For this Valentine’s Day, may we recommend everything chocolate – because, really, does life get any better? And since it only comes around once a year, you have every excuse to indulge in rich, decadent chocolate treats. I feel the rush already.
Create your own chocolate bar with Chocri. This newly launched company allows you to customize your chocolate gift with your favorite ingredients. Start off with you choice of base (either white, milk or dark chocolate) and then add in your favorites — fruits, spices, nuts, confections, decor and grains. For Valentine’s Day, there are special romance themed add-ins including: Candied Rose Pedals, Mini Heart Decorations and Silver Pearls. After you have created the perfect candy bar, create the perfect name and inscribe it on the package. Minimum 3-bar purchase and the starting price is $7.90.
Have you been dreaming up the perfect ice cream combination? Now, you can create it with eCreamery – for a life less vanilla. Select your favorite base (either sorbetto, gelato or ice cream), up to two flavors (anything from a chocolate malt or tiramisu to a more exotic chipotle) and up to two mix-ins (think chocolate walnut brownie pieces or chocolate covered peanuts). Now its time to select your packaging and give your ice cream a name. Your frozen treat can be ordered by the 1/2 gallon for $49.99+shipping or the full gallon for $89.99 plus shipping.
If you want to stick to the tried and true chocolate truffles, why not try the CocoLove Chocolate Truffle Pack ($26)? This gift pack comes with 15 pieces of luscious dark chocolate fudge truffles — Rosie Posy, Planet Marz and Naked Hottie. These hand-dipped artisanal chocolate balls are rich, simple and purely divine.
Express your love to your sweetie with these chocolate covered fortune cookies. Not only will they be an indulgent treat, you can add in a personalized message and be assured you will get your date’s attention. Choose a traditionally flavored cookie or a more exotic one (strawberry, graham cracker or cappuccino), dip it in chocolate — and add on sprinkles if you’d like. Whatever the case, get ready to wow your significant other. If you’d like something even more unusual, why not go for the giant fortune cookies? Oh yes, imagine a 5″ x 7″ fortune cookie that weighs over 1 lb. Available online at Fancy Fortune Cookies.
Spice up this Valentine’s Day while putting one of your favorite ingredients to work — paint, lick, lather or simply indulge on a rich, chocolate treat with the Let the Body do the Talking Gift Basket from Edible Gift Baskets ($39.99). This sexy gift basket is filled with romantic treats including rose pedals, chocolate lips with a hint of chili, chocolate body frosting, stencils and a paint brush — a perfect and risque addition to this already sensual date night.
Get ready for some mouth watering menus. This Valentine’s Day will be one you’ll want to remember, so why not fill it with romance, passion and tantalizing gourmet menus? Take a look at what Miami area restaurants are offering diners on this special day.
