Bold As Love In Boulder: A Valentine's Day Guide

Boulder may not make it to the top of the list of most romantic cities in the world, (We wouldn't even try to compare the Boulder Creek Path to the canals in Venezia) but still... something's in the air here. There’s a buzz in town, and in recent years Boulder has grown a little more sophisticated. There's more appreciation for the arts, for cuisine and for theatre than there used to be, and there's even been a slight decrease in super-casual attire in trade for a new appreciation for dressing up. Pearl St. is increasingly becoming restaurant row and we've got our hidden gems as well. So, why not create a list that speaks of the romantic places our city does have?

What does one (er, hopefully 2 people) do for Valentine's Day? After a little bit of detective work on behalf of cupid, we put together a simple list of things happening on the special day, with some fun local gift ideas and a few suggestions for romantic dining. We've also included some incredible gourmet recipes for those who appreciate the coziness of their own home while celebrating.

See our latest article,
'How To Spend A Weekend in Boulder, CO – Guided by Locals' for some ideas on great places to eat. This time, however, we asked restaurant owners to tell us about their Cupid-inspired culinary events. There's no bias - these restaurants happened to respond to us - and they do happen to be places worth bragging about.

The Big Red F Restaurant Group is a group of restaurants who are all offering Valentine diners many delicious options. Their menus and list of events can be seen on their website.
Centro Latin Kitchen & Refreshment Palace: (950 Pearl Street)
• Centro has a Three Course Prix Fixe Menu, $55 per person with $20 optional wine pairing, $15 optional Avery beer pairing, $25 optional cocktail pairing. Available 2/13 & 2/14. For reservations call 303.442.7771.
Jax Fish House: (928 Pearl Street)
• The popular restaurant on Pearl St. - with one of America's most famous chef's, Top Chef Hosea Rosenberger, Jax offers a Five Course Prix Fixe Valentine’s Dinner, $75 per person with $25 optional wine pairing. For reservations call 303.444.1811.
Happy Noodle House: (835 Walnut Street)
• Have a "happy" romantic Four Course meal $45 Prix Fixe Menu, $25 optional sake / wine / cocktail pairing. For reservations call 303.442.3050.
The West End Tavern: (926 Pearl Street)
• Five Course Beer Lovers Dinner paired with a selection of Avery beers, $65 per person. 6:30pm. For reservations call 303.444.3535.
Zolo Southwestern Grill: (2525 Arapahoe Ave).
• Three Course Valentine’s Prix Fixe Menu, $45 per person, $20 optional cocktail pairing, $15 optional wine pairing. Regular menu also available. Available 2/12-2/14. For reservations call 303.449.0444.

Ok, on to some other nice spots to consider...

Colterra in Niwot (210 Franklin St., Niwot, CO), known for their farm-to-table meals with European flare, has caught the attention of socialites as far away as Denver who are looking for a more hidden and quaint spot. They're featuring a romantic $75 four course dinner with optional wine pairing $35- call 303.652.0777 for reservations!

Well, Colterra's Chef-owner, Bradford Heap, has done it again... this time in the heart of downtown Boulder by the name of SALT. (1047 Pearl Street)

There are so many wonderful things to be said about this great place, but we'll save that for another time. For Valentine's, SALT is featuring a romantic 3 course dinner, $55/person with optional wine pairing. They say reservations or walk-in is available, but based on what we're seeing... you might want to make that reservation!

The Black Cat (1964 13th Street) is no stranger to romance. A few years new, they've rapidly become a favorite in town. The farm-to-table earthy-organic experience mixed with their elegant decor and fine cuisine makes this a place fit for romantics any night of the year. They're featuring a 4 course dinner at $79 and a "last seating" 7 course chef’s tasting menu from 8:30-9:30 at $125 (wine pairing available for both options). Reservations needed as they plan to be fully scheduled beyond belief! Call 303.444.9110

Bácaro Venetian Taverna (921 Pearl Street) is a restaurant located across the street from Jax and has been locally owned and operated since 1998. Bácaro is always a lively place to gather, but on this special night they’re featuring the San Valentino Romantico 4-course authentic Venetian dinner, which includes a glass of Prosecco for each guest and is just $50 per guest! Call 303.444.4888 for more info.

And on the east side of Pearl, there's Mateo Restaurant (1837 Pearl Street) Inspired dishes, often times served graciously by the owners themselves. How can you not think of French when thinking of a place for romance? Wine and dine in Provincial-style with a special Valentine's Day prix fixe menu. The V-day menu will run from Friday - Sunday. Though, they're typically closed on Sundays,open on Valentine's Day. They're offering a mouth-watering 3 course, plus dessert menu for $65 Call 303.443.7766

Nissi’s Bistro and Music Venue (675 Northpark Dr. Lafayette, CO) Located just outside of Boulder is a fun place! In addition to great food, they specialize in live entertainment. For Valentine’s Day, they’re featuring a 4 Course Dinner, glass of Champagne and music featuring the incredible Hazel Miller! $65.00 Per Person – First Seating at 5:30 -7:30 and Second Seating at 8:00 - 10:00 - Go to www.nissis.com for tickets and more info 303.665.2757

