Top Spots For Valentine's Day Treats In Philadelphia
V-Day is fast-approaching, and you know you don't want to go with candy hearts and drugstore chocolate (again). This year, spring for something sweet that's native to the City of Brotherly Love and Sisterly Affection, and you just might get some of that love and affection back. -Chelsea Karnash
From Sweetzel's Spiced Wafers to Tastykake's and Hope's Cookies, Reading Terminal's PA General Store has a slew of goodies that are perfect for your sweetheart. Can't decide what to buy…or just want to buy it all? Settle on a "Tower of Philly Treats," which includes treats like Pennsylvania Dutch pretzels, Anastasio coffee and, of course, a bumper sticker of your fav Philly sports team. Want to go for something a little more high-brow? Opt for the sprinkle-covered Chocolate Pretzel Sampler or the decadent Pennsylvania Truffle Box.
To ship what are arguably the best cannolis in the city to the girl/guy who's arguably your favorite person in the world, head to Termini's website and order by the dozen. Bonus: You can also mail-order other scrumptious baked goods, such as tins of fresh-baked torrones, pignolis and macaroons; or send containers of handmade chocolate nut clusters and pecan diamonds.
A Taste of Philly has made one of our guides before, but just in case you missed it, here's a recap: Amoroso rolls – by the dozen. A plethora of your favorite Philly meat products. Soft pretzels. TastyKakes. Even "Philadelphia-style pizza" (honestly, I don't have a clue what that is, but I'm sure it's good). You can order 'em all here, or get a combo of goodies within the "A Little Philly Snack Pack" or "A Little Philly Sampler." While I'm hesitant to recommend ordering a four-pack of cheesesteaks via mail, reviewers as far as Florida and Georgia stand by their quality.
Forget Godiva – why not go local if you're sending chocolate? At John and Kira's, you can pick up a number of super-adorable "Bee My Lovebug" gifts, featuring the company's hand-painted Honey Caramel Bees and ladybugs. And if your "lovebug" isn't the type to go for, um, lovebugs, try the droolworthy Drunken Chocolate Figs – Spanish figs filled with whiskey ganache and dipped in dark chocolate – or an assortment of J&K's amazing chocolate bars in flavors like mint, orange rosemary and chili.
For the most hilarious – and delish! – confections in town, head to Fishtown's Whipped Bakeshop. Whether you're going for risqué (cookies shaped like moustaches advertising "moustache rides" for 5 cents) or aww-inducing (a "Pugs & Kisses" gift set or whale and heart-shaped cookies wondering, "Whale You Be Mine?"), Whipped Bakeshop has something appropriate (or inappropriate, if we're talking about the moustache ride cookies) for everyone from your bff to the hubs. Just order up your goodies pronto; many items are already sold out.
*also locations in West Philly and Rittenhouse Square
The world's number one "ice cream" shop also ships, meaning you can send a selection of six pints of creamy gelati or sorbetti to anyone you fancy, regardless of location. Don't have time to sift through the sheer number of flavor choices for your frozen treat fanatic? Pick one of the pre-arranged gift sets, like the "Herbs and Spices" option (Rosemary Honey Goat's Milk, Lancaster Mint Stracciatella, Lime Cilantro, Saigon Cinnamon, Mexican Chocolate and Pineapple Mint Sorbetto – my pick, hint hint) or the Italian Classics collection. Because while it might be 90 degrees below zero right now, the true ice cream-lover will enjoy some high quality gelato no matter the weather.
