Valentine's Day Chocolate Cocktails

Oh my, how could I forget chocolate liqueur and chocolate cocktails. What was I thinking?

One of my favorites remains the Chocolate Martini, but you need to read Eric Felten's article in today's Wall Street Journal. He writes, "The Chocolate Martini has finally run its course. A bellwether of the fad for sweet, candy-flavored drinks served in Martini glasses, the Chocolate Martini started turning up at bars here and there a little over a dozen years ago and then hit its stride by 1998, when it was all of a sudden everywhere. Many were the Valentine's Days in the years since for which the Chocolate Martini was recommended as a felicitous accompaniment. Thankfully that particular dark age has passed, but it does mean we'll need to find another wooing cup."

His reasons for maligning the Chocolate Martini? "Let's start by understanding what the fundamental problems with the Chocolate Martini were: 1) The drink usurped the honorific "Martini" for a drink that had nothing in common with the original but the glass; 2) it was a one-note wonder, dominated by a single, sweet flavor."

So want to try something new? In today's Drink of the Week there was a great recipe for Godiva Royale. This drink is the perfect accompaniment to chocolate covered strawberries. I also found a recipe for a Chocolate Pinky Valentini. I'm afraid, though, that Mr. Felten would find this too sweet. Sounds good to me!

Of course, if you want to imbibe tonight, you can always get a great bottle of champagne and accompany it with high-end dark chocolate. They go together so well.

Godiva Chocolate Suite New York Contest

Janet Appel, blogger and chocoholic, sent me this link about a special February Month of Love Godiva Chocolate Getaway. Godiva loves Valentine's Day so much they're going to celebrate for an entire month -- granted, it's also the shortest month of the year.

Lucky couples who buy their sweet hearts Godiva chocolates for the holiday may get the chance to win a "fantasy weekend" which involves staying in a New York City hotel suite dedicated to chocolate. The lucky winners will not just get a box of chocolates; they'll be staying in a virtually chocolate-covered suite in the Bryant Park Hotel. Brooke Shields helped unveil this delicious room, designed by Jonathan Adler, so it's all ready for the winners. In addition, the love birds will be treated to a chocolate tasting, fine dining around Manhattan and other "surprises".
Those lusting for that trip to NYC can buy up all the boxes of Godiva chocolates between now and February 27, 2009. You'll know which boxes are the potential winners by the heart marking the store's display. When you open the box, look for an envelope and open it to see your instant win message. If it says, "Congratulations" -- you're the winner so follow the instructions on your card. And go to the official site for the specific rules.

Aside from the grand prize winner, 100 other first place winners will earn a year's supply of Godiva chocolate. Good luck!