I sometimes think Valentine's Day is to me what Superbowl Sunday is to my husband.

Perhaps it's not the most important day of the year, but meaningful enough to take advance planning. So, I shop for football snacks and stock the fridge with my guy's favorite beer, then (best of all) I leave for an afternoon with the girls to make room for the guys' party.

If done properly, this will set me up for a surefire Valentine's. I still may have to hint, investigate and perhaps reserve, but the rewards are absolute.

Feb. 14 is my favorite holiday. It is all about romance, champagne, fine food, chocolate and roses. What's not to love? Always celebrated on the exact date, it is midweek splendor when it falls on a Thursday, as it does this year.

I believe the celebration starts when the alarm goes off.

A little advance planning should do the trick to get you off to the perfect beginning. A heart shaped treat is easy. The little ramekins or cookie cutters are easy to find and perfect for baking little frittatas or cutting out scones. They can be warmed in the morning, served with a mimosa and coffee and you're set. It's a workday, which makes it even better.

Next step is a card and a Valentine cookie in the car.

You have set your prince up on a quest to exceed your expectations. I have two suggestions for him.

If he is the cook and wants to serve you a great dinner at home, gourmet to go makes it easy. Pullman Kitchen has entrees like filet Wellington and seared salmon along with all the trimmings. Just follow the instructions, add candlelight, music and a rose and the rest will take care of itself. The only down side for my prince is the cleanup.

For that reason alone he may opt to make a reservation.

Of course I have an insider's tip on the new place to go this year. A cozy table reserved anytime after 7 p.m. is yours for the evening. Romantic live music, a six-course meal, including an appetizer, petite soup and salad, intermezzo and choice of entrée and a great dessert. To top it off you get the rose! The tab for all of this is $48 per person.

The market hall at Quarry Ponds is the place, transformed for romance this unique dining venue is my pick.

Not to say there are not many options available. Every menu offered at Granite Bay restaurants is wonderful.

Chef Marty Carlton at Toast has designed a beautiful menu and Hawks, as always, offers a perfect dining experience. Other neighborhood ideas you may wish to check are Dominick's and Spoons, which both traditionally offer something special for Valentine's Day.

Granite Bay has become a small community with big culinary choices. I for one see no need to venture further than our neighborhood for the best in food and ultimate romance for your Valentine's Day.