LOGAN SQUARE — If Hallmark holidays are your thing but Hallmark cards, roses and chocolates aren't, then here are some other ideas for stuff to do around the neighborhood.
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For sweethearts who heart Logan Square almost as much as each other
In some good timing for Valentine's Day weekend, Chicago Detours is offering a walking tour of the Logan Square landscape this Saturday starting from 2704 N. Whipple Ave.
Two one-hour tours will be offered at 2:15 and 4 p.m., along with an art exhibit at the starting location. But hurry, tours are filling up quickly. Only two spots are left for the 2:15 tour. Learn more at the Chicago Detours website.
For Chicagoans through and through
Share a bit of Chicago history with the Chicago-born Jibarito sandwich. A Humboldt Park delight that includes, meat, veggies and garlic-flavored mayo in between two flattened slices of plantain instead of bread.
The sandwich was born at La Borinquen Restaurant at 1720 N. California Ave., but since that location is temporally closed for renovations, you can pick them up from their partner Jibaro Sports Bar & Grill at 2500 W. Chicago Ave.
No need to be a Jibarito chauvinist though, plenty of spots all over Humboldt Park offer their own take on the Chicago classic.
For meat-eschewing couples
The Chicago Diner, 2333 N. Milwaukee Ave., began offering its special Valentine's menu on Tuesday, so you can avoid the crowds and enjoy the goodies whenever you want.
Special items include Tofu Marsala, The Big Country (a lentil, wild rice and mushroom "adventure" — that is, sandwich) and peanut butter banana French toast. Poached pears will also be served up from Friday through Sunday.
For lovers who love kitties, too
Though the Harmony House for Cats, 2914 N. Elston Ave., Valentine's Day party came and went, they're open for their regular adoption hours from 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday. Show your new squeeze that you've got a big heart, or for longtime lovers, shake things up with a little furry bundle that will provide new laughs and another source of warmth during this endless winter.
For hopeless romantics, in a meta-ironic way
Though the White Castle Valentine's Day dinner may have jumped the coolness shark (they're all booked up anyway), the Addison Avenue location, 3212 W. Addison Ave., is open 24 hours a day. So you can be cooler than the rest and enjoy it after all the pink and red streamers are taken down.
Yes, technically that side of the street is in the Irving Park neighborhood, but if you can't cross the street to take your poopsie on an unforgettable date, you've got bigger problems.
Oh, and here's a White Castle tip: Mix the grape and lemon-lime sodas together. It tastes like Nerds.