Acqua Restaurant at Four Seasons
Acqua at Four Seasons Miami will offer a his and hers menu that is aphrodisiac-inspired. Standouts include Blue Point Oysters with a chili passion fruit granita, Cocoa nib crusted BBQ pork with holy basil risotto, Almond Crepes with Lobster & Shrimp and a Banana Malibu Souffle with chocolate sorbet. This aphrodisiac dinner is priced at $70++. Acqua is located at Four Seasons Miami, 1435 Brickell Avenue, Miami (305) 358-3535
Area 31 and Executive Chef John Critchley has created a fantastic menu inspired by martyrs — Valentine of Rome and Valentine of Terni. The first includes Tuna, Squid Ink Fettucini with cuttlefish and pecorino, Spiny Lobster with green salsa and pole beans and an Orange-Spica Torta. Valentine of Terni’s menu includes Sausage, Potato Gnocchi with golden raisins, truffle pecorino and Minus 8 vinegar, Roast Squab with chestnut puree and Gianduja Budino. Both are priced at $115++ and will be served from 5-11 pm. Area 31 is located at EPIC Hotel at 270 Biscayne Blvd Way in Miami. 305.424.5234
Asia de Cuba will be offering a 5-course family style menu with a champagne toast for $75++. The ladies will even get a box of chocolate truffles to take home. Highlights on the menu include: Tunapica, Pan Seared Jumbo Sea Scallops with pearls of Osetra caviar, Coconut Mustard Seed Sustainable Chilean Sea Bass, Sweet Soy Wild Salmon and a Roasted Half Rack of Lamb with Sweet Plantain Mofongo Cake. Asia de Cuba is located at the Mondrian South Beach, 1100 West Ave in Miami Beach. 305.514.1940
Atrio at Conrad Miami wants to have you dining on the 25th floor this Valentine’s Day. Their Valentine’s Day menu include Foie Gras Brulee, Asian Pear Salad, Pan Seared Sea Bream, Roast Squab, Orange Froth and a Strawberry & Champagne Parfait. Cost is $70/person or $90/person with wine pairings. Atrio is located at Conrad Miami, 1395 Brickell Ave. 305.503.6529
Blue Door at Delano rings romance making it a perfect choice for your Valentine’s Day. They will be offering a 4-course dinner for $90++ (an a la carte menu will also be available). This prix-fixe menu includes such culinary delights as Crab Cakes with hearts of palm remoulade, Rack of Lamb with Panko Pistachio Crust and a Milk Chocolate Mousse Crumble. Blue Door at Delano is located at 1685 Collins Avenue, Miami, Florida, 33139. For reservations and information please call 305 674-6400.
BLT Steak will offer a la carte Valentine’d Day specials priced between $7-$47. These include Celeriac-Foie Gras Soup with Brioche Crouton ($14), Prime Beer Filet Carpaccio, Black Truffles, Hearts of Palm and Arugula ($18), American Wagyu Flat Iron 10 oz served with Charred Onions and Salsa Verde ($38) and more. The regular menu will also be offered. BLT Steak is located at The Betsy Hotel, 1440 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach. 305.674.0044
Photo by Karl Petzke
Bourbon Steak will offer a 3-course prix fixe menu that includes the famous duck fat fries, a choice of appetizer (tuna tartare, Caesar salad, Maine lobster bisque or American caviar parfait), your choice of main entree (10 oz American kobe filet, Scottish salmon or roasted chicken breast) and end with a sweet dessert (chocolate molten chocolate cake, passion fruit panna cotta, beignets, ice cream/sorbet or a chocolate fondue for two. This dinner is priced at $105/person++ and includes a red rose and complimentary valet. Bourbon Steak is located at The Fairmont Turnberry Isle Resort & Club, 19999 West Country Club Drive in Aventura. 786.279.6600
The Cape Cod Room will offer a hybrid buffet brunch (11am – 3pm) for Valentine’s Day. This includes a brunch cocktail, an appetizer buffer that includes croissants, scones, fruit, cheese, tomato and potato salads, followed by a main hot plate. Brunch is priced at $33 for adults and $16 for children under 12. They will also offer a aphrodisiac-inspired Sunday Jazz Supper (starting at 6pm) paired with live jazz music. The Sunday Supper is priced at $60, but the a la carte menu will also be available. The Cape Cod Room is located at 5937 Collins Ave on Miami Beach. 305.864.1262
Cantina Beach at The Ritz-Carlton, Key Biscayne will offer a lavish chocolate buffet filled with chocolate specialties and other lovable ingredients like rose, lychee, almonds, coffee and more. The display will also include chocolate sculptures and tropical arrangements. In addition, a complimentary glass of Agavero will be served. Cost is $22/person. The Ritz-Carlton, Key Biscayne is located at 455 Grand Bay Drive in Key Biscayne. 305.365.4500
D. Rodriguez Cuba will offer a special prix-fixe menu, along with the regular menu. This 4-course tasting menu is priced at $95++ and includes a his and her menu. Highlights include: Fire and Ice (salmon marinated in lemon juice served with dill and jalapeno over cucumber yogurt granite), Duck and Foie Gras (crispy duck confit, smoked date puree, pickled radishes with foie gras shavings), Surf and Turf (Lobster Enchilado, Classic Spicy Cuban Tomato with Cachucha Pepper Sauce and a Seared NY Strip Steak with chimichurri and sweet onion sauce).
