Fave Five: Valentine’s Day
Whether you like it or not, it’s just around the corner. Valentine’s Day. Also known as Forced Romance Day, Singles Awareness Day, Can Buy Me Love Day, etc.
Sadly, the day that is supposed to celebrate love and romance has earned quite the bad rap and has even caused people to skip any and all celebrations. I say don’t hate the cupid. There are lots of ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day in Atlanta, whether you’re spending it with your honey, your friends, or yourself:
Treat yourself to a grown-up cocktail at Cook Hall:
There are two reasons why I like Cook Hall for a solo Vday celebration: They have amazing cocktails you can make yourself and an amazing patio right on Peachtree Street for primo people watching, both of which will keep you occupied with thoughts of how fabulous you are. No staring at couples, no fixed-price menu for two — just a fabulous cocktail and a fabulous you.
Grab the girls for wine and tapas at Ecco:
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: Ecco is my very favorite restaurant in Atlanta. The wine list is impressive but not overwhelming, and the food is impeccable every time. In addition to their regular menu (mmm, fried goat cheese balls), Ecco is offering some love-ly specials, like crispy black cod, roasted quail, and milk chocolate torte with blood orange coulis.
Celebrate love with mom at No. 246:
This casual Decatur eatery is perfect for a date with mom (or dad). No. 246 now serves lunch, so you could escape the office for longer-than-usual mid-day break (it’s ok — it’s Valentine’s Day), or stop by for a four-course prix-fixe dinner with dishes like butter-poached Maine lobster, braised Wagyu beef cheeks, or wood oven-baked red snapper—yum!
Take your new love interest to 10th & Piedmont:
When you start dating someone at the beginning of the year, Valentine’s Day can be awkward. You don’t know what to expect and don’t want to over- or under-impress. That’s why 10th & Piedmont is perfect: A four-course prix-fixe meal with Vday takes on their original small plates menu. Think beef tartar to start; wild mushroom purses or house-made lobster rolls for the main course; and mini pink champagne cupcakes to round out the meal.
Celebrate long-lasting love at The Optimist:
If you’ve been together for awhile, surprising each other can become increasingly difficult. This seafood place is a great way to wow your husband/wife. The atmosphere is casual enough that he doesn’t have to dread dressing up for the evening. The food is fancy enough that she won’t dread the lack of effort. On Thursday, The Optimist offers a four-course prix-fixe menu for $65 a person (it’s ok to splurge a little). The meal will start off with a taste for the table of she-crab soup, move on to oysters on the half shell or Spanish octopus, nosh on entrees like grilled duck, Georges Bank scallops, or white steelhead salmon, all while saving room for some sweet, sweet desert.