2017-02-03

The most romantic day of the year is here—Valentine’s Day. We’ve taken the guesswork out of where to wine and dine your sweetheart, so grab a table at one of these coveted spots and you’ll surely impress that special someone. Check out our top recommendations below:

Amani’s BYOB

Chef Jonathan Amann’s four-course Valentine’s menu features seductive dishes like Birchrun Hills’ blue cheese tart, house-made duck prosciutto with foie gras pate, fennel-crusted Chilean sea bass, seared venison with cranberry gastrique, warm chocolate budini and more. Cost is $75 per person and includes complimentary champagne and homemade limoncello. Call (484) 237-8179 or visit amanisbyob.com for reservations. 105 E. Lancaster Ave., Downingtown

At The Table BYOB

Join the Wayne newcomer for a six-course Feast of St. Valentine tasting menu to celebrate with your love. The menu features inventive plates like uni with quail egg; ahi tuna and salmon tartare topped with truffle oil, capers and cucumber; cavatelli with porcini and rabbit confit; and wild boar tenderloin, dehydrated bacon, cipollini and piquillo peppers. Cost is $85 per person and includes a complimentary glass of champagne. Spy the full menu and then call (610) 964-9700 or book your place at the table online. 11 Louella Ct., Wayne

Azie on Main

In addition to Azie on Main’s a la carte menu, chef Ricardo Franco will offer a special a la carte Valentine’s Day menu with three romantic courses to choose from. Specials include oysters on the half shell with mignonette, cocktail and vinegar sauces ($18); special sushi roll with spicy tuna, tempura shrimp and avocado in a soy wrap topped with seared tuna and finished with sweet and sour kiwi mango ($22); and rack of lamb toban-yaki with jumbo shrimp finished with a garlic sesame sauce ($35). The Valentine’s Day menu will be offered February 10–14. For reservations, call Azie on Main at 610-527-5700. 789 Lancaster Ave., Villanova

Azie Media

Chef Kazuyuki “Kaz” Mitsui is serving up his creative Valentine’s Day menu, perfect for a romantic evening. The Valentine’s Day menu will be offered February 10–14 and includes Nikkei-style shrimp ceviche in a pico de gallo served with oranges, crispy jalapeño, beets, fried plantain and cilantro, with a creamy salsa rosa ($12); drunken short rib and tuna tenderloin bone-in short rib braised in select wines served over garlic mashed potatoes and maguro tuna tenderloin with four sauces ($32); and tableside chocolate gelato (for two) served with pancakes, tempura cheesecake and a rose maple syrup ($20). Azie in Media’s Asian-inspired a la carte menu will also be offered. For reservations, call Azie in Media at 610-566-4750. 217 State St., Media

Black Powder Tavern

Black Powder Tavern is rolling out a special Valentine’s Day menu that’s sure to have your sweetie swooning. Menu additions include a shrimp cocktail appetizer ($12); filet and lobster tail topped with roasted garlic compound butter, served with sweet potato puree and grilled asparagus ($32); twin double cut lamb chops served with creamy polenta and honey-roasted baby carrots, topped with mint chimichurri ($34); shrimp, bay scallops and lump crab meat risotto tossed in a white wine saffron cream sauce ($26); and pan-seared halibut served with truffle mashed potatoes and sautéed green beans topped with Dijon peppercorn cream sauce ($30). The regular a la carte menu will also be available. Make reservations online or call (610) 293-9333. 1164 Valley Forge Rd., Wayne

