1938 Occidental Avenue South
Seattle, Washington 98134

Barbara Buzzell/Razonia Ellis
The Buzzell Company
214.219.9191
rm@buzzellco.com
OR Susanna Linse
Sur La Table
206.682.7175 x6002
slinse@surlatable.com

FROM TERMS OF ENDEARMENT TO CANDLELIGHT DINNERS,
FOOD IS KEY IN EXPRESSING LOVE
Valentines Survey Commissioned by Sur La Table

SEATTLE, WA (January 23, 2003) Ever use an edible term of endearment for a loved one? According to a recent survey* commissioned by the national kitchenware retailer Sur La Table, 83% of Americans surveyed have used at least one of four edible pet names for a loved one, proving that food plays a key factor in expressing love. The survey also revealed that Americans consider candles and table settings to be more desirable than wine in setting a romantic mood, and lobster to be the most romantic entre.

When asked what term of endearment Americans found most palatable, honey topped the list with 65%. Married respondents were more likely to have used the term honey than unmarried (71% vs. 59%). Sweetie was considered less appetizing, with only one-third (30%) respondents having used it. Most considered the term sugar inedible with only one in ten (11%) respondents having used the expression. Few respondents admitted to calling a loved one cookie (6%).

With Americas propensity for sweets, one might think dessert would be the most important part of a Valentines meal. However, 63% of the people surveyed feel the main entre is more important. Noticeably more women than men considered dessert to be most important (40% vs. 31%), but men cited the main entre as most important (67% vs. 59%).

*The survey was conducted December 2002 by International Communications Research on behalf of Sur La Table. Detailed survey findings available upon request.

A large number of those surveyed chose lobster (44%) as the most romantic meal to prepare and serve a love interest. Pasta, however, was a close second with more than one-third (36%) mentioning it as the way to their loved ones hearts. The remaining options, fondue (9%) and sushi (5%), were selected by significantly fewer respondents. Americans between the ages of 18 and 34 selected pasta (47%) as a more romantic meal than lobster (34%).

To set the mood, Americans indicated presentation and ambiance are essential. For Americans under the age of 65, beautiful table settings (29%) were important but candles (54%) topped the list in setting a romantic mood for Valentine's Day.  Presentation becomes more important with age: for those over the age of 65, 41% feel it is the beautiful table settings that set the dreamy mood.   Interestingly, only 15% of all surveyed feel wine was an important mood setter.

To meet Americans demand for kitchenware perfectly suited to cook, entertain and romance, Sur La Table offers several items* for the Valentines holiday. For those interested in presentation, the Peony Pink Dinnerware, Red Goblets and Fluted Heart Quiche Dishes create a desirable ambiance. Those who chose lobster as their Valentines dinner of choice will want to use candle-fueled butter warmers for dipping. For a fabulous finale, a collection of creamy milk and delectable bittersweet chocolates will satisfy every Valentines sweet tooth. For more Valentines products and gift suggestions visit www.surlatable.com.

Sur La Table, the premier store, mail order and e-commerce kitchenware company, currently operates 29 retail locations across the United States, 16 with cooking class programs; in-store and on-line gift registry system; mail order catalog and an e-commerce site. Based in Seattle, the original Sur La Table was founded in Seattles historic Pike Place Farmers Market in 1972. Since 2000, the privately held company has received $34 million in financing to expand its stores and web site. Customers may find the nearest store and request a free catalog by calling the companys mail order division at 800.243.0852 or shop online at www.surlatable.com.

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*Product information and graphics available upon request.