Romancing with chocolate

Few would argue that chocolate is a sure-hit accompaniment to Valentine’s Day flowers, but before you dash to the corner grocery store, think about this: Do you really want your sweet token of love to come from the mass-produced, cheap variety?

For a more personalized presentation — as well as much better chocolate — head instead to one of the many chocolatiers on the Kitsap Peninsula. Not only do they use fresh ingredients, many prefer the organic kind and make their chocolates fresh almost daily. Plus, they can create a beautiful presentation that says nothing more than “I love you, you’re so special!”

Chocolatiers take their Valentine’s Day seriously so you’re likely to find special items not available during other times of the year. Chocolate roses, heart-shaped boxes are among the choices this time of year and if you’re not sure what to buy, go for truffles. This seductive indulgency never fails to be a hit.

At Bon Bon on Bainbridge Island you’ll find Pink Peony truffles wrapped with white satin bows, all sorts of vintage chocolates and daily made fudge in dozens of flavors that you can have packed in beautiful boxes at no extra charge. Owner Lisa Dunlap says she can make a nice presentation out of any goodies you buy at her store.
Bon Bon Confections is at 123 Bjune Drive, suite 103; (206) 780-0199; http://www.bonboncandies.com/

Port Gamble is home to the Tea Room, where in addition to dainty tea parties, you’ll find hand-crafted, gourmet truffles and fudge in flavors like Coconut Delight and Black Forest. If you want to enjoy the charming ambiance a little longer, stay for a cup of tea and some lunch too!
The Tea Room at Port Gamble is located at 32279 Rainier Street in downtown Port Gamble; (360) 297-4225; http://www.tearoomatportgamble.com/

Downtown Poulsbo is home to Boehm’s Chocolates, where among other goodies you’ll find exquisite European-style truffles, nut clusters, chewy caramels and much more. Boehm’s Candies, located in Issaquah, has been in business since 1942 and was founded by an Austrian chocolatier.
Boehm’s Chocolates is located at 18864 Front Street; (360) 697-3318

Also in Poulsbo, unique, handmade truffles and chocolates can be found at CBC Chocolates, where young entrepreneur Peter Crabtree is always on the lookout for new, unusual flavors. In additional to more traditional flavors, CBC has varieties such as Silver City Fat Scotch Ale Truffles and Eleven Winery Truffles.
CBC Chocolates is at 19880 7th Ave NE, suite 102; (360) 930-0283; http://www.cbcchocolates.com/

Bremerton would not be the same without Amy’s Decadent Chocolates. Owner Amy Jablonski, who likes to use pure ingredients like butter and cream, has adopted some family recipes to make them her own, and continuously experiments with chocolate. And her caramel apples are absolutely the best around — make sure you buy one or three while you’re stocking up on chocolate for your sweetheart.
Amy’s Decadent Chocolates is located at 2806 6th street; (360) 377-2252; http://www.amysdecadentchocolates.com/

Port Orchard is home to two chocolate stores. Downtown, The Candy Shoppe turns the saying “like a child in a candy store” on its head: Visitors of all ages will have a tough time deciding on which treat to take home. In addition to dozens of varieties of fresh fudge and truffles, the shop has old-fashioned candies, chocolates with attitude and, of course, the famous “Seagull Plop.” Valentine’s is a busy season here, and you’ll find many special gifts for the season. The Candy Shoppe is at 833 Bay Street; (360) 874-2576; http://thecandyshoppellc.com/

Carter’s Chocolates has special Valentine’s boxes (in limited quantities) as well as a large variety of organic truffles and other chocolates. Owner Mathew Carter is very discriminating about the ingredients in his product, and he uses an usual look for his truffles — square, with designs on top! If you ever want to experience the world of chocolates, this is the place to come for the monthly tastings.
Carter’s Chocolates is in Town Square (South Kitsap Mall) at 1700 SE Mile Hill Road; (360) 876-4424; http://www.carterschocolates.com/

Release your inner Picasso at Artists’ Edge

Aspiring artists looking for ways to explore their talents may just have a best friend in Bremerton artist and teacher Al Mulkey. Every Saturday and Wednesday, he gives free lessons on specific themes at Artists' Edge, alternating the class between the shop’s Silverdale and Poulsbo locations.

