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Valentine’s Day is fast approaching so if you want to take your “Babe” out to a special dinner, it’s time to spring into action and make those reservations ! Or if you’re cooking him or her a special meal, time to decide on the menu. There are lots of great places to choose from for a romantic dinner here on Virginia’s Eastern Shore— everybody seems to be having some wonderful specials for this upcoming occasion. Here are a few of our favorite picks:
In or very close to the town of Cape Charles:
Aqua’s Restaurant, located next to the Bay Creek Marina. Overlooking the Chesapeake Bay with gorgeous waterviews, very romantic indeed. Starting Friday February 10th through February 14th, Aqua is offering a special Valentine menu which includes a shared appetizer, soup or salad, an entree and a shared dessert priced at $65.00 per couple. Lots of choices including Steak Dianne and a vegetarian entree. For reservations call 757-331-8660.
Kelly’s Gingernut Pub– Located in a renovated bank building on Mason Avenue, Kelly’s offers a fun atmosphere and great food, a favorite of locals. For Valentine’s, Kelly’s is offering several specials including grilled Australian lamb with mushroom rissotto and blackened Pacific salmon with goat cheese mashed potatoes. Desserts include chocolate dipped strawberries and a special Creme’ Brulee. Yum ! For the full special menu and for reservations, call 757-331-3222. www.kellysgingernutpub.com
Sting Ray’s– Also known as “Chez Exxon”, Sting Ray’s is located in a big red barn- like building right on Route 13 just a few minutes south of Cape Charles. But don’t be fooled by the rustic exterior– written up by Southern Living magazine, Sting Ray’s offers delicious seafood and some of the best home style southern BBQ ever ! For Valentine’s they are offering Lobster Thermador for just $15.99. A petite filet mignon and their famous Crab Imperial is also on the menu. For the full menu, call 757-331-250. www.cape-center.com
In the town of Eastville:
The historic Eastville Inn, a lovely building which dates back to the early 1770’s, will be re-opening on February 8th. For Valentine’s, the Inn will be offering a special menu including Surf and Turf with appetizer, salad, entree and dessert for $59.95 per couple. Call for details and reservations at 757-678-5270.
In the town of Onancock:
Mallard’s on the Wharf– A cozy waterfront restaurant located in the historic Hopkins Store right on the Onancock Harbour overlooking the colorful Onancock Creek inlet. Especially gorgeous at sunset with boats heading in and out from the Chesapeake Bay, Mallard’s is home to Johnny Mo, ” The Singing Chef “. This year Mallard’s is offering “Valentine’s Dine and Demo” where Chef Mo demonstrates the preparation of the exact four course menu being prepared in the kitchen. Johnny Mo recently returned from a stint as a guest chef in Jamaica so the dinner theme is Jamaican but the special menu details will not be available for a day or two. Call for reservations and more details -757-787-8558. www.mallardsllc.com
Inn and Garden Cafe’– A luscious sounding five course meal starting with an appetizer of that famous aphrodisiac, Oysters Rockefeller, followed by Cream of Leek soup, followed by Goat Cheese with arugula and a Cranberry reduction, an entree of FiletMignon with Lobster Thermidor and, for dessert, Creme’ Brulee infused with Grand Mariner. Wow, sounds scrumptious, priced at $45. per person. Call 757-787-8850 for reservations. www.theinnandgardencafe.com
The Charlotte Hotel– As usual, an Oh so very cleverly designed menu with lots of delicious choices including an appetizer of heirloom cheddar tartlett with sweet pepper escabeche, a wild mushroom stuffed breast of chicken with gorgonzola and red wine risotto and a warm cherry tart with almond ice cream, all items priced a la carte. For reservations call 757-787-7400. www.thecharlottehotel.com – their Valentine menu can be viewed on-line.
Planning to cook for your honey at home ? Haven’t decided on a menu yet, maybe use a little help, a few suggestions ? Click on www.splendidtable.publicradio.org on Sunday, Feb 12th and they will have their Valentine menu and recipes ready to download. Splendid Table, heard here locally at noon on Sundays on NPR, bills itself as ” the show for people who love to eat “, which pretty much describes everyone in my family, including moi. Not only does Splendid Table feature great interviews with a wide and diverse variety of folks involved with food, including chefs, farmers, vintners, cookbook authors, etc., etc., it also offers wonderful recipes and suggestions for jazzing up old recipes, on-air and on the website. Last year I cooked their Valentine entree — Feast for Lovers– roasted pork tenderloin with black olives and orange. It was scrumptious and my husband also loved the leftover pork sliced for a sandwich the next day. If you’re cooking but don’t want to bake, call the Corner Bakery, 757-757-4820. They are featuring a melt-in-your-mouth heart-shaped cake for 2 and also giant chocolate covered strawberries. Yellow Duck Bakery Cafe’ , 757-442-5909 also has wonderful sweets for your Valentine sweetie as does Kate’s Kupboard 757-442-7437, Kate’s is also home to some totally awesome dinner rolls.
So make your reservation, grab your Honey by the hand, say “I’ve got you, Babe” and have a wonderful, wonderful Eastern Shore Valentine’s dinner.
(Posted by Marlene Cree, licensed Virginia agent with Blue Heron Realty Co., 7134 Wilsonia Neck Dr., Machipongo, VA)
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