Indianapolis Valentines Day 2010: Take Out Dinners, Options for Dining at Home

While eating out can be a treat, some prefer celebrating Valentine's Day at home, where they can have an intimate and romantic dinner and great food. Why worry about last minute holiday restaurant reservations or go to the trouble of searching all over town to luxury chocolates?

For help in pulling together that perfect intimate evening with a minimum of fuss, here are some delightful options for those celebrating Valentine's Day in Indianapolis:

Indianapolis Valentine's Day Take out Meals 2010: Pick up Unique Holiday Breads, Cupcakes and Pastries at Great Cooks The Bakery

Brand new and located near 86th and Ditch Road, Great Cooks The Bakery is often busy during the week as shoppers drop in to pick up their homemade breads (each day offers a new specialty). Their brownies, lemon squares, chocolate chip and snicker-doodle cookies are certainly recommended.

To add a homemade touch to a romantic dinner, consider the homemade honey white bread ($3.25 for the 2 pound size), guaranteed to elevate "plain" white bread to a whole other level and delight taste buds. Bread instead of holiday or luxury chocolate? Yes, when it is this delicious!

Other options besides the white bread include multigrain ($2.75 for 1 pound) or my favorite, a nice french bread ($2.25 for a 1 lb. loaf).

While you are there: Consider the Valentine's Day cupcakes as well as their vast selection of pastries, coffee cakes and raspberry cookies. There may even be special brownie lollipops. The raspberry cookies have heart shaped cutout centers, revealing the bright red filling. I'd have highlighted these gourmet pastries and sweets before the breads but the homemade breads are absolutely spectacular (and samples are often on hand for tasting).

Special tip: Drop by Great Cooks The Bakery any time you crave a quick cup of coffee and bagel because they also make homemade bagels ( 75 cents each) which are huge and worth every cent. Also, for those who keep kosher, Great Cooks has special kosher cases. The offerings are delicious.

Great Cooks The Bakery
1321 W. 86th Street
Indianapolis, IN 46260
(317) 202-2435

Valentine's Day Takeout is Stellar at Oakley's Bistro in Indianapolis

While we eat at Oakley's Bistro only for very special occasions and the prices are admittedly not on the low side, consider the savings in time, shopping and energy and the price could well be worth it for a very special takeout meal (especially since it includes champagne). Oakley's has been a winner before for me when it comes to romantic dinners and this year is no exception.

For $65 per person, the menu includes butternut squash soup, chilled shrimp with wasabi Cocktail Sauce, herb roasted Filet Mignon or a fish course, pesto double-stuffed baked potato and more. The entire menu can be seen here.

Orders must be placed by February 13, 2010.

While you are there: ask about any special evenings or budget priced meals offered during the week. You can also pick up Oakley's special seasoning mixes.

Special tip: consider surprising your Valentine's Day sweetheart with a special Chef for a Day gift certificate. This allows the recipient the special honor of cooking side by side with Oakley's chefs during the day and then returning at night to have a three course meal for two people. Cost? $200.

Oakley's Bistro
1464 W. 86th Street
Indianapolis, IN 46260
(317) 824-1231

A Frasier's Gourmet 2010 Cooking Class Has an Indianapolis Valentine's Day Sweetheart Theme

If you aren't usually known for your culinary skills, imagine the look on your lover's face when you prepare and serve a meal designed to delight anyone for Valentine's Day. Offered on February 4 (so class participants can practice their technique before Valentine's Day), the menu includes Chicken Marbella, parmesan risotto with truffle Oil and green beans, and banana cream pie with caramel and chocolate Sauce. Already smacking your lips? For a mere $35, you can learn to cook this these foods and dazzle your Valentine's Day sweetheart.

While you are there: ask about the Thai and other cooking classes that are offered at Frasier's.

Special tip: allow time to browse through the gourmet items at Frasier's and consider picking up a special pate or other food to round out your Valentine's Day menu.

Frasier's Gourmet Foods
8902 E. 96th Street
Fishers, IN
(317) 849-5409