by erin thursby scopes1925@msn.com
New to the Riverside area is Primi Piatti (2722 Park St 904-389-5545) a restaurant specializing in Northern Italian cuisine. Expect upscale menu items and made-from-scratch pastas and breads. Open for lunch Monday through Saturday and dinner Tuesday through Saturday.
Here’s a look at what some restaurants have planned for Valentine’s Day romance. As always, call ahead for reservations!
If you’re looking for a little beach romance, try the Casa Marina Hotel & Restaurant (691 1st Street N Jacksonville Beach 904-270-0025). Directly oceanfront, its beach theme includes a gift of chocolate shells and roses for the ladies and a complimentary Champagne toast for all. A carefully designed 4-course gourmet menu by Chef Aaron Webb features many ‘hearts and passion fruit’ specialties - served from 5-9 pm. Cost per person for Dinner: $49 plus tax & gratuity.
Also near the beach, Ocean 60 (60 ocean Blvd Atlantic Beach 904-247-0060) plans to have a little Jazz love with the musical stylings of local songstress Dot Wilder, along with an always stellar menu.
Café Nola at MOCA (904-366-6911 Ext. 223) will be serving a pre-fixe dinner on Valentine’s Day. It will be 3 courses for $39 a person and that will include a bottle of champagne per couple. See the menu at mocajacksonville.org/cafe. Seating will be limited so make reservations early.
The incomparable Blue Bamboo (3820 Southside Blvd. 904- 646-1478) will be offering a four course meal, paired with beverages for $75 plus tax and gratuity. That’s quite a deal for this gorgeous Asian-fusion food!
Zaitoon Mediterranean Grill (13475 Atlantic Blvd 904-221-7066) has quite a 4-course menu planned, from a first course selection of oysters, shrimp or Maine lobster tail to a decadent dessert of Chocolate Genoise, Chocolate Ganache, Roasted Hazelnut, and Chocolate Leaf. The four-course special costs $100 a couple and will be served between 5 and 9 pm.
For a water view in St. Augustine, try the romantic but casual Kingfish Grille (252 Yacht Club Drive, St. Augustine 904-824-2111). Couples receive a complimentary keepsake photo taken table-side and a flower for the ladies. (photo will be ready to take home before departing). Reservations not required. Go upstairs to The Harbor View and enjoy dancing & cocktails to ‘Heartstrings’ Jazz Group from 6-10 pm.
Upcoming classes at your local Williams-Sonoma (St. Johns Town Center 904-998-4303): Tuesday, February 19 at 6:30-8:30 pm, Food Made Fast: Make-Ahead Dishes – Expand your repertoire of dishes that you can make in advance. They’re invaluable when you want to serve a simple weeknight supper for your family or an impromptu dinner for guests. On the menu: Three-Cheese Manicotti, Chicken Chili with Beans, Hearty Beef and Vegetable Soup and Penne with Winter Squash and Pancetta. Cost $35.
Tuesday, February 26 at 6:30-8:30 pm, Home-Baked Desserts – February is the ideal month for baking divine treats to share with loved ones. With recipes that highlight chocolate, winter fruits and citrus, you can create desserts that will satisfy every sweet tooth. On the menu: Bittersweet Chocolate Cake, Tarte Tatin of Winter Pears, Lemon Madeleines and Chocolate Mousse. Cost $35.
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