Valentine's Day dinner

As much as I love the romance of a dinner date, I personally would not venture out to a restaurant or theater this coming Saturday - Valentine's Day - I know better.

For those of you who are, I hope you've already made your reservations. If you haven't - good luck!

Most all restaurants, fancy or not, are usually packed on this occassion of flowers, candy and teddy bears.

Maybe it's because I've been in a long committed relationship, or the fact that I don't like to wait in overcrowded restaurants for my food, but I am happy celebrating love or like, (whichever your case may be), on any other day.

But for those who have no other choice but to celebrate Saturday, I offer some suggestions:

- Make it a Valentine's Day lunch instead. You may be able to score a better table and price for a lunch or early dinner.

- Make it a late dinner. Check which restaurants are offering reservations after 9 p.m. and you'll avoid most of the dinner crowd by then.

- Cozy up at the bar. Lots of restaurant bars serve the same food here than if you waited for a table. Plus, you don't have to wait so long for your drinks - the bartender's right there.

- Get home already. Why not light your own candles and play your own romantic music at home. Order ahead from you and your sweetie's favorite place and pick it up. You won't have to worry about who's the designated driver.

Send us your suggestions, ideas, or locations of your favorite way to celebrate Valentine's Day with your loved one.