Cupid is on the prowl, ready to shoot his arrows to create instant love. Guess that works for some, but not me.
If Cupid wants to entice me, he needs to forgot the arrows and sweet talk. He needs to bring me food; treat me to specialty dinners, decadent chocolates, savory treats and sexy libations to satisfy my culinary cravings with the one I love.
Valentine’s Day 2020 shouldn’t disappoint any hungry lover. It promises to deliver another stellar year of sinfully delicious creations by some of the city’s best chefs and confectioners. Among the countless options, here are my picks of those I’m most passionate about – foods you and your Cupid will surely love, too.
Nathaniel Reid Bakery knows Cupid has a passion for chocolate, which no doubt played a part in his creation of the Enzo, a heart-shaped chocolate almond cake with layers of raspberry caramel, crispy hazelnut, and milk chocolate Chantilly cream. Chocolate lovers who long to indulge their passions for chocolate and one other should consider Reid’s Chocolate Fondue Set For Two, a DIY kit packed with a candle warmer, Valrhona chocolate and mini brownies, croissants and cookies for dipping.
Mission Taco’s inspiration for its Love Bites tasting menu combines savory and sweet, featuring corn fritters and an aioli heart with three chips and guacamole as an amuse-bouche, chicharrones, street corn, tacos and a churros plate with strawberries and Mexican chocolate. Guests can also enter the Facebook giveaway to win a free dinner for two.
Speaking of chocolate and strawberries, Chocolate, Chocolate, C
hocolate Co. is using a portion of its fresh strawberries – usually reserved for dipping – to create the new Strawberry Champagne Truffle Candy Bar. And it’s a sweetheart of a bar, infusing fresh strawberries and Champagne into a fresh cream ganache truffle center, which is then sandwiched between 54% dark chocolate.
Tuxedo dipped strawberries, along with a bottle of Champagne or sexy red wine is the finale to a steak and shrimp dinner staged at an unexpected venue, Ameristar’s Landmark Buffet. That’s right, a casino buffet, perfect for those who crave a fancy meal without the fussiness, and can come as they are. Those who want to dress to impress their Valentine while enjoying TLC service with surf ‘n’ turf, make a reservation at Landmark’s sister operation, Bugatti’s Steak & Pasta.
Dave Bailey promises a sparkling Valentine’s Day celebration at Pop, his famed eatery where bubbling wines rule. Love birds can order the four-course dinner with wine pairings or opt for a bottle of bubbles to share.
As a decadent continuance of dinner, head upstairs from Pop to Baileys’ Chocolate Bar. Consider the Lovers’ Plate: Champagne sorbet, chocolate inebriation, a s’mores brownie, orange-chocolate macaron, hazelnut torte, maple shortbread and caramel pecan cheesecake. A luxury spread, indeed, but don’t overlook the Bombe, which is “the bomb,” a classic dessert made with chocolate mousse, graham cracker and vanilla bean ice cream. It’s a masterpiece made only in honor of St. Valentine.
Finally, for those who also want to celebrate Galentine’s Day (Feb. 13), Cinder House at the Four Seasons Hotel St. Louis is helping BFFs – best friends forever – toast one another for a cause. Cinder House will donate 20% of proceeds from its special rosé and bubbles menu to The Safe House, a local domestic violence shelter – an organization well worth toasting all year long.
