EAT

Feb. 14: Valentine’s Day Specials

Locations, times, and prices vary.

Don’t (completely) panic: There’s still time to make last-minute Valentine’s Day dinner reservations. Whether you’re looking for a romantic table for two or late-night dessert spot, we’ve got you covered. Read through our guide to local menus for every V-Day agenda—first dates, dinner and a game, and casual spots, to name a few—before calling around to find open tables.

DRINK

Feb. 14-16: Belgian Beer Fest

Max’s Taphouse, 737 S. Broadway. 11-2 a.m. Free.

Nothing says “romantic date idea” quite like sampling hundreds of Belgian beers at Max’s Taphouse. This weekend, the Fells Point staple is stocking its bar with more than 250 varieties of Belgian bottled beers, with another 200 on draft, as well as takeovers each day by the likes of RAR, Stillwater, and Allagash. Swing by the revered taphouse to sip on a few new ales, snack on Belgian-inspired eats, and celebrate this 16th annual beer fest.

SEE

Feb. 14: Baltimore Art Gallery Opening

Baltimore Art Gallery, 855 W. 36th St. 7-9:30 p.m. Free.

This Friday, take a trip down the Avenue in Hampden to check out the neighborhood’s newest addition—Baltimore Art Gallery. The space will feature work made exclusively by local artists, with a focus on providing affordable, accessible pieces to Baltimore art collectors or casual shoppers. Browse through paintings and prints by area artists like Matt Muirhead and Kristin Wiebe during the gallery’s grand opening on Friday night, and take home your favorite piece and a frame by the night’s end.

HEAR

Feb. 15: Mortified Baltimore: Doomed Valentines

Creative Alliance, 3134 Eastern Ave. 7 & 9:30 p.m. $19-22.

Let’s face it: Everyone has (at least) a few cringe-worthy memories about a middle-school crush that you’d rather not relive. But in honor of Valentine’s Day, a group of brave souls will take over the Creative Alliance stage to share their own tales of awkward adolescent romance, with props like love letters and diary entries to back up their stories. Settle into the Highlandtown arts center and spend Saturday night experiencing flashbacks to the storytellers’ teenage heartsick moments, even if only to temporarily forget your own.

DO

Feb. 16: Pinewood Derby

Union Craft Brewing, 1700 W. 41st St. 12-5 p.m. Free-$10.

Sharpen your tools and assemble your pit crew for Union Craft Brewing’s fifth-annual Pinewood Derby. This good ol’ fashioned tradition invites novice builders and expert crafters alike to make a wooden toy car and race it down a 40-foot racetrack. This year, spectators can monitor the finish line via the brewery’s giant projector screen while racers compete to win beer prizes and bragging rights. Stick around after the high-stakes action to knock back a few Duckpins and chow down on Well Crafted Kitchen’s special carnival-themed menu.

Valentine’s Day might be the Hallmark holiday that everyone loves to hate. But if anything can get skeptics to partake, it’s food—the universal love language. (The holiday was founded as The Feast of St. Valentine, after all.) As such, dining out on February 14 is a must, not only for lovestruck couples, but also for BFFs, siblings, and even moms and dads who are hoping to gather around the table with their kids. No matter which loved ones you’re celebrating with, here are the most decadent dishes to consider when making reservations this year.

Cauliflower Risotto at Alma Cocina Latina
There’s a lot of love that goes into the artfully plated dishes at Canton’s Venezuelan dining den. Exhibit A is the cauliflower risotto with black garlic, fried kale, shaved macadamia nuts, and preserved lemon cream—which is one of three courses that will be served on the restaurant’s V-Day menu February 14-16. There will also be caramelized eggplant nuggets, roasted squash with scallops, and an almond cake with pear compote. To make the deal even sweeter, Alma is hosting Latin contemporary jazz duo Fran Vielma and Cesar Orozco in the dining room on Valentine’s night. 2400 Boston St., Ste 108. $75. 667-212-4273

Maryland Roll at Azumi
Make your way to this Harbor East hotspot to indulge in an evening of Japanese fine-dining. Azumi is setting the mood with a four-course menu of delicacies including seaweed salad, aged dashi tofu, ponzu-baked scallops, and king crab legs with ichimi butter. For the main event, choose from baked lobster imperial, miso black cod, a fourteen-piece sashimi dinner, or the plump Maryland Roll—which arrives filled with snow crab, avocado, spicy scallop shrimp, and crispy shallots. 725 Aliceanna St. 443-220-0477

