Side Dish

By Aji Jones

Though a chill may be in the air, romance is heating up at local restaurants.

For the month of February, The Southampton Inn is offering a special promotion to rekindle romance. The Romance Package is $199 per couple, plus applicable taxes and gratuities, and includes a graciously appointed guestroom for one night with champagne, chocolates and a single long-stemed red rose. The package also includes a romantic dinner for two at Southampton Publick House and breakfast; guests may add an additional night for $99 (plus applicable taxes). For adventurous couples, transportation will be provided to the magnificent Cooper’s Beach. Call the Southampton Inn at (631) 283-6500 for reservations.

Nick & Toni’s in East Hampton will serve new menu items for Valentine’s Day. Executive Chef Joseph Realmuto has added Pizzetta with wild mushrooms, grana and arugula; Funghi with wild mushrooms and taleggio; Monk Fish with cavalo nero and roasted winter squash, and a chocolate roasted banana ice cream sandwich with espresso cream. Open for dinner Wednesday thru Sunday beginning at 6 p.m. For further information or reservations, call Nick & Toni’s at (631) 324-3550.

The Plaza Cafe in Southampton will offer a special three-course prix fixe on Valentine’s Day for $70 per person, plus tax and gratuity. Items include: pumpkin-lobster bisque with lobster ‘nuggets’ and chervil prosciutto-wrapped shrimp with porcini risotto and white truffle oil; local Bluepoint oysters with Pekonika vodka crème fraîche and American Osetra caviar; pan-roasted wild salmon with celery root purée, black trumpet mushrooms and red wine sauce; lobster and shrimp shepherds’ pie and more. For reservations or further information, call The Plaza Café at (631) 283-9323.

Tierra Mar in Westhampton Beach will celebrate Valentine’s Day with special menu items added to their á la carte menu including: oysters mignonette with shallot brunoise, cracked pepper and three vinegars; grilled Portobello mushroom and organic baby spinach salad; crisp, pan-fried, panko crusted local dayboat monkfish; red chili and lobster-infused aioli steamed vegetable medley and Tierra Mar fries; cedar plank-roasted Montauk lobster with fine herbs; fresh strawberries dipped in chocolate and chocolate fondue for two. Call (631) 288-2700 for reservations.

Della Femina in East Hampton is offering a special Valentine’s Day dinner for $49 per person, plus taxes and gratuity. In addition, the restaurant will offer their á la carte menu. The Valentine’s Day dinner menu, crafted by executive chef Michael Rozzi, includes: chilled Greenport oysters on the half shell; winter salad of North Fork beets, local apples, shaved fennel, preserved cherries and toasted hazelnuts; and grilled prime filet mignon with lobster sauce. For further information, please call (631) 329-6666.

Desmond’s Restaurant and Lounge, located at East Wind in Wading River, offers two sets of romantic dinners. From Sunday, February 11 to Sunday, February 18, a three-course Valentine’s week prix fixe menu is $22.95 per person, plus tax and gratuity. On Wednesday, February 14, a four-course meal for $44.95 per person, plus tax and gratuity, may be enjoyed while listening to background music by a live pianist. On February 14, couples may enjoy the My Suite Valentine package, which includes luxury suite accommodations; champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries on arrival; rose petal turndown service and an in-room continental breakfast for $399 per couple, plus taxes and gratuity. Call (631) 846-2335 for information and reservations.

Annona Restaurant in Westhampton Beach hosts a romantic four-course dinner for $50 per person. Before dining, up until 9 p.m., couples may share a heart-racing thrill – getting up close to some of the world’s most exotic luxury cars: Rolls-Royce, Bentley, Lamborghini, Ferrari and Spyker – on the ground floor of Annona, in the 16,000 square foot showroom of Manhattan Motorcars of the Hamptons. Menu items include: beet tartar with goat cheese; bone marrow ravioli with parsley root and browned butter; poussin with polenta and hen of the woods mushrooms; red snapper with fregula, blood orange and scallion; pomegranate panna cotta, or marmalade chocolate seduction cake. Call (631) 288-7766 for reservations.