Valentine’s Day Restaurant Listings

A look at some restaurant specials around town during the weekend of February 14.

Ai Japanese Restaurant
A four-course dinner for two gets you a bottle of Hana Awaka sake, beef tataki skewers, spicy miso king crab, soba crepes and tofu-wrapped tuna. Ai Japanese Restaurant, 358 W. Ontario, (312)335-9888. Feb. 12-14, 5pm-11:30pm. $88.

Berghoff
If you’re on a tight budget but still want to celebrate this Hallmark holiday, head to Berghoff’s where a four-course meal with options including seared salmon and grilled hanger steak and a handmade truffles will cost a mere $38. Berghoff, 17 W. Adams, (312)427-3170. Feb. 12-13, 4pm-10pm. $38.

Bin 36
Leo McCarey’s 1957 romantic drama “An Affair to Remember” will play while guests dine on a three course meal with wine pairings. Bin 36, 339 N. Dearborn, (312)755-9463. Feb. 14, 6:30pm-11pm. $48.

Bonsoiree
Money not an issue? Then head to Bonsoiree, where for $100-$130 you’ll get an eight-course menu featuring winter point oysters, asparagus soup, steamed abalone with fresh cherries and chocolate truffles. Bonsoiree, 2728 W. Armitage, (773)486-7511. Feb. 12-15, 5pm-10pm. $100-$130.

Ceres’ Table
Chef Giuseppe Scurato will prepare a three-course dinner of lobster ravioli, surf and turf and chocolate soufflé tart. The regular menu will also be available. Ceres’ Table, 4882 N. Clark, (773)878-4882. Feb. 12-13, 5pm-11pm and Feb. 14, 5pm-9:30pm. $50.

Cibo Matto
Head to Cibo Matto for a $75 tasting menu comprised of Alaskan king crab with orange-vanilla syrup, four-cheese ravioli, grilled beef tenderloin and a bittersweet-chocolate tart with banana. Three specials will also be featured for the lovebirds, including oysters, roasted chicken and grilled porterhouse. If the oysters work their magic, nab a room at the Wit Hotel next door. Bow chick a bow wow! Cibo Matto, 201 N. State, (312)239-9500. Feb. 12-15, 5:30pm-11pm. $75.

Cuna
Cuna’ll be hosting two seatings on V-Day. The first at 5:30pm features four courses for $75, while the second at 8pm features five courses for $85. Both seatings come with wine pairings, and menu options include sweet potato soup, braised beef short ribs, saffron seafood risotto, among other choices. Cuna, 1113 W. Belmont, (312)224-8588. Feb. 14, 5:30pm and 8pm. $75-$85.

David Burke’s Primehouse
Four-course dinner and an “aphrodisiac-inspired” appetizer platter for $75. There’s an adjoining hotel here to skip off to when the mood strikes, if ya know what I’m sayin’. David Burke’s Primehouse, 616 N. Rush, (312)660-6000. $75.

Decolores
Crimson lighting and candles set the romantic mood, so bring your significant other and gaze lovingly at his or her glowing, softly lit face. (Excuse me while I gag.) This Pilsen BYOB joint will be featuring a la carte specials, such as a specially decorated flowery gelatin dessert, along with the regular menu. Decolores, 1626 S. Halsted, (312)226-9886. Feb. 14, 11am-10pm. Prices vary.

District Bar
Specials added to the regular menu include beef tartar, petit filet mignon beef Wellington, seared sea scallops and chocolate lava cake. District Bar, 170 W. Ontario, (312)337-3477. Feb. 14, 11am-2am. No cover.

Epic
Chef Stephen Wambach and Pastry Chef Christine McCabe create a special $65 four-course menu. If you’d like wine pairings, that’ll cost extra. Epic, 112 W. Hubbard, (312)222-4940. Feb. 14, 5:30pm-10pm. $65.

Geja’s Café
Because one Valentine’s Day a year isn’t enough, Geja’s Café will feature four days of celebrations. Monday, married couples get discounts; Wednesday, guests are treated to a free carriage ride around Lincoln Park with the purchase of a premiere fondue dinner; and Saturday and Sunday, dine on a four-course fondue meal and champagne for $85-$105. Geja’s Café, 340 W. Armitage, (773)281-9101. Feb. 8 and 10, 5pm-10pm, Feb. 13, 3pm-10pm and Feb. 14, 2pm-9pm. Prices vary.

