Photography by Evan Sears, www.evansears.com. Makeup by Beth Follert using NARS, www.makeupbybeth.com. Wardrobe styling by Isaac King, FORD models, clothing from Bloomingdale’s 900. N Michigan. Models: Angelina and Ashley.
(Unless otherwise noted, all events are February 14, 2009)
Clubs and Bars
Anti-Valentine’s Day Bash
At this party, the only significant other you need to worry about is your beer pong partner. $4 bombs, $3.50 Bud Light bottles and $3 Jell-O shots. Old Town Pub, 1339 N. Wells, (312)266-6789. No cover.
Anti-Valentine’s Day Party at Fat Cat
A night for the newly single. With drinks like The Cheating Bastard and The Break Up Martini, sorrows will be drowned in no time. Fat Cat, 4840 N. Broadway, (773)506-3100. 8pm-1am, No cover.
Do Not Disturb…Valentine Jam
Butterfly does the legwork for you—singles wear read wristbands at this bash (red means go). Raffles, cocktails, and free chocolate complete the scene. Butterfly Social Club, 722 W. Grand, (312)804-5144. No cover.
Drunk Love
No punch about it. All the drafts, Miller Lite and Bud Light bottles, house wine and call cocktails you can drink. Brownstone Tavern & Grill, 3937 N. Lincoln, (773)528-3700. $25.
Stupid Cupid
A singles shindig in full swing. Learn how to mix specialty martinis while watching anti-Valentine’s day movies and performances by the Kit-Kat divas. Kit Kat Lounge & Supper Club, 3700 N. Halsted, (773)525-1111. Feb. 12, 7pm-9:30pm, $35. Reservations recommended.
Kit Kat Lounge
The Kit-Kat Divas can’t pass up another opportunity to perform. Check them out, sip themed martinis, and grab some grub (like lobster bisque and coconut crab cakes). Kit Kat Lounge & Supper Club, 3700 N. Halsted, (773)525-1111. Feb. 13-15, 5:30pm-2am.
The Broken Hearts Burlesque Ball
A burlesque bonanza. Performances by Pearl Pistol, Red Hot Annie, Backdoor Aly of Varietease Caberet, Hot Toddy, Dizzy Lizzy Delicious, The Honey Buns, The Amazing Tomas, and The Belmont Bombshells and music by DJ Joe Black. Black and red attire or burlesque-inspired outfits encouraged. Abbey Pub and Restaurant, 3420 W. Grace, (773)478-4408. Feb. 13, 9pm, $12-$15.
The Love Lockdown
Dance with your mate or find your next date. DJs from House On The B.L.V.D spin hip-hop, house and reggae. darkroom, 2210 W. Chicago, (773)276-1411. 9pm, $8.
29 Candles…An 80’s Prom Party
Celebrate in style (eighties style) with a party package that includes domestic bottles and drafts, wine and well drinks. Dress in eigthies, “Sixteen Candles” or prom-themed costumes for a chance to win an iPod and other prizes. Kincade’s, 950 W. Armitage, (773)348-0010. 9:30pm-12:30am, $30.
Vision Nightclub
Arrive in red and receive discounted admission to this special red party. German EDM DJ and Producer Ronski Speed spin. Vision, 632 N. Dearborn, (312)266-1944.
Other Events
Chocolate and Yoga Valentine’s Day Progressive
Get your heart-pumping in a different way this Valentine’s Day. Start with a forty-minute yoga class and head next door to Greenheart Shop for fair trade wine and a raw vegan fair trade chocolate truffle-making demonstration. Yoga Now Gold Coast, 742 N. LaSalle, (312)280-9642. Feb. 12, 5:45pm-8pm. Free. Reservations are full. Call or send an email to [email protected] to check availabilities.
Date and Dash Valentine’s Day Speed-Dating
Stop looking for love in all the wrong places. Aloft hosts the largest Valentine’s Day singles party in town (that’s right, no wedding rings or already-committed types in sight). Aloft Hotel Chicago, 9700 Balmoral, Rosemont. (800)957-DASH. $45. Reservation required.
Duets for My Valentine
Does your sweetie make you feel like dancing? Not so much? No worries. Others do the dancing for you at Athenaeum Theatre’s dance extravaganza. The Slaughter Project (St. Louis) performs alongside Chicago Tap Theatre, Chicago Dance Crash, Corpo Dance Company, Momenta and many more. Athenaeum Theatre, 2936 N. Southport, (773)935-6860. 8pm, $25-$30.
