January 30, 2023 — The City of Brotherly Love (and it’s surrounding suburbs) is preparing for unforgettable Valentine’s Day celebrations in the form of romantic dinners, couples cocktail classes, spirited sippers, and even one murder mystery masquerade soirée. We’ve compiled a list of unique, over-the-top experiences occurring on (and leading up to) Tuesday, February 14 from Art in the Age, Patchwork, Stella of New Hope, Forsythia, Urban Farmer, Townsend, Square 1682, Rex at The Royal, Jet Wine Bar, The Dutch, Oloroso, The Twisted Tail, and Stratus Rooftop Lounge.
…
CO-OP Restaurant & Bar, an open air-restaurant at the crossroads of University of Pennsylvania and Drexel University located within The Study Hotel, invites couples with a sweet tooth to enjoy dessert for two on Tuesday, February 14. The special à la carte menu, curated by Executive Chef Kyle Berman, will be available in addition to CO-OP’s new winter dinner menu, just launched this week. With roses adorned on each table, lovebirds can end their meal with an array of sweet treats to share, including:
- Apple Cobbler ($12) – caramelized apples, cinnamon streusel, hibiscus ice cream
- Valrhona Chocolate Soufflé ($16) – vanilla sauce
- Strawberry Layer Cake ($12) – mascarpone mousse, stewed strawberries, lady finger
- Ice Cream Sundae ($14) – Tahitian vanilla bean ice cream with an assortment of garnishes
- Hot Chocolate Service ($14) – cinnamon marshmallows, whipped cream, chocolate shavings
Dinner will be offered 4-10 pm on Tuesday, February 14. Reservations are encouraged and can be made here.
20 S 33rd St | 215.398.1874 | www.coopphilly.com
—
Seaview Hotel & Golf Club, the New Jersey Shore’s quintessential historic resort in Galloway Township, is serving up a very special Valentine’s Day dinner on Saturday, February 11, from 5-9pm. Executive Chef Rudy Correa will treat guests to a four course prix fixe menu, including highlights such as Classic Chateaubriand, Fresh Florida Red Snapper, Gardein Chicken Piccata, Raspberry Mousse in a Chocolate Cup and much more, for $64.95 per person. A broiled cold water lobster tail can be added to any entree for an additional $25. Wine selections are available by the glass. Reservations are required and can be made here.
401 S New York Rd., Galloway, NJ | 609.652.1800 | www.seaviewdolcehotel.com
—
Red Owl Tavern, the modern American tavern located on Independence Mall, has one extensive selection of spirited fare in-store for lovers dining on Tuesday, February 14, available both à la carte and as a four-course prix fixe for $68 per person. Helmed by Executive Chef Charles Vogt, highlights include Whipped Ricotta Cheese ($15) with preserved kumquat, sourdough, and Jacobsen’s rosemary sea salt, Grilled Octopus ($22) with faro verde and preserved lemon labne, Tuna Tataki ($23) with enoki mushrooms and citrus dashi-shoyu, Braised Wagyu Brisket ($32) comprised of San Marzano tomato, parmesan polenta, and Italian salsa verde, Butternut Squash “Cacio e Pepe” ($25) with pecorino romano, cracked pepper, and crispy sage, and Passion Fruit Chocolate Mousse Dome ($15) with Bavarian chocolate mousse, dark chocolate glaze, and gold leaf.
As for themed cocktails, Lead Bartender Christopher Devern is appeasing imbibers with the aptly named Love Island, a tiki-inspired daiquiri featuring white rum and cachaça, house-made strawberry guava syrup, lime juice, pineapple juice, St. Germain, and rose water. Reservations are highly encouraged and can be made via OpenTable.
