It’s Time to Make Valentine’s Day Reservations
Ugh, we know. But luckily, we’ve got answers.
Portland, Ore (January 21, 2011) – In twenty-four days it’ll be Valentine’s Day, but who’s counting anyway..?
Some of us fantasize about sprawling out on the couch contentedly with a pint of ice cream and the TV remote in hand. Others dream about biting into a decadent dessert only to find a Tiffany & Co. platinum cushion-cut engagement ring inside. But for those of you who are simply excited by the prospect of enjoying a good meal with good people - no matter what your romantic status might be – there are plenty of enticing options. And hey, don’t worry if you’re struggling to find “good people,” that’s what the bartender is there for, right?
Here is Watershed’s pocket guide to what some top local restaurants are doing this Valentine’s Day.
Clyde Common
The Clyde Common menu rotates daily and this Valentine’s Day, Executive Chef Chris DiMinno is adding a few - ahem - exciting specials to the menu including oysters and foie gras. It’ll be à la carte, so relax guys, there will be no strings attached. Plus, bartender Jeffrey Morgenthaler will be mixing up whatever you need to take the edge off. If you’re looking for an impressive default drink, go barrel-aged cocktail. She’ll be impressed, trust us.
Clyde Common will be taking reservations for parties of 2, 4, or 6 and more for Sunday, February 13th and Monday, February 14th. For reservations, please call 503.228.3333 and for more information about Clyde Common visit www.clydecommon.com.
The Country Cat Dinnerhouse & Bar
Adam and Jackie Sappington are two love birds keeping it simple this Valentine's Day at their neighborhood restaurant, The Country Cat Dinnerhouse & Bar. This adorable married restaurateur couple will be tending to the kitchen, making sure plates are filled to the brim with notable nightly Valentine’s Day specials that will make you feel the love. We recommend wearing comfy clothes, because this butcher and this baker know what they’re doing. Over-eating is acceptable, especially when Adam is cooking up holiday specials like generous servings of lobster and, of course, plenty of chocolate.
The Country Cat is accepting dinner reservations for parties of all sizes for Monday, February 14th. For reservations, please call 503.408.1414, and for more information about The Country Cat visit www.thecountrycat.net.
Lapellah
Executive Chef David Mork cooks to comfort the soul, and he’s elevating the Vancouver dining scene at his cool, wood-fired and open-kitchen restaurant Lapellah.
On Valentine’s Day, he’ll let you take the reins and decide the romance factor for the night by offering an à la carte menu of specials including: Shaved Hawaiian Hearts of Palm Salad ($9), Yukon Potato and Celery Root Soup ($10) and a main course of Carved Kobe Beef Hanger Steak with Truffled Potato Pave, Brick-Oven Asparagus and Bordelaise Demi-Glace ($35). Don’t miss the dessert – Chocolate “Ménage à trois” – Valrhona Chocolate Three Ways: Foam Cake, Ice Cream, and Drinking Chocolate ($7).
This special menu is available Monday, February 14th only. For reservations please call 360.828.7911 or visit online at www.lapellah.com.
Nostrana
If you want an effortless and delicious Valentine’s Day, Nostrana is promising just that with its prix-fixe menu and à la carte options.
For an intimate experience, make a reservation in the dining room, and go for the $50 three-course prix fixe menu that James Beard-nominated chef Cathy Whims put together for the evening. The menu includes a choice of appetizer: Cacio e Pepe, Oysters Apicius or Bruschetta of Dungeness Crab with Soft Scrambled Eggs, Chives, and Chervil. The main course offerings include a choice of: Saltimbocca of Young’s Bay Sturgeon, Coda alla Vaccinara (oxtail stew), and a Winter Squash Gnocchi with Smoked Ricotta Salata and Pumpkin Seeds. And, for a sweet close to the night choose between Espresso and Rum-Soaked Pound Cake, Jewish-Roman Style Ricotta Cheesecake, a flight of homemade gelati, or a selection of truffled cheese.
Too much? Then keep it simple by cozying up to Nostrana’s pizza counter for the Valentine's Day prix-fixe menu items à la carte.
Nostrana’s Valentine’s Day menu will be available in the restaurant Monday, February 14th. For reservations, please call 503.234.2427, or for more information visit the restaurant online at www.nostrana.com.
The Painted Lady
The lights are dimmed in this Victorian house set in wine country…it doesn’t get more romantic than that, does it? This Valentine’s Day, let restaurateur couple Allen Routt and Jessica Bagley pamper you with a five-course tasting menu for $85, with recommended local wine pairings for another $55.
Executive Chef Allen Routt’s menu begins with a choice of Dungeness Crab Cannoli or Wild Mushroom Bisque, then moves into either House-made Tortellini or Potato Gnocchi topped with Oregon Black Truffles. The main course options include a choice of either Herb-Crusted Boneless Rack of Lamb or Bacon-Wrapped Filet Mignon with Creamy Potato Puree, and the night will end with Heart-Shaped Cheesecake or a Decadent Chocolate Soufflé.
The Painted Lady’s Valentine’s Day menu is available from Saturday, February 12th - Monday, February 14th. For reservations please call 503.538.3850 and for more information visit www.thepaintedladyrestaurant.com.
That’s it on our end. Now, the ball is in your court…
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