Valentine's Day recs?

[clim212]

Yes it can be an annoying holiday but even on this early date I've noticed that places are booking up and charging for ridiculous prix fixe menus!!! any suggestions for fun, yet not divey places??

[Simon]

i recommend buying a great bottle of wine and staying home and cooking for your significant other...the V-Day menus are always annoying, as are the crowds...if you can't cook, even getting some great takeout and having a romantic dinner at home is better than going out...

that said, i'd imagine somewhere like Lupa or Lucien will have their regular menus...you could also try La Lunchonette on 10thAve...

[coltrane]

Brasserie Rachuo on 55th between 6th and 5th is a perfect Valentine place. A classic charmer and the reasonably priced. Rachuo's terrine de Foie Gras is a lesson on how it should be made.

[RGR]

Most of us know it as LCB Brasserie. While I think the interior, with those gorgeous murals, was much more romantic when the restaurant was La Cote Basque, the current brasserie-style decor is quite handsome. As for the cuisine, Chef Rachou has a reputation for turning out first-rate versions of the classics. The last time we were there, in '05, we had an excellent dinner. A few months ago, I recall there being some posts indicating disappointments with the food. When it comes to the cost, unless you get the dinner prix-fixe, only available at specified times, the a la carte menu is pretty expensive.

[clim212]

hmm, I haven't had good foie gras in a while. I have my mind set on Little Owl but will def. check this place out.

[clim212]

hmm I think I may try the Little Owl. Has anyone been? I hear nothing but good things about this place.

[slynnkiino]

Little Owl is very good--simple, well-prepared food. If you can't get a reservation, they keep two two-tops open for walk-ins (at least on regular nights)and have a tiny four-seat bar. Get there early, though, because it's a tiny space and they're very popular.
Don't know if they're doing a special menu for Valentine's Day.

--Sarah
http://www.avenuefood.com

[clim212]

That's what I've been hearing about this place - Thanks!!

[Lucia]

Lots of reviews on these boards--do a search. I like it a lot and am going again on Saturday.

[clim212]

thanks gingersweetiepie for the rec. i will check out the site since i've never been. i agree that it is an annoying holiday but i still enjoy going out for a chill dinner nonetheless

[dkstar1]

'inoteca is a good idea. Personally, I find Valentine's Day to be one of the worst days of the year to eat (or work) in a restaurant.

I would avoid places that will focus too heavily on a special menu.

[gingersweetiepie]

prune may or may not be too divey for your taste but they have a very creative vday menu, whether you're attached or a lonely heart. prunerestaurant.com includes last years' special menu for the occasion.

[slynnkiino]

If you're determined to go out, how about a cool wine bar like Inoteca (Ludlow Street) or Il Posto Accanto (2nd Street). I think places like this would be the most likely to serve their normal menu.

--Sarah
http://www.avenuefood.com

[clim212]

ahh yes inoteca is great! i've been before and really enjoyed it. thanks!

[cimui]

The fact that it's teeny tiny and doesn't take reservations, though, makes me think it'd be hellish on V-day.