A Box of Chocolates

"Life is like a box of chocolates." Or, at least, my life is lately.

Tessa, an adorable second-generation chocolatier from my old stomping grounds of Austin, has an eye for style and a taste for artisanal authenticity. The recipe, the family ties, the packaging, and the hand-scripted notes collectively create a refreshing brand. Perhaps it's my public relations mouth talking, but I am so impressed with Tessa's ability to merge old tradition with a modern, fresh face. I don't even know Tessa personally, but I can align with her approach as I click through the classic Chocolaterie Tessa site and break off a bite of a salted caramel milk chocolate.

The chocolates are miraculously so tiny yet so detailed. I loved the heart flourish in my box, which I'm sure is a holiday-themed move.

I know I am not the only one who fears biting into an unexpected, non-labeled chocolate (gooey colored jam, no thank you). Tessa relieves that fear factor instantly! Though she doesn't label her individual squares, the curated package celebrates the beauty of chocolate in its purest form. A few nutty and fruity flavors will be unveiled; but don't worry, you're getting plenty of ganache and truffle, too.

With only a little over a week before Valentine's Day, I urge you to order online now! My Memphis delivery arrived in a few short days, and I'm still savoring the last few chocolates. Tell Tessa that Caramelized sent you!

Brie Mine

I was first inspired by the cheesy emphasis (get it?) on Valentine's Day when I stumbled upon a clever "Brie Mine" card last year at Paper Source in Austin. Though I would have rather been the recipient than the giver of such an appropriate tagline, I bought it anyway and signed it for Alex.

I'm planning a date night in next weekend, and we never fail to begin with a cheese board of some sorts. This time, I'm all about the sweet simplicity of a cheese and honey pairing. Step aside, jams and jellies: We're relying on just a tiny drizzle of irresistible Nature Nate's honey to complement the salty nature of cheese.

The following cheeses and honey are perfect pairs for you and your Valentine's date -- who I am sure make a perfect pair, as well.

Parmigiano-Reggiano: The nutty overtones of this classic don't just go with pasta (though I can't wait to sprinkle some over my Gremelli pasta from Porcellino's). Ditch the cracker, break off a bite of the firm block of cheese, and add a dot of honey for a flavorful combination.

Blue: The stinky and bold blues surprisingly contrast nicely with a clover honey. It'll cut out the spice and sharpness that cause most to turn their heads. Be bold this Valentine's, right?

Creamy bries and goat cheese: These are a given. Supplemented honey with a hint of orange or lemon zest, you'll be tempted to eat it for appetizers, main courses, and dessert!

Now, get yourself some Nature Nate's raw honey and enjoy the romantic, sweet holiday. Share your own Nature Nate’s honey creations on social media using @naturenates and the hashtag #HoneyMakesItBetter.

This post is in partnership with Nature Nate's. Thank you for supporting my sponsors!

Cafe Keough (Memphis)

I try not to take neighborhood spots for granted--you know, the ones where you can effortlessly pop in to pick up a latte, or shmooze with out-of-town guests on weekend mornings, or meet with colleagues for a power lunch.

I feel lucky that my neighborhood spot happens to be a French-inspired café with extra buttery croissants on display and delicate, always photogenic menu items.

Cafe Keough's atmosphere is calm and full of natural light. The high ceilings are refreshing. The staff is sweet. It was only Friday morning (on National Croissant Day) when I realized I haven't shared my Cafe Keough obsession with you...How could it have taken seven months?!

Better late than never.

For breakfast, I'm a big fan of the classic coffee and croissant combination, as mentioned above.

Lunch -- always hustling and bustling with business-people -- proves difficult for menu decision-making, since I'm essentially a fan of every item on the wall-sized chalkboard. I usually recommend the soup du jour with a hot-pressed panini, though the salad nicoise never, ever disappoints.

Happy hour is highly enjoyable for a glass of wine and tapas or two. When my dad's various board meetings occur downtown, we typically meet right after 5 p.m. for a post-work catch-up. The roasted bruschetta, citrus and herb olives, and roasted red pepper-draped hummus are our favorites.

In fact...I'm off to Cafe Keough right now! Have a splendid week, ladies and gents.

A Spin on Super Bowl Classics

This post was originally featured on Southern Living's blog, The Daily South! Who else is planning a Super Bowl Sunday gathering? You’ve found the right place! Luckily, our entertainment is accounted for; but inevitably as an entertainer, I am thinking about the table.

image via style me pretty

I find it intriguing and absolutely appropriate to bring football game day vibes into one’s home. My friends and I collectively crave a jumbo pretzel with mustard, or cheese nachos with a beer. Why not bring those elements into your own cozy living room? Although prosciutto bites and crudités would be much appreciated by guests, think about the reason for the season: It’s the Super Bowl, after all!

