A night out on the town in celebration of a treasured relationship is not an option right now for most people. Still, a meal or treat obtained through takeout might be the ultimate gesture of care and consideration in recognition of Valentine’s Day, both to loved ones and to local businesses in need of patronage.
Carlson Orchards.
Pink Lady apples and chocolate bombs were the first things that came to mind for Carlson Orchards co-owner Franklyn Carlson when he recommended Valentine’s Day treats from his farm store. The rosy apples— well and truly pink—make a fine showing on the table and taste good, too. And the bombs, meant to explode inside a mug of milk to make hot chocolate, are charming, with their attached, heart-shaped messages of love or friendship. Pie, with ice cream from Shaw Farm in Dracut, might also hit the spot, as might Winchendon-based Smith’s Country Cheese, available in various flavors of cheddar, and in a chocolate farmer’s cheese. Grab some crackers, olives, and cider (hard and regular) to go with the cheese.
115 Oak Hill Road. Store open Monday to Thursday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., 978-456-3916.
The Bull Run
On Feb. 14 the restaurant is open from 3 to 9 p.m. for indoor dining at socially distanced tables and for takeout. Reservations are required for indoor dining. A special Valentine’s Day menu—including a number of special desserts—is up now on the website and is available Friday, Saturday, and Sunday; beer and wine are on the takeout menu, as are make-at-home meal kits you can heat and serve.
215 Great Road (Route 2A), Shirley, 978-425-4311, (bullrunrestaurant.com).
Harvard General Store
The General is now open to customers, at a limited capacity, Tuesday to Sunday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., so as with the Carlson farm store, customers can browse around the store to choose a special something for the big day. (Online ordering with curbside pickup is still available.) This week, you can order pizza for pickup between 4 and 8 p.m. on Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. To get a stunning raspberry-vanilla Cupid cake or a floral arrangement, order now for pickup on Saturday or Sunday.
1 Still River Road, 978-460-0062
(Harvard-general-store.square.site).
Il Forno.
This restaurant, with a longtime presence in Littleton and a new location in Lunenburg, offers a wide selection of appetizers and entrees and has now added cocktails—including sangria, margaritas, and martinis—to its takeout menu. Bottles of wine are also available. On Valentine’s Day weekend, Chef Mike will offer several specials along with regular menu items.
529 King St., Littleton, 978-540-2880 and 494 Electric Ave., Lunenburg, 978- 345-6254 (Il-Forno.com).
In hibernation
Several places that might normally come to mind for shopping or takeout are not included here. The Westward Orchards farm store is closed for the winter, as it normally is, and will reopen in the spring. Two Ayer restaurants popular for takeout, Lucia’s Tavola and Markoh’s on Main, are closed for now and will reopen March 2.
Business as usual
Although these old reliables are not offering special Valentine’s Day menus, their takeout food is still worthy of love.
- Bravo Pizza, a stone’s throw over the Harvard line on Route 111 in Boxborough, offers unfailingly friendly service, is open seven days a week, and can deliver. Check out their Bundaberg root beer, imported from Australia in nifty brown glass bottles. 978-635-0637.
- Slater’s, again just over the Harvard line on Route 117 (Main Street) in Bolton, offers wood-fire pizza, appetizers, and barbecue. Open six days, closed Monday. 978-779-6680.
- Siam Pepper Thai Cuisine at 325 Ayer Road will be open for takeout this weekend at its usual hours, 4 to 9 p.m. Order online or call 978-391-1251.
- Sorrento’s Brick Oven Pizzeria at 285 Ayer Road offers a takeout menu that you can view at sorrentospizzeria.com. Ordering is by phone only, 978-772-0025.
