The Creative Edge | Valentine's Day in Rhode Island

It’s almost that time again, folks. Big stuffed bears and candy in heart-shaped boxes are starting to line the shelves of your local CVS, but we know you’re more original than that. Take a look at our list, make a reservation, order some fancy takeout and impress your significant other. (Don’t worry, we won’t tell them we helped.)

1. Rooftop at Providence G

Rooftop at the Providence G is playing host to multiple loved-up events in the days leading up to Valentine’s Day. Kicking off the rooftop’s schedule on Saturday, February 11, is a Very Valentine’s Brunch of deep fried French toast sticks, beignets, eggs benedicts options and more on Saturday, February 10. On the holiday itself, you can have your pick from the rooftop’s special four-course, prix fixe Valentine’s menu — we’re talking champagne mussels and chicken lollipop apps, burrata and quinoa salad antipasti;  duck stroganoff and gnocchi alla vodka entrees and raspberry tarte and flourless chocolate torte desserts. See the full menu here. For reservations, visit rooftopattheg.com/reservations. 100 Dorrance St., Providence, 401-632-4904, rooftopattheg.com

2. Sarto 

Sarto is offering a four-course Italian dining experience for Valentine’s Day created by its skilled culinary team as well as some delicious new wines that will pair perfectly with your meal.  Munch on Creole smoked oysters among soft red lighting, candelabras and live entertainment by singer and guitarist Adam Hanna (6-9 p.m.). The Sarto team can also create a romantic table arrangement prior to your arrival with red roses, a bottle of Prosecco and more. Learn more and book here. 86 Dorrance St., Providence, 401-270-0790, sartoprovidence.com.

3. Providence GPub

From Monday, February 12th to Saturday, February 17th, guests can enjoy GPub’s “Puppy Love” dining experience. The dinner for two includes appetizers, drive-in favorites, something sweet for dessert and optional drink pairing add-ons.

Plus, you can also receive a $3 arcade card to enjoy between courses. The dinner is a flat fee of $75  with cocktail pairings available for an additional $35. 61 Orange St., Providence, 401-632-4782, gpubrestaurants.com/providence.

4. Edgewood Cheese Shop Valentine’s Day Charcuterie Platter

Edgewood Cheese Shop in Cranston is riding that charcuterie wave, even though they’ve already been open for several years, long before Instagram made it a thing. The artisan shop is creating beautiful charcuterie platters for couples to celebrate Valentine’s Day at home. The Valentine’s Cheese and Chocolate platter is available all week long (Friday, February 9 through Saturday, February 17), and it’s decked out with cheeses, meats, cookies, chocolates, fresh fruit and nuts and includes a sliced baguette. The $90 platter must be pre-ordered by calling the shop or ordering on their website. 1828 Broad St., Cranston, 401-941–2400, edgewoodcheeseshop.com

5. Ocean House Valentine’s Dinner at COAST

Enjoy an elegant night out at the Ocean House in COAST restaurant happening on Wednesday, Feb. 14 through Sunday, Feb. 18 from 5:30-9 p.m. Indulge in seasonally-inspired dishes created by the Five-Star COAST team, including Rhode Island fluke crudo and lamb saddle. The cost is $175 per person with an optional $125 per person wine pairing. To reserve your spot, call 401-584-7000 or visit the website. 1 Bluff Ave., Watch Hill, 401-584-7000, oceanhouseevents.com

6. Weekapaug Inn 

The inn welcomes couples to celebrate their love with an unforgettable Valentine’s Day evening complete with a cozy setting and a spectacular four-course tasting menu crafted by Chef Andrew and his team. Elevate your meal with an exquisite Wagyu beef supplement or expert wine pairing. Seatings are available from 5–9 p.m. for $120 per person (plus tax and gratuity). A $50 non-refundable deposit due at time of booking, which will be applied as a credit to your check on Valentine’s Day. 25 Spray Rock Rd., Westerly, 888.565.5023, weekapauginn.com.

