PATCH PICKS: Valentine’s Day Around Town

As we segue from —which are not over yet—to Valentine’s Day, some common themes stay with us: the color red, sweet treats and being with those you care about. Perhaps this is not so coincidental—either we just can’t stop partying, or we wish to savor the highlights of these events.

Whichever it is, let’s look forward to what the Hallmark holiday and Cupid has in store for us.

If you plan to dine around town, there are plenty of dining options as well as events and activities that revolve around entertainment for the impassioned duo.

The following fine restaurants featuring special menus:

is normally closed on Mondays, but it will open for Valentine’s Day to offer a prix fixe menu with four or five entrees that range from $40-$68 per person. Entrees include chateaubriand, rack of lamb and more. Call for details. Located at 1405 W El Camino Real. Telephone: 650-964-3321.

will have two seatings, at 6 and 8 p.m. The menu will feature some of the restaurant's signature items and special cocktails. As an added treat, there will be live music from 6-10 p.m. performed by a jazz duo. Located at 108 Castro St. Telephone: 650-940-1717.

will serve up some special dishes, including Dublin steak, chicken marsala, pasta primavera, salmon with mashed potatoes and veggies, starting at 5 p.m. Located at 223 Castro St. Telephone: 650-964-9151.

will offer lobster bisque, filet mignon, a glass of champagne and a chocolate malted souffle cake for $100 per couple, from 4:30-9:30 p.m. Located at 420 Castro St. Telephone: 650-966-8124.

will serve a special three- or four-course meal with a glass of champagne from 5-9:30 p.m. or later, for $45-$55 per person. Located at 186 Castro St. Telephone: 650-864-9940.

has a special Valentine’s Day menu. Call for details. Located at 110 Castro St. Telephone: 650-964-1888.

will serve a special dinner menu from 11:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m. or later. Call for details. Located at 400 Castro St. Telephone: 650-940-9500.

invites you to celebrate Valentine’s Day all weekend long. Located at 235 Castro St.  Telephone 650-961-9749.

And, for a little variety,

Listen to Susan Kuchinskas' Sex, Love and Oxytocin, on Thursday, Feb 17, while you dine at . This includes a social, dining and lecture hour starting at 6 p.m. Reservations required by Monday, if you are going to the dinner. No reservations needed for the lecture, which starts at 8 p.m. Click here for more information and to make reservations. Located at 800 California St. Telephone is 650-960-3802.

Go to a wine-tasting event: Premier Cabernet & Chocolate Tasting: The Perfect Valentine's Day Pairing, at . This is a walk-around tasting event, on Thursday, from 4-7 p.m. Located at 400 Villa St. Telephone: 650-969-3511.

Go to a Valentine’s Bachata Affair at after dinner, on Friday, at 8 p.m. This Valentine's Day celebration will feature Bachata dance lessons, a DJ playing bachata, meringue and salsa music, and a nine-piece Bachata band. Located at 736 W Dana St. Telephone: 650-968-3007. Cover: $10.

Whatever you decide to do around Valentine’s Day, may Cupid’s arrow strike you lightly but with certainty.

Note about the picture: The luscious light fruit pie and hearts were prepared and served, by hard-working volunteers, during the Valentine's Day luncheon, one of their monthly affairs, on Wednesday at The , a nonprofit community horticultural foundation in Palo Alto. Interested in the recipe?