14 More Valley Places to Wine and Dine Your Honey Bun on Valentine's

By Dominique Chatterjee Wed., Feb. 6 2013 at 9:00 AM

Categories: Seasonal

El Chorro Lodge

A romantic setting to woo your sweetheart

Remember last year when you swore you'd make Valentine's Day plans way ahead of schedule so as not to repeat the twelve-hour scramble of years past? It might be too late to get a reservation at the top spots in town, but you haven't missed the window entirely -- not yet. But put off calling around (or, let's be honest, browsing on OpenTable) too long, and you'll be left throwing together a DIY shindig or trying to make up your mishap to an angry date.

El Chorro

This Valley classic, which originally opened in 1937, is offering a "Romance in the Desert" menu to be enjoyed in the picturesque setting at the base of Camelback and Mummy mountains. The three-course dinner options include a salad of hearts of Romaine with lobster vinaigrette, a Lovebird Duo of pan-roasted chicken breast and leg confit with herb crust, center-cut filet with sweet(heart) potato gratin and asparagus, and Chilean sea bass with wild-for-you mushroom ravioli and haricot verb. Dessert is a choice of chocolate hearts with dark chocolate cake, milk chocolate ganache, and white chocolate mousse or strawberry shortcake with berry compote. The Valentine's menu is $105 for two and includes El Chorro's famous sticky buns, bread and butter, coffee, and tea. Wine pairings are an additional $25 per person. For reservations, call 480-948-5170.

Musical Instrument Museum

The museum might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of romance, but if the love of your life is a musician or even an avid listener, the MIM might be the perfect spot to woo him or her. The museum is hosting A Very Vintage Valentine's Day from 7 to 9:30 p.m. There will be live music from The Sugar Thieves, Savoy Hop Cats, DJ Smite, and more. The evening will also include gallery tours, a photo booth, live painting by Valley artists, and a cash bar. Appetizers will be served, and each guest will receive a complimentary beverage. The menu includes Wilson Ranch pork green chile cocoa sliders with cheddar and bacon, chickpea-saffron falafel with sweet pepper harissa and honey, and tuna-basil-pine nut cakes with herb-caper aioli. Tickets are $65 per person.