Spreading love throughout the borough

Love is in the air in the Bronx.

With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, Bronxites will fall in love with these celebratory and gift suggestions.

Dancin’ and romancin’

Treat your sweetie to a romantic dinner at Tosca Marquee Restaurant, at 4038 E. Tremont Ave. A prixe-fixe dinner starting at 6 p.m. for $55 a person will include a champagne toast, live DJ, a professional photographer, and roses for the ladies. Reservations, (718) 863-6363.

Celebrating good ole’ love

Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. will again honor Bronx couples celebrating 50 or more years together at the sixth annual Sweetheart Luncheon Feb. 14, including a DJ, dancing, a sit-down lunch and giveaways.

To RSVP, contact borough director of senior services Larcenia Walton at (718) 590-6248.

“Spending a half a century together with a person in marriage is a milestone worthy of celebration,” said Diaz, especially “during the month of love.”

Tying the knot

Love is definitely in the air at the Bronx Marriage Bureau in the County Building on the Grand Concourse.

“We’re getting ready right now, putting up decorations to make people who come here feel good, feel festive and feel in love,” said chief-knot-tier, Deputy City Clerk Shirley Saunders.

Couples go all out with their outfits around Valentine’s Day, said Saunders, from bright colored tuxedos to large, cinderella ball gowns.

“One woman came here with a wand,” she said. “It’s nice to see, it’s different, it makes you smile.”

Saunders said on an average day the bureau marries between 40 to 50 couples, last year they married 68 on Valentine’s Day.

“This year we expect to meet and possibly exceed that number,” she said.

For more information, call (718) 590-5307.

Gifts for your sweetheart

These local merchants are gearing up for the big day with a variety of specialty gifts.

Show your romance with a bouquet from Jerome’s Florist at 3724 E. Tremont Avenue, with 33 different selections made special just for Valentine’s Day. Call (718) 931-9440 or visit www.jeromeflorist.com.

If your Valentine has more of a sweet tooth, try LaSalle Bakery at 3139 E. Tremont Ave. for delectable Valentine’s themed pastries, cakes and cookies.

If it’s the sparkle of a diamond or the glint of gold your sweetheart likes (and who doesn’t?) LJI Jewelers has a wide range of jewelry for a wide range of pocketbooks at its three Bronx locations: at 3021 Westchester Ave., 3645 Bruckner Boulevard, and 715 Morris Park Ave.

Bugs and Botanicals

Now in its third year as a Valentine’s tradition, the Bronx Zoo’s Name-A-Roach gift certificates for its collection of Madagascar hissing cockroaches has attracted thousands of hopeless romantics from around the world.

Each name costs $10 and proceeds go to help the Wildlife Conservation Society save wildlife and wild places around the world. Go to www.bronxzoo.com/roach to place an order.

Garden of delights

Experience a romantic evening at the NY Botanical Garden as the historic Enid A. Haupt Conservatory is turned into a romantic Valentine’s date destination, ranging from chocolates and champagne at Shop in the Garden to a tour through the sultry warmth of Tropical Paradise. The tour will have a special focus on plants that are well-known for their love-inducing qualities, including delicious chocolate.

For more information, go to www.nybg.org/.

Kirsten Sanchez can be reach via e-mail at [email protected] or by phone at (718) 742-3394