Contributed by: Kimberley Cuachon-Haugh

“Love is in the air/Everywhere I look around/Love is in the air/Every sight and every sound”. It seems that as the years progress, Valentine’s Day seems to get a bigger steroid boost. What that means for us relationship-ers—intimate, platonic, premature, or strictly casual—are restaurants going over the top to cater to those in Cupid’s chokehold.

The City Dock, Sheraton Norfolk Waterside Hotel

777 Waterside Drive, Norfolk
757-622-2868
www.sheratonnorfolkwaterside.com

Indulge in a food and wine class with Sommelier and Food & Beverage Director Joshua Haugh, with Chatham Vineyards Winemaker, John Wehner, and Sheraton Norfolk’s Master Chef, Robert Cilizza. Then finish your evening with a four-course dinner at The City Dock restaurant with romantic live music the view of the beautiful Elizabeth River and the Portsmouth skyline. Complimentary valet parking is available. Event runs from Saturday, February 12-Monday, February 14. $80/couple.

Kyushu Restaurant

400 Newtown Road, Virginia Beach
757-490-1170
www.kyushujap.com

It is by far the most authentic Japanese restaurant in all of Hampton Roads. Kyushu is the only restaurant in the area to offer shabu-shabu, which is a hot-pot. Made for two, this dish is more romantic than “Lady and the Tramp’s” spaghetti scene. Shabu-shabu means “swish-swish” as this dish calls to have you and your sweetheart dipping meats and vegetables in boiling broth. Reservations are strongly recommended. Shabu-shabu for two, $36.

Eurasia Café and Wine Bar

960 Laskins Road, Virginia Beach
(757) 422-0184
www.eurasiavb.com

This jewel box restaurant exudes dining sophistiqué with a menu that presents confident and inventive flavors. Do not judge its modest exterior. Peruse and select your wines for the evening at their wine store front then make your way to your table. Voted as one of the top five restaurants in Hampton Roads, Eurasia brings New American cuisine with a distinct Asian fusion. International along with local ingredients will tantalize your taste buds. Reservations required. Dinner entrées, $18-$28.