Happy Valentine’s Day! This one goes out to all the couples who procrastinated on their romantic plans until now. Carne by Allora has a full limited-time Valentine’s Day menu that doesn’t disappoint in taste and brings some easy romance into your evening.
Located in Flatiron, Manhattan, the restaurant itself invites a sensual, upscale atmosphere, which includes cozy seats and high-quality service by the staff.
The Delicious Drinks
Normally we save the best for last, but the Sakura Blush Sour cocktail is too good to keep quiet about. This reporter isn’t a big fan of whiskey, but this cocktail is one of the best I’ve had , ever. Made with in-house Japanese cherry blossom syrup, smooth whiskey, and just a touch of lychee for balance. This deliciously creamy cocktail goes down so easily you’ll playfully lose track of how many you’ve ordered. The other Valentine’s Day cocktail offered is their Blushing Senorita, which is great for those who enjoy spicy margaritas.
The Romantic Meal
What goes well with cocktails? Filet mignon. The specialty meal items kick off with their Carpaccio Di Manzo salad. This includes a fresh arugula, paired with thinly sliced steak, topped with aged pecorino cheese and a house-made lemon aioli that balances out the dish. Every piece of the plate rang in harmony together to please the palate. A wonderful start to an appetizing evening.
Next up is the Polpo Alla Puttanesca, which includes perfectly al dente fettuccine, tender octopus, Castelvetrano olives, cherry tomatoes, and a crunchy pangratto topping, all tossed together in a light tomato sauce. The octopus contains a hint of lemon, adding a delightful freshness to the dish, while the olives added a depth of flavor that rounded out the pasta.
Moving on to the impressive main course of Aragosta Oreganata. Lobster Thermidor over a foot long, breaded and baked with delightful aromatic spices. This dish is broiled and served with lemon, garlic, white parsley butter, and is ever so slightly breaded to create a nice richness without losing the freshness of the lobster. It’s served with a side of broccoli, which acts as a nice palate cleanser between each bite.
The Delightful Dessert
Ending the meal with a chocolate, obviously, is the Torta Al Cioccolato Fondente, which is a rich chocolate lava cake served with creamy vanilla gelato. The lava cake offers a rich, delightful finish to an orchestral evening of flavor and service.
arne’s full Valentine’s Day menu is a great full meal for two! Items can also be ordered with Carne’s regular menu for those who want to customize their dining experience.
Photo Courtesy: StuntmanPR, Tessa M. Dobrow