Today’s Wisch List column from the Kankakee Daily Journal …
Valentine’s Day? This year, put your heart into it
The WISCH LIST
Feb. 6, 2010
It’s a week from tomorrow, fellas.
Yeah, you know … Valentine’s Day.
Remember?
A few years ago, I interviewed an employee at a Hallmark shop for a story who told me that you’ll never see so many men inside a gift card store as you will in the days leading up to Feb. 14.
Many of them stream in two days before Valentine’s Day. Even more arrive on the day before. And some of them?
They roll in on the day of.
Poor saps.
Well, to save you from that 11th-hour fate and help ensure that your lovebird enjoys the holiday this year, I thought I’d provide some Chicago-related Valentine’s Day ideas and give you eight full days to plan.
Rather than, you know, eight hours.
According to Regena Thomashauer, a lot of guys can probably use the help. As the proprietor of Mama Gena’s School of Womanly Arts in New York City, Thomashauer claims that most men don’t have a clue when it comes to Valentine’s Day. She formerly operated a toll-free “911″ hotline for the romantically challenged where men — and, yes, women — could call for advice on what to do for their sweethearts on Feb. 14.
Thomashauer says the biggest question from men was, “What do women want, and why won’t they tell us?”
And the women?
They wondered, “How come he doesn’t know what I want?”
Good luck. It looks like we all can use it.
Dust off your duds at Field Museum
If you still have your dress and tux from your wedding day – and can still fit into them – then you can walk into the Field Museum free of charge on Feb. 13, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Actually, it doesn’t matter if your gown or tux is vintage or brand new. The Field Museum (1400 S. Lake Shore Dr.) is welcoming people of all ages to take part in a 2:30 p.m. toast in Stanley Field Hall to celebrate past, present and future brides and grooms.
Champagne and wedding cake from The Fairmont Hotel will be served as part of this event designed to get guests to visit the museum’s new exhibition, “The Nature of Diamonds,” and the newly refurbished “Grainger Hall of Gems.”
As an added perk, anyone who does show up dressed in wedding attire will have a chance to win several prizes, including two sets of round-trip airline tickets from United Airlines and deluxe stays at the Swissôtel in downtown Chicago or the The Talbot Hotel in the Gold Coast. Entrants must be at least 18 years old to be eligible.
Remember your affair at Bin 36
There’s no shortage of restaurants offering Valentine’s Day specials in the Windy City. But, if you’re looking to enjoy a romantic dinner and a movie – at the same time – the downtown wine bar and restaurant Bin 36 (339 N. Dearborn St.) will be screening “An Affair to Remember,” starring Cary Grant and Deborah Kerr, on a large digital projection screen in its loft beginning at 6:30 p.m.
During the film, guests can enjoy a three-course menu featuring Waldorf salad, wood-roasted chicken with butternut squash and kale, milk chocolate and berry semifreddo popsicle along with wine pairings for $48. For tickets, visit www.bin36.com/binschool.html.
Take your date on an Odyssey
Cruising around Lake Michigan in February might not sound particularly appealing.
If you’re on a sailboat.
However, if you find yourself inside a luxury cruise ship, that’s a different story.
Chicago’s Odyssey cruise ship, which docks at Navy Pier, is offering $124.90 dinner cruises on Feb. 13 and Feb. 14 and a $54.90 brunch cruise on Feb. 14. Champagne, a red rose, live music and dancing – as well as panoramic views of the Chicago skyline – are included.
For reservations and more information, visit www.odysseycruises.com.
Become a real bleeding heart
Not everyone is into romance on Valentine’s Day.
And if you – and your significant other – happen to fall into that category, then you may want to consider making a pit stop at Tommy Gun’s Garage (2114 S. Wabash Ave.) next weekend.
On Feb. 14, the 1920s-themed dinner theater will be delving into the more macabre side of Valentine’s Day with an authentic reenactment of Chicago’s famous St. Valentine’s Day Massacre. For more information, visit www.tommygunsgarage.com.
Or call 733-RAT-A-TAT.
Fitting, huh?
Sweets for your Sweet
Rather than bringing chocolates to your sweetheart on Valentine’s Day this year, why not instead bring her to them?
On Feb. 13 and 14, Chicago Chocolate Tours is offering 2½-hour guided Valentine’s Day walking and tasting tours of select chocolate shops, bakeries, and cafes in the city. The $40 tours – which include Magnificent Mile and Lakeview routes – are intended to be fun and educational, as you discover some of the city’s secret chocolate treasures and learn about the city’s history of chocolate.
I hear it’s rich.
For locations and more information, visit www.chicagochocolatetours.com/tours.