Valentine’s Day 2011: Where to Dine in Scottsdale

Still searching for a romantic spot to take your sweetheart?

Consider planning your romantic dinner at one of these great Scottsdale restaurants:

• Blanco Tacos + Tequila at The Borgata

Blanco Tacos + Tequila serves updated classic Mexican fare reinterpreted with fresh, flavorful, and unique ingredients. The Valentine’s dinner is $45 per couple and includes one appetizer, two entrees, one dessert and two cocktails. Menuhighlights include Guacamole “Blanco Style” or Queso Fundido to start. For an entrée, choose Seared Ahi Tacos, Chicken Mole and Vegetable Arroz, or Chicken, Steak or Chipotle Shrimp Fajitas. To complement the meal, indulge in a Classic, Mixed Berry, or Pomegranate/Grapefruit Margarita. For more information, call 480-305-6692.

• Bloom at Gainey Village

Bloom is a boutique-style eatery serving a seasonally changing menu of classic American favorites, with influences from European and Asian cuisines. The Valentine’s dinner is a three-course, prix-fixe menu for $45 per person from 4pm-5:30pm. and $55 per person from 5:30pm-close. Valentine’s menu highlights include an appetizer of Dungeness Crab Chowder, Burrata Mozzarella, or Braised Beef Short Ribs. For a main course, select Maine Lobster, Mu Shu Duck or Roasted Rack of Lamb. For dessert, enjoy Warm Gingerbread, Spike’s “Chocoholic” Cake or Butterscotch Pot de Crème. For more information, call 480-922-5666.

• Café Zuzu at Hotel Valley Ho

Cafe ZuZu, serving seasonal American fare, will be offering a Valentine’s four-course pre-fixe menu February 12th-14th, along with the regular dinner menu. The pre-fixe menu is $60 per person, or $75 per person with beverage pairings (prices do not include tax or gratuity). It features Deviled Fried Oysters for the first course, Warm Orange Braised Fennel for the second course, Beef Tenderloin for the third course, and Chocolate Truffle Tart for the last course. This will be followed by Chocolate-Covered Strawberries and Truffles. For contact information, visit hotelvalleyho.com.

• Modern Steak at Scottsdale Fashion Square

Modern Steak offers a new twist on the traditional steakhouse. The glamorous, lavishly appointed interior makes the perfect setting for a romantic Valentine’s dinner. Have a truly memorable dining experience selecting from a variety of entrees such as the Wedge Two Ways Salad, Miso Glazed Chilean Sea Bass, the Seafood Tower or Snake River Farms 8 oz Wagyu Ribeye CAP. To round out the meal, choose a shareable side item including Sautéed or Creamed Spinach, Sweet Potato Puree with Burnt Marshmallow, or the Yukon Gold Potato Puree with Vermont Butter. Featured desserts include Brown Sugar Banana Cake or Peanut Butter Cup. For Valentine’s dinner, Modern Steak is serving its regular menu and usual prices apply. For more information, call 480-423-7000.

• NoRTH at Kierland Commons

NoRTH takes its cues from an Italian style trattoria, offering a fresh new approach to modern Italian cuisine. The Valentine’s dinner is a three-course, prix-fixe menu for $45 per person from 4-5:30pm and $55 per person from 5:30pm-close. NoRTH Valentine’s menu selections are appetizers such as Dungeness  Crab Cocktail, Candy Striped Beets Salad, or Artichoke and Crescenza Fondue, with a Farm Vegetable Crudite. For an entrée, choose the Pan Roasted Scallops, Grilled Rack of Lamb, or Nonna “Two Ways” Chicken. To end the meal, indulge in Butterscotch Pudding, Warm Chocolate Nutella Cake, or the Vanilla Mascarpone Cheesecake. For more information, call 480-948-2055.

• Olive & Ivy at the Scottsdale Waterfront

Olive & Ivy blends the flavors and timeless elegance of the Mediterranean with contemporary California chic. The Valentine’s dinner is a three-course, prix-fixe menu for $45 per person from 4pm-5:30pm and $55 per person from 5:30pm-close. Olive & Ivy Valentine’s dinner selections begin with Jumbo Lump Crab Cake, Prosciutto and Fig Flatbread, or Warm Butternut Squash Bruschetta. Main course options include Veal and Spinach Ravioli, Sea Scallops, and Certified Angus Beef Filet. For dessert, enjoy a Trio of Donuts, Banana Cream Pie, or Warm Chocolate Cake. For more information, call 480-751-2200.

• Picazzo’s

It’s love at first bite on Valentine’s Day, when Picazzo’s serves up heart-shaped, Neapolitan-style pizzas for lunch and dinner. From tasty selections including the Naples Style Margherita to the popular California to the Sweet & Sassy, each heart-shaped pizza includes a gluten-free option and can be combined with a bottle of house wine and a small salad or dessert for two for just $44. And what would Valentine’s Day be without a little Love Potion? Picazzo’s newest signature cocktail combines Corazon Reposado Tequila, agave nectar, lime juice, slivers of jalapeños, and pineapple chunks for a hot-and-sweet taste sensation. It’s available Valentine’s Day and throughout the remainder of February. For contact info, visit picazzos.com.

