Valentine’s Day has traditionally been a night out on the town for a romantic dinner or maybe a gathering of friends at a bar to laugh (or cry) over the year’s dating disasters. But it’s also wonderful to celebrate with the one you love at home. If you prefer cooking at home, here are three drinks to pair with three courses on the 14th.

Founders Rubaeus Raspberry Ale
($13, 6-pack bottles, Legends)

Let’s get this meal started with a hearty salad—baby spinach, pecans, a little goat cheese, some sliced strawberries, and a drizzle of fruit vinaigrette. You’ll need something to stand up to the intense acidity of dressing, while also supporting the delicate fruit notes. Enter Rubaeus, a delightfully fruity ale from Founders Brewing Co. in Michigan. It’s rich enough to handle the dressing, fruity enough to support the berries, and at 5.7 percent ABV, it won’t leave you wishing you were at the end of the meal rather than the beginning

San Valentino Lambrusco Amabile “Bruscus” NV
($16, Kysela Pere et Fils)

Next up is a fresh pizza, whether you’ve made the dough yourself—or rolled out a fresh ball from the gourmet grocer. Add a smear of tomato sauce, some spicy Italian sausage, fresh basil leaves, and enough mozzarella to get the cheese bubbling and the crust crunchy. Pesto pizza with a balsamic drizzle is another good way to go. Either way, Lambrusco has you covered. This frothy, fruity, delicious wine from Italy’s Emilia-Romagna region is a utility player packed with fruit notes and a jovial demeanor that plays well with all these flavors.

Xila Licor de Agave
($40, Free Run Wine Merchants)

This is a slightly smoky, mezcal-based Mexican liqueur that marries the mezcal culture of the Oaxaca region with the chiles of Puebla. The result is a wildly tasty and left-of-center liqueur that includes flavors of caramelized pineapple, lavender, ancho chiles, hibiscus, clove, cinnamon, and black pepper. It’s exotic, yet enticing, and a great match for anything with chocolate, especially dark chocolate mousse, and a wonderful way to end your meal.

It has been two years since COVID disrupted, among other things, one’s ability to find a date. The bar scene was completely wiped out, restaurants faced all manner of hurdles, and even flirting became nearly impossible. Although we encourage couples to make the most of a Valentine’s night out, we recognize that not everyone is coupled up right now. If that’s the case, we’ve corralled three delicious things to drink that you wouldn’t want to share with anyone anyway. So, grab a glass, the remote, and settle in at home.

Domaine des Mailloches Bourgueil 2019
($18, Free Run Wine Merchants)

Since there’s no one around to impress, you won’t even have to worry about not being able to pronounce this one. All you must know is that it’s delicious. Hailing from the Loire region of France, this Cabernet Franc exudes freshness, offering up appealing notes of cherry and strawberry, and some very interesting floral tones akin to violets. Treat yourself to a filet mignon at home and you will be rewarded with the pairing. Another great option? Pull some cheese out of the fridge along with a hunk of good bread and go to town.

FUN FACT: The Loire Valley is home to France’s most amazing wine regions. Vouvray is known for wine made from Chenin Blanc, and Sancerre is the gold standard for Sauvignon Blanc. The town of Bourgueil is all about Cabernet Franc. It’s considered one of the most famous sources for wines made from this grape.

Maine Beer Co. Lunch IPA
($10, 16.9 oz bottle, Legends)

If you’re as tired of over-hopped IPAs as you are of diamond ring ads, we have the beer for you. The super cool folks at Maine Beer Company have crafted a masterpiece—initial hop bitterness bows to delightful, bright, citrus tones, a smooth and fruity mid-palate, and a crisp, slightly spicy finish. “Why is it called lunch?” you might ask? Well, that’s an homage to Lunch the whale, so named because he has been visiting the coast of Maine around lunchtime off and on since 1982.

Dry Fly Distilling Triticale Whiskey
($45, Kysela Pere et Fils)

Washington State’s Dry Fly Distilling first made a name for itself with a gin that leaned into the London Dry tradition even though it’s American. From there, the distillery built a whiskey program that includes bourbon, wheated whiskies, and vodka. This offering may be the most curious, though. Triticale is a grain developed in Scotland in the late 1800s and is a cross between rye and wheat. As the base for a whiskey, it possesses the spicy sweetness of rye but also the smooth refinement of wheat. It’s tasty and unique, and there’s no real need to share it unless you want to.

Valentine’s Day in 2021 is going to look much different than years past, as many of us may be unable to enjoy dinner out with our special someone. Hopefully we’ve all had time this past year to hone our cooking and baking skills, though, and what better day to show them off? We’ve selected libations to add sparkle to your special evening.

Huyghe Brewery “Fruli” Strawberry Wit
($15 four-pack, Legends)

Blending classic Belgian wheat beer with fresh strawberry juice sounds exactly like the kind of thing someone would think up cooped up in the house for a year, although this delightful concoction has been around for a while. It’s juicy sweet but not syrupy, with coriander and orange zest tones around the edges. If you’ve got chocolate-covered anything on the menu, this is a surprisingly good match.

Warre’s Ruby Port “Heritage”
($19, Bacchus Importers)

If richer chocolate indulgences are in store, the headier alcohol levels, chocolate undertones, and cherry fruit notes of this quintessential ruby port will complement it perfectly. This is no one-trick pony, though. It will happily support flavorful cheeses such as aged gouda and Roquefort.

Fun fact: Port’s origins can be traced to Great Britain. As England’smaritime power grew, sodid its taste for wines from sunny spots. While being transported in sailing vessels home, however, wine spoiled in the heat. Adding neutral alcohol to the wine during fermentation stopped the yeast from eating the sugars, making the wine sweet, and protecting the wine from the harsh transportation conditions.

Elk Cove Pinot Noir Willamette 2018
($33, Winebow)

Unless you are very lucky or very thirsty, you are unlikely to have enough open bottles of wine at home to indulge in your own “by-the-glass” approach to a dinner pairing.

You’ll need a wine that is delicious yet versatile. This is where Pinot Noir in general, and softer versions from Oregon or the Burgundy region of France, really shine. Elk Cove’s rendition offers soft, fresh notes of raspberry and earth with a smooth finish that will stand up to steak but also swim with fish and play well with chicken.

La Vie En Rose from Dutch Courage

It doesn’t get any prettier than this cocktail designed by Dutch Courage owner Brendan Dorr. “I wanted to create a cocktail that represented Dutch Courage as a gin cocktail bar, and what’s better than a martini?” says Dorr. “I took the classic martini recipe and put a oral spin on it.”

INGREDIENTS
2 ounces Glendalough Rose Gin
.75 ounce Dolin Dry Vermouth
.25 ounce Tattersall Creme de Fleur 1 dash Peychaud’s Bitters
1 dash Rose Water

DIRECTIONS
1. Stir all ingredients with ice.
2. Strain into a cocktail glass.
3. Garnish with lemon peel and surround with dried rose petals.
Serves 1.

Pretty in Pink: A pink-hued cocktail is perfect for your Valentine. The color represents compassion, nurturing, and love. It also signifies unconditional love and understanding. It’s feminine, intimate, and for any romantic occasion, but especially Valentine’s Day.

Raw Oysters with Beet Horseradish from Dylan’s Oyster Cellar

“Our favorite way to eat oysters is dressed simply with prepared horseradish and lemon,” says Dylan Salmon, co-owner of Dylan’s Oyster Cellar. “For Valentine’s Day, we thought that adding beets for a pop of deep red to the gray color of horseradish would put a sweet, earthy, and colorful twist on an otherwise drab but spicy condiment.”

INGREDIENTS
Fresh horseradish root, at least 4 inches, peeled and cut into small cubes
15-ounce can cooked beets, drained
4 tablespoons white vinegar
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon salt
Fresh-shucked oysters (pick up available at Dylan’s, of course.)

DIRECTIONS
1. Add horseradish chunks a little bit at a time into the feeding tube of your food processor.
2. Pulse several times, scraping down the sides if needed.
3. Add drained beets and pulse a few more times.
4. Add vinegar, sugar, and salt and process for 30 more seconds or so, until you get a nice finely textured consistency.

NOTE: Horseradish sauce will keep in a tightly sealed container in the fridge for three days, but it will lose heat over time. If you like it hot and zingy, eat it within a few hours after you prepare it.

WARNING: Do not breathe in too closely to freshly grated horseradish, as it is blindingly hot. Also, start with a tiny bit when you first taste to ensure you can stand the heat.

To freshly shucked, raw oysters, add 1⁄4 teaspoon of the beet horseradish and a dollop of salmon roe for color, texture, and ocean flavor. Finish by garnishing with a fresh grating of lemon zest.
Makes 2 cups. 

