Heart Like A Deal

By S. Anne Durham Wed., Feb. 11 2009 at 10:25 AM

Categories: Hash Over

Scrambling to find a romantic, yet hip and unique option for Valentine's Day? Lucky for you, many local restaurants have special menus, special dishes or just special prices to choose from on this, er, special day.

Here are some options:

Cupid would be proud of Central 214's naughty new chef, Blythe Beck. Her Valentine's Day menu contains at least one aphrodisiac. Included are Virginia Bay oysters on the half shell, grilled lobster and avocado capriccio with grapefruit vinaigrette and some mysterious "Blythe Bites" to go. Diners can choose a three-course menu priced at $48 per person or a five-course menu for $62 per person.

If you're starting early try the Pyramid Restaurant at the Fairmont Hotel's three-course, gourmet dinner accompanied by two glasses of Champagne. It's offered for early-birds on Feb. 12.

Steel Restaurant & Lounge has a special three-course, Indochine-inspired dinner with seatings from 5:45 to 11 p.m. February 14. Prix fixe menu items include special sushi presentations like the romance roll, miso & sake marinated Chilean sea bass, grilled lamb sirloin with Szechuan peppercorn-Zinfandel sauce and chocolate volcano cake.

Really want to warm someone's heart? Give a gift that gives back. This Valentine's Day, Le Cordon Bleu is offering chocolate covered strawberries crafted by culinary experts, and all the proceeds benefit the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. The cost is $10 for a half dozen and $18 for a dozen. Reserve yours today, and pick them up through Feb. 13. To place an order, contact Chef Sarah Hooton at shooton@dallasculinary.com. Cash or checks are accepted, payable to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.