U Weekly. Serving The Ohio State University in Columbus Ohio

5 Cool Dates

By Adam Konvalinka

Your girlfriend might agree that Valentine's Day is a sappy, overblown Hallmark holiday, but that does not mean she's not expecting you to take her out. We all hope you aren't that daft. A romantic Valentine's date doesn't need to follow the normal script of the holiday, and in the campus area, there are numerous ways to enjoy this lovely time of year.

Do it on the cheap ... in style

It's not that you're cheap, but what is more important, textbooks or a night on the town? Luckily White Castle, located at 2725 N. High St., has got you covered, offering reserved seating for couples between 5-8 p.m. on Valentine's Day. The food will remain the same Sliders and fries, yet special menus, table-side service, candles and theme decorations for the holiday will provide more than just the usual fast food experience.

"It's been a huge hit because a lot of our loyal customers - fondly known as "Cravers" - either met in a White Castle restaurant or have other enjoyable memories they like to celebrate here," said Jamie Richardson, vice president of corporate relations. "Since we first offered reserved Valentine's Day seating in 1991, this has become an annual tradition for many couples."

Reservations can be made by calling 614-294-3753 ext. 24, Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Digital pictures will be taken of participants and published on the company's Web site. Nicole Merando, a senior in engineering said she might consider making a reservation.

"That sounds great, my boyfriend and I have been looking for a way to mock the holiday," she said.

Dynamic and high-class

Want to impress, but having trouble deciding between sushi and steak? Get both as part of Sushi Rock's sophisticated downtown restaurant's Valentine's Day special. Dinner for two includes choice of sushi appetizer, entree of tenderloin medallion or free-range chicken, and for dessert, chocolate-covered strawberries with champagne sorbet. A bottle of house red or white wine is included in the $75 package price. The special will run Friday the 12th through Sunday the 14th, reservations are recommended and can be made by calling, 614-453-1585.

"It's a good value, you get a lot for your money," said Jodie Arrick, marketing and catering director of Sushi Rock. "Some of the items are special for Valentine's Day and are not normally available."

Do It Yourself

There is nothing romantic about waiting 45 minutes for a table and then having to wait another 20 minutes for someone to take your order, so if you didn't think to get reservations somewhere, avoid Valentine's Day dining madness and enjoy a more intimate night at home. Amaze her with your cooking skills by throwing a couple of steaks on the grill and microwaving some frozen vegetables. Even the most helpless of men can put a Stouffer's lasagna in the oven and open a bag of salad. If you manage to get the place cleaned up, your roommate out of the house for the night and some mood music playing, it could just be the perfect date.

Fine dining can even be ordered to your home - tasteofthebestcatering.com will deliver a full gourmet meal for two to your home. Enjoy a delicious meal and be sure to have a story about how you slaved away over it after being inspired by the Food Network. An appetizer, two sides and two main courses, like porcini-rubbed pot roast and herbed chevre steaks, along with desert go for $75. Candles and mints are included. A bottle of champagne costs an additional $10.

Go out for suds & a movie

If you and your lady prefer micro brews over wine, head over to the Clintonville border to historic cinema and draft house Studio 35 for a movie and beer. On Valentine's Day there will plenty of suds to sample at a tasting by brewing company Rogue. To keep things exciting, the son of Zeus will embark on a perilous journey to stop the spread of evil in "Clash of the Titans," playing at 6 p.m. The beer tasting prompted Anje Arndt, a senior in art photography, to get tickets for the event.

"We went to the Bells tasting and it was a really good time," she said. "It's going to be awesome, people should definitely get tickets early - it's probably going to sell out."

Tickets are $15 and are available at the box office. A pizza shop and movie theater fare are available for romantic munching.

Take in a live show

To music fans, no fancy date could equal a chance to see some rock 'n' roll history. Legendary singer, song writer and producer George Clinton and the Parliament-Funkadelics will be playing the Lifestyles Community Pavilion, Feb. 13 at 7 p.m. Clinton is one of the most notable funk artists, along with other '70s greats, James Brown and Sly Stone. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame along with 15 other members of Parliament-Funkadelic in 1997. Ticket prices start at $36, including convenience charge, and can be ordered at ticketmaster.com.

On actual Valentine's Day, the karaoke, wedding and high school dance favorites The Village People will be playing the Palace Theater at 8 p.m. Tickets are available from $25-65 through Ticket Master.

A blend of cheap & rich

If you're looking for something that's also really interesting, and you've got a sense of humor and the cash, you might want to head down to the Blue Danube, located at 2439 N. High St., for the Dube Dinner Delux. The dinner will run you $165 and consists of two grilled cheese sandwiches (made with Roquefort cheese, of course) and a bottle of Dom Perignon.

For more events happening on Valentine's Day, see our calendar.

Originally Published: February 10, 2010

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