I can’t remember the last time I ventured out on Valentine’s Day. Personally, I think it is one of the worst days to dine out. Restaurants are overwhelmed and hardly ever provide the best service on a day like this. But in talking with some of my male friends, they tell me it is pretty much expected by the ladies they are dating.

I’ve compiled a list (with the help of Open Table) of some of the restaurants offering special menus for Valentine’s Day. Maybe it is a reflection of the current state of the economy or guys are just plain lazy, but a cursory peek on Open Table shows that many of the restaurants have tables available at peak times.

10 Degrees South – Sexy, sophisticated environment is the perfect setting for a spicy date night. For $60 per person, choose from menu items such as a Safari Salad or Calamari to start the night. Main entrees include dishes such as Kingklip, Chicken Curry and Filet au Poivre and desserts that will entice such as Chocolate Lava Cake and Raspberry White Chocolate Brulee Cheesecake.

Amuse – Chef Noelle has created a special3-course Prix Fixe Menu inspired by the “foods of love”
(priced at 45 per person)

Azul Agave Restaurant & Bar (Alpharetta)
In addition to our regular dinner menu we are offering a 4 course pre-fixed menu included champagne toast for $40 per person.

Baraonda Ristorante The restaurant’s Valentine’s Day specials include Pan Seared Maine Scallops, Panko Fried Oysters, Seared Beef Tenderloin and Blackfin Crab Filled Ravioli. Save room for dessert: Millefoglie, Puff Pastry Filled with Strawberry Campote, Chantilly Cream and Bourbon Chocolate Sauce, perfect for sharing with your sweetheart. Valentine’s Day specialty menu items range from $6-$25.

Bistro Niko (Buckhead)
Bistro Niko is offering our special four course menu featuring Chef Gary’s traditional creations as well as menu favorites. $59 per person. Wine pairings also available.

Botekim Brazilian Bistro (Marietta)
Come celebrate Valentine’s Day Brazilian Style! 4 Course menu for $24.95 per person.

Carpe Diem Cafe Bistro (Decatur)
Romance your Valentine at Carpe Diem! Chef Chebbi is cooking up some love with a 5-course Prix Fixe menu for $45 per person. Menu is also available a la carte. Dinner only.

Davio’s Northern Italian Steakhouse The 3-course prix-fixe dinner menu includes Sunchoke Soup, Foie Gras, Applewood Smoked Bacon; Grilled Sweet Gem Lettuce Salad, White Anchovy, Feta Dressing; Jonah Lump Crab Cake, Whole Grain Mustard Sauce; Gnocchi, Creamy Basil Pesto, Toasted Pinenuts, Lobster; Niman Ranch Sirloin, Curried Cauliflower Puree, Toasted Hazelnuts, Arugula; Striped Bass, Basil Coconut Risotto, Meyer Lemon Confit. Save room for dessert: a Caramel Chocolate Mousse Cake served with Brulée Strawberries and Basil Syrup; Citrus Ricotta Cheesecake served with Coconut Biscotti Crust and Caramel Blood Orange Syrup. $54 per person; $72 per person with wine pairings. Available for dinner Friday, February 10 through Tuesday, February 14.

Kyma – Buckhead
Four course menu featuring traditional creations as well as menu favorites. $69 per person. Wine pairing also available.

Livingston Restaurant (Midtown)
Three Course Dinner by Chef Zeb Stevenson & toast to a romantic evening with champagne on us! Three Course Menu $45.

Nava
Nava is offering our special four course menu featuring Chef Ryan’s traditional creations as well as menu favorites. $59 per person.

no. 246
Four-course, $55 prix-fixe dinner with a broad range of seasonal options sure to delight any diner.

Paschal’s Restaurant
Join us for Valentine’s Day Dinner, Feb 14th 5pm to 10pm, with a Romantic 4 Course Meal, Live Jazz, & Roses for the Ladies! $55/single & $85/couple.

