Last-Minute Valentine’s Day ideas in downtown Princeton

Jammin Crepes red velvet
Jammin’ Crêpes’ 20-layer red velvet crêpe cake. Photo: courtesy of Kim Rizk.

Restaurant reservations are quickly filling up for Valentine’s Day tomorrow, but it’s not too late to take advantage of specials in downtown Princeton.

For those looking for a traditional Valentine’s Day dinner date, Witherspoon Grill will offer an abridged version of their menu and live jazz music from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Reservations
can be made on their website.

Some downtown restaurants are offering prix-fixe menus and specials with limited reservations available:

Agricola Community Eatery: menu price $60

Despana Restaurant and Tapas Cafe: prix-fixe menu with varying prices

Elements: menu price $99 and tier 1 beverage pairing $55, tier 2 beverage pairing $99, offered
Feb. 13

Mediterra Restaurant and Bar: menu price $65 and wine pairing $30

La Mezzaluna: menu price $55

Mistral: menu price $85 and wine pairing $45.

Many other area restaurants are offering prix-fixe menus and specials Tuesday night as well. Check out OpenTable to see what reservations are still available.

If you are looking for a special treat to mark the day, Jammin’ Crêpes is making a 20-layer red velvet crêpe cake covered in chocolate. PJ’s Pancake House is also offering red velvet pancakes all day.

As for other sweets, The Bent Spoon has various Valentine’s Day ice cream flavors including chocolate rose, chocolate port made with port wine, bitter chocolate, and strawberry mascarpone, which is usually offered in summer. The Bent Spoon is also making Cuddle Cakes — dense chocolate cakes with a sea salt caramel layer and chocolate ganache, and cupcakes in the shape of X’s and O’s. Chez Alice Gourmet Cafe and Bakery will have cakes in the shape of hearts, as well as themed cookies.

At the Whole Earth Center, Lisbeth is whipping up some heart-shaped vegan chocolate cakes with fudge or raspberry frosting, and flourless chocolate hazelnut heart cakes for those who can’t have gluten.

Cap off the day with a sweet romantic film. The Garden Theatre is showing the French film “Amélie” with subtitles exclusively on Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are on sale online here.

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Ellie Schwartz is a first-year student at Princeton University from Kansas City. Aside from writing, she’s happiest sewing or watching French films.