Dinner and drinks for an intimate Valentine's Day

Maybe you haven't always been the perfect partner. Maybe you occasionally go out with your friends rather than stay home, or perhaps you're guilty of leaving the kids with your spouse in the pursuit of a more noble cause -- like shopping. But Valentine's Day and redemption are just around the corner.

St. Valentine's Day isn't just about being romantic -- it's the one day of the year when you have an opportunity to show your loved one how important he or she is, regardless of life's little bumps and imperfections. For most people, Valentine's Day consists of overcrowded restaurants, mediocre food and being politely ushered along to make room for the next pair of hapless romantics. Save the overpriced dinner for next week. This year get the candles out, put the music on low and prepare an easy and intimate evening at home.

Bring on the bubbly
It goes without saying that champagne makes any occasion special and for Valentine's Day the bubby better be pink! Be sure you get to your purveyor well in advance of the big day; you won't be the only person shopping for bubbly.

Moet & Chandon Brut Rose, Moet and Chandon S.A, Champagne, France. $71.15
Dusty pink with a nose of ripe summer berries and a hint of popcorn. Lively effervescence with a full-body and clean finish.

Rose Vintage Brut Champagne, Champagne Pol Roger, Champagne, France. $85.15
Pale pink, light and fruity with a hint of nut, great twinkle and a bright finish.

Champagne is best served chilled, but not as cold as refrigerator temperature. If served too cold the champagne will lose flavour; if served too warm it won't feel refreshing and crisp. Remove the bottle from the refrigerator about 20 minutes before serving for perfect results. If you prefer your bubbly in cocktail form or are on a budget, there are now affordable premixed champagne cocktails available off-the-shelf from your local purveyor.

Bellini, Beverage Brands UK, Abruzzo, Italy, $12.15
Champagne blended with peach nectar and grenadine.

Rossini, Beverage Brands UK, Abruzzo, Italy. $12.15
Processo (Italian bubbly) with strawberry puree.

Elegant and intimate eating
Since Valentine's Day is about spending time together, avoid a lavish meal -- instead prepare something simple and intimate, such as fondue. There is something magical about touching forks over a bubbling pot. For an upscale alternative to the classic cheese fondue, try a white wine broth to accompany fresh seafood like shrimp, salmon and scallops. To complete the meal, serve with crusty bread and a sauce for dipping. Canton, a Quebec-based fondue company, makes tasty broths and dipping sauces that can be found at most major superstores or fine food markets across the country. This type of fondue pairs perfectly with a classic dry white wine.

Chardonnay Franschoek, La Motte, South Africa, $16.95
Citrus nose with a hint of fresh-baked bread, good oak balance and a long finish.

CEV Unoaked Chardonnay VQA, Colio Estate Vineyards, Canada, $14.15
Fruit forward with aromas of fresh citrus, good structure and well balanced.

Decadent dessert
Complete the evening with a luscious dessert and a booze-spiked coffee. Try this surefire Crème Brulée recipe; it's a traditional French custard dessert that is simple to make and can be prepared in advance -- and a perfect pairing for Cafe Diablo (Devil's Coffee).

Cafe Diablo
Makes one serving

1 cup (250 mL) brewed dark roast coffee
1 1/2 tsp (7 mL) Kahlua
1 1/2 tsp (7 mL) Frangelico
1 1/2 tsp (7 mL) Grand Marnier
1 1/2 tsp (7 mL) Bailey's Irish Cream

Assemble in parfait or specialty coffee glasses, top with whipped cream and shaved chocolate, if desired.

While this formula is sure to impress, the extra touches you put into your evening make it all the more special: fresh-cut flowers, the obligatory box of chocolates and of course, the affection of someone special. Enjoy.