Valentine's Day is here, Better have something to do

Dinnertime is getting closer. The stores have already marked up their flowers and the few that are left look like mutants that will never open. You better have some plans for tonight or you can just write off the next 10 months off. If you need more time, you better be a charmer.

Let's say you lost your iPhone, avoided all forms of media and follow the Chinese calendar. Well in this scenario, you can claim ignorance to the significance of February 14th. Otherwise, it's pretty much doomsday. Your saving grace this year is that Valentine's landed on a Thursday. You can make a valid, reasonable argument that you should BOTH wait until the weekend to shower each other (read: her) with lavish gifts. If she's a reasonable woman, you have a 20 percent chance of getting away with it. So bring graphs, notarized reservations and other information that can delay the inevitable. Most important of all, if you are delaying it for the weekend, at least scrounge around for flowers, chocolates or whatever plant life is growing outside that resembles a flower. Yes, I know it's winter.

Something you can always count on last minute is your local grocery store or wine shop. You know they sell wine and you know that they won't run out. You have two choices: bubbly or not bubbly.

If you guys are regular wine drinkers then I can say with some confidence that sparkling wine is not a weekly selection, although it should be. You are looking for the most bang for your buck here. For a romantic, fun night, stay away from the under 6 dollar bottle of sparkling wine. You still have to get to work tomorrow. Too much of that will give you a hangover that would feel as if you had a leprechaun practicing for St. Patty's day on your face. A great,reliable and fun sparkler: Asti Spumante or Moscato d'Asti. Almost a mimosa in the bottle. Citrusy, light and not to bad on the wallet. Find some chocolate with a hint of orange and you are golden. If you are really lucky, find some sparkling Riesling. I am yet to find someone that can say anything bad about it.

If you think bubbly is too much of a cliche, then you better know what type of wine she likes. You will be tempted to go with brand names or recognizable areas but here is your time to shine. Don't give in to marketing gimmicks such as special Valentine's wine. If she loves reds, find two great reds. Spain has great reds at a steal of a price. 'Codice' is a fun wine with a label that says you spent more than you did. Their reds are packed with flavor and most are between 8-15 dollars. If she loves whites, find 3 great whites. Germany and Oregon are places you might have overlooked. German Riesling comes in a variety of sugar levels. I'd say start with Kabinett or Spatlese Riesling, not too sweet and not too pricey. Other than that, find a Gewurztraminer (Ge-Vurz-Tra-Me-Ner) and you will keep the palate guessing.

I've given you some ideas to help deflect the mind off the fact that Valentine's is going to be delayed. But you knew this already, wine and flowers will always brighten up anyones day.