Seed Kitchen & Bar (Marietta)
Celebrate in seductive style this Valentine’s Day at Seed. 4 course dinner menu for $49pp, sip on love potions from our sommelier’s exclusive wine list this night only.

The SHED at Glenwood
Join Us For A Wonderful 3 Course Prix Fixe & A Glass Of Bubbles With Dessert For Only $45! Make Your Reservation Today!

South City Kitchen Midtown
This Valentine’s Day, join us for a delicious, 3-course prix fixe dinner for only $39.95 per person (plus tax and gratuity). This is in place of our regular menu.

Veni Vidi Vici
Four course menu featuring Chef Jamie’s traditional creations as well as menu favorites. $59 per person.

A couple options for Singles headed out with friends.
HOBNOB Neighborhood Tavern
We will be serving our regular menu along with 3 course special menu for $19.95 and optional beer tasting pairing for $9.95

Publik Draft House will be hosting an Anti-Valentine’s Day party on Saturday, February 11th from 7:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. Publik will make bitter BETTER with drink specials such as Bitchin’ Pink Peppercorn martini, ‘I’m Not Your Ex’ Ginger martini, Bitter End cocktail, and ‘It’s Not Me It’s You’ cocktail and food specials such as the Single Man’s Bread Pudding and Cold-Bitter Heart Pot Roast with Vegetables.

Atlanta Botanical Garden
Valentine’s in the Garden – Sat 2/12 7-11pm. $30pp. Cocktails (not included in price), desserts, dancing to live music in the gardens.

High Museum
Valentine’s at the High. Sat 2/12 6-10pm. Free for members/$25pp/$40 couple. Salsa dance lessons, champagne/desserts for purchase. Special French Cabaret themed Valentine’s Day event in honor of the new “Toulouse-Lautrec & Friends” exhibition.

Dinner and Show in Old 4th Ward:
Dinner at Miso Izakaya- I really enjoy Miso Izakya. The food is tasty and affordable. You could visit over the weekend and stuff your belly and still get out at less than 100 bucks per couple.
Show at Villiage Theatre – This theatre is just down the street from Miso Izakaya. It is improv and prices are only 10 bucks. I’ve been there before (in fact I did this dinner and show thingy) and we laughed our asses off.

Valentine’s Day:
10 Degrees South
Valentine’s Day 3 course menu. Cannot go wrong with 10 Degrees South for Valentine’s Day. I adore this restaurant.
Set menu of only $50 per person.

Au Pied De Cochon $49
Green Asparagus and Smoked Salmon Salad,
Maine Lobster, Saffron Risotto with Pan Seared Shrimp, or Sea Bass Filet, or Beef Filet
Mint Panna Cotta or Strawberries and Chocolate

Cellar 56
It is no secret that I love the food at Cellar 56. Their menu on Valentine’s Day is good for the prior weekend too. Price is $79 per couple and includes a bottle of wine.
Highlights are: Strawberry Salad, Guinness Braised Short Rib, Flourless Chocolate Cake.

Divan
4 course prix fixed menu for $35-$40 per person. Special champagne and hookah packages will also be available.

Parks Edge
Join Parks Edge “Valentines Weekend”. 4 course prix-fixe menu for $55.00 pp Fri, Sat, Sun, and Mon evenings. Complimentary Champagne toast for each guest. Brunch is amazing – why not plan to do brunch on Sunday for V-day and cook a romantic dinner at home on Monday?

Pura Vida
Valentine’s Day package: Each couple will get to select 6 tapas, a dessert & a bottle of wine to share, from our Valentine’s Day Aphrodisiac Menu. Cost is $85 per couple. Most Romantic Dish: Roses & Date Ice Cream

The SHED at Glenwood
3 course Prix Fixe Dinner/$45 per person. Includes a glass of Bubbles for Dessert

