Incoming Executive Director of the Andy Warhol Museum Mario Rossero is as multifaceted as the museum’s namesake. Rossero is an educator, working artist, and administrative professional who brings decades of experience to the role, including starting his career as an arts educator in 1994 at the Warhol in his early twenties. His appointment as Executive Director is a “homecoming” to the Warhol and the city of Pittsburgh, where his roots still lie.
Executive Director Mario Rossero Brings an “Artist’s Mindset” to the Warhol
In Rossero’s art practice, which he has maintained all throughout his career in Pittsburgh and Chicago public schools and as Executive Director at the National Art Education Association (NAEA), he makes mixed-media collage and drawings. All of his work begins as ink or pencil drawings, which he then layers over each other to create deconstructed collages. There are echoes of Raymond Pettibon in the cursive script and evocative ink shading of his works on paper. “The big picture is that I’m a working artist, and I feel having that internal experience of being a maker is essential to the role [of Executive Director]. What that affords me is that I have an insider perspective of the artist mindset,” he said.
Rossero said the curatorial direction of the museum has been on “my mind, the Warhol’s mind, and the community’s mind.” But he doesn’t want to rush to fill the role, and instead will focus on the existing resources at the Warhol before moving forward curatorially. “In meeting with the staff when I was onsite, they have been doing such a good job caring for the collection and putting on great exhibitions,” he said. He described himself as a “process-oriented” leader who looks at things from every perspective and takes time and care to find the best way to do things. “I’m a big collaborator, I spend a lot of time bringing people together,” he said.
Finding a Way For Everyone to Connect with Warhol
In his time as an arts educator at the Warhol, he especially enjoyed seeing what resonated with visitors at the museum, as there was something everyone could find to connect them to Warhol’s life and work. “There might be people who weren’t quite ready to embrace Warhol’s work, and you’d see them just melt. There’d be some part of him that would really resonate with folks—growing up in a steel town in a working-class family, his career in advertising, or just something like that he went to church a lot with his mom…”
As for what most resonated with Rossero personally about Warhol, true to his process-oriented, listening-focused spirit, it was Warhol’s collaborations. “I love the call and response in Warhol’s later work where he collaborated with Jean-Michel Basquiat and Francesco Clemente,” he said. “I love that that he collaborated with his mother, Julia, too. Her beautiful curlicue script is in so much of his early works. In the archives, one of my colleagues showed me the original template of Julia’s handwriting, which was a beautiful moment.”
But what he really connects with about Warhol is Warhol’s interdisciplinary approach to making art. “[Warhol] opened my eyes to the fact that you don’t have to pick one discipline or one kind of artwork to do. He produced films and made artwork and led a magazine.” He said of both his artmaking and his work ethic: “The way I best understand things is from a 360 viewpoint.”
Looking Forward at the Museum
Rossero will be in begin his tenure at the museum on March 31. He shared that among the favorite spots he’s looking forward to visiting again are Espresso a Mano in Lawrenceville, La Feria in Shadyside, and Kaya in the Strip District. In the meantime, the Warhol will be debutingHolding Still, Holding On, a collaboration with the Carnegie Mellon School of Art’s MFA program while the school’s building is under construction—another full circle moment, given that Warhol himself attended Carnegie Mellon. Visitors can also look forward to Good Business: Andy Warhol’s Screenprints in May 2025, and perhaps get a chance to say hi to Rossero in the museum he already knows so well.
Story by Emma Riva Photo courtesy of the Warhol: Left: Mario Rossero, Self-Portrait, 2004. Right: Mario Rossero, Self-Portrait, 2019.
New Year resolutions don’t always have to come in the form of diets and exercise. Plenty of options start on a smaller scale but can lead to big changes. Sustainability is path for small changes in the home or in your daily life that can benefit the earth as well as your own community. Whenever you live in a city like Pittsburgh with a history of bad air quality and river pollution, living a more sustainable life can make a big difference both now and for future residents. One business, The Refillery, has spent 5 years providing communities a way to become more sustainable not only through their own store but outside of it as well. Their commitment to zero-waste encourages others to dive into this greener world as well.
