Houston Valentine Day Plans Can Include Dining, Wine Classes and Even a Staycation
Thinking of heading out for Valentine’s Day, and can’t figure out what to do with your true love, bestie or group of friends? No worries here because Houston restaurants have got you covered for every appetite, situation or even a fantastic staycation.
ARA Restaurant + Axis Lounge, 2222 W Loop S. www.sonesta.com/us/texas/houston/royal-sonesta-houston-galleria:
For those looking to spice things up, ARA restaurant and Axis Lounge, located in Royal Sonesta Houston is serving up a Valentine’s Day appetizer plate on February 14. Feast on half-a-dozen raw oysters on the half shell, served with caviar and champagne gelée, along with two glasses of Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label Champagne for $35. Available until close.
Arnaldo Richards’ Picos, 3601 Kirby Drive; https://www.picos.net
Give your plate a passport this Valentine’s Day at Arnaldo Richards’ Picos! Known for their authentic Mexican cuisine, representing the seven regions of Mexico, the restaurant is showcasing the culinary traditions of Spain in their Valentine’s Day menu. For $85, the Valentine’s Menu features classic Paella for two including tapas, charcuterie board and churro & Mexican cookie service. You and your partner will have an impressive presentation that tastes as delectable as it looks!
Bisou, 4444 Westheimer Rd Suite A-120, https://bisourestaurant.com
This year, popular River Oaks District dining destination, Bisou , gives guests four savory reasons to enjoy Valentines’ Day with that special someone. Reserve a seat and enjoy an expertly prepared four-course menu featuring chef selections like Wagyu Beef Carpaccio with wild mushroom salad, Truffle Mushroom Risotto, Chilean Sea Bass, Steak with Bacon Wrapped Shrimp and finished with a decadent dessert trio for only $79 per person (tax and gratuity not included). Pair your meal with one of Bisou’s signature cocktails and complete the perfect romantic evening. 5PM – midnight. Photos by Bisou Staff.
C. Baldwin Hotel Staycation from Feb. 13-16: 400 Dallas
Downtown Houston’s newest luxe hotel, C. Baldwin, is ready to make your Valentine’s Day plan super fun and super easy. Enjoy a weekend staycation, grab dinner at Rosalie Italian Soul, shop at Sloan/Hall, and spa at Paloma without ever having to leave the hotel! A Valentine’s Day weekend staycation (Feb. 13 – 16) at C. Baldwin includes a special room offer staring at $285 per night, a welcome bottle of champagne, breakfast for two and late check-out (2pm).
– Reserve your Valentine’s dining reservation at Rosalie Italian Soul. Enjoy their standard fare off their regular menu or indulge in their prix-fixe dinner menu that includes Devilish Eggs, Arugula Salad, Ricotta Gnocchi, Roasted Quail, and Torta Caprese for $70 per person. Pop into Lobby Bar for their Lobby of Love celebration with drink specials and sexy lite bites to share. Special Valentine’s menu attached. Lobby Bar’s regular menu will also be available. Spoil yourself or your special someone with a special 20% off Valentine’s Day discount at Sloan/Hall, a luxury, lifestyle boutique located in the lobby of C. Baldwin. – Paloma will offer a complimentary hot stone massage add on to any manicure or pedicure service. Please call 713.351.5753, e-mail explore@cbaldwinhotel.com or visit www.cbaldwinhotel.com.
Chama Gaucha Brazilian Steakhouse, 5865 Westheimer Rd., https://chamagaucha.com
In honor of the day of love, on February 14th, Chama Gaucha is offering lunch for $44.95 per person, which includes the all you can eat salad bar, all you can eat meat and one dessert per couple. For dinner, guests can enjoy the same offerings for $64.95 per person. Guests can savor options like the famous Pão de Queijo cheese bread, selections from the expansive salad bar, a variety of the finest cuts of meat, including the house specialty Picanha, and top things off with a sweet treatfrom the dessert menu such as Creme Brulee.
Ember & Greens, 9403B Katy Freeway, www.emberandgreens.com
Ember & Greens, a full-service restaurant and bar in Memorial offering modern American fare with international influences, will be offering a Valentine’s Day special from February 14th through February 16th.
For $55, guests can enjoy a four-course meal for two including their choice of one shareable, two house salads, two entrées and one dessert. With a variety of scratch-made menu items ranging from comfort food to vegetarian and gluten free options, there’s something for everyone no matter what their loved one’s diet restrictions or preferences might be.
