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Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to celebrate those you love – whether it be a significant other, your BFF, a neighbor, or yourself! We have a roundup of must-do’s for the 14th and deals you can’t pass up! From dining with your four legged friends to four course meals, Texas Lifestyle Magazine has you covered. Make your reservations ASAP because they are booking up as fast as Cupid’s arrow flies!!
Austin
Wax Myrtle’s is an expansive rooftop destination that boasts both indoor and outdoor spaces for a romantic evening. This top dining location has curated a Prix Fixe Valentine’s Day dinner consisting of four courses including but not limited to ‘cacio e pepe’, duck breast, and even l’opera ‘red-velvet’. Reserve your spot now! With executive Chef Nick Erven, you are in the best hands. Located in downtown Austin on the fourth floor of the Thompson Austin and Tommie Austin Hotels, this restaurant and menu is one you cannot forgo.
As if that was not enough, on Tuesday, February 14th, Wax Myrtle will be hosting a “Dancing on my Own” party with music and drink specials – from 8-11 p.m. Bring your dancing shoes and thank us later!
Fonda San Miguel knows love! Co-chefs Blanca Zesati and Carlos Monroy are featuring the rose flower in thoughtfully curated recipes specifically for Valentine’s Day, saying that the rose “enhances the flavor of each dish to make for an unforgettable dining experience.” Come here for the flavor and stay for the authenticity, Fonda San Miquel’s boasts the complex specialties from Mexico’s regional cuisine. It has foodies, lovers, and foodie lovers falling head over heels for their unique yet traditional selections. This Valentine’s, the establishment on North Loop invites you to share the Oysters in love – a ceviche style poached oyster with ingredients such as rose petals and serranos, Chuletas de Cordero Preciosas – AKA : Precious Lamb Chops, and Pastel de Rosas otherwise known as Rose Cakes! Make your reservations here.
Mandola’s has and always will be a staple of Austin eats. If you haven’t been before – where have you been? Their Italian selection is to die for. From Friday, Feb. 10 to Saturday, Feb. 18 Mandola’s will offer a special menu created for Valentine’s celebrations. To begin, Mandola’s bestows the Lobster Ravioli with Maine lobster, ricotta cheese, and a light tomato cream sauce. Our mouths are already watering. To follow, you can choose from (or choose them all, we won’t judge) their Torta di Amori, the Love Potion gelato, and heart-shaped sugar cookies! You will never go wrong with Mandola’s Italian Kitchen. Your date will love you!
San Antonio
If you want to impress your date, the Omni is the way to go. Omni La Mansión del Rio’s newest riverfront restaurant, Four Brothers, has officially opened its doors – the contemporary yet traditional restaurant has a fusion of Southern Texan cuisine accented with a hint of Latin flare. For $85 a person, Four Brothers Southern Provisions invites you to a three course dinner fit for Southern royalty. If the main course options of seared scallops and duo of filet don’t speak for themselves, check out their Valentine’s menu and prepare to be amazed. The Omni sets the standard for fine-dining and southern charm destinations in San Antonio.
Another must-eat would have to be Ostra. Can you tell we love the Omni?
Ostra is the Omni’s pride and joy seafood restaurant – with the signature AAA Four Diamonds award, they are the blueprint for a romantic dinner on the water. Chef Andres Farias has curated a menu including Steak Tartare, Black Sea Bass, and Sticky Toffee Pudding with candied pecans and chantilly. To top things off, they will be serving the cheeky Between the Sheets cocktail for an extra $16. We recommend going with an empty stomach! Dining at Ostra just lends itself to romance, and for only $85 a person, Valentine’s day will be no exception. Set your reservations ASAP.
Calling all lovebirds! The Carriqui will host its inaugural Valentine’s Day Dinner in a few short days, and we cannot wait. Carriqui goes head on into the cultures that “harmonize here in San Antonio.” As if their regular menu was not enough – a three-course tasting menu is available for $85 per person. You and your lover’s main course would be a choice of marinated redfish, smoked grilled ribeye, or braised cauliflower with fennel-spiced corn crumble and chili butter. Need I say more? If you want to seal the deal – we recommend their soon-to-be famous margaritas, with a salted rim! Their superior service, super fresh ingredients, and savory menu items make it the perfect Valentine’s date night destination – reserve your table now.
Dallas
The Meridian is an acclaimed modern Brazilian Restaurant shining in the heart of Dallas. Nominated D Magazine’s Restaurant of the Year, Eater Dallas’ Restaurant of the year in 2021, and with its head chef, Junior Borges, as the semifinalist for the James Beard Award – this restaurant has people coming from near and far to experience true Brazilian cuisine. You may as well set your reservations immediately!
Chef Borges has created a select menu for February 14, served for the entire table, the first course brags choices of Cured Hiramasa and Foie Gras, Crispy Polenta, or Yucca Gnocchi. The ingredients are famously grown in the Chef’s garden and have been expertly selected for your tasting pleasure. The Meridian is the heartbeat of the Village – bringing crowds into their breezy dining and wood-fired exhibition kitchen. Just at the thought of a meal at the Meridian, we are starved.
Monarch is led by two-time Michelin-starred Chef Danny Grant. With a sweeping view of the Dallas skyline, Monarch is located at the top of The National and features an exceptional Italian cuisine. With a technique driven approach, the establishment serves handmade pastas, steaks, and the freshest seafood. We suggest asking to be seated windowside in the North dining room to watch the sunset.
On the elevator ride up to the 49th floor, you will begin your evening with a glass of champagne for your ascent. The romantic evening will feature a prix fixe menu including Texas Wagyu Tartare, Lobster Radiatore Pasta, Fire-roasted King Salmon, Nantucket Bay Scallops and the ‘Ace of Hearts’, a chocolate sponge topped with strawberry mousse for dessert. As put by Monarch, you must enjoy their “limited-time cocktail with Cupid’s seal of approval” – the Lady in Red. A gin-based beverage infused with rose petals along with blanc vermouth, lemon and raspberry. From Feb. 10-14, you are able to enjoy this decadent experience for $200-300 a person. As you can imagine, reservations are flying – book your sunset spots now!
Leading up to the most romantic day of the year, MUTTS Canine Cantina has its priorities straight. Come find the real love of your life, a man’s best friend, and your best four legged friend! On Feb. 11 from 11-3 p.m., MUTTS invites you to their on-site adoption event. Make a date out of it – we urge you to try the MUTTS Original Chicken Sandwich, and if you are really feeling it, the Barkarita (their signature margarita). MUTTS is THE spot for a love match – whether it be with a human or an ever loyal pup, wag your tail on over!
Valentine, TX
Yellowstone fans will want to put this celebration on their calendar! “Valentine’s in Valentine” is a throwback celebration that combines live music, small-town vibes, and good old-fashioned surprise that will be held on Saturday. Feb. 18. An authentic party celebrating the Western lifestyle, this unique experience feels more like a get-together of old friends and family than anything else. Held in an old refurbished Mercantile store from the early 1900s situated next to a rodeo corral, the venue alone adds its own charm & mystique to the annual celebration.
Heading into its 11th year, the 2023 headliners will be Austin natives, Shane Smith & The Saints who you may recognize from the Season 5 Premier of the hit tv show Yellowstone. Additional acts include The Pulpit Ramblers, Mariachi Santa Cruz, The Roswells, and a special appearance by Sheverb.
Purchase tickets now for this unique opportunity that is sure to blow up once word gets around!
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Cover Photo Courtesy Felipe Galvan
Juliana Stanford is an undergraduate Public Relations student at the University of Texas at Austin and is a native Texan. She aspires to work with international nonprofits and with abroad entities.
