Thursday, February 11, 2016

15 Ways to Love Valentine's Day

Go beyond red roses and heart-shaped boxed chocolates this Valentine's Day. Instead, show your affection to your sweetheart with these 15 fun date ideas, from a cooking class to a night hike to sit-down dinners. And all of you single ladies and gentlemen can celebrate in your own style from a love sucks sendup to Dracula or a heated lovers cabaret. If you need more ways to fall for the lovey-dovey holiday, click here to read our guide to flowers, romantic gestures and more. 

Courtesy Pier W
100th Bomb Group: Treat your taste buds to succulent lobster or decadent mushroom ravioli from the specially selected entrees. If you’re feeling fancy, the three-course prix fixe dinner is for you, which includes selections such as Beets of a Heart salad, pan-seared salmon and lovers chocolate fudge cake. Feb. 14, 20920 Brook Park Road, Cleveland, 216-267-1010, 100thbgrestaurant.com 

Anything You Can Do: The Big Battle of the Sexes: Vosh is bringing you a comedic and lively musical mashup exploring the pains of love. This cabaret will feature theater songs such as “Let’s Call the Whole Thing Off” from the Gershwins and Marcy Heisler and Zina Goldrich’s “Apathetic Man.” Take a look at Vosh’s award-winning menu and bar while you enjoy two opinionated sides of love. $25, 7p.m., 1414 Riverside Drive, Lakewood, 216-767-5202, musicaltheaterproject.org

Big Bang: Whether you’re going stag or bringing a date, the Big Bang dueling piano bar in the Flats East Bank is offering free admission, drink specials and a glow bracelet showing your relationship status if you RSVP on Facebook. Feb. 12 & 13, 1163 Front Ave., Cleveland, 216-417-6222, facebook.com/bangcleveland

Champagne & Aphrodisiacs: If your Valentine’s calls for a little extra seduction, stop by Touch Supper Club for a four-course meal of soup, salad, an entree and dessert. An aphrodisiac is incorporated into every dish and paired with Champagne — a delectable spread that would have Aphrodite herself smiling. $90 per couple, reservations suggested, 5-11 p.m. Feb. 13 & 14, 2710 Lorain Ave., Cleveland, 216-631-5200, touchohiocity.com

Chez Francois & Touche: If a plane ticket to Paris isn’t in the budget this Valentine’s Day, whisk yourself away with Chez Francois & Touche. From elegant drinks such as the Cream of Dubarry cappuccino to the hearty roasted maple leaf farm duck breast with cherry glace de viande, this upscale meal is sure to please. 4-9 p.m., Feb. 13 & 14, $70 per person, reservations recommended, 555 Main St., Vermilion, 440-967-0630, chezfrancois.com

Cleveland Bazaar: If art holds a special place in your heart, celebrate your passion at the Valentine Bazaar by stocking up on artisan-made wares from your typical candy and flowers to the more unexpected ... preserved hearts in a jar!? 10 a.m., Feb. 13, Lake Affect Studios, 1615 E. 25th St., Cleveland, clevelandbazaar.org

Cleveland Metroparks North Chagrin Reservation: For nature lovers looking to embrace the winter scenery, head to Cleveland Metroparks North Chagrin Reservation for Date Night in the Park. The adult-only event includes a half- to one-mile hike and a blazing fire for couples to cozy up to with refreshments. $10, reservations required, 7:30-9p.m., 440-473-3370, clevelandmetroparks.com 

Love Sucks: If you’ve had enough of mushy stuff, you won’t want to miss the 85th anniversary celebration of Dracula at the Side Quest. Sip on a Blood Cocktail while watching the 1931 classic film and indulge your dark side with other vampire lovers. 8 p.m., Feb. 13, 17900 Detroit Ave., Lakewood, 216-228-1212, thesidequestbar.com

Love, Wesley: Valentine’s Date Night with Wesley Bright: Soothe your soul with jazz tunes by the Akron native Wesley Bright and accompanying artists at Blu Jazz. Grab a small plate of poutine or a larger entree such as seared salmon, sip on a signature cocktail and mingle with other jazz lovers. If you’re feeling nostalgic, check out the memorabilia gallery. $20, 7 p.m., Feb. 13, 47 E. Market St., Akron, 330-252-1190, blujazzakron.com

Morton’s The Steakhouse: Add a touch of sophistication with a Valentine’s special 6-ounce filet and 5-ounce lobster tail combo for $55. 1600 W. 2nd St., Cleveland, 216- 621-6200; mortons.com/cleveland

Pier W: Care for a cliff-hanging view of Cleveland while indulging in decadent chocolate? Pier W is now offering its annual chocolate bar through Feb. 14. Bite into milk chocolate with a caramel filling, or try a not-so-traditional root beer float filling with a white chocolate shell. $2 per truffle or 10 for $15, Winton Place, 12700 Lake Ave., Lakewood, 216-228-2250, pierw.com

Sweetheart Showcase at Beachland Ballroom & Tavern: Le Femme Mystique Burlesque and Ohio Burlesque present this fifth annual showcase. The Beachland hosts Dimples Diamond, Bella Sin and Lou Lou Roxy with the ladies of Le Femme Mystique Burlesque featuring diverse pinups from the '40s to the present. 8:30p.m. Feb. 13, 1577 Waterloo Road, Cleveland, 216-383-1124, ohioburlesque.com 

Sweets for the Sweet — Uncovering Chocolate: If you’re looking for action, learn the basics of making chocolate creations such as a classic chocolate cake and bonbons with chef Jamie Simpson. Perfect the techniques of folding, emulsifying, tempering and more. $70, 2p.m., Feb. 13, Chef's Garden, 12304 Mudbrook Road, Milan, 419-499-7500, culinaryvegetableinstitute.com 

Urban Farmer:
Forget breakfast in bed. This brunch offers a toast bar featuring comforts such as chocolate chip banana bread to a carving station and fondue dessert display that will leave you and your loved ones satisfied. $40 adults, $20 children, 8 a.m.-3 p.m., Feb. 14, 1325 E. Sixth St., Cleveland, 216-771-7707, urbanfarmercleveland.com

Wade Oval Winter: Skate your way through Valentine’s Day with Wade Oval’s special event, Pink at the Rink. You and your plus-one have the opportunity to skate around on pink ice for a romantic and out-of-the-ordinary date. When you’re finished skating, keep the rink wristbands. Those are linked to special promotions all season long. Feb. 13 & 14, Wade Oval, 10820 East Blvd., Cleveland, 216-707-5033, universitycircle.org/events

By Stephanie Grauer and Madeline Sweeney

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