Hearts and Minds: A Psychic Look at Love
Still wonder what he (or she) was thinking? Acquire some insight with Psychic Sidney Friedman. He takes a look into the hearts and minds of audience members with telepathy, ESP, premonition, music, mystery and a deconstruction of the psychic chemistry of love. Davenport’s Piano Bar and Cabaret, 1383 N. Milwaukee, (773)278-1830. 8pm, $17 plus a two-drink minimum.
Kama Sutra the Musical: Vegas Bound…and Gagged
Terry Abrahomson’s X-rated musical comedy about a repressed couple’s introduction to more satisfying sex. Attend for an eyeful and a chance to win a free Sybaris getaway. Davenport’s Piano Bar and Cabaret, 1383 N. Milwaukee, (773)278-1830. Feb.14-Feb 28, Saturdays, 10:30pm. $20 plus a two-drink minimum.
Valentine’s Day with the Chicago Park District
The Chicago Park District provides fun for all ages this Valentine’s Day. The park hosts dances (Daddy/Daughter, Mommy/Son, and Teenage ones) and other events (like an arts and crafts party) from now until V-day. Cost ranges from free to $5. Visit the Chicago Park District’s website at www.chicagoparkdistrict.com for a complete list of times and locations.
Noble Horse Chicago Carriage Rides
Go all out this Valentine’s Day with a carriage ride. Cost is $35 for a half hour or $70 for an hour. Pick up or drop off service to and from a nearby hotel or restaurant is also available for an extra fee. Noble Horse Chicago Carriage Rides, 800 N. Michigan, (312)266-7878.
Singles Speed Dating Party
Get a fit date quick (just in time for V-day) at Lakeshore Athletic Club’s Singles Speed Dating Party. Appetizers included, cash bar. Ages 23-39. 1320 W. Fullerton, (800)957-3274. Feb. 12, 8:30pm, $19.99. Registration required.
World Kitchen Cooking Class: Love is in the Air
Cooking for one is no fun. Learn how to make for-two dinner and dessert. Chicago DCA Storefront Theater, 66 E. Randolph, (312)742-8497. Feb. 12, 6pm-8:30pm, $30. Reservations are full. Call to check availabilities.
Sweets for Sight Benefit
Spread the love and attend this romance-themed Valentine’s Day Benefit. Proceeds from the party (which includes truffles by Katherine Anne Confections, appetizers, cocktails, live love songs, karaoke, a raffle, and a silent auction) go to Chicago Lighthouse. Redhead Piano Bar, 16 W. Ontario, (312)640-1000. Feb.12, 6pm-9pm, $40.
Romantic Valentine’s Supper Cooking Class
Cook as a couple, dine as a double. Pairs prepare a four-course meal and then eat together in a private area. Candles, music, and wine provided. Kendall College, 900 N. North Branch, (312)752-2000. Feb. 13, 6pm-9pm, $85.
Valentine’s Day at The Dining Room at Kendall College
Allow advanced student chefs to prepare for you (for you two) a four-course BYOB dinner. The Dining Room at Kendall College, 900 N. North Branch, (312)752-2328, Feb. 13-14, 6pm-8pm, $38.
Restaurants
An Aphrodisiac Affair at Vermillion
Decadent dining defines a Vermillion Valentine’s Day. Their five-course prix-fixe meal includes oysters with champagne jelly, jalapeno cardamom foam and ginger caviar, passionfruit-sweet potato soup, and Indian spice cake is sure to satiate. Vermillion, 10 W. Hubbard, (312)527-4060. Feb. 13-14, 5pm-11pm, Feb. 15, 5pm-10pm, $50-$95. Reservations recommended.
Angelina Ristorante
For an Italian-style Valentine’s Day (no Al Capone connotation intended), look no further. Executive Chef Fred Ramos serves trattoria-style cuisine (including fresh oysters on the half shell and lobster ravioli) with individual chocolate cakes for dessert. Regular dinner menu also available. Angelina Ristorante, 3561 N. Broadway, (773)935-5933.
Bistro 110
A flirtatious feast, complete with signature cocktails like the French Kiss. Making dinner reservations before February 11 insures entry into a drawing for a package which includes a VIP table, complimentary meals, tableside champagne service, a post-dinner carriage ride and an overnight stay at Chicago’s Raffaello Hotel. Regular dinner menu available. Bistro 110, 110 E. Pearson, (312)266-3100.
