V-Day #1

ain’t happenin’ …

Valentine’s Day is an odd holiday for the restaurant industry. Yes, it’s a money maker, but most of the reservations are two-tops. And you can bet that your walk-in traffic will be next to nothing. And then there’s the fact that you will be working the holiday, so your spouse, ahem, will have to suck it up.

But I am a purist, celebrate the holiday ON the holiday, meaning dinner reservations should be on Wednesday. And if you ask me, mid-week dining is the best anyway: fresher chefs, less crowded, not as many drunk people. Many restaurants will be creating special menus, so it’s a great opportunity to see something creative from our local bunch.

Vincent’s five course tasting menu features poached guinea hen and lobster ravioli.

I’d be all over the pumpkin-lavender chevre tart at Heartland.

W.A. Frost does tasting menus every night anyway, as does La Belle Vie.

I don’t know if there are any tickets left, but you have to buy in advance for Solera’s V-Day gig which includes an eight course tasting menu and entertainment.

Don’t worry, if you’re one of those who doesn’t buy into all of the pink-smothered traditions of Feb 14, there’s a place for you: Joe’s Garage is hosting a Surly V-Day in conjunction with Surly Ale. They “invite the cynical people to drink through their angst with bargain basement prices…” and indulge in specially priced blue-plate specials. You’ll have to call, as their website’s events page isn’t updated … which makes me surly.