By Steve Cook :
Lola’s Farmhouse Bistro – 1840 Manakin Road, Manakin Sabot; 804-784-2000
“Built in 1865, this old farmhouse is definitely unique,” says Marianne Hess. She and her husband Eric own and operate Lola’s. “The rooms are intimate, with fireplaces and character,” she adds.
Marianne says that not only will the house/restaurant be decorated for Valentine’s Day, but so will the igloos. The igloos allow lovers of Lola’s patio to enjoy that setting year round. Lola’s will be offering a special Valentine’s Day menu and that includes some romantic cocktails. Love potions?
Chocolates Anyone? Chocolate lovers will want to save room for either Lola’s “Messy Brownie” with ice cream or their Chocolate Sundae with Cotton Candy.
Love is in the Air: Lola’s offers such a romantic setting that it was the site of Marianne’s and Eric’s wedding.
Hanover Tavern – 13181 Hanover Courthouse Road, Hanover; 804-537-5050
Make. Your romantic night one of historic proportions at Hanover Tavern. This well-known landmark has been operating since 1733. And has undoubtedly hosted many a young suitor’s pursuit of a romantic meal with his special someone.
This year, says Brooke Adams, Associate Director at the facility, “We have two events built around Valentine’s Day and romance.” On February 12, patrons are invited to celebrate L’amour et le Vin” with a 4-Course Wine Pairing Dinner. And on the next two evenings (February 13 and 14), the Tavern will be offering their “Pleasures Prove” special sweethearts menu. Enjoy an elegant three-course meal including your choice of appetizer, entrée, and dessert. Reservations are required for both.
Chocolates Anyone? By press time, Chef, Mary Catherine Ortolan had not made a final dessert decision, but she promises some chocolate decadence.
Love is in the Air: It may inspire you to know that Patrick Henry fell in love and eventually married the Tavern owner’s daughter, here. Imagine Henry, in his role as bartender at the Tavern, catching his first glimpse of the young Sarah Shelton, whom he married when she was 16.
Half Way House Restaurant – 10301 Route 1, Richmond; 804-275-1760
“For over 250 years the Half Way House is synonymous with Special Occasions. From birthdays and anniversaries to proposals and holidays the Half Way House makes every occasion special,” says Rick Young. Rick and his wife Sue own and operate the historic Half Way House restaurant, which is half way between Richmond and Petersburg. When asked about a special Valentine’s Day menu, Rick says, “Our regular menu is a special occasion menu, so we don’t do any special dishes, but a unique menu feature is our Half Way House Combinations. Chose any two: filet mignon, fried jumbo Gulf shrimp and Chesapeake crab cakes.”
Chocolate Anyone? The Chocolate Truffle Cake is a long-time favorite. And for Valentine’s Day, patrons will be offered complimentary fresh Driscoll’s strawberries dipped in French dark chocolate couverture.
Love in the Air: Rick says it best, “From the flickering of candlelight and fresh flowers on your table to the glowing embers of the fireplaces, the Half Way House is the perfect place for your special occasion.”
County Seat Restaurant and Gathering Place – 3883 Old Buckingham Road; 804-598-5000
Pay a visit to one of this hot spot’s weekly live music performances and you’ll discover that there’s plenty of romance to be found on the County Seat dance floor and February 14 will be no exception when the Taters take to the stage for their Valentine’s Day Concert. If you’re familiar with the Taters, you know they can slide through an eclectic mix of roots rock, pop, country, and, yes, even a stirring love song, without missing a beat. Evidently, that’s what they have in mind for the night. Craig Evans who helped form the band over 30 years ago says, “We’ll try to pull out as many romantic ones as we can, but it will no doubt be mixed in with songs of all kinds!”
To add to the romance, Tracy Cifers, owner of the County Seat, says, “We’ll have our buffet plus some Valentine’s Day dinner specials. That’s all well and good, but will there be chocolate?
Cakes and pies are a County Seat specialty. Tracy sent me a few mages of some of the chocolate delights to come out of their kitchen. Feast your eyes. That’s some enchanted evening planned for the County Seat.
