Valentine’s Day 2012 Dining Guide

Valentine’s Day is fast approaching and marks one of the busiest “holidays” for dining out. We’re lucky enough to live in a city with many selections for romantic (and even anti-romantic) restaurant options for this love-filled celebratory day, but how will you choose? We’ve compiled a list of a few local gems that caught our attention for their Valentine’s Day offerings including Cask 63’s four-course all-chocolate menu (with each course paired alongside a chocolate cocktail), Different Pointe of View’s mouthwatering five-course menu (one of our favorite local spots with a gorgeous view), and Venue at the Grove’s special Valentine’s Day dinner seated on their enchanting 2.5 acre lit pecan grove. For singles or anyone who’s already rolling their eyes at conversation hearts and tiny cupids, head to Rico’s American Grill for the Anti-Valentine’s Day dinner where they’ll promise there won’t be a single rose or candlelight in sight!

Be sure to make your reservations timely as many of these restaurants are expected to fill up quickly.

• Arrowhead Grill | Valentine’s Day Special

When: Feb. 14, 4-10pm
Where: Arrowhead Grill in Glendale
Details:  Chef Charles Schwerd and Arrowhead Grill is offering a specially prepared romantic Valentine’s Day meal for West Valley dwellers this year. From 4-10pm, couples can take advantage of a special Valentine’s Day dinner that includes a choice of one of six starters, eight entrees plus two surf and turf options, eight delectable sides and Schwerd’s delicious desserts. Among the entrees offered is Arrowhead Grill’s signature Delmonico steak. Starters for Valentine’s Day include a choice of Hog Island Kumamoto Oysters, Rhode Island style calamari, pretzel fondue or shrimp cocktail. Entrees include a choice of the Delmonico, a bacon-wrapped filet, prime rib or rack of lamb. Call 623-566-2224 for reservations.
Cost: $69.99 per person, not including tax and gratuity.
More Info: For the complete menu, visit facebook.com/arrowheadgrill.

• Carefree Station | Valentine’s Day Special

When: Feb. 14
Where: Carefree Station in Carefree
Details:  On Valentine’s Day, spend a romantic evening at Carefree Station, and enjoy special entrées, desserts and a cocktail creation made just for the occasion. Cozy up indoors by a fireplace or enjoy the evening in the climate controlled atrium. In addition to the regular menu, decadent dinner and dessert specials will be offered for the special holiday.. Enjoy the Supreme Oscar: an all natural double breast of chicken, served with heart shaped ravioli, jumbo lump crab, asparagus, and Béarnaise sauce ($32). The Surf ‘n’ Turf is a 6 oz. petite filet, a half of a butter poached lobster tail, his/hers potato rings, and candy striped beets ($53). The indulgent if “If You Love Me” Lobster Tail is a large 18 oz. cold water lobster tail paired with lobster mashed potatoes, toasted butter, and asparagus ($55).  End the dinner with a special dessert, the Romancing the Plate, an assortment of decadent bite-sized desserts, meant for two. Indulge in liqueur filled berries, gold dusted truffles, dark chocolate mousse, and other shareable creations ($16.50). Cocktail specials will be available as well. Call 480-488-8182 for reservations.
Cost: Varies
More Info: carefreestation.com

• Cask 63 | Valentine’s Day All-Chocolate Menu

When: Feb. 14, 5pm-9pm
Where: Cask 63, American Eatery & Wine Bar in Scottsdale
Details: The new Scottsdale restaurant, located at the Shops in Gainey Village, will offer a special four-course all chocolate Valentine’s Day tasting menu paired with chocolate cocktails. The menu includes an amuse bouche, Baby Spinach Salad with bitter chocolate balsamic paired with a Chocolate Mint Mojito, a Cocoa Nib Crusted Ahi Tuna with white chocolate wasabi foam paired with a Cocoa Butter Cocktail, Cocoa Coffee Rubbed Venison Lion with chocolate spaetzle paired with a Blackberry Zin Chocolate Sangria, and a Chocolate Agnolotti paired with a 70% Chocolate Martini. Call 480-922-5666 for reservations.
Cost: $65 per person.
More info: cask63.com

