Where are you going to take your Valentine for dinner? In Rock Creek there are many great amazing restaurants to choose from, but I have my top three for a special date night. All have a romantic atmosphere, yummy special-occasion food, and all are close to Rock Creek.

First up: Bloom, American Cuisine located in the Flatirons Mall. A lot of restaurants and other businesses have not been successful at Flatirons, but Bloom sticks around because it is a high quality place. The food, ambiance and the service are all excellent---and you can walk to the movie theater after dinner. Bloom is essentially a wine bar as well as a restaurant with over 75 wines by the glass to chose from. There is a grand piano, sleek furnishings and private booths.

This year Bloom is offering a Valentine’s Menu with a first course, second course and dessert. You can choose from 4-5 offerings in each category. I think I would go with the smoked salmon on a crisp potato galette with crème fraiche, bacon wrapped pork tenderloin with parsnip puree, celery heart, and pomegranate salad and finish it off with bars of sin: a chocolate, caramel and vanilla bean explosion of yumminess.

My second recommendation is the Melting Pot on Main St. in Louisville. The Melting Pot is a fondue restaurant, which I think is very romantic and perfect for a cold winter’s night. The atmosphere is dark and historic as the restaurant is situated in one of the original mine shafts built in the 1800’s. Very interesting! The meals consist of four courses so plan to have a long leisurely evening. For Valentine’s you can select the Cupid’s Combo, which includes the four-course meal and a bottle of wine for $100. Or for that special day try the Valentine’s Day package, which includes the four-courses, champagne with keepsake flutes, and your photo on their Facebook page. From fondue like champagne-swiss to garlic cheddar complete with lobster tails to tip and topped off with chocolate and strawberries you are in for a very romantic meal.

Finally, I recommend Via Toscana on McCaslin Blvd. in Louisville. Via Toscana is a very romantic Italian restaurant perfect for a date night. The restaurant is newly renovated on the outside and looks sleek, classy and stylish. The food is fantastic---I love the calamari, spaghetti and meatballs with tiramisu. The architecture and décor inside make you feel like you are in Italy!  For Valentine’s Day Via Toscana is offering a 5 course menu with a starter, soup or salad, first course, second course and dessert! There are also 600 wines to chose from.

Now, if only I could find a date my taste buds would be very pleased indeed. 

Reservations are recommended for all 3 restaurants:

Bloom, America Cuisine: 720-887-2800

The Melting Pot: 303-666-7777

Via Toscana: 303-604-6960