Lucas Friesen
Valentine's Day Tips
Well fellas, Valentine’s Day is coming up and you better believe your lady is expecting something out of you. But I bet your busy and maybe you don’t have time to organize something. I’m here to help. Here are some suggestions for how to celebrate the most lovely day of the year.

My first recommendation is for the nature-loving lady in your life. I would suggest taking her on a date to the Bloedel Floral Conservatory. Located at the top of Queen Elizabeth Park, it has a stunning and romantic view of the city. Plus, inside the conservatory are all sorts of exotic and tropical plants. There are also parrots and other birds of paradise living in the conservatory. To keep all this life alive, the conservatory is warm and balmy – a perfect escape from Vancouver’s cold and wet February weather. It’s warm, nature-oriented, and somewhat of a hidden gem in Vancouver. To go to the Bloedel Conservatory is to see something few know is offered in Vancouver.

My next recommendation is for music lovers. On the night of Tuesday, February 13, the day before Valentine’s Day, Majid Jordan comes to town to perform at the Orpheum Theatre. If you’re not familiar with Majid Jordan, they are an electronic pop/dance duo known for their hypnotic beats and sultry vocals. They grew to fame after being featured on Drake’s classic crossover hit “Hold On, We’re Going Home”. Now, signed to Drizzy’s OVO Sound label, Majid Jordan have come into their own, releasing one of the most sonically rewarding projects of 2017, their album The Space Between. Almost all tickets are under $50. Plus, the Orpheum Theatre is one of Vancouver’s most beautiful venues. A classy lobby and an old-school feel, this venue is perfect for Majid Jordan, and even more perfect for a lovely night of sensually-charged music. Plus, they’re Canadian, always good to support some homegrown boys.
If you want to take your girlfriend out to dinner then you’re in luck. There are so many good restaurants to choose from in Vancouver. But remember that it’s Valentine’s Day so it’s important to make a reservation well in advance. Tables all over the city will be getting booked up quickly. My first restaurant recommendation is the fanciest, and perhaps best, Italian food spot in Vancouver: Il Giardino di Umberto. Great atmosphere, great food, and great service. You pay top dollar here, but you will certainly have an unforgettable experience. It’s been over a year since I last ate here, and it is a dining experience I still carry with me and think of regularly. Another recommendation is Bodega on Main. Spanish food, tapas style, and cheaper than Il Giardino’s, this is a great spot for a casual yet romantic night out.
If you’re girlfriend is the simpler type, or the hard-working type, and would rather spend a night in on Valentine’s Day consider yourself lucky. A cheap date doesn’t mean a bad date. There’s still plenty you can do at home to make the night special. I would suggest making dinner for your girl, if you are at all culinarily inclined. If not, go the other route and order in her favourite take-out or fast food. A large pizza, a bucket of the Kentucky Colonel, or her favourite Chinese food can make the night of any girl. Pick a movie or show that she’d like that won’t bore you to death and you should be good. Wear pajamas, have a few drinks, and enjoy each other’s company. That’s what Valentine’s Day is all about, isn’t it?
As always, Valentine’s Day is about romance and showing love. So, no matter what you decide to do for the day remember to treat your girlfriend right and make her feel appreciated. Don’t be
scared to be cliché; women still love flowers and chocolates. A card with a heart-felt message is always nice too. They say that diamonds are a girl’s best friend and, if you can afford it, Valentine’s Day is a great way to find out if that old saying is still true in our modern times. And remember, treat her right and she will treat you right in return. Happy loving.