Dine In or Dine Out? The Food Geeks Recommend Both!

Dine in or dine out…. that always seems to be a question when it comes to Valentine's Day. So the Northern Michigan Food Geeks thought they’d share their thoughts on recommendations for both!

If you’re going out… here are some of our favorite romantic spots for a Valentine’s Dinner to remember.

In Petoskey/Harbor Springs…

I love Latitudes. Great wine list and I’ve never had a bad meal there. And the ambiance is very romantic.  Mary W./Harbor Springs
(Latitudes is featuring a 3 course dinner for two for $75.00 per couple. Starters: Cornmeal Fried Oysters, White Bean Ravioli or Vegetarian Summer Spring Rolls. Entrees: Braised Beef Short Ribs, Pan Seared Salmon or Herb Crusted Chicken Breast. Dessert: White Chocolate Mousse with Toasted Pistachios, Raspberries and Bittersweet Chocolate Sauce for Two. For further information or reservation please call 231-439-275.)

Chandlers is my favorites spot for a special dinner. I love how cozy it is and the service is always spectacular.   Karen S./Petoskey 
For reservations call 347-2981

The Pellston Market, it’s like your own little dinner party with Nancy cooking. And Nancy always goes over the top for Valentine’s Day.   Nora S./Burt Lake
( The menu for Valentine’s Day includes Hors d' Oeuvres, a First Course or Sensuous Three Cheese Ravioli w/ Buttery Sundried Tomato Sage Cream, Basil Chiffonade and Toasted Pine Nuts, garnished w/ Oven Roasted Roma Tomatoes. The main course is Filet of Beef w/ Shtitake Mushroom Sauce Normande, Wild Rice w/ Tiny Diced Vegetables and Cranberries and Seasonal Vegetables. The Salade Course is Navel Orange Sections, Fresh Fennel and Watermelon over Greens w/Passion Fruit Vinegar. And Dessert is White Chocolate Mousse Towers w/ Fresh Raspberries and Passion Fruit Coulis, Mint Tips. Dinner is $50/person. Reservations at 539-7100.)

The New York, especially if you can sit in the front room. I love their lamb shanks and bread pudding for desert.   Sue S./Harbor Springs
For reservations call 526-1904

In Charlevoix….

We always go to the Grey Gables. It’s our tradition and we share dessert. Skip the diet, bring on the chocolate.   Deb. R./Charlevoix
For reservations call 547-9261

Belaire….
For my birthday and Valentine’s Day, I get to go to Lulus. I never know what to get though, the menu is so awesome.   Mark H./Charlevoix
For reservations call 533-5252

Ellsworth…
It’s a surprise but I am hoping it’s Tapawingo.  It’s like food heaven. Jenny G./Charlevoix  
For reservations call 588-7971 

Traverse City….
Amical is where we’re going. Love their deserts.   Cindy T./Elk Rapids
For reservations call 941-8888

I love the Boathouse, the view is so pretty even in the winter.  Bev W./Traverse City  
For reservations, call 223-4030

I’ve been saving the Red Ginger for a special occasion. I can’t wait.  Naureen R./Traverse City 
For reservations call 944-1733

If you have a place that touches the romantic in your heart, add it to the list by clicking on COMMENTS below. We'll add comments a few times each day. 

And if you’re staying in…. Here is a simple yet fantastic dish for dinner that will melt your lovers’ heart. Pair this with Nancy Kelly’s chocolate dessert and you’ve got an evening to remember.

Salmon with Garlic Mustard
Ingredients
1    garlic clove
2    1/2 teaspoon finely chopped fresh rosemary leaves
3    1/2 teaspoon finely chopped fresh thyme leaves
4    1 tablespoon dry white wine
5    1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
6    2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
7    1 tablespoons whole-grain mustard
8    Nonstick olive oil cooking spray
9    2 (6 to 8-ounce) salmon fillets
10    Salt and freshly ground black pepper
11    2 lemon wedges

Directions
In a mini food processor, combine garlic, rosemary, thyme, wine, oil, Dijon mustard, and 1 tablespoon of whole-grain mustard. Grind the mustard sauce until combined, about 30 seconds. Transfer to a small bowl. Add remaining 1 tablespoon of whole-grain mustard to the sauce and stir to combine. Set aside mustard sauce.
Preheat the broiler. Line a heavy rimmed baking sheet with foil. Spray the foil with nonstick spray. Arrange the salmon fillets on the baking sheet and sprinkle them with salt and pepper. Broil for 2 minutes. Spoon the mustard sauce over the fillets. Continue broiling until the fillets are just cooked through and golden brown, about 5 minutes longer.
Transfer the fillets to plates and serve with lemon wedges.

No matter if you eat in or out... have a great Valentine's Day.

 

Comments

[Sam Rogers]

We did the dinner at Boyne Highlands last weekend on top of the mountain at Aonach Mor Café. It was so romantic. The bonfire, dinner was great and the people we met were fun too. I wish we would have saved it for Valentine's Day. Hard to top that one.

[Ann Marie Tingleff]

Our favorite romantic restaurant is the City Park Grill in Petoskey. It's our special occasion place! We make sure to get there early and have a nice long dinner, then leave before the crowd gets too big. We always make sure to go over the wine list with the wine steward and get a bottle of red wine that we haven't tried before. Then we share each other's entrees and thoroughly enjoy ourselves.