Sweet Intoxication
Want a twist on Valentine's Day sweets' McNulty's Bier Markt, an Ohio City spot specializing in Belgian brews, will celebrate Feb. 14 with chocolate truffles from Belgium and raspberry Lindemans Framboise Lambic. Want another swig' Head down the street to Great Lakes Brewing Co.'s Valentine's Day dinner, which will include an 'Aphrodisiatics' menu, tour and craft brews.
McNulty's Bier Markt, 1948 W. 25th St., (216) 344-9944, www.bier-markt.com; Great Lakes Brewing Co., 2516 Market Ave., (216) 771-4404. Call for reservations ($50 per person) or visit www.greatlakesbrewing.com for more information.
A Swingin' Time
Get your heart racing with swing dancing. The best part: No partner required. Valentine's Day marks the kickoff of two beginner classes. Beginning Jitterbug covers basic technique and East Coast Jitterbug moves, while Beginner Swing Sampler introduces the Charleston, Balboa and Lindy Hop.
Ehrnfelt Recreation Center, 18100 Royalton Road, Strongsville, (440) 878-6000, www.gottaswingdance.com; Beginning Jitterbug 7-8:15 p.m. for six Tuesdays, Beginner Swing Sampler 8:30-9:45 p.m. for six Tuesdays ($55 for members, $61 for non-members and $67 for non-residents)
Let Love Grow
If midday is all the time you have together Feb. 14, spend it enjoying the exotic ecosystems of Costa Rica and Madagascar at Cleveland Botanical Garden. You can show your ticker some love, too. The American Heart Association will provide tips for reducing the risk of heart disease and the Garden Café will offer heart-healthy desserts.
Cleveland Botanical Garden, 11030 East Blvd., (216) 721-1600, www.cbgarden.org (Adults $7.50, children 3-12 $3, members free)
Whining and Dining
Forty-eight men have proposed to their sweethearts while taking in the hit musical revue 'I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change.' You can make it 49 this month as the hilarious show spends Valentine's Day at Carousel Dinner Theatre. Packed with musical numbers such as 'Men Who Talk and the Women Who Pretend They Are Listening' and 'I'll Call You Soon (Yeah Right),' the show pokes plenty of fun at finding your 'perfect' match.
Carousel Dinner Theatre, 1275 E. Waterloo Road, Akron, 1-800-362-4100, www.carouseldinnertheatre.com (Dinner and show $43.50 per person, reservations recommended)
Girlie Gastronomy
For a deliciously educational Valentine's Day, grab your friends for a 'Girls' Night Out' cooking class at Eton Chagrin Boulevard's Sur La Table. Participants will prepare a full meal, including a rosemary-crusted rack of lamb and molten chocolate lava cakes with raspberry coulis and vanilla ice cream.
Sur La Table, 28819 Chagrin Blvd., Woodmere; call (216) 378-1800 or visit www.surlatable.com to register ($65 per person).
Love Notes
If you believe music is the fruit of love, head to Cleveland Heights Feb. 14. Matt Pond PA ' an acclaimed indie-rock band that has merged its chamber-pop sound with a more direct pop approach on its newest release, 'Several Arrows Later' ' is bringing its captivating repertoire to the Grog Shop.
Grog Shop, 2785 Euclid Heights Blvd., Cleveland Heights, (216) 321-5588, www.grogshop.gs
Body and Soul
Give yourself some attention on Valentine's Day with a relaxing, rejuvenating yoga or pilates class at Studio 11 in Tremont. A special classic yoga class will focus on the heart chakra and provide relaxing meditations that turn the mind toward communicating better and acting with more passion. Pilates strengthens the body's core around the abdomen and pelvis, and, as instructor Tiiu Gennert points out, can improve your sex life.
Studio 11, 2337 W. 11th St., Cleveland, (216) 621-8178 ($10 per class) ' Liz Logan
