Valentine’s Day is around the corner and it could put some pressure on people that want to do something special for their significant other but don’t know exactly what. Because let’s face it: Women do care and men do like it! Forget about those who claim that it’s just a commercial day. It is a nice opportunity to leave the routine and do something special for that person.
What to do or what to give, depends on how long you’ve been together, your couple’s interests and how much you have to spend.
Miami is a very romantic city so even if you’re on a budget, you can grab a blanket and sit on the sand under the stars, what’s more romantic than that?
But if you’ve already done that or you’re just not into it, there are many other options you could choose from. Here’re a few tips of gifts, places and activities, so you can mix and match.
Happy Valentine!!!
Gifts
You can go for something classic but always delicious: chocolates and wine. Besides pleasing your palate, you can also share it with your loved one and make it a special occasion. There are places in Miami where you can taste and receive some advise before buying the right ones.
Wine & Spirits Emporium: You don’t need to know much about wines to enjoy them. At least here you have people to guide you and on top of that, you can taste it before you buy it. Besides, you can register your purchase, so the following time, you can ask for the same one, something similar or completely different. Located at 10730 NW, 74th St. in Doral. 305-477 8630
Cavas: They have more than 80 wine selections to choose from, but not only you can taste the wine, but you can also eat in there, while shopping. To find a location near you, visit their web page.
Peterbrooke Chocolatier: European chocolate with American twist. Chocolate covered pop corns and pretzels, milk chocolates, dark chocolates, you name it. It is located at 227 Aragon Ave. Coral Gables. 305-446 3131
Romanicos: A chocolate’s lover paradise. From the chocolate arts to just 38 calories hand rolled fresh truffles. You have lots of flavors, shapes and prices to choose from. All natural ingredients without preservatives. Don’t forget to ask for Valentine’s specials. It is located at 1801 Coral Way, suite 116, Miami Fl 33145. Phone: 305-854 0036
You can hardly go wrong with jewelry. But if your love likes originality, take a look at these fabulous pieces of wearable art.
www.unode50.com This store located on 919 Lincoln Road 33156 Miami Beach, Florida, is originality at its best!! 305-538-2559.
You can also check
www.marziag.com and www.bananista.com
If she or he is an animal lover or you are thinking that is time to get some responsibility before having babies, think about adopting a dog or a cat. The Miami-Dade Animal Service is holding an adoption event on Valentine’s Day. Since this is serious commitment, you should go together to choose the right, lucky one. But you can also opt for a gift certificate. The shelter is located at 7401 NW 74 St. Miami, Fl, 33166. For more information go to www.miamidade.gov/animals/home.asp
Nothing says Miami like watersports, and sailing is one of the most exciting of all. If your special one is outdoorsy, and loves the ocean, go for sailing lessons or sailboat rental. Visit Sail Laser and choose. www.sail-laser.com
Pamper yourselves and share a spa day. There are hundreds of places to choose from in Miami. Almost every hotel and club has one. Check out a few of them:
Doral Golf Resort & Spa www.doralresort.com
Mandarin Oriental Miami www.mandarinoriental.com/miami/spa
Uhma Spa Shop www.uhmaspa.com
The Standar Hotel www.standardhotels.com/miami
If you are under budget, you can always opt for a home spa version, which is definitely cheaper and as romantic as the five star ones.
What about a couple of tickets to enjoy together a Basketball game? The Heat will be playing at home on February 23th and 27th. Check out dates and ticket on www.heat.com
If he or she is a very thoughtful person and cares about the environment and other people, you can donate to a good causes in his or her behalf or just plant a tree.
LADIES! Buy very sexy lingerie and cook him a romantic dinner. That’s a gift that will benefit both of you and never goes wrong.
Places to visit
Coral Castle. If you want to see a love gift, stop by the Coral Castle in Homestead. It was built by Ed Leedskalnin, with his own hands over a 30 years period in honor of his true lost love, Agnes. The Coral Castle is located at 28655 South Dixie Highway in Homestead. For more information visit www.coralcastle.com
Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park. Located in Key Biscayne, Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park provides a romantic view of the city in a natural environment. 1200 Crandon Blvd, Key Biscayne.
