Top 10 Unexpected Places for Valentine's Day
We've discussed romantic restaurants before, and last-minute places for Valentine's Day.
Last year I made up a Top 10 around this time of romantic restaurants for the budget-minded.
The problem is that those restaurants traditionally thought of as most romantic are also the ones most likely to be crowded, with rushed servers and an overworked kitchen.
Not romantic. ...
My advice if you have to go out on Valentine's Eve (Saturday) or Day (Sunday) is to make an offbeat choice. There may not be quite the atmosphere; but you probably won't spend as much and no one will mind if you linger, gazing longingly into each other's eyes.
I have, however, included a couple of destination places in case you do feel like spending a little money.
Thanks to all who helped me make up this list:
* If you want to make a splash, Antrim 1844 in Taneytown has Winter Getaway Packages for as little as $119 a person that sound good: They include a room in the mansion, afternoon tea, six-course meal, breakfast and more. To get that price, though, you'll have to plan your visit the Thursday before or the Monday after.
* Belmont in Elkridge isn't a restaurant as such, but it has wine dinners throughout the year, including Feb. 12 and 13 in honor of Valentine's Day. The food is contemporary American; and the prix fixe menu is $75 a person, with wines paired with four of the five courses.
* B & O American Brasserie downtown is new enough that people may not be thinking of it as a place for a romantic date. The special menus, which I wrote about before, sound intriguing.
* Baba's Mediterranean Kitchen between Federal Hill and Locust Point, voted Best Mediterranean Restaurant in Baltimore by the City Paper, will be taking reservations for Valentine's Day (it's usually first come, first served) and will have some specials. It's BYOB.
* Dukem Ethiopian Restaurant in Mount Vernon. As Baltofoodie points out, you can feed each other by hand, it's very cheap and it's vegetarian-friendly. Also per her recommendation, don't order the honey wine, even though it sounds romantic.
* Gertrude's in the BMA. Take part in the museum's Night of Romance or Couples Yoga first, then indulge in Gertrude's Valentine Aphrodisiac Dinner.
* Hunan Taste in Catonsville is a relatively new Chinese restaurant that's getting rave reviews. Valentine's Day and Chinese New Year coincide this year, so you could celebrate both holidays with one meal.
* Mari Luna Latin Grille in Pikesville is offering a three-course Valentine's dinner for $60 a couple or a four- course dinner with two glasses of sparkling dessert wine for $72 a couple.
* Slainte Irish Pub in Fells Point has a delicious-sounding menu for $70 a couple, with choices like oysters to start and pork tenderloin stuffed with Boursin, apples and raisins with a port reduction.
* Ze Mean Bean in Fells Point, a cozy bar with a fireplace, will have Valentine's specials. They just couldn't tell me what they'll be when I called.
(Doug Kapustin/Sun photographer)
Comments
Ah, Valentine'd Day...when we get to sit on our roof and watch the limo drivers circle and circle trying to find parking.
Captcha can read the calendar.. "steamy proposal"
Posted by: Frequent Little Italy Restaurant Visitor | February 2, 2010 6:59 AM
Friendly Farm in Upperco has a special V.D. menu.
Posted by: NotableM | February 2, 2010 7:56 AM
Many years ago, I trekked up a mountainside in the Himalayas in search of knowledge. Weary and aching, I found a wise man sitting cross-legged atop the peak. "Oh, great guru," I asked, "What is the secret of a good life?" Gazing out upon the vast and verdant vista, he solemnly told me, "Never go to a restaurant on New Year's Eve, Mother's Day or Valentine's Day. Especially Valentine's Day." I have taken his sage counsel ever since. But I'll certainly look to your list on less obvious romantic occasions -- like when I ask my wife what she's making for dinner and she smiles provocatively as she says, "Reservations."
Posted by: Michael A. Gray | February 2, 2010 8:17 AM
NotableM -
does that come with a complimentary side of penicillin?
Posted by: Doug | February 2, 2010 8:25 AM
Co-quotes of the week to NoteableM.and Doug. I, for one, found it very amusing!!
Captcha was amusing!!
dessert recalled
Posted by: MDtopdad | February 2, 2010 8:34 AM
I realized the implication right after I clicked the post button. - haha. Can I delete it?????
Posted by: NotableM | February 2, 2010 9:03 AM
Okay, I didn't get the memo the first time around.
Max's Taphouse will be in Day Three of its annual Belgian Beer Fest on Valentine's Day, and there happen to be a few Belgian beers that will turn on many a lass...... Ommegang Chocolate Indulgence, Lindemanns Framboise or Cassis if they like fruit (my wife is a sucker for Lindemanns Cassis, if only they made a stronger version of it.....)
That's why you get a second chance. :-) EL
Posted by: Alexander D. Mitchell IV | February 2, 2010 10:03 AM
Note that The Antrim deal does not include tax, tip, gratuities, and beverages. But that's still a pretty good rate for everything that's included.
advantage clawed (my high-tech Atlantic lobsterman name)
Posted by: Cleatus | February 2, 2010 7:00 PM
I don't know if anyone is aware of this or not, but White Castle is having a Valentines Day promotion:
http://consumerist.com/2007/02/candelight-valentines-dinner-at-white-castle-reservations-required.html
According to The Consumerist:
Make your Valentine's day STEAMY! Take your Valentine to White Castle on Wednesday, February 14 between 5 and 8 p.m. and enjoy hostess seating, candlelit dining and your own server. Reservations are required, so check the list below for participating Castles near you!
Special this year, you can also treat your honey to a romantic White Castle dinner in your home! Cupid's Crave Kits include eight cheeseburgers, one sack of fries, two regular soft drinks, coupons and keepsake items to heat up your homespun romance. Now, ain't that sweet?
Are there an White Castles in Baltimore?
Posted by: Jack Ziegler | February 2, 2010 7:00 PM
Jack, I believe the closest White Castle is in New Jersey.
Posted by: Stacy | February 3, 2010 7:52 AM
I would love a White Castle V-Day! It would be a special treat since there are none in the area. My husband and I went to Friendly Farms for v-day one year. It was very good.
Posted by: Sarah G. | February 3, 2010 11:43 AM
Hubby and I spent valentine's day last year at Iggie at the shared table with a bottle of 2007 Caymus Conundrum and shared Ciao Bella gelato and it was incredibly romantic.
It doesn't matter where you are - it's who you are with and the mood.
Posted by: tennisgal1206 | February 3, 2010 12:40 PM
A great choice is Bombay Nights at the Honeygo Center in White Marsh. Location is convenient for a lot of people, and the decor is much more exotic and elegant than its location would suggest. Add in both Indian and Indo-Chinese options, and a BYOB policy, and this could be a winner, especially if one of a couple is a vegetarian!
Posted by: Gina | February 4, 2010 12:37 AM
Last year I went to Miss Shirley's Cafe in Roland Park for their special Valentine's Dinner and WOW it was 5 star food and service.
The dining room was transformed into a romantic and beautiful setting with white table cloths, china and glassware.
We were so pleased that my husband and I have decided to go back again this year!
Posted by: baltfoodie | February 4, 2010 4:42 PM
* Hunan Taste in Catonsville is a relatively new Chinese restaurant that's getting rave reviews. Valentine's Day and Chinese New Year coincide this year, so you could celebrate both holidays with one meal.
Posted by: emlak | October 16, 2010 10:49 AM
Link Spam @ 10:49
Posted by: RayRay | October 16, 2010 11:46 AM
A great choice is Bombay Nights at the Honeygo Center in White Marsh
Posted by: ahmet | April 19, 2011 10:21 AM