Valentine's Day could be a boon for U.S. restaurants this year, as a majority (74 percent) of 1,000 adults surveyed by Popmenu said they will dine out or order takeout or delivery from restaurants for the holiday.
Of Americans participating in Valentine's Day activities, 49 percent plan to dine at a restaurant, 25 percent plan to order takeout or delivery, and 26 percent plan to cook at home or have other meal plans.
Lobster, crab, wild salmon, and other seafood items are being touted in marketing campaigns nationwide ahead of the holiday on 14 February.
The U.S. Pacific Northwest Dungeness crab season was delayed past Christmas, but now that it's underway, seafood firms are working to promote it as perfect for a Valentine’s Day meal.
The California Dungeness crab fishery opened 1 January after delays due to the presence of whales and on 15 January in Oregon, U.S.A. Extended negotiations between fishermen and processors resulted in the per-pound price being set at USD 2.25 (EUR 2.10), less than half of last year’s USD 4.75 (EUR 4.42) per pound and the lowest since 2012.
Despite the early season being beset by meat quality, biotoxin, whale presence, and weather issues in the U.S. states of California, Oregon and Washington, there are now “good volumes of crab coming,” Astoria, Oregon-based West Coast Seafood Processors Association Deputy Director Susan Chambers told SeafoodSource.
Since Dungeness crab is considered a luxury seafood item and a “popular special treat” for holidays such as Christmas and New Year’s, “it follows that Dungeness crab would be an ideal treat for Valentine's Day dinner – especially since the season started so late and we missed the earlier holidays,” Chambers said.
“We’re looking forward to communities holding crab feeds this winter and spring to celebrate the arrival of our traditional West Coast crab,” Chambers added.
Among a myriad of other Valentine’s Day promotions featuring seafood are these standout offers:
Greensboro, North Carolina, U.S.A.-based The Fresh Market is promoting a Valentine’s Meal for Two, including a choice of two: Premium Choice Chateaubriand Cut Filet Mignon, Ultimate Lump Crab Cakes, or Wild North Atlantic Lobster Tail. As part of the USD 59.99 (EUR 55.90) deal, shoppers can also choose one of each: Mascarpone Whipped Potatoes with Rosemary, Asparagus with Red Peppers and Sea Salt Butter Steamer Bag, Hand-Dipped Chocolate Strawberries, and a dozen roses.
The Fresh Market is also featuring a Heart-Shaped Crab Cake, “made exclusively for The Fresh Market,” from its seasoned, ready-to-cook Maryland Crab Cake, the retailer said in a press release.
Anchorage, Alaska, U.S.A.-based Copper River Seafoods is offering a free pound of Copper River salmon or cod throughout February when customers order three pounds or more of the fish. Because Valentine’s Day falls on a Tuesday, Copper River noted in an email to customers “These cod and salmon portions are tender and flaky, delicious and versatile. Store them in your freezer and easily pop them out for (fish) Taco Tuesdays!”
Pure Food Fish Market, a retailer in Seattle’s Pike Place Fish Market, is offering 20 percent off lobster tails online and in-store.
Razzoo's Cajun Cafe, based in Fort Worth, Texas, U.S.A. is bringing back its popular Shrimp en Brochette dish through 19 February, the company said in a press release. The entrée features eight pieces of jumbo shrimp – each wrapped in bacon with a sliver of jalapeno inside – over a bed of dirty rice.
"Razzoo's is the place for celebrating special occasions. Whether it's Valentine's Day, birthdays, anniversaries or other holidays, we love bringing people together over our great tasting food, drinks, and fun atmosphere," Razzoo’s CEO Jeff Powell said. ”We appreciate our fans so much and wanted to show them the love by bringing back one of their favorites.”
Santa Clarita, California-based Princess Cruises is offering a special Valentine’s Day menu on 14 February on all of its ships. In a press release, Princess Cruises' Head of Culinary Arts Chef Rudi Sodamin called food "the international language of love.” He created a romantic menu that includes Tuna and Salmon Tartare with Curry/Wasabi Mayonnaise and Pink Relish, along with Beef Tournedos and Shrimps or Risotto with Butternut Squash and Arugula.
O’Charley’s Restaurant + Bar in Nashville, Tennessee, U.S.A., is touting a special menu from 10 to 14 February, which includes new dishes such as Lobster Bisque, Bayou Shrimp Pasta and a Lobster Mac ‘n Cheese & Sirloin Combo, along with Cedar Plank Salmon and other entrees.
Photo courtesy of Photo_Time/Shutterstock
