Southwest Metro Hot Date Spots

Photo: Marshall Franklin Long

Rare Steak's sushi chef Dan Sederstrom prepares tantalizing date-night cuisine, like the mojo roll Kate McGuire and Brook Benson are sharing.

For many couples, February is the month for planning a romantic evening out in celebration of Valentine’s Day, which might involve plates for two, candlelight and some kind of decadent dessert. But even if you’re not feeling all mushy about this Hallmark holiday, hit our list of date night spots for dishes and specials that will work anytime you’re in the mood for a special night out. 

Mojo Roll

Rare Steak and Sushi

Valentine’s Day falls on a Tuesday this year, so if you and your significant other are big on sushi, you’ll want to cash in on the bottomless sushi special offered on Tuesdays at Rare Steak and Sushi in the Eden Prairie Lifetime Athletic Club. Create a sampler platter all your own for just $29.95 per person, and make sure the mojo roll (regularly $14) is one of your choices. The decadent roll is filled with tuna, salmon, unagi, cream cheese and asparagus, tempura-battered and lightly fried, then topped with unagi sauce and Thai pepper sauce. The menu also offers plenty of appetizers to share, like the garlic Parmesan fries ($6), which are flavorful but not so overpowering as to ruin your chances for a kiss. Grass-fed steaks range from a 20-ounce bone-in ribeye ($28) to a 6-ounce petit filet ($20). 755 Prairie Center Dr., Eden Prairie; 952.829.8484

Bailey’s Irish Cream Cheesecake for Two

Chanhassen Dinner Theatres

For the price of $52 - $68 per person, take in dinner and a show this Valentine’s Day at Chanhassen Dinner Theatres, surely one of the best values around for date night. The Valentine’s Day menu includes several special items for two, like the chicken Chanhassen or raspberry salmon, and desserts for two like Bailey’s cheesecake or the towering chocolate cake (dessert not included in the base price). Hairspray and Forever Plaid will be playing for a one-stop evening of fun and romance, and you can upgrade to a Sweetheart Package, which includes champagne, appetizer, menu upgrades, a chocolate-lover’s dessert for two and a long-stemmed rose waiting at the table. If you’re celebrating with another couple, book a booth for four with dinner by candlelight. The basic price includes dinner, show and tax, but dessert, cocktails and menu upgrades cost additional. 501 W. 78^th St., Chanhassen; 952.934.1525

Mussels

Terra Waconia  

Is it true what they say about mussels being an aphrodisiac? Order the mussels cooked in white wine with butter and capers at Terra Waconia ($12), and find out for yourself. This winter’s menu also includes duck confit with parsnip puree, roasted beets, winter spinach and a pomegranate fig sauce ($19) and a lobster mac’ and cheese with shaved truffle ($25). Details were still being ironed out at the time of writing, but owner Tracy LeTourneau was planning a Valentine’s Day wine dinner and additional specials the entire weekend prior to Valentine’s Day. Call for more information. 140 W. Main St., Waconia; 952.442.3353

Three-course Valentine’s Day Meal

Houlihan’s

Houlihan’s runs a special three-course Valentine’s Day dinner the entire weekend prior to Valentine’s Day. For $19.95 per person, get a soup or salad, your choice of Georges bay scallops with lemon asparagus risotto or top sirloin with seasonal vegetable and choice of potato, plus a mini dessert. Drink specials cater to the Valentine’s Day lover or hater, with a love potion made with Pinnacle whipped cream vodka, Bailey’s and a kiss of strawberry, or the haterade, made with Pinnacle, Maker’s Mark, triple sec and a blend of juices. 530 Pond Promenade, Chanhassen; 952.974.3939

Cheese Plate

Lola’s Lake House

There’s something about being able to share a tasting – whether it’s wine, cheese or dessert – that heightens the whole dining experience, especially for couples. At Lola’s Lake House, this winter’s cheese plate ($13.95) includes an applewood smoked white cheddar, St. Mary’s gouda and BellaVitano gold, a rich, nutty cheese that starts out like a Parmesan and ends with notes of melted butter. The signature seafood stew pot ($20.95), with fish, shrimp, andouille sausage, mussels and clams, served with crusty bread, is made to be shared. To finish off the meal, make it the generous slice of Bailey’s cheesecake ($9), drizzled with Bailey’s sauce and chocolate, and ask for two forks, of course. 318 E. Lake St., Waconia; 952.442.4954

Dinner for Two

Axel's Steakhouse

If you’re okay with cheating a bit and going out for Valentine’s Day a day or two early, try the dinner for two at Axel’s Steakhouse. For a price of $54 on Sunday and Monday nights, get an appetizer to share like crab and artichoke dip, or mussels, two entrees like chicken masala or Axel’s famous walleye, dessert, and a bottle of wine. In addition, the restaurant will offer some higher end features for Valentine’s Day, including anything from cold water lobster tail to Delmonico steak. 560 W. 78th St., Chanhassen; 952.934.9340    

Garden Crispy Lavosh

JJ's Coffee Company & Wine Bar

Dim lighting, smooth jazz and cozy private booths all set the mood for romance at JJ’s. The garden crispy lavosh ($11) is an Armenian cracker bread with rich, melted havarti cheese, topped with red and green peppers, tomatoes and mushrooms. Order the works ($12) and you’ll also get Canadian bacon. The suggested pairing for this play on cheese and crackers is the Haras Carmenere, a full-bodied, robust red wine, or a Sierra Nevada. The pepper jack spinach and artichoke dip with tortilla chips and crispy ciabatta bread is another tasty dish to share ($8.50). When it’s time for the sweet stuff, it doesn’t get more fitting for V-Day than the red velvet mini-cake, topped with vanilla bean cream, whipped cream and red velvet cake crumbles ($5). 7942 Mitchell Rd., Eden Prairie; 952.974.1000

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