Photo by Kelly Merritt/Special to the Daily News
For Mark and April Royan seen here sharing a strawberry dessert, Osetra is their first choice when on the hunt for a romantic dinner because it is a departure from the kid friendly places they usually go as a family.
Romantic repasts
Naples' newest hot spot is also a hotbed for romance. A caviar and Champagne bar on Fifth Avenue, Osetra is named for a type of caviar. The space is designed for sultry evenings, the décor reminiscent of the inside of an oyster which is reputed to be an aphrodisiac.
The design, by Danielle Masseria, features muted metallic blue and silver tones. The colors pair well with reflective candles and crystal chandeliers meant to mimic the tiny caviar eggs for which the restaurant was named.
For Mark and April Royan of Naples, Osetra is their first choice when on the hunt for a romantic dinner because it is a departure from the kid-friendly places they usually go as a family.
"The thing about Osetra we like is that they feature dishes we would never make at home, so the cuisine is as special as the atmosphere," said Mark Royan. "It's exciting as a couple to be adventurous and try new things, and we can do that there."
Looking for more dining ideas?
Click here for a list of Southwest Florida restaurants offering special dining deals for Valentine's Day
Young restaurateurs Anthony Chinaglia and Milos Simovic say they opened Osetra after traveling and visiting some of the world's most romantic restaurants and bars. They are doing a four-course, decadent Valentine's Day meal and have selected three bottles of some of their favorite Champagnes from which diners can choose with the dinner.
Osetra's four-course price fixe menu will include the Tsar-cut Petrossian smoked salmon carpaccio for the first course, a second course of pasta, Champagne lobster for the third course and a dessert for two that adds a sharing element to the evening. The package, which is $250 per couple, also includes a bottle of Brut Tattinger, Laurent Perrier or Perrier Jouet Champagne, roses for the women and chocolate covered strawberries.
Osetra
Where: 469 Fifth Ave. S., Naples
Hours: Open 4:30 p.m. to 2 a.m. daily; full menu served until 1:30 a.m.
Information: 239-776-7938; www.osetranaples.com
Cruise day or night
Photo by Kelly Merritt/Special to the Daily News
Naples residents John and Barbara White combine their love of dancing, dining out and time on the water in one event -- a Valentine dinner cruise on the Naples Princess with their own private table in the bow of the boat.
Many Naples restaurants are offering early Valentine's Day time slots to accommodate diners who prefer to celebrate the weekend before Feb. 14 and the Naples Princess is also offering a lunch cruise for people who prefer not to fight the evening crowds on Valentine's Day.
The Naples Princess pre-Valentine's Day dinner cruise takes place Sunday, from 5 to 7 p.m. so guests can take in the sunset. The cruise will feature a double entrée dinner with carved beef tenderloin and pecan-encrusted tilapia plus dessert and a rose for each of the women on the boat, and live strolling entertainment.
"One of the best things about taking a cruise for Valentine's Day aboard the Naples Princess is the ambience because nothing beats being in the middle of the Gulf with the sunset as your backdrop next to that special someone," said Jenny Foegen, Naples Princess vice president of sales and marketing.
"This is one of our most popular cruises with tableside entertainment and an intimate setting you just can't beat being on the water, especially on board a 105-foot yacht."
The price is $73.62 for the cruise, inclusive of tax and tip.
The Valentine's Day sunset dinner cruise from 5 to 7 p.m. will have the same dishes as the pre-Valentine's Day menu and is the same price.
The lunch cruise is on Valentine's Day from noon to 1:30 p.m. and features chicken breast in a lemon caper sauce. Women on the lunch cruise will also receive a rose and the cruise is $37.95 per person.
Naples Princess
What: Valentine’s Day cruises, 5 p.m. Feb. 12 and 14; noon Feb. 14
Cost: $37.95 for lunch cruise, $73.62 for dinner cruise
Where: 550 Port O Call Way, Naples
Information:239-649-2275 or www.naplesprincesscruises.com
Secluded spots, sweet bites
■ Pate's House of Prime Rib secluded semi-private booths lend a romantic element to the restaurant that feels sensual. Diners are enveloped in the dark wood decor and long bar accented with lots of brass. Pate's also features a spinning salad for two, prepared tableside.
Pate’s House of Prime Rib
Where: Coastland Center mall, 2048 U.S. 41 N., Naples
Hours: 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. for lunch, 5 to 10 p.m. for dinner and light fare 3 to 5 p.m. daily
Information: 239-263-1850
■ Olde Naples Chocolate gives romantics the chance to express their love on a custom chocolate bar, printed with one of kind messages of love, along other Valentine's Day chocolates. Proprietor Laurie Rose makes each piece of chocolate by hand and is doing several Valentine's Day his-and-hers gift baskets, heart-shaped truffles and custom personalized chocolate orders. She also hand-delivers within Naples for those having a stay-at-home Valentine's Day celebration.
Olde Naples Chocolate
Where: 945 Fifth Ave. N., Naples
Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday - Friday; 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday
Information: 239-262-3975 or http://oldenapleschocolate.com/
■ Anticipation is another element that heats up a romantic date, which means soon-to-be-married valentines may want stop by Grace and Shelly's Cupcakes for dessert around Valentine's Day. Grace and Shelly's Cupcakes features a multitude of homemade cupcakes in three locations, typified by its original Moorings Plaza shop across from Coastland Center mall. In cozy seats in the front of the store, brides- and grooms-to-be can look through a giant picture book of wedding cupcakes created by owner and masterful baker Grace Bolen. Grace and Shelly's Cupcakes also serves several varieties of artisan ice cream which marries perfectly with cupcakes.
Grace and Shelly’s Cupcakes
Where: Moorings Plaza (across from Coastland Center mall),
1803 U.S. 41 N., Naples; 537 Fifth Ave. S., Naples; or in the Bell Tower Shops at 13499 S. Cleveland Ave., Fort Myers.
Hours: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays and noon to 8 p.m. on Sundays
Information: 239-331-8944 or www.graceandshellyscupcakes.com
■ Valentine's Day isn't restricted to dining in fine restaurants. Southwest Florida's coastline has made it possible to turn any sunset into a celebration. All you need is a bite to eat and cold beverages, or a sweet treat and some company to make a special evening. On Golden Gate Parkway, Brown Bag BBQ is the perfect place for easy, inexpensive take-out. The barbecue and onion loaf are savory indulgences that pair well with a bucket of ice-cold beer. Note: It is a cash-only establishment.
Brown Bag BBQ
Where: 4748 Golden Gate Parkway, Naples
Hours: 11 a.m.-7 p.m. daily
Information: 239-455-4366
■ Stone crab is another cuisine that's meant to be shared, and south of Naples in Everglades City, Grimm's Stonecrab Inc. is the perfect place to grab a batch. The succulent crustaceans are perfect for an intimate dinner at home, or you can make a romantic day of if by enjoying them under the thatched-roof dining hut behind the Grimm's store.
Drinks at the historic Everglades Rod and Gun Club to follow are the perfect nightcap.
Grimm’s Stonecrab
Where: 919 Dupont St., Everglade City
Hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday-Saturday
Information: 239-695-3222
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