Kristian Knutsen
Looking for dinner ideas for your sweetheart?
Looking for a romantic spot to treat your sweetheart on Valentines? A number of Madison-area restaurants are rolling out special lovebird menus. Here are a few highlights for the Hallmark holiday.
Planning to pop the big question on V-day? If your future life partner still needs some convincing, you might want to take L'Etoile up on its offer of a four-course prix fixe menu (PDF) for $85 (plus a $45 wine pairing). It's sure to dazzle -- and if you're going to kneel anyway, you might as well do it with a full view of the Capitol, right? Pick from six decadent entree choices like a Rush Creek Reserve cheese tart or Fountain Prairie Farms dry-aged grass-fed steak.
If you want to snuggle somewhere a little more casual, Graze is offering a $40 three-course meal ($25 wine pairing). The wide-ranging menu (PDF) features three choices of first course and dessert and four picks for the entree, including fluke and brasied short rib "borsht." Look too for the veal and ricotta ravioli first course.
Fresco sports perhaps the city's most romantic view. The rooftop venue is offering specials Feb. 14-16 in addition to the regular menu.
Out in Sun Prairie, Buck & Honey's is running a three-course lovebug prix fixe for $45.
Craft cocktail mecca Merchant is putting together a standout sweetpea prix fixe menu (PDF) -- three-courses for $65, pairing for $25 -- plus featured bottles of champagne. Saffron halibut and pomegranate lamb are just a couple of delectable entrée options.
Veranda Restaurant and Wine Bar in Fitchburg will offer a four-course Italian-centric prix fixe for $35.
If you're looking for a little heat with your romance, Liliana's, also in Fitchburg, is offering a five-course prix fixe (with a choice of among three entrees) for $40 that begins with an intriguing smoky pumpkin soup featuring piquillo pepper chutney. And don't worry about your burning lips; there's plenty of time to cool down with chocolate pot de crème.
Defining adorable, tiny Willy Street bistro Chez Nanou will offer several choices including lobster with grapefruit and vanilla chicken, followed by plates of fromage and dessert, for $50.
For a more exotic vibe, Marrakesh will fire off three Moroccan courses for $35. No word on whether there will be belly dancing.
Valentine's Day is a perfect occasion to share the ginormous "Sashimi Love Boat" at Takara. The big wooden boat comes laden with 18 pieces of sashimi and 8 rolls for $60. Also perfect for sharing, Red Sushi offers a stunning Sashimi Deluxe plate for $26. Expect cute bears carved out of oranges or flowers out of carrots.
Roman Candle is making heart-shaped pizzas again this year. Thoughtfully, the restaurant is also throwing a singles party all day long (all locations) for solo types. Finding your amour over a pizza slice just leaves more money for the ring.