South Pointe Park. Sitting on the rocks at South Pointe Park, watching the cruise ships set sail at sunset (and its free!!!) 1 Washington Ave, Miami Beach.
Vizcaya Museum A renaissance mansion with 10 acres of beautiful gardens! The Vizcaya Museum is the favorite spot for weddings that will be remembered for a long time. At this Miami attraction, you will feel like you were traveling through time. Overall, your first impression will be surprise since at a first look it is difficult to believe something like that is in the middle of the city, just between Coconut Grove and Key Biscayne. Watching the sunset on the bay area is the most romantic spot to kiss you other half. It is located at 3251 South Miami Avenue, Miami. 305-250-9133.
Venetian Pool. Located in the heart of Coral Gables, is a coral lagoon with gorgeous gardens and waterfalls. This Miami attraction is known by its Spanish style porticos with hidden places where to steal a kiss is so romantic. 2701 DeSoto Boulevard At Toledo Street, Coral Gables. 305-460-5356
Things to do
Valentine’s Day Oleta River Kayak Tour. A guided kayak exploration of the romantic Oleta River. Guides will tell historic South Florida love stories while gliding over mangrove-lined creeks to the sounds of crooning wading birds and other wildlife. reservations are required by calling 305-365-3018 or 305-945-3425 on Sundays and holidays.
Valentine’s Day 5K Miami. What better way to start the holiday then with some sweat? Proceeds benefit the City of Miami’s Public Access Defibrillation (PAD) Program. Awards given to the top three people in each age division male/female and top three couples. Registration 6:30am. Crandon Park South 8 to 11am Event Cost: $20 – $35. 6747 Ph: 305-537-6786. Crandon Boulevard. Key Biscayne, FL 33149
Valentine’s Day Sunset Bike Hike & Wine Tasting
This romantic EcoAdventures™ Tour, scheduled for Saturday, February 13, from 3 p.m. – 7:30 p.m, will start at the Ernest Coe Visitors Center in Everglades National Park where participants will meet and start the evening with a leisurely paced, seven-mile bicycle ride along the Long Pine Key Nature Trail to Pine Glades Lake, led by experienced naturalist guide and author Roger Hammer. At Pine Glades Lake, participants will taste an assortment of fine South Florida Tropical Fruit wines provided by Schnebly Redlands Winery, made from Carambola, Avocado, Lychee, Mango, Guava, and Passion Fruit, as well as sample an assortment of cheeses, while enjoying a picturesque sunset in the beautiful Everglades. Cost is $60 per person and includes bicycles, helmets, wine, snacks, and transportation into Everglades National Park. To reserve your seat, please call 305-365-3018. Ernest Coe Visitor Center is located at 40001 State Road 9336 (Palm Drive/SW 344 St) in Homestead, FL. For more information on EcoAdventures™ Tours, please visit www.miamiecoadventures.com
Valentine’s Day Sunset Canoe Tour & campfire
Bill Sadowski Park is hosting a Valentine’s Day Sunset Canoe Tour and Campfire, Feb. 14, 3:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m., where naturalists will guide you on a canoe trip to Coral Reef Park and return as the sun sets. Upon return, you are invited to picnic around a cozy campfire. Cost is $33 per adult, and $20 for children 14 and under, and includes equipment and materials. Reservations are required by calling 305-255-4767 or 305-365-3018. Bill Sadowski Park is located at 17555 SW 79 Avenue, Miami.
Get lifted to a new level of play with Helicopters Over Miami. Very few adrenaline rushes will get you higher than a helicopter ride over Miami. Smoothly sailing along in the air, you’ll watch as Miami opens up her secrets a few hundred feet underneath yours. Your pilot delivers the play-by-play experience over the headphones, showing you sites you never knew existed. You’ll see winding canals, sparkling pools and a great aerial view of Miami’s mansions. It will leave you with a renewed appreciation of the beauty and diversity of the architecture of our city. Speaking of diversity, you’ll see Miami’s amazing aquatic beauty at its best as you fly over Biscayne Bay.
www.helicoptersovermiami.com
La Rumba llegó at Bongo’s Café. Dancing in the afternoon, indoor and on the terrace. Kids are welcome. Rumba, Mambo, Guaguanco and Latin Jazz featuring Rumba Cocos at 7pm. 786-777-2100. Located at American Airlines Arena. 601 Biscayne Boulevard, Miami.
