The most romantic day of the year is fast approaching. To ensure you can enjoy a romantic meal on Valentine’s Day, make reservations in advance. This is one of the busiest restaurant days of the year. Sweethearts can enjoy a myriad of dining out options in San Francisco and the Bay Area listed below. Read about how to create a memorable Valentine’s Day that you will long cherish.
San Francisco:
Palace Hotel, Garden Court Dinner Dance: Enjoy an unforgettable evening with a jazz ensemble and menu that includes Dungeness Crab Cocktail, Table Side Caesar Salad, Seared Breast of Duck or Pan Seared Scallops, Tournedo of Beef or Portobello Mushroom Wellington and a decadent Raspberry Mousse “Heart” with Spiced Chocolate Sauce or a Dark Chocolate Gâteau for dessert. Wine lovers can choose an optional Chef’s suggested wine pairings. The dinner dance is $85 per person and $115 per person with wine pairing selections. Reservations are available beginning at 6:30PM. Please call 415-546-5089 or visit the hotel Concierge to reserve your table. Valentine’s Day Luxury Package: Love is in the air with Valentine’s Day with dinner and an overnight stay for $259. Valentine’s Day Package rate available February 14, 2013 and includes a Superior Room and Prefix Dinner for two. Request rate code VALTIN. Please call 415-512-111or visit the hotel Concierge to make your arrangements. Make reservations online at sfpalace.com.
Top of the Mark presents a special Valentine’s Day dinner at 7:30pm. Enjoy a four-course dinner by Chef Christophe Depuichaffray for $395 per couple. Dinner guests will also receive a bottle of Moët Chandon Rosé, special centerpiece appetizer, and a red rose for the ladies. Valentine’s Dinner guests will automatically be entered into a drawing for a one-night stay in the luxurious Presidential Suite, valid on Valentine’s Day. Head over Heels package, for $200 couples will enjoy a guaranteed window table, a bottle of Moët Chandon Rosé, a special appetizer, a chocolate dessert, a framed souvenir photo, and a rose for lady guests. For a fancier affair, couples can book the Endless Love package for $400, which includes the Head over Heels experience and a bottle of Dom Perignon instead of Rosé. To reserve, please visit www.topofthemark.com or call 415.616.6916.
Ultimate Romance Package at CLIFT: The package includes a three night stay at CLIFT’s spacious and impossibly chic Private Apartment and a full roster of activities sure to make it a romantic weekend to remember. Start upon arrival with a private Valentine’s Day dinner with wine pairings and a bottle of Dom Perignon. Day two begins with hot air balloon ride above Napa followed by a private tasting tour of the region with a wine expert. The final day includes an all-day VIP spa day at the lauded Burke Williams spa. Package is available 2/14 – 2/17 and is $12,910.
Especially designed for couples, the Hyatt Regency San Francisco’s Romance Package sets the stage for one of the most romantic destinations in the world. Starting at only $239, the package includes: accommodations for one night; full American breakfast for two (room service or in Eclipse); bottle of sparkling wine with strawberries; turndown service (on request); and late check-out to 2:00 p.m. (on request). For reservations and additional information, visit www.sanfranciscoregency.hyatt.com or call 800-233-1234.
Hyatt Fisherman’s Wharf: Amour Romance Package is perfect for those that want convenient access to all of the city’s attractions. Starting at only $199, the package includes: accommodations for two, for one night; full American breakfast for two (room service or in Knuckles); bottle of sparkling wine; chocolate covered strawberries; turndown service (on request); and late check out to 2:00 p.m. (on request). For reservations and additional information, visit http:fishermanswharf.hyatt.com or call 415-563-1234 or toll free 800-233-1234 and click on or ask for the Hyatt Fisherman’s Wharf “Special Offers.”
Presidio Social Club: Dine on a 4-course prix fixe menu featuring upscale classics including dishes such as Yellowtail Tartare with avocado mousse and lime, Herb Roasted Squab Breasts, on a bed of spiced root vegetables and Chocolate Molten Cake with Chantilly among others. Enhance the experience with selections from “The Lovers Suite” a selection of specialty a la carte options, including Oysters on the Half Shell ($15 1/2 dozen) or the "Lover's Hot Pot" ($18) a robust seafood cioppino for two made with fresh local fish and shellfish prepared out of the shell and in a hot broth of tomatoes, anise, spice, and herbs. Prix fixe menu is $95 plus an additional $30 for wine pairings.
One Market: Michelin-starred Chef Marc Dommen celebrates Valentine’s Day with a three-course prix fixe menu ($75) featuring dishes such as the Braised Beef Short Ribs served with potato puree, horseradish, and natural jus. Reservations at 415.777.5577.
