For TRIBEZA Magazine
Trichelle Lee
THERE ARE OPTIONS FOR FEBRUARY 14TH WHETHER YOU’RE SINGLE, TAKEN OR … IT’S COMPLICATED!
ACCORDING TO THE 2018 U.S. CENSUS, a little more than 40 percent of Austin’s population is married. Whether you’re happily hitched, preparing to tie the knot, delighted to be dating or single and satisfied, there’s a myriad of things to do around Austin to celebrate Valentine’s Day. Not all of them involve flowers, cards and chocolate. Or even require a date. But we’ll start with the best places to have a romantic dinner and get into more for those of us who are coupled up and those flying solo.
For A Romantic Dinner
Fine-dining, French-American restaurant Jeffrey’s has an intimate and cozy atmosphere that’s perfect for a romantic and sophisticated date night. The Clarksville neighborhood staple will serve a four-course, prix-fixe Valentine’s Day menu that includes lobster bisque, celery root tortellini, pan-roasted diver scallops, magret duck breast au poivre, honey and pistachio mousse cake, chocolate soufflé for two and more. Forgot to pick up a bouquet? Jeffrey’s has you covered with an optional flower arrangement by Posey Floral. $135 per person; $40 for flowers.
All aboard! Revelry on the Boulevard is hosting a four-course, “Love Boat”-themed dinner and wine pairing that includes lamb chops, Blue Point oysters, crab and avocado toast and chocolate mousse cake. The Brentwood restaurant will be decked-out in nautical décor for Valentine’s Day photo-ops and offers a champagne “cruise” in a limo bus to sister spot Revelry Kitchen + Bar on East 6th Street for couples who want a post-dinner night out downtown. $100 prix fixe per couple; $25 per couple for “Love Boat” limo ride with champagne.
Apis Restaurant & Apiary’s Valentine’s Day prix fixe menu is diverse, thoughtful and worth the drive to Spicewood, where the beehive-themed restaurant sits on six acres overlooking the Pedernales River. Appetizer selections include carrot cavatelli pasta and foie gras torchon. Ocean trout and a selection of wagyu steaks are on the main course menu. For dessert, Chef Taylor Hall is preparing winter gourd cake, mesquite torte and a hopped bee pollen pavlova. $95, plus gratuity; $65 for wine pairings.
Heat up Valentine’s Day with some upscale Southern cuisine by Olamaie. Favorites like their Gulf white shrimp with Jefferson red rice, Ranger Cattle waygu strip steak and Day Boat American red snapper are on the menu. And don’t fret, dinner is served with their beloved buttery biscuits that will warm your heart as much as Olamaie’s charming and elegantly homey atmosphere. Prix fixe, three-course menu is $95 per person. Reservations can be made here.
Clarksville classic Café Josie, situated in an old carriage house with beautiful brick floors and antique French doors, is a relaxed but elegant spot for a date. The chef will serve a four-course Valentine’s Day menu packed with choices such as grilled scallops, Texas lamb meatballs, tuna crudo and wagyu beef tartare. Reservations can be made in person or by calling 512 322 9226. Prix fixe menu is $85 per person; optional wine pairing is an additional $45 per person.
For Thrill Lovers
If you and your sweetheart love to stay in and watch true crime docs, maybe go out on Valentine’s Day for some elegant mayhem at Hotel Ella’s Murder at the Mansion soirée. Starting with cocktails in the courtyard and continuing through a three-course meal at their bistro Goodall’s, you’ll collect clues and interact with other guests to solve a wedding-themed whodunit while dining on to-die-for menu items like chicken fried trout, beef Wellington and olive oil cake. The couple with the best wedding attire will win a complimentary stay and a bottle of champagne from Hotel Ella. Tickets, available here, are $100 each.
For Galentines
Celebrate your love for gals, pals and art at atxGALS’s 4th Annual Galentine’s Show. The Queen of Hearts-themed party at The Cathedral in East Austin on February 14th, from 6 to 11 p.m., will be a celebration of female artists with music by DJ Diggy Dutch, an open bar and more. A portion of the event’s proceeds will go to benefit the Girls Empowerment Network. Tickets, available here, are $45 plus a fee.
Lamar Union Plaza is throwing their Valentine Shamlentine Bash once again. The party on February 13 is all about having a good time with friends rather than stressing over date night plans and romance. But there is still a lot to love. Drinks by Nine Banded Whiskey, Ranch Rider Spirits Co. and Waterloo Sparkling Water will be served along with bites from Shake Shack and TLC Austin. Live funk music by Retrophonics will set the mood on the Lamar Union Sky Deck with the Austin skyline lighting up the night. Who knows, maybe you’ll meet someone. Entry is free but tickets, available here, are required.
Geraldine’s on Rainey Street is known for its contemporary cuisine, live music and dimly lit ambience. Gather your gals on February 13th to see musician Anna Larson perform live while sipping on their Valentine’s Day-inspired craft cocktail, “Piece of My Heart.” To make the deal even sweeter, from February 10th to 14th, a dollar from each specialty cocktail sold will benefit Girls Rock ATX. Admission is free on February 13.
For Self-Care Lovers
There are Valentine’s Day specials at Hiatus Spa + Retreat for singles and couples. Romance yourself with “The Greatest Love of All,” a two-hour treat just for you that includes a facial and a massage. “The Sweetheart Retreat” is for you and your partner and comes with a side-by-side massage with their special love potion and a rose petal and sugar foot scrub. Check prices and book Valentine’s Day packages on their site.
Viva Day Spa has mustered up a delectable assortment of romantic Valentine’s Day packages as well. Pick from options such as, “Love You Head-to-Toe,” a luxe spa package featuring Swedish massage, Custom Designer Facial, Viva Pedicure and more spa extras. Or, perhaps for the chocolate lovers, indulge in the, “Choco-Love Mani-Pedi,” a delicious 90-minute nail package. Prices start at $105. Call 512 262 9207 to book.
For A Romantic Getaway
Lakeway Resort and Spa has romantic getaway packages that are perfect for Valentine’s Day. Delight in a lovely stay with your “Lakeway Sweetheart” or experience “Champagne, Roses, and Romance” in the lap of Texas Hill Country luxury. Lakeway pulls out all the stops – champagne, chocolate-covered strawberries, late check-out and more are included – to ensure you and your lover celebrate in a manner that would make Cupid proud. Rates start at $325 a night.
For Those Who Love A Little Naughtiness
Native Hostel is throwing a Ruby Red Valentine’s Day Cabaret. The 1920s-themed event will provide soulful jazz by Savannah Red, a burlesque show by Goldie Candela and plant based cuisine by Ranch Hand. The speakeasy-styled soiree will be upstairs in Native Hostel’s Romper Room space on February 14th, from 7 to 9 p.m. Tickets, available here, are $49 before February 1, then $59 and $69 at the door.
For Movie Lovers
Make it a movie night with one of the most romantic ghost stories of all time, “Ghost.” The Alamo Drafthouse Mueller location will show the 1990 film starring Demi Moore, Whoopi Goldberg and Patrick Swayze on February 13. While you watch, enjoy a three course dinner that includes a selection of cheeses, chicken saltimbocca served with potato “pottery” and an apple-pear galette. Purchase tickets here.
For Chocolate Lovers
Delysia Chocolatier’s Romance in every bite: A Valentine’s chocolate tasting will take place at their tasting room on February 14th, 15th and 16th. Owner and chocolatier, Chef Nicole Patel, has picked six chocolate truffles, including strawberry brut, spiced wine berry and tiramisu, that are “inspired by the fervid and passionate flavors that elevate the romance of each love story with every decadent bite.” The truffles will be paired with a glass of wine. Tickets for tastings, available here, are $20.
Trichelle Works 