The hour is drawing nigh. It's time to book your reservations for Valentine's Day dinner or risk being turned away at the door, a rejection that will increase the odds of a rejection later that evening.
If the cheapskate Valentine's Day isn't an option, there are numerous choices for romance in Broward and Palm Beach Counties. You could try Love in the Park in Fort Lauderdale, a new event combining dinner, sexy jams, and wine. Or, read on after the jump for a list of ten places in Broward and Palm Beach that will be hopping on V-Day. It is strongly recommended that you call for reservations for all of the spots listed below.
Valentine's Day in a Broward County Restaurant
- China Grill, 1881 SE 17th St. Causeway, Fort Lauderdale. Call 954-759-9950.
For a showy date, treat your loved one to the tasting menu ($69 per person) that includes dishes like lobster pancakes and grilled Szechuan beef. Or go for a la carte choices like the "amore" sushi ($22), a heart-shaped concoction made with avocado, tuna, tempura flakes, and cream cheese all wrapped up in festive pink soy paper with red tobiko and tuna sashimi.
- East End Brasserie, 601 N. Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd., Fort Lauderdale. Call 954-567-8020.
But of course the French restaurant on the water will be partaking in prime V-Day romance making. A three-course prix fixe menu ($75 per person or $95 with wine pairings) includes entrees like ricotta gnocchi or sole with asparagus and wild mushrooms, topped off with lobster hollandaise, among other choices. Dessert choices are a strawberry tart with a chocolate covered straw or fondue for deux.
- North Ocean Grille at Pelican Grand Beach Resort, 2000 North Ocean Blvd., Fort Lauderdale. Call 954-568-9431.
This swanky oceanside resort is sponsoring a contest offering up a Valentine's Day dinner for two at North Ocean Grille. Winner gets dinner for two from the special V-Day menu, a bottle of Dom Perignon, and a choice of dessert. You can enter on the Pelican Grand Facebook page. The contest is open until 10 a.m. Friday, February 10. Not a winner? You can still call for a reservation for the Valentine's Day menu.
- SAIA, 999 N. Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd., Fort Lauderdale. Call 954-302-5252.
The Valentine's Day special is a five-course prix fixe served with Hana Hou Hou Shu Sparkling Pink Sake. The menu has choices like salmon and hamachi miso soup, oyster salad, and a strawberry fruit salad. The dinner is $159 for two and will be available February 10 through Valentine's Day.
- Sublime, 1431 N. Federal Highway, Fort Lauderdale. Call 954-615-1431.
Significant other not a meat eater? Book a table at this vegan restaurant and start your meal with "caviar" and half a bottle of champagne for $25. As for dinner, the restaurant will offer its regular menu with seatings from 5:30 p.m. to close. Want a memento of the evening? The restaurant will take a freebie photo of you and your date. Call or book online.
Valentine's Day in a Palm Beach County Restaurant
- Buddha Sky Bar, 217 E. Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach. Call 561-450-7557.
Snuggle up and share sushi with your special someone; for $60, you get a five-course meal for two, with things like a heart-shaped sushi roll, surf and turf platter, bento box, and other treats. There will be a list of discounted champagnes.
- City Cellar Wine Bar & Grill, 700 S. Rosemary Ave., West Palm Beach. Call 561-366-0071.
Choose from the regular menu, or go for the special Valentine's Day dishes like jumbo lump crabmeat flatbread, cold water oysters, petite filet mignon, or poached Maine lobster. Every guest gets a freebie chocolate covered strawberry. Specialty dishes are anywhere from $12 to $36.
- DaDa Restaurant & Lounge, 52 N. Swinton Ave., Delray Beach. Call 561-330-3232.
The menu promises "aphrodisiac delights" for those on a special date. A fun twist to the evening: duet Eric and Blaze will be on hand to serenade your beloved (or not so beloved) with a singing Valentine. Pre-order your tune online.
- Kapow! Noodle Bar, 431 Plaza Real, Boca Raton. Call 561-347-7322.
There's no special menu, but the new Mizner Park hot spot is accepting reservations for Valentine's Day dinner. Since many of the dishes here are made to share, you can make your own magic, as it were.
- SoLita Italian, 25 NE Second Ave., Delray Beach. Call 954-357-2616.
SoLita is playing both sides of the Valentine's Day fence. On the one hand, the main dining room will be all Barry White and champagne with dim lighting and romantic tables for smoochy couples. Meanwhile, in the Parlour Lounge, at 9 p.m. will be a "sexy" but not romantic non-Valentine's Day gathering.
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