Valentine's Day is right around the corner, and whether you're looking for a creative gift idea for your significant other, or some good ideas for Galentine's Day, this list has everything you need for any and all of your Fordham Valentines.
1. Onion Rings > Promise Rings
Let's face it, if you'd rather receive a Pandora princess ring over a greasy order of onion rings from White Castle, you're lying. Lucky for you, Fordham's neighboring White Castle is accepting Valentine's Day reservations for a romantic, gourmet dinner
I was never aware that you needed a reservation to eat at White Castle, but be sure to call and reserve a romantic table for two, overlooking the scenic drive through line. If you call ahead, you'll be provided with hostess seating, waiter/waitress service, and some truly unique photo ops. Fair warning, the event is B.Y.O.C. (bring your own camera.)
But for real, you can get a large milkshake and try to pretend you're at a retro 50's diner, or take home a 20-pack of sliders and drown the sorrows of your past relationships with food.
(I recommend the pretzel chicken rings.)
2. Love Really Is It
Nothing describes Fordham more than Pugsley's. This year, Sal has your back and is now accepting orders for heart shaped pizzas if you literally want to give someone a pizza your heart.
Dine in...maybe Sal will even serenade you and your valentine with a saxophone solo. Or, if Valentine's Day isn't your thing, call in for delivery and throw on some sweats (an equally as good option, really.)
3. Buy a Bug for Your Love-bug
Cockroaches are not really a typical gift, but our wonderful neighbor, The Bronx Zoo, has started a tradition where they let you adopt one of their lovely Madagascar hissing roaches for Valentine's Day
Unfortunately, you don't actually get to bring home a roach as a pet. But, you do get a certificate, proclaiming that a cockroach has been named in your loved one's honor.
You can pay $10 for a digital certificate, and if you want to get fancy, you can print out the color-version in the library for a $0.25 cent fee. Or really go all out and pair your certificate with some chocolate, a stuffed animal roach, or both in one of their more deluxe packages.
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If you're celebrating Valentine's Day with your friends, adopt a roach with your roomies. It's a pet that doesn't violate any reslife policies! Plus, your purchase benefits the Wildlife Conservation Society.
After Valentine's Day, you can take a romantic stroll down Southern Boulevard to go visit your new family member in the comfort of their own hollowed-out tree trunk in the Madagascar section.
4. I Cannoli Give You So Many Suggestions
When you're finished devouring your White Castle or Pugsley's, I suggest rewarding yourself with a good ol' Italian pastry straight from Arthur Ave.
Although some Fordham students are still mourning the sudden and tragic loss of Palumbo's, there are still plenty of fish in the sea (or bakeries on Arthur).
My personal recommendation would by Delillo's on 187th and Arthur. They have tons of dessert options, but my go-to is a chocolate-covered cannoli and a cappuccino. If I haven't sold you, browse through their online photo gallery. I guarantee you'll find something beautiful and caloric-- the best way to celebrate Valentine's Day.
Or if you're looking for some dinner options, try Antonio's Trattoria on Belmont if you're tired of all of the classic Arthur eats. If not, you could never go wrong with a dinner at Zero Otto Nove or Enzo's...Lady and the Tramp style, of course.
#SpoonTip: If you're on a budget, sign up for Ann & Tony's email list for $10 off, or a free entree on your birthday.
5. A Romantic #Ramily Gift
There's no better Valentine's Day gift than one from a fellow ram. Every year, there are always a bunch of clubs that hold Valentine's Day fundraisers. If none of my ideas worked for you, send The Ramblers to serenade your Valentine, or have a club tabling in McGinley drop off some chocolate or flowers to their dorm. You're giving a gift while simultaneously supporting your peers, and there's nothing better than the gift of friendship!
Be sure to check out GO! Nashville's succulent-gram fundraiser if you want to send a cute succulent to a love interest/friend/roommate for $5! Succulents are cheaper, trendier, and less cliché than a red rose and you're helping out a good cause. You can even choose between a list of botanical puns or include your own customized message to be delivered with your succulent.
6. February 15th a.k.a. Cheap Chocolate Day
If you're cheap, single, hate Valentine's Day, or just love chocolate, head over to Walgreen's the day after Valentine's Day for some discounted chocolates to satisfy your wallet and your sweet tooth.
You don't need to wait for another Hallmark holiday to stuff your face with heart-shaped chocolate. Although, February 17th is technically "Singles Awareness Day," if you consider that a holiday. So, grab a 75% off box of chocolates and indulge a little bit. Not for anything, my mama always said life was like a box of chocolates...
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Happy Valentine's Day, Rams.