• deseo | Valentine’s Day Menu

When: Feb 10 & Feb 14
Where: deseo at the Westin Kierland Resort & Spa in Scottsdale
Details: deseo is offering Valley lovebirds a four-course prix-fixe dinner available Friday, February 10 and Tuesday, February 14. Menu highlights include Duck Serrano Flatbread (cured fig-foie gras and date-infused sorrel) and Pan de Bono-Crusted Lamb Loin (with hucatay pear). Or, on the 14th, you can enjoy a four-course custom dinner by selecting your own dishes from a limited a la carte Valentine’s Day menu. Add wine pairings to your dinner for an additional $25. Call 480-624-1202 for reservations.
Cost: $60 per person/Valentine’s Day Menu or $75 per person/Custom Dinner
More info: specials.kierlandresort.com/

• Different Pointe of View | Five-Course Prix-Fixe Valentine’s Day Menu

When: Feb 14
Where: Different Pointe of View at Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs Resort in Phoenix
Details: Offering an exquisite view of the city, Different Pointe of View is a gorgeous spot for lovers on Valentine’s Day. This year, they are offering a five-course, prix-fixe menu full of indulgences. The first course is a choice of two tempting appetizers: Applewood smoked pork belly or Cedar River short rib ravioli. Next is a choice of either sweet red pepper-and-basil bisque or the restaurant’s signature lobster bisque. Following the salad course, Executive Chef Anthony DeMuro you’ll have your pick with four delicious options for the entree: Cedar River grilled filet mignon, pan-seared pacific cobia, citrus scented olive oil poached main lobster, and seared Muscovy duck breast. And finally, no Valentine’s Day celebration would be complete without something sweet. Different Pointe of View is offering a choice of Chocolate Temptation and a traditional Vanilla bean crème brulee. Call 602-866-6350 for reservations.
Cost: $99 per person for bookings for the 5 p.m. seating and $110 per person from 5:30 to 10 p.m. Wine pairings are available for an additional $40 per person.
More info: tapatiocliffshilton.com

• El Chorro | Valentine’s Day Dinner

When: Feb. 14
Where: El Chorro in Paradise Valley
Details:  Chef Charles Kassels’ Valentine’s Day menu features options including Hearts of Romaine with lobster vinaigrette or Roasted Valentine Pepper Bisque with crispy red beets, a Lovebird Duo of pan-roasted chicken breast and leg confit with herb crust; a Center Cut Filet with Sweet(heart) Potato Gratin and Chilean Sea Bass with Wild-for-you Mushroom Ravioli. For dessert, Chocolate Hearts features a dark chocolate cake served with white chocolate mousse and milk chocolate ganache. Call 480-948-5170 for reservations.
Cost: $98 for two (excluding tax and gratuity) will include El Chorro’s Famous Sticky Buns, handcrafted bread and butter, coffee and tea. A special menu of wine pairings is also available.
More Info: elchorro.com

• elements | Valentine’s Day Dinner

When: Feb. 14, 5:30pm-10pm
Where: elements at Sanctuary at Camelback Mountain in Paradise Valley
Details: Enjoy a gourmet, four-course dinner with breathtaking views at Sanctuary’s elements. Menu highlights include “Tuna Poke” (avocado, mango, crab, crisp lotus root, nori rice), Island Creek Oysters (with raspberry jelly & wasabi caviar), Spinach & Frisee Salad (with duck confit and tempura goat cheese), Lobster & Udon Carbonara (with oyster mushrooms, smoked bacon and tomato jam), Miso-glazed Organic Sea Bass (with forbidden rice, rock shrimp, ginger and sweet carrot hash), and dessert. Call 480-607-2300 for reservations.
Cost: $95 per person, excluding tax, gratuities and beverages
More Info: sanctuaryoncamelback.com

