I have three indulgences that my friends could easily identify me by; coffee and chocolate (consumed together, always), margaritas, and sparkling wine. So when I think of Valentine’s Day, it’s only natural to structure the day around these. Let’s call it late breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with a little something extra to end the night. Here’s how my perfect Valentine’s Day would look.

Coffee and Chocolate: The Morning Duo

Valentine’s Day morning is best started with an authentic cappuccino and a crepe loaded with chocolate. Salt Lake has a few crepe spots, but the one I always gravitate to is Dali Crepes. Now that they’ve opened a second location in Cottonwood Heights, my transition from Sugar House to this area full of chain restaurants has felt far less bleak.

The owner, Dalibor Blazic, hails from my part of the world, so there’s an added personal touch of chatting in my native language. But beyond that, this spot brings European charm with airy decor and beautifully crafted cappuccinos. Dalibor’s cappuccinos are a true throwback — rich espresso from Daily Rise Coffee, adorned with foamy milk and served in proper porcelain cups on wooden saucers, complete with a cookie. None of the overly sweet caramel macchiato nonsense here.

The star of the menu for me is always the gluten-free Strawnana Crepe. A delicate, paper-thin crepe is filled with ripe strawberries, fresh bananas, Nutella, and silky Belgian chocolate, then drizzled with caramel sauce, topped with whipped cream, and garnished with almonds and a chocolate stick. Even without the graham crackers in the gluten-free version, it’s a decadent breakfast that feels like pure indulgence. Since Dali Crepes opens at 9 am, it’s the perfect morning treat.

Margaritas: A Lunch Affair

By midday, my cravings turn savory, and that means tacos and margaritas. For this, my go-to spot is Facil Taqueria in Millcreek. Their tacos are anything but ordinary — each one is crafted with house-made sauces, vibrant salsas, and fresh ingredients. My favorites are the Chicken Tinga and the Local Mushroom, both bursting with flavor and entirely gluten-free.

But let’s talk about the margaritas. I’m a purist, so I stick to the House Margarita, a clean and refreshing concoction of Corralejo Blanco, orange liqueur, and lime. On occasion, I’ll go for Black Margarita, a bold and fruity creation made with Espolón Reposado, blackberries, and mint. It’s a bit of a splurge, but worth it for the balance of sweet and tart.

Facil’s vibe is casual and modern, with friendly service and a clean aesthetic. It’s a perfect spot for an unpretentious yet delicious lunch.

Sparkling Wine: A Bubbly Evening

For dinner, nothing beats the effervescent charm of sparkling wine. At BTG Wine Bar in downtown Salt Lake, I can indulge without overcommitting to a full bottle or even a full glass. Their wine flights are ideal — three 2 oz. pours of different sparkling wines let me taste a variety of profiles.

The servers here know their stuff, so I can always count on them to recommend something new to try. While I don’t always go for a full meal, the Meat and Cheese Board is my usual choice. It’s an elegant assortment of cured meats, artisanal cheeses, and accompaniments, all perfectly suited to pair with bubbly.

Unusual Entertainment: A Decadent Finale

If you want to end Valentine’s Day with something memorable, Prohibition in Murray delivers both atmosphere and entertainment. The venue, styled as a 1920s speakeasy, is hidden behind what appears to be a gift shop. The door swings open through movable bookshelves, revealing a dimly lit, vintage-inspired interior that sets the tone for a special evening.

The food is indulgent. My usual date’s (since I have been married to him for over 20 years) favorite is the Beast Burger, a towering masterpiece of elk and lamb blended into a juicy patty, topped with smoked pork belly, white cheddar, fried onion straws, greens, tomatoes, and smothered in habanero aioli. It’s a hefty $28, but he swears it’s worth every bite.

As for me, the Lamb Barbacoa Tacos are my go-to — tender, slow-braised leg of lamb with vibrant tomatillo salsa verde, roasted tomato salsa, and a drizzle of garlic citrus aioli. The tacos are gluten-free and absolutely delicious. The Big House Sprouts, braised Brussels sprouts in a creamy sherry sauce with mushrooms, bacon, and candied pecans, are another standout dish. They might just convert even the most skeptical Brussels sprout eater.

And then there’s the show. Prohibition offers an array of acts — athletic dances, fire-eating, magic tricks, and sultry performances, all hosted by a cheeky emcee in 1920s attire. Pair this with their Absinthe Mind cocktail — a mix of Absente Absinthe, elderflower liqueur, lemon juice, egg white, and simple syrup — and it’s an unforgettable way to end the night.From velvety cappuccinos and indulgent crepes to tacos, margaritas, sparkling wine, and a touch of daring entertainment, my Valentine’s Day is all about indulgence. Because if there’s ever a day to treat yourself, this is it.