Yes, "signif" is short for significant other. But that doesn't mean you can't go all in and treat yourself to a heart-shaped Portillo's cake, a new cocktail gadget or tickets to the annual Wine & Chocolate Festival this Valentine's Day, right? Follow CL's working guide on what to get and where to go for the Feb. 14 occasion — whether it's the day of or a little bit earlier.
4 Rivers Smokehouse The Sweet Shop at both 4 Rivers locations in Tampa (one in Carrollwood and the other in South Tampa) now has Valentine's Day sweets for sale, including brown butter cake, double chocolate cupcakes and heart-shaped sugar cookies. 14330 N. Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa, 844-474-8377, 4rsmokehouse.com.
Beach Bar & Restaurant Through the romantic Valentine's Day deal, guests enjoy fare from an exclusive menu, including pan-seared diver scallops and gourmet peanut butter s'mores for two. Feb. 11 & 14. 7700 W. Courtney Campbell Causeway, Tampa, 813-281-8900, beachtampa.com.
Big Storm Brewing Co. For the craft beer lover in your life (or, you know, yourself just because), a chocolate cherry imperial stout called Lie to Me is set to be released. The beer's name might not be ideal for the upcoming holiday of love and friendship, but both Big Storm taprooms in Clearwater and Odessa will have Lie to Me on tap. A small selection of 750-milliliter bombers, priced at $14.95 each, are also planned. Feb. 11, 11 a.m. 12707 49th St. N., Clearwater, 727-201-4186, bigstormbrewery.com.
Bizou Brasserie This Valentine's Day enjoy the culinary stylings of Bizou. Seducing the senses, each of the five courses, including savory plates, calls for chocolate, plus a complementary wine pairing from Republic National Distributing Company. Sweethearts will enjoy dishes like chocolate eggplant caponata (Bouvet Brut Rosé), dark chocolate beef barley soup (Merryvale Pinot Noir 2013) and a white-chocolate-mousse-filled flower (Fonseca Port Late Bottled Vintage 2009). Call the downtown Tampa restaurant for reservations no later than Feb. 10; a credit card is required. $150. Feb. 14, 6:30-9 p.m. 601 N. Florida Ave., Tampa, 813-227-9555, bizoutampa.com.
Brew Bus Terminal & Brewery The Seminole Heights brewery, where your night begins, has a special shuttle scheduled for those looking for their special someone. Running continuously, its Singles Soirée bus loop will take riders to four more spots — Mermaid Tavern, Red Star Rock Bar, Angry Chair Brewing and c.1949 — with rad drinks specials. Red, green and yellow stickers will signify each rider's availability. Find tickets online. $10 in advance, $15 the day of. Feb. 10, 7-midnight. 4101 N Florida Ave, Tampa, 813-990-7310, brewbususa.com.
The Bricks A groovy '70s Love Disco is set for The Bricks. The V-Day spinoff of the Ybor City hangout's '80s Prom will offer a photo booth, music from DJ Cub and a 1970s costume contest at midnight. Feb. 10, 10 p.m.-3 a.m. 1327 E. Seventh Ave., Tampa, 813-247-1785, thebricksybor.com.
Brooklyn South A cheese and wine experience is how Brooklyn South plans to celebrate the holiday. Four cheeses will be expertly matched with wines inside the EDGE District deli's intimate digs. Snacks and a glass of bubbly will also be highlighted during the limited-seating pairing. Call for reservations. $25. Feb. 14, 7 p.m. 1437 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, 727-914-4967, brooklynsouthcheese.com.
Buya Ramen The theme of Buya's monthly full moon celebration revolves around a TV classic: The Love Boat. This something-for-everyone event will have drink specials and '70s music on deck. Guests should dress as their favorite character. Feb. 11, 8-11 p.m. 911 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, 727-202-7010, buyaramen.com.
Ceviche The South Tampa location will launch its new event, Paella Porch Party, just before V-Day. Every Sunday in spring for a limited time, guests receive endless paella and house sangria (red or white) for one affordable price. Other drink deals include $6 Ketel One Bloody Marys, Don Julio margaritas, Tanqueray cucumber gimlets and Bulleit Old Fashioneds. With the official DJ of the Tampa Bay Rays, DJ Fresh, providing the soundtrack, make a date of this party on the porch. $25. Feb. 12, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. 2500 W. Azeele St., Tampa, 813-250-0203, ceviche.com.
