Valentine's Day: last-minute ideas

Way to wait until the last minute, Romeo (or Juliet). Good thing you've go us to save your bon-bons.

Arturo Sandoval Performs at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden on Valentine's Day!

By Fred Gonzalez

Way to wait until the last minute, Romeo (or Juliet) to remember Valentine's Day. Here are some ideas that could go a long way to saving the weekend (and the rest of the year).

Women love chocolate, so instead of handing over that Whitman’s Sampler, how about feeding each other chocolate in a private setting? At the Ritz-Carlton on Key Biscayne, head to Cantina Beach and cozy up on plush sofas by the fire pit while watching the ocean waves ripple against the moonlight. Choose from a buffet of various chocolate-based desserts. Cost is $16 per person and reservations start at 7 p.m.

Music is what gets you going on Valentine’s Day, you say? How about an outdoor concert in a garden setting (provided it’s not still chilly)? Head to Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden and listen to the music of Cuban trumpet virtuoso and multi-Grammy Award winner Arturo Sandoval and one of South Florida’s favorite jazz vocalists, Wendy Pedersen. Guests can bring a blanket (or a Snuggie), their own snacks and enjoy a romantic picnic under the stars. Fairchild’s Piazza di Stella, Garden Café and Cycad Circle Café will offer menu options. For an additional fee a buffet is offered. Tickets are $55 per person for members, $70 each for non-members.

So maybe you’re not part of a couple this Valentine’s Day. (Then why are you reading this?) Instead, you're single and fabulous. The Miami-based group Single and Fabulous is throwing a V-Day party at Louis nightclub at Gansevoort South. There will be drink specials, free items from Lifestyles and a kissing/photo booth so you can make a lasting first impression. Party starts at 9 p.m. and Miami.com is giving away a table at the event for the ultimate blind date – one winning guy and one winning woman must be single and bring a single friend with them. You just have to share with us a 150-word recap of your worst date ever. Enter here.

Want to dine in a romantic setting right on the sands of Miami Beach? Look no further than Nikki Beach, where you can enjoy the four-course Aphrodisiac meal. We’re talking oysters, hearts of palm, prosciutto, sweet and sour banana chutney, crab-stuffed Asian lobster and plenty of sweets for desert. Private beds with champagne can also add to the experience. Cost is $80 per person, or $65 for Nikki VIP cardholders. Dinner starts at 7 p.m. Call 305-538-1111 for reservations.

Ready to renew those vows? You don’t have to go to a Vegas chapel to get that done. Hotel De Soleil South Beach will offer couples the opportunity to renew their vows on-site at their Little White Chapel, where an on-site notary will be present for 24 hours on Feb. 14 to guide them back into marital bliss. You don’t have to book a room, but it’s probably best if you call ahead and book a spot. We hear six couples have already planned to take the plunge!

Published: 2/09

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