Hours of operation: Monday through Friday 7:30 – 10:45am (breakfast); Monday through Friday 11:30am – 4:30pm (lunch); Monday through Wednesday 4:30 – 9pm, Thursday and Friday 4:30 – 10pm, Saturday 5 – 10pm (dinner); and Saturday 8am – 4pm and Sunday 8am – 3pm (weekend brunch)
433 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA | 215.923.2267 | www.redowltavern.com/
—
Royal Boucherie, Old City’s lively and atmospheric neighborhood bar and restaurant, is amping up their already intimate and romantic atmosphere for Valentine’s Day with the addition of an exclusive, meticulously curated six-course tasting menu, available on Tuesday, February 14 for $125 per person. Those enjoying the special occasion at Philadelphia’s premier French restaurant can expect offerings such as Salsify Soup with winter truffle, salmon roe, and crispy salsify, Scallop with braised fennel and endive and lemon beurre blanc, Loup de Mer comprised of garlic pansies, artichoke barigoule, and sauce meunière, Beef Tenderloin with pomme purée, roasted chanterelle, and red wine sauce, and Profiterole with buttercream.
Bar Manager Eden Beschen will have a selection of festive craft cocktails available for sipping, as well as optional wine pairings to be accompanied with each course. Reservations are encouraged and can be made via OpenTable.
Hours of operation: Monday through Thursday, 4 pm – 10 pm, Friday and Saturday, 4 pm – 11 pm, and Sunday, 4 pm – 9 pm with weekend brunch served Saturday and Sunday, 10 am – 2:30 pm
52 S Second Street, Philadelphia, PA | 267.606.6316 | www.royalboucherie.com
—
Cocktail-loving couples looking to shake things up this Valentine’s Day, can head to Art in the Age on February 14 at 5pm for a Lovers’ Libations Workshop, where Lee Noble, Art in the Age’s cocktail specialist, will lead an interactive cocktail demo and Q&A. Imbibers will make two amorous tipples alongside Noble while enjoying a selection of cheese and charcuterie by From Marjorie. Tickets are available now for $100, which includes two seats at the bar, two craft cocktails per guest, cheese and charcuterie, and a 10% shopping discount during the class.
Additionally, Art in the Age’s expert mixologists will be mixing up a Valentine’s cocktail special, available February 11 through February 14. Dubbed Cupid’s Arrow ($14), this mysteriously sweet and tart libation is crafted with The Pathfinder Hemp and Root, floral (or non-alcoholic substitute) gin, chilled hibiscus tea, Bittermen’s Burlesque Bitters, and topped with dry sparkling rosé.
Those looking to have a romantic evening at-home this Valentine’s Day can secure “couples” glassware — buy one glass, get one 50% off — from February 6 through February 14, as well as a flower bouquet perfect for any bae from Books and Blooms in-store on February 12.
Hours of operation: 12 – 7pm Tuesday through Thursday, 12 – 8pm Friday and Saturday, and 12 – 6pm Sunday
116 N. 3rd St. Philadelphia PA | 215.922.2600 | www.artintheage.com
—
The Dutch, the popular breakfast, lunch and dinner eatery with a focus on reinventing the Pennsylvania Dutch classics, is pivoting from its traditional Dutch-inspired cuisine for Valentine’s Day by reviving a plethora of Fond classics and new, imaginative French fare courtesy of Chef Lee Styer. Styer’s highly flavorful, expertly prepared dishes planned for the special occasion include Hamachi Crudo composed of heart of palm, charred avocado, tobiko caviar, lime-coconut mole broth, and cilantro, Duck Ragout and Gnocchi with yellow foot mushrooms, saffron, and black truffle, Halibut en Brik prepared with jumbo lump crab imperial, pea leaves, and sweet Aleppo pepper, New York Strip crafted with pommes anna, fontina, spinach, and sauce perigord, and for dessert, Vanilla Caramel Eclair with blood orange, raspberry, and hazelnuts, and Handmade Chocolate Truffles.
The Dutch’s Valentine’s Day dinner is available on Tuesday, February 14 and is priced at $125 per person with optional wine pairings for $50 per person. Reservations are highly recommended and can be placed via Tock, or by sending an e-mail to lee@thedutchphilly.com.
