Question of the Day - 14 February 2013

So, everyone who monitors the "Tomorrow's Question" box at the bottom of each Question of the Day will have noted that we were going to run a query about beer-drinking stats today because, frankly, what's more romantic than beer? Well, maybe chocolate, we conceded, so in the spirit of all things loved-up, we slipped this one in instead. Beer lovers, fear not, however -- we'll be back tomorrow with that answer (probably).

As to today's question the answer is: Yes, and no. Yes, the clock is still there (click on the thumbnail below to see a bigger image), but when we finally managed to get through to a human at pastry-chef extraordinaire François Payard's Pâtisserie at Caesars Palace, we received the unwelcome news that it's been broken for awhile and no one can figure out what's wrong. Hence, no dispensing of free truffles until someone fixes it. (Pass this on to all your clock-mending friends, chocoholics, as this is obviously something of a crisis! Surely, someone out there can figure out which crucial cog or wheel may have melted? Does anyone have an email address for Willy Wonka?)

Anyhow, we'd hate to end on such a depressing note on this of all days. While you can rest assured that most restaurants and bars will be offering something in the spirit of St. Valentine, be it a menu replete with oysters and bananas, or a cream-fest cocktail garnished with a Snickers bar, here's a list we compiled of some of the other more imaginative, outlandish, extravagant, or otherwise "only in Vegas" celebrations and promotions we've come across this Feb. 14.

• Yeah, yeah, we said we'd avoid those cliched "aphrodisiac" menus, not least because half of them don't seem remotely sexy to us, but Bar+Bistro downtown is hosting a duel celebration that also encompasses its second-year anniversary, with an Aphrodisiac Valentine's Dinner for $85 per person that's worth noting. Someone here did their homework, and not only will you find kumamoto oysters and asparagus spears included on the menu, but also avocados (known to the Aztecs as the fruit of the "testicle tree), almonds, honey, figs, chocolate -- and lots of booze. Space is limited so call 702/202-6060 and see if you can still make a reservation.
• CollectiveZoo is hosting their 2nd Annual Love & Lust Sleepover at the Artisan Hotel. Singles' hotel rooms will be priced at $105 and include six VIP guest passes for the party and a "lust-themed" gift package (couples only pay $5 more, at $109), while Mood restaurant will offer a four-course prix-fixe menu for $99 per couple, with an optional $45 wine pairing. Seatings are at 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. and wine tastings will be held inside the chapel an hour before each seating.
• Luxor's Fantasy topless revue is teaming up with Tacos & Tequila and Rice & Company for Valentine's Day with dinner and show packages that include complimentary copies of the 2013 Fantasy calendar.
• For something a little differerent, Rockhouse in the Grand Canal Shoppes at Venetian is hosting a "Don't Bring your Boyfriend to our Bar" party from 9 p.m.-1 a.m., with "ladies" (we assume they're using the term in its loosest sense) receiving complimentary bull rides and candy necklaces. Cool!
• Ranch House Kitchen at Town Square will host a three-course menu for the relatively reasonable price (see below) of $45 per couple, plus half-priced bottles of wine, and complimentary roses for all ladies.
• On the free side, Hyde Bellagio celebrates its second complimentary wine-tasting event from 7-9 p.m. tonight, with wines from Terra Valentine Winery, plus "chocolat rouge" chocolate red wine, and La Marca Prosecco. Gourmet small plates from Circo are also available to order until 9 p.m. In addition, in recognition of "Singles Awareness Day," Hyde and match.com also will welcome 300 of Vegas’ sexiest singles hoping to be struck by Cupid’s arrow. Oh, and after the wine tasting, guests can stay for Live Music Thursdays, featuring music from "American Idol" contestant and acoustic guitarist Mahi Crabbe. Admission is complimentary (guests must be 21+).
• Meanwhile, for those of you at the "money's no object" end of the spectrum, Bellagio welcomes the prestigious Diaoyutai State Guesthouse of Beijing to the United States for the second time only in history, so if you're looking for an experience to wow a seriously gourmet date, this could be it. Typically reserved for royalty, heads of state, and other world leaders, DSGB, as we've opted to abbreviate it, will host a series of exclusive dinners within the Strip property's Tuscany Kitchen from Thurs., Feb. 14-Saturday, Feb. 16 at 7:30 p.m. The dinner offers an eight-course menu featuring dishes that showcase rare ingredients and specialized nutritinal techniques from a team led by Executive Chef Hao Baoli, plus a price tag of $500 per person. Call the Bellagio concierge if you're interested.
• Descending back to Earth again, Senor Frogs inside TI is celebrating with a "Kiss a Frog" singles fiesta, featuring an open bar for ladies from 8 p.m.-9 p.m., sexy signature fishbowl drinks for $18, and prizes including bar tabs, Cirque tickets, and a Tiffany's necklace.
• Save yourself from the doghouse thanks to the Ethel M Chocolate Factory retail shop inside the California Hotel downtown, which will extend business hours by opening at 7 a.m. today.
• The Range 702 shooting attraction is offering a unique take on this Valentine's Day, with packages to choose from including one that comes with a .22 Pistol and 20 rounds and another that includes 50 rounds with any sub-machine gun, plus targets, two tickets to Raack N Roll topless revue at the D, and a three-course dinner for two at The Range 702’s own Gary’s Café for $249.95 for two people.
• Wicked Spoon buffet at the Cosmopolitan -- a pick for the inaugural "Best Buffets" list in the 2013 Eating Las Vegas guide, will offer several Valentine’s Day menu additions, like lobster fra diavolo, Hawaiian hearts of palm salad with passion fruit vinaigrette, miso-glazed California sturgeon, sauteed abalone and sunchokes with a vanilla beurre blanc, and Champagne-steamed mussels. For dessert, enjoy treats like raspberry marshmallows and lemon strawberry cloud tarts. Mmm, sounds yummy.
• Guests who get married on Valentine’s Day are invited to spice up the evening at the Trop's new Bagatelle Restaurant & Supper Club, which is throwing the "world’s largest wedding reception." Enjoy drink and dinner specials, live entertainment, thousands of dollars in giveaways, and music from DJ Kaycee. There's also a four-course prix-fixe menu prepared by Executive Chef John Zamarchi, priced at $99 per couple, which includes a chocolate souffle-for-two for dessert.
• For you early birds, Mandarin Oriental Lounge will offer a Valentine's Afternoon Tea, featuring tea service and heart-shaped, house-made gourmet chocolates, for $45 per person. Call 702/590-8882 for reservations.
• X Burlesque topless show at the Flamingo is trimming $10 off tickets if you whisper "Sweetheart Deal", while Defending the Caveman star Kevin Burke is offering a $75 package that includes two tickets for his Harrah’s show, with a VIP upgrade, and dinner for two at chef Kerry Simon’s nearby KGB, and the newly opened Neon Museum downtown is offering a one-hour, $777 "Walk-Thru Wedding" package, set among the boneyard of yesteryear signs.

This is by no means pretending to be an exhaustive list, merely some interesting highlights. You can refer to the Las Vegas Sun and other sources for details on lots of other dining and drink specials, etc., around town.

Happy Valentine's Day, everyone!