If you’re in the market for a lovely belated Valentine’s celebration, take your sweet babu for a drive along the Hill Country Wine Lovers Trail (www.texaswinetrail.com), and stop in at Becker Vineyards (830/644-2681; www.beckervineyards.com) for a complimentary Merlot-and-chocolate tasting. Enjoy sumptuous truffles, bonbons, and other divine creations from Venezuelan chocolatier Chocolates El Rey; Saturday, Feb. 17, 10am-6pm; Sunday, Feb. 18, noon-6pm.
For many of us, a well-sharpened knife is the most valuable piece of kitchen equipment. Faraday’s Kitchen Store (1501 RR 620 N., 266-5666; www.faradayskitchenstore.com) offers the skills of the Knife Sharpest of Austin, who will sharpen knives while you shop. Cash only: straight-edged knives, $3; serrated, $4; Saturday, Feb. 17, 10am-3pm.
Attention coffee aficionados: The Austin History Center (810 Guadalupe) will host an evening of dynamic photos and fascinating travel narrative presented by author Linda Rice Lorenzetti and photojournalist Daniel Lorenzetti based on their 2000 book, The Birth of Coffee. The authors traveled to the islands of Indonesia researching this “photographic essay of the worlds and people behind a simple cup of coffee” and have recently developed this traveling presentation for museums and libraries around the country. Ruta Maya will serve complimentary refreshments and coffee. The authors own all the remaining copies of their book and will be glad to sign copies after the presentation. A portion of the proceeds from the book sales will benefit the Austin Public Library. The program is free, but space is limited, so reservations at www.austinlibrary.org are suggested. For more information, call 974-7400; Wednesday, Feb. 21, 7pm.
This article appears in February 16 • 2007.