OK, so you've been lucky enough to snag a date for Valentine's Day.

But unfortunately for you, most dates come with preconceived expectations for that special evening, usually along the lines of a romantic dinner for two.

And before you either A) freak out, B) avoid the whole situation altogether, or C) settle on sharing a Big Mac and fries, remember: State College has a lot more to offer than fast-food joints.

There's a whole world of romantic dining out there, and you don't have to sacrifice creativity or a lot of cash to enjoy it. Whether you're on a limited budget or actually have some green to spend, here's a list of dining options that are sure to make your sweetheart swoon.

1. How to make a romantic home-cooked meal, or how to impress for less without blowing up the kitchen.

So you blew most of your cash on last weekend's festivities and can't afford risking a large bill at the end of the meal.

Fret not, because you can still say you care with a homemade meal that doesn't require all those exotic kitchen utensils and hard to pronounce ingredients. The answer is just a click away, with a little research.

Though the Internet offers hundreds of delicious V-Day recipe sites, only about 10 percent of them actually provide realistic options for the inexperienced college chef.

Thankfully, at www.allrecipes.com you can find easy-to-make delicacies, like champagne chicken, as well as guidelines on how to use common ingredients as aphrodisiacs. The recipes are easy to follow, the ingredients simple and inexpensive, and the results will make you look like Wolfgang Puck ... sort of.

2. How to treat your date to an exotic dining experience, or how to look cultured without spending a lot.

Somehow you've managed to scrape up enough cash to treat both you and your date, but so far the only places within your price range also offer kids menus and crayons.

In order to impress your valentine and still look like a grown up, you need to look outside the box and try those different ethnic restaurants.

Though its atmosphere may not scream five-star dining, the Viet Thai Restaurant, 146 N. Atherton St., is one of those little-known places in State College that offers impressive cuisine for low prices. Everything on the menu is perfect for sharing, from the appetizers (try the spring rolls) to the generously sized entrees (try the Pad Thai). Top off the meal with some creamy green tea ice cream and you'll still be left with enough cash for a nice tip.

In continuing with the tradition of little-known gems within State College, The India Grill Restaurant, 132 Sowers St., also offers high-class food without the price shock. For starters, the fact that Kama Sutra found its birthplace in Indian culture should be reason enough for you to try out its exotic cuisine.

The Grill uses all sorts of tempting ingredients, like coconut milk, lime and curry, and pairs them with everything from grilled lamb and beef to sautéed chicken and shrimp. With its drool-worthy fragrances and intimate atmosphere, India Grill is the perfect setting for a romantic meal.

3. How to impress your date with fine dining, or how to spend your next rent check faster than you can say, "eviction notice."

You've come into some money, and (gasp) are willing to spend it all on one meal. Unfortunately, State College is somewhat limited in its fine dining choices. Basically, the two best options are Spat's Café and Speakeasy, 142 E. College Ave., and Zola's New World Bistro, 324 W. College Ave.

Like seafood and pasta dishes infused with a Cajun flare? Then Spat's is the place for you. With its Creole-inspired cuisine and laid back atmosphere, Spat's is like a jazzy café straight out of New Orleans.

Zola's offers another cultural spin on fine dining with its self-defined New World bistro style. Everything from the roasted duck to whole red snapper is prepared with an artistic flair sure to impress even the most pretentious of diners. But if you're thinking about trying out either Zola's or Spat's, act soon, because great places like these tend to fill up fast.