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Yes, another Valentine’s Day approaches. Obvious expectations on this “special” day include the following: grumpy singles, unsavory public displays of affection, overly excitable girlfriends, an arsenal of disgruntled Hallmark employees, and, of course, lots and lots of chocolate. But before I go on, let me anticipate a few of your nagging questions. First, yes, chocolate is indeed an aphrodisiac! And, no, it’s not alright to buy her (or him) the Snicker’s Family Pak and call it a night. I hate to break it to you, but that’s just not worthy of your Valentine.

Right. Now, here are a few worthy suggestions:

Chopstix will be serving a three-course meal for $25 per person Valentine’s Day.  Ladies drinks will be $3. 2702 Sixth Ave., Tacoma, 253.627.7555.

Mandolin Café doles out the French champagne and chocolate cake during the SubTonics show Valentine’s Day night. It’s $10 per person.

Here are a few South Sound restaurants where romance can simmer.

Equilibrium women present a cool V-Day party.

The Red Hot. The place with the perfect name for Valentine’s Day. While the beer bar with hot dogs (or is it a hot dog bar with beer?) may not seem like the most romantic place to take a date, it will be the most unpretentious of Tacoma’s options Thursday. First, Adam Sandler’s The Wedding Singer will roll on the big screen for the weekly movie. Better than that, some new menu items will get their turn in the spotlight. After the free flick is over, get into the groove with classic KISS tunes. And the best we saved for last: Corina Bakery, the bakery Tacoma has a crush on, is providing miraculously free cupcakes. Oh my.

Yes, Eroica Trio is classical music. Yes, its three chicks. Yes, they are hot. No, I will not make out with you. There are no synthesizers, no special effects, no back-up band, dancers or light show to distract you from how uninspired so much mainstream music has become. Classical and straight-forward instrumental music reaches right into the soul. By performing works of Beethoven, Godard, Brahms, Bach and the like, these three talented women, Erika Nickrenz, Susie Park and Sara Sant'Ambrogio, present music of the past for appreciation today. Have you had your soul touched lately? If not, check out Eroica Trio at the Pantages Thursday night.