With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, I wanted to reach out on behalf of Bronx Little Italy with some delicious food gifts and unique date ideas available in the neighborhood, perfect for that special someone in your life, whether that be a significant other, friend, or family member. From romantic-themed food items, exceptional wines and liquors, cigar rolling classes, and more, there is something for everyone to love on Arthur Avenue.

• Artuso Pastry Shop (670 E 187th St) — For a sweet surprise this holiday, this family-owned pastry shop founded in 1946, is offering pink and red breakable hearts filled with chocolate sweets, accompanied by chocolate-covered strawberries and Oreos. Bento Cake Boxes are also available in pink (featuring yellow sponge cake with French cream and yellow sponge cupcakes with vanilla buttercream) or red (chocolate sponge cake with chocolate mousse filling and chocolate sponge cupcakes with vanilla buttercream). Both items are available for $59.95 each and can be ordered in store or online at Shop.artusopastry.com for pickup or delivery.

• Ivana’s Pizzeria (2373 Arthur Ave) — Give your valentine a “pizza” your heart for the month of February with a heart-shaped pie from Ivana’s Pizzeria, a family-owned and operated business which has been crafting authentic Italian family recipes since 1977. The specialty pizzas come in one size, and prices start at $22 for plain cheese and $26 to add a delicious topping. Owners Antonio and Ivana Ferri also have a love story of their own. Before opening their pizzeria in the Bronx, the couple of over 50 years married in Italy in 1966 and came to America in 1975.

• Arthur Cantina Wine & Liquor (2380 Arthur Ave) – Find the perfect wine or liquor pairing for your Valentine’s Day celebration at Arthur Cantina Wine & Liquor. Founded in 2004 by Antonio Angrisani and his sons, John and Anthony, this family business offers an extensive selection of fine wines and spirits, specializing in Italian wine, bourbon, and Scotch whiskey, including rare products that could make a great gift for alcohol enthusiasts. Their online store also offers a convenient way to browse and purchase their collection. Be sure to check out their blog and podcast for expert recommendations like wine and donut or liquor and chocolate pairings.

• La Casa Grande Cigar Rolling Class (2344 Arthur Ave) – Discover the lost art of cigar rolling at La Casa Grande, where guests can train under the supervision of professional rollers and create their own cigars to enjoy, give as a gift, or save as a souvenir. Individual classes are $95, or save 10% on a class for two, now available for $170. Appointments are available Tuesday through Saturday from 11am-4pm and can be booked here. Located inside the Arthur Avenue Retail Market, La Casa Grande has been offering the finest selection of freshly-rolled, premium cigars since 1997.

For those dining out on February 14, consider showing love to a small local business by visiting one of Arthur Avenue’s many restaurants, some of which have been in which in operation for nearly 100 years or longer. While the neighborhood offers delicious Italian fare, it is also home to a diverse array of cuisines, including Mexican, Albanian, and beyond. For the full list of restaurants, visit https://bronxlittleitaly.com/merchants/restaurants/.