Pulse: At Your Service: Date Night
Valentine’s Day is on a Sunday, which leaves a whole weekend for celebrating. Whether you think that’s a blessing or a curse, we’ve got you covered.
ON A BUDGET:
The Date: The Blue Cross RiverRink at Penn’s Landing is having a sweetheart skate — playing love ballads — from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on the 14th; $20 a person gets you skate rentals and an awww-worthy framed photo.
The Eats: Bottle in hand, head to affordable South Philly BYO Mr. Martino’s Trattoria, extra–special because it’s only open on weekends. 215-755-0663.
On a Budget:Handpick seasonal chocolates by chef Marcie Turney at her 13th Street shelter shop, Verde. A box of six is under $12. 215-546-8700.
WITH THE KIDS:
The Date: At the Junior Jazz Festival at the Please Touch Museum, kids learn about music; you relax to the tunes. Latin jazz artist (and kid fave) Louie Miranda performs on the 13th, 14th and 15th.
The Eats:Take the gang to Earth Bread + Brewery in Mount Airy. Craft beers for you, flatbreads and ice cream for all.
The Gift: A family that plays together, stays together — so head to O’Doodle’ Toy Store in Chestnut Hill. (Its number one seller has been word-fun Bananagrams.)
ROLLING SOLO:
The Date: Hate on love at Jolly’s Piano Bar on Chestnut Street on the 14th. Sing along to songs like “Love Stinks,” and drown your sorrows in drink specials.
The Eats: Grab a group and head to Marrakesh, just off South Street, for more Moroccan food than you can imagine (and belly dancers for some giggles).
The Gift: Treat yourself. Get a luxe Chanel “Dragon Red” mani/pedi for $65 at Rescue Rittenhouse
IN THE ‘BURBS:
The Date: You’ll make a chocolate rum cake at the Chocolate Lovers class at Antoine Amrani Chocolates in East Norriton (plus get ample wine tastings). February 13th; $250 per couple.
The Eats: Drive 30 minutes to Downingtown’s sleek but cozy riverside Firecreek Restaurant for a $50 four-course dinner by the fireplace.
The Gift: Local Susan Beard creates keepsakes out of favorite photos. There’s cuff links for him and jewelry for her. Order here.
IN THE CITY:
The Date: Look at art in a whole new way with the “Naked Scavenger Hunt” at the Philadelphia Museum of Art on the 13th and 14th. Hosted by Watson Adventures.
The Eats: Join City Food Tours at Café Estelle in NoLibs on the 12th or 13th. For $59, you’ll get a three-course meal, a cooking demo and a free glass of wine.
The Gift: Queen Village’s Poppy has gift certificates for its window-box service. Staffers fill the box in spring and even maintain and replant each season. Starts at $125.
GETAWAY:
The Date: The “Sip, Shop, Smooch” package at the Borgata gets you $50 toward breakfast in bed, plus free champagne. Starting at $399. (Jay Leno and Rufus Wainwright are in town.)
The Eats: Sup at Fornelletto, the property’s newest eatery. Order a bunch of antipasti and a thin-crust pizza or pasta, and choose from a stocked wine cellar.
The Gift: This package includes a $50 coupon to La Perla or Hugo Boss when you spend $100 — a new shirt for him, or pretty new underthings for her.