The Desmond

In honor of Valentine’s Day, The Desmond is offering a very special menu, available from February 10–14. Indulge in Maine lobster tail stuffed with lobster and king crab, ginger-orange beurre blanc, grilled artichoke hearts and straw potatoes ($37); 30-day dry aged 10-oz. New York sirloin steak with balsamic grilled cioppolini onions, black truffle-parmesan polenta and port wine butter ($35); or turbot fillet sautéed in brown butter over mashed Yukon gold potatoes with caper-raisin aioli, wilted spinach and kale ($29). Surprise your special someone with an overnight package available Friday, February 10 or 17, and Saturday, February 11 or 18. The package is only $309, inclusive for two, and includes a beautiful overnight guest room with king-size bed, three-course dinner, a glass of wine, Saturday breakfast or Sunday brunch and local gourmet chocolates. Call (610) 296-9800 for reservations. 1 Liberty Blvd., Malvern

Chaddsford Winery

Celebrate love all month long with a walking wine-and-chocolate tour of Chaddsford Winery. Explore several areas of the historic property as you visit five stations featuring artisan chocolates by Tradestone Confections carefully paired with Chaddsford’s award-winning wines. Wine-and-chocolate tours are available every Saturday and Sunday in February from 12–5 p.m. and on Tuesday, February 14, from 12–7 p.m. Advanced tickets are $25 per person. Space is limited, so reserve your spot online today. 632 Baltimore Pike, Chadds Ford

Gables at Chadds Ford

Woo that special someone with the Gables’ special Aphrodisiac Tasting Menu, four creatively crafted courses courtesy of chef Dave Wenerd. The menu includes tuna tartare crostini topped with avocado purée, chorizo and toasted pecans; fried oyster salad with cornmeal crusted oysters, arugula, radicchio, pear, tomatoes and creamy Worcestershire dressing; saffron and lobster carbonara with asparagus tips, confit garlic, bell peppers, basil and shaved Pecorino; and bittersweet chocolate crème brulee, chocolate and almond tuille cookie with fresh raspberries. The $55 per person menu will be offered on Saturday, February 11; Sunday, February 12; and Tuesday, February 14. Make your reservations online or call (610) 388-7700. 423 Baltimore Pike, Chadds Ford

Inn at Grace Winery

Celebrate Valentine’s Day with Grace Winery on Sunday, February 12, in the Manor House. Enjoy a romantic evening featuring a five-course tasting menu including duck egg omelet with duck confit, Kennett Square mushrooms, potato and truffle; venison loin with farro, braised greens and red wine jus; and Earl Grey terrine with lemon curd and shortbread. The cost of this special meal is $95 per person plus tax and gratuity. Reservations are required and can be made by calling (610) 459-4711. 50 Sweetwater Rd., Glen Mills

Majolica

Join chef Andrew Deery for a truly special evening featuring a four-course dinner for $65 per guest. Seatings on Valentine’s Day at this Phoenixville BYOB gem are at 5:30 p.m., 6 p.m., 8 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Majolica’s regular menu includes standout dishes like chilled English pea soup with rosemary cream and bacon; grilled scallop and pork belly served with apricot jam; roast duck and warm dandelion and cremini salad; and bittersweet chocolate souffle with salted caramel ice cream, so prepare to be wowed. Make your reservation online or call (610) 917-0962. 258 Bridge St., Phoenixville

Media Theatre

Dine out at one of Media’s fantastic restaurants and then take in the most romantic play of all—Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. The show will run Wednesdays–Sundays through February 19. Tickets are $42 per person or $50 for premium seating. Tickets may be purchased online. 104 E. State St., Media

Milito’s

Executive chef James Brunner has hand-crafted a special four-course Valentine’s Day dinner menu that is sure to set the tone for a wonderful and romantic evening. The special menu is $60 per person and includes menu items like shrimp and pepper jack flautas; crab cake salad; herb-crusted prime rib; and chocolate-covered strawberry cheesecake. Feel free to bring the kids along for a delicious family-friendly Valentine’s Day dining experience. The kids’ menu includes choices like baked mac & cheese, pizza and spaghetti and meatballs for $8. 20 E. Lancaster Ave., Downingtown

