fbpx

Celebrating Love in the Comfort of Your Home

January 20, 2021 by University District

Romancing gets real this Valentine’s Day!

 


 

At the beginning, middle or end of the day — it really is true – love is all you need! This is especially the case when it comes to Valentine’s Day!

 

No matter your budget, you don’t have to blow it all on a fancy feast prepared by a celebrated chef to show you care. You can concoct a high-end celebration — worthy of your special someone — right at home!

 

In U/D, you’ll find everything you need just a short walk away. Perfect for spending less time prepping and more time together, read on for tips to creating the perfect V-Day in the comfort of your own home.

 

FOOD AS THE WAY TO THE HEART

 

 

 

Whether you want to go traditional with surf-and-turf or keep it light and easy, you can find all the delicious ingredients you need for a special meal close by. We even have options for the fast-food lover in your life!

 

Classics are classics for a reason. And nothing whispers sweet romance more than quality steak and fresh seafood for many people! Lucky for you, Save-On-Foods is home to both of these delectable treats. Get yourself some fresh shrimp to grill or saute and pair it with a thick cut of Alberta AAA Prime steak. Your choice of baked, mashed or scalloped potatoes and steamed vegetables create balance.

 

Voila! A fancy meal right at home, made by you spells “I love you!”

 

Did you know Save-On-Foods is a proud partner of the environment-loving Ocean Wise sustainable seafood program? Get hooked on sustainable seafood? Learn more on their website here!

 

Not interested in cooking for V-Day? Try one of the charcuterie platters from Save-On-Foods you can plate at home! Simply assemble the goodies on a platter or rustic wooden board with a freshly baked, crusty baguette or boxed crackers.

 

And who says fast food has to be eaten from the packaging? Get takeout on your way home from Nick’s Steak and Pizza, Varsity Pizza, present it on your fanciest bone china, pour your soda into a wine glass and have fun in front of the TV watching a rom-com or simply reminiscing about the way you met!

 

ME, TOO! ME, TOO!

 

 

Don’t forget your furry friends on this day of love! Pet Planet on our retail main street has healthy treats (don’t worry – your pets won’t even know it’s good for them) and toys for your little buddies. They can join in with a special feast of their own – but maybe not at the table!

 

RAISE THAT GLASS. HOLD THAT GAZE.

 

 

Whether you’re keeping it alcohol-free or indulging in some wine, the perfect pairing for your dinner is a walk away!

 

Keep it simple or go all-out – it’s up to you!

 

Over at Market Wines, you can get help with pairing a bottle of wine with your chosen dinner. With hundreds of wines from around the world to choose from, staff are ready to help you make the perfect selection! There will definitely be a match made for you and your special someone!

 

“Don’t be afraid to get a little adventurous,” Shalini Sagoo, who manages marketing at the store, tells us. “The best part about wine is trying new things! Classic pairings are just a guideline. At the end of the day, pair what tastes good to you. If you’re ever in doubt, go for Rosé, or let us help pick you the perfect bottle!”

 

Looking for a pre- or post-dinner drink? You’re in good hands too. Try out a whiskey on the rocks to keep it easy, or get fancy with a colourful cocktail recipe you’ve been saving for a special occasion!

 

“If you’re craving something sweet after dinner there are a myriad of options to try. If you’re having something chocolate based, Port is a great choice,” Shalini says. “A Sauternes is delightful alongside a fruit tart or blue cheese – try Château Roumieu, it comes in full and half size bottles.”

 

“If lusciously sweet isn’t your style, a dram of wine barrel finished whisky is a pleasant finale to any evening.”

 

Having a dry night in? Save-On-Foods is home to sparking non-alcoholic wines, as well as many club sodas, specialty tonics and juices you can use to create the perfect mocktail recipe!

 

TIP: Check out local cocktail bitters company Black Cloud Bitters for inventive and delicious mocktails you can enjoy again and again!

 

FRESH FUN MEANS BEING FULL OF SURPRISES!

 

 

Celebrating at home doesn’t have to mean Netflix and nachos! Make the night a little more special by breaking up the routine and doing something a little extra.

 

First off, take a few minutes to set the tone for the evening with purposeful décor choices. If you’re usually a ‘dinner on the couch’ kind of household, pull out the tablecloth and set the dining table or island, dim the lights, let the candles work their lighting magic and turn on some soft jazz or Calgary’s own k.d. lang known for romantic favourites like Western Stars, Big Big Love and Hush Sweet Lover.

