Gargantuan Valentine Heart at Margie's

Stopped by Margie's Candies today to fill in a shameful gap in my Chicago food experience. I made a discovery that could come in handy for someone on the board who wants to make an outrageous Valentine's Day gesture, (or who just wants to get a big laugh from a group of jaded colleagues). Margie's offers the largest, frilliest, most over-the-top-in-every-way heart-shaped candy box for Valentine's Day I have ever encountered. The thing is impressive: Red velvet, with layer upon layer of red satin and lace ruffles. And it has to measure two feet across at its widest dimension. (Martha Stewart would gag, but I think it's outstanding!) I asked the waitress how much candy it holds and she said "Eight pounds, and we sell about 10-15 of them every year!" The price? $129.99. Expensive, but, under certain circumstances, it could be worth it. I know, because I still remember the Valentine Bobby Vucas gave me in second grade. It was a card and one of those chalky candy hearts, but they both said: "I LOVE YOU".

I know exactly what Josephine is talking about. On my shamefully first trip to Margie's about a week ago, I knew enough to know about their candy. The garish Valentine's boxes prompted me to pretty much tell my hubby that I wanted "one of those" for Valentine's Day. I didn't realize some held 8 pounds. I'm sure my hubby will opt for a small portion and price. If he doesn't get it, I might have to get it myself!