photo by: nelson mouellic
“One is loved because one is loved. No reason is needed for loving.”
― The Alchemist
Valentines Day traditionally inspires lovers to give and receive cards, roses, gifts, chocolates, a poem, or a soft
“I love you”.
Really, you can make it whatever you want it to be, so what exactly is Valentine’s Day to you?
Whatever it may be, a nice dinner for two is always a good chance to sit face to face with your partner and share intimacy. The food and drink can be symbols of that connection – tangible things to share in honour of the celebration of love.
Below, you’ll find a few fantastic restaurants in Gastown that have created special menus just for the day. Reserve early as many of our restaurants quickly become booked out for the occasion.
Chef Lee Cooper has a few special dishes and deserts prepared at both L’abattoir and Coquille for the day of lovers.
At L’abattoir, guests are invited to delight in the new winter menu and finish with a saucy dessert for 2 only available on Valentine’s Day; S’more’ – which is dark chocolate ganache, toasted marshmallow ice cream, graham + milk chocolate crumb. The selection of bubbles is effervescent as always, with an extensive list prepared by Wine Director and General Manager, Kristi Linneboe.
Diners at Coquille will be treated to a new menu favourite of steak served with lobster for 2. Save room for dessert: a tantalizing plate of chocolate tart, raspberry and earl grey from Pastry Chef, Hilary Prince and her team.
Reservations can be made through either of the restaurants websites or by telephone.
Bauhaus is offering a one night only exceptional five-course menu this Valentine’s Day handcrafted by executive chefs David Mueller and Tim Schulte. Menu $120. Vegetarian option is available on pre-order.
FIRST Carabinero/ SECOND bison tartare/ THIRD trout/ FOURTH beef tenderloin/ FIFTH 75% dark chocolate/almond/strawberry
Water Street Cafe’s Valentine’s Day menu is available from February 14-16. Chef Alan has lovingly prepared a delicious 4 course menu at $55 per guest. Dishes include: Crab & Corn Chowder, Crispy Pork Belly, Grilled Tenderloin, Seafood Conchiglie, Jon’s Cheesecake, White Chocolate Mousse, and Sorbet. Please call the restaurant to confirm your reservation. 604.689.2832
In a rare move that can only come from a loving place, Di Beppe is allowing reservations for one night only. The usual menu will be available, and what a menu it is.The restaurant will be donating 10% of proceeds from all pizza sales to the Heart and Stroke Foundation in honour of the occasion.
Pourhouse has concocted a special dish made especially for couples and lovers of all varieties. Cornish game hen for two served with sage and caraway, chestnut gnocchi, roasted cabbage, pan sauce, and grated chestnuts, to then finish with a shareable dessert special of apple galette with a flaky crust, toffee sauce, Chantilly and cinnamon($31). The bar has also crafted a pair of cocktails honouring the day: His and Hers’ cocktails: Domet’s ‘L’Amour Rouge’ and ‘Cupid’s Love Spell.’ Sip and get cosy during the evening to the sultry sounds of The Ben Lockwood Trio, playing live jazz from 7 to 10 p.m.
Jaunt down Abbott together and nip into Jules Bistro for their Valentine’s Prix-Fixe Dinner $29 (2-Course)/$35 (3-Course). Start with Bistro salad or soup du jour, choose entrees between ribeye steak or steelhead or mussels with frites and finish with a velvety chocolate terrine.
There’s an abundant selection at Al Porto, designed to cater to many palettes. Their special Valentines Menu has three prices points: Meat $54.95, Seafood $46.95, and Pasta $37.95. All options include a starter and dessert. Starters include – An Antipasto Platter, Ceviche, Chicory Mandarin & Fennel Salad, Mains – 8oz Filet Mignon with Lobster Meat, New York Steak & Lobster, Rack of Lamb, Spring Salmon with Grilled Prawns, Artic Char with Grilled Prawns, Seafood Cannelloni, Fettuccini Buongustaio, Linguine Pescatore, Desserts include: Chocolate Ganache Torte, Tiramisu, or Cheese Cake.
