For those lucky in love, being half of a couple means having the added perk of dining at restaurants that seem to literally have love in the air. Singletons are definitely more than welcome at the following establishments, and do devour the delectable fare in droves, but here are five meals for that romantic night out.
Filet Oskar
Past the revolving door, soft lighting illuminates its purposefully dark and intimate dining room. Walking across the polished floors, patrons can feel good that they made the choice to wear proper trousers or broke out the diamond stud earrings because date night at Pittsburgh Blue feels special. The walls are even lined with black and white photos of couples, neatly arranged to keep with the sophisticated tone throughout the restaurant.
Executive chef Miguel Urrutia is straightforward in his recommendations. “Being a steakhouse, go for the steaks,’ he says. Which one? “Any of them.” His conviction is spot-on. The Filet Oskar is built around the perfect sear on a half-pound slab of juicy beef. Anything added to the filet better be good, and the golden crab cake fits the bill. With a pair of asparagus and lightly salted béarnaise sauce, please understand that conversation with your other half might not be more than gazing into each other's eyes and chewing happily.
Another note: If you choose to partake of the bread before an appetizer of pepper-spiked, crisp calamari--tasty even hours later, since the portion is big enough for three—then both members of a pair should savor the garlic aroma. It's fresh, topped with rock salt and it’s truly garlicky, as you'll find out when you break off a steamy hunk.
Felipe Navarro, general manager, recommends making reservations a week in advance and pairing an entry level pinot noir as a subtle choice or a cabernet for a full-bodied complement to steak. He has even helped a guest plan a proposal at the restaurant, “We’ll do whatever it takes to accommodate the couple, especially the guy since I know they often need the help,” says Navarro with a laugh.11900 Main St.; 763.416.2663; pittsburghbluesteak.com
Seared Georges Bank Scallops
On an early Tuesday evening, couples who forget to make a reservation on the day Houlihan’s often has specials can play a game. It’s called “How many other couples will walk in during the next 12 minutes?” It’s a heartwarming way to pass the time, which actually feels pretty short, since the young servers zip by and are so efficient.
A date night here is laidback. Each booth is like a separate world of your own, where you can laugh boisterously, take a quick call from the babysitter and be the charming conversationalist. While the menu of flatbreads and familiar dishes like pot roast are comforting, for a date, splitting the wild mushroom and arugula flatbread–bonus points for the white truffle vinaigrette–and then having an entree is recommended.
For a meal that echoes a romantic vacation to a sunny, Mediterranean locale, try the seared Georges bank scallops. The golden brown sear on both sides of the scallops is even, and not one was overcooked. They are served on top of risotto with bright lemon notes and bits of asparagus, surrounded by basil-infused olive oil. The crown of fresh arugula pairs well with slightly cheesy bites in the risotto, and the whole dish is flavorful but not too much that you need to mellow it out with a glass of white wine. One match for the scallops is the Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio.
For dessert, travel to Italy for their “donut flight”. It is not as heavy as other desserts offered, which is great if the night is still young. The donuts are meant to be dipped in one of two flavors. 12725 Elm Creek Blvd.; 763.494.5380; houlihans.com
Top Sirloin
While burgers and a town-favorite brunch are offered at this polished casual eatery, there's still fancier fare for those hoping for a more romantic meal. Break out the silverware for their top sirloin and cut into 10 ounces of steakhouse certified center-cut Angus beef. Creamy garlic mashed potatoes are stick-to-your-ribs satiating, and a side of broccoli helps meet quotas for carotenoids and vitamin C for the day.
As for trying one of Granite City's hand-crafted brews, conventional food pairing wisdom steers steak and stout together; the Broad Axe stout is a pitch black mug of roasted malt with hints of coffee and chocolate.
While it may be busy this month because Granite City "always run a Valentine's Day special" according to general manager Amy Knealing, there are plenty of cozy booths for couples looking for year-round romance. And you can wear jeans; and it wouldn't be odd to see someone sporting their love for Wild hockey on their sleeve at the bar. 11909 Main St.; 763.416.0010; gcfb.net
Capellini di Mare
When partners look into each other's eyes and say it's time for a treat that's not pizza pie, that's amore. Alison Walters, a hostess, notes that Biaggi’s capellini di mare, chock full of calamari, scallops and large shrimp, is big enough to share, which is great if you already started with a salad and want dessert. For a fresh opening act to the night, Walters recommends the Messina salad which has tomatoes, Kalamata olives, feta cheese and cucumbers tossed in a bit of olive oil and red wine vinegar.
Romantic dates and chocolate seem to always go hand in hand, so why break the tradition? Biaggi's features torta cioccolata: a dense chocolate cake, in a portion fit for two, topped with a scoop-every-last-smidgen-of-it chocolate-walnut icing. Balance every other bite with the accompanying vanilla ice cream. You could punctuate the meal with any of their white wines, but it's hard to beat an ice-cold glass of water with a slice of lemon.
For couples who want to make dining at this Italian restaurant a breeze, make a reservation as soon as the date is set for a meal out, according to Walters. “A lot of people have their date night here,” she adds. "The atmosphere is very relaxing, but laidback and professional.” The Shoppes at Arbor Lakes, 12051 Elm Creek Blvd.; 763.416.2225; biaggis.com
Full Rodizio
If you'd like to treat your spouse like royalty, pull out all the stops for a feast. The full Rodizio means unlimited salads from the buffet area and rotisserie grilled meats, carved tableside by a team of chefs. Appetizers, unlimited as well, include a fried banana confection that is like a sweet treat that would be perfect at the Minnesota State Fair.
Saving room for the juicy roasted meats is a must however; there are many to try. A plate of the grilled ham (presunto) has an edge of slightly caramelized goodness, the roasted beef with garlic (bife com alho) is hearty, and a thick slab of pineapple (abacaxi) goes perfectly together, mixing sweet, salty, crispy and tender notes. Balancing the full flavors with a mushroom salad is recommended. Take your time, enjoy the airy atmosphere--thanks to the high ceilings and huge windows--and wonder why you hadn't stopped at a Brazilian steakhouse before.
If there's room for dessert, try the rabanada: a cinnamon pastry topped with caramel sauce, baked with condensed milk and served alongside vanilla ice cream. That warm, doughy pastry is divine. Then, just because you can, have another round of sirloin steak. Like many great loves, it is never-ending. The Shoppes at Arbor Lakes, 12197 Elm Creek Blvd.; 763.657.1133; rodiziogrill.com/maple-grove