Valentine’s Day has to be one of the worst days of the year for restaurants. Yes, most of them will have their reservation books maxed out, the dining room fully committed, as they say. But unlike other big dining occasions, Mother’s Day or Christmas or New Year’s Eve, they won’t do as much business.
Think about it: Most of the tables will be two tops, couples out for a romantic meal. So tables that on other evenings might have more butts in seats, also as they say, will be half set.
One exception might be a recent movement for groups of women to go out together on Feb. 14 for a Galentine’s dinner. My understanding of the concept is that it’s supposed to ameliorate the disappointment of being without a significant other on a day dedicated to romance.
I wonder if any guys have thought about organizing a Palentine’s dinner? You know, a boys night out, maybe take in a buddy movie, have a few brewskys, then go have dinner at a nice restaurant with low lighting and soft music to see if there are any Galentine groups they can meet up with.
I’m not saying that restaurants don’t welcome the extra business. Especially when it falls on a weeknight, Valentine’s Day can still be a better than average day of business.
And there are plenty of restaurants going all out to attract yours, whether it’s you and your boo or you and your bros. Or BFFs. Or whatever. Here’s a sampling:
Tapa Toro is offering a prix fixe three-course menu for $85 per couple.
Sister restaurant Taverna Opa is also offering an $85 three-course menu. Guys, don’t ogle the belly dancer and ignore your date. Or make this a Palentine dinner option.
American Kitchen Bar & Grill at B Resort has a Valentine’s Day Sweetheart Menu, three courses plus amuse bouche, for $75.
Special menus are also being offered at The Edison (where you’ll find chocolate-dipped bacon, shown at top), Maria & Enzo’s and Enzo’s HIdeaway at Disney Springs.
There are numerous other restaurants with specials, too. And of course you can make it a special dinner at any restaurant you choose — maybe one that means something to you both, like where you met, or where you proposed, or where you had your first spat in public.
Ah, love.