The Bristol
Bristol brings it with their fruit-inspired three-course dinner, which includes Buratta cheese and caviar with preserved lemon; chilled calamari salad with orange-anise vinaigrette; pan-seared scallops with grapefruit-celery salad and celery root puree; and a selection of house-prepped chocolate truffles. The Bristol, 2152 N. Damen, (773)862-5555. 5:30pm-10:30pm, $39. Reservations recommended.
Cafe des Architectes
Cafe des Architectes presents a mouth-watering four-course meal worthy of extra-special Valentine’s Day celebrations. Cafe des Architectes, 20 E. Chestnut, (312)324-4000. 5pm-10:30pm, $75. Reservations recommended.
Cafe Selmarie
A spread of desserts from their in-house bakery make Cafe Selmarie’s three-course meal a super sweet deal. Cafe Selmarie, 4729 N. Lincoln, (773)989-5595. $45.
C-House
C-House gets an A+ for V-day. Executive chef Seth Siegel-Gardner prepares a three-course tasting menu and The Josh Burke Duo serves up some jazz. C-House, 166 E. Superior, (312)523-0923. 5:30pm-10pm, $50. Reservations recommended.
Cyrano’s Bistrot and Wine Bar
Wine them and dine them with Cyrano’s sharable five-course meal and optional wine pairings ($30 extra). Cyrano’s Bistrot and Wine Bar, 546 N. Wells, (312)467-0546. 5:30pm-10:30pm, $69.95-99.95. Reservations recommended.
Custom House
Chef Richard Camarota customizes a four-course meal for the occasion. Reserve wine available at reduced prices. Custom House, 500 S. Dearborn, (312)523-0200. 5pm-10pm, $80.
David Burke’s Primehouse
Carry-out or dine-in—David Burke’s four-course dinner with dessert will not disappoint. David Burke’s Primehouse, 616 N. Rush, (312)660-6000. 5:30pm-10:30pm, $75. Reservations recommended.
Deleece Grill Pub
Oenophiles get all the V-day love. Except at Deleece where beer lovers get their kind of grub: a four-course dinner with optional beer pairings ($30 extra). Deleece Grill Pub, 3313 N. Clark, (773)348-3313. 5:30am-12am, $80. Reservations recommended.
D.O.C. Wine Bar
A three-course dinner prepared by Chef Andrew Easterday comes complete with a bottle of red, white or sparkling wine. Regular menu also available. D.O.C. Wine Bar, 2602 N. Clark, (773)883-5101. $65/couple. Reservations recommended.
Duchamp
A feast fit for a king (or artist): sweet potato truffle risotto with brown butter vinaigrette and exotic mushrooms; grilled skirt steak with parmesan-smoked bacon quiche and roasted shallot sauce; a sharable dessert trio. Upgrade your meal with an artisan cheese course for an additional $11. Regular menu not available. Duchamp, 2118 N. Damen, (773)235-6434. 5pm-11pm, $38. Reservations recommended.
Eve
A six-course dinner worthy of your Adam or Eve. Temptations include grilled strip loin with stilton, seared sea scallops with butternut squash puree, applewood smoked bacon and dried fruit succotash and a sharable chocolate-rose petal mousse with strawberry sorbet and chocolate ganache. Eve, 840 N. Wabash, (312)266-3383. 5pm-11pm, $69. Reservations required.
404 Wine Bar
A five course dinner with wine pairings. 404 Wine Bar, 2852 N. Southport, (773)404-5886. $120/couple, reservations required.
Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar
Going to Flemings gets you not just one meal, but two. All couples receive complimentary chocolate-covered strawberries to take home and $25 gift card for a future visit before March 31. Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar, 25 E. Ohio, (312)329-9463 and 960 Milwaukee, Lincolnshire, (847)793-0333. Feb. 13, 5pm-11pm, Feb.14, 4pm-11pm, Feb. 15, 4pm-9pm.
Fulton’s
Focusing on aphrodisiacs, Fulton’s serves up oysters (plenty of them); slurp up oyster plates, sliders, and oyster shooters. Seared sea scallops, swordfish, and filet mignon are also available for those less amorous among us. Fulton’s on the River, 315 N. LaSalle, (312)822-0100. Feb. 13-14.
Geja’s Cafe
The spot to hit this V-day. They can’t help but impress with sparkling champagne, carriage rides around Lincoln Park, live flamenco and classical guitarists, long-stemmed roses and fondue. A double anniversary discount (with proof) sweetens up the evening. Married fifteen years? Get dinner at a thirty percent discount. Geja’s Cafe, 340 W. Armitage, (773)281-9101. Feb 12-15, $95-$105.
