Chicago Valentine’s weekend would not be full without a dining experience, so here’s the list of our picks for the holiday specials across the city, in no particular order.Check out A Bit of theWit Pop Up Shop With Chef Toni Roberts theWit Hotel, 201 N State St.
Toni Roberts, Executive Pastry Chef of theWit Hotel, is rolling out the romance this Valentine’s season by offering an exclusive selection of sweet treats available for purchase at A Bit of theWit Pop Up Shop or online through 9 pm on Saturday, February 16. In addition, ROOF on theWit will be offering a selection of specialty dessert pairings. Plus, theWit Hotel’s sleek gastropub, State and Lake Chicago Tavern, is also set to offer all romantics a delicious Valentine’s dessert option, available through February 16 as well.
Chicago’s premiere fondue restaurant is spreading the love for a nine-day Valentine’s Festival, going on through Sunday, February 17. Geja’s Café will be magically embellished and will feature a selection of rosé sparkling wines and champagnes, delicious fondue cuisine, perfectly complemented with entertainment throughout the evening, from live flamenco to classical guitarists. The Valentine’s Festival will also play host to the ever-popular Celebration of Marriage Night, where couples receive an added discount based on the years they have been married.
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Located downstairs of the Renaissance Chicago Hotel, Staytion Market & Bar will offer a special Valentine’s Day a la carte menu for singles and couples alike to enjoy, complete with delectable bites, cocktails, and sweet treats available through 10pm on Saturday, February 16. Special items on the menu include Steak Tartare with capers, pickled red onions, herb salad, and espelette aioli complete with a cured egg yolk and a crispy crostini for dipping, and Gemelli Pasta Cacio e Pepe II with crispy cauliflower, parmesan, scallion, black pepper, and parsley gremolata. Dessert options include Raspberry Mousse Heart Cake with pistachio crunch and champagne sorbet, as well as Sacher Torte with caramelized hazelnut and espresso cremeux. Themed cocktails on menu include El Corazon with Vida mezcal, honey, and chocolate bitters, Flirty Fizz with FEW barreled gin, chai, lemon, and prosecco, along with the special We’re Mint to Be, featuring cucumber vodka, blood orange limoncello, lemon, mint simple, and soda. Live music is provided by Robbie Gould on February 15th from 5pm to 8pm.
Chicago’s home for brunch, Yolk, is inviting couples to enjoy a complimentary Sweet Single of Red Velvet French Toast with the purchase of any two entrees. Constantly pushing the envelope with new and creative breakfasts, specialty juices and its own private label premium coffee in urban, upscale settings, Yolk is known for its delicious breakfast and lunch fare. Yolk’s menu includes signature specialty dishes like gourmet five-egg rolled omelet, eggs florentine, a wide range of skillets and scramblers, pancakes, frittatas, crepes and many more scrumptious options, as well as all-star menu items from Yolk’s inventive Test Kitchen. This sweet special offer is available during normal business hours at each of the eight Chicago Yolk locations and must be redeemed in-store.
Bringing the romance to Chicago’s Loop neighborhood this Valentine’s Day, Raised, An Urban Rooftop Bar, is hosting a special event with the Valentine’s Day menu, available through Saturday, February 16. Some of the crave-worthy items include Blue Point Oysters with candied lime zest, micro cilantro, and champagne mignonette, Lemon-Shitake Pappardelle with parmesan and herbed butter, and Candied Sweet Potato Flatbread topped with Mt. Townsend Trufflestack, béchamel, sautéed spinach, and charred red onion. Patrons craving a sweet treat can enjoy the Chocolate Cupcake with a vanilla boozy, cream center or the Pork and Doughnuts, three crispy old fashioned doughnuts sprinkled with maple pork and a chili glaze.
To complement the standout dining menu and embrace the love in the air, Raised Mixologists have created an innovative selection of beverage options including Cotton Candy Cocktail made with Cucumber and Orchid Infused Ketel One, Rinomato, strawberry syrup, lemon juice, egg white, and cotton candy, Float Your Boat served with Ford’s Gin, Koval Jasmin, grapefruit tonic, lemon sorbet, and Juniper berries, and Sour Heart with Rinomato, Orchard Apricot, simple syrup, orange juice, lemon juice, and egg white. For a twist on the normal cocktail, Raised will be also serving Gummy Hearts with hibiscus and honey syrup. Local music will be provided by DJ 5IVE on February 15th 5pm to 8pm.
Weber Grill Restaurant in River North offers a la carte specials in celebration of Valentine’s Day, available through Saturday, February 16. Indulging menu options include Shrimp Bisque, Grilled Ora King Salmon with a dill cucumber sauce, Pink Peppercorn Crusted NY Strip with a port wine demi glaze, Tomahawk Ribeye Steak for two and more. While dining, sweethearts can sip on Strawberry Martinis for $10 each mixed with Absolut Vanilla, Godiva Liqueur, strawberry syrup and cream.
Low-lit, spacious and modern, Wildfire is a solid go-to for a Valentine’s meal in a quiet ambience. Through February 17, Wildfire offers a special Valentine’s dinner for two, sharing a salad and appetizer before moving on to an entree like Gruyere-crusted pork chops or Oven-roasted lump crab cakes, plus dessert.
