Sweet inspirations for a fun Valentine's Day
Ah, Valentine's Day — that silly “holiday” in which millions of people spend their hard-earned cash on chocolates, roses and greeting cards in order to profess their love to someone special.
Lame, right?
Well, maybe V-Day isn't so bad, especially in this Year of the Blizzard. After all that shoveling, who wouldn't like to chomp on a few chocolates or enjoy a show with their sweetheart?
With that in mind, the Daily Herald took a look at Valentine's Day happenings in the area and selected 10 that you might want to pay particular attention to.
Happy Valentine's Day!
‘I think I love you!'
Back in the 1970s — long, long before Justin Bieber or the Jonas Brothers were born — one of the biggest pop sensations in the country was David Cassidy, aka Keith Partridge from the sitcom “The Partridge Family.”
Unlike some of his contemporaries, Cassidy has maintained a solid career in entertainment since those days, with successful appearances on records, on television and on Broadway.
Cassidy will run through his hits during a special show at Drury Lane Oak Brook on Valentine's Day — a great way for baby boomers to relive the early days of their love.
Cassidy will perform at 8 p.m. Monday, Feb. 14, at Drury Lane Oak Brook, 100 Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace. $$55 per ticket; dinner packages available. Call (630) 530-0111 or go to drurylaneoakbrook.com.
Laugh with your sweetie
“Guys and Dolls,” the classic musical comedy about the world of gamblers and entertainers in New York City, has just begun a run at the Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire. Directed by Matt Raftery in his Marriott directorial debut, this production stars Brian Hissong as Sky Masterson, Jessie Mueller as Miss Adelaide, Abby Mueller as Sarah Brown and Rod Thomas as Nathan Detroit. With some of the most recognized characters and songs in American theater history, “Guys and Dolls” is sure to be a successful capper for any Valentine's weekend date.
Runs through March 27 at the Marriott Theatre, 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire. This weekend's performances are 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 11; 4:30 and 8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 12; and 1 and 5 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 13. $40 to $$48 per ticket. For ticket information, call (847) 634-0200 or go to mariotttheatre.com.
Chocolate heaven
No candy is a better match with Valentine's Day than chocolate, and the Morton Arboretum in Lisle is spending all of February celebrating this delicious treat.
The fun continues this weekend, with a truffle-making workshop on Saturday and a Valentine's Chocolate Brunch, complete with chocolate items, on Sunday.
And if you're looking for a special Valentine's treat for your little ones, consider the Kids' Chocolate Pizza Party on Sunday, Feb. 20. Sure, it's a few days after Valentine's Day, but it's doubtful children will complain as they create their chocolaty confections.
The truffle-making workshop takes place at 1:30, 2:30 and 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 12. Brunch seating occurs at 9:30 a.m., noon and 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 13. The pizza party is at 1, 2 and 3 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 20. Admission $8-$11. For information, call (630) 968-0074 or go to mortonarb.org.
Two kinds of meals
A romantic dinner for two sounds pretty good for Valentine's weekend, right? But what kind of dinner, and where?
For an atmosphere that literally drips with romance, consider going to Geja's Cafe in Chicago. This fondue palace will offer special Valentine's dinner packages Saturday through Monday. The packages include Gruyere cheese fondue, a glass of sparkling rose, salad, entree fondue of beef tenderloin, lobster tail and jumbo shrimp, and a flaming chocolate dessert fondue.
Whew. Sounds elegant. But for those looking for something ... simpler, consider a Valentine's dinner of “steam-grilled” burgers at White Castle. The fast-food chain is again giving local couples a chance to slug down a few Sliders while enjoying a candlelit table along with special service and decor on Feb. 14. And best of all, the chain has locations all across the suburbs — including Des Plaines, Batavia and Hoffman Estates.