The Cider Press Café A prix-fixe vegan menu for two of strawberry spinach salad with eggplant bacon and balsamic vinaigrette, zucchini spaghetti with walnut polpetta and sun-dried tomato arrabbiata (the café's take on spaghetti and meatballs), and dark chocolate pudding cake with strawberries. The three-course dinner comes with two glasses of wine for every couple, too. $50. Feb. 14. 601 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, 727-914-7222, ciderpresscafe.com.
CL Space Find your Player 2 at the CL edition of Church of Nintendo. It doesn't get much better than local beer and old-school video games. Free. Feb. 14, 6-9 p.m. 1911 N. 13th St. #W200 Tampa, 813-739-4856.
Datz/Dough "Kick it" with your best girlfriends during Datz and Dough's Galentine's Day celebration, a nod to Parks and Recreation. Groups of two or more will score one free classic-style mimosa from South Tampa's Datz, plus a complimentary doughnut (red velvet, glazed and chocolate sprinkle included) at the next-door Dough. Feb. 13. 2616 S. MacDill Ave, Tampa, 813-831-7000, datztampa.com.
FarmTable Kitchen What's more romantic than wine? Rada Linke of Mastrojanni Winery will lead the Mastrojanni Italian Wine Tasting. Guests will sample the decades-old Mastrojanni winery's exclusive portfolio — the rare singe-vineyard Brunello di Montalcino included. Italian cheese and antipasti will be spotlighted during the meet-and-greet reception as well. A limited number of tickets are available online. $25. Feb. 6, 6 p.m. 179 Second Ave. N., St. Petersburg, 727-523-6300.
Iberian Rooster Enjoy a three-course, prix-fixe menu, which comes with wine, while you try to figure out who dun it. Held down below in the Rooster speakeasy, the Valentine's Day Massacre Dinner Theater will have couples working together and gathering information to solve the murder that took place in mafia don Lou Zar's juice joint. Everything from feather boas and headbands to pinstriped suits and fedoras are encouraged attire, as are detective costumes. Tickets for general admission and VIP are available online. $100-$140. Feb. 14, 8-10 p.m. 475 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, 727-258-8753, iberianrooster.com.
Independent Bar and Cafe A Valentine's Day tasting of fine Champagne, prosecco, cava, cider, beer and kombucha. A special jazz guitar serenade by LaRue Nickelson and some light hor d'oeuvres will also be featured. Space is limited; RSVP via email to independentbeer@gmail.com. $25. Feb. 14, 7-9 p.m. 5016 N. Florida Ave., Tampa, 813-341-4883, independentbartampa.com.
Kahwa Coffee Order the Moch'amour, Kahwa's newest flavor. Mixing dark chocolate and cherry mocha, the creation is featured hot or iced for a limited time. 204 Second Ave. S., St. Petersburg, 727-821-1942, kahwacoffee.com.
Love Food Central The all-vegan, gluten-free cafe specializing in comfort food and house-made desserts invites locals to join them for A Week of Love, in honor of the holiday and its one-year anniversary. A variety of love-themed events are planned, including dessert and drink deals, make-your-own V-Day arts and crafts, free tastings from local businesses, raffles, giveaways, and photo contests. Feb. 14-19. 2057 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, 727-317-2034, lovefoodcentral.com.
Ocean Prime Can't celebrate on Valentine's Day? International Plaza's Ocean Prime has your date night covered. Throughout the holiday weekend, splurge-worthy cocktails like the $15 Luxe (Stoli Elite, St-Germain, house-made sour, prosecco, gold sugar rim) and a luxurious 6-ounce filet with lobster tortellini, truffle cream sauce and shaved truffle, featured as the main course for $60, are available — as are the regular lunch and dinner menus. Feb. 10-14. 2205 N. Westshore Blvd., Tampa, 813-490-5288, ocean-prime.com.
Punky's Bar & Grill Stupid Cupid — a silly, pre-V-Day competition around bars, restaurants and other Grand Central District businesses — kicks off at Punky's, where check in and orientation will take place. Here's how it works: Arrive at the first location with your team (of at least three people, but no more than six). Order a round of drinks (alcoholic or otherwise). Get a challenge from the judge. And complete the challenge, which involves public silliness, to receive the clue to your next stop. Register and get full details on the event's website. But you should know: Complimentary drinks will go to the winning team at the final location. Free. Feb. 11, 11 a.m. 3063 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, 727-201-4712, punkysbar.com.
