Here’s a sweet list of romantic dinners, activities and hotel packages being offered around the Philadelphia region this Valentine’s Day.
Dinners
Abe Fisher - Celebrate Valentine’s Day with a 4-course prix fixe dinner at this Rittenhouse restaurant that prepares foods from the Jewish diaspora with an upgraded twist. Start with breads and spreads including house Challah rolls, then move on to appetizers, entrees and a dessert course that will please creme brûlée fans and chocolate lovers. Available February 14.
Davio's Northern Italian Steakhouse - In addition to the dinner menu, this King of Prussia steakhouse is offering a special 3-course prix fixe menu for Valentine’s Day. Start with Cape Cod Oysters; Braised Beef Short Rib Ravioli with Truffle Sugo and end with a dessert sampler. For the entree, choose a Petite Center Cut Filet Mignon or Atlantic Swordfish. Available February 13 and 14 during dinner service.
Stella of New Hope - This elegant restaurant along the Delaware River in New Hope is offering a 5-course feast including such deluxe dishes as Baby Beet Salad, Summer Love Oysters, Petite Filet of Beef and a choice of desserts. An optional beverage pairing is available too. Guests can order from the regular menu or get the prix fixe Available February 11 - 13. Only the prix fixe will be offered on February 14.
a.kitchen/a.bar - a.kitchen will offer two 4-course prix fixe meals on Valentine’s Day including one that is vegetarian and special add-ons like oysters and charcuterie. a.bar, next door, will be offering Valentine’s Day cocktails and raw bar snacks.
Nook and Kranny Kafe - This Phoenixville BYOB is opening for dinner on February 12 with a Valentine’s Day prix fixe. Entree options for the 4-course dinner include an 8 oz filet with sautéed onions, mushrooms and demi glaze; crab-stuffed flounder; boiled salmon with honey dijon cream sauce; champagne penne pasta with spinach, tomatoes and garlic or sautéed chicken with fresh tomato, shrimp and bleu cheese topped with white wine demi glaze. Available February 12.
Andiario - On February 14, this stellar West Chester restaurant is serving a pre-set dinner celebrating the bounty of Pennsylvania produce. Optional wine pairings will be available.
Rex at The Royal - For Valentine’s Day, this sexy new restaurant in the historic Royal Theater on South Street is serving its seasonal dinner menu featuring Southern and Low country cuisine. A 3-course prix fixe will also be offered including Fried Oysters; Halibut a la Planca; Smoked Beef Short Rib and Buttermilk Panna Cotta or Molten Chocolate Cake. Dinner can be paired with libations. Available February 12 and 14.
McGillin's Olde Ale House -- Philadelphia's oldest continuously operating tavern is known for its mating magic. More couples have met there than anywhere else in Philadelphia. Plus from February 1-14 the tavern is offering romantic food & drink specials like Kiss From A Rosé (Aperol Rosé, Splash of Grapefruit); Saint Valentine (Goose Strawberry & Lemongrass Vodka, Orange Liqueur, Cranberry); Love Potion Punch (Bacardi Superior, Orange, Pineapple & Cranberry Juice, Grenadine), and pints of Love City & McGillin’s Red Ale. From February 11-14, everyone who orders a Valentine’s cocktail gets a rose.
Del Frisco's Grille -- This steakhouse located on South Broad Street is offering dinner for two featuring Prime 22 oz. NY Strip Steak, shrimp, scallops, truffle mac & cheese and red velvet cheesecake. The restaurant is serving special Valentine's Day libations including the Queen of Hearts (The Botanist Gin, Liber Raspberry Gum Syrup, Fresh Lemon Juice and Sparkling Rosé) and Belle Glos, "Balade," Pinot Noir paired with a box of Godiva chocolate.
The Olde Bar - Chef Jose Garces' seafood restaurant in Old City will offer Surf and Turf for two, featuring Lobster Thermidor and Herb Marinated Butcher's Steak. Plus a Valentine's Day-themed cocktail list.
