Columnist Muriel Stevens: Some lovely Valentine’s options

Friday, Feb. 9, 2001 | 9:35 a.m.

Muriel Stevens' dining column appears Fridays. Her shopping column and travel column appear Wednesdays. Reach her at 259-4080 or muriel@lasvegassun.com.

Valentine, Valentine, wilt thou be mine? The answer is certain to be yes after a romantic Valentine's Day dinner at a choice Las Vegas restaurant. Many are pricey, but love is said to be priceless, so splurge.

Dress up for Picasso, the splendid art-filled restaurant at Bellagio. Fresh flowers fill the glorious dining room; French windows give a view of the fountains. Picasso originals grace the walls. The setting is pure magic. Picasso is one of only two Mobil Five-Star restaurants in Las Vegas. Creating memorable meals is the specialty of Chef Julian Serrano, winner of many dining awards. Two tasting menus are offered ($79 and $89). Each is a work of art. True love thrives in such a magnificent setting.

Reservations are a must. Call 693-7111.

Dinner at Circo or Le Cirque at Bellagio is always a delicious experience. Owned by New York's acclaimed Maccioni family, scion Mario Maccioni directs both restaurants. Circo showcases Tuscan Italian cuisine in a lovely setting that includes a view of Bellagio's beguiling fountains.

For the ultimate meal, order a six-course tasting menu ($85) that, just as in Tuscany, ends with Vin Santo and cantuccini (cookies) and a traditional sweet vegetable tart. Or make selections from the Circo's seasonal a la carte menu: hot and cold antipasti, salads, handmade Italian-style pizzas, handmade pastas, grilled or rotisseried meats and a selection of main courses. Desserts are dazzling.

Reservations are suggested. Call 693-8150.

Adjacent to Circo is the elegant, French Le Cirque. Small and stylishly appointed with a sophisticated circus theme, Le Cirque is tres jolie. Two tasting menus "in harmony with the season." Both five-course ($95) and seven-course ($120) grand tasting menus are offered.

Or indulge in any of the delightful offerings from the a la carte menu. This could be the night to choose one of Le Cirque's specialties for two: stuffed leg of baby lamb with bone marrow, garlic, rosemary and thyme; a grilled 26-ounce beef rib chop with wild mushrooms, potato Anna and seasonal vegetables; or a braised veal shank with Swiss chard and butternut squash rigatoni. A divine dessert as an ending and love will surely blossom.

Reservations are not easy to get unless you like to dine early, so call ahead -- 693-8100.

Renoir at the Mirage is, just as Picasso, a Mobil Five-Star restaurant. Executive Chef Alessandro Stratta creates seasonal, contemporary French cuisine that is exceptional. Original artworks by Renoir and other French impressionists are an integral part of the romantic decor. The new five-course tasting menu ($95 per person) is wonderful. Wine pairing for each course is an additional $55. Renoir was recently recognized by Wine Spectator magazine for its excellent wine list.

The a la carte menu is also new, but such favorites as Renoir's remarkable braised short rib of beef remain. A separate dessert menu includes a number of temptations that are perfect for sharing with your Valentine.

Dinner nightly, except Monday, 6-10:30 p.m. Reservations requested. Call 791-7111.

Commander's Palace at Desert Passage at the Aladdin is offering a fixed-price, four-course Valentine's Day dinner for $65. Included are chilled Louisiana oysters, crispy-skin striped bass with a caviar beurre blanc and porcini-dusted rack of lamb served tableside. Dessert is a double chocolate terrine with pistachio crust and a sauce of brandied bing cherries.

Wine pairing is an additional $35. For a small fee, and with three days advance notice, Commander's Palace will supply a special floral arrangement for the table.

Reservations requested. Call 892-8272.

New at Caesars Palace is 8-0-8, an adventurous travelogue of Euro-Pacific cuisine created by Hawaii's Jean-Marie Josselin. Small and intimate, 8-0-8 is a romantic place for those who love fusion cuisine. Showcased are elements of Thai, Indian, Japanese, Italian and fine French cuisine, blended perfectly to create an exceptional meal.

Delicious food in a casual but beautiful setting. Toast your love with one of the exotic libations and share a delectable dessert.

Dinner nightly, beginning at 5:30 p.m. For reservations call 731-7110.

How about a Southwestern-styled Valentine's Day wine dinner at Mark Miller's Coyote Cafe Grill Room at MGM Grand? Celebrity Chef (and Las Vegan) Mark Miller has joined with Bryan Delbondio, president of Markham Vineyards, to host a special Valentine's Day dinner. Dinner price, $65 per person -- all inclusive, stars a selection of Markham Vineyards wines and a stellar five-course menu. Each course will feature a different wine. Dinner includes seared Hudson Valley foie gras, diver scallops, smoked pheasant breast and grilled Texas antelope chops.

Seating is limited. To reserve call 891-7349.

VooDoo Cafe at the Rio will cast "love spells" on your Valentine with dishes that include "aphrodisiac secrets" of the chef. If you believe, anything is possible. Among the dishes VooDoo Cafe's Chef Joseph Cisneros will feature Valentine's Day are: frog legs and morel mushroom fricassee in pastry, caviar with fresh crepes, raw oysters, and filet mignon topped with lobster and asparagus ragout.

There are other Valentine's Day menu selections, too. Napa, Fiore, Fortunes and Antonio's will all offer special menus. A beautiful rose is included.

Josef's Brasserie in Desert Passage at the Aladdin will feature a prix fixe Valentine's Day menu ($150 for two -- tax and tip not included) from noon to 1 a.m. Included are a choice of appetizer; a choice of seared ahi tuna or roasted rack of lamb or chateaubriand for two. Dessert is a chocolate souffle for two with creme Anglaise and seasonal berries. Dress is casual; reservations not required.

Anasazi of Santa Fe will offer a chef's tasting for two ($85 per person, tax and tip not included) that includes oysters on the half shell; Southwest baby artichoke salad; soup of roasted red peppers with a baked Brie heart; lavendar-rubbed rack of lamb, purple mashed potatoes and asparagus bundles; and a Valentine's dessert trio -- "a sampling of lovers favorites."

Papa Murphy's Take N' Bake Pizza could provide a fun evening for those who want to stay home with their honey. All five Papa Murphy locations are offering large heart-shaped pepperoni pizzas ($5.99) on Valentine's Day. Pick up the ready-to-bake pizzas, pop in the oven to bake, and have a cozy evening at home.