Great Dates for Valentine’s Day
Eight suggestions for pairing dinner and an event for the holiday of love

By Stacey Jay Cavaliere

Many people look forward to Valentine’s Day as the most romantic day of the year.

Couples in love plan how they're going to spend the special day and how they're going to make it more romantic than ever.

Friends get together to celebrate their singledom, and many go out stag, hoping to find that special someone to start a romance.

Whichever way you celebrate, there are plenty of places in Phoenix to wine and dine that are LGBT friendly, and fun. And you can follow up dinner with a show or other event.

We’ve put together eight ideas for an evening of dining and fun.

Happily Ever After

DINNER: My Florist Café features a simple, yet well put together menu, and the drink specials are fresh and creative. The restaurant decor is modern and comfortable, and atmosphere features the incomparable Nicole Pesce tickling the ivories on the perfectly situated Steinway piano.

AFTER DINNER: Head downtown for Ballet Arizona’s production of Sleeping Beauty, a romantic story for lovers of all ages.
www.myfloristcafe.com; www.balletaz.org

Wherefore Art Thou Romeo?

DINNER: Start the evening at the cozy café Switch, which features a diverse menu and drink specials. The modern yet elegant décor will set the mood for a lovely evening.

AFTER DINNER: Pay the bill before heading off to the Grand Canyon Performing Arts show, Star Crossed Lovers, a musical that takes a fun look at relationships and the politics of marriage equality.
www.switchopfarizona.com; www.phoenixmetropolitanmenschorus.org

Ai Shiteru

DINNER: Say “I love you” in Japanese by dining at north central Phoenix’s Hana Japanese Eatery, a quaint family-owned sushi restaurant. Grab a bottle of sake on the way (the place is BYOB), share the delicious Rainbow Carpaccio and a few appetizers or sushi rolls.

AFTER DINNER: Enjoy Phoenix Opera’s performance of Madama Butterfly.
www.hanajapeneseeatery.com; www.phoenixopera.org

Feelin’ Hot Hot Hot!

DINNER: Start things out spicy and chow down at China Chili, voted Phoenix’s favorite Chinese restaurant time and time again.

AFTER DINNER: Steam things up even more by attending a sexy LGBT salsa dance lesson at the Church of the Living Spirit in Glendale.
www.chinachilirestaurant.com; www.meetup.com/Out-Ballroom-Dancing

Picnic in the Park

DINNER: For a cozier Valentine’s Day, start at Scott’s Generation, the Valley’s most authentic New York, kosher style deli. Choose from homemade soups, salads, meats, and cheesecake.

AFTER ORDERING: Pack up the food and take it to the Desert Botanical Garden. Kisses and cuddling are sure to follow.
www.scottsgenerations.com; www.dbg.org

Je t’aime Mon Cheri

DINNER: This famous French phrase will be whispered in your ear after treating your sweetie to a delectable dinner at Voltaire, one of Scottsdale’s most intimate and rewarding dining experiences.

AFTER DINNER: Dance the day away at Sunday A’Fair at the Scottsdale Civic Center Mall, an outdoor concert and celebration including performances by DJ Shane Kennedy and The Bad Cactus Brass Band, Phoenix’s only New Orleans-style brass band.
www.voltairerestaurant.com; www.scottsdaleperformingarts.org

Girls Just Want to Have Fun

BEFORE DINNER: Not in the lovey-dovey mood this year? Then grab a group of friends and head to Peaceful Roots’ Valentine’s Day Workshop. Open the chakras, breathe deep and be ready to be enlightened.

DINNER: After this peaceful yoga session, head to La Casita Café with your friends and enjoy the menu of authentic Mexican cuisine.
www.peacefulroots.com

Single and Ready to Mingle

DINNER: For the single folks looking to find Ms. or Mr. Right this year, look no further than Ticoz Resto-Bar, the sexy and sleek resto-bar serving Latin tropical fusion cuisine and a sangria to die for.

AFTER DINNER: Head to the Alwun House for the Phantasmagorical Valentine Cabaret, featuring two floors of exotic-erotic art, and two stages featuring burlesque cabaret, belly and fire dancers, with appearances by drag divas Barbra Seville and Ivonna Bump.
www.ticozofarizona.com; www.alwunhouse.org