Hours of operation: Wednesday through Friday, 8am – 9pm, Saturday and Sunday, 8am – 3pm; 5 – 9pm
1537 S 11th Street, Philadelphia, PA | 215.551.5000 | www.thedutchphilly.com
—
Forsythia, Chef Christopher Kearse’s contemporary French restaurant and bar in Old City, is pulling out all the stops this Valentine’s Day with an elegant, beautifully crafted multi-course prix fixe dinner for $95 per personon Tuesday, February 14. Chef Christopher Kearse has curated an indulgent, one-of-a-kind menu for the romantic evening with highlights spanning Italian Osetra Caviar with black lime roasted artichokes, winter citrus, and crème fraîche, Foie Gras Parfait with hibiscus, celery and rye, Bone Marrow Roasted Spanish Octopus comprised of heart of palm, almonds, and squid ink, Branzino comprised of celery root, romanesco, green apple, and Champagne-uni, Honey Roasted Rohan Duck fashioned with chestnut, red cabbage, and hen of the woods mushroom, and Caramelized White Chocolate Goat Cheese Cheesecake with blood orange curd and salted bitter chocolate sorbet.
Reservations for Forsythia’s Valentine’s Day dinner are highly encouraged and can be made via Resy.
Hours of operation: Wednesday through Sunday, 5pm – 10pm
233 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA | 215.644.9395 | www.forsythiaphilly.com
—
Valentine’s Day is Cheesy – At least, that’s what Jet Wine Bar, Philadelphia’s “global vineyard”, has dubbed their intimate evening of wine and cheese! This Valentine’s Day, couples are invited to the chic, cozy, and recently revamped bar at Jet to sip wines from around the globe while enjoying sprawling cheeseboards, perfect for either pre- or post- dinner sips and bites, with two seating times available: Reservations for the 5 — 6:30 pm and 8:30 – 10 pm seatings can be made online now.
For $45/person (includes tax and gratuity), cheese lovers will enjoy a bountiful board complete with four cheese-based dishes, including phyllo-wrapped brie, homemade mozzarella sticks, a dessert course and more, perfectly paired with a flight of three wines. Alternative to the flight of three 2.5 oz pours, guests may also choose to get three full glasses of wine each for an additional $15.
1525 South St | 215.735.1116 | www.jetwinebar.com
—
Oloroso, Philadelphia’s premier Spanish tapas restaurant in the heart of Center City, is commemorating Valentine’s Day with a multi-course, tapas-style prix fixe dinner for $95 per person available Friday, February 10 through Tuesday, February 14. Executive Chef Jason Peabody has curated an exceptional selection of Spanish-influenced tapas, entrées, and desserts with standout dishes including Charred Eggplant Tagine, Gambas Al Ajillo with chickpea and Fresno chili, Charred Octopus with muhammara and black olive, Wagyu Zabuton-Seared Foie Gras with Riojas and beef reduction, Grilled Bronzino with pickled garlic and red pepper miso, Paella Oloroso with shellfish, chicken and chorizo, and Basque Cheesecake topped with tart cherries and pretzel crumble.
Imbibers interested in experiencing a variety of Spanish wines, sherries, and ciders can opt for the complementing wine pairings for $75 per person. Reservations are highly encouraged and can be made via Resy.
Hours of operation: Wednesday through Sunday, 4:30 – 10pm
1121 Walnut Street | 267.324.3014 | www.olorosophl.com
—
Patchwork, a lively restaurant and bar focused on New American cuisine nestled on the 2nd floor of Hyatt Centric Center City Philadelphia, is inviting couples to a three-course prix fixe dinner for $65 per person on Tuesday, February 14. Executive Chef Jonathan Dearden has prepared a lineup of unique dishes such as the Caviar Kiss Crispy Pierogi topped with creme fraiche and chives, Portobello Wellington with rainbow Swiss chard, brie, and sun-dried tomato as first course option, Lamb Osso Bucco with fregola, pioppino, and long-hot mint labne, Atlantic Halibut Crab Stir Fry featuring purple eggplant and fish sauce carame as second courses, and a Chocolate Bourbon Caramel Tart with smoked malden and sea salt for a dessert option.
Hours of operation: Monday through Friday 7:30 – 10:45am (breakfast); Monday through Friday 11:30am – 4:30pm (lunch); Monday and Tuesday 4:30 – 9pm, Thursday and Friday 4:30 – 10pm, Saturday 5 – 10pm (dinner); and Saturday 8am – 4pm and Sunday 8am – 3pm (brunch).