The newly opened Gibraltar, under the helm of Chef Jeff O’Neill will offer a 4-course Valentine’s Day menu. It is priced according to where you are seating — Inside will be $150/person, loggia dining will be $175/person and dining on the rocks will be $250/person++. Start off with a Tarragon Lobster Salad with boutique caviar, then enjoy a Sweet Pumpkin Veloute with lavendar and crisp rye, choose between a Watermelon and Watercress Salad with Shallot Dressing or Coho Salmon. For your third course, enjoy Roasted Sea Scallops in a saffron mussel broth or Burgandy Braised Short Ribs with truffled black cherries and winter mushrooms and end with a Valrhona Tart and Creamy Flan with puffed rice and brandy caramel. Gibraltar is located at Grove Isle Hotel & Spa, 4 Grove Isle Drive in Coconut Grove. 305.857.5007 groveisle.com
Top Chef Contestant Micah Edelstein takes center stage at Grass Restaurant & Lounge. Guests will enjoy a 6-course sensual dinner priced at $70/couple. Be sure to try the Almond & Vanilla Bean Pana Cotta with Flambeed Bananas and Chili Caramel. Grass Restaurant & Lounge is located at 28 NE 40th Street, Miami 305.573.3355
The Grill on the Alley, located at the Aventura Mall will offer Valentine’s Day menu items in addition to the regular menu. These include Vine-Ripened Tomatoes and Buffalo Mozzarella, Parmesan Crusted Chilean Sea Bass, a Prime Rib Dinner and a Filet and Lobster Tail. Dessert specials include a Grand Marnier Creme Brulee, and a Double Chocolate Layer Cake. The Grill is located at 19501 Biscayne Blvd in Aventura. 305.466.7195
If you are craving Italian cuisine this Valentine’s Day, you might want to try out the newly opened Il Grissino in Coral Gables. Guest will enjoy a 3-course dinner, a glass of Prosecco and a rose for $55++/person. Highlights include: Thinly Sliced Salmon Carpaccio stuffed with scallops, dill, pink peppercorn and a grapefruit vinaigrette, Grilled veal chops in a creamy porcini mushroom sauce reduction, and a Green Apple Sorbet and Calvados. Dinner will be served from 5:00 pm – midnight. Il Grissino is located at 127 Giralda Avenue in Coral Gables. 305.461.3391
Jaguar Ceviche Spoon Bar and Latam Grill (3067 Grand Ave. Coconut Grove) and Talavera (2299 Ponce de Leon, Coral Gables) will offer a special dessert titled — The Aphrodisiac Lovebird. This molten chocolate cake with a Damiana Liqueur Center, dark chocolate frosting, whipped cream, spicy almonds, fresh berries and a crispy caramel cookie comes with 2 glasses of champagne and is $24.
La Goulue at Bar Harbour will offer a romantic dining experience filled with live entertainment and 4-course prix-fixe meal for $55++. Begin your dining experience with a glass of Rose and Cream of Asparagus Soup. Choose an appetizer from the menu, like the Smoked Duck Breast Salad, an entree such as the Oven Roasted Fresh Dorade with Fennel and a signature dessert. Ladies will go home with a Valentine’s Day surprise courtesy of La Goulue. Dinner starts at 5pm, and the live music begins at 6pm. La Goulue is locate d on the 2nd floor of the Bal Harbour Shops, 9700 Collins Ave in Bal Harbour. 305.865.2181
La Marea at The Tides will ignite your senses this Valentine’s Day. Why not start your meal off with a Lavatini (Jalapeno Infused Vodka with Chili and Wild Bee Honey)? Other highlights include Kumatmoto Oysters, Osetra Caviar, Sake Foam and Yuzu Gelee; South Carolina Fluke Sashimi with Hass Avocado, Compressed Cantaloupe, Banyuls Vinaigrette and Grains of Paradise; Pan Roasted Sea Bass with crispy pork belly, red lentils, caramelized pumpkin, curry and blood orange confit. This 4-course menu will be served on Sunday, February 14 and is priced at $85++. The Tides South Beach is located at 1220 Ocean Drive on Miami Beach.
