Vol. 5 No. 2, February 2008
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Table for Two
Romantic Dining for Valentine's Day
Steamy. Sizzling. Hot. Your Valentine’s Day celebration should be all these, and more. And whether those words describe your meal or your feelings toward your partner, the area’s restaurants are here to help.
Below are a few suggestions for intimate dining on this most romantic of holidays.
BUDDAKAN
Yes, you may be at the Pier at Caesars, but it looks like you’re in an ancient Chinese village, complete with rock gardens, thatched roofs and a dramatic twilight sky. At Buddakan, the menu is an innovative interpretation of modern Asian cuisine.
For Valentine’s Day, Buddakan offers a special menu: a three-course dinner with a glass of champagne for $65 per person. The dinner starts with sashimi, followed by a first course of lobster dumpling with red curry sauce or roasted quail salad with mizuna, baby leeks, shitake and cider reduction.
The second course is a choice of date-and-hoisin-crusted lamb loin with coconut cauliflower puree and saba jus or roasted black bass with lobster truffle ragu and wok-fried pea greens.
For dessert, there’s sake sorbet and champagne, gold-dusted chocolate peanut butter tartlet and banana red bean ice cream. For romantic seating, request a table in the Buddakan Opium Den, which typically seats five to six guests but when available will seat parties of two.
INN AT SUGAR HILL
Overlooking the Great Egg Harbor River in Mays Landing, the Inn at Sugar Hill offers one of the most scenic places to dine in the area. The historic site dates back to 1846 when it was a mansion owned by state Senator William Moore. The grassy knoll on which it sits was known for the sugar, molasses and rum that came by tall ships.
In 1986, the mansion was restored by the Boylan family and opened as a restaurant and bed and breakfast. General Manager John Martin says the inn’s two dining rooms (both with fireplaces) and two porches overlooking an “incredible view” are the ideal romantic setting for any day—but especially Valentine’s.
For the holiday, the restaurant will offer a fig-smeared rack of lamb, New York sirloin, surf and turf and a seafood pesto. The house dessert is a classic, according to Martin: “A pastry heart filled with vanilla mousse, fresh strawberries and bananas, served on a bed of strawberry puree and topped with caramel—big enough, of course, for two.”
The menu is a la carte and entrees range in price from $17 to $33. There is an extensive wine list, and wine flights—or tastings—can be done right at the table. Rooms are available to extend your Valentine’s Day celebration and include a continental breakfast.
KNIFE & FORK
The Knife & Fork offers a distinctive history as well as a reputation for fine food. Established as an exclusive men’s club in 1912, the restaurant is housed in a four-story Flemish building. Since opening to the public, it has been a favorite of locals and celebrities alike (Frank Sinatra, Burt Lancaster). Recently, the Knife & Fork was renovated “to wow a whole new generation of diners,” says owner Frank Dougherty.
“I think the history is what makes it the most romantic. So many people have gotten engaged here and celebrated different milestones in life. We had 15 to 20 proposals this last year alone.”
Dougherty has put together a romantic Valentine’s Day menu that starts with tomato and roasted pepper bisque and tarragon crème fraîche. It’s followed by roasted raspberry Point oysters with champagne cream and paddlefish caviar.
One main course selection is Chateaubriand for two accompanied by goat cheese au gratin potatoes, grilled asparagus and lobster Hollandaise. Another is rack of venison for two, pepperoncino spinach, herb-roasted Yukon gold potatoes and dried cherry compote.
For dessert, there’s chocolate fondue for two, seasonal fruit, house-made marshmallows and sponge cake. And if you’re planning to propose, simply call ahead. The staff has ample practice in hiding rings in desserts, or presenting them any way you’d like.
MAD BATTER
The New York Times has called Cape May “the culinary capital of New Jersey,” and among the town’s signature restaurants is the Mad Batter at the Carroll Villa. Owner Mark Kulkowitz says it’s one of the most romantic spots in town.
“For 130 years, this unique, beautiful building has always been a hotel,” he says. “We have 21 Victorian rooms, all individually designed with period antiques. We’re right in the historic district, just a half block from the Atlantic Ocean. You can stay here; you can dine here. We make it very special.”
On February 14 and 15, the Batter offers a Valentine’s Package with a two-night stay, two breakfasts, a Valentine’s dinner, a bottle of champagne, a rose in a memory vase and chocolate-covered strawberries. The package is priced at $325-$425 plus tax.