7. Sons of Liberty Beer and Spirits Co.

Led by Emily from Fig & Fromage, Sons of Liberty is hosting a charcuterie class on Valentine’s Day. Grab a date and learn how to create a sweet and savory board while sipping spirits. Tickets are $70 each and include a drink of your choice, apps by Fig & Fromage and a complete charcuterie board to take home. The class will start at 7 p.m., just be sure to arrive no later than 6:45 p.m.to allow time to settle in. Purchase tickets here. 1425 Kingstown Rd., South Kingstown, 401-284-4006, drinksol.com

8. Ellie’s

Ellie’s creates some of the most beautiful cakes, French macarons, pastries and more in the state. Place an order  to pick up between February 7–18 and they can customize flavors and designs for treats for your sweetheart, including French macaron sweetheart gift boxes, conversation heart cookies, cherry vanilla marshmallows, raspberry rose croissants ,raspberry rose champagne cake, chocolate peanut butter macaron bars and more. Plus, if you have yet to experience Ellie’s Dessert Le Bar evening drinks and sweets service, Valentine’s Day just may be the perfect opportunity to remedy it. 225 Weybosset St., Providence, 401-563-3333, elliesprov.com

9. The Mosaic Table

To kick off the week of love, the Mosaic Table is hosting a special Valentine’s Day Market on Sunday, February 11 at Tiverton Middle School from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Learn more at themosaictable.com/events.

10. PVDonuts 

Celebrate this Valentine’s Day with something extra sweet. PVDonuts, located in Providence, is offering V-Day doughnut boxes and towers specially made for the occasion. Starting in February, you can choose between two special messages spelled out with brioche doughnut letters, “I<3 You” or “BFFL”, to gift your special someone. Or, you can order a personal-sized tower of brioche doughnut holes dipped in vanilla glaze and tossed in themed sprinkles. To place an order, click here. 79 Ives St., Providence, pvdonuts.com

11. Bloom Back Flowers and Gracie’s / The Xo Bar

Bloom Back Flowers, located in Providence, is offering two Valentine’s Day Flower Arranging Workshops. The first will be held on Thursday, February 8 from 5:30– 7:30 p.m. at Gracie’s in Providence, with an added cocktail demonstration by Gracie’s expert mixologists — participating parties will also receive 10% off their meal should they choose to order dinner as well.  The second workshop will be hosted by the XO Bar on Tuesday, February 13 (note: it’s half off wines at the XO bar on Tuesdays!) from 6 –7:30 p.m. Both classes will be led by Bloom Back owner Angela Rotundo as she takes you stem by stem and teaches you call the tips and tricks of arranging. Click here for more information and to purchase tickets. 182 Butler Ave., Providence, bloombackflowers.com

12. Metal Alchemist’s Posy Wire Bracelets

Whether you’re looking for a Valentine's Day gift, Galentine’s Day gift or a little something for yourself, the Metal Alchemist’s new posy wire bracelets will do the trick. From the Rhode Island founder of Alex and Ani and inspired by the posy rings of medieval times, these expressions of love, friendship, inspiration and intention are forged in metal and create a beautiful lifetime keepsake. The bracelets are engraved with encouraging and inspiring phrases for the powerful women in your life, such as “Rather Now Than Tomorrow,” “I Am Not Afraid, I Was Born For This” and “Go Forward Bravely.” Find the message that fits the relationships and budget in your life at metalalchemist.com.

