One surefire way to shower affection on your Valentine is to mix up a beautiful libation. Hand-crafting a cocktail, with love of course, has the thoughtful-romantic-gesture angle covered, with the added benefit of melting away any rough edges on the evening ahead. (Let's see flowers do that.) In putting together our trio, we stuck to the classic V-Day palette of pinks and reds while steering clear of the overly sweet or just plain silly. In other words, cocktails you'll actually want to drink. more ›

Rare is the person that will readily admit that he or she needs a little help in the bedroom. Yet if we were really such outstanding lovers all of the time, the adult novelties business would not be the multi-billion dollar industry it is. Let's face it, whether it is in the warm up or the execution, we can all use a little extra "somethin' somethin'" once in awhile. Making love, for what the cliches are worth, really is like building a fire. Having a little extra kindling on hand is never a bad idea. Enough with the tacky metaphors though. This is a food column. Let's talk aphrodisiacs, folks! more ›

We'll be honest: we have a hard time getting into any sort of romantic mood at any of the CTA stops across town, even the recently renovated Belmont stop. But according to one report, the Belmont stop is where all the action's at, if you're going by Craigslist's Missed Connection ads, that is. Craigslist did a study of the train lines using a scale called the Train Romance Index Score Total aka TRIST (we see what they did there) and the Red Line came out the winner with the most missed connections and Belmont as the most popular stop. Second place overall went to the Brown Line with the Blue Line coming in third. The least romantic train line according to the formula? The Pink Line. As for individual stations, after Belmont comes the Addison Red Line (full of drunk, amorous Cubs fans?), California Pink Line, the Linden Purple Line (Northwestern students?), and the other North Side mega-stop, the Fullerton Station. more ›

The Second Annual Cougar Convention hit Chicago this weekend, bringing single young men (or 'cubs') and eligible older ladies (cougars, ahem) together for one night of anticipation and potential romance in the ballroom of the Embassy Suites O'Hare. more ›

The University of Chicago's board of trustees declared there was no conflict of interest in President Robert Zimmer's relationship with a professor, despite questions of whether he "played a role in decisions about her employment,"Chicago Breaking News reports. more ›

As we approach that pinkest, sweetest, most-chocolate-flavored of all days, I have a confession to make: I hate dining out on Valentine’s Day. There. I said it. I know there are thousands of restaurant PR professional out there who just collapsed to the ground clutching their once-beating hearts, but I hate dining out on Valentine’s Day. more ›

As if we ever needed another excuse to go to Trader Vic's, they've given us a new one. On February 13 and 14 they're offering a special Valentine's Day package. For $50 each you and your sugar-nums will be treated to an ultraromantic dinner, including a pupu-style appetizer plate meant for sharing, choice of main course entrée (go with the tenderloin, trust us) and dessert. The ladies get a red rose while the men get a souvenir Trader Vic's cocktail glass. Same-sex couples presumably get to choose! The package also includes two glasses of champagne or two Mai Tais. Better make your reservations soon by calling (312) 642-6500. more ›

Artist Jaclyn Pryor is taking her factory-of-love show on the road with Pink On Tour, a project that delivers love letters. "pink: a (love) courier service is both a real life courier service & a site specific art installation," according to Pryor's website. Anyone whose heart is bursting can stop by the temporary studio at St. Paul's Cultural Center (2215 W. North Avenue) between 11am and 10pm, today through August 15, and write a love letter. Pink couriers will help you bottle it and then will deliver it by bike to your beloved. Awww. [Apartment Therapy] more ›