Roses & Candlelight
Red roses, candlelight and wine, all topped off by a rich, chocolatey dessert. How romantic and, after all, isn’t romance what Valentine’s Day is all about.
The tristate region provides plenty of venues to fulfill this vision but here a few spectacular opportunities.
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to eat as if you were to the manor born? Well, now you can find out when After Hours of Great Barrington and Dare Bottleshop and Provisions of Lenox stage a Gilded Valentine Dining Experience at Ventfort Mansion, 104 Walker Street in Lenox MA.
Kevin Kelly is creator of After Hours, a new concept in dining through which he carries his culinary skills to other restaurants and venues during hours that their owners are normally closed.
On February 13th, his “restaurant without a home” will come to Ventfort, a Gilded Age “cottage” built in 1893 for George and Sarah Morgan, sister of financier J.P. Morgan. The 50-room Jacobean mansion is being lovingly restored and is used as a museum depicting life at a time when over-the-top opulence was de rigueur, even in rural settings such as 19th-century Lenox.
In keeping with the luxurious past of the building, formal attire is suggested for the Gilded Valentine Dining Experience to enhance the ambiance of the occasion. “Gilded Age dinners were nothing if not competitively formal,” Kelly said.
He will present an authentic Gilded Age menu and dessert for the dining experience with a four-course dinner. Vegetarian options can be requested. Dare Bottleshop and Provisions will provide a Bordeaux and wine sampling experience and, for those who want to extend the Victorian-era ambiance even further, there will be a Champagne Hour before dinner where participants can join other Champagne enthusiasts in the Ventfort Hall Billiard Room for a dry Gilded Age Champagne and nibblies.
The event is priced at $95 per person; $185 per couple, and $525 for a table of six, not including gratuity. The Champagne Hour is an additional $25. For reservations and menu, click here.
Proceeds benefit the operation and maintenance of Ventfort Hall and further collaborative opportunities with community partners.
Nearby, in the center of Stockbridge MA, one finds the Red Lion Inn, an ever-popular destination for Valentine’s Day couples. The rich décor and atmosphere of this venerable establishment, whose history stretches back into Colonial America, make a perfect backdrop for the a la carte menu which includes delicacies such as the pan-seared scallops with lemon-butter poached salsify, salmon roe and microgreen salad ($48).
Or diners might choose the grilled New Zealand rack of lamb with pommes au gratin, tournée vegetables and minted lamb jus ($60) or a vegetable ragout with whipped celeriac ($35). Finish the meal with “Jack’s Famous Chocolate Lava Cake,” or a white chocolate strawberry tart ($15 each).
For reservations click here.
What can be more romantic than excellent food served in an intimate, candlelit room. The Old Inn on the Green, 134 Hartsville-New Marlborough Road in New Marlborough MA provides an extraordinary experience as diners enjoy fine wine, great food and attentive service in rooms that faithfully recall the décor of 200-years ago. In addition to candlelight, in the colder months there are wood burning fireplaces in each room.
Chef and owner Peter Platt creates innovative and memorable meals that are events unto themselves. Currently, a $79 prix fixe menu with five to six choices per course is offered every night the Inn is open—Wednesday through Sunday, 5:30PM to 9PM.
The wine list provides an array of selected estate bottled wines from France, California, Italy and around the world.
The current menu can be found on the home page of the Inn’s website www.oldinn.com.
It hasn’t announced its Valentine’s Day menu yet but the Stagecoach Tavern at Race Brook Lodge, 864 South Undermountain Road in Sheffield MA traditionally offers a prix fix menu that can be enjoyed fireside in the venerable building’s dining areas.
The tavern dates back to the mid-18th century and boasts hand-hewn beams and wide-plank floors spanning multiple levels. It has been a warm and convivial gathering spot for almost 200 years with intimate nooks and crannies perfect for a tête-à-tête. For more information, go to rblodge.com.
Moving down into Connecticut—and into a 21st century ambiance—we find The Morgan at Interlaken Inn, 74 Interlaken Road in Lakeville where a Valentine’s Day package will offer four appetizers ranging from lobster bisque ($10) to Oysters Rockefeller ($20); and six entrees to choose among such as a chicken breast stuffed with prosciutto and fresh Mozzarella ($28) or a prime rib dinner ($38).
Call 1-800-222-2909 or click here for reservations.
There is a new player in the annual love fest this year. The Abner, a luxury hotel located in the elegantly reimagined Litchfield Superior Courthouse, 15 West Street, has opened its doors and is inviting guests for “A Night of Love & Music,” an evening to delight all the senses.
Join them for dinner, specialty cocktails, elegant chocolates from Thorncrest Farm and a very special Courtroom Session with Charlie Roman and his band. Book here.
Nearby The Litchfield Inn at 432 Bantam Road is joining in the festive feel of the day, offering a multi-course menu featuring seasonal ingredients and innovative flavors paired with fine wines on both Friday and Saturday nights. The romantic atmosphere will be enhanced by soothing live music. The cost is $135 per ticket.
In Washington CT try the Mayflower Inn, a boutique hotel and spa located at 118 Woodbury Road where a special Valentine’s Day five-course prix fixe menu can be enjoyed in the Garden Room or Tap Room, again while listening to live music.
For reservations, click here.
These are just a sampling of the special offerings available throughout the region. No matter what your taste in dining, have a wonderful time affirming love.
