In case you were blithely unaware, Valentine’s Day – y’know, that oh-so-special occasion started by Hallmark decades ago to allow men a 1-day window in which they can ‘woo’ their gals with cheap cards, red roses, and horrid chocolates delivered in faux-heart-shaped boxes, thereby negating weeks and months of utter neglect? – is this coming Tuesday. Er…woot.
If you’re unlike I am, then you might actually care for this day and all the love it brings and the incessant PDA on street corners. And if so, you’re likely looking for a romantic joint to spend hours staring into the eyes of your loved one/first date/blind date/headache. Thus, La Femme Nikita has asked me to compile a list of spots très apropos for this blasphemous occasion. While my heart may be empty, my stomach’s always full, so don’t worry, these selects are VTVDay approved…
Estiatorio Maléna
With inspiration derived from Greece, Southern Italy, and the Ionian seacoast, Maléna is both romantic and gourmand-esque. The chestnut agnolotti has brown butter and wild mushrooms. Nuff said. The space is effortlessly chic and inviting.
120 Avenue Road | 416.964.0606 for reservations | malena120.ca
Vaticano Restaurant
Vaticano is a Toronto institution. It’s been around for years, in its cozy spot below-ground-level in Yorkville, and has entertained some of the world’s top…well…entertainers. This is classic classiness, so if you’re going for that debonair dinner then make sure to head here.
25 Bellair Street | 416.924.4967 for reservations | vaticano.ca
Embrujo Flamenco
If you’ve never been to Spain…then we have at least one thing in common. However, if you’d like to sample some fine Spanish cuisine, Embrujo Flamenco is a fantastic Toronto restaurant that brings the flavours of the coastal European country to a table near you. And you never know, a flamenco dancer or two might take the stage to really set the mood.
97 Danforth Avenue | 416.778.0007 for reservations | embrujoflamenco.com
Tappo Wine Bar and Restaurant
Three of my seven favourite words are in the name of this place: wine, bar, restaurant. I’ve no clue what Tappo is. It’s in the Distillery District, and appropriately so the room is awash with old-style stone and mortar. For the gents reading this, you can describe it as “rustic romantic” to Legs as she trips on the cobblestone while you’re walking in. They’re doing a special Valentine’s Day prix fixe menu, so make reservations. Now.
55 Mill Street, Building #3 | 647.430.1111 for reservations | tappo.ca
Table 17
Don’t let the name fool you, there’s more than 17 tables here. But I’d still suggest a reservation for Love Day. Delish dishes, great service, a quaint little bistro-esque atmosphere. What more could you want for a special date? How about a free dinner? Until the 13th, tweet @Table17 pics you snapped while eating there and you’ll be entered to win a special dinner for two. You won’t find out you’ve won until the 14
782 Queen Street East | 416.519.1851 for reservations | table17.ca
Alright love muffins, that’s my VDay round-up for y’all. Tweet @ViewTheVibe the spot you chose and send us Instagramed pics throughout your dinner. Because nothing says true love like technological interference. Until next time…slap and tickle!