Eat One for the Gripper
Miami’s pastry scene has reached new heights at The Dutch (2201 Collins Ave., Miami Beach, 305.938.3111, thedutchmiami.com) thanks to award-winning chef Joshua Gripper. The New American spot inside W South Beach offers decadent desserts year-round, but Valentine’s Day will be exceptionally sweet for those who indulge in the Gripper’s Grail for Two (above). This mélange of rich ingredients includes homemade chocolate and caramel ice cream, passion-fruit sorbet, house-made marshmallow fluff, caramelized banana, chocolate mousse, crunchy meringue and shards of tempered dark chocolate. For an added kick, extra chocolate sauce is drizzled tableside.
Better Off Red
When it comes to loving couples, it’s hard to top the surf and turf at Red, the Steakhouse (119 Washington Ave., Miami Beach, 305.534.3688, redthesteakhouse.com). A whole Maine lobster and a prime tomahawk steak are paired with mammoth side dishes (think four-cheese macaroni or Brussels sprouts). Don’t forget the wine; Red offers more than 400 selections.
The Price is Right
Glitz, glamour and five-star cuisine always have been calling cards at The Forge (432 W. 41st St., Miami Beach, 305.538.8533, theforge.com). But this month, its opulent dining room packages all of that and more into an affordable Valentine’s Day special that runs from Feb. 11–14. The restaurant’s three-course meal for two, priced at $125, includes two glasses of Champagne, a center-cut filet mignon and a red velvet soufflé—made to order and served warm.
A Stroll in the Park
Follow a candlelit path to five different culinary destinations, each created and curated by Park & Ocean at Hugh Taylor Birch State Park in Fort Lauderdale (3109 E. Sunrise Blvd.). Stations feature dishes such as lobster cocktails and sliced filet mignon paired with bubbly or beer. Dine under tree canopies adorned with strings of twinkling lights, then take a romantic boat ride across the water to Park & Ocean, which sits amid a shady grove on the southeast side of the park along A1A. Time slots for “A Stroll in the Park” are available every 30 minutes on Feb. 11, 12 and 14. The first booking is at 5:30 p.m.; the last is 8:30 p.m. Tickets are $39.50 a person. Wine and cocktail pairings may be added for an additional $19.95 each. For reservations, call 954.357.2606.
Go It Alone
If you’re single, show yourself some love at Made in Italy (10 N.E. 27th St., Miami, madeinitalygourmet.com) in the Wynwood neighborhood. For Valentine’s Day, the restaurant and wine bar will host a singles dinner at a long, community-style table. For reservations, call 786.360.5671.