 

Choose some fragrant flowers for the table – red roses are another classic choice – and you’re ready to dine in style. Simple changes make all the difference between your everyday home and a special night in.

 

If you have yet to buy into the board game phenomenon, make tonight the night. Whether it’s a game of Twister, Trouble or Trivia, games are a fun option for couples or the whole family, and you can team up or battle it out with a little fun competition!

 

DID YOU KNOW? Calendar Club at Market Mall carries plenty of games to enjoy! No matter what you’re interested in, you’ll find hours of entertainment here.

 

 

Take it outside! Tired of being cooped up? Get out for a V-Day walk! Explore your own neighbourhood or head to Bowness Park and try your hand at the ice bikes and skating.

 

 

A FAMILY AFFAIR!

 

If you’ve got little ones at home, have them join in! There’s no rule that kids can’t celebrate V-Day with their family – include them in the planning and cooking, and pick out a family movie or game to play. Once they go to bed, the rest of the night is yours! Don’t forget to reach out to loved ones who are spending this time alone. Set up a Zoom call, FaceTime or Skype. And let them see the twinkle in your eye that they spark!

 

 

ALL LOVE.

 

No matter how you spend the day, it’s important to remember the true meaning of Valentine’s Day – love! Whether you celebrate with a significant other, family or yourself, have a safe, special and loving V-Day.

There are so many moments and community milestones to celebrate and anticipate here at University District. Keep pace and stay connected! We share so many of our adventures in and around U/D on social media – follow along at University District on Facebook, @udistrictyyc_ on Instagram and Twitter, too! check out our top social post of the year right here!


Join the Discussion

Comments are moderated before being posted. Your email address is required but will not be published.

