A Rockin’ Valentine’s Day at Tulalip Resort North of Seattle

Here’s a Valentine’s Day idea. Take the love of your life to Tulalip Resort Casino for a titillating night of fun-loving Rock and Roll music and perfectly matched plates. The Resort’s centerpiece events are the annual Rock Ballad Ball, which features music from two tribute bands and a jamming buffet dinner, or a choice from their seven award-winning restaurants that spotlight amorous inspired dishes and drinks. Tulalip Resort Casino has just what the love doctor ordered.

The Rock Ballad Ball is an out of the box barn-burner offered to the young—and the young at heart. This annual Valentine’s Day spectacular includes a concert of tribute bands U4 and INXSIVE featuring music from two legendary bands U2 and INXS.

Orca Ballroom doors open at 6:30 pm with a 7 pm Dinner Buffet service where guests can savor a selection of two salads, carved prime rib and maple herb chicken breast entrees, an assortment of side dishes, along with strawberry shortcake and dark chocolate mousse desserts and coffee/tea. Admirers and their main squeezes can dance the night away to rock pounding sounds starting at 8 pm.

Rock Ballad Ball is for those 21 and over. A no-host bar and festival seating compliment the all-you-can-eat dinner buffet. Concert tickets must be purchased in advance and are priced at only $65 per person or $120 per couple, including tax and gratuity. To purchase Valentine’s Day Rock Ballad Ball tickets, visit ticketmaster.com or the Casino Box Office (where no additional ticket processing fees are added). Additional details can be found at Rock Ballad Ball.

Looking for something a little more cozy and less shake, rattle and roll for an amorous getaway? Tulalip chefs are offering exclusive holiday classics at their award-winning restaurants. Lovers can make a stop at one or all of the Resort’s romantic hotspots.

Start by following Cupid's arrow to Tulalip Bay Restaurant for a Hearts of Romaine Salad or Bistecca alla Fiorentina (Tuscan style Porterhouse for 2) – pair it with a glass of Farnese Edizione Cinque Autoctoni, Abruzzo, Italy 2011. Slide into a home base finish with a Tartufo of Passion Fruit Gelato. Tulalip Bay’s specials will be available in addition to the regular dinner menu from 5 pm until closing on February 14, 2017. To book a table online, visit OpenTable or reserve by phone at 360-716-1500.

If steak and lobster is your traditional lover’s celebration dinner, then go no further than Blackfish Wild Salmon Grill and Bar for Chef David’s 8 ounce Chocolate Dusted Filet and his Sous Vide Lobster. And be sure to sample a serving of their Passion Fruit Chiffon Cake to seal the night. To reserve a table online, visit OpenTable or by phone at 360 716-1100.

Cedars Cafe’s Valentine’s Day specials will include a Sweet Dungeness Crab Melt, and as hearts melt into one, finish the night with a big slice of Pastry Chef Nikol Nakamura’s Red Velvet Cake topped with cream cheese frosting and sugar cookie hearts.

Gli amanti (lovers) can also wow each other with a trip to Journeys East for some plate sharing romance with items such as Steamed Clams in Black Bean and Oyster Sauce or Spicy Clams with Hua Tiao Wine and Vermicelli Korean Noodles. These chef creations will be available in addition to the regular dinner menu from 5 pm until closing on February 14, 2017. To reserve a table online, visit OpenTable or by phone at 360-716-1880.

Looking for a romantic spa experience for the love of your life? The T Spa has a grand selection of individual and couples spa treatments available, such as their Apricot Aromatherapy Massage, which will seduce the senses and hydrate the skin from head to toe. A perfect Valentine’s Day treat. 

Whatever fires up the proverbial Love Machine this year, Tulalip seems to have it covered!

Information courtesy: Tulalip Resort and Casino

Portland Night Market: Lovers Edition and More

Portland’s popular “shop and eat local” event, the Portland Night Market, announced its dates for the 2017 season, including its “February LOVE Rose City” edition, February 10-11, 2017 from 4:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., located at 100 SE Alder Street, Portland, Ore. Admission is free and open to all ages.

