Some consider cooking for a loved one the ultimate romantic gesture, but not all of us are going to bed next to Bobby Flay or Rachael Ray at night. If your spouse’s culinary skills leave much to be desired, leave the fireworks in the bedroom on Valentine’s Day and venture out to some of South Florida’s top restaurant picks who are adding some sugar and a lot of spice to their menus this Valentine’s Day.
SUSHISAMBA dromo
Romance is in the air and for those looking to offer that special someone something more inventive than a box of chocolates and flowers; consider edible romance. Enjoy a menu adorned with libido-enhancing ingredients such as banana; lobster; oysters, avocado, ginger and more. Not sure what to order? A few suggestions from our Chef de Cuisine, Juliana Gonzalez:
Course One– Duck Breast and Ginger Sweet Soy includes two skewers over Peruvian corn
Course Two– Lobster Seviche with hearts of palm and ginger cocktail sauce
Course Three– Oysters
Course Four– Warm Chocolate Banana Cake
Thematic cocktail pairings include the strawberry-muddled Nina Fresa ($12) and the crème de banana-infused Samba Juice ($12). The result; a sensory overload diners will be dishing about to their friends the next morning.
SUSHISAMBA dromo is located at 600 Lincoln Road in Miami Beach, Florida. For reservations please call 305.673.5337/www.sushisamba.com
RARE STEAKHOUSE
For $79 (price per couple), couples can playfully toy with their forks and knives when they share an entrée – and plate – of Lamb Chops with Garlic Risotto and Balsamic Glazed Beets. Dinner begins with a salad and complimentary glass of wine and cools down with Lychee Sorbet for dessert.
Rare Steakhouse is located at 468 Arthur Godfrey Road, Miami Beach FL 33140 For reservations call 305.532.RARE / www.raresteakhousemiami.com.
KITCHEN 305
Celebrate with a four-course feast fit for a king and his queen. The romantic and innovative Valentine’s Day menu reflects the originality and famous flavors that Kitchen 305 is best known for and is just $35 per person. Begin with an appetizer choice of Brie Cheese and Escargot in a garlic cream sauce, a Pinwheel of Scallops in a red wine reduction or Heart-Shaped Ravioli stuffed with three cheeses and wild forest mushrooms, followed by a choice of Caesar or mixed green salad.
The entrees choices will have diners licking their lips with Braised Dual Lamb Chop in a rosemary glaze with herbed polenta and pesto grilled asparagus; Dried Fruit Stuffed Tenderloin with a sherry demi-glaze with roasted new potatoes, sautéed asparagus and a tomato and mushroom ragout; or Salmon Baked in a Heart of Puff Pastry served on top of potato gnocchi and spinach.
Kisses may be sweet, but desserts are sweeter with a choice of White Chocolate Raspberry Mousse in a chocolate tulip, Crème Brulee with Bing cherry sauce or Poached Sickle Pears dipped in chocolate raspberry sauce.
Kitchen 305 is located inside the Newport Beachside Hotel & Resort, 16701 Collins Avenue, Sunny Isles Beach, FL. For dinner reservations please call 305.749.2110 / www.kitchen305.newportbeachsideresort.com/.
CAFÉ PRIMA PASTA
Love won’t just be in the air this Valentine’s Day; it will also be on the menu with Café Prima Pasta’s Lobster-Stuffed Heart-Shaped Ravioli. A special for one night only, don’t miss these homemade delights offered in a creamy pink sauce. Other Italian favorites include specialties like Carpaccio di Manzo, Vongole di Prima, Branzino Livornese and Veal Saltimbocca.
Café Prima Pasta is located at 414 71st Street, Miami Beach, FL 33141. For reservations please call 305.867.0106 / www.primapasta.com.