Grilled Beef Tenderloin at Charleston
Designed with romantic roses, fancy fabrics, and flickering candles, the charming interior of this Harbor East gem is enough to make anyone swoon. Chef Cindy Wolf has crafted a special menu for the occasion, which features a grilled beef tenderloin served alongside a crispy grit cake. For seafood lovers, there’s also Scottish salmon crudo, sea scallops, and pan-roasted turbot. 1000 Lancaster St. $169-239. 410-332-7373

Chilled Chocolate Ice Cream Soup at The Charmery

Come February 12, The Charmery co-owners David and Laura Alima will transform their ice cream factory at Union Collective into Chez Charmerie—a “pinky-out” dining establishment that offers a seated, three-course dessert experience. Dress to the nines and start things off with a sweet tribute to Haussner’s turtle soup made with chocolate ice cream, pecans, and house-made caramel Jello. There will also be duck à l’orange (a ducky-shaped shortbread cookie with orange juice frosting) and an innovative take on the classic banana split. 1700 W. 41st St. $25. 443-759-4905

Passionfruit Heart for Two at Citron
After indulging in dishes like grilled quail, braised veal cheeks, and a strawberry and feta-filled Valentine Salad, be sure to save room for the special passionfruit heart for two—an almond dacquoise with passionfruit curd and a drizzle of rum caramel sauce. The Pikesville restaurant has also created a cupid-inspired cocktail menu, featuring drinks like the “Chocolate Martini Be Mine” (Godiva liquor, Van Gogh vanilla vodka, and crème de cocoa) and the “French Kiss,” fusing gin, Champagne, lemon juice, and sugar. 2605 Quarry Lake Drive., Pikesville. $85. 410-363-0900

Oysters on the Half Shell at Dylan’s Oyster Cellar
Oysters are some of the most well-known aphrodisiacs around, so it should come as no surprise that the bivalve experts at this Hampden hangout have planned a three-night lovefest in honor of the holiday. Starting on February 12, Dylan’s is hosting an oyster-tasting-meets-speed-dating event where singles slurp a new oyster during every round. Head to the bar the following night for a Galentine’s party complete with half-priced wines, Bitter Heart cocktails, $11 burgers, and $1.50 local oysters. The week culminates on February 14, when Dylan’s will offer oyster specials, drinks for two, and shareable plates from 5 p.m. to midnight. To make the meal even more memorable, the spot is teaming up with Local Color Flowers to offer custom bouquets on every table, which are available for pre-order with a reservation by February 10. 3601 Chestnut Ave. 443-759-6595

Red Velvet Cake at The Elephant
Stimulate your senses with the multi-course meal at this Mt. Vernon mansion. The fixed menu will begin with a surprise amuse bouche that diners sample blindfolded—a play on the “dark dining” theory that the removal of vision enhances gastronomic pleasure. There will also be banana leaf curry salmon, lemon caper chicken, and Moroccan meatballs with cauliflower polenta. The dessert course features options ranging from a whipped cream-topped “Break My Heart” brownie to a cream cheese-filled red velvet cake garnished with a chocolate-covered strawberry. 924 N. Charles St. $85. 443-447-7878

Tagliatelle Bolognese at Germano’s Piattini
Nothing says love like smooth jazz. Head to the upstairs cabaret at Germano’s in Little Italy to enjoy a $35 three-course menu featuring charcuterie, grilled salmon, veal saltimbocca, lamb stew, and a signature bolognese with house-made tagliatelle. All the while, sway to timeless love songs performed by acclaimed California vocalist Renée Georges backed by pianist Justin Taylor, bassist Herman Burney, and drummer Philip Thomas. 300 S. High St. 410-752-4515

Crab Cake Lover Duo at Gertrude’s Chesapeake Kitchen

Experts say opposites attract, and Gertrude’s at the Baltimore Museum of Art is applying that theory to its famous crab cakes this Valentine’s Day. On the restaurant’s three-course tasting menu, diners will find a classic Eastern Shore crab cake served alongside a Bloody Mary-inspired “Dirty Gertie” cake flavored with tomato, Tobasco sauce, celery seed, cilantro, and Old Bay. Other offerings include potato-crusted lamb chops, monkfish medallions, and vegan dishes like a wild mushroom stroganoff with farfalle pasta. The shareable banana split (Taharka Bros. salty caramel and vanilla ice cream topped with cocoa nibs and vanilla-bean chantilly cream) is a must-try for lovebirds. 10 Art Museum Drive. $39-49. 410-889-3399

Lobster Hot Pot at Gunther & Co.

