There is a time, usually a few days before Valentine’s Day, where the panic sets in when you first hear someone talk about their upcoming plans for a romantic outing. This is usually followed by someone asking you the dreaded, inevitable question: “what do you have planned for Valentine’s Day?”
Of course you don’t know yet, you haven’t had time to search OpenTable or you haven’t seen the right V-Day menu on your Instragram feed. Like a last-minute shopper on Christmas Eve, you are left to scramble and find what reservations are left. “Can we make it to the restaurant at 5 pm? Is the one at 9:30 pm too late?” you think to yourself.
Don’t worry, I am here to provide some help with a few options that you can still pull off.
Plaza Sip and Slice
You don’t have to break the bank to wine and dine your date on Valentine’s Day, and you don’t even have to have a reservation. Stop by Anatomy Wine Club for a great selection of unique and funky wines by the glass. The knowledgable staff can always find something that suits your tastes plus they usually throw in a few interesting tidbits from the winery or winemaker behind each pour. (Shoutout to Elizabeth, who always greets us with a smile and seriously knows her wine!)
When you get hungry, take a leisurely stroll through the Plaza Walls murals on your way to Empire Pizza. It’s just down the street and serving up some of the best slices in all of OKC. They don’t take reservations, so finding a seat shouldn’t be a problem. If wine and pizza don’t say “love” to you then you should kindly escort yourself off this blog.
The Luxuries of Home (and Chocolate)
Despite the social pressure to have the perfect plans for V-Day, staying in can actually be a way to ensure you both get what you want and have a great romantic evening. Kacy and I often go this route, and usually opt for something similar on New Year’s Eve night. A go-to combination should include chocolate, booze and a meal that is equal parts luxury and ease.
Oklahoma owned and operated Bedré Chocolate will satisfy any sweet tooth’s craving and is a fraction of the price of Godiva or other mass-produced brands. We’ve been huge fans of Bedré since moving to OKC. We usually don’t love dark chocolate, but theirs is oh-so-good and the perfect after-dinner treat. We’re also loving the melt-aways for random chocolate cravings that just cannot be ignored. They’ve got a ton of tun options for Valentine’s Day. Plus, they offer last minute delivery with an overnight option, though I would advise placing an order by the 12th just to be safe.
I love to cook at home and think the kitchen is a great place to bond with your better half. There’s definitely something sexy about flexing your culinary muscles for someone you love. I’d recommend a classic that is guaranteed to please, like a brown butter-basted steak. This is all about getting a great cut of meat and not fussing with it too much. Just add some butter, garlic, and rosemary to coat the finished product. Another option would be a pasta pomodoro. This recipe is really only a few easy steps up from using sauce from a jar but will look and taste a whole lot better.
Dinner and Jazz in Edmond
For the more musically-inclined, the Julian Bliss Septet will be playing at the Armstrong Auditorium in Edmond. I’ve always found jazz to be a great mood setter and nothing makes you cooler than knowing jazz (see: Ron Burgundy’s flute skills).
Before the show you can check out dinner at Moni’s. They will be offering a special 4-course Valentine’s dinner for two. The menu will feature a toasted caprese salad, risotto al Nero di Seppia (squid ink risotto), duck breast and asparagus, and a chocolate cheesecake. Price: $65 for 2 people plus $40 extra for optional wine pairing: 4 glasses of wine each, 8 glasses of wine total. But if you’re not feeling that fancy, Texlahoma is also close by. Nothing says romance like the meat sweats?
Cocktails and Cones in Midtown
Lastly, look no further than the Midtown area if all else fails for your last minute date night. The R&J Lounge and Supper Club is a favorite of ours for their cheap, yet delicious cocktails paired with an eclectic and fun menu. The place is dimly lit and moody with a nostalgic yet intimate ambiance.
Afterwards, finish strong with the perfect cone at Capitals Ice Cream just a short walk around the corner. This place has new flavors every month that seem to keep getting crazier and more irresistible, with ingredients ranging from cookies to berries to potato chips and more.
Best of luck out there with your Valentine’s Day plans!
Great ideas for the last minute. I’m sure lots of people could use this. THanks!