Nectar

Nectar offers the perfect setting to celebrate any occasion, and chef Patrick Feury’s a la carte Valentine’s Day menu is sure to be special. From Sex on the Bay Oysters ($3 each) and “Nectar” ramen ($19) to Nova Scotia lobster risotto ($34) and grilled tea-smoked salmon ($28), there’s a dish for every taste. Even a lobster bento ($34) and the award-winning Chester County cheese plate ($19) will make an appearance. And for perfect ending, there is a sweet dessert of creamy white chocolate crème brulee ($10). Nectar’s full a la carte menu will also be available. The Valentine’s Day menu will be offered Thursday, February 9, through Tuesday, February 14. For reservations, call 610-725-9000. 1091 Lancaster Ave., Berwyn

Normandy Farm

True love never goes out of style, and the farmer’s daughter restaurant at Normandy Farm is celebrating Valentine’s weekend with a special menu and more. Beginning on Saturday, February 11, and running through Tuesday, February 14, Normandy Farm is offering amour-inspired specials in addition to the regular a la carte menu. Delicious dishes include shaved asparagus salad with a soft quail egg and prosciutto or halibut filet and cheeks with chorizo, lentils and citrus yuzu foam. Executive chef Sam Nahhas’ Valentine’s Imperial Mousse Cake, bursting with smooth ivory white chocolate mousse and layered with almond coconut dacquoise, raspberry and cranberry preserves, pistachio cranberry feuilletine and raspberry cremeux, is the perfect way to end your meal on a sweet note. Reservations can be made through OpenTable or by calling (215) 616-8300. 1401 Morris Rd., Blue Bell

Paramour

Enjoy one of the Main Line’s most romantic restaurants while you indulge in seductive additions to the a la carte dinner menu, like oysters Rockefeller and jumbo lump crab tortellini small plates, and special principal dishes including poached Maine lobster tail with New Zealand mussels, chorizo and Yukon Gold potatoes in a tomato-saffron broth and grilled Creekstone Farms center cut rib eye with foie gras mashed potatoes, buttered asparagus and thyme-veal reduction sauce. For dessert, the pastry chef is whipping up decadent additions such as a passionfruit and raspberry parfait layered with passionfruit cream, white chocolate mousse, strawberry sauce and fresh raspberries, and a Valrhona 70% dark chocolate dome filled with coconut cream and topped with a citrus macaron. Make your reservations online or by phone at (610) 977-0600. 139 E. Lancaster Ave., Wayne

Restaurant Alba

Chef Sean Weinberg will present a traditional four-course tasting menu for lovers of Italian cuisine on February 14. Start your meal with a family-style antipasto of fresh crab crostini, lobster arancini, seared Ahi tuna with grapefruit and radicchio and tuna-stuffed deviled eggs. Next, choose from menu items like truffle and Parmesan risotto, Adriatic-style seafood stew, slow-roasted Berkshire pork and wood-grilled double lamb chop. No Valentine’s meal would be complete without a sweet ending. Indulge in a chocolate tasting including chocolate hazelnut truffle, dark chocolate and mint torte, chocolate-covered banana, toasted almond mocha mousse and polenta cookie. Call the restaurant at (610) 644-4009 to book your reservation.  7 W. King St., Malvern

Ron’s Original Bar & Grille

Head to Ron’s on the day of love for comfort food at its finest. Indulge in specials like chicken breast with mushrooms, spinach, pine nuts and crab meat served in a sherry sauce; lobster lasagne; and blackened sirloin steak topped with a roasted tomato and Gorgonzola demi-glace. Ron’s regular menu will be also be available. The knowledgeable bartenders will be pouring some special cocktails, or pair your dinner with a pint from Ron’s extensive beer menu. 74 E. Uwchlan Ave., Exton

