Ah, L’amour

Don’t panic. It’s not V-Day yet. As expectations rev up for the highly hyped and commercialized day of love, why not take a break from endless gazes into starry eyes?

Instead, lock lips on sumptuous chocolates, desserts and more for a pre-Valentine’s Day benefit for keiki nutrition at the Hilton Waikoloa Village on Sunday, Feb. 10, from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Chocolatiers are not some cocoa-beaned parody of those who sing, dance and wear mouse ears. Instead they utilize chocolate as their ingredient of choice in their heavenly confections.

These chocolate specialists, local pastry chefs, confectioners and bakers will tempt guests with bite-sized morsels of fun for your mouth and tummy.

The Hilton’s award-winning Chef Eddie Enjardo, will be creating a heart-shaped mousse made with dark chocolate, ginger, mac nuts and oranges. Four Seasons Pastry Chef Melissa Logan will also enchant the crowd with her decadent treats at this event.

An Eggs Benedict station, bruschetta buffet, 100% Kona coffees, teas, juices, smoothies, kombucha, ales, champagne and wine will be offered.

Love songs will play audible romance on the piano at this “Q”uisine of Hearts. Attendees can also bid on sweet silent auction prizes, which include private catered dinners, cookies, cakes and sweetheart bouquets.

Annually, over 1,000 families in West Hawai’i receive nutrition education from the efforts of the Kona Kohala Chefs Association with their Chef and Child Foundation focus. Indulge in romance and help the island’s keiki.

Tickets are $45 for adults and $20 for children aged 5 and older. Get them online at www.brownpapertickets.com, or visit The Spoon Shop, Kona Wine Market, Clark Realty or Tropical Dreams.