There are a number of soul-satisfying specialties to devour at this Brewers Hill favorite this V-Day. Among them is the lobster swimming in a hot pot of Thai butter, cilantro, fennel, and fingerling potatoes. Other wordly dishes on chef/owner Jerry Trice’s four-course menu include Vietnamese pork belly with pickled vegetables, risotto of green garbanzos, and a sous vide Wagyu short rib with yuccas bravas. 3650 Toone St. $85. 443-869-6874

Parisian Gnocchi at La Cuchara
Gnocchi with English peas, wild mushrooms, and two-year aged manchego? Sign us up. At this Basque-inspired Clipper Mill hideaway, chef/owner Ben Lefenfeld is whipping up a four-course prix-fixe with desirable dishes like crispy oysters, lobster bisque with black truffle, endive and radicchio salad, Roseda Farms strip steak, and bluefin tuna. For dessert, feel the love with a chocolate semifreddo or citrusy pavlova with airy meringue. 3600 Clipper Mill Rd. $89. 443-708-3838

Shrimp Bisque with Cajun Crawfish at The Red Star
At both Red Star locations in Fells Point and Charles Village, chef Francisco Lopez is offering amorous specials throughout Valentine’s Day weekend. Forget your winter woes with a (heart)warming seafood bisque filled with plump shrimp and Cajun crawfish. Other specials of note include braised short ribs, pan-seared diver scallops, and a roasted beet salad in a strawberry-balsamic reduction. End the meal on a sweet note with poached pears in a honey glaze. Multiple locations including 906 S. Wolfe St. 410-675-0212

Filet Mignon at Rye Street Tavern

Dim lighting and warm woods contribute to the alluring ambiance at this Port Covington restaurant. Snag a seat in the dining room (or at the chef’s table overlooking the open kitchen) to cut into chef Brian Plante’s bone-in filet mignon with piave potatoes and bérnaise sauce. Meat lovers will also enjoy the lamb rack for two, and a dry-aged Long Island duck on the three-course Valentine’s Day menu. 13 Rye St. 443-662-8000. $95

Spaghetti and Meatballs at Sotto Sopra
Sotto Sopra in Mt. Vernon is continuing its tradition of family dining for Valentine’s Day with a special menu of kid-friendly fare on February 11. (Chef/owner Riccardo Bosio’s daughters, Amelia and Virginia, will be the hostesses for the evening.) Pre-bedtime seatings from 5-5:45 p.m. will feature red sauce spaghetti with lamb meatballs, polenta fries with cheese fondue for dipping, classic fettuccine alfredo, and chocolate cake with vanilla gelato. Moms and dads will be able to choose from the restaurant’s regular roster of Italian specialties. 405 N. Charles St. 410-625-0534

Chocolate Mille-Feuille at Chez Hugo Bistro

Pastry chef Theresa Louis is putting her own spin on a traditional mille-feuille (similar to a classic Napoleon with alternating layers of puff pastry and filling) for the Valentine’s Day menu at Chez Hugo Bistro. Her chocolate version, served with a blood orange cream, will act as the grand finale to chef Steve Monnier’s four-course menu—which highlights grilled oysters with preserved ramps, a radicchio and pear salad, and ribeye with beef jus and brown butter. 206 E. Redwood St. $55. 443-438-3002

Flowers and jewelry are all well and good, but the old adage rings true—the way to a person’s heart is through their stomach.

David and Laura Alima, husband and wife owners of The Charmery on the Avenue in Hampden, can attest to the saying. Each year on Valentine’s Day, the duo serves dozens of amorous patrons who are looking to get their fix of the shop’s witty ice cream flavors like “Pure Love” (chocolate, strawberry, and champagne sorbet) and “Broken Hearts,” made with mashed up conversation heart candies.

“David has this amazingly creative mind,” Laura says. “He will come up with ideas and just run with them.”

New this year will be a special concoction called “Swipe Right,” which David says will taste like “optimism and Fireball whiskey, and leave you with a finish of regret.”

Despite them naming a flavor after an online dating app, the couple met long before the days of Tinder—when they were both counselors at a sleepaway camp in Bel Air during the summer of 1998. After attending college in upstate New York (David went to Ithaca, Laura went to Cornell), they traveled around the world and later landed on the West Coast—but ultimately couldn’t resist the pull of their hometown in Baltimore.

Inspired by all of the city-defining ice cream shops that they visited throughout their travels, they debuted The Charmery in 2013. Though opening a store together had its challenges, it didn’t take long for the couple to get the hang of it.

