No V-Day Reso? D.I.Y. Dinner Ideas for Tonight

I hate to break it to you, love birds, but it you weren't an early bird this year, you might have a tough time getting a last minute dinner reservation for Valentine's Day. I've heard that some local hot spots have been pretty much booked solid for weeks. Of course,...

By Michele Laudig

February 14, 2011

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I hate to break it to you, love birds, but it you weren't an early bird this year, you might have a tough time getting a last minute dinner reservation for Valentine's Day. I've heard that some local hot spots have been pretty much booked solid for weeks.

Of course, it doesn't hurt to try. Easiest way to see what your options are? Visit OpenTable.com, select Phoenix, and don't choose a time. The search results will show you what your options are. You might be dining at 5 p.m. or 9:30 p.m. instead of prime time, but at least you'll have a plan.

But why even stress about it? If having dinner before sundown isn't your idea of a romantic evening, hit up the grocery store and cook up a killer feast for your sweetie. Three Chow Bella contributors have come up with three unique options for you, with recipes and all.

Never braved the kitchen before? Join our fearless Cooking Virgin (and new New Times staffer! Yay!) Wynter Holden in creating a foolproof meal you can be proud of. Short on cash? No prob -- Thrifty Cook Cyndi Coon has a menu of budget-friendly comfort food. Or, if you have the skills and (dollar) bills, try Ask the Chef's Carol Blonder's uber-impressive bistro menu, which looks as delicious as anything you'll find if you dine out.

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