If you’re looking for a great place to enjoy a romantic Valentine’s dinner, you definitely couldn’t go wrong by trying one of these 4 terrific restaurants located in or around the quaint Victorian town of Cape Charles, VA. Menu info and phone numbers for reservations are included. So pick your favorite, make a reservation and take your Sweetie to Valentine’s dinner in this lovely little beachfront town by the Chesapeake Bay.
1.Aqua– Cape Charles’ only fine dining bayfront restaurant, Aqua overlooks the majestic Chesapeake Bay. Dinner here at sunset is a sensational choice. Unfortunately, sunset comes a little early in February but Aqua is lovely after dark as well. In addition to its elegant decor, starched white linens and superb service, for Valentine’s Weekend , Aqua is offering several special entrees including a luscious sounding Stuffed Lobster, slow baked Prime Rib and Chicken Piccata. And one of the succulent appetizers, Southern Oysters and Grits, sounds like a mouthwatering version of one of my personal favorite’s, shrimp and grits. Chef Shelly Cusamina has been the head chef at Aqua for a number of years and prides herself on featuring fine food with the freshest of ingredients, locally procured when possible. Especially for Valentine’s evening, a live jazz band will be playing. Located at 900 Marina Village Circle near the King’s Creek Marina. Call 757-331-8660 for reservations.
2.Hook-U-Up Gourmet– Located at 227 Mason Avenue right in the heart of the Cape Charles, Hook-U-Up is quite the eclectic restaurant. By day, a purveyor of savory pizza and gourmet sandwiches. By night, on Tuesdays, it is a Bistro serving elegant and delicious food, a bit of a continental flair right in the Cape Charles Historic District. And once a month, a special Wine Dinner, offering, as a friend who attended one recently told me, “some of the best food I’ve ever eaten”. High praise indeed and well-deserved for talented Chef and owner, Tim Brown, who is going all out on Valentine’s Week-end with both a prix-fixe and an a la carte menu available. The prix-fixe sounds tantalizing, Artichokes stuffed with Lump Crab or Baked Brie in Phylo with Orange Preserves among his appetizers, an Arugula and Watercress salad, Chateaubriand with Black Truffle and Béarnaise sauces for the entree’. The sweet for your sweetie is almond and black cherry tart with espresso ice cream, ambrosial no doubt. Highlights of the a la carte menu include Beef Wellington, a “Surf and Turf” consisting of a Petite Filet+ Lobster Tail+ Lump Crab and a Flounder Meuniere. For reservations, call 757-331-2275.
3. King’s Creek Inn– With its long views down King’s Creek and out to the Chesapeake Bay beyond, King’s Creek Inn is another beautiful location for dinner. Offering their “Fireside Feasts” on Friday and Saturday evenings all winter long, they are cooking up something special indeed for Valentine’s Day week-end. Dining by a crackling fireplace is always romantic, in addition, all the ladies will be receiving a long-stemmed rose to help celebrate the evening. Entrees will include Filet of Sole stuffed with Lump Crab, a Surf and Turf, Lamb Shanks slow roasted in wine and Chicken stuffed with Brie and Cranberry. Dessert sounds delightful, their signature Chocolate Mousse Cake or a Truffle Cheesecake, yummy. Located at 3018 Bowden Landing just outside town. Call 757-678-6355 for reservations.
4. Kelly’s Gingernut Pub– Offering great food in a unique and casual atmosphere. Located at 133 Mason Avenue in the center of Cape Charles, in what was once a historic brick bank building, now lovingly renovated by owner Gene Kelly. Try the cozy seating section called “The Vault”, located in what was once, duh, the bank’s vault. Kelly’s combines a fun atmosphere with excellent pub-style food plus some excellent chef’s specials for dinner on week-ends. For Valentine’s Day, among other offerings, Kelly’s will present Oysters Rockefeller, Crab Claw & Shrimp Cocktail, Three Cheese Ravioli in a Crab and Cream sauce, Surf and Turf as well as a Grilled Rib- eye Steak with Portobello Mushrooms. Cheesecake with Berries for dessert. Call for more info at 757-331-3222