“Running a business with your spouse is kind of a terrifying prospect,” David says. “But I found out really quickly that Laura is just so good at this. Every day, people get to see her kick ass for our business. It’s definitely drawn us closer.”

Laura says that her management background combined with David’s creativity strikes an ideal balance.    

“Even if we’re going through tougher moments, we’ve been a team for so long that the only option is to move forward and figure things out,” she says. “If we’re not agreeing on something, we can take a step back and look to see who is the expert in that moment in time, and defer to that person. Or we just play rock, paper, scissors.”

In addition to the scrumptious scoops at The Charmery, there are plenty of other local places to win over your date for the upcoming Hallmark holiday. Whether you’re headed out with a group of friends or a special someone, here are our picks for the best eateries to indulge in a memorable meal.

New and Noteworthy

Ampersea: Take in the harbor-side views at this recently rebranded spot in the former home of Waterfront Kitchen in Fells Point, which is opening just in time for Valentine’s Day. Chef Nelson Morton will be featuring a few amorous specials on the seasonal menu, which include dishes like oxtail stew with jalapeño cornbread and lump crab cake with a lemon aioli drizzle. 1417 Thames St., 443-681-5310

Bygone: Make it an evening to remember by heading up to the rooftop of the Four Seasons Baltimore. This new speakeasy-style spot with panoramic views of the city will be offering a special five-course menu for the occasion, highlighting regal dishes such as prime rib au jus, Dover sole, and a 16-oz. Delmonico steak. End on a sweet note with a chocolate torte or Cherries Jubilee sundae. 400 International Drive, $175, 443-343-8200

Foraged: Indulge in a three-course menu at this new spot from chef—and master forager—Chris Amendola. Be on the lookout for locally sourced specials including pastrami pork belly with a coriander glaze, grains risotto with seasonal vegetables, and braised lamb neck with glazed carrots. 3520 Chestnut Ave, $55, 410-235-0035

Rye Street Tavern: This new tavern next to the Sagamore Spirit Distillery in Port Covington is celebrating its first Valentine’s Day with a three-course menu featuring its signature fried green tomatoes, wood-grilled Maryland rockfish, and dry-aged duck breast, as well as desserts like Carolina rice pudding and warm beignets with paw paw cream. 225 E. Cromwell St., $95, 443-662-8000

Fancy Fare

Charleston: Nothing says love like a meal at chef Cindy Wolf’s Lowcountry restaurant in Harbor East. Make the most of your date night with porcini mushroom bisque, a toasted walnut salad with arugula and escarole, pan-roasted black bass, grilled elk tenderloin, and pan-roasted magret of duck with carrot puree and brandied cherries. End the evening with picture-perfect pastries like a Meyer lemon tart with toasted meringue. 1000 Lancaster St., $169, 410-332-7373

Citron: Delight your sweetheart with this Pikesville spot’s special four-course Valentine’s menu, featuring truffled cauliflower bisque, skillet prawns with Meyer lemon, beet salad with goat cheese, Hudson Valley duck, and lamb shank with black currant demi-glace. 2605 Quarry Lake Drive, Pikesville, $75, 410-363-0900

The Corner Pantry: If you’re hoping to host a romantic dinner at home, this Mt. Washington staple—which celebrates its fourth anniversary this Valentine’s Day—has got you covered. A special holiday catering menu boasts dishes like chocolate and espresso-rubbed short ribs, butter-poached lobster ravioli, cauliflower steak, and a pistachio and rosewater love cake with a citrus glaze.  6080 Falls Road, 667-308-2331

Gunther & Co: This beloved Brewers Hill spot is celebrating accordingly with a four-course Valentine’s Day menu highlighting chef Jerry Trice’s worldly dishes including soy-glazed quail, seared War Shore scallops, burrata with shaved fennel, crispy porchetta, and ice cream-filled profiteroles. 3650 Toone St., $85, 443-869-6874

Donna’s: Chef Donna Crivello’s Cross Keys café is getting in the spirit with a four-course menu offering pickled local oysters, black bean and mushroom empanadas, cream of celery and crab soup, slow-cooked duck in a chocolate mole, Jerusalem lamb shawarma, and mushroom ravioli in a brown butter sauce. 5100 Falls Road, $55, 410-532-7611

Minnow: Oceanic offerings take center stage at this South Baltimore spot. On Valentine’s Day, enjoy a four-course meal with oysters Florentine, calamari with anchovy oil, Parisian gnocchi with English peas, and grilled rockfish with charred broccoli and black garlic turnip puree. 2 E. Wells St., $79, 443-759-6537

