Last Minute Astorian Valentine's Day Ideas

Valentine's Day is almost upon us - love it or hate it.  Whether you're hanging with your hunny or celebrating love with great friends, here's a quick last minute guide to some fun things to do.

Rest-Au-Rant - For something intimate, low key yet very special, check out Rest-Au-Rant's 4-course V-day menu, paired with a champagne toast and a box of homemade assorted chocolates.  Their cocktails are fabulous and the wine selection will certainly fit the occasion.  The dinner will set you back $45/person and reservations are required.  30-01 35th Avenue, Astoria NY 11106.  718.729.9009

Bear - The menu at Bear is looking mighty rich for Tuesday night, with a 3-course prix-fixe, including dishes such as a three vodka shot special, short rib braised in red wine, diver sea scallop barley risotto and the piece-de-resistance, rose macarons and chocolate.  Dinner costs $45/person and $75 with wine pairings.  12-14 31st Avenue, Astoria NY 11106.  917.396.4939

Vesta & Pachanga Patterson - Both sister restaurants are featuring impressive menus in honor of cupid, and they always deliver (I speak from experience).  At Vesta, you'll enjoy a 3-course dinner, featuring yummies such as foie gras, a braised pork shank, charred gnocchi with roasted cauliflower and more.  Pachanga brings a Mexican flair with family style dishes such as empanada, quesadilla and taquito platters, $1 fried oysters, $2 shots and drinks specials.  Vesta - 21-02 30th Avenue, Astoria NY 11102.  718.545.5550.  Pachanga Patterson - 33-17 31st Avenue, Astoria NY 11103.  718.554.0525

Veslo - Always up for celebrating a festive occasion, Veslo has created a 3-course special menu with decadent options such as pan seared scallops, a crown rack of lamb, gnocchi in veal sauce (they're delish) and a Croatian style dessert of thin crepes or blueberry cheese strudel.  Reservations are highly recommended and the dinner will set you back $50/person.  32-11 Broadway, Astoria NY 11106.  718.728.0549 

Astor Bake Shop - I just love the special love menu at Astor Bake Shop, with a mix of sweet and savory.  Their custom V-Day offering is affordable at $23.95/person and scrumptious sounding, with items such as saffron arancini, a steelhead trout, pan seared polenta with cauliflower ragout and plenty of desserts such as a red velvet crepe, blood orange mousse and more.  12-23 Astoria Blvd, Astoria NY 11102. 718.606.8439

Homemade Goodness - If you're staying in to create that romantic atmosphere at home, there's a couple of of homemade dishes I highly recommend making, including crab cakes, broiled steaks and potato gratin.  And for dessert, I've got tons of delectable ideas such as homemade truffles, chocolate covered bacon or fudgy skillet brownies.  

For some really great last minute shopping ideas, scrumptious food options, shopping and more, check out Mackenzi's awesome Valentine's Day Gift guide on We Heart Astoria. 

Chocolate Covered Bacon - Ultimate Gluttony

This past weekend's Superbowl really called for something special, with our very own G-Men in the game (and victorious!).  I spent the entire game (and post celebration) at my brother-in-law and sister-in-law's house, where they hosted the ultimate Superbowl shin-dig, with more food that anyone can even dream about, and a full table of decadent desserts.

I made my own contributions as well, with this slightly wacky yet fitting idea of chocolate covered bacon, inspired by people's general bacon mania.

There really wasn't much to it except for choosing really great quality uncured bacon and some delicious dark chocolate for the coating.  I cooked the bacon on 475 for about 15 minutes and then let it cool completely.  While this was happening, I heated up the dark chocolate until it was completely melted and then painted it onto the bacon with a small wooden spoon (you can also use a pastry brush).  Making sure to leave a little piece of bacon au naturale, it provided a nice handle to grip this thing and take a perfect bite.  I then put it into a fridge to cool for about an hour, and served it cold.

Wowza...it was good.  The onslaught of smoky and salty goodness from the bacon, complemented the dark chocolate exterior shell.  Each bite was revolutionary, and by the nearly empty plate in just minutes, I think my guests too were in agreement.