Nora Grace-Flood Photo
In advance of Valentine’s Day, city officials gathered outside “Sweet Mary’s Bake Shop” and called on consumers to open their hearts (read, “wallets”) and shop local in support of their city.
I visited each of the Court Street small businesses courted by politicians at the event and made my own wish list.
First, I would like the abundance of Sweet Mary’s Bake Shop cookies purchased by U.S. Rep. Rosa DeLauro (previewed in the above photo of DeLauro ostensibly hugging her special someone, Mayor Justin Elicker, at Monday’s event. I don’t know where the cookies are going, but she bought enough that she could deliver a sugary heart to each House Democrat, channeling that same spirit of excess that defines both Valentine’s Day and political relationships.
Next, I want this $48 1980s-vintage ski mask, modeled by Noir Vintage owner Evelyn Massey, who said their future owner should “wear them as a fashion statement” rather than as genuine eye protection. I would like to know what statement the buyer would be making.
These size 8.5 cowboy boots are too big for me, but if I saw someone wearing them on the street I would instantly be transported back to Nashville without needing to buy another sneakily overpriced Avelo ticket or navigate Tweed Airport.
Here’s another potential “statement”: Gifting your beloved a single supermodel rose alongside one defective flower. If you’re a true procrastinator, you can also wait until next Monday, when John LoRicco, owner of The Blossom Shop, gives away all bouquets of aging roses for free.
Next door at Thai Time, owner Brenda Jain is selling Valentine’s Day-themed cocktails. I was captivated by “The Love Potion,” which features two ounces of pomegranate liqueur, three and a half ounces of prosecco, and a splash of grenadine. “It’s pretty strong,” Jain said. “I had to reduce it because it was so strong, I was like, ‘Oh no, I’m gonna pass out.’ ”
Lastly, I will be buying my daily RedBull from “Downtown News and More,” the conveniently located Orange Street convenience store across from the New Haven Independent’s office, on Valentine’s Day, same as any other day. Those drinking Thai Time’s Love Potion Wednesday night might want to pick up two RedBulls a couple storefronts north in preparation for work Thursday morning.
