Scheduled to open this spring by Houston native and serial entrepreneur Casey McNeil, CASE Chocolates is reviving the lost art of Starch Casting — a Swiss technique perfected by Rudolph Sprungli in the 1800s. The chocolates with a liquid center encompass a range of high-end spirits, from rare whiskeys to vintage liqueurs, and non-alcoholic options like local coffees and adaptogen elixirs.
Founders Casey McNeil and Janan Araujo-Siam
“Chocolates and spirits are a perfect pairing, but the only options have been sort of novelties. We’re changing that by creating unforgettably unique experiences and flavors that focus on the highest quality ingredients,” says McNeil.
Current offerings include eight-packs of bourbon, rum, gin or carajillo-filled gourmet chocolates; mixed variety packs; and the BTAC Collection Specialty Box starring chocolates filled with some of the rarest whiskeys in the world from the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection. The latter is packed in a decadent and eye-opening custom-made cacao pod.
Although the storefront isn’t ready yet, CASE is selling its luxury chocolates online. It will preview the speakeasy tasting experience with a Valentine’s Day pop-up dubbed Chocolate & Cocktails in the Jungle at Eden Plant Co. near James Beard-awarded Street to Kitchen in The Plant. CASE’s first-of-its-kind speakeasy will feature an intimate chocolate and cocktails pairing experience in a moody setting. The tastings showcase a global variety of chocolates paired as flights with various spirits and cocktails. Each tasting will last approximately 45 minutes, with reservations required.
“Cacao is more nuanced than wine, and we want to emphasize the unique flavors that different origins offer. The journey gets more exciting when people see how those flavors pair with different spirits and cocktails. We’re redefining chocolate by creating new moments of ‘wow’ and joy,” added McNeil.
McNeil studied under a Swiss chocolatier to learn the art of chocolate-making and now travels the world sourcing the best cacao from places such as Peru, Guatemala and Bali. Sweet!
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Sweet treats at Lombardi
Armandos
Armandos
Softly lit, neighborhood haunt Armandos has some fun food and cocktail pairings for Valentine’s Day. Choose from the Bonnie & Clyde, a small Queso Flameado and two Disco Infernos, the J.R. & Sue Ellen featuring Tuna Tartare Tacos and two Don Armando’s Margaritas, and the Frida & Diego, Shrimp Cocktail and Aloe Ranch Waters. Dessert pairings include the Justin & Kate Churros and Café de Olla Martinis, the Oscar & Lynn with Tres Leches and Mexican Old Fashioned cocktails, and more.
Artisans
Dessert at Artisans
Artisans has moved to a beautiful new home in the Galleria area and will offer a French Kiss menu on Feb. 14. Highlights from the five-course menu include baked Gulf Oysters with smoked butter and caviar, foie gras with black truffle ice cream, sautéed Gulf prawns, beef Wellington and more ($179 per guest). Reservations are available via OpenTable or by calling 713-529-9111.
Bari
Bari's strawberry panna cotta (photo by Becca Wright)
Why celebrate one day of love when you can celebrate all week? The Valentine’s Day special menu will be available from Feb. 12 to Feb. 17, so grab your loved ones and sweep them off their feet! The menu features delicacies such as lobster burrata heirloom tomato salad, filet mignon with fresh figs, berries and saba sauce, and strawberry panna cotta. Or sip dessert with the Be Mine Chocolate-tini! Reservations highly recommended: Call 832-415-9222.
Cocody
Cocody's centerpiece bar
With a nod to the Art Deco era for which the center on West Gray was originally designed in the 1930s, the interior design of Cocody has been the talk of the city since opening. The rooms shimmer with hundreds of crystal lights that float above the main dining rooms and lounge and shine like pieces of art in various rooms. For a prix-fixe Valentine’s Day dinner, start with Toro Tuna and Canadian lobster tartare, and then move to Mediterranean branzino filet followed by pan-seared prime filet mignon with foie gras golden potatoes. A salad course, as well as a Valentine’s Passion Fruit Heart dessert with chocolate-strawberry fondant, top it off ($170 per guest).