Solea at W South Beach will offer a special prix-fixe Valentine’s Day menu priced at $100++. Highlights include Chilled Almond Soup with White Grapes and Shrimp Confit, Artichoke Heart Confit with Quail Egg and American Caviar, Creamy Coconut Rice with Maine Lobster and Piquillo Peppers, Filet Mignon with Potato-Bacon Terrine and Port Sauce and Lemongradd Flan with Almond Crumble, Pineapple Sorbet and Lychee Soup. Solea is located at W South Beach, 2201 Collins Avenue on Miami Beach. 305.938.3111
Sushi Maki wants to spice things up with a tasting menu for 2. This 4-course menu priced at $65++ is available all Valentine’s Day weekend and includes your choice of appetizer, 2 sushi rolls, an entree and a bento dessert.
Chef Marco Ferraro at Wish has created a sumptuous Valentine’s Day menu priced at $65.00++. This 3-course menu includes Tuna Sashimi, Braised Short Ribs with cauliflower puree, cilantro, mint, pickled fresno chilies and passion fruit vinaigrette and a Chocolate Souffle with macerated cherries and whipped cream for dessert. The a la carte dinner menu will also be available. Wish is located at The Hotel, 801 Collins Ave on Miami Beach.
Photo Credit: hlkljgk @ flickr
Are you looking for ways to tantalize your taste buds? These Valentine’s Day menus will have you well on your way. Be sure to make your reservations early at all of these locations.
III Forks (PBG and Boca Raton locations) will be offering Valentine’s Day weekend specials (Feb. 12-14). Enjoy a 6oz Filet and 6 oz Lobster with potatoes, sugar snap peas, corn, tomatoes and spring onions for $72.95 or enjoy a 16 oz Wagyu Strip with the same sides for $69.95.
Cafe Boulud will offer a 3-course Cupid’s feast for $90++/person. You are sure to enjoy the aphrodisiac-inspired menu that includes oysters, caviar and truffles. Pastry Chef Matthew Petersen will create a “Fire & Ice” dessert for ladies to take home and a display of cupcake treats. Cafe Boulud is located at The Brazilian Court Hotel & Beach Club, 301 Australian Ave in Palm Beach. 561.655.6060
Four Seasons Palm Beach will host a Valentine’s Day on the Seine weekend featuring a Laurent Perrier rose toast upon arrival, live jazz and a sumptuous menu. Highlights include Hamachi Confit with sea urchin, American caviar, yuzu and shiso; “Hot & Sour” Roasted Duck Bullion with wood ear mushrooms, foie gras dumpling, madeira and szechwan pepper; and a Herb Roasted Turbot with truffle celery root, green and white asparagus, hearts of palm, and champagne oyster cream. This dinner is priced at $95++/person and beverages are additional. Four Seasons is located at 2800 S Ocean Blvd in Palm Beach. (561) 582-2800
Six Tables presents a 4-course wine dinner available February 12-14 and is priced at $180++ per couple. Highlights include Lobster Bisque with and organic greens-vinaigrette salad, Sesame Saki Sea Bass, Cherry Roast Duckling and of course, a chocolate duo for dessert. Each course is paired with wine. Dinner begins at 7:00 pm and reservations are a must. Six Tables is located at 112 NE 2nd Street in Mizner Park in Boca Raton. 561.347.6260
La Stella’s is also offering a Valentine’s Week Special on 2/14 and 2/16-18. Enjoy a 3-course menu for 2 for only $75. Start off with your choice of salad, select your main entree — Skirt Steak with risotto, Chicken Scarpiello, Sunday Gravy, Lane Snapper Francaise or Carla’s Pasta, and either a Chocolate Torte or Zabaglione with berries. This romantic dinner for 2 will also include a bottle of wine. La Stella’s is located at 159 E Palmetto Park Rd in Boca Raton. 954.614.8386
