It’s a day away from Valentine’s Day, which is when many guys first start to think about it. Some reservations are still available at fine restaurants if you’re willing to eat really early or late. But you can get romantic without steak at the Pepper Tree. Some cool at-home options:

• Taste of Life Natural Market & Prepared Meals, 15910 Jackson Creek Parkway in Monument, or 11605 Meridian Market View in Peyton: midsize dinner entrees of Chicken Parmesan ($43.19), Lemon Chicken or Vegetable Lasagna ($41.99 each); salad, bread, chocolates and a candle. Call by noon today, 487-2858, or visit tasteoflifestores.com.

• Papa Murphy’s: $7.99 heart-shape pizzas available today and Saturday at selected stores.

• Louie’s Pizza: Valentine’s Day pizzas, available only on Valentine’s Day but must be ordered by tonight, $18.62 pickup or $19.62 delivered, large heart-shape pizza with as many as three toppings, large tossed salad, 2-liter bottle of soda and teddy bear with candy. Check phone book for locations and phone numbers.

Sip for singers

Jump-start Valentine’s Day this evening at “A Valentine’s Wine Tasting and Gourmet Food Fest,” 6:30 to 9 p.m. at Norris-Penrose Event Center, 1045 W. Rio Grande St. You can sample more than 150 wines, beers and spirits while enjoying hors d’oeuvres. Cost is $50 per person and will benefit Opera Theatre of the Rockies. Call Sovereignty Wines, 389-0906, for tickets, or pay at the door.

Meal deals

Pat Webb, the reader who told us about the dining cards we featured last week, e-mailed clarification about the cards. Her Panhellenic Alumnae group consigns the cards from the Dining Card company.

“We sell the cards for $10, which is half of the Web site cost” (mentioned last week), she e-mailed.

The group keeps $5 per card to support its work. E-mail Webb0560@aol.com with your phone number to request a card.

Hot and bothered

Victor Matthews, chef/owner of the Black Bear Restaurant, 10375 Ute Pass Ave., is boasting about getting the hottest chile in the world: Bhut Jolokia, which is hotter than a habanero.

“Eating them straight has killed five people,” he wrote in an e-mail.

He’s using the chile in Ghost Chili ($15 for 4 ounces), served at Black Bear with sides of Tums, honey yogurt and a waiver. That’s right, a waiver and assumption of risk with a “pre-paid with no refunds” clause.

Celebrate

Alice’s Mexican Cuisine, 109 E. Pikes Peak Ave., is celebrating its second year in business as of Saturday.

They’re back

Original owners Dave and Mary Crimmins reopened Texas T-Bone Restaurant, 2070 S. Academy Blvd., this week. Hours are 5 to 9 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, and 4 to 9 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays.

Shuttered

Texas Land & Cattle Steak House, 2550 Montebello Drive, and The Nook, 2821 Dublin Blvd.

Military discounts

If you offer military discounts at your restaurant, send us details of your deal for an upcoming special military section.

–

CONTACT US: Send tips about restaurant openings, closings, menu changes and food specials to teresa.farney@gazettedev.gazette.com or call 636-0271. Do you manage a restaurant? Send us your e-mail address so we can keep in touch.

Photo by