February is breathing down our necks with its disturbingly cold breath. That means: 1) February could use a Tic Tac and 2) the clock is going tick-tock on getting your Valentine’s Day reservations in.
This year, Valentine’s Day will fall on Feb. 14, which is a Monday, the least romantic day of the week. But a few of our favorite restaurants are offering some Valentine’s Day special that will help you feel the love and impress your dinner date.
Rocco’s Italian Grille and Bar
Rocco’s, pictured at top, is one of my choices for a romantic dinner any day of the year. For Valentine’s Day, chef and owner Rocco Potami is offering a prix fixe four-course menu for $70 per person with main course options including lobster ravioli, branzino, veal parmigiana and filet of tenderloin. Three available seatings on the 14th: 5-6:30 p.m.; 7:30-8 p.m.; or 8:30-10:30 p.m. Just choose one – or you could do all three if you’ve got multiple Valentines. Reservations here.
Sear + Sea
This lovely restaurant at the JW Marriott Bonnet Creek will have a three-course dinner following an amuse bouche of oysters & caviar. Cost is $165 per couple and reservations are available at this link.
Amuse Bouche:
Oysters & Caviar
Beau Soleil Oyster, Sterling Caviar, Champagne Vinaigrette
1st Course:
Tomato & Avocado
Baby Arugula, Pickled Mango, Fried Capers, Goat Cheese Mousse, Broken Lemon Vinaigrette
2nd Course:
Surf & Turf
Ribeye of Lamb, Lobster Terrine, Spinach Cream Puree, Truffle Matignon, Herb Oil,
Goat Cheese Mousse
3rd Course:
Chocolate Decadence
Illume
Upstairs from Sear + Sea at the rooftop venue Illume you can get a half dozen oysters and two glasses for rosé champagne for $79. You can do this as a couple or you can just have the oysters and the glasses of champagne yourself.
By the way, this deal is also available at the Sear + Sea lobby bar just in case you’re afraid of heights.
Hemisphere
And if you’re not afraid of heights, consider the Valentine’s Day Experience at Hemisphere at Orlando International Airport. The beautiful restaurant on the ninth floor of the Hyatt Regency will offer three courses for $78 per person. Make your reservation here.
Tabla
Tabla in Orlando, Winter Park and Lake Nona is offering a three-course (plus amuse bouche) menu for $75 per person. Website
Amuse bouche
Evening in Paris
Vegetable vol au vents/tomato love broth
Appetizer
Please choose
Vegetarian
Love at first sight
Rangoli rajma / corn chaat
Non vegetarian
Chicken tikka purses/ nashili murgh
Main entrée
Please Choose
Hug me honey
Stuffed chicken breast -panchporan aloo-desi green goddess sauce
Lean on me
Coriander crusted salmon -panchporan aloo- honey butter chilli emulsion
Inner beauty
Palak paneer au gratin- turmeric khichdi-Mediterranean vegetable
Inside and out
Lamb nargisi kofta- turmeric khichdi-Mediterranean vegetable
Zattar naan/rosemary naan served to the table
Dessert:the climax
Rasmalai shahi tukda
Chocolate strawberry panipoori
Served with choice of house wine – red/white/rose
Tornatore’s
The popular (and quite romantic) Tornatore’s in College Park is not open on Sunday or Monay..
So Tornatore’s is offering a Valentine’s weekend special that will be available Feb. 11 and 12.
The menu will feature starter options of deviled eggs or French onion soup and entrees of braised beef short rib, roasted duck breast, or heart-shaped ravioli stuffed with lobster.
You can make reservations by calling 407-292-2248. Tornatore’s Cafe & Pizzeria is at 3818 Edgewater Drive, Orlando.