Dinner To-Go
Feast Your Eyes Catering - Not quite ready to eat in restaurants? Get this Valentine’s Day dinner for two. Includes five hors d’oeuvres, soup or salad to share, choice of two main dishes (herb crusted Prime Rib; Champagne Mustard and Herb Glazed Chilean Sea Bass; Pomegranate Glazed Roasted Quail; or Cassoulet with Mirepoix, Trumpet Mushroom Confit, Artichoke Hearts), a dessert to share. The special medal includes lots of choices for each course and generous portions. Available Friday, February 11 and Saturday, February 12.
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Classes/Activities
Hudson Table - The whole family can have fun at the Valentine’s Day Family Event. Kids can make edible body scrub, decorate tie-dye heart cookies and do a Valentine-related craft. Stop by anytime between 3 - 5 p.m. on February 13. $10/child. And there are daytime and evening cooking classes for couples on February 14 too.
Peddler’s Village - It’s Share the Love Weekend at Peddler’s Village in Lahaska. From February 12 to 14, there will be live entertainment, sales and culinary activities throughout the shopping village. And stop back on February 20 for the Winter Wedding Show when engaged couples can sample hors d’oeuvres and wedding cake, tour event spaces and meet local vendors.
Blue Cross RiverRink - What could be more romantic than ice skating under the twinkling lights and taking in the view of the Ben Franklin Bridge? On the evening of February 14, there will be entertainment by a deejay. Tickets include a rose and keepsake photo. For uber-romance, rent a warming cabin or fire pit too.
Haddonfield Sculpture Tour - Renew your wedding vows at the giant Open Heart in downtown Haddonfield, NJ. Free. There’s room for forty couples. Registration needed.
Art of the Age - For a different kind of date night shake, stir and sip with your Valentine at “Lovers & Libations,” a cocktail workshop. You’ll get hands-on instruction on how to create two cocktails, all of the necessary ingredients, and 10% off anything in the tempting store that stocks liquor and cocktail paraphernalia. On February 14.
Wayne Art Center - Enjoy a hands-on cooking class followed by a 4-course dinner with your sweetie. The Valentine’s Day Date Night menu includes roasted asparagus, micro-greens, Beef Stroganoff and Strawberry Tarts. On February 10.
Chaddsford Winery/Éclat Chocolate - Celebrate the holiday with a Wine & Chocolate Tasting in the newly renovated barrel room at this Delaware County winery. The staff will guide you through a tasting of five wines paired with chocolates from Éclat Chocolate, a West Chester chocolatier. Learn about grape growing and the winemaking process from production to bottling. 21+ only. The 60-minute daytime tastings will be held on select Saturdays and Sundays in February.
From Marjorie - Take a Valentine's Day-themed cheese and charcuterie board class to get step-by-step instructions on how to put a board together. Includes all the ingredients and materials you'll need. The class is BYOB. Class size limited. On February 12.
Hotel Dinners/Packages
The Bellevue Hotel - This iconic Philadelphia hotel on the Avenue of the Arts, will be serving a 3-course prix fixe meal in the XIX Pearl Room, one of Philadelphia’s most romantic restaurants. The restaurant has panoramic views of the city from floor-to-ceiling arched picture windows under a 36-foot dome rotunda draped in giant pearls. In addition, the hotel is offering a special overnight package including accommodations in a suite and breakfast for two.
Loews Philadelphia Hotel -- The hotel, which is in the historic PSFS building just east of City Hall, is offering a Room for Romance package. The package includes overnight accommodations in a newly-renovated guest room, breakfast at Banks & Bourbon, themed welcome amenities, and 20% off spa treatments at the Joseph Anthony Restore Spa & Salon on the 5th floor.
Note: It’s a good idea to check covid protocol before venturing out to restaurants and other venues so you know what to expect and what to bring.
by Irene Levy Baker, author, 100 Things To Do In Philadelphia and Unique Eats & Eateries of Philadelphia. Looking for things to do this winter? Want the scoop on what's new in Philadelphia? Visit www.100ThingsToDoInPhiladelphia.comfor signed books. For free shipping, use promo code TheCityPulse.
Click here for more blog postings by Irene Levy Baker including a list of restaurants with heated outside dining, restaurants with fireplaces, free walks for outrunning Omicron and more.