Valentine’s Day is nearly upon us, and we would be remiss if we didn’t provide reader with a few varied dining options for the day of passion.
At Parker & Quinn, in the Refinery Hotel, your Valentine’s Day celebration not only ends on a sweet not but begins on one. When you and yours first arrive, you receive a box of Jacques Torres bon-bons with a personalized note. From there it’s on to a three-course dinner that begins perhaps with miso butter roasted Blue Point oysters before moving on to Long Island duck breast accompanied by Anson Mills grits, bacon, scallions, and sherry vinegar honey. Three courses including a welcome toast go for $70 a person. Parker & Quinn, 64 W. 39th Street, 212-729-0277.
In Mexico, Valentine’s Day is broadened into El Día del Amor y la Amistad, which translates to “The Day of Love and Friendship.” Whether or not your friend is also your lover, celebrate with an elegant south-of-the-border repast at Temerario in Chelsea. Among the starters that head up the three-course $65-a-head prix fixe, choose the yellowfin tuna with costeño alioli, lemongrass, and crunchy onion. Among main course you will find accurately cooked ribeye with morita chile sauce, a creamy beet puree, and endive, as well as Maine lobster partnered with a pasilla bean sauce, corn puree, pomegranate, and grilled bok choy. The price of dinner includes two cocktails of your choice. Temerario, 198 Eighth Avenue, 212-645-2100.
Want to make Valentine’s Day last? If so note that the upscale Swedish restaurant Aquavit is extending its day for lovers through Saturday, Feb. 16. A six-course tasting menu that will set you back $195 per person might begin with a classic gravlax with red beets, quail egg, and mustard seeds. Next come venison with beef fat, lingonberries, and juniper succeeded in turn by lobster with fennel, cauliflower, and seafood bisque. Aquavit, 65 E. 55th Street, 212-307-7311.