The Refillery Helps Pittsburgh Make Sustainable New Year Resolutions
The Refillery Eco Boutique sits along Allegheny River Boulevard in Oakmont, advocating for citizens to refill their household items by reducing single-use plastic. Simply bring in your empty container, or purchase one in store, pay by weight, and leave with a product that’s locally and ethically made. These products can be shampoo, conditioner, hand soap, laundry soap, and so much more. Founder and owner Larissa Russo explains that the impact of even one refill goes further than one may expect
“I’m very proud to say that over the past four years, our community has diverted 31,254 single-use containers from landfill from using The Refillery,” she says. “Our goal is to get to 50,000 in five years through our mission. We work to reduce Pittsburgh’s eco-impact and diminish single-use packaging by making reusing & refilling easy, accessible, and affordable.”
Sustainability in Pittsburgh Beyond The Refillery
Even outside of The Refillery, Pittsburgh has been making an effort to revive the city and its environment for many years. Though we still, of course, see opportunities for improvement, the city’s last 60 years includes a transformation that allows us to enjoy the parks and rivers with ease. But, the grind doesn’t stop here.
“This transformation in Pittsburgh took a tremendous amount of hard work, dedication, and foresight from civic officials, businesses, and community members,” says Russo. We are so incredibly lucky to be able to enjoy our iconic rivers and their shores and ultimately lead healthier lives. It is our duty to prioritize sustainability in Pittsburgh to honor the hard work of previous generations and protect our environment for future generations.”
Making Eco-Friendly Choices in Your Own Everyday
While this all may sound like a lot of hard work, by taking a look at your everyday activities, you can find small ways to make a difference each day. Russo is big on the idea that sustainability just takes intentionality. From there, the process is as easy as shopping at a different store.
“Living a more sustainable and eco-friendly lifestyle is really about slowing down,” she explains. “By slowing down our lives, especially our consumption habits, we are able to be more intentional about decisions and purchases. Every single day, we have an opportunity to make an impact with how and where we spend our money. Next time you need to make any purchase, big or small, take a moment to ask yourself, ‘Can I buy this item locally? Can I buy this item from a small business? Can I borrow this item? What about thrifting this item?’ Choosing community over convenience is what sustainability is all about.”
She even applies this practice in her business when introducing new customers. There’s no need to try to do everything at once and overwhelm yourself. Growth is always about the small steps to a larger goal.
“When it comes to starting to refill, I tell everyone to start slow,” says Russo. “Start by swapping out just one item in your kitchen for the eco-friendly alternative. For example, next time your dish soap bottle is empty, don’t trash it. Save it and bring it into The Refillery for your first refill.”
Working Towards a Sustainable World
Next time you’re stuck on the Fort Pitt Bridge, take a look at the river below and remember that you’re helping the future of not only Pittsburgh, but also of our planet. It’s important to remember as you make your sustainability practices that one person cannot change the world on their own. Community and sustainability go hand-in-hand for a reason, they need each other to thrive.
“While there is no doubt that individual changes certainly do add up, the major contributors and effects of climate change can only be addressed through significant systemic change,” says Russo. “I think a good long term goal is to become more civically aware and involved at a local level to help shape these systemic changes here in Pittsburgh. Volunteer, join a committee, and get involved to help shape the eco-change we need for Pittsburgh.”
Story by Kylie Thomas Photo Courtesy of The Refillery
If you’re looking for a change of pace after a tough late season for the Steelers, we have an option for you. In February 2025, Square Café owner Sherree Goldstein will be debuting a new way for Pittsburghers to enjoy sports. Goldstein will be opening Title 9, Pittsburgh’s first women’s sports bar. Just to clarify, the name doesn’t mean only women are allowed to come in, but that the bar will only show women’s sports. In fact, Title 9 encourages people of all demographics to come and watch women’s sports, whether that’s women’s soccer, the WNBA, or local universities’ many women’s sports teams.
