


Valentine’s Day — there may be no other holiday that means so many things to so many people. For some, it’s 24 hours full of romance. For others, it’s a chance to show your family you love hanging out with them. And then there are the “Galentine’s Day” fans: the ladies who prefer a girls’ night out to a date night.
We’re celebrating all of the above.
Romance: Few things say caring like a cozy and intimate meal you’ve made at home. Amp things up by serving some aphrodisiacs — like some of the most delectably sweet scallops in the entire world, found right here in New England. They’re $60 for 2-4 servings on downeastdayboat.com. Pair them with the thematically perfect carb, Bellita Pasta’s Valentino ($10.95 on bellitapasta.com), a heart-shaped pink pasta that uses red beets for a glorious visual and depth of flavor. Or, if stepping out is on the agenda, head to Ristorante Lucia in the North End (415 Hanover St.) for its annual “Amore Concert: Love Songs Through the Ages in the North End” by the North End Music & Performing Arts Center. Each ticket includes a three-course Italian meal ($95 per person on nempacboston.org/event/amore-concert-love-songs-through-the-ages).
For your gal pals: This isn’t going to be just any Galentine’s get-together. Row 34 Cambridge (314 Main St.) is hosting a
Mob Wives-Themed Galentine’s Day Dance Party.” Costumes are strongly encouraged. Tickets include snacks and one drink each — a cash bar is also available. (Tickets are $30 on OpenTable
Or, if a quieter evening is more your speed, grab some champagne and a few luxury facial products and stay in. One just-launched find is the innovative Blue Diamond Super Serum that enhances skin longevity. ($445 on omorovicza.com).
For family: How about sharing the I-love-my-family feeling over a big, gooey, heart-shaped pizza, created by Ducali (289 Causeway St.)? (Prices vary; any pizza on the menu at duca.li can be transformed into a heart shape.) For dessert? Count on SweetBoy’s Valentine’s Day Cookie Tin, crafted by owner Ben Sidell, Each tin includes a mix of cookies like red hot snickerdoodles and red velvet white chocolate. ($50 on www.sweetboy.com . A portion of proceeds will support the LA Food Bank Disaster Relief Fund.
For yourself: You deserve treats, too. How about handing yourself a gorgeous bottle of Vyrao’s Georgette ($190 on vyrao.com). The package instructs you to “Spray & say: ‘I Deeply and Completely Love and Accept Myself’. ” It’s laced with notes of Turkish rose oil, violet leaf, sandalwood and patchouli, and heady guaiac wood. And when you’re up for some self-care, slather on some Alpine Rich Cream ($68 on ursamajorvt.com), a deeply hydrating lotion that supports your skin barrier with alpine and forest elements (think tremella mushrooms that hydrate and cloudberry full of vitamins A, C, and E). With all that pampering, his holiday may just be called MeDay instead of V-Day.