V-Day Weekend Wrap-up

Gainesville might be small, but its large on the diversity scale, whether you're itching for a throw-down party  or big-production, wining-and-dining experience; you won't be disappointed with this V-Day weekend's affairs.

The Food

Gainesville's fine-dining restaurants have pulled out all the stops to make this year special for you and your V-Day date(s). With special menus and and romantic packages, they take care of everything.

• Emiliano's Cafe: Emiliano's has created a special Valentine's Day menu with eight unique entrees and five special tapas. Want to celebrate early? Try the cafe's brunch menu. (352) 375-7381

• O!O Tapas & Tinis: This Haile Plantation tapas bar is featuring a romantic five-course dinner, including a glass of champagne, cocktail, glass of wine or bottle of beer for $65/ person. (352) 331-6620

• 101 Downtown: 101 has a five-course menu ranging from $55 for the vegetarian entree to $75 for the filet mignon option. (352) 376-4177

• Dragonfly: Here you'll find a six-course meal for $80 per person, featuring a special menu created by the executive chef and restaurant manager. (352) 371-3359

• Mark's Prime Steakhouse: Usually closed on Sunday, Mark's will be open this Valentine's Day with its premiere menu of fine beefs, fresh seafood and extensive wine list. (352) 336-0077

• Pazza Bistro: For a low-pressure V-day lunch try Pazza Bistro. This Sunday, you get a free heart-shaped Nutella pizza with every two orders of pasta or pizza. (352) 505-6977

The Parties

Not really feeling the love this year? Why not just get drunk in style? These three parties are sure to leave you with lots of good memories and next-day regrets.

• Sexy Single's Valentine's Party @ Rue Bar (2/13): This singles' party doesn't really discriminate. Whether you're taken or free, just throw on your red and white and join the latin-flavor celebration.

• A Black-Hearted Valentine's Day Party @ Sharab Lounge (2/13): For $10/person or $15/couple step into a sea of red and black for Sharab's high-class celebration. With a laundry list of top-shelf, low-priced drink specials, you won't leave this party sober or alone.

• Valentine's Day Bash @ Grog House(2/13): Join the Captain Morgan girls for a night of giveaways and super cheap Cpt. Morgan drink specials. With free beer til midnight, DJ Shea spinning and a full-blown decorations committee, this Midtown party is going to be hard to top.

• The Anti-V-Day Red Light/Green Light Party @ Lux Bar (2/13): Green light, yellow light, red light, STOP. Get red banded if you're off the market, yellow if you're taken, but looking (tsk, tsk), and greened if you're single and ready to mingle. Everyone will be wearing their hearts (intentions) on their sleeves, so you might just find what you're looking for.

The Music

Got a sweetie who's really into music? Celebrate your bond this year by treating them to some live music at Gainesville's best music venues.

• V-Fest @ 1982 Bar: Starting tonight and lasting through Sunday is V-Fest at 1982 Bar, with music by Shotgun Diplomacy, Boss Lady and the Company, Victory Blvd, and The Neighborhood Watch.

• Big Hugs: A Haiti Benefit Show @ Spin Cycle (2/13): Show your love for others, and come support this Hati relief show, featuring Michael Claytor & His Friends, Quadrophones, Bird Feeder, Michael Parallax and Rabbit Punch.

• Pre-Valentine's Bash: A GVL Roller Rebels Event @ The Atlantic (2/13): Featuring indie/folk tunes by The Early Twenties, indie/experimental music by Moonbeard and DJ Ernie Hotsauce's renowned spinning talents.

• Willie Heath Neal @ Common Grounds (2/13): For you country-music fans, there's Willie Heath Neal with the Takers on Saturday.

-SG