• Sapporo

Celebrate this Valentine’s Day weekend (February 11th-14th) at Sapporo Scottsdale serving authentine Japanese sushi, artful Teppayjaki, and Pacific Rum cuisine. the restaurant will offer inventive, heart-warming dishes crafted by Executive Chef Stephen Stromberg, ideal for diners who are looking for both an intimate meal for two or a fun-filled group outing. To pair with their romantic meal, couples can also share The Sapporo Torch, a cocktail made especially for two (Myers’ Rum, Bacardi Rum, Cointreau, Velvet Falernum, Fresh Grapefruit Juice, and Fresh Lime Juice | $19) served with a flaming lime half floating at its brim. Featured Valentine’s Day menu items from Chef Stromberg include: Surf and Turf Combination (Truffle-Grilled Filet Mignon, Butter-Braised Lobster Tail, Spinach and Wasabi Smashed Potatoes, Prawn Cognac Bisque, and Sautéed White Asparagus | $38) and  Ménage à Trois de Chocolat (Chocolate Crème Brûlée and Chocolate Cake glazed with Chocolate Sauce, and topped with housemade Raspberry, Lychee, and Rose Sorbet | $9) For contact info and to make reservations, visit sapporoscottsdale.com.

• Talavera

On Valentine’s Day, Talavera will showcase a five-course “Art of the Aphrodisiac” tasting menu. Highlights include Lobster Bolognese, Venison and Tuna Loin, Honey-glazed Wagyu Strip Loin and a Valhrona Chocolate Fondue.  The cost will be $99 per person, or $198 per couple, including a glass of Rose Champagne with dessert and a takeaway treat of specialty chocolates.  A Champagne pairing is available at an additional cost. Crescent Moon restaurant will feature a four-course tasting that same evening. Enjoy a lively menu influenced by the restaurant’s modern Mexican concept, at the cost of $58 per person, or $116 per couple.  A tequila cocktail pairing is available at an additional cost. For contact info, visit talaverarestaurant.com.

• The Greene House at Kierland Commons

The Greene House serves California-inspired cuisine. The Valentine’s dinner is a three-course, prix-fixe menu for $45 per person from 4 pm-5:30pm. and $55 per person from 5:30pm-close. The Greene House Valentine’s menu options include a starter of Warm Brie, Black Mussels or Spicy Tuna Tartar. Choose an entrée, such as Crispy Half Chicken, Certified Angus Beef Ribeye, or Atlantic Salmon. For dessert, indulge in Hot Chocolate “Boca Negra” Cake, Apple and Cranberry Cobbler, or Warm Banana Bread Pudding. For more information, call 480-889-9494.

• The Phoenician

The AAA Four Diamond Il Terrazzo at The Phoenician brings Italian flair to Valentine’s Day romance. In addition to Chef de Cuisine Kyle Lipetzky’s select á la carte menu, the restaurant will showcase numerous holiday features on Valentine’s Day, including Wild Mushroom Bisque, Fanny Bay Oysters,  Hand-cut Black Pepper Tagliatelle,  California White Bass, a Land & Sea entrée, as well as a signature Chocolate Buffet from award-winning Executive Pastry Chef Roy Pell. For contact info, visit thephoenician.com.

• Trader Vic’s

Trader Vic’s, known for its Polynesian cuisine is featuring a special à la carte Valentine’s menu February 11th-14th, in addition to the regular dinner menu. Diners can choose from Devil Fried Oysters, Arugula & Watercress Salad, or Lobster Bisque for starters; Oven-Roasted Salmon or Beef Tenderloin & Butter Poached Lobster Tail for the entrée; and Red Velvet Layer Cake or Chocolate Truffles & Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries for dessert. For contact info, visit hotelvalleyho.com.

• True Food Kitchen at Scottsdale Quarter

True Food Kitchen celebrates high quality, locally and regionally sourced ingredients to create a pure, simple menu that tastes great while nourishing mind, body and spirit. The special Valentine’s dinner is $25 per person and includes one appetizer, two entrees, and one dessert. Highlights from the menu include Herb Hummus, Edamame Dumplings, or Tuscan Kale Salad to start. Choose an entrée such as Steak Tacos, Miso Glazed Black Cod, or Roasted Free Range Chicken. The Valentine’s dessert includes an assortment of treats for two. For more information, call 480-265-4500.

• Z’Tejas

Z’Tejas has created a fresh and flavorful Valentine’s Day menu for you and your sweetheart! The menu is available from February 11^th– February 14th. The menu items include a delicious appetizer of Tempura Fried Avocado with a Tropical Lobster Ceviche which can be followed by unique entrées such as the Citrus Mahi-Mahi or Lobster Beef Tenderloin. For a unique Valentine’s, try the Sweet Fig beignet for dessert that is topped with powdered sugar and raspberry sauce which is served with cinnamon ice cream and fresh berries. Z’Tejas has also unveiled their signature Valentine’s cocktail, the ‘PAMA ‘Rita’ which includes PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur floated in the award-winning 6th Street Margarita, topped with fun Valentine’s candy for décor. For contact info, visit ztejas.com.