Valentine’s Day is for (Food) Lovers

This Valentine’s Day, skip the tiresome, overpriced prix-fixe dinners and treat your signifigant other to something unexpected, fun, and downright delicious. We’ve chosen six tasteful and tasty ways to say “I love you,” minus some of the cliché.

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For the Curious Gourmets

—Image courtesy of the Art of Cheese.

For the Love of Cheese, Wine & Chocolate Workshop

Thanks to this indulgent three-day package, you and your partner can reconnect over a spread of delectable, (and deeply informative) food-centric experiences. Though it might not be cheap, this package offers a great value with three cheese making workshops taught by For the Love of Cheese at Haystack Mountain Creamery, a wine-making class by Pamela Zorn of Wine & Whey, a chocolate-making class by Miche Bacher of Mali B Sweets, a tasty lunch provided each day, and much more.

Sat-Mon 10 a.m.–4 p.m., 505 Weaver Park Road, Suite E, Longmont, 303-579-9537, $525 per couple

For the Food Lovers

PB Love’s Yumbox

Looking for a creative gift for your favorite foodie? Order online and then swing by PB Love’s RiNo headquarters and pick up an all local, Valentine’s Day–themed yumbox. Inside you’ll find three jars (creamy, salted peanut, and cinnamon almond) of Mario Esparaza’s ridiculously good nut butters; two bars of ChocoLove chocolate, a sleeve of 34° Crisps, and a Genghis Kern Letterpress & Design card. All that for $38? Now, that’s a score!

2500 Larimer St., #201, 720-369-6002, thepbloveco.com, $38 for the package

For the Active Couple

Sole Mates bRUNch Run at Postino

The couple that excercises together stays together, right? Start your Valentine’s Day off on the right track with this brisk combo of running and brunch. You and your love will kick off Sunday morning with your choice of a 5k or 10k before settling into brunch at LoHi restaurant Postino. There, you’ll enjoy the collective runner’s high over French toast, mimosas, and local craft beers. Even better? A dollar from each ticket benefits local hunger relief nonprofit Metro Caring.

Sun 9:15 a.m.–12:15 p.m., 2715 17th St., 303-433-6363, $25 per person (includes run, entrée, two drinks, tax, and gratuity)

For the Theatrical Twosome

—Image courtesy of June Cochran.

Burlesque Dinner at Ophelia’s Electric Soapbox

At Denver’s one-and-only gastro-brothel, it wouldn’t be Valentine’s Day without a little sex appeal. Treat your love to an enticing three-course supper (including dishes like paella Valenciana, mushroom ravioli, and milk-bread trifle), a flight of sparkling wines, and a sensual show featuring Mile High burlesque superstars Vivienne Vavoom, Gigi O’Lovely, and Kitty Crimson.

Sun 6–9:30 p.m., 1215 20th St., 303-993-8023, $55 per person

For the Last-Minute Romantics

Temple Bakery Pop-Up

Problem: It’s two days before Valentine’s Day and you’ve got nothing for your special someone. Solution: Pick up a treat at Curtis Park’s new Temple Bakery. Not only is this new baker’s collective offering it’s regular roster of bagels, croissants, and the like, this weekend you’ll also find special $15 flights of mini Long I Pies, bouquets from local floral designer Lady Bird Poppy, and cheeky Craft Boner greeting cards. The mini pies come in flavors like salted honey lavender, bourbon chocolate pecan, and spiced cranberry apple—and they’re sure to put a smile on a sweet tooth’s face.

Sat-Sun, 9 a.m.–12 p.m.; 2400 Curtis St., prices vary

For the Bargain Boozehounds

—Image courtesy of the Denver Beer Company.

Denver Beer Company’s Beer & Chocolate Pairing

Just like you and your significant other, beer and chocolate are a match made in heaven. At this sweet tasting event, share the Graham Cracker Porter and its three variations with your sweetheart while sampling gourmet chocolates and confections made by the Chocolate Lab. Discover your perfect pairing (think Coffee Porter with marshmallow or Chile Porter with a cashew toffee) and enjoy an evening out that’ll please beer connoisseurs and chocoholics alike.

Sun 6–9 p.m., Denver Beer Company’s Barrel Room, 1695 Platte St., 303-433-2739, $25 per person