J.P. Anderson, 31
Chicago restaurants editor, Citysearch.com
Al Decker, 55
Executive director, security and privacy services
EDS, Plano, Texas
Valentine’s Day is here and you’re probably wondering what more you can do for your sweetie.
Pick up your cell phone.
Then give that special someone a kotc (kiss on the cheek). Or perhaps you prefer a kotl (kiss on the lips). Regardless, tell your qtpie (cutie pie) iwaluvu (I will always love you).
Of course, if you’re getting a late start on your Valentine’s Day plans, sending these text messages with your cell phone may be easier than arranging dinner at a fine restaurant.
But fear not, says J.P Anderson, the Chicago restaurant editor for Citysearch.com (http://chicago.citysearch.com).
There are plenty of dining options–even at this late hour.
“We list romantic restaurants in our Valentine’s Day section,” he said. “But we also highlight the best dining deals and even anti-Valentine’s Day events.”
When Anderson hunts for information on restaurants for himself (he dines out more than 200 times per year–almost always undercover) he starts with message boards. “Sometimes I come across a restaurant I’ve never heard of that has 10 users raving about it,” he said.
Besides the Citysearch message board, he frequents Chowhound (www.chowhound.com, “a semi-underground community of food fanatics”) and eGullet (www.egullet.com, “which is less about restaurants and more for people that are passionate about food”).
Because he eats out for a living, Anderson and his Valentine are cooking in this year.
“So I’ve been visiting Epicurious,” he said.
The site (www.epicurious .com) has a massive collection of free recipes sponsored by Gourmet and Bon Appetit magazines.
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Epicurious lays out complete romantic menus, and there’s even a Valentine’s Day recipe section for sweets.
If you decide there isn’t enough time to cook, there’s still time to send an electronic greeting card. Delivery is immediate and often free.
Try visiting Hallmark (www.hallmark.com), Blue Mountain (www.bluemountain .com) and eCards (www.ecards .com) for ideas.
But use caution, said Al Decker, executive director for security and privacy services for Texas-based computer consulting giant EDS.
“Never post any personal information–even if you’re e-mailing it. Information sent to friends could be collected, gathered and used in an illegitimate manner,” he said.
Decker, who created a Top 10 list for Valentine’s Day e-cards, advised using only reputable sites for greeting cards and to test the card on yourself before sending it to others.
But in the end, have fun and tell someone lul (love you lots) and give them a bh (big hug).
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