Sola BYOB

Whether you’re wining and dining with a new love or celebrating happily ever after with that special someone, Sola BYOB will offer all the ingredients for a romantic Valentine’s dinner. Chef Scott Morozin has created a four-course menu that will be offered on Tuesday, February 14, from 5:30–10 p.m. The cost is $75 per person, plus tax and gratuity. The menu includes items like roasted beets with toasted hazelnut, gently torn lettuces and goat cheese; braised pork belly with lobster raviolo, three grains, shaved radish and curry broth; oysters on the half shell, Spanish tarragon and blood orange mignonette; filet for two with winter roots presented three ways, potato puree and beef jus; and chocolate gateaux, banana brûlée and strawberry for two. For reservations, call (610) 526-0123. 614 W. Lancaster Ave., Bryn Mawr

Teikoku

To celebrate Valentine’s Day, Teikoku in Newtown Square will offer specials along with its a la carte dinner menu. Specials include mini crab cakes with a creamy saffron sauce ($12); sushi special of fresh scallop with pine nuts, fresh mango and yuzu juice ($14); and filet mignon with black truffle butter and sautéed rosemary thyme fingerling potatoes, deep fried king oyster mushrooms and sautéed onions in sesame oil ($35).  These special dishes will be offered from February 10–14. For reservations, call (610) 644-8270. 5492 West Chester Pike, Newtown Square

Thai L’Elephant

Enjoy the exotic tastes of Thailand at this Phoenixville BYOB gem. Thai L’Elephant is offering a four-course special menu for $39.95 per person featuring a soup, appetizer, entrée and dessert. Choices include creamy tom yum soup; edamame dumpling; duck, chicken or shrimp pad Thai; and a surprise dessert. Make reservations online or call (610) 935-8613. 301 Bridge St., Phoenixville

Uptown! Entertainment Alliance Valentine’s Brunch

Rock your sweetheart’s world with an operatic Valentine’s brunch. Opera Tutti!’s maiden voyage begins on February 12 with this fun, interactive, cabaret-style opera featuring classic romantic favorites while you brunch. It’s not just for couples—singers will provide ample flirting. Doors open at 11 a.m. in the Univest Room. Tickets are $50 and may be purchased online. The cost of brunch is included in the ticket price. 226 N. High St., West Chester

Vickers Restaurant

Join Vickers for a special three-course Valentine’s day meal. Enjoy decadent items like escargot and shrimp cocktail, jumbo lump crab cake and divine beef Wellington. Satisfy your sweetheart’s sweet tooth with hand-whipped chocolate mousse or apple strudel with Madagascar vanilla ice cream. This special menu is $65 per person and is available on Saturday, February 11, or Tuesday, February 14. Seatings are available at 5 p.m., 6:30 p.m. or 8:30 p.m. Be sure to reserve early as Vickers typically sells out for Valentines’ Day. Make your reservation at (610) 363-7998. 192 E. Welsh Pool Rd., Exton

Whole Foods Wynnewood

Wine and food lovers will adore Whole Foods’ newest pairing series, Wynnewood Sips. Join WFM on Thursday, February 9, from 5–7 p.m. for a tasty evening featuring romantic wine and food pairings for Valentine’s Day. The pairing is $5 and includes a wine glass and samples from local wineries alongside romantic bites. For some sweeter insight, head to the bakery to connect with pastry expert and bakery team leader Jessi Allen. A classically trained pastry chef with over 10 years of experience, Allen will be sharing her favorite baking and chocolate tips for the home baker along with her sweet Valentine’s Day recommendations. 15 E. Wynnewood Rd., Wynnewood

Photos, top to bottom: Kaboompics, Dallyn Pavey/Dish Public Relations, Dallyn Pavey/Dish Public Relations, Dallyn Pavey/Dish Public Relations, Alexandra Whitney, Tami Seymour, Alexandra Whitney, Ed Williams, Ed Williams, Normandy Farms, Paramour, Ron's Original Bar & Grille, Dallyn Pavey/Dish Public Relations, Dallyn Pavey/Dish Public Relations, Alexandra Whitney, Whole Foods Market Wynnewood

The post The 2017 Town Dish Guide to Valentine’s Day Dining in the Philadelphia Suburbs appeared first on The Town Dish.

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