The Grocery Bistro
This West Loop spot offers a special four-course dinner menu. The Grocery Bistro, 804 W. Washington, (312)850-9291. Feb. 14, 4pm-10pm. $55.

Hearty
Another three-course aphrodisiac-inspired dinner featuring lobster bread pudding and pine nut-saffron pastry cream tart. Dishes can also be ordered a la carte. Hearty, 3819 N. Broadway, (773)868-9866. Feb 13, 5pm-11pm and Feb. 14, 5pm-10pm. $42.

In Fine Spirits
A five-course menu with wine pairings available for an extra $20. In Fine Spirits, 5418 N. Clark, (773)506-9463. Feb. 13-14, 5:30pm-9pm. $55.

Italiasia
Italiasia’s offering a bargain, as a three-course meal including hearts of romaine salad, miso-glazed duck breast, sake-infused halibut, Szechwan-pepper crusted New York strip steak and tiramisu will only ring up at $25. Italiasia, 350 W. Mart Center, (312)529-1157. Feb. 12-14, 5pm-11pm. $25.

John’s Place
The three-course meal includes a glass of champagne, and the regular menu is also available. Choices include pan-roasted whitefish, grilled jumbo prawns, five-spice pork tenderloin, strawberry cheesecake and chocolate lava cake. John’s Place, 1200 W. Webster, (773)525-6670. Feb. 14, 5pm-9pm. $35.99.

Kit Kat Lounge & Supper Club
Come to Kit Kat to celebrate the holiday and the new, awful-looking movie of the same name. There’ll be a special menu and drinks name after the stars of the film. I’ll pass on the Ashton Kutcher. Kit Kat Lounge & Supper Club, 3700 N. Halsted, (773)525-1111. Feb. 12-14, 5:30pm-2am.

La Mediterranee
Three-course menu for $39. La Mediterranee, 941 W. Randolph, (312)243-1818. Feb. 13-14, 5:30pm-10:30pm. $39.

LM Le Restaurant
LM’s first Valentine’s Day includes two menus, prices and seatings. The restaurant’s first Valentine’s Day features two menus, two prices and two seatings. The 5pm seating is a $40 three-course meal while the 6:30pm seating offers a $75 five-course meal. LM Le Restaurant, 4539 N. Lincoln, (773)942-7585. Feb. 13-14, 5pm and 6:30pm. $40-$75, reservations recommended.

Lockwood
Chef Phillip Foss creates a nine-course tasting menu including Jonah crab meat wrapped in a Granny Smith apple, macadamia nuts and lavender honey; oyster with pomegranate, aloe and ginger; Gigha Island halibut; blue-foot chicken cordon bleu; marrow-crusted sturgeon; Kobe beef; veal sweetbreads; champagne sabayon served in an egg cup; and a chocolate “bath” with raspberries. Wine pairings are optional and will ring up an extra $45. Lockwood Restaurant, 17 E. Monroe, (312)917-3404. Feb. 12-14, 5pm-11pm. $95.

Luxbar
Whether you’re single or in a relationship, come down to Luxbar for a benefit supporting the Children’s Heart Foundation. There’ll be DJs spinning, St. Germaine Valentinis, a gift raffle, red velvet cupcakes and more. No snarky comments for this one. Luxbar, 18 E. Bellevue, (312) 642-3400. Feb. 13, 10pm-2am.

Mystic Blue Cruise
Take a three-hour cruise on Lake Michigan as you enjoy dinner, a glass of champagne and DJ entertainment. Boarding begins at 6:30pm on Feb. 13 and 6pm on Feb. 14. Mystic Blue Cruise, 600 E. Grand, (877)299-7783. Feb. 13, 7pm-10pm and Feb 14, 6:30pm-9:30pm. $89.90.

N9NE
The regular menu will be available, but spring for the special three-course dinner N9NE will be offering. Selections include sliced beef tenderloin in béarnaise sauce, crispy rock shrimp, lobster mashed potatoes and s’mores. N9NE Steakhouse, 440 W. Randolph, (312)575-9900. Feb. 14, 5:30pm-9pm. $60.