SOHO – Vinings
Special Menu for the weekend of 2/11 – 2/14

Starters
She Crab Bisque with Herbed Butter Saltines $7
Seared Sonoma Foie Gras en croûte, Burgundy Poached Pear and Sauterne $15
Fresh Oysters on the Half Shell with Two Sauces $8 (half dozen) or $12 (full dozen)
Salad of Beet Hearts, Watercress, Candied Almonds, Brie, Raspberry Champagne Vinaigrette $9
Entrees
Veal and Porcini Ravioli Hearts, Sautéed Spinach and Sun Dried Tomatoes, Rose Pink Sauce $25
Fennel Seed Encrusted Maple Leaf Farms Duck Breast, Parsnip Puree, Swiss Chard, Dark Cherry Jus $27
Broiled Maine Lobster Tail, Roasted Red Pepper Polenta Cake, Asparagus, Saffron verjus $32

Fifth Group Restaurants:
South City Kitchen Midtown $40 prefix for 3 Courses
Large menu selection including Shrimp and Scallop Crudo, She-Crab Soup, Grilled Lamb Leg with pecan-arugula pesto

La Tavola $50 Prix Fixe for 3 Courses
Menu selections include Duck liver crostini, caramelized pears, frisee lettuce, veal scallopine with prosciutto and sage, Mascarpone cheesecake with pecan streusel

Ecco $50 Prix Fixe for 3 Courses
Menu highlights include: Sauteed halibut cheeks with white wine and fingerling potatoes
Seared duck breast with chestnut panisse and mostarda
Grilled lamb ribs, roasted mushrooms and tomato

So, here are 3 restaurants I think are great choices for Valentine’s Day. These restaurants have great food, a good atmosphere and won’t break the bank. Oh yeah, and as of the time this post is published, you can still score a table there, but hurry.

Divan Restaurant and Hookah Lounge
This is a small restaurant that specialized in middle eastern food and Hookahs. They have a 4 course meal for between $35 and $45 per person, depending on your seating time.
Website
3125 Piedmont Rd NE
Atlanta, GA 30305
(404) 467-4297

Pura Vida
Tapas are so sexy! There’s something about the small plates and sharing all the dishes with each other. Pura Vida’s Valentine’s special includes 6 tapas (for the couple), a bottle of wine, and a dessert to share. They stress that the menu will highlight aphrodisiacs. Oysters anyone? Price is $40 per person.
656 N Highland Ave NE
Atlanta, GA 30306
(404) 870-9797
Website

WaterHaven is a really overlooked restaurant. I’m sure due to it’s location near GA Tech, it is often forgotten. But it is truly lovely inside and the food is incredible. Their Valentine’s menu is only $35 per person and a fantastic deal! Also, wine is half off that night.

Guys this is a great restaurant if you’re stumped for one. And they are wide open for reservations at the time of this post. Check out the Valentine menu below. I recommend the lamb sliders followed by the trout.

STARTERS
House Salad spring mix, candied walnuts, blue cheese, sherry thyme vinaigrette
WaterHaven Caesar romaine, asiago, anchovy lemonette dressing
Lamb Sliders spiced lamb, minted yogurt, yeast roll
Crab Cake jumbo lump, kafir lime, cucumber salad, house remoulade
Calamari lightly battered, sweet chili sauce, lemon garlic aioli
Soup of the Day chef’s inspiration

ENTREES
Georgia Trout pan seared with applewood smoked bacon, butternut squash
ravioli, toasted pecans, dried cranberries, sage butter
Pork Loin grilled loin chop with apple chutney and winter greens timbale
Salmon fennel coriander crust, orange saffron butter, creamed leeks, grilled fennel
Fresh Vegetable Plate chef’s choice of fresh local vegetables
Filet Mignon grilled beef medallions, loaded potato rosti, mushroom ragu
Herb Chicken roasted with grilled new potatoes, winter greens

DESSERT
Chef’s Special Holiday Dessert

75 Fifth Street NW
Atlanta, GA 30308
404 214 6740
Website

Ok, still want a reservation at one of those fancy, expensive restaurants? I’ve made a reservation for Dogwood restaurant on Valentine’s Day, which is completely booked between 5 and 9PM. They have a Prix Fix menu for $60 per person.

