It'll be that time again soon. The pressure! Here are some of the more special Valentine celebrations in Orlando that have come my way. Check back regularly, as I'll add on newbies.
Beef Up Your Celebration at Shula's
Choose a prix fixe menu or dine a la carte at this steakhouse in the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin hotel. Choose from three starters, two salads, five entrees, four side dishes and three desserts, all for $95/person plus tax and tip. Full menu. Reservations
Bring Home Sweet Treats from DoveCote
If you can't get one of the last remaining tables for a romantic dinner at this Downtown Orlando brasserie, order a box of six hand-dipped chocolate-covered strawberries with six house-baked sugar cookies ($19). Email info@dovecoteorlando.com to have your sweets waiting.
Get Bullish on Valetine's Day at Bull & Bear
This stately steakhouse within the Waldorf Orlando will serve a four course dinner with choices including, for the entree, cleverly fried chicken, halibut, sirloin with lump crab, or filet mignon with lobster tail. Full menu. $140/person. Reservations
Go Upscale-Southern at Soco
Snazzy Southern fare at Thornton Park's hip Soco is on the prix fixe menu this Valentine's Day, and those who reserve their table by February 5 will receive a free round of sparkling wine. The four-course menu -- click here to see the whole thing -- includes choices such as sorghum-kissed rack of lamb and a s'mores torte with housemade marshmallow. $57 to $79 depending on entree choice. Reservations
Dance at Taverna Opa
Eat a four-course Greek-style surf 'n' turf dinner including Porterhouse steak and lobster tail while watching, or joining, the belly dancing. February 10-14. $85/couple. Details
Dine in the Dark at Tapa Toro
To raise funds for the Lake Eola Charter School, the International Drive Spanish restaurant will serve a four-course meal with choice of entree in a blacked-out restaurant. 5 pm. February 11. $125. Tickets. For a m ore traditional celebration, visit February 10-14 for a four-course prix fixe menu and a flamenco dancing show. Menu highlights: wild mushroom farrotto, grilled Tomahawk steak, garlic shrimp. $65/person. Details
Indulge with Four Seasons Dinners
Two restaurants at this luxury resort by Disney World will offer four-course dinners, the Spanish steakhouse Capa ($95/person) and the modern-Italian Ravello ($75/person). Menus. Reservations: 407.313.6161
Have a Flan-tastic Meal Ender at Cocina 214
Order off the a la carte menu at this Winter Park Tex-Mex restaurant, where every couple will receive a slice of Tres Leches cake for dessert.
Indulge in Four Special Courses at Rocco's Italian Grille
With its intimate decor and secluded patio, Rocco's Italian Grille is inherently romantic. On Valentine's Day, the restaurant will offer a four-course meal with choices for each course, with choices including lobster ravioli and pan-seared filet in mustard-cognac demi-glace. $69. Full menu
Add an Asian Element at Dragonfly
A five-course meal is on the menu at Dragonfly Robata in Dr. Phillips, which will also serve a la carte dinners on Valentine's Day. Selections include branzino crude, Chilean sea bass and dulce de leche mousse. $85/couple. Reservations
Go Full-on Floridian at 1921 by Norman Van Aken
This newish celebrity-chef restaurant with an artsy decor is luring couples with a four-course prix fixe dinner for the entire week of February 11 through February 18. Book at a table at this Mount Dora find and upon request you'll receive this menu for $75/person. Reservations
Have Four Courses Meant for Lovers at Hamilton's Kitchen
This rustic-chic farm-to-table restaurant is serving up four courses, with choices, on Valentine's Day. Here's what you'll eat. $65/person. Should you care to stay awhile, book a Puppy Love package and stay in the restaurant's hotel, The Alfond Inn.