Chances are high that you and your special someone have been housebound since "Snowpocalypse" struck Chicago. Hunkering down during a snowstorm is romantic in its own way. But by now, the streets are plowed and the sidewalks are salted—and you're not getting off the hook for Valentine's Day. Love it or hate it, the Hallmark holiday falls on a Monday this year, which means you can celebrate Friday, Saturday, Sunday or Monday. That's good news for you if you haven't already made a reservation because you can book a table on any one of those four nights instead of competing with everyone else for a coveted table on the 14th. If you're in need of some inspiration, here are some of my favorite Chicago spots for romance.
If you're on a budget, take your date to Margie's Candies
I don't care if they put out white tablecloths and red roses, you will never convince me that White Castle is an acceptable Valentine's Day dining option. They could bring in crystal chandeliers and violinists, and the fact would remain that you're feeding your date sliders and overcooked onion rings. If you're short on cash or looking for a little kitsch, try Margie's Candies instead. This quaint Chicago classic offers some of the best ice cream sundaes and decadent homemade candy in town. Nothing says old-fashioned romance like sharing a banana split or a chocolate milkshake. If you want something substantial before your sugar fix, Margie's has a dinner menu with diner staples like burgers and grilled cheese sandwiches. The original Margie's is located at 1960 N. Western Ave.; call 773-384-1035 or visit www.margiescandies.nv.switchboard.com . A second location is located at 1813 W. Montrose Ave.; call 773-384-0400 or visit www.margiescandies.nv.switchboard.com .
If you'd prefer to drink your dinner, take your date to Webster's Wine Bar
Filled with tiny tables and cozy sofas and lit almost entirely by candles, Webster's Wine Bar practically begs you to canoodle over your Cabernet. The knowledgeable staff can recommend an excellent bottle in every price range, and Webster's offers lots of wine-friendly nibbles. Build your own cheese and meat platter from their global selections or try one of the small plates like grilled shrimp with white wine sauce and blue cheese or a pizza topped with Robiola cheese, truffle oil and arugula. Webster's Wine Bar is located at 1480 W. Webster Ave.; call 773-868-0608 or visit www.websterwinebar.com .
If you have a sweet tooth, take your date to Hot Chocolate
Pastry chef Mindy Segal is the woman behind this Bucktown gem, so you can count on scrumptious desserts. The warm brioche donuts are not to be missed, and there's always a rotating selection of seasonal sweets. But don't let the name fool you, Hot Chocolate also offers plenty of savory delicacies. The housemade pretzels are soaked in beer and served with Taleggio cheese fondue—a fine way to begin any meal, if you ask me. Entrees include expertly-prepared duck, steak and chicken, or you can opt for something lighter like the "tuna melt" which is an elevated take on the classic sandwich. Hot Chocolate's version is made with olive oil poached tuna, mayo capers, Havarti cheese, over-dried tomato and arugula. Hot Chocolate is located at 1747 N. Damen; call 773-489-1747 or visit www.hotchocolatechicago.com .
If you want an upscale meal for less than a week's salary, take your date to Piccolo Songo
Piccolo Songo means "little dream" in Italian—and this Warehouse District stunner lives up to its name. The space is elegant without being stuffy. The rich blue walls, crystal sconces and crisp linens set the perfect stage for you to enjoy Piccolo Songo's rustic Italian cuisine. I'd recommend ordering at least one dish from each section of the menu (share them if you don't want to fill up before dessert). Show stoppers include the beet salad with fresh mozzarella cheese and citrus-infused oil, the pizza with mushrooms, herbs and truffle oil, and the wood-fired fish of the day, which is baked with Sicilian sea salt crust, braised fennel, and citrus and caper reduction. Piccolo Songo is located at 464 N. Halsted St.; call 312-421-0077 or visit piccolosognorestaurant.com .
If you want to spoil your "tru" love, take your date to Tru
The pristine white floor-to-ceiling drapery and the striking blue banquettes at Tru always make me feel like I've died and gone to some elite gastronomic heaven—or maybe it's the caviar "staircase" or the velvet stool swiftly placed at my side to stash my handbag for the evening or the attentive waiter who appears seemingly out of nowhere to accompany me to the ladies' room or the decadent confectionary cart wheeled out just when I think I can't eat another bite. Whatever it is, Tru remains the gold standard for fine dining in Chicago in my book. Diners at Tru feast on course after lavish course of French-inspired cuisine like celeriac soup with winter truffle and quail egg, seared foie gras with caramelized Anjou pear and chestnut, and venison with Brussels sprouts, bacon and red currant. What's always impressed me about Tru is that the food is gourmet, but accessible (and actually tastes good), and the service is perfect without being pretentious. If you want to create a Valentine's Day to remember, Tru is the place to do it. Tru is located at 676 N. St. Clair; call 312-202-0001 or visit www.trurestaurant.com .