Leave a comment telling me why you want it. The best one scores the reservation!! Good Luck!

Who: Chef Chris Lee of WaterHaven

When: Monday, February 8, 7-9 p.m.

Where: The Cook’s Warehouse – Midtown/Ansley Mall
1544 Piedmont Road, Ste. 403-R, Atlanta, GA 30324

Cost: $55 – Demonstration and Tasting

I absolutely fell in love with WaterHaven after visiting it for Midtown Restaurant week last summer. So, I was thrilled to see that Chef Lee will be teaching a cooking class specifically geared to Valentine’s Day. Chef Lee will help you impress that special someone in your life by demonstrating how to prepare

• Oysters with apple horseradish mignonette

• Hearts of Palm Soup with Georgia white shrimp

• Lobster and Mussels in saffron cream with angel hair pasta

• Chocolate Hazelnut Bars with Gran Marnier sauce.

The evening includes wine tastings sponsored by National Distributor’s.

The Atlanta Community Food Bank’s Simple Abundance Cooking Class series provides you the opportunity to interact with Atlanta’s top chefs, learn the secrets of exquisite dishes, and help feed Atlanta’s hungry. One hundred percent of class tuition benefits Atlanta’s Table, a project of the Food Bank that collects food from our local hospitality industry and delivers it to more than 40 nonprofit partner agencies that provide meals for those in need.

Risotto with Artichoke Hearts & Red Bell Peppers

* 3 cups vegetable broth
* 1/2 small red bell pepper, cut julienne
* 1/2 cup artichoke hearts, cooked
* 1 teaspoon olive oil
* 1 onion, minced
* 1 cup Arborio rice
* 1/3 cup dry white wine
* 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
* 1 tablespoon minced parsley

Heat broth to near boil and keep hot in saucepan. Cook bell pepper and artichoke hearts in 2 tbs. broth. Remove. Cook onion in 2 tbs. broth until softened. Add oil and rice and cook 1 minute. Add wine. Cook until wine is almost gone. Add broth just to cover rice. Cook and stir over medium heat until broth is absorbed. Add more broth and continue cooking broth down and adding new broth until rice is just done (about 20 minutes). Add vegetables and cook to heat done. Stir in Parmesan and parsley before serving.

Prawns of Passion

Ingredients:

* 1 cup butter, divided
* 1 medium head garlic, peeled and minced
* 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
* 2 pounds or one kg large shrimp – peeled, deveined and butterflied
* 1 medium head garlic, peeled and minced
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Directions:

Melt 1/2 cup butter in a saucepan over low heat. Add 1 minced head of garlic and saute for 2 to 3 minutes until soft. Stir in the tomatoes and bring to a simmer. Continue cooking until reduced to a thick paste, about 60 to 90 minutes. In a separate saucepan, melt remaining 1/2 cup butter in a saucepan over low heat. Saute remaining garlic for 2 to 3 minutes. Toss prawns in garlic butter sauce and place on a baking sheet. Broil until pink, do not overcook.

Phyllo-Wrapped Salmon with Roasted Red Pepper

Ingredients:

* 1 cup roasted red peppers
* 12 sheets frozen phyllo pastry, thawed,
* 6 tablespoons melted butter or nonstick spray,
* 6 (5 oz.) skinless salmon fillets, 1 inch thick

Directions:

Puree red peppers.

Layer 2 sheets phyllo on work surface, brushing each with butter or spray with nonstick spray; leave remaining sheets of phyllo covered with plastic. Place 1 fillet crosswise on the pastry, 5 inches from the narrow end. Top with 1 Tbsp. puree. fold the 5 inch section of pastry over the salmon and fold in the sides. Roll the pastry into a rectangular packet to enclose the salmon. Brush with butter on all sides or spray with nonstick spray. Repeat with the remaining pastry and salmon.

Place packets on baking sheet and bake at 400 degrees for 30-35 minutes until the salmon is cooked through and the pastry is light golden brown. Top with the remaining pepper puree.