The daily digest of Twin Cities culture | Secrets of the City

When I was in 4th grade, my first boyfriend, Spencer, gave me a heart-shaped box of chocolates and a Snoopy valentine that had the words "Roses are red, violets are blue, I like you, do you like me too?" written in awkward 4th grader chicken-scratch. So charmed was I that I pranced around to all of my teachers and gave them each a piece of that candy. Unfortunately, Spencer unceremoniously dumped me two weeks later because I wouldn't kiss him in the school basement. Or anywhere, for that matter.

Okay, we resolved on our trip to Singapore that once we got back home, we would finally face up to our new economic circumstances and start dining out less and eating more peanut butter sandwiches - if we can find peanut butter that is safe to eat. Except there is one tradition that we are not going to let go of, which is our annual Valentine's Day dinner at the Atlas Grill, 200 S. 6th St., Minneapolis, where Carol and I had our wedding reception and dinner.

MUSIC
My Bloody Valentine Party

I for one think that to have one day to tell the people you care about how much you love them is nothing more than an opportunity for stores to raise the price of flowers and chocolates to make up for the 364 other days when we don't give our loved ones a special something to brighten up their day.

Don't get me wrong; I think having a day dedicated to Love is a great idea, but I believe that telling the people in your life how much you care about them should not just fall on Valentine's Day.

Being married to the restaurant industry means that, for me, today is not that special. My entire adult life I've either worked the night or sat home while my sig other does.

Do you have any favorites places that offer live entertainment — preferably cheap or free — along with food? I am starting to compile a list, and so far I have:

Bluegrass and old-time music at Dulono's Pizza
Occasional concerts at Kramarczuk's (like the Tamburitze Orchestra)

Karaoke at Pancho Villa

Looking for an alternative cinematic thrill on this most romantic of corporate holidays? Thinking that it might not be entirely worthwhile to see Dreamgirls or Sleepless in Seattle when your feelings are, well, a bit more complex? Here's a list, thrown together at the very last minute, of some features that will add some spice to this sweet evening... and by spice I mean a cold stare or a full blown argument. Nothing says you can't 'communicate' on St. Valentine's Day.