Although February is the shortest month of the year, it brings one of the best opportunities for high sales: Valentine’s Day. Cupid’s famed holiday has great potential to boost restaurant revenues, as couples across the nation seek out romantic dinner spots. From one-day specials to set menus and weekend feasts, operators are creating ways to construct the perfect Valentine experience.
Café Stella
Silverlake, CA
A stylish French bistro located in the heart of the Silverlake neighborhood of Los Angeles, Café Stella is the ideal lovers’ rendezvous. Dim lighting and intimate seating allow customers to “get lost” in the evening. The prix fixe customized Valentine’s Day menu goes for $75 with a $35 additional option for wine pairing.
1 Bite Mediterranean
New York, NY
Set in the Upper East Side of Manhattan, 1 Bite Mediterranean specializes in tapas and small plates. The restaurant is offering a specially designed menu for Valentine’s Day—a glass of champagne, 2 Small Bite dishes, 1 Big Bit dish, and 1 Sweet Bit dish; $49
Adelle’s
Chicago, IL
Chef John Anderson sets the stage for romance with an upscale Valentine’s Day prix fixe menu. The three-course dinner offers handcrafted creations such as Rock Shrimp Sweet Pea Risotto and Crab and Lobster Stuffed Wild Grouper; $125 per couple.
Skates on the Bay
Berkeley, CA
Besides location—perched atop the Bay Area waters—Skates offers an evening of Valentine’s Day specials for those who would rather construct their own meals. On February 14, the restaurant features their regular menu as well as various Valentine’s Day only specials, including Seared Jumbo Fresh Nova Scotia Scallops; $29.95
The Heathman Restaurant
Portland, OR
Deciding to really go the distance, the folks at The Heathman Restaurant will take care of the entire evening. They are providing flowers, special menus and a private screening of the movie “Babette’s Feast.” At the heart of this Valentine’s Day celebration is a five-course prix fixe meal; $75
Chef Mavro Restaurant
Honolulu, HI
Chef Mavro is celebrating V-Day from Friday night through Tuesday night with a tasting menu splurge. The four- to six-course menus feature such indulgences as truffles, lobster, foie gras and regional Hawaiian ingredients. Capping the feast is his award-winning Pavlova “Moderne," prepared with seasonal berries, lemon scented crème fraiche and lychee sorbet. Six-course tasting: $148 plus $63 for wine pairings
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