Hot Picks for Your Valentine’s Day Date
Valentines Day, you know… the day where you used to get a card and candy from your crush in elementary school? Well now we’re all grown up and Valentine's Day is about more than just a note with a lollipop attached! It’s about showing the people around you how much they are loved. And what better way to show someone you love them than with food? So whether you’re spending your day of love with a partner, a friend, or flying solo, we’ve compiled a list of some of the most noteworthy spots in the city that’ll make you swoon.
City Winery West Loop {1200 West Randolph Street, Chicago; 312.733.9463}
Everybody's favorite West Loop spot is going all OUT for Valentine’s weekend. Starting Friday, February 11, their tasting room will be open from 5 - 8PM for traditional wine flights, as well as a delicious cheese and chocolate truffle flight. So, if you are looking for more than just dinner and a movie, this is a great option! You can enjoy your meal, then bring home wine for your Valentine's Day celebration - They’re offering 15% off all retail red wine through February 14.
RPM Italian {52 West Illinois Street, Chicago; 312.222.1888}
Anyone who knows me knows that Mama Depandi's Bucatini is my one true love, so it’s more than fitting that RPM Italian is high on this list. RPM Italian will serve a la carte dining specials on Valentine's Day along with their regular menu for the holiday. If you choose to dine-in, make sure to wear your best outfit for this vibey location! Start your evening off with the Housemade Whole Wheat Focaccia with Whipped Ricotta & Honey. Next, order Mama Depandi's Bucatini (of course) and finish your night off with their Lemon Semifreddo with Chilled Lemon Mousse and White Chocolate Shortbread Crumble.
Siena Tavern {51 West Kinzie Street, Chicago; 312.595.1322}
Celebrate this Valentine’s Day with a tasting menu for two. Enjoy menu item features that are perfect to share such as Buratta, Grilled Octopus, Gnocchi, and more. The menu offerings include four courses, plus a dessert and a sommelier-selected wine pairing, as well as freshly shaved black truffles to add to your main meal if you are feeling extra fancy. A holiday Champagne Menu is also available for glass, bottle, and flight purchases.
Publican Quality Meats {825 West Fulton Market, Chicago; 312.445.8977}
If staying home is more your style, Publican Quality Meats has special items for the holiday. Not only can you pick up their famous quality meats for your fancy feast at home, but Pastry Chef Natalie Saben is pulling out all the stops with her sweet treats. Choose from items such as boxes of from-scratch macarons in flavors like Strawberry Rose and Chocolate Truffle or bite on bon bons in unique combos such as apricot-yuzu and passion fruit-rum. For a bigger gathering, grab a Raspberry Chocolate Truffle Cake or Cherry Cheesecake as an extra sweet ending to the night.
Gaijin {950 West Lake Street, Chicago; 312.265.1348}
For Valentine’s Day, Gaijin will be offering four a la carte specials starting Friday, February 11 to help Chicagoans celebrate the special weekend. Start your evening off with their Valentine’s Cocktail with Hibiscus infused gin, 1870 Meletti, Rare Tea Cellar hibiscus and egg white, followed by their Marinated Wagyu Beef Ribs with smoked shoyu, scallions and furikake rice. Finish your meal with their Valentine's Kakigori with lychee, strawberry syrup, ginger sherbert and a creme brulee top. If you can, we recommend making a reservation at the counter so you can watch their chefs in action!
sugargoat {820 West Randolph Street, Chicago; 312.667.0108}
Let’s face it, a heart shaped chocolate chip cookie is a love language all its own. So, if you’re looking for a last minute Valentine’s treat for someone sweet in your life, head over to Sugargoat. For V-day, their Valentine’s Day “Be Mine” Cookie Pie is the perfect pick, or if your person doesn’t like cookies, go with the Valentine’s Day Bloom Cupcakes. These sweet treats will be sure to take you back to the days when you got a love note in your backpack ;)
avec {multiple locations}
As always, AVEC is a top notch date night spot. Their West Loop location is offering a special 6-course dinner using some of Chef Dylan Pates most-loved dishes including: Grilled Lamb Kebabs with chickpea hummus, brown butter and pine nuts, as well as Roasted King Trumpet Mushrooms with labneh cheese and pomegranate ezme. At their River North location, menu offerings will include Roasted Delicata Squash with piquillo peppers, whipped feta and pumpkin seed-chile aillade, as well as Sturgeon with Short Rib Sugo. At both spots, the specials are ONLY available on Saturday 2/12 and Monday 21/4 so don’t miss out!
By Madison Freeman | Special Correspondent