Celebrating Love At First Bite: Valentine’s Day "Foody" Options To Express Your Heartfelt Sentiments

The origins of Valentine's Day are shrouded in history, with various legends contributing to its rich tapestry. One popular belief is that Valentine's Day commemorates the martyrdom of Saint Valentine, a Christian priest who lived during the Roman Empire. The story suggests that he defied Emperor Claudius II's decree against marriages for young men, secretly conducting weddings for couples in love. Another tale speaks of a note signed "from your Valentine" that Saint Valentine allegedly sent to his jailer's daughter, with whom he had developed a close bond.

While the historical accuracy of these stories is debated, they have collectively contributed to the romantic aura surrounding Valentine's Day.

Valentine's Day has transcended its historical and cultural roots, becoming a global celebration of love and affection. Couples around the world exchange tokens of love, such as cards, flowers, chocolates, and gifts. The day is an opportunity to express heartfelt sentiments and appreciation for the special people in one's life.

One of the most popular ways to celebrate Valentine's Day is by sharing a romantic dinner. Restaurants, Cafés, and Eateries often offer Special Valentine's Day Menus, creating a perfect ambiance for couples to enjoy each other's company. In order to help you express your love to your special someone, here is a list of some of South Florida's special restaurants who have created some Special Menus to celebrate Valentine’s Day.

Bourbon Steak
BOURBON STEAK, Chef Michael Mina’s Award-Winning Steakhouse inside the JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort & Spa, will be offering a Three-Course Prix Fixe Menu in celebration of Valentine’s Day. Offered on Wednesday, February 14, and priced at $180 Per Person (excluding Tax and Gratuity), guests will have a choice of an Appetizer, Entreé accompanied by a trio of Farm-Fresh Side Dishes and a Dessert Duo. The Menu features a choice of Appetizer including Chef’s Oyster Selection, Michael’s Tuna Tartare, Foie Gras, Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail and more.

Dinner highlights include: Prime Cuts of Meat such as 18 oz. Delmonico Ribeye, Pastrami-Spiced and 8 oz. Filet Mignon; Branzino and Faroe Island Salmon. Also on offer Hand-Cut Prime Steak Tartare with Traditional Garnish and Grilled Pita Bread; Maine Lobster Bisque with Fennel and Garlic Bread; Tuna Sashimi with Crunchy Onions, Serrano Chili and Roasted Garlic Ponzu; and The ‘Wedge’ with Blue Cheese, Bacon, Egg, Tomato, Onion and Buttermilk Ranch. Supplements to elevate the meal are available at an additional cost including a Shellfish Platter for two with Maine Lobster, King Crab, Shrimp and Oysters ($210); Petrossian “Mina Reserve” Caviar - Imperial Daurenki 50g ($250) or Imperial Ossetra 50g ($300); and Hudson Valley Foie Gras ($32). For a sweet ending to the meal, guests may indulge in Crackle Cream Puffs with Espresso Diplomat Cream and Dark Chocolate; Raspberry Almond Tart featuring Vanilla Crème Anglaise, Lemon and Lavender Sorbet and Chocolate and Raspberry Mousseline served with White Chocolate Gelato and Butter Cookie. Reservations are encouraged and can be made online at: www.bourbonsteakmia.com - Or by calling: (786) 279-6600. BOURBON STEAK is located at 19999 West Country Club Drive, Aventura, Florida 33180.

Sushi By Scratch
Sushi by Scratch provides the perfect Valentine's Day celebration with its intimate setting, creating a romantic ambiance for couples. Additionally, the unique dining experience offered, crafting Sushi from scratch, adds an extra touch of specialness to the occasion. Diners can expect a Non-Traditional Omakase Den serving 17 Courses for only 10 guests at a time in a counter setting. A seat is $165 Per Person plus Tax and Service and Non-Alcoholic Beverages are included with: Beer, Wine, Sake and Japanese Whiskeys available A La Carte. Sushi by Scratch is located at 3242 Charles Street in Coconut Grove. Dinner is available across three seatings – 5:00 p.m., 7:15 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Ample street parking is available. For more information on Scratch Restaurants, please visit: www.sushibyscratchrestaurants.com - Or call: (786) 254-1204.

