DeKalb | While the clock is ticking down to Valentine’s Day, DeKalb and Sycamore restaurants are preparing special holiday menu items to spice up the typical “dinner-and-a-movie” date.

 

Hillside Restaurant

Hillside Restaurant, 121 N. Second St. DeKalb, changes its menu five times a year to constantly have fresh, seasonal food. For Valentine’s Day, Hillside will feature its Cajun menu, but will still have an extensive Italian selection.

A half-cranberry, half-champagne specialty drink called a “Cranberry Kiss” will also be available that day.

Part-owner Mary Wilson said Hillside was established in 1955 and is alumni-owned.

“We are eclectic and unique, and the atmosphere is very romantic and cozy,” Wilson said. “Many people have gotten engaged there, including me. There’s some sort of cupid ghost lurking there.”

Villa Verone

Villa Verone, 219 W. State St. Sycamore, will offer a Valentine’s Day special all weekend and Monday.

“We are normally closed on Mondays, but with it being such a special day, we will open up for our customers,” said manager Mick McSharry.

For $70, patrons will receive an appetizer, two entrees, dessert and a bottle of wine. The menu includes many Italian options.

On Friday and Saturday night, Villa Verone will have live entertainment playing classics like Dean Martin and Neal Young, but also will perform some contemporary songs as well.

Tapa La Luna

For those who want a little more variety, Tapa La Luna, 226 E. Lincoln Highway DeKalb, will be offering fresh raw oysters as part of their special Aphrodisiac menu. They will also be offering a special called “Tapas for Two” which will include an appetizer, two entrees and a dessert for $36. For an additional $24, patrons can also enjoy a bottle of wine with their meal. Tapa La Luna will also feature a French Kiss Martini specialty drink for Valentine’s Day.

“That’s the place to go,” said owner Mel Witmer. “It’s a couple’s date place…kind of a girl’s sexy chic-y place.”

O’Leary’s Irish Pub and Grill

Witmer also recommends trying some of the specialty menu items at his other restaurant, O’Leary’s Irish Pub and Grill, 260 E. Lincoln Highway, DeKalb. On Valentine’s Day, some of O’Leary’s specialty entrees include a filet of crab with hollandaise sauce, orange-glazed salmon, shrimp scampi and for dessert a Tres Leche three-milk cake.

“That cake is to die for,” said Witmer.

Carl’s Fargo

For those who are planning on going all out for Valentine’s Day, Carls Fargo at the Stratford Inn, 355 W. State St. Sycamore, will offer some lavish Valentine’s Day packages.

“We have a ‘build your own’ package. You can choose from a queen room, an hour couple’s massage, dinner for two, a box of chocolates, or a rose,” said manager Justin Huska. “Prices will vary from about $60 to $140.”

Package A includes a queen room, champagne, chocolates and a rose.

Package B offers a queen room, champagne, a rose and dinner for two.

Package C consists of a queen room, champagne, a rose and a one-hour couple’s massage.

Menu items will include seafood, steak and chicken. Dinner hours will be from 5 to 9 p.m. all weekend except Sunday.

Reservations are recommended to ensure space availability.

Flappy’s Pancake House

Dinner might not be an option for some this year because Valentine’s Day falls on a Monday. There are also places that offer specials for breakfast and lunch.

Flappy’s Pancake House, 1406 Sycamore Rd. DeKalb, will be offering two different specials on Monday. Two entrees of skillets or omeletes will be $14.95 or two plates of steak and eggs will be 19.95 said Manager Andy Ametti.

Flappy’s will be open from 6a.m.-3p.m. on Monday.