Men, emit a sigh of relief, as the highly-anticipated [female] yet totally dreaded [male] Valentine’s Day has come and went this past weekend.

Even though I wholeheartedly believe that it is indeed a mere Hallmark and Hershey’s ploy, come early to mid February, the stereotypical estrogen in me gets a little excited for said holiday.

So gentlemen, if you have landed a fine lady like myself but unfortunately, fell flat on your face in the Valentine’s department this year, make it up to your gal and indulge in what I believe to be the ultimate date night, launching you back into "Best Boyfriend Ever!" status.

A girl’s gotta eat; especially this girl. For something you both will indubitably enjoy, try Mitchell’s Fish Market in the St. John’s Town Center for a good mix of chicken, salads, soups and of course, seafood. If you’re a tea fan, you’ll really enjoy the fact that Mitchell’s brews their own iced tea specifically for your table and gives you a carafe on the side with the extra. I’m a huge fan of the seafood gumbo and suggest it to everyone that goes, as it is jam-packed with huge pieces of fish, crab, and shrimp. I usually get my staple, the Chilean Sea Bass [I am the known reason why it is supposedly endangered - it’s delicious!], but I would love to try Key West snapper, prepared "Shang Hai" style with soy sauce, spinach and ginger. Finish with a cool, tropical slice of key lime pie, or any of the delectable dessert items, and you and your significant other will surely be satisfied on the food front.

I’m pretty sure my mother reads this blog, as she coyly mentioned during my last visit home that it seemed as though I drink a lot. Sorry mom, but I’m helping the masses, so I have an excuse. So post dinner, stop on by to Culhane’s Irish Pub in Atlantic Beach. It’s owned and operated by four sisters born and raised in the great country of Ireland [I take pride, even though I think I’m only 1/8 Irish] and let me tell you, they ensure an authentic Irish visit every time. There is an eclectic selection of beer on tap and they’re served up in frosty mugs. Heck yes!

My perfect romantic date would end in snuggle. Yes, tough Jacqueline said snuggle. And since the tenants in the condo directly above from me decide that playing Rock Band at 3a.m. is a better option than catching up on sleep, I find no problem resting my head at The Inn at Oak Street. It’s an old place, built in 1902, but you wouldn’t have guessed it by its immaculate upkeep. The rooms are spacious, elegantly furnished and blended with modern comforts. I also wouldn’t mind waking up to a hot stone massage at the Inn’s tranquil spa room.

So come on men, even though the holiday has come and gone, it doesn’t mean you can’t make your lady feel like a queen on a regular basis. If you were the "last minute, on my way home from work, I snagged this awesome [last one on the shelf] teddy bear" guy this year, suck it up and make it up to her. Splurge, and enjoy what Jacksonville has to offer with the one you love, any time of the year!

 —Jacqueline Simard