ADRIFT Mare
Indulge in a romantic, intimate evening this Valentine's Day at ADRIFT Mare with a Special Prix-Fixe Menu priced at $98 Per Person (minimum 2 guests) with the option to enhance your dining experience with exquisite Wine Pairings for an additional $30. The evening will begin with a delightful welcome pour of Voirin Jumel – Rose de Saignee – FR NV. To start, couples will savor Whole Grain Focaccia served with Rosemary Oil and Aged Balsamic; Black Magic Oysters with Apple Mignonette; Beef & Caviar with Dijon Emulsion and Crispy Potato; and Grilled Octopus accompanied by Chorizo Jam and Salsa Verde. Guests opting in for the Wine Pairing will enjoy Moillard – ‘Coquillage’ – Chablis – FR 2020 with the starting plates. For the Main Course, guests will choose between White Clams & Mussels with Nduja Butter, Confit Garlic and Sourdough; Roasted Half Chicken served with Truffle Mushroom Sauce and Chive Oil; or Prime Beef Filet accompanied by Potato Pureé and Bone Marrow Sauce. Entrées will be served with sides to share including Spring Peas & Ricotta, Asparagus with Lemon Vinaigrette and Truffle Salt Fries, as well as the Optional Wine Pairing of Phillipe Girard Bourgogne – Pinot Noir – FR 2016. The romantic dinner will conclude on a sweet note with Dark Chocolate Cake with Blackberry Chocolate Mousse; or Vanilla Bean Pavlova with Passionfruit and Strawberry Champagne Geleé for dessert. Advance reservations are encouraged. ADRIFT Mare is located at 1395 Brickell Avenue on the 25th floor of Hotel AKA Brickell, Miami, Florida 33131. For more information, visit: www.adriftmare.com - Telephone: (305) 503-6500.

Brasserie Laurel
Brasserie Laurel, nestled in Miami Worldcenter, is the epitome of Contemporary French dining. Chef/Owner Michael Beltran's Culinary Finesse brings a blend of classic and modern techniques to create an upscale neighborhood brasserie. Perfect for a Valentine's Day celebration, the Menu features sweet and savory delights, Exquisite Entreés, and Divine Desserts, promising a gourmet adventure. The thoughtful Bar Program offers Five Signature Cocktails, carefully crafted for standalone enjoyment or pairing with food. Brasserie Laurel is located at 698 Northeast 1st Avenue, Suite#: G170, Miami, Florida 33132, located at the base of Miami Worldcenter’s Caoba Residential Tower along the Development’s 7th Street Pedestrian Promenade. Telephone: (305) 330-9048. Or: www.brasserielaurel.com. Follow Brasserie Laurel on Social Media at: @laurelmiami.

Toro Toro
Celebrate love this Valentine’s Day at celebrity Chef Richard Sandoval’s Pan-Latin Steakhouse Toro Toro at the Iconic Downtown InterContinental Miami. On Wednesday, February 14th from 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., the restaurant features an elevated Three-Course Prix-Fixe Menu curated by Executive Chef Armando Febles.

The romantic dinner, priced at $95++ Per Person, will begin with a welcome glass of Bubbly for each guest, followed by a choice of First-Course. Starters include: Atlantic Salmon Ceviche prepared with Leche De Tigre, Lychee, Mango, Cucumber, Red Onions and Orange Segments; Beet, Lentil & Strawberry Salad with Red Beets, Beluga Lentils, Greek Yogurt, Pomegranate Dressing and Toasted Marcona Almonds; or Carne Apache Steak Tartare made with NY Striploin, Lime-Chipotle Sauce, Currants, Tomato, Avocado and Cilantro. The feast continues with a choice of Main Course Entrée options of “Send Me Gnudis” featuring Gnudi Pasta, Guajillo-Red Pepper Coulis, Ricotta Cheese, Manchego and Chives; Pink Molé Roasted Chicken served with Almond Pink Molé, Roasted Brussels Sprouts, Blood Orange and Purslane; 7 oz Grilled Filet Mignon accompanied by Roasted Potatoes, Grilled Asparagus, Strawberry Bordelaise and ‘Hearts On Fire;’ and Lobster Barley Risotto prepared with Lobster Bisque, Maine Lobster, Queso Idiazábal and Fennel Oil. Also on offer for an additional cost at market price value, several steak upgrades including Wagyu Tomahawk, 8 oz Wagyu Filet, 12 oz Wagyu Picanha, 32 oz Porterhouse and 32 oz Dry-Aged Ribeye.

The celebration of love will finish on a unique, interactive sweet note with the specialty Love Rose, an indulgent treat created to symbolize romantic connections. Couples are encouraged to participate in the sensory experience where they will blindfold their partner and embark on a journey to identify the intricate flavors woven into this exclusive dessert. Advance reservations are required and can be made on OpenTable. Toro Toro is located at 100 Chopin Plaza, Miami, Florida 33131, located inside the InterContinental Miami in Downtown Miami. Telephone (305) 372-4710. Or: www.torotoromiami.com

Ariete
Ariete in Coconut Grove, a culinary gem since 2016, invites you to a memorable Valentine's Day experience. Chef Michael Beltran's acclaimed Restaurant, honored with a Michelin Star and named "Restaurant Of The Year," offers a Contemporary Menu blending New American Cuisine with Vibrant Cuban Influences. The ever-evolving dishes showcase Beltran's creativity, while bold yet elegant cocktails perfectly complement the Dynamic Cuisine. Enjoy Indoor and Outdoor Dining in the Lush Patio or book The Cave for an intimate private occasion. Discover Ariete's Renowned Fare and progressive bar program at 3540 Main Highway, Coconut Grove, Florida 33133. Reserve your Valentine's Celebration: (954) 765-3030. Or: www.arietecoconutgrove.com

