Five ways to celebrate Valentine's Day in Chicago (Photos)

There is nothing wrong with going traditional on Valentine’s Day. Chocolate, music, wine, dinner and a show are still great ways to encourage amour. These five suggestions were chosen to meet different tastes, or as “facebook” says, likes.

Pick up a dozen dark chocolate covered strawberries at Delightful Pastries in the Chicago French Market for $25. Other venders also have Valentine’s Day specials ranging from flowers to pastries. For more information visit French Market and call 312-575-0306. The Market is street level in the Ogilvie Transportation Center between Washington and Randolph Streets at 131 N. Clinton Street, Chicago, IL 60661.

Do a 7 p.m. wine and chocolate pairing ($65) at City Winery Chicago, a new West Loop hotspot that combines an operational winery and restaurant. The chocolate is Bucktown’s Katherine Anne Confections. City Winery Chicago is at 1200 W. Randolph Street, Chicago, Il 60607. For more information call 312-733-9463 and visit City Winery Chicago.

Geja's Cafe is consistently chosen as one of Chicago's most romantic restaurants

Photo credit: 

Geja's Cafe

Go to the same City Winery for entertainment. The place is the same but the time of 8 p.m. is different. Vocalist, singer-songwriter and guitarist Syd Straw is performing her heartwreck Show in Chicago ($30/$35/$20). For more information call 312-733-9463 and visit City Winery.

Try to snag a reservation at Geja’s Café. The mid-evening seating of 7:30-9:30 p.m. is sold out so plan to go early or late. The restaurant was voted among the most romantic restaurants in the United States by Open Table dinners. For information on the Valentine’s Day celebration ($105) call 773-281-9101or visit Geja’s. Geja's Café is 340 W. Armitage Ave., Chicago, IL 60614.

Pick up two tickets to “I Love Lucy: Live on Stage” at the Broadway Playhouse in Water Tower Place. TV’s historic, long-running program was adapted to the stage as a combination musical and taped-TV broadcast. Its Chicago run has been extended through March 17, 2013 so it includes Valentine’s Day. Tickets are $35-$85. For more information, call 312-977-1710 visit Broadway in Chicago. Broadway Playhouse in Water Tower Place is at 175 E. Chestnut Street, Chicago, IL 60611.