Stop with the tirade about hating Hallmark holidays. Clearly, it's true that Valentine's Day is an artificial way of forcing you to synchronize your expressions of love, loyalty, and romance with those of the rest of the world, but you have to admit that it's also nice to go out for a top-drawer dinner with someone you really care about. It's a meal fraught with symbolism, so it matters where you go for dinner on Valentine's Day. The Weekly Volcano poked around the South Sound for special meals served Thursday, Feb. 14.

Pacific Grill is not celebrating a mere one-day of love, but three! Beginning Feb. 14 and running three days, Chef Gordon Naccarato concocted a special menu paired with Pastry Chef Erin's decadent sweet treats. There's a good reason why this classy makes all our holiday food features.1502 Pacific Avenue, Tacoma, 253.627.3535

208 Garfield offers a Valentine's Day pairing of God's finest creations - a four-course exploration uniting artisan cured bacons with Northwest wines. The dinner begins at 6 p.m. Feb. 14. Tickets cost $30 per person. It's official. I have begun to drool. 208 Garfield, Parkland, 253.538.5990

Toscano's Café and Wine Bar presents "True Love Lasts More Than a Week," a Valentine's Day menu for Feb. 11-17. The Puyallup restaurant will serve several lobster tail dishes as well as a rich truffle ravioli entree and a dessert course of heart shaped strawberry and vanilla ice cream sandwiches. The cost runs $7.95-$27.95. Stamina! 437 29th St. NE, Puyallup, 253.864.8600

Beautiful interior and spectacular views of the Ruston waterfront and Commencement Bay add to C.I. Shenanigan's romantic "Love At First Bite" Valentine's Day menu. The three-course dinner comes with a glass of champagne or sparkling cider. Expect a salad, razor clam chowder or lobster bisque to lead off the meal. Next, dig into one of three main courses - a New York steak, filet Mignon or sockeye salmon. Last, gaze into you lover's eyes while nibbling on Champagne mousse with pink Champagne cake and marinated strawberries. Divine indeed. The price is $29.95-$41.95. 3017 Ruston Way, Tacoma, 253.752.8811

Cozy in with Maxwell's Speakeasy's romantic mood lighting and dine on its special V-Day menu with such highlights as five spice dusted black cod, and cumin and coriander crusted lamb chop. Then, there is Maxwell's four dessert dishes that sound heaven sent - including a truffle trio with salted caramel, toasted almond and bacon and a pistachio Luxardo cherry. The special menu ranges from $9-$58. Maxwell's regular menu will be available, too. 454 Saint Helens Ave., Tacoma, 253.683.4115

Harmon Brewery & Eatery has a killer Valentine's Day dinner deal. For $49.95, you may enjoy dinner for two - appetizers and entrees - as well as a pitcher of its newly released Eleventh Street IPA. Toast your love over live music from 7-9 p.m. Love Street here you come. 1938 Pacific Ave., Tacoma, 253.383.2739

This list is obviously skimming the surface of culinary delights to woo your Valentine. If you have a favorite, candlelit spot or awe inspiring view let us know in the comments below. Happy sweet loving day folks.

LINK: Best restaurant seats in the South Sound

LINK: Six tales of love in the South Sound