Goode Company Armadillo Palace, , 5015 Kirby Drive, www.thearmadillopalace.com
Looking to mix up your typical Valentine’s Day dinner this year? Add in a show at Armadillo Palace and you’re sure to impress your date. Texas native Randall King is heading to Houston this Valentine’s day with Aaron Copeland to take the stage at The Hall. Singer-songwriter Randall King grew up listening to the classic country voices of Keith Whitley, Garth Brooks, George Strait and Alan Jackson, to name a few, which helped create King’s musical style into what many have described as neo-traditional country. Recently, King has performed with artists such as Lee Brice, Cody Johnson, Robert Earl Keen, and more. There’s no better way to celebrate the day of love than with Goode food and live music with your Valentine. Show starts at 9PM at The Hall.
Please call 713-526-9700 to make dinner reservations. Event is 21+. To purchase tickets, please visit https://www.etix.com/ticket/p/3981209/randall-king–houston-armadillo-palace. Advanced sales: $12; Day of show: $15.
La Lucha , 1801 N. Shepherd Drive, http://laluchatx.com
La Lucha’s cozy and romantic ambiance offers the perfect setting for you and your loved one this Valentine’s Day. Their three-course, prix fixe dinner for Valentine’s Day is $49.95 per person. Start with a potato pancake with caviar, deviled egg with pickled shrimp and Thai marinated crab fingers, followed by “perfect greens” salad for the table and either Texas Toast burrata, tuna poke or cast-iron cornbread. Family style entrees include fried chicken biscuits, roasted winter squash, sweet potato spoonbread, braised greens and mushroom fricassee. End the night with a sweet treat from pastry chef Chrysta Poulos. To make reservations, please call 713-955-4765 or visit their reservations page. *Menu subject to change based on seasonal availability
La Table, 1800 Post Oak Blvd #6110; www.latablehouston.com
Enjoy an exquisite French meal at one of Houston’s most romantic tables: La Table Houston. For $95 per person, you can indulge in La Table’s Valentine’s Day four course prix-fixe menu. Signatures include L’Hamachi sashimi with cilantro guacamole and yuzu dressing; Lobster Ravioli; Venison with caramelized salsify, wild mushrooms and pomegranate; and a strawberry passion fruit Vacheron with French meringue, passion fruit sorbet, vanilla Chantilly and strawberries. The Valentine’s Day menu will be available at both Marché at La Table downstairs and Chateaux at La Table upstairs from 5pm to 10pm. Seasonal a la carte menus will be available only during lunch time from 11am to 2pm.
Le Colonial, 4444 Westheimer Rd.; www.lecolonialhouston.com
Acclaimed Vietnamese outpost will give our Valentine’s Day an exotic flair! With a buzzy energy and mood lighting the restaurant’s elevated aesthetic makes an exquisite backdrop for the perfect date night. Start downstairs in the main dining area and enjoy a three-course Valentine’s Day menu featuring many of the restaurants signature dishes including Tuna Tartare, Truffle & Squash Dumpling, Pan Seared Sea Bass, Roasted Hudson Valley Duck, and Crispy Noodles & Tofu. Following dinner, wander upstairs to the buzzy lounge and enjoy a cocktail (or two!) as you overlook the picturesque streets of the River Oaks District. Menu priced at $85 and reservations are suggested. Photo credit: Julie Soefer.
Lucienne, 1070 Dallas Street. www.hotelalessandra-houston.com
Lucienne at Hotel Alessandra redefines Valentine’s with exquisite brunch and dinner options for the perfect romantic interlude. Orchestrated by acclaimed chef Jose Hernandez, guests can enjoy a twocourse brunch menu Friday, February 14 and Saturday, February 15 from 11 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. for $35 per person. Reserve a seat after sunset either evening to enjoy a savory, three-course dinner priced at $80 per person with the option of a $45 wine pairing. Spots are available throughout the night at 5 p.m., 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. with complimentary valet included. Bardot lounge will feature live music from 9 p.m. – midnight with ticket prices starting at $45 and a package that includes small bites plus one Valentine’s cocktail per person. Valet parking is reduced to $15 with admission. Photos courtesy of Shannon O’Hara.
Ouzo Bay, 4444 Westheimer Rd., www.ouzobay.com/houston
Transport yourself to the Mediterranean this Valentine’s Day and enjoy a la carte chef specials alongside coastal selections from popular River Oaks District dining destination Ouzo Bay. Start your night with a Greek inspired Tuna crudo followed by a decadent 10 oz Prime ribeye cap with 3 Madagascar Saltwater Prawns, Greek Anna potatoes, topped with chimichurri and citrus butter sauce to share. Pair your meal with a bottle of bubbles, your favorite Greek wine, or signature cocktail to complete your evening of romance. 5 PM to Midnight.