Rather than stressing over specialty drinks, understand that your party guests are perfectly content with a beer (or three)! Script a chalk label with “New England Ale” and “Seattle Golden” beers on galvanized tins. Provide frosted mugs within reach. The game day spirit will effortlessly transcend from the screen and into the hands of your party-goers.

image via love and lemons

For touchdown-worthy snacks, homemade soft pretzels with your favorite spicy brown mustard (or beer cheese dipping sauce) will satisfy the most nostalgic of fans. Personalized craft paper bags with assorted popcorns will entertain the kids, and a gourmet nacho station with guacamole, fresh jalapeño, and all the fixings will elevate a game-time classic.

No matter which NFL team your guests are rooting for, they’ll be rooting for you before the first time out!

Toast (New Orleans)

Lately, I've lost the precious time to savor morning meals before work. The 6:45 a.m. workouts are taking over my rituals of coffee sipping and egg scrambling (though, yes, that should be a good thing), and the snooze button has become my best friend on days off. Combine that lack of time with my desire to drive back to New Orleans for Jazz Fest... Take me back to Toast.

Ashley and I stumbled upon this peachy pink house right off of our Magazine Street route, which entertained us throughout the relaxing weekend. We chose Toast as the finale of my trip...and yes, it was a lovely choice. The avocado toast with sunny side up egg was a given, but I was equally enthralled by other menu items: crispy bacon, homemade grits, and an omelet special with goat cheese and roasted red peppers.

Naturally, we split every dish. This was a challenging yet worthwhile feat, for I never turn down the chance to try multiple menu items at once! The toast was perfectly crisp, and I enjoyed the thick cut of sourdough to soak up egg yolk and catch bright green avocado slices. As we all know in the food world, avocado toast would list among the most popular dishes if ever to be left on a deserted island. I have definitely joined the bandwagon. And the Toast bandwagon.

The omelet special was delicious, though goat cheese's rich overtones always seem to overwhelm my plate at breakfast. The pineapple was spectacularly sweet compared to the crispy, savory bacon on the side.

I'm looking forward to cooking a Toast-inspired breakfast at the lakehouse over Valentine's weekend. What's your favorite kind of toast?!

Where to Book Valentine's Day Dinner in Memphis

The highly anticipated Valentine’s Day is less than a month away; yet believe it or not, our city is already gearing up for date night! Before reservation slots are filled, I'm giving you an insider list of our recommendations for celebrating this special occasion. Ordered by neighborhood, this variety of sophisticated cocktails, wine lists, dishes and ambiences will, without a doubt, impress your significant other. Perhaps one of these restaurants will become your new regular date spot. Pick up your cell and reserve early -- Tell them Caramelized and StyleBlueprint sent you!

See more in the StyleBlueprint feature...

EAST MEMPHIS

Acre: Though it might still be too chilly to enjoy the patio, the beautiful bar and true farm-to-table menu at Acre always please. Wally Joe knows what he’s doing, especially for special occasions! (901) 818-2273

Andrew Michael Italian Kitchen: The most elegant of Andy Ticer and Michael Hudman’s Brookhaven Circle trifecta, Andrew Michael Italian Kitchen features an impressive wine list and award-winning spin on Italian classics. (901) 347-3569

Interim: Memphians have been raving about Interim’s new menu, which shows off American classics from a visible, state-of-the-art kitchen. (901) 818-0821

River Oaks: Dimly lit, yet glowing with special dishes left and right, River Oaks offers the premier service and Southern hospitality consistently shown by the Gutierrez duo. (901) 683-9305

MIDTOWN

Bari Ristorante: A cozy, classic dining room and a mighty happening bar await you at Bari Ristorante. The cheese board, olives and carbonara (or any pasta feature) are musts! (901) 722-2244

The Beauty Shop: The Beauty Shop is sophisticated and clever in both style and service. I’ll never get enough of that space (or sea salt monkey bread)! (901) 272-7111

ECCO on Overton Park: ECCO on Overton Park offers new, fresh and simple in the heart of a Midtown neighborhood. Go for the porcini ravioli with browned butter. (901) 410-8200

Sweet Grass: Southern and swanky dishes are made with the freshest ingredients at Sweet Grass. Hello, piping hot grits on a chilly evening! (901) 278-0278

DOWNTOWN

Felicia Suzanne's: Make some time for a fried Gulf oyster (of love) or two at Felicia Suzanne’s before catching The Orpheum’s The Lion King. (901) 523-0877

McEwen’s: The small plate menu option at McEwen’s is ideal for sharing, though I’m partial to the decadent Chilean sea bass! (901)527-7085

photo by micki martin