Choo-Choo-Choose Your Favorite Valentine's Day Meal at Atlanta Restaurants

Still haven’t made those Valentine’s Day plans yet?  Don’t worry, we won’t tell your sweetie… in fact, we have you covered with a “get out of jail free” card with lots of amazing, romantic opportunities to wine and dine your love this February!

Aqua blue in Roswell is offering a special four-course menu from Friday, February 11 through Monday, February 14 for $50 per person (plus tax and gratuity).   The regular a la carte menu also is available.  For reservations, call 770-643-8886. 

Aria will offer a four-course Valentine's menu for $85 per person with wine pairings available at an additional cost.  For reservations, call the restaurant at 404-233-7673.

For those not so fond of the day of love, Atkins Park Tavern in Smyrna is hosting an Anti-Valentine's Day party on Saturday, February 12 beginning at 10 p.m.  The lovelorn can lift their spirits with Sam Adams and Grey Goose drink specials.  The restaurant also will offer a $38 four-course Valentine's Day menu with complimentary chocolate-covered strawberries and prosecco on Saturday, February 12 and Monday, February 14.  Reservations are recommended; call 770-435-1887.

Enjoy Valentine's Day weekend at Davio's Northern Italian Steakhouse.  The Phipps Plaza restaurant is offering Executive Chef Bennett Hollberg's holiday prix fixe menu for $48 a person from Friday, February 11 through Monday, February 14.  For reservations, call 404-844-4810. 

Enjoy Ecco's European-inspired ambiance and cuisine in the heart of Midtown.  For Valentine's Day, Ecco is offering a $50 three-course prix fixe menu.  Highlights include appetizer choices of fried goat cheese, honey and black pepper; seared scallops with fennel, tarragon and curry; and local pork belly, salted cabbage and cranberry bean salad.  Among the entrée choices are mushroom risotto with fontina val d'aosta; sautéed halibut cheeks with white wine and fingerling potatoes; and grilled lamb ribs with roasted mushrooms and tomato.  For dessert, choose between the chocolate truffle tasting and walnut and chocolate semifreddo with caramel-espresso.  For reservations, call 404-347-9555

Share a romantic menu for two at Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar from Friday, February 11 through Monday, February 14.  The restaurant also is giving a $25 Fleming's card to Valentine's Day guests.  For reservations, call 770-698-8112. 

JCT. Kitchen & Bar dishes up Executive Chef/Owner Ford Fry's Southern favorites on a "taste" + three, four-course menu for $55 per person on Monday, February 14 only.  For reservations, call 404-355-2252. 

Celebrate Valentine's Italian style with La Tavola Trattoria's $49 three-course, prix fixe menu. Among the appetizers are grilled calamari with cannellini beans, celery, harissa and lemon agrumato oil and burrata with caviar and arugula.  Entrée selections include wild striped bass with sunchoke puree, crispy pancetta and salsa verde; Saltimbocca alla Romana, veal scallopine with prosciutto and sage, roasted fingerling potatoes, frisée and anchovy vinaigrette; and wild mushroom agnolotti with chive flowers and black truffle butter.  Sweet endings include Meyer lemon-olive oil cake with stewed huckleberries and fresh cream and mascarpone cheesecake with pecan streusel, candied pecans and pomegranate curd.  Call 404-873-5430 for reservations.  Now that's amore!

Bring a date, or not, to the annual "Queen of Hearts" Valentine's social at Pacci Ristorante on Thursday, February 10 from 6 - 9 p.m.   The event is free of charge and will feature complimentary appetizers, cocktail specials, raffle prizes, a tarot card reader and a Q & A session with Atlanta-based author and syndicated advice columnist Blane Bachelor, who also is The Sunday Paper's resident romance expert.  Then Friday, February 11 through Monday, February 14, Executive Chef Keira Moritz has planned a special three-course menu for $40 per person plus tax and gratuity.  The restaurant's regular menu also will be served.  For reservations, call 678-412-2402.

Pinkberry has a way to say "You Make My Heart Swirl" between February 11 and February 14.  Select from three Valentine's-themed combos of Pinkberry yogurt and toppings packaged for Valentine's Day and decorated with balloons, ribbons and hearts.  They'll even hand deliver the treat -- free of charge -- to that someone special's home or office.  Pinkberry Swirly Grams are swoonable gifts to send to a loved one farther away and are available through Pinkberry's website.  Order online through February 9 and in stores through February 10.

Friday, February 11 through Monday, February 14, all three Ray's Restaurants -- Rays on the River, Ray's at Killer Creek and Ray's in the City -- are offering four-course Valentine's Day menus for $65 (excluding tax, gratuity and alcohol).  Each restaurant's regular menu also will be available. Make reservations online or call Ray's on the River at 770-955-1187, Ray's at Killer Creek at 770-649-0064 or Ray's in the City at 404-524-9224.

