The Artful Diner is an independent, freelance food writer.

From Saturday, February 11^th – Tuesday, February 14^th, executive chef/partner Thomas Ciszak of Chakra, the über romantic restaurant located in Paramus, New Jersey, will be serving a special four-course prix-fixe dinner for four nights.

Dinners may choose from such provocative starters as Grilled Shrimp Roll, Parma Ham Roll, and Oysters on the Half Shell. Second course selections include Butternut Squash Soup, Horseradish Crab Cake, Cocoa Nib Crusted Hudson Valley Foie Gras, and Grilled Marinated Tofu. Main courses feature Tarragon Crusted Salmon Medallions, Chili-Cinnamon Glazed Chilean Sea Bass, “TC Steak,” Sous Vide Loin of Lamb, and Vegetarian Eggplant Tart. For dessert, there’s Valrhona Chocolate Fondue and many treats to dip.

The cost of the special Valentine’s prix-fixe is $82.00 per person (plus tax, beverages, and gratuities). Reservations will be accepted from 5:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. (201) 556-1530.

On Sunday, February 12^th, diners may enjoy a three-course “Lover’s Brunch” with a complimentary glass of Prosecco and selections that include “Super Fruits” Parfait, Cantaloupe Melon & Prosciutto de Parma, Red & Golden Beet Salad, Smoked Salmon, Crab Cake Benedict, Grand Marnier Brioche French Toast, Goffle Road Chicken, and Steak Frites… plus a scrumptious Valrhona Chocolate Fondue.

Brunch will be served from 12:00 noon – 3:00 p.m. and is priced at $42.00 per person (plus tax, beverages, and gratuity). To make reservations, please call (201) 556-1530.

As a prelude to Valentine’s Day, Chakra will also be hosting a wine dinner on Tuesday, January 31^st at 6:30 p.m. Featured will be the outstanding vintages of Australia’s Yalumba Winery.

Here’s a rundown on the menu…

Reception

Wine: Rose Ja, Jansz NV

First Course: Olive Oil Poached Lobster, Smoked Potatoes, Pancetta, Green Apple

Wine: Viognier, Yalumba 2009, Barossa

Second Course: Crispy Chicken Confit, Slow-Roasted Tomatoes, White Bean Purée

Wine: Grenache, Yalumba Bushvine 2008, Barossa

Third Course: Beef & Barley, Entrecote Double, Mustard & Herb Crust, Root Vegetables, Barley, Red Beet

Wine: Cabernet Sauvignon, Yalumba The Cigar 2009, Coonawarra

Dessert: Carrot Cake, Mascarpone Parfait, Glace, Spiced Raisin, Pineapple, Walnuts

Wine: Muscat Yalumba Museum

The cost of the Yalumba wine dinner is $59.00 per person (plus tax & gratuity). Seating is limited. For more information, or to make reservations, please call (201) 556-1530.

Bon Appétit!

TAD

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During Valentine’s week, the historic Ho-Ho-Kus Inn & Tavern, Ho-Ho-Kus, New Jersey, will be serving a three course prix-fixe menu, including daily specials, plus twosome selections for couples.

Highlights will include wood-grilled lamb chops, Chateaubriand, whole roasted red snapper, a variety of classical dishes from Italy, and two signature desserts from pastry chef Patrick Muller. A complimentary glass of Champagne for the couple is also on the menu.

On Valentine’s Day, a special four-course dinner, as well as the Inn’s regular menu, will be available. This special prix-fixe is priced at $85.00 per person (plus tax & gratuity). An optional wine pairing for $40.00 will also be offered. The special four-course menu is noted below…

AMUSE

BEGINNINGS (Choice of):

Tomato Bisque, Bruschetta Croutons, Purple Haze

Wood-Grilled Scallop, Roasted Beets, Red Quinoa, Haricots Verts, Blood Orange Dressing

Lobster Fritters, Tarragon-Scented Tartar Sauce

Prosciutto di Parma, Shaved Artichoke Hearts, Parmesan Reggiano, Wild Arugula, Lemon, Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Foie Gras, Polenta Crostini, Shaved Fennel, Grapefruit, Pomegranate, Aged Balsamic

Classic Caesar

Bib Lettuce, Endive, Cippolini Onions, Hazelnut Dressing

ENTRÉES (Choice of):

Short Rib Braised in Dark Beer, Slow-Cooked Brussels Sprouts, Onion Strings

Wood-Grilled Lamb Chops, Minted Peas, Pearl Onions, Potato Torta

Salmon, Apple “Agro Dolce,” Barley Risotto, Wilted Spinach

Chatham Cod, Manila Clams, Toasted Garlic, Cherry Tomatoes, Favas, Polenta

FOR TWO ($20.00 Supplement):

Chateaubriand for Two, Demi-Glace or Béarnaise, Sautéed Spinach, Roasted Mushroom Mix, Smashed Yukon Gold Potatoes

Whole Roasted Red Snapper, Fresh Herbs, Citrus, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Roasted Potatoes, Buttered Broccoli & Cauliflower

DESSERT:

Banana Split, Brule of Banana, Guanaja Chocolate Ice Cream, Vanilla, Chantilly, Graham Cracker, Caramel Coulis

Chocolate Tart, Short Dough Crust, Milk Chocolate Budino, Popcorn Sherbet, Champagne Syrup, Honey Crisp

 On Tuesday, February 14^th, seatings will be available at 6:00 p.m. & 8:00 p.m. For more information, or to make reservations, please call (201) 445-4115.

Bon Appétit!

TAD

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The Bernards Inn, Bernardsville, New Jersey, will kick off Valentine’s weekend on Sunday, February 12^th, with a festive Valentine’s-themed family brunch. On Tuesday, February 14^th, the Inn will offer a special menu featuring dishes for two and a three-course prix-fixe dinner.

The Valentine’s brunch buffet on Sunday, February 12^th, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., will offer made-to-order omelets, heart-shaped pancakes, and French toast with toppings. There will also be salads, pasta, a carving stations, and fresh fruit. Special holiday treat tables for children will feature “make-your-own” Valentine cookies and cupcakes. Prices are $39.95 for adults; $14.95 for children 5 – 12; and children under 5 are complimentary. Tax & gratuity additional.

On Valentine’s Day, Tuesday, February 14^th, in addition to the special three-course prix-fixe menu, guests may share special dinners for two, including: seafood stuffed twin lobsters, rack of lamb for two, Chateaubriand, oysters, and decadent chocolate desserts. Dinner is $115.00 per guest (plus tax & gratuity). Seatings will begin at 5:30 p.m.; and reservations may be made by calling (908) 766-0002.

Guests may extend the romantic evening with a getaway package that includes the three-course dinner, bottle of Champagne, one dozen long-stemmed roses, chocolate covered strawberries and truffles, plus an à la carte breakfast the following morning. For more information about accommodations, please visit the Inn’s website at www.bernardsinn.com

Bon Appétit!

TAD

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