Michelle Bernstein’s at The Omphoy will offer an exclusive Valentine’s Day experience (available for a max. of 6 couples). Couples will enjoy a private dinner on the beach in either a beachside dining room (starting at $500) or in one of the pagodas on the terrace (starting at $400). Dinner will be a 5-course menu featuring oysters, caviar, chocolate and more — each paired with either wine or champagne. A strolling musician will serenade you. The Omphoy is located at 2842 South Ocean Blvd. in Palm Beach. 561-540-6440
Secrets Piano Bar & Grill at Windsor Gardens Hotel is offering a Valentine’s Day Brunch. Highlights on the menu include Eggs Benedict, Grand Marnier Brioche French Toast, an Omelet Station and a complimentary mimosa. Cost is $29.95++ and this brunch will go to benefit Project Linus. Add a bottomless Bloody Mary for only $8 more. Make your reservation today by calling 561.768.3001 or emailing Dine.
Uncle Julio’s will be whipping up a ‘plate of love’ from February 8 – February 21. This Plato de Amor includes a cold water lobster tail, 4 shrimp brochette, chicken and beef fajitas, alon with guac and pico de gallo for $49.95. They will also be offering a few decadent chocolate specials during this time. Uncle Julio’s is located at 449 Plaza Real in Mizner Park. 561.300.3530
Enjoy the sumptuous, award-winning cuisine at Wild Olives by Todd English this Valentine’s Day. During the dinner hours, all ladies will receive a complimentary long-stemmed red rose with the purchase of an entree and all diners will enjoy a complimentary glass of champagne. May we recommend the Carpet Bagger Oysters and Todd’s Ricotta Cheesecake. Wild Olives by Todd English is located at 5050 Town Center Circle in Boca Raton. (561) 544-8000
Photo by ginnerobot @ flickr
Dine Magazine and Secrets Piano Bar & Grill present a sumptuous Valentine’s Day brunch. Secrets Piano Bar & Grill — recently recognized for hosting the best dining events in 2009 by the Palm Beach Post — features the talented Chef Joe Angelucci. Chef Joe will create a fantastic spread of traditional brunch favorites with a modern twist like the Grand Marnier Brioche French Toast. Pair these gourmet delights with a complimentary glass of bubbly and you are all set for a cozy Sunday afternoon.
To add to the “feel good” sensation, a portion of the profits will be donated to Project Linus — a 501 (c)3 dedicated to providing a sense of security, warmth and comfort to children who are seriously ill, traumatized, or otherwise in need through the gifts of new, handmade blankets.
What: Bubbles & Brunch
When: February 14
Time: 10:30 am – 2:00 pm (Reservations are now only available for the 1pm time slot.)
Where: Secrets Piano Bar & Grille at Windsor Gardens Hotel, 11360 US Highway 1, North Palm Beach
Cost: $29.95++ per person or $55.00++ per couple
Please call Kyle at 561.768.3001 to make your reservations.
Please note that gratuity is not included with your payment right now. A tip is appreciated on the day of the event.
MENU:
Omelet Station
Smoked Salmon Display
Eggs Benedict, Applewood Bacon
Corned Beef Hash, Breakfast Potatoes
Breakfast Breads & Pastries
Grand Marnier Brioche French Toast
and more
One complimentary Mimosa or Bellini per person
Add a bottomless Bloody Mary for only $8