FOODIE

Treats For The Sweet On Valentine’s Day
By Tricia Arend / foodie@longislandernews.com

Valentine’s Day. If you only take your sweetheart out to dinner once a year (and if that’s the case, shame on you), this is the day. And because nothing says “I love you” like a shared meal in a beautiful setting with service that’s discreet yet attentive, where you dine is as important as what you eat.

A fine meal is a sensual experience any day of the week, and fortunately the restaurant capital of Long Island has many fine choices. Following are some of our picks for top Valentine’s Day dining spots.

Prime
117 New York Avenue, Huntington 631-385-1515 www.restaurantprime.com

Since the Bohlsen family opened Prime at the former Co-Co’s in 2006, Prime has set the benchmark for fine dining in Huntington, if not Islandwide. Spectacular views of Huntington Harbor, an elegant and artfully decorated setting and a creative and capable kitchen earned Prime an International Star Diamond Award from The American Academy of Hospitality Sciences in 2007.
For Valentine’s Day, Executive Chef Gregg Lauletta will add spectacular specials starting with lobster and black mushroom risotto, or Sushi appetizers tuna trio maki roll or spider roll; and for the entrée a mix-and-match surf-and-turf-for-two menu. Pair any “surf” – 2-lb. lobster, sautéed colossal prawns in a shellfish reduction or Alaskan king crab – with any “turf” – filet mignon, Tellers’ Ribeye or porterhouse steak. Dessert features an indulgent trio of chocolate truffle crunch bar, white hot chocolate and warm chocolate cake that’s sure to get the endorphins up. The specials are in addition to Prime’s regular menu. Reservations are a must.

Ruvo
63 Broadway, Greenlawn 631-261-7700

Cozy despite a busy atmosphere, Ruvo’s kitchen relies on creativity based on rustic Italian traditions with the freshest ingredients. For Valentine’s Day, a prix fixe is offered Friday and Saturday ($45 per person, $65 with wine pairing). Oysters Rockefeller are on the menu for you sensualists, as are Yellow Fin Tuna, our favorite Seared Diver Scallops, and Lobster Ravioli, among the selections, followed by a selection of homemade chocolate truffles and on Saturday there’s a red rose for every lady. They sure know how to get the mood going at Ruvo.

Panama Hatties
872 E. Jericho Turnpike, Huntington Station 631-351-1727 www.panamahatties.com

Another benchmark of excellence in the Huntington area, Executive Chef and Owner Matt Hisinger keeps his kitchen on the cutting edge while maintaining traditional standards of service. This is the place you take your sweetheart for that memorable meal and if the sky’s the limit, that meal might start with caviar, an international selection of fine cheeses or seafood selections. Favorite appetizers include the Jumbo Lump Crabmeat or anything Tuna; and entrees the Pan Roasted Wild Striped Bass, Double Cut Colorado Lamb Chop or Long Island Duck Breast. Desserts are decadent, and practically required on Valentine’s Day.

HONU Kitchen and Cocktails
363 New York Ave., Huntington 631-421-6900 www.honukitchen.com

Less formal but still a treat, Honu’s small plate menu allows diners a culinary journey. Honu is the master of martinins, so start things rolling with something from the bar. Sensual-minded Valentine diners should go for anything with figs – because they do that so well – and sample extensively from the menu. In addition to the regular menu, Valentine’s Day specials include Tuna and avocado tartar  appetizer; and Mini Beef Wellington  or Pancetta wrapped monk fish on the entrée side.

Jonathan’s Ristorante
15 Wall Street, Huntington 631-549-0055 www.jonathansristorante.com

Long a favorite of the Foodies for it’s comfortable yet elegant atmosphere, Jonathan’s offers plenty of quiet tables for couples to enjoy the creations owner Robert Oronato and Chef Tino Onofre create in the open kitchen at the back of the spacious restaurant. We’re told artichokes are an aphrodisiac and nobody does them better than Jonathan’s – order the deep fried baby artichokes as a side dish, appetizer or with shrimp, but don’t miss them. We don’t know what they say about the sensual properties of pumpkin, but Onofre manages to draw them out in a favorite specialty, pumpkin ravioli with sage butter and amaretto cookie dust. It’s magic.
For Valentine’s Day, there’s a pre fixe menu special of $45 for appetizer, main course and homemade desserts. A Blackened yellowfin tuna with avocado and tomato salad; and Duck breast with black currant sauce, faro salad and grilled asparagus sound intriguing, but there’s plenty to choose from.

Restaurant Mazzi
493 Jericho Tpke, Huntington Station 631-421-3390

It’s been some time since the Foodies visited Mazzi, but the kitchen consistently sends out winners, and for comfy, cozy atmosphere, the place can’t be beat. Ask Cathy for that extra-private table tucked into a nook in the corner and the romance will flow. The fact that the meals and dessert are consistently excellent is almost superfluous.

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