• Il Terrazzo | Valentine’s Day Dinner

When: Feb. 14, 6pm-10pm
Where: Il Terrazzo at The Phoenician in Scottsdale
Details:  Enjoy a four-course prix-fixe menu featuring langoustine with cauliflower cream and osetra caviar; duck with chestnut tortelloni and Brussels sprouts; either John Dory (fish) with black truffle and crispy herb potato, or American Kobe beef with wild mushroom and watercress for the entree; and a decadent chocolate dessert buffet, designed by Executive Pastry Chef Roy Pell. Call 480-423-2530 for reservations.
Cost: $67 per person (plus tax and gratuity). Chocolate Dessert Buffet also available a la carte at $15 per person (plus tax and gratuity).
More Info: thephoenician.com

• LON’s at the Hermosa | Sweethearts Tasting Menu

When: Feb. 10-13
Where: LON’s at the Hermosa in Paradise Valley
Details:  Before Valentine’s Day, enjoy the Sweethearts Tasting Menu at LON’s at the Hermosa. Chef Jeremy Pacheco a special menu including Seafood for Two (stone crab, kumumoto oysters, and rock shrimp ceviche), Roasted Beets with arugula and citrus, Roasted Florida Yellowtail Snapper, Blood Orange Sorbet, Grilled Arizona Beef “Chateaubriand”, and chocolate indulgences to share. Call 602-955-7878 for reservations.
Cost: $69 per person (tax and gratuity not included). $35 wine pairing supplement.
More Info: hermosainn.com

• LON’s at the Hermosa | Valentine’s Day Menu

When: Feb. 14, 5:30-10pm
Where: LON’s at the Hermosa in Paradise Valley
Details:  Enjoy Chef Jeremy Pacheco’s special Valentine’s Day menu with your sweetie at this beautiful resort. Starters include options like Aji Pepper Marinated Royal Prawns or Roasted Local Cauliflower Soup. Entrée choices include Roasted Jidori Chicken and Braised Beef Short Ribs. Dessert sounds especially delicious with your choice of Spiced Chocolate Caramel Bar or the Blood Orange Tres Leche Cake. Call 602-955-7878 for reservations.
Cost: $69 per person (tax and gratuity not included).
More Info: hermosainn.com

• NoRTH at Kierland Commons | Valentine’s Day Prix-Fixe Menu

When: Feb. 14, 4:30pm-close
Where: NoRTH at Kierland Commons
Details:  Infuse some Italian rommance into Valentine’s Day at NoRTH at Kierland Commons, an Italian style trattoria offering a fresh approach to modern Italian cuisine. The Valentine’s dinner is a three-course, prix-fixe menu for $40 per person from 4:30-5:30pm and $55 per person from 5:30pm to close. NoRTH’s Valentine’s menu selections include appetizers such as Fritto Misto with shrimp, calamari, artichoke, zucchini and sea salt; Candy Striped Beets Salad mixed with organic greens, warm goat cheese and champagne syrup; or Italian Winter Soup, with fennel sausage, Tuscan kale, pastina, and aged parmesan. Choose from a variety of main courses such as Apple Cider Pork Tenderloin, paired with olive oil potato and rapini; Pan Roasted Scallops with black truffle and trumpet mushroom risotto; or Nonna “Slow Cooked” Chicken featuring creamy parmesan polenta and roasted squash. To end the meal, indulge in a sweet selection such as Butterscotch Pudding with salted caramel and chantilly cream, or Vanilla Mascarpone Cheesecake served with sweet red berries and a cinnamon butter crunch. Call 480-948-2055 for reservations.
Cost: $40-$55 per person.
More Info: For complete Valentine’s dinner menus, visit foxrc.com.

