We all know about Valentine’s Day, but how about Galentine’s Day? This celebration of female friendships originated in a 2010 episode of the sitcom “Parks and Recreation.” The waffle-loving Leslie Knope (played by Amy Poehler) invited a group of her girlfriends to bond over breakfast food and personalized gifts.
Because Galentine’s Day has no specific rituals, celebrations can deviate from the Feb. 13 date Knope observed. This will be necessary this year if you choose one of my recommended spots for marking the occasion. Galentine’s Day falls on a Monday, and the only place on this list that will be open is Syrup Trap.
Several local spots fit the bill for a classic Leslie Knope-inspired Galentine’s Day brunch.
Bleu Door Bakery (2411 Main St., Vancouver; 360-693-2538) offers bacon bennies ($18), pain perdu (brioche soaked in honey Grand Marnier batter, $16), and biscuits and gravy ($16), as well as brunchy cocktails like the Bloody Maria (with tequila subbed for vodka, $13) and mimosas served individually ($8) or in flights of three ($16) with choice of orange, pomegranate, grapefruit, lavender or orange-pomegranate.
C’est La Vie (1307 N.E. 78th St., Suite 10, Vancouver; 360-553-5836) offers a rainbow of mimosa flavors, sweet and savory crepes ($7.50-$13), and open-faced grilled sandwiches like the Pig in a Pear Tree with toasted Grand Central Bakery como bread slathered in pear hazelnut spread and topped with double cream brie and prosciutto ($16).
For the Knope-iest of Galentine’s Days, go to Syrup Trap (1104 Main St., Suite 111, Vancouver; 360-836-8321) and get liège waffles with sweet or savory toppings ($9.75-$11.75). Unfortunately, the seasonal Leslie Knope with strawberries, powdered sugar and whipped cream ($9.75) isn’t available until summer. The JG² with blueberries, lemon curd and whipped cream ($10.75) is a nice substitute.
Other places cater to decadence. Bettyrose McLeod opened Bettyrose’s Chocolate and Coffee (1304 Main St., Vancouver; 360-693-9520) on Jan. 1 in the space formerly called Fleur Chocolate. McLeod worked as a chocolate maker for the previous owners and serves the same hand-dipped chocolates ($3 each, $32 for a dozen), like blood orange truffles and chocolate-covered Oreos, as well espresso drinks ($3-$6.50) and hot chocolate ($4-$5).
Cork & Bubbles (3602 N.W. 119th St., Vancouver; 971-219-0763) offers bubbly by the glass or bottle ($7-$115) as well as shareables like caprese skewers ($9.25) and jar-cuterie ($14.95), a jar filled with breadsticks, salami, cheese and veggies.
Women who like to bond over something less froufrou might check out Couve Brew Bevy. This gathering of women who share a love of craft beer meets every month at Final Draft Taphouse (11504 S.E. Mill Plain Blvd., Vancouver; 360-433-9966). The next meeting is 5:30-8:30 p.m. Wednesday. There’s no cover charge. If you show up solo, you’re sure to make some new friends by the end of the night.
Firehouse Axes (3701 Main St., 360-953-8478) plans on opening in late February or early March. Maybe push Galentine’s Day to International Women’s Day (March 8) for a double celebration at this spot for sudsy drinks and sharp objects ($30-$35 per person).
Rachel Pinsky: couveeats@gmail.com
