Dinner For Two: Chicagoist's Big Honkin' Valentine's Dinner Roundup

By Chuck Sudo in Food on Feb 10, 2010 9:20PM

Anthony wrote eloquently a couple weeks back about how he doesn't like to dine out for Valentine's Day. We agree with his sentiments, but we also recognize why most folks do scramble for reservations every February.

This post is for you. We've compiled all the calendar listings for dinner specials this weekend clogging our inbox and put together a BIG HONKIN' guide to dining out on Valentine's Day. Just remember that the day itself falls on a Sunday; you can't use Cupid as an excuse to be late for work Monday.

• ITALIASIA (Holiday Inn Mart Plaza,15th Floor, 350 W. Mart Center Drive, 312-529-1157) has a $25 per person, three-course dinner featuring a salad, entrée and dessert. Menu highlights include: Miso Glazed Duck Breast, Ponzu Infused Halibut and Szechwan Pepper Crusted New York Strip.
• Trader Vic's (1030 N. State St., 312-642-6500) has a three-course, prix-fixe menu option for $80 per couple this Valentine's Day. The Valentine's menu includes individual first and second courses, with options such as California Sushi Rolls and a Papaya Waldorf Salad to start, and Rosemary Mint Filet Mignon, a Seafood Bake or Orange Chicken for the second course. The dessert course is meant to be shared, and features a Dark Chocolate Brownie with Vanilla Ice Cream and Caramel Thyme Drizzle.
• Tavern On Rush (1031 N. Rush St., 312-664-9600) will offer guests a four-course, prix-fixe Chef's Specialty Menu in celebration of Valentine's Day. Diners will have the option to order from the regular menu or purchase the entire prix-fixe menu, which includes soup, salad, an entrée and dessert. Guests can also try specialty items a la carte if they wish to sample a dish from the special Valentine's Day menu in combination with regular menu items.
• Guests at Sushi Taiyo (58 E. Ontario, 312-440-1717) can enjoy a special four-course dinner and a complimentary glass of champagne for $99 per couple.
• Tapas Valencia (1530 S. State St., 312-842-4444) has a $29.95 per person Valentine's Day menu. Guests who make their Valentine's dinner reservations with Tapas Valencia will be entered into a drawing to win a romantic complimentary dinner for two. Winners will be surprised with the complimentary dinner upon arrival to reservation. Reservations must be made a minimum of 24 hours in advance in order to be entered into the drawing. Valid for dinner reservations only on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights during Valentine's Day weekend. One drawing per day. A guitarist will provide entertainment on Sunday at Tapas Valencia.
• Stretch Run Sporting Club & Grille (544 N. LaSalle, 312-644-4477) hosts an Anti-Valentine's Day Party Saturday, February 13. All ladies will receive a rose and a chocolate covered strawberry (while supplies last) and are invited to enjoy $17.50 Miller Family Buckets and $4 vodka drinks.
• Dawali Mediterranean Kitchen (4911 N. Kedzie Avenue, 777-267-4200) is offering couples a $50 menu for two, available for dine-in and carry-out. Menu includes a House Soup or Salad for an appetizer, Braised Lamb Shank, Pan-Seared Salmon or Stuffed Cornish Game Hen for an entrée, and Pistachio Crusted Molten Chocolate Cake with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream and Raspberry Coulis or the House Dessert option to finish the meal. A fountain drink, Arabic coffee or tea is included.
• Nacional 27 (325 W. Huron St.,312-664-2727) is offering two prix-fixe options for the weekend of love, which will be served on Saturday, February 13 and Sunday, February 14. The first seating, available from 5-7:45 p.m. on both nights, offers three courses (starter, signature tapas platter and choice of main course) for $45 per person. The second option, with seatings from 8-10:30 p.m., features five courses (starter, signature tapas platter, salad, choice of main course and dessert platter), plus a festive cava toast, for $75 per person. Premiere champagnes offered by the glass ($39-$45), bottles of bubbles ($39-$650) and signature cocktails created by bar chef Adam Seger will also help guests fuel the fire. Seger’s concoctions include the Tiki Punch with exotic juices, spices, rum, Spanish gin and two straws ($17); and the Latin Long Island with Bacardi, Cazadores Tequila, Russian Standard Vodka, cachaca and passion fruit ($21). Salsa dancing will start on Saturday at 11 p.m. and Sunday at 9 p.m., so plan on sticking around to make your move to the dance floor. Nacional 27 is open from 5 p.m. until 3 a.m. on Saturday, and the restaurant, which doesn’t usually keep Sunday hours, will be open for Valentine’s Day, Sunday, February 14 from 5 p.m. to 2 a.m.
