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Okanagan-Taste

Share some heartfelt appreciation this Valentine's day

Not too late to appreciate

This weekend a big event will happen, one I personally refer to as “Chicken Wing Sunday.”

The Super Bowl approaches, and with it some epic snacking opportunities. Of note, Snoop Dogg is scheduled to perform at half-time, and if you’re in need of some game day recipes, his cookbook From Crook to Cook: Platinum Recipes from Tha Boss Dogg’s Kitchen, will provide you with a few.

He also has a red wine that is currently available in Canada (if it’s not sold out at your favourite wine shop), called the Cali Red Blend. His Cali Rosé is expected here later this spring, according to the producer, 19 Crimes.

Speaking of things red and pink, the day after the game is Valentine’s Day. Red is the colour of love and romance, pink the colour of family, friendship and, according to some, the right hue to say “I appreciate you.”

There are many ways to show appreciation. So, rather than a column about what beverage pairs best with guacamole (probably a zippy white wine) or where to go for a romantic dinner (there are plenty of dine-in and take-out options), and because it’s Heart Month, here are some suggestions about how to share some heartfelt appreciation.

Let’s face it, couldn’t we all use a little extra love right about now?

Send a friend some wine

Many wineries have special Valentine’s gift packs and though it may be too late for it to arrive in time for Valentine’s Day, send it anyway. Grab a couple of their favourite chocolate bars from the corner store or include a copy of your favourite picture together. Pick a friend you haven’t talked to in a while.

Buy coffee for the delivery person

Yes, there is the pay-it-forward drive-thru we’ve all heard of but if you end up ordering in pizza for the Super Bowl or have dinner delivered for your Valentine’s evening, leave a gift card and a thank-you note on your door for the delivery driver. Do this for the Canada Post person too.

Plate with passion

With many menus to choose from for take-out on V-Day, from super fancy to super simple, take time to plate and accentuate your dinner. Use the special occasion plates, the good cutlery, the glasses you are always afraid to break. Don’t just heat and serve in the take-out containers, unless you need a break from dishes, then go right ahead.

Leave a good review

Had great service somewhere—the vet, the car wash, the dentist, not just your favourite bistro? It doesn’t matter when you were there, it’s never too late to say kudos on Google, Trip Advisor, Yelp or your social media platform of choice.

Gratitude goes a long way. So, pass the potato chip battered chicken wings. And thanks for the recipe, Snoop.

This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.



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About the Author

A creative thinker with more than two decades of experience in communications, Allison is an early adopter of social and digital media, bringing years of work in traditional media to the new frontier of digital engagement marketing through her company, All She Wrote.

She is the winner of the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association's 2011 and 2012 awards for Social Media Initiative, an International LERN award for marketing, and the 2014 Penticton Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Award for Hospitality/Tourism.

Allison has amassed a following on multiple social networks of more than 30,000, frequently writes and about social media, food and libations as well as travel and events, and through her networks, she led a successful bid to bring the Wine Bloggers Conference to Penticton in June 2013, one of the largest social media wine events in the world, generating 31 million social media impressions, $1 million in earned media, and an estimated ongoing economic impact of $2 million.

In 2014, she held the first Canadian Wine Tourism Summit to spark conversation about the potential for wine tourism in Canada as a year-round economic driver.

Allison contributes epicurean content to several publications, has been a judge for several wine and food competitions, and has earned her advanced certificate from the Wine and Spirit Education Trust.

In her spare time, she has deep, meaningful conversations with her cats.

She can be reached at [email protected]



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The views expressed are strictly those of the author and not necessarily those of Castanet. Castanet does not warrant the contents.

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