We’re Smitten With These Romantic Restaurants That Say ‘I Love You’
STORY BY JAN NORRIS
Love is in the air — and on the tables, as area restaurants gear up for the big night for romantics.
The Jupiter Beach Resort and Spa has a romantic feel in its main dining room at Latitudes. Warm woods soft lighting and that coveted ocean view make for a cozy atmosphere.
This isn’t the time for the big, noisy room meal. Intimate tables are more likely at the smaller spots, or by a little collaboration with a manager to make it happen.
Reservations should have been made yesterday, but you can still try your favorite spot. Many restaurants add service slots to Valentine’s Day and prioritize reservations for two. Be aware, however, that some do impose a time limit at the table.
Others take the menu down to a few popular choices, with limited substitutions available as well. There are creative options if you miss out.
First, think outside the clock — and calendar. Love is love anytime.
At Latitudes, Chef Ricky Gopeesingh oversees a coastal seafood menu with creativity and experience.
Ask for the last reservation; everyone wants in between 7 and 8:30. Be the 10 or 11 o’clock diner just once — pretend you’re European. Or maybe you are.
At any hour, show some love to the servers, especially tonight. They’re handling more amateurs than any other restaurant time. Tip well.
Another option: Reserve for Valentine’s Day eve, when service is likely not so rushed, a full menu is available, and you won’t be just another two-top. Dine out that Thursday, call ahead to make it special with a favorite dish or champagne. Bring the roses, but save the candy and gift for the 14th. All is well.
A wiser move: Do an overnight at a hotel with a good restaurant. Guests get in with preference before the public; but you should make the dining reservation at the same time as the room. If, by any chance you don’t get a table, then you can get room service, and eat in your pajamas.
The Jupiter Beach Resort and Spa, directly on the beach in Jupiter, has a romantic feel in its main dining room at Latitudes. Warm woods and soft lighting and that coveted ocean view make for a cozy atmosphere. A clever “spirits room” is glassed in, and diners can view the mixologists at work.
Chef Ricky Gopeesingh oversees a coastal seafood menu with creativity and experience.
Oysters are a given (aphrodisiac, allegedly). They’re featured on the signature seafood tower that includes stone crab, king crab, shrimp and lobsters that arrives in an iced, layered tray with accompaniments. It’s plenty for a meal, though half-portions of entrees are available for lighter eaters.
Also offered: options for vegetarians and vegans.
The Jupiter Beach Resort and Spa
5 N. highwayA1A, Jupiter
Phone 561-746-2511
online: opalcollection.com/jupiter-beach/
Dine under the stars by booking the pavilion at Evo in Tequesta, where Chef Erik Pettersen works his magic with an Italian menu.
The food carries the romance here, whether it’s the wagyu carpaccio or the chef’s Sunday sauce and his grandmother’s meatballs.
Order from the appetizer list to make a grazing couple’s meal. Maybe whipped ricotta-stuffed squash, and the lobster bruschetta in a sherry cream sauce over grilled crostini with a good Italian red.
Pastas are a list unto themselves. Vegetarians who eat cheese should go for the cacio e pepe after one of the many salad choices.
A sweet ending is in the ricotta cheesecake, or the tiramisu.
Evo Italian
150 U.S. Highway 1, Tequesta
Phone 561-745-2444
online: evoitalian.com
You can go a little French on this lovers’ day. The Parisian Restaurant and Wine Bar is owned by a native Parisian who knows something of that city of romance. Tarzi Cenador transplants it to his plates at the small brasserie-style spot in the Shoppes of Jupiter.
For Valentine’s Day, a special menu is at play with a wine and champagne pairing. The meal is $180 with two wines or champagnes, or $160 sans alcohol.
Diners can choose three courses from a French classics menu that includes starters such as a foie gras terrine, or onion soup gratinee, or mussels Provencale.
The fish/meat selections feature herb-crusted Chilean seabass with a mango beurre blanc, or a duck breast with a brandy sweet and sour sauce, or filet mignon with a Cognac peppercorn sauce and homemade pomme frites. Shrimp and lamb are other choices.
The rich desserts are what take you to your dreams — or so a French pastry chef once said. Flourless chocolate cake, profiteroles filled with ice cream and drizzled in chocolate, mixed berry crepes, or crème brulee are the choices.
A live jazz band will provide the entertainment.
The Parisian Restaurant and Wine Bar
201 N. U.S. Highway 1, Jupiter
Phone 561-360-2224
online: theparisianrestaurant.com
If you really want to stretch the possibilities and splurge, take a sunset cruise with Captain Ryan and Amy Smith at Salt Tribe Charters. For $1500 (plus tax and tip) you can book the Avzimut, a 42’ motor yacht. It can accommodate up to six passengers.
They pick up at the U-Tiki docks, and cruise the Intracoastal for three hours along Jupiter Island and beyond.
It offers shaded seating, two heads and leather sofas. Light snacks and non-alcoholic drinks are provided, but you can bring your own food and drink with the exception of red wine. “It stains,” Amy Smith explained.
Salt Tribe Charters offers their 42-foot yacht for up to six passengers for a three-hour tour around the area.
Salt Tribe Charters
1095 N. Highway A1A, Jupiter
Phone (561) 313-1022
online: salttribecharters.com
