On Valentine’s Day, Tuesday, February 14^th, Meritage Restaurant & Wine Bar, 500 South 20^th Street, Philadelphia, PA, will be serving a special five course tasting menu.

Amuse-Bouche:

Fried Oyster, Dill & Yuzu Crème Fraiche, Caviar

First Course:

Lobster Salad, Hearts of Palm, Citrus Supremes, Avocado Mousse

Second Course:

Roasted Sea Bass, Parsnip Purée, Black Truffle Sauce, Maitake Mushroom

Third Course:

Braised Beef Short Rib, Spinach, Pommes Anna, Sauce Bordelaise

Fourth Course:

Flourless Chocolate Cake, Raspberry Mousse, White Chocolate Ganache

The cost of the Valentine’s Day prix-fixe is $49.00 per person (plus tax, beverages, and gratuity). The restaurant’s regular menu will also be available. For more information, or to make reservations, please call (215) 985-0455.

Meritage is owned by Michele DiPietro and Irene Landy, longtime front-of-the-house veterans with stops at Tony Clark, Buddakan, and the Happy Rooster. Executive chef Anne Coll is one of the city’s few female executive chefs. Chef Coll changes the contemporary menu seasonally, bringing a unique flavor to each of her culinary creations. Meritage also offers wine flights, specialty cocktails, and a selection of bottled local craft beers.

The restaurant is open Tuesday – Thursday 5:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.; Friday & Saturday 5:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.

Bon Appétit!

TAD

On Tuesday, February 21^st, the all new “Italian Without Borders” NICO Kitchen & Bar will make its debut at Newark’s New Jersey Performing Arts Center.

Replacing the former Theater Square Grill, the NICO Kitchen & Bar concept – contemporary, high energy and market-driven – comes from renowned chef Ryan DePersio of Fascino and Bar Cara in Montclair/Bloomfield, New Jersey. Chef DePersio promises to unveil an appealing, trendy small plates dinner menu and an eclectic tapas lunch menu with contemporary American and Italian accents.

NICO will also offer a sophisticated, enjoyable happy hour with crafted cocktails and specially priced “bites.” Also available will be 21 wines to savor by the glass and artisanal beers. In additional, a value-priced three-course, more traditional prix-fixe menu will be offered on performance nights and matinees. These will be designed to reach the table quickly so that guests will be able to make their curtain.

In keeping with the spectacular theatrics of the NJPAC space, NICO will unveil a number of handsome new design updates. These include new booth seating and a community table for 12, dramatic pendulum lamps, and theatrical panels on pulleys that will create intimate (or spacious) dining areas. The private dining rooms at NICO will accommodate events both business and social for up to 240 guests.

Menu highlights will include: Pomegranate-Chili Wings with Gorgonzola Dipping Sauce; Trio of Tartares (Scottish Salmon, Truffled Beef, Yellowfin Tuna); Lobster Mac ‘n’ Cheese; Mâche Salad with Beet Pinwheel & Goat Cheese “Snow”;  Mascarpone Polenta Fries; Grilled Soy-Paprika Lamb Chops with Eggplant Purée; Olive-Crusted King Salmon with Roasted Jumbo Asparagus; a spectacular Cheeseburger, featuring Filet Mignon, New York Cheddar, and Grilled Red Onion. Tempting desserts include: Rum Raisin Bread Pudding with Caramel Pecan Gelato and Praline-Dusted Ricotta Cheesecake.

NICO will serve lunch Monday through Friday and dinner every night except Sunday. For reservations, please call (973) 642-1226.

Incidentally, “NICO” is the nickname for Chef DePersio’s 6-year-old son, Nicholas.

Bon Appétit!

TAD

On Tuesday, February 14^th, Andrew Lattanzio, the new executive chef at the Pluckemin Inn, Bedminster, New Jersey, will create a special romantic four course meal that will be available for dinner only.

