A Valentine’s Love Feast; Tet; Durian; Hearts for Haiti

Valentine’s Day is often a holiday of expectation and disappointment. We asked KCRW staff and volunteers how they would prefer to celebrate Valentine’s Day. If you’re preparing a meal for your sweetheart, Amy Reiley has a sexy menu that will put you in the mood for love. Haitian-born chef Ron Duprat is celebrating the holiday with Hearts for Haiti, a benefit at restaurants across the country. Nat Bletter loves fruit – and he’s tried over 250 kinds. He shares some of the best, and worst. If you’re planning on going out to eat, Lesley Balla knows where to go. She’s got a list of great date places. Chinese and Vietnamese New Years fall on Valentine’s Day. Eddie Lin and Ann Le compare notes on the two celebrations. Jonathan Gold of the LA Weekly and Robert Sietsema of New York’s Village Voice square off with an East coast / West coast throwdown. Chris O’Brien calls himself a beer activist. He explains just what exactly that means. Plus Supermarket Guru Phil Lempert has “koodies.” What exactly that means, today on the show. And, Laura Avery has the scoop on what’s fresh at the Santa Monica Farmers Markets this week.

**Note: Chameau Restaurant, which Lesley mentions in this show has closed.