Full Valentine’s Day Specials: Appetizer: Tuna Crudo, Castelvetrano Olives, Tomato powder, Cured Egg yolk, Frisee, Snow peas, Herb de Provence, Olive oil ($18*); Entrée for one: Foie stuffed quail, Moroccan couscous, spiced baby carrots, Pickled red grapes, Vineyard sauce ($58*) ; Entrée for two: 10 oz Prime ribeye cap, 3 Madagascar Saltwater Prawns, Greek Anna potatoes, chimichurri, citrus butter sauce ($135*) (Add fresh winter truffle ($30*)); *Tax and gratuity not included.
Radio Milano, 800 Sorella Ct. www.radio-milano.com
Love is in the air all weekend at Radio Milano with a special prix fixe Valentine’s Day menu to create the perfect romantic evening. Enjoy a three-course dinner that features Maine lobster bisque with Rosemary scented whipped cream, Gorgonzola crusted NY Steak with eggplant ratatouille, roasted heirloom potatoes and peppercorn demi-glace, Pan seared diver scallops with baked orecchiette, Kabocha squash, walnuts taleggio cream sherry-butter sauce and fried baby basil; and for dessert, macerated berry chocolate cup with Madagascar vanilla cream, caramel dust and chocolate pearls. Priced at $65 per person, the menu will be available on Valentine’s Day after 5 PM (Tax and gratuity not included). As an added bonus, everyone couple that dines-in on February 14th will receive a complimentary glass of bubbles. Reserve your seat for the perfect Valentine’s Day experience HERE. This special menu will be available from February 14th – 16th.
Radunare presents the “Anti” Valentine’s Day Bash & Wine 101 Class: Cupid’s Conspiracy on February 14th from 6:30- 8:30pm; 2520 Research Forest Drive, Suite 500; $29 per person (plus tax and gratuity)
Radunare is sticking it to Cupid with a lively Bash and Wine 101 Class. Join Radunare’s Founder, Dr. Frank Morello as he welcomes everyone with his signature “Mangia!” He will be joined by special guest Andrew Adams, former owner of one of Houston’s most iconic wine bars, The Corkscrew, as he hosts a Wine 101 Class, teaching “everything you wanted to know about wine but never cared enough to find out.” Radunare’s delicious Italian appetizers and bites will be paired with each wine. Tomato Basil Bruschette and Smoked Salmon Canapés will accompany the white wines, while a Wilted Spinach Salad, Wild Mushroom Risotto and thinly sliced Steak Roulade will be served with the reds. A variety of Radunare’s delicious pizzas will be served as well. Remember – you’re not on a date, so who cares if you get your hands dirty.
Safina Mediterranean, InterContinental Hotel – Medical Center, 6750 Main Street; www.safinahouston.com
Galentine’s Day Special – February 13; Add a touch of glamor and elegance to your Galentine’s Day gathering with brunch at the beautiful Safina Mediterranean. Celebrate ladies being ladies with banana pancakes and mimosas for $12 per person from 10 am to 2 pm. Now taking reservations at (713) 422-2779.
Valentine’s Day Special – February 14: Chef Tiago Almeida is preparing a culinary night of romance to remember with a four-course, pre-fixe dinner which includes a glass of champagne for $58. The first course serves up a Baby Beets Salad with whipped burrata, almond soil, orange segments, and honey drizzle, followed by Passion Fruit Striped Bass Ceviche to share with that special someone, Pan Seared Scallops over cauliflower duo, toasted pine nuts, and black truffle vinaigrette or Bacon Wrapped Petite Steak au Poivre next to Dauphinoise potato and butter poached radishes. For dessert, dig into Strawberry Rose Cannoli with dark chocolate panna cotta and raspberry compote. Now taking reservations. Photos courtesy of The InterContinental.
State of Grace, 3258 Westheimer Rd., http://stateofgracetx.com
Celebrate Valentine’s Day this year at River Oaks hotspot State of Grace with a special, prix fixe menu from executive chef Bobby Matos. The menu includes biscuits, ham and jam, followed by tuna carpaccio, apples and pears, hearth roasted bone marrow ($10 supplement), smoked chicken and andouille gumbo, chargrilled oysters and beet and goat cheese. Choose an entree including pan roasted diver scallops, pancetta wrapped monkfish, Berkshire pork cheeks, Long Island duck breast, petit filet mignon, parmesan risotto and blackened redfish. End the meal on a sweet note with a selection of desserts from pastry chef Chrysta Poulous. $85 per person. To reserve your table, call 832-942-5080 or visit the reservations page. *Menu subject to change based on seasonal availability. Photo: Julie Soefer.