Top Picks Live is a list of Citi Investment Research's highest conviction ideas through calendar year-end that was introduced in January 2008.

Product innovation continues to drive Croda’s business

MILL HALL — As Croda International grows, the head of their North American operations says product innovation will continue to be a key driver for their business. Kevin Gallagher, president of Croda, Inc., the division that oversees the company's Mill Hall manufacturing facility and other North American operations, spoke recently to members of the local plant's Community Advisory Council. Gallagher said the past year-and-a-half has been a time of change for the company with the acquisition of Uniqema, a firm based in the United Kingdom which manufactures products similar to Croda but which has strengths in different markets. “The acquisition of Uniqema has more than doubled the size of Croda International," said Gallagher. “And it has strengthened our position as a manufacturer of specialty chemicals for the cosmetics, toiletries, homecare, healthcare and pharmaceutical, plastics, food and industrial specialty markets.

Hellenic News of America

BNeF has created the innovative, natural and complete health care line Red Water, which consists of 19 products for the face and body: cleansers, toners, moisturizers, shower gels, body lotions and slenderizing products. The packaging of Red Water is particularly elegant and well designed, while the texture and the scent of our cosmetics are irresistible. Walgreens, in their effort to upgrade their drugstores, have included few prestigious skincare lines from Europe and Red Water is the one representing Greece. All products are available in US from 28th September 2006. They are currently in 987 Walgreens stores across the country and more in the next few months. Red Water is also available on-line: www.walgreens.com and www.europeanbeautycollection.com. Enter your zip code in the website www.europeanbeautycollection.com and we'll list the Walgreens stores closest to you.

Romance served at East Bay restaurants

With a great reputation for fresh, local and healthful cuisine, husband and wife Curtis and Esin deCarion show how a couple can make the world a better place. In addition to the regular menu, Cafe Esin will be offering a three-course prix-fixe menu for $39.95. Start with an arugula salad with grapes, avocado, blood oranges, feta cheese and pine nuts salad. Move on to a wild mushroom risotto with grilled scallops and finish with one of Esin's signature desserts -- bittersweet chocolate ganache tart.

Cafe Cacao. 914 Heinz Ave., Berkeley. 510-843-6000, http://www.cafecacao.biz. Valentine's Day is extra-special at this restaurant located inside the Scharffen Berger Chocolate Factory. It will be the first dinner service offered in months and will be followed the next night with the introduction of weekly dinner service (Friday night only; the restaurant is already open for lunch daily and brunch on weekends).

UPDATE 1-RESEARCH ALERT-Citi adds Apple to Top Picks Live list

Top Picks Live is a list of Citi Investment Research's highest conviction ideas through calendar year-end that was introduced in January 2008.

Product innovation continues to drive Croda’s business

MILL HALL — As Croda International grows, the head of their North American operations says product innovation will continue to be a key driver for their business. Kevin Gallagher, president of Croda, Inc., the division that oversees the company's Mill Hall manufacturing facility and other North American operations, spoke recently to members of the local plant's Community Advisory Council. Gallagher said the past year-and-a-half has been a time of change for the company with the acquisition of Uniqema, a firm based in the United Kingdom which manufactures products similar to Croda but which has strengths in different markets. “The acquisition of Uniqema has more than doubled the size of Croda International," said Gallagher. “And it has strengthened our position as a manufacturer of specialty chemicals for the cosmetics, toiletries, homecare, healthcare and pharmaceutical, plastics, food and industrial specialty markets.

Hellenic News of America

BNeF has created the innovative, natural and complete health care line Red Water, which consists of 19 products for the face and body: cleansers, toners, moisturizers, shower gels, body lotions and slenderizing products. The packaging of Red Water is particularly elegant and well designed, while the texture and the scent of our cosmetics are irresistible. Walgreens, in their effort to upgrade their drugstores, have included few prestigious skincare lines from Europe and Red Water is the one representing Greece. All products are available in US from 28th September 2006. They are currently in 987 Walgreens stores across the country and more in the next few months. Red Water is also available on-line: www.walgreens.com and www.europeanbeautycollection.com. Enter your zip code in the website www.europeanbeautycollection.com and we'll list the Walgreens stores closest to you.

Romance served at East Bay restaurants

With a great reputation for fresh, local and healthful cuisine, husband and wife Curtis and Esin deCarion show how a couple can make the world a better place. In addition to the regular menu, Cafe Esin will be offering a three-course prix-fixe menu for $39.95. Start with an arugula salad with grapes, avocado, blood oranges, feta cheese and pine nuts salad. Move on to a wild mushroom risotto with grilled scallops and finish with one of Esin's signature desserts -- bittersweet chocolate ganache tart.

Cafe Cacao. 914 Heinz Ave., Berkeley. 510-843-6000, http://www.cafecacao.biz. Valentine's Day is extra-special at this restaurant located inside the Scharffen Berger Chocolate Factory. It will be the first dinner service offered in months and will be followed the next night with the introduction of weekly dinner service (Friday night only; the restaurant is already open for lunch daily and brunch on weekends).