Berry Plate from Sweet Surrender

The business of serving the romantics among us makes for a pretty big day for our friends at local restaurants, and creating the cocktails, course and wine pairings is a good excuse for chefs and operators to get creative.

Whether you’re into the spirit of Valentine’s Day or not, it is an expectation that you will come up with something to show your sweetie she’s special. You’re all in the same boat, and getting a good table, and having a good idea, is what will impress her. It does require advanced planning.

Several spots are spreading the love to multiple dates, though the big night is Tuesday. So you can expect to get many of the same specials through the weekend or on Monday.

With that in mind, get your phone ready and choose from these great options, in no particular order:

HARVEST: Find romance at Harvest while enjoying a four-course prix fixe menu on Feb. 11 and 14. It’s available from 5-10 p.m. Price: $65 per person, plus $35 per person for wine pairings. For reservations, call 502-384-9090.

SEVICHE: Get a jump on everyone else with “Dinner and a Movie” with Chef Anthony Lamas. Held on Feb. 12-13, you’ll enjoy a Hawaiian Feast while watching the Drew Barrymore and Adam Sandler movie “50 First Dates.”  Starting at 6 both nights, there will be a cocktail reception followed by a five-course meal, including wine pairings. Price: $95 per person. Call 502-437-8560 for reservations.

THE BROWN: Luxury is served up at the English Grill on Feb. 11, 13 and 14 with a special Valentine’s menu prepared by chef de cuisine Andrew Welenken. For those who want to go all out, the Brown offers rose petal baths and high-end champagne for overnight guests. Price: $85 per person, plus tax and gratuity. Call 502-583-1234 for reservations.

BRASSERIE PROVENCE: Try a romantic experience at the East End’s Brasserie Provence, with a three-course menu showcasing a dozen ingredients “known to ignite romance.” It’s available both Feb. 11 and 14, with seatings at 5 and 7:30. Price: $65 per person plus tax and gratuity. Call 502-883-3153 for reservations. 

LOUVINO: Louisvillians interested in expertly selected wine pairings can choose either Louvino location for a four-course dinner, featuring Southern-inspired dishes from executive chef Tavis Rockwell. Special menu on Feb. 14 only, with seatings at both the Highlands and Middletown locations at 5, 7 and 9:15. Price: $60 per person, plus $30 per person for the featured wine pairings. For information and reservations, go online at Louvino.com

BUTCHERTOWN GROCERY, LOLA: Chef Bobby Benjamin is offering a four-course menu on Feb. 14 that’s available upstairs at Lola or downstairs at the Grocery. Price: $85 per person, plus tax and gratuity, plus $40 per person for additional wine pairings. For information and reservations, call 502-742-8315 or visit ButchertownGrocery.com.

DECCA: In Nulu, Chef Annie Pettry is offering a three-course prix fixe menu Feb. 14 from 5:30 to 10. Or you can visit the Cellar Lounge downstairs for snacks and cocktails. Price: $55 per person, plus tax and gratuity. Call 502-749-8128 for reservations.

BRISTOL BAR & GRILLE:  At all four Bristol locations, dinner specials and wine pairings for Valentine’s are available Feb. 10-14. Check for details online.

EQUUS, JACK’S LOUNGE: Chef Dean Corbett’s Valentine’s Day three-course menu features a surf and turf entrée with lobster and prime beef medallions. Feb. 14 only. Price: $50 per person, plus tax and gratuity. For reservations, call 502-897-9721.

CORBETT’S: When you operate multiple restaurants, you get to create multiple menus for Valentine’s Day. Chef Corbett’s namesake East End location is featuring a special five-course menu from Feb. 10-14. Price: $85 per person, plus tax and gratuity. For reservations, call 502-327-5058.

PROOF ON MAIN: Chef Mike Wajda is featuring farm-fresh dishes, with shared entree specials “for two” all weekend. On Tuesday, the treat is a five-course prix fixe menu. And if you want to go all out, overnight packages at 21C include champagne and house-made chocolates. For reservations, call 502-217-6360.

VARANESE: Enjoy the annual “A Taste of Love Aphrodisiac Dinner” from Feb. 10-14, featuring chef Erik Abraham’s special menu made with ingredients “designed to stimulate the appetite and inspire the heart.” For reservations, call 502-899-9904.

ANOOSH BISTRO: Chef Anoosh Shariat’s Valentine’s Night lineup is a three-course dinner with entrée choices including Rack of Lamb, Beef Tenderloin, Lobster Tail, Sea Bass and Coconut Curry Tofu. Price: $65 per person. For reservations, call 502-690-6585.

GARAGE BAR: So you don’t have a sweetie but want to have a nice meal out for Valentine’s? Garage Bar is offering a prix fixe menu for one, which includes a salad, entree and dessert. Price: $20. For reservations, call 502-749-7100.

OTHER ATTRACTIONS:

Try a special tour of the Copper & Kings distillery in Butchertown, starting Feb. 10 and continuing through Feb. 14. Price:  $15. Check for details on Facebook.

Flourless Heart from Sweet Surrender
Flourless Heart from Sweet Surrender

Get a gift idea while sipping bourbon at the Four Roses Bourbon Flower Hour on Friday at Nanz & Kraft in St. Matthews. You can talk bourbon with Brent Elliott, master distiller at Four Roses, and there’s a silent auction benefitting the American Heart Association. Price: Suggested $10 donation.

Satisfy your sugar craving with special Valentine’s treat from The Bakery at Sullivan University from Feb. 7-14. Best bet is a $29.99 Gift Box. Call 502-452-1210 for more information or go online.

Your sweet tooth will be satisfied at the Four-Course Dessert Tasting Menu being offered at Sweet Surrender Feb. 10, 11 and 14. Price: $45 per couple. For reservations, call 502-899-2008.