- April 12, 2025
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I’ve never been one to jump on the Valentine’s Day bandwagon. To me, love should be celebrated every day, not just on some designated 24-hour Hallmark-designed window.
Why does Feb. 14 get all the attention? We should be surprising our loved ones with sweet gestures every day of the year. Add on the last-minute scramble we've all experienced for the mediocre "love" cards, the God awful stuffed bears holding ginormous hearts or the "oh crap, I forgot!" flowers.
No thanks. I’d much rather receive a thoughtful surprise when it’s least expected — not an obligatory gift because the calendar says it’s time to show me some love. Surprises and unplanned gestures express the kind of love that lasts.
And that's why in a few days I'm renewing my vows to the guy who always gets it — my husband. The "just because it's Tuesday" flower-buying dude, the "I stopped and got you that bottle of the wine you really like" on the way home guy, the "don't cook — let's go out to dinner" man of my dreams.
On Feb. 14, Patrick and I will probably be sitting on the couch in our pajamas by 7 p.m, ordering Uber eats and watching the last season of "1923" before the new season comes out two days after we say "I do" ... again. But if we did celebrate Valentine's Day, here are the places we would go (and probably will go on Feb. 15, 16 or 17).
239 S. Links Ave, Sarasota; 941-706-4740; indigenoussarasota.com
Love at First Bite: While the menu may change at this downtown destination dining spot, there’s one thing you can always count on — the parmesan beignets ($16). These little fluffy while crispy bites of heaven are made with local honey, thyme and pears, offering the perfect balance of savory and sweet to kickstart your meal. In the mood for mushrooms? The wild mushroom bisque ($10), made with truffle oil and rye croutons, is a dynamite appetizer that will leave your tastebuds in utter bliss.
That's Amore: Whatever the special is, I'm sure it's phenomenal when you go. But as a staple for the main event, dig into uncle’s legendary burger ($25). A juicy duo of thin grass-fed patties, melty cheddar, indulgent Indigenous sauce and a bounty of bacon jam, all piled high on a soft brioche bun. This burger, which is one of the best in town, lies next to duck fat-roasted potatoes and pickled goodies. It's truly a love letter to your tastebuds.
For the Couple Who: Finds a foodie outing to be a favorite date night. Chef Steve Phelps is truly one of the most innovative culinary masterminds in our community — and like my husband, hails from Cleveland. His Sarasota gem is a must-visit for both local lovers of food and tourists on the trail of the tastiest meal in town. This charming spot focuses on sustainable seafood to bring the freshest seasonal ingredients to your plate night after night. Set in a beautifully restored, cozy yet sophisticated home in Towles Court, it’s a place where each bite not only delights your tastebuds but warms your heart too.
1561 Lakefront Dr., Suite 111, Sarasota; 941-928-5673; koresteakhouse.com
Love at First Bite: Looking to turn up the heat this Valentine’s Day? Korean BBQ might be the Seoulmate you’ve both been searching for. This new-to-the-block Waterside eatery has established itself as a Korean steakhouse meets Asian fusion vibe that’s too good to miss —especially during happy hour! Monday through Friday, sip on smooth Soju ($11), grab a Korean lettuce wrap ($5) and dig into a sizzling bowl of dolsot bibimbap ($12), a delicious mix of steamed rice, veggies and beef served in a piping-hot stone bowl.
That's Amore: Visualize premium cuts of meat hitting the grill, the sizzle whispering sweet nothings to your tastebuds and the aroma of spices filling the air as you master the art of Korean BBQ. Your reward? That first melty, flavor-packed bite that makes you wonder why you ever let someone else cook your steak. From buttery A5 Wagyu to Galbi short ribs ($24), pork bulgogi ($11), fresh lobster ($21), duck breast ($15) and even a mushroom mix ($14)— why settle for one when you can grill like royalty? You're the head chef of your own five-star feast. What a great way to impress a brand new Valentine or your forever wedding date.
For the Couple Who: Likes to DIY or keep it cool. Not every couple wants to grill their own dinner on a romantic night out and that's OK. Head to the raw bar and bite into the bluefin tuna crudo ($19) topped with a garlic chili truffle ponzu, scallions and a touch of heat or indulge in the Yukhoe ($20) a Korean beef tartare drizzled in truffle oil, topped with caviar, scallions and sesame seeds. This is the recipe for love that lasts.
9105 Midnight Pass Road, Sarasota; 941-349-2212; opheliasonthebay.net
Love at First Bite: Patrick and I celebrated our first anniversary at Ophelia’s back in 2017. We raised (many) glasses to our future but also indulged in a delightful feast, sampling a generous portion of the menu. To kick off your own you and yours evening, order the Vermont Creamery chevre and beets salad ($11 and up), a perfect choice for the gluten-free couple. The dish features a vibrant combination of yuzu honey, pistachio oil, sundried grapes, fresh basil, vincotto fig vinegar and, of course, the show-stopping stunning golden beets.
That's Amore: Sitting dockside on the Sarasota Bay, Ophelia’s offers an entree menu designed to impress and an inviting yet elegant atmosphere. The Hokkaido sea scallops ($56) come to enchant. Scallion salad with yuzu kosho beurre blanc and seared scallops that melt in your mouth are paired with blue crab fried rice. Looking for luscious lobster for this special evening? The "lazy" butter-poached Maine lobster risotto ($65) will delight any date. It's paired with roasted cauliflower, yellow tomato cruda, fresh basil and pecorino romano.
For the Couple Who: Deserve to treat themselves. This fine dining experience is truly one of the greatest waterfront restaurants in town — but also one of the most romantic. Save room for dessert like the chocolate cheesecake ($14), the warm apple upside-down cake ($14) and more made daily by Ophelia's pastry chef, Josh Draken.