Hotel ZaZa
Want to get away? Each of Hotel ZaZa’s locations is offering a romantic Valentine’s 2024 package ideal for a couple’s staycation. The experience features a complimentary bottle of Ruinart champagne, room service credit ($100), and a decadent caviar and sweet tray on the night of arrival. Book this Feb. 1-Feb. 18. The restaurant will also offer a Valentine’s Day menu (Feb. 9-Feb. 14) with standout dishes like the raw bar trio, jumbo lump crab and garlic butter linguine, and chocolate-dipped strawberry cheesecake.
Le Jardinier
Le Jardinier's citrus-cured Hiramas (photo by Julie Soefer)
The seasonally driven, modern French dining destination from The Bastion Collection, is the place to for a Michelin-caliber three-course Valentine’s Day lunch ($95 per person). Start with a choice of Murray’s Burrata with red wine poached pears, pecan gremolata and watercress pistou, Chicory Salad with black truffle, avocado aioli, shaved winter vegetables and citrus, and Hiramasa with avocado mousse, sweet potato, grapes and almonds. Mains like Poached Maine Lobster with buttered potato and cabbage and lobster bisque, Red Wine Braised Short Rib with potato pave, or Green Circle Chicken with sauce supreme, sauteed mushrooms and wilted greens beckon. Raspberry Cheesecake Mousse with red velvet cake, cocoa sable or Valrhona Guanaja with dark chocolate cremeux and salty caramel sabayon for dessert. Add-ons including caviar and pasta are available. Reserve at this link.
Lombardi Cucina Italiano
Lombardi's Pink Dragon cocktail
Feb. 9- Feb. 14, enjoy Valentine’s specials including His & Hers cocktails at the new Uptown Park restaurant. Highlights include Spaghetti Alle Vongole (clams, white wine sauce and jumbo lump crab meat); ahi tuna tartare and arugula salad with osetra caviar; Carne Pesce (mixed grilled fish and ribeye steak), and warm chocolate fondant with Champagne sauce for dessert. Segreto Lounge offers live music Wed.-Sun. That’s amore!
MaKiin
MaKiin (photo by Sean Rainer)
Located in the heart of River Oaks, this still-new upscale Thai restaurant in an exotic setting will offer a three-course prix fixe menu ($90 per person) on Feb. 14. Lovebirds can snuggle up on the cushy banquettes for the Thai Trio Appetizer featuring a Seared Scallop and Spicy Mango Salad with Yum dressing; a delicate Flower Dumpling topped with sweet radish and peanuts; and Shiso Leaf Tempura. Entrees include Pink Noodles and Crispy Chicken with tamarind coconut sauce; Wagyu Strip Loin Black Pepper Steak with saffron jasmine rice; and Choo Chee Seafood atop a bed of Choo Chee curry sauce with crispy vermicelli. End with coconut pudding topped with Siam rubies. To sip, the Loli-Love Valentine’s Day cocktail is crafted with vodka, Rosella and mixed berry juice, egg white, and lime juice garnished with a heart lollipop. Reserve via OpenTable.
March
Neula at March (photo by Zach Horst)
For the ultimate foodie adventure in a chic and doting setting, the 28-seat tasting menu concept has introduced its eighth regional menu change, Països Catalans. This season’s menu is a celebration of the Catalan-speaking territories between the Pyrenees Mountains and Mediterranean coastline of Southern France, Eastern Spain, and Sardinia, Italy. Enjoy a 6- or 9-course tasting menu, or book a reservation in the lounge for a more relaxed yet elevated evening of caviar service, small bites, and cocktails that are reflective of the region. Reservations here.
Pappas Bros. Steakhouse
Dessert at Pappas Bros.
Houston’s iconic steakhouse manages to be handsome, classically designed and romantic at once. Valentine’s Day dinner brings on a three-course pre-set menu($107.95 per guest) including a choice of salads or soup; several steaks or a broiled salmon filet option; rich sides, and of course, delectable dessert. Valentine's menu available at the Downton and Galleria location Feb. 9-Feb. 14.
Alto
For the sweetest ride on Valentine’s week, catch the rideshare’s Valentine’s Love Notes vibe promo. Between Feb. 9-18, there will be limited-edition Love Notes “vibe” (music) in the Alto cars to create an intimate ambiance for your night on the town. Alto's are also BYOB and will be offering bubbly in the cars for an extra luxe touch. Hop on board!