February 14th always comes with a mix of emotions for people. Those in relationships either love it or think of it as a waste of time and money. Plenty of single people hate it because it makes them feel lonely due to their lack of a relationship. One good thing about Valentine’s Day: it’s another occasion to enjoy food, whether alone, with your friends, or your boo thang. So whatever your relationship status, have some fun this year on Valentine’s Day, hit up one of these lovely establishments and treat yourself to something delicious.
Cibo
I’ve been to Cibo three times and I’m 100% obsessed. From the free, rosemary-covered, warm, buttery bread to their delectable house-made pasta to their wonderful dessert menu, everything is amazing. It’s a cute, romantic setting, but also awesome for a girls’ (or guys!) night. Their service is outstanding because all their servers are attentive and thoughtful. They even have a huge wall of wine in a glass enclosure with a wine angel. What is a wine angel you ask? A woman in rock climbing harness who swings around elegantly to fetch you bottles of wine. Yes, this place is that amazing. Try their lobster ravioli or Gorgonzola gnocchi, then get one of everything on the dessert menu because why not?
George’s
George’s motto is: “If you don’t bring your lady to George’s, someone else will!” So either have someone bring you to George’s or bring your ladies and have some fun. George’s has their own special house champagne and on Tuesdays (aka Valentine’s Day) they have half-off bottles of wine. Located on Sunset, George’s loves any reason to celebrate: their menu urges you to celebrate anything with them, such as real birthdays, fake birthdays, baptisms, bankruptcies, plastic surgeries, divorce, and more! When you say what you’re celebrating, you get dessert with sparklers. So head over to George’s and get ready for a party!
Pane & Vino
After Googling “food in cheese wheel in Miami” and seeing videos of pasta being served alongside a giant cheese wheel, I discovered the spaghetti alla ruota at Pane & Vino. The server brings out a cart with an enormous cheese wheel, puts your pasta in, scrapes cheese off into it and mixes it all around. This is an amazing experience and the spaghetti was everything I hoped it would be. The restaurant is decorated to look like a tiny home–tiny and quaint–and the food is ridiculously amazing.
Peacock Garden Café
Peacock Garden Café is located in the Grove, unsurprisingly across from Peacock Park. Although the interior is beautifully decorated, my favorite is the outside garden seating area. Picture shrubbery, twinkly lights and drinking out of mason jars. If you’re looking to celebrate Valentine’s Day on the weekend, they have an amazing brunch menu and a live jazz band on Friday and Saturday night.
Blackbird Ordinary
If you’re looking to have a little bit of extra fun, go to Blackbird Ordinary (after enjoying a meal at one of the places listed above). There is no cover charge for men or women at Blackbird Ordinary, and women get unlimited free well drinks or a free Blackbird drink. The free drinks go until 1:30 am and, after 5 am, women get half-priced drinks. There’s also a rotation of DJs and bands for more entertainment.
words&photos_kristinzheng.
Kristin Zheng is a junior from Rhode Island majoring in Software Engineering. She enjoys pandas, pie, and long walks through Trader Joe’s.