Table for two, or more
Still haven't planned your evening on February 14? These restaurants are offering Valentine's Day menus that you don't need to be in a loved-up couple to enjoy, writes Alecia Wood.
Vincent
Vincent's modern French bistro vibe will appeal to fans of the original city of love. Co-owner James Hird will match natural wines to a three-course meal featuring their signature baked comte custard with onion soubise along with other clever twists on classic French dishes.
"Vincent is definitely a romantic space. The pairings will be fun and vibrant, for a night to explore the things you love," he says, noting the Domaine de la Tournelle chardonnay he's fond of at the moment will likely make it into the mix.
"After dinner, guests can also try something from our latest batch of house-made cheese."
14 Queen Street, Woollahra. 8039 1500. $70 a person includes three courses; $100 a person includes three courses with matched wines. Sittings 7pm and 8.30pm.
Rushcutters
Lovers of local produce can sample ingredients harvested from executive chef Martin Boetz's own farm in the foothills of the Hawkesbury.
Take his carrots, which will make their way into a share plate entree, roasted and served with shaved beetroot and goat's curd sourced from near the property in Wilberforce, or the home-grown kale that accompanies the main course veal brisket with sour cream and spiced malt sauce.
"Food is all about bringing people together to create experiences they will enjoy and remember," Boetz says, noting the blackcurrant and almond crumble with white chocolate for two to finish.
"It seemed very fitting to create a shared dessert for this occasion."
10 Neild Avenue, Rushcutters Bay. 9326 9348. $110 a person includes a glass of champagne on arrival and three courses.
Otto
"We wanted to give our customers an excuse to dine out with their best friends," says head chef Richard Ptacnik of his menu designed especially for groups wanting to head out on Valentine's Day.
Featuring a selection of dishes from the regular dinner menu, guests can choose from a choice of three entrees and three mains such as four cheese risotto or kingfish with tomato consomme, cucumber and fennel. Diners will also take home a gift of handmade chocolates.
"It will be a vibrant atmosphere. We'll be preparing large trays of tiramisu for the middle of the table, so everyone can dig in!" Couples keen on a more intimate setting can visit the downstairs area for a four-course meal.
Area 8, 6 Cowper Wharf Road, Woolloomooloo. 9368 7488. $100 a person includes glass of prosecco on arrival and three courses (groups of six or more upstairs); $165 a person includes glass of champagne on arrival and four courses (couples bookings downstairs).
Almond Bar
Settle in for a degustation with exotic ingredients and heady aromas aplenty, featuring dishes such as shredded duck confit with pearl couscous, cabbage, fig jam and pomegranate.
"There is something a bit romantic about the spices," says head chef Sharon Salloum. "There is a richness to them, but because traditionally Syrian food isn't spicy you can appreciate all the ingredients. Middle Eastern food is meant to be enjoyed between people - friends, couples and families."
Finish off with a modern take on the classic Rose of Damascus dessert, typically made with clotted cream and orange blossom jam. Almond Bar's version includes crispy filo pastry layered with chocolate cream, sour cherry jam and hazelnuts.
379 Liverpool Street, Darlinghurst. 9380 5318. $80 a person includes seven courses and a bottle of wine. Sittings at 6.30pm or 8.30pm.
The Sailors Club
The catch of the day will inform the final menu at The Sailors Club, set to feature the likes of citrus-cured salmon with woodland sorrel and tarragon gribiche, or half-shell baked scallops with chives and cauliflower puree to start.
For head chef Sarah Jewell, a light meal makes for a romantic evening. "Naturally, being perched over the harbour offers a serene setting. Seafood is great for such an occasion, especially during summer," she says.
Cool off after your second course with a tropical coconut pudding topped with pineapple and mint sorbet, or a buttermilk float with citrus sherbet and blood-orange soda.
594 New South Head Road, Rose Bay. 9327 6561. $89 a person for sunset reservations (5.30pm, 6pm or 6.30pm) or $99 a person for dinner reservations (8pm, 8.30pm or 9pm) includes glass of champagne on arrival and three courses.
Chow Bar & Eating House
"Valentine's Day is a time to declare publicly one's affection for another, so I've kept in mind that stomachs might be a bit jittery," says head chef Chui Lee Luk of lightening up her usual dishes for this custom menu.
Calm your nerves with a Cheeky Cupid cocktail - made with vodka, strawberries, orange blossom and Earl Grey-infused syrup - then move onto the Good Love Fish Salad with sliced marinated cobia mixed through a fragrant herb salad dressed with black vinegar.
Next up is deep-fried chicken wings with a sweet-and-sour confit lemon sauce, aka the Wings of Desire.
"We're hoping for the atmosphere to be intimate enough for the romantics, while also fun and boisterous for those confidently celebrating."
320 Crown Street, Surry Hills. 8095 9058. $60 a person includes a cocktail on arrival and share plates.
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