Happy Valentine’s Day from 109

The Catholic Church recognizes at least three different martyred saints named Valentine or Valentinus.  One Valentine was a priest who served during the third century in Rome. According to legend, Valentine was imprisoned for attempting to help Christians escape the harsh Roman prisons.  While in prion he sent the first “valentine” greeting himself after he fell in love with a young girl, possibly his jailor’s daughter who visited him during his confinement. Before his tragic death, it is alleged that he wrote her a love letter signed “From your Valentine,” an expression that is still in use today.

I like to think that Saint Valentine was a foodie at heart and wanted to share his passion for food with the one he loved.  He went to his local Marketplace and assembled the most amazing curated selection of cheese, caviar, champagne, charcuterie, fresh artisan bread, perfect curated produce, fruit and an expertly aged piece of beef.  He then proceeded to go around the corner to the local stationary shop and pick out the most amazing, heart felt card and write a beautiful poem inspired by his one true love.  And if that wasn’t enough, he jumped on his horse and traveled up to main street where he found an amazing sweet shoppe and a florist.  And finally, on his ride home, he remembered that not only was it Valentine’s Day, but his true loves birthday as well.  He reared his horse and went to big shop lane for a delicious birthday cupcake.

That evening, in front of a roaring fire, he pledged his love to her in front of a magnificent meal and realized how truly blessed he was to live in Ridgefield.