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Are you tired of giving the traditional heart-shaped box of chocolates to your valentine but not sure what to do to win his or her heart this year? We asked Keren Brown, the “foodies go-to girl” known for her Frantic Foodie blog and Foodportunity events, to give us some fresh ideas for this familiar holiday. She is the one, after all, who wrote The Food Lover’s Guide to Seattle, so who would know better?

Follow Brown’s advice and make your sweetie’s heart pump faster with one of these unique foodie adventures.

• “The Art of the Pie” baking workshop for couples is taught by the quintessential pie lady, Kate McDermott. In this four-hour class you will learn everything you need to know about baking the ideal pie — even the sound that indicates it has baked to perfection. With only three couples in each session, this is one of the most personal culinary tutorials around. Contact McDermott at kmulch@olympus.net
• The gift of spice from World Spice Merchants will add zest to any relationship. With an entire store filled with spices from all over the world, you can buy a pinch of this and a dash of that to fill a decorative bag or match the ingredients in an exotic recipe. Grind the spices on the spot, so they are as fresh as possible, and don’t forget to include some romantic options, such as culinary grade rose to soak in a bottle of vodka or pink peppercorns to add to a dessert.
• Pastry lovers will drool over a selection of pastries from all corners of the world. Start in Seattle’s International District for Asian delicacies and then head to the Pike Place Market and visit French bakery Le Panier. Follow up with stops at several of the fabulous bakeries that Seattle is home to: Macrina Bakery, Nielsen’s Authentic Danish Bakery, Upper Crust Bakery, Dahlia Bakery … the list goes on. Put them all in one box and label small flags to put in each pastry.
• A Valrhona Chocolate Cupcake filled with Raspberry Buttercream from Trophy Cupcakes will definitely satisfy the chocolate fanatic. Or choose the Stout Chocolate With Stout Caramel Buttercream cupcake for him or the Champagne cupcake for her. Trophy Cupcakes is hosting cupcake decorating classes on Valentine’s Day for creative designers. The store is occupying a pop-up shop in Pacific Place during the month of February for the convenience of those who live or work downtown.
• Aphrodisiac menus are on the agenda for many restaurants in Seattle on Feb. 14. Let your night out on the town begin with a walk around Green Lake and dinner at BluWater Bistro, offering a lobster and champagne Valentine’s week special, or enjoy a special five-course meal at Epulo Bistro in Edmonds and walk by the waterfront afterward. There are lots of options from which to choose.
• Oysters galore. If bivalves appeal to your darling’s palate, along with a gift of pearls, sign him or her up to compete in the Anthony’s Restaurant Oyster Olympics, held annually in March. Not only is the competition a lot of fun, the prizes are fantastic.
• Gluten-free sweets. Don’t miss out on a delicious dessert just because you or your Valentine are gluten-free. Visit the website for Wheatless in Seattle, www.wheatlessinseattle.net, and order early by email, mail, phone or in person to pick something up for the special day.
• Affordable Italy. Even if you can’t afford the airfare, you can give your sweetheart the flavor of Tuscany with a visit to the Tuscan Tea Room Bistro in West Seattle. With 70 teas to choose from and a delightful array of substantial nibbles, tea time is a robust affair at this establishment. The bistro also serves dinner. Make reservations at www.thetuscantearoom.com.