Jan-Feb-2016_Final-1-4-16-attempt2

the Around the World issue

K iss the

Cook

by Bryan Batt + photos by Romney Caruso

“W hat’s love got to do, got to do with it?” asked the Queen of Rock and Roll, Miss Tina Turner. On Valentine’s Day, February 14 th , just about everything! So much has changed since we were kids and exchanged cute little cards and candy hearts stamped with “Be Mine.” And in recent years, so much emphasis and pressure has been heaped upon poor baby cupid and his holiday d’ amour that people can set themselves up for disappointment by having unrealistic expectations. I’ve seen grown men suffer panic attacks and have meltdowns like a two-year-old because they couldn’t get reservations at the right restaurant. Therefore, let us take back the day and lift the burden of forced romance — and must-get

of champagne or make mimosas or Bloody Marys (it’s Sunday after all). Eggs and sausages with toast or a biscuit are a tried and true morning combination. And Rouses expert bakers have numerous options of fresh delicious muffins, pastries, donuts, and cupcakes (they’re not just for breakfast anymore!). A larger plate with generous portions will encourage sharing and then, who knows? Note #1: Breakfast in bed applies to moms and dads and anyone living under the same roof! Note#2: Save the adult beverages for the adults. Note#3: Composing a sweet poemnever hurts. We Love to Eat It’s been said that the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. That’s half true. Here

Breakfast in Bed Everyone loves a good breakfast. And what’s even better? Breakfast in bed! It’s probably one of the easiest, least expensive, but most thoughtful gestures you can do for your loved one. And Valentine’s Day falls on a Sunday this year, so it’s even more perfect. Breakfast in bed doesn’t need a great deal of planning, just a quick Rouses run, but I say pull out all the stops, why not? Take out the china, stemware, real linens, and a serving tray. Use the good stuff! This is why you have it. Place a single stem of your someone’s favorite flower in a bud vase — you want to really set the scene and make that breakfast tray as beautiful as possible. Hot coffee and fresh squeezed juice is enough, but you can also pop that bottle

on the Gulf Coast, the way to any living breathing human being’s heart is through their stomach. We all LOVE to eat, and how perfect to celebrate that special culinary love on Valentine’s Day.

dinner reservations — so that no one ends up alone crying into his or her gallon of Rouses ice cream while watching “From Here To Eternity,” “Love Story,” “The Notebook,” or “The Fault In Our Stars” (it’s a generational thing).

“By no means is this a set-up — I learned a long time ago not to mess with cupid’s arrows.”

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MY ROUSES EVERYDAY JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2016