Valentine’s Day is associated with big displays of affection that are supposed to give you warm and fuzzy feelings inside, however with this freezing weather your outsides are less than warm and fuzzy. Nevertheless this Sunday is Valentine’s Day; and while dating adds are flooding tv commercials and last minute gift ideas are filling your inboxes, by now you must have decided on your plans. If you haven’t done so yet – because you’re a procrastinator or you rather not leave the comfort of your warm home – I have a couple local suggestions that can make for a good Valentine’s Day.
For those of you that would like to enjoy a romantic Valentine’s Day dinner without the waiting to be seated or the crowds, here in The Bronx there are great restaurants that deliver. If you’re not within delivery range, you can still order for pick-up. Let’s face it, if you want to stay in for Valentine’s Day dinner you need to have amazing restaurant quality food. Lucky for us here in The Bronx we have amazing restaurants. I will start with my absolute favorite Columbian food restaurant in The Bronx and continue with other restaurants I have actually ordered from, yes even on Valentine’s Day.
La Masa Restaurant (718) 822-8400 / (718) 822-6272 – Amazing Columbian food! They are now open on Sundays and are offering delivery. You can call them and find out if you are within their range, but if you are not, definitely worth ordering for pick up. If you have kids they will love the empanadas (if you don’t order some for yourself because they are great!)
Good to Go Restaurant (718) 829-2222 – Italian & American Food. I’ve actually ordered from here on various occasions, including one Valentine’s Day. Good food and arrived still warm. I did have to wait about an hour for delivery on Valentine’s Day, however, I was home! So I did not mind the wait.
Giovanni – Italian food. They have two locations, one in Fordham Road and one in the Grand Concourse, check out their website for menus and phone numbers. My favorite dish from the Fordham Road location is Chicken Scarpariello. Food is well priced and delicious.
Havana Cafe (718) 518-1800 – Cuban & Latin American Food. I believe they deliver only within a mile from their locaiton but call to find out. If you are out of range, the food is totally worth the trip there. I am lucky enough to live within their deliver range, I ordered their Vaquero (Marinated & grilled 14oz rib eye steak, creamy yuca mofongo charred green beans, rosemary chimichurri sauce) which was delicious. I must add the driver who delivered it could have at least gotten out the car to deliver the food at least to my sidewalk however the food did NOT disappoint.
Tosca Cafe (718) 239-3300 – Italian Food. I’ve actually order for pick-up from here, however they do deliver. I’ve had different dishes from here but I always order their beef carpaccio.
There are many other great restaurants in our borough, however these are the only ones I have ordered from myself. If you have other suggestions feel free to let me know and I’ll add them to this list.
If you are up for braving the cold this Valentine’s Day but still want to stay local there are a couple of fun things you can do.
For a romantic classical music concert and/or a fashion exhibition visit Bartow-Pell Mansion Museum.
For some chocolate and wine tasting visit Wave Hill.
Explore how some plants can be aphrodisiacs, enjoy poetry, chocolate tasting and a pop-up bar at the New York Botanical Garden.
Whether you stay home or you head out to celebrate Valentine’s Day, you can be sure that here in The Bronx you can find what you need. Have a lovely day!