Scheduling a date on Valentine’s Day date can be a dubious proposition, what with the price increases, the hard-to-get reservations, and all the added pressure to have the most romantic time ever. But now? A year into a pandemic? I don’t even know what to think about this holiday anymore!
I do know that there’s never been a better time to appreciate what you have, and that certainly includes your romantic partner, the one who’s been by your side through it all. If you need help with a plan, check out these sweet Valentine’s date ideas. (Psst, it’s on a Sunday this year!)
In consideration of COVID, we’ve included lots of to-go and at-home ideas. These options will be marked with an asterisk (*).
S P E C I A L M E N U S
Note: While indoor dining may not be the safest option, to-go orders will be numerous this year. Some restaurants are asking that Valentine’s Day orders be placed by February 10-11. No matter where you decide to order from, be sure to check for deadlines so as not to mess up your plans!
*February 11-14 :: Perry’s locations in Dallas and Grapevine will offer a few different options this year. On Valentine’s Day, a 3-course prix fixe menu will be available in-house for $75 per person ($60 if you dine between 4-5:30pm). The to-go version is available from 11am-close for $60 per person. Alternately, from February 11-14, you can get a special “Perry’s Valentine Candlelight Dinner for 2” (to-go only) for $99 per couple. Menus here.
*February 12-13 :: Seely’s Mill at The Beeman Hotel in the Park Cities area, pivots away from BBQ this weekend into more of a steakhouse situation. Four courses, including dessert, will be available in-house or to-go. Call to order. February 10 order deadline. For these hotel restaurants, isn’t it tempting to book a night and take the special courses up to your room to enjoy??
*February 12-14 :: Klyde Warren Park has such a magical view of downtown at night. You can see which food trucks will be on site by checking here. Or order a delectable 3-course meal to-go from Miriam Cocina Latina for $60 (includes vegetarian options). A date that’s literally a walk in the park.
{A Guide to Florists and Flower Delivery in Dallas}
*February 12-14 :: Getting creative with it! The Socially-Distanced Valentine’s Experience is a tour of some of the most scenic, charming spots in Dallas from the comfort and safety of your own vehicle. At each location you’ll be met with delicious hand-held savory or sweet items. You’ll also receive a beverage to share and a rose. Choose from afternoon or evening tours (1-4pm or 5:30-8:30pm). Tickets are $49 per person.
*February 13-14 :: Commons Club (at Virgin Hotels Dallas) will have a 4-course dine-in menu, but you can also opt for a to-go version! See link for menu highlights and ordering information. February 11 order deadline.
*February 13-14 :: Sfereco at The Statler will make heart-shaped pizzas for 2 and chocolate-covered strawberries this weekend. Choose delivery or carry-out, or go up to their rooftop pool area pop-up. Call to order.
*February 13-14 :: The Oceanaire will do a 3-course menu in-house, or you can choose their “Steak & Cake for Two” (also includes sides, salad, and apps) to be prepared at home for $99. Order deadline of February 12 at 3pm. Pickup or arrange delivery February 13-14 between 12–4pm.
*February 14 :: French food is a Valentine’s Day no-brainer. Lavendou in North Dallas will offer a special 3-course menu in-house (or for pick-up between 5-6:30pm). Call to order. Edith’s French Bistro in Richardson also offers a couple dine-in or to-go special menu with 3 courses for $25-29 per person. See link for menu.
*February 14 :: Pre-order your Valentine’s Day brunch from Asian Mint from now until February 11 for pickup on February 14. Brunch includes savory + sweet dishes plus Champagne and Chambord to make cocktails. Note: All locations offer general delivery and carryout, but this Valentine’s brunch is only at the Forest Lane location.
*February 14 :: Sushi is widely-considered to be an excellent to-go food. Splurge on some fancy Valentine’s omakase (chef’s choice) from Nobu along with a limited à la carte menu, available for dine-in, delivery, or carryout. 5-10pm.
Other good sushi takeout options: Sushi de Handroll, Edoko Sushi and Robata, or Oishii.
S H A R E D E X P E R I E N C E S
*February 12 :: Famed food blogger Joy the Baker will host a Valentine’s Pasta Making class this evening. You’ll need a pasta-maker for this one! Order a stand mixer attachment or go for something less motorized. You’ll also be making sauce to go with. Check out the FAQ at the event link for additional details. 5:30-7:30pm. $45.
*February 12-14 :: Aphrodisiac Valentine’s Day Cooking Class is a live cooking class with a bunch of fun extras – a playlist, a video on “How to Set the Table to Stimulate Romance,” a list of sexiest foods, how foods affect you and your libido, and more! See link for the menu and additional details. Class times are 6-8pm or 9-11pm. $49.
