Restaurants Are Confident That No-Shows Will Be Few on Valentine's Day

Earlier in the week, the New York Post carried an article with the headline: “Frigid Valentine’s Day Weekend To Keep Couples Inside.”

However the restaurant owners we contacted in the greater Tarrytown area were optimistic that customers would keep their Valentine’s Day reservations despite the adverse weather forecasts.

A majority of these restaurants were sold out for dinner well before Valentine’s Day, February 14, although some have tables available for February 13 and 15.

Despite the frigid temperature forecasts, reservation requests are reported at record levels; some restaurants are opening for dinner at 4 p.m. instead of 5 p.m. to accommodate guests and closing later than usual.

In general, restaurants are prepared to provide Valentine’s Day takeout packages but most don’t anticipate much of a demand.

But should a demand arise, Chef Michael Psilakis at MP Taverna in Irvington has created a special package for quick response to orders.

MP Taverna’s General Manager Vladimir Sokoli said that the restaurant is offering a $75 Valentine’s Day three-course, carry-out-only package for two, available on February 13-15. Details for this offer follow:

1. Appetizer
Roasted Beet Salad. Haricot verts, shaved fennel, almonds, onion, yogurt, feta
Octopus. Mediterranean chickpea salad

2. Entrée

Roasted Lemon Chicken. Dill, garlic, roasted fingerling potatoes
Stuffed Filet of Sole. Spinach, feta, rice pilaf, white wine sauce
3. Dessert
Greek Yogurt. Seeds & Honey-sunflower, sesame, wild flower honey
Phone: 914-231-7854
Cost for two: $75

The River Grill in Sleepy Hollow also has a special package for takeout that includes a $20 discount.

River Grill Manager Chuck Cetnarowski said that their takeout package priced at $60 for two would be offered on February 13-14. The cost for the same items is regularly $80. The package consists of:
1. Appetizer
Six baked stuffed clams or Siracha chili shrimp ($14)
Salad
Baby beets w/field greens, cranberries, walnuts, goat cheese, & raspberry dressing ($13)
2. Entrée
Surf & Turf. Large New York sirloin steak with two jumbo crab cakes ($44)
3. Dessert
Chocolate mousse cake with fresh strawberries ($9)
Phone: 914-909-6500
Cost for two $60. An $80 value, also available for dine-in

Yogurt La Crêpe in Tarrytown reported that it would offer the following special $24.99 Valentine’s Day package for two. Call 914-372-7037.

1. Beverage. Choice of two refrigerated beverages
2. Entrée. Choice of two Savory Crêpes
3. Dessert. One Sweet Crêpe or two cups of frozen yogurt (up to 8 ounces).
   

Photo: Chef Michael Psilakis at MP Taverna