The new Vons in Point Loma’s Liberty Station gives shoppers a beefed-up selection on items they won’t find at other locations. The store is housed in two buildings separated by a quaint courtyard. A walk through the aisles reveals a fine wine cellar, a gourmet nut bar that allows you to make your own peanut butter, plus additional gourmet bakery items, an olive station and a cheese bar containing more than 300 types of curds. Photographs of the property when it once served as a military base are posted throughout the store’s two buildings. 2495 Truxton Road, 619-758-1725.

Accomplished chef Tina Luu brings her pastry savvy to Heaven Sent Desserts in North Park, replacing confectionery maestro Patrick Sigaud. Luu hails from San Francisco’s Aqua and gained notable experience at Stars Singapore and the Sonoma Mission Inn and Spa as well. Her specialties are hand-carved chocolate eggs in wine reduction, along with other meticulously crafted sweets that have garnered attention in the national food press. 3001 University Ave., 619-793-4758.

Known as the “green fairy,” the wildly popular drink of France in the late 1800s, technically called absinthe, is available at downtown’s Currant American Brasserie. The FDA recently lifted the ban on this potent liquor made of wormwood and consumed in the past, often by artists for its psychedelic effects. Currant will serve the libation soon in its traditional imported fountain, but for now, patrons can order it by the glass with the customary sugar cube. 140 W. Broadway, 619-702-6309.

Chef Martin Gonzalez of Acqua al 2 in the Gaslamp will prepare a seductive four-course meal on Valentine’s Day (Feb. 14) featuring aphrodisiac ingredients that go above and beyond the usual chocolate-oyster scheme. Courses will incorporate other natural fare, such as asparagus, almonds, basil, coffee, figs, ginseng, honey and truffles, all believed to enhance libido to varying degrees. The dinner costs $60. Seating begins at 5 p.m. For reservations, call 619-230-0382.

Wine Steals provides a grape fix to coastal North County with a third location encroaching on Cardiff in March. The spanking new building boasts the same barrel-strewn interior as Hillcrest and Point Loma, but with Pacific views and espresso service to awaken the senses after consuming that third glass of “juice.” 1953 San Elijo Ave., www.winestealssandiego.com

A favorite afternoon repast has been revived at the elegant 20,000-square-foot Grand Del Mar involving caffeine, finger sandwiches and fine china. “Taking Tea,” served in a space at the resort called In the Library, features full tea service with a variety of pastries and dainty sandwiches made of smoked chicken, salmon and balsamic-sautéed mushrooms. The cost is $28 for two courses or $36 for three courses. The pampering experience is available from 2 to 4 p.m., Fridays through Sundays. 5300 Grand Del Mar Court, 858-314-2000.