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Ladies and gentlemen, it’s that time of year again. Stores will be overwhelmed with shades of pink and red while hearts of all sizes adorn the aisles.

Boyfriends will begin to feel the pressure, girlfriends will get excited, and singles will do what they can to forget what the day is all about.

Often welcomed with an array of mixed feelings, Valentine’s Day is the time when people are encouraged to show that special someone just how much they care. This can be done in a number of ways, such as dinner and a movie, sweet cards or notes and even giving of presents.

With that, let’s explore the options that Sacramento has for this coming Tuesday night.

If for some reason you’ve recently been put into the dog house or you usually go all out for the big V-Day, then these next couple of places are sure to impress your date and break your bank.

For the ultimate romantic evening the Firehouse Restaurant in Old Sacramento is the perfect destination. Located at 1112 Second Street this historic landmark is considered to be Sacramento’s most romantic spot, complete with an award winning wine list.

For Valentine’s Day, the restaurant is offering a special five course menu for $99 per person. Each course offers at least two choices.

For the first course, visitors can pick from oysters or grilled asparagus and lobster soup or free-range chicken breast for their second. The third course consists of a passion fruit sorbet intermezzo while the main course offers roasted rack of lamb, filet mignon, Sonoma duck breast, or baked Atlantic king salmon.

For dessert, couples have the choice of dining on a triple chocolate mousse cake or lemongrass creme brulee.

Reservations are a must and require a credit card. For more information, call (916) 442-4774 or visit here.

For a more affordable option that includes dinner and entertainment chose Harlow’s restaurant and nightclub located at 2708 J St.

Small and intimate with a bar in the back and tables surrounding a stage, this restaurant is best known for its live music shows every week. Jazz singer Vivian Lee is set to perform while customers dine on a menu made especially for Tuesday night.

Dinner packages include dessert and cost $95 per couple. Reservations are encouraged and should be made quickly due to the restaurant’s small capacity. For more information, call (916) 441-4693.For an even cheaper alternative for both couples and singles alike, visit Cafe Milazzo on Folsom Blvd. It is not as hectic as a bar or overly romantic like the Firehouse restaurant, but it is the home of a brick oven pizza that regular customer’s rave about.

Their prices won’t leave a hole in your pocket either as the pies range from $9.99 to $19.99. This leaves plenty of dough in your pocket for a nice present or a night of single celebration.

Sacramento Magazine even named them one of the city’s best dining secrets.

If a low key, more simple night is what you have in mind, order take out and have a romantic picnic at home. Call Cafe Milazzo at (916) 454-3400 for more information.

For those who are unattached, Valentine’s Day can feel more like “Single Awareness Day.” Being single on the February 14 might make some feel lonely, but that shouldn’t be the case. Singles can party it up too. Sometimes going out with a big group of friends is more fulfilling than a romantic night out.

One bar that is considered to be one of Sacramento’s hottest spots is the Monkey Bar located at 2726 Capital Avenue. Small and often crowded, it was voted the number one singles scene location in Sacramento of 2004.

To avoid a standing all night or waiting in long lines for a drink, it would be best to arrive early due to the lack of space. There is no cover charge, and there’s even an outside patio for sitting, drinking, and smoking.

For more great single’s bars click here.

For one night in the year, everyone should bask in the ambience and celebrate Valentine’s Day. In addition, don’t forget February 15th is also another special day ?” when chocolates and other goodies are on sale for 50% off.

Whatever you do this Tuesday, whether it be romantic dining or single celebrating, be safe and have fun!

Aleesa Camagong can be reached at [email protected]