Chocolate Truffles with Powdered Strawberries from Cosima

Nothing says Valentine’s Day like chocolate truffles. Though chocolate has long been believed to be an aphrodisiac—the emperor Montezuma was said to have consumed the cocoa bean in massive amounts to fuel his romantic trysts—science says otherwise. If chocolate has any effect on the libido, it’s likely more psychological than physiological.

That said, this recipe from Cosima exectuive chef Anthony Franklin is sure to make your loved ones feel cherished. “I prefer to make these with my special someone in the early afternoon,” says Franklin, “and enjoy these endorphin-releasing treats for dessert with a scoop of ice cream. Nothing is more convivial than waking up on Valentine’s Day and playing with chocolate.”

INGREDIENTS
8 ounces of pure chocolate
2⁄3 cup heavy cream
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1⁄2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Strawberry powder
1⁄2 teaspoon sea salt

DIRECTIONS
1. Place chocolate in heat-resistant mixing bowl and set aside.
2. Heat heavy cream until it begins to simmer.
3. Once simmered, add butter and sea salt.
4. Pour hot liquid in the bowl of pure chocolate and allow cream to soften chocolate.
5. Add vanilla extract and mix ingredients until you achieve a smooth consistency.
6. Wrap bowl in plastic wrap and refrigerate for two hours.
7. Scoop out desired size of set truffle mix (a tablespoon works well), then roll into a ball.
8. Roll truffles into powered strawberry or desired toppings.
Serves 20-24. 

Fudgy Walnut Cookies from Citron

So many cookie recipes contain gluten, so this dense and delicious recipe for fudgy walnut cookies—by way of Citron’s pastry chef Carlie King—is a particular treat. “My inspiration for this recipe was really just a good chocolate snack everyone without a nut allergy could enjoy,” says King. “This is a great gluten-free cookie that everyone, including gluten eaters, really likes.”

INGREDIENTS
4 1⁄4 cups confectioner’s sugar
1 cup cocoa powder
2 1⁄8 cups walnuts, toasted and chopped
Pinch of salt
1 cup egg whites, pasteurized

DIRECTIONS
1. Sift confectioners’ sugar and cocoa powder into a large bowl.
2. Mix cocoa powder mixture with walnuts and salt.
3. Pour in egg whites while mixing. (You can mix by hand or at a low speed with a mixer.)
4. Mix until just combined. (Do not over mix.)
5. Scoop dough with a 2-ounce cookie scoop onto a cookie sheet lined with parchment.
6. Bake at 350 Fahrenheit for five minutes.
7. Turn and bake for an additonal five minutes.

TO 4/30: WOMEN OF STEEL
The Baltimore Museum of Industry has opened its next exhibition outside
of the museum to allow for social distancing and open-air exploration during COVID-19. The exhibition, titled Women of Steel, hangs on the museum’s fence along Key Highway in South Baltimore. Women of Steel highlights the stories of women who worked at Bethlehem Steel’s Sparrows Point mill in Baltimore from the 1930s until the mill closed in 2012. The Baltimore Museum of Industry. Daily.

TO 9/19: LISA YUSKAVAGE: WILDERNESS
Co-organized with the Aspen Art Museum, this new exhibit features more than 15 paintings that show the New York-based artist’s expansive treatment of landscape on expansive canvases, imagining entire worlds that are both highly detailed and mysterious. The Baltimore Museum of Art. Wed.-Sun. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

TO 8/2022: THE SCIENCE & MYSTERY OF SLEEP
In AVAM’s newest third-floor gallery exhibition, a compilation of all the latest sleep-related scientific research mingles with three artist-made visionary bedrooms, delving into an array of topics, from the impact of sleep on health, sleep and adolescence, and the power of the Hypnagogic state championed by famed Harvard geneticist Dr. George Church. American Visionary Art Museum. Wed.-Sun., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. $15.95.

TO 9/2022: FLICKERING TREASURES
In a now-and-then showcase, this exhibit delves into Maryland’s historic movie theaters, featuring historic images from the MCHC photograph collection paired with contemporary images by Sun photographer Amy Davis, author of the exhibit’s namesake book, Flickering Treasures. Maryland Center for History & Culture. Wed.-Sat.10 a.m.-3 p.m. Free-$9.

TO 9/2022: WILD AND UNTAMED
This selection of revered Baltimore album quilts introduces visitors to Dr. William Rush Dunton, known by many as the father of occupational therapy, as well as one of the first inductees to the Quilters Hall of Fame. Maryland Center for History & Culture. Wed.-Sat. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Free-$9.

Valentine’s Day might not be your favorite holiday, but, if nothing else, it’s a reason to dress up and celebrate. Whether you’re spending the evening with your partner, gathering your crew for a night out, or honoring the occasion with a bottle of wine at home, the holiday is a great excuse to get yourself a brand new outfit. We’ve gathered pieces to make you look and feel fabulous this Valentine’s Day, regardless of how you spend it. Casual, chic, or cozy—you choose your vibe:

Galentine’s Day

Maybe you’re single and not ready to mingle, but you want to take advantage of the season of love. Grab your closest pals and hit the town! Dinner, drinks, and dancing await you. What to wear? Simple. Something bright, young, and beautiful.

ROMANTIC DINNER

Though Valentine’s Day might not be your anniversary, it’s a momentous occasion for couples nonetheless. A nice dinner for two requires a look that is elegant but not over-the-top fancy. Heels, a new dress, and a smoky eye are all it’ll take for this type of date.

CASUAL DATE NIGHT

Valentine’s Day isn’t for everyone, but it might be hard to ignore the many restaurant and bar deals. The perfect look for this means decking out your go-to jeans and booties outfit with a stylish twist like pleather pants and statement shoes.

CHILLIN’ AT HOME

Need an excuse to buy that pajama set you’ve been eyeing up? Now is your chance. Loungewear is the easiest way to treat yourself this Valentine’s Day. Something soft, trendy, and totally worth spending the evening at home is exactly what this Valentine’s vibe is all about.

Whether you’re a fan of Valentine’s Day or think that it’s overrated, there’s no denying that good food and company is a great way to spend February 14. Charm City offers a variety of menu options and price points, depending on what you and your dining companions are looking for. Whether you’re in the mood for comfort food, craft cocktails, or dessert for dinner, make a reservation at any of these spots to satisfy both your heart and your stomach.

CASUAL COUPLES

Papi’s Tacos: With locations in Fells Point and Hampden, this laid-back cantina is a great spot to celebrate love with authentic street tacos and margaritas. For $35, guests can enjoy tableside guacamole, two entrees, and a dessert to share. 1703 Aliceanna St. and 3820 Falls Rd. $35.

Kona Grill: This Inner Harbor classic will be serving up its “Love is Grand” menu for two complete with a champagne toast. The special menu with feature items like lobster potstickers, coconut shrimp bisque, and filet with lobster butter. 1 E Pratt St.

FIRST-DATE SPOTS

Grano Pasta Bar: Cozy up in this tiny BYOB restaurant and become closer with your significant other over plates of pasta. First dates are already nerve racking enough, and Grano makes choosing an entree easy by boasting all things pasta. As seen on Guy Fieri’s Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, the spot is known for its handmade ravioli and dedication to flavor. Pro tip: be sure to explore Hampden after your meal. 1031 W 36 St.

Tersiguel’s: Road trip to Ellicott City for a French dining experience in an incredibly romantic setting. Tersiguel’s will be serving a five-course fixed menu of chef Michel Tersiguel’s selections for guests to enjoy. Be sure to try the locally sourced “Filet au Poivre” topped with green peppercorn sauce, potatoes, and green beans. 8293 Main St. Ellicott City. $99.

Guinness Open Gate Brewery: Head to this Halethorpe headquarters to sip two love-inspired releases that are debuting just in time for the holiday on February 13. Every pint of the Guinness Chocolate Stout and Guinness Raspberry Chocolate Stout will be served alongside a complimentary Mouth Party caramel. The wrapper for each locally sourced treat will be printed with a love note, affirmation, drawing, or coupon for special deals at the bar—including pints for a penny.

Dylan’s Oyster Cellar: Hampden’s Eastern Shore-inspired hideaway will kick off its celebration with a Galentine’s Day party on February 13. Dinner service the following evening will feature romantic drink specials and thematically appropriate oysters that you won’t want to miss. 3601 Chestnut Ave.

VETERAN VALENTINES

Cosima: If you’ve been together forever, shake things up on Valentine’s Day by visiting this rustic Italian spot in Mill No. 1, a 19th-century cotton mill repurposed into a sustainable building. Perched along the Jones Falls, the Sicilian destination will feature a three-course menu with blue point oysters, crab ravioli, and warm dark chocolate amaretto cake for $85 per person. Cosima, 3000 Falls Rd. $85.

Gunther & Co.: Gunther and Co. features local twists on modern American fare in a beautifully designed space. The Brewer’s Hill restaurant will be serving a $95, four-course tasting menu from 5-9:30 p.m.—complete with wine pairings and oyster and shellfish courses available for an additional charge. The restaurant will be setting the mood with dishes including Asian pear salad, seared scallops, Tahitian vanilla sponge cake. 3650 Toone St. 5-9:30p.m. $95+.

