Do you have plans for Valentine’s Day yet?
There are a lot of options, no mater what the condition of your checking account is in. If you want to stay at home and do something special, grill petite filets on a wood fired grill along with some asparagus (after tossing in olive oil and finely diced garlic), and serve with a good loaf of French bread. Go to one of the wine shops that has a sommelier on staff (Maisano’s and Fort Bayou in OS) and pair a good red wine. Now you’ve just got one more stop and that’s at a good pastry stop, like Le Bakery in Biloxi. Pick out the most decedent pastries you can find. Put flowers on the table, turn on romantic music, and your evening is set.
If you want to go out, please remember this is one of the busiest days of the year. If you do not make reservations well in advance, the only place you will be going is Burger King. What would be my top picks? Thirty Two at the IP is THE most romantic spot on the Coast. Just be sure to make reservation for sundown. If they are full, try the lounge next door. Vestige, BR Prime, Stalla, White Pillars, Carter Green, Minons, Fields Steak and Oyster Bar all are top choices, but not inexpensive. But, there is a way to go to a fine dining place and get out for less than $100. Order two or three appetizers, and a glass or two of wine, and you will not only get a good idea what this place is all about, but you will have a delightful meal as well.
There are lots of other good places to go that are much more affordable. Perhaps one of my top picks is CB Jamaican Jerk in Ocean Springs. CB will make ribs for you that you will never forget, but the jerk chicken and jerk burger are killer good as well. The place is small, and has nice covered patio, if the weather is right.
You also might like to try a good pizza place, like Sicilian II, Tap or Crust (its brand new but very good). There are dozens of good Mexican places. My suggestion would be La Nortania in Biloxi or El Milagro Mexican Grill and Cantina in D’Iberville. I am not big on chains, but a few of the smaller ones are pretty darn good, like Patio 44 or the Lost Pizza Company. Don’t write them off just because they have multiple locations.
If you just can’t afford to go out, you can always make a stop at the deli at Rouses. Pick out a few prepared foods, or charcuterie and cheese.
But please remember, its not so much what you decide to eat, it’s who you are going to spend the day with! A Twinkie a walk on the beach and a kiss at the right moment might just be your best option!