The Sunset picnic:

First, on the Saturday before Valentine’s day, make sure you go to the Farmers’ Market in San Francisco to do some shopping. The first thing on the agenda is to pick up some fresh salami, salumi, spreadable pepperoni and mortadella from Boccalone Salumeria in the Ferry Building. You can get an assorted pack for $20, and since this will be the protein of the meal, the price is great. Next, head to the rear of the Ferry Building to the bread vendors and pick out a bread that is thin and different but something your significant other would like. I usually pick onion bread with seeds. This will cost $4 for the loaf. Right next to the bread vendor is the goat cheese vendor; here you can pick up a small canister of goat cheese seasoned with serano chills for $6. If the chillis or cheese is not to your liking, there are many other choices for the same price. Now in the same area there are cherry blossom tree branches for sale for $5; this will accent your presentation and be a great gift for your significant other. Before you leave, go to the front of the Ferry Building and grab a bag of tequilla flavored pistachios for $3 at the nut vendors. On your way home, stop at Trader Joe’s and grab a bottle of two-buck chuck, and your shopping part of the task is over.

At your house, look for a long and thin vase, two wine glasses, a dinner knife, a basket to put the food in (you can also use a cloth), a nice blanket to lay the food on and another to cuddle under after the sunset. After you have found all your items, pick a spot in your town or city that the sunset looks amazing from. I suggest going up the old Highway 1 trail in Pacifica; there is a bench at the top that faces the ocean and lends a fantastic view to the spectacle. Now that you have your food, items, and place, all that is left is taking your sweetheart there and enjoying a picnic under the sunset. Enjoy.

For $10 more, you can add some aphrodisiacs to the picnic, such as strawberries that can be picked up at any local market and international chocolates located at Pier One Imports.

An at-home Valentine’s dinner from Safeway:

Appetizer: Stuffed portobello mushrooms, pre-made in meat department, $4.99 per pound; or fresh, vegetable-stuffed mushrooms, $4.99 for eight, in produce section.

Dinner: Chicken breast with asparagus, pre-made in meat department, $4.49 per pound.

Wild rice, any brand (I like Uncle Ben’s or Near East).

Petit vegetables in bag in produce section, $4.99 (steam in chicken stock).

Dessert: Cream puffs in bakery (fresh), $2.99. Drizzle with chocolate sauce and add fresh berries to your liking.

Wine: Macon Villages Chardonnay, $10.80.

Safeway has fresh roses on sale for $9.99 a dozen. Also, tulips are in season, priced at $6.99. Doller Tree has a great assortment of ballons, champagne flutes and center pieces.

Picnic Dinner: I found great stuff at Colombo’s Deli. The staff are knowledgeable and are more than happy to help you find a meal on a budget. One of my favorite items is the firecracker chocolate; inquire about it.

So I was able to perpare a meal plus flowers, wine and center piece for $40.00.