Best On-The-Grid Restaurants for V-Day
By Amelia Neufeld
Still looking for the perfect plans this Valentine’s Day? Well, look no further…
Ella
Ella is a great place to celebrate a birthday, promotion or any special occasion, and Valentine’s Day is no exception. My boyfriend and I went there on Valentine’s two years ago, and the restaurant was literally filled with couples celebrating the special day. This year, Ella, which is not normally open on Sundays, has a special, four-course Valentine’s prix-fixe menu (located at http://thekitchenrestaurant.com/ella/ellavday2010.html) for $125 per person that sounds amazing (and very French).
Upon arrival, you are greeted with a bottle of Avenay-Val-D’Or champagne (an $80 value; one per couple). To start is a Dungeness crab crêpe topped with caviar and crème fraîche. The second course is fettuccine with wild mushrooms, followed by beef tenderloin with bordelaise sauce and a side of puréed carrots. Dessert is a chocolate Napoleon with orange-flavored chocolate mousse and white chocolate ice cream. Yum! And Bon Appétit!
If you are interested, call to make reservations now—they are nearly booked. 1131 K Street. (916) 443-3772.
Tuli Bistro
Tuli is an adorable bistro-style restaurant with a friendly wait staff and a fantastic (and reasonably-priced) wine list. This Valentine’s, they will be hosting two seatings (at 5:30 and 8:30 p.m.) of their 3rd Annual “Sinfully Delicious” prix-fixe meal—a clever, seven-course culinary interpretation of the seven deadly sins. Price is $125 per person, with wine pairings an additional $25 per person (and yes, that’s seven pairings of wine). As of press time, the menu was not available online, however keep checking at http://www.tulibistro.com. 2031 S Street. (916) 451-8854.
Mulvaney’s
Mulvaney’s, with its twinkling lights, picturesque patio garden and intimate vibe, is, hands-down, one of the most romantic dining spots in Sacramento. So thankfully, they have changed their Sunday hours and will be open for Valentine’s! While they are not doing a special menu for the occasion, their normal dinner menu, which changes daily, is always inspired, featuring tasty, local and seasonal ingredients. A few favorites of my boyfriend and I include the house smoked salmon with Irish brown bread, double cut Bledsoe pork chop with apple compote and a tasting of their homemade ice creams and sorbets for dessert. Sample menus can be found at http://www.culinaryspecialists.com. 1215 19th Street. (916) 441-6022.
L Wine Lounge
L Wine Lounge is a midtown hot spot, kind of like the Grid’s version of “Cheers,” where every time you stop in, you are bound to find a neighbor, friend or colleague, as well as a great glass of wine. For Valentine’s Day, L is offering a four-course menu featuring an appetizer, soup or salad, entrée and dessert for $45 per person and wine pairings for $25 per person. There are three options per course to choose from, including oysters half shell; Cara Cara orange, beet and avocado salad with salsa verde; a grilled pork chop with carrot harissa purée with sweet onion jus and fried polenta; and chocolate pots de crème with crème fraîche. Or, since it’s Sunday, you can take advantage their regular, all-you-can-eat pizzetta night. If you ask nicely, they may even bake it in the shape of a heart. 1801 L Street. (916) 443-6970.
Home Sweet Home
Pick up some gourmet food items from Taylor’s Market or Corti Brothers and spend a romantic evening “in” with your Valentine. Let the knowledgeable and creative butchers, wine purveyors and specialty food associates at Taylor’s or Corti’s help you plan and cook a fantastic Valentine’s meal for your sweetheart. Don’t forget the champagne! Taylor’s Market: 2900 Freeport Boulevard. Corti Brothers: 5810 Folsom Boulevard.
I love these recommendations and love these restaurants!