• North in Arcadia | Valentine’s Day Prix-Fixe Menu

When: Feb. 14
Where: North in Arcadia
Details:  One of our favorite new Valley restaurants is the newest member of the Fox Restaurant Concepts family, North in Arcadia offering up rustic Italian fare in a countryside Italian atmosphere. The Valentine’s dinner is offered at $55 per person for a three-course meal. Start the meal with Sunchoke Soup finished with candied hazelnuts and truffle honey; Duck Confit; or a Seared Tuna Medallion with pickled fennel, Castelvetrano Olives, Marcona Almonds and citrus. Main courses include a Pappardelle with braised lamb in a parmigiano crema; Seared Diver Scallops with wild mushroom risotto; or Grilled New York Strip Steak with roasted radishes and olive oil mashed potatoes. End the night on a sweet note with the Affogato, a warm nutella cake with coffee cream and vanilla gelato or the Bombolini, Meyer lemon curd and vanilla mascarpone Italian donuts. Call 602-324-5600 for reserations.
Cost: $55 per person.
More Info: For complete Valentine’s dinner menus, visit foxrc.com.

• Rico’s American Grill | Anti-Valentine’s Day Dinner

When: Feb. 14
Where: Rico’s American Grill at Pointe Hilton Squaw Peak Resort in Phoenix
Details: Valentine’s Day isn’t just for lovebirds at Rico’s American Grill. Those foodies flying solo on Feb. 14 will find a fantastic prix-fixe menu perfect for those celebrating their singlehood. The menu will include risotto sushi rolls with gingered onion, spicy deviled eggs with jalapeños, and charred romaine spoons with pork belly, smoked tomato and tri-pepper hollandaise. There won’t be any candlelight or a rose in sight! Call 602-997-5850 for reservations.
Cost: $42 per person
More Info: squawpeakhilton.com

• Roka Akor | Special Valentine’s Day Menu

When: Feb. 10-14
Where: Roka Akor in Scottsdale
Details: Executive Chef Jason Alford has designed a six-course meal sure to impress your valentine. Enjoy two complimentary glasses of J Vineyards sparkling wine when you enjoy the special menu, available Friday, February 10 through Tuesday, February 14. Course selections include Seared Beef Tataki with Grilled Asparagus, Mushroom, and Black Truffle Jus, Premium Sashimi Selection, Alaskan King Crab Rice Hotpot with Wasabi Tobiko, Domestic Wagyu Hangar Steak with Wafu Dressing, and of course, dessert. Call 480-306-8800 for reservations.
Cost: $98 per person.
More Info: rokaakor.com

• Taggia | Valentine’s Day Four-Course Prix-Fixe Menu

When: Feb. 14th
Where: Taggia at the FireSky Resort & Spa in Old Town Scottsdale
Details:  Chef James Siao has created a special Valentine’s four-course prix-fixe menu with selections including Wild Mushroom Ravioli, Braised Short Ribs, and Pan Seared Scallops. Menu details below. Call 480-424-6095 for reservations.
Cost: $55 per person.
More Info: taggiascottsdale.com

• The Melting Pot | Valentine’s Day Special

When: Feb. 10-19
Where: The Melting Pot Valley locations
Details:  This Valentine’s Day, have some romantic fun-due at The Melting Pot! The restaurant will have their Valentine’s Day Special available starting on February 10th. The packaged event includes a four course gourmet fondue dinner as well as a welcome champagne toast. Each couple will receive a framed photograph of their celebration and a $25 return Dip Certificate. Couples will also have the opportunity to play a Famous Love Quiz in the decorated environment. Pricing for Friday 2/10 and Monday 2/13 is $120 per couple. Pricing for Saturday 2/11, Sunday 2/12 and Valentine’s Day is $150 per couple. A limited number of VIP Packages are available starting at $225 per couple. VIP Package include a half dozen roses with a customized greeting card, a half bottle premium champagne or spumante upgrade and priority seating at most romantic tables. Rose arrangements are available as well as other romance packages. Please ask the trained Hospitality Specialists to assist you in making your reservation your most romantic experience yet. The Valentine’s Celebration Menu will be available upon request until February 19, 2012. Please reference “Valentine’s Day Celebration Package” when arranging your reservations.
Cost: $120-$225 per couple.
More Info: meltingpot.com/

