Wednesday, February 6, 2013

Ale Sharpton's Last Minute Valentine's Day Dining Guide


Where are you chillin' on Valentine's Day?
Remember this on The Simpsons?
Whether you are rolling solo or if there's a significant other you want to spend the day Cupid annually shoots you both in the backside, imbibing and dinning are the two everyday routines that get special attention during Valentine's Day on February 14th. In case you haven't made your dinner plans yet, Atlanta's vast, yet eclectic dining scene will make sure you fine dine on especially February 14. (There’s also a special cocktail event at STK on the 13th below as well.)
Aqua Blue: I went here last year and it was pretty sweet!
From multiple courses of expertly prepared food and beverage pairings set at killer prix fixe deals, to special entertainment like comedy, live music, dinner in the dark, and romantic films being shown during your dining experience (Cucina Asellina), here is your annual Ale Sharpton Last Minute Valentine's Day Dining Guide. I added a couple of other events as well. Make your reservations ASAP and be prepared with two or three backups in case your first choice is totally booked! 
Anyway, enjoy! ATL's simply awesome when it comes to providing a plethora of options to indulging in culinary greatness! (And note the descriptions are coming direct from the source.)

STK: Couples Cocktails, February 13, 6:30 p.m.
Calling all couples and pals! On Wednesday, February 13th, 2013, STK is inviting couples and singles alike to join one their resident mixologists for an evening of hands-on cocktail demos and delicious tastes. Beginning at 6:30 p.m. participants are invited to enjoy mouthwatering bites from Executive Chef Jeremy Miller while one of the restaurant's mixology masterminds demonstrates how to create some of STK’s most beloved cocktails. Cost is $30 per person or $50 per couple. Advance reservations are required by calling 404-793-0144 or emailing VIPatlanta@TOGRP.com. STK Atlanta is located at 12th & Midtown at 1075 Peachtree Street, Atlanta, GA 30309. For more information please visit www.stkhouse.com.

Cucina Asellina: Valentine's Day Dinner and a Movie, 7 p.m. 
What better way to spend Valentine’s Day than enjoying dinner and a movie? Cucina Asellina is making it easy to kill two birds with one stone this year by serving up a romantic three-course meal alongside a classic film favorite. The romantic comedy Roman Holiday will be playing throughout the evening with the first viewing beginning at 7 p.m. As an added treat, couples are invited to enjoy a glass of prosecco on the house celebrate their evening. Diners can also take advantage of a special pop-up boutique located right next door in STK’s private dining rooms, Cucina Asellina’s sister restaurant, that will feature a variety of last minute gifts including flowers, local artwork, a sketch artist, and jewelry from local vendor, Asha Patel and more. The total package is only $60 making this the perfect date night. For more information visit www.asellina.com or call 404-793-0141 for reservations. Cucina Asellina is located in the 12th & Midtown development at 1075 Peachtree Street, Atlanta, GA 30309.

No. 246 
For $55 per person, No. 246 in Decatur is offering a four-course prix fixe menu this Valentine’s Day. Examples of entrée options include wood-oven baked red snapper in cartuccio, butter poached Maine lobster and braised Wagyu beef cheeks. Tax and gratuity are not included. A credit card is required to hold a reservation. To reserve a table for the Valentine’s Day meal, call 678-399-8246. www.no246.com 


The Optimist: Taken by Andrew Thomas Lee
The Optimist 
The Optimist is offering a four-course prix fixe menu for Valentine’s Day. Guests can begin the meal at the west Midtown restaurant with a taste for the table of she-crab soup, followed by starter options such as east and west coast oysters, hearts of palm and beet salad or Spanish octopus. Entrée options include items such as white steelhead salmon, Georges Bank scallops or grilled duck breast. To sweeten the meal, three dessert options are available. The cost is $65 per person and does not include tax or gratuity. A credit card is required to hold a reservation. To make a Valentine’s Day reservation, call 404-477-6260. www.theoptimistrestaurant.com 

ECCO 
Atlantans can celebrate Valentine’s Day in Midtown at Ecco. In addition to the regular menu, the restaurant is offering decadent specials of calamari ala plancha with pears, harissa and basil ($9); roasted quail with horizo, farro verde and radish green salsa verde ($15); crispy black cod with young collards, hazelnuts, brown butter, capers and lemon ($27); and milk chocolate torte with blood orange coulis and spiced pecans ($9). For more information or to make a reservation, call 404-347-9555. www.ecco-atlanta.com 

