For those of you who are in relationships and are looking to avoid something cliché on Valentines Day, let’s think outside the box. You splurged on Buddakhan last year. You got a pledge to deliver flowers to their classes the year before. There’s also only so many times your significant other can handle waking up to rose petals. It’s time to get original.
Photo by Amanda Shulman
1. Have a romantic indoor picnic: Spread out a cozy blanket on your living room floor. Buy copious amounts of salamis and cured meats, tangy cheeses and hard intense ones, a good baguette and tons of briny olives. Purchase bottles *note the plural* of wine and make a cool playlist. Dine by candlelight and eat with your hands.
Photo by Amanda Shulman
2. Cook dinner together: While it’s always nice to be cooked for, the act of cooking together can be fun and turn steamy. Work together to come up with a menu. Shop together. Cut together. Stir together. You get the idea.
3. Order-in feast: Kitchen shy? No fear, delivery is here! Get excessive and order from all of your favorite takeout spots. Pumpkin Curry from Circles Thai. Guacamole and chips from Mad Mex (do they deliver margaritas??) A refreshing salad from Serafina. Ice cream from Scoop DeVille.
Photo by Amanda Shulman
4. Breakfast for dinner: Leave the pressure of lamb chops and seared scallops for someone else and stick with what you know. Make your lover stacks of pancakes brimming with every filling, a heaping pile of bacon, fluffy scrambled eggs, a gorgeous frittata and serve it all with bubbly mimosas.
Photo by Amanda Shulman
5. The Stroll: Take the traditional idea of going out and turn it upside down. Pick a place to go to for drinks. Then another for appetizers. Then another for the main course. Stroll along and giggle and delight in your adventure. Desserts at your house. Chocolate strawberries and champagne, anyone?