When it comes to romance, you’re one smooth operator. Candles, wine, music–you know just how to set the mood. There’s just one problem: Your slick facade melts when you enter a kitchen. But that doesn’t mean you can’t woo your valentine with an intimate dinner at home. Just hit up one of these spots for a foodie-worthy feast to go, then head back to your place, spark up the candles and let the romance begin.
Get fresh
At gourmet grocery August (1500 W. Division St. 773-252-9560), which recently took over the Hilary’s Urban Eatery space, chef/co-owner George Djurovic regularly whips up prepared dishes for carryout to accompany high-quality deli and grocery offerings ranging from prosciutto to produce. His Valentine’s Day menu–a steal at about $10 an entree–will depend on what’s fresh but likely will feature fish such as salmon or snapper with a light garnish. And don’t expect him to pile it into a plastic container with no concern for presentation. Djurovic, who put in time in the kitchen at four-star Tru, makes sure all of his dishes are “suitable for re-plating.”
Three-course affair
Kendall College grad Gary Singer opened White Linen Catering (449 W. North Ave. 312-951-9710) in July to focus on seasonal, fine-dining cuisine. But unlike some caterers, he doesn’t limit himself to lavish events. Pop in on Valentine’s Day and pick up a three-course meal for $50 a person. First, choose from shrimp-and-lobster bisque, corn-and-white-cheddar chowder or artichoke soup with applewood-smoked bacon. Entrees are equally impressive: surf-and-turf with potato gratin, seared sea scallops with asparagus risotto, cinnamon-braised lamb shank and grilled pancetta-wrapped quail. Desserts include a petit-fours sampler, vanilla cheesecake and poached pear creme anglaise. Plus, everything’s organically raised–no pesticides or antibiotics.
Heart healthy
Cooking Fools (1916 W. North Ave. 773-276-5565) highlights fresh, seasonal ingredients at its dual classroom-retail space. Grab everything you need, precooked, from the deli cases–think shrimp-and-scallop cakes, grilled flank steak, herb-grilled salmon and pearl couscous with roasted butternut squash. Cap it off with a decadent molten lava cake. Better still: Chef-owner Nick Faitage keeps it light and healthy by eschewing butter, cream and trans fats, so your meal will pass muster with the City Council–and you won’t feel too full to engage in an after-dinner work session of your own. Three-course meals run about $25 to $35 per person.
Share the love
Satisfy your hunger–and someone else’s–with a gourmet meal from non-profit First Slice Pie Cafe (4401 N. Ravenswood Ave. 773-506-7380), located in Lillstreet Art Center. When you pick up to-go meals ($25) like beef brisket, braised chicken, and teriyaki salmon with jasmine rice cakes, gingered edamame and carrots, you’re also helping First Slice’s community-supported kitchen. The kitchen, funded by subscribers who fork over a modest fee ($330 for individuals, $660 for families) to receive three prepared meals a week for 11 weeks, serves nutritious fare to the homeless.
Comfort food
At Southport Grocery & Cafe (3552 N. Southport Ave. 773-665-0100) you can pick up a tempting spread of high-quality comfort foods like ginger-carrot bisque ($6), an artisanal cheese assortment with house-made roasted nuts ($12), and an antipasto platter with cheese, veggies and citrus-herb olives ($12). And don’t forget the killer cupcakes ($2 each)–owner Lisa Santos says she’ll be “totally stocked up” on baked goods for Valentine’s Day. She suggests calling ahead to order to-go items from the cafe menu.
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metromix@tribune.com
