Increasingly, Valentine’s Day is more than just a “day,” with more and more restaurants and other business celebrating Cupid’s day over a 2 to 4 day period, giving would-be guests the chance to dine out for Valentine’s Day on evenings before and/or after February 14th – a night when many romantic restaurants are sold out. While some view it as a commercialized occasion, many cherish the opportunity to express and celebrate the love they share with their significant other on this special day. If you’re looking to dine out for Valentine’s Day or Galentine’s, here are some seductive options.
Le Meridien invites you to “Celebrate love with a romantic 3-course dinner at signature restaurant Adelaide on Wednesday, February 14, from 5:00 – 9:30 PM. The menu features a choice of delightful starters such as Arugula and Fennel Salad and Louisiana Gulf Shrimp Bisque; followed by a second course of Crab Croquettes with lemon caper ravigote, arugula and frisée; and mains including Ricotta Gnocchi, Petite Filet and Crab Maison or Praline Crusted Halibut. End the evening on a sweet note with a Pecan Financier dessert. The dinner costs $90 per person.”
Valentine’s Day Dinner at Avenues Proper is a 5-course affair, with a prix fixe price option of $75 or a choice of a la carte dishes including a charcuterie special for an additional $26. Dinner takes place from 4 to 9 pm and menu items include bacon-wrapped scallop with apricot jam; trumpet mushrooms with miso glaze; gem wedge salad; celery root Vichyssoise; braised lamb shank; smoked eggplant ravioli, ahi tuna poivre; 10-oz NY Strip, and others, include dessert options.
Current Fish & Oyster will offer guests a special a la carte menu for Valentine’s Day. Menu items include a seafood platter; raw and grilled oysters; bluefin tataki; crab cakes; caviar; sea scallops; lobster orzo risotto; seared salmon; Chilean sea bass, filet mignon; and roasted cauliflower.
Restaurateur Scott Evans and his team at Finca Pintxos Bar will host a special Valentine’s Day Dinner with beverage pairings on February 14th, priced at $50/food; $40/wine, plus tax and 20% gratuity. Pintxos for the table include ajo bianco, peppadew, and tortilla Española paired with a Basque Gin Tonic, followed by a choice of Tapas de Vegetales: ensalada naranja, patatas bravas, coliflor, or tosta de setas, paired with Barbara Fores ‘Abria’t’ ‘21. A tapas de mariscos y tapas de carne course will be a choice of gambas or vieras paired with Ca N’ Estruc Blanc ‘22 or cerdo or fabada paired with Pasanau ‘Ceps Nous’ ‘19. Desert (postres) is a choice of chocolate torte or arroz con leche with Astobiza ‘Vermut’ Blanco with rocks and orange. Valentine’s Day dinners and specials are also being offered at Scott Evan’s other restaurants: Finca, Pago, and Emigration Cafe. Check their website for details.
Flanker Kitchen + Sporting Club will celebrate Galentine’s Day on February 12 & 13 and Valentine’s Day on February 14, both with specialty menus including burrata salad with arugula, heirloom tomato, pesto, and balsamic reduction; roasted artichoke with creamy garlic sauce; pan-seared salmon with pommes puree and white truffle beurre blanc; 8-oz filet mignon with bacon, green onion and peppercorn mixture, crispy Brussels with lardon, and pommes puree. For dessert, there’s a special cherries jubilee for 2 with vanilla ice cream. Specialty cocktails include The Roots of Love (American Harvest Vodka, Ginger Liqueur, Lemon Juice, Strawberries, Chocolate Bitters, Rosé and Cupid’s Arrow (Grand Marnier, Pama Liqueur, Prosecco, Hibiscus Flower). Use promo code LOVE for half-off karaoke.
Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar is extending their Valentine’s celebration from February 8 through 19 with a 3-course surf & turf special for two, priced at $230 and includes USDA Prime New York Strip and tender Filet Mignon paired with crab-stuffed lobster tails.
The Goldener Hirsch restaurant in Deer Valley invites you to “Join us this Valentine’s Day at Goldener Hirsch for an exquisite celebration of love in an enchanting, candlelit setting. Executive Chef Senthil presents an alpine-inspired seven-course prix fixe menu, skillfully infusing traditional flavors with a contemporary twist.” Menu items include blue point oysters with mignonette; saffron-infused lobster bisque; seared scallops with truffle cauliflower puree; tomato tart & fresh burrata; Wagyu beef tenderloin; pan-seared Chilean sea bass; chocolate ganache and rosewater infused panna cotta. Live jazz music in the Antler Lounge from 5 to 9 pm will enhance the evening. $225 per person.
