Check out this newcomer:
Bistro du Midi has inspiring views over the public Gardens and a cozy fireplace, too. The menu is a savvy mix of small plates and entrees, based on French Provencal cooking. Don’t miss that most famed of aphrodisiacs, the oyster, wonderfully paired here with a zingy apple and fennel mignonette (272 Boylston St., Boston, 617-426-7878, www.bistrodumidi.com).
As Marvin Gaye so beautifully sang, “Let’s get it on.” Who are we to disagree, especially with so many smoochable spots to enjoy Valentine’s Day? It doesn’t have to cost the earth, either.
Sexy South End
Pops has a special three-course dinner that includes a glass of sparkling wine ($39). For extra sparkle, add “Fizzy” ($8.50), Pops’ fragrant riff on the classic champagne cocktail, which pairs cava with violet liqueur (560 Tremont St., Boston, 617-695-1250,
www.popsrestaurant.net).
Hanging in Harvard
UpStairs on the Square’s glittering and impossibly pink Soiree Room is the perfect place for animal lovers: the veteran restaurant’s vegetarian and vegan tasting menus are incredible. Even carnies don’t balk at such delicacies as winter vegetables and tiny ricotta gnocchi in a cardamom wine broth with shiitake mushrooms and mint (91 Winthrop St., Cambridge, 617-864-1933, www.upstairsonthe
square.com).
Tucked away in the harbor
Sensing is sensual and sleek, both in its decor and food. Alongside the a la carte menu, a four-course Valentine’s tasting menu ($65) is available and, rather interestingly, order a bottle of Dom Perignon ($288) and the hotel throws in a room for 10 bucks, depending on availability. Just check with the hotel desk before splashing out. Or don’t (3 Battery Wharf, Boston, 617-994-9001, www.sensing
restaurant.com).
1 Follow the footsteps of one of the most iconic couples and book the corner table at the Omni Parker House’s gilded dining room, where JFK proposed to Jackie O (60 School St., Boston, 617-227-8600, www.omnihotels.com).
2 Another hallowed corner table is in the Top of the Hub’s dining room. It’s an intimate, yet commanding spot with glittering lights all around, where the world seems full of possibilities, sigh ... (800 Boylston St., Boston, 617-536-1775, www.topofthehub.net).
3As far as proposing in a bar, a convenient choice for most, conjure up that old black magic at sexy seductive Noir over a My Favorite Brunette (buttered bourbon) or two. (One Bennett St., Cambridge, 617-661-8010, www.noir-bar.com).
4 Get nekkid with the Valentine’s Day Couple’s Package at G2O spa ($270), which includes a couple’s massage. Where you hide the ring is your problem, but we suggest a robe with a pocket (338 Newbury St., Boston, 617-262-2220, www.g2ospasalon.com).
linda.laban@metro.us |