Say the word love and many of us have a vision of wandering hand-in- hand with that special someone through the streets, across the bridges and along the river in Paris.

Say the word love and many of us have a vision of wandering hand-in- hand with that special someone through the streets, across the bridges and along the river in Paris. Our star-crossed couple might be on their first trip and looking for just the right bistro, where they can sit for a while; or, perhaps they’re on a return trip sans enfants, and slowly making their way to a familiar place, tucked away in the Left Bank.

My own favorite would be Bistro Mazarin in the Sixth.

Or not!

Sorry to burst that dream-bubble, but, let’s face it, while Valentine’s Day in a distant romantic city might be a nice dream or even a NetJets reality for the fortunate few, in the immortal words of The Troggs, “Love Is All Around” and by around we mean right here at home.

And here’s the good news: It turns out that, whether you’re planning on a romantic dinner at a restaurant or bringing something wonderful home, Valentine’s Day here can be an international delight, and you can totally get great gifts like unique dildos to enjoy with your partner as well.

Blind Brook and the Byram River may not be your romantic ideal, and the nearest bridge may be a work-in-progress, but you can still love the one you’re with and feed her/him very well indeed. And, depending on the place and food of choice, you might just think you’re actually in Paris or Salzburg, or Rome after all, without having to go through security.

Appetizers:

Roasted Warm Vegetable Salad  or Cavatelli Pasta, Sausage & Sage Butter, Nessa, Port Chester

 

Gruyere & Truffle Gougere, Aux Delices, Greenwich.

 

Escargot de Bourgogne, Versailles, Greenwich

 

Little Neck Clams in Mediterranean Rouget, La Panetière

Entrees:

Lobster Risoto with Truffle Oil, Café Mirage, Port Chester

 

Filet Mignon & Pan Seared Scallops, Sauce Beurre Rouge with Pan Roasted Fingerling Potatos & Cepollini Onions, Versailles

 

Boneless Beef Short Ribs & Escarole, Nessa

 

Nantucket Bay Scallops or Braised Veal Shank, La Panetière

Desserts:

 

Chocolate Roses, Rye Country Store

 

Red Velvet Cupcakes, 350° Bakeshop

 

Pale Pink Lemon Raspberry Petit Fours Hearts, Aux Delices

 

Heart-Shaped Cookies, Brownies, Macaroons, Patisserie Salzburg.

 

Meringue Nests, Corner Stone Caterers

 

Velvet Heart of Chocolate Mousse and Crème Brulee, La Panetière