I attended the three-day holiday shopping event and was totally impressed. From the Bible Club cocktails to the gift vendors and food trucks... the evening I attended was a hit. I ran into gift items from near and far… some fringy and some suitable for family. It was an all-around fun evening.

So I’m up for more shopping! This year, the Portland Night Market will host four events throughout the year, including:

·       February 10-11, 2017 – LOVE Rose City Edition

·       May 12-13, 2017

·       September 29-30, 2017

·       December 1-3, 2017 (The Holiday edition is the only three-day event, including Sunday brunch food and beverage options)

February Market

You’ll be intrigued by the pre-Valentine’s Day “LOVE Rose City” edition of the Portland Night Market with the whimsical “Aphrodisiac Alley” featuring local chocolate and beverage vendors such as Alma Chocolate, Catman Cellars, Best Friends Honey and Marshall’s Haute Sauce. The PDX Oyster Social will give away 45 dozen oysters on the half shell each night at their “oyster booth” while supplies last.

The Bible Club’s Speakeasy returns to its second floor location with their unique craft cocktails and live music. Popular hot food vendors include The Dump Truck, PDX Sliders, Popi’s Pastries, FoMo Chicken, Big Fat Weiners, Tastebud, Wasabi Sushi, Boke Bowl and more. Dessert vendors include Churros Locos, Cream, Pip’s Original Doughnuts, Treehouse Chocolate, Boozehound, Sweetheart Saint Johns and more. Local food brands will be at the market offering tastings, including Jem Nut Butters, Plum Tree Jam, Honey Mama’s, Tea Bar, Oregon Olive Mill and Buddha Chocolate.

Art + Interactive Experiences

Sprinkled amongst all the food, drink and artisan goods for sale, Pelett and her team invite local artists and creative groups to curate rotating art installations and musical performances. The February market will feature two evenings of Burlesque performances upstairs on the mezzanine and an interactive area for guests to make their own flower crowns.

Portland’s Best Merchants Under One Roof

The Portland Night Market boasts some of the Pacific Northwest’s best small businesses under one roof as an ideal spot to sell their wares and engage with customers. Visitors will be able to shop prominent local brands such as Bull in China, Wildfang, Sparrow, Will Leather Goods, Portland Gear, Pigeon Heart Designs, Candy Relics and Cargo. For a complete list of vendors, please visit www.pdxnm.com.

Valentine's Day Dining Options in Portland, Oregon

No matter what the occasion, Portland is a draw for those with a love of food. But in February, thoughts of love and romance give Portland restaurateurs good reason to go all out for diners. Here is a great selection of restaurants and shops offering special Valentine's menus.
 

Andina

www.andinarestaurant.com

1314 NW Glisan St. Portland, OR 97209; Tel: 503-228-9535

Warm up with your loved one at Andina this Valentine’s Day.

Get cozy in the elegant, inviting dining room, enjoy authentic Peruvian cuisine, toast with a cocktail that warms from within, and listen to live Latin music.

The restaurant will be offering a three-course pre-fixe dinner for the holiday, from which guests can select from a variety of piqueos (Peruvian tapas), Platos de Fondo and a trio of postres (desserts) served spectacularly on a gorgeous platter that you can indulgently share with your partner. Each course offers gluten-free and vegetarian options to accommodate dietary restrictions. Guests can also sip on the Grenada de Amore, a romantic Peruvian cocktail crafted to pair perfectly with the holiday.

Each three-course menu is $65 per person. Festive wines, house cocktails and oysters are à la carte. Andina will be serving the Valentine’s Day menu as an option Saturday 2/13 and as the entire menu 2/14.

Ataula

http://ataulapdx.com/

1818 NW 23rd Pl. Portland, OR 97210; Tel: 503-894-8904

Send your love on a trip to remember by dining at Portland’s small slice of Spain, Ataula. The romantic dining room and exotic cuisine are the perfect spot for a night that will transport you to the streets of Catalon. Ataula will be offering luxurious specials that include iberico jamon. Ataula will be serving special dishes Feb. 12-13 and will not be open on Sunday Feb. 14.