Corsair Kitchen & Bar
Celebrate love and treat your special someone to an evening at Corsair Kitchen & Bar, an American-Inspired Kitchen and Bar located inside JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort & Spa. Priced at $130 for two people (exclusive of Tax and Gratuity), guests are welcomed with a Complimentary Glass of Prosecco before enjoying a Three-Course Prix-Fixe Menu. Start with a Shellfish Platter featuring Oysters, Shrimp Cocktail, Snow Crab Claws, and a Sauce Trio and then the feast continues with Sliced 26 oz. Grilled Ribeye served with Grilled Asparagus, Mashed Potatoes, Béarnaise and Chimichurri Sauce. Guests can elevate the meal with a Lump Crab Supplement ($10). For the Dessert Course, lovebirds will enjoy a Lover’s Chocolate Heart for a sweet finish featuring Dark Chocolate Mousse, Passion Fruit Cremeux, Red Berry Compote and Chocolate Gelato. Corsair Kitchen & Bar is located at 19999 West Country Club Drive, Aventura, Florida 33180 inside the JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort & Spa. Reservations can be made through OpenTable. Or by calling: (786)-279-6800. Menus at: https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/miajt-jw-marriott-miami-turnberry-resort-and-spa/dining/

Casa Ya’ax
This Valentine's Day, Casa Ya'ax, the enticing Culinary and Cocktail Haven in Wynwood, invites couples to celebrate the day of love with a delectable Four-Course Menu and a Specially Curated Cocktail. Priced at $80++ Per Person, Chef Omar Montero will showcase the spirit of Mexico. Start with Tamal de Mariscos with Roasted Chilé Ancho and Guajillo Sauce, Crema Fresca, Queso Fresco, and Tendril Pea Shoots; Second Course - Tuna Tartare and Watermelon Compressed Salad with Salsa Matcha Sesame Oil, Soy Sauce, Cucumbers, Chives, and Spicy Nori; for the Third Course, revelers can choose between Molé Rosado with Moulard Duck Breast, and Black Codfish Teriyaki de Chilé Morita with Potato Purée and Grilled Brussels Sprouts; and end the meal with a Specialty Dessert. Don’t forget to order the curated Valentine’s Day Cocktail, Strawberry Fields Forever, with Vodka, St. German, Strawberry, and Mint. Casa Ya’ax is located at 51 Northeast 24th Street, Suite#: 101, Miami, Florida 33137. Reservations can be made through Resy. Or by calling: (786) 877-3225. Or visit: https://casayaax.com/

Casa Mariano
Spend Valentine’s Day at the Casa. Casa Mariano, that is! On Wednesday, February 14th, Chef Mariano Araya will treat guests to a delicious 3-Course Menu at the chic and intimate Mediterranean-Inspired Restaurant. The $100 Per Person (plus Tax and Gratuity) Menu includes dishes such as Jumbo Seared Scallop, Tuna Tartare, Lobster Ravioli, Prime Strip Loin, and Rose Hazelnut Tiramisu among others. Pair the evening with a bottle from a creative and exciting list of exceptional Wines, or be guided with a $35 Per Person Pairing. Seatings are available at 6:30 p.m. or 8:30 p.m. Enjoy an evening in a space that is elegant, warm, and inviting, making Chef Mariano’s Casa as comforting as one’s own. Casa Mariano is located at 8200 Northwest 27th Street, Suite#: 106, Doral, Florida. For more information, please visit: www.casamariano.com

Jaya At The Setai Miami Beach
Treat your Valentine to an unforgettable evening at Jaya at The Setai. The casually elegant Pan-Asian Restaurant will welcome guests on Wednesday, February 14th for a one night only Exclusive Menu created by Executive Chef, Vijay Veena. Priced at $145 Per Person (not inclusive of Tax and Service Charges), the Three Course Menu features an amuse bouche of Chilled Green Pea Soup followed by dish options including Beef Tartare, Tuna Tacos, Scallop Green Curry, and Filet Mignon among others. Caviar enhancements are available as well. The evening concludes with the Ace Of Hearts Dessert of Vanilla Bavarois, Raspberry Coulis, and Opalys Pearls. Up the ante with the infamous Gold Martini of Beluga Gold Vodka, Louis XIII Cognac De Rémy Martin, Grand Marnier Centenaries, Inniskillin Ice Wine, and 24 Carat Gold Flake ($125) or another Signature Cocktail and Wine Selection. For more information or to make reservations, please visit: www.thesetaihotel.com - Or call: (855) 923-7899. Jaya at The Setai is located at 2001 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, Florida 33139.

The Essence of Valentine's Day
Valentine's Day, with its roots in history and its modern-day celebrations, continues to be a day where love takes center stage. Whether it's a romantic dinner, a heartfelt card, or a simple expression of affection, the essence of Valentine's Day lies in celebrating the connections that make life richer. As the world comes together on this day, exchanging love and joy, it serves as a reminder of the profound impact that love, in all its forms, has on our lives.