Where To Dine On Valentine's Day In Boston
After the buzz and excitement of the holidays dies down, the long stretch of winter ahead of us settles in and the seasonal blues come knocking. Thankfully, our restaurants are busy drafting up extra special Valentine's menus to give all of us, singles alike, something to brighten up the month of February. Here is a list of great options that will all undoubtedly make you feel whole again.
Abby Lane
For the lovers, Chef Jason Santos has crafted a unique, three course prix fix for $55 a person in addition to their regular menu. However...perhaps not everyone is looking for the most romantic evening on the 14th – and for those who are not, Chef Santos' theater district restaurant, Abby Lane should be high on the list. For the haters, the upstairs lounge will open up at 9 o'clock pm to host an 'anti-Valentine's Day' party with a fun menu of bar type items, a DJ and dancing. Snacks include, mini big mac's, individual Ben and Jerry's cups (good luck sharing that!), fried snickers bars with whipped cream, spray cheese and fruit platter and cracker pakc, 6 pack beef teriyaki and dorito nachos...take that Cupid!
Over the river, Chef Michael Leviton and his team give diners a safe haven from the otherwise love filled streets. On both February 14th and 15th, the open ovened kitchen will be swelling with the sounds of sad songs and angry films, you can head here by yourself, or with a gang (I dare you to go with your date!) and tuck into some tummy warming grub. Featured on the hate-filled menu for these evenings are: arrabiata 'angry' pizza (with some seriously spicy peppers and broken-yolk farm egg), hot jerked chicken and Irate rice, skewered lamb kneck and voodoo doll cookies. You will come out feeling fueled and probably much lighter after having vented out any anti-V-day feelings over Chef's deliciously spicy food.
Aura – Seaport Hotel
Located in the hub of the Convention Center in Boston's exciting Seaport District, take your date to Aura for an evening of romance over a delicious 3 course prix fix. From 5:30- 10 pm, Chef Robert Tobin opens with an amuse bouche of salmon and caviar flan to be followed by a selection of starters including arugula salad (but no ordinary salad – this one comes with fig jam, spiced almonds and asiago cheese with their own seaport honey vinegraitte). Perhaps you opt instead for the oysters three ways – one fried, one baked and one raw with pomegranate granite. For seconds, guests will be teased by lobster and asparagus risotto, roast Poussin or roast beef tenderloin entrees and finally, for that something sweet (apart from your date, of course), guests are presented with a dessert duo – Valrhona milk chocolate caramel cheesecake and white chocolate-coconut panna cotta.
Beacon Hill Bistro
On both Friday the 14th and Saturday the 15th, Executive Chef Josh Lewin has a few heart-inspired tricks up his sleeve. Located on Charles Street, as part of one of Boston's most charming boutique hotels, dinner a Beacon Hill Bistro exudes romanticism through and through. From 5:30-11pm on Friday, Chef Lewin will take you and your date on a culinary experience beginning with an amuse fit for lovers – Katama bay oyster with French caviar. First course selections include Scituate lobster bisque, braised short rib ravioli or Nantucket Scallop ceviche. The second course gets even more interesting (if that is indeed possible), monkfish and lobster duo, succulent duck prepared two ways or for the vegetarian diners, a carnaroli risotto with wild mushrooms, fried brussel sprouts and parmesan. I am no vegetarian, but would find that dish hard to pass up!
An additional cheese course is available for those who wish to prolong the evening over food that little bit more and finally, desserts offer takes on the classics; chocolate mousse cake with lemon balm ice cream, vanilla crème brulee with chocolate dipped strawberries and shortbread cookies or buttermilk panna cotta, candied raspberries and rose petal jam.
At $68 with an optional wine pairing for an additional $32, I wish you all the best in trying to pick and choose between such a delectable menu – good thing there will be two of you!
Bistro du Midi
I cannot think of a more romantic setting to enjoy this Valentine's Day than in the warm and elegant dining rooms of Bistro du Midi. Overlooking the Public Gardens, with one of the most extensive wine lists in the city, managed by Todd Lipman and the inspired Chef Robert Sisca offering a special V-day menu – you really cannot go wrong here.
A four course menu has been devised for the evening with two additional courses upon your request (foie and truffle, respectively). To prepare your palette, an amuse bouche of buttered and poached lobster, squid ink rice puff and black truffle potato emulsion will certainly set you off in the right direction. First courses include the options of crudo of fluke and lamb tartare (of which I can personally vouch for myself). Up second, celery root soup, poured table side; cavatelli pasta with wild boar ragout or Spanish marinated octopus...good luck picking between those selections! Loup de mer, seared scallops and grilled rack of venison are among the choices for the third course and finally, gianduja palette, lemon pistachio or chocolate ganache tart are all equally tantalizing. Whoever you bring here will most definitely love you.
Prices begin at $95 per person, additional courses, wine and tip are not included.
City Wine Tours
If your date loves food, wine and walking, you should think about a gift from City Wine Tour – Boston's leading food and wine tour company. Operating tours in Boston's South End, Back Bay, Harvard Square and North End areas, you can select by neighborhood, or purchase a complete set to truly discover what this city has to offer in food and wine.
