Calling all lovebirds! Valentine’s Day is upon us, and the University of Memphis has a variety of fun, flirty festivities for students and visitors alike.
Here are some events on campus and (slightly) beyond:
Jamaican Me Fall in Love With Flavor - Guest Chef Umi is spicing up the Tiger Food Lab with passion and paprika! Spots are still available for Chef Umi's Jamaican-themed couples cooking class on Friday, Feb. 12 at 5:30 p.m. in the R. Brad Martin Student Wellness Center. In this two-and-a-half-hour lesson, couples will learn to make a gourmet two-course meal, including pineapple jerk shrimp on a bed of buttered grits, arugula salad with pears and Manchego goat cheese, vegan mint chocolate cake, and an iced Jamaican ginger brew beverage. Those interested must register online in advance. Tickets are $75 per couple plus parking.
Jazz Singers Valentine's Day Concert - It's that time again! The annual Date Night at the Scheidt Valentine's Day Concert is on Monday, Feb. 14, at 7:30 p.m. in Harris Concert Hall. The University of Memphis Jazz Singers have prepared a setlist entirely of love songs, both contemporary and standard, to serenade the audience into the night. Online reservations are recommended, as seating is limited due to social distancing. Admission is free, and all are welcome to attend.
'The Office' Valentine's Trivia Night - The Liquor Store (Broad Ave) and Railgarten (Central Ave) are hosting consecutive 'The Office' themed trivia nights–with a Valentine's twist–on Wednesday, Feb. 9, from 7 p.m. to 8:45 p.m. Participation is free. Each location has a 20 team maximum, and reservations are recommended to secure your team and table. Prizes will be awarded to 1st, 2nd, 3rd, Best Team Game, and more.
For those of you who don't already have a gift for that special someone, here are a few options:
Army ROTC Valentine's Basket Raffle - The U of M Army ROTC is sponsoring a Valentine's Basket Raffle for the chance to win a basket of sweet treats for your sweetie. Each $5 ticket equates to one entry. The basket includes a plush teddy bear, a bottle of Welch's sparkling grape juice, four Hershey's and Dove chocolate bags, a heart-shaped truffle box, and a $15 Starbucks gift card. Tickets must be purchased through the organization's GoFundMe. The last day to enter is Feb. 13, and a winner will be drawn the following day.
Valentine's Day Cards by Memphis Botanical Gardens - In exchange for a donation towards this year's spring flower display, Memphis Botanic Gardens will send a specialized card, through the mail, to the Valentine(s) of your choosing. $20 sends one card, $50 sends three cards, and $100 sends eight cards. The last day to donate is Feb. 8 at memphisbotanicgarden.com/valentines under "Spread the Love."
“Valentine’s Night” at Tiger Den - The Tiger Den Eatery is hosting “Valentine’s Night” on Monday, Feb. 14, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. The chefs have devised a special menu consisting of smoked prime rib, shrimp scampi, red velvet cake, and chocolate bread pudding with raspberry sauce, along with a pasta bar. Karaoke will kick off at 6 p.m., and V-Day themed games will follow. Activities include a speed dating game, the reveal of the “Guess How Many Kisses” social media contest, and various table games. Bring a date and your campus card.
Valentine's Day is a notoriously expensive holiday, which is not a word typically associated with young college students. Have no fear!
Here are five affordable yet elegant restaurants to impress your date without breaking the bank, all within five miles of campus:
Char Restaurant
Amerigo Italian Restaurant
Seasons 52
Ciao Bella Italian Grill
Buckley's Grill
Sweethearts Bria Cullison and Abraham Banat pose blissfully in front of the Administration Building on campus just days ahead of Valentine's Day.
