Do you love romantic dinners on Valentine’s Day? If you do, then we hope you will help out with this week’s Food Fight question: Where is the most romantic restaurant in Macomb County? Each week in the Food Fight, we ask you for your opinion on the best places to eat around the area. With Valentine’s Day coming soon, we want to know about that special place you go with that special someone. You can let us know by leaving a comment below. You may submit comments until 5 p.m. Tuesday. From there, we will take the top three nominees and post in an article first thing Wednesday morning. Then it will be time to vote again to decide the Food Fight champion. Voting will continue until Friday at 5 p.m. Then, on Saturday morning, we will announce …
Sunday, February 5, 2012
Follow your heart to the library or bookstore where the best in love stories (both self-help and fiction) awaits.
Whether or not romantic love is in your life, there are several great “love”-themed reads that range from traditional boy-meets-girl stories to those that focus on self-love reflection. Michelle Wooddell, co-owner of the Berkley Book Corner in Berkley, suggests delving into the world of love triangles, bridal showers and singles ads. Her favorite picks for Valentine’s reading include: An Available Man, by Hilma Wolitzer. New in Hardcover – this is the story of a widower who cautiously makes his way back into the dating world when his children place a singles ad for him. “Will he find true love again?” asks Wooddell, who lives in Huntington Woods. The Marriage Plot, by Jeffrey Eugenides, is one of 2011’s best novels, says Wooddell, and…
Jenny Whalen
2:54 pm on Sunday, February 12, 2012
Would you rather an electric fire or a wood burning one in your home? more ›