Green Zebra
Go green this V-day with Chef Molly Harrison’s vegetable-focused four-course dinner. Green Zebra, 1460 W. Chicago, (312)243-7100. 5pm-9:30pm, $55.Reservations recommended.
Harry Caray’s
Harry Caray’s gets all dressed up this Valentine’s Day. Head over for some rosemary-rubbed lamb rack, crab-stuffed snapper and lava “love cake.” Regular menu also available. Harry Caray’s, 33 W. Kinzie and 3551 N. Sheffield, (312)828-0966 and (773)327-7800. Feb 13-14, $60-$109.
Joey’s Brickhouse
Heart-shaped pizzas, a twenty-ounce rib-eye dinner for two, oysters Rockefeller and red velvet cake make Joey’s the place to take your date. Wine and beer flights for two also are available ($16-$21). Joey’s Brickhouse, 1258 W. Belmont, (773)296-1300.
Kinzie Chophouse
A four-course dinner for two includes an entree choice of surf ‘n’ turf or broiled veal chop. Wine pairings are available ($20 extra). Kinzie Chophouse, 400 N. Wells, (312)822-0191. Feb. 13-Feb 15, 4pm. 99.95/couple.
Kohan
Three different prix-fixe options and two glasses of champagne per couple provide plenty of V-day food and drink. All you need add is the sparkling conversation. Kohan, 730 W. Maxwell, (312)421-6254. $50-$80.
La Madia
Save money for more important things (like flowers and teddy bears) at La Madia. Dinner costs only $22/person but includes panzanella salad, a selection of pizzas and panna cotta chocolate for dessert (glass of prosecco included for an extra $7). La Madia, 59 W. Grand, (312)329-0400.
La Trattoria Del Merlo
At La Trattoria Del Merlo, a trio of prix-fixe dinners provide plenty of options. And with choices like herb and white wine roasted red snapper, scallops with caramelized cherry tomatoes and asparagus, and whole wheat pappardelle with shitake, we wish you luck deciding. 1967 N. Halsted, (312)951-8200. 5:30pm-10:30pm, $40-$60. Reservations recommended.
Le Colonial
Le Colonial provides a unique French-Vietnamese Valentine’s Day experience. They seduce with Vietnamese aphrodisiacs like grilled shrimp wrapped in sugarcane and seared filet mignon over watercress with red wine vinaigrette. Kick the evening up a notch with a dozen oysters on the half shell and a bottle of Veuve Clicquot ($125 per couple). For a night in, take advantage of Le Colonial’s special V-day takeout menu ($50/person). Le Colonial, 937 N. Rush, (312)255-0088. $60/person.
Le Lan
Chef Chad Starling’s “his” and “hers” five-course tasting menus will have you sharing in no time. Selections include: hamachi with caviar, cilantro-cured salmon, wild striped bass, sea scallop with porcini farro risotto, Thai chili-smoked bison, Colorado rack of lamb and frozen chocolate parfait. Le Lan, 749 N. Clark, (312)280-9100. 5:30pm-11pm, $75. Reservations recommended.
Lockwood
Worried about awkward silences? Executive Chef Phillip Foss’s nine-course tasting menu will keep you and your date plenty busy (minimal conversation required.) Wine pairings,$55 extra. Lockwood Restaurant, 17 E. Monroe, (312)917-3404. 5pm-11pm, $95. Reservations required.
Marche
Leave romance up to the (French) professionals at Marche. Serving heart-shaped foie gras and house-spun cotton candy, your sweetie will be swooning in no time. Marche, 833 W. Randolph, (312)226-8399.
Martini Park
Providing roses for all ladies and a four-course prix-fixe menu with a complimentary bottle of Moet White Star Champagne, Martini Park takes care of everything (excluding the check). Martini Park, 151 W.Erie, (312)640-0577. $48/person.
Mexique
Live music and a three-course meal featuring chipotle-infused lobster bisque, herb-crusted rack of lamb, sweet and spicy eggplant and a chocolate “surprise” dessert make Mexique a can’t miss. Mexique, 1529 W.Chicago, (312)850-0288. 5pm-11pm, $60. Reservations required.
Morton’s Steakhouse
Spice up Morton’s three-course meal with amorous add-ons like roses ($50/couple) and a Bottle of 2007 Kenwood Sauvignon Blanc, Sonoma County or 2006 “A” by Acacia Pinot Noir, California ($39/couple). Morton’s, The Steakhouse, 65 E. Wacker, (312)201-0410. Feb. 13-14, 5:30-11pm, Feb. 15, 5-10pm, $99/couple.
