Seva's V-Day Menu is a Steal

As a lot of establishments are gearing up for their big V-Day prix-fixe, some are choosing to raise prices while others remain true to their core pricing structure.  One such place I'm referring to is my all-time favorite Indian restaurant in Astoria, Seva.  Not only do they have a scrumptious-sounding menu ready and waiting for V-Day, it's so very affordable - even with a thoughtful wine pairing to boot.

Here are the details - if you're interested, do make a reservation soon.

Seva's Valentine's Day Menu: $15/person plus $10 with wine pairing

First Course (choose one)

Trio of Samosa - Chickpea, Crab, Tuna
Toasted Almond Cream Soup
Pineapple Chicken Seekh Kabab

Mains (choose one)
Served with apple-mint raita and cranberry basmati rice

Braised Lamb with Five Lentils
Tandoori Shrimp Tikka Masala
Cilantro Basil Chicken
Zucchini - Squash Kofta Korma

Desserts (choose one)

Cardomom Gulab Jamun
Rose Rasgulla

And if you don't feel like dining at this cozy restaurant during V-Day, their special prix-fixe is also available for delivery or pick-up.  What haven't they thought of?!

Seva - 30-07 34th street, Astoria, NY 11103
718.626.4440
N/Q Train to 30th Avenue
www.sevaindianrestaurant.com

Cavo's V-Day Menu - It's Right Around the Corner

With Valentine's Day creeping up on us, it's never too early to start thinking about what you want to do with your special someone or a group of good friends.  While a lot of restaurants are still in planning mode for this day, others are thinking ahead. 

Cavo certainly seems to have their act together, as they'll be featuring a 3-course prix-fixe menu for $45/person.  The menu and the price-point caught my eye, as it was a lot lower than year's past, and for the nice options you're getting (below), I think it's a good value.  Check out the menu and make your reservation if you're so inclined.

Cavo's Valentine's Day Menu

Appetizers for the Table:
Greek salad with vine ripened tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, feta and red onions
Jumbo shrimp wrapped in filo dough, topped with Cretan honey drizzle (Mmmm...this sounds amazing!)
Saganaki Kefalograviera cheese flambe

Entrees (choice of 1):
Four Greek cheese ravioli with creamy feta white truffle sauce
Four-hour braised black angus short ribs of beef over creamy polenta
Pan seared North Atlantic salmon served over spinach vegetable cous-cous, topped with sauteed asparagus and beurre blanc sauce

Desserts:

Cupid's Chocolate Surprise

Cavo - 42-18 31st Ave, Astoria, NY 11103

718.721.1001

R/M Train to Steinway or 46th Street

www.cavoastoria.com

Seva's Romantic Menu

While a lot of restaurants are rolling out their V-Day menu, I haven't seen one as competitive in price as Seva's.  If I haven't mentioned it enough, Seva always accomplishes to amaze me - their flavorful dishes excite the senses and their hospitality makes you feel right at home.  Try their delicious homemade naan with the below specialties - it's to die for!  Reservations will go fast, so call them soon if you plan to go.

Seva's Valentine's Day Prix Fixe - $20 per person
(add $18 with champagne and wine pairing)

Choose one for each course.  All entrees are accompanied by saffron basmati rice.

Soups:
Watercress Yogurt
Toasted Almond Cream

Butternut Squash

Appetizers:
Salmon Crab CAke

Lamb Spring Roll
Chicken Apricot Seekh Kabab

Tuna Tapioca Kabab

Mains:
Braised Lamb with Five Lentils
Cilantro Chili Chicken
Turmeric Halibut
Cochin Shrimp Curry
Masala Cabbage Kofta
Oyster Mushroom Saag

Desserts:
Carrot Cashew Halwa
Rasmalai

Seva - 30-07 34th street, Astoria, NY 11103
718.626.4440
N/W Train to 30th Avenue
www.sevaindianrestaurant.com

V-Day at Testaccio

I can't believe that Valentine's Day is right around the corner.  While I'm not a huge fan of the ultra expensive Manhattan restaurant options, there are plenty of fun offers happening right here in our nabe.  One that particularly caught my eye this week is Testaccio, the new (and chic) modern Italian eatery in LIC.  While it still offers a prix-fixe menu, the cost isn't exorbitant and the dishes sound scrumptious.  It's an undoubtedly romantic place for you and your special guy or gal.  And if you prefer to spend this day with a big group of great friends, it'll do the trick too. 

Testaccio Valentine's Day Menu: $55 per person (includes a glass of champagne)

Course 1: (choice of)
Cream of artichokes & lemon with chives bigne' (puff pastry)

Grilled jumbo shrimps with red rose sauce, caramelized golden beets & endive
Steamed white asparagus with Gruyere sauce & crispy leeks

Braised short ribs with chocolate & rosemary over soft polenta

Course 2: (choice of)
Lobster ravioli with prosecco & crispy guanciale

Homemade spinach cavatelli with duck sausage & sundried tomatoes served in an Asiago crust

Pistachio-crusted Chilean sea bass with red pepper sauce, manila clams, mashed potatoes & aspiration broccolini

Grilled venison chop with goat cheese crumbles & port wine sauce with sweet potato wedges & baby spinach

Potato crusted Caribbean lobster tail served with ruby grapefruit sauce with black salsify & mache

Course 3:  (choice of)
Molten chocolate cake with pistachio ice cream
Citrus terrine with mango sauce

Chilled vinsanto sabayon with ladyfinger cookies

Testaccio Ristorante - 47-30 Vernon Blvd, Long Island City NY 11101
718.937.2900
7 Train to Vernon Blvd/Jackson Avenue
http://testacciony.com/