Phoenix hotel offers a stellar four-course menu for Valentine's Day

With Valentine’s Day coming up, it’s time to wine and dine your sweetheart, either by going out or fixing a romantic dinner at home. Even if there’s no significant other or kids to enjoy the day with, you can still treat yourself to a fantastic meal.

One place to do that this is at the District American Kitchen and Wine Bar, located inside the beautiful Sheraton Phoenix Downtown Hotel in Phoenix, Arizona. If traveling there for business or pleasure on Valentine’s Day, be sure to stop in and enjoy an exquisite four-course meal.

Here is what you can expect if you dine with them on Valentine’s Day:

Amuse from the Chef: Cedar smoked gulf oysters on wilted spinach spiked with anise bitters, incorporated with I’itoi onion pesto and ham hock bits, and topped with oven roasted tomato relish.

Appetizer: Roasted baby beets, tiny lettuces and a fennel parchment composition served with Crow’s Dairy goat cheese, Arizona pistachios, pickled winter radishes and young carrots scented with blood orange mist. This starter pairs well with Patianna Organic Sauvignon Blanc from Mendocino County, California.

Dynamic Duo Scented with Passion – The Main Course: Wood grilled Cedar River prime filet mignon infused with Herkimer white cheddar cheese, Schreiner’s bacon and caramelized onion crumbles, and Alcantara Confluence-infused butter; presented in harmony with vanilla-basted Baja diver scallops accented with a corn puree, asparagus ribbons and brandied lobster knuckles. This main course pairs well with Simi Chardonnay from Sonoma County, California, or Heritage Cuvee Rhone Blend from Curtis Winery.

Dessert served with a long-stem red rose: Molten chocolate cake, strawberry clouds and champagne Jell-O infused with vanilla custard, a strawberry aged Minus 8 vinegar explosion, and champagne hearts of gold. This dessert pairs well with Quady Essensia Orange Muscat, California.

This Valentine’s Day dinner menu is available at District American Kitchen and Wine Bar only on Thursday, Feb. 14, 2013. Price is $55 for dinner and $20 for the additional wine pairing. A limited menu will be available for bar patrons. Happy hour will not be available on Valentine’s Day. Guests can enjoy a live acoustic guitarist and romantic vocals by ShouTheory in an upscale atmosphere that feels more like your neighborhood retreat. Complimentary three-hour self-parking validation is available. Restaurant reservations are required. Call (602) 817-5400 or visit www.districtrestaurant.com.

Valentini Recipe:

• 1 1/2 ounces Rain Organics vodka
• 1/2 ounce of house-made lavender essence with fresh herbs from the restaurants garden
• 1/4 ounce of simple syrup
• Cotton candy
• Pop Rocks to garnish the rim

Directions

Lavender Essence

Steep fresh lavender in hot water for two hours -- water should turn light green.
Strain through cheese cloth.

Let cool.

Valentini

1. Rim martini glass with Pop Rocks candies.
2. Place large fluff of cotton candy into martini glass.
3. Pour vodka, lavender essence and simple syrup into shaker.
4. Shake vigorously.
5. Stain into martini glass.