13. Xaco Taco

Following a sizable turnout for Xaco Taco’s Valentine’s party last year, the popular taco restaurant is giving Rhode Islanders another opportunity to party with loved ones in honor of Valentine’s Day. The Lovers and Friends will take place at the restaurant from 6–10 p.m. on Wednesday, February 14, and will encourage guests to enjoy shareable food and drink specials, complimentary caricature drawings, entertainment by DJ Lex Life and a polaroid photo booth. 370 Richmond St., Providence, 401-228-8286, xacotacori.com

14. The Beatrice Hotel

The Beatrice Hotel in Providence invites you to create unforgettable memories this Valentine’s Day by embracing the luxury boutique hotel’s Winter Romance Package. In the rooms, guests can snuggle up in fine Mascioni linens crafted in Milano, Italy and indulge in box of Hawt Chocolate Bon Bons from Hope & Main. When they’re ready to venture out, they can then savor a decadent dining experience at Bellini Providence with tableside Cipriani prosecco, a raw bar tower for two including oysters, crudo, and smoked salmon, plus a $50 dining credit. The Romance Package starts at $284 per night and is available to book February 1 through March 31. Book your reservation here.If you’re just in it for the food, though, Bellini Providence’s Valentine’s Day menu also includes a starter of Scampi Tartare, first course of Tagliolini with Red Shrimp, main course of Grilled Shrimp with Sweet Potato Puree, and finish the meal with a dessert of Champagne and Strawberry Aspic. 90 Westminster St., Providence, 401-443-2960, thebeatrice.com

15. The Trap 

If Valentine’s Day isn’t your thing, fear not! The Trap in East Greenwich is hosting a Stupid Cupid Valentine’s Day party on Saturday, February 10 from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.. Guests will enjoy drink specials, lively music and the opportunity to shred a photo of your ex on stage (and receive a prize for it)! You also can wear a glow bracelet to highlight your relationship status to other party goers: red for taken, yellow for it’s complicated and green for single and ready to mingle. If you are interested in a date night, though, you can also make a reservation downstairs at the Trap’s sister restaurant, SafeHouse Modern Neighborhood Eatery, here.   195 Old Forge Rd., East Greenwich, 401-885-4999, thetrapri.com

16. Besos

With a name like Besos (the Spanish word for kisses), you can absolutely expect this East Greenwich-based Bistro is heavy on the love this time of year. Their special Valentine’s Day menu runs the gamut from chicken and chorizo empanadas  appetizers to Atlantic salmon entrees to red velvet cake for dessert. But don’t skimp out on the cocktails, which are appropriately sweet and saucy in both name and nature: the “Say Yes to Heaven” features citadelle gin, crème de violette, lemon juice and lambrusco while “The Other Woman” teases lunazul reposado, cointreau, blood orange juice, lime juice and agave. Reserve your table here. 378 Main St., East Greenwich, 401-398-8855, besosbistro.com

17. The George on Washington

The George on Washington is excited to Celebrate Valentine’s Day with a special menu. Starters include lobster tail cocktail and oysters on the half shell while entrees include options of surf and turf, seafood risotto, 20 oz rib-eye steak, rack of lamb and more. The George’s housemade dessert options should also not be missed. For the full menu and to make reservations, visit the George’s website here. 121 Washington St., Providence, 401-642-6840, thegeorgerestaurantri.com.

18. The Chanler at Cliff Walk

This Valentine’s Day, the Chanler will display its passion for culinary excellence with a specially curated eight-course blind tasting menu at Cara (taking place over two seatings at 5 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.) as well as a four-course prix fixe menu at the Cafe. The hotel itself also makes a perfect romantic getaway with its Gilded Age architecture, ocean views, in-room massages and aromatherapy baths and on-site hot chocolate bar. Learn more and reserve your seats here. 117 Memorial Blvd., Newport, 401-847-1300, thechanler.com.

Cara Interior The Chanler

Cara at the Chanler at Cliff Walk. Courtesy of the Chanler at Cliff Walk.

19. New Bedford Whaling Museum 

Here’s a fun option both Valentines and pal-entines can enjoy: The New Bedford Whaling Museum is hosting a Princess Bride viewing party complete with themed snacks and drinks on Wednesday, February 14 at 6 p.m. The guest with the cleverest on-them outfit will win a pair of chalices for their own “Battle Wits”, which may be then filled at the bar with the winner’s favorite mocktail or cocktail. Tickets are $15 for members or $30 for non-members. Purchase them here. 18 Johnny Cake Hill, New Bedford, MA, 508-997-0046, whalingmuseum.org.

