Because we've grown so close over the years, I have no problem in admitting to you, Blogging Ohio, that this will be the first time in almost nine years that I've been single on Valentine's Day. Quite honestly, I'm a-ok with it. I think I'm going to buy myself a plant, maybe one of those tiny rose bushes, and buy myself a burrito. Maybe I'll make some guacamole - anyway, it'll be a decent time, without all the trappings and over-expense of the couple's version of Valentine's Day.

But! If you are a hopeless romantic, or you happen to be dating someone, and you want to go out, now is the time to start planning! It's only a little more than two weeks, and this is something that you really need to be on time with. I remember one time, my significant other and I had completely not prepared for Valentine's Day, so we went out to a hole in the wall Mexican restaurant, and strawberry daiquiris in honor of the day. But, really, you should plan better than I do. So I will be giving you several suggestions for three kinds of Valentine's Day restaurants in Cleveland.

The traditional, fancy route: If you would ask me what defines a fancy meal for me, it usually involves Italian food. So, I will first suggest Maggiano's Little Italy in Beachwood, OH. Very tasty, very classy. Also, there's a high quotient of delicious food that doesn't necessarily involve pasta, which means you won't feel too heavy! So, for a new review, let's talk about Parker's New American Bistro, in Ohio City. Their menu varies from season to season, as well as what's available from various local farmers and growers - that just sounds so tasty to me. Their menu does seem slightly vaguely French, with American touches, so very classy. Perfect for impressing a young lady with your taste.

The non-traditional, quirky route: Who wants to go someplace normal? Not me. I'd like to pretend that a young man could impress me far more by taking me someplace out of the ordinary with great good. Like Max's Deli and Johnny Mango! Holy cow, I love both of those restaurants, especially Max's Deli, and especially the dessert menu. They have crazy good cheesecake. And their corned beef! Something different, baby, just like Johnny Mango. Johnny Mango's worldly, international-themed menu is so tasty! Jamaican jerk chicken, burritos, mojitos and sangria! Mmmm. The food is so good, and the restaurant is different - you'll seem so bohemian and different!

The oh-damn-we-forget-hurry-take-me-somewhere-vaguely-decent route: I have done this several Valentine's Day, as well as on many other special occasions. The evening starts like this: "Oh! Shoot! We have to go someplace nice! Um, quick, let's go here!" For those occasions in Cleveland, may I suggest Sullivan's Irish Pub or Great Lakes Brewing Company. Both are so tasty! Sullivan's has such awesome Irish-inspired food - anything with Irish cheddar is phenomenal. And the Great Lakes Brewing Company is such classic restaurant food - steaks, hamburgers, good beer, salmon. In fact, Great Lakes is a great Valentine's Day dinner for a guy! There you go, ladies!