Love is in the air. This Valentine's Day, don't take a chance on dinner at any old neighborhood standby -- this is the night to splurge. For that perfect combination of romance, decadence and, of course, great food, OXO is the best restaurant in town.
OXO offers a seasonal, daily-changing menu of modern French cuisine. Despite the upscale sound, the fare is actually unfussy and unpretentious; simultaneously earthy, subtle and intensely flavorful. Tender gnocchi are made with sweet potato, a Southern staple, and swathed in a creamy sauce of sage and arugula. The foie gras appetizer is similarly both exotic and regional, pairing this star of classical French cooking with a tiny pear and hazelnut cake. The silky foie gras and the crumbly, tender cake marry perfectly in your mouth.
It's this kind of sumptuous and satisfying food that makes OXO the ideal Valentine's Day date spot. To us, a romantic dinner should be relaxed and special, not fussy or overly formal. OXO, through its atmosphere, staff and food simply radiates refined hospitality.
Although some aspects of the atmosphere are very utilitarian, the open kitchen, all-white walls, and exposed rafters are tempered by luxuriously cushioned settees, intimate tables and warm candlelight.
OXO's menu is designed to extend this warm hospitality to your stomach. James' entrée abounded with the tastes of winter: braised pheasant, creamy butternut squash puree, wild-mushroom-stuffed ravioli. The tiny packet of ravioli virtually exploded with woodsy mushroom flavor. Although Ann chose the somewhat lighter snapper, it was wrapped in a silken potato crepe and served with caramelized pearl onions and a 100-year-old balsamic vinegar that heightened the rich, opulent flavors.
Although the kitchen deftly adapts French food for American tastes, you will still find holdovers from classical European cuisine, such as the amuse-bouche, an "amusement for the mouth" intended to open up the taste buds. Our tiny bite of salmon terrine with crispy polenta did exactly that. Between courses, we were refreshed with a passion fruit sorbet palate cleanser; after the meal, we were treated to tiny cookies and candied orange rind.
OXO's portions are rather small, but fortunately that means you'll have room for dessert, which should not be missed. We were both tempted by the chocolate cake --one was flavored with bourbon, the other with espresso beans. The latter stood out by virtue of its incredible presentation. The accompanying Guinness stout sorbet was in fact shaped and colored just like a pint of Guinness, complete with a foamy whipped-cream head. These sweets for your sweetie are the perfect way to end your meal.
OXO's prices reflect its special-occasion-only status: appetizers range from $8-$14, entrees are $24-$35 and desserts are $8 each. Although there were a number of vegetarian appetizers, only one entrée was meat-free.
Fantastic food, elegant atmosphere, romance and candlelight -- what more could a couple in love ask for on Valentine's Day? After a meal of this caliber, you might even get lucky.
Eat Your Heart Out
Valentine's Day dining for couples and singles
Cheap: (less than $15 per person)
Mas: This slice of Spain in Belmont lets you order a diverse array of tapas for mere dollars each. The copper bar, cushioned banquettes and muted lighting allow for intimacy at this late night hotspot.
Bizou: Although the mains at this "Downtown Diner" can be pricey, their extensive appetizer menu has plenty of tantalizing tastes for under $10. Think blueberry vinaigrette, catfish quesadillas and creamy orzo.
Midrange: ($15-$25 per person)
Michael's Bistro: Though the corner might not scream romance, the Bistro, located atop Littlejohn's, does. Both upscale (duck salad) and casual (buffalo burger) will please the oddest couple.
Vivace: Nothing is more lusty and passionate than the hearty cuisine of Italy. Ivy-trellised exterior, feather-light gnocchi, and the best bruschetta in Charlottesville: That's amore.
High-end: ($25 plus per person)
OXO: Delicious French fare -- see review.
L'etoile: Just peering through the window of this Main Street nook will get you in the mood. A roaring fire in a place that fuses the best of France and the South is perfect for the discerning Virginia gentleman and his date.
Single-friendly Haunts For the Haters:
Five Guys: This rollicking burger joint treats even the loneliest hearts right. What could be more comforting than a juicy burger and some of the best fries in town?
Miyako: Be sure to sit at the sushi bar to get personal one-on-one treatment from an expert chef. The huge variety of rolls lets you sample many tastes even when on your own.
-James Darragh and Ann Hopper
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