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It’s Valentine’s Day again (slow clap). Where should we eat?

—Kip in West Chester

Philly Mag food editor Alex Tewfik

Like Restaurant Week and New Year’s Eve, Valentine’s Day is for suckers. I mean, it’s great for restaurants, but for you, educated diner? It’s a bush-league restaurant holiday. Most menus look the same (champagne, oysters, chocolate), service can be spotty (it’s all about the burn-and-turn), and you’re surrounded by newbs who never eat out — well, except on Valentine’s Day.

My advice? There are plenty of fantastic restaurants in Chinatown that provide a good escape from the holiday crowds. There’s Apricot Stone (1040 North American Street), a lovely Armenian/Middle Eastern restaurant tucked away inside Liberties Walk behind the Piazza. Maybe go for some BBQ at South Philly Smökhaus, a meaty oasis far, far away from Center City’s prix fixe menus.

I’ve really enjoyed my meals at Ethiopian Meskerem (255 South 45th Street) in West Philly, which is always a fun date night because you get to eat without utensils and, if you’re up for it, feed your dining companion hand-to-mouth.

Or just buy a candle and get delivery pizza. (Uncle Oogie’s grandma pie pairs really well with a nice lambrusco.)

Whatever you do, just make sure you leave the chocolate lava cake to the amateurs.