20. Basta

Join Basta for its tenth annual signature Valentine’s Day event, The Nights of 1,000 Roses. Taking place the magical celebration promises thousands of fresh, long-stemmed roses cascading from ceiling and in vases throughout the dining areas, plus a four-course pre-fixe dinner for two (think entree options like tagliatella al tartufo, New York strip steak, pan-roasted swordfish and lobster “loveletters.” See the full menu here and book your reservation here.  2195 Broad St., 401-461-2300, bastaonbroad.com

21. Providence Bagel 

Who says you have to wait till dinner time to celebrate this lovely holiday? Start your morning off right the with Providence Bagel’s Valentine’s Day-themed Strawberry Shortcake Bagel with pink funfetti cream cheese. The special will be available February 9–11. Locations in Providence, North Providence, Kingston, Mansfield, MA and North Attleboro, MA, providencebagel.com

22. Red Stripe Valentine’s Dinner 

Red Stripe in Providence will celebrate Valentine’s Day with menu specials, available for dining in on Wednesday, February 14. Red Stripe will offer its full menu in addition to V-Day specials. These specials will include Roast Beet Salad with goat cheese, candied walnuts, mixed greens, and balsamic vinaigrette; housemade Potato Gnocchi with pomodoro sauce; and Surf & Turf Seafood Risotto, featuring a 6 oz. Black Angus filet mignon and jumbo shrimp served over lobster-white wine risotto. Make your reservation here. 465 Angell St., Providence, 401-437-6950, redstriperestaurants.com

23. Mill’s Tavern

This Valentine’s Day weekend, take your loved one to Mill’s Tavern for an extra special meal. With drinks, appetizers, entrees and desserts specially crafted just for the holiday, this is sure to be a meal you’ll remember for a while. Mill’s Tavern’s Valentine’s Day starters include oysters Rockefeller with bearnaise sauce; escargot Bordelaise with garlic crostini; and a heart-shaped candied beet salad with Red Tabby spinach, balsamic vinaigrette, herb whipped chevre, and pomegranate. Entrees include a 32 oz. beef porterhouse for two with lobster mornay sauce and confit baby bliss potatoes; veal Oscar roulade with bearnaise sauce; and seared dayboat scallops with truffled mushroom risotto. For a sweet ending, guests can enjoy dark chocolate fondant with cocoa nib crumble and raspberry beet ice cream and strawberry mousse with white chocolate yogurt crémeux, red velvet cake, Marcona almonds, yuzu curd, and strawberry rose sorbet. For reservations or more information, call 401-272-3331 or click here. 101 North Main St., Providence, 401-272-3331, millstavernrestaurant.com

24. Dave’s Coffee 

Looking to perk up your Valentine’s Day plans? Look no further than Dave’ Coffee. On February 14, the local coffee company will offer two drinks for the price of one, including brewed coffee, espresso drinks, teas, hot chocolate, matcha, and of course, Dave’s famous iced coffee milk. “Our Rhode Island-roasted blends are crafted to create moments of connection, and this promotion is our way of extending that connection to our customers at our Providence and Charlestown locations,” says Dave Lanning, founder of Dave’s Coffee. “It’s just a way to perk up our customers’ ‘daily grind.’”  The offer is available for in-person/in-store orders only. To redeem, customers simply need to mention the promotion at the counter. 341 S Main St., Providence, 401-521-1973; 5193 Old Post Rd., Charlestown, 401-315-216; davescoffee.com.

25. RISPCA

Here’s another one for the anti-VDayers: For just $5, the RI Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals will allow jilted lovers the chance to have their ex’s name placed in a stinky litter box. Learn more here. rispca.org

Taken from Rhode Island Monthly

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