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A solution for all those afraid to ruin Valentine’s Day by cooking

Mary Carman

Red, heart-shaped boxes. Flowers on top, embossed, filled with assorted chocolates. A dozen roses, any color, but

traditionally red or pink, ribbon around the stems or in a vase.

This is no ordinary day.

On an ordinary day – even an ordinary date – you might make dinner (I’d recommend taco salad or chicken broccoli alfredo, but I may be biased), catch a movie, play some games. But, in four days, Hamilton’s Steak and Seafood Restaurant can help you pull out all the stops. This year, they are providing for couples a special Valentine’s date deal, starting with an appetizer, soup or salad, and then an entrée of 6 oz. filet mignon with crab legs or lobster tail. Finish it off with a chocolate molten cake and even a rose to commemorate the evening.

The cost is higher than what you’d probably pay for an average date, so if your finances are a little lower than you’d like on Valentine’s Day, you still don’t have to worry about making a trip to your local fast food chain.

Their everyday Early Bird Special, usually from 4-6 p.m., will be moved up, to 3-5 p.m. For $25 a couple, customers get their choice of beverage, soup or salad, a limited number of entrees and a dessert.

“When you … can come and spend a couple hours and it really can be your whole evening, that’s when it’s worth the money,” says owner, Justin Hamilton.

Because 85-90 percent of their clientele makes reservations, it’s a good idea to call ahead. If you don’t know what time you can make it in until the last minute, feel free to utilize their call-ahead seating feature. You can arrive at the restaurant, give them your number, and depending on the length of wait-time, go shopping or find a quiet spot to talk.

So this Valentine’s Day, if you don’t feel like slaving over a home-cooked meal, you could surprise your loved one with a nice dinner at Hamilton’s. But don’t fret – my recipes will be back next week, bigger and better than ever.

Mary Carman is a senior majoring in American Studies. To discover the best times to watch the Food Network, e-mail her at

mkimbercarma@

cc.usu.edu.

Hamilton’s owner, Justin Hamilton. (Jessica Alexander)