“Big Al” Mulkey is one of the Artists' Edge resident educators, and has taught many art classes at college level. He facilitates the two-hour, hands-on workshops on an ongoing basis — so whether you’re a veteran exploring a new medium or a budding artist, check out the schedule for something that may be just the right creative outlet for you.

Upcoming February workshops include “insects stiplled in india ink” and “caricature.

The workshops are from 1 to 3 p.m. and are hosted in Poulsbo on Wednesdays and Silverdale on Saturdays.

Artists Edge
http://www.artistsedge.com
18723 Hwy 305, Poulsbo; (360) 779-2337
9960 Silverdale Way, Silverdale; (360) 698-3113

‘Buffalo Rome’ comes to Bremerton Feb. 5

“Buffalo Rome” has only been together for a short time, but the contemporary Western music trio has already been touring around the United States and getting rave reviews. This Friday, Feb. 5, they will be landing in Bremerton as part of West Sound Entertainment Association’s lineup.

The three musicians — Michael Visconti, Kevin Douglas and Billy McCorvey — are not industry novices. Visconti is a producer and jingle writer, Douglas had been featured on the Grand Ole Opry and CMT and McCorvey wrote the “Lonely and Gone” hit performed by Montgomery Gentry. Together, they blend ‘70s Western country rock with contemporary country, and, as one Country Weekly reviewer put it, “are putting the West back in country Western.”

The West Sound Entertainment Association is a nonprofit formed (under a previous name) more than seven decades ago. The organization hosts its performances at the Bremerton Performing Arts Center, at Bremerton High School.

Tickets: $30 at the door (subject to availability); for more information, call Carolyn Brower at (360)830-5286 or Barbara Metzger at (360)692-9463.

Bremerton High School: 1500 13th Street Bremerton
WSEA: http://www.kitsapconcerts.org/
Buffalo Rome: http://www.buffalorome.com/

Good eats in Poulsbo: Sogno di Vino

Sogno di Vino is a comparatively new kid on the downtown block in Poulsbo – but it has already built a strong reputation. As a wine bar and pizzeria, it has one of the best pizzas in town, but there is much more on the menu that’s just as tempting.

Owned by a couple in love with Italian food, Sogno di Vino is an excellent place for both lunch and dinner — or as a hangout on a Friday night, thanks to an upstairs wine and spirits bar.

The service is excellent, the wood-fired pizza delicious, and the menu ranges from traditional Italian fare to more unusual (beets with goat cheese or Pizza Bellini – eggplant, spinach, pinenuts, pesto & mozzarella – just two examples).

And if you want to take a little piece of Italy home (or just some good Northwest or California wine), stop by the retail store and wine cellar on your way out. Or make that your first stop and choose a bottle for your table.

Sogno di Vino hours:
Sunday-Thursday 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Friday-Saturday 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.

360-697-VINO (8466)
18830 Front Street, Poulsbo
http://www.sogno-di-vino.com/

Guys Night Out in Bremerton on Feb. 4

A night out just for the guys is coming to Bremerton this Thursday, Feb. 4. The all-ages event will include information, shopping discounts, games and more (and, of course, beer for those over age 21).

The event is free but door prize tickets will be available at $1 each. Raffle prizes include guy basics like big-screen TV, video games, recliner and more — a total of $2,500 worth of prizes, according to organizers.

For more information, contact dennis@dccarpetsncleaning.com or call 360-616-4617.

Guys Night Out Feb. 4, 5-9 p.m., Presidents Hall, Bremerton Fair Grounds

Statewide show opens at Collective Visions in Bremerton

The third annual CVG show, which attracts hundreds of artists from around the state, opens at Collective Visions Art Gallery in Bremerton on Feb. 2. More than $6,000 in prizes will be awarded, with 120 art pieces on display (out of about 800 entries) competing in several categories.

