I don’t get out much. Or at least that’s how I am in Eau Claire. I like to spend most of my time in my room or doing activities on campus. 

However, on Valentine’s Day, I found myself on a spree around town with a friend of mine, visiting a couple of my favorite eateries and a couple of places I’ve never been before. I had never made big plans for Valentine’s Day before, but it is certainly a way busier day than I expected it to be. 

To start, my friend and I went to The Goat to order matcha. I’m not a particular fan of matcha, but when in Rome. 

They had did have four specialty drinks available for that day, which were sweet dubai, salty single, lotus of love and crushing on chai. 

My friend ordered the lotus of love, while I got crushing on chai, which I definitely am. In fact, this drink was so good that I may have to leave my boyfriend for it. (Just kidding. I love you, babe.) 

This drink was a chai with raspberry syrup, which I would love to order again as it was just the right amount of sweet and spice. 

I also tried my friend’s lotus of love, which tasted like a very sweet and bubbly soda. I couldn’t pin down the exact flavor, but I can definitely say that if you like strawberry Fanta, then you will like this. 

I also bought a sweet tea at Jimmy John’s in the afternoon to gain access to the bathroom, and I’d give it an 8/10. 

Later in the day, we made the trek up a very icy hill, which almost took us out, to reach Yang’s Asian Market. 

I wish there was an Asian market closer to campus, but I found this place to be worth the walk, even after nearly tumbling to my doom. 

It was especially worth it when I discovered that they have a shelf of daily-made items that all become three dollars at 5 p.m. 

We happened to arrive at 5:10 p.m, so I bought a tray of spring rolls and a container of layer cake. 

I can’t speak on the spring rolls, as I haven’t eaten them yet, but I can say that the layer cake was delicious. 

This cake consisted of five multi-colored and multi-layered cubes with a jelly-like consistency. The texture may not be for everyone, but it’s one of my favorite sweets. 

After buying those, my friend and I decided to eat at Thai Orchid, which we both love. However, it seems that Valentine’s Day is not for those with ill-planning skills. 

When we arrived, asking for a table for two, we were told that it would be an hour wait. We weren’t worried and went to order at the takeout desk, where we were told that not only was the current wait two hours, but they had stopped taking takeout orders since the wait got so long.

This put a little wrench in our plans, so we went over to Madden Ramen instead. Madden had a much more reasonable wait, and we were seated in less than fifteen minutes. 

This was my first experience with Madden, and it’s safe to say I had a great time. Plus, the service was surprisingly swift considering how busy they were. 

I had the miso ramen, which had the perfect amount of salt and a big enough portion for me to take home some leftovers. 

All in all, I had a very delicious Valentine’s Day, but it really made me appreciate how much planning couples have to put into planning out their day. I’ll be having my Valentine’s date next weekend, and I am very relieved to skip the crowds.

Curtin can be reached at [email protected].