Lark Creek Steak: Kick off Valentine’s Day with offerings from Chef Ismael Macias like the Red Wine Braised Beef Cheeks with celery root puree, baby carrots, and pickled maitake mushrooms ($24.95).
Absinthe Brasserie & Bar: Executive Chef Adam Keough is offering a selection of special dishes with optional supplements of black Périgord truffles. Now, that's love. Dishes include Maine Lobster Bisque; Goat-Cheese Ravioli; Duo of California Lamb; and a dessert of white-chocolate mousse, truffled coconut, and passion fruit. Additional wine pairings have been hand selected by Head Sommelier Aaron Wasserman. Come hither Valentine’s Day cocktails will also be available, like the Red Light with hot genever, blood orange, and bitter aperitif, or the Last Caress with bourbon, vanilla, cacao, and bitters. Reservations can be made by calling 415-551-1590 or by visiting Open Table.
Chambers Eat + Drink: Executive Chef Trevor Ogden has prepared a special five-course menu in addition to the regular menu, complete with intermezzo and mignardises, for Valentine’s Day priced at $65 per person. Dishes include Tea Smoked Tuna; Fuyu Persimmon with burrata; Tai Snapper; Zabuton Kobe Beef with bone marrow béchamel; and Fruit Loops with basil sherbert, almond sponge cake, and cereal milk. Wine pairings will be available for $28. Reservations can be made by calling 415.829.2316.
CHAYA: The 3-course prix-fixe menu ($75 excluding tax and gratuity; wine pairings are available for an additional cost) will include decadent dishes such as starters: Santa Barbara Uni Risotto with Dungeness Crab Fondue; Rainbow Sashimi and Seaweed Salad; or Seared Wagyu Beef Sushi Roll. Main entrées will feature Spiced Honey Glazed Duck Breast with Crispy Winter Root Phyllo, Butternut Squash Purée, Bloomsdale Spinach, Cranberry & Blood Orange Relish, Soy Glazed Local Black Cod or Chef’s Omakase Nigiri Sushi, to name a few. Desserts were designed to share such as the Apple and Date Pie topped with cardamom ice cream or the signature Warm Chocolate Croissant Bread PuddingReservations are strongly recommended by calling 415.777.8688.
A16: Dine on a five-course tasting menu for $95 and optional wine pairings for $70. Executive Chef Chris Thompson is working on perfecting the menu and should have a final revision soon but they will be offering a Bone-in Rib-Eye for two.
SPQR: Enjoy a four-course menu with optional truffle course. There will be a pre dessert and handmade caramel filled chocolates to take home. SPQR will also offer caviar and oyster preparations as additional items to begin the meal with. The menu is $78 per person.
Luce: Michelin star Chef Daniel Corey and the Luce team are offering a special three-course Valentine’s Day menu for $55 with optional wine pairing for $25. Menu highlights include Raw Oysters with celery, apple, and California caviar; and Beef Cheeks slowly cooked with herbs and orange peel. The menu will be available for dinner service from 5:30pm to 10:00pm. For reservations, please visit www.lucewinerestaurant.com or call 415-616-6560.
Comstock Saloon: Partnering with TCHO Chocolates to offer special menu items for the week of February 11th to February 14th. Chef Carlo Espinas will serve various sweet and savory chocolate-inspired items a la carte, as well as a flight of three chocolates and spirits for $20. On Valentine’s Day, guests will enjoy a three-course prix fixe dinner with one cocktail pairing for $65 (excluding tax and gratuity). Call 415-617-0071 to make a reservation.
Grill & Vine: This newly opened restaurant in The Westin at San Francisco Airport will offer guests a three- course prix fixe for $60 for Valentine’s Day, beginning with a glass of Charles de Fere Brut and an amuse bouche, followed by choices for starters and entrees and ending with dessert. Dishes will include an Arugula - Watercress Salad with Point Reyes Blue Cheese, Toasted Walnuts, Sliced Pear and Pomegranate Vinaigrette; Grilled Lobster Tail with Roasted Vegetables, Garlic Mashed Potatoes and Lime - Caper Brown Butter; and Chocolate Covered Cheesecake Heart with Warm Three - Berry Sauce. Guests will have the option of coffee to close their meal and ladies will receive a rose. Wine pairings will be available at an additional charge.
East Bay:
Yankee Pier Lafayette: Start Valentine’s Day off with 3-course menu featuring Whole Roasted Dorade with roasted cauliflower, braised kale, salsa verde from Chef Dunn ($38). Reservations at 925-283-4100.