Portillo's This Chicago landmark is shaping its famous chocolate cake into hearts in honor of Valentine's Day. Preorders for the specially made desserts can now be placed online or by phone (866-YUM-BEEF), and a portion of the proceeds will benefit the American Red Cross. Pick up a cake for yourself or your significant other at any local Portillo's — there's one in Brandon and another in Tampa — between Feb. 10 and 14. $14.99. Feb. 10-14. 1748 W. Brandon Blvd., Brandon, 813-210-8190, portillos.com.
Roadside Attraction A pop-up flower shop will be showcased inside this retro-style vintage store, where shoppers can score a bouquet of holiday flowers from The Purple Vase. Those who buy some blooms will receive an extra "Cupid Combo" discount toward Roadside's lineup of cocktail goods and gadgets, jewelry and other finds. Feb. 10-12. 728 Douglas Ave., Dunedin, 727-793-8826, roadsideattractionvintage.com.
Rococo Steak Recently named one of St. Pete's "Best Romantic Restaurants," the chic, urban steakhouse will be open for the holiday with a seasonal menu highlighting grass-fed meat and house-made pasta. In addition to cuts like filet mignon and New York strip, Rococo offers dishes like pappardelle with butter poached Maine lobster, chanterelle mushrooms, sauce Americana and Parmigiano-Reggiano. Feb. 14. 655 Second Ave. S., St. Petersburg, 727-822-0999, rococosteak.com.
Rooster & the Till A four-course menu of items like hamachi with toasted macadamias, strawberries and rose water as well as potato and cauliflower soup with lobster relish, tarragon and fried shallots. Optional wine pairings can be added, too. Call the Seminole Heights restaurant to reserve a spot for you and bae. $29. Feb. 14. 6500 N. Florida Ave., Tampa, 813-374-8940, roosterandthetill.com.
Southern Brewing & Winemaking During the Valentine's Day Massacre Speakeasy, this Seminole Heights brewery will transform into a nightclub for the evening. A special beer menu (only accessible with the password "Walt sent me"), grub by oPIEo Pizza, and the release of a few treatments of Southern Brewing's Moonraker and Jean Claude brews are among the highlights. Come dressed in 1930s attire, and leashed dogs are welcome. Feb. 14, 7-10 p.m. 4500 N. Nebraska Ave., Tampa, 813-238-7800, southernbrewingwinemaking.com.
Stillwaters Tavern Reserve a table at this modern American tavern, or its older Italian sibling BellaBrava, and get a free glass of bubbly, plus a serenade from a live violinist. Diners can also enter the "Table for 2" contest for a chance to win a $50 gift card. Feb. 14, 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m. 204 Beach Drive NE, St. Petersburg, 727-895-5515, stillwaterstavern.com.
Sweetwater Organic Community Farm Just in time for V-Day, artist and health nut Sara Johnson-Ratza, founder of Ratza Craft Chocolates, will lead the Bean-to-Bar Chocolate Making Workshop. Johnson-Ratza will share age-old secrets linking cacao to romance, allowing participants to experience the hands-on process of chocolate-making and a sampling. They'll also get to take home their own organic, fair trade Peruvian chocolate. Buy tickets online. $20. Feb. 12, 1-4 p.m. 6942 W. Comanche Ave., Tampa, 813-887-4066, sweetwater-organic.org.
Willard's Tap House Celebrate all weekend long with sweet, chocolate-inspired brews like Oskar Blues Death by Coconut, as well as some pucker-worthy sours, including Angry Chair Drive Thru Cherry Lime Berliner Weisse. Peep the Willard's Facebook event for the full tap list. Feb. 11-14. 12500 Starkey Road, Largo, 727-581-8600.
Ybor City Wine Bar The annual sip-and-shop celebration that is the Ybor City Wine Bar's Wine & Chocolate Festival returns with more than 60 wines alongside various gourmet chocolates, cheeses and desserts. Plus, since it's Valentine's Day and all, take advantage of a 25-percent discount on wine, baskets and holiday items for your sweetheart during the event; free gift bags, wrap and tissue will also be on hand. Tickets can be purchased at the wine bar's Centro Ybor and Seminole Heights locations, as well as online. $45. Feb. 12, 2-5 p.m. 1600 E. Seventh Ave., Tampa, 813-999-4966, yborcitywinebar.com.
This article appears in Jan 26 – Feb 2, 2017.