If you’re thinking about staying in for dinner this Valentine’s Day, here are 11 reasons to go out.
First. One year, I went on a blind date on Valentine's Day. The Guy and I were supposed to meet at a coffee shop then head over to a Mediterranean restaurant. It sounded like a good plan, but after waiting one hour for him (don't ask why I waited), I started to leave, but my phone rang. It was The Guy calling to say he had gotten into a car accident, was okay and was en route to meet me. When he arrived—another hour later—he had a big bouquet of red roses, an extra-large tin of Godiva chocolates and a heap of apologies. We were both fatigued, but proceeded to the restaurant where he had made arrangements for us me to have a belly dancing lesson. By then, then belly dancer had left for her own romantic dinner elsewhere. It wasn't a perfect evening out, but it was a memorable one. And, the food was great.
Reasons two through 11 to get out on Valentine's Day? To eat your heart out good food, of course! The following restaurants will offer delectable dishes, some prix fixe, some with add-on options Wednesday, Feb. 14 unless noted otherwise. Since it'll be a popular holiday, reservations are recommended or necessary as indicated. And, hopefully your date will arrive safely and you will spend more hours in each other's company than waiting. Cheers to a lovely evening.
Atlas: Enjoy a four-course, prix fixe menu for $150 created just for the occasion and inclusive of an all-you-need-is-love dessert of chocolate cremeux, passion fruit coulis, passion fruit whipped ganache, raspberry Sable and pistachio sponge cake. Wine pairings will be $75 - $150.
The St. Regis Atlanta, 88 West Paces Ferry Road N.W., Atlanta. 404-600-6471, stregisatlanta.com/atlas-restaurant.
Cibo e Beve : From Feb. 10 – 17, diners will be able to indulge a special menu featuring pancetta smoked salmon spread, Bavette steak with a port wine demi and scallops with butternut squash "alfredo" fregola. Reservations required.
4969 Roswell Road, Sandy Springs. 404-250-8988, ciboatlanta.com.
Davio's Northern Italian Steakhouse : Rendezvous with your sweetheart at this Buckhead restaurant, which will offer a special three-course, prix-fixe menu featuring jumbo poached shrimp; organic mushroom ravioli; and petite center cut filet mignon, Maine lobster tail, fingerling potatoes, broccolini and béarnaise. If you're interested in getting a head start on a romantic dinner, you're in luck because the offer will be available Feb. 9 – Feb. 14 for $75.
3500 Peachtree Road N.E., Atlanta. 404-844-4810, davios.com .
Del Frisco's Grille Atlanta: Lovebirds can cozy up for a hearty dinner featuring a 12-oz. Wagyu bone-in steak topped with truffle butter. The steak will be available off-menu for $58 Feb. 10 - 18. Feeling toasty? Pair dinner with wines such as Portillo Malbec and Aquinas Cabernet Sauvignon.
3376 Peachtree Road NE, Atlanta. 404-537-2828, delfriscosgrille.com/atlanta.
il Giallo Osteria & Bar: This Sandy Springs restaurant will offer a four-course dinner featuring braised beef short rib with tagliatelle; butternut squash tortelli with brown butter, sage and pecans; seared scallops; New England sole; and grilled lamb chops. A seat at the table will be $72.
5920 Roswell Road, Sandy Springs. 404-709-2148. ilgialloatl.com.
JCT. Kitchen & Bar : Head to this popular restaurant for a four-course, prix fixe Southern-inspired dinner prepared by executive chef Brian Horn. Dish options will include crab brioche, glazed pork belly, pan roasted halibut, pork tenderloin and dessert (red velvet layer cake, burnt caramel custard, raspberry-rosé sorbet). Dinner will be $65; a corkage fee will be $12 per bottle, with a maximum of two bottles per table.
1198 Howell Mill Road, Atlanta. 404-355-2252, jctkitchen.com .
King + Duke : A four-course, prix-fixe menu of options prepared by executive chef EJ Hodgkinson will include smoked American caviar; smoked and braised rabbit agnolotti; roast leg of lamb; lobster and shellfish roast; plus dessert. Dinner will be $75, and coursed wine pairings will an additional $35.
33060 Peachtree Road N.W., Atlanta. 404-477-3500, kinganddukeatl.com.
Petite Violette Restaurant : For a five-course, prix-fixe Valentine's Day dinner complete with a complimentary rose and live entertainment, head to this French restaurant. Guests will have a choice for each course, which includes deep fried ahi tuna, lobster-filled crepe d'Homard, broiled lobster tails, pan seared duck breast and chicken with goat cheese, spinach and red pepper. Decadent dessert optons will range from chocolate bread pudding with a dark rum butter sauce to Grand Marnier crème brulée. This special menu will be available from 5:30-9:30 p.m. for $74.95; the regular dinner menu will be unavailable. Reservations are strongly recommended.
2948 Clairmont Road N.E., Atlanta. 404-634-6268, petiteauberge.com.
Saltyard : Spice things up with a romantic tapas dinner, which will include an aphrodisiac ingredient in each dish. Options will include Virginia oysters on the half shell with champagne gelee and apple pearls; pan roasted scallops with rice grits and warm bacon vinaigrette; confit springer chicken thigh with hot pepper honey and candied almonds; and roasted mushroom and beet risotto with fromage blanc and gremolata. Items will be available a la carte. Reservations recommended.
1820 Peachtree St. N.W., Atlanta. 404-382-8088, saltyardatlanta.com.
Wahoo! Grill : Head to Decatur for a four-course dinner with choices including beau soleil oysters, grilled Georgia shrimps, braised pork belly, portabella risotto Milanese and pasta puttanesca with squid ink noodles. A seat at the table will be $49 inclusive of wine pairings.
1042 W. College Ave., Decatur. 404-373-3331, wahoogrilldecatur.com .
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