www.oakvillebeaver.com The Oakville Beaver, Wednesday February 4, 2009 - 13 Valentine's Day Show him how much you love him (MS) - On the heels of the holiday season comes a time when sweethearts exchange tokens of their love and affection. When it comes to Valentine's Day gifting, men generally have the advantage: Buy her jewelry and she's bound to be thrilled. But purchasing for men can prove challenging. The primary rule of gifting men is to think about what they want, not necessarily what they need. Now is the time to show that special person in your life how much you care for him. Here are some Valentine's Day gift ideas ideas to get you started. Comfortable clothing: Pick out items that you know your man will love wearing. Although you may prefer him in a cashmere mock turtleneck sweater and trousers, if he is more of a ribbed henley and jeans sort of guy, go that route. 'Scent'sational appeal: Even if they don't want to admit it, most men know that smelling good definitely makes them more attractive to women. That's why a gift of cologne will be appreciated. For years BRUT has been one of the best-selling fragrances on the market and a must-have wearable classic scent for men. Choose from the original fragrance, blending notes of lemon, anise, basil and lavender. Or try BRUT Revolution, a new cologne with a light, crisp citrus scent. You'll want to snuggle up close to your man for the rest of the day while he's smelling so appealing. Electronic factor: What guy doesn't go ga-ga over gadgets? Chances are if you come through with one of the latest flat-screen high-definition televisions you'll be put up on a pedestal. Whether the man in your life likes watching sports, is a movie buff, or tunes in to those animal channel documentaries, a new TV will help him enjoy his hobbies even more. If a TV is a budget-buster, think of other "toys" he might enjoy: a navigation system for the car, an MP3 player, a PDA, or a video-game system are all good choices. Interest and hobbies: Tickets to a game for the sports fan; knives or lures for the outdoorsman; new computer equipment for the techy - keep hobbies in mind when selecting gifts. They'll make finding something he'll love that much easier. Gifting men doesn't have to be a mystery. Just keep in mind his likes and interests and you'll achieve success. Julia Presents Return to the Table The Italian Way Prix Fixe menu and a la carte available. Ritorno EXPERIENCE ROMANCE ITALIAN STYLE! Homemade Chocolate Truffles While there are many types of chocolate and each person has his or her favorite, a well-known French confection is the chocolate truffle. These decadent desserts provide three layers of chocolate: a creamy ganache center, a thin shell of chocolate and a dusting of cocoa powder. Their richness belies the easy recipe. All it takes is a few ingredients to make homemade chocolate truffles. Chocolate Truffles Makes about 11/2 pounds 14 ounces dark chocolate (preferably 70% cocoa), or highquality unsweetened baking chocolate 8 ounces heavy cream 8 ounces additional dark chocolate, for melting 11/2 cups unsweetened cocoa powder Bring the heavy cream to a boil in a saucepan. Break up the 14 ounces of chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Add the hot cream to the chocolate, stirring until all the chocolate is melted and forms a creamy ganache. Place the soft ganache into the refrigerator to thicken until it is able to hold a shape. Using two spoons (or your fingers if you don't mind getting messy), scoop and roll small balls of the ganache into round balls. Place the ganache balls onto waxed or parchment paper. In a double boiler, melt the remaining chocolate. Place the cocoa powder in a bowl or plate for dredging. Dip each ganache ball into the melted chocolate. Then roll in the cocoa powder until coated. Let the truffles dry and harden slightly before serving. Enjoy. Reserved seating 6:30pm and 8:30pm. Live Entertainment provided by "the Pack Rats", crooning Italian classics and the music of the Rat Pack! Serving Lunch, Dinner & Sunday Brunch Dundas St. (Hwy 5) (HWY 5) DUNDAS ST. R exciting BISTRO MENU Exquisite casual dining in the heart of downtown PASTA Chicken Tagliatelle Artichoke Risotto SOUPS Thyme Wild Mushroom Leek & Potato SALADS Baby Spinach Organic Greens Hearts of Romaine Goat Cheese Salad 7.95 7.75 Children's Pasta BREADS Artisan Bread Sticks Baked Rosemary Focaccia 6.95 8.95 15.95 small 9.25 13.50 small 7.25 7.99 ( Hamilton) QEW (Toronto ) HAMILTON QEW TORONTO 261 Oak Walk Drive 905-257-5881 www.ritorno.ca Ad nis For your Special Valentine Ad nis 905-849-4944 497 Pinegrove Rd., Oakville www.adonisrestaurant.701.com TRAFALGAR RD. Trafalgar Road 12.95 small 7.25 7.95 small 5.75 9.75 small 7.25 12.95 small 7.25 BISTRO FARE Grilled European Sausages 15.95 Steak Frites 16.95 Tempura Battered Haddock & frites 2 piece 21.95 1 piece 10.99 Mussels & Frites 17.95 OVEN BAKED FLAT BREADS Thyme Mushroom 13.25 The Monsieur 15.95 DINNER MAINS Organic Salmon Black Cod with Potato Strings Free Range Capon Breast Australian Rack of Lamb Beef Tenderloin Chef Augustine Douglas APPETIZERS Beef Carpaccio Thyme Steak Tartar Crab Cakes Crispy Spring Rolls 6 pieces Yukon Gold & Sweet Potato Frites 14.95 14.95 13.95 12.95 10.95 20.95 24.95 21.95 29.95 27.95 Custom & Tasting Menus available Half Price Appetizers on Wednesdays Live Jazz on Friday Evenings Reservations: 905.815.9351 266 Lakeshore at Trafalgar Oakville