February 2012 -- Cupid’s arrow has been released, and it’s pointing to the Beverly/Morgan Park businesses that are offering Valentine’s Day specials. Read on for some sweetheart deals on gifts, romantic dinners and more.

 

The Bookie's Paperbacks & More, 2419 W. 103rd St., invites you and your loved one to peruse the stacks and take advantage of the annual romance sale through Feb. 29. Buy Harlequin, Silhouette and Steeple Hill romances, 5 for $1, and find bargains on contemporary and historical romance. bookiespaperbacks.com.

 

Love is in the air at Koda Bistro & Wine Bar, 10352 S. Western, where a three-course Prix-Fixe Valentine’s menu beginning with lobster bisque will be served Fri., Feb. 10 through Tues., Feb. 14. (The restaurant will be closed Feb. 15). Information/reservations: 773-445-KODA.

 

Enjoy a cozy stay-at-home dinner with your Valentine that really shows how much you’re in love: Order a heart shaped pizza! Milano’s, 10945 S. Western, will be serving their signature heart-shaped pies Fri., Feb. 10 through Tues., Feb. 14; call 773-445-4010. Giordano’s, 9613 S. Western, is making heart-shaped medium deep dish pizzas Sun., Feb. 5 through Tues., Feb. 14.  

 

Café 103, 1909 W. 103^rd St., is a lovely spot for a romantic dinner. Call 773-238-5115 or visit cafe103.com for more information. 

Town Liquor, 10000 S. Western, offers a wonderful selection of wines and champagne and a staff that can help you choose just what your Valentine will like the most for a romantic toast.

 

If you’re looking for sweets for the sweet, we have two luscious recommendations.  Beverly Bakery, 10528 S. Western, is making Sweetheart Cupcakes for Valentine’s Day, gift-wrapped in six-packs, offered in yummy flavors such as raspberry crème, chocolate, lemon and Boston cream.

 

If you haven’t tried the buttery confection known as Gina’s gourmet caramels, this is the perfect time to become a fan! Favia Café & Sweets Shop, 10701 S. Hale, is offering the hand made caramels for only $13 per pound through Feb. 14.

 

What to buy for that someone special in your life can sometimes befuddle even the best of us. Three shops in the 99^th block of Walden Parkway sell unique and appealing gifts.

What woman can resist roses? For Valentine’s Day The Blossom Boys, 9911 S. Walden Pkwy., are featuring a surprise, new red rose they describe as “traditional with a twist.” Other gifts include Sweet Freaks chocolates, the Blossom Boys signature soy candles and unique fair trade jewelry, purses and scarves. Extended hours for Valentines day include being open from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sun., Feb. 12 and until 7 p.m. on Feb. 14.

 

Ms Priss, 9915 S. Walden Pkwy., offers lovely women’s clothing and accessories, plus a Valentine’s special: 50% off winter items. Can’t decide? Gift certificates come in all sizes!

 

Figlia Boutique, 9907 S. Walden Pkwy., is holding a storewide Valentine’s sale, on Tues., Feb. 14 – they gift wrap, too. Merchandise includes distinctive jewelry, scarves and accessories, and a lovely selection of gift items.

 

Steuber Florist and Greenhouse, 2654 W. 111^th St., offers a wide array of fresh flowers and plants, as well as delivery to Valentines who are across the miles.

 

To put the r-r-r-r in romance, stop in at Sally Ann Corset Salon, 10501 S. Western, to choose a gift of lingerie.

 

Feeling lucky? Island Furs, 1827 W. 103^rd St., is raffling off a mink jacket – just stop by and register, no purchase necessary. If you don’t want to leave this gift to chance, take advantage of 50 to 80% savings on selected items.

 

Beverly/Morgan Park retailers offer some great gifts for guys! Klees Golf Shop, 10436 S. Western, offers a wide selection of golf clubs, accessories and golf wear, and they can even help you work on your swing so you’ll be ready to hit the links at the first sign of spring thaw. Optimo Hat Company, 10215 S. Western offers a selection of fine, handmade hats. Beverly Cigar Company, 10513 S. Western, carries a variety of cigars and smoking accessories for the connoisseur. Running Excels, 10328 S. Western, sells running shoes, accessories and apparel.

 

Are you buying for the man who has everything? Maybe a night at For the Love of Art, the Beverly Arts Center Auction on Sat., Feb. 11, will offer some inspiration for the perfect gift! Bid on packages that include travel, sports, arts and culture, dining and more. A night at the Auction is a great Valentine’s outing in itself, featuring not just the silent and live auctions, but terrific hors d’oeuvres and sweets, live music and lots of fun. The auction is held at the BAC, 111^th and Western. Purchase tickets and find information at www.beverlyartcenter.org.