Hotel Boulderado (2115 Thirteenth Sreet)
So, what if you’re not so keen on the idea of Valentine’s Day? Overrated, right? Who needs it? Or maybe just want to participate in this hilarious idea? We’re glad to help spread the word about the Hotel Boulderado’s Anti-Valentine’s Day Bash! In addition to a great name and concept, they have great entertainment, such as Funkiphino lined up for music/dancing, a movie room, fortune teller, food and beverages. 7pm $10 cover charge, but the people who show up early get some special attention... find out more on their special page for the event. 303.442.4344

Is Swing Dancing your thing? You'll absolutely have to got to the Avalon Ballroom (6185 Arapahoe Road) They're hosting a fun Valentine's Day Swing Dance! Here's more info or call 303.440.8303

Macky Auditorium (University Avenue & 17th St) is hosting one of the romantic events of the night... Valentine Espagnole. Latin, sultry, seductive... these works highlight Spanish influences in music written by French and Russian composers. Symphonie espagnole is neither a symphony nor a concerto, but somewhere in between. And it’s a great showpiece for Grammy®-nominated, virtuoso violinist Jennifer Frautschi. Starts at 7:30 p.m. Contact the Macky Auditorium at 303.492.8423

‪Blending Cellar (946 Pearl Street) Love at First Bite & Sip. Live Brazilian Jazz Carmen Sandim. Special luxurious wines accompanied by a cheese plate or a variety of desserts. Call 303.447.0475 for more info

The Culinary School of the Rockies (Table Mesa Shopping Center, 637 South Broadway, Ste. H) This is fun! They will have a Chocolate Extravaganza class this weekend (Feb.6,7). It pretty much covers everything you’ve ever wanted to make for your sweetie for Valentine’s day. From truffles to layered cakes, you’ll learn how to make and bake perfect chocolate treats. Then on Valentine’s weekend, on Saturday the 13th, there’s a Cupcake Bash from 10:00–2:00 p.m.
Sample Menu: Coconut Dream Cupcakes, Chocolate Mousse Cupcakes, Carrot Caramel Cupcakes, Lemon Curd Filled Cupcakes, Hidden Treasure Cupcakes, Black and white Cupcakes. Mmmmmm! Contact 303.494.7988
UPDATE: The first event is already filled up

Tee and Cakes (1932 14th Street) is the place you’ll want to visit over the weekend, for sure. Here are a few samples off of their tasty Valentine’s menu. Check out the full photo gallery and don’t forget to get your order in, being their busiest day of the year and all. Contact 720.406.7548 for special orders.

Savory Spice Shop: (2041 Broadway) Something special for Valentine's...check out their awesome Love'n Spoonful gift set! 303.444.0668

We’ve talked a lot about food and treats, but you can’t forget flowers on the day for celebrating love!

Brighter Day Floral
(4615 N Broadway Street Suite C)
Score big points this
Valentine's day
with a modern + sexy
flower arrangement
by brighter day floral design.
For advance orders call
303.668.3923

Fiori Flowers (2620 Broadway)
Fiori specializes in unique and original designs. For Valentine's Day, each order is a customized arrangement to order..special for each person. Check out their below image as well! They also carry fun and creative gifts for those you love! They're happy to deliver in Boulder and surrounding areas. To place an order, call 720.565.2434

And for some great ideas from local artisans, these suggestions will make the perfect special gift...

SimaG Jewelry by SimaGilady
We love her jewelry designs! They’re simple, beautiful and have messages and meaning galore, and they’re very affordably-priced. Check out her Etsy page. Below are images of recommended lovers jewelry. Click on the images to reach their page.

Jewelry by Lindsey Cash (left)

More beautiful local jewelry!
Reclaimed, hammered, and brushed
French Franc pendant
with champagne topaz, moss aquamarine,
pearl and 14kt gold fill.
This lovely piece is a beautiful, unique and
simply romantic Valentine's Day gift!

Locally made by Boulder designer Lindsey Cash. $76

Sweet Letter Press is a husband and wife team committed to making environmentally responsible choices. They're a design and letterpress studio based in Boulder and they specialize in extravagant and unique stationery for all of life’s sweetest moments. Check out some choices for Valentines!

For those who enjoy making a special meal at home, we’ve included a couple of fantastic recipes from the collection of famous food blogger Laura Levy of Laura's Best Recipes. When I asked Laura for some special recipes, it took her just minutes to get these to me. Thank you, Laura!

Here's a wonderful Lavender Creme Brulee by Chef David Lawrence and a

Homemade Rose Petal Pistachio Ice Cream by Padma Lakshmi that makes you say WOW!

I hope you’ve enjoyed this list of heavenly things to do on February 14th. Please feel free to share more ideas yourself.

Thanks and here’s to love!

Mark Montalbano