• True Food Kitchen | Valentine’s Day Prix-Fixe Menu

When: Feb. 14
Where: True Food Kitchen at Biltmore Fashion Park and Scottsdale Quarter
Details:  It shouldn’t cost an arm and a leg to celebrate your love this Valentine’s Day and at True Food Kitchen it won’t. The restaurant, which focuses on pure, simple food that tastes great while nourishing mind, body and spirit, is serving up a special three-course Valentine’s dinner priced at just $25 per person. Starters include Shitake Tofu Lettuce Cups, Edamame Dumplings, or Roasted Eggplant Pizza. Choose an entrée such as Steak Tacos, Pan Seared Sea Bass, or Spaghetti Squash Casserole. The Valentine’s dessert includes an assortment of treats for two. Call 602-774-3488 for the Biltmore location and 480-265-4500 for the location at Scottsdale Quarter.
Cost: $25 per person.
More Info: For complete Valentine’s dinner menus, visit foxrc.com.

• Venue at the Grove | Special Valentine’s Day Dinner

When: Feb. 14, 6pm-8:30pm
Where: Venue at the Grove in Phoenix
Details:  Enjoy a special Valentine’s Day Dinner on a 2.5 acre lit pecan grove. Bring your favorite bottle of wine or champagne to complement Chef Jay Webb’s four-course menu. Start with Jumbo Lump Crab with Spicy Remoulade. Second course, a Strawberry Field of Greens Salad followed by your choice of three entrées: Braised Beef Shortribs with Wild Mushroom Risotto & Asparagus, Pan Roasted Rosemary Chicken with Baby Carrots & Roasted Fingerling Potatoes or Seared Salmon with Couscous Tabbouleh and Fresh Chive Oil. For the final course, a Flourless Chocolate Torte served with a Fresh Raspberry Sauce. Seating times run from 6pm-8:30pm and will be limited to the first 50 couples. Call 602-456-0803 for reservations.
Cost: $48 per person, $8 corking fee.
More Info: venueatthegrove.com

• Z’Tejas | Valentine’s Sweetheart Dinner

When: Feb. 11-14
Where: Valley locations
Details:  Z’Tejas is presenting a fresh and innovative Valentine’s Sweetheart Dinner menu, available from February 11-14. Menu items include the Baja Shrimp Martini appetizer, Peppercorn Crusted Filet entrée, Pan Seared Sea Scallops entrée, White Chocolate Mouse with Raspberries and PAMA Pomegranate Syrup dessert and the Love on the Rocks cocktail (under 250 calories!).
More Info: View the menu at this link: https://phoenixbites.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/Valentines-Day.jpg

• Zinburger | Valentine’s Day Prix-Fixe Menu

When: Feb. 14
Where: Zinburger at Biltmore Fashion Park
Details:  For an all-American Valentine’s Day celebration, grab your sweetie and partake in Zinburger’s special that includes two entrees, a shared side, a shared pie and two beverages for just $40. Try the classic Zinburger with Manchego Cheese and zinfandel braised onions and mayo; the Ahi Sandwich with coleslaw, avocado and a tamari soy glaze; or the almost famous Veggie Burger with smoked mozzarella, tomato marmalade and mayo. Share hand-cut double truffle fries, sweet potato fries or zucchini fries and for dessert a slice of Banana or Chocolate Cream Pie. Beverages include select wine, beer or soft drinks or a decadent handmade shake, such as the Salted Caramel, Crème Brulee, or Cookies and Cream. Call 602-424-9500 for more information.
Cost: $40 for two.
More Info: For complete Valentine’s dinner menus, visit foxrc.com.

• ZuZu | Valentine’s Day Dinner

When: Feb. 14, 5:30pm-10pm
Where: ZuZu at Hotel Valley Ho in Scottsdale
Details:  ZuZu at HVH will feature drink specials and an a-la-carte, three-course menu created just for Valentine’s Day evening along with its regular menu. Menu highlights include Lobster Two Ways (butter poached with melted leeks + chilled cocktail with meyer lemon and American caviar) and Herb-Roasted Tenderloin of Beef (golden chanterelle mushrooms, baby spinach + sauce béarnaise). Call 480-421-7997 for reservations.
Cost: Varies
More Info: hotelvalleyho.com