Aviary

www.aviarypdx.com

1733 NE Alberta St. Portland, OR 97211; Tel: 503-287-2400

Treat your sweetheart to an elegant menu from the talented Chef Sarah Pliner at Aviary. The restaurant will be open on Valentine’s Day Sunday, serving a special 4-course meal for the holiday. Each 4-course meal is $65 per person, with an optional $35 wine pairing. Aviary’s bartender, Justin Garcidiaz will also be serving up a duo of romance inspired cocktails. The Thorn and the Petal are named after Portland’s famous moniker Rose City, and leave you feeling both the burn of lust and sting of love.

Bollywood Theater

www.bollywoodtheaterpdx.com

2039 NE Alberta, Portland OR 97211; Tel: 971-200-4711

3010 SE Division, Portland OR 97202; Tel: 503-477-6699

Take your Valentine to India with the heartwarming gift of masala chai from Indian street food eatery, Bollywood Theater. Chef/Owner Troy MacLarty partnered with the Reluctant Trading company to bring the most authentic, robust chai blend possible over from India. Delicious served hot or cold, this beverage is sure to transport you and your loved one to the bustling, colorful streets of Mumbai with just a sip. The chai tea and Bollywood Theater’s other collaborations with The Reluctant Trading Company can be purchased here or reluctanttrading.com.

Imperial

http://www.imperialpdx.com/

410 SW Broadway, Portland OR 97205; Tel: 503-228-7222

Imperial heats things up for Valentine’s Day dinner with a menu of specialties from their wood-fired grill. Celebrate the holiday with loved-ones at James Beard award winner Chef/Owner Vitaly Paley’s Imperial, Willamette Week’s 2015 restaurant of the year. Have Bravo’s Top Chef finalist/Eater Portland’s Chef of the Year 2015, Executive Chef Doug Adams prepare a feast to remember.

The evening’s menu will be à la carte, including a few specials like Scallops a la Plancha with persimmon and blood orange, Crispy Parsnip and Foie Gras, Duck Confit with sweet potato, sweet onion salad, and Foie Gras Terrine with pickled huckleberries and sorrel, as well as fresh oysters on the half shell and Pastry Chef Danielle Bailey’s menu of irresistible desserts. Toast to the occasion with a classic Honeymoon Cocktail, a mixture of Calvados, cointreau, benedictine, and lemon juice, or Bar Manager Lindsay Baker’s newest creation, the Horizon with cognac, tea infused vermouth, and a thyme liqueur. Cheers!

Little Bird Bistro

http://littlebirdbistro.com/

215 SE 6th Ave. Portland, OR 97204; Tel: (503) 688-5952

Little Bird will be offering a decadent, three course prix-fixe meal perfect for spoiling the one you love this upcoming Valentine’s Day on both Saturday Feb. 13th and Sunday Feb. 14th. Indulge in a selection of Little Bird’s most tempting dishes while soaking in the romantic ambiance of a French-inspired Bistro in downtown Portland. Guests will also be able to imbibe the special Valentine’s Day cocktail, Amer Amour, a gorgeous sparkling sipper.

The regular a la carte menu will not be available, however there will be multiple choices for each course. Guests will be able to add oysters to their meal as well. Three-course prix-fixe dinner $60 (gratuity not included).

Reservations are available now. Please call the restaurant to book (503)-688-5952 Little Bird will not be taking reservations online through OpenTable or via email.

SE Wine Collective

http://sewinecollective.com/

2425 SE 35th Place, Portland, OR 97214; Tel: 503-208-2061

Start off your Valentine’s Day festivities by sharing a fabulous bottle of bubbles and a delicious Cultured and Cured Board of artisanal cheeses and meats with that someone special for $20 a person (two people minimum). Who doesn’t love a little day drinking? The Collective will be open 1-8pm and serving its regular a la carte menu in addition to the holiday special.

Stop by for drinks or to pick up your Valentine’s Day presents.

