ZOINKS! It’s that time again!
Valentine’s Day — love it or hate it, it’s here to stay. If you need some ideas for romantic places to dine, these are my favorite cozy spots on the East End for an evening out.
The Maidstone — The Living Room Restaurant
207 Main Street, East Hampton, (631) 324-5006
www.themaidstone.com
I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this place. It is sexy in a way that isn’t trying too hard. They just get it.
It’s super cozy by any of the multiple fireplaces and great for drinks as well.
In February, the restaurant is offering a “lustful price fixe” featuring sensual ingredients and aphrodisiacs. However it will be serving a special V-Day menu (see it here) the weekend of Feb. 12, 13 and 14 and featuring a late night burlesque show on Saturday, Feb. 13.
Email info@themaidstone.com or call (631) 324-5006 to reserve your spot.
The American Hotel
49 Main Street, Sag Harbor (631) 725-3535
theamericanhotel.com
The American Hotel is just one of those classics that never seems to get old. I’m not sure how they pull it off, year after year, but they do!
Always a cool scene and cozy in the back dining room.
There is a special Valentine’s Day menu (see it here) available on Feb. 13 and 14.
Red Bar Brasserie
210 Hampton Road, Southampton (631) 283-0704
redbarbrasserie.com
Great bar scene and a very cozy room located off the bar area.
It has super yummy food and anything French is romantic on Valentine’s Day, as far as this French girl is concerned.
North Fork Table and Inn
57225 Main Road, Southold (631) 765-0177
nofoti.com
So cozy, who ever thought eating up at the bar could be romantic? But trust me, it is!
Known for their incredible food pairings and elixirs, this is one of the best. They also have a great new family menu.
Only tables for four are left for V-Day, so call up your closest friends or bring your love to lunch.
Petulant Wino
739 Main Road, Aquebogue (631) 779-3900
petulantwino.com
Intimate and romantic are the words that come to mind when describing this Aquebogue eatery. Chefs and co-owners Tom Schaudel and Lenny Campanelli do an awesome job here. It’s a total gem.
Major coziness factor here along with incredible fare!
The Frisky Oyster
27 Front Street, (631) 477-4265
thefriskyoyster.com
With a new makeover, this all-time favorite is consistently rated top in its class under all categories — either romance, food or drink!
And check out the gorgeous new facade!
If you don’t want to leave the house this Feb. 14, Chef Robby Beaver shares his favorite stay at-home-romantic recipe below.
Ingredients:
Peconic Bay lobster garganelli with meyer lemon vodka cream sauce and baby arugula for two
Fresh lobster from local market 1-1 1/2 pounds
8 oz. fresh garganelli pasta. Try Lombardi’s Market in Mattituck.
1 pint heavy cream
2 Meyer lemons
2 fl. oz. vodka of your choice
Salt and pepper to taste
Grated parmigiano-reggiano
Baby arugula
Directions:
Bring a large pot of water to boil and cook the lobster for 7 minutes, then shock it in a bath of ice water.
Remove the meat from the shell and set it aside.
In a saucepan, bring the cream, squeezed Meyer lemons (including the lemon) and vodka to a boil and reduce to a simmer until it thickens to a sauce consistency.
When ready, add the chopped lobster, reduced vodka cream and garganelli to a sauté pan and bring to a simmer, stirring or tossing to coat.
Season with salt and pepper and pour into a large bowl, topped with arugula and parmigiano.
Grab two forks and a bottle of rosé champagne (Croteaux Chloe Sparkle is our fave), and cozy up by the fire with your love!
North Fork Roasting Co.
55795 Main Road, (631) 876-5450
noforoastingco.com
In all good conscience, I can’t mention all these cozy food spots and leave this one out! Who knew going out for coffee could be so very romantic!
This is one of my new absolute favorite places to be. It’s the best place to get coffee and a snuggle from Sinatra, pictured below. They do also have matcha tea, hot chocolate and an array of super yummy eats and treats
And Valentines Day is their one-year anniversary! The festivities include music with the one and only, most awesome Jon Divello and red velvet lattes.
