There is only one holiday that is best celebrated in pairs—Valentine's Day. Traditionally, millions of people across America celebrate the holiday by showering those close to their hearts with affection and gifts.
This Feb. 14, local Madisonians can strive for more than the typical box of chocolates and celebrate with lavish food options right here in the heart and soul of Wisconsin. However, to pull off the perfect date, planning is essential. So once the significant other, or group of friends, has been found, it's time to start planning the dinner.
Madison offers a fabulous selection of restaurants that are perfect for entertaining both large groups and exclusive couples with their intimate atmospheres and affectionate service.
UW-Madison senior Virginia Feind has already figured out her plans for Valentine's Day.
""Madison is a great place to enjoy any holiday,"" Feind said. ""My boyfriend and I just bought new ice skates, so this Valentine's Day we plan to enjoy dinner by the Capitol and then go ice skating in Tenney Park.""
Many restaurants offer a ""dinner for two"" discount on Valentine's Day.
The Sunroom CafAc, located at 638 State St., has traditionally offered the ""Valentine's Day Dinner for Two"" special, which runs around $25 to $35.
""This Valentine's Day, we will be serving scallops and a delicious New York strip as the main entrAce,"" owner Mark Paradise said. ""For dessert one of our bakery specialties, a heart-shaped chocolate cake, will also be served. Both are a major hit.""
The atmosphere at the Sunroom CafAc is inviting and laid back, with local artwork hanging on the walls and music playing in the background.
""It is a fun and affordable way for students to celebrate the holiday,"" added Paradise.
Perhaps this Valentine's Day you want to really impress your date with a more elegant dining experience. Well, just a few blocks down from the Sunroom CafAc is Nadia's Restaurant & Grapevine Lounge, located at 508 State St. Nadia's is considered one of the most lavish restaurants in the downtown area.
""Nobody can do it better. Nadia's is the most elegant place in Madison, and our menu is full of delicacies that are perfect for a romantic Valentine's dinner,"" owner Adbul Bensaid said. ""In fact, this time of the year we see a lot of marriage proposals, which is awesome to witness. Each newly engaged couple receives a bottle of champagne on the house.""
Although entrees normally cost about $35 to $40 per person, and it is recommended to book reservations in advance, dinner at Nadia's is guaranteed to be an unforgettable night.
If the bitter February temperatures keep you wanting to stay inside, celebrating Valentine's Day in the comfort of your own kitchen can still be just as romantic.
Many students tend to shy away from cooking meals at home. Thankfully, Whole Foods Market located on University Avenue has the perfect solution for this problem.
Whole Foods' specialty food department prepares ready-made meals that simply need to be thrown in the oven. This Valentine's Day, Whole Foods plans to feature grilled salmon, tenderloin and a large variety of sides such as scalloped potatoes, wild rice with toasted pecans and fresh pasta salad.
""All of our meals are fresh and prepared daily,"" said Whole Foods specialist Phillipa Birgman. ""Customers can order as much as they like and enjoy the perfect dinner for two at home.""
Whole Foods staff also assist costumers in selecting wines to compliment the ready-made meals.
For the 21-and-over crowd, every unforgettable Valentine's Day has one thing in common: that perfect bottle of champagne or wine.
Barriques Wine & Coffee Trader, located one block from the Capitol at 127 W. Washington Ave., is offering an alternative to the typical Valentine's dinner date. The wine bar is hosting ""Barriques Diversions,"" a blind wine tasting, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Tasting costs $8 to $12 per person.
Each of the wine descriptions will be formatted like a dating service personal ad, and customers will be encouraged to try to match the selected wines with their correct descriptions.
""Wine tastings are a wonderful way to meet new people and enjoy the company of your close friends,"" manager Shannon Lawrence said. ""For Valentine's Day, we will be featuring festive wines such as a Marquis De La Tour Rose, a blush sparkling wine, and a white sparkling Brut.""
Regardless of whether your Valentine's dinner consists of mac ‘n' cheese, Valentine's Day is about spending time with someone close to you. But don't wait for cupid to come knocking. Gather your courage, put that sparkle in your eye, and make someone blush as you ask him or her out to an unforgettable Valentine's dinner.