For a taste of the South on Valentine's Day, South City Kitchen Midtown and South City Kitchen Vinings are each offering prix fixe menus for $39.95.  Guests get a choice of appetizer, entrée and dessert.  View the complete Midtown menu and Vinings menu online.  For reservations, call Midtown at 404-873-7358 and Vinings at 770-435-0700.

Spice Market in the W Hotel-Midtown spreads the Valentine's Day celebration over two days, Sunday, February 13 and Monday, February 14.  On those days, guests may choose any appetizer, entrée and dessert for just $30 (with an up charge of $8 for lobster or steak).  Each guest will receive a special red fortune cookie that could include an offer for a free dessert or free appetizer.  For reservations, call 404-724-2550. 

Hark, Woodfire Grill is raising the curtain on Valentine's Day celebrations with its annual "Fools for Love" event on Sunday, February 13 at 7 p.m.  Come for a pairing of a delicious dinner and an exciting performance from Georgia Shakespeare. Tickets for the unforgettable evening are $125 each and can be purchased online. 

Uncle Julio’s knows that love is all about sharing, so they’re offering their delicious Plato de Amor for two from February 7 to 20.  Saddle up by your sweetie and enjoy cold water lobster tail, shrimp brochette, mesquite grilled combination fajitas, fresh guacamole & pico de gallo, along with rice & frijoles a la charra for $49.95 per couple.  Make your reservation at the Buckhead location at 404-974-2991 or their Sandy Springs location at 678-736-8260.

It's Follow Friday; Meet our Tweep of the Week @spicerouteATL

Exploring other cultures is fascinating, and the Spice Route Supper Club (@spicerouteATL) is hot stuff when it comes to delving into the foods and cultures of Kerala and other Indian states.  We talked about their upcoming Kerala Supper Club event earlier this week. 

Follow their tweets and website to discover more fascinating opportunities and learn more!

It Pays To Wear Pumps

Forget the flats. Saturday night is high heel night - especially at Atkins Park Tavern in Smyrna. Every Saturday night at 10 p.m.this Atkins Park location steps into "High Heel Night" mode. Every inch of heel on your skyscraper-high shoes knocks a 3 percent discount your way. Toss back $3 shots and female-friendly drinks sponsored by BACARDI when you're not out on the dance floor. All of this fun under your feet, music and no cover charge to boot!

Eat Local, Think Global with the Global Animal Partnership

It’s not “Where’s the beef?” these days; it’s “What’s the beef?”  Consumers are more aware than ever before that “you are what you eat”, and knowing the story behind what we eat is so important.

As most hungry Atlantans know, White Oak Pastures’ Will Harris is widely known in these parts for his delicious and humanely raised grass-fed beef.   Now the farm is taking their commitment to animal welfare standards to a new high with the Global Animal Partnership! 

The GAP is a nonprofit organization that facilitates and encourages continuous improvement in animal agriculture. Independent, third-party certifiers audit farms and rate animal welfare practices and conditions using a tiered system that ranges from Step 1 (no crates, cages or crowding) to Step 5+ (animals spend their entire lives on one farm).  The steps benefit everyone from the animal to you, the consumer.  Visit them online to learn more about these steps.

Will Harris is heading to Atlanta this week to chat with customers at area Whole Foods about the Global Animal Partnership – head over, say hello to Will and learn more!

Thursday:
Briarcliff Whole Foods location from 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.

Friday:
Harry’s Farmer’s Market Alpharetta from 11 to 2 p.m.
Buckhead Whole Foods location from 3-6 p.m.

Saturday:
Whole Foods Market Johns Creek store from 11-2 p.m.

Sunday:
Whole Foods Ponce de Leon from 11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.

Dress Your Best in Red (or Black) for the Queen of Hearts

Come play the cards and join the party on Thursday, February 10 at Pacci Ristorante for their second annual “Queen of Hearts” cocktail party! In the bar area from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. enjoy complimentary appetizers, drink specials, free tarot card readings, and raffle prizes. You may even have a chance to have all of your relationship questions answered by Atlanta-based author and syndicated advice columnist Blane Bachelor.

During the night, you can draw from the deck of cards to win prizes that correspond with the suit and the number you pick. Prizes will include dinner for two at Pacci, a cocktail party at AltoRex Rooftop Lounge for six guests, gift baskets with wine and Chef Keira Moritz’s tapenade, and a brunch for up to six guests at Pacci.

And don’t forget to be festive and show up in either red, in celebration for Valentine’s Day, or black, if opposed to the holiday. Admission is free of charge so you can’t say ‘no’ to this social event! For more information, check out Pacci’s Facebook page.

Pacci Ristorante: 866 West Peachtree Street NW, adjacent to Hotel Palomar in Midtown; 678-412-2402.

I Prefer My Bowl to Be Super!

