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In response to multiple queries about last minute Valentine's Day restaurant options, I will reiterate several possibilities--still viable as of 9 PM last night--as discussed on-air this morning with John Carney on KTRS, The Big 550.
The good news: There are several ways to still get a table, even at this late hour, and several thing to remember.
First, the sure things. The following places still have openings:
- Winslow's Home (The Cellar) - A stunning combination of old and new design elements, The Cellar opened for private events just last week. The first dinner event open to the public is tonight: one seating--at 7 PM; communal tables only--a different twist for Valentine's Day; dinner served family-style -several entrees, sides, and desserts--all passed; one price--$85, includes wine. Chef Wil Fernandez-Cruz is at the helm, assisted by his pastry chef wife, who recently joined the Winslow's family. Something different? Something memorable? This is the place. Call 314-725-7559 or reserve through catering@winslowshome.com
- Pairings Wine & Dessert Bar - recently opened in Des Peres, tonight it's 3 courses for $65, with availabilities at 6 and 8 p.m.
- Quincy Street Bistro - In a phrase, QSB's a really top-notch bar and grill. It's big (on two levels), there's a lot of deuce tables, and some of them are still available for tonight.
- Bugatti's - Last night, the steakhouse at Ameristar Casino had openings after 7:30 (and what civilized Valentine would dine before that time anyway, right?). Bugatti's is home to a timely, by-request-only item called the "bone luge." (Regarding same, Carney quipped, "Ask for it? Most of the time I have to beg for it.")
- Bixby's (at the Missouri History Museum)- Tonight's Fire & Ice Dinner, $55 for 4 courses, still has tables available at 6 p.m. We suggest going to dinner, then taking the short walk over to Art Hill (this evening renamed "Heart Hill"), for the Burnin' Love Festival.
For those who live their lives a bit more on the edge, this suggestion:
- Valentine's Day is the most double- and triple-booked reservation night of the year--in fear of making the wrong choice, planners will make several rezzies across town, never committing to one until the last minute. Translation: almost every restaurant will have open tables tonight due no-shows. We contend if you call five of your favorite restaurants about 5:30 p.m.--and be prepared to book out the door, if necessary--you will score a table. This course of action has more appeal, more of a surprise element, more potential for an experience, to which we say: go ahead and roll the dice. Doing so tonight rarely fails.
Seek out a restaurant with a big bar. Why? Most places don't reserve their bar seats, even on busy nights. Plus, dining at the bar has a different vibe--many times better than the one in the dining room. That said, consider the following:
- J. Gilbert's - 25 bar seats (that also happen to be the comfiest in town)
- BrickTops - 30 bar seats, plus a broad menu with something for everyone
- Cooper's Hawk Winery - Recently opened in Town and Country, the bar here is a a separate area with both barseats and high-top tables, all of it first come, first served.
- 801 Chophouse - Opened in December in the former ARAKA space in Clayton, 801 has a huge, spectacular oval bar, with count-'em, 48 seats. It's not cheap but the quality is evident. This gets our vote for a last-minute splurge.
Or grab a group: You're a procrastinator, chances are your friends are, too. So make a few calls and see if you can assemble a party of 6 or 8. Restaurants with larger tables and/or semi-private rooms/booths have a hard time booking same on Valentine's Day. Just be prepared: at some point in the evening, there will be some discussion of swapping. You've been warned...
Consider a buffet... An odd choice on the surface, but bear with me. Big day dinners are too predictable, too often hum-drum. Think out of the box on this night and try something different. Something like:
- Haveli - Owner Hema Patel pulls out all the stops every Valentine's Day-- we daresay all of your fave Indian items will be available. A newbie to Indian food? This is the night to try it out. The price is a bargain at $17.99 per person.
- India Palace - Another lavish Indian buffet (another steal at $21.95 per person), this one takes place 11 stories up, overlooking the airport. Between bites of chicken tikka masala, watch planes in the distance taking off and landing...and plan your next vacation. It doesn't get any more romantic than that.