Valentine’s Day Menu, Tuesday, February 14^th…

Appetizers (Choice of):

Three Meadows Farm Salad, Winter Vegetables, Parmesan

Local Beets, Hazelnut, Gorgonzola, Herb Salad, Jerez Vinaigrette

Ahi Tuna Crudo, Apple, Pine Nut, Jalapeño, Pickled Mustard

First Course (Choice of):

Sea Scallops, Blood Orange, Pistachio, Mustard Sprouts

Fusilli Pasta, Lamb Ragu, Fresh Ricotta, Black Olive, Tomato Confit

Aquarello Risotto, Wild Mushrooms, Pecorino, Herbs, Black Truffle

Butternut Squash Soup, Fromage Blanc, Spiced Apple, Watercress

Second Course (Choice of):

Mahi Mahi, Local Bok Choi, Radish, Scallion, Mushroom Dashi

Loch Duart Salmon, Savoy Cabbage, Guanciale, Truffle, Farro Broth

Griggstown Chicken, Anson Mills Polenta, Bacon, Brussels Sprouts

Angus Sirloin Steak, Russet Potato, Swiss Chard, Green Peppercorn Sauce

Desserts (Choice of):

Select offerings to be announced.

The price of the four-course prix-fixe is $85.00 per person (plus tax, beverages & gratuity). Seating is extremely limited. For more information, or to make reservations, please call (908) 658-9292.

Bon Appétit!

TAD

Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar, 555 East Lancaster Avenue, Radnor, Pennsylvania, will celebrate the passion this year with three evenings of deluxe specials for couples dining on Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday, February 12^th – February 14^th. To enhance the occasion, executive chef Russell Skall has created three entrées that will be available in addition to Fleming’s popular à la carte menu.

To give guests another reason to celebrate, Fleming’s is offering each couple dining February 12^th – 14^th a complimentary $25.00 dining card to use toward a future rendezvous with their sweetheart. The Valentine’s card will be delivered at the end of dinner and will be valid through March 31, 2012.

Valentine’s Celebration Menu…

Filet Mignon & Prawns: Filet mignon on a bed of sautéed Portobello mushrooms & smoky bacon, paired with crab-stuffed prawns and a lemon garlic butter sauce, $69.95

Prime New York Strip & King Crab: Presented Oscar-style, topped with butter-poached king crab, asparagus, and a Champagne béarnaise sauce, served with a sweet potato quenelle, $69.95

Lobster & Lobster: Colossal North Atlantic lobster tail with drawn butter, served with lobster mac & cheese, $69.95

Dessert for Two: Red Velvet Cake served with espresso truffles, ($9.50

Suggested Wines for Romance:

Tiamo Chianti, Italy, 2010

Terra Valentine Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, 2007

Roederer Brut Rosé, Anderson Valley, NV

Please note, prices do not include tax, gratuity, or wine pairings.

Reservations are advised and may be made by calling (610) 688-9463.

Bon Appétit!

TAD

The Pluckemin Inn, Bedminster, New Jersey, recently named Andrew Lattanzio as the new executive chef.

Mr. Lattanzio, who has served as the restaurant’s sous chef for several years, has now been appointed to lead the Inn’s culinary team.

No stranger to the dining community of central New Jersey, Mr. Lattanzio spent several years at the Tewksbury Inn where he ultimately held the title of executive chef. He held the same position at the Artisan Kitchen in Lebanon, NJ. He was also chef de partie under Geoffrey Zakarian at Town in New York City. Mr. Lattanzio is a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America.

Mr. Lattanzio’s menu will feature the very same fresh and seasonal ingredients that have been the hallmark of the Pluckemin Inn’s culinary philosophy. His presentations favor a simple and rustic approach, allowing each ingredient to speak with its own unique voice.

To make a reservation at the Pluckemin Inn, please call (908) 658-9292.

Bon Appétit!

TAD

On Tuesday, February 14^th, Trinity Restaurant & Lounge, 84 Broad Street, Keyport, New Jersey, will offer a special prix-fixe menu that will include a rose petal entrance and Champagne welcome.

