Romance is in the Air for Houston SAHM's Part 4

Romantic Wining and Dining in Houston Texas on Valentines Day

Mark’s American Cuisine
No list would be complete without Mark’s American Cuisine, voted No. 1 by locals and listed as No. 1 in Zagat’s.
Location: 1658 Westheimer, Houston, TX 77066
Hours:
Lunch: 11-2/Dinner: M-TH 6-11, Fri. Sat. 5-12 and Sunday 5-10 p.m.
Reservations are a must but you can make them online by visiting Mark’s American Cuisine Attire: Business casual, no shorts or ball caps are permitted
Mark’s takes the best of American cuisine and mixes it with the melting pot that is truly American. Appetizers range from Costa Rican salad to Quail or Smoked Salmon; Dinner entrees may be an all American Sirloin Steak or Grilled Ahi Tuna Medallions with black pearl risotto and sake, ginger sauce. Mark’s offers all American deserts from Strawberry shortcake to Banana Cream Pie (with Coconut) but also continues the melting pot experience by including Caramel Crème Brulee or Sorbet Gateau which is a seasonal sorbet layered with seasonal fruits.
Menu items vary as Mark’s only uses fresh in season ingredients.

The Tasting Room

Three locations:
The Tasting Room - Uptown Park 1101-18 Uptown Park Blvd.Houston, TX 77056

The Tasting Room - Lounge 114 GrayHouston, TX 77002

The Tasting Room - River Oaks 2409 W. Alabama @ KirbyHouston, TX 77098
Hours: They are closed on Sundays, M-F 4-midnight, but River Oaks is open on Friday Noon to midnight.

With this unique tasting room, retail shop, wine café couples or friends can sit in a quiet corner, have a bottle of their choosing opened and relax and enjoy each other and the people around them. Or, the two of you may visit the store and purchase your favorites, old or new, and take them home or to a private party. Gift baskets are available and a knowledgeable staff. Love wine, but worried about the price? Take you date there on a Saturday for the public tasting for $5.00. The tasting depends on so many things; what are currently popular, the season, and you. The best part is if you purchase a bottle they return your $5.00. Love wine and want to share it with all your friends and a special someone on Valentine’s Day? Host a tasting party by contacting the Tasting Room and let them handle all the arrangements. You just tell people when to show up and hopefully clean your house before they get there.

The Wine Spot Location: 937 Mason Rd., Katy TX
A wine café, that also serves appetizers, salads, sandwiches, and desert as well as beer and soda for those who don’t enjoy wine. This cafe has a casual atmosphere with bar service, private rooms and individual tables. The food offerings vary according to the chef’s whims. Wine prices vary from $6.50-$17.50.

The Melting Pot Location: 6100 Westheimer, Suite 146
Houston, TX 77057 (Near the shopping in the Galleria)
Hours:
Full Four Course Fondue Dinner Hours
Monday - Thursday: 4:30 pm – 9:30 pm
Friday: 4:30 pm – 11:00 pm
Saturday: 3:30pm - 11:00pm
Sunday: 3:30 pm – 9:30 pm

Cheese & Chocolate Fondue Menu
Monday - Thursday 10pm -10:30pm
Friday - Saturday 11pm -11:30pm
Sunday - Thursday 9:30pm -10:00

Exactly as it sounds, this is a melting pot of variety including meats, vegetables, cheeses, and chocolates, all served with various hot “fondue’s” for dipping and cooking in. If you go for the full four course menu plan on staying there a long time. Your courses are served at your table, where you dip your meats or vegetables into the steaming hot sauces to cook them yourself. A cheese and chocolate menu is plenty for dates and Valentines Day. Reservations are recommended and can easily be made online. To make your evening even more special you can request balloon or floral arrangements at your table.

Kubo’s

Location:
2414 University Blvd. 200
Houston TX, 77005
Hours: Mon - Thu: 11:30 - 22:00
FRI: 11:30 - 0:00
Sat: 12:00 - 22:30
Sun: 12:00 - 21:00

One of Houston’s top ten restaurants and conveniently located in Rice Village. This authentic Japanese sushi dining establishment names themselves “cuisine artisans,” which they are. Every menu item is delicately prepared for maximum artistry and appeal. Nigiri, maki, and sashimi are available as well as more unusual options. For those who prefer their food fully cooked you may order cooked dishes and rice bowls and the best sake options are also available. The average cost for a main course meal is $20.00, so if you are on a budget, don’t sacrifice, go for the Happy Hour from the sushi items range in price from $3.00-$5.00 and a large hot sake can be had for $4.50.

Each of these establishments in one of the best in its class as well as one of the best overall that Houston has to offer. Enjoy your romantic Valentine at one of the best places in Houston.



What restaurants are your favorites for romantic wining and dining? Why? Where are they located? And what are great events to celebrate there -- even if just a night out.