1620 Chancellor St. | 215.985.1234 | www.patchworkphilly.com
—
Rex at The Royal, Philadelphia’s home for elevated Lowcountry fare housed in the historic and newly rejuvenated Royal Theater, is offering an indulgent prix fixe menu on Valentine’s Day for $75/guest. The three-course meal will woo plant-based lovers and omnivores alike, with an optional wine pairing available for an additional $40. Beverage Manager Joshua Scheid will also be mixing up a bevy of signature libations, including the opulent Royal Martini ($21), made with Spanish gin washed with olive oil, Spanish dry vermouth, herbs de provence, and bleu cheese olives, or zero-proof sippers such as the Cide Eye ($8), crafted with apple pie cocktail syrup, lemon, sparkling water, and a salt rim.
See below for the full menu:
FIRST COURSE
- She Crab Soup — Sherry Reduction, Oyster Crackers
- Fried Cauliflower (vegan) — Currants, Charred Lemon Vinaigrette, House Pickled Veg
- Broiler Oysters (+$15) — Country Captain Butter, Chives
SECOND COURSE
- Grilled Shrimp — Unicorn Grits, Brown Butter Sauce
- Smoked Prime Rib — Pimento Popover, Braised Greens, Jus
- Seared Duck Breast — Dirty Sorghum, Brussels, Foie Gras Sauce
- Sweet Potato & Okra Fritters (vegan) — Green Meadow Farm Mushrooms, Romesco Sauce
THIRD COURSE
- Lemon Meringue Tart — Shortbread Crust
- Chocolate & Date Bread Pudding — Vanilla Ice Cream
- Coconut Rice Pudding (vegan) — Toasted Coconut Flakes
Hours of operation are 5 – 10pm Monday through Thursday, 5 – 11pm Friday through Saturday, 11am – 2:30pm for Sunday Brunch, and 5 – 9pm for Sunday Dinner
1524 South St. Philadelphia PA | 267.319.1366 | www.rexphl.com
—
Stella of New Hope, New Hope’s modern American restaurant boasting unparalleled views of the Delaware River, will be serving a five course prix-fixe tasting menu for $90 per person by Executive Chef Michael O’ Hallaran, and an optional wine pairing for an additional $60 per person courtesy of Beverage Manager, Jamie Shaw. Highlights from the menu include the Warm Asparagus and Duck Custard with black winter truffle, chanterelle crema, pecorino crisp and Poached Oysters served with champagne cream, salmon and hasselback caviars, and tiny sourdough croutons for second course dishes. Duck Confit & Ricotta Raviolo in a ginger and sage butter is a third course option, Crispy Sea Bass Filet paired with artichoke purée and heirloom tomato and roasted garlic confit and as a fourth course, and an assortment of desserts for the final course. Lovebirds can indulge in this Valentine’s menu starting Friday, February 10 through Sunday, February 12, and on Tuesday, February 14.
Hours of operation: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday, 4 – 9 pm; Friday and Saturday, 4 – 11 pm; Weekend brunch Saturday and Sunday, 11 am – 2 pm.
50 S Main Street | 267.740.2691 | www.stellanewhope.com
—
Stratus Rooftop Lounge, the chic rooftop venue on the 11th floor of the Kimpton Hotel Monaco in Old City, has an atypical date night planned for couples looking to celebrate ahead of Valentine’s Day with Murder Mystery Masquerade Dinner on Friday, February 10 from 7 – 9:30pm. Guests will enjoy a four-course prix fixe paired perfectly with hand-crafted cocktails and Champagne while partaking in an interactive, murder mystery case held in the Kimpton Hotel Monaco. Following dinner service, attendees will cap off the evening with dessert and one final cocktail upstairs at Stratus Rooftop Lounge where the killer will be revealed. Highlights from the menu include “Champagne Toast” Ceviche with golden bass and plantain chips, “Heart-BEET” Tartare with greek feta, charred onion, and endive, and “Deadly” Red Snapper with kimchi slaw and ghost pepper polenta. Tickets for Murder Mystery Masquerade Dinner are $129 per person, and are available for purchase via EventBrite.
