Nothing sets the tone for a romantic evening, though, like a fine dinner for two. Here are some local favorites that put the Valentine’s Day into every day.
The Left Bank, 511 Rhode Island St., Buffalo. Warm wood and brick walls, original artwork and low lights create a romantic ambiance. The menu is long on classic Italian dishes. Wednesdays are Asian evenings, with Thai and Vietnamese specials, and a jazz duo plays for Sunday brunch. More info: www.leftbankrestaurant.com
Hutch’s Restaurant, 1375 Delaware Ave., Buffalo, near Gates Circle. Crisp, white linens indoors and an outdoor patio welcome diners to enjoy innovative culinary creations and classic dishes with a twist, like pan-seared, peppercorn crusted beef tenderloin, Thai fried calamari, jambalaya pasta, shellfish risotto and char-grilled pork ribs with Hutch’s barbecue sauce. More info: www.hutchsrestaurant.com
Tempo, 581 Delaware Ave., Buffalo. Located in the historic Allentown District, this lovely restaurant is housed in a Tuscan villa built in 1878. The staff prides itself on presenting each course on the Italian-inspired menu as a work of art. Featured main dishes include line-caught Atlantic halibut, center-cut stuffed veal rib chops and Saltimbocca alla Romana.
The Chocolate Bar, 114 Chippewa, Buffalo. Chocolate is the food of love, and this place offers it in every form, from chocolate strawberry crepes to chocolate mousse, hot fudge sundaes chocolate fondue and make-your-own S’mores. There are also soups and salads, appetizers, sandwiches, entrees and some under-550-calorie dishes to whet your taste buds for a spectacular dessert. More info: www.thechocolatebar.com
31 Club, 31 N. Johnson Park, Buffalo. Enjoy a three-course prix fixe dinner at this modern supper club that retains the swank and style of its previous incarnation—a restaurant that was all the rage with the city’s in-crowd in the 1940s. If you’ve got theater or concert tickets for Shea’s or Kleinhans, you can catch a free shuttle from this restaurant to your destination after you enjoy a three-course, prix fixe dinner. Tuesdays and Wednesdays are Italian nights, and there’s a popular Sunday brunch. More info: www.the31club.com
San Marco Ristorante, 2082 Kensington Ave., Buffalo. Enjoy Northern Italian cuisine at this small, elegant bistro that has pleased Buffalo palates since 1984. Chef and owner Frank Grimaldi has cooking in his blood; his parents were private chefs for wealthy Italian families. Under the direction of Chef Frank and his wife Nancy, San Marco Ristorante was voted best Italian restaurant in Western New York and regularly makes Buffalo’s Top 10 restaurant lists. More info: sanmarcobuffalony.com
Many of these places are within walking distance of Canterbury Woods Gates Circle, but if you’re one of the fortunate residents who will occupy beautiful apartments at this soon-to-be-built retirement community, you won’t have to go far for a romantic date. You’ll be able to enjoy a glass of fine wine in the rooftop cocktail lounge, a small meal in the bistro or an elegant dinner in the main restaurant. And what could be more romantic than a catered, candlelight dinner in your own apartment, followed by an enchanted evening with your true love?
Sound good? Would you like to know more about an active retirement life and all the amenities you can imagine in a unique and carefree setting? We’ll tell you all about it when you call 716-929-5811, or click here.