Sherree Goldstein to Open Pittsburgh’s First Women’s Sports Bar in 2025
“I am passionate about women’s sports, and it’s been so amazing over the past few years to see these incredible athletes finally getting the viewership they deserve,” Goldstein said in a press release. “We want to do what we can to grow here in our hometown and also support and connect with our collegiate and professional players in Pittsburgh. The goal is to make this not only a place to watch women’s sports but to convene and grow the community.”
Why should Pitt football get all the bar viewing? In 2024, women’s college sports saw record-breaking viewership numbers. The 2024 Women’s NCAA tournament averaged approximately 19 million viewers, peaking at 24 million, for the final game between Iowa and South Carolina. This number was up 89% from the previous year and beat viewership for the Men’s final for the first time ever. Hopefully, in 2025 those numbers continue to rise.
Expanding Square Café’s Menu
Title 9 will open at 5997 Centre Avenue with a full bar, televisions, and a rooftop seating area. Diners might recognize this as the overflow seating area at Square Café, whose main dining space is immediately adjacent. Goldstein said that the space’s proximity to her main business allowed for the expansion. “We have been planning this for over a year,” she explained. “The right opportunity presented itself…and we went for it.”
There will be some crossover from Square Café’s menu at Title 9, but Goldstein is also excited to debut new cocktails and feature local breweries. Goldstein mentioned that “There are some really popular snacks, like our tots, and handhelds, like our wraps and veggie burgers, that are sure to make an appearance. We’re also going to be doing some fun twists on bar food, as well.”
The business will host a series of pop-ups before its projected grand opening in February.
Story by Emma Riva Photo courtesy of Pitt Athletics
Caviar is a treat. Even some of Pittsburgh’s most exclusive restaurants don’t serve it, because it’s expensive to import, and only the top-of-the-line customers order it. Along with champagne, it’s a Valentine’s Day favorite if you’re looking to impress your partner with a romantic meal. But there are ways to get it without breaking the bank, so we’ve rounded up where to buy it in Pittsburgh for both dining out and eating in.
Why Is Caviar a Luxury?
The classic caviar is the eggs from a female sturgeon fish, no more, no less. It was popular in the ancient civilizations of Russia and China, where khans and soldiers alike feasted on sturgeon roe. Russian aristocrats took a liking to it, and suddenly it became a luxury item, traded at high prices and harvested on at scale.
But the main reason caviar is so expensive is a bit of a bummer—maybe not a Valentine’s Day dinner topic, unless you happen to be dating an environmentalist. Sturgeon are highly endangered, so there are many rules and regulations in place for their harvesting, which then drives up the overall cost. (If you have a vegan date who is upset by eating an endangered animal goods and you still want to impress them, consider Zeroe seaweed caviar).
One argument for going out to eat or shopping locally is that if you want to order in, you can sometimes be looking at $1000+ for a two-person spread, though you can also go through sites like Charitybuzz to have a portion of your spending donated. A party-size tray of Beluga caviar could put you out a whopping $7500.
Another element of this cost is the labor behind it. To make caviar, producers catch sturgeon, gently massage them to release their eggs, and then meticulously rinse them, sieve them, and sort them by size and quality after extraction. Again, maybe not the best Valentine’s Day table topic…but maybe it is, since it’s one of the great truths that behind every act of romance is a lot of hard, unglamorous labor. But, as in love, that doesn’t mean the end result is any less worth it! Caviar is a delicacy and can be a wonderful way to make someone feel special.
Where to Get Caviar in Pittsburgh for Valentine’s Day
Wholey’s in the Strip is the undisputed champion of fish shopping in Pittsburgh, for good reason. Their focus on quality means that you’re getting the best of the best. At the moment, you can buy Danish lumpfish caviar for only $27 on their website, but they offer other kinds as seasonally available. Make a day out of shopping in the Strip to get caviar for your special meal.
