Unexpected venues for V-day fun

Brookfield Zoo among somealternate options

known for organ meats on Mondays and wild game. For Valentine’s, from Feb. 11-14, Frontier is featuring three different animal heart preparations plus dessert for $50 per couple or $30 for one person.

“We push the envelope,” said Brian Jupiter, corporate chef. org.carolynwalkup The first course will be minced is a local freemortonarb.

beef heart tartare with traditional lance writer. Annie Alleman

(325W. Franklin, 312-212-3262, franklintap.com) known for its wide selection of craft beers, encourages folks who don’t have a date on Valentine’s to come in for its “Beer is My Valentine” promotion. The regular menu and drink selections will be served, along with two special beers, a double chocolate stout and a strawberry lambic.

Many other casual restaurants and bars, especially those in the neighborhoods, are offering their regular menus for Valentine’s Day.

Animal lovers can have a romantic Valentine’s dinner at Brookfield Zoo, ( 8400 31st St., Brookfield, at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 11). The evening starts with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres in the Seven Seas underwater viewing gallery. Next is a five-course meal in Bocaditos restaurant, with a menu featuring sweet corn chowder followed by a Greek-style salad with a vinaigrette dressing. An intermezzo of lemon sorbet precedes the main course of petit filet mignon with wild mushroom ragout and port demi glaze paired with lobster tail. Sides include garlic mashed potatoes and fresh vegetables, with dessert being a red velvet heart-shaped cake for two. In addition to open bar service, premium wine and champagne will be served during dinner. The evening continues with dancing until midnight. The cost for the Valentine’s dinner is $225 per couple. For reservations or more information, call (708) 688-8355; csz.org.

Shedd Aquarium, (1200 S. Lake Shore, 312- 939-2438). Do Valentine’s on the cheap: take advantage of one of the Shedd’s Community Discount Days on Feb. 14, where general admission is free. It includes thewaters of theworld, Amazon Rising and the Caribbean Reef. Packages including Wild Reef, Polar Play Zone and Oceanarium are available at a discounted rate. Visit

Morton Arboretum, (4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle, 630-9680074. Mortonarb.org). Learn about the growing, harvesting and production process of chocolate and its relationship to trees through exhibits, expos and workshops. Chocolatethemed gifts and sweets are available for purchase at the Arboretum store. Call (630) 9680074;