Best of Calgary is a celebration of the people, places and voices that make Calgary an amazing place to live and call home.

Written by: Kelsey Woods

Oh the month of hearts and love has arrived in Calgary again! Soon you’ll see cinnamon hearts, red and pink cookies and bundles of roses around every corner. It’s time to start making reservations, heading to the flower shops and picking out the perfect card that describes your feelings just right. Whether you like to go out and celebrate or stay in and snuggle with your partner, here are some of our top ways to spend Valentine’s Day in Calgary this year!

go out for Valentine’s Day Dinner

Bonterra Trattoria

1016 8 St SW

For a little taste of Italy, Bonterra is your next stop. Combine contemporary Italian pasta, creamy risotto and unique entrees in a warm Tuscan-style atmosphere to enjoy a romantic night out with your date. Chef Benjamin Mills will dazzle you as he prepares simple, fresh ingredients with an exciting twist to keep your taste buds alive and guessing. How does a meal with focaccia bread and linguine carbonara followed by espresso tiramisu and Fiasco gelato sound? We know, mouth-wateringly good.

Bank and Baron

125 8 Ave SW

If you’ve never been to the Bank and Baron Pub, this is a romantic must. Reclaimed within the Bank of Nova Scotia building, this grand space in downtown Calgary is recognized among one of Alberta's most historical buildings. Located on Stephen Avenue, this two-storey building serves as a pub and mid-scale restaurant for those looking to class it up old school pub-style any night of the week. Perhaps you start with the craft beer lager fondue and lamb baguette followed by red wine poached pears with vanilla gelato. Bring your appetite - you’re going to want to try it all!

Anju

344 17 Ave SW

For modern Korean food with a twist, look no further. Anju originally opened in Calgary in 2008 in a small obscure location, with Chef Roy Oh serving patrons hungry for tapas and drinks. After years of successful business and filling the restaurant day after day, Anju decided to close its small doors and search a larger place, which is now the 17th Ave location that we all know and love today. Anju translates to ‘food you eat with alcohol,’ so grab your date and enjoy a night of oysters, mini cucumbers, spicy lamb potstickers and kimchi stew alongside Korean beers and specialty cocktails. You may need a few hours to fit it all in!

stay in for Valentine’s Day Dinner

Heart-Shaped Lasagna Bundt

Nothing says love like heart-shaped food! This romantic recipe only takes two hours and twenty-five minutes to perfect, and this includes resting time! Dazzle your date with this saucy, cheesy, perfectly-spiced creation and pair it with a nice red - a night of romance and contented bliss is guaranteed!

Get Yo' Man Chicken

This tasty dish only takes a mere eight minutes to prepare and fifty-five minutes to cook - it’s almost too simple! Serve this saucy chicken on a bed of rice or with naan bread on the side so that you can wipe your plate clean - yes, it’s that good!

You Won't Be Single For Long Vodka Cream Pasta

This recipe makes four servings, perfect for a double date or next day leftovers. From start to finish, you’ll only be in the kitchen for twenty-five minutes with this scrumptious recipe. Plus, you’ll impress your date when you say that you made this vodka cream sauce from SCRATCH. That’s right, enjoy a glass of red as a job well done.

go out for Valentine’s Day Activities

Get out of the house this Valentine’s Day and try something new with your partner at one of these Calgary events:

Punch Drunk Love

Ready to sweat it all out and then reward yourself with pub food?! For only $35, you and your date can go boxing at Rumble on 17th Avenue (glove rentals included) followed by dinner or drinks at Trolley Five with a $15 gift certificate. See their Facebook event for more details!

Rush Hour: Romance

Let three giants of French music infuse your evening with romance as you enjoy melodic sounds for one hour at the Jack Singer Concert Hall for only $30! Then move on, enjoying the countless restaurants, bars and eateries in downtown Calgary as you sway down the streets hand-in-hand to the resounding classical melodies performed by the greats.

Glow Fest YYC

The annual festival has returned to Calgary, dazzling Calgarians with its downtown winter light displays. This is a free, all-ages every for people to come and enjoy the lights while also walking through exhibits, art, entertainment and delicious local food trucks. Yum!