Valentine's deals all week at El Meson: The special three-course menu features: Asado (Meat Platter for two) with Grilled Beef Fillets, Chicken Breasts and Chorizo on a sizzling hot plate or Mariscada (seafood platter for two) with Grilled Grouper, Tuna, Sea Scallops, Shrimp and Calamari. Both featured menu entrees include two salads, two side dishes and a dessert to share. The cost is $20 per person Monday and Tuesday, $25 per person Wednesday and Thursday and $35 per person Friday and Saturday. Strolling mariachi to set the romantic mood on Friday and Saturday. 903 E. Dixie Drive, West Carrollton. More information: 937-859-8229.
Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar: This restaurant located at The Greene in Beavercreek offers one of the most upscale dining experiences in the area. The restaurant is offering a special three-course menu with featuring Filet Mignon accompanied by your choice of either a Pecan-Crusted Salmon for $59.95 or an 8-ounce lobster Tail with drawn butter for $69.95. Toasted marshmallow s'more cheesecake for dessert for $9.94. Special bottles of wine available for $85. Plan a special night out at The Greene to include shopping at Von Maur and more than 75 other retailers. For entertainment, take in a movie (maybe Fifty Shades of Grey) or a comedy show (comic Mark Viera will be at The Funny Bone Feb. 12-15).
Nibbles: One of the area's newest fine-dining destinations located at 105 S. Second St., in Miamisburg, is offering a four-course dinner for $98 per couple. Diners will get a choice of an appetizer to share (Panko and Herb Crusted Mussels on the half shell or Exotic Mushroom and Ricotta-filled Tortellini), a salad (Roasted Beet Salad or Winter Caprese Saled) an entree (Seared Scallops over roasted fennel, shiitake mushrooms, kale and carrots with a rosemary-parmesan broth or Hanger Steak over cauliflower puree and sweet and spicy soffritto with fresh parsley and lemon fremolata) and a dessert (chocolate black raspberry torte or orange panna cotta). Special cocktails (Cosmo, Manhattan or the Champagne Pomegranate Cocktail) will be available for an additional $9. This special menu will be available Friday and Saturday, Feb. 13-14. For more information, call 937-802-0891.
The Meadowlark, 5531 Far Hills Ave., is offering some Valentine's Day specials on Friday and Saturday, Feb. 13-14. Mix and match small plates that are savory and sweet. These special offerings are priced from $5.95 to $10.95. Options include: Fried Oysters Rockefeller with Butter, Garlic, Spinach and Fennel, Fried Oysters West Coast with Sesame Rice and Wasabi Sour Cream, Cauliflower Flan with Blue Cheese Cream, Raisins, and Aleppo Pepper, Pork Cheeks with Cheese Enchiladas and Chipotle Gravy, Hanger Steak with Samosa Hash and Coriander Chutney, Fried Shrimp, Onion Rings and Pickled Peppers with Cocktail Sauce, Griddled Salmon Cakes with Charred Jalapeno Hollandaise, House-Smoked Tofu Paillard with Carrot Roesti and Avocado, Baked Goat Cheese with Spicy Tomato Vinaigrette, Melty Cheese Toast with Hot Honey, Champagne Gelatin studded with Raspberries, Maple Custard with Granola and Rosemary Nuts, Drinking Chocolate with a Cookie, Drinking Caramel with Mezcal, Deep Dark Chocolate Brownie Sundae and Apple Cake with Salty Crumble and Ice Cream. For more information: 937-434-4750.
The Caroline in Troy is celebrating the romantic weekend with some specials on Friday and Saturday, Feb. 13-14. The Valentine's special menu includes appetizers (beef burgundy and mushroom soup, shrimp bisque, chilled lobster claws, jumbo shrimp cocktail, ahi tuna, pork egg rolls, crab cakes, bourbon mushrooms, margherita flatbread pizza), entrees (Roast Prime Rib of Beef Au Jus, The Caroline House Steak, Filet Mignon, Veal Piccata, Grilled Maple Glazed Salmon, Chicken Santa Fe, Pork Ribeye, Jumbo Sea Scallop Fettuccini, Eggplant Milanese, Mushroom Swiss Burger) and desserts (triple chocolate cake with kahlua ganache, strawberries with kahlua sauce, New York-style cheesecake, Reese's cup cheesecake and espresso creme brulee). The restaurant is located at 5 S. Market St. in Troy. Call ahead: 937-552-7676. Other options up in Troy: Basil's on Market is offering a Valentine's week special featuring Parmesan reggiano crusted Sirloin medallions laced with Basil's own herbed mustard along with fire-roasted cold water lobster tail served with herbed riced potato and vegetables for $24.50. Wine specials as well. La Piazza is offering Valentine's specials Thursday through Sunday, Feb. 12-15, with entree choices of manicotti florentine parma-rosa, basil pesto crusted chicken, linguine all La Piazza and for dessert a house-made cream puff filled with fresh pastry cream and served with strawberry reduction.
