Valentine’s Day lands on a Friday this year, meaning it’s a bit easier to close up the work laptop and book a table for two at a North Fork restaurant. Some wineries and restaurants on the North Fork are also turning it into a three-day weekend, making it easier on those working late on Friday. These menus and are appetizing enough you may find yourself warming up to the Hallmark-themed holiday.
Sparkling Pointe, 39750 County Road 48, Southold, 631-765-0200
Bubbly and cupcakes? Talk about a sparkling power couple. Sparkling Pointe is partnering with North Fork Flour Shoppe for a weekend-long cupcake and wine pairing inside the vineyard’s bright and airy tasting house accented by poppy art. Sip bubbles and savor mini cupcakes alongside your main squeeze, besties or neighbors. Each person will get to enjoy three pairings — and each cupcake is custom-made for the event. It runs Feb. 14 and 15 and costs $30 per person. Reservations are available on Resy or Sparkling Pointe’s website.
Bistro 72, 1830 W Main St., Riverhead, 631-369-3325
The annual summer patio series may seem like ages away — regardless of what the Groundhog did or did not see on Feb 2. Yet, Bistro 72, a farm-to-table haven within gateway spot Hotel Indigo, is serving up a different kind of warm vibes this Valentine’s Day. A special three-course menu (offered Feb. 13–15 for $65 per person) includes cold-weather fare, French onion soup and entrees including filet mignon and clams and linguini and apple strudel. Not included, but a worthy add-on: An order off the toast-worthy cocktail menu, appropriately named “Sips of Love,” that has festively-appointed beverages like “Be Mine Moscow Mule” (Modica Vodka, ginger beer, muddled strawberries, lime juice and simple syrup) and “Love on the rocks” (bourbon, cranberry juice, lemon juice and simple syrup).
The Ram’s Head Inn, 108 S Ram Island Dr., 631-749-0811
In recent years, glass-is-half-full types have given Valentine’s Day a welcome rebrand, reminding us that love isn’t limited to romance. Enter Galentine’s, Palentine’s and — yes, Dog-entine’s Day. At Ram’s Head, all you need is some kind of love — the inn with a hillside perch on Shelter Island is celebrating all three (plus traditional Valentine’s Day). The package includes a room, chocolate-covered strawberries and dinner for two with wine pairing (While sharing is caring, you might not want to split this part of the deal with your pup). First come, first serve.
Léon 1909, 29 W Neck Road, Shelter Island Heights, 631-749-9123
A fireplace and dim lighting immediately set the stage for romance. Add a menu inspired by the coasts of France and Italy, and it’s a recipe for a special kind of dinner-date destination. Mum’ss the word on this year’s Valentine’s Day menu, but with a focus on fare from two of the most romantic countries in the world, it’s unlikely to disappoint.
Long Island Aquarium, 431 E Main St., Riverhead, 631-208-9200
Kids have their traditional card exchanges in school. Adults? We have ChocoVino, a cherished Valentine’s Day tradition that returns this year on Feb. 14 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Indulge in the power couple that is chocolate and wine (actually, it’s a five-course dinner with a side of aquatic animal display views). Each course includes chocolate — which should be a daily thing — with a pairing from Raphael Vineyards. Couples can book a “sweetheart sleepover” at the neighboring Hyatt Hotel.
