By now, you've probably got the whole at-home celebration thing down to a science. But if you've found yourself fresh out of ideas for Valentine's Day, we're here to help. Whether you are spending the day solo or with a loved one, here's how you can enjoy the holiday of love:
Take a Cooking Class
Show off your skills in the kitchen with a virtual cooking class. East Lakeview's Get In the Kitchen has a whole lineup of events from February 10th – 14th, including cookie decorating, three-course dinners, a Valentine's Day brunch party, and more. Likewise, Taste Buds Kitchen in Bannockburn is offering a virtual class for Valentine's Day dinner on the 13th and the menu will include pan-seared steak and potatoes lyonnaise alongside an arugula salad.
Go to the Drive-In
What better way to celebrate the day of love than with a movie and popcorn under the stars? ChiTown Movies will feature several romantic films during Valentine's Day weekend at the drive-in at 2343 S. Throop St. in Pilsen. The lineup includes favorites like The Notebook and Lady and the Tramp, and food is available for purchase on site. Reserve your tickets here.
Enjoy a Wine Tasting
Whether you are a wine connoisseur or just want to try out some new varieties, wine tastings are always a fun activity. Uvae Kitchen and Wine Bar in Andersonville is hosting a virtual wine tasting of Sweetheart Wines on February 13th. They are also offering Valentine's Day dinners for two, a bubbles and cheese basket, and a wine and chocolate basket.
Need something more flexible? Schedule a tasting with VIN312 at a time that works for you. Winemaker Warner DeJulio will guide you through the history of the Ravenswood winery and the inspiration for five of their wines. Be sure to book your tasting a week in advance, and in the event you can't book for the 14th, this also makes a great gift for your Valentine!
Photo by VIN312
Get Chocolates Delivered
Enjoy the holiday's favorite treat delivered right to your doorstep. Leonidas Cafe has locations in Chicago, Evanston, and Northbrook, and is offering an array of chocolates, sweets, and treats for Valentine's Day. In addition to heart-shaped chocolate boxes with a variety of flavors, Leonidas has a French macaron gift box, Valentine's cookie trio, and a big chocolate dipped strawberry available for purchase.
With a flagship store near Goose Island, Veruca Chocolates has a robust Valentine's Day collection that includes chocolates, stunning gift assortments, Kiss Me Caramels, and so much more. And just down Halsted, Pilsen's Chocolat Uzma has a variety of holiday treats including heart-shaped chocolates, chocolate-covered strawberries, and dark chocolate truffles.
Order In
Plenty of locally owned businesses are helping make Valentine's Day special this year. Order dinner from your tried-and-true staples, or get something from a restaurant you've never tried before. Sophia Steak in Wilmette is offering a prix fixe or a la carte special that features king crab, lobster tail, flat iron steak, and millionaire shortbread. The restaurant has themed cocktails, as well as a Valentine's Day cookie kit that's available for pick-up or delivery.
Fulton Market's Sepia is also taking care of Valentine's Day dinner with an unforgettable five-course meal for two. Dinner consists of smoked beet tartare, braised duck pot pie, and chocolate fondant cake. Over in Logan Square, Andros Taverna has the whole day covered with their Valentine's Day Bakery Box and Eros Dinner for two. Would you believe that dark-chocolate dipped coconut halvaroons are just the beginning of the mouthwatering culinary journey?
Note: Please check all websites for possible COVID-19 standards or closures.
Photo by Seipa
