Valentine’s Day 2011
This Valentine’s Day, South Florida’s most celebrated restaurants will offer dining suitable for any mood and taste. For those looking for a sophisticated night on the town, The Grill on the Alley offers classic steakhouse dining in a romantic setting. Area 31 is the perfect destination for chocolate lovers, while Jaguar Ceviche offers a meal ideal for before or after a visit to the movies. Those looking for a romantic meal with a Latin spin will enjoy a visit to Talavera Cocina.

Area 31
6th floor of EPIC Hotel
270 Biscayne Blvd. Way
Miami, Florida 33131.
Area 31 in Kimpton’s EPIC Hotel is featuring a Valentine’s Day menu that will delight any chocolate lover. Special chocolate-infused additions to the menu will include Marinated Shrimp (cauliflower, white chocolate, mizuna), Cocoa Nib Crusted Foie Gras (mango, jicama, chili), Cocoa Butter Poached Lobster (creamed salsify, brussel sprouts, chestnut) and Chocolate Stout Braised Short Ribs (olive potatoes, baby carrots, dried cherry).

A Valentine’s Day menu wouldn’t be complete without dessert, and these chocolate creations don’t disappoint. In honor of National Chocolate Month, Area 31 will be serving three new chocolate creations the entire month of February that include a Chocolate-Banana ‘Rock’ (butterscotch ice cream), Caramelized White Chocolate Ice Cream (basil cake, Satusuma tangerine) and a Milk Chocolate Cremeaux (coconut, spiced cake, rum ice cream).

A special Valentine’s Day happy hour will take place February 14 from 6 pm to 11 pm on the Area 31 patio. With live music, sparkling rose specials and tasty sweets, Area 31 is the perfect place to go with a loved one or friends.

The Valentine’s Day menu will be available beginning Friday, February 11 through Valentine’s Day. A limited a la carte menu will also be available. For more information, please call Area 31 at 305.424.5234 or visit www.area31restaurant.com. Area 31 is located on the 16th floor of EPIC Hotel at 270 Biscayne Blvd. Way., Miami, Florida 33131.

The Grill on the Alley
The Grill on the Alley is a sophisticated, romantic restaurant featuring a variety of specialty dishes by Executive Chef Luis Padilla. The a la carte menu allows guests to enjoy an elegant dinner featuring The Grill’s classic American fare.

The Valentine’s Day menu includes a special meal perfect for sharing. The “Tomahawk Chop for Two” ($110) is comprised of a choice of starter (Lobster Ravioli or Crab Cake), two side dishes (Creamed Spinach, Shoestring Fries, Loaded Mac & Cheese, Spinach Mashed Potatoes or Grilled Asparagus), one bone-in 32 oz Tomahawk Rib Chop carved tableside and a delicious Signature Chocolate Cake For Two.

The Valentine’s Day menu includes appetizers such as Lobster Ravioli (topped with a truffle lobster bisque, leek and frisée salad – $16.75) and Florida Stone Crabs (with cold mustard and cocktail sauce – $19.75). Entrées include Roasted Australian Rack of Lamb (marinated in rosemary herb seasoning, served with spinach mashed potatoes and a Marsala mint sauce – $37.50), Bone-In Filet Mignon (16 oz served with spinach mashed potatoes – $54.75) and Pan Seared Sea Scallops (jumbo pan-seared sea scallops with an orange fennel Beurre Banc sauce, served with grilled vegetables – $29.50).

The Valentine’s Day menu will be available from 4 pm to 11 pm beginning Friday, February 11 through Valentine’s Day. Valet parking is available. For more information and reservations, please call The Grill on the Alley at 305.466.7195 or visit www.thegrill.com.

Jaguar Ceviche
3067 Grand Avenue
Coconut Grove, Florida 33133
Jaguar Ceviche is the perfect destination for a dinner and movie date this Valentine’s Day. Located just blocks away from the new Paragon Theater, guests can enjoy Jaguar’s five-course menu before or after a screening of your favorite romantic film.

The menu showcases Jaguar’s signature Latin American dishes with a variety of innovative ceviches, fresh seafood and expertly spiced meats. The meal begins with a Ceviche Nuevo (shrimp, aju Amarillo, ginger soy, lime and grape seed oil), followed by a Sebastian Crab Cake (aji Amarillo aioli, aju panca sauce and salsa criolla), then a refreshing Mambo Kings Mango Salad (seared Ahi tuna, mixed greens, avocado). The main course is a delicious Filet Mignon (house-made chimichurri, roasted garlic), while the sweet Mini Chocolate Kiss (homemade chocolate cake with raspberry coulis and spicy almond Florentine) makes for the perfect dessert.

The prix-fixe menu is available throughout the month of February for $32++. An a la carte menu will also be available. Jaguar Ceviche Spoon Bar and Latam Grill is located at 3067 Grand Avenue, Coconut Grove, Florida 33133 (Adjacent to the Coco-Walk Shopping Center). For more information, please call Jaguar Ceviche at 305.444.0216 or visit www.jaguarspot.com.

Talavera Cocina Mexicana
2299 Ponce de Leon
Coral Gables, Florida 333134
Talavera brings a little piece of Mexico to Coral Gables this Valentine’s Day, offering a delightful blend of old and new world Mexico in a delicious five-course meal.

The meal includes the savory Guaca-Shrimp (crispy tortilla bowl stuffed with freshly made guacamole, sautéed shrimp and guajillo pepper), Fresh Corn Soup (onions, garlic, touch of cream, grilled corn and cilantro), Blue Corn Sope (topped with a black bean puree, chilorio and pico de gall verde), Seared Petit Beef (tenderloin filet served with a huitlachoche sauce, sautéed mushrooms and guajillo potatoes) and to complete the meal the Mini Chocolate Kiss (homemade chocolate cake with raspberry coulis and spicy almond Florentine).

The prix-fixe menu is available for $32++, with an a la carte menu available. Talavera Cocina Mexicana is located at 2299 Ponce de Leon, Coral Gables, Florida 333134 (On the corner of Giralda). For more information, please call Talavera at 305.444.2955 or visit www.talaveraspot.com .