Toast to Rick and Ilsa at Windsor Court this Valentine's

One of my favorite hotels, Windsor Court in New Orleans, will be celebrating February 14 at its Grill Room with a special menu that includes champagne cocktails.

The Grill Room Chef de Cuisine, Gabriel Charpentier, will whip up three menus with three price points and optional wine pairings, according to a press release I received this week.

The meals "were inspired by foods traditionally considered aphrodisiacs. The multi-course theme includes five, seven and nine course options, which are paired with wines from Napa Valley, New Zealand and France, among others. Complimentary roses will also be offered to the ladies."

Sign me up. Windsor Court is already romantic. Even if you're visiting alone, with family, or friends, the hotel's old world classic charm will make you feel like you're in a silent movie. Or perhaps starring in a mysterious novel set in the 1940's.

Highlights of the Valentine’s Day menu with liquor and wine selections include:

Gulf Oyster

Tempura Avocado, Calabrian Chiles

Piccini, Extra Dry, Prosecco, Valdobbiadene, NV

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Chilled Blue Crab

Compressed Watermelon, Korean Chili Thread, Pine Nuts, Basil Sorbet

Selbach, Riesling, Bernkasteler Kurfüstlay, Mosel, 2014

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Arugula Salad

Pomegranate, Granny Smith Apple, