Heart-shaped boxes of candy, fuzzy pink bears and romantic dinners are running rampant this time of year, which means Valentine's Day is almost here. Whether your Valentine is a high roller or a penny pincher, there is a local eatery for every wallet and taste.
???Dim the lights, spice up the macaroni 'n' cheese, and indulge in a little gumbo for a New Orleans-flavored experience at Shango. Conveniently located right across the street from South Campus, this option gives time for a hand-held walk before and after dinner.
???The ambiance allows for an almost private dinner feel while still providing the service that one desires when wining and dining.
???Appetizers and entrees are moderately priced, allowing the cheapskates to stick with a sandwich and the lobster lovers to indulge in a high-end meal. Top it all off with a bottle of wine, with prices from $18 to the luxurious $200.
???If mood lighting and hot food doesn't fit the bill, then go the opposite route with the trendiest food - sushi. Raw, easy to hand-feed, and given the right selection, sushi can be a bit daring.
???Sea Bar on Main Street in Williamsville, just minutes from each campus, gives the Japanese sushi experience without the usual hefty bill. With rolls ranging from $5 to $14, there can be a shared mixture of succulent salmon, slinky eel and tasty tuna.
???The scenery isn't the usual romantic standard, but the young and relaxed feel will put any pair at ease if they're dipping into the oceanic experience for the first time.
???Those giving diamonds instead of a Build-A-Bear should note that the meal must fit the gift. Dining becomes a true experience when the red carpet is rolled out and all are treated as kings and queens.
???Both the Buffalo Chop House (BCH) and Salvatore's Italian Garden have exactly what the cr?(c)me de la cr?(c)me need to treat their love bugs to a little five star dining.
???From Salvatore's almost gaudy opulence to BCH's cushy dining chairs, every couple will have a spot to call their own.
???For each restaurant, customers get what they pay for: a high-class meal, attentive service and beautiful surroundings. This could be the right choice for those who don't mind paying a rather large bill at the end.
???Sometimes on Valentine's Day, skipping the usual entree and going right for dessert is the most romantic way to go.
???Butterwood Desserts on Main Street in Williamsville provides a sugar lover's heaven at a worthwhile price. Couples can get an assortment of treats from cake to cr?(c)me br?AeEl?(c)e. There is a variety to suit every mood and bank account.
???With a location perfect for each student's transportation style, Butterwood provides an easy-to-get-to delicatessen.
???To take the variety of the dessert experience to the extreme, the Dessert Deli holds a meat department's selection, but turns it into cupcakes, tarts and architecturally magnificent sugary concoctions.
???Dessert Deli is situated at 716 Maple Rd. in Williamsville. The prices are on par with Butterwood's, but the array of desserts is larger.
???Sit-down meals and pricey desserts don't fit every lover's taste. In this case, hitting up the $1 menu and drive-thru might be the answer.
???McDonald's has received a death sentence when it comes to romance, but there is a place for everyone.
???Sometimes love on a budget can be the most thoughtful of all. Make a card, pick your own flowers and hit the value menu for a couple burgers, French fries and chicken nuggets, all while sharing a tall cardboard cup of water.
???Valentine's Day is about being with a loved one, opportunities for public displays of affection and showing off unique romantic ideas. From burgers to prime rib, couples in Buffalo are not without options to indulge in.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
