Love it or hate it, Valentine’s Day will soon be upon us. Whether you're searching for a restaurant to romance your lover or in need of a great spot to eat your feelings, here are five options to consider for February 14.
Acadia
This two-starred restaurant in the South Loop is extending the love by offering a special menu February 14, 15 and 16. The kitchen led by chef Ryan McCaskey is serving five courses, with options such as mushroom velouté with parsnip and granola; "lobster pot pie" with Tokyo turnip, baby carrot, sour cream pastry and bisque; and beef tenderloin with bacon, Robuchon potato, creamed kale, leek and foie butter. The menu rings in at $115 per person, with wine pairings available for an additional $95. For those looking to go the extra mile, diners can request long stem roses to be waiting at their table for an additional fee.Boka
"This is the kind of place where one can sink in and never leave," state Michelin inspectors of the one-Michelin-starred contemporary restaurant. "Chef Lee Wolen's modern menu is widely appealing with a Mediterranean edge." Head to this Lincoln Park favorite for a seven-course tasting menu for $165 per person. Want some vino to go with your meal? There are two tiers of wine pairings available for either $75 of $150 more per diner.North Pond
According to inspectors, "Exposed brick, that roaring fireplace and large windows overlooking the park and namesake pond make the rooms feel warm and pleasant." This sure sounds like the ideal setting for the holiday if you ask me. For $125 a head, guests will partake in a five-course tasting menu from chef Bruce Sherman. Dishes include foie gras torchon with Sicilian pistachio brioche, Negroni gelée, ruby grapefruit, radicchio and pistachios; seared Atlantic cod with smoked brandade, herb gnocchi, apple butterscotch, sauerkraut and potato chips; and, for dessert, banana mousse with passion crémeux, coconut-lime sorbet, dark chocolate cake, brûlée coins and pineapple.Sepia
At Andrew Zimmerman's one-Michelin-starred restaurant in the West Loop, grab a reservation to settle in for a dinner where the "kitchen truly shines," per inspectors. The $120 per person tasting menu includes options such as hamachi crudo with pomelo, togarashi and lemon oil; dry-aged squab with parsnip pave and crème de cassis; and Parmesan sformato with petite arugula and black garlic. End your meal with either a Meyer lemon torte or mascarpone mousse from pastry chef Sarah Mispagel.Longman & Eagle
Did your plans to go to Italy fall through? If so, head to this Bib Gourmand-designated gastropub for an old-school Italian Valentine's Day prix fixe menu. For $65 per person, you can enjoy fried calamari with cherry pepper and garlic aioli; rigatoni alla vodka with roasted eggplant and basil; and slow-roasted meatballs with red sauce and garlic bread. Wine pairings are available as well.
