8 Valentine’s Day (and weekend) dinner specials for sweethearts
If I get my way on Valentine’s Day, it will look exactly like this: Teach a late-night yoga class after work, then curl up on the couch with my boyfriend, a glass of red wine and copious amounts of dark chocolate.
For the sweethearts out there who are inclined toward higher-level displays of Valentine’s Day indulgences, there are plenty of dining experiences out there for you to choose from. Check out these eight options, and check reservation availability ahead of time:
Stoke Charlotte
What’s on the menu: A three-course menu designed by Chef Chris Coleman features items like Mushroom and Carolina Gold Rice Bisque, Bone-In Carolina Heritage Pork Chop and Opera Cake. The meal is bookended by Glazed Oysters and fun bonuses like bon bons. Choose the Valentine’s Day “Menu for Two” for $100, or $150 with wine pairings (pairings are $25 per person). Reservations can be made by calling 704-353-6005. Stoke Charlotte, 100 W Trade St.
BLT Steak Charlotte
What’s on the menu: Four days of romantic dining opportunities leading up to Valentine’s Day. On Feb. 14 itself, you can opt for the menu by Chef de Cuisine Matt Slezak, or enjoy the same dishes Feb. 10-13 instead. Items include Baked Oysters, Grilled Tuna with Farro and Black Rice, Peppercorn Crusted NY Strip with Maitake Mushrooms, and Grand Marnier Chocolate Tart. If you do make it out for Valentine’s Day, you’ll be treated to a champagne special: NV Moet & Chandon Imperial Brut Reserve for $95 per bottle and $20 per glass. The three course prix fixe blackboard menu starts at $60 per individual. Make reservations at bltrestaurants.com/blt-steak/charlotte or call 704.972.4380. BLT Steak, 110 N. College St.
BAKU
What’s on the menu: A five-course Valentine’s tasting menu that goes Feb. 11-14, for $100 per individual. The setup will be a shared-plate style with sparkling wine features. Items include Seared Blue Fin Tuna Salad with Togarashi and Rice Wine, Chef’s Selection Sashimi Platter, Asparagus with Wafu Dressing and Angel Food Cake with Dulcey Mousse. Make reservations at baku-restaurant.com/reservations. BAKU, 4515 Sharon Road.
Gallery Restaurant
What’s on the menu: A three-course prix fixe menu offering a choice of appetizer, entrée and dessert for $75 per individual from Feb. 10-14. Make a reservation at www.gallery-restaurant.com or 704.248.4100. Gallery Restaurant at The Ballantyne Hotel & Lodge, 10000 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy.
Evoke Charlotte
What’s on the menu: Couples who come in on Valentine’s Day can opt for a three-course dinner for $70. Items include Cauliflower Bisque, Beet Chitarra, Filetto di Manzo and Banana Foster Donuts. Make a reservation at www.evokerestaurant.com or call 980-237-5354. Evoke, 555 S. McDowell St.
The Asbury
What’s on the menu: A Valentine’s Tasting Menu available Feb. 10, 11 and 14. Seatings begin at 5 p.m. and the three-course menu is $50 per individual, with wine pairings available for an additional $25 per individual. Need a little more to hit the spot? A five-course menu is the next option, for $75 per individual, with wine pairings available for an additional $40 per individual. Items include Roasted Parsnip Salad, Crispy Ham-Crusted Scallops, Cold-Smoked Duck Hearts and Beet + Lavender Whipped Cheesecake. Make reservations at 704.342.1193 or http://bit.ly/SaveMySeatAtTheAsbury. The Asbury, 235 N Tryon St.
(Note: These prices have been updated from a previous misprint.)
Dean & DeLuca Wine Room
What’s on the menu: Two special menus curated by Executive Chef Andres Moncayo. On the listing for Feb. 11-13, the Valentine’s Weekend Prix Fixe Menu for $40 per individual, items include Winter Citrus Salad, Mediterranean Whole Branzino and Chocolate Covered Strawberry Tiramisu. On the Feb. 14 listing, items include Main Lobster Bisque, Seafood Sampler, Grilled White Truffle Veal Chop and Strawberry Heart Shaped Cheesecake. Reservations can be made here. Dean & DeLuca Wine Room, 6903 Phillips Place Ct.
McNinch House Restaurant
What’s on the menu: A Six-Course Chef’s Tasting Menu with Wine Pairings for $175 per individual, offered Feb. 10, 11, 13 and 14. Reserve your table at www.mcninchhouserestaurant.com or 704-332-6159. McNinch House Restaurant, 511 N. Church St.
Photo: CharlotteFive file
This story was originally published February 10, 2017 at 12:00 AM with the headline "8 Valentine’s Day (and weekend) dinner specials for sweethearts."