By Dan Chavez, Staff Reporter
Valentine’s Day is a special day to treat loved ones to a fine dinner, and Albuquerque has many restaurants that would surely make this day one to remember.
The Chronicle has highlighted four restaurants that might make this Valentine’s Day truly spectacular that offer Valentine’s Day specials and treats for couples looking to get out on the town this holiday.
Seasons Rotisserie and Grill in Old Town at 2031 Mountain Rd. NW specializes in cuisine rooted in the American classics, serves simple dishes created with the freshest ingredients and features an open kitchen where guests can see the restaurant kitchen in action, which creates a very memorable dining experience, according to the restaurant’s website.
According to the website, guests of Seasons can choose to sit in a dining room that features natural wood, terra cotta, and hand wrought light fixtures.
According to Season’s website this restaurant is located at 2031 Mountain Rd. NW and is open for lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. and dinner from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Manager, Keith Roessler said that for their Valentine’s Day special, Seasons will be serving a special four-course dinner, which includes a bottle of Feuillatte Brut Rose from France with the first course, for $55 per person.
The main course entrées include Crispy Duck Breast, Pan Seared Sea Bass, and Fresh Lobster Tail and Filet.
“The Brut Rosé is valued at about $50, so this dinner is a really good deal,” Roessler said.
Roessler said that reservations are required and can be made through the website or by phone.
According to the website, Seasons purchases locally or regionally whenever possible and they have been able to find an amazing variety of ingredients from local sources.
For those who would like to dine in the Nob Hill area this Valentine’s Day, there is Scalo Northern Italian Grill located at 3500 Central Avenue SE and this restaurant is open for lunch from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and then opens for dinner at 5:30 p.m. daily, according to the restaurant’s website.
Manager, Sarah Williams said that they will be running their regular menu and will add a special Valentine’s Day dinner, which will be an appetizer and two course dinner and can been seen at the restaurant’s online menu at scalonobhill.com/file/Valentines_ Day_2014.pdf.
Williams said that pasta will run from $13 to $18 and dinner entrées will be from $24 to $32.
Reservations are recommended and can be requested by visiting the website or giving them a call, she said.
“Nothing says love like a glass of wine coupled with great Italian cuisine. Pair that with the backdrop of Historic Nob Hill, and you are sure to have a memorable Valentine’s Day,” a passage from the website reads.
El Pinto is the largest New Mexican restaurant in the state, with three indoor dining rooms, a cantina, and five patios that are enclosed during the colder months so that visitors can dine by a warm fire, according to the restaurant’s website.
According to El Pinto’s website, this restaurant is located at 10500 Fourth St. NW and is open Monday through Thursday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.., Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Sunday 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.
According to El Pinto’s menu, which can be seen online at elpinto.com/menus, most large dinners are from $18 to $20 per plate and there are many varieties of healthy and vegetarian plates ranging from $13 to $20.
Manager, Doug Evilsizor said he believes El Pinto would be a fine place for a romantic dinner because it has an old world feel with fireplaces and a romantic atmosphere.
El Pinto has tasty guacamole, delicious steak, and traditional enchiladas, he said.
Evilsizor said that they have a wide variety of dishes, including healthy and vegetarian dinners that are delicious.
“There’s no better place to be for Valentine’s. We have good salads, great New Mexican food, and the best margaritas around,” he said.
Evilsizor said that there are a limited number of reserved tables, but reservations are not necessary because there are lots of tables for walk-in visitors.