If you’re looking for caviar with dinner, you can’t beat Fet-Fisk. At $30 for 1oz, it’s pretty affordable. Trade secret: If you get the Crispy Monday wings special, they drizzle caviar on top, if you’re not ready for a full ounce of caviar. Chef Nik Forsberg once said his Swedish grandmother’s one regret in life was that she didn’t eat enough caviar, so he made it a mission to have it on his menu. The Danish trout roe he includes is more “texturally satisfying” than traditional sturgeon roe.
Though it isn’t always on the menu, Ritual House has both a caviar starter and a caviar cream on top of their halibut dish. Plus, the romantic atmosphere makes almost anything feel luxurious if you choose to go there for a Valentine’s Day date.
At Del Frisco’s, there’s a whole separate caviar service section to the menu. Price varies based on stock and availability, so you get what you get, but it’s all farm-raised, top quality caviar. You can also order a customizable “caviar and seafood tower,” four tiers of seafood of your choice for you and your date.
This Ukrainian specialty store has several different types of canned caviar including sturgeon and lumpfish, due to its prevalence in Eastern European cooking as a side with Blini. This is a good option for a slightly lower price point than Wholey’s but not a drop in quality. As with any ethnic specialty grocery store, though, you just have to come prepared to ask questions and be open-minded.
If you really want to splurge and expand your palate, Altius has the most expensive type of caviar on their menu: Beluga sturgeon caviar. The menu describes the Beluga caviar as “pearl grey to dark grey pearls, silky texture, rare & regal character, aromatic notes of walnut, hazelnut, & butternut.” You can also get Siberian Royal and Italian Osetra, equally decadent and rare caviar.
Chef Chris O’Brien stands at the helm of one of the most exquisite restaurants in Pittsburgh. Hyeholde, just outside of the city (near the Pittsburgh International Airport), is a real-life castle first created as a gift from William Kryskill to his wife, Clara. Since 1937, it has served fine wines and excellent cuisine in a unique location to the people of the Pittsburgh region. For our Proust Questionnaire series, chef-owner Chris O’Brien dishes on his best meals and what makes his restaurant special.
Proust Questionnaire with Chef Chris O’Brien
Your favorite qualities in a restaurant or chef?
It’s one in the same; the chef has to take care, attention and pride in what they do, and make sure the restaurant embodies those same qualities. Leading by example and actually teaching the restaurant team is something very few chefs achieve successfully.
Your strongest characteristic as a chef?
Maintaining balance. It can be difficult to hold yourself and others to the highest standards, while also creatively driving the restaurant forward, orchestrating service and staff, etc. As a chef and owner, I’m also weaving in a business-minded approach to balance and harmony in the restaurant.
One word or phrase to describe your restaurant?
Timeless elegance and epicurean legacy.
What inspired you to become a chef?
Julia Child. I watched her as a young teenager and was inspired to become a cook and go to culinary school to form a foundation. As I grew up, I was fortunate enough to have a talented chef take me under his wing and spend time nurturing me. That chef inspired me to learn more everyday.
What do you appreciate most in your sous chefs?
The chef de cuisine and sous chef have the hardest jobs in the restaurant industry. Oftentimes there are thankless days filled with deadlines, staffing, and pressure to uphold the standards set by ownership and quality control. Coming up as a chef de cuisine and sous chef myself, I greatly appreciate their hard work and dedication.
Your favorite ingredient?
Anything at the peak of seasonality. I get excited about the bounty of local produce that’s available to us. Our menu focuses as much as possible on locally-sourced ingredients.
Your guilty pleasure meal?
I love a greasy cheeseburger.
If you weren’t a chef, what would you be?
I don’t know if I see myself doing anything else. A part of me would have to do something creative and imaginative.
What’s the best meal you’ve ever had?
I’ve had the opportunity to eat at many fine restaurants over the years. Really, comes down to two restaurants. Alinea in Chicago. And Per Se in New York. Both were life changing experiences. Service and food at another level. The experience of eating at places such as those drives us to be better at our profession. I give all of our chefs the opportunity to go somewhere to experience food at a higher level, to strive for excellence.
