Sexy dining

Where romance can simmer in the South Sound.

By Jamie Forsythe on February 7, 2008

Valentine’s Day isn’t just a Hallmark Holiday (though the card companies do make a killing). Whether you’ve been together two months or 20 years, Valentine’s Day is an opportunity to reconnect with that special someone in your life, and what better way to celebrate the day of love than to enjoy luxurious food that will ignite your senses and tantalize your mind?   

 

Food — its appearance, smell and taste — can act as a potent aphrodisiac to help get you and your companion in the mood. Spicy foods such as jalepenos or chile peppers get the heart racing. Some foods including shrimp and other members of the seafood family can boost your energy, and chocolate provides a bolt of caffeine. Vegetables such as carrots and asparagus can also serve as a sexual stimulant. Black olives are said to increase a woman’s sex drive while green ones make men more viril. Tomatoes are another love food, and pairing red juicy ones with lusty flavors such as garlic or basil will only enhance their sensual affects.  



Keeping all this in mind, we scouted the South Sound in search of restaurants offering sexy food this Valentine’s Day. Space is limited, so make your reservations immediately if you haven’t already.

Babblin’ Babs Bistro

2724 N Proctor St, Tacoma, 253.761.9099

The deal: four courses for $45.

The vibe: Worldly Organic.

Tantalizing choices: To start, Italian champagne to prepare your taste buds for the evening’s menu that includes Asian shrimp cocktail and the Babs Land and Sea Combo — top sirloin and crab. For dessert, the Original Bistro Brownie served warm with caramel sauce and cookie crumbles.

Bella Vita

6108 6th Ave, Tacoma, 253.565.1070

The deal: three-course meal for $60.

The vibe: Romantic Italian Dinner.

Tantalizing choices: Steak and lobster or salmon and scampi with salad and dessert.

C.I. Shenanigans

3017 Ruston Way, Tacoma, 253.752.8811

The deal: special menu items from $33 to $400.

The vibe: Seafood Lovers.

Tantalizing choices: Sesame seared AHI tuna, wild giant prawns or the massive spiny lobster for two. The last choice will set you back 400 bucks; however, it includes champagne blood orange intermezzo and a special dessert presentation by the pastry chef.

Claim Jumper

5901 S 180th St., Tukwila, 206.575.3918

The deal: dinner for two $54.95.

The vibe: Indulgence.

Tantalizing choices: The entrées include top sirloin and blackened fish.  

The Cliff House

300 Marine View Dr, Tacoma, 253.927.0400

The deal: $24-$38 per person.

The vibe: Northwest Lovers.

Tantalizing choices: Special appetizer options for the day of love include tuna tartar, crab cakes, calamari and lobster bisque. Entrée choices include a New York strip steak, herb roasted chicken and ostrich.   

Falls Terrace Restaurant

106 Deschutes Way S.W., Tumwater, 360.943.7830

The deal: special menu items range from $16.99 to $46.99.

The vibe: Dinner with a View.

Tantalizing choices: Sirloin wild mushroom gorgonzola, fresh broiled Alaskan halibut and lobster tail are just a few of the choices available.  

Melting Pot

2121 Pacific Ave, Tacoma, 253.535.3939

The deal: four-course dinner $68 a head. 

The vibe: Romantically Seductive. 

Tantalizing choices: Valentine’s Day diners can dip their menu selections into two special cheeses not usually available: the Makers Mark Bourbon Bacon and Cheddar and the Spinach and Artichoke Heart Swiss. 

(Note for the guys: The Melting Pot will also have a dozen red roses available for purchase.)

Pacific Grill

1502 Pacific Ave, Tacoma, 253.627.3535

The deal: special menu items from $6.50 to $42.50.

The vibe: Falling in Love.

Tantalizing choices: Potato pancake and caviar, Naughty Nibbles Tuna, grilled angus beef filet mignon, butter poached Maine lobster and grilled lamb loin. 

Primo Grill

601 S. Pine St., Tacoma, 253.383.7000

The deal: special selections from $13 to $28. 

The vibe: Festival of Love. 

Tantalizing choices: Oysters on half shells, grilled beef tenderloin with roasted red bell peppers, grilled AHI tuna and a special chocolate dessert.

Stadium Bistro

204 St. Helens Ave., Tacoma, 253.683.4150

The deal: five courses for $70.

The vibe: French Lovers Dinner.

Tantalizing choices: Lobster Louie, Muscovy duck consume, beef filet, oxtail and beef cheek Napoleon, black cod and three desserts are a few of the highlights.

Woody’s on the Water

1715 Dock St., Tacoma, 253.272.1433

The deal: dinner for two $75, with wine $100.

The vibe: Waterfront Dining.

Tantalizing choices: Broiled Steelhead, Provencal Crusted Halibut, Beef Tenderloin Noisettes or Braised Kobe Beef Ragout with two dessert choices.