Nacional 27
Valentine’s Day, Nuevo Latino-style. A “latin-lovers” sharing menu, tapas platters, and a dizzying array of desserts insure satisfaction. Award-winning mixologist Adam Seger helps it all go down smooth. Nacional 27, 325 W. Huron, (312)664-2727. Feb. 13-14, $49.95-$69.95/person.
Nine Steakhouse
Specials like oysters Rockefeller, ahi tuna crudo,whole-roasted lobster and white truffled pasta make this Nine a definite ten. N9NE (Nine) Steakhouse, 440 W. Randolph, (312)575-9900. Feb 13-Feb 14. Reservations recommended.
NoMI
In addition to the four-course meal featuring lobster consomme, terrine of foie gras and pan-roasted Brittany turbot, all couples that dine at NoMI receive a Cartier Le Baiser du Dragon fragrance set. Wine pairings are available ($65 extra). NoMI, 800 N. Michigan, (312)239-4030. 5:30pm-10pm, $125.
Opera
Cozy up in one of Opera’s private dining booths—made from film vaults left over from the buildings’ days as a movie warehouse—for a romantic scene all your own. Chef Beverly Kim’s tasting menu helps set the stage. Opera, 1301 S. Wabash, (312)461-0161. $65/person.
Piccolo Sogno
Piccolo Sogno charms with complimentary glasses of Fragolino sparkling wine, chocolate-covered strawberries and roses for the ladies. Dinner is equally enchanting. Selections include oysters with a celery mignonette; Maine lobster risotto; quails wrapped with house-cured pancetta over polenta and wild mushrooms; and a sharable mousse trio with dipping cookies. Piccolo Sogno, 464 N. Halsted, (312)421-0077. 5pm-11pm. Reservations recommended.
Pizano’s
Desire a more laid-back Valentine’s Day? Dine on heart-shaped Pizano’s pizzas that say just what you want to (no more). Pizano’s Pizza & Pasta, 61 E. Madison and 864 N. State, (312)236-1777 and (312)751-1766.
Swirl Wine Bar
Wine and romance go hand in hand (or, one after the other). Either way, the two belong together and Swirl gets that—their five-course menu with wine pairings proves it. Live music from the Ojos Gitanos completes the (love) triangle. Swirl Wine Bar, 111 W. Hubbard, (312)828-9000. $35, $50 with wine pairings. Reservations required.
312 Chicago
Eat with your amore at 312. Their five-course Italian dinner virtually guarantees you a Lady and the Tramp moment of your own. Wine pairings are available ($20 extra). 312 Chicago, 136 N. LaSalle, (312)696-2420. 5pm-10pm, $55.
Tru
Eight- and seven-course tasting menus make a Tru V-day Tru-ly delicious. Tru, 676 N. St. Clair, (312)202-0001. Feb 13-15, 5pm, $200-$250. Reservations recommended.
Red Light
Red Light’s heart-shaped baby scallop wantons and espresso brownies with chocolate-chip ice cream will have you wishing Valentine’s Day back again. The regular menu is also available. Red Light, 820 W. Randolph, (312)733-8880. Feb 13-Feb 14, 5:30pm-12am, Feb 15, 5:30pm-10pm.
The Restaurant at Conrad
A four-course dinner including oysters Rockefeller, port wine-poached pear salad, petit filet mignon, pan-seared walleye pike, chocolate fondue and a champagne toast. The Restaurant, 521 N. Rush, (312)377-0979. 5pm-9pm, $80/couple. Reservations recommended.
Shor
Opt for the $10 champagne to toast Executive Chef Anthony De La Rosa’s three-course dinner. Shor, 2233 S. King, (312)528-4140. 5:30pm-10pm, $90/couple. Reservations recommended.
Tsuki
Sip some Sake with your sweetheart. Tsuki offers a bottle of Hana Awake sparkling sake to each couple plus a four-course menu for two featuring sushi and traditional Japanese dishes. Tsuki, 1441 W. Fullerton, (773)883-8722. 5pm-11pm, $88/couple. Reservations recommended.
Zocalo
Zocalo’s tasting menu features salmon en frambuesa y chipotle and plantanos flameados made with Agavero tequila. Zocalo, 358 W. Ontario, (312)302-9977. Feb 13-Feb 15, 5pm-10pm. $65/couple.
