What could possibly be more romantic this
Valentine’s
Day than an Italian dinner and a box of
specialty chocolates? How
about the assurance no animals were harmed or exploited in the
celebration of your love?
To that end, Black Sheep Bakery (833 SE Main; 523 NE 19th)
has made a fine selection of vegan chocolates, all hand crafted by
chocolateer Matt. Nougat, peanut butter, chocolate turtles,
truffles—all are creamy, rich, and big enough to satisfy (that’s
what I said!) and could fool the staunchest non-vegan (who probably
won’t have a date anyway). Valentine’s boxes can be customized, though
there are pre-packaged boxes of assorted truffles and turtles. Special
requests (hold the nuts!) will be taken.
After giving your vegan sweetie a box of chocolates, the most
romantic place in town will likely be chef Aaron Adams’ Portobello
Vegan Trattoria (2001 SE 11th). Can you say vegan saltimbocca?
Well, Adams can. Portobello is already making a mark in Portland and is
set to be a favorite of vegans and omnivores alike. Sharing a space
with Cellar Door Coffee, it’s cozy while remaining refined and open
relatively late. Swooning is permitted, as are passionate displays of
ingestion.