If you could make a dinner reservation anywhere in the world, where would it be?
Noma. I think Rene Redzepi and his innovative approach to local, wild foraged ingredients is inspiring. Also, Dan Barber of Blue Hill at Stone Barns. His focus on seasonality and localization is something that is very important.
My inspiration to become a chef comes from my mother. I remember when I was a kid helping her prepare the family meal. I really enjoyed that time. From that moment, I knew I wanted to be a chef.
What do you appreciate most in your sous chefs?
The sous chef position is critical and the hardest position in the kitchen. Being on time is part of their daily routine. I would say Jim, Katelyn, Tyler, and Jeffrey are the best team I have ever had. It is satisfying to see them helping each other all the time to be successful.
Your favorite ingredient?
You can do a lot with garlic and chili.
Your idea of a great evening out?
Rooftop or waterfront restaurant, something away from city lights, good drinks, good food, and good conversation.
Your guilty pleasure meal?
Japanese instant ramen.
If you weren’t a chef, what would you be?
Nothing; being a chef is the only thing I’m good at and the only thing that I enjoy.
What’s the best meal you’ve ever had?
Rabbit with guajillo sauce (Mother’s recipe).
If you could make a dinner reservation anywhere in the world, where would it be?
I can enjoy a good dinner at a food truck or the best restaurant in New York.
Jamilka Borges and Dianne DeStefano opened Lilith in 2023, and so far, it’s been a roaring hit in the Pittsburgh dining scene. The space has gorgeous décor and lighting, and each plate comes out on a floral porcelain dish. When we spoke to DeStefano and Borges in 2023, DeStefano, said that her vision was for “no QR codes, more detailed service, more relaxing experience […] we want people to feel like they’re being treated. We believe in hospitality as an art form.” Two years out, Lilith shows no sign of slowing down. For our Proust Questionnaire series, Jamilka Borges shared why hospitality is important to her, what her dream night out is, and what she’d do if she wasn’t a chef.
It’s always hard to think about myself, but probably being able to adapt and change very quickly. I’m also a cheerleader for people who I believe in and trust. I lead by example. I would never ask anyone to do something that I wasn’t able to do myself.
One word or phrase to describe your restaurant?
Unapologetically feminine and ours.
What inspired you to become a chef?
My father died by suicide when I was 18. I cope with this loss by cooking for people. That ignited the fire and love for food and hospitality.
What do you appreciate most in your sous chefs?
Our Sous Chef Lizzie Sestito, aka Lizzie Styles, is incredible. She has worked at some of the best restaurants in the world, and she came to Pittsburgh via her husband’s medical fellowship (thanks, Dr. Sam). She’s kind and smart and is able to also move and adapt with our farmers’ availability.
Your favorite ingredient?
Uni, oysters.
Your idea of a great evening out?
My partner, Chef Dianne and I, and our significant others start with snacks at Balvanera, go to see the Pittsburgh Opera or any other show, have dinner at Dish, and finish with a nightcap at Solera Wine Bar.
Your guilty pleasure meal?
Beef and cheese empanadas, fried.
If you weren’t a chef, what would you be?
Probably a humans rights lawyer or something related to policy…or, a pilot(that was my childhood dream)
What’s the best meal you’ve ever had?
So many come to mind: Many meals at Olmsted through the years, Le Bernardin lunch with Sommelier Sarah Thomas in 2017, Verde Mesa in Old San Juan, Vianda in Santurce both during a trip back to Puerto Rico in 2022.
If you could make a dinner reservation anywhere in the world, where would it be?
The ancient Greeks considered theater a healing art. Whether you’re stressed out about post-holiday debt, crabby from doing Dry January, or just facing some of that good old seasonal depression, going to see a theater performance can be one way to get out of your own head and focus on something else. Pittsburgh’s world-class performing arts organizations have started up their spring shows for 2025, and there’s something for everyone in the upcoming months. Plus, look for special Valentine’s Day shows to enjoy with that special someone.