February 12-14 :: Flaming Hot Date Night at Vetro Glassblowing Studio is a one-on-one class with you and a pro, where you’ll create keepsake hearts and flowers of glass. Each couple needs 1 reservation and you should plan to stay for about an hour. See the link for lots of other details, including what to wear for safety and such. Lots of different time slots offered. $165. Masks required.
Cheaper option: Order carry-out and binge Blown Away, the mesmerizing glassblowing competition show on Netflix. Season 2 just dropped, and it’s good!
*February 13 :: The artisanal cheese geniuses at Murray’s have a Valentine’s Cheese Board class this afternoon, supplies included. Learn a ton about cheeses and construct your own board in real-time with a Murray’s instructor. See link for details on shipping and to purchase your ticket. 1:30-2:30pm. $110.
*February 13 :: How about a Valentine’s Day Couples Massage Workshop? This is a 3-hour evening event, during which you’ll learn how to connect deeply via massage. You can opt to view the workshop only or purchase a massage kit filled with goodies delivered to your door. See link for more info. 8:30-11:30pm. From $43.44.
February 13-14 :: Get busy with a potter’s wheel at Quiggly’s Clayhouse in Richardson for the Down & Dirty Couples Wheel Class. First, a beginners lesson; then, you put on a blindfold while your partner helps you throw a piece; and then you switch. All the Ghost references you can handle. Two different sessions to choose from, 6-7:30 or 8-9:30. $86.60 per couple, reserve your spot in advance. Masks required.
*February 19 :: This one is the Friday after Valentine’s Day, but it makes the cut because guided tastings are so fun! Eataly Dallas offers Discovering Veneto: Virtual Italian Wine Tasting. They’ll deliver your kit, which includes wines, pairings, and tasting notes, directly to your door. If you live outside the area, you can still participate, you’ll just need to pick up your kit. Lots more details at the link. 5:30-6:30pm. $125.
E V E N I N G E V E N T S
*February 12 :: Have an at-home date night and support struggling comedy venues at the same time. The Daily Show Writers Standup Tour features the comics behind the nightly jokes on The Daily Show. See viewing details at the link. 8-9:30pm. Tickets from $10.
*February 12-14 :: Some of these standup events don’t necessarily have a Valentine’s angle, but the timing works! See Mike Birbiglia: Working it Out Worldwide, a video version of his popular podcast. The show will be approximately 60-75 minutes. 6:30-8pm. $25.
February 14 :: The Valentine’s Wine and Food Tasting is an outdoor event featuring foods from around the world, a caricature artist, photo booth, and more. Reserve your time slot (to help with crowd size) or choose early bird tickets to get in before anyone else. 2-8pm. Tickets from $5.
*February 14 :: I love these two! Lapkus and Tompkins: Palentine’s Day features Lauren Lapkus and Paul F. Tompkins doing 2-person improv. Be extra cute and purchase an add-on Dynagram for you sweetie (send your message and they’ll put it on a graphic to be played during the pre-show). More details at the link. 7pm. Tickets from $5.
A T – H O M E A C T I O N
*Fondue Night :: Fondue is such a good special occasion meal. Here’s a great recipe for basic Swiss fondue (hint: I’ve left out the kirsch, lemon, and nutmeg before and it’s TOTALLY FINE). You don’t even have to go overboard with dipping items. Our favorite spread is: crusty toasted bread, sliced NY Strip, sautéed cremini mushrooms, and raw cauliflower. Do a bonus chocolate fondue with strawberries, pretzels, and pound cake for dessert.
*Recreate Your First Date :: I’ve seen this idea floating around and it’s so sweet. Doesn’t have to be your first date; you could also do one of your most memorable ones. Recreate the food, the activities, the outfits, the vibe. Focus on those good memories!
*Karaoke :: Another favorite! No need for a fancy karaoke machine. To get yourself properly set up at home, order a microphone or two and figure out your tech strategy in advance. You can use Sing King on YouTube, or download their app. Spotify and Apple Music have karaoke track playlists. You can also search on the fly for a karaoke version of any song on YouTube. If you do this via phone, it’s best to mirror it to your TV. “You’re All I Need to Get By,” “I’ve Got You Babe,” “The Time of My Life”… do NOT forget to sing some duets!
Want more ideas? Double up by checking out the Valentine’s Date Night Guide on Collin County Moms!
I miss Japanese foods!!! I went to Japan last year and want to go this year especially this Valentines Day with my hubby but unfortunately, our trip was canceled! 🙁
So I’d like to try the Niwa Japanese BBQ for this special occasion! Thank you for googling this up!