Chicago — By Lisa Davis on February 4, 2010 at 11:54 pm
Filed under: Chicago, featuredarticle, Restaurants, valentine's day

Valentine’s Day Dinner Ideas in Chicago

The clock is ticking with Valentine’s Day almost a week away. If you’re still looking for a great place to wine and dine your sweetheart, check out this list of restaurants in Chicago that will make for a memorable Valentine’s Day dinner.

aja (660 N. State St.; map it; 312-202-6050) … Known for seasonal Asian cuisine, the chefs at aja have created a Valentine’s Day “Dim Sum for Two” tasting menu on February 13 from 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. Items on the Dim Sum for Two menu will include spare ribs, rangoon, and crispy taro cakes for $18 per person. End the evening with a “Bittersweet Chocolate and Black Cocoa Cake topped with Blood Orange Syrup and Creamy Caramel Ice Cream” for $10 more.

Mercadito (108 W. Kinzie St.; map it; 312.329.9555) … Heat up your Valentine’s Day dinner with Mercadito’s five-course menu, including a “special aphrodisiac tequila Shot de la Pasion” with Blanco Tequila, Cinnamon Syrup, and Passion Fruit Purée. Dinner comes with a selection of guacamoles (Tip: The Plantain guacamole is one of fmy favorites.), ceviches, tacos, side dishes, and dessert. $50 per person on February 14 from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Epic (112 W. Hubbard St.; map it; 312.222.4940) … Dine on contemporary American foods “rooted in French technique” with a four-course Valentine’s Day menu on February 14 from 5:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. $65 per person. Items will include:

- Wild Boar Barbajuan; Artichoke Soup with Crispy Salsify and Black Truffle.

- Chilean Sea Bass with Caramelized Cauliflower and Hazelnut Emulsion.

- House Gnocchi with Swiss Chard and Fennel Beurre Blanc.

ZED451 (739 N. Clark St.; map it; 312.266.6691) …You don’t need a Valentine’s Day date (groups of friends are welcome) for ZED451’s dinners on February 13 and 14 from 4:30 p.m. to 10 p.m., which will include menu items such as peppercorn prime New York strip and buttermilk & herb marinated bottom sirloin. Be sure to save room for dessert. Favorites include S’Mores Pie and a Root Beer Float with housemade ginger and vanilla ice creams, gingersnap cookies, and Chicago’s Berghoff root beer. Dinner also includes a complimentary champagne toast.

Photo credit: SXC