Fleming’s: Impress your Valentine with a three-course meal at Fleming’s. Pair the famous filet with your choice of lobster scampi, crab-stuffed shrimp, or pistachio-crusted lamb chops, or enjoy the prime surf and turf for two. Menus start at $75 per person. 720 Aliceanna St. $75+.

Rye Street Tavern: This Port Covington restaurant serves chef-driven comfort food and cocktails that should not be ignored. Situated on the water directly next to the Sagamore Spirit Distillery, Rye Street Tavern makes you feel right at home. Its three-course Valentine’s Day menu includes yellowfin tuna poke, classic Southern fried chicken and biscuits, and a campfire sundae. Diners can add on beverage pairing for an additional $45 if they choose to explore the extensive drink menu that, of course, emphasizes rye whiskey. 13 Rye St. $75+.

Birroteca: Travel off the beaten path for modern Italian cuisine at this Hampden mainstay. Birroteca will give you the feeling of a high-end restaurant in a no-frills setting. Whether you go for pizza (the famous “Duck Duck Goose” pie should not be missed), pasta, a salad, or an appetizer, all of their ingredients are sourced from local ranchers and farmers. 1520 Clipper Rd.

La Cuchara: Enjoy a five-course meal inspired by the food and culture of the Basque region of northern Spain and southern France. With an emphasis on quality ingredients from land and sea, this Valentine’s Day menu includes wild mushrooms with truffle, veal breast carpaccio, and rockfish and potatoes. 3600 Clipper Mill Rd. $99.

CUPID’S COCKTAILS

The Elk Room: Nothing says intimacy like dim lighting, deep woods, and jazz music in a speakeasy environment. The Elk Room in Harbor East is the perfect bar to lose all sense of time. With live music by eclectic composer Joel Michael Schwartz and cocktails sporting fun names like “Cotton Tail,” “Night Rider,” and “Jeepers Creepers,” the bar offers a warm and lively way to spend V-Day. 1010 Fleet St.

R. Bar: Inside Remington food hall R. House, R. Bar will be hosting “A Bitter Affair” on Saturday, February 15. Led by bar manager Justin Carr, 20 guests will have the chance to try three classic cocktails with three different bitters in each. Accompanied with light fare and unique facts about bitters, this event is a casual and boozy way to take on the holiday. 301 W 29th St.

True Chesapeake Oyster Co.: For those who are celebrating with friends, or third-wheeling, head to True Chesapeake for lots of seafood specials. For parties of three or more, enjoy complimentary sparkling rosé for the table and a dozen sweet and small Huckleberry oysters to share. 3300 Clipper Mill Rd.

Dutch Courage: If you’re searching for a spot that pairs food with alcohol, look no further than Old Goucher’s newest gin bar Dutch Courage. Owners Brendan Dorr and Eric Fooy will be offering a three-course menu with unique cocktail pairings. Enjoy drinks like a Champagne cocktail, a cocktail portioned for two, and a digestif blended with barrel-aged gin with your meal. 2229 N Charles St. $85.

The Bluebird Cocktail Room: This Hampden hotspot is catering to couples by offering a menu of special cocktails that are poured, and priced, for two. Enjoy the “Absinthe (Makes the Heart Grow Fonder)” prepared tableside for $24, the “Champagne Cocktail” served with a take-home love poem for $26, or the China-China Amer-infused “Thief of Hearts” accompanied by Pure Chocolate by Jinji for $28. 3600 Hickory Ave.

AMOUROUS ART

Gertrude’s Chesapeake Kitchen: With a star-lit ceiling and main dining room that overlooks the Baltimore Museum of Art’s sculpture garden, Gertrude’s is a romantic oasis for those who appreciate the arts. The Valentine’s Day menu will feature items like sweet potato and caramelized apple bisque, strawberry spinach salad, and a crab cake duo. Tour the BMA after your meal to get a dose of culture. 10 Art Museum Dr. $55 prix fixe dinner menu, $45 prix fixe vegan menu.

DINNER AND A GAME

La Scala: Old-school Little Italy hotspot La Scala is a favorite when it comes to feasting on traditional Italian cuisine in large dining rooms and playing rounds of indoor bocce ball. Elegantly casual with white tablecloths and old photographs lining the walls, La Scala brings you right to Italy by way of Baltimore. Menu items include bruschetta, penne alla vodka, and alla marsala. 1012 Eastern Ave.

SWEET TOOTH FIENDS

Sacré Sucré: For those who want a casual way to indulge their sweet tooth, head to Sacre Sucre in Fells Point, where the beautifully presented pastries are almost too photogenic to eat. Sacre Sucre houses a variety of sweets, but macarons are the stars of the show. Be sure to take a romantic stroll along the Fells Point cobblestones near the water once you’re finished. 2001 Fleet St.

The Charmery: For one night only, The Charmery will be transformed into a swanky sit-down to celebrate dessert and love. The Ice Cream Factory’s three-course dessert dinner “Chez Charmerie” is the perfect way for friends, family, and lovers to indulge their sweet tooth on February 12. 1700 W 41st St. $25.

Atwater’s: If you can’t make it to Atwaters for Valentine’s Day dinner, be sure to pick up some sweet treats ahead of time. Leading up to the holiday, enjoy desserts including addictive “Sprinkledoodles,” chocolate almond biscotti perfect for dipping in a latte, and handmade red berry rose jam. With six different locations scattered from Towson to Canton, Atwaters makes it easy to indulge. Multiple locations including 3601 Boston St.

BANG FOR YOUR BUCK

Noona’s: Head to Bolton Hill to enjoy a $35 four-course meal at this pizza spot. The sweet deal includes an amuse bouche, small plate, pizza or handmade pasta, and dessert to finish. Plus, chef Cai Lindeman will also be running an octopus and scallop special. Top it off with a special late-night happy hour from 9 p.m. to 12 a.m. 1203 W Mt. Royale Ave. $35.

Lee’s Pint & Shell: Baltimore is seafood central, so it makes perfect sense to be served what the city knows best. For the locals, Lee’s Pint & Shell in Canton is known for having an incredible selection and will be offering a great special for the holiday. A $65 fixed menu per couple features 12 oysters, a choice of prime rib, lobster, or crab cake, two sides, dessert, and a bottle of wine. Lee’s Pint & Shell, 2844 Hudson St. $65.

Topside: Enjoy the Hallmark holiday at Topside, a buzzing rooftop restaurant and garden bar overlooking historic Mt. Vernon. Situated inside the Hotel Revival, Topside serves fresh-from-the-sea dishes and hand-crafted drinks. The team is toasting to the holiday with special cocktails “Genius of Love” and “Two Souls in Communion,” as well as a $50 three-course dinner. After you enjoy menu items like baked oysters, ribeye steak, and chocolate mousse, be sure to venture over to the garden room for a quiet retreat with spectacular views. 101 W Monument St. $50.

VEGAN V-DAY

L’Eau de Vie Organic Brasserie: Nestled on the edge of Fells Point, L’Eau de Vie is an entirely vegan bar and restaurant committed to organic ingredients and sustainable business practices. The casual spot will also be sharing their new winter menu and Valentine’s specials during dinner service on Friday, February 14. Plus, Musical duo Buntopia will be performing while guests participate in bingo and have the chance to win a free drink for their next visit. 803 S Caroline St. 6-9 p.m.

Baby’s on Fire: Enjoy a vegan five-course dinner in a restaurant that doubles as a record shop this Valentine’s Day. A $55 fixed menu features mushroom-stuffed tofu, creamed pear-parsnip soup, micro green salad, lentil-seitan sausage, and a smoked chocolate brownie. A complimentary glass of bubbly will round out the meal in the historic area of Mt. Vernon. 1010 Morton St. 6:30 p.m. $55.

We’re all about spreading the love, offering sweet messages and thoughtful gestures to all the special people in our lives. But this year, we wanted to make sure we spread some love to, well, ourselves! Sometimes we all need a little nudge to remember to carve out some “me time,” so for this Valentine’s Day, we urge you to treat yourself to these much-needed self-care gifts.

The day of love us upon us and it’s easy to get bogged down with stress and planning the perfect date. While the holiday traditionally entails a fancy date night, there are plenty of other unique opportunities if flowers and chocolate aren’t your thing. Whether you’re looking to spend the day with your significant other, friends, or kids, here are some great ways to do something different and make the holiday one to remember.