David Bisbal & Fanny Lu are performing live in concert on Valentine’s Day at 7:30pm.James L. Knight Center. 305-372-4633.
Joan Secada Under the Stars. What better way to spend Valentine’s Day than with your special someone at Fairchild listening to the sultry sounds of Grammy award winning singer and songwriter Jon Secada. Jon and his band will play jazz favorites that will set the mood on the most romantic night of the year. Bring a picnic basket and a blanket and let the romantic music and the beauty of Fairchild make your Valentine’s Day a night to remember. Gates open at 5:30 p.m.
Concert begins at 7:00 p.m. For ticket information, please contact Jennifer Baldwin, Special Events Coordinator, at 305.663.8058 or order www.fairchildgarden.org/events
“Moonlight & Music” Valentine’s Day Concert Johnny Rodgers will delight guests with his original soft rock ballads, Taylor-flavored melodies, and sultry jazz arrangements. The Valentine’s Day Concert at the Deering Estate offers couples the opportunity to celebrate their love at a romantic, outdoor concert under the stars, on the edge of Biscayne Bay. Guests are welcome to bring blankets, lawn chairs and picnic baskets. Limited refreshments and food will be available for an additional fee. Tickets are $20. You can purchase tickets online for an additional fee of $2.50 per ticket or by calling the Deering Estate Ticket Office at 305-235-1668 ext. 233. The gate opens at 6:00 pm and the concert begins at 7:00 pm. Parking is free.
Restaurants
Almost every restaurant in town has a special offer, but take a look at different options and make reservations before.
Area 31 at the Epic Hotel. Your choice between two four-course prix fixe menus: The Valentine of Rome and the Valentine of Terni. Dishes include squid ink fettucine with cuttlefish and pecorino; spiny lobster; roast squab; and potato gnocchi. The menu includes a selection of three wines. $115 per person plus tax and gratuity. 270 Biscayne Blvd. Way, 16th floor; 305-424-5234.
Baleen. With a spectacular waterfront setting, Baleen offers a great and enjoyable view of the sparkling waters of the Biscayne Bay. Surrounded by tiki torches, this restaurant offers a romantic and elegant setting like no other. Inside, its subdued lighting, chandeliers, candles, and oil lamps add to its unique and peaceful atmosphere. 4 Grove Isle Dr. Grove Isle Hotel Miami. 305-857-5007.
BED. Dining in your own bed with great music and the perfect ambience. You only have to follow your heart. Bed is located at 929 Washington Ave, Miami, FL
Blue Door at the Delano. Four-course dinner priced at $90 per person excluding tax and gratuity. Menu choices include scallops a la plancha, crab cake, rack of lamb with a panko-pistachio crust, and milk chocolate mousse. 1685 Collins Ave., Miami Beach; 305-674-6400.
BLT Steak at the Betsy Hotel . BLT Steak isn’t going the prix fixe route, but it’ll offer a number of Valentine’s Day-inspired blackboard specials, including celeriac-foie gras soup ($14); a prime beef filet carpaccio with black truffles, hearts of palm, and arugula ($18); and a ten-ounce American Wagyu flat-iron ($38). 1440 Ocean Dr., Miami Beach; 305-674-0044.
Il Grissino Ristorante A favorite destination for lovers of authentically prepared Italian cuisine, Il Grissino will celebrate l’amour this Valentine’s Day by offering a sumptuous multi-course dinner, specially priced at $55 per person (excluding tax and gratuity). Each diner will receive a complimentary glass of Prosecco and a rose. Il Grissino is located at 127 Giralda Avenue in Coral Gables. 305-461 3391.
