What does one give for Valentine's Day? For awhile there it was tough, if one wanted to remain politically correct. Diamonds were inappropriate, apartheid in South Africa and all, but that's cleared up, so gem stones are all right, as long as the producer doesn't strip mine or exploit native workers.
For awhile there, chocolates were verbotten as well. Not only did we have to deal with the exploitation of the rain forests ( Chocolate being from South America ) , there was also all that hubbub about chocolate being a low-level toxin ( thankfully that was cleared up when it was discovered that chocolate actually stimulated the pleasure centers of the brain ) .
Flowers? Nope, the pollen stimulated allergies and was a waste of environmental resources. Thankfully, as same-sex couples, we didn't have to deal with the whole issue of objectifying the opposite sex via lingerie.
No wonder I was sweetheartless for most of the 䚠, it wasn't worth the trouble.
The gay ' 90s brought me love and marriage. My honey and I have been together for nearly a decade now and as with most long-term couples, we'll probably let Valentine's Day go by practically unnoticed. But, for those of you enjoying the first blush of love, there are many dining out options to help sweeten the day even more. Try one of these venues to help put your lover ( or your hopefully soon to be lover ) in a romantic frame of mind:
California Café ( 847— 330— 1212 ) , in Woodfield, has had its chef, Glenn Zamet, put together a fabulous feast, designed with Cupid in mind. From February 12— 14, such delicacies as salmon en croute with seafood mousse and champagne sauce, roasted rack of lamb with olive pesto and a pinot noir sauce, and equally decadent desserts will be offered. The fact that California Café is located in a mall makes its romantic decor an even bigger surprise. Afterwards maybe they'll take you to Bailey, Banks and Biddle and buy you a diamond!
Las Bellas Artes ( 630— 530— 7725 ) , in Elmhurst, has a special take-home dinner that will wow your honey. Tempt your sweetie with an appetizer of escargot with cilantro butter, move on to a savory soup of roquefort and chipotle, refresh with a light salad featuring fresh greens dressed in a pomegranate vinaigrette, and set off fireworks with puff pastry enclosed filet mignon stuffed with lobster. If your partner hasn't melted in your arms by then, seal the deal with a triple chocolate torte. The price for this sexy repast is only $60 and, if you hide the carry-out cartons, you can even pretend you cooked it all yourself. I won't tell.
Tru ( 312— 202— 0001x230 ) , at 676 N. Saint Clair, is always a delightful and romantic treat, but a pricey one for dinner. However, you can treat your honey to lunch without breaking the bank. Two special prix fixe menus are always offered; for $30 you can pick your favorite two courses ( appetizer, main course, cheese and dessert are your choices ) , or for $10 more, enjoy a three -course option. On Valentine's Day, chefs Tramonto and Gand will offer a special five-course seafood collection for $60. Reservations are a must, and gentlemen ( and I assume butch lesbians ) must wear a jacket.
Einstein Bros. Bagels, with locations around Chicago, has an option for those with shallower pockets. Einstein's is offering heart-shaped bagels, pink frosted sugar cookies and chocolate-cherry kiss flavored coffee. You could easily put together a basket of treats for your sweetie for less than ten bucks. Call 800-BAGEL ME for the nearest location.
