Feb. 14 Occasions Worthy of Dinner Reservations
With January’s demise, we can happily forget we didn’t quite meet our New Year’s workout and dietary resolutions and deny ever committing to do Dry January.
February is a short-but-sweet 28-day period that includes the potential for ice storms, winter sunburns, a Fat Stock Show (rude name after failing aforementioned dietary goals), romance, and a handful of unique National Days of Celebration.
This year, Valentine’s Day is on a Friday, which means restaurants are going to be slammed, and, if you’re not quick about it, you might find yourself at home with a pot of chili mac and a bitter wife.
Before I jump into my recommendations for romantic dining in Dallas, I want to shed light on other holidays that are frequently overlooked due to sharing the date with Cupid.
First, there’s Pet Theft Awareness Day. A downer, yes, but my own Westie was stolen back in 2015 and, I’m just saying, the threat is real.
On a brighter note, it’s Library Lovers Day and all libraries deserve love these days.
It’s also Cream-Filled Chocolates Day and Chocolate Secrets has a creamy ancho chili-filled chocolate among its creative offerings.
Some folks wait all year for National Bonobo Day and, lucky for them, the Fort Worth Zoo houses several and will host an event in their honor. Bonobos are known as the “hippie apes” who like to make love, not war. Very romantic.
Last but not least, Valentine’s Day shares the spotlight with National Impotence Day. I’ve got nothing to add on that one.
Dallas has some obvious choices for romantic dinners. Carbone’s old-school glamour and doting service is always impressive. Georgie’s vermillion velvet banquets and white tablecloths set a romantic tone for couples who appreciate fine cuisine prepared by the exceptionally talented team led by RJ Yoakum. Tei-An’s quiet luxury and superb sashimi, soba, and other fine Japanese cuisine is quite romantic. To really impress, order the Krug Feature, tuna tartare with golden Russian caviar and a glass of Krug Grande cuvee.
For unique options, visit The Mitchell, a downtown cocktail lounge that serves excellent food as well, including oysters and caviar. It’s edgy and romantic at once. Uptown’s Bowen House is a gorgeous cocktail lounge and restaurant where you can sip creative cocktails such as Bhakta The Future while noshing on house-made chips with crème fraiche and caviar. Ayahuasca Cantina in Oak Cliff is a sexy, exotic Mexican cocktail lounge with elevated Central Mexico-inspired food.
If you prefer a low-key night in with your Valentine, consider ordering whatever Lucia is offering for its “Dinner to Go” special. Sometimes it’s a rich pasta dish, others it’s a glorious salumi board. No matter what, it’s going to be delicious.
Grilling steaks at home can also be romantic, especially when you bring home premium meat from Evan’s Meat Market.
If the weather is nice, order a charcuterie board from Scardello cheese shop, grab your favorite beverages and have a picnic at a nearby park.
Whatever you celebrate this month, enjoy!
Kersten Rettig, a freelance writer with leadership experience in the food and travel industries, lives in the Park Cities, where she is known as “the restaurant sherpa” for her recommendations. Follow her on Instagram @KerstenEats.
