Three Romantic Meals in Hopkins

A Valentine’s date isn’t complete without the perfect dinner. These offerings from local eateries are sure to have you falling in love.

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Moqueca at Samba Taste of Brazil: Coconut milk, onions, peppers, tomatoes and rice combine into one palate-pleasing dish with this Brazilian specialty, said Samba co-owner Gabriel Pantano. The dish can be vegetarian, but Pantano said most people prefer to get it with shrimp or cod. A white wine, such as a chardonnay or a pinot grigio, provides a wonderful complement to the dish. “It’s colorful and pretty and good,” Pantano said. “It makes a very good combination.”

Dinner for Two at Aji Contemporary Japanese: Couples looking for a complete package can head to Aji for their special Valentine’s dinner. For $55, diners get two shared entrées with steamed rice, a choice of two sushi rolls and desert to share. The restaurant’s ambience alone is romantic, and the colorful sushi presentation provides additional wow factor. Be sure to call ahead for reservations.

Dessert at Pizza Lucé: The restaurant is giving 100 percent of its Valentine’s Day dessert proceeds to Golden Valley’s Animal Humane Society. So what better reason do you need to say yes when the waiter or waitress asks if you still have room for dessert? Of course, there are plenty of options to precede that final course. Couples looking to go the pizza route will love the Pizza Athena—a Mediterranean blend of spinach, tomato, feta cheese, Kalamata olives, artichoke hearts, red onions, Greek oregano and toasted garlic with Mozzarella cheese and Bianca sauce.

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