Looking for where to dine or find sweet treats for Valentine's Day? Check out this list
Food is the original love language. Several local eating establishments have crafted some special ways to express those sentiments whether you are looking for a Leslie Knope-inspired Galentine’s Day waffle bar, French-inspired pastries, or a candle-lit dinner for two.
Bloom Hospitality & Catering and Just the Basics mobile bar are teaming up for a Galentine event.
The two central Illinois businesses are behind Girl Dinner – Valentine’s Edition Friday, on Feb. 9, which will combine how-to instructions on creating a charcuterie board and cocktails. Participants will get to enjoy the charcuterie spread and cocktails after learning how to make them. The charcuterie board will be topped with cheeses, cured meats, fruit and nuts. Tickets are $80 and can be purchased online at https://square.link/u/QDhTKh8S. The price includes a take-home drink kit and a heart-shaped board from Rustic & Co.
The event will be held at Just the Basics at 231 Walnut St. in Chatham. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the event will be from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Week of specials
Chesapeake Seafood House is spreading the love around, offering its Valentine’s Day special the entire week.
The restaurant at 3045 Clear Lake Ave. will feature its lobster tail and fried shrimp special Feb. 10 - 14 from 3:30 to 9:30 p.m. The dinner comes with a choice of potato and salad for $24.99.
Call (217) 522-5220 for reservations.
Choose surf and turf
Yearning for delicacies from both land and sea? No need to be torn between two loves with The Dublin Pub’s surf and turf special.
The special features an 8-ounce steak and shrimp dinner for $26.95 or choose the 8-ounce salmon dinner for $18.95. Both meals come with a choice of sides.
Specials are available Feb. 11-17. Reservations are available only for parties of eight or larger. Phone: (217) 793-6871. The Dublin Pub is at 1975 Wabash Ave.
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Lover's feast
Empire Korean Steakhouse and Bar is inviting lovers to warm up by their table fires with two special dinners available Feb. 11-17.
The Lover’s Feast features fried dumplings, beef bulgogi, garlic shrimp, L.A. galbi, Wagyu ribeye, and mochi ice cream for $89 while the Taste of the Sea pairs edamame, an assortment of the rolls of the month, sashimi sampler, scallop nigiri and mochi ice cream for $79.
The steakhouse at 2100 W. White Oaks Drive lets diners cook meat at their tabletop.
The steakhouse is open for lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and dinner from 4:30 to 9:30 p.m. Call (217) 670-1814 for reservations.
Flying your paramore to Paris this Valentine’s Day out of the question? Consider regaling them with French pastries instead from Incredibly Delicious.
Sweet treats
The bakery at 925 S. Seventh St. is preparing a special Valentine’s Day-themed Saturday brunch Feb. 10 and is taking pre-orders for specially featured sweets.
Brunch features range from chocolate and strawberry-filled French toast to an Andouille scramble, breakfast croissant sandwiches to organic yogurt topped with toasted nuts and granola, fresh fruit and house-made jam. Prices range from $5.25 to $13.65.
The cafe is open from 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
A vintage heart-shaped cake with “Je t’aime” inscribed on top leads the special bakery items available for preorder. The vanilla cake filled with raspberry jam and iced with vanilla bean buttercream costs $55.
Other cake options are the chocolate-strawberry ganache or red velvet with cream cheese mousse and iced with vanilla bean buttercream. Both come in 6-inch for $40.60 or 8-inch for $51.11.
Cupid-inspired macaron flavors are chocolate-strawberry, raspberry-cream cheese, and pink Champagne. Cost is $15 for an assorted half dozen.
For those who prefer to be hands-on, a DIY cookie kit comes with 10 heart-shaped sugar cookies, icing and sprinkles. Cost is $27.
If pastries are your preference, order an assorted croissant box for $24, a dessert box at $40, or Valentine cruffins for $15 for a pair. Orders are due by midnight Monday online at https://id-valentine-features.square.site/. Anyone needing help placing an online order can call (217) 528-8548. There is an option of two pick up dates: Feb. 10 or Feb. 14.
Four days to celebrate
Legacy Pointe Eatery is spreading the love around with four different days to celebrate.
The restaurant at 1130 W. Legacy Pointe Drive is offering specials on Feb. 9, 10, 13, and 14 from 5 to 9 p.m.
Special selections include the chorizo-stuffed, bacon-wrapped dates, coffee and cocoa-crusted pork loin, Cajun pasta, and a special edition of Chef Brady’s scratch-made cheesecake. Featured items range from $9 to $26.
Reservations are recommended. Call (217) 670-1217 to reserve a seat.
Five courses for two On 4th
Loukinens’ On 4th has a Valentine’s Day, five-course dinner special built for two.
The meal includes appetizers for two, choice of soup or salad, entree choice, a sharable side dish and dessert for $135 a person.
The special will be served from 4 to 9 p.m. Feb. 14 at the restaurant at 517 S. Fourth St. Reservations should be made online at www.loukinenson4th.com.
Dinner tasting for two
Luminary: Kitchen & Provisions has a dinner tasting for two on Valentine’s Day.
The five-course dinner tasting will be held from 5 to 9 p.m. Cost is $175 a couple or $88 a person.
The menu includes tuna crudo and butter-poached scallops, pasta in a spicy lamb broth, seared foie gras, black cos and short rib, and apple cake with caramel buttercream for dessert.
Reservations can be made by phone (217) 679-1819 or email theluminarychefs@gmail.com. Luminary: Kitchen & Provisions is at 3121 Hedley Road.
