SWEETS FOR THE SWEET
Normally we like our sweet ripe strawberries au naturale, but on Valentine's Day we'll make an exception for these chocolate dipped temptations. Loic Patisserie is offering 2 free chocolate-dipped strawberries with any two pastries purchased at the Little Italy Mercato farmers' market on February 14. You can never go wrong with chocolate; try Sweet Cheeks Bakery's specialties at Lisko Imports, perfect truffles from Eclipse Chocolat, brownies from Bread & Cie, or the flourless chocolate cake from Patisserie Soleil. It's a sure fire way to make someone sweet on you smile!

SWEET SCENTS
Looking for a traditional way to say Happy Valentine's Day? Pick up a colorful bouquet of fresh flowers from Maldonado Farms or Hidalgo Flower Growers. We're partial to Hidalgo's stunning red striped French tulips. Want a gift that continues to grow? Try the Orchid Source for incredible orchids of all shapes and colors. Check out fragrant lavender from Schaner Farms for cooking or to tuck in a pillowcase for a gentle bedroom scent.

THE WAY TO THE HEART
You know it's via the stomach, right? And A is for aphrodisiacs when it comes to Valentine meals. Asparagus, artichokes, almonds and avocados are all legendary foods of love, and they're all fresh at the Mercato this weekend. We like baby artichokes from Campbell Ranch sautéed in olive oil and sprinkled with Mayan salt from Disegno Italia. Their asparagus is perfect for steaming and topping with a little melted farm-fresh butter from Springhill Farms. Hopkins' raw almonds paired with a clementine from Polito Farms and a steaming cup of Eclipse spicy hot chocolate makes the perfect ending.

IMPRESS YOUR SWEETHEART
The Mercato is full of wonderful gifts to delight your sweetheart, like this lovely heart necklace created by LilyGirl Jewelry. Lori from LilyGirl has been at the Little Italy farmers' market almost from the beginning and her sweetheart collection is sure to impress. Isis Adornments and Generations also offer unique jewelry. KEF tempts with lovely scarves and dresses. Funky Spun spins angora wool to create cuddly mufflers and hats. Pair Square Meadows photo art cups with Café Virtuoso coffee for a great gift. Many more gift offerings are available at the Top of the Market this weekend.

BEAUTY & FITNESS THIS WEEKEND
Valentine's Day continues our beauty and fitness offerings at the Top of the Market. Learn more about Little Italy businesses that improve your health: CrossFit Invictus group training sessions, Evolve Salon and Spa's hair and beauty treatments and more.

Shop the Little Italy Mercato every Saturday from 9 am to 1:30 pm, year-round. Shop Date Street from Kettner to Union

REACH MERCATO SHOPPERS
Mercato shoppers eat all week long! Advertise your restaurant or lifestyle items in the Mercato Monitor, the newspaper that covers the pulse of the Little Italy Mercato. Email mercato@littleitalysd.com or call 619.233.3769 now!