Eros without Errors: Ideas for Valentine's Day

Don't do it!

Yes, Dear Readers, it’s that time of year again: Sunday is Valentine’s Day, a holiday that throws fear into the hearts of couples everywhere… please don’t be one of those “buy a chocolate rose at the convenience store on the way home from the gym” types again this year! Ageless North Shore is here to help with some February 14 inspiration.

While you’re reading, please enjoy our favorite version of “My Funny Valentine”:

Wine and Chocolate

Cellar Gate Wine Market (524 Sheridan Road, Highwood) is taking reservations now for their Valentine’s weekend offering of chocolate & fruit fondue – sit in their lovely “living room” in front of a roaring fire with wine and chocolate – how good is that! Call 847-748-8086 to reserve space.

Dreaming by Michelle Sharpe© at Simply Art Chicago

If Highwood is too far north for you, how about wine and chocolate AND art at Simply Art Chicago (1318 Oakton St. in Evanston) this Sunday from 4:00-6:00pm? Simply Art Chicago is an attractive loft space gallery featuring the work of Chicago area artists.

You can tell your beloved you didn’t get a gift because you wanted to let him/her choose a piece of original art from one of the 14 exhibiting artists. There will be wine samples from Winestyles, chocolates and candies from Illinois Nut & Candy, and live music by Barb & Barbara. Suggested donation for the event is $8. Make your reservation by Friday the 12th: RSVP to mary@simplychicagoart.com.

Need a pre-Valentine’s Day warm-up?

How about “Chicago’s Top Drag Queens” 8 pm THURSDAY night at the Wilmette Theatre? Yes, The Gurls of Boystown are returning for another night of revelry at the Wilmette Theatre. The performers are veterans of female illusion and have delighted audiences throughout Chicagoland and beyond. Expect impersonations of some of your favorite Divas! (from their website) Tickets are $18; call 847-251-7424 or click here. This is a 21 and over event. Beer and wine will be sold.

The always-eclectic Skokie Theatre Music Foundation has Vaudezilla presents “Shtick with Us: A Vaudeville Burlesque” on FRIDAY, February 12 at 8:00pm. The premise is that Public Access Channel 45 is in trouble. If they don’t raise enough money at their pledge drive, they’re finished. Is the TV expert too inexperienced to help? Is the Stage Manager too flustered? And who is that clown, anyway? Find out all the answers in this raucous, vaudeville-inspired burlesque show from Chicago’s Vaudezilla Productions.

Tickets: $15 in advance / $20 at the door; for tickets call 847-677-7761 or click here.

Just buying a gifts?

A chocolate-crazy (no, check that, a chocolate-INSANE) friend of mine swears by BELGIAN CHOCOLATIER PIRON, INC. at 509-A Main Street in Evanston. And judging by the reviews posted on their site, pretty much everyone swears by these Belgian-trained master chocolatiers. You can choose your own assortment from their mouth-watering creations, or buy one of the many boxed offerings. The Belgian Chocolatiers are open 10:00 am-6:00 pm Mon-Fri and 10:00 am-5:00 pm Sat., but closed Sunday. 847-864-5504.

chocolates by the Belgian Chocolatiers

Raven and Dove in Wilmette has jewelry, unique handmade gifts, china and is even offering antique Victorian Valentines. (Can’t get those at Walgreens!) They are open 11:00 to 5:00 every day through Saturday, at 1143 Greenleaf Avenue in Wilmette.

Got a sweetheart who’s a wine connoisseur? The Wine Discount Warehouse has wine tastings Saturday from noon til 4pm in which ten wines will be offered for tasting. They are known for their knowledgeable staff; get help picking out the right champagne for Valentine’s Day with plenty of  time to chill it for Sunday. Locations in Chicago, Highland Park and Barrington.

Bubbly at the Wine Discount Center