From 'sinful sips' to heart-shaped ravioli: 7 Rockland restaurants ready for Valentine's Day
There's a lot of pressure around Valentine's Day. Where to go? What to eat? How much to spend? Whether you’re interested in prix-fixe, à la carte, decadent desserts, or something more casual, Rockland restaurants deliver— offering everything from heart-shaped ravioli to a five-course wine and dinner pairing to "sinful sips" — just in time for Feb. 14.
Il Fresco, Orangeburg
There's nothing more romantic than dining fireside in a charming 1728 farmhouse, which is exactly what Il Fresco offers.
The restaurant also features a variety of cozy places to sit, be it downstairs in the wine cellar (ask for the table by the fireplace), in the bar area (where you'll find another fireplace), or in one of the dining rooms on the second or third floor (the dining room on the first floor also has a large fireplace).
There's no special menu come Feb. 14 but this Italian spot is known for its "specials" list that's often as long as its regular menu— so there will definitely be lots of choices.
Among the standouts: The classic chicken parm; the "Insalata Il Piccolo Jake," with arugula and goat cheese wrapped with prosciutto di parma, served with Belgian endive, cherry tomatoes, aged balsamic and extra virgin olive oil; and, for calamari lovers, "Gamberi e Calamari Marinara," shrimp and calamari in a fresh plum marinara sauce with garlic, olive oil, herbs and wine.
Cap your meal with the "Special Sins of the Day," desserts such as coconut banana cake, chocolate mousse bomb and mini bombolini or go for a "Sinful Sip" like Moscato.
This family-run spot, which recently served Susie Essman of HBO's "Curb Your Enthusiam," is all about making you happy. 15 Kings Hwy, 845- 398-0200, il-fresco.com
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Flours Pasta & Bakeshop, Haverstraw
A five-course $130 per person Valentine's Day dinner will be served at this homey spot, complete with wine pairings handpicked by Lourdes of the Vine. Dishes include Soup Poisson shooter, braised pork Osso Bucco and winter chicories and citrus. Seating (t's communal) is at 7 p.m. and vegetarian options are available so request when you reserve. 11 New Main St., 845-241-5131, flourspastabakeshop.com
The Dining Room, Blauvelt
"Lucky Lime" oysters; roasted beet salad; jumbo diver scallops; lobster ravioli and housemade gnocchi are among the apps and entrees at this newly opened restaurant where you'll also find profiteroles, lemon cheesecake and a Tahitian vanilla crème br?lée.
The refined, eclectic 65-seat space, serving New American cuisine, is owned by Paul Bailey, who's also the proprietor of Bailey’s Smokehouse in Blauvelt, Bailey’s New City and Nanuet Restaurant in Nanuet. The kitchen is overseen by Executive Chef Gregory Stott who was a semi-finalist on "Chopped." 135 E. Erie St., 845-359-3650, thediningroomny.com
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Restaurant X & Bully Boy Bar, Congers
Classic Beef Wellington; Breast of Hudson Valley Duckling and Mediterranean branzino filet are among some of the choices in the three-course $100 menu offered Valentine's Day at Restaurant X, where the service and food are always top-notch.
Desserts range from passion fruit tart with torched meringue to a Valentine “Sweetheart" (a deep chocolate truffle cake) to a red velvet layer cake and Belgian chocolate dome. 117 NY-303, 845- 268-6555, xaviars.com/restx
The Village Blend, Sloatsburg
You don't have to go fancy — or spent a lot of money — to enjoy Valentine's Day.
This comfy cafe is offering a special Feb. 14 menu with heart-shaped ravioli, strawberry spinach salad and shrimp tacos. There are also drink specials like a red velvet latte, white chocolate strawberry latte and a Nutella mocha latter.
Should you prefer to spend V-Day at home with your fam, you can order the heart-shaped ravioli family meal to go. 86 Orange Turnpike, 845-712-5585, thevillageblend.net
Norcina, New City
Nutella bombolini anyone? It's all part of the five-course $125 Valentine's Day meal at this Italian favorite where choices are made for sharing and run the gamut from Charred Brussel Sprouts Caesar Salad to spicy vodka rigatoni, Lobster Francese and a charcuterie board. 186 N Main St., 845-638-8030, norcinanewcity.com
Six23 Social, Sparkill
It's dark and moody here — the perfect setting for dining with your sweetheart. There's also a fun gangster/speakeasy vibe including receiving a password to enter the restaurant.
Start your meal with cheese fondue for two or pick and choose among the many small plates including devilled eggs, pan-seared hake, grilled salmon, braised beef short ribs and roasted root salad. 623 Main St., 845-836-3398, six23social.com
Jeanne Muchnick covers food and dining. Click here for her most recent articles and follow her latest dining adventures on Instagram @jeannemuchnick or via the lohudfood newsletter.
This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: These Rockland County restaurants are ready for Valentine's Day