The Hyatt Regency Salt Lake City offers a couple of enticing options: “The indulgent Galentine’s Day Brunch in Mar | Muntanya’s Dining Globes (February 10th & 11th) is one of the most memorable ways to celebrate the gal pal holiday in downtown Salt Lake City. Starting at $75 per person, the opulent brunch experience includes a special menu featuring strawberry shortcake waffles, churro French toast, raspberry buttermilk pancakes, Niman Ranch bacon, locally sourced sausage, crunchy breakfast potatoes, roasted asparagus, and chocolate covered strawberries. The experience can be further enhanced by adding the signature Bellini bar (option to swap with mimosas or any sparkling wine). The private, temperature-controlled dining globes offer the best downtown views with a breathtaking backdrop of the snowcapped Wasatch Mountains. Each globe can accommodate up to eight adults and is equipped with independent Bluetooth speakers that guests can connect to for a more personal musical experience and ambiance.” In addition, “For Valentine’s Day, Contribution Cocktail Lounge is offering the ‘S’mores Love Board for Two’ paired with Raspberry Daiquiris and Strawberry Lemon Drops. Starting at $13, it’s the perfect sweet treat to enjoy ahead of Valentine’s Day dinner or to end the romantic evening with a nightcap.”
Kita Japanese steakhouse and sushi restaurant at Pendry Park City will offer a special 3-course Valentine’s Day dinner priced at $160 per person, including a glass of sparkling wine or Rosé. Dinner kicks off with a seafood sampler to share, followed by a choice of burrata or winter salad. The second course is a choice of sesame-lavender crusted ahi tuna; grilled dry-aged Delmonico steak; or tagliatelle & wild mushroom ragu. For dessert, there’s a choice of chocolate Marquise or baked cheesecake.
Valentine’s Day dinner at La Caille will run you $170 per person with optional wine flights priced at $65. Menu highlights include oysters with Champagne mignonette; big eye tuna and lobster roll; sunchoke truffle bisque; tuxedo truffle scallops; filet mignon with rose petal sauce; goat cheese ravioli; rosemary-brined chicken breast, raspberry lychee macaron; and dark chocolate pomegranate mousse cake.
Romantic Log Haven restaurant in Millcreek Canyon will host “Three Nights of Passion” February 14-16. According to the folks at Log Haven, “While reservations are sold out for the 14th, we’ve still got openings for a romantic experience on the 15th and 16th! Indulge in live music, specially crafted sweetheart menu options (in addition to our regular menu), and a delightful array of cocktails and mocktails.Book your table now and treat your special someone to an enchanting evening with a mesmerizing view of Log Haven’s waterfall.Cheers to love and great food!”
The Mariposa in Silver Lake Village at Deer Valley Resort will host a special Valentine’s Day dinner on February 14th. “Guests are invited to indulge in a romantic dinner, featuring a delicious multi-course tasting menu and a selection of fine wines. This event will take place in a beautifully decorated dining room with stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Reservations are required for this event and space is limited, so be sure to book early. It will be a night to remember for you and your loved one.” The tasting menu dinner begins with an amuse bouche of oysters with champagne mignonette and calamansi cocktail sauce, followed by first course options of Asparagus Soup with egg yolk, smoked parmesan foam, oil cured shaved asparagus, and salmon roe or Scallops with piquillo puree, Iberico jamon, sunchoke crisps, and lemon oil. The second course is a choice of Mushroom Risotto with crispy parmesan cheese, black truffles, and pea shoots or A5 Wagyu Pho with scallions, Thai basil, sprouts, rice noodles, and chili oil. Following an intermezzo, dinner continues with a choice of Australian Wagyu Filet with roasted Peruvian potatoes, cream spinach, horseradish foam, and red currant cabernet reduction; Duck Breast with roasted Beets, grapefruit supreme, braised swiss chard, toasted pistachios, port reduction, and natural jus; or Turmeric Roasted Cauliflower with roasted beet hummus, chimichurri, and sunchoke chips. Dessert selections are Choux You or Pavlova. Add-ons include caviar for the table, seafood tower for the table, oysters for the table, and guests can add caviar or truffles to any course. Valentine’s Day dinner at The Mariposa is $175 per person with optional wine pairings for $90.
