Live music. Candlelit dinner. Heart-shaped desserts. However cheesy, on Valentine’s Day, it all adds up for the perfect meal (including, of course, your significant other). And you don’t have to look any further than these romantic restaurants for another great match this Feb. 14.
The whole nine yards
Buckley’s opens up the whole restaurant, including the catering hall, this Valentine’s Day to create a romantic environment for its diners. That includes two singers, candlelit tables and a cozy fireplace.
“We’re doing all the romantic stuff for Valentine’s Day, cozy fireplace, romantic lighting, the whole nine yards,” said owner Jimmy Buckley. “There’s something for everyone.”
The Marine Park Restaurant will have a limited special menu, with entrees ranging from $19.99 to $29.95, including such restaurant standards as roast prime rib, as well as herb-crusted rack of lamb, New York strip steak served with blue cheese butter, and, for dessert, an apple blueberry crisp.
Buckley’s [2926 Avenue S at Nostrand Avenue in Mill Basin, (718) 998-4222]. Reservations suggested.
A rose is a rose is a rose
Salvi Restaurant will try to steal every ladies’ heart with a rose this Valentine’s Day, as the Marine Park Italian brings on the charm with a free flower, as well as live piano music as you dine.
There’ll be a limited menu than usual to choose from, including a variety of pasta, fish, meat and chicken dishes for any appetite. And don’t leave without sharing the heart-shaped dessert.
“It’s a special dessert we make for every year,” said owner Jerry Camarda. “It’s similar to a Napoleon, but lighter.”
Salvi Restaurant [4220 Quentin Rd. between Flatbush Avenue and Hendrickson Street in Marine Park, 718-252-3030]. Reservations recommended.
Ditmas dining
OK, so this one isn’t on Valentine’s Day, but if you’re not feeling Monday night dining, head to Purple Yam on Feb. 12 for a Maine-inspired meal. That’s right, New England meets the Philippines at the Cortelyou Road restaurant, as chef Kathy Gunst prepares a feast featuring lobsters, oysters, littleneck clams and Maine shrimp. There will also be wild blueberries, goat, artisanal cheese sand Byrne and Carlson chocolates. Local Maryann McSweeney will also perform live music with her jazz trio for the special occasion.
For the traditionalist, nearby, Farm on Adderley will be serving a prefixed three-course menu on Valentine’s Day proper. Chef Tom Kearney will prepare two seasonal choices for each course at the laid-back bistro.
Purple Yam [1314 Cortelyou Rd. between Argyle and Rugby roads in Ditmas Park, (718) 940-8188], Feb. 12 with seatings at 7 pm and 9:30 pm. $85. Reservations required; Farm on Adderley [1108 Cortelyou Rd. between Stratford and Westminster Roads in Ditmas Park, (718) 287-3101], Feb. 14 with seatings at 5:30, 7:30 and 9:30 pm. $45. Reservations accepted.
That’s amore
Several of Brooklyn’s mainstay Italian restaurants are natural choices for Valentine’s Day thanks to their old-world charm, intimate dining, and, of course, authentic, tasty food. That includes Pinocchio’s Restaurant in Marine Park, which is offering an a la carte menu, Il Posto in Bergen Beach, wich will be offering a special Valentine’s Day menu, and, over in Bay Ridge, Colandrea New Corner Restaurant — one of oldest Italian restaurants in Brooklyn, despite the name — which will offer a prix-fixe menu. Buon appetito!
Pinocchio’s Restaurant [5811 Avenue N between E. 58th and E. 59th streets in Marine Park, (718) 444-3537]; Il Posto [7409 Avenue U between E. 74th and Royce streets in Bergen Beach, (718) 241-4317]; Colandrea New Corner Restaurant [7201 Eighth Ave. at 72nd Street in Bay Ridge, (718) 833-0800]. Reservations recommended for all.
Go green
Bay Ridge’s Greenhouse Cafe is celebrating Valentine’s Day all weekend long, with live music, a Sunday brunch, and dinner on the big day.
“When Valentine’s Day falls on a weekday, the weekend is usually filled with whole families celebrating the holiday,” said owner Bobby Daquara. “But on the big day, we have a great menu for couples and free entertainment, so you can’t go wrong.”
For brunch, feast on such appetizers as grilled grapefruit with cognac glaze, entrees like eggs benedict, dutch apple pancakes, sliced steak with eggs, and dessert. There’s also unlimited champagne.
The Valentine’s Day dinner includes a traditional champagne toast, appetizers including lobster bisque, lasagna bolognese, and the “Cupid Salad.” For the main dish, choose from chicken cordon blue, boneless shell steak, and shrimp stuffed with crab meat. For dessert, don’t pass on the chocolate mousse.
Greenhouse Café [7717 Third Ave. between 77th and 78th streets in Bay Ridge, (718) 833-8200]. Brunch $25; dinner $35. Reservations recommended.
