Arizona Grand offers Valentine's Day dinner all weekend

Since Valentine’s Day lands on a Sunday, the Arizona Grand Resort is going to celebrate the whole weekend.

From 5:30 to 10 p.m. Feb. 12-14, executive chef Eric Finney will prepare a special menu at The Lobby Grill for $39 per person.

“Valentine’s Day is a good holiday to break from tradition,” Finney said. “It’s not like Thanksgiving or Christmas, so you can take some chances with the food. And then obviously you have to gear it toward couples.”

The menu includes a Caesar salad for two made with hearts of romaine lettuce, focaccia croutons and parmesan flan. Couples can choose from a 16-ounce prime ribeye with a scallion sour cream whipped potato, buttermilk onion rings and a horseradish crème and a red wine reduction.

Another entree option is a seared Sashimi grade ahi tuna with wasabi croquettes, tempura asparagus, pickled vegetable salad and pineapple chile buerre blanc. For somebody who doesn’t eat fish or meat, a sweet pea and lemon risotto is also offered, made with preserved lemon gremolata.

For dessert Chef Finney offers a Godiva chocolate obsession cake made with Valrhona chocolate sauce.

“For those who make reservations with us we have some tricks up our sleeves as well,” Finney said. “That’s top secret though.”

Romance package rates start at $279 per night, and all rates are per night and based on availability. The package includes a complimentary upgrade, a bottle of champagne or sparkling cider, chocolate-covered strawberries, romantic rose petal turndown service, $50 dining credit to enjoy breakfast in bed or to dine on property. The resort fee also is included.

On Feb. 13, local band Capital Down will be at the Oasis Water Park for couples to enjoy some live music and themed cocktails.

“We add another dimension to the evening,” director of food and beverage Mark Bertolacini said. “It’s like you’re doing a getaway, and it’s all here.”

Finney, who started at the resort in September, had previously cooked for famous guests such as George W. Bush, Dick Cheney, Muhammad Ali and the Rolling Stones before coming to the Arizona Grand Resort.

He’s been busy revising the menu, gearing up for the upcoming seasons. Finney said themed buffets at the Oasis water park and a new dessert menu at the Lobby Grill are among the things guests have to look forward to. Classics such as root beer floats and banana splits will receive a high-quality Arizona Grand spin, he said.

“I think we’re just going to continue to drive quality, and we’re really gearing toward new American cuisine done the best we can do it,” Finney said.

For more information or to make reservations call The Lobby Grill at (602) 431-6476 or the Arizona Grand Resort at (602) 438-9000.