Chicago's Spiaggia Hosting Special Valentine's Day Dinner

Michelin-rated Spiaggia in Chicago has the perfect date night atmosphere, from the cozy booths and comfy tables adorned with flowers to the showpiece two-storied windows overlooking Lake Michigan. The menus, both a la carte and tasting, represent Chefs Tony Mantuano and Joe Flamm’s (currently competing on Bravo’s “Top Chef”) love story with the country of Italy.

This Valentine’s Day, available one night only, they have curated a special per due menu, available for $240 per couple. Inspired by Chef Joe Flamm’s favorite date night—cooking steak for two at home—the menu features:

• Tonna Vitella (Bluefin Tuna tartare with a veal demi aioli, smoked waygu powder and capers)
• Bucatini “1985” (Saffron semolina pasta with starlet cavier, black truffle and local honey)
• Bistecca Florentina (45-day dry-aged porterhouse with truffle hollandaise, rams, beef fat potatoes and nasturtium cream
• Coconut Panna Cotta with kiwi and grapefruit

This unparalleled dining experience encourages sharing between couples and its creativity fosters easy dining conversation. To complete the meal, Sommelier/Beverage Director Rachael Lowe has put together a selection of Valentine’s Day wines and champagnes to pair with the menu including the Pertois-Lebrun Instant Brut Grand Cru NV ($160), the Jean Vasselle Oeil de Perdrix Brut Rose NV ($104), the Primosic Klin Sauvignon Blac/Fruilano/Chardonnay Blend 2011 ($88), the Tenuta di Arceno Valadorna Cabernet Blend 2010 ($190) and the Castella di Neive Santo Stefano Albensani Barbaresco 2009 ($115).

Couples seeking a slightly more lowkey Valentine’s Day should consider Café Spiaggia. Just as romantic as its neighbor, Café Spiaggia is a local gathering spot offering casual Italian fare by Chefs Joe & Tony. Couples can enjoy shared plates and handmade pastas in the softly lit and inviting environment. Standout dishes include burrata (plum and fig jam, preserved meyer lemon,  saba, focaccia), gnocchi (wild boar ragu, Parmigiano Reggiano, basil), Linguine (manila clams, Controne, spring onion) and lobster (bucatini, Calabrian chiles mascarpone, radish).

In addition, for couples looking for a hands-on culinary experience, Pastry Chef Joey Schwab is hosting an Italian Cookie Cooking Class on Saturday, February 24 from 12 to 2 p.m. From biscotti to pizzella, Schwab will demonstrate how to make some of his favorite sweat treats. A perfect gift for your significant other, tickets are now available and for $100 also include wine and lunch.