Amuse-Bouche

Appetizers (Choice of):

Oysters on the Half Shell, Blood Orange Mignonette

Crab Cake, Apple Slaw, Wasabi Dijonnaise

Escargot, Garlic Butter Pernod Glaze, Fresh Herbs, Roasted Tomatoes

Foie Gras, Pan-Seared, Gooseberry-Vanilla Coulis, Cabernet Pain Perdu ($7 Supp)

Involtini Melanzane, Eggplant, Asparagus, Prosciutto, Mozzarella, Sun-Dried Tomatoes, Creamy Pomodoro

Thai Beef Satay, Coconut, Kefir Lime, Sambal, Cashew Curry Sauce

Soup or Salad (Choice of):

Carrot Ginger Bisque

The “Wedge,” Iceberg Lettuce, Chipotle Bleu Cheese Dressing, Roasted Baby Tomatoes, Lardons, Roasted Pepper Purée, Frizzled Onions

Entrées (Choice of):

Filet Mignon, Bleu Cheese Walnut Butter, Port Reduction, Yukon Gold Potato Purée, Seasonal Vegetables ($5 Supp)

Grilled Moroccan-Style Lamb Chops, Exotic Spice Mix, Aubergine, Tomato, Porcini-Mint Couscous

Ahi Tuna Steak, Seared, Rock Shrimp, Saffron, Pea Risotto, Lemon Olive Oil Drizzle

Lobster Francaise, Angel Hair, Caramelized Shallots, Fried Basil ($10 Supp)

Rib Eye Steak, Blackened, Cajun Seasoning, Smothered Collard Greens, Smoked Macaroni & Cheese

Pearl of the Bayshore, Shrimp, Scallops, Mussels, Lump Crab Meat, Linguine, Applewood Bacon, Fresh Basil, Garlic, Chili Flakes, Butter

Pork Shank Osso Buco, Reggiano Parmesan, Spinach Polenta, Portobello Cap, Classic Gremolata

Dessert (Choice of):

Purity & Lust, Dark & White Chocolate Tasting for Two

Raspberry Merlot Sorbet in Chocolate Bowl, Mexican Vanilla Crème Brûlée

The cost of the special Valentine’s prix-fixe menu is $65.00 per person (plus tax, beverages, and gratuity). For more information, or to make reservations, please call (732) 888-1998.

Bon Appétit!

TAD

On Wednesday, February 1^st, in celebration of the upcoming Super Bowl, the Silverspoon, 503 West Lancaster Avenue, Wayne, Pennsylvania, will be hosting the battle of city cuisines.

The restaurant will offer a complete New York dinner and a complete Boston dinner. Patrons may run the entire state “slate” or switch between cities… And guests will also be served a complimentary glass of Super Bowl city suds to kick off the celebration.

NEW YORK

First Course: Manhattan Clam Chowder

Main Course: Pan-Seared Long Island Duck, Empire State Apple Risotto

Dessert: New York Cheesecake

Complimentary Beverage: Brooklyn Brown Ale

BOSTON

First Course: New England Clam Chowder

Main Course: Boston Roasted Chicken, Boston Baked Beans

Dessert: Boston Cream Pie

Complimentary Beverage: Samuel Adams Boston lager

The cost is only $35.00 per person. This is a really cool concept. For more information, or to make reservations, please call (610) 688-7646.

The Silverspoon is a BYOB restaurant.

Bon Appétit!

TAD

On Tuesday, February 14^th, the Golden Inn, Oceanfront at 78^th Street, Avalon, New Jersey, will celebrate its 50^th Valentine’s Day with a special Romantic “Island” Escape package that includes a 4-course dinner, lodging & breakfast the following morning.

