A Valentine's Day Sampler For Lovers
By DineHuntington.com/ foodie@longislandernews.com

Valentine’s Day… whether you’re a new couple or long-married, Valentine’s Day dinner out is practically a must. Champagne, roses and an intimate meal – preferably candlelit one – set the mood for the annual declaration of love that is Valentine’s Day.
There’s no shortage of dining choices in the dining capital of Long Island, and while Valentine’s Day for some call for a return to traditional favorites, for others it’s a time to try someplace new. Foloowing is a sampling of Valentine’s Day destinations. Reservations are an absolute must. While the holiday falls on a Monday – a day many restaurants are closed – most are open for the occasion. Check with your favorite restaurant, and don’t forget the flowers.

Jonathan’s Ristorante (15 Wall St., Huntington 631-549-0055 www. Jonathans ristorante.com) Jonathan’s celebrates Valentine’s Day with special menu items beginning at 5 p.m., including oysters with a sherry mignonette ($14) or the Burrata di Bufala, a mozzarella that’s rich and creamy on the inside, served with a beet carpaccio and broccoli rabe pesto ($13). Entrees include a homemade cavatelli with Maine lobster, pancetta and San Marzano tomato sauce ($26); Risotto di Mare with scallop, shrimp, mussels, clams and Chef Tito Onofre’s new favorite ingredient, sweet water prawn ($28); roast duck breast with black currant sauce ($26); and filet mignon with black truffle sauce potato/leek gratin ($36). Featured from owner Roberto Oronato’s Wine Spectator Award-winning wine list, Sauvignon Blanc, Cakebread, Napa ($15/glass) is balanced, with juicy acidity and good Meyer lemon, apple and pear flavors.

Perfecto Mundo (1141-1 Jericho Tpke., Commack 631-864-2777 www.perfectomundony.com) Executive Chef Steve Del Lima and co-owner Liz Keschl serve up a three-course prix fixe that includes those extra details… a rose for your Valentine and a complimentary glass of champagne to start. Perfecto Mundo specializes in Latin fusion cuisine. $95 a couple.

Porto Vivo (7 Gerard St., Huntington 631-385-8486 www.porto-vivo.com) Sleek and stylish with an upstairs fireplace room, a downstairs wine room and a happening bar scene in-between, Porto Vivo promises to delight lovers on Feb. 14. A $55/per person, three-course, prix-fixe menu includes complimentary glass of champagne to start. Check the website for the special Feb. 14. menu.

Besito (402 New York Ave., Huntington 631-549-0100 www.besito.com) In Spanish, Besito literally means a little kiss. Can you find a more romantic excuse for eating Mexican on Valentine’s Day? Special a la carte items hit the menu beginning Friday, Feb. 11 through Valentine’s Day. Tableside guacamole is a must. Special entrees include Pescado Y Tamale de Jaiba, a pan-seared filet of sea bass and crab tamale served with green chile atole and roasted tomatoes ($27). Dessert choices include Corazon Sangrado, or “bleeding hearts cake,” a light sponge cake flavored with Mexican chocolate served with raspberry puree and whipped cream ($8).

HONU Kitchen and Cocktails (363 New York Ave., Huntington 631-421-6900 www.honurestaurant.com) Huntington hot spot Honu, a place to see and be seen, gets intimate for Valentine’s Day. Do oysters have an aphrodisiac effect? Try the appetizer of buttermilk fried Blue Point oysters with roasted corn, applewood bacon & green chile aioli ($15) and let us know. Special entrees include seared rib-eye steak with roasted mushrooms and Parmesan sauce ($29), and a crab crusted barramundi filet with roasted ratatouille and saffron burre blanc ($28).

Ruvo (63 Broadway, Greenlawn 631-261-7700 www.ruvorestaurant.com) turns up the romance for Valentine’s Day. Intimate without being stuffy, the star at Ruvo is creative Italian cookery with a reliance on fresh and — when possible — local ingredients. A three-course prix-fixe menu is served for Feb. 14. from 4 p.m. Antipasto course includes oysters, of course; Rockefeller style or with a mignonette sauce. Among seven entrée selections are duck with an orange-pomegranate glaze ($50); rack of lamb with port wine fig sauce ($55); pan-seared yellow fin tuna with eggplant caponata, creamy risotto and balsamic red wine reduction ($50). A half-dozen desserts are offered, but who couldn’t choose the long-stemmed chocolate covered strawberries?

Bistro Cassis (55B Wall St., Huntington 631-421-4122 www.bistrocassis.com). For Valentine’s Day you can’t go wrong when Bistro is part of the name. The Huntington village institution will transport you to a Parisian street cafe, at least in your mind. What you do from there is up to you.

Grasso’s (134 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor 631-367-6060 www.grassosrestaurant.com)
Monday, February 14, 6:30 p.m. the Sue Giles Trio – vocals, piano and bass – performs for Valentine’s Day. Owner Gail Grasso promises romance will be the order of the day. Little specialties will be prepared for the occasion, and love will be in the air. With a northern Italian bent and international influences, Grasso’s menu is tough to pigeonhole but easy to find a favorite on.

Swallow (366 New York Ave., Huntington 631-547-5388 www.swallowrestaurant.com) It’s tough to find a restaurant more intimate than Swallow. With little more than a dozen seats and a half-dozen more at the bar, chef/owner James Tchinnis has set up his kitchen in the front window overlooking New York Avenue as well as his dining room. Candlelight, a cozy atmosphere and small plates designed for sharing make this a top choice for those seeking a romantic evening, and Tchinnis’ creative approach promises a treat. Newly opened, it’s bring your own wine for now. Reservations are recommended even on weekdays; a must for Valentine’s Day.