Premium menu
Wine and dine your Valentine at Pao Bistro where Valentine’s Day selections range from prime rib to pork medallions, Chilean sea bass to Canadian lobster.
The lounge at The Gables restaurant opens at 4:30 p.m. with dinner seating from 5 to 8:30 p.m. Feb. 14. The limited menu offers a crafted selection of appetizers, small plates, salads, and entrees. Entree prices range from $18 to $49.
Pao Bistro is at 2824 Plaza Drive. Reservations are recommended. Phone: (217) 546-4660.
Share the love
Portillo’s wants customers to help them share the love this Valentine’s season.
The fast food chain is donating $5 to No Kids Hungry for each of its heart-shaped cakes sold up to a total of $20,000. The non-profit’s goal is to end childhood hunger in the United States.
The single-layer, heart-shaped cakes are available in Portillo’s signature chocolate or lemon. Cost is $18.99. Advance orders can be placed online at www.portillos.com before Feb. 8. The restaurant at 3400 Freedom Drive also will have cakes in stock from Feb. 9 - 14.
A box of chocolates pairs with Valentine’s Day like Cupid with an arrow.
Sweet abundance
Pease’s at BUNN Gourmet has a heart-shaped box and then some for your sweetheart. Other off-the-shelf selections include craft beers and nuts, chocolate cigars, and bourbon balls.
The sweet shop at 2941 Plaza Dr. in The Gables also is taking advance orders for cakes and chocolate-covered strawberries. Phone: (217) 793-1840. Orders are due by Feb. 11 for pick up Feb. 13 and 14.
Strawberries are available in choice of milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or an assortment and can be purchased in boxes of a half-dozen ($17.99), a dozen ($33.99), and two dozen ($63.99).
Pastry pre-orders feature a 10-inch red velvet cheesecake ($59.99) or a 10-inch, four-layer chocolate strawberry cake ($52.99).
Check the shelves
Love at first sight happens with pastries, too.
Three Twigs Bakery is foregoing the pre-order system it has used in the past and instead simply stocking the shelves at 2661 Chatham Road for the occasion.
Special features include sugar cookie conversation hearts and three featured pies: cherry berry, chocolate chess, and red velvet cookies and cream. Pies are available in 4-inch ($7) and 9-inch ($36). Conversation heart cookies are $3.50 each.
Dine-in features include double chocolate strawberry flapjacks, red velvet fried biscuit doughnuts, and a variety of coffee drink specials.
The bakery and diner are open Tuesday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Valentine’s Day specials continue through Feb. 14.
Toast to love
Is your passion burning for more than the traditional hearts and flowers? The Wakery has some alternative ways to toast amore.
The downtown spot is partnering with Golden Hour Bake House for a Galentine’s waffle bar Feb. 10 at 2 p.m. for $35. The meal includes waffles and an assortment of toppings including nuts, fruit, whipped cream, and syrups. Two non-alcoholic mimosas come with the package.
Then grab your girls for a round of Parks & Recreation trivia.
A murder mystery dinner theater will be the ticket on Feb. 11 at 6 p.m. Cost is $65. Emerald Eats is catering the meal that includes Caesar salad, barbecue grilled chicken, baked beans and brown butter chocolate chip cookie.
Chocolate strawberries and non-alcoholic Champagne are on the menu for Valentine’s Day. These libations are paired with live music from Manny doing a set titled “Opera, Sinatra, Love Songs.”
Cost for advance purchases is $25 for a Champagne toast and half dozen strawberries; $45 for a bottle of Champagne and a dozen strawberries. Add $5 for day of purchases.
The Champagne and strawberries package also can be purchased to go.
Reservations for all three events can be placed online at www.springfieldwakery.com/shop. The deadline to reserve a seat is Feb. 7.
Gluten-free options
Apple Barn in Chatham has specialty cakes, cupcakes, candy, and chocolate-dipped strawberries available through Feb. 14.
Chocolate-covered strawberries cost $2.75 each. Italian cream cake and red velvet cakes are available in a mini-cake for $15 or mini cupcakes for 50 cents each. Other options include assorted fudge ($5.50 for a 4-ounce box), mini cheesecakes ($2.50 each) and assorted candies like raspberry truffles, buckeyes, caramels dipped in dark chocolate and sea salt and pecan-caramel clusters (all $7 a box).
And for those determined not to be tempted to stray from any New Year’s resolutions, try the gluten-free chocolate cupcakes, Keto-friendly cheesecakes, and strawberries dipped in Keto/diabetic-friendly chocolate.
Four-course dinner special
Broadgauge Restaurant in Petersburg has a four-course dinner for $95.
The package comes with four entree choices: filet mignon with au gratin potatoes, cold water lobster tail with herb-whipped potatoes and asparagus, Alaskan halibut with oven-roasted potatoes or eggplant Parmesan lasagna with mozzarella and spinach crostini.
Other courses include shrimp cocktail for two, mesclun salad with heirloom tomatoes, and focaccia. Choose from cheesecake or flourless chocolate cake for dessert.
A lobster tail can be added to any meal for an additional $35.
The Valentine’s Day special is available Feb. 9, 10, 14, 15, and 16 from 4:30 to 9 p.m.
The restaurant is at 101 N. Seventh St. in Petersburg. Reservations can be made by phone (217) 386-5669 or online at broadgauge.com/reservations.
This article originally appeared on State Journal-Register: Check out these places to dine or find treats for Valentine's Day
