That time of year for romance and for celebrating that special someone in your life has arrived yet again. Why not pamper your loved one with a meal they’re sure to remember? Here in Tucson, there are plenty of romantic eateries to choose from, so we’ve made the decision easy and picked our top five favorites. Now, pucker up!
Five Palms Dinner Theater
If you’re looking for a truly unique and entertaining way to celebrate Cupid’s jour l’amour, then consider the Mystery and Magic Dinner Theater at the Five Palms in the foothills. Tickets include a selection of a gourmet 3-course dinner, a celebrated 3-act interactive murder mystery comedy and dancing till closing to one of the best live bands in Arizona. The Mystery & Magic Dinner Theater is offering this at its fine dining Valentine’s Day shows served up at the Five Palms Steak and Seafood venue. A full night of non-stop dining and fanciful entertainment, starting with a candle-lit table-served 3-course Executive Chef prepared dinner, together with a hilarious classic murder mystery comedy play all set at a magic show.
Festivities also include a champagne toast, a souvenir rose, a comedy dance contest and even a Silver Sleuth award for the mystery-solving winner. Post-show activities include a professional magician and live music and dancing till closing with a “fab” band featuring lead vocalist Gigi Chanteuse (Gigi and the GLOW/80’s and Gentlemen). (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q35SWIIk4Pg)
Pre-show and after-dinner entertainment will also include magic performed by Ross the Magician, professional Magician and show producer, whose credentials include the Las Vegas strip and World Famous Magic Castle in Hollywood. Ross is honored as the Arizona Stage Magician of the Year for 2016-2017 by the Society of American Magicians, an organization run by Houdini himself. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n0gJHEmXeY8)
Full cocktail service is available. The price of your well-portioned 3-course Table d'hôte menu dinner selection (prime-rib, grilled salmon, chicken Florentine or vegetarian pasta), the 3-act comedy play, magic, prizes and dancing till 11:00 is $85 per ticket. Call 520-861-4800 for Information and tickets. https://www.mysterydinner.theater/
Kingfisher
Fresh seafood in the desert may seem hard to come by, but rest assured, a trip to Kingfisher will have you thinking you’ve been flown off to the Pacific Northwest for the evening. Home to an oyster bar, an utterly cozy setting and weekly jazz performances, the ambiance is just as impressive as the fare. Nosh on crab cakes, soft shell crab, baked oysters and plenty of fresh fish (the macadamia nut crusted Hawaiian fish is to die for) while sipping on award-winning wines for a casual yet classy evening out. www.kingfishertucson.com.
McClintock’s Restaurant
If you’re seeking a completely luxe and awe-inspiring experience this Valentine’s Day, head to Saguaro Ranch’s McClintock’s Restaurant. You’ll begin the evening by entering the secluded and exclusive gates of Saguaro Ranch, as you follow your guide to the restaurant, which is set within the walls of a luxury residential community. The service is unlike any other, and the rustic dining scene is anything but disappointing. www.mcclintocks-restaurant.com.
J Bar
Located at the Westin La Paloma, J Bar is the creation of renowned Tucson chef, Janos Wilder, and was inspired by the Parillas of Nogales. While much of the restaurant centers around the bar, serving up delicious cocktails and wines, our pick for a romantic dinner is the seating available on the large covered patio. With a Mexican flair, J Bar is known for serving up delicious dishes such as the goat cheese and sun-dried tomato relleno to start, and the Yucatan-style plantain-crusted chicken as an entrée. www.janos.com.
Wildflower
After opening in 1998, this Fox Restaurant Concept eatery became known as a go-to restaurant for fine American dining in Tucson. With Asian and European influences, Wildflower offers a relaxed, contemporary-style ambiance with an intimate feel, perfect for Valentine’s Day diners. Wildflower will also feature a special holiday offering this Valentine’s Day, which will be $55 per person and will include a variety of options on a three-course menu. www.foxrc.com/wildflower.
