Variety is the Spice of Valentine’s

If you’re lucky enough to be facing the impending February 14th as one-half of a happy couple, you may already be feeling the pressure of impressing your Valentine with some glitzy plans for the night. But for those of us seeking a break from navigating overbooked venues, multiple-course prix-fixe menus, and stiff dining rooms this year, there are other options out there to indulge your loved one and your inner foodie. For a lighter-hearted take on the Valentine’s meal, try one of these non-mundane alternatives for an evening of romance, laughter, and, of course, delicious eats.

1. Take a cooking class
There’s nothing sexier than a man (or woman) who can cook, and what better way to heat things up than a cooking lesson for two? Don’t worry if your chef repertoire ends at instant ramen; expert instructors are on-hand to guide you as you work on a sensual Valentine’s meal together. Create a sugary assortment of truffles, caramels, and mini cupcakes at a Valentine’s Day Sweets workshop at the Mission District’s La Cocina; the class also includes a full crepe dinner. For those in South Bay, gourmet retailer Sur La Table offers a range of Valentine-themed classes at their Los Gatos and Palo Alto locations from February 7 to the 16, including Date Night Dinner, Valentine Macarons, and Luscious Chocolate Truffles.

2. Booze it up
We all know the real way to a man’s heart – beer. And it must be a lucky omen that Valentine’s Day falls in the middle of San Francisco’s famous Beer Week. So for a date he won’t soon forget, be sure to take advantage of the Beer Week Valentine’s specials at breweries across the city. At Rosamunde Sausage Grill, a chocolate and beer tasting pairs different types of chocolate with flights of various styles of beer for a his-and-hers taste experience. For a more traditional take on Valentine sips, consider a wine bar – you’ll avoid being weighed-down by a heavy meal, and instead sample wines from around the world accompanied by nibbles of artisan cheeses, breads, and desserts; French-themed Amelie or the Bubble Lounge for sparkling toasts are two spots to try. After all, what’s an evening of romance without a couple of clinking glasses?

3. Stay in
An intimate Valentine’s rendezvous at home doesn’t have to mean dropping a wad of cash on gourmet ingredients and spending the night paying more attention to the balsamic reduction than your date. Keep it simple with a couples’ make-your-own pizza night. Just buy some good dough, roll (heart shape optional!), and lay on whatever tickles your fancy – try fig jam, prosciutto, and pears, topped with fresh arugula; or heirloom tomatoes, basil, and the freshest mozzarella you can find. Finish off the night-in-Rome theme with a red checkered tablecloth, candles, and a great Chianti. Alternatively, skip dinner altogether and woo your sweet with a no-fuss sweets-only spread: mini tart shells filled with a dab of crème anglaise and fresh raspberries; meringue nests topped with a dollop of whipped cream and the tangy pulp of a passion fruit; and, of course, chocolate – drizzled strawberries, bittersweet truffles, or a pot of fondue for the ultimate lickable dessert. Don’t forget the bubbly! Dress it up with a splash of cassis or raspberry liqueur for a pretty pink tint or add a couple of iced berries to each glass. Pour, clink, and tuck in… You may want to dim those lights, too.

Kate Missine is a domestic diva, shopping addict, and worshiper of all things delicious. When she’s not chasing after her toddler son, Kate can be found stirring things up in the kitchen, scouring grocery aisles for strange ingredients, or indulging in much-needed retail therapy. She holds a B.A. in Communications and Publishing and accepts pastries and shoes as currency.

Kate Missine