• Make your lover wine and enjoy a specially prepared gourmet dinner by the Harvest Grill executive chefs of the Chicago Marriott Downtown Magnificent Mile (540 N. Michigan, 773-233-7579)and wine tasting. Each couple will make their own 6-gallon vat of wine (25 to 30 bottles). Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Noir to Cabernet can be made. Wine will be fermented at Bev Art/ Wild Blossom Winery's cellar and monitored by their wine makers. In addition, each couple will blend their own bottle of wine that night and take home to age or consume. A grape stomp for couples with prizes for the best stompers will get the juices flowing. Ten weeks later wine will be ready for bottling. You're invited to come back to the Marriott* for a special bottling session, bottle at BevArt or wine can be bottled for you by BevArt for an additional cost. Price includes wine making experience, dinner and bottling session at Marriott* or Bev Art. Cost per couple $199.00 plus cost of wine juice and supplies. Used clean bottles can be brought in or new bottles can be purchased for $14.95 per case. Cork are 25 cents each. ( *2nd Bottling session at Marriott may require an additional nominal food and beverage charge. There will not be charge for bottling at Bev Art.) For more information, visit here.
• Couples are invited to enjoy a free game of bowling with the presentation of a dinner receipt from any restaurant at 10pin Bowling Lounge (330 N. State St. 312-644-0300)
• Brasserie JO, (59 W. Hubbard, 312-595-0800) invites Chicagoans to celebrate Valentine's Day with a special four course prix-fixe menu created by Chef/Proprietor Jean Joho. Menu will include a choice from three appetizers, three second courses, three mains and three desserts and will cost $49 per person, excluding tax and gratuity. Menu highlights include Foie Gras and Oxtail Terrine as a first course, Cream of Celeriac as a second course, Atlantic Salmon Filet and New York Strip Au Poivre for main course options, and Almond Chocolate Cake for dessert. Full menu available below. Menu items will be available a la carte Friday, February 12 and Saturday February 13, reservations strongly recommended.
• The Voodoo Valentine’s Bash at Jake Melnick’s (41 E. Superior, 312-266-0400) combines two crazy holidays in one - a Valentine’s fete and Mardis Gras bash for a night you won’t soon forget. Jake’s will be decked out in all things voodoo, so expect beads galore, boas and tasty food and drinks as you party the night away with Jake’s. For one night only, enjoy additional food specialties including "My Ex Is Such A Jerk" Wings served on a bed of “bitter” greens, Spicy Broken Artichoke Heart Fondue with grilled pita and Two Timer Baked Potato Skins. Pick your poison with additional drink specials as well, featuring $5 Black Magic Martinis and Ommegang Chocolate Indulgence Stouts. Finally, let Jake’s help you hex your ex! Bring in a picture of an ex-lover to add to the Jake’s voodoo pot and receive a free voodoo doll to take home and torture long after the party ends.
• The three-course couples menu At Athena Greek Restaurant (212 S. Halsted St., 312-655-0000)includes saganaki flaming cheese, a large Greek salad, and an 8 oz. filet mignon and jumbo shrimp skewer combo. The dinner is priced at $59 per couple, plus tax and gratuity.
• Chef Grant Slauterbeck of D.O.C. Wine Bar (2602 North Clark St., 773-883-5101) has created several indulgent menu items especially to treat you and your beloved. During regular restaurant hours (5 p.m.-2 a.m.), D.O.C. Wine Bar will feature entrees such as Butter-poached black tiger shrimp with apple, bacon and cabbage risotto; pan-seared sea scallops with celery root puree and lobster sauternes with vanilla, prime beef duo of tenderloin and braised short rib with root vegetable hash and bordelaise, and flourless chocolate cake with chocolate gelato and raspberry.
• aja (660 N. State St., 312-202-6050) Executive Chef Joshua Linton has crafted a special Valentine’s Day Dim Sum for Two tasting menu, available today through Saturday, February 13 from 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. in addition to the regular dinner menu. The Dim Sum for Two menu offers Siu Mai, Spare Ribs, Rangoon, Baos, and Crispy Taro Cakes for $18 per person. Pair the dim sum dishes with the Passion Scorpion Bowl for Two ($22) and end the evening with a Bittersweet Chocolate and Black Cocoa Cake topped with Blood Orange Syrup and Creamy Caramel Ice Cream.
• Epic (112 W. Hubbard St., 312.222.4940) Executive Chef Stephen Wambach and Executive Pastry Chef Christine McCabe have whipped up a romantic four-course menu, available Sunday, February 14 from 5:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. for $65 per person.
• Markethouse (611 N. Fairbanks Ct., 312-224-2200) Chef Scott Walton offers a special five-course Valentine’s Day menu, which includes a glass of wine, for $70 per person on Sunday, February 14 from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
• Mercadito (108 W. Kinzie St., 312-329-9555) Chef Patricio Sandoval heats up Valentine’s Day with a five-course menu, a special aphrodisiac tequila cocktail, the Pocion Numero 9 ($11), and Shot de la Pasion (Blanco Tequila, Cinnamon Syrup and Passion Fruit Purée, $4). Enjoy dinner with your Valentine with a five-course selection of delicious guacamoles, botanas or ceviches, tacos, side dishes and dessert for $50 per person on Sunday, February 14 from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Mercadito’s regular dinner will be available from 10 p.m. until 12 midnight.