The public, too, can help award one of the prizes—by voting during the show’s first week for the “People’s Choice Award.”

The juried show brings thousands of visitors to Bremerton, and the gallery hosts special events during the show, which continues through Feb. 27.

Feb. 2: Show opens at 10 a.m.
Feb. 5: First Friday Art Walk, 5-9 p.m.
Feb. 12: Lecture by Olympic College art professor Marie Weichman, 7 p.m.
Feb. 19: Jami Sieber, electric cello, in concert (tickets $15 advance, $18 at the door), 7 p.m.
Feb. 26: Panel discussion on appreciation contemporary art with Bainbridge Arts and Crafts Director Susan Jackson, interior designer Shanna Neims or Elandan Interiors and CVG artist and moderator Alan Newberg; 7 p.m.

Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday
Location: 331 Pacific Avenue, Bremerton
Info: www.collectivevisions.com

Get ready to be on The EDGE on Bainbridge

The EDGE, one of Northwest’s best improv groups, calls Bainbridge Island home. The group travels all over, but every first Saturday of the month, you can see its antics at the Bainbridge Performing Arts Center.

Come to the island early on Saturday, Feb. 6 and enjoy dinner at one of the many fine restaurants in Winslow (downtown Bainbridge), browse through the quaint shops, and head to the arts center for the 7:30 p.m. performance.

The EDGE is a collection of nine talented actors who can sing, think on their feet and make you laugh—often, all at the same time. The shows are based on audience suggestions, so it’s never the same. Not a word is scripted, so the performers are constantly making things up as they go along.

The group’s on-the-spot comedy has inspired feedback like: “I don’t know how they do it. They just come on stage and create instant hilarity” and “Thanks for being a totally reliable picker-upper to offset the sad bits in life.”

Tickets are $15 for adults, and $10 for seniors, students, youth, military and teachers.

The EDGE: http://www.theedgeimprov.com

Bainbridge Performing Arts Center (ticket/venue info): http://www.bainbridgeperformingarts.org

Rock for Haiti on Bainbridge Island

This Sunday, enjoy fabulous music, dancing, kids activities and yummy desserts on Bainbridge Island while raising funds for disaster relief in Haiti.

The "Island to Island" night kicks off at 6 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 31 at Bainbridge Island High School and also includes a silent auction and insights on relief efforts from Jay Inslee and former president of World Vision Dean Hirsh.

Live music featuring Latin American music from Grupo Meridianal. Cost is $10/person $25/family suggested donation to any of these nonprofits: Partners in Health, World Vision and UNICEF.

Bainbridge Island High School is at 9330 Northeast High School Road; the festivities are in the commons.

The event is sponsored by several local businesses and organizations. For questions, contact Trudi Inslee (206) 780-5626 or Marissa Simcoe (206) 902-7354.

Bestselling author Kristin Hannah’s national book launch in Poulsbo is Feb. 2

Liberty Bay Books will host a national book launch event for local author Kristin Hannah on Feb. 2, at That's-A-Some Italian restaurant in Poulsbo. The event will be the first stop on her national tour for her newest novel, "Winter Garden."

A Bainbridge Island resident, Hannah is the bestselling author of nearly a dozen novels. Her book "Firefly Lane" appeared on the New York Times bestseller list for nearly nine months this past year.

Her newest book, “Winter Garden, is on February’s Indie Next List (http://news.bookweb.org/news/7262.html) from http://www.indiebound.org/, the national association of independent booksellers.

