Say it with Food

Dear Cupid,

My guy and I just celebrated five years together this past Groundhog's day. Now, we have your glorious Hallmark holiday to look forward to. Since our "romance-o-meter" is running a little low, due to all of the love we showered each other with. WHOA! That sounded nasty............Anyway. I need some help. I want to show him how much I really do love him without doing it for the sake of the day. How can I make this Valentine's Day a memorable one?

Sincerely,
Lost in Love

Dear Lost in Love,

First, congratulations on the five years. I totally knew that you two would be together for a long time when I hit you with one of my arrows. Second thing, yes that did sound totally nasty. Now let's get down to business. The answer to your quandry is a simple one. In lieu of showering each other again on one solemn day, stretch it out and make it a long Valentine's Weekend. Below, I have outlined each day for you. Starting on Thursday night and ending with a bang on Monday February 14th. May you boys be a heap of messy, sloppy love once this weekend is over. If not that, you'll at least be stuffed. Ok, getting into sticky territory, again. Let's move on.

Thursday, Feb. 10 - I've heard recently that Thursday is the "new" Friday but being the purist that I am, I say wait for Friday and stay in tonight with your guy. Make this night a reason to get close, to snuggle. Rent a good movie and while you're out, stop into My Pie Pizza (2010 North Damen; 773-394-6900) and order one of their heart shaped pizza's. They can do them deep dish or thin crust. Either way you slice it, this is sure to lead to some heavy petting.

Friday, Feb. 11 - One sure fire way to spice of your relationship is with food. Tonight, make reservations at Heaven on Seven (111 North Wabash, 7th floor; 312-224-8858) for Chef Jimmy Banos "Cajun Cooking Class". The cost is $75.00 per person and for an additional $20.00 you can recieve a copy of Chef Banos cookbook. Not only do you get tips on cooking Cajun but you will also be subject to all-you-can drink beer, wine and hurricanes!! Hello! Alcohol and spice make everything so, so nice.

Saturday, Feb.12 - Tonight, I emplore you to be touchy feely with each other. Go tell it on the mountains, that you two are in love. Tonight, have a party with some close loved ones and friends. Have a party for yourselves. Invite your guest over for cheese and wine and everything fine. Stop into one of these two shops for all of your party needs. Pastoral (2945 North Broadway; 773-472-4781) or Sam's Wine's and Spirits ( 1720 North Marcey; 312-664-4394). Both Pastoral and Sam's have amazing selections of cheese and wine. Call ahead to order a cheese platter from Pastoral, named "Cheesy Romance", and head to Sam's to browse the aisles searching for that perfect wine, and try a few while you're there. Asks guests to bring a bottle of their choice and you're sure to be the perfect host(esses).

Sunday, Feb. 13 - Today's is the Chinese New Year; 4073, year of the Rooster. Bring in the new year with a good breakfast. Phoenix (2131 South Archer; 312-328-0848) is by far one of the best for Dim Sum. If you're unaccustomed to Dim Sum. Think tapas with an Asian spin. Waiters wheeling carts covered in steaming, warm appetizer size bites, you can surely make a meal worthy of even the pickiest eater, here. After your Dim Sum breakfast, pull up a seat on the curb to watch the Chinese New Year Parade (starting at Cermak/Wentworth, heading South at 1 p.m.) Who would have guessed that you two would still be together in 4073?

Monday, Feb. 14 (V-DAY!) - I could go on and on about the amount of options that you two have for this night. Restaurants, normally dark on Mondays will open their doors to the hordes of love-struck couples. Bars will be pushing cloyingly sweet cocktails with sickingly sweet names like " eau de l'amour". I highly recommend sticking with what you know. Make this day a celebration of your days you've shared and the many, many more that you have to look forward to. For me, that's heading to my favorite haunts where everyone really does know our names. > Cesar's (2924 North Broadway; 773-296-9097: www.killermargaritas.com), not only has "Killer Margaritas" but they also enjoy ensuring that the customer is taken care of. Tonight, Cesar's is offering customers 25% off their bill. Have a margarita or two and toast yourselves for making it this far.

Whatever you two decide to do this Valentine's Day, all I ask is that you continue saying I love you. Thanks for making my job, an easy one.

With Love,
Cupid