1^st Course – Appetizers (Choice of):

Jumbo Lump Crabmeat Cocktail

Mary Shrimp Cocktail

Steamed Clams

2^nd Course – Soups & Salads (Choice of):

Shellfish Chowder

French Onion Soup

House Salad

Caesar Salad

3^rd Course – Entrées (Choice of):

Filet Mignon, Baked Potato, Grilled Asparagus

Seafood Risotto, Shrimp, Scallops, Jumbo Lump Crabmeat, Sun-Dried Tomatoes, Basil, Parmesan Cheese

Rack of Lamb, Mint Jelly Demi-Glace, Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Grilled Asparagus

Chicken Oscar, Asparagus, Crabmeat, Béarnaise Sauce

Grilled Salmon, Rice Pilaf, Grilled Asparagus

Grilled Pork Loin, Apple Cider Marinade, Caramelized Onion, Apple Confit

4^th Course – Desserts (Choice of):

Deep Dish Apple Pie

Strawberry Shortcake

New York Style Cheesecake

The cost of the Romantic “Island” Escape package is $99.00 per couple (plus tax & gratuity). One bedroom suites and oceanfront efficiency rooms are additional. Dinner only is priced at $40.00 per person (plus tax & gratuity).

For more information, or to make reservations, please call (609) 368-5155.

Bon Appétit!

TAD

The Silverspoon, 503 West Lancaster Avenue, Wayne, Pennsylvania, will be celebrating Valentine’s Day on Saturday, February 11^th, and Tuesday, February 14^th, with a special five course menu.

AMUSE:

Burgundy Carrot Bisque, Fresh Lavender Cream

SALAD (CHOICE OF):

Baby Spinach, Blood Oranges, Dried Cranberries, Toasted Almonds, Strawberry Balsamic

Bibb Lettuce, Port Wine Poached Seckel Pear, Smoked Blue Cheese, Spiced Pecans

Frissé Lettuce, Bacon Lardons, Oven-Dried Cherry Tomatoes, Creamy Horseradish Dressing

APPETIZER (CHOICE OF):

Country-Style Duck Liver & Pheasant Terrine, Multi-Grain, Pomegranate Gastrique

Pan-Seared Diver Scallop, Mushroom Leek Ragu, Black Truffle Essence

Beet Gnocchi, Braised Swiss Chard, Pine Nut, Goat Cheese

MAIN COURSE (CHOICE OF):

Lamb Crepinettes, Exotic Mushrooms, Mint & Black Currant Demi-Glace

Pan-Roasted Trout Fillet, Toasted Almonds, Dried Cherries, Riesling Reduction

Semi-Boneless Poussin, Roasted Garlic Jus

Accompaniments: Scallion Mashed Potatoes, Roasted Cauliflower

DESSERT:

Dark Chocolate Mousse, Raspberry Coulis

Caramel Milk Chocolate Ice Cream, Candied Almond Crunch

Sugared Plums & Strawberries, White Chocolate Ganache

The cost of the five-course Valentine’s menu is $65.00 per person. For more information, or to make reservations, please call (610) 688-7646 for reservations.

The Silverspoon is a BYOB restaurant.

Bon Appétit!

TAD

On Wednesday, February 1, 2012, Za Restaurant in Pennington, New Jersey, will open for the first time since Hurricane Irene damaged the facility in late August 2011.

“It’s been a long wait. We’re so happy to be back,” commented chef/owner Mark Valenza. “The good news is the closure gave us the chance to make more improvements.”

The Old Mill Square Shopping Center in Pennington, where Za is located, needed extensive foundation repair. The building’s owner also did a roofline renovation and façade improvement, plus totally new electric, plumbing, heating, and air conditioning.

At the same time, Za Restaurant added new lighting, versatile booth seating, and a special chef’s table to the Jewel dining room. Za had just expanded with the addition of their Gallery dining room in May 2011, increasing its indoor seating from 38 to 76 people.

Za Restaurant is currently accepting reservations for Valentine’s Day. This year their full à la carte menu, Lobster Bliss Winter 2012, featuring lobster in seven different dishes will be offered for their folie à deux event guests.

Za is a BYOB restaurant located at 147 West Delaware Avenue, Pennington, New Jersey. For more information, or to make reservations, please call (609) 737-4400.

Bon Appétit!

TAD