Valentine's Day for every budget

Valentine's Day is one of those "holidays" that is shrouded in commercial suspicion. Did Saint Valentine really want Americans to run around shopping for chocolate and flowers and spending hundreds of dollars on steak and champagne? Did he call Talk Sex with Sue Johanson for love advice and summon Cupid to get the attention of his one and only? Probably not, especially since history is unclear about exactly who he is.

But despite history and Mr. Valentine's wishes, material symbolism is the main point of the holiday. The girlfriend who doesn't get a box of chocolates is sure to feel slighted. Even the boyfriend who "doesn't care" may have his feelings hurt without a Valentine's gift. And even then, a box of candy hearts sometimes isn't enough -- you have to take him or her out to eat to really prove the two of you are in love.

No it's not all about money, it's about time too. And that's why spending time together, flirting over dinner or walking down to the ice cream shop, is one of the best ways to show your love.

The good thing is, there is a special Valentines Day dinner, drink or dessert at every price point. From popsicles you could pay for with coins from the crack of your couch to "What recession?" prix fixe menus at $200 a couple, each of these eateries has something to put a smile on your sweetheart's face.

Locopops

1908 Hillsborough Street
ilovelocopops.com
919-286-3500

Velentine's Day hours: noon - 6 p.m.

Locopops always has something sweet for your sweetie, like plum, black currant or Mexican chocolate popsicles, but Valentine's day, this popsicle shop is serving up something extra special and affordable. Just for Cupid's day, Locopops is serving a special malted milk ball Valetine’s day locopop for $2.25.


Krispy Kreme

549 N. Person Street
krispykreme.com
919-833-3682
Valentine's Day hours: 6 a.m. - midnight

Krispy Kreme has already started their special Valentine doughnut preorders. Order a dozen heart shaped, chocolate- and sprinkle-covered doughnuts for $6.99 or stop in for just a couple at 99 cents each. Those who purchase a dozen will get a coupon for a free donut for any extra Valentines you might have -- like your mom.


Sadlack’s Heroes

2116 Hillsborough Street
myspace.com/sadlacksheroes
919-828-9190
Valentines Day hours: 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.

Sadlack's isn't doing any specials on food, but that's not why you'll take your girlfriend there anyway. Couples wanting to get a little sloppy while listening to some great music can get Busch Light for $1.50 all night. The European beer-snob can opt for Stella Artois -- it's not on special, but the first purchase comes with a free glass.

Music Valentine's night comes two ways. Brent Wilson and Rosa Martin will be playing, but it's also an open mike night for aspiring singers, songwriters and cover band wannabes.


Red Hot & Blue

1900 Hillsborough Street
redhotandblue.com
919-755-9699

Valentine's Day hours: 11 a.m. - midnight

If Valentine's Day red means barbecue sauce, Red, Hot & Blue's couple's special may be just what the doctor ordered. The special includes an onion loaf, two salads, two baked potatoes and a full rack of ribs served sweet, wet or with a dry rub and finished with a fruit cobbler of your choice. The special costs $29.99 per couple or $39.99 to add a bottle of the restaurant's house merlot or chardonnay.

Porter’s Tavern

2412 Hillsborough Street
porterstavern.com
919-821-2133

Valentine's Day hours: 5 p.m. - 11 p.m.

Along with their regular menu, the folks at Porter's will be serving up a few specials including a $9 oyster appetizer, a $21 fresh catch halibut dish and a pan roasted filet mignon with crab meat for $28. In honor of the day, Porter's bar will be serving up a house-made raspberry flirtini for $8.00. If a flirtini doesn't work, what will?

Foster’s

521 Daniels Street
fostersamericangrille.com
919-821-5969

Valentine's Day hours: 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.

It's at the top part of the mid-range section, but Foster's Valentine's day menu is a good deal. For $35 per person, you and your significant other can choose a three course meal from a menu of three salads, six entrées and three desserts. If an iceberg wedge salad, black angus prime rib entree and dueling chocolate bombs are sure to make him or her smile, make reservations now.
 
Sullivan’s
414 Glenwood Ave #103
sullivanssteakhouse.com
919-833-2888

Valentine's Day hours: 4 p.m. - 11 p.m.

For the big spender, there is Sullivan's Steakhouse, where it isn't hard to run up a $500 tab. Luckily, the Valentine's Day menu is priced a little lower. For $80, each couple can choose two salads, two entrees and two desserts. If you or your lover want to spice things up a bit, add-ons like whole lobster and crab legs are also available for a bit extra. Martinis and cigars are not included though, so make sure to calculate those steakhouse necessities in. Sullivan's is another one where reservations are running out quickly, so act fast.

The Melting Pot
3100 Wake Forest Road
meltingpot.com
919-878-0477

Valentine's Day hours: noon -  11 p.m.

The Melting Pot has a reputation for being a date spot, but the restaurant's Valentine's specials seal the deal. The Melting Pot is offering two special packages Saturday. Both include a cheese fondue, salad, entree fondue and chocolate fondue. The Sweetheart package costs $75.00 per person and includes a sparkling wine toast, a souvenir photo, gift bags and a rose. For $99.00 per person, you and your date can get the VIP Romance package with comes with a half bottle of champagne, gift bags, a souvenir photo, and a dozen roses. The Melting Pot is already full for Saturday, but the same great specials are available Friday and Sunday as well. So if you're working the late shift on Valentine's Day, you can still celebrate with a Sweetheart package for the discounted price of $60.