Nacional 27
At the 5pm seating, dine on a three-course menu for $45, or come to the 8pm seating for a five-course, $75 meal that includes a cava toast. If you stick around, there’ll be salsa dancing at 11pm Saturday and 9pm Sunday. Menu items include barbecue lamb tacos, smoked chicken empanadas, winter vegetable enchiladas, marinated grilled skirt steak, grilled South Pacific salmon and cinnamon churros. Nacional 27, 325 W. Huron, (312)664-2727. Feb. 13-14, 5pm-7:45pm (first seating) and 8pm-10:30pm (second seating). $45-$75.

NoMI
Chef Christophe David prepares a three-course menu. Optional wine pairings’ll make you drop another sixty big ones. NoMI, 800 N. Michigan, (312)335-1234. Feb. 14, 5:30pm-10pm. $105.

O’Donovan’s
In addition to the regular menu, O’Donovan’s will be adding special food and drink items to celebrate. Among the dishes are hearts of romaine salad, filet mignon, jumbo shrimp fettuccine and tiramisu. O’Donovan’s, 2100 W. Irving, (773)478-2100. Prices vary.

Odyssey Cruises
Take a cruise on Lake Michigan and enjoy a brunch buffet for $54.90 or a three-course meal for $124.90. Champagne and a rose will be given to each couple, and boarding begins one hour before cruise time. Odyssey Cruises, 600 E. Grand, (866)-305-2469. Feb. 13, 7pm-10pm, Feb 14., 12:30pm-2:30pm and 6:30pm-9:30pm. $54.90-$124.90.

Osteria Via Stato
Either get a two or three course family style prix-fixe dinner. On the menu: Braised beef short rib with polenta and pan-roasted sea scallops with butternut squash and wild mushrooms. For an extra $15-$50 you can get wine pairings. Osteria Via Stato, 620 N. State, (312)642-8450. Feb. 13, 5pm-11pm and Feb. 14, 5:30pm-9:30pm. $24.95-$38.95.

Palette Bistro
February 12-14 is LOBSTER MANIA! Lobster salad! Lobster bisque! Steamed lobster tail! Wine pairings are an additional $20. Palette Bistro, 2834 N. Southport, (773)477-2565. Feb. 12-14, 5pm. $50.

Park Grill
Special surprises on the regular menu. Park Grill, 11 N. Michigan, (312)521-7275. Feb. 12-13, 5pm-10:30pm and Feb. 14, 5pm-9:30pm. Prices vary.

Pelago Ristorante
Dine on a four-course meal of red stuff. Radicchio and red endive salad, red snapper filet with red pepper sauce and pomegranate mousse with kir royale sorbet. These lobsters sure aren’t catching a break. Pelago Ristorante, 201 E. Delaware, (312)280-0700. Feb. 14, 5-10pm. $78, reservations required.

Pizano’s
Heart-shaped pizzas! One day only! Pizano’s Pizza & Pasta, 61 E. Madison, (312)236-1777, and 864 N. State, (312)751-1766. Feb. 14, 11am-1am. $12.50-$18.50, dine in or carryout.

Polo Cafe
Live music complements a four-course dinner celebrating V-Day and Polo’s twentieth anniversary. Meal choices include pan-seared, blackened red snapper with saffron couscous and Angus rib eye with a wild mushroom glaze. For dessert nosh on a flourless chocolate espresso truffle tort. Polo Café & Catering Bridgeport U.S.A., 3322 S. Morgan, (772)927-7656. Feb. 13-14, 6pm-8pm. $45.

Province
If you’re not interested in the special three-course dinner with sparkling wine, order off the regular menu. Province, 161 N. Jefferson, (312)669-9900. Feb. 12-14, 5pm-10:30pm. $50.

The Red Canary
Chef Rick Spiros prepares a three-course—wait for it—aphrodisiac dinner. Have a glass of champagne, pan-seared scallops, duck curry, chili-cured rack of lamb and chocolate mousse. The Red Canary, 695 N. Milwaukee, (312)846-1475. Feb. 12 and 14, 5pm-11pm and Feb. 13, 6pm-11pm. $50.

