Face it — there aren’t any good Valentine’s Day cards left in the stores. And we bet you haven’t planned a thing for you and your sweetie. We’re here to help. Just use one of the last-minute cards we’ve designed for you.
The best part: They come with dining and entertainment events attached.
Or, you can create your own. First, cut out the pieces you need: For example, a romantic “food,” a naughty “frolic” and an “anti-Valentine” “frivolity.” Then, paste the pieces and the blank banner (above on the Friday logo) on a sheet of paper. Write your own sentiment.
THE REST IS UP TO YOU.
ROMANTIC
FOOD
Glass of champagne gratis? Lots of spots are doing it, but Spiaggia (980 N. Michigan Ave.; 312-280-2750) adds a hand-crafted jewelry box, and the Dining Room at the Ritz (160 E. Pearson St.; 312-573-5223) adds a Barneys gift bag. Champagne dreams come pink at Pops Highwood (214 E. Green Bay Rd., Highwood; 847-266-1313).
FROLIC
“Do I Love You?” Andrea Marcovicci has the answer via Cole Porter love songs; 8 p.m. at the Park West, 322 W. Armi-tage Ave.; $25 and $45; 773-929-5959. Or pas de deux your way to “Duets for My Valentine: A Dance Concert,” 8 p.m. Feb. 14 and 15 at Athenaeum Theatre, 2936 N. Southport Ave.; $20-$25; 773-935-6860.
FRIVOLITY
Send it in a letter–or at least read some correspondence from famous lovers in the sealed menu (while you sample the all-red desserts) at Sugar, 108 W. Kinzie St.; 312-822-9999.
GOIN’ SOLO
FOOD
Soup for one? Treat yourself right and order an upscale entree from www.fiveleaf.Com (866-348-3532), which features menu items from Charlie Trotter’s and other top restaurants in the country (just boil or heat and serve).
FROLIC
“You’re special.” Listen to Chrissie Hynde and The Pretenders, 8 p.m. Feb. 15, at the Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State St.; $35-$45; 312-902-1500 or 312-559-1212. Can’t get into the show? Buy the new CD, “Loose Screw,” and pretend.
FRIVOLITY
Looking for friends? Try the “Single Hearts Dating Game” at the Singles Hearts Nights at Black Orchid, 230 W. North Ave.; $30; 312-829-6430; or the 8-minute Cupid Party at 7:08 p.m. at Butterfield 8, 713 N. Wells St.; $28.88-$33.88 ; 312-827-0940.
RETRO
FOOD
Drag out the ascots and the A-line dresses and sample chateau-briand and oysters with sour cream and caviar at “Sentimental Journey” at Carmichael’s Chicago Steak House, 1052 W. Monroe St.; 312-433-0025.
FROLIC
Jazz, of course, and Patricia Barber sets the mood. She no doubt will be reciting her originals from her new CD, “Verse”; 8 p.m. at Symphony Center, 220 S. Michigan Ave.; $19-$49; 312-294-3000. Or go really retro with a “Newlywed Show” during dinner at Kitsch’n On Roscoe, 2005 W. Roscoe St.; 773-248-7372.
FRIVOLITY
Go cheesy, as in a kissing booth, silly love songs and sappy movies from the ’70s and ’80s at Cans, 1640 N. Damen Ave.; $5; 773-227-2277. Or put on your own show, a la Judy Garland and Mickey Rooney, at the talent show at Clarendon Park, 4501 N. Clarendon Ave.; 6:30-8 p.m.; $1 ; 312-742-PLAY.
NAUGHTY
FOOD
Oh, so this is what they meant by finger food. No utensils are needed when sampling the hands-only fare at “Tastes for Two” at Shaw’s Crab House, 21 E. Hubbard St. and 1900 E. Higgins Rd., Schaumburg; $45.95 per person; 312-527-2722.
FROLIC
Take it off–or at least watch the action at “Lavender,” the neo-burlesque cabaret at Congress Theater, 2135 N. Mil-waukee Ave.; 10:30 p.m.; $10-$15; 773-252-4000. Diva Madame X has been said to have “the wit of the devil.” Find out at the Kit Kat Lounge and Supper Club, 3700 N. Halsted St.; 773-525-1111.
FRIVOLITY
The fondue could get cold when fan dancers and torch singers heat things up at Domaine, 1045 N. Rush St.; 312-397-1045.
ANTI-VALENTINE
FOOD
The Vesuvio sandwich is a big clue. The angst boils over at Screw Cupid! at Bar Louie Taylor, 1321 W. Taylor St.; 312-633-9393; and Louie on the Park, 1800 N. Lincoln Ave.; 312-337-9800. There will be games, prizes and, apparently, a lot of animosity.
FROLIC
“Love on the Rocks,” by Neil Diamond; at least that’s the song they should play at “the angriest, most bitter party” at Bird’s Nest; 8 p.m.; 2500 N. Southport Ave.; $25; 773-472-1502. If they start playing “You Don’t Bring Me Flowers,”you know it’s time to leave.
FRIVOLITY
Love stinks. A mutilated photo of your ex gets you in free to the anti-party at Howl at the Moon, 26 W. Hubbard St.; $25; A suggestion: Hide the photo when you get to the matchamaking games.
