Celebrate Sweetest Day with Kurman's Clients

If you can look past the obvious Hallmark creation of Sweetest Day, (hitting us upside the head this Saturday, October 18) and just appreciate it for what it is (an excuse to be taken out for a romantic dinner, and indulge in delicious sweets) then you’ve come upon the perfect post. We’ve highlighted the best of what’s out there for Sweeties on Sweetest Day:

Birch River Grill (75 W Algonquin Rd, Arlington Hts, IL; (847) 427-4242) (BRG) has the lovely look of an upscale wintry snow lodge. It makes you just want to park yourself on the plush seats and eat till your heart’s content. Order the Rock Shrimp Scampi Linguini ($16) and try not to relive Lady and the Tramp’s pasta scene with your loved one. Save room for the Aunt Aggie’s Carrot Cake for Two ($10) – BRG’s signature dessert. A 3-layer carrot cake with cream cheese frosting and candied walnuts served on its very own pedestal. Can you say: adorable?

Deerfields Bakery (3 locations: 813 N. Waukegan Rd, Deerfield; 201 N Buffalo Grove Rd, Buffalo Grove; 25 South Roselle Rd, Schaumburg) is a fantastic spot for all those Sweeties with Celiac Disease; Deerfields specializes in all things delicious, from chocolate croissants to cakes to deli salads but they have a special line for Gluten-Free goods, such as cookies, cakes and pastries. People with Celiac Disease deserve sweets too!

Dine (733 W Madison St Chicago, IL; 312-602-2111) in downtown Chicago, is a classic American eatery, with a decidedly glamorous style. Indulge in the Daily Selection Cold Water Oysters ($13), a time-honored aphrodisiac, served with Appropriate Garnish. Also on the menu is the Portobello Mushroom Ravioli ($15) in an Herb Broth, with Sweet Peas and Parmesan. Gracie's Red Velvet Cake, layered and large enough for two, is a gorgeous dessert; Cream Cheese Frosting, Pecan Praline, and Vanilla Scented Strawberries are all amazing on their own, but together, they are perfection.

Karma (510 E Il Route 83, Mundelein, IL; 847-970-6900), an upscale Pan-Asian restaurant, sporting a very modern and romantic flair features a Sticky Five Spice and Honey Glazed Spare Ribs appetizer ($9) served with Sweet Potato Matchsticks. This sweet and spicy starter, with layered textures and tastes, is sure to get the heart beating. The Chocolate Moelleux Cake ($8), accompanied by minted cream and red current coulis, is a satisfyingly sweet way to end the romantic evening.

MORE (1 E Delaware Pl, Chicago; 312-951-0001) is a chic boutique cupcakery that looks like a jewelry store, but instead of diamonds, this spot dishes out gems of cupcakes. The flavors are meals in themselves: Fig, Blue Cheese and Port; Valhrona Chocolate, Crème Brulee. If your Sweetie can be somewhat salty at times, bring home a Salted Caramel cupcake ($3.50), Moist vanilla cake surrounding an eruption of buttery salted caramel, blanketed by a silky caramel Italian meringue buttercream, garnished with black lava salt.

Tallulah (4539 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago; 773-942-7585), intimate and lovely, Tallulah is a fantastic date place. Order the Red Wine Braised Pot Roast ($19), served with Braised Leeks, Mashed Parsnip, and Chervil Jus and wait for the apple of your beloved’s cheeks to get all rosey from the red wine. A must for Sweetest Day dessert would be the Ancho Chile and Chocolate Mousse ($7) with Roasted Banana Bisque; it’s hard to beat spicy and sweet.