The Restaurant at Conrad
Drink champagne as you nosh on chicken soup, seared scallops, filet mignon and prawns with truffled potato gratin and chocolate fondue. The Restaurant Conrad, 521 N. Rush, (312)377-0979. Feb. 12-14, 5pm-10pm. $90.

Rustico Grill
This Mexican restaurant will be offering a la carte specials prettied up with flowers and other romantic stuff. Rustico Grill, 2515 N. California, (773)235-0002. Feb. 13-14, 5pm-10pm. Prices vary.

Sabor Saveur
Bring your favorite drink as you indulge in pork ribs with black mole and pink peppercorn meringue with blood orange marmalade. Sabor Saveur, 2013 W. Division, (773)235-7310. Feb. 12-13, 5pm-11pm and Feb. 14, 5pm-9pm. $37.

Salute
Three-course meal with optional wine pairings for an extra $20. Salute, 46 E. Superior, (312)664-0100. Feb. 13-14, 6pm-10pm. $40.

Signature Room at the 95th
Four-course dinner, champagne toast and individual desserts all for the low, low price of $95. Signature Room at the 95th, 875 N. Michigan, (312)787-9596. Feb. 12, 5pm-10:30pm and Feb. 14, 5pm-9:30pm. $95.

Spirit of Chicago
Spend three hours cruising Lake Michigan enjoying a brunch buffet and champagne or mimosa’s ($44.90) or a dinner buffet with champagne and a rose ($99.90). A DJ’ll be spinning both outings. Spirit of Chicago, 600 E. Grand, (866)273-2469. Feb. 13, 7pm-10pm, and Feb. 14, 12:30pm-2pm and 6:30pm-9:30pm. $44.90-$99.90.

Spring
Choose each of your four-courses at Spring, with entrees including seared scallops with braised oxtail and Pacific black cod. For $13 extra, get a caviar upgrade to show everyone how rich and sophisticated you are. Spring, 2039 W. North, (773)395-7100. Feb. 12-14, 5:30pm-10pm. $80.

Sprout
Chef Dale Levitski ain’t puttin’ no rose petals or aphrodisiacs on his menu. Instead, the former “Top Chef” contestant will be serving up fresh new appetizers, entrees and desserts. Sprout, 1417 W. Fullerton, (773)348-0706. Feb. 12-14, 5pm. $60. Reservations recommended.

Stretch Run
All the single ladies (put yo’ hands up) and head to Stretch Run for its anti-Valentine’s Day party. Get a free rose and chocolate covered strawberry and enjoy $17.50 Miller family buckets and, best of all, $4 vodka drinks. Stretch Run, 544 N. LaSalle, (312)644-4477. Feb. 13, 11am-2am.

Sunda
Get two glasses of sparkling wine with your family-style dinner at Sunda. On the menu: warm spinach-and-mushroom salad, crispy rice, New York strip steak and more. Sunda, 110 W. Illinois, (312)644-0500. Feb. 12-14, 5pm. $100.

Tsuki
Enjoy a bottle of Hana Awaka sparkling sake with a four-course meal of grilled shrimp, salmon maki, spicy yellowtail nigiri and chocolate mousse. Tsuki, 1441 W. Fullerton, (773)883-9722. Feb. 12-13, 4:30pm-11:30pm and Feb. 14, 4:30pm-10:30pm. $88.

West Town Tavern
The regular menu will be available, but Chef Susan Goss will prepare a special three-course—let me finish—aphrodisiac dinner. Items include crispy lobster crab cakes, pan-seared wild striped bass, oysters on the half shell, grilled beef tenderloin with foie gras whipped potatoes, double chocolate pudding and coconut macaroons. West Town Tavern, 1329 W. Chicago, (312)666-6175. $100.

Zest
A glass of champagne is included in Zest’s five-course dinner. Menu options include sundried tomato ravioli with scallops, herb-crusted halibut, lobster terrine with caviar aioli, organic field greens salad and applewood-smoked tenderloin as well as a trio of chocolate mousse. For an extra $15 get wine pairings. Zest, 525 N. Michigan, (312)321-8844. Feb. 13, 5pm-10:30pm and Feb. 14, 5pm-10pm. $70.

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