Valentine’s Day 2012

Valentine's Day 2012

Date or no date, I have never been one to get particularly jazzed up about Valentine’s Day after it no longer meant leaving school with a shoebox filled with candy. However, Foreign and Domestic’s four course dinner with wine pairings for $50/pp is enough to melt any cold dark heart. Foreign and Domestic isn’t the only spot gearing up for the big day; many of Austin’s finest restaurants will be hosting dinners worth getting struck by Cupid’s arrow to enjoy.

First things first, be sure to call the Chocolate Strawberry Hotline at 512.553.5796 to reserve a dozen chocolate covered strawberries from Amy’s Ice Cream. Amy’s corners the market with their famous chocolate dipped berries. Each February their team shuts down ice cream production and brings in extra manpower to individually dip each strawberry in European Chocolate. Flanked 200 people deep, Amy’s Ice Cream will create over 100,000 treats by the time Cupid’s arrow strikes. Order online here or by calling 512.553.5796.

On February 11, Lakeway Resort & Spa is hosting a Sleepless in Seattle themed Valentine’s getaway, because let’s face it,  the boy next door meets girls next door movie starring Tom Hanks and a prefacelift/Russell Crowe Meg Ryan may be the best romcom ever made. The specialty package includes overnight accommodations, a complimentary bottle of champagne, a five course dinner for two w/screening of the movie, and concession stand tokens. Rates start at $330 per guest room package. When booking this package use 2012VDAY, there are a limited number of the packages available.  You can book online or by calling 512-261-6600.

TRACE at the W is has two options for Valentine’s Dinner fit for vegetarians and meat lovers alike. Both three course dinners are $65 per person ($90 with wine).  The dinners include complimentary petit fours. Please call 512-542-3660 for reservations.

Austin Cakeball, the forces behind those little bites of heaven, will host a special Valentine’s dinner at their recently opened full service restaurant in the Domain. The decadent menu will be available from February 10-14 and feature such options as venison ossu bucco and honey glazed sea bass. The dinner will close with a choice between a naughty or nice trio of cakeballs. The ‘flirt and fancy’ menu is priced at $45 for one including an amuse bouche, appetizer, entrée, and dessert or $75 for two with a shared appetizer. Wine pairings are $20/pp.

Contigo is taking a stab at V-day with a decidedly less romantic ‘Hallmark-y’ approach. Instead of romantic picnic tables for two, the rustic Texas inspired restaurant is hosting a family-style three course menu fit for singles, couples, and groups alike. There is plenty to fall in love with on the Un-Valentine’s menu with options like pork liver pate with fig jam, preserved lemon gnocchi, and crème puffs served with lavender honey ice cream. The dinner is $35/pp and reservations are accepted/recommended by calling 512.614.2260 or [email protected].

For a classic Valentine’s experience, treat your special someone to dinner at Sullivan’s Steakhouse. From February 11-14, Sullivan’s will have a special three course menu with dessert in addition to the regular menu priced at $89/pp. Guests can choose from a wide range of options including entrée choices such as filet mignon, crab stuffed shrimp, and lamb chops. Call 512.495.6504 for reservations.

The newly refreshed Bistrot Mirabella will host a special three course Valentine’s Dinner with a menu filled with classic French decadence. The dinner is priced at $37.95/pp features selections such as blue point oysters with mornay sauce, ribeye with blue cheese glacage, and chocolate garanche. Full menu is also available. Reservations can be made here or by calling 512.346.7900.

Enjoy a special romance themed Valentine’s Day dinner at one of Austin’s most swoon-worthy restaurants, Paggi House.  The mouthwatering menu features options such as butternut squash risotto with black truffles, surf and turf, and tuna takaki. Cost is $85/pp with wine pairings available. Reservations recommended (512.473.3700).

Vivo Lake Creek will host a special five course dinner for $65 a person ($20 for wine pairings) on Valentine’s Day. The menu feature Chef Peterson’s San Antonio-style Mexican cuisine complete with dishes like lobster sopapilas and slow cooked brisket. Call 512.331.4660 for reservations.

Sagra will host a traditional Italian feast in honor of all things romance on February 14. The four course menu priced at $45/pp ($20 wine pairings) will include such items as foie gras ravioli, roasted duck breast, and seared sea scallops. Call 512.535.5988 for reservations.

You don’t even have to go out to enjoy a romantic dinner for two this V-day. Mandola’s Italian Market is offering a five course dinner for two priced at $75 (total) with wine. Preorder this Italian feast by February 13^th by calling 512.600.3555 or emailing [email protected]