Sip and Swoon at the Sagamore Pendry

2/13: Celebrate Galentine’s Day in the Pendry lounge and enjoy live jazz music, rose specials, and house-made macarons with your girls. Toast your group with Moët & Chandon Vending Machine $35 token and sip on mini-bottles of Champagne for the perfect night out. Starting at $150 per table, each reservation includes up to four guests and Champagne bottle service. 1715 Thames St. 6-9 p.m. $150+

Wear All Black at The Charles’ Anti-Valentine’s Day Party

2/13: If you missed out on cuffing season, then this is the party for you. Anti-Valentine’s Day at The Charles is the perfect way to kick off the loving weekend with drink specials from 8 p.m. to close. With two-for-one mixed drinks, $1 Bud Light bottles, and many Anti-V-Day inspired drinks, there will be plenty of fun surprises. All relationship status’ are encouraged to attend, and wearing all black is encouraged. 1110 S Charles St. 8 p.m.-close.

Jam Out to Psycho Killers at Union Collective

2/14: Talking Heads tribute band Psycho Killers will be hosting an evening of rock and roll and assorted love songs at Union Craft Brewing in Hampden. This adults-only event will feature craft beers, as well as pizza and pretzels from Well Crafted Kitchen inside the taproom. Union Craft Brewing, 1700 W 41st St. 7 p.m.-12 a.m. $20.

Belt Out Familiar Karaoke Songs
2/14: WDLY is presenting its third karaoke fundraiser for independent journalism platform The Baltimore Beat, where attendees are encouraged to perform, eat, and drink. Sing your heart out to love songs and power ballads at this 21 and over event. Studio 4, 235 Holliday St. 7 p.m.-12 a.m. $10.

Tea Party at Gertrude’s

2/14: Gertrude’s at the Baltimore Museum of Art will be seating guests for tea at 2 p.m., 2:30 p.m., and 3 p.m., for those who are looking for a daytime holiday celebration. The $30 package includes various beverages, savory and sweet snacks, and access to an all-out candy bar. Getrude’s, 10 Art Museum Dr. 2 p.m. $30.

Wine and Chocolate Pairing at The Reginald F. Lewis Museum

2/14: Come with your partner, friends, or solo to indulge in a night of wine, chocolate, and art. The “Sweet Love” pairing workshop will feature Markell-Bani Fine Wines and sparkling beverages, Baltimore’s own Pure Chocolate by Jinji, and Elizabeth Catlett’s “Artist as Activist” special exhibit. The price of admission includes chocolate, wine pairing, light fare, and a signature cocktail, with a cash bar available. 830 E Pratt St. 6:30-8:30 p.m. $40 for members, $50 for nonmembers.

Valentine’s Day Sip & Paint
2/14: Little Picasso Events is hosting “Valentine’s Day Sip & Paint,” as a therapeutic alternative to the classic holiday dinner. Adults are invited to join with a significant other, friend, or by themselves in guided acrylic painting. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own food and drink. Little Picasso, 1110 Cathedral St. 7-9:30 p.m. $30.

Tour the National Aquarium
2/14: With the holiday falling on a Friday this year, enjoy the National Aquarium’s “Half-Price Friday Nights Deal” and see the world from below the surface. Purchase tickets after 5 p.m. to save 50 percent of the usual cost and learn more about the aquarium’s nearly 20,000 animals. National Aquarium, 501 E Pratt St. 5 p.m.- close, $19.95 for adults and $14.95 for children.

Take an Intimate Cooking Class
2/14: Take a cooking class with your significant other for a change of pace and create delectable dishes that you can bring back to your kitchen. Plus, at Baltimore Chef Shop, participants are welcome to bring wine or beer to enjoy as they cook. Baltimore Chef Shop, 807 W 36thSt. 6:30-9:30 p.m. $189 for two people.

Lose Your Voice at a Drag Show
2/14: Celebrate with your “galentine’s” and see the “I Love Night Brunch Drag Show” at The Point in Fells this Valentine’s Day. A $30 ticket includes your seat to the show and access to the brunch buffet, with bottomless drinks available for an additional charge. Drag queen Robyn Ya’men is hosting the live performance which starts at 8:30 p.m. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. 1738 Thames St. 6:30-9:30 p.m. $30.

Run in Your Undies for Charity

2/15: Work off your dinner and run a mile to support Cupid’s Charity, an organization searching for the cure for neurofibromatosis (NF). While most run in their briefs to support those who can’t cover their tumors, any sort of attire is welcome to support the cause. Both teams and individuals are welcome to run and indulge in the post-workout dance party across the finish line. Luckie’s Tavern at Power Plant Live! 10 Market Pl. 12-4 p.m. $40.

Do Couples Yoga at The Maryland Zoo

2/15: Refresh after the holiday with a 60-minute Vinyasa style yoga class in the Maryland Zoo’s Penguin Education Center. Tickets include same-day admission to the zoo, so be sure to check out the various exhibits after the workout session. 1 Safari Pl. 8:30-9:30 a.m. $14.99 for members and $24.99 for nonmembers.

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

Wine and dine your special someone without even leaving the house with these romantic and thoughtful items for a date night in.

Lavinia heel ($149.99) at Ma Petite Shoe

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Bordelle bralette ($405) at Polina’s Prive

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Raaka Pink Sea Salt Chocolate ($8.69) at Ma Petite Shoe

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The Food Market at Home ($30) at Trohv

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Narwhal corkscrew ($25) at Su Casa

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Mercury Prism candle ($18) at Poppy and Stella

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XL 4 inch matches ($6) at Poppy and Stella

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Come As You Aren’t adult game ($14.99) at Trohv

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For Love and Lemons appliqué bralette ($122) at Polina’s Prive

If you check out Mandalynn’s newest holiday collection, you may notice that it looks a little different. Instead of the barely-there swimwear that the Baltimore-based brand is known for, you’ll find a luxe collection of intimates and lingerie that maintain the almost “second skin” feel and fashion-forward aesthetic of the company’s popular bathing suit styles sold year round.

“Because I’m based in Baltimore and we do have seasons, I wanted something that I could bring out once a year to fill in the gap for swimwear,” says Amanda Dukehart, owner and designer of Mandalynn. “I felt like the timing was right for a well-made, quality lingerie line that was accessible and wearable, while still playing on all of the current trends.”

The collection—which Dukehart describes as a mix of  ’70s glam and ’90s attitudes—is 100 percent silk and offers four separate styles that are as versatile as they are comfortable. The “Dream On Teddy,” for instance, is a classic, strappy, onesie that can easily be layered under jeans, a skirt, or a jumpsuit for a night out.

While the holiday collection is on the pricier side, the brand believes it is reasonable for the quality and construction, and the fact that it is made locally at Nightmare Graphics clothing manufacturing facility in Columbia.

“Bringing back production to Maryland is a big deal to me,” said Dukehart. “In addition to investing our time, efforts, and funds back into our state, it allows me to oversee things more closely and create the best possible product I can for my customers.” 

DIY DATES

2/11: Paper Circuits & Pop-Up Cards
Maryland Science Center, 601 Light St. 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. $15. 410-545-2999. Spend the day crafting your own holiday cards that light up and buzz with LEDs and other electronics.

2/12: Valentine’s Day Open Studio
Local Color Flowers, 3100 Brentwood Ave., 10 a.m.-12 p.m. $30-75, 410-262-1494 Customize a bouquet for your valentine using an array of anemones, paper whites, carnations, tulips, and tropical foliage. While the studio time is self-directed, expert florists will be standing by to answer any questions.

2/12: Mayan Chocolate Making
Cromwell Valley Park, 2002 Cromwell Bridge Road, Parkville. 1-3 p.m. $10-12. 410-887-2503. Turn cacao beans into chocolate in this ancient Mayan ritual.

2/13: Valentine’s Day Crafts
Enoch Pratt Free Library, locations & times vary. Free. Make homemade Valentine’s gifts for your loved ones with arts, crafts, make-your-own cards, candy boxes, mini piñatas, and more.

MOOD MUSIC

2/11: Tassels & Champagne
Creative Alliance, 3134 Eastern Ave. 7 & 10 p.m. $22-25. 410-276-1651. Gilded Lily Burlesque pays tribute to the Great American Songbook with sizzling, seductive odes to classic tunes.

2/12: Chamber Music By Candlelight
Second Presbyterian Church, 4200 St. Paul St. 7:30 p.m. Free. Cuddle up with your loved ones as members of the BSO perform their favorite works by candlelight.

2/14: The Wontons Valentine’s Day Show
Hotel RL Baltimore Inner Harbor by Red Lion, 207 E. Redwood St., 8 p.m., Free, 410-685-2381. Head to this hotel showcase to hear a special set list of tunes about relationships from local singer-songwriter duo The Wontons.

2/14: Intimate Concert and Champagne Dinner with Michele Bowman
Terra Cafe, 101 E. 25th St. 6:30 p.m., $60, 410-777-5277. Snuggle up with your significant other to hear the sounds of classically trained vocalist Michele Bowman, who will perform a selection of songs centered around love. The intimate cafe will be offering a special four-course menu with complimentary champagne pairings for the occasion.

