BON APPETIT 150 Marina Plaza, Dunedin, 727-733-2151, bonappetitrestaurant.com. This is the perfect destination for those seeking a romantic refuge with a waterfront view. Bon Appetit is offering two Valentine’s Day options: Put on your dancing shoes and attend Valentine’s Dinner Dance on Sat., Feb. 11, which includes a five-course meal and dancing for $54.95, or go for a four-course meal on Tues., Feb. 14 for $49.95.
CARMEL CAFÉ AND WINE BAR 2548 McMullen Booth Road, Clearwater, 727-724-4228; 14306 N. Dale Mabry, Tampa, 813-265-1415, carmelcafe.com. Experience Four Days of Love, specifically, four days of exclusive wines. These wines will be offered at discounted prices, and were specifically chosen to compliment the Modern Mediterranean cuisine of Carmel Café and Wine Bar. Small or large-plate selections are offered, so combine your wine with the entrée of your choice in the size of your choice. Special is available Feb. 10-14.
COLUMBIA RESTAURANT 2117 E. Seventh Ave.,Tampa, 813-248-4961, columbiarestaurant.com. Embrace the cultural tradition of Flamenco dancing by experiencing the Dinner and Flamenco Dance Show at this Spanish-Cuban destination. Special includes choice of soup or salad, choice of entrée, choice of dessert, beverage and Flamenco Dance Show for $51.95. An a la carte dinner-only option is also available, with entrees ranging from $16.95 to $33.
FLEMING’S PRIME STEAKHOUSE AND WINE BAR 4322 W. Boy Scout Blvd., Tampa, 813-874-WINE (9463), flemingssteakhouse.com. Get the evening started off right with a valentine’s cocktail, then enjoy one of the three selected entrees, wine and dessert for two. As a “second dessert,” you will receive a $25 dining card toward a future meal, which is like putting money back in your pocket. Special is available February 12-14.
MELTING POT 13164 N. Dale Mabry, Tampa, 813-962-6936, meltingpot.com. Grab a fondue fork and dive into the Valentine’s Day Menu. Two four-course meal options are available, based on date you choose. The $99 special is for Feb. 11-13 and also includes two glasses of champagne. The $125 special is for Feb. 14. The courses (for both options) will consist of cheese fondue, salad, entrée tailored to your choice of cooking style, and chocolate fondue dessert.
MITCHELL’S FISH MARKET 204 Westshore Plaza, Tampa, 813-289-3663, mitchellsfishmarket.com. This seafood destination boasts an MSC Chain of Custody certification, which ensures the freshest seafood is being served, by implementing documentation and DNA testing. This will surely impress your valentine. The special features a filet accompanied with your choice of crab cake, shrimp and scallop skewer or lobster Oscar for $27.95.
PALM 205 Westshore Plaza, Tampa 813-849-7256, thepalm.com. Enjoy interesting wall décor, including caricatures of celebrity, politician and socialite customers, while feasting on Valentine’s Dinner for Two. Bring your lobster bib and enjoy jumbo Nova Scotia lobster, choice of a starter, such as lobster bisque, and two sides. Special is available Feb. 11-14. $120 per couple.
PELAGIA TRATTORIA 4200 Jim Walter Boulevard, Tampa, 813-313-3235, pelagiatrattoria.com. Several specials will be available at this modern Mediterranean destination that uses seasonal and local ingredients. Patrons can look forward to lobster bisque, jumbo lump crab cake, Brussels sprout salad, choice of turbot or veal entrée and Godiva chocolate cake as a decadent finale.
POLLO TROPICAL 3134 Tampa Road, Oldsmar, 727-230-0002; 3900 Park Blvd., Pinellas Park, 727-362-9600; 6276 W. Waters Ave., Tampa, 813-319-6360; 3285 W. Hillsborough Ave., Tampa, 813-319-1850, pollotropical.com. Lovebirds on a budget need not despair Pollo Tropical’s Two Can Dine for $9.99 coupon special includes your choice of TropiChop or quarter-chicken platter with rice and beans, side order of yucca sticks or sweet plaintains, fountain drink and flan. Valid for lunch or dinner, dine-in or takeout. Text SWEETHEART to 52198 to obtain your Valentine’s Day Two Can Dine for $9.99 coupon.
RUTH’S CHRIS STEAKHOUSE 1700 N. Westshore Blvd., Tampa, 813-282-1118, ruthschris.com. Imagine you and your valentine are in the tropics while you enjoy Caribbean lobster tail with a 6-ounce filet for $44.95, or one of the signature steaks (seared at a steamy 1800 degrees) Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse is famous for. Special is available Feb. 10-14.
SHOR CLEARWATER 301 S. Gulfview Blvd., Clearwater, 727-373-4780, shorgrill.com. This is a “shor bet” for a special Valentine’s Day in Clearwater Beach. Enjoy a choice of soup, choice of salad, choice of four surf or turf entrees, choice of dessert and complimentary Norman Love chocolate truffle. $65 Prix Fixe. Validated parking (for three hours) is available.
SPAIN RESTAURANT 513 Tampa St., Tampa, 813-223-2831, tomaspain.com. Catch a matinee at nearby Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center, then head to Spain for a romantic dinner, complete with romantic music (from 6-9 p.m.). Enjoy the Valentine’s Day Prix Fixe Menu, which includes a four-course dinner and one alcoholic beverage for $45.
This article appears in Feb 9-15, 2012.