For lovers of moonlighted walks and dinner...

For lovers of moonlighted walks

and dinner by candle light ...

Ahhh, the die-hard romantics. The perennially starry-eyed. The

heart-gripping, soul-wrenching, star-gazing dreamers. This is your

day. If you haven’t already, buy a ring to prove it. If you’re not

ready for a diamond ring, diamond earrings are always a good

precursor. Or at least get her enough long stem roses to unleash your

sensitive side in all its unabashed glory.

THE DATE

* 10 a.m.: Wake her with the ultimate aphrodisiac --

chocolate-dipped strawberries -- on her pillow.

The Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory Downtown specializes in

double-dipped strawberries. In addition to the standard milk

chocolate, dark chocolate and white chocolate variety, the store also

has a unique selection of those you’d never expect, such as apple

pie, cheesecake and snicker-flavored strawberries. Starting at $19.95

for six, the price goes up to nine for $30.95 and a dozen for $38.95.

They’re pricey, but hey, it beats Godiva.

Chocolate contains phenylethylamine (commonly dubbed the ‘love

molecule’), a natural chemical similar to an amphetamine, suspected

of causing a euphoria that feels like falling in love.

* 11 a.m.: Catch him off guard with a singing telegram by phone.

The cast of “The Secret Garden” from Huntington Beach Academy for the

Performing Arts will call and serenade him with “Only You,” “A Groovy

Kind of Love” or “How Sweet It Is to Be Loved by You” -- you choose.

The cost is $5 for students and $10 for adults.

* 5 p.m.: Head down to the beach for a romantic sunset stroll.

Holding hands is a must!

* 6 p.m.: Show her how romantic you can truly be. Ditch her while

she’s getting ready for dinner and surprise her with a dozen

long-stem roses from a nearby flower shop. Put the first song you

ever danced to on the stereo softly, take her hand and dance with

her. If you’ve got the voice for it, sing it to her.

* 7:30 p.m.: Dine at Baci Italian Restaurant. With its Italian

Villa facade and painted murals of ancient Italy displayed across the

walls, it’s the perfect setting for a romantic European-style dinner

for two.

* 10 p.m.: Kick off the party shoes and take a barefoot walk along

the beach. Finish the night off by finger-feeding each other fresh

mangos at Chimayo at the Beach from one of its famous mango martinis.