• ZED451 (739 N. Clark St., 312-266-6691) offers couples a complimentary Champagne toast in addition to the regular menu on Saturday, February 13 and Sunday February 14 from 4:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. Dinner is $44 per person. Celebrate Valentine’s Day morning with ZED451’s new Sunday brunch, only $24 per person, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Zocalo’s (358 W. Ontario, 312-302-9977) Valentine’s Day tasting menu will be offered Friday, February 12 through Sunday, February 14 during regular restaurant hours. Live music will also help set a sultry mood on Sunday from 6-9 p.m.
• Bar Novo at the Renaissance Chicago (1 W. Wacker Dr., 312-372-7200) is offering delicious bites and festive cocktails. Cozy up with your sweetheart in one of Bar Novo’s intimate booths or communal seating as you enjoy a Valentine’s Day like never before.
• Market (1113 W. Randolph, 312-526-3256) will ahve a special Valentine's Day menu for $65 per person on either Saturday, February 13th or Sunday, February 14th, in addition to its regular menu.
• Geja’s Café (340 W. Armitage, 773-281-9101) has a special Valentine’s Dinner Package, Saturday, February 13 and Sunday, February 14 ($85 - $105 per person; call for seating times and pricing).
• Treat Restaurant (1616 N. Kedzie, 773-772-1201) has a special menu for Valentine's Day with optional wine recommendations provided by Tracy Kellner of Provenence Food and Wine. Please contact Provenance at 773-384-0699 for suggestions and pre-purchase. Provenence will deliver your pre-paid wines to Treat on the day of the event. Treat will chill and have the wines ready at your table when you arrive.
• Chef Didier Durand and Cyrano's Bistrot & Wine Bar (546 N. Wells, 312-467-0546) will celebrate Valentine's Day with its Valentine Affair Menu, Saturday, February 13 & Sunday, February 14, 2010. The cost of this 4-course menu is $59.95 per person (plus tax and gratuity).
• Kendall College (900 N. North Branch, 312-752-2328) will be offering both lunch and dinner to celebrate Valentine’s Day. Lunch is a three course meal that includes a complimentary glass of champagne. It is hosted on Friday, February 12 and costs $50 per couple (excluding tax and tip). Dinner will be offered on Friday the 12th and Saturday the 13th, with reservations beginning at 6:00 pm. The meal is $50 per person and includes a four course limited menu with a complimentary glass of sparkling wine (excludes tax and tip). Parking is free.
• The $60 Sweetheart Special at N9NE (440 W. Randolph, 312-575-9900) is meant to be shared by couple; they may also order a la carte from Executive Chef Michael Shrader’s new winter dinner menu.
• Valentine’s Day at People Lounge (1560 N. Milwaukee Ave., 773-227-9339) lets diners choose from aphrodisiac-laden selections such as a poached lobster with blood orange sauce Maltese, seafood croquetas and fennel ($19) and a chocolate tart with chestnut-chocolate chip ice cream and date port reduction ($8). Accompany the meal with a bottle of budget-friendly bubbly; Segura Viudas Cava is featured at $19 per bottle.
• Elate (111 W. Huron, 312-202-9900) has a 3-course dinner for 2 priced at $85.
• Taxim (1558 N. Milwaukee Ave., 773-252-1558) will offer a $45 prix-fixe meal in lieu of the regular menu on Valentine's Day; seating times are 6:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.. Friday and Saturday will feature special dishes inspired by the island of Cyprus, home to Goddess of Love Aphrodite.
• All weekend long Laurent Gras of L2O is offering The Tree Room to five couples for a communal 12-course menu paired with wines hosted by sommelier Chantelle Pabros for $255 per person. Additionally, there is the option of treating your loved one to Gras’ new “Singular” menu (a 10-course menu where each course highlights one single luxury ingredient, i.e. black truffle, lobster, or kindai toro) in the complete privacy of the Tatami Room; $245 per person; $110 wine pairing. (2300 N Lincoln Park West, 773-868-0002)
• Graham Elliot will be serving a five-course “Sexual Chocolate” menu incorporating chocolate into savory and dessert courses; $96 per person (offered Friday and Saturday in addition to the a la carte menu, and offered solely on Sunday, February 14th). Background music will include the babymaking styles of Barry White and Marvin Gaye! (217 W. Huron, 312-624-9975)
• On Saturday and Sunday one sixtyblue’s Michael McDonald will put out a six-course prix fixe for $75 per person with a $35 wine pairing; the a la carte menu also available. (1400 W. Randolph, 312-850-0303)
• In Fine Spirits (5418 N. Clark St., 773-334-9463) offers a five course pre-fixe dinner to celebrate Valentine's Day. Dinner is $55 with an optional wine pairing for $20.
• Bring your sweetie to cibo matto (201 N. State St., 312-239-9500) over Valentine’s Day weekend (Friday, February 12 through Monday, February 15), and in addition to the regular dinner menu, you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy a special four-course tasting menu for $75.