A Love You Can Sink Your Teeth Into

Is it just me or is there something magical about themed experiences?

It’s like stepping into a movie. Suddenly, you’re the main character and the world is lit just for you. That’s what makes experiences like Christmas in New York so enticing (despite the massive swarm of people and traffic).

Then January hits. The lights come down, the serotonin crashes, and you’re stuck chasing that same magic with a half-finished vision board.

But this week, I think I found the cure to my seasonal depression: Calandra’s Bakery in Caldwell, New Jersey.

One second I’m walking in for a cannoli, the next I’m in a trance headed straight for the red mist of light emanating from their bar. A proper love trap, if you will. It made me forget Cupid was as real as Santa and fully believe true love was achievable in Jersey.

Yes, there are Valentine’s pop-ups happening across New Jersey right now. But none of them are doing what Calandra’s is doing with this level of detail, drama, and downright fun. Between the themed cocktails and the wild event lineup (a Dating Game Show with Tracy DiMarco???), this is not your average V-Day jubilee.

Before we get into all that, let’s talk about the visuals, because when I say this space is spellbinding, I mean it deserves its own chapter in a hardcover coffee table book.

A Room for Lovers, Liars, and Lost Causes

There’s a reason why they named this pop-up “Love Bites” instead of something innocently romantic or redundant. Rather than play it safe and cater exclusively to couples, they catered to the entire spectrum of what it means to experience love: self love, love lost, losing yourself to love, lust, and everything in-between.

With the help of California-based design duo Nancy Gallagher and her daughter Kylie Collins (aka the twisted geniuses behind Hummingbird Blossoms in California), every inch of the “Love Bites” experience was transformed into something theatrical, intentional, and unapologetically extra.

There are hearts falling from the ceiling, as well as giant cartoon ones hanging from the light fixtures. Skeleton lovers named after paperback leads. Giant sweetheart candies with iconic messages. A dazzling “love tunnel” you walk through like a sinner headed toward sin…in the name of love. The bar blooms like Romeo and Juliet’s garden, while glowing red like a warning of the perils of love.

Even the photo ops feel theatrical in the best way. You’re not posing for pictures, you’re confessing something to Cupid.

With their signature creativity and wicked attention to detail, Nancy and Kylie transformed every corner into a one-of-a-kind experience that’s equal parts visually stunning and devilish

And if you’re lucky enough to be greeted by Valli — the hostess with the most-ess — she’ll tell you exactly what those skeletons are named and why.

If Cupid made a deal with the devil after a few too many cocktails?

It would look like this.

The Events Make the Decor Feel Alive

The room is already doing the most, but the event lineup is what turns “Love Bites” from a cute pop-up into an actual experience. You’re not just walking through a set…you’re stepping into a calendar full of excuses to dress up, flirt, laugh, sip something pink, and pretend February isn’t trying to emotionally assassinate you.

Here’s what’s going down, in date order, split by location:

Fairfield Events

Champagne & Prosecco Night — February 10 | 6 PM

A 3-course meal + bubbly tasting hosted with wine specialist Sarah Apostolou.

RSVP required.

Wickedly Delicious Galentine’s — February 13 | 7–9 PM

A Wicked-themed tea-time fantasy: welcome drinks, breakfast basket, themed pastries, finger sandwiches, photo ops, live actor performance — the whole enchanted situation.

RSVP required.

José Manuel (Violinist) — February 14 | 6–9 PM

Live violin to make your Valentine’s plans feel expensive even if you’re emotionally broke.

Valentine’s Menu — February 13–15

Available at both Fairfield + Caldwell (because yes, we’re feeding everybody).

The Dating Game with Tracy DiMarco — February 25 | 6:30 PM

Dinner + a live taping of The Dating Game featuring Tracy DiMarco. One lucky bachelor gets 1:1 time with Tracy and a $250 Calandra’s gift card.

RSVP required.

Caldwell Events

Arancini & Vino — February 11 | 6:30 PM

A hands-on Italian cooking class with Chef Sergio.

RSVP required.

Galentine’s Night — February 12 | 6:30–9:30 PM

DJ + prix fixe menu + specials, 50% off specialty cocktails, $5 margaritas, prize wheel, free tarot readings, permanent jewelry, and even blind date with a book is pulling up.

This one is basically therapy with better lighting.

Valentine’s Menu — February 13–15

Available at both Caldwell + Fairfield.

Bridgerton Trivia Night — February 26 | 7 PM

Bring your smartest friend and your most dramatic outfit. Prizes for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place plus $5 margaritas all night.

There’s lots of other events going on that are not Valentine’s related and you can check them out here

The Cocktails Are Basically Love Spells

Yes, the cocktails deserve their own scene because this menu reads like Cupid got into mixology and revenge. Calandra’s “Love Bites” themed cocktail menu feels like a choose-your-own-romantic-disaster.

Every drink is $18, every name is dramatic, and yes…one of them is literally set on fire at your table. Because of course it is.

LOVE BITES COCKTAILS (All $18)

THE VALENTINO

Crown Royal, strawberry purée, black cherry topped with strawberries.

Sweet. Smooth. Suspiciously charming.

LOVES ME, LOVES ME NOT MULE

Raspberry vodka, raspberry syrup, lime juice, ginger beer garnished with fresh raspberries.

Bright, fizzy, and emotionally unpredictable.

XOXO

Tequila, pomegranate liqueur, St. Germain, muddled strawberries topped with club soda.

Flirty, bubbly, and dangerous in the “I can text my ex” way.

BE MINE MARTINI

Figenza vodka, Chambord, pineapple juice.

Straight to the point. No small talk.

FRENCH KISS (Vic’s Fave)

Prosecco, Palma liqueur, pomegranate juice, seltzer, a dash of lime seasonal fruit ice cube.

Light, sparkly, and a little smug.

APPLE OF MY EYE

Applejack, lemon juice, simple syrup, mint.

Crisp. Clean. “I’m fine actually” energy.

CHOCOLATE RASPBERRY (My Fave)

Chambord, raspberry vodka, chocolate Baileys fresh raspberries.

Dessert, but make it reckless.

HAPPILY EVER AFTER

Aperol, pomegranate juice topped with prosecco + seasonal fruit ice cube.

The closest thing to a fairytale in a martini glass.

BURNING IT DOWN (Table-side + lit on fire)

Two shots layered with Kahlua, Baileys, Grand Marnier topped with 151 proof rum, set on fire tableside, finished with cinnamon.

For anyone who came here to heal by choosing chaos.

Before the Lights Come Down

“Love Bites” doesn’t live here forever, the pop-up ends February 16, and honestly, that feels like the whole point.

It’s temporary on purpose, like every good crush you swore you were over.

So if you’ve been meaning to plan something — a Valentine’s date, a Galentine’s night, a post-breakup “I’m fine” outing, or just a random Tuesday where you need to feel something again — this is your sign to go now, while the hearts are still falling from the ceiling and the bar is still glowing like a warning.

Go take the photos. Walk through the love tunnel. Order something pink.

Let it be corny. Let it be cinematic.

Jersey winter is long and this is the kind of detour that makes it bearable.

And if you do pull up?

Tell them we sent you.