Pity those poor restaurant workers who are in loving relationships on Valentine’s Day. Instead of mooning with their best guy or girl over fancy drinks at their favorite eating place, they are hustling around seating and serving all those other lovey couples, holding hands and looking dreamily into each other’s eyes as they–those poor servers!– sweat under another tray of chocolate desserts. Where is all this emotional drama to be seen? Why, at these restaurants offering Valentine Day’s (and in a few cases Valentine’s weekend) dinner specials. It should go without saying: reservations for Valentine’s dining are mandatory. (And keep those heart-sick servers in mind when you tip.)
Thursday, Feb. 12, through Sunday, Feb. 15: The Bristol Bar and Grille Downtown, 614 W. Main St., and in Jeffersonville, 700 W.Riverside Dr., will celebrate Valentine’s Day for four days. In addition to regular menu items, both locations will offer different three-course holiday dinners. The downtown Louisville location’s dinner will include pan-seared halibut, beef filet and a raspberry sweet roll with Godiva dark chocolate liqueur frosting. The Jeffersonville location’s dinner features oysters Rockefeller gratin, Chilean sea bass and chocolate-covered strawberries. Cost varies.For downtown, call (502) 582-1995; for Jeffersonville, call (812) 218-1995.
Thursday, Feb. 12, through Sunday, Feb. 15: Varanese, 2106 Frankfort Ave. is offering an “A Taste of Love Aphrodisiac Dinner”. The menu includes jumbo fried oysters, pan-seared Hawaiian butterfish and peanut butter chocolate banana pie. Cost varies. Call (502) 899-9904 or email letsdine@varanese.com.
Friday, Feb. 13, and Saturday, Feb. 14: Winston’s Restaurant at Sullivan University, Bardstown Rd., will serve a four-course dinner, starting at 5:30 p.m. Five different entree options, including beef filet, sea bass and lobster vol-au-vent, will be available. Cost ranges from $57 to $64 per person. Call (502) 456-0980.
Saturday, Feb. 14: The Brown Hotel is offering a five-course dinner for two in The English Grill, featuring grilled oysters, potato bisque, prime rib and Godiva molten cake. Cost is $80. Diners who want to say overnight will receive a $20 discount on a deluxe or club luxury package, $259 and $329, respectively. The Brown Hotel is also offering a $2,500 “Night to Remember” package, which includes dinner, a luxury suite, a bottle of Dom Pérignon and Pappy Van Winkle bourbon flight for two at the lobby bar, among other things. Call (502) 736-2996.
Saturday, Feb. 14: The Seelbach Hilton Hotel will host its 21st annual Valentine Dinner Show, Dancing & Silent Auction at 6 p.m in its grand ballroom. The event, which benefits the Louisville Chorus, includes dinner, romantic music from the Louisville Chorus, a cash bar and a silent auction. Tickets are $125. Order tickets online here.
LouVino will offer three Valentine’s Day seatings, at 5, 7 and 9 p.m. The four-course meal includes crispy oysters and beef tenderloin. The 5 p.m. seating costs $40 per person, while the other two cost $45. Wine pairings cost $25 per person. Call (502) 365-1921.
The historic Whitehall estate, 3110 Lexington Rd. will host a Valentine’s Day four-course dinner at 7 p.m. The menu includes Belgium endive-smoked trout mousse, steak diane and broiled Atlantic salmon pinwheel. Cost is $75, or $100 per person for dinner with wine; $45 of the ticket is tax-deductible. Email whitehall@historichomes.org or call (502) 897-2944.
Buffalo Trace Distillery, 113 Great Buffalo Trace, Frankfort, is offering a Buffalo Love dinner on Valentine’s Day, a bourbon-focused dinner with optional distillery tour. 6 p.m. Optional Tour. 7–9:00 p.m. – Dinner/Event. $75 emailevents@buffalotrace.com or call (502) 696-5930.
Asiatique, 1767 Bardstown Rd., will celebrate Valentine’s Day both Friday and Saturday, the 13 and 14, with a special four-course dinner with several options for each course. Cost will be $50. Call (502) 451-2749.
Against the Grain Brewery, 401 E. Main St., has brewed a special blood orange pilsner and concocted a Valentine’s Day cocktail to go with a 3-course dinner (roasted cauliflower soup, smoked short ribs and stout-poached pear). Dinner served 4-9 p.m. with live music beginning at 9. Dinner will be $35. Call (502) 515-0174.
Buck’s, 425 W. Ormsby Ave., will serve a 4-course Valentine’s Day dinner priced at $75. entrée choices will include beef tenderloin, bourbon chicken saltimbocca and risotto. Rick Bartlett will perform love songs from 5 to 11 p.m. Call (502) 637-5284.
Brasserie Provence, 150 N. Hurstbourne Pkwy., will offer a 3-course meal, with entrée options of coquilles St. Jacques, cauliflower steak or sea bass. Price will be $64. Call (502) 883-3153.
Friday, Feb. 13: Copper & Kings American Brandy Distillery, 1121 E. Washington St., will host a “Who Says Romance is Old Fashioned,” cocktail party from 7 to 11 p.m. There will be live music, art, chocolates and a build-your-own Old Fashioned bar to celebrate Valentine’s Day. and will feature light hors d’oeuvres from Rye and brandy chocolate chimeres from Art Eatables. The cost is $5. Must be 21 years or older. Tickets can be purchased here.
The Wine Studio at 610 Magnolia will offer a hands-on cooking demonstration, followed by a family style dinner of the food prepared. A great opportunity for couples to cook together. Limited to 6 couples. $185 per couple includes cooking lessons, passed canapes and dinner. Beverages are additional. Call (502) 636-0783.
Celebrate Valentine’s Day any day from Feb. 3 through 14 at RIVUE Restaurant & Lounge, atop the Galt House, 140 N. Fourth St. with a 3-Course dinner special. The menu includes white sweet potato bisque, broiled 7-ounce filet with sautéed jumbo shrimp, and espresso chocolate cake for dessert. Complimentary valet parking and a revolving view of the city included, for $150 per couple). Call 502-568-4239.