Rodizio Grill is offering two Valentine specials. The “Together Forever Package” is $129 per couple, “available Feb. 10, Feb. 14 & Feb. 17 after 3 pm, enjoy special seating and our expanded Full Rodizio dinner menu featuring Filet, Salmon, Shrimp, Peppercorn Steak, Sirloin with Serrano, Cayenne Cinnamon Pineapple, premium features on our Gourmet Salad Bar, and unlimited dessert bar.” There is also a “Valentine’s Celebration Menu”: “In addition to our unlimited Gourmet Salad Bar, Brazilian Sides and the traditional rotisserie-grilled items carved tableside, enjoy these grilled items added to our menu: Filet, Salmon, Peppercorn Steak, Sirloin with Serrano, Cayenne Cinnamon Pineapple. Saturday, Feb. 10 (all day), Wednesday, Feb. 14 (after 3pm), Saturday, Feb. 17 (all day). Price: $46.99 per person includes an expanded holiday menu plus an unlimited selection of desserts. Monday, Feb. 12, Tuesday, Feb. 11, Thursday, Feb. 15, Friday, Feb. 16: Price: $41.99 per person includes expanded holiday menu. Every guest that dines during our Valentine’s Celebration will receive a special offer for future visit: One Complimentary Dinner with purchase of another dinner.”
In Ogden, Stella’s will offer guests a 4-course Valentine’s menu for $65 per person with optional wine pairings for $25. Menu choices include oysters on the half shell; mixed bruschetta; burrata and heirloom tomato salad; mushroom risotto; spaghetti ai frutti di mare; stuffed veal rolls; fillet of branzino; oven-roasted Cornish hen; and layered marble cake for dessert.
For February 13-14 Tucanos Brazilian Grill has added special Valentine’s selections to their dine-in menu, including rosemary herb salmon; roasted rib eye; grilled shrimp; and a special Valentine’s Day chocolate treat ($34.95 pp). In addition, Tucanos is offering a Home Date Meal for 2 priced at $69.95 and includes teriyaki beef, garlic parmesan beef, turkey wrapped in bacon, sweet & spicy chicken, brown sugar glazed pineapple, 3-cheese mashed potatoes, pasta Alfredo, Caesar salad, Brazilian cheese bread, chocolate raspberry cheesecake, chocolate truffles, a bottle of sparkling cider, and a long stem rose.
Tupelo Park City still has a few late dinner reservations opening for Valentine’s Day dinner on RESY. Chef/Owner Matt Harris and his team will be offering guests a prix-fixe dinner option for $95 per person and features savory BBQ, seafood, ribeye steak, artisanal chocolates, and much more, including wine pairings available.
Stanza’s Valentine’s Day dinner is a 5-course prix fixe menu created by Executive Chef Paul Cafaro and priced at $100 per person, plus tax and gratuity, alcohol not included. An amuse of charbroiled stuffed oysters is followed by a first course of barbecue shrimp; smoked andouille sausage gumbo; or pomegranate & blackberry salad. The second course is a choice of duck confit leg or seared halibut, followed by a third course of strawberry passion fruit sorbet. The fourth course is a choice oa Australian lobster tail or petite filet, with dessert choices of Earl Grey & brown butter tartlet or chocolate panna cotta.
Valentine’s Day dinner at Tuscany is a prix fixe 4-course dinner priced at $120 per person. First course is a choice of Hawaiian tuna poke or roasted fennel and onion tart, followed by wild mushroom bisque soup or spinach salad. The third course is a choice of braised Niman Ranch pork shank; Mary’s organic chicken parmesan; or pan-seared diver scallops. For dessert, there’s limoncello raspberry cake or dulce de leche cheesecake.
Urban Hill will offer a 4-course Valentine’s Day dinner prepared by Executive Chef Nick Zocco and Executive Pastry Chef Chris Straughan, priced at $95 with sommelier selected wine pairings by Beverage Manager Bijan Ghiai for an additional $45. Dinner begins with gambas al ajillo or porcini mushroom soup, followed by a second course of burrata toast or winter salad. Main course choices are potato gnocchi, Golden Eagle sablefish, or wood-fired Creekstone Farms prime flat iron steak. Dessert options are Nutella bundt lava cake or strawberry pavlova.
Culinary quote of the week: “Food is symbolic of love when words are inadequate.” Alan D. Wolfelt