For Valentine’s Day, the special menu includes the traditional aphrodisiac, oysters on the half shell, as an appetizer (the Mad Batter offers the variety known as Cape May Salts).
Entrée choices include roasted half duck and baby new potato hash and dried cherry merlot glaze; grilled salmon with shrimp on jasmine rice with a red Thai curry sauce and mango lemongrass slaw; an eight-ounce filet with crabmeat, asparagus and béarnaise sauce with garlic mashed potatoes; seared jumbo scallops with lobster ravioli, sage and pecan brown butter; and braised beef short ribs in a dark ale sauce with root vegetables. Guests can also enjoy a romantic dessert for two.
The Mad Batter restaurant is also known for its clam chowder, which has been on the menu for 30 years, and for its crab cakes.
Newly opened at the Atlantic City Walk, the Melting Pot offers one of the more unique dining experiences for Valentine’s Day.
“It’s interactive,” says owner Charlie Haney. “By cooking your own food, it invites conversation. And it’s very romantic. It’s not unusual for our couples to feed each other off long fondue forks.”
The Melting Pot has been voted one of the most romantic places to dine, according to Haney. “The overall environment, ambience and décor is very romantic. Then there’s Lover’s Lane, which are private tables for couples. Plus, we have seven VIP rooms with private doors. They seat up to four guests but are also used just by couples.”
The Melting Pot will offer a special menu for Valentine’s Day. The five courses include a melted cheese, salad, an appetizer, main entrée and of course, dessert. (For more on Melting Pot desserts, see the Hot Eats section.)
One of the most popular menu options is called Fondue Fusion. It features a center cut filet mignon, lobster tail, marinated balsamic sirloin, garlic and herb chicken, shrimp, an array of veggies, cheese, salads, and dessert.
THE PALM
Typically bustling with Atlantic City's movers and shakers, The Palm takes a romantic approach on Valentine's Day.
“Whether you’re coming in on Valentine’s Day or any Thursday night, every visit to The Palm is special,” says General Manager Paul Sandler. “We’re helping couples celebrate on February 14 by including champagne in our Land & Sea dinner for two.”
Start by toasting a fabulous Valentine’s dinner with two glasses of Mumms champagne. Then enjoy two mouth-watering nine-ounce filet mignons and a choice of jumbo shrimp scampi, four-ounce cold water lobster tail or jumbo lump crab cake. Lobsters are live, not frozen, and can be chosen tableside. Fish is all sushi-grade and arrives at the table within 48 hours of the catch. Caesar salads and a family-style side complete the meal. The Palm’s Land & Sea dinner for two is only $120 as a Valentine’s special.
Enjoy your intimate dinner cuddled up in a Palm booth, or dine in a private room for a quieter setting. A Valentine’s dinner at The Palm would not be complete without sharing a slice of sinfully delicious chocolate cake.
PETER SHIELDS INN
With five dining rooms, two fireplaces, a cappuccino bar and a wonderful view of the Atlantic Ocean, the Peter Shields Inn has established itself as one of the most romantic places to dine in Cape May.
Valentine’s Day patrons can choose from the winter menu just put in place. Signature dishes include lobster tail and rack of lamb. On February 14, there will also be a featured fish and special dessert. Couples will receive a long-stemmed rose in honor of the day.
The Victorian-style inn, which is also a bed and breakfast, also offers a Romantic Retreat package that includes $70 toward dinner, a complimentary bottle of champagne and a one-night getaway. The package ranges from $250 to $300.
RAM’S HEAD INN
The Ram’s Head Inn has been the go-to place for special occasions for the last 32 years, according to General Manager Dan Anderson.
“The wood-burning fireplaces, the candlelight and the intimate setting all set the tone for romance,” he says.
The menu features traditional American specialties prepared with a gourmet touch. Beef Wellington and rack of lamb are two classics, according to Anderson, who changes the menu four times a year. For Valentine’s Day, the Ram’s Head will sell “more Caesar salads prepared tableside than you can ever imagine,” he says. There will also be a special item for two.
In addition, the Ram’s Head offers more than 30 wines by the glass and over 100 half-bottle selections, ideal if one person prefers white and the other red. For the holiday, there is also pink champagne, a popular choice on the 14th. (See page 40 to learn more about the Ram’s Head desserts.)
RED SQUARE
The elegance of Imperial Russia can be experienced at Red Square at the Quarter at Tropicana. Regional Manager Joe Massari believes it’s one of the most romantic spots in the city.
