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
Chapman & Kirby Launches Free Concert Series for Spring

Danny Ray and the Atlantic Street Band performs May 31 (photo from dannyrayatlanticstreetband.com)

CHAPMAN & KIRBY, THE premier event destination in Houston’s East Village, is thrilled to announce the launch of its Spring Music Series, kicking off on Friday, April 12. Chapman & Kirby has become synonymous with top-tier events and unforgettable experiences, many attended by celebrities both local and worldwide. With concert ticket prices soaring to hundreds and even thousands of dollars in the last year, this eight-week music series promises to be a welcomed opportunity to engage with live music for free, showcasing an eclectic lineup of talented acts.

Keep Reading Show less

Cyndy Garza Roberts, Stephanie Ramos, Michele Leal Farah, Vicky Dominguez and Leisa Holland Nelson Bowman

WITH A GOAL of ensuring access to quality healthcare for underserved families in Houston’s East End, El Centro de Corazón has been making a difference for 30 years. Its annual Making a Difference luncheon, this year chaired by Vicky Dominguez with honorary chairs Leisa Holland Nelson Bowman and Leila Perrin, raised more than $150,000.

Keep Reading Show less
Parties

ONE CANNOT ACCUSE Houston’s Axiom Quartet of playing it safe. When it comes to exploring the outer limits of string quartet repertoire, engaging audiences who don’t normally attend classical music concerts, and putting in the collective time necessary to nail the gnarly idiosyncrasies of 20th- and 21st-century composers, Axiom continues to walk the walk as they talk the talk.

Keep Reading Show less
Art + Entertainment