The Chicago Traveler

Valentine’s Day 2008, II

by Matt B on February 7th, 2008

Valentine's Day is just around the corner. Whether you're lovesick or sick of love, there's something in town for you.

' There are three little words that every woman wants to hear: 'wine, cheese, chocolate.' Go all out, and buy your beloved a $96 glass of bubbly. Eno will be serving Dom Perignon Rose 1996 by the glass. If your date is not beloved but 'beliked,' try the glasses of 1997 Terra Valentine Cabernet for $25 each. (4:00 p.m. ' 12 midnight, menu prices) (map) (link)

' What could be more romantic than a Valentine's Day cruise? Odyssey Cruises will provide you and your date with a three-course meal, complimentary champagne, and a private table with a great view of Lake Michigan. Just be careful not to mess up your spiffy duds near the chocolate fountain. (6:00 p.m. ' 10:00 p.m., $92.90) (map) (link)

' Seafood fans should head over to Nick's Fishmarket. In addition to their regular menu, the chefs have put together special dishes, including Cupid's Surf & Turf, Lemon Crab Risotto, and a white chocolate mousse for dessert. (5:00 p.m. ' 11:00 p.m., menu prices) (map) (link)

' Check out the elegant French-Vietnamese fare at Le Lan, where the executive chef is offering a prix fixe five-course menu, starting with a Wellfleet oyster with ponzu vinaigrette and ending with a fantastic spiced chocolate souffle. (5:30 p.m. ' 11:00 p.m., $95) (map) (link)

' The menu at Le Titi de Paris may be prix-fixe, but it's by no means restrictive. There are an incredible number of options of French cuisine. Just to give you an idea, the list of desserts include Tahitian-scented cr'me brulee, white and dark chocolate flourless gateau, and petit fours with praline amaretto candies. (5:00 p.m. ' 9:30 p.m., $72, optional wine pairings) (map) (link)

' Executive Chef John Caputo offers a four-course tasting menu at Bin 36 along with his regular a la carte menu. The special menu offers temptations like lobster with saffron-braised leeks, brown butter poached monkfish, coriander-crusted lamb, and a chocolate tasting for two. For an extra something special, roses can be preordered by the half and full dozen. (5:00 p.m. ' 10:00 p.m., $68) The restaurant also offers a wine tasting for the romantically disinclined, who are fed up with roses and teddy bears. (6:00 p.m. ' 9:00 p.m., $36) (map) (link)

' If making plans for the big romantic day leaves you stressed, Spring in Wicker Park has all the organic atmosphere of a Zen garden. The four-course prix fixe is New American with an Asian influence. (5:30 p.m. ' 10:00 p.m., $80, optional wine pairings) (map) (link)

' Even if it's not, celebrate your love as if it was your first. Hotel Burnham's First Love Package includes a wine reception in the 'living room,' deluxe accommodations, Moet & Chandon champagne, Frango chocolates, breakfast for two, and a late checkout (wink wink nudge nudge). (starting at $219) (map) (link)

' Combine a uniquely Chicago experience with your romantic evening. Harry Caray's will be decorated with rose petals, votive candles, and red balloons. The Chicago location will offer a four-course prix fixe menu featuring items such as jumbo lump crab, roasted beet salad, pan-seared petit filet, and seafood risotto. Reservations are recommended and will be accepted every half hour. (5:00 p.m. ' 10:00 p.m., $60, optional wine pairings) (map) (link)

' Kama Sutra. The mere words alone spark a mental sensation. Try Marigold's Kama Sutra tasting menu for a new awareness. For example, try the Shakkar (Sweetness) in the form of a cocktail with Ketel One, grenadine, mango nectar, prosecco, and lychee. The Shola (Eternal Flame) is a flourless chocolate cake, spotted with pomegranate and red chiles. (5:30 p.m. ' 10:00 p.m., $35) (map) (link)

Photo credit: EyeTunes

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POSTED IN: Events, Hotels, Restaurants