Cypress Street Pint and Plate: Blackout Valentine's Day Party, 7 p.m.
Looking for an alternative to the typical, fancy Valentine’s Day outing? Well, Cypress Street Pint and Plate’s Blackout Valentine’s Day Party on Thursday, February 14th is the place to be. From 7 p.m. to midnight, Cypress is turning out the lights (literally) and guests can enjoy Valentine’s Day treats like $1 PBRs, half off bottles of wine, specialty doughnut and beer pairings, $2 Cypress Street House Ale and $3 Palm Beers by candlelight. Additionally, for each Palm Beer bought, Cypress will give a rose to that special someone. For more information, please visit www.cypressbar.com or call 404.815.9243. Cypress Street Pint and Plate is located in the heart of Midtown behind the Biltmore at 817 West Peachtree Street Northeast Ste. E125, Atlanta, Georgia 30308. Follow Cypress Street on Twitter at @CypressStreet and Facebook at Facebook.com/CypressStreet.

STK: Special 3-Course Dinner and Pop-Up Valentine's Day Gift Boutique, 7 p.m.
For those who want to go all out, STK is hosting a special three-course Valentine’s Day dinner for $90 per person that will be sure to impress even the pickiest dates. With three choices per course from a selection of STK’s most popular dishes and a complimentary glass of prosecco to top it off, the evening will also include a pop-up boutique featuring jewelry by local artisans, including Asha Patel, fresh cut flowers, art, live sketches by local artist Matt Miller a.k.a. the Sunflowerman, and more. For more information, visit www.stkhouse.com or call 404-793-0144 to make your reservation. STK Atlanta is located at 12th & Midtown at 1075 Peachtree Street, Atlanta, GA 30309.

P’cheen International Bistro & Pub: Special Valentine's Day Prix Fixe Menu, 6 p.m.
Looking for great food, great drinks, and great service? Head to P’cheen International Bistro and Pub for a fantastic Valentine’s Day dinner featuring a prix fixe menu created by award-winning executive chef Alex Friedman, available for $35. At $50, diners may choose to add a wine flight or beer options to their meal. P’cheen will also be serving bottles of champagne for only $20, as supplies last. A favorite local haunt, P’cheen’s seasonally influenced, international cuisine is sure to impress. For more information or to make a reservation call 404-529-8800 or visit www.pcheen.com. P’cheen is located in the Old Fourth Ward at 701-5 Highland Avenue, Atlanta, Georgia 30312.

The Albert: Lonely Hearts Club, 11 a.m. Who says a special someone is needed to take part in the national day of love? This Valentine’s Day, leave the lovey-dovey stuff at home and join the folks at The Albert for a singles celebration that will leave guests looking forward to, rather than dreading, this day of romance. Fill the heart (and belly) with drink specials all night long, including shorties of 4 Roses Whiskey paired with a pint of Bell’s Two-Hearted Ale for $10 and $6 glasses of Thorny Rose Blend wine. But before drinking up, be sure to eat up and enjoy a “dinner for one,” from a special menu created by The Albert’s Executive Chef, Shaun Whitmer. This small bites menu features four single-serve items, including a marinated beet salad, crab cake with white wine remoulade, flank and frites with garlic aioli, and shrimp deviled eggs. Single or not, Valentine's Day at The Albert is a party not to be missed. For more information, visit www.thealbertatlanta.com or call (404) 872-4990. The Albert is located at 918 Austin Avenue in Inman Park.

D.B.A. Barbecue: Dine Out at D.B.A. Benefiting the Steve Hightower Thriving Children Gala, 11 a.m.
D.B.A. Barbecue’s got a big heart this Valentine’s Day. On Thursday, February 14, D.B.A. will host it’s third annual “Dine Out at D.B.A.” in support of the Steve Hightower Thriving Children Gala, an annual charity event aimed at finding better lives and homes for Atlanta’s sick and fostered children. Diners, bar-goers and those ordering takeout can take advantage of D.B.A.’s full menu during this day-long event. 20% of the sales on Valentine's Day, including gift certificate purchases, will benefit several organizations taking part in the Gala: Childkind, Fragile Kids Foundation, and The Center for Children & Young Adults. The Thriving Children Gala must be mentioned upon placing orders for those who want to show their support, so be sure to speak up! D.B.A. Barbecue is located at 1190 N. Highland Avenue NE Suite B Atlanta, Georgia 30306. For more information, please visit www.dbabarbecue.com or call 404.249.5000.

