Valentines day - love it or hate it, it is right around the corner and whether you're spending it with that special someone or hanging with friends, here are my top restaurant picks to treat your taste buds this Feb 14th.
Alloy - Is the perfect setting for Valentines day with its glamorous white-and-pink interior. Just off MacLeod trail and 42nd ave, this modern venue serves up the best hummus in the city and a mouth watering menu that's a mix of Asian, Latin and Mediterranean flavour influences. 220 42 Ave. S.E., 403.287.9255, alloydining.com
Anju Restaurant and Lounge - One of my top 3 restaurants in Calgary, in a house tucked away at the western edge of downtown. Owner and chef Roy Oh and his amazing team serve a variety of Koren fusion tapas that will blow your mind. Try the crispy tofu and my favorite the award winning pork belly sliders - a treat for your taste buds! 507 10 St. S.W., 403.532.9419, anju.ca
blink - Blink stands out from the crowd of great restaurants on Stephen Avenue downtown, with it's focus on locally grown ingredients, fresh seafood dishes, and herbs from their on-site garden. The vibe is calm and relatively quiet in their contemporary dining room, making it a great choice for a conversation-rich dining experience. 111 8 Ave. S.W., 403.263.5330, blinkcalgary.com
Cassis Bistro - Owner/operator Gilles Brassart grew up in the kitchen, igniting his passion for food. Cassis is a warm, accessible approach to cuisine drawn straight from Gilles roots in the south of France. Specializing in authentic dishes inspired by the south of France and created with local, seasonal produce hand-selected daily from Market 17 next door. They quickly became the talk of the town delighting their guest with amazing food, warm, friendly service and a top notch experience. 105, 2505 17th Ave S.W., 403.262.0032, thecassisbistro.ca 
JAROblue - Yes people, it's "Ja -Ro", the inspiration of owners Jared Seifrit and Robin Lokhorst. This intimate, 1500 square foot room has a retro boutique hotel feel, dimly lit with crushed velvet seating, limestone floors and stunning photographs of the Sable Island horses by artist Roberto Dutesco. They specialize in tantalizing tapas and won Runner up for Best Small Plates - in Avenues Best Restaurants 2011. 1314 17 Ave. S.W., 403.237.5276, jaroblue.com
Muse Restaurant and Lounge - a romantic setting with a bit more sizzle! Excite your sense in this magical venue, with three floors of quiet and intimate spaces that give a sexy contemporary lounge feel. They lour you in with the truffle-salted popcorn starter and will leaving wanting more. Muse’s whimsical feel equally applies to its food, it's perfect for a romantic fireside dinner or a Chef's Table for 10. 107 10A St. N.W., 403.670.6873, muserestaurant.ca
NOtaBLE - Winner of Best New Restaurant and Best of the Burbs NW 2011 - Star chef Michael Noble and his right hand man David Singleton bring you a neighbourhood hangout in the Bowness area that patrons are willing to drive across the city for. Noble and his team serve "gourmet casual" food: daily rotisserie slow roasts from chicken to prime rib to lamb. Many menu items come in a "taster" and "main" size so you can customize your order. They serve the popular Q water and donate the profits to charity, which I love! Complete your visit with Noble's signature Stilton cheesecake. 4611 Bowness Rd. N.W., 403.288.4372, notabletherestaurant.ca
The Trough - Sweep your sweetie away to the mountains for the night/weekend and cuddle up at The Trough's cozy fine dining establishment. Their globe-spanning menu is split into two fun sides: Laurel and Hardy, both are worth the drive to Canmore. A five star experience in a mountain chalet setting. 725 9 St., Canmore, 403.678.2820,
thetrough.ca
Make your V day reservations sooner than later because these palate pleasers will fill up fast! Join me later this week to talk "what to wear" for your Valentines date ;)
Great selections! I've spent the past Valentine's Day in Canmore. Very beautiful and romantic.
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