Gibraltar. Miami’s premier waterfront dining destination – is offering a delectable 4-Course Valentine’s Day Menu, created by rising star chef Jeff O’Neill. The 4-course offering is priced at $150 per person (inside dining), $175 per person (loggia dining), and $250 per person (on the rocks dining); excluding tax and gratuity. Limited seating – reservations required. Gibraltar is located at Grove Isle Hotel & Spa, Four Grove Isle Drive in Coconut Grove. 305-857 5007.
Grass Restaurant & Lounge. At Grass, it’s Valentine’s Day “her way” that of chef Micah Edelstein. The six-course “aphrodisiac” meal goes for $35 per person or $70 per couple. Dishes include, elk, goat cheese, and pine nut meatballs with a pomegranate chili glaze; lamb chops with roasted beet risotto; and chocolate-avocado mousse with flambéed bananas. 28 NE 40th St.; 305-573-3355.
La Marea At The Tides. The Valentine’s Day menu is available on Sunday, February 14, 2010and priced at $85.00 per person, exclusive of taxes and gratuity. La Marea is located at The Tides South Beach, 1220 Ocean Drive on Miami Beach. Valet parking priced at $10, metered parking is available; all major credit cards accepted. Reservations: (305) 604-5070. www.tidessouthbeach.com
Solea at W South Beach. You’ll have a choice between two dishes for the first four courses and finish your meal with two desserts. Your meal might look like this: chilled almond soup with white grapes and shrimp confit, artichoke heart confit with quail egg and American caviar, creamy coconut rice with Maine lobster and piquillo peppers, and duck breast with fingerling potatoes, hearts of baby lettuce, and Kalamata olives. Desserts include lemongrass flan and chocolate ganache. $100 per person plus tax and gratuity. 2201 Collins Ave., Miami Beach; 305-938-3111.
Tantra Restaurant. The sensuality of the kama sutra transfers to a place and cuisine. Its menu includes aphrodisiacal dishes from the Middle East and the decoration is made of kama Sutra images. A real grass floor and belly dance dancers give live to this Miami restaurant transporting guests to a real oasis. Tantra is located at 1445 Pennsylvania Ave,
Miami. 305-6724765
www.tantrarestaurant.com
The Cape Cod Room at the Bath Club. Brunch is not a bad idea because Valentine’s Day lands on a Sunday this year. The Cape Cod Room is launching a monthly brunch from 11 a.m.- 3 p.m. on Valentine’s Day. At $33 per person, it’s not a bad deal. The price includes one cocktail, a buffet of starters, an entrée, and dessert. The restaurant will also hold a Valentine’s jazz supper from 6 to 10 p.m. A prix-fixe menu is available for $60 per person. Both prices exclude tax and tip. 5937 Collins Ave., Miami Beach; 305-864-1262.
The Grill at the Setai. A four-course dinner plus dessert — with oysters, foie gras, and confit duck leg among the options — is not a bad deal for $250 per couple (plus tax and gratuity), considering where you’re eating, that is. Add wine pairings for $50 per person. 2001 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 305-520-6400.
The Lido restaurant and bayside grill at The Standard Miami are inspired by the traditional Mediterranean diet and lifestyle; healthy, sun-kissed, wholesome and natural, with an emphasis on high quality and organic meats and fish, olive oil, fresh herbs, unprocessed foods, grill cooking with organic and bio-dynamic wines. The philosophy of living and eating well is an integral part Mediterranean culture from Turkey to Greece, Italy and the South of France. The same philosophy also forms the foundation of the holistic and integral living mission of the Standard Spa and seaside living.
www.standardhotels.com/miami
Wish at The Hotel. The romantic, award-winning garden restaurant is offering a sumptuous 3-course dinner menu for Valentine’s Day, in the restaurant’s main dining room or the garden, created by acclaimed chef Marco Ferraro, is priced at $65.00 per person, excluding gratuities and taxes. Wish’s a la carte dinner menu will also be available. Reservations suggested at www.opentable.com or via phone at (305) 531-2222 or (305) 674-9474. 801 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach.
But there is also a romantic alternative: Contact chef Alan Hughes for a special private place to enjoy a special dinner. www.chefalanhughes.com
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