Bocanova, Oakland: Chef John Ledbetter and Chef/Owner Rick Hackett bring a little South American flare to Valentine’s Day 2013. The Pan-American restaurant, which draws inspiration from the cuisines of Mexico to Argentina, will offer a 5-course, surf n’ turf menu focusing on steak and lobster for two at $55 per person. Pricing does not include wine pairing, tax and gratuity. Bocanova’s a la carte menu will also be available. For reservations, please visit www.bocanova.com or call 510.444.1233.
Oliveto, Oakland: Enjoy a five- course prix fixe menu with dishes especially created by Chef Jonah Rhodehamel. Guests can select dishes such as Carpaccio of Piedmontese Beef Filet with Perigord truffles, Pan-roasted Liberty Farms Duck Breast with potato-duck leg hash and Butter-poached Maine lobster with celeriac purée, green apples, and young celery rémoulade. The prix fixe menu is $95 per guest plus tax and an 18% service charge. Wine pairings will be available for an additional charge. Corkage is $25. Reservations are recommended and can be made by calling 510-547-5356 or visiting Oliveto.com.
North Bay:
The Tavern At Lark Creek, Larkspur: For Valentine’s Day, Chef Aaron Wright offers a four-course menu ($55 per person) featuring a Natural Beef Tenderloin with charred spring onions, brussels sprouts, whole grain mustard, marble potatoes. Reservations at 415-924-7766.
Yankee Pier Larkspur: On Valentine’s Day Chef Henry Moreno at Yankee Pier Larkspur will be offering a special menu featuring Pepper Crusted Hawaiian Ahi Tuna with lime cilantro basmati rice, braised baby bok choy and wasabi cream sauce ($29.00). Reservations can be made at 415-924-7676.
South Bay:
Lark Creek Blue, San Jose: Celebrate Valentine’s Day with a 3-course prix fixe menu ($55) from Chef Paul Bruno, featuring fresh and sustainable seafood with dishes like Dungeness Crab Cioppino including crab, clams, mussels shrimp, local snapper, tomatoes, and garlic crouton.
Dio Deka, Los Gatos: Receive a complimentary glass of champagne, long stemmed rose and a complimentary couples photo in addition to a four-course menu featuring Greek specialties from Chef Marty Cattaneo such as Keftethakia lamb meatballs, Octapothi Scharas – mesquite-grilled octopus, Fasolatha – bean soup from northern Greece with preserved lemon, Sitia olive oil, rosemary; Lavraki – mesquite-grilled Mediterranean Branzino; Ktenia – seared diver scallops with black trumpet mushrooms, creamy Anson grits and smoked feta mousse; and Brizola – mesquite-grilled prime bone in rib eye and a selection of sweets. The menu is offered at $95 per person or $140 with wine pairings, excluding tax and gratuity. Reservations are highly recommended and can be made by calling 408-354-7700.
Restaurant 1833, Monterey: Indulge in Chef Levi Mezick’s 5-course menu featuring a variety of aphrodisiac-inspired dishes and luxurious flavors. Sample menu items may include Oysters with a horseradish sorbet, Steak Tartare with caper berries, red onion and egg yolk; Mushroom Ravioli with lobster, arugula and cider sauce; Grilled New York Steak or Pan Roasted Diver Sea Scallops with celery root, wild mushrooms and red wine sauce; and Chocolate Mousse Cake with candied hazelnuts and chocolate ice cream. A sommelier wine pairing menu is available with bubbles or aphrodisiac cocktails and punch. The Valentine’s Day Menu is offered at $85 per person excluding tax and gratuity. Reservations are highly recommended and can be made at 831-643-1833.
Napa:
Fish Story: Celebrate Valentine’s Day by diving into a fresh and sustainable selection of seafood and handmade pastas with a 3-course tasting menu ($48 per person). Let the Chestnut Gnocchi with roasted squash, broccolini, parmesan, get you into the romantic spirit with Napa flair. Reservations at 707-251-5600.
Silverado Resort & Spa: The resort’s Be Our Valentine Package is available daily from February 1 through February 28, 2013, starting at $249 per night based on double occupancy, includes deluxe accommodations, a chilled in-room bottle of sparkling wine, chocolate-covered strawberries, and breakfast for two in The Grill at Silverado. To reserve this package, please visit www.silveradoresort.com or call 707-257-0200 or 800-532-0500.
At the resort’s Royal Oak restaurant, Executive Chef Jeffrey Jake will offer a four-course prix fixe Valentine’s menu, available for dinner February 14 through February 16, 2013, with dishes such as Petite Tasting of Butter Poached Lobster and Prime Filet with Truffled Macaroni. The menu is priced at $75 per person with an additional wine pairing option available at $25 per person, exclusive of tax and gratuity.
©Karla Erovick 2013 article
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