Genki Noodles and Sushi: Special Three-Course Dinner Valentine's Day Dinner, 11:30 a.m.
This Valentine’s Day, grab that special someone and head over to Genki Noodles and Sushi in Virginia Highland and enjoy a fabulous, sushi filled three-course dinner for two for only $40.
Genki Noodles and Sushi is located in Buckhead at 3186 Roswell Road, Atlanta, Georgia 30305; The Prado in Sandy Springs at 5590 Roswell Road, Atlanta, Georgia 30342; and Virginia-Highland at 1040 North Highland Ave NE, Atlanta, Georgia 30306. Call the Buckhead location at 404.844.8319, The Prado location at 404.843.8319, or Virginia-Highland at404.853.3315. For more information, visit www.genkiatl.com

Eddie’s Attic: Cathie Ryan, 8 p.m.
This Valentine’s Day, Eddie’s Attic, the Decatur based live music venue known for cultivating aspiring and accomplished singer/songwriters, is featuring one of the most important voices in Irish music today, Cathie Ryan. The intimate venue is ideal for this captivating artist that has produced five solo albums, earned multiple awards, and has been a part of countless music collaborations. The show starts at 8 p.m. and tickets are available for $18 in advance and $22 at the door. For tickets and more information about the show, visit www.eddiesattic.com or call 404-377-4976. Eddie’s Attic located in the heart of Decatur at 515-B North McDonough Street (upstairs), Decatur, Georgia 30030.

Laughing Skull Lounge: Emo Philips, 8 p.m. and 10:30 p.m.
The widely acclaimed and incredibly hilarious comedian, Emo Philips, is bringing his live show to the Laughing Skull Lounge this February for a special three-night performance beginning Thursday, February 14 through Saturday, February 16. Featuring one performance at 8:00 p.m. on Valentine’s Day and with his jokes being described as “gold” by The List, Emo Philips’ stand up is definitely an original date night idea that will sure to bring on the laughs. Friday and Saturday evenings will feature two show times at 8:00 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. During the show, Laughing Skull requires a two-drink minimum per person, so prepare to drink up while you crack up. Tickets range from $20 to $25 and are available at laughingskulllounge.com or by calling (877) 523-3288. Located in the heart of Midtown Atlanta, Laughing Skull Lounge is a full-time progressive comedy lounge tucked away in the back of The Vortex Bar & Grill on Peachtree Street at 878 Peachtree Street, Atlanta, Georgia 30309.

The Georgia Theatre: Papadosio, 8 p.m.
Revolutionary technology meets a revolutionary message in Papadosio that is performing at The Georgia Theatre on Valentine’s Day. Melding progressive rock with psychedelia, folk with electronica, and dance music with jam, the quintet has amassed a dedicated following of thousands of likeminded individuals sewing the seeds of unity and spreading the sounds of exultation. Singer-songwriter Anthony Thogmartin’s visionary lyrics, eclectic production, and signature guitar work are anchored by the rock solid battery of drummer Mike Healy and bassist Rob McConnell. The quintet is rounded out by brothers Billy and Sam Brouse, whose virtuosic two-headed keyboard, synth, and programming attack give the band its unmistakable complexity and intensity. Doors open at 8 p.m. and tickets are available for $10. For get tickets and more information about the show, visit www.georgiatheatre.com or call 706-850-7670. The Georgia Theatre is located at the corner of Clayton and Lumpkin St. in the musical mecca of the South, Athens, GA at 215 N. Lumpkin St. Athens, Georgia 30601.

Terminal West: Up Until with Special Guest David Murphy of STS9, 10 p.m.
Head to Terminal West for a special Valentine’s Day performance featuring Up Until and special guest David Murphy of STS9. Since playing their first show in January of 2010, Up Until Now has been fortunate to play shows with such acts as STS9, Big Gigantic, Fuzz, Emancipator, St Andrew, Very Disco, Rootz vs Murphy, Immuzikation, Flight Risk, Pigs On The Wing, Telepath and This is Art. The two members of Up Until Now come from a collective past involved in bands with genres of reggae, world beat, rock, hip hop, funk, electro-pop, NIN industrialism and even heavy metal. With their new project, they distill the pure essence in music that has always driven them, and channeled it into electronic dance music with the sole goal of making bodies move. It all kicks off at 10 p.m. for ages 18 and up. For tickets, or more information, visit www.terminalwestatl.com or call 404-876-5566. Terminal West at 887 West Marietta Street NW Atlanta, GA 30318 at the King Plow Arts Center.


