Don’t underestimate the power of Valentine’s Day to sneak up on you at the last second. With less than a month left, there’s still time to craft the perfect date before reservations are gone. Here’s a preview of what’s cooking at 10 new spots.
Pelago Ristorante
Raffaello Hotel, 201 E. Delaware Pl. 312-280-0700
Ready to splurge? A decadent, red-hued four-course meal includes choices such as a radicchio and red endive salad, red snapper filet with red pepper sauce, and pomegranate mousse with kir royale sorbet. 5-10 p.m. Feb. 14. $78.
Rustico Grill
2515 N. California Ave. 773-235-0002
Dine a la carte on special dishes accented by chocolate, flowers and other romance-minded ingredients at this authentic Mexican eatery in Logan Square. Prices vary. 5-10 p.m. Feb. 13-14.
Epic
112 W. Hubbard St. 312-222-4940
Live large at this spacious new eatery and lounge in River North, where chef Stephen Wambach and pastry chef Christine McCabe team up on a four-course menu ($65). Wine pairings will be available for an extra fee. 5:30-10 p.m. Feb. 14.
Cibo Matto
201 N. State St. 312-239-9500
Yes, there’s the obligatory tasting menu (four courses, $75), but if you really want to embrace the Valentine’s Day spirit, consider one of the three specials — oysters, roasted chicken or grilled porterhouse — that are meant to be shared. Bonus: If your dinner goes really well, the adjoining Wit Hotel is steps away. 5:30-11 p.m. Feb. 12-15.
DeColores
1626 S. Halsted St. 312-226-9886
Romance is the word at this arty Pilsen BYOB, cloaking itself in red for the big day with crimson lighting and candles. Choose from two to three entree specials, and don’t miss dessert: jello infused with a lovey-dovey gelatin image of flowers. Prices vary. 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Feb. 14.
Ceres’ Table
4882 N. Clark St. 773-878-4882
This month-old contemporary American spot in Uptown is normally closed Sundays but will be open 5-9:30 p.m. on V-Day. In addition to the regular menu, chef Giuseppe Scurato offers a three-course degustation menu ($50) featuring lobster ravioli, surf and turf, and a chocolate souffle tart. Feb. 12-14.
Hearty
3819 N. Broadway. 773-868-9866
Get in the mood at this Boystown comfort-food spot with a three-course “aphrodisiac” prix fixe ($42) featuring lobster bread pudding and a pine nut saffron pastry cream tart. (Dishes may also be ordered a la carte.) Special Sunday brunch dishes are rosewater pancakes with port syrup, sweet creme fraiche and sugared rose petals ($10) and sweet crepes for 2 with options including balsamic strawberries ($15). 9 a.m.-2 p.m. (brunch); 5-10 p.m. (dinner) Feb. 14.
LM Le Restaurant
4539 N. Lincoln Ave. 773-942-7585
At what’s quickly becoming one of our favorite new restaurants, there are two menus, two prices and two seatings Saturday and Sunday. Make a reservation between 5-6 p.m. and you’ll have the option to order the $40, three-course menu. The $75, five-course menu is available at 6:30 p.m. and after.
Cuna
1113 W. Belmont Ave. 312-224-8588
Choose the early seating (5:30 p.m.) for a three-course meal ($75), or go with the 8 p.m. seating for a four-course dinner ($85), both with wine pairings. Chef Kendal Duque’s options include sweet potato soup, saffron seafood risotto, braised beef short ribs and more. Feb. 14.
Sprout
1417 W. Fullerton Ave. 773-348-0706
Don’t expect any aphrodisiacs or rose petals on chef Dale Levitski’s V-Day menu. That’s not the former “Top Chef” contestant’s style. Instead, you’ll find several fresh new appetizers, entrees and desserts incorporated into his nightly prix fixe ($60). Act fast: Sprout started receiving Valentine’s reservations before New Year’s. 5-11 p.m. Feb. 12-14.
———-
metromix@tribune.com
