For Columbus dwellers, the month of February is synonymous with two things: cold weather and Valentine’s Day. This year, the “most romantic of holidays” falls on a Friday, making it that much easier to splurge as there’s no work the next day. Here are 8 places around town you may consider expending some excess extravagance:
Ella Restaurant
Known for exceptional food and eclectic ambiance, Ella Restaurant, located at 266 East Main Street in New Albany, will offer both a 4-course and a 5-course prix fixe menu for Valentine’s dinner. Guests will choose from Lobster Bisque, Butter Lettuce Salad, and Seared Hudson Valley Foie Gras for the first course, and Ahi Tuna Poke, Caramelized Onion Jam Bruschetta, and Braised Veal Cheek Ravioli for the second. The third course is optional, and includes Sugar Cane Skewered Grilled Sea Scallops, Pan Seared Petite Ohio Filet Mignon, and Pan Fried Sweet Onion & Dried Fig Kugel. Entrée choices include Grilled Chilean Sea Bass, Grilled Rack of Lamb, and Smoked Portabella Steak, while dessert is a choice of Almond-Raspberry Crostada, Assorted Truffles, or Tangerine-Vanilla Compote Stuffed Mini French Toast. The four-course menu is $55 per person; for all 5 courses, diners will pay $65. To make a reservation, visit www.ella-restaurant.com.
Hubbard Grille
Whether you’re single or a dynamic duo, Hubbard Grille, located at 793 North High Street, has a Valentine’s Day menu for you. For $35, bachelors and bachelorettes can enjoy a three-course, prix fixe menu that includes salad, entrée, and dessert. The Lover’s Special is $65, and includes the additional choice of an appetizer to replace the salad. Singles can choose the Hub Salad, Roasted Beet Salad, or Caesar Salad to start; couples can also choose from Seared Tuna, Calamari, Coconut Curry Mussels, Crispy Duck Wings, and Short Ribs & Shrimp as an appetizer. For the second course, Hubbard Grille offers the choice of Herb Marinated Pork Chop, Steak and Frites, Scallops au Poivre, Cajun Spiced Mahi Mahi, and Beef Tenderloin Medallions. Dessert brings Pistachio & Orange Tart, Dried Fruit Upside Down Cake, and Almond Mocha Creme Brulée. To make a reservation, visit www.hubbardgrille.com.
The Oak Room at The Granville Inn
For a truly romantic evening, consider The Oak Room at The Granville Inn, 314 East Broadway in Granville. Executive Chef Chad Lavely is preparing a seven-course shared tasting menu for the occasion at $175 per couple. Lovers will enjoy Velvet Lobster Bisque and Buckwheat Blini Caviar as starters, followed by Barbecued Oysters and Breast of Duck. The main course will be Steak Diane. Assorted Chocolate Truffles and a Fresh Fruit Tartlette rounds out the experience. Wines are paired with the courses and included in the cost. There will also be an à la carte menu available that night. For reservations, go to www.granvilleinn.com.
Mughal Darbar
Authentic Indian food can be very seductive. It’s spicy, intriguing, and easily eaten with your hands, which should lead to sexy behavior. Not convinced? Then pay a visit to Mughal Darbar, located at 2321 North High Street, this Valentine’s Day. Their genuine Mughlai cuisine is perfect for sharing, and affordable for most budgets. The Lamb Rogan Josh is perky and exciting, while the Coconut Murgh is innovative and adventurous. Mughal Darbar also offers gluten free, vegetarian, and vegan options, like Baigan Bhertha and Dal Makhani. In addition, every guest will receive a free dessert, so make a reservation at www.mughaldarbarrestaurant.com.
Spagio
For Valentine’s Day this year, Chef Hubert will create a special à la carte menu for the occasion. Guests at the over 30 year old restaurant, located at 1295 Grandview Avenue, will be able to choose from Feuille de Brick Purse, Bruschetta Trio, and Crab & Avocado Salad, among others, to start. Dinner options include Braised Short Ribs, Vegetable Napoleon, and Grilled Shrimp Puttanesca. Most dishes can be made gluten free upon request, so place your reservation today at www.spagio.com.
Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls
There are few spots as remotely inviting as the Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls, located at 21190 State Route 374 in Logan, in Ohio. For Valentine’s Day, the elegant hideawy will serve a four-course dinner for $55 per person. The first course choices are Cream of Mushroom Soup and Classic Caeasar Salad. The entrée options are Steak au Poivre with Pan Demi-Glaze, Brown Sugar Chipotle Roasted Salmon, and Frenched Pork Chop with Mango Chutney. A decadent Strawberry Chocolate Cheesecake will end the meal. The Inn & Spa offers this special dinner on Valentine’s Day, as well as on the 13th and 21st, so make your reservation at www.innatcedarfalls.com.
Trattoria Roma
For Valentine’s Day, Trattoria Roma, located at 1447 Grandview Avenue, will be serving a classic Italian menu à la carte. Chef Matthew Prokopchak will feature Gamberi, Fritto Misto, Spinaci e Fragole, and Fonduta, among others, for diners’ primi course. For the Entradi, guests will have a choice of offerings that run from $18 – $35, and includes Ravioli di Aragosta, Salmone Aromatica, Vitello Milanese, and Mahi Mahi al Caprese. To make a reservation, visit www.trattoria-roma.com.
Mozart’s Bakery & Piano Café
Some of the most lavish and beautiful dining rooms in the city can be found at Mozart’s Bakery & Café, located at 4784 North High Street. This Valentine’s Day, they will offer a three-course menu at $27.95 per diner. To start, Vol au Vent; to finish, Iced Grand Marnier Souffle. Dinner options include Grilled Winter Vegetables, Two Petite Pork Tenderloin Schnitzels, and Atlantic Salmon with Poached Shrimp. Mozart’s will also recommend wine pairings for this dinner – Vinererons de Mancey, a pinot noir at $22 a bottle, St. Christopher Piesporter Goldtropfchen, a $16 reisling, and Arnaces, a prosecco that runs $17 a bottle. To make your reservation, visit www.mozartscafe.com.
And for those who prefer the quiet intimacy of dining at home:
Buca di Beppo
Valentine’s Day dinner at home can be very special, especially if you don’t have to do the cooking. Buca di Beppo, located at 343 North Front Street, will happily make dinner for 4 for the occasion. For $59.80 (that’s $14.95 per person), customers have the choice of a large Caesar or Mixed Salad, Spaghetti Marinara or Fettucine Alfredo for their baked pasta, and Chicken Parmersan, Eggplant Parmesan or Chicken Limone for the main course. Dessert is 4 large canolis. This special runs from February 13th – 16th, so to place your order, visit www.bucadibeppo.com.
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