The Spread.

Ready For Valentine's Day? The Dallas Food Scene Is.

Welcome to The Spread, our weekly feature that aims to share all the area restaurant, food and beverage industry news that's fit to print. Except, this is the Internet, so space isn't a concern. Also: Good thing, because this is Dallas and this town always has breaking restaurant news going down like whoa.

There has to be a conspiracy involving Super Bowl Sunday and Valentine's Day. Think about it: Two major national events that require an increased level of participation and/or acknowledgment from men and women, respectively. Any relationship that was affected by team rivalries, betting losses or forgetting something important because of the big game? Hey, it can all be fixed during the Feast of St. Valentine.

And it only makes sense that most of the activities surrounding Valentine's Day involve some form of food, right? Lucky us, then, that the Dallas food scene is helping folks to prepare early. Because no one wants to be the person who forgets.

Here's a pro tip: Chocolate and red velvet cake both kill at this holiday. And Trailercakes can help you show your affection with both. They're already taking pre-orders on cupcakes and cake balls alike. All of their designs have theme-appropriate decorations and delivery options for that special someone.

Wanna explore the city's chocolate world instead? Dallas by Chocolate has got you. They're offering tours through various chocolatiers and artisanal speciatly shops just in time for the season. Trips average about three and a half hours, but you won't notice with the sugar rush.

If dinner for two is your preferred method of celebration, Urban Taco is offering a Valentine's Day dinner special that won't destroy your budget. Diners get a chips-and-salsa trio, a taqueria plate with a choice of three tacos, plus two sides and a prickly pear frozen margarita for $20 a person. Not bad, not bad. Just know that seats are limited, so any takers should call ahead to reserve a spot.

Not interested in Valentine's Day in the slightest? It's cool. Fortunately, there are still other things to look forward to in the beginning of February — like The Blind Butcher opening its kitchen to the public and providing us all with poutine. The carnivore spot will offer three different types of the Canadian-French comfort food: mushroom, pork belly and duck confit with foie gras.

Looking for something else entirely? How about heading out and getting buzzed without even going to a bar? The Buzz Bike brings an interesting new way to bar hop and exercise (if you're sober enough): The new, 16-person mobile passenger pub offers up to two-hour tours with routes through Downtown, the Arts District, Victory Park and Uptown. Passengers pedal the vehicle with a sober pilot safely helping them steer through the city. The only catch is the ride is BYOB, with beer and wine only in non-glass containers.

Finally, let's end this week's column with one last batch of beer news: Cobra Brewing Company recently announced the official public launch of its Hoppy Dazed IPA and Anti-Venom Amber Ale. An event celebrating these new brews will be held at Craft and Growler on Wednesday, February 19 at 6 p.m.

Cover photo via Trailercakes' Facebook page. Got a tip for The Spread? Email us!