We have a story in today's Ticket section taking a look at Valentine's dining. We looked at five restaurants and how they prepare for this very important day in the restaurant business.
But there are obviously many more options out there. If you're serious about going out that night, you probably need to book your reservation ASAP. The other option is to get on a waiting list. A lot of people, to the chagrin of restaurants, make multiple bookings on Valentine's Day. That's a headache for restaurants, but it might allow you to slip in at the last moment.
And because Valentine's is on a Thursday, many restaurants offering special menus are extending the offerings through Friday and Saturday.
Here's something we received from the Sutter District, a part of midtown with several restaurants:
Restaurants including Ink, Paragary's Bar & Oven and Red Rabbit are offering the following specials:
Prior to Valentine's Day, Ink will be hosting a Cocktail Tasting and Food Pairing on Wednesday, February 13, 2013 from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. Guests will learn how to make five special cocktails, all paired with food, and will be able to bring each recipe home with them to make for a special occasion in the future. Tickets for the event are $30 and can be purchased by calling (916) 456-2800.
Ink is also offering a special prix-fix Valentine's Day menu on February 14, 2013 which includes an appetizer, salad, main course and dessert. The menu is priced at $50 per couple and also includes complimentary champagne with dessert. To make reservations call (916) 456-2800.
Paragary's Bar & Oven will be featuring special menu items starting Thursday, February 14, 2013 to Sunday, February 17, 2013. Special appetizer options include Duck liver toast with pickled Kumquat and pistachio; Ahi Tuna Carpaccio with shaved Buddha's hand, green olive, celery heart, green peppercorn; or Parsnip tortellini with apple, almond, honey, pecorino. Guests will have an entrée choice of either Pacific Halibut with Dungeness Crab risotto, green garlic, carrot, Meyer lemon and chervil, or Braised Beef Short Ribs with marble potatoes, chard, Scarlett Red turnips and horseradish cream. For desert the restaurant is offering Banana Bread Pudding with run caramel, walnut streusel and vanilla gelato, or Chocolate-caramel tart with sea salt and whipped cream. To make reservations, call (916) 457-5737.
Red Rabbit Kitchen and Bar will be offering guests a special menu of appetizers, salads, entrées and desserts. Entrée choices include Braised Shortribs, Seabass, Half Chicken, Pappardelle Pasta, Rabbit Ravioli and Farro "Risotto." Reservations are recommended. To book your Valentine's Day dinner at Red Rabbit, call (916) 706-2275.
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We also heard from Maranello in Fair Oaks, where executive chef Gabriel Glasier continues to wow diners with his skill and creativity.
The restaurant is doing a four-course prix fixe for $65 on Valentine's. To make reservations, call (916) 241-9365. Maranello is at 8928 Sunset Ave.
Blair Anthony Robertson is The Bee's restaurant critic. Follow him on Twitter, @blarob.
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