It is nearly that time of the year again. The time when fellas make their last-minute plans, ladies plan their outfits, and everyone enjoys the company of their significant other and a jumbo box of chocolate.
It never hurts to show that special someone you care. While the stress involved in picking the perfect location can be overwhelming, finding that place to make your Valentine feel special need not be an ordeal. Just consider what you want out of your night.
The first thing to consider is what type of food you want to eat. A wonderful selection for those who can’t quite settle is House, located at 110-114 South Jackson Street in Media. Recently expanded to accommodate a dinner crowd, House’s menu is ever changing and ever exciting, with an emphasis on local foods. The atmosphere puts diners right into a bistro setting with a rather small dining area that offers a surprising amount of privacy to focus on your sweetheart. Make your reservations soon, there is a limited number of tables to go around!
For the meat lovers, our area offers an array of steakhouses in varying degrees, and the best around is Stephen’s on State, located at 105 West State Street in Media. Stephen’s offers an impressive “prime butcher shop” array of steaks that is sure to please the steak lover in your life. The atmosphere is somewhat boys’ club-esque, almost like a smoking room straight from the 1930s. For the twist, Stephen’s has classic French windows opening to State Street that contrast the manly environment with an intimate European feel. Stephen’s offers steaks and seafood, for the surf and turf in every couple.
If a juicy steak is not to your preference, perhaps Italian is the right choice. La Porta, located at 1192 North Middletown Road in Media, is a very intimate spot. La Porta is a fairly new restaurant and its design is reminiscent of a stucco cottage right in the Italian countryside. Diners may even sit next to the wood-burning fire for a feeling of intimacy. La Porta is offering a special Valentine’s prix fixe three-course menu by reservation only in addition to their usual a la carte menu, and can accommodate both vegetarian and gluten-free diners.
In Media, Italian restaurants are at no shortage, and another shining star is Spasso’s Italian Grill at 1 West State Street. Spasso’s low-light, dark-wood dining area is romantic without any help, but add some delicious food and the company of a loved one and Valentine’s is sure to be special. Impress your date by going off menu and try the house-made gnocchi in spasso sauce.
Italian, though it is the food of love and a staple for some at Valentine’s, is not for everyone. For a taste of something new, there is Teikoku at 5492 West Chester Pike in Newtown Square. Teikoku is a Thai-Japanese fusion restaurant with an outstanding ambience that will place diners right into a Japanese tea house with lofty wooden lattice ceilings and beautiful fountains. The menu is superb and offers both traditional Japanese sushi and sashimi and Thai curry dishes that will excite any palate.
If Teikoku’s odd location is a deterrent, but sushi is on the mind, upgrade. Nectar, located at 1091 Lancaster Ave in Berwyn, is an expansive restaurant with more than a thing or two to say about sushi. It is difficult to find a better example of an “impress your date with amazing food and beautiful atmosphere” restaurant then Nectar. With a wide variety of seating, Nectar is a great way to lose yourself in a crowd and focus on who is right across the table. The food is dynamite, the wine list is extensive, and the specialty cocktails are delicious.
Remember, all it takes to have an amazing Valentine’s Day is a combination of the right person, the right environment, and the right food. Enjoy your day of love!
One Comment