Category — fine dining

For some, it’s the perfect excuse to ramp up the romance, to others; it’s a mere “Hallmark Holiday.” But no matter your personal feelings about St. Valentine, February 14^th is an ideal date for a mid-winter’s night on the town. For the occasion, chefs across Central and Southwest Virginia (and around the world- click here for a history of the day, and how it’s celebrated all over the globe) pull out all the stops to charm their guests. From amuse bouche to mousse au chocolat, read on for a list of a few especially special regional Valentine’s Day Dining Options.

The Clifton Inn Charlottesville, VA Executive Chef Tucker Yoder has designed an elegant table d’hote menu featuring poached Virginia oysters, a foie gras terrine, coffee rubbed lamb shoulder with basil gnocchi, and goat milk panna cotta (just to name a few choices). The menu can be viewed by clicking here, and reservations may be made online or by calling (434) 971-1800. If the Chef’s Counter is available, it comes highly recommended.

The Millstone Tea Room Bedford, VA Proprietors Melanie and Jared Srisic offer fresh seafood, humanely raised pasture-fed meat, and locally sourced seasonal produce (some from their very own kitchen garden) year round. Theirs is a sweet, cozy restaurant; dimly lit, and with rich wood floors complimented by décor that is elegant and inviting; quiet and comfortable. The service is well-paced and friendly, though not intrusive; the perfect balance for a romantic meal. Last year’s Valentine’s Day Pre Fixe menu may be viewed here, but check back in the coming weeks for the 2012 version. For reservations, which are highly recommended, call 540-587-7100.

Dish Lynchburg, VA Dish isn’t offering a Valentine’s Day Menu per se, but this small plate restaurant is worth mentioning for a couple of reasons: sharing a meal necessarily brings us closer, but sharing a plate brings a whole new level of intimacy to one’s dining experience. Plus, every Tuesday night (on which Valentine’s Day happens to fall this year) they offer “Phenomenal Rendezvous,” a dinner for two with a bottle of wine included for only $35. What’s more, for all you turophiles out there, Dish offers a really lovely cheese selection, including a French Epoisses and a Grayson from nearby Galax, VA. Reservations are recommended and can be made by calling (434) 528-0700

Lucky Roanoke, VA Lucky Restaurant serves Southern American/Country French cuisine Tuesdays through Saturdays. Nearly everything served in the restaurant is locally sourced, so the dinner menu changes nightly, which is a really wonderful treat. They also have an excellent selection of wine, beer, and cocktails. The chefs are planning something special for Valentine’s Day this year, they’re just not quite sure what it will be…yet! Check back closer to the date for more information by calling (540) 982-1249. Reservations are recommended.

Smith Mountain Lake offers spectacular views and sightseeing, and Virginia Dare Cruises are a wonderful way to get out and experience the atmosphere of the lake in a new and exciting fashion.

Virginia Dare Cruises and Marina (located at 3619 Airport Road in Moneta, Virginia) is offering unique specialty cruises this summer in order to celebrate Parents’ Day and to enable participants to learn more about the wildlife here at the lake.

On Sunday, July 24th from 2-4 pm you are invited to give mom and dad a special gift for Parents’ Day-send them on a cruise where they can relax and indulge in a catered lunch while enjoying the plentiful sights and scenery. Parents are welcome to bring their children along. Children 5-12 are ½ of full rate and children 4 & under are ¼ of full rate. All prices include a 2-hour cruise, a delicious meal, tax, service charges, coffee & tea. A minimum of 30 people per cruise is required to sail.

Wildlife Wednesdays is another specialty cruise offered by our friends at Virginia Dare. On the first Wednesday of the month (April-November) from 12:00-2:00 pm, you can again enjoy a 2 hour cruise and a meal while a Smith Mountain Lake State Park Ranger teaches you more about the wildlife here at the lake. The next Wildlife Wednesday event will be held on August 3rd.

The menu for Wildlife Wednesdays includes: an appetizer, herb roasted pork loin, roasted chicken in a balsamic crème sauce, seasoned green beans, French onion rice, bread/butter, dessert, and coffee/tea.

The cost is $42.00 for adults, and the group rate is $38.00 per adult. Group rates apply for 30 or more adults.

To learn more about these special events, visit the dining and menu section of VA Dare Cruises at http://vadarecruises.com/cruises/dining-menu/.

Take some time out of your hectic schedule to enjoy these opportunities to have a day of cruising on the lake, relaxing and spending time with friends and neighbors, and enjoying a delicious hot meal!

Offering fine wine and delicious gourmet cuisine, Chateau Morisette is the perfect place to spend your Sunday listening to free live music and enjoying grilled foods, soft drinks and wine available to be purchased beginning at noon. You can even bring your own picnic and just enjoy the atmosphere and free entertainment.

Chateau Morrisette holds these events every Sunday through October. On Sunday, June 26^th, the live music and entertainment begins at 1:00 pm and ends at 4:00. They are located at:
287 Winery Road SW in Floyd, Virginia.

This Sunday’s entertainment is Crusher Run, who has been playing bluegrass, traditional folk country, and folk music since the fall of 2000. They describe themselves as a “Goodtime Band”. You can hear their music at http://www.myspace.com/crusherrun

Come out for free entertainment and purchase some food from the grill. Be sure to bring your own seating.

If you’d rather do something earlier in the morning, a Sunday Brunch Buffet is held every Sunday June-October from 11:00 am until 3:00 pm.

The buffet is $23.95 per adult and $12 for children under 12.

A limited a la carte menu is also available.

Take advantage of Chateau Morrisette’s special summer events!

For more information visit http://www.thedogs.com, email info@chateaumorrisette.com, or call (540) 593-2865