From delectable hearts to vibrant flora, local eateries and businesses say they have everything for students and residents’ Valentine’s Day needs — and wants.
Two of Evanston’s pizzerias, Giordano’s and Lou Malnati’s, both offer the option of ordering these cheesy symbols of love.
Giordano’s, 500 Davis St. has been promoting their heart-shaped pizza for the past few weeks, manager Gabi Iacob said. More than 100 of these pizzas, in both its thin-crust and deep-dish varieties, were sold last Feb. 14.
“You can put whatever toppings you want on it, and it comes in all sizes,” Iacob said. “It’s a fun and casual way to celebrate Valentine’s Day.”
But if pizza is too casual, Evanston’s flower shops provide a more traditional Valentine’s Day gift. Flower Magic, 533 Davis St., sells countless types of flowers and bouquets.
Their most popular sales this time of year are their roses, said Julie Park, a sales associate. “Customers can pick purple, red, yellow and even tie-dyed roses,” she said.
Park said the store has been busy with phone orders and will continue accepting orders on Saturday for last-minute gift hunters.
“We get more variety of roses, which means triple the work. That’s three times more rose stems to cut,” she said. “And they all have to be cut individually.”
Despite the pressure to finish all the bouquets and the extra hours at the shop, Park said she has enjoyed working during the past week. “The customers come in and they’re a lot nicer,” she said. “They’re coming in happy, so they’re a lot easier to work with.”
The sweet-toothed can get their fill of chocolates, truffles, hot drinks and cakes at Marly Chocolates, 527 Davis St., which has been doing more Valentine’s Day business this year, owner Gail Robinson said.
“It’s the must-have gift that is in high demand during Valentine’s Day,” Robinson said of the chocolate. “For a single-day holiday, it’s one of the largest value producing, money-wise.”
Robinson said the store offers over 30 kinds of heart-shaped chocolates.
“Chocolate is a special product,” Robinson said. “Who doesn’t love chocolate?”
For Valentine’s Day, Marly Chocolates makes truffles from their own recipe, which is one of the fastest selling items. Robinson said another gift possibility is an enamel heart box, which comes in different sizes and colors.
“They can pick whatever kind of chocolate inside of it,” Robinson said. “It’s a sweet and simple present.”
Although working during Valentine’s Day at a chocolate shop can get hectic, Robinson said she loves the festive atmosphere.
“What’s really special that I get to be a part of the whole process,” she said. “I get to see everyone shopping, looking, searching for that perfect treat for their, friends, family and loved ones.”
