Food has long been used to celebrate special events and to draw people together. In recent years the variety of ingredients and the imaginations of chefs that work to select and combine them have never been more evident.

The proliferation of cook books and TV shows devoted to the lure of good food transport us to the culinary delights originating in far off places and carry us back to good old home-style cooking. Whether it's served as an occasion for two or for the gathering of family and friends a well-made meal is a love fest.

In that spirit, local resaurants are offering special Valentine menus and deals. Here are just a sampling of the possibilities.

Not Your Avaerage Joe's, in Arlington, is serving new entrees Feb. 14 with specially priced wines at $20 a bottle. Their champagne -- splashed pink martini or Flirtini  could also make a statement.

Chef Biliki has come up with a variety of salads and savory entrees such as Spinach and Carmelized Pear Salad and Pan-seared Filet of Sole with Crab Cake. Patrons will also find steak, chicken and pasta dishes. Of course no night of fine food and good company would be complete without a chocolate finale. In this case  a flourless chocolate torte is drizzled with rasberry sauce. Appetizers and salads range from $4.99 to $9.50. Entrees range from $18.99 to $24.99. The chocolate torte is $6.99. Call 781.643.1666 for reservations.

Just a few doors away at Tryst, Chef and owner Paul Turano is serving his Valentine dinner menu. Dedicated to exceptional new American cuisine in a casually elegant setting Turano offers original dishes with appealing flare. For appetizers the Crispy Fried Oysters might make for an appropriately romantic start. While entrees such as the Spiced Long Island Duck and the Black Angus Sirloin promise an epicurean experience. Chocolate Truffle Layer Cake with Creme Fraiche ice cream is a memorable ending. Appetizers and salads range from $9 to $14, entrees from $22 to $32 and desserts average $8.00. Call 781.641.2227 for reservations.   

Going with the slogan, "The romance is alive at Bistro 5" Chef Ettore's menu at 5 Playstead Road in West Medford offers Gour met Truffle Gifts as an option with his pre-fix menu for $85 on Feb. 14. Each dinner comes with the option of a wine pairing for $22 and $25. As a grastronomic adventure from "the heart of a Tuscan son" Ettore derives his passion for and perfection of food from the roots of his native region of Tuscany. Appetizers such as Sea Scallops Ceviche and Tuna Lollipops are preludes to selections such as Striped Sea Bass and Berkshire Pork Loin. There are seductive chocolate endings or the allure of Panna Cotta with Marinated Strawberries. 

 For reservations call 781-395-7464.

And locally, be sure to stop by Piantedosi's on Monday for their chocolate heart-shaped, fresh-baked bread. And don't forget about the Chocolate Truffle, which has a number of specialty items for the day.