"Kristin Hannah has created her best novel to date, a story of a complex bound between a mother and her daughters. Hannah's characters will capture your heart and enter your soul. Amazing!" --Summer Moser, Summer's Stories, Kendallville, IN

What: "Winter Garden" Book Launch event
Where: That's A Some Italian restaurant, 18881 Front Street, Poulsbo
When: Tuesday, February 2; 7 pm
Details: Presentation & booksigning; champagne and dessert
Host/Info: Liberty Bay Books, (360) 779.5909, libertybaybooks@embarqmail.com
http://www.libertybaybooks.com/

Learn more about Kristin Hannah, read an excerpt from the new book and watch her on video talking about "Winter Garden" at http://www.kristinhannah.com/.

Casual eats in Bremerton: Hi-Lo’s 15th Street Café

Hi-Lo’s in Bremerton is one of those neighborhood happy places that once discovered, it keeps bringing people back. The unique, cozy café makes no bones about its retro style — down to the hippy-fashioned getups of the staff and the restored back end of a ’74 Volkswagen built into a wall to serve as the home to the self-serve, organic coffee brews.

The brightly-painted walls, floor and ceiling, the old newspaper clippings used on the tables and the working disco ball in the bathroom will make many visitors reminisce about the good ol’ times. And so the food is served to boost those memories: from staples like meat loaf to classic sandwiches and breakfast (served all day). The menu has some fun surprises, too, like green eggs and ham and a surprisingly tasty lox plate (a bagel served with cream cheese, raw smoked salmon, capers and sliced onion and tomato).

The service is great and very casual. If you want a cup of coffee, for example, what you do is choose one of the colorful cups hanging above the counter, and help yourself. The darling café does get busy at lunchtime and during the warm days there is nice seating outside.

If you go during one of those times when there is no wait time (during which customers wait at the bakery next door), make sure you stop by the bakery after your meal to pick up some fresh-made bread or other goodies.

If you’re curious about the name, it borrows from the names of the owners, Heidi (Hi) and Lowell (Lo) Yoxsimer, whom you’ll likely find at the café cooking or serving. Before you leave, check out the couple's vintage thermos collection. It's unlikely you'll find a thermos museum like this anywhere else in Puget Sound.

Hi-Lo’s 15th Street Café is a quick dash from downtown, at the corner of 15th and Wycoff, and it’s worth the stop.

Hours: 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday - Friday; 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday/Sunday

http://hilos15thstreetcafe.com/

Learn about holistic wellness at Port Orchard workshop

If you’re still trying to recharge your batteries after a busy holiday season or are looking to reconnect the body, mind and spirit, a trip to Port Orchard on Feb. 6 is just what the doctor ordered.

A daylong workshop with the theme “A Tapestry of Wellness – Weaving Your Design” will be hosted in Port Orchard Saturday, Feb. 6 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The workshop will include presentations on topics such as acupuncture, animal-assisted therapy, grief support, women wellness and others.

Dr. John Walck, MD, is the keynote speaker and the format of the event will include 12 1-hour workshops, complimentary mini-massages, organic lunch, and much more—all for $20.

Space is limited and pre-registration is required. The workshop will be hosted at Elim Lutheran Church; for information go to www.elimlutheranpo.net or call (360) 710-4922.

Dine out in Poulsbo for Haiti relief, Thursday, Jan. 28

Dining out downtown Poulsbo is wonderful any time, but this coming Thursday, Jan. 28, there is one more reason to do it: Several restaurants will donate 15 percent of their dinner proceeds to the Red Cross Relief Fund. If you need an excuse to get out of the house and stroll along the quaint streets then enjoy some great cuisine, what better one? Bon appétit!

Participating restaurants:
The Loft, 18779 Front Street
http://www.theloftpoulsbo.com/

MorMor Bistro, 18820 Front Street
http://www.mormorbistro.com/
 
Tizley's Europub, 18928 Front Street
http://www.tizleys.com/

Voodiez Bar and Grill, 18932 Front Street
http://www.voodiez.com/

That's-A-Some Italian Ristorante, 18881 Front Street NE
http://www.thatsasome.com/

Whiskey Creek Ranch House Grill, 18801 Front Street
http://www.whiskeycreekpoulsbo.com/

Sogno di Vino,  18830 Front Street
http://www.sogno-di-vino.com/

Hare & Hounds Pub, 18990 Front Street

Sheila's Portside Restaurant, 18879 Front Street

Saturday night date: One-act festival on Bainbridge

Bainbridge Performing Arts has the perfect cure for this Saturday night’s “do something” jitters: a one-act festival featuring local talent. The festival is presented by Dinah Manoff, a film, television and stage actress who teaches acting at the BPA. She has selected innovative and challenging one-act plays from both familiar and obscure playwrights and has recruited the best talent the island has to offer.

