Roses Our picks for somerestaurantswith a little morevalentine’s pizzazz
Many restaurants offer tried-and-true favorites for couples celebrating Valentine’s Day, such as oysters and other reputed aphrodisiacs, surf and turf, chateaubriand for two and lots of chocolate. While there’s nothing wrong with these tasty choices, some restaurants are varying from the usual themes with their own unique twists.
Most places are offering special fixed price menus for several days before Feb. 14, since Valentine’s Day falls on a week night. Prices listed are for two guests and do not include alcohol, tax or tip unless indicated. Atwood Cafe, (Hotel Burnham, 1 W. Washington, 312-368-1900, atwoodcafe.com) has chosen a 1920s theme for the occasion. The menu will reflect updated dishes originating from the late 1890s through the ’20s, servers will be wearing flapper dresses and zoot suits and guests will be encouraged to wear period outfits.
“I was tired of the cliches — chocolate, shared plates,” said Derek Simcik, executive chef. It made sense to me to feature the 1920s, a romantic, glamorous, celebratory decade. And this building was here in the 1920s.”
The fixed pricemenu includes Caesar salad, oysters Rockefeller, filet mignon, lobster Thermidor, tarte tatin and “ice cream parlor” choices for $96 plus $40 for wine pairing. Pre-prohibition era classic cocktails, such as martinis, Sazeracs and sidecars, also will be available. Many hotels, too numerous to list, are offering dinner and room packages. One of the most luxurious packages, called Unforgettable Romance, combines a five-course dinner with a deluxe king room and continental breakfast for $675 at Trump Chicago (401 N. Wabash, 312-588-8000, trumpchicagohotel. com). A bottle of Champagne at check-in, turndown service with chocolate truffles and snack at check-out are included. Other packages, some with spa services, also are available.
Dinner entrees on Sixteen Restaurant’s Valentine’s menu are a choice of Dover sole or venison loin, both with special sides. Dinner without an overnight stay is priced at $165. Couples who like to dance after dinner may want to book reservations at Nacional 27, (325 W. Huron, 312-644-2727, N27chicago.
Barrio Urban Taqueria, (714W. Diversey, 773360-8316, barriotaqueria.com). The year-old restaurant will offer a choice of three wines or a pitcher of margaritas and a three-course Mexican dinner for $60. For $9 extra. guests may order a special cocktail, Sangria of Love. Dining, dancing and cruising are combined on board the Odyssey, (Navy Pier, 866-305-2469, odyssey. com). The gala evening, complete with three hours of shoreline