Downtown restaurant offers a chance to celebrate Valentine’s Day early for those who work on the holiday

Celebrate A NOLA New Year's Eve Dinner at Lily's Bistro on Tuesday, Dec. 31.

Celebrate A NOLA New Year's Eve Dinner at Lily's Bistro on Tuesday, Dec. 31.

To those working in the service industry, it can seem like every holiday is spent catering to the desires of others — and, as you might have guessed, Valentine’s Day is no different. So, when will those in the service industry have a chance to celebrate the holiday with their special someone? Lily’s Bistro in the Oregon District has a possible solution.

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The popular restaurant will be hosting a Service Industry Valentine’s Day dinner on Tuesday, Feb. 11 from 5-10 p.m. The event was created as a way to channel the romance of the holiday a bit early for those who had to work through it this year.

“There are so many service industry workers in our community who are scheduled to work on a Friday Valentine’s Day, and others just don’t want to deal with weekend holiday crowds,” said Emily Mendenhall, owner of Lily’s Bistro. “This event is for all those people who want to celebrate Valentine’s Day on their own terms.”

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THE MENU

Alongside the restaurant’s full dinner menu, the event will feature a three-course prix fixe dinner and drink specials. Guests can look forward to starters like winter squash bisque, a local lettuce salad with candied pistachios and house pressed pork terrine. Dishes like rabbit quarter confit, pan-seared Bronzino and basil tagliatelle pasta will be offered as the main course. Then, be sure to save room for dessert as Lily’s is serving up delectable sweets like rose and strawberry cheesecake, chocolate and raspberry mousse and lavender-honey ice cream. Gluten-free and vegetarian options will also be available.

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Drink specials include $10 glasses of Canard-Duchêne Champagne, half-price discounts on select bottles of wine and more. Visit the event's Facebook page to learn more about the menu and pricing of each item.

“We will definitely be open for the holiday on February 14th, but we want people who are busy that night to be able to celebrate as well,” Mendenhall added. “We hope you’ll join us if Tuesday, February 11th is the right night for you!”

Visit lilysbistro.com or call 937-723-7637 to make your reservation now.

WANT TO GO?

What: Service Industry Valentine's Day

Where: Lily's Bistro, 329 E. Fifth St. in Dayton's Oregon District

When: Tuesday, Feb. 11 from 5-10 p.m.

Cost: Prices vary depending on menu selections

More info: WebsiteFacebook

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