The Saturday, Jan. 23 event starts at 7 p.m. and includes the following plays:

“Judgment Call" by Frederick Stroppel, a play tha takes an ironic look into the world of baseball umpires by a New York-based playwright;
“Little Miss Fresno” by Ara Watson and Mary Gallagher deals hilariously with two very competitive mothers whose daughters are in the semi-finals of a local moppet beauty contest;
“The Fool" (or "The Retired Captain") by Anton Chekov is a short piece between a man and the matchmaker he employs to find a wife;
“This Property Is Condemned” by Tennessee Williams is a play written in 1946 and expanded into the film of the same name starring Natalie Wood and Robert Redford in 1966;
“Check Please” by Jonathan Rand follows a series of blind dinner dates that couldn’t get any worse — until they do.

Born in New York City to actress Lee Grant and writer Arnold Manoff, Dinah Manoff won both Theater World and Tony Award as Best Featured Actress for her performance in the Broadway production of Neil Simon’s I Ought To Be In Pictures, and she reprised the role in the motion picture of the same title. She has numerous theater credits, including Broadway plays, as well as television and film roles.

Cost: $10; addess: 200 Madison Avenue N, Bainbridge Island; for tickets call (206) 842-8569

For more details about the festival,cast or Bainbridge Performing Arts, go to http://www.bainbridgeperformingarts.org/

Miss those Big Band sounds? Come to Port Orchard Wednesday nights

The Koi’s Bistro & Lounge in Port Orchard will host live music of the Big Band and jazzy variety every Wednesday from 5 to 8 p.m. starting Jan. 27.
Cover charge is $5 (only $1 for seniors), and there will be $7 dinner specials for seniors with a group of 10 or more.

The musicians featured are Harmonica Dave, Bill Carter on sax, Judith Kay on vocals, and special guests. This is a special time for easy listening, dining and dancing, and the event is friendly for all ages.

Koi’s Bistro & Lounge is at 1551 SE Piperberry Way, off Bethel Road, in Port Orchard. Call (360) 895-5495 for more information.

Meet bestselling author Gregg Olsen at the signing of Kitsap County-based book

Gregg Olsen, Olalla-based bestselling and award-winning author, is best known for his true crime book, “Starvation Heights,” based in his own neck of the woods (the book has been recently optioned for a film). And now he’s taking readers back to Kitsap County in his latest thriller, “Victim Six.”

The book will make its debut the week of Jan. 25, and Olsen will be at several Kitsap-area bookstores through mid-February to meet his fans and sign books. The thriller features a Kitsap County sheriff’s detective on the hunt for a serial killer.

Thriller author Lee Childs remarked about “Victim Six”: “Olsen will leave you on the edge of your seat."

Meet Gregg Olsen at the following locations:
Jan. 30, 3 p.m. Barnes & Noble, Silverdale
3108 Northwest Randall Way; (360) 613-5352
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/

Feb. 2, 6 p.m. Bethel Avenue Books, Port Orchard
1037 Bethel Avenue; (360) 876-7500
bethelavebook.com

Feb. 6, 3:30 p.m. Borders, Gig Harbor
4601 Point Fosdick Drive NW; (253) 853-2700
http://www.borders.com/

Feb. 11, 10 a.m. Mystery Book Club Read, Liberty Bay Books, Poulsbo
18881 Front Street NE; (360) 779-5909
http://www.libertybaybooks.com/