“We have these very sexy areas, private booths closed off with curtains,” he says. “We always knock before entering. Those who have experienced them always request them on return visits. The food itself is also very sensual.”
The menu features chicken Kiev, black truffle with lobster fettuccine, flame-grilled certified Angus rib-eye steak and hazelnut-crusted Australian lamb. Red Square is known for its extensive caviar selection as well as its steaks.
But perhaps the most unusual factor is its vodka. The restaurant stocks 169 to 171 bottles of vodka. Guests ordering a bottle are invited into the vodka locker after first donning fur coats or Russian Army jackets.
Red Square also offers a signature dessert that includes a caviar setup, two authentic Faberge eggs, a bottle of vodka and access to the vodka locker for six months. The cost is $1,000.
RENAULT WINERY
At Renault Winery, you can choose from romantic dining in two distinctive restaurants. The Renault Gourmet Restaurant offers a six-course prix fixe dinner with wine tastings during the first and third courses. Menus are presented in picture frames at tables or booths. The booths, constructed from oak casks, offer a particularly intimate dining experience and are popular for Valentine’s Day.
“You’re in a historic winery, dining in the room where they made the champagne,” says Kevin McCarty, director of sales and marketing. “We have a new hardwood dance floor and welcome people to dance in between courses. There’s wonderful romantic lighting. It’s a very romantic place to come for Valentine’s Day.”
Also on the property, the Tuscany House Hotel features Joseph’s, which offers a la carte Mediterranean cuisine. “The hotel looks like it’s set in Tuscany, which really sets the mood for a romantic experience,” McCarty says.
At the Casinos
THE BACCHANAL Caesars Atlantic City
The Bacchanal recreates the indulgent feast of Bacchanalia in ancient Rome. The restaurant serves up your meal complete with strolling musicians, “royal maids” to fill your wine glass and a masseur/masseuse to massage your back and neck.
For Valentine’s Day, the restaurant will feature a five-course gourmet meal for two for $130. The menu includes a selection of chilled antipasti served with dramatic flair on an illuminated Lucite pedestal, lobster bisque, Caesar salad and a choice of seven entrees.
Entrees include pan-roasted Chilean sea bass, mustard-crusted rack of lamb, jumbo lump crab cakes, pepper-crusted salmon and filet, stuffed shrimp and others. There is also a choice of dessert, including Bananas Foster flambéed tableside. Complimentary wine and a grand champagne cocktail accompany the dinner.
CAPRICCIO Resorts Atlantic City
No passport is needed for Capriccio, but you might swear you’re dining in Italy.
“The room itself is just incredible,” says Chuck Belanger, executive director of food and beverage for Resorts. “The walls feature Italian murals. There are big chandeliers. And the view of the ocean is amazing. It’s just a classically beautiful place to dine.”
For Valentine’s Day, Capriccio has put together a menu designed for romance. Entrées include filet of tenderloin with wild mushrooms and basil polenta; chicken and lobster with grilled asparagus, Boursin cheese sauce, fresh herbs, sun-dried tomato risotto and toasted pine nuts; oven-baked Chilean sea bass; and a lobster scallop, shrimp and crab dish.
Dessert will be Tiramisu Amore dusted with chocolate and topped with a chocolate strawberry. Ladies will receive a long-stemmed rose.
PEREGRINES’ Atlantic City Hilton
Named for the peregrine falcons that make their home on the penthouse ledge, this gourmet restaurant has been awarded a Five-Star rating by the American Academy of Restaurant & Hospitality Sciences. It is the only restaurant in Atlantic City to receive this honor. With an intimate atmosphere and signature seafood dishes, Peregrines’ consistently serves up a memorable experience.
ROBERTO’S RISTORANTE Trump Plaza
There’s nothing more romantic than Roberto’s, says Tony Sanza, director of food and beverage at Trump Plaza. Patrons dine in a two-tiered restaurant overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.
“Being Valentine’s Day, we didn’t want to get too exotic,” Sanza says. “We wanted to give people items that they’re comfortable with. They may be nervous enough about the evening.”
Roberto’s changes menus seasonally and offers such popular classics as Chateau-briand and Trofie Bolognese, a signature pasta dish. There is a Lover’s Morsel dinner that comes with a bottle of champagne.
“We have some very nice entrées, made for sharing,” he said. “Our Caesar salad is excellent. Customers rave about it. It’s all about providing the right setting and food for a romantic evening. At Roberto’s, we provide the tools to do the job.”
Return after Valentine’s Day and the chef will prepare a tasting menu specifically for you. Just call ahead.
