By Teri Carnicelli

    Valentine’s Day is a great opportunity to show the one you love (or even just like a lot) that they are more important to you than mere money. So why not rise to the occasion and spend a little dough on a romantic night out? Here are some great local options for you to try; reservations are highly recommended.

 

Aiello’s

3202 N. Central Ave.

602-277-8700

    Order from the regular menu, or try the special selections of roast prime rib, seafood cannelloni, or Brazilian lobster tail. Desert options include a special Valentine’s Zabaglione for Lovers, a marsala custard with fresh berries.

 

Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa

2400 E. Missouri Ave.

602-381-7632

    On Valentine’s Day only, a special romantic menu is being served in Wright’s at The Biltmore that includes a glass of Moet & Chandon White Star champagne and a rose for the ladies, for $90 (tax, tip not included). And throughout the month of February, lovers can share: gracious and evocative Chocolate Afternoon Tea ($36-$46); a private, daylong poolside Cabana Club Romantic Experience ($350); or a Romantic Couple’s Massage Under the Stars in a rose-petal strewn heated spa cabana with champagne ($280).

Christo’s Ristorante

6327 N. 7th St.

602-264-1784

    Christo’s offers a truly spectacular Valentine’s Day menu of your selection of appetizer (calamari, stuffed mushrooms, grilled scallops or fresh mussels), salad (hearts of palm, Caesar, Greek, or caprese), and entree. Among the many entree selections are Osso bucco with pasta, duck l’orange, filet mignon, and lobster tail with crabmeat stuffing. Reservations suggested.

Different Pointe of View

Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs

11111 N. 7th St.

602-866-6350

    Enjoy a romantic five-course dinner with one of the best views in the Valley. Dinner begins with your choice of braised kobe short rib or pan seared diver cold water scallops, followed by your choice of one soup and one salad, and then a selection of four entrees: Alba Truffle Cedar River Grilled Prime Fillet, Pan Seared John Dory, Citrus Butter Poached Main Lobster, or Herb Grilled Cherry Wood Smoked Venison. Desert is included in the $110 per person cost plus tax and tip).

Fez

3815 N. Central Avenue

602-287-8700

    At FEZ, Valentine’s Day stretches through Feb. 15. Enjoy two special entrees, including a  seafood medley angel hair pasta, as well as a special appetizer and new specialty desserts that are now baked and prepared in-house. On Sunday, try a fabulous brunch complete with $5 brunch cocktails and bottles of wine at 50 percent off.

Lantana Grille

Pointe Hilton Squaw Peak

7677 N. 16th St.

602-997-5850

    The Lantana Grille offers an upscale “surf and turf” menu, starting with a salad of California baby greens with bleu cheese, candied walnuts and orange vinaigrette followed by filet mignon, rock lobster tai, and twice-baked white cheddar potatoes. Finish with a chocolate marquise. Cost is $69 per person, tax and tip not included.

Marcellino Ristorante

1301 E. Northern Ave.

602-216-0004

    Chef Marcellino is combining the most romantic night of the year with one of the restaurant’s most popular events: Opera Night. Enjoy a sumptuous dinner, including a selection of heart-shaped gnocchi, while being serenaded by the superb vocal talents of James Flora.

    If the popular Opera Night dining experience already is booked by the time you call, Marcellino can still help make Valentine’s Day memorable. Just pre-order one of his delectable Baskets of Amore. True Italian fare to go, each basket is complete with an antipasto to share, two entrees and a decadent panna cotta dessert with warm chocolate sauce. There are three basket options: Pasta Lovers, featuring the heart-shaped gnocchi ($75); Fowl & Fish Lovers ($85); and Meat Lovers ($95), tax not included. Baskets of Amore must be prepaid and ordered at least 24 hours in advance.

Sonora Brew House

322 E. Camelback Road

602-279-8909

    Sonora offers a special dinner of bacon-wrapped beef tenderloin with sauteed shrimp, asparagus and potatoes, with choice of soup or salad, and a delicious dessert, for $24.99 per person. Reservations suggested. Since it is a microbrewery, Sonora also will feature Rex’s Crimson Ale for the occasion.

The Wrigley Mansion

2501 E. Telewa Trail

602-955-4079

    The regular dinner menu will be offered beginning at 5 p.m. with a few special dishes and desserts that you and your sweetheart are sure to love. Come for dinner and get into the after party for free, beginning at 8 p.m. If you are just looking for a great night (single or not single) come dance and listen to the tunes of Rhythm Fire for a $20 cover charge if you are not enjoying dinner prior.