V-Day dining spots can accommodate nearly any budget Although finer restaurants can be quite expensive, a picnic or outdoor trek are options for frugal couples By Moriah Balingit Freelance Reporter Whoever said "Diamonds are a girl's best friend" probably hadn't tried Maurizio's Cake. The dessert, an angel cake soaked in cognac and orange juice and topped with choco late curls, is one of the trademark desserts at the Excelsior Inn, only one of the options for a romantic dinner in Eugene. The Excelsior Inn Ristorante Ital iano, located at 754 E. 13th Ave., will feature a menu on Valentine's Day that will include several special dishes. The filetto amore mio, beef demiglose topped with a special sauce, is one of the dishes, but Maur izio Paparo, the Excelsior's head chef, recommends the lobster to charm that special someone. Assistant chef Gustavo Pardo re vealed how the restaurant spices up a couple's evening. "Our Valentine's Day food is based on aphrodisiacs," he said. The restaurant also offers an inti mate atmosphere and old-world ambiance. A typical dinner costs $50 to $60 per couple. Paparo said many people, especially poverty-stricken University students, opt to come in after 10 p.m. for dessert and Spanish coffee, which costs anywhere from $15 to $30 a couple. Another option is jo Federigo's, a restaurant and jazz club located at 259 E. Fifth Ave. The restaurant's fare is largely Ital ian, but it also incorporates a North west flavor. The alder salmon, for ex ample, is a pasta dish containing smoked salmon, sun-dried tomatoes, kalamata olives, garlic, goat cheese and parsley. While the restaurant's entrees cost between $14 and $18.50, the menu also contains cheaper but equally tasty alternatives such as pastas, sandwiches and gourmet pizzas. Candlelit tables add to the warm romantic ambiance, and there is live jazz nightly. High Street Brewery and Cafe is a cheaper and more casual option. The restaurant, located at 1243 High St., serves burgers, sandwiches, piz za and pasta. The entrees are typical ly less than $ 10 a plate, and many of the portions are large enough to be shared by a couple, said Brian Clark, a wait staff member and cook. The restaurant also has a number of Mc Menamin's ales on draft and a selec tion of red and white wines. "(We have) a full bar ... so pretty much everybody can be happy," Clark said. While the ambiance is on the ca sual side, the restaurant has candlelit dinners and a fire in the evening to add to the coziness. Becky Droback, the innkeeper at A Secret Garden Bed and Breakfast Inn, helps guests find restaurants around Eugene. "There is a lack of nice student priced restaurants (in Eugene)," she said. She suggested students pick up supplies at a deli and set up a picnic. "Decorate your room with Christ mas lights and have (the meal) there ... that's what we did," she said of rainy-weather plans. For an option that won't break the bank, visit outdoor locals such as Skinner Butte, Alton Baker Park and the Owens Rose Garden. Moriah Balingit is a freelance reporter for the Emerald. Tim Kupsick Freelance Photographer The ExcelsiorWn; tofated'af 734 E.T3thAve.,'wilt have a tpefciaf rhehu 'for Valentine's Day. A dinner at the Italian restaurant will cost couples around $50 to $60. TRACK TOWN SPECIALS STARTING VALENTINES DAY Singles or couples welcome M $10 alter 10 PM ► 2 topping medium 2 Medium Single Topping Pizzas $15.00 Delivery Only Anytime 2 Large Single Topping Pizzas $20.00 Carryout Only Anytime TRACK TOWN PIZZA -FREE DELIVERY 1809 Franklin Blvd. • 284-8484 or 484-2799 Offer good until further notice 091810 I UHIK1INS (lit Saturday, February 14th Valentine's Day PAJAMA PARTY Wear your favorite sleeping attire & get Ladies and couples also aet in FRI in FREE Contest for Sexiest & Funniest Outfit Try our Love Potion 69 Make Hef proud! 2165 W. 11TH AVENUE ★ EUGENE ★ 683-6021 Monday - Friday 12*2-Saturdtbody.corn.-,J.