Lead Bartender Patrick Banko’s thoughtfully curated craft cocktails featured during Murder Mystery Masquerade Dinner will be available for purchase à la carte from Friday, February 10 through the week of Valentine’s Day. Spirited sippers include Bloody Valentine fashioned with beet-infused mezcal, thyme agave syrup, and lime juice, Sid and Nancy comprised of pink peppercorn-infused gin, cranberry rosemary syrup, and soda water, and a cranberry bourbon cocktail dubbed King of Spades.
Hours of operation: Wednesday 4pm – 10pm, Thursday 8pm – 1am, Friday 5pm – 2am, and Saturday 8pm – 2am
433 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA (11th floor of Kimpton Hotel Monaco) | 215.925.2889 | www.stratuslounge.com/
—
Square 1682, the modern American upbeat kitchen located on the ground level of the Kimpton Hotel Palomar, has a bevy of delicious add-ons in-store for couples celebrating Valentine’s Day on Tuesday, February 14 — available for purchase à la carte or for $150 per couple. Guests dining at this Rittenhouse restaurant and bar can expect Grilled Broccolini and Baby Kale Caesar Salad ($16), Baked Oysters Rockefeller ($22) served with anise-scented spinach, and montchevre-bacon crust, Peppercorn Crusted Filet Mignon and Shrimp Duo ($48) served atop carrot super grain risotto and charred scallion avocado salsa, and Ménage à Trois ($10), a three-fold dessert consisting of raspberry mousse heart, truffles and tropical-flavored sorbet.
Reservations for dinner service at Square 1682 can be made via OpenTable.
Hours of Operation: Monday through Friday 8 – 11am (breakfast); Monday through Thursday 11:30am – 2pm, Friday 11:30am – 3pm (lunch); Tuesday through Thursday 5 – 10pm, Friday and Saturday 5 – 11pm (dinner); Friday and Saturday 3 – 5pm (mid-day menu); Saturday 9am – 3pm, Sunday 9am – 2pm (brunch).
121 S 17th St. | 215.563.5008 | https://square1682.com
—
509 S. 2nd St. | 215.558.2471 | www.thetwistedtail.com/
Townsend EPX, Chef Townsend Wentz’s acclaimed French restaurant on bustling East Passyunk Avenue in South Philadelphia, is serving up an extravagant prix fixe dinner for those celebrating Valentine’s Day on Tuesday, February 14. Couples in search of an evening full of decadence and romance can enjoy Broiled East Coast Oysters with nori royale, trout roe, and lime, Steelhead Trout crafted with caviar, salsify, apple, and Champagne buerre blanc, Foie Gras Roulette comprised of beet, mushroom and sauce albufeira, Venison en Crepinette with black truffle, winter fruits and vegetables, and sauce grand veneur, and Caramelized White Chocolate Crémeux. Reservations are highly encouraged and can be made by clicking HERE.
Hours of operation: Wednesday through Saturday, 5pm – 2am, Sunday, 5pm – 12am
1623 East Passyunk Ave | 267.534.4175 | www.townsendepx.com
—
Urban Farmer, Logan Square’s modern American steakhouse, is enticing couples to treat themselves with a deluxe lineup of à la carte Valentine’s Day specials from Executive Chef Sonny Ingui. Starting Sunday, February 12 through Saturday, February 18, lovers can enjoy highlights such as the Hay Smoked Foie Gras Torchon ($20) with blackberry conserva, grilled bread, and maldon, and Oysters with riesling and pomegranate granita ($21) as appetizer options, a 36 oz. 1855 Farms Porterhouse for Two ($120) paired with Urban Farmer’s signature steak sauce, and Lobster Thermidor Tagliatelle ($48) with house made saffron pasta in a white wine butter sauce. Dessert is Berries & Cream ($14) created with candied strawberries, grand mariner chocolate sabayon, strawberry strusel, and passionfruit gelee. To pair with the dishes, Urban Farmer has crafted a specialty cocktail, Milú ($16), consisting of cutty sark blended scotch whisky, coconut tincture, aperol, lemon, simple syrup, and egg white.
1850 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy. | 215.963.2788 | www.urbanfarmersteakhouse.com
-Nicole Schofield