Great Restaurants for Valentine’s Day
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Oh the pressure! One day to show your better half just how much they mean to you? If you’re late with a romantic plan for the weekend or Monday night, check out some of these top spots to romance your love. While we can't make sure everything goes smoothly, we can make sure your meal will be perfect.
Aspire, Providence
When Aspire opened in 2008 in the Hotel Providence, it signaled the rebirth of the Westminster Street food scene. It's three years later and they haven't lost a step. Aspire's Valentine’s Day menu features something for everyone and at $65 for five courses it's very reasonable. Menu highlights include a Bluepoint oyster with rosewater caviar, a seared George's Bank scallop with Concord grape and zinfandel sauce, and an Asian surf and turf featuring a Waygu flank steak with a spicy lobster hand roll. Yum! 31 Westminster St, 521-3333.
Camille's Restaurant, Providence
Chef John Granata of Camille's in Providence is a veteran of some of Rhode Island's top kitchens and he has poured all of that experience into making Camille's one of Federal Hill’s top spots for a special date night. Chef Granata's Valentine’s Day menu features re-imagined classics such as arancini di riso--little risotto balls stuffed with short rib and mozzarella cheese that are fried till crisp and placed in a pool of tomato and roasted pepper remoulade. On the entree side check out the heart-shaped lobster ravioli topped with fresh lobster, asparagus and a saffron garlic cream sauce or the roasted rack of lamb with vanilla flecked sweet potatoes. Aww. 71 Bradford St, 751-4812.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTThe Spiced Pear at the Chanler Hotel, Newport
In 2010 The Chanler Hotel was voted the best small hotel in the US by the readers of Conde Nast Traveler magazine and one of the big reasons is Chef Thomas Duffy and the Spiced Pear restaurant. For Valentine's Day Chef Duffy is offering five courses of his award-winning food for $75 per person. Add a wine pairing with each course for $60 more. Standouts include a Meyer lemon and artichoke consommé with sweet Maine shrimp, blue Hawaiian prawns with baby bok choy and a veal duet with crispy Parmesan polenta. All of the desserts are served for two and we can't stop thinking about the mascarpone and ricotta Napoleon with brandy glazed raspberries. 117 Memorial Blvd, 847-1300.
Fred and Steve’s Steakhouse, Lincoln
Looking to hit it big this Valentine's Day? If you’re a Twin River fan, try your luck at the slots and spend those winnings at Fred and Steve’s Steakhouse. Fred Smerlas and Steve DeOssie parlayed their fame as former Patriots and huge eaters to form one serious steakhouse. Fred and Steve are offering a three-course meal for $85 per couple and that includes a glass of sparkling wine. Highlights include a raw bar for two with Alaskan King Crab, shrimp, oysters and clams, a veal rib chop with a port wine reduction, a red snapper fillet with asparagus, tomatoes and extra virgin olive oil. 100 Twin River Rd, 877-82-RIVER.
One Bellevue at The Hotel Viking, Newport
Newport is currently experiencing a culinary Renaissance and one of its leaders is Executive Chef Kevin Thiele of the Hotel Viking. Through the use of local farmers, fishermen and purveyors, Chef Thiele has redefined what a hotel kitchen should be. On Valentine's Day the Viking is offering four courses for $149 per couple. Menu highlights include: charred onion bisque with Portuguese sweetbread croutons and pickled red onions, passion fruit butter poached lobster with grilled artichokes, fresh herbs and a sweet potato hash brown, and champagne cheesecake. One Bellevue Ave, 847-3300.
Parkside Rotisserie, Providence
After graduating from RISD's culinary program in 1983, Parkside's owner and chef, Steve Davenport, traveled the local culinary scene before landing back at the base of College Hill at this trendy yet cozy eatery. Since then Chef Davenport has made Parkside one of the most consistent spots in all of Providence. To celebrate Valentine's Day Parkside is offering a menu of four courses of shared plates for $150. You and your date can enjoy seared foie gras over french toast with blackberry marmalade, a roasted beet insalata with goat cheese or a duo of beef with a braised short rib and a gorgonzola-stuffed tenderloin. 76 South Main St, 331-0003.
The Ocean House Hotel, Westerly
If your date loves ocean views and top-notch farm to table food, then do up the Ocean House for their five-course Valentine's Day menu for only $75 per person. Chef Eric Haugen uses a food forager to find the best local ingredients and then transforms it into something extraordinary. Scallops from Stonington are sautéed with cauliflower, raisins and Marcona almond. Cod from Chatham is poached in olive oil with sauce grenobliase. Rhode Island maple syrup is drizzled atop Vermont cheddar with bacon, endive and candied pecans. Who cares about all that snow after a meal like that? Maybe a walk on the beach is in order. 1 Bluff Ave, 584-7000.
Cook and Brown Public House, Providence
When Nemo and Jenny Bolin took over the space that formerly housed Oak on Hope Street, it was greeted with the usual "Hey want to check out that new place?" That sentiment was quickly replaced by "Can you believe the menu changes daily?" and “These cocktails are incredible!” Impress your love with a visit to the restaurant Esquire mag says is one of the best in the US. On Monday night the chef is offering either three courses for $50 or five courses for $75. You can add a beverage supplement for $25 or $40. (Great vintage cocktails, craft beer and interesting wines only enhance the brilliant food). Although Chef Nemo makes his menu a la minute, he’s thinking oysters, quail, lamb saddle, caviar and a chocolate soufflé for two will make the list. 959 Hope St, 273-7275.
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