Once again, Valentine’s Day is upon us: that special holiday that singles dread and couples stress over. Perhaps you’ve been busy amending the FISA bill or listening to Members grill Roger Clemens, and haven’t had time to make plans for the evening. If so, Mug Shots has some fun — and dare we say adventurous — options for a romantic evening on the Hill.

[IMGCAP(1)]Those with a curious palate and a love for wine should head to Sonoma (223 Pennsylvania Ave. SE), winner of the 2007 RAMMY Award for neighborhood gathering place of the year. The restaurant normally offers a weekly wine tasting on Thursday evenings, but tonight this practice will be put on hold to make way for lovers. Couples can choose from dining on the first floor or wining on the second. Get there early to grab a couch near the fireplace and sip on your choice of wine from Sonoma’s extensive list — more than 50 wines are offered by the glass and half-glass. The restaurant also will be offering a regular dinner menu.

For a romantic Italian feast, make a reservation at Locanda (633 Pennsylvania Ave. SE) on the House side. The restaurant will offer a four-course menu for $75 per person, with an additional $35 wine pairing option. Diners will have several choices for an appetizer, including a truffle leek and mushroom arancini. Entree options include duck confit and Atlantic cod, while both gelato and chocolate cake are on the dessert menu.

Reservations can be made by calling 202-547-0002.

Those interested in a more alternative Valentine’s Day should head to the H Street Corridor for storytelling and fire play.

SpeakeasyDC invites people to share their tales of love at a special storytelling at SOVA (1359 H St. NE) in honor of St. Valentine.

“It’s going to be different than our open mike in that we’re actually going to facilitate small groups of people talking together and sharing their stories,” said Amy Saidman, artistic executive director for SpeakeasyDC. From these groups a few people will be asked to get up in front of the microphone and talk.

The event will run from 8 to 10 p.m. and will feature music from the indie folk band Stripmall Ballads. While SOVA has not yet received a liquor license, the cafe and soon-to-be wine bar offers a wide array of coffee drinks and tasty treats.

For those of you who are looking for something a bit wilder, Palace of Wonders (1210 H St. NE) will be hosting a performance by Flights of Fire, a D.C.-based fire dancing troupe that features fire hoopers and fire fan dancers. In a program titled “Love’s on Fire,” the group will present its interpretation of amore and the accompanying pleasures and perils. The performance begins at 9:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased through a link on the bar’s Web site: palaceofwonders.com.

Palace of Wonders also will offer a Valentine’s Day-themed performance on Friday evening by the burlesque comedy troupe Capitol Follies. In this debut performance of “Valentine’s Day After,” entertainers tell the tale of hijinks caused by Cupid and his evil twin brother Cupidity. The performance begins at 10 p.m. with tickets available for $10.

And for all you single readers, there’s always “Beat the Clock” at the Pour House. Sure, dollar Buds may not buy you love, but they may buy you some company on this lonely holiday.