Super Bowl Sunday is fast approaching, but do you know what you're doing for the big game? If not, then let The Dish pass along a few places to enjoy the football festivities. The Dish will be able to guide you whether you're in Dunwoody, Midtown or Duluth, with greats like Fleming's Steakhouse & Wine Bar, RA Sushi and Marlow's Tavern. Don't miss out on great deals and the camaraderie of cheering on your favorite team at these local nosh spots.

If you're having friends over to catch the battle of the Steelers vs. Packers, then Uncle Julio's Fine Mexican Food is the way to go. With the game in Arlington, TX at "Jerry World," Uncle Julio's will be able to provide you plenty of Tex-Mex options. You can pick up a Party Pack to-go and keep the tailgate in the comfort of your living room.

For more details, get your scoop at The Dish.

“Taste and Tell” at Aqua blue's Ernst Loosen Winemaker Dinner on Feb. 9

Take the night off from cooking and allow Aqua blue to serve you with a five-course dinner and wine pairing with wine expert Ernie Loosen on Wednesday, Feb. 9 at 7 p.m. While the engaging craftsman enjoys making wine at Dr. Loosen as a profession, his passion is to travel the world and share his knowledge and enthusiasm for his favorite wines. Loosen comes from a 200-year legacy of German winemaking, and his wines and expertise are ideal complements for the culinary talents of Aqua blue Chefs John C. Metz and Kien Sam.

The night’s menu features an assortment of five Chef's Tastes served with 2009 Villa Wolf Pinot Gris; a first plate of hamachi with jalapeño and Japanese uzu served with 2008 Eroica Riesling; middle plate of firecracker crab fritter, spicy jumbo lump crab, wasabi tobiko and sesame rice cake with sweet soy glaze served with 2008 Dr. Loosen Ürziger Würzgarten Spätlese; main plate of crispy veal chop with winter squash and potato gratin and wild mushroom ragout served with 2008 J. Christopher Pinot Noir, "Sandra Adele," and ends with a warm North Georgia Pink Lady apple and pear tarte tatin served with 2007 Dr. Loosen Estate Eiswein.

$80 per person (excludes tax and gratuity). For reservations, call 770-643-8886.

A Delicious Italian Adventure Awaits with Chef Craig

Forget the beach this summer… there are much better trips awaiting you and your taste buds!   If you’ve experienced the wonderful cuisine of Executive Chef Craig Richards of La Tavola Trattoria in Atlanta’s Virginia Highlands, you know he knows his way around creating amazing Italian food.  

Now you can join him for a full week in Tuscany from June 18-25 with a great schedule of cooking classes, trips to visit beautiful Sienna and Florence, plus tours of local culinary delights like a cheese factory and much more!  If that’s not enough to make you start packing your bags, you can find more information online. 

Go Easy on Your Wallet by Cooking a Steak Dinner for Your Valentine!

Sound too good to be true? Thanks to The New York Butcher Shoppe, it really is easy and affordable to be romantic this Valentine's Day. Woo your sweetheart with a candlelight dinner at home by taking advantage of the shop's marvelous meal for two. The Valentine's Day Meal Deal includes two eight-ounce fillets aged a minimum of 21 days, two loaded potatoes, salad for two and a loaf of bread for only $29.99. Upgrade to USDA Prime filet for $5 more or make it a surf and turf by adding two four-ounce lobster tails for $15. Grab a bottle of wine and some red velvet or chocolate torte cake to complete the dreamy meal. And if you need steak cooking tips, tune into CBS Better Mornings Atlanta on Friday, February 11 for some expert advice from The New York Butcher Shoppe's Robb Dillon. Your loved one will thank you.

New York Butcher Shoppe: Dunwoody at 2458 Mt. Vernon Road, 770-399-6328; Sandy Springs at 4969 Roswell Road, Suite 215, 404-303-0704; Alpharetta at 5354 McGinnis Ferry Road, Suite 226A, 678-624-0047.

Mark Your Calendars For An Evening in Kerala

Once known as the Malabar Coast, Kerala, India is better known for the harmony of diverse cultures and the treasure trove of spices grown there. Spice Route Supper Club and Dinner Party Atlanta are two supper clubs combining these intoxicating elements for An Evening in Kerala, featuring traditional music, dance, cuisine and unique cocktails on Friday, February 18. Dinner will be a 21-dish vegetarian feast usually experienced only on India's southern coast. Adding to mealtime authenticity, guests will sit on floor cushions and eat with their hands using traditional banana leaves. Wear comfortable clothes and easy-to-remove shoes! Cocktail hour starts at 8 p.m. followed by dinner at 9 p.m. The event is being held at the Grand Atrium at 200 Peachtree Street. Tickets are $100 each, and seating is limited so purchase now. The event supports Raksha, a Georgia-based nonprofit organization that addresses social and protection issues within the metropolitan area's South Asian community.