Valentine’s Day is one of the busiest foodservice holidays. Unlike other more group-oriented celebrations that might lose traffic from at-home parties, this holiday is all about splurging and treating that special someone to over-the-top, romantic meals in their favorite restaurants.
- Appetizers. Offer a variety of finger foods and luscious dips that pop with color and burst with flavor. Think gooey eggplant with ruby pomegranate seeds and syrup, creamy deviled eggs made pink with beets, and charred Shishito peppers stuffed with pimiento cheese.
- Salads. Accent healthy greens with the vibrant pink and red shades in watermelon radishes, apples, strawberries, raspberries, grapefruit, beets, red bell peppers, and red potatoes.
- Sides. Drizzle hot honey over roasted vegetables such as baby carrots and beets or decadent Bernaise sauce over asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or green beans.
- Desserts. Showcase this course with colors (crimsons) and shapes (hearts) that signify love. Go traditional with scarlet berries or be unique with red currant berries, blood oranges, or rhubarb.
- Beverages. Whether it’s Champagne, mixed drinks, or mocktails, the drinks category is a major opportunity on this holiday. Offer specials that are highlight juices, fruits, vegetables, and herbs.
SEASONAL PRODUCE CHECKLIST
- Appetizers: MFC Red Bell Peppers, MFC Tomatoes, MFC Red Seedless Grapes, MFC Mushrooms, endive, figs, cherries, and MFC Shishito Peppers
- Salads: MFC Artisan Romaine, RSS Bistro Butter Blend, RSS Baby Spinach, MFC Red Potatoes, beets, and watermelon radishes
- Sides: RSS Baby Carrots, RSS Brussels Sprouts, RSS Trimmed Green Beans, MFC Asparagus, MFC Eggplant, and purple cauliflower
- Desserts: MFC Strawberries, blackberries, blueberries, raspberries, RSS Pineapple Chunks, RSS Orange Sections, RSS Grapefruit Sections, MFC Apples, MFC Pears, and MFC Mint
- Beverages: RSS Juices (Grapefruit, Lemon, Lime, Oranges, Lemonade, and Margarita Mix), pomegranate seeds, and dragon fruit.