Geja's is located at 340 W. Armitage, Chicago. For information on Valentine's packages, call (773) 281-9101 or go to gejascafe.com. To make a White Castle reservation, call (708) 458-4450, ext. 0, between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Rock 'n' roll romance
The self-titled debut record from Chicago's White Mystery was one of the most talked-about rock albums of 2010. Siblings Alex and Francis White deliver a stripped-down, propulsive garage-punk sound, highlighted by Alex White's howling vocals.
The band is playing a Valentine's Day show at the Empty Bottle. Does this seem like a strange recommendation for Valentine's Day? Well, consider that few things bring people together like rock 'n' roll does, and better yet, this show is free!
White Mystery plays at 10 p.m. Monday, Feb. 14, at the Empty Bottle, 1035 N. Western, Chicago. For information, go to emptybottle.com.
It's a zoo out there
Couples looking for a date that's a little, ahem, wilder should check out the Nights in the Wild Dinner on Saturday at Brookfield Zoo.
The evening will begin with cocktails at The Swamp exhibit, followed by a surf-and-turf dinner at Bocaditos Restaurant. The night will continue with dessert and dancing until midnight. Here's a chance to have a Valentine's date in a location to remember.
The dinner costs $225 per couple. For information or to register, call (708) 688-8355. Brookfield Zoo is located at 3300 Golf Road, Brookfield.
Two to tango
River North Dance Chicago will warm every dance-lover's heart with its annual Valentine's Weekend Engagement. The event will include a suite of sexy tangos, a compilation of sensual duets from artistic director Frank Chaves, a popular ballroom segment and more.
The event promises to be both visually and emotionally stunning, so if dance is your thing, make a Valentine's weekend date with RNDC.
The Valentine's Weekend Engagement takes place at 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 11, and Saturday, Feb. 12, and again at 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 13, at the Harris Theatre, 205 E. Randolph, Chicago. $30-$65. For ticket info, call (312) 334-7777 or go to harristheaterchicago.org.
Weekend getaway
Can't travel somewhere sunny and warm this weekend? Fear not, you can still “get away” while staying right here at home.
The InterContinental Chicago O'Hare Hotel in Rosemont is offering a special Valentine's Package for couples. It includes a king guest room for two, a $50 gift card to the McCormick and Schmick's seafood restaurant (located on site), a split of champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries, all for $155 plus tax.
Not to be outdone, the Eaglewood Resort and Spa in Itasca has a variety of Valentine's Day packages available, all of which include overnight accommodations, champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries, breakfast for two in the morning and late checkout at 2 p.m. Couples can add a variety of amenities to the $129 base package, from 30-minute massages to wine and chocolate pairings to horse and carriage rides.
For information on Valentine's weekend packages, call the InterContinental O'Hare at (847) 544-5300, or go to icohare.com. The Eaglewood can be reached at (630) 773-1400, or at eaglewoodresort.com.
Classic tunes
An eclectic mix of romantic music awaits those who attend the New Philharmonic's special “Valentine's Pops” concert at the McAninch Arts Center at College of DuPage this weekend.
Great classical works like Tchaikovsky's “Sleeping Beauty Waltz” will be on the bill, along with favorites from Broadway (selections from “Camelot), film (love theme from “Superman”) and pop (“Every Breath You Take,” by The Police).
As an added bonus, musicians from the 80-member orchestra will meet with patrons in the lobby during intermission, giving audience members a unique glimpse at the decision-making process behind the event.
The concert will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 13, at the McAninch Arts Center, 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn. $40-$50. For ticket information, call (630) 942-4000 or go to atthemac.org.
Staying home
Of course, there are those who prefer to spend Valentine's weekend snuggled close to their sweethearts on the couch. The Hallmark Channel has those folks covered.
Hallmark's #8220;Countdown to Valentine's Day#8221; event culminates this weekend with several premiere movies, including #8220;Accidentally In Love,#8221; starring Jennie Garth, Marilu Henner and Fred Willard. Check your cable listings to find other Hallmark Channel flicks that will make you feel the love this weekend.
#8220;Accidentally in Love#8221; premieres at 8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 12.