So what to do on Valentine’s Day?

(This was originally published in Cincy Chic. As much as I don’t believe that chain restaurants should be eligible for Best Damn Dish at Taste of Cincinnati, I had to admit they have a pretty nice Valentine’s special.)

Whether you’re single in the ciy, or cuddling with your honey, Valentine’s Day is upon us. Want some suggestions on where to eat—whether you’re with your girlfriends or with your latest date? Here are wine me, dine me’s picks for a great night.
Valentine’s day is considered an “amateur night”—a night where people who don’t normally eat out pack restaurants in the hopes of impressing their significant other. A tip? Go out the night before. You can have a great experience, but avoid the crowds. Still going out? Try these best bets!
Valentine’s With a View: Primavista (Price Hill), the Celestial (Mt. Adams) and Via Vite (Downtown) all have beautiful views. Primavista has the best view of Cincinnati in a location you don’t expect, along with some great Italian food. The Celestial has cozy banquettes that overlook the sparkling Ohio River. Via Vite lets you watch the goings-on of Fountain Square, with some trendy surroundings and modern Italian food.
First Date Valentine’s: Head over to Mariemont and the Quarter Bistro for a red-infused valentine’s dinner. Try out their steak frites and scallops, and Valentine’s-red sangria—if your date doesn’t work out, the food and atmosphere will more than make up for it.
Valentine’s with Girlfriends: Grab your besties and head out for a night on the town—you don’t have to be part of a couple to have a good time. Why not go to a wine bar, like 20 Brixx in Milford, or Bouquet in Covington, and enjoy wine, cheese, small plates and a laid-back atmosphere, where you can reconnect with your friends instead of going to a club? Split a bottle of bubbly (or your favorite wine) and enjoy your time together.
Valentine’s Day at Home: Why not swing by the new Kenwood Kroger, which features chef-created entrees, appetizers and desserts. Pick up a bottle of wine, some cheese from their Murray’s cheese shop (the only one outside of New York!) and have an easy date at home with no effort—so more time to hang out with your SO (or just yourself). Pop in a movie (how about Bottle Shock or No Reservations, to hold onto my wine me, dine me theme) and enjoy an evening at home.

Early Valentine’s: Carrabba’s is featuring an early-in-the-week Valentine’s deal. The Dal Cuore Nights celebration includes a Prix Fixe Menu (Less than $20 per person) and $10 off any bottle of wine, including Ruffino’s Dal Cuore di Carrabba wine, a limited-edition baby Super Tuscan created exclusively for Carrabbas. Carrabbas recently won ‘Best Damn Dish” for their Chicken Bryan at the 2008 Taste of Cincinnati.

Cheap Valentines: You know, I kind of like the idea of a romantic meal at White Castle.  I think it’s pretty creative that they’ve placed their tongue firmly in their cheek and gone the candles, red roses, and Slyders route.  Call up your local White Castle for a reservation.  It’s the Recessionista version of V-day!

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Tagged as: 20 Brixx, Bouquet, carrabba's, cincinnati, primavista, the celestial, valentine's day, via vite, white castle