Updated: Let the valentine plans begin

Creole’s Louisiana Kitchen offers special dishes Feb. 11-14, including stuffed Cornish hens, and half-priced bottles of wine, and couples will get a free dessert with the purchase of two meals. Also: all diners that weekend will be entered in the drawing for a trip for two to Jazzfest 2011 in New Orleans. 15105 John J. Delaney Drive in Ballantyne; 704-544-5213.

Sibling plans: Luce and Coco Osteria, both at the Hearst Plaza at 214 N. Tryon St., will do three-course couples menus -- Luce's will be $69.95 and Coco's $49.95. Toscana (6401 Morrison Blvd.) will offer its regular menu plus specials.

McCormick & Schmick’s (SouthPark and uptown) will have a special menu Feb. 11-14 and any guest who makes a Valentine's Day reservation will get the “above and beyond” service: roses delivered to the table when the guests arrive (for a cost) and the option of having a personalized message on their dinner menus or a personalized note card on the table when they arrive.

Zebra plans seatings at 5-5:30, 7-7:30 and 9-9:30 on both Feb. 12 and 14, and will be open 5-8 p.m. Feb. 13 (that's a Sunday). Among menu items: lobster bisque, the signature vase salad, pan-roasted wild striped bass, lamb tenderloins, a "Lovebirds Sweet Sampler" for two for dessert and more. $85 per person; 4521 Sharon Road; 704-442-9525.

The Ritz-Carlton uptown hosts a "Valentine's Experience" 5-11 p.m. Feb. 11, 12 and 14 in Urban Sip, its 15th-floor wine and Scotch bar, part of several plans at the hotel over the Feb. 11-14 weekend. The Experience involves a special menu, with offerings such as Dom Perignon and dessert for two (chocolate fondue with strawberries, pistachio genoise, bananas and more), trio of Blue Point oysters with Champagne gelee and caviar, and more. Also up: a chocolate lover's dessert buffet in the Lobby Lounge 9 p.m.-midnight Feb. 12, along with live music from the Robyn Springer Duo. Cost is $12. 210 E. Trade St.; 704-547-4179.

McNinch House is taking Valentine's reservations for Feb. 11-14, offering a package of two "grand" seven-course meals with wine pairings, and taxes and tip included, for $450 per couple. 511 N. Church St.; 704-332-6159.

Kalu plans a six-course Valentine's dinner Feb. 14 for $125 per couple, and you can also add the option of sakes (including a sparkling one) paired with the meal. Reservations required; 505 E. 6th St.; 704-910-4877.

Passion8 hosts a three-course Sweetheart's Champagne Brunch Feb. 13 for $32 per person, and will open Feb. 14 for a four-course "Love Bug Dinner Date," including 40s jazz for atmosphere, for $125 per couple. 3415 Highway 51 North, Fort Mill, S.C.; 803-802-7455.