Valentine’s Hot Spots

City Tavern
Dimly-lit dining rooms, large booths to snuggle up in, and an extensive martini list puts City Tavern on our list of Valentine’s hot spots. And with a new location in SouthPark slated for opening this month, apparently Charlotte agrees, as this will be the third City Tavern in the QC.

And just like you are ready for Valentine’s Day, so is the Tavern. A three-course option is being offered up for only $30 a person. Start off with a freshly prepared appetizer of stuffed mushrooms, seafood stuffed eggplant or chicken satay. Next is your selection of Mediterranean filet mignon, lemon grass seared scallops or stuffed chicken breast with a sun-dried tomato artichoke cream sauce.

And you can always choose a third course of a side salad, or move onto the good stuff: choose from one of four tantalizing desserts to end your dinner with a smile. Who can say no to the peanut butter pie, strawberries and cream or better yet, death by chocolate.

14142 Rivergate Parkway | 704.504.8888
7828 E. Rea Rd. | 704.543.8587 | City-Tavern.com

Vida Cantina
By now, we all know Vida Cantina. And if for some reason you don’t … well, seriously? Vida caught my eye with the queso fundido and I pledged my undying love to them after sampling quite a few tequilas from the extensive margarita list. Yes, Jose Cuervo, you now have some competition for my heart. While Vida’s menu is already plentiful and full of tasty dishes to tickle anyone’s taste buds, this Uptown beauty is concocting even more choices. Vida is inviting patrons to “Spice Up Your Valentine’s Day” by serving up specialty items available for one day only, on February 14. Stop in and savor the coconut shrimp ceviche for starters, then move onto the grilled filet oscar, topped with jumbo lump crab, green chile hollandaise and served with jalapeno mash. Or if the sea is calling your name, the halibut vera cruz is for you. This pan-seared halibut is served with smoked tomato butter, black bean and corn salsa and green chile rice. But it just wouldn’t be Valentine’s without a rich, smooth dessert to finish it off with. Vida presents a chocolate mousse made with cocoa meringue and strawberry puree.

210 East Trade St. | 704.971.VIDA | VidaCantina.com

Terrace Café
Ohh Terrace Café, you had me with the red velvet waffles… and now, you steal my heart once again with a delectable four-course Valentine’s menu. It’s nice to know you still love me. Swing into either of the Terrace Café locations, in Ballantyne or Piedmont Town Center, on February 10, 11 or 14, and celebrate your love of good taste by starting out with the Charleston she-crab soup or the soup du jour. Move onto the next course of a refreshing, light side salad before savoring one of five delicious entrees, like the shrimp scampi or the sliced porterhouse. Make sure to save plenty of room for the last course that is sure to seal the deal on Valentine’s Day. You and your love can laugh and tease about what the night will bring over chocolate-dipped strawberries and champagne. Ohhh Terrace… that guy Cupid has nothing on you.

14815 Ballantyne Village Way | 704.369.5190
4625 Piedmont Row Dr. | 704.554.6177 | TerraceCafeCharlotte.com

Chima Brazilian Steakhouse
We all know Valentine’s Day is a woman’s holiday… unless you just really like buying cheesy Hallmark cards and overpriced chocolates. And you know you have to take that special someone out to wine and dine. So why not choose a place that you two will both love, with plenty of selection and all the slow roasted meat you can handle? That’s where Chima comes in. If you’ve never stopped in Uptown’s Brazilian Steakhouse and seen what all the fuss is about, now is the perfect time. But make your reservations quick, as Chima is offering up a special Valentine’s package on February 14 that is sure to leave no seat empty. For $75 a person, enjoy Chima’s rodizio, which offers up 16 different meats, hand-sliced table side, including swordfish, leg of lamb and parmesan pork loin. But don’t forget this package also gives you the gourmet salad bar, glass of champagne, coffee (American, espresso or cappuccino) and a special Valentine’s dessert. Mmmm… is it February fourteenth yet?

139 South Tryon St. | 980.225.5000 | www.chima.cc

Georges Brasserie
Ahh the smell of freshly-baked French baguettes, the taste of creamy international cheese and the tickle of light bubbles as the champagne flows over your tongue. Yes, nothing will win your love over like a trip to Paris, but since France is an ocean and two grand away, just settle for the next best thing – dinner at Georges Brasserie. Nestled in SouthPark, join GB as they serve up special French cuisine to celebrate “Five Days of Love,” starting February 10 and carrying through Valentine’s Day. Even if you’re a regular at GB, you’re in for a new treat on this special occasion, as they will be serving up the Chef’s featured selections, champagne specials and live violin on Valentine’s Day. George’s classic dinner menu will be served as always, offering up all your favorites like the black pepper crusted tuna, served with buttered poached lobster and saffron couscous, and a true taste of Europe with the escargot dusted with basil and garlic. Paris just got a little bit closer – minus the Eiffel Tower.

4620 Piedmont Row Dr. | 980.219.7409 | GeorgeBrasserie.com

Mimosa Grill
While Valentine’s dinner is a sweet touch – and hey, we all gotta eat – the world doesn’t stop for the holiday and sometimes, a late night dinner is out of the question. But you can still celebrate the occasion, and do so in an oh-so-tasty way, by visiting Mimosa Grill and joining them for their Fourth Annual Valentine’s Buffet Brunch on February 12, paired with a complimentary glass of champagne. Mimosa’s Valentine’s buffets have gained plenty of attention over the last three years and have included impressive dishes in the past such as a shellfish station with shrimp, oysters and mussels, carving stations with salmon and prime rib, an omelet station, Artisan meats and cheeses, Carolina crab cake benedict with country ham, hot pastries and a dessert bar with tarts, red velvet cake and other sweet endings. Yet if you are craving Mimosa’s fine, Southern cuisine and ever-changing seasonal menu but can’t make it by for brunch, stop in later as they are also offering up a $60 tasting menu that is sure to please.

327 South Tryon St. | 704.343.0700 | MimosaGrill.com

Dining Editor, Nikki Wilson