I know, I know, some of you want to cringe, but there are others who need to book a table asap for VALENTINE’S DAY to get your prix-fixe menu groove on. So, let’s dive in.
First, whether you want to send a treat to your boyfriend or bitter BFF, you can send them a “SusieGram” from SUSIECAKES—pricing begins at $18, and varies depending on delivery location. Your order can include a Susie Loves Me box (sugar cookies, red hot red velvet cupcakes) or Love Me Not box (with a “Black Sweetheart” sandwich cookie, cupcakes inscribed with “Serial Dater” and “Break Up Queen,” and more), $25. Call or visit to order from February 1st-12th.
Friday February 11th-Saturday February 12th is the 8TH ANNUAL FOOD FROM THE HEART at the San Francisco Ferry Building Marketplace. Merchants and restaurateurs at the Marketplace will offer chocolate tastings and seasonal hors d’oeuvres, and local vintners will pour wine. The event is free with nominal charges for food and wine samples ($2-$4), with proceeds to benefit Slow Food San Francisco. Marketplace shops will all be open from 5pm-8pm for shopping on Friday night. There will be tango and salsa dancing, and classical music. On Saturday, there will be music in the Marketplace, chef demos, and special Valentine offerings from merchants.
Okay, now let’s look at some dining options. There is no way in hell I am going through each menu here, so call the restaurant or check their websites for more details:
Of course there’s the romantic ~JARDINIÈRE~, and since Valentine’s Day falls on a Monday, they will be serving a “Truffle Lovers” tasting menu starting Friday February 11th through Sunday the 13th, five courses, $135. And to take home, everyone who enjoys the tasting menu will receive Jardinière’s signature truffled salt. On Monday the 14th, they will be serving a special prix-fixe menu for $125 (excluding wine pairings), plus à la carte dining in the bar and J-Lounge, but not in the dining room.
Also in Hayes Valley, ~ABSINTHE BRASSERIE & BAR~ is offering a special three-course prix-fixe menu for Valentine’s Day, which includes Meyer Ranch filet of beef with seared foie gras and potato galette. $58 per person; add $39 for wine pairings.
Another classic romantic spot, ~FOREIGN CINEMA~ is serving a three-course prix-fixe menu, and screening a special romantic film in the outside courtyard.
~LA FOLIE~ is offering a four-course prix-fixe menu for $155, with main dish choices including a beef trio with Creekstone beef tenderloin, braised beef short rib, and burger Rossini with sauce Bordelaise.
Now, for the vegetarian in your life (or if you’re still gung ho on your New Year’s resolution to eat more vegetables), ~GREENS~ is serving a four-course Valentine’s Day prix-fixe menu, with live music by Jeff Massanari Jazz Trio throughout the evening. And of course there are those beautiful views. $88, does not include beverages, tax, or gratuity.
You can dine at ~AME~ from February 8th-15th and order their Black Truffle Menu, five courses, $115 per person.
~SPRUCE~ is offering a five-courser, which includes a course of poached local sole and Maine lobster, mousseline potatoes, braised leeks, and red wine butter. $115 per person, exclusive of tax, gratuity, and beverages. Wine pairings are an additional $50 per person.
Want something a little unique? GRAFFEATS is hosting Dinner and a Flick, with five courses paired to five short films in an intimate space. $65, drinks not included.
And if you want to do things UP, check out this one-of-a-kind Valentine’s Day (and Chinese New Year) event happening at the War Memorial Opera House, PAPILLON X—EXTRAVAGANZA. There will be a performance by Roberta Flack and Jeff Chang (total Asian heartthrob), and a dinner from four amazing chefs: Michelin-starred Demon Chef Alvin Leung from Bo Innovation, Hong Kong; James Beard award-winning chef Corey Lee of Benu; executive chef Leung Kam Chiu of KOI Palace; and host executive chef Dean Rona of San Francisco Opera House. Featured wineries include Francis Ford Coppola and Rubicon Estate. General admission seats are $48-$108; orchestra pit seating (includes wine tasting) is $150; and box seating, which includes dinner and all VIP events, is $300. Tickets here.
Photo by Darwin Bell.
