by Glen Richardson
The cupid countdown has begun as fans cherry-pick February choices to make their crush feel special so they can catch or connect, be it girlfriend, boyfriend, or spouse. Even the cynical admit February fans the flames of their heartstrings. To help young and old alike make it through the next 28 days, the Chronicle has collected cool choices for the romantic and not so romantic. Here’s how to impress your soulmates, sidekicks, buddy, or beau, so you survive with your sanity intact:
Singing Surprise: Leave your sweetheart speechless with a serenade at home, work, in a restaurant, or anywhere. Singing telegrams draw a crowd, laughs, and sometimes tears.
Entertaining Romance
The Clocktower Clockettes present Cupid’s Delight, a Valentine burlesque, variety & comedy show at The Clocktower Cabaret, Feb. 10-14, 7 p.m. & 9:30 p.m. Cast sets hearts aflame with aerial acts, singing, dance, and comedy. Information: 303-293-0075.
Sounds of the Denver Brass and Colorado Dance Company present Fiesta, a sizzling blend of rhythm & romance, blazing brass & fiery dance in the Newman Center. Your heartbeat will keep time to the rhythms Feb. 11, 7:30 p.m. Information: 303-871-7720.
“So This Is Love,” is a night at Dazzle@ Baur’s listening to the foremost musical ambassadors of romance: Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong, Frank Sinatra, and Nat King Cole. The Legacy Valentine’s Day evening is Feb. 14, 6:30 p.m. Information: 303-839-5100.
Pianist Jeffrey Siegel plays Musical Valentines by Schumann, Chopin, and Mendelssohn at the Arvada Center Feb. 15. The pianist who has been a soloist with the word’s great orchestras entertains at 11 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. Information: 720-898-7200.
Flower Power
Bold Blossoms: Arrangements such as these from Newberry Brothers Florist are a lovely love token. Florals from longtime local artisans last longer than many and feel specially made.
Shop for Valentine’s Day flowers at Newberry Brothers Florist located at 5301 Leetsdale Dr. Longtime local artisans create unique arrangements to inspire, celebrate, and bring people together using the freshest flowers. Information: 303-322-0443.
Learn to create a floral centerpiece during a Valentine Centerpiece Workshop hosted by Brooks Floral & Co. at 1489 S. Broadway, Feb. 9. Evening of designing, fun, and connection is from 6-8 p.m. Drinks and snacks provided. Information: 720-296-2431.
Food Feasts
Blue Island Oyster Bar
Romantic seafood restaurant with a raw bar in nautical surrounds is on E. 2nd Ave. in Cherry Creek North. Top-rated eatery serving lunch and dinner, annually has a Valentine menu. Special spot for slurping fresh oysters. Information: 303-333-2462.
Coohills
Reminiscent of charismatic European restaurants, this 1400 Wewatta St. eatery is serving a five course New York Strip Valentine dinner Feb. 14, 15 & 16. Upscale space has open kitchen and modern interior. Information: 303-623-5700.
D Bar
Valentine’s day or any day, foodies and sweet lovers line up at this popular uptown restaurant on E. 19th Ave. for drinks, dining, and dessert. With a passion and background in pastry, space has a unique dessert bar. Information: 303-861-4710.
Give Love A Boost: Lip-smacking sweets and pastries from bakeries such as Holly Street’s Detour will boost relationships with all of your loved ones.
Detour
Treat your love to the tastes of this boulangerie — a French Bakery vs. a pastry shop — along Holly St. and Florida Ave. in Virginia Ave. Choose lip-smacking pastries, croissants, quiche & sandwiches in a cozy, cheery spot. Information: 303-756-2020.
Inga’s Alpine Tavern
For a starry-eyed V-Day, stop in for drinks and creative bites at this hip Leetsdale Dr. space 11 a.m.-2 a.m. Rob Wivchar — man of 1,000 songs — sings 6-9:30 p.m. Plus, enjoy a pizza-wine deal! Kitchen in lively spot is open late. Information: 720-389-6203.
Jimmy’s Jersey Street Café
Quaint neighborhood eatery serving tasty Italian fare. A cute, comfortable restaurant where friends and family can gather for V-Day or any holiday. The pièce de ré·sis·tance is the Bananas Foster for two, flamed table side. Information: 720-328-9481.
La Merise
It’s romantic Paris at this French Bistro that has drawn romance-seekers to the corner of 3rd Ave. & Clayton in Cherry Creek for years. Moderately priced home-style meals in a cozy setting with a sunken terrace. Information: 720-596-4360.
Monaco Inn Restaurant
A 30-plus year holiday hot spot, eatery in Monaco Square Center serves New York Steak with Shrimp, Lamb Chops with Shrimp or Salmon specials Feb. 14. Regular menu is also available. Treated like family and the hospitality is genuine. Information: 303-320-1104.
Panzano
Posh yet casual restaurant in the Hotel Monaco on 17th St. downtown is foodie favorite that beckons Valentine’s Day diners each year. Treat your special someone to cocktails or wine and Northern Italian cuisine. Information: 303-296-3525.
Luck And Love: Treat your Valentine to an authentic Mexican experience in Que Bueno Suerte’s dramatic and colorful bi-level space with two bars, artwork, plus a mix and match menu.
Que Bueno Suerte
Creative S. Pearl St. Mexican restaurant serves traditional and modern plates in a dramatic and colorful bi-level space with two bars. Surroundings and artwork plus mix and match menu is ideal for Valentine’s celebrations. Information: 720-642-7322.
Viale Pizza & Kitchen
An airy, down to earth neighborhood bistro-lounge serving traditional Italian cuisine plus New York inspired pizza. Eatery in the Century 21 Plaza on S. Colorado Blvd. annual has memorable V-Day specials. Information: 303-495-2065.
Musical Message
Send your sweetheart, and coworkers a Singing Valentine Feb. 14, 7 a.m.-9 p.m. Orange Peel Moses has been writing & singing telegrams for 15 years. Elvis, Lady Cupid, Love Bug, and Tuxedo Joe are popular choices. Information: 303-931-8466.
Recipe For Love
Cook Street School of Culinary Arts is hosting a Cooking with Cupid celebration. Classes at 43 W. 9th Ave., are Feb. 9-11, 6-9:30 p.m., Feb. 12, 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Wine and dishes to spoil your palate are also available. Information: 303-308-9300.
Runaway Love
Fiery V-Day Dance: For a sizzling blend of rhythm and romance take your Valentine to see Fiesta Feb. 11 as the Colorado Dance Company and Denver Brass entertain at the Newman Center.
Meet cupid and find a sweetheart or run with your sweetie at the Valentine’s Day 4-Mile in Wash Park Feb. 12, 9 a.m. There’s also a free Kids 200 Meter. Dress up as your favorite TV, Movie, or Book couple to win a prize. Information: halsports.net.
V-Day Shindig
For a wing-ding dinner-dance, attend The Valentines Affair in the Space Gallery Feb. 11, 6-10 p.m. Party in the soaring ceiling site at 400 Santa Fe Dr. with stunning architecture includes gift bag and flowers for the ladies. Information: 720-707-7835.