Valentine, Valentine, wilt thou be mine? The sentiment in this little query, dated though it may be, is heartfelt and oh so loving. Romance is always in style, and what could be more romantic on Valentine's Day than dinner in a fine restaurant? It doesn't have to be French, although that would be my choice, so I'm sharing with you some elegant French dining suggestions and a few that are more casual. Surely, the French did not invent romance, they just do it so well.
French restaurants in Las Vegas run the gamut from casual bistro and brasserie to grand upscale dining rooms that arouse the senses through fabulous food and wine. We even have a French buffet.
- Le Village at Paris Las Vegas offers five stations starring French regional specialties, cheeses, breads and desserts, including the famous plate-size crêpes of Brittany, made to order. The Paris buffet also offers private dining areas. Call (877) 796-2096.
- Le Cirque at Bellagio is a bedazzling, whimsical, sophisticated circus. A family affair, Le Cirque is owned by the venerable restaurateur Sirio Maccioni and his family. Son Mario directs Le Cirque and the adjacent Circo. A classic Le Cirque tasting menu paired with wines and a fountain of exquisite desserts is a lovely experience. Chef de Cuisine Jeremy Leib and Pastry Chef Frederick Larre do the fine cooking and the superb desserts. Dinner nightly, 5:30 to 10. Call (702) 693-7111.
- Bouchon at The Venetian is a terrific brasserie created by Napa Valley's Thomas Keller, whose French Laundry in Napa has brought him international acclaim. Keller's Napa Bouchon gave birth to Bouchon at The Venetian. This jewel offers casual French fare in a patio setting. Chef de Cuisine Mark Hopper was formerly at the French Laundry. The menu is offered daily from 11:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Oyster bar and lounge service from 3 p.m. to midnight. Call (702) 414-6200.
- Andre Rochat's French restaurant, Andre's at Monte Carlo, is offering a special seven-course Valentine's Day menu that includes many romantic touches. Reservations are requested. Call (702) 730-7955.
- Fin Chinese restaurant at The Mirage is romantic from the lighting to the divine décor. Waxing poetic over a Chinese restaurant is not the norm, yet Fin is fabulous. Not to worry. The food is infused Asian with many familiar dishes. Call (702) 792-7111.
Whatever you choose, be it grand or casual dining, just remember to pull out all the stops on this day that recognizes one of the greatest emotions of all, love...