Fall in Love with Pittsburgh Theater Performances This Winter
This January’s Armida is the Pittsburgh Opera’s very first production of Haydn’s musical masterpiece, with a libretto by Antonio Tozzi. Enchantress Armida attempts to seduce the knight Rinaldo, but finds that she falls in love with him herself as war rages around them. This tale of conflict and conquest has enchanted audiences for centuries, and this spring it can enchant you too.
Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, January 31 & February 21
Oboist Cynthia Kolmedo DeAlmeida will be performing the last symphony famed composer Shostakovich penned, in the twilight of his life. The orchestra describes it as “intensely personal, enigmatic, and somewhat surreal.”
Experience John Williams’s iconic score as never before with a live symphonic concert from the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra. The movie will be screening at the same time as the artists play under the direction of conductor Jacob Joyce. Don’t miss this one, for classical music aficionados and sci-fi fans alike.
Czech composer Antonin Dvorák traveled to America and drew inspiration from the music he heard there for his “New World” symphonies. If you’re soft-launching a new relationship, consider celebrating the newness of love with these inventive classical pieces. Or, take a long-standing beau to remember that you can always see something new in each other.
Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, January 28 – Sun, February 2, 2025
Yann Martel’s novel Life of Pi,an epic tale of the search for meaning in a confusing world, now takes to the stage. Fans of the movie and the original novel may remember that a tiger and an orangutan is one of its central components, and the stage adaptation doesn’t skimp on those with world-class puppetry and stagecraft. No real tigers, though.
Pittsburgh Public Theater, February 5 – February 23,
Broadway executives once banned this satirical play by Alice Childress. Its original premier date was 1955, but it didn’t get its due until 2021, 66 years after. Why? Well, you’ll have to see it to find out. It’s a case of a play-within-a-play and a commentary on the treatment black performers receive on Broadway. This winter, it’s showing in Pittsburgh for the first time since its Broadway debut.
Unreconciled is a true story, following a survivor of sexual abuse in the Catholic church attempting to navigate a victims’ reparations program. It asks complex questions about what true reconciliation and healing really looks like, in the form of a one-man-show.
You can’t beat Romeo and Juliet for romance. Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre is putting on a special Valentine’s Day performance of Sergei Prokofiev’s gorgeous ballet interpretation of the greatest love story ever told. (And before you protest that “they both die at the end,” nobody ever said a great love story had to be a happy one).
Story by Emma Riva Photo Rinaldo and Armida by Karl Ferdinand Sohn, courtesy of the Pittsburgh Opera
Pittsburgh is bursting with exciting events from January 13-19, offering something for everyone. Whether you’re a sports lover, music enthusiast, or simply looking for a fun night out, this week has it all. From live performances to captivating conversations, there’s no shortage of opportunities to explore and enjoy the vibrant city of Pittsburgh. So, ditch the winter blues and embrace the excitement!
August Wilson African American Cultural Center, January 14
Join the African American Male Wellness Agency (AAMWA) for an empowering discussion on Black men’s mental health. This event provides a safe and supportive space for men to share their experiences, reduce stigma, and learn about mental wellness resources. Admission is free, but registration is required.
Renowned for their innovative and powerful performances, Malpaso Dance Company returns to Pittsburgh for a show you won’t want to miss. This acclaimed Cuban company, known for its collaborations with leading choreographers like Ronald K. Brown, Sonya Tayeh, and Aszure Barton, will present a captivating program of contemporary dance.
Experience the passionate and romantic music of Rachmaninoff and Tchaikovsky with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra. Rising star pianist Janice Carissa will deliver a breathtaking performance of Rachmaninoff’s Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, showcasing its virtuosity and emotional depth. The program will conclude with Tchaikovsky’s Fifth Symphony as a way to close this journey.
PiratesFest is back! Get ready for a weekend of Pirates baseball excitement to kick off the 2025 season. Join two days of family fun at PNC Park, featuring player meet and greets, carnival games, batting cages, bounce houses, face painting, and so much more. Plus, you can even attend exclusive Q&A sessions with players and special guests.
