Valentine’s Day is around the corner, and Los Gatos restaurants and shops have many ways to honor loved ones.

SideCar Modern Tavern will be celebrating all Valentine’s weekend with special menu items. The décor, innovative cocktails and overall vibe make it a terrific place for happy hour and dinner. My husband loves the lamb shoulder sliders; I love the crispy cauliflower. The menu changes every six weeks. 25 E. Main St. 408-399-5180, https://www.sidecar7.com

If you can’t go to the City of Love, you can taste a little of Paris at Epernay, a charming French bistro and Champagne bar. Their Happy Hour features my fave, deviled eggs. I love the steak tartare and foie gras. Embracing the F. Scott Fitzgerald quote, “Too much of anything is bad, but too much Champagne is just right,” they offer a taster flight of three bubblies. And ask about their Champagne Society. Epernay French Bistro, 29 E. Main St., 408-827-4005, www.epernaylosgatos.com. Reservations suggested.

Los Gatos is home to “the cutest candy store,” Lolli & Pops. They have every sweet treat you can imagine. One gift idea: retro candy for those who remember Sky Bars and U-No candy bars. Or go international with sweets from Mexico, Asia and Europe. Healthy options include gluten-free gummies, organic sweets and vegan chocolate bars. A new offering just in time for Valentine’s Day: an assortment of chocolate-covered strawberries, caramel-dipped apples and cheesecake bites. They even have a collection of cocktail candy. www.lolliandpops.com

Deux Cranes makes unusual beautifully handcrafted chocolates right here in Los Gatos. French-trained chocolatier Michiko Marron-Kibbey and Ayaka B. Ito create sweets with a nod to their Japanese heritage. Signature flavors including Vegan Matcha Almond with Yuzu and Milk Chocolate with Ginger, Sesame and Buckwheat. In addition, they offer meticulously constructed bon bons, shortbread, and caramels with flavors such as miso and Japanese pepper. All products are plant-based. They’re gaining national attention and have been featured in “Food and Wine” and “The Michelin Guide.” Advice: order early. 15531 Union Ave., 408-340-5592, www.deuxcranes.com

Flowers are popular for any occasion, but order early for Valentine’s Day. Bunches is a wonderful little flower shop at 12 N. Santa Cruz Ave., and delivery is available. 408-395-5451, www.buncheslosgatos.com.

Gaeta’s Flowers of Los Gatos in the New Town Shopping Center offers flowers, stuffed animals, balloons, and gifts. 408-356-0442, www.gaetasflowers.com

If Valentine’s is a family event, an evening of bocce ball and Italian food at Campo Di Bocce is an all-ages outing. They offer indoor and outdoor dining and bocce in their newly updated facility. www.campodibocce.com

Sign up for the second annual Souper Bowl on Super Bowl Sunday. Game Day is the day before Valentine’s. Orders will be delivered on Feb. 13 and include soups, homemade breads, homemade “Tennessee Cake” and wine for two to four people. handmade items from Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts, like bowls, napkin rings, tie-dyed napkins and charcuterie boards, are also part of the package, which sells for $150. Proceeds benefit Arrowmont. Info: debby@debbyrice.com

Mayor Rob Rennie was set to cut the ribbon Jan. 27 at the Tasting House. It’s an unusual place—not a wine bar, not a restaurant, but a place to taste wines paired with small plates of gourmet foods and cheeses. Fifty premium wines from around the world are available by the glass. Next door is a tasting shop, with all kinds of cheeses and chocolates, house-made food items and gifts. 368 Village Lane, www.tastinghouse.com

As COVID-19 variants continue to rear their ugly heads, the Rotary Club of Los Gatos is hosting its second Virtual WineFest and Auction Jan. 29 at 5 p.m. That means you can taste four different premium Argentinian wines and snacks in your home, chose by sommelier Joe Chiodo. Music by Lavender Fields will pep up the Zoom event. All proceeds benefit Los Gatos Rotary Charities Foundation. This year’s “Raise the Paddle” auction proceeds will go to Los Gatos House of Hope, Peninsula Food Runners and West Valley Community Services. Each kit is $150 at www.losgatosrotary.org.

If you have business or social news, I’d like to know: debby@debbyrice.com.