2/14: Rhythm and Romance
The Cabaret at Germano’s Piattini, 300 S. High St. 6 p.m., $20, 410-752-4515. In the heart of Little Italy, tap your feet to a program of classic love songs by cabaret singer Steve Ross. The restaurant will also be offering a five-course prix-fixe dinner for the occasion, including dishes such as beet ravioli, veal marsala, grilled chicken with artichoke hearts, and classic tiramisu.

2/23: Dita Von Teese
The Fillmore, 8656 Cole Spring Road, Silver Spring. 7:30 p.m. $35-75. 301-960-9999. The famous burlesque dancer and model presents multiple acts including one rendition from her sets at the legendary French cabaret house, Crazy Horse Paris.

y ROMANTIC RESTAURANTS

2/10-2/14: Parts & Labor and Woodberry Kitchen
These local sister spots are offering their full farm-to-table menus paired with additional surprises for diners. Call ahead to pre-purchase goodies including fresh-cut flowers in hand-painted vases, letterpressed cards, Linzer Heart cookies or a box of chocolates for the table, and a selection of cava, prosecco, and specialty cocktails. 2600 N. Howard St., 443-873-8887 and 2010 Clipper Park Road, 410-464-4000

2/11-2/14: La Cuchara
Set in a revamped industrial space in Woodberry, this Basque-inspired hangout boasts hanging lights and an 80-seat bar surrounding an open kitchen and a wood-fire grill. Nothing says love like plates meant for sharing, and chef Ben Lefenfeld’s V-Day menu offers plenty of tapas and pinxtos options like smoked salmon brioche, root vegetable gratin, and tuna crudo with saffron emulsion. Heavier entrees—including lamb shoulder, charred lemon cod, and duck leg confit—are also included in the prix-fixe options. 3600 Clipper Mill Road, $79-109, 443-708-3838

2/13-2/14: Great Sage
The vegan Valentine’s Day menu at this Howard County favorite includes creations like caramelized mushrooms with cauliflower puree, blood-orange arugula salad, parsnip soup topped with roasted artichokes, and beet tartar marinated in soy, ginger, and citrus.5809 Clarksville Square Drive, Clarksville, $60, 443-535-9400

2/14: Azumi
Grab a seat in the dimly lit dining room to sample dishes by Tokyo-born chef Eiji Takase at this Japanese restaurant in Harbor East, which will feature eats such as miso-glazed eggplant, grilled octopus with sautéed vegetables, roasted chicken with an apple-tare reduction, and classic teriyaki salmon. An array of sushi rolls is also included on the chef’s menu. 725 Aliceanna St., 443-220-0477

2/14: B&O American Brasserie
This popular date-night spot inside downtown’s Hotel Monaco is known for its fancy furniture, pretty plating, and forward-thinking cocktail program. This year, the romantic restaurant will feature a three-course prix-fixe showcasing seaweed salad, Wagyu carpaccio, rice-crusted tuna, mushroom and squash risotto, and passionfruit semifreddo with banana-mint compote. 2 N. Charles St. $70, 443-692-6172

2/14: The Corner Pantry
Husband-and-wife owners Neill and Emily Howell opened this Mt. Washington spot on Valentine’s Day three years ago. In celebration of both the holiday and the anniversary, Neill has crafted a six-course menu that pays homage to tasting elements such as smoke, earth, land, and sea. The BYOB meal will highlight dishes including local oysters with ginger mignonette, beetroot tagliatelle, rockfish curry, and hazelnut ice cream with candied bacon bits. 6080 Falls Road, $96, 667-308-2331

2/14: The Elephant
Complete with dangling crystal, intricate teak wood work, and golden chandeliers, this recently reopened special occasion spot in Mt. Vernon is bursting with charm. Enjoy a special four-course prix-fixe menu including plates like tuna carpaccio with wasabi aioli, lobster ravioli, cedar plank cod, and cinnamon-sugar beignets. 924 N. Charles St., $85, 443-447-7878

2/14: The French Kitchen
This swanky spot inside downtown’s Lord Baltimore Hotel will offer a three-course prix-fixe beginning with an amuse-bouche of oysters and caviar. Indulge in dishes such as crab and brie fondue, beef short ribs, pan-seared chicken breast with shrimp and wild mushrooms, and white chocolate mousse with kirsch-soaked cherries. 20 W. Baltimore St., $75, 410-539-8400,

2/14: Gunther & Co.
At this modern neighborhood spot in Brewers Hill, chef Jerry Trice has created a four-course tasting menu that can be customized to include wine pairings and an oyster or shellfish course. Enjoy worldly fare such as jumbo prawns in a passion-fruit sauce, Thai barbecue-glazed quail, wood oven-roasted rockfish, wild mushroom risotto, and bourbon bread pudding with apricot ice cream. 3650 Toone St. $75, 443-869-6874

2/14: Joe Squared
While Joe Squared is known as an ideal pizza-and-beer destination, for Valentine’s Day the Station North standby is going all out with a fancy seven-course prix-fixe menu. Featured dishes will include everything from foie gras and arancini to cherry borscht and confit duck leg with Oaxacan mole sauce. Additional beer and wine pairings will also be available. 33 W. North Ave., $60-90, 410-545-0444

2/14: Wine Dinner at Old Westminster Winery
Set on a bucolic patch of land in Carroll County, this winery is an ideal setting for a memorable meal. Snag a candlelit table in the tasting room to indulge in a five-course dinner from chef Brooke Hagerty with curated wine pairings by Old Westminster winemaker Lisa Hinton. Don’t-miss dishes include roasted pear and arugula salad, wasabi tuna tartar, braised short ribs, and a nut-crusted chocolate torte. 1550 Old Westminster Road, Westminster, $130, 410-881-4656

2/14: Pairings Bistro
This Bel Air destination exudes ambience with a modern dining room and its own wine shop onsite. Do as the name suggests and order a bottle of vino to pair with the special Valentine’s Day menu, which boasts dishes such as yellowfin tuna crudo, bone-in short ribs, a rack of lamb with honey-glazed Brussels sprouts, and flourless chocolate cake for dessert. 2105 Laurel Bush Road, Bel Air, $89, 410-569-5006

2/14: Petit Louis
Take a trip to Paris by way of Roland Park at this elegant bistro that is equipped with warm fireplaces, nattily dressed waiters, and a top-notch wine program. The restaurant’s four-course prix-fixe includes options like oyster beignets, Parisian gnocchi, grilled ribeye, roasted chicken, chocolate-dipped strawberries, and a raspberry tart with coulis and candied pistachios. 4800 Roland Ave., $79-119, 410-366-9393

2/14: Wit & Wisdom
Two fireplaces, twinkling chandeliers, and plenty of cozy lounge seating contribute to the romantic vibe that permeates throughout this trendy tavern inside the Four Seasons Baltimore. Chef Zack Mills will highlight a prix-fixe menu with dishes like Maine lobster bisque, roasted cauliflower steak, black truffle macaroni and cheese, and the restaurant’s signature chocolate bar served with coconut-lime ice cream. 200 International Drive, $95-154, 410-576-5800

The digital clock in the studio reads 11:45 and it’s Friday night, which means it’s time for Fran Lane to entertain her longest-tenured caller, a happily married, 59-year-old Annapolis college professor who goes by The Captain. Each week for the past 22 years, give or take a rare miss, The Captain dials in and plays a faux cat-and-mouse love game with the WLIF 101.9 nighttime host of Love Songs with Fran Lane, who does her best to play along. It started with his first request, “Nightshift” by the Commodores, way back when.

“It goes out to you and anyone else who may be working,” he told Lane across the airwaves, flirting with the woman who brings five hours of love-song requests and dedications to Baltimore every weeknight.

Normally, The Captain greets Lane with an over-the-top imitation of William Shatner’s signature line from the TV show Star Trek, “This is the captain speaking!” But tonight, Valentine’s Day approaches.

“Hi Captain, how are you?” Lane asks.

“I’m fine, but this is Dan Cupid,” he says, switching character. (He occasionally goes by the Easter Bunny in April, Uncle Sam on a day near the Fourth of July, and the Great Pumpkin or Tom Turkey in the fall.)

The 51-year-old Lane, who could easily pass for thirtysomething and possesses a preternaturally soothing voice, sits alone behind a silver microphone extending from her desk inside the WLIF studio near Mt. Washington. She prefers the lights be kept low. A pair of black headphones rests over her long, dirty blond hair. Three computer screens surround her, brightening the darkness. The soundboard is at her fingertips and a cup of coffee not far away.

“Oh, that’s right, I forgot,” she replies, playing it straight. “How are you Dan?”

“I’m terrific! How are you?”

“I’m great,” Lane says. “It’s Friday. And you’re here.”

