Columbia restaurants, businesses offer special deals to celebrate
Ladies and gentlemen, it’s February 12. And we all know what that means. That’s right — the great rose-scented, candy-coated holiday of hearts is nearly upon us.
For some, it’s time to dig out those casual khakis or little black dress for a romantic evening out, following the brief panic that you actually forgot about Valentine’s Day. For others, it’s an evening to dust off those old Tom Hanks/Meg Ryan DVDs and cry softly into your body pillow with intermittent breaks to dig into your eighth box of Russell Stover Candies.
But whether you’re embracing a significant other or the single lifestyle, Columbia has plenty to offer for those who are feeling the love.
For the ... Animal Lover
Love on the Wild Side
at Riverbanks Zoo
Cost: $100 per couple
While spending the special day among slithering reptiles and elephants that make the world their toilet may not seem the ideal date for some couples, there’s certainly no doubt it will be an evening you won’t soon forget. For two nights beginning Thursday, guests are invited to release their inner animal into the wild, dining on gourmet cuisine prepared by the Riverbanks’ executive chefs and taking a romantic walking tour through the zoo’s grounds. Extra views of the zoo creatures celebrating their very own Valentine’s Day provided at no extra charge.
For the ... Classic Romantic
Valentine’s in Casablanca
Cost: $12 admission
There’s almost no better love story told than the one that plays out between Ingrid Bergman and Humphrey Bogart in 1942’s classic film “Casablanca.” Now, that romance is making the leap from the silver screen to V-Day. The Harbison Theatre in Irmo will host the Bogey-themed evening, complete with the film’s famed “Rick’s” cafe serving up luxurious treats like complimentary champagne and desserts in the lobby. There will even be an opportunity to snap a few frame-worthy portraits before the film’s screening at 8 p.m. Extra points if you leave by airplane.
For the ... Beer Lover
Valentine’s Day Sweet Pairing
at World of Beer
Another classic love story on Valentine’s Day? Cupcakes and wine. Perfect for the single lady or a gaggle of gals, World of Beer will be offering Valentine’s-appropriate libations including Young’s Double Chocolate Stout and Sweetwater Happy Ending. Not to mention the half-off wines for ladies’ night and cupcakes provided courtesy of Cupcake bakery on Lincoln Street. You may be alone, but at least you’ll have wine and really, what else do we need? Besides the cupcakes.
For the ... Foodie
Valentine’s Dinner at Yesterdays
Cost: $39.95
As if any of us needed another excuse to dine at local favorite Yesterdays in Five Points, now the famous eatery topped with the man in the tub is offering a special Valentine’s Day menu for two. Diners can choose from three appetizers, including spinach artichoke dip, Boom Boom shrimp and spicy quesadilla rolls. The main dish menu serves up a hearty Black Angus rib-eye steak, spicy Cajun Tasso shrimp over a fried grit cake, a London broil, grilled Swiss chicken and mushrooms, blackened mahimahi or chipotle barbecue ribs — all served with two sides or a salad. To satisfy the final sweet-tooth cravings, you and your date can split the key lime pie or strawberry chocolate cheesecake.
For the ... Entertainer
Henderson Bros. Burlesque Show
Cost: $15 to $500
Combining the sensual with the musical, the Henderson Bros. Burlesque show will be making a special appearance at 701 Whaley for a special Valentine’s Day performance. Taking cues from the tantalizingly sexual exhibitions of old, the show features both male and female performers, complete with rousing camp, enticing dance and scrumptious musical selections. Basic tickets cost a mere $15, but if you’ve been saving for the big day, shell out the $99 for a private course meal in Loft 201 by Rosso, prepared by chef Kristian Niemi. For the even bigger spender, $500 will get you show tickets, dinner for two, a special song, private performance, champagne and 16 tickets to the Trustus Theatre.