Dining out: Last-minute Valentine’s Day specials
There’s still time
It’s almost here — are you ready? Valentine’s Day is Saturday, so don’t delay making plans. Here are some ways to treat your sweetheart.
Andy’s Frozen Custard is serving up the specialty Red Velvet Cake Jackhammer Saturday through Monday, Feb. 14-16. As it sounds, it’s a full slice of red velvet cake blended into vanilla frozen custard with hot fudge swirled in. Locations can be found across the suburbs.
Fat Rosie’s Taco & Tequila Bar is serving up a three-course fiesta fit for Valentine’s or Galentine’s Thursday through Sunday, Feb. 12-15. For $60, share a starter such as fiesta nachos or guac, then dig into two entrees before a sweet treat of chile ancho chocolate brownie. The price includes two drinks, which could be a berry mojito, an espresso martini, a margarita or more. Locations are in Frankfort, Lincolnshire, Lincolnwood, Naperville, Oak Brook, Rosemont and Schaumburg.
The Original Rainbow Cone is offering its Sweetheart menu now through Feb. 28, featuring chocolate and strawberry treats such as the Sweetheart Sliced Creation, Sweetheart Shake and the Sweetheart Super Sundae. And on Feb. 14, it’s BOGO on the classic Rainbow Cone with the code VALENTINE online or when mentioned at checkout. Locations are in Bolingbrook, Darien, Glendale Heights, Gurnee, Kildeer, Lombard, Mount Prospect, Skokie and more.
Portillo’s limited-time Red Hot Meal Deal is only available Thursday through Sunday, Feb. 12-15. The $25 meal-for-two includes eight chicken tenders and fries served in a heart-shaped tin, plus a chocolate-covered strawberry shake, a Sauce Flight (comeback, barbecue, buttermilk ranch, honey mustard and hot giardiniera) and a heart-shaped keychain.
It’s sweet-meets-sour as Lake Zurich’s Roaring Table Brewery collaborates with Après Pastry & Bakery for a $14 beer-and-pastry pairing available only on Saturday, Feb. 14. Indulge in a Sticky Chocolate Croissant while sipping the Fruit Shop, a Gose-style beer with hints of raspberry purée and vanilla that’s topped with whipped cream.
Teriyaki Madness wants customers to share the love with their significant others during this BOGO deal Feb. 14-20 for in-store diners. Buy two customizable bowls and drinks and get a third bowl for free. Suburban locations are in Gurnee, Lombard, Rolling Meadows, St. Charles and Vernon Hills.
Truluck’s Love of Lobster menu features special dishes Wednesday through Sunday, Feb. 11-15, at the Rosemont restaurant. Start with the TRU Temptation (vodka, amaro, fresh lemon, almond and strawberry) or the limited-time Tequila Old Fashioned. Then indulge in lobster Rockefeller ($24), lobster and caviar risotto ($48) or lobster frites served with crispy truffle Parmesan fries. And end with the Flourless Chocolate Bar garnished with fresh berries and raspberry dust.
Welcome, Haraz Coffee House
The new Haraz Coffee House is hosting a grand opening from 4-11 p.m. Friday, Feb. 13, at 1326 Lake St., Roselle. In addition to handcrafted Yemeni-inspired coffee and pastries, there will be live violin music, family-friendly activities, flowers for Valentine’s Day and more.
Lunar New Year
Big Bowl in Schaumburg is honoring Lunar New Year, which falls on Tuesday, Feb. 17, with specials including crab and shrimp potstickers, red curry Atlantic cod, Sichuan shrimp and pork noodles, Blood Orange Sangria and a treat of caramelized pineapple cake to welcome a sweet life in the New Year. Specials run Monday, Feb. 16, through Tuesday, March 3, at the Lincolnshire and Schaumburg locations.
Wine not?
National Drink Wine Day (hey, why not?) is Wednesday, Feb. 18, and Il Mio in Clarendon Hills is hosting a Wine-Down Happy Hour from 4-5:30 p.m. featuring $8 select glasses of wine, $10 signature cocktails, $8 wings and $4 garlic rolls.