Here Are the Best Last-Minute Ideas for Valentine's Day Gifts, Dates and More

Here Are the Best Last-Minute Ideas for Valentine's Day Gifts, Dates and More

Hugo's

SAINT VALENTINE HAS come to the rescue with sweet last-minute ideas including wining, casual dining — think heart shaped pizzas — and indulgent treats. On this day of love, follow your whims!

Cacao & Cardamom

Cacoa & Cardamom

The artisan chocolate shop’s new Meant to Be collection combines classic flavors we love that go together like peanut butter and jelly. Choose from Champagne & Strawberries (Laurent-Perrier Champagne Caramel, finished with Champagne Cognac wrapped in a strawberry chocolate shell), Peanut Butter & Jelly, and Popcorn & Butter.

Hugo's

Chef Hugo Ortega’s four-course Valentine’s menu and its Corazon strawberry dessert — with coconut cream, Champagne gel and crystalized rose petals — is a real heart thumper. Hit the patio or full bar with award-winning wine list and inventive cocktails. Feliz de San Valenin!

Montrose Collective Sip & Stroll

Explore Montrose Collective and stop by participating retailers for complimentary sips and light bites on Feb. 16 from 5-7:30pm. Featuring live music in the paseo, guests can also partake in candle pouring and bouquet making stations. Fun! RSVPs required, so book your spot here.

Montrose Cheese & Wine

Flowers at Montrose Cheese & Wine

Here’s a one-stop shop for all things lovely to pick-up like global cheeses, small-batch wines and even fresh flowers! Enjoy a glass of wine (we suggest June’s rosé by June Rodil) along with a nosh like melon and bianca fresco, lemon-almond hazelnuts, or one of many cheese boards. Its passionfruit meringue tart is a no-brainer for the occasion.

Nice Winery

Nice Winery

Nice Winery in west Houston has an indulgent Wine & Chocolate class perfect for wine geeks Feb. 14 and Feb. 22 from 6-8pm. Taste through six delectable wines paired with six decadent chocolates. Winemaker Ryan will lead the discussion and guide you through the mouth-watering combinations.

North Italia

Roasted salmon at North Italia

On Valentine’s Day, North Italia is speaking every foodie’s love language with a three-course prix fixe menu ideal for dinner out or a cozy night at home. Starters include wild shrimp scampi, seasonal salad or a Chef’s Board. Follow with mains like roasted porchetta, squid ink tonnarelli, or roasted salmon. Its Strati Di Torta dessert is guaranteed to be as sweet as your date.

NoPo Café, Market & Bar

Valentine's sweets at NoPo

Grab a quick lunch or dinner and to pick up some pretty house-made love day treats — think sweetheart sugar cookies and festively decorated petite cakes for two.

Rosie Cannonball

Rosie Cannonball

Staying home this year? Perfect for a party of two with minimal prep time, Rosie’s Bella Notte kit includes heart shaped pepperoni pizza, spaghetti and meatballs, blistered bean salad, and molten chocolate cake. Also, a kitschy red plaid tablecloth and taper candle/holder to set the mood. Pick up available Feb. 14.

Sixty Vines, The Woodlands

Sixty Vines

Wine and dine your Valentine with an impromptu stop at this chic new outpost in The Woodlands. Every plate and pour is designed to inspire adventure and curiosity for wine. Tuck into bright seasonal salads, hand-tossed pizzas and pastas.

The Original Ninfa's, Navigation and Uptown

The Original Ninfa's (photo by Becca Wright)

On Feb. 14, anticipate a special Acenar con Amor menu with Valentine’s-themed cocktails and a three-course menu. Dig into roasted oysters, a petite filet mignon and chocolate mousse for two.

Vinny's

Vinny’s in EaDo has a great way to eat your heart out: giant heart-shaped New York style pizzas! Special Valentine’s Day cocktails will also be on tap along with “appeteasers” and affordable bowls of delightful pasta.

Food
Reyna Group Owner Leads Real Estate Market with Passion and Excellence

MICHELLE REYNA WYMES, a distinguished name in the Houston real estate market, is the owner of the successful boutique brokerage, Reyna Group. Born and raised in Houston, Texas, Michelle has deep-rooted connections to the community she serves with dedication and pride.

Keep Reading Show less

How did you get to where you are today? The present moment is a combined history of my family, my time as an athlete, my passion for learning, and my desire to see the world be better. I grew up as a successful springboard and platform diver, however, an injury caused me to seek alternative treatments to heal my body. In that process, I discovered the power of yoga, exercise, meditation, mindset, and nutrition. This holistic approach eventually led me to open a Pilates and cycling studio called DEFINE body & mind. I opened studios around the nation, and after selling most of my business between 2017-2019, I was ready to explore how I could make an even greater impact on the wellbeing of our community. In 2023, I started actively working on a brand new multi-family/apartment concept called, Define Living. The idea focused on offering health and wellness services within a beautiful apartment setting to increase the wellbeing of our residents. Having a strong sense of community is the number one factor in living a happy life, so why not build a community where daily fitness, cooking classes, and social connection are the norm? We opened Define Living in March of 2024, and we couldn’t be happier with how things are being received. We are already looking at building more concepts like this in the Houston area and beyond.

Keep Reading Show less

How did you get to where you are today? A few key principles integrated into my life: setting clear goals, maintaining a growth mindset, building strong habits, and surrounding myself with the right people. Goals provided direction, while a growth mindset helped me turn challenges into opportunities for learning. Consistent habits, like disciplined work and effective communication, kept me moving forward. Being surrounded by motivated, supportive individuals has elevated my standards and kept me accountable. They’ve provided advice, encouragement, and sometimes that extra push I needed to stay on track. With these elements, I’ve been able to create a framework that helps me succeed and ensures I continue to grow and evolve.

Keep Reading Show less
People + Places