It's that time of year again and love is in the air. Ok...that was pretty cheesy, as I tend to think of Valentine's day more as a fun day to celebrate with friends, family and significant others, rather than making a big to-do of it. It's a day that you should have fun with and not stress out about. Plus...it's a great excuse for eating out and a lot of Astoria/LIC restaurants are getting ready for it by featuring celebratory specials. I wanted to outline them for you here, so no matter with whom you celebrate this day with, I hope you have a fantastic time.
Vesta - Always pulling out all the stops, Vesta welcomes V-Day with a 3-course menu made up of local, organic ingredients and a glass of prosecco. You can expect some of their signature favorites such as a braised veal Osso Bucco and the very famous, Baby Jesus Cake. The prix-fixe is $50 per person. 21-02 30th Avenue, Astoria. 718.545.5550
Cavo - Usually a pricey option, this year Cavo whipped out a refreshingly price-conscious menu with a 3-course prix-fixe for just $45 per person. The food options are tantalizing, including a saganaki cheese flambee, four-hour braised black angus short ribs, and even a Cupid's chocolate surprise for dessert. 42-18 31st Avenue, Astoria. 718.721.1001
L'Artiste - Just a few steps from Cavo, you've got L'Artiste, which is the way to go if you want a romantic, intimate meal. They're featuring a 5-course sophisticated French menu with a glass of champagne and a glass of wine for $75/person. I know the price may sound steep, but the quality of food and the service are impeccable. 42-20 31st Avenue, Astoria. 646.309.7504
Seva - From a treat to a steal, Seva is a fantastic V-Day option if you're on a budget. For $15/person you can score a 3-course menu full of homey, comforting Indian dishes. And for just $10 more, you can get wine with that samosa too! 30-07 34th Street, Astoria. 718.626.4440
Veslo - This new Croatian eatery is certainly picking up steam, offering a robust 5-course V-Day prix-fixe for $50/person. A mix of seafood, pasta and meat grace the menu and as for dessert, Croatian-style crepes are also in store. This special is valid from 2/11 - 2/14 - enjoy! 32-11 Broadway, Astoria. 718.728.0549
DiWine - Are you a wine lover? If so, you won't want to miss DiWine's 4-course special menu, which also includes a glass of wine. You can always ask one of their experts about specific wines to pair with this thoughtful menu, which includes items such as a duck confit spring roll, a braised lamb shank, banana walnut bread pudding and much more. The special will set you back $65/person. 41-15 31st Avenue, Astoria. 718.777.1355
Ornella - It's no secret that I turn to Ornella for virtually every occassion. While there's a $35 3-course Menu Romantico prix-fixe, you can also choose from their extensive menu of fresh pastas, meat (the pork Osso Bucco is amazing!) or their newest creation, sanguinaccio (black pudding and chiacchiere fritters). 29-17 23rd Avenue, Astoria. 718.777.9477
eXo - This delicious Greek resto is offering a 5-course menu with comforting food, boasting innovative preparation. You can expect items such as sizzling saganaki, lobster & orzo bisque, Montauk swordfish souvlaki, grilled hanger steak with...get this, Greek feta tater tots, and more. The dinner is $68/person with a complimentary glass of champagne and even a free bottle of wine if you bring in another couple. Now that's an incentive! 15-16 149th Street, Whitestone. 718.767.4396
Ovelia - This year, Ovelia is sticking to their traditional dinner menu for V-day but where they're spicing things up is dessert. With every entree order, you can also get a choice of a special dessert including a house-made raspberry sorbet with fresh raspberries or a hot brownie with ice cream and spicy caramel dressing. Sounds sexy! 34-01 30th Avenue, Astoria. 718.721.7217
Testaccio - This stylish Italian resto in LIC will be celebrating with a 3-course menu including a glass of champagne for $75/person. Before you write that off as too expensive, just look at the the menu, which boasts lobster cappuccino, panko crusted crab-cakes, Osso Bucco, braised short ribs, wood oven roasted king crab legs, Nutella mousse with vinsanto soaked raisins and other delectable treats. 47-30 Vernon Blvd, Long Island City. 718.937.2900
Mojave - Always ready to celebrate, Mojave will have a 3-course V-Day menu including coffee/tea and one complimentary V-Day cocktail. They've made the menu extra special by putting on whimsy items such as Valentine's Lovers Soup, white grape truffles and more. At $49/person, it promises good value. 22-36 31st Street, Astoria. 718.545.4100
Studio Square - Here's something different to do for people who are looking to mix and mingle on V-Day. Studio Square will be hosting a "Single and Ready to Mingle" party, which starts at 5 p.m. and goes on all night. Ladies drink for $1, so even if you don't catch your ideal valentine ladies, at least you'll drink for cheap. 35-33 36th Street, Astoria. 718.383.1001
Bohemian Hall & Beer Garden - I was pleasantly surprised when I noticed that Bohemian Hall was featuring a V-Day dinner. Their 3-course prix-fixe offers a simple menu and two glasses of champagne for $75/couple. Maybe you can trade the latter in for beer! 29-19 24th Avenue, Astoria. 718.274.4925
