If you don't want to be caught eating Taco Shop burritos by candlelight, try calling one of these restaurants. They won't put your food in a paper baggie, but they just might give you salsa. Happy Valentine's Day!
Contigo
3770 E. Sunrise Drive, at the Westin La Paloma, 520-299-1540
Contigo Latin Kitchen opened at the Westin La Paloma in the spring of 2014, moving into the former home of Poppy Kitchen.
The posh Latin restaurant at La Paloma is holding a special Like Water for Chocolate-themed dinner, with dishes from the movie. Cost is $50 per guest, with additional wine pairings for $25. Highlights from the four-course meal include:
— Chile en Nogada with a pork picadillo, topped with walnut sauce and pomegranate seeds
— Cordonices con mostarza y miel de rosas, grilled quail, with rose petals and honey mustard sauce, sauteed spinach and spanish rice
View the menu and reserve your spot here
Maynards
400 N. Toole Ave., 520-545-0577
Maynards Market and Kitchen is located inside Tucson's historic train depot at 400 N. Toole Ave.
From 5 - 9 p.m., the downtown restaurant will serve its regular menu as well as a special three-course meal by Chef Brian Smith. Prices vary for each entree. Highlights include:
— Dry Aged NY Strip with wood roasted quail, stuffed with apple cornbread stuffing, parsnip puree, smoked truffle sauce, nasturtium, $38
— Champagne Gendise Cake, raspberry fool, white chocolate ganache frosting, pistachio crumble, chocolate covered strawberries, $15
View the full menu and book here.
The Cup Cafe at Hotel Congress
311 E. Congress St., 520-798-1618
Nicky Moore and Stewart Alaniz eat at the Cup Cafe at Hotel Congress in 2008.
Starting at 5 p.m., The Cup Cafe will roll out a Valentine's Day specials menu in addition to its regular menu. Prices vary for each dish. Highlights include:
— Venison Osso Bucco braised in Riesling, brown butter and sweet potato risotto, pomegranate, squash blossom and pan sauce, $25
— Ma Petite Peche "My Little Peach" cocktail with Stoli Peach vodka, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, housemade compote, sparkling float and blackberry garnish, $9
View the full menu here and reserve a table by calling 520-798-1618.
Agustin Kitchen
100 S. Avenida del Convento, 520-398-5382
Siblings Linda and Gordan Schmid enjoy a late lunch at Agustin Kitchen in the Mercado San Agustin.
From 5-10 p.m., Mercado San Agustin's flagship restaurant will serve a special a'la carte menu as well as a four-course prix fixe menu with glass of New Mexico bubbly for $80 per person. Highlights from the four course menu:
— Lobster Brulee with Fiore di Capra goat cheese, toasted pepitas, candied grapefruit, coriander and barrio croutons
— Seared Wild Sea Bass with beluga lentils, haricot vert, and buerre blanc
View the full menu here and reserve a table by calling 520-398-5382.
Ermanos
220 N. Fourth Ave., 520-445-6625
The main dining area features long sleek black booth lining the exposed brick wall.
From 6 - 10 p.m., the Fourth Ave. beer and wine bar will serve a four-course meal with beer and wine pairings for $69 per person. Highlights from the menu:
— Pork chop with prickly pear glaze, smashed potatoes and greens, paired with a Caparzo Rosso Di Montalcino (Edna Valley, CA)
— Flourless sexual chocolate cake with orange pearls and strawberry glaze, paired with a glass of SLO Down Sexual Chocolate (Napa, CA)
View the full menu here and make a reservation by calling 520-445-6625.
Cafe a la C'Art
150 N. Main Ave., 520-628-8533
The cafe at the Tucson Museum of Art will open its doors from 5-9 p.m. to serve a three course menu for $38 per person. Reservations only. Highlights from the menu include:
— Half Roasted Duck with wild rice pilaf, baby bok choy, carrots and plum sauce
— Chocolate Bomb for two sour cream chocolate cake with chocolate mousse, ganache, espresso crème anglaise and fresh berries
Check out the full menu here and reserve by calling 520-628-8533.
