As if you need an excuse to take someone special out for dinner…Valentine’s Day is a great time to dine with anyone—not just that special someone. In the spirit of romance, we have also collected a roundup of places to stay for the night.
Marin
Tavern and Lark Creek Recommended for romance by Marin matchmaker Pari Livermore (pg.36), the Tavern will be offering a 3-course prix-fixe menu featuring a number of selections such as Dungeness crab bisque with brandied cream and curried croutons; Five Dot Ranch beef filet with warm potato salad, charred onion relish, pancetta braised greens; wild Pacific salmon with winter squash, herb-caper couscous, ginger-apple emulsion and dark chocolate fondue with toasted brioche, dried fruits, tropical fruits. $49 per person, (Larkspur)
tavernatlarkcreek.com
Piatti Ristorante & Bar Featuring “aphrodisiac inspired” specials such as goat cheese ravioli, rosemary essence, lemon cream, beet hearts, micro greens, black pepper ($18) and lavender crusted day boat scallops, wild honey glaze, blood orange fennel salad, red bliss potato, lavender fennel coulis ($25) in addition to the regular menu on Valentine’s Day. Or enjoy the scene at the bar with grilled Drakes Bay oysters with Zoe’s smoked bacon, Meyer lemon aioli ($12) to rosewater infused cocktails ($9)—love will be on the menu and in the air at Piatti, (Mill Valley) piatti.com
Il Davide Love is in the air at Il Davide. On Valentine’s day, bring someone special for a prix fix menu which includes; appetizers such as scampi bruschetta or crab ravioli; dinner entrees range from fish specials to specialty pastas; dessert and wine, all for $40 per person. (San Rafael) 415.454-8080
Rickey’s Restaurant and Bar Chef Noe Martinez has created a romance inspired menu starting with lobster bisque, dill cream fraiche ($6.50); butter lettuce salad with brie, candied walnuts and pomegranate and bacon dressing ($7); herb marinated swordfish, scallop potatoes, brocolini, mango relish ($24); roasted lamb, fingerling potatoes, baby squash and green pepper corn demi sauce ($25). Dessert options include red wine poached pear or berries compote ($7). (Novato) rickeysrestaurant.com
North of Marin
El Dorado Hotel The Valentines Getaway in the Wine Country package includes a champagne welcome, an overnight stay at the hotel, three course dinner for two at El Dorado Kitchen, house made truffles and wine tasting at Benziger. Friday, Saturday and Sunday availability, $249. eldoradosonoma.com
Hotel Healdsburg The Valentine’s Day Weekend package, February 12-14 includes two nights in a deluxe king room, a bottle of sparkling wine upon arrival, a 50-minute massage or body treatment for two, Dry Creek Kitchen homemade sweets at turndown, a six-course romantic tasting menu for two at Dry Creek Kitchen, a gourmet breakfast and complimentary valet parking. Starting at $1,238, hotelhealdsburg.com
South of Marin
Bernardus Lodge This Carmel Valley retreat has created several ways to celebrate the day but our favorite is the Valentine’s demonstration and lunch on February 14. Pastry Chef and chocolate enthusiast Ben Spungil will share his favorite chocolate recipes and demonstrate how to make his signature desserts. Guests will create handmade chocolate truffles. Lunch features an oyster bar, grilled organic vegetables, artisan cheeses, natural prime beef and local seafood, paired with new release Bernardus wines. $95 per person, bernardus.com
San Francisco
Hotel Vitale The Cupid Goes Green Valentine’s package lasts the entire month of February and includes a deluxe waterfront guestroom for weekend nights, Recchiuti chocolates, biodynamic wine upon arrival, rose-petal turndown, a shopping guide to San Francisco’s most organic stores and an eco-friendly reusable shopping bag; plus complimentary parking throughout the stay. Guests will also have the option to purchase upgraded tickets for the musical Wicked playing at San Francisco’s Orpheum Theatre. $599 based on double occupancy, hotelvitale.com
Mimi Towle has been the editor of Marin Magazine for over a decade. She lived with her family in Sycamore Park and Strawberry and thoroughly enjoyed raising two daughters in the mayhem of Marin’s youth sports; soccer, swim, volleyball, ballet, hip hop, gymnastics and many many hours spent at Miwok Stables. Her community involvements include volunteering at her daughter’s schools, coaching soccer and volleyball (glorified snack mom), being on the board of both Richardson Bay Audubon Center. Currently residing on a floating home in Sausalito, she enjoys all water activity, including learning how to steer a 6-person canoe for the Tamalpais Outrigger Canoe Club. Born and raised in Hawaii, her fondness for the islands has on occasion made its way into the pages of the magazine.
