Best Chicago Restaurants for Valentine's Day

If cupid enforced Valentine's Day dinner according to his terms, romantic arrangements would take place at select Chicago restaurants. In terms of dining out on the hallmark holiday, Valentine's Day can be an iffy diner proposition. After all -- mediocre cuisine, service and ambiance can disrupt the intended mood. From Italian, Asian, French, Latin and American, these are Chicago's best restaurant selections for February 14th, Valentine's Day 2010.

Amid a contemporary-furnished dining room, subdued lighting, and proportionately spaced tables, Roy's in Chicago's Streeterville, boasts an array of Asian inspired, indulgent offerings. Unlike other prix fixe menus, which come at a fixed price, Roy's selections are assessed, according to the entrée. The most favored starting points are the wagyu beef carpaccio; scallop roll; and, the kaitaffi wrapped jumbo lump crab cake.

For the third course, the land and sea entrées vie for attention. There's a buttered poached main lobster versus an Australian rack of lamb; or, the teriyaki grilled rib eye vs. a butterfish prepared Hawaiian style with wasabi ginger. Ending on a sweet note, Roy's classic melting hot chocolate soufflé delivers utter ecstasy. (Roy's Restaurant, 720 N. State Stree, Chicago, IL 60610 312.787.7599).

For an Italian version of Valentine's Day dinner, Merlot on Maple, in Chicago's Gold Coast is a picture perfect presentation for a romantic dinner. This classic establishment is a showcase of quixotic elegance, expansive windows, housed in quaint environs. As for the menu, executive chef Luisa Silvia Marani plans to prepare veal, the freshest seafood of the day, scallops, risotto and a few traditional Italian favorites. (Merlot on Maple 16 W. Maple Street, Chicago, IL 60610, 312.335.8200).

Bistro Bordeaux redefines going green on Valentine's Day. At least, it's what the ambiance of the French bistro suggests. Imagine 200 votive candles suspended above the dining space, champagne flutes bubbled in a rare Veuve Clicquot vintage-with a four-course degustation menu for two. The Evanston-based bistro highlights: poached scallops, Nieman Ranch beef, roasted skate wing and more. (Bistro Bordeaux, 618 Church Street, Evanston, IL 60201-847.424.1483).

There are few eateries, reflecting the 1860's when the French occupied Mexico. In West Town, that would be Mexique, Chicago's best restaurant for Mexican cuisine with French influences. This February 14th, 2010 Chef Carlos Gayton continues to personify that era with the revolution of Mexican gastronomy. Situated in Mexique's mod environs, Valentine's Day dinner consists of a tasting menu of saliva stimulants, such as: lobster bisque, Acapulco-fashioned ceviche (baby octopus, oysters, bay scallops and shrimp), crabmeat crusted wild sea bass. But, unlike other Chicago restaurants, Chef Gayton won't be upstaging the rest of the evening with a decadent dessert. (Mexique, 1529 W. Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60622. 312.850.0288).

Whoever said that Valentine's Day was not all Frank Sinatra, Harry Connick Jr., and Mariah Carey, doesn't appreciate ingesting indelible American cuisine to the likes of Metallica, Slipknot and Black Sabbath. Considering, Blue 13's addictive and unlikely American culinary concoctions are not the norm, expect chef Chris Curren to crank out sublime outcomes, such as truffled mac 'n' cheese or his signature "steak and egg on acid. With a tattooed decorative theme, this Valentine's Day dinner recommendation is not for the tame-hearted couple. (Blue 13, 416 W. Ontario, Chicago, IL. 312.787.1400).

In the meantime, it's not too late to make reservations at one of the aforementioned establishments. Whichever Chicago restaurant finds you on Valentine's Day, be sure to select a dinner that accommodates the loins ulterior motives. (ChicagoBestRestaurants.info has additional Valentine's Day 2010, dinner recommendations).