Fadó Irish Pub & Restaurant
For the singles in Atlanta, in Buckhead is hosting a Nuts and Bolts Valentine’s Day Party on Saturday, February 9, beginning at 10 p.m. Depending on gender, each person will receive a nut or a bolt with hopes to find his or her match by the end of the night. Guests can enjoy meeting people while sipping on a pint from the wide selection of beers the pub offers. A DJ will spin tunes during the party with giveaways and drink specials available all night. For those guests who have already found their nut and bolt match, Fadó is offering a hearty Irish prix fixe menu to share on Thursday, February 14 from 5 to 10 p.m. For $34.95 per person, couples will start their meal off by sharing an appetizer of cheese puffs or smoked salmon bites. For entrées, guests can choose two of the following dishes: farmhouse salad, fish and chips and steak or black pudding boxty. Finally, couples will share a dessert of either chocolate dipped profiteroles or harvest bread pudding. A glass of prosecco is also included with the meal. For reservations, call 404-841-0066. http://www.fadoirishpub.com/atlanta/ 
Hearth Pizza Tavern
Hearth Pizza Tavern in Sandy Springs is offering diners specialty Valentine’s pizzas just for the occasion. Guests are invited to fall in love from Friday, February 1 through Thursday, February 14 with the “stupid cupid pizza” full of white clam, artichoke, marinated tomato, red onion, lemon, Parmesan and toasted almonds and the “hot lips pizza” with mildly spicy fra diavolo sauce, hot Italian sausage, capicola, roasted peppers, onion, pickled chilies and Parmesan. For meat lovers, a specialty steak lover’s pizza is also available. For more information, call 404-252-5378.www.hearthpizzatavern.com

La Tavola Trattoria
Located in the heart of Virginia-Highland, La Tavola Trattoria is preparing a special three-course prix fixe Valentine’s Day dinner for love birds. For $49 per person, guests choose from a variety of antipasti including braised rabbit crespelle, grilled calamari or beet and farro salad. Entrées include items such as braised lamb ragu, chestnut gnocchi, grilled swordfish and saltimbocca alla romana. Meyer lemon-olive oil cake, chocolate cake and honey mascarpone cheesecake are among the choices of desserts for couples to sweeten the evening. Tax and gratuity are not included. For reservations, call 404-873-5430. www.latavolatrattoria.com 

Little Cake Bakery
Guests are warned to beware of being struck by cupid’s arrow when biting into cupcakes from Buckhead’s Little Cake Bakery. Special Valentine’s Day flavors include lemon lavender, passion fruit vanilla, chocolate dipped strawberry and French kiss. To order cupcakes for that special someone or to treat yourself, call 404-841-8856. www.littlecakebakery.com 


South City Kitchen Midtown and South City Kitchen Vinings
South City Kitchen Midtown and South City Kitchen Vinings are preparing a Southern-style, three-course prix fixe Valentine’s Day dinner for $42 per person. Guests can nosh on appetizers of pimento cheese, fried green tomatoes or fried gulf oysters. Entrée picks range from buttermilk fried chicken, braised short rib or vegetable plate. Dessert options of velvet Elvis cake, caramel apple toffee pudding and buttermilk chess pie round out the meal. Tax and gratuity are not included. For reservations at the Midtown location, call 404-873-7358 and for the Vinings location, call 770-435-0700.www.southcitykitchen.com 

Woodfire Grill
Guests who can’t wait until Valentine’s Day to share the love can visit Woodfire Grill. The restaurant and Georgia Shakespeare are celebrating cupid’s day early on Monday, February 11 by hosting a “Fools for Love” wine dinner. Beginning at 7 p.m., the restaurant is offering a four-course dinner with premium wine pairings selected by owner and sommelier Nicolas Quinones. Georgia Shakespeare’s Associate Artists will provide the entertainment, performing jazz standards and love songs throughout the evening. Tickets are priced at $150 per person ($90 is tax deductible) and can be purchased online or by calling Georgia Shakespeare at 404-504-3405. For those who want to celebrate on Valentine’s Day, Woodfire Grill is offering five-course vegetarian and pescatarian menus in addition to the five-course chef’s tasting menu. The chef’s tasting and pescatarian menus are priced at $100 per person, and the vegetarian menu is priced at $85. Wine pairings are also available for $12 per glass or $20 per glass for premium wines. Reservations are required and can be made by calling 404-347-9055. www.woodfiregrill.com
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