The team will take you on an intimate tour of each area's wine gems, each stop has been selected to offer the most interesting and informative look into an industry that is both ages old and cutting edge. The tours also carry an important historical component and you will find yourself learning things about places you thought you already knew everything about.
From high end restaurant to local gem, Boston City Wine tours has something in it for everyone – especially this Valentine's Day weekend.
Commonwealth
Chef 'Nookie' Postal's new spot in Kendall Square offers clean and simple dishes celebrated for their no-nonsense presentation. Head here on Valentine's Day to enjoy any number of his romance-inspired menu offerings on the 14th of Feburary. Think foie gras terrine with huckleberries and brioche, oyster rockafella with spinach and fennel or a delicious and grilled Maine lobster. Finish off with a chocolate soufflé (what Valentine's Day doesn't have chocolate in it?), with more chocolate and passion fruit. Whatever you order at Commonwealth will be pure and humble – stop by their little market on the way in or out after dinner to pick up something for your own cupboard or pantry.
Tucked away on the corner of Shawmut and Milfrod in Boston's historic South End neighborhood you will find one of the best Italian restaurants in the city. Led by Chefs Ken Oringer and Jamie Bissonnette, Valentine's Day celebrated here is a sure home run. This year, they have prepared a three course prix fix menu with options including, but not limited to: 'Lady and the Tramp' spaghetti and meatballs, seared foie gras with tamarind and persimmon, soft poached and breaded fried egg with caviar creme fraiche, pork belly with black tahini, black lime roasted carrots and pickled ramps...I could go on, but that would ruin the element of surprise...and I secretly just want to get to dessert – banana and nutella bread pudding. I wouldn't be surprised if those three special words come out frequently throughout this meal on the 14th of February.
Hotel Chocolat
Nothing says Valentine's Day and love more than chocolate – so naturally, a part of your plans should revolve around Newbury Street's Hotel Chocolat. Just recently refurbished as a cocoa café, this quality chocolat boutique offers a few V-day specials that will have just about anyone melting. Pick up a box of their Love Notes, a box of 12 chocolate hearts that each come with a special message, flavors include strawberry and champagne, passion fruit ganache and Gianduja pralines. Perhaps your heart goes towards their 'Love Me Do Passion Fruit' truffles for something sweet, tangy and fruity. In the event you simply cannot decide, Hotel Chocolat also offers an H-Box Valentine Selection that includes 14 filled chocolates, assorted with the likes of salted caramel cheesecake, balsamic caramel, champagne bellini and more.
Order online or go into the store...where you will be more likely to come out with something for yourself as well!
Local 149
Over in South Boston things are set as though by candlelight at Local 149 – the neighborhood's favorite spot for interesting and tasty food at a casual price point. This Valentine's Day is no different but for the very special menu on the board for the evening. In addition to their regular stellar menu, guests who visit Local 149 on the 14th of February can indulge in a 5 course meal, all for $55 person. The menu will go something like this: Silky white asparagus soup, yellowtail Hamachi tartare, roasted lamb loin, slow braised beef short ribs and rich chocolate cake to finish...One thing is for sure, you will not leave hungry!
Prezza
Over in the North End, an evening sponsored by romance itself can be had along the crooked street of Hanover. Executive Chef and Owner Anthony Caturano has prepared a selection of one-night-only specials to enhance everyone's evening. These specials, in addition to his regular menu, include Nantucket Bay Scallop crudo, a handmade pasta course featuring ricotta gnocchi with lobster and amaro cream, hazelnuts and bacon. This can be ordered as an appetizer for $20 or an entrée at $36. Two entrée specials include a red snapper Milanese (pictured above) or grilled rack of lamb. Celebrate the Italian in you for the evening and make it a Valentine's Day to remember.
These specials will be offered from 5:00 to 10:30 p.m. on Friday the 14th only.
Chefs Eric Brennan and Brian Young have put their minds together at POst 390 to present diners with a couple of interesting options over Valentine's Day weekend. On the 14th of February only, you and your date can indulge in a multi-coursed evening begining with selections from an optional raw bar and moving on to a delectable 4 course menu. Starters include more raw bar options liek their oysters on the half shelf or spiced tuna poke, if you are already in the mood from some meat, go for their steak and red beet tartare. Seconds and thirds include heartier dishes like their southern fried green tomatoes, Roast Saddle Colorado Lamb for 2 ($8 additional) or whole grilled fish. This menu is available for $82 and an additional wine pairing of $32.
This menu carries on through the weekend but with an a la carte style instead. Bubbles and cotuit oysters for two is available all throughout the weekend should you want to carry the romantic feel beyond the 14th of February.
Enjoy an evening of Mexican-style romance with mariachi bands, live guitarists and beautiful views of the Seaport area at Rosa Mexicano. With a menu designed especially for the 14th, guests can create their own prix fix menu or order a la carte with items like lobster flautas, oysters with passion fruit cocktail sauce, 'salmon en pepita' – crab and pumpkin seed crusted filet with mashed pineapple sweet potatoes and tomatillo-jalapeno sauce. Even the names of items incite romance – particularly their guacamole en helado, which basically spells heaven, or, to be more precise, ice cream guacamole served in a frozen molcajete with fresh fruits, white chocolate shavings and a Mexican wedding cookie. Their traditional guacamole will of course be available as per usual – but let's face it, nothing about this meal will be ordinary!
The Sinclair
Harvard Square has always been a place for love birds to congregate. Whether you are taking a romantic walk by the Charles River or through the picturesque grounds of iconic Harvard University, you will want to snag a spot at The Sinclair before or after for an evening of culinary fun and witty, musical throwbacks.
The theme of the dinner pays tribute to this space's unique young and fresh team helming the kitchen as well as their adjoining live music venue. The title of the dinner, 'I Just Dined in Your Arms Tonight', certainly sets the tone and is followed by dishes like, Bob Dylan's 'Knocking On Heaven's 'Shore' (Island Creek Oysters, Squid ink pearls and toasted nori) or Dan Fogelberg's 'The Last Kale'. Continue with Lynyrd Skynyrd's 'Three Bird' dish (duck breast, duck confit cakes and blackstrap) or perhaps their 'Bites in White' (seared scallops and roasted cauliflower mash. For dessert their whoopee pie rendition – 'When I Look Into Your Pies', or 'Baby, I Love Your Whey' (cheese course).
At $65, you can add drinks of your choosing or select their wine or Broken Hearts bourbon flights for an additional $20. Next door, Eli Paperboy Reed will be pumping out some tunes should you want to factor some of that live entertainment into your evening.
Escape to Scampo this Valentine's Day to enjoy Chef Lydia Shire's blend of traditional Italian with globally influenced touches. Her regular menu exudes romanticism any day, but in addition to the usual delicious dishes, on the 14th of February, you and your date can enjoy the following items, specially crafted to enhance your heart filled day. Chilled cotuit oysters with hamachi tartare and wasabi ponzu ($21), cape scallop with pea agnolotti and blood orange chantilly carrot sauce ($24), red snapper with beet lobster risotto, bull's blood and diced red beets ($38), Grilled veal porterhouse with epoisses ravioli, black truffles and black trumpet mushrooms ($45) and for dessert, a chocolate raspberry tart with a dark chocolate center, creme anglaise and white chocolate ice cream ($12). Between those different options, you can craft your own exquisitely seductive meal, all to be enjoyed in a former prison...sounds like a date night to me!
Strega Waterfront
Both locations of Nick Varano's Strega establishment are offering up special 3-course prix fixe for guests to enjoy from 4 pm. to close on the 14th of February. At Strega Waterfront, you can overlook the breathtaking views of the Boston Harbour as evening settles in around you and your date. Pick from a wide selection of delicious and romance-inducing foods like their heart shaped ravioli or grilled prosciutto wrapped shrimp, second course presents you with even more tantalizing options...try choosing between stuffed lobster tail and over-roasted double cut pork chops, for instance. As can be expected on Valentine's Day, dessert is perhaps one of the most important meals and Chef Nick has you covered – or at least, he offers the option of chocolate covered, plump and juicy strawberries to stimulate the mood and the senses.
At $69 a person, you can add complexity to your experience by tagging on a must recommended wine pairing for $20. All wines will be expertly paired with your course selections.
Strega Prime
Over in Woburn for our suburban readers, Executive Chef Farouk Bazoune has an entirely different menu to present to diners at Strega Prime this Valentine's Day.
Also a three-course prix fix, Chef Farouk's menu is perfect for celebrating longtime lovebirds while solidifying new couple relationships. Pick a first course from the likes of venison carpaccio or tuna sashimi, secod courses include Filet Oscar with duck fat fingerling potatoes or perhaps Pan-seared east Coast Halibut and to finish, a simple choice between their crème brulee or their house made mocha cream pie.
Also available for $69 with the optional wine pairings at $89 – these prices do not include additional tax, beverages or tip.
Sweet Cupcakes
If you are looking for a delicious and artistic gift for your special someone this Valentine's Day, put Sweet Cupcakes at the top of your list. They have a featured Valentine's Day menu which will be available from February 8th to February 16th. You can order in the store at any one of their three locations, or online.
Especially for Valentine's Day, a new flavor will be added – Strawberry Pink Champagne – I myself cannot think of a better treat to wake up to, or to enjoy at any time of the day.
Chefs Jeremy Kean and Philip Kruta from the now famous Whisk pop ups have something up their sleeves for this heart filled weekend. After an incredibly successful semi-perminent pop up at 351 Hanover in the North End, the dynamic duo are back at it with a Valentine's Day pop up. Get in before the crowds on the `3th of February at the Boston Winery or make your reservation on the 14th itself at the First Baptist Church in JP. On both evenings, you and your date will enjoy the usual culinary expertise alongisde artistic precision exuding by Jeremy and Philip. A 6 course Chef's tasting menu will be featured with an optional wine pairing on the 13th and 14th, however in true Whisk fashion, the menus will likely have different dishes and presentations. Either way, a reservation under the Whisk banner for Valentine's Day ensures an evening of unparalleled delights and delicious dishes.