All you need is love. But lovin’ can be so much sweeter when catered by Philly’s finest. Valentine’s Day may still be a couple weeks away but it always is…or at least was before this recession ugliness…a great excuse to fix your hair and go be pampered by lush menus built for two. If faulty fiscal policy really has gotten you down, it’s a nice opportunity to cook a romantic spaghetti dinner and get all “Lady and the Tramp” with your respective sweethearts. If you’re above water, though, there are some highlights from the batch of restaurants that have rolled out their Valentine’s Day menus.

Over on romantic South Street, Supper is laying on the lust, with fried oyster salad with romaine, black bread, horseradish, and shallot as a first course. Their menu finishes with a milk chocolate pretzel tart and looks ace. See it all here.

Marigold Kitchen in West Philly is doing something interesting with a t-shirt inspired menu called “Virginia is for Lovers”. We’re don’t really see the Virginia theme until the Virginia Ham tasting course, but it’s still an attractive menu. Vidalia bisque with duck confit sounds yum, as does potato gnocchi with brocollini, brown butter and Rothcase Gruyere. See the rest here.

Our final early pick, Fork, just had a regime change. Chef Thien Ngo said goodbye and Terrence Feury takes over Feb. 1st. He should be eager to please and the V-Day menu is a great place to start. The smoked salmon with a “beggar’s purse” of American Sturgeon Caviar and creme fraiche should be killer. They have some oysters,too, and the duck ravioli with currants and chestnuts sounds lush. Scope the rest here.

Supper: 926 South Street, 215.592.8180
Marigold Kitchen: 501 45th Street, 215.222.3699
Fork: 306 Market Street, 215.625.9425