Table Talk for February 5

Valentine’s Day: Treats for Your Sweetheart
We can’t say enough about Wen Chocolates, chef William Poole‘s sweet shop next to Savory Spice in Confluence Park. Some of our favorite goodies include the ginger cookies dipped in white chocolate and drizzled with dark, the caramel drops coated with milk chocolate (think homemade Milk Duds), and grapefruit gummies covered in white chocolate. We consider Wen’s offerings a serious step up from the ubiquitous chocolate-filled heart—and your honey will too. 1541 Platte St., www.wenchocolates.com
On another note, one of our favorite local chocolatiers, Steve DeVries, who crafts beautiful single-origin chocolate, was recently mentioned in Saveur magazine’s annual round up of their 100 favorite things. Check out the artisanal goods at www.devrieschocolate.com, or you can purchase a bar at Apothecary Tinctura (2900 E. Sixth Ave., 303-399-1175, www.apothecarytinctura.com)

Bargain Bites: Baur’s Minestrone Soup
It’s been an especially chilly winter, and we’ve sought out soup more than ever before. One of our favorite bowls of comfort can be found in Baur’s Ristorante‘s minestrone soup. Though we generally think of minestrone as being packed with veggies, Baur’s version is made hearty with sweet Italian sausage, fresh herbs, and a Parmesan crisp. And, at $5 for a large bowl, this meal is a steal. 1512 Curtis St., 303-534-4842, www.baursristorante.com

Take-out: Sweet Rice Café’s Lettuce Chicken
A recent hankering for Asian take-out had us digging through our drawer of menus. The offerings from Sweet Rice Cafe, an 11-year-old Mayfair restaurant, caught our eye with scores of tempting dishes. When our order—eggs rolls, Panang curry, lettuce chicken, and sesame tofu—arrived 45 minutes later, we were pleased to find huge portions, fresh ingredients, and distinct flavors. The best of the dishes was the lettuce chicken, a dish fashioned like P.F. Chang’s ever-popular lettuce wraps. These were light and fresh with a well-sauced tangle of water chestnuts, white-meat chicken, red and green peppers, onion, garlic, and fragrant basil leaves. Bonus: Sweet Rice Cafe doesn’t skimp on the lettuce leaves. 942 Jersey St., 303-3777-7242, www.sweetricecafe.com