Salt and Straw

http://saltandstraw.com/

838 NW 23rd Avenue, Portland, OR 97210; Tel: 971-271-8168

Open 10am - 11pm

3345 SE Division St., Portland OR 97202; Tel: 503-208-2054

Open 11am - 11pm

2035 NE Alberta St., Portland, OR 97211; Tel:
503-208-3867

Open 11am - 11pm

What’s more quintessentially Valentine’s Day than treating loved ones to lots and lots of chocolate? Every year Salt & Straw partners with the best and smartest, small-batch, artisanal chocolatiers throughout Portland, like Xocolatl de David, Missionary Chocolates, Alma Chocolate, Woodblock Chocolate, and Cocanú's Chocolates to show off each of their unique chocolate making styles, techniques and ingredients through scoops of ice cream. This menu goes way beyond chopping up yummy chocolates and mixing them into ice cream. The ice cream wizards collaborated closely with these chocolatiers to humbly recreate their incredible chocolates in ice cream form. Taste through with a flight, pint, or cone and find yourself taking a guided tour of the city in the form of February
chocolates!

Alone on Valentine's Day? Consider the Southwest

Take a jeep trip or hike to "cowpies" in Sedona

Alone on Valentine's Day? Make the best of it. Don't sit home in your robe and jammies watching old movies. If you live in one of the colder states consider a getaway to the warmth of the Southwest. There are things you can do to have a great Valentine's Day celebration with or without...

Send Valentine's Cards to Those You Care About
Before you leave consider giving to others. You may not have a special partner in your life but you probably have friends and family. Valentine's Day is a day to express love toward all of those special people. Make or purchase Valentine's Cards and let them know you care. The ideal time to send them is one week ahead of time.

Get Out and Travel in the Southwest
Most of the lower elevations of the Southwest offer recreational opportunities under a brilliant blue sky. Getting outside to bike, hike or walk gets your blood pumping and endorphins going. Soon you will be so full of the joy of life you will forget that you don't have a partner with you to enjoy it all. If you are going to a more remote area, take a friend or family member with you. Here are some of my favorite places and things to do outside:

• Take an easy hike in the White Tank Mountain Regional Park - West of Phoenix, you will find a cactus-studded park that may just have some wildflowers blooming come mid-February. Enjoy the safe and easy Waterfall Trail. Pack a lunch and enjoy the views after your hike. More on the White Tank Regional Park.
• Lift Yourself Up In a Sedona Vortex - Bell Rock is one of those uplifting vortexes. Hike around the rock see what uplifting thoughts come into your mind. Or hike the Bell Rock Pathway for more views. After your hike, head in to Sedona for a little window shopping and lunch. More about Sedona Vortexes.
• Go Gallery Hopping in Santa Fe - Canyon Road is a great place to stroll. Go from gallery to gallery and feast your eyes on the colorful, creative art. Talk with the gallery owners, learn about the artists and enjoy a day that won't cost you anything unless you fall in love with a special piece of art before you head for home! More on Canyon Road.

  

  Enjoy a First Friday event on Canyon Road

Indulge Yourself
Spas Aplenty- The Southwest is a spa-goers paradise. You can find luxurious large spas and hotel spa packages at places like the Marriott Desert Ridge Resort in Scottsdale, or small low-key spas like the Spa at Rancho de los Caballeros. Pamper yourself with a spa treatment geared toward rejuvenating your tired body. More great Southwest Spas.

Shopping - Shopping can be good therapy and is a great solo activity. Seek out a specialty shopping area where you have never shopped before. Whether it's in a historic shopping district such as Highland Park Village in Dallas or a fun and funky place in Santa Fe,  shopping can be a fun activity on your own.

Find Your Passion
Everyone has a passion in life and I don't mean passion toward that special someone. So if you are alone on Valentine's Day think about what else is special to you. For me, it's horses. I have always enjoyed horses and haven't outgrown that. I found that the Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show was taking place on Valentine's Day one year. I can't think of anything more romantic, if I have to be solo on Valentine's Day, than watching the beautifully groomed and trained Arabian horses... some of the best in the world! I headed over to Westworld in Scottsdale for a day of equine beauty and enjoyed the day thoroughly.

Alone
It still is not easy to be alone on a holiday that is geared toward togetherness. Here are even more tips and ideas for those who are solo on this very duo day!

More Information
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Photography copyright: Elizabeth Rose Photography