Join Chase, Marshall, Skye, and the rest of the PAW Patrol for an exciting live adventure! When Supervillain Scientist Victoria Vance tries to crash Adventure City’s biggest street party, it’s up to the pups to save the day just like they do in your kiddos favorite show. With heroic action, catchy tunes, and plenty of interactive fun, this story is sure to delight audiences of all ages.
When the time comes to start making Valentine’s Day plans, it’s important to hop on those restaurant reservations and their dinner specials as soon as possible! Too often, we wait till the last minute, and by that point our choices are limited for a romantic dinner (leaving at a Primanti Brothers for a not-very-special holiday). This year, get ahead of the game with our guide to Valentine’s Day dinner reservation options in Pittsburgh. Treat the one you love the most to an exquisite and exclusive experience. All of these restaurants are ready to make sure you have the most romantic day possible with a delicious meal.
Spoil a Loved One with These Valentine’s Day Dinner Specials in Pittsburgh 2026
Standing for Eat Your Veggies, EYV dedicates its menu to vegetable-centered dishes. Each recipe uses fresh ingredients from Western Pennsylvania & East Ohio Farms as often as possible. Treat your partner to a farm-to-table meal in the form of a three course tasting menu. This allows you to have a little of everything without being overwhelmed by the options available. Book a reservation for this exclusive experience, available on February 13 or 14 which includes complimentary champagne or an NA sparkling beverage.
Each Valentine’s Day we look forward to Square Cafe’s crowd-favorite Red Velvet Pancakes. These fluffy cakes include layers of cream cheese icing and powdered sugar with their famous red color. But if you’re feeling something more savory opt for their Corned Beef Hash with corned beef, mushrooms, shallots, garlic, fingerling potatoes, and an over-easy egg with a green onion garnish. Plus, you can savor festive drinks including the Raspberry White Mocha and a Peach-Berry Bellini.
If atmosphere is what you’re looking for then Con Alma’s jazz bar and restaurant is the place to be for Valentine’s Day. This year, the innovative kitchen will be bringing back some of Con Alma’s classics for Valentine’s week. Look forward to original cocktails as well as new ones that match the menu Chef Josh is cooking up throughout the week. For a fun outing with your valentine, the restaurant will also be hosting a cocktail class if you wish to learn to shake up some of these recipes at home.
Sister-owners Dalel and Leila Khalil invite guests to a romantic Valentine’s Day celebration featuring a curated prix fixe menu that takes you through Syrian and Mediterranean flavors. Dive into a family-style tapas spread, elegant starters, and then a comforting main course that features tender lamb moussaka. Each course comes perfectly paired with Spanish wine or non-alcoholic beverages. The evening concludes on a sweet note with house-made strawberry baklava as well as traditional Arabic coffee or Syrian mint tea.
At this Italian family’s haven for authentic pasta, lovers and friends will celebrate the Valentine’s Day holiday with a special limited menu. Look forward to decadent pastas and Italian dishes like the Pappardelle Bolognese with beef, veal, and pork. Or, dive into Vallozzis’s Seafood Risotto with shrimp, scallop, as well as roasted red peppers. Then, guests can toast to this evening of love with a variety of the restaurant’s housemade ‘cellos, handcrafted cocktails, and Italian wine selections.
The Commoner rolls out the red carpet for Valentine’s Day with their curated four-course prix fixe dinner celebrating their use of bold flavors and seasonal ingredients. Begin with refined starters like delicate crudo or rich mushroom toast, followed by second courses featuring scallops or short-rib arancini. For the main course, choose between lamb loin or buttery halibut, each paired with globally inspired accompaniments. The evening concludes with a decadent dessert of either pavlova or a rich chocolate ganache.
Ritual House celebrates Valentine’s Day with festive cocktail creations and a standout food menu. Sip on playful cocktails like a Chocolate Covered Strawberry Old Fashioned or the Be Mine Berries & Cream, alongside fancy Jell-O shots in flavors such as Espresso Martini and Raspberry Lychee. The party doesn’t stop there as the kitchen prepares customizable prime steaks with bold sauces like au poivre and chimichurri. Seafood lovers can also enjoy expertly prepared dishes such as Teriyaki-Glazed Salmon or the chef’s signature seared Big Eye Tuna Sashimi.
Why not order dinner in this Valentine’s Day and bask in an evening at home, away from all the chaos in the city. The Merrie Chef introduces her dinner for two featuring your selection of an appetizer, main course, and then dessert. You’ll even receive a floral arrangement to use as your table centerpiece, bringing the romance to your own space. Not to mention, if you don’t want to order the whole dinner, you can pick up a charcuterie board and sweet treats to fill in the gaps.
Head out to a romantic dinner featuring a specialty menu made perfect or you and your Valentine from February 10-15. Choose between dishes like their Tuna Tartare with Winter Citrus, Beet Ravioli filled with goat cheese and ricotta, as well as Wild Mushroom Risotto with scallops and caviar. Just be sure to get your reservation in and if your night of choice is already full, you can be added to a waitlist.
In case you choose to stay in this Valentine’s Day, Pane è Pronto offers a take-home dinner for two. You’ll be able to reheat and feast on house-baked ciabatta with whipped ricotta and black truffle, Lobster and Cauliflower Soup, Roasted Beet and Burrata Salad, Sugo Agli e Capesante, Braised Chicken Cacciatore with Herbed Polenta, and Valentine’s cookies. You can always just pick up a bundle of treats too like specialty breads such as Cherry and Almond Panettone, as well as chocolate covered strawberries and vintage-style mini heart cakes in lemon, hazelnut, or almond.
Fl.2 invites guests to celebrate Valentine’s Day with a paced five-course prix fixe menu that blends elevated comfort with luxury. The evening opens with an indulgent bread service and a duo of oysters. Guests then choose between classic French onion soup or a silky lobster bisque before enjoying a winter frisée salad. Entrées highlight the kitchen’s signature Maine lobster tail with beet and goat cheese risotto or a decadent prime filet Beef Rossini with foie gras and also truffle accents. Dessert finished things off with a raspberry cheesecake and cushiony beignet.
February 14, The Fez is the place to be with live jazz music to serenade your evening. Look forward to a gourmet buffet with never-ending dishes like a Roasted Beet and Arugula Salad, New York Strip with a peppercorn sauce, Roasted Chicken, Miso-Glazed Salmon, Smashed Fingerling Potatoes, Farro Mushroom Risotto, and so much more. Just be sure to leave some room for dessert as a Double Chocolate Molten Lava Cake with vanilla ice cream as well as strawberries is on the menu. A cash bar with signature cocktails will also be available to guests.
Who wouldn’t love a heart-shaped pizza waiting for them with their favorite toppings for Valentine’s Day? At Pizzeria Davide, the team is baking up small pizzas in heart shapes from February 13-15. But just in case you’re not feeling the love this year, you can ask the staff to break the heart with a jagged cut down the middle.
The West Coast is waiting for you this Valentine’s Day at Palm Palm. Sip on creative, love-forward cocktails like the Smoked Chocolate Cherry Old Fashion or the more floral, elegant Empress of My Heart. From the kitchen, enjoy dishes such as Lobster Romano with miso butter and lump crab, or a perfectly prepared Espresso-Crusted 12 oz New York Strip with white chocolate parsnip purée and raspberry chimichurri.
Whisk yourselves away to Italy this year. F&F Pizzeria invites guests to indulge in their critically acclaimed pizzas made with naturally fermented dough, alongside a trattoria-style menu of small plates, fresh insalate, and classic entrees like Vodka Rigatoni Al Forno and Brosato of Beef. Toast to love with expertly crafted cocktails, including the Rust Belt Revival, Bianco Negroni, as well as an Olio Martini, each showcasing The Franks’ attention to quality ingredients.