Lily's Bistro, 329 E. Fifth St., is offering a four-course special Valentine's Day menu for $50 per person, plus tax on Friday and Saturday, Feb. 13-14. Choose from: appetizer (fried bocconcini mazzarella balls with housemade passion fruit red pepper jelly or roasted beet carpaccio with chili honey vinaigrette, bull's blood microgreens and whipped goat cheese), a second course (lamb lollipop with red wine balsamic glaze over fennel citrus salad or sweet pea wontons in ginger carrot broth with pea shoots and lime caviar), a main entree (crispy steamed halibut, roasted game hen, braised local pork osso bucco or baby vegetable risotto) and dessert (strawberry shortcake with meyer lemon pastry cream or caramel sea salt tart with dark chocolate ganache and raspberry coulis). Reservations: call 937-723-7637.
The Dock, 250 W. Main St., Enon, is offering a three-course dinner for two for $58.99 on Friday and Saturday, Feb. 13-14. The menu includes two 6-ounce lobster tails, two 9-ounce New York strip steaks, two salads, two twice-baked potatoes and two slices of homemade cheesecake. Call ahead: 937-864-5011
The Melting Pot, 453 Miamisburg Centerville Road, 937-567-8888. Four-course fondue experience for $60 per person in the main dining room or $85 per person in the more secluded "Lover's Lane" with a bottle of feature Champagne. The special menu includes a Champagne toast, first course of Old Bay or zesty cheddar cheese fondues, a second course of a cherry blossom or house salad, a third course with filet mignon, shrimp and chicken or teriyaki-marinated sirloin, wild mushroom sacchetti and vegetables (add a cold-water lobster tail for $15) and a fourth course with any chocolate fondue off the dessert menu.
Bonefish Grill, 2818 Miamisburg-Centerville Road, is offering dinner for two for $29.90 per person after 4 p.m. from Feb. 9-15. This Valentine's Day special includes a surf and turf presentation of Filet Mignon and lobster with white truffle butter and garlic whipped potatoes. Also available, Imperial Topped Sea Bass — seasoned and stuffed with shellfish, lemon caper butter and steamed asparagus. The choices of house or Caesar salads precede the main course, and Chocolate Crème Brûlèe is paired with a hint of Grand Marnier for dessert.
Romantic dining destinations
Here are a few other romantic restaurants worth a visit. Make your reservation.
Salar, 400-410 E. Fifth St., Dayton, 937-203-3999. Salar features an exciting menu of World-Fusion cuisine with strong French, Peruvian and Mediterranean influences. Hand-crafted cocktails feature fresh squeezed juices, fresh fruit and herbs. The atmosphere is elegant and romantic.
Rue Dumaine, 1061 Miamisburg-Centerville Road, Washington Twp., 937-610-1061. Classic French fare with an American touch created by nationally acclaimed Chef Anne Kearney. This restaurant specializes in seasonal and local ingredients.
The Winds Cafe, 215 Xenia Ave., Yellow Springs, 937-767-1144. Expect the extraordinary at this restaurant with a frequently changing menu that makes seasonal, local ingredients the star. Expansive wine list and tasty specialty cocktails in a charming, cozy atmosphere. Make a day of it and enjoy the many shops throughout the village.
Coco's Bistro, 250 Warren St., Dayton, 937-228-2626. Classy, romantic atmosphere, delicious food, tasty cocktails.
Dominique's Bistro & Bar, 2600 Far Hills Ave., Oakwood, 937-298-0022. A charming, intimate setting. Delicious American fare, robust wine list. Live music on Saturday, Feb. 14 by Reyna & Dana from 7:30-10:30 p.m.
The Wellington Grille, 2450 Dayton-Xenia Road, 937-426-4600. Celebrate with wine or champagne by the glass or the bottle, and a menu that features classics and seasonal dishes.
The Pine Club, 1926 Brown St., 937-228-7463. This is a Dayton dining institution with a national reputation. Expect a totally old-school atmosphere with delicious, yet simple dishes. The steak, any variety, is a must-eat, as well as the broiled lobster and the Pine Club's famous stewed tomatoes. Expect a wait if you go, but fear not, you'll have plenty of fun if you grab a seat at the bar while you wait. Also, no credit cards, so come armed with cash or a check.
Franco's Ristorante Italiano, 824 E. Fifth St., 937-222-0204. Italian restaurants always have that romantic feel. The "World Famoso" Spaghetti that combines egg, romano cheese, fresh roasted garlic and olive oil (add mushrooms or sausage) is a must-try.
Coldwater Cafe, 19 E. Main St., Tipp City, 937-667-0007. Cozy, fine dining in the heart of one of the area's most charming small towns. Signature dishes include ostrich filet, Chilean Sea Bass and Roasted Half Duck and English Tea Cake with Warm Butter Sauce.
About the Author