Amherst, N.Y. (WBEN) - Valentine's Day is coming up quick. Falling on a weekday this year, Wednesday, Western New Yorkers may still be scrambling to make their plans to celebrate with their significant other.
While some may be going the traditional fancy restaurant and expensive flower arrangement route, there are many ways to show your loved one you love them with some food that won't break the bank.
Why not try preparing the meal yourself? Angus Meats and Seafood on Niagara Falls Boulevard in Tonawanda are offering some very special deals just for the special occasion.
"We're offering two different types of Surf N' Turf for two," said Jill Roberts, operator of Black Angus Meats. "We have a two count 12-ounce New York strip steaks that comes with two, 6-7 ounce lobster tails for $49.99. And then we also have another one that's going to be two 14 to 16 ounce T-bone steaks and one pound of cooked shrimp for $34.99."
"It's very cost effective and a good opportunity to stay in and save some money but still feel like you're splurging and treating yourself," Roberts adds.
Other than not have to pay a premium for steak when you go out, Roberts says there's many reasons why someone would choose to stay in as opposed to going out to eat.
"You're in control. You can (cook and enjoy the evening) at your own pace. You're not relying on anybody else and you can have good conversation, hear each other, and enjoy each other's company and not be surrounded by groups of people or not have to worry about not knowing what you're gonna get yourself into being out and about."
Or you could potentially save more money and maybe a little bit of time by ordering a heart-shaped pizza from one of the many great local pizzerias in Western New York.
Fatman's Pizza owner, Jeff Galdys, sells them only on Valentine's Day.
"If you want to get one, make sure you call early," says Galdys. "There will be an influx [of customers] and we'll keep doing them all night as long as we've got the dough."
Galdys anticipates getting about 20 orders and maybe even more, considering it is a weekday and not a weekend, as more people have more time to go out.
"It's more affordable, for one. Times right now, people understand what it means in their wallet. But I mean, good pizza is good pizza, and you're never going to go wrong with good pizza. You can get a steak anyday, how many days are pizzerias offering a heart-shaped pie?"
You can get a heart-shaped pie at Fatman's for $18.99 and that comes with one topping. But as Galdys reminds us, Valentine's Day this year falls on Ash Wednesday.
"I'd say most customers either go cheese than cheese and pepperoni this year because it's falling on Ash Wednesday. I can see more just cheese buyers coming in than usual. But someone might go with another topping, whether it be like onions, mushrooms or peppers."