“Yes I am,” he replies. “Of course, this is a very special weekend . . . ”

If radio is the theater of the mind, as Lane believes it is, then she’s the director from 7 p.m. to midnight every Monday through Friday. The “actors” come from all over 101.9’s broadcast reach and include frequent dialers with on-air personas such as The Captain or Big Kat, who sends out a “special of the week” at the end of his calls. But they also include the nightly, more serious one-off requesters, like Julie from Westminster, who wants to encourage her fiancé through the difficult start of a new job with “Keep Your Head Up” by Andy Grammer, and listeners who fall somewhere in between, like Michelle Hope, a 46-year-old bus attendant from White Marsh, who first called in while going through a difficult divorce.

The production is rooted in love, one of the world’s endless pursuits.

“What’s on your heart tonight?” she asks. “You can tell me about it.”

There is a formula to being a friend in the night, to drawing emotion from strangers, and Lane has the science down. “What’s on your heart tonight?” is her catchphrase, to which she usually adds, “You can tell me about it,” before sharing the station’s phone number. During weather updates, skies aren’t clear, they are moon-lit. From her seat in the Lite FM studio, she sets the mood with sympathetic and soothing one-liners.

On a recent night, Lane plays Orleans’ familiar 1976 soft-rock hit, “Still the One.”

“Who’s the one for you?” she asks.

“Can I make a request?” asks a middle-aged man from Odenton who wants to hear, “You’re Beautiful,” by James Blunt, dedicated to his special someone.

“That’s what I’m here for.”

It’s a drizzly, winter Monday afternoon when Lane arrives at Atwater’s in Belvedere Square Market for a scheduled interview. First, however, she needs a pick-me-up. “What’s the strongest coffee you have?” she asks a cashier.

Wearing a black coat and scarf, she sips from the white paper cup, hands cradling it to enjoy the warmth and then admits she’s not that comfortable talking about herself. “I’m kind of shy by nature,” she says. “The anonymity of radio works for me, as well as the callers. I’m very comfortable with that.”

Then she leans forward with a polite smile. “But what do you want to know about our little show?”

Lane lives in the Mayfield neighborhood of Northeast Baltimore, which is also where she grew up. She knows everybody there and says the best part of her day is the “talking walks” she takes with her two Irish wolfhounds, Magda and Jude, and her husband of 23 years, Tom Fink. He’s a graphic designer. He’s also president of the Junius B. Booth Society, a nonprofit that has worked with Harford County to turn Tudor Hall, where Abraham Lincoln assassin John Wilkes Booth grew up, into a museum. Both share an interest in 19th-century history.

“Tom’s interested in theater,” she says. “I’m more interested in the architecture. It’s just a fascinating time in our country.” She also has a 31-year-old stepson, T.J., a U.S. Army veteran who has served in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Lane met her future husband about as far away from Baltimore as you can get in the U.S.—and by pure coincidence. On vacation in Los Angeles, she was supposed to hang out with a childhood friend who was in the movie business. But he got a gig the day before her flight left from Baltimore, and told her a neighbor was available if she needed to get someone to show her around town. That was Fink.

“Do you have a certain someone on your mind?”

“We just hit it off immediately, yakking away. We had a lot of the same interests,” Lane says.

“A lot of people ask me, ‘Is she as nice off the air as she is on?’” Fink says later. “And yeah, she definitely is. She really cares about people. She has a great heart. One of the things she loves most about her job is her audience. She puts them first.” To her husband’s point, each February, Lane makes “Valentine” workplace visits to the loved ones of contest winners, delivering candy, flowers, theater tickets, restaurant gift certificates, and hotel vouchers on their behalf.

Not that everything is roses when you talk about love, of course. Hearts get broken, relationships end. Not always well.

Hope, the bus attendant for Baltimore County Public Schools, first spoke with Lane after her divorce left her insecure and dealing with trust issues. “She heard my story and, ever since, has put me on the air every time I call,” Hope says. “I adore her. I want to thank her for everything she does for all the people in Baltimore and whoever can get her show.”

“Maybe you just need a song to take you someplace else.”

In her own life, Lane is facing some of the difficult feelings that inevitably come with love—whether it’s a romantic, platonic, or familial bond. Her father, Florian, who turned 88 in January, was diagnosed with kidney cancer this fall, after an unrelated surgery. A Fells Point native born to Polish immigrants, he spent a career in sales working for an industrial chemical company. Her mom, Marge, now 85, took care of Lane and her four older siblings, and later worked at T. Rowe Price. Together, they provided their daughter, who never went to college, all the education she needed for a job no one could plan.

“My parents were a great example to me of a loving relationship,” she says. “They are kind of opposites. My dad is super outgoing and my mom is more of an introvert. They had different interests and common ones, too. If my mom was interested in something, he was interested in it. It might not have been his favorite thing, but they did that for each other. They are best friends. I knew that’s what I wanted to have in my life.”

“Need one for the ride?”

At 9 p.m., there are only four cars in the dark parking lot of the CBS Radio building off of Falls Road, and one of them belongs to Lane. Inside, she is a one-woman show, taking the calls, editing them on the fly, and turning them around for live broadcast. She has no producers or support staff. The building also houses Mix 106.5 and 105.7 The Fan, and sports talk-show host Terry Ford, who also works evenings, waves as Lane passes by.

A Monday Night Football game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Washington Redskins is on a TV with the sound turned off in her studio. Lane is a sports fan, too. She’s into the Ravens and, in the summer, Orioles games serve as her background viewing of choice. The O’s typical 7:05 p.m. first pitch aligns perfectly with the start of her show.

“I grew up loving radio,” she says, adding that she idolized local top hits disc jockey Johnny Dark, who she later worked with briefly at 101.9. “As a kid, I always felt like he was talking to me. It was one-on-one. I’ve always tried to emulate that.”

“It’s a place to reveal your heart.”

While Lane counts the Rolling Stones among her all-time favorite bands, she also appreciates jazz and modern pop stars like Adele and Ed Sheeran. For the most part, she fits the 25 to 54 female demographic that makes up the bulk of her audience. That said, she gets requests from a wide variety of folks—teenagers, seniors, male and female—even occasional second-generation listeners whose parents put them to bed with WLIF.

“My parents were a great example to me of a loving relationship. They are opposites. . . . They are best friends.”

“What she does is a unique craft,” says Dave Labrozzi, CBS Radio Baltimore vice president of programming. “In my estimation, there’s nobody better in the country doing that type of show, especially the way she puts callers on the air and gets them involved. That’s a special art that she has mastered.”

After working at an AM station in Bel Air right out of high school, Lane had jobs at rock stations in Portsmouth, NH, and Boston before returning to her hometown. An acquaintance at WLIF asked if she could fill in for a nighttime host who had been felled by the old entertainment line “break a leg” after slipping on ice. That 10-week gig is closing in on a quarter-century.

“I never thought this would be what I’d end up doing, but I love what I do. It’s something positive,” she says. “There’s a certain intimacy with nighttime radio, an immediate interaction, and it’s local. You’re talking to your community and giving them a voice.”

When she started, the format was slightly different, however. Listeners called in, but their dedications weren’t heard on the air. A child of the ’70s, Lane felt she needed to bring a bit of Wolfman Jack, the famed DJ featured in George Lucas’s early film American Graffiti, to Charm City.

“We get a little lost in love and lost in the music, too.”

“They’re not tuning in to hear me talk about my problems,” she says, offering a glimpse at what has kept her part of 101.9’s top-rated local programming for so long. “Doing it is a great distraction. Let’s focus on what’s going on with somebody else. It is a little therapeutic [for everyone].”

In The Captain’s opinion, the show will go on for another 20 years. It’s the local flavor—at least 25 callers a night get their voices on the air, with many more names mentioned—that he thinks will stand the test of time and competition from satellite radio and other media. He plans on playing his role, hitting the airwaves with regularity before Lane’s signature signoff, “Sweet dreams, Baltimore.”

“She’s part of Baltimore culture,” he says. “She’s kind of like the Senator Theatre and Bengies Drive-In. I don’t know how many people would recognize her on the street, probably nobody, but the way she does it, everyone feels connected.”

Lane has vacation days to use, but won’t take them all. She’s committed to her callers in that way. Nor does she necessarily aspire to bigger and better. There is someone out there named Delilah, who is essentially the nationally syndicated version of Lane’s voice in the Baltimore night. Typically, Delilah can be heard the same five hours as Lane, doing the identical love-request format, in many cities across the country.

“You never rule it out, if she wants to retire . . .” Lane acknowledges with a smile. “But not many people get to work in their hometown. I would miss that. I’ve been really fortunate to be able to do this. I love it.”

“What’s on your heart?”

Roses are red, violets are blue, here is a selection of the best Valentine’s Day cards for . . . that special someone in your life. (Hey, no one said it had to rhyme!)

“Obligatory Valentine’s Day” card ($5) at Row House 14.
One Canoe Two “Valentine Rainbow” card ($5) at Trohv.
Rifle Paper Co. “Boatload of Love” card ($12/set of 10) at Trohv.
Farewell Paperie “Love Fun and Games” card ($5) at Brightside Boutique.
Rifle Paper Co. “To My Valentine” card ($5.25) at Trohv.
Sugar Paper “You’re Hot” card ($5.50) at The Pleasure of Your Company.
Moglea “You Make Me Smile” card ($6) at The Pleasure of Your Company.

Whether you’re spending it with a favorite friend, first date, old flame, or your own fabulous self, show a little love this Valentine’s Day with our roundup of weekend rendezvous.

Art for the Heart

2/11: PAPER-CUTTING AND PRESSED FLOWER ARRANGING WORKSHOP
B. Willow and Annie Howe Papercuts are teaming up to host this artsy workshop where students will learn how to create their own paper-cut design and adorn it with pressed flowers. The price of admission to the pop-up includes cocktails, snacks, and a 15 percent-off discount on all Trohv merchandise before the class begins. Trohv, 921 W. 36th St., 6 p.m., $120, 410-366-3456.

2/12: VALENTINE’S DAY OPEN STUDIO SESSION
Mix and match flowers, clippers, and vases to create a one-of-a-kind arrangement for your valentine at this self-directed event. No need to worry if you aren’t a botanical buff— experts will be on-hand to give advice throughout the session. Local Color Flowers, 3100 Brentwood Ave., 6:30 p.m., $30-75,410-262-1494

2/13: BLOCK PRINTING
This year, make your loved one a handmade Valentine’s gift at this DIY workshop, using one of the oldest forms of printmaking. Maryland Science Center, 601 Light St. 10:30 a.m. $15.410-545-5980

Boozy Bashes

2/10: 30th & WELDON GALENTINE’S DAY PARTY
The trio behind local lifestyle blog 30th & Weldon is throwing this love-themed networking event to celebrate Charm City women who are doing big things. Guests are invited to sip cocktails, nosh on smoky snacks from Blue Pit BBQ, and mingle with other local movers and shakers. A portion of the night’s cocktail proceeds will be donated to the House of Ruth.
Blue Pit BBQ & Whiskey Bar, 1601 Union Ave., 6 p.m., Free admission,
443-948-5590

2/12: THE BITTER HEART CLUB: AN ANTI-VALENTINE’S DAY TAKEOVER: Ware House 518 is teaming up with Drinkable Genius to host this party for all of the V-Day cynics who would much rather sip cocktails than snack on heart-shaped chocolates. Throw back cleverly named drink specials like “The Alanis Punch,” “The Black Heart Old Fashioned,” and “The Tinder Special” while rocking out to angsty music all night long. Ware House 518, 518 N. Charles St., 9 p.m.,443-869-3382

2/13: FEDERAL HILL V-DAY BAR CRAWL
In true Federal Hill fashion, neighborhood favorites like Noble’s, Stalking Horse, Mad River, and Mother’s are hosting this cupid-inspired crawl. Highlights will include $2 Miller Lite cans, $3 glasses of wine, costume contests, and live DJs at each bar. Multiple locations including 1113 S. Charles St., 5 p.m., $20-30

2/13: ANTI-VALENTINE’S DAY PARTY AT 14FORTY
If you’ll be flying solo this V-Day, grab your best buds and head to this multi-level lounge inside Horseshoe Casino. Singles are invited to sip specialty cocktails, sock the casino’s signature ‘I Hate Valentine’s Day’ punch board, and enter to win cash prizes by sharing their “Best Worst-Ex” stories. Horseshoe Casino, 1525 Russell St., 8 p.m., Free admission, 844-777-7463

2/14: VALENTINE’S DAY PAJAMA BRUNCH
Mother’s is spreading the love by throwing one of its signature boozy brunches on Valentine’s Day. Enjoy plenty of bacon, Bloodies, and benedicts, and receive half-off of your entire check if you show up in your pajamas. Mother’s Grille., 1113 S. Charles St., 9 a.m., 410-244-8686

Dashing Dance Parties

2/13: LOVE SONGS OF THE PRESIDENTS
Sway to the sounds of romantic POTUSes like Washington, Adams, and Jefferson in this original, comedic concert. Creative Alliance, 3134 Eastern Ave. 3 p.m. $5-8. 410-276-1651

2/13: CHERUB
Grab a date and get your groove on as this electro-indie duo performs its disco dance party hits, like “Doses & Mimosas” and “Disco Shit.” Baltimore Soundstage, 124 Market Pl. 9 p.m. $22-25. 410-244-0057

2/13: VALENTINE’S DAY DANCE PARTY
In the spirit of love, the Ottobar is donating all of the proceeds from this all-night dance-fest to Moveable Feast—an organization that puts healthy food on the table for locals in need.Grab your friends and get down to DJ sets from Dan Deacon, James Nasty, Chiffon, Young Coconut, and Dianamatic. Ottobar, 2549 N. Howard St., 9 p.m, $7-10 donation, 410-662-0069

2/13: FAMILY VALENTINE’S DANCE PARTY
Dress up the little ones and head to this evening event where families can explore the museum, create light-up valentine cards, decorate cookies, chow down on pizza, and dance to kid-friendly tunes spun by DJ Holly. Port Discovery, 35 Market Pl., 6 p.m., $15-18, 410-727-8120

2/14: ENCHANTMENT UNDER THE SEA DANCE
Baltimore Soundstage is recreating Back to the Future’s iconic high school dance theme this V-Day, complete with dating games, door prizes, Hawaiian fusion fare, and live covers by local alternative band Sucker Punch. Baltimore Soundstage, 124 Market Pl., 7:30 p.m., $20-30, 410-244-0057

Out of the Ordinary

2/13: CUPID’S UNDIE RUN
For one wintry Saturday, strip down to your skivvies for this 1.5-mile run around Baltimore to benefit The Children’s Tumor Foundation. Luckie’s Tavern, 10 Market Pl. 12-4 p.m. $45-55

2/13: TASSELS & CHAMPAGNE
Gilded Lily Burlesque presents a special Valentine’s Day show set to the sexy sounds of 1940s Chicago rhythm and blues. Creative Alliance, 3134 Eastern Ave. 7 & 10 p.m. 410-276-1651

2/13: SEX AT THE ZOO
Learn about love in the animal kingdom with a lecture on mating habits, an open bar, and plenty of food. The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore, 1876 Mansion House Dr. 6-9 p.m. $80. 410-396-7102

2/14: KATT WILLIAMS
Love doesn’t have to be so serious, so spend one knee-slapping night with this outrageous, velvet-loving comedian. Royal Farms Arena, 201 W. Baltimore St. 8 p.m. $52-175. 410-347-2020

Sweet Soirees

2/11: CHEZ CHARMERIE
The Charmery is being transformed from a laid-back hangout into a swanky sit-down spot. To gear up for the romantic holiday weekend, scoopers will be serving up a fancy three-course ice cream dinner highlighting dishes like chilled ice cream soup with pecans and caramel jello, chocolate chip cheesecake ice cream sandwiches, and chocolate-covered strawberry milkshakes. The Charmery, 801 W. 36th St., 6 p.m., $20, Reservations required, 410-814-0493

2/13: MAYAN CHOCOLATE MAKING
On Valentine’s Eve, learn the ancient Mayan art of chocolate making. Willow Grove Nature Center, 2175 Cromwell Bridge Rd., Parkville. 1-3 p.m. $10-12. 410-887-3014

2/13: CANDY AND CHOCOLATE MAKING CLASS
Throw on an apron and join the experts at Schola for an afternoon of sweet treats. Students enrolled in this confectionery class will learn how to create their own truffles, rum balls, chocolate bark, fudge, and pecan pralines. Schola, 1005 N. Charles St., 12 p.m., $52, 443-714-7516

—Photography by David Colwell

1. Chocomize bar ($5.99) at Graul’s Market.
2. Sweeteeth bar ($10) at Becket Hitch.
3. Zoe’s Chocolate Co. bar ($6.99) at Graul’s Market.
4. Divine Chocolate bar ($4) at Ten Thousand Villages.
5. Droga Chocolates Money on Honey caramels ($19/box of 9) at Trohv.
6. Mast Brothers bar ($10) at Becket Hitch.
7. Seattle Chocolates Total Toffee bar ($3.69) at Ma Petite Shoe.
8. Dear Coco Chesapeake bar ($10.49) at Ma Petite Shoe.
9. Great Bean Bliss bar ($9.99) at Ma Petite Shoe.
10. Sweeteeth bar ($7) at Becket Hitch.
11. Green & Black’s bar ($4.79) at Graul’s Market.
12. Mast Brothers bar ($10) at Becket Hitch.
13. Divine Chocolate bar ($4) at Ten Thousand Villages.
14. Equal Exchange Chocolates Panama bar ($4.50) at Ten Thousand Villages.
15. and 16. Jcoco bars ($7.99/each) at Ma Petite Shoe.
17. Zoe’s Chocolate Co. bar ($6.99) at Graul’s Market.
18. Droga Chocolates Money on Honey caramels ($19/box of 9) at Trohv.
19. Fruition bar ($11.99) at Ma Petite Shoe.
20. and 21. Majani bars ($8.50-$9.50/each) at Curiosity.

Ah, Valentine’s Day­. The Hallmark holiday we both love and loathe is once again upon us. Maybe you have a hot date—with a lover, a friend, or your Netflix account—but whatever your plans, you can forget the pressure and feel the love with one of these sweet events.

FEB. 12: THE WALTERS’ SUPER THURSDAY PARTY
The Walters Art Museum, 600 N. Charles St. 5-9 p.m. Free. 410-547-9000. Join the Walters Art Museum for an early Valentine’s celebration, with art, cocktails, and old-school soul and funk by DJ Paul Lebelle.

FEB. 13: WINE & CHOCOLATE TASTING
Hard Rock Café, 601 E. Pratt St. 7-9 p.m. $25. At this pre-Valentine’s pairing, sample a sweet medley of Maryland wines alongside local gourmet chocolates from Parfections.

FEB. 14: KACEY MUSGRAVES
Rams Head Live, 20 Market Pl. 7 p.m. $25. 410-244-1131. ramsheadlive.com. This rebellious, rising country starlet brings her musical moxie to Rams Head for a special show, performing hits like “Follow Your Arrow” and “Blowin’ Smoke.”

FEB. 14: VALENTINE’S DATE NIGHT
National Aquarium, 501 E. Pratt St. 8-11 p.m. $80-100. 410-576-3800. aqua.org. Take your date on a romantic trip under the sea at this private, nighttime aquarium tour set to live music with cocktails and dessert.

FEB. 14: SEX AT THE ZOO
The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore, 1876 Mansion House Dr. 6-9 p.m. $80. 410-396-7102. marylandzoo.org. They say romance is for the birds, so learn all about love in the animal kingdom at this annual affair at the zoo, with an open bar, hors d’oeuvres, and live jazz.

FEB. 14: OTTOBAR VALENTINE’S DAY DANCE PARTY
The Ottobar, 2549 N. Howard St. 8 p.m. $5-10 suggest donation. 410-662-0069. Feel the local love at this dance party-cum-benefit with Baltimore musicians like Jana Hunter of Lower Dens, Williams Cashion of Future Islands, Lesser Gonzales, and Dianamatic, plus DJ sets by James Nasty and Young Coconut, with donations benefitting Moveable Feast.

FEB. 14: TASSELS & CHAMPAGNE
Creative Alliance, 3134 Eastern Ave. 7:30 & 10 p.m. $20-125. 410-276-1651. creative alliance.org. Nothing says passion like a little bit of skin, so swing by the Patterson to see Baltimore’s premier burlesque troupe, Gilded Lily, and their Roman-themed Palazzo Decadente performance.

FEB. 14: TALKING HEADS AND LOVE SONGS
The 8×10, 10 E. Cross St. 8 p.m. $15. 41-625-2000. Boogie down to the Psycho Killers this Saturday as the Talking Heads cover band presents an evening of the group’s greatest hits—like “Once in a Lifetime” and “This Must Be The Place”—as well as a set of assorted love songs.

FEB. 14: KATT WILLIAMS
Royal Farms Arena, 201 W. Baltimore St. 8 p.m. $45-125. 410-347-2020. royalfarmsarena.com. Take your date out for some hearty laughs as this outlandish comedian performs his animated standup.

FEB. 14: OFF THE CUFF: THE BACH FAMILY
Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall, 1212 Cathedral St. 7 p.m. $29-84. 410-783-8000. bsomusic.org. Enjoy a romantic night of Baroque music, Bach family compositions, and insight from conductor Nicholas McGegan.

FEB. 14: CUPID’S UNDIE RUN
Luckie’s Tavern, 10 Market Pl. 12 p.m. $55. 410-223-1105. Don your lucky underwear and brave the cold for this mile-long charity run, benefitting the Children’s Tumor Foundation, followed by an after-party until 4 p.m.

FEB. 14: BALTIMORE IMPROV GROUP’S VALENTINE’S EXTRAVAGANZA
The Mercury Theater, 1823 N. Charles St. 8-10 p.m. $8-10. 888-745-8393. The Baltimore Improv Group presents a Cupid-themed comedy night in two acts, with multiple performers, music, and standup.

FEB. 14: ENCHANTMENT UNDER THE SEA VALENTINE’S DANCE
Baltimore Soundstage, 124 Market Pl. 7:30 p.m. $20-30. 410-244-0057. With the dance floor decked out like Back to the Future’s Hill Valley High, this ’50s and ’60s-themed mixer is a music-filled night for singles and couples alike, with DJs, a live band, Hawaiian fusion food, drinks, dating games, and more.

FEB. 14: BEER & DESSERTS
Phoenix Emporium, 8049 Main St., Ellicott City. 7-10 p.m. 301-694-7899. This craft beer and dessert tasting pairs a series of sweets with three Flying Dog brews, including the Kujo Imperial Coffee Stout, Bloodline Blood Orange Ale, and the just-released Mexican Hot Chocolate Stout.

TO FEB. 15: ICE SKATING
Inner Harbor Ice Rink, McKeldin Plaza, 101 Pratt St. Times vary. $3-9. 443-890-6158. This weekend is your last chance to ice skate in the Inner Harbor, so grab a sweater and take your Valentine out for a spin.

It’s not all hearts and candy. Buying Valentine’s Day gifts can be a minefield. What if the gift is too intimate? What if it’s not intimate enough?

The key, our experts say, is avoiding the generic and making the gift fun and thoughtful. If the relationship is still pretty green, Alli Baldwin, marketing manager of Poppy and Stella in Fells Point, suggests keeping it simple.

“People in new relationships may not know enough detail about sizing to shop for clothing or shoes, so we recommend accessories. Scarves, hats, jewelry, or candles are all great choices that can be personal, but are safe as you’re still getting to know someone,” says Baldwin.

Once you’ve been dating that special someone for a while, add a touch of personalization.

“A thoughtful card and a set of personalized stationery, or a nice frame with a picture of the couple together always makes a great gift,” states Louise Wright, co-owner of Simply Noted in Ruxton.

When it comes to buying a gift for a spouse, let their gifts to you be a guide, says Paul Foreman, owner of Harbor East’s Loafers & Laces.

“Consider the gifts this person has given you in the past—people typically give to others what they actually like,” he notes. “Once you know what types of gifts this person likes, it’s a lot easier to give a more meaningful and creative gift.”

[Above images clockwise, from top left: Gilah Press + Design cards ($5/each) at Simply Noted. Blanket scarf ($38) at Poppy and Stella. Gilah Press + Design cards ($5/each) at Simply Noted. Lisa B. merino-wool-and-cashmere socks ($35) and Bills Khakis lined deerskin driving gloves ($125) at Loafers & Laces. Illume mercury glass candle ($16) and Fossil Sydney zip clutch ($65) at Poppy and Stella.]

That whacky David Alima, co-owner of The Charmery (801 W. 36th St.,
410-814-0493) with his wife Laura, just can’t stop coming up with ideas.

“The beautiful thing about ice cream is that it’s a blank palette,” he says. “I constantly think about what flavors to do.”

He’s
had fun with creations like Chinese Food and a Movie (a
buttered-popcorn base with chocolate-covered fortune-cookie pieces) to
celebrate a Jewish tradition at Christmastime and “Crunch” Davis (a
sweet-cream base with orange-and-black sprinkles and candy-bar bits) in
honor of the O’s Chris Davis.

For Valentine’s Day, he’ll be
serving the shop’s seasonal hot chocolate, pictured, a blend of premium
chocolate and nearby Trickling Springs Creamery milk, with an optional
homemade, heart-shaped marshmallow topped with crushed red-hot candies.
We can’t wait to see what he does next.

“My husband secretly bought a brick at The Mt. Washington Tavern after they had just rebuilt from the fire. It was engraved with our names and the date of our first date (which was there).”

Cara Walen, data and informatics supervisor, CareFirst BCBS of Maryland

“A gentleman’s hand on the small of a lady’s back.”

 Maureen Daw, travel agent

“On Valentine’s Day last year, I entered UMMC for a bone-marrow transplant. My husband wrote me a long note, quoting the Grateful Dead’s ‘Eyes of the World’ and analogizing the lyrics to my journey.”

Janis Schlerf, senior account executive

“Compliment your partner in front of other people. It doesn’t just feel good for both of you, but it also inspires other people.”

Tiffany Bageant, sales

“Coming home to a clean house, your kids sent to your mother-in-law’s, and your husband waiting with a bottle of wine.”

 Beth Sebian, homemaker