Join our email list for more information and our newsletter.
I'm interested in learning more about:
Popular Keywords
New Retailers on the horizon: Take a look at the newest businesses coming to University District this year
The Perfect Easter at University District
Sneak Peek: A First Look at the New CHARCUT Restaurant at Alt Hotel University District
See All Blog Posts
2018 milestones, 2023, A year in review, active, Activity, Age-friendly community, Aging in place, Alberta, Alberta Children's Hospital, All ages, ALT Hotel, Alt Hotels, amenities, Ana Cummings, Analog Coffee, apartment rental, Aria, Artisan Pizza, Artist, August, August by Avi Urban, Avi Urban, Bakeries, baking tips, Balcony, Balcony Decor, BBQ, beard grooming, Bike routes, BILD Awards, Blaze Pizza, Bliss & Co. Cupcakes and Desserts, Block Party, blockbuster movie night, Bookstores, Bragg Creek, Breakfast, Brenda Stafford Foundation, Brenda Strafford Foundation, Brookfield Residential, Brunch, Bubble Tea, Bucket List, Budget, Budget conscious, Buiders, Building Industry and Land Development, Business, Calgary, Calgary Activities, Calgary Art, Calgary bakeries, Calgary business, Calgary community, Calgary Drinks, Calgary events, Calgary Fitness, Calgary Hearing, Calgary LRT, Calgary Parks, Calgary Real Estate, Calgary restaurants, Calgary staycation, Calgary tourism, Calgary Trails, Calgary Transit, Calgary Women, Calypso's Green Taverna, Cambridge Manor, Canada, Canada Day, Canmore, Capella, Cartwright lighting & furniture, Celebration, centerpieces, Central Commons, Charcut, charity, cineplex, Classes, Cochrane, comfort food, Community, community festival, Community Living, condo life, condos, connections, contest, cookie baking, cookie recipes, cookies, cooking, cooking together, Copper Branch, Creative, Cuisine et Chateau, Curious Hair, Curious Salon, Date Ideas, Date night, Decor, Decor Shops, Decor Tips, Denim & Smith, Dental, dental care, design styles, Dining, Discovery Centre, DIY, DIY Skincare, Do-It-Yourself, dog park, Dogs, Downsize, downsizing, downsizing tips, Easter, Eco decor, eLearning, Entertainment, environment, Esquire by Truman, Euphoria Cafe, events, exercise, Explore, Fall, Fall Decor, fall design, family, family-run wineries, FAQ, Father's Day, Financial, fitness, fitness as we age, food, food waste, Freshii, Functional Fitness, Garden Maintenance, gardening, gift guide, giving back, golf, Green Calgary, Grey Cup, Group Germain Hotels, guide, Guide to Northwest Calgary, gym, hair grooming, Health, Healthy Eating, Healthy Foods, Hearing loss, Helen Youn, Higher Ground, Hillhurst Flea Market, hobbies, holiday, holiday activities, Holiday Budget, holiday memories, Holiday movies, holiday parties, holiday season, holiday traditions, holiday wines, home, Home Automation, home decor, Home Maintenance, home office, Home organization, Home Technology, homemade pizza, Homeowners, honey, hosting the holidays, housing, I Can for Kids, IBI Group, Ice Cream, Ice Cream Shops, Ice Rink, inclusive, Interior Design, Interior Design for your pets, Interior Design Tips, interior lighting, International Womens Day, Isolation, J.Webb Market Wines, James Robertson, Jayman BUILT, Kananaskis, Kananaskis Nordic Spa, keep kids entertained at home, kids learning, KonMari, Level Playing Field, Life at Maple, lighting, local, local business, local good, Love on Main Street, love your pet, Lunch, made in Calgary, Magna, making pizza, Making Pizza Pie, Maple, Maple by Truman, Marie Kondo, Market Wines, McKinley Burkart, meal prep, meals, mens grooming, mental health, mindful spaces, Monogram Coffee, Mother's Day Brunch, Movies at home, moving, multi-generational, National Ice Cream Month, Nature, New at UD, New homes, New Projects, New Resident, Night Market, Noble, North Calgary, North Hill Mall, North Pond, Northwest Bookstores, Northwest Calgary, Northwest Calgary Brunch, Northwest Commons Park, Northwest neighbour, Northwestival, nutrition tips, NW Calgary, OEB Breakfast Co., Office, Olympic Oval, online learning, oolong tea house, Orangetheory, Orangetheory Fitness, orangetheoryfitness, Organization, outdoors, Park n' Play Design, Parks, Partners, party hosting tips, Patio Decor, pet care, pet love, Pet Planet, Pets, Photography, pizza dough, pizza toppings, plant, plant care, play space, Playcore National Demonstration Site, playground, Press'd, Press'd Sandwich Shop, Programs, puppy love, Questions and Answers, rafting, Reading, real estate, recipes, redecorating, rent to own, rentals, restaurant, Retail, Retail Main Street, retailers, Rightsize, Rohit, Romance, Ronald McDonald House Charities, Rosé, Sandwich, Save-On-Foods, Scotiabank, screen time, seasonal maintenance, Secrets, senior health, Senior living, Seniors, sensory gadgets, shop local, single-level residences, Skating, Smaller space living, Smart Home, Smoothie bowl recipe, social media contest, Spark Joy, sparkling wine, Sports, Spring, Staples, Staycation, Summer Activities, Summer Bucket List, Summer Cocktails, Summer Drinks, Summer Food, summer getaways, Summer Mocktails, sustainability, sustainable design, table setting, tablescape, Tailgate Party, Tailgating, Thanksgiving, The IVY, The Space Reclaimers, things to do, tips, tourism calgary, townhome, townhome living, townhouse living, Trails in Northwest Calgary, travel, travel alberta, TREC Dental, Truman, Truman Homes, U/D, UCalgary, UD Life, UDLife, University District, University District Dental, University of Calgary, Urban Balcony, urban dog park, Urban Garden, Urban Patio Decor, Valentines Day, Vegan Cuisine, Vegan Food, Vendors, vermicomposting, Village Ice Cream, Volunteer, Volunteerism, Walking, West Campus Development Trust, Wilco Contractors, Wine, wine experience, Winefest, Winsport Zipline, winter, winter activities, winter festival, Winter Fitness, winter fun, winter memories, winter pet care, winter pet care tips, winter traditions, winter warm up, Winter workout, women grooming, Women Leaders, workouts, Yard, year in review, YYC Cycle, YYC Events, YYC Hot Chocolate Fest

Discover NW Calgary's most interesting places, people and things

Visit Our Channel

Looking for something to do in NW Calgary?

Check Out Our Event Calendar

The University District blog is a resource for Calgarians who want to live, work, play, visit or buy in the northwest. We will provide you with information, stories, news and a closer look at the things that matter so you can live a more inspired, active and connected life in NW Calgary at University District… Life works here.