by Max Marbut
Staff Writer
Thoughts of Valentine’s Day usually include visions of chocolates, flowers and greeting cards. Actually, the holiday has an even more romantic origin.
While historical facts from more than two-and-a-half centuries ago are often murky, it’s thought that the original “Valentine” was a priest in ancient Rome who secretly married couples against the wishes of Emperor Claudius II, who believed that marriage weakened his soldiers and went so far as to have the cleric executed.
One date which can be relied on is A.D. 496 when Pope Gelasius I declared Feb. 14 as “Valentine Day.” Since then St. Valentine has been anointed the patron saint of lovers and the day has become the traditional time for them to exchange messages of affection and gifts.
Downtown is rolling out the romance this weekend and with Feb. 14 on Sunday this year, it’s the perfect time for couples to do something different together.
The Omni is offering a “Double Bubble Romance” package including accommodations for two with champagne in the room upon arrival, turn down service with rose petals scattered on the pillows and breakfast with mimosas the next morning.
“It’s great,” said Dave Disalvo, the hotel’s director of sales & marketing. “A couple can spend Saturday night and wake up to room service on Valentine’s Day. It gives people the opportunity to get away and enjoy a little romance while staying in their own backyard. They can be Downtown and experience it the way our visitors do.”
The Omni’s restaurant, Juliette’s, has a special prix fixe menu Saturday and Sunday evening including escargot, lobster bisque, salmon Wellington, pistachio crusted lamb and Death by Chocolate cake among other choices.
Trellises at the Hyatt has also created a Valentine’s Day prix fixe menu for Friday-Sunday evenings. Selections include shrimp bisque, crab cakes with Asian slaw, pan-seared grouper, sea scallops and roasted duck breast followed by dark chocolate mousse cake or white chocolate cheesecake.
“It’s a very romantic menu,” commented Connie Paulikas, executive assistant manager for food and beverage. “It’s not your typical menu and it features the freshest local seafood which is our specialty at Trellises.”
For those who wish to make a night of it, the Hyatt’s Amour package comes with champagne and strawberries for two and breakfast in the morning.
On the gift side, Sundrez at the Landing and For All Seasons at the AT&T Building are displaying a wide selection of cards, gifts and gourmet chocolates. Fresh strawberries hand-dipped in chocolate are also being prepared and will be available today through Sunday.
For a more lasting expression of affection, Jacobs Jewelers has fine gifts and jewelry and has been helping Jacksonville celebrate Valentine’s Day Downtown since 1890. Co-owner Deloris Thomas said one of the most popular items in the store every year at this time is the three-stone ring, diamonds and rubies or diamonds and emeralds.
“It’s the best way to say ‘Yesterday, today and tomorrow, you’ll always be the woman in my life’ and when the champagne and chocolates are long gone, diamonds are forever,” she explained.
There’s even something to do Downtown this weekend if you aren’t one-half of a couple. Saturday night, The Twisted Martini at the Landing is hosting the 3rd annual “Bitterball” while upstairs at Mavericks Rock N’ Honky Tonk Concert Hall it’s “Broken Heartsville.” Both are billed as “Anti-Valentine’s Day” events but according to Cyndi Murray, marketing manager for both venues, it doesn’t always work out that way.
“In the past two years of the Bitterball, we’ve seen a lot of people arrive alone but then they find their Valentine,” she said.
For reservations or more information call:
•The Omni at 355-6664
•The Hyatt at 588-1234
•Jacobs Jewelers at 356-1655
•Sundrez and For All Seasons at 356-8078
•The Twisted Martini at 353-8464
•Mavericks at 356-1110
Possibly the most elegant and lasting Valentine’s Day gift available Downtown, this diamond and emerald ring and bracelet set can be found at Jacob’s Jewelers for $67,500.
356-2466