Hotel Hotspots

B&O American Brasserie: Snag a table at this modern dining destination inside the Hotel Monaco downtown to enjoy three courses from executive chef Scott Hines. Options will include roasted oysters with Thai basil and coconut milk, soft-boiled caviar eggs, spiced duck breast with a sweet potato puree, winter harvest paella, and a chocolate and chili soufflé with toasted almonds and a berry compote. 2 N. Charles St., $75, 443-692-6172

The French Kitchen: Love is in the air at the historic Lord Baltimore hotel downtown, whose restaurant The French Kitchen will be offering a four-course menu for the holiday. The hearty options will include classic French onion soup, crab fondue, filet mignon, beef bourguignon with Parisian mushrooms, and a roasted half chicken with Jasmine rice. Conclude the meal with sweets from the hotel’s beloved LB Bakery (think truffles, Linzer cookies, and heart-shaped macarons). 20 W. Baltimore St., 410-539-8400

Magdalena: With its pretty plating and colorful artwork, this fine-dining den inside The Ivy Hotel in Mt. Vernon exudes elegance. Treat your date to a three-course dinner by executive chef Mark Levy, who is best known for his sophisticated dishes including butternut squash tortellini, smoked butter sautéed filet of stone bass, and Thai style sweet pork belly. 205 E. Biddle St., $75, 410-514-0303

Wit & Wisdom: Reserve a table near the warm fireplaces and glowing lanterns at this spot inside the Four Seasons Baltimore. Chef Zack Mills is whipping up a romantic four-course menu including dressed Chesapeake oysters on the half shell, split pea soup, butter-poached prime beef filet, Maine lobster with creamy polenta, and duck confit macaroni and cheese. 200 International Drive, $95, 410-576-5800

International Love

Alma Cocina Latina: Enjoy the interior greenery and colorful entrees at this Venezuelan-inspired spot, which is offering a three-course menu that starts off with an amuse bouche of potato and leek soup with vanilla apples. Other don’t-miss dishes will include red beet salad with mussels and strawberries, Alaskan salmon with roasted lettuce, and a vegetarian potato cylinder with sofrito sauce and onion ash. 2400 Boston St., $65, 667-212-4273

Azumi: Take your taste buds on a trip to Japan at this hotspot on the waterfront in Harbor East. The chef’s five-course menu highlights seared tuna and avocado, wagyu carpaccio, barbecue spare ribs, miso black cod, and a variety of special sushi rolls. 725 Aliceanna St., $95-235, 443-220-0477

Bar Vasquez: Executive chef Mario Cano-Catalan has dreamed up a three-course menu inspired by the flavors of Argentina. Snack on crispy oysters and tartare of Uruguayan filet mignon before enjoying entrees such as wood grilled lamb chops, pan seared duck, and octopus a la plancha. 1425 Aliceanna St., $85, 410-534-7296

Birroteca: This Hampden hangout is spreading the love for an entire week, offering a la carte Valentine’s Day specials from February 14-21. Dig in to Italian dishes including smoked beet carpaccio, ricotta gnudi (a cousin to gnocchi stuffed with ricotta instead of potato), and scallops for two with fennel, endive, and roasted sunchokes. 1520 Clipper Mill Road, 443-708-1934

The Elephant: Spend the holiday at this elegant Mt. Vernon mansion owned by Steven and Linda Rivelis—who were married at the restaurant in the ’80s. Executive chef Orlando Amaro is showcasing the spot’s worldly focus with a four-course menu featuring roasted beets and coconut milk soup, blood orange glazed duck breast, grilled polenta with black truffle broth, wild mushroom and quail paella for two, and a chocolate truffle box for dessert. 924 N. Charles St., $85-115, 443-447-7878

La Cuchara: Travel to the Basque region by way of Clipper Mill at this fan-favorite. The romantic menu will spotlight plates including tuna crudo, forest mushrooms with duck egg yolk, charred radicchio with scallions, lamb shoulder, Roseda Farms strip steak, and grilled bronzino with roasted fennel and tomatoes. 3600 Clipper Mill Road, $89, 443-708-3838

Petit Louis: Cozy up next to the flickering fireplace at this Roland Park haunt, which offer a four-course menu to honor the occasion. French dishes to look out for include fois gras terrine, smoked salmon on a pumpernickel crouton, duck leg confit, grilled ribeye, and a grilled vegetable plate with couscous and green herb sauce. Don’t forget to order the chocolate tart for dessert. 4800 Roland Ave., $79-119, 410-366-9393