How to win Valentine’s Day 2014

1. With athletic abandon

Edible Canada Under the Bridge Festival is a weekend-long, Olympic-themed outdoor shindig. From Valentine’s evening until Sunday night (February 16), under the Granville Street Bridge in the heart of Granville Island, giant projection screens showcase Sochi action as you enjoy delectably Canadian-inspired food stations: cheesy perogies, bison chili, Alberta beef brisket and maple flapjacks. Over 650 Olympic fans will enjoy nosh paired with beer from Granville Island Brewing or with Canadian wine. Local live bands, DJ’s and family-friendly entertainment round out the package. Tickets at ediblecanada.com ($20)

2. With domestic flair

Stay in and enjoy boutique catering by local talent. From the purlieu of classic kitchens like Raincity Grill and Bishops, chef Nathan Towers emerged last year to found Local Philosophy Catering. He brings his culinary fancy, his staff, and his silverware to your home and for 2-10 guests, his Valentine’s menu highlights locally sourced and seasonally inspired dishes like parsnip velouté with candied bacon and steelhead salmon with maple brown butter, pecan, Brussels sprouts and barley. Polish off the evening with an after-dinner sipper from a bottle of Odd Society Spirit’s Crème de Cassis and all is bliss. (The East Vancouver small-batch craft distillery  adapted master chef Hervé Martin’s secret recipe to produce this classic French liqueur made with the finest BC-grown black currants-$22). localphilosophycatering.com and oddsocietyspirits.com

3. With West Coast poise

A sweeping, minimalist room and a prettiness that evokes the cherry blossom is Yaletown’s Minami. For the occasion, chef de cuisine Alan Ferrer has designed a six-course menu that features their trademark Aburi “flame-seared” sushi, local oysters, a surf and turf main course, and a Valrhona chocolate mousse to finish. Priced at $150 per couple, the culinary adventure heats up with two sake pairings to go with dinner. minamirestaurant.com