Valentine's Day Approacheth

Bilerico Rocks! And a big shout out to fellow blogger Bil Browning and the cool Star article today about The Bilerico Project. There's been a lot of talk around the Feeed Me/Drink Me household lately about monetization (or better, how I can justify spending more time writing better content), and it's good to see someone make ads work and go national.

Did You Devour Downtown? Did you check out a Devour Downtown restaurant or menu? If so, the Indianapolis Downtown Restaurant & Hospitality Association wants your feedback! Take their quick survey -- just follow the link.

Lori Bergman Speaks Truth: Lori Bergman's column slamming Rachel Ray's $18 Garbage Bowl may be the best thing I've read in the Star in a while (at least, since I read the Bilerico article above.) It's a *bowl*. For *garbage*.

Most Action of Any Night of the Year: This is a big food weekend with almost everyone rolling out Valentine's Day specials from steak to lobster for two. If you're planning to eat out on Thursday (or even Friday or Saturday for that matter), you'll need reservations. (Nothing is more embarassing than showing up with a hungry date and having to wait or being denied.) Here are a few I thought looked pretty tasty.

*14 West: 14 West has prime rib, lamb, and lobster menus for two -- $75, $80, and market price respectively. Plus music from The Four Sexes

*Bugg's Tavern: Bugg's is offering a $50 per person "taste of the temple" with a wide sampling of their best dishes from suckling pig to chocolate covered profiteroles.

*FARMBloomington: At FARMBloomington, look for the Libido Lift prix fixe with 3 courses for $39 or four for $45. (Menu comes with an extensive list of foods that act as aphrodisiacs, probably worth taking home later.)

*L'explorateur: Today may be the last day to beg your way in, but don't forget Neal's now annual Seven Deadly Sins dinner at L'explorateur on Wednesday night. This decadent extravagance includes 7 courses (natch) named sloth, lust, greed, and envy -- and pairings, $95 per person. (Starts at 6:30 -- reservations required.)

*The Oceanaire: A four-course menu from The Oceanaire might be the way to your Valentine's heart with options that include all their standbys (crab cakes, salmon, oysters, and more) as well as a few new treats (tartare parfait, cod cakes, venison loin, and coconut cream pie). $85 per person not including wine/cocktails.

A Few More? Oakley's Bistro sometimes offers elaborate carry out meals for Valentine's Day. But call ahead if you're interested -- they'll close out orders very early in the week. R Bistro usually does a nice V-Day supper, but you'll need reservations. My choice in Bloomington, would be Restaurant Tallent, and, of course, nothing says "I Love You" like a big, juicy steak. Treat your honey -- and yourself -- at any of the steakhouses as a great excuse for red meat. (Many have specials and dinners for two, but call ahead.)