Above: A nice meal and a little wine shared with someone special in an intimate cafe… maybe the “V” over the door at Vino 209 stands for valentine, too.
By Wini Moranville
If you’re feeling spendy, restaurateurs will be thrilled to help you live large for Valentine’s Day. At the top end is Fleming’s all-inclusive “Wine, Dine, and Sparkle” dinners that include a three-course dinner, Moët & Chandon (or Dom Pérignon at the top end), and jewelry from a Fifth-Avenue jeweler. These dinners range in price from $350 to $1,000 for two.
Personally, however, my favorite Valentine’s Day meals have never been the most grand and glamorous. For me, charming will do. That’s why, of the Valentine’s Day menus I’ve caught wind of, I particularly liked the one I spotted at Vino 209 a pleasant wine bar in Valley Junction.
Executive chef Andrew Phelps’ menu kicks off with prosciutto toasts that include roasted tomato, cured egg yolk, charred onion and chèvre (the latter is from Swede Point Creamery in Madrid). Next comes a salad with poached pears, cranberry-Stilton cheese and beets, followed by a main dish of tagliata di manzo: sliced bistro tenderloin with Maytag Blue walnut butter and Bordelaise sauce. It all sounds like an inspired – yet not-too-fussy- feast. The menu costs $45 per person; wine pairings and dessert (as well as tax and tip) are extra.
This Valentine’s Day menu will be served Feb. 12–16; reservations can be made through the website vino209.com or by calling 515-255-1209.
Personally, however, my favorite Valentine’s Day meals have never been the most grand and glamorous. For me, charming will do. That’s why, of the Valentine’s Day menus I’ve caught wind of, I particularly liked the one I spotted at Vino 209 a pleasant wine bar in Valley Junction.
Executive chef Andrew Phelps’ menu kicks off with prosciutto toasts that include roasted tomato, cured egg yolk, charred onion and chèvre (the latter is from Swede Point Creamery in Madrid). Next comes a salad with poached pears, cranberry-Stilton cheese and beets, followed by a main dish of tagliata di manzo: sliced bistro tenderloin with Maytag Blue walnut butter and Bordelaise sauce. It all sounds like an inspired – yet not-too-fussy- feast. The menu costs $45 per person; wine pairings and dessert (as well as tax and tip) are extra.
This Valentine’s Day menu will be served Feb. 12–16; reservations can be made through the website vino209.com or by calling 515-255-1209.
