Valentine's Day plans: Five South suburban restaurants to treat yourself

This past holiday season, I think I worked harder than I ever have in my life. I hosted, I cooked, I baked, I wrapped, I shopped, I decorated, I signed cards, I addressed cards, I put up the outdoor lights myself. Then, I took it all down, packed it away, cleaned up the chaos and got my munchkins ready for school.

I need a nap, or a least a night where I am not expected to do a damn thing.

So, to keep up with my promise of giving parents ideas of great places to treat themselves in order to be better parents, and with Valentine’s Day fast approaching, I have compiled a list of some great South Suburban eateries where chicken nuggets are not the specialty and wine is preferred to chocolate milk. Get out your phones to call the babysitter and to make reservations for your sweeties.

Harvest Room

This delectable eatery (and one of my favorites) located at 7164 West 127

Street in Palos Heights is a farm-to-table concept restaurant. Everything on your plate is fresh, local, homemade and divine. The menu is diverse and ever changing. I have a special place in my heart for breakfast there, but any meal is awesome!

The Cottage on Dixie

Farm-to-table cuisine is not just for Palos Heights. The Cottage on Dixie located at 18849 Dixie Highway in Homewood offers farm fresh cuisine and they do it their own way with a menu of small plates that include mac and cheese or a poached egg salad.

Dancing Marlin

Speaking of small plate, Dancing Marlin is where you need to be if you want to share. You’ll want to try everything on the menu, and it’s OK, go ahead. The plates are small and meant to be shared with friends (make it a double date). Come for the food and stay for the cocktails and wines on tap (you read that right!). Dancing Marlin is located at 20590 South LaGrange Road in Frankfort.

La Dolce Vita

If you’re like me, when you think romantic Valentine’s Day dinner you must be thinking Italian food right? I know I am. La Dolce Vita is one of my favorites. It is reminiscent of old school Italian restaurants and food. The menu is standard fare, but done up perfectly. The lighting is perfect for a sweet conversation. Afterwards, head next door to Stray Bar for live music and a night cap. La Dolce Vita is located at 25 Old Frankfort Way in Frankfort.

Francesca’s Fortunato

Did you know there was even a Francesca’s as far south as Frankfort. Nothing says romance like a walk around Historic Downtown Frankfort in the snow, then heading into warm place for Italian food for two. I love the changing menu at Francesca’s. The wine selection is great, the desserts are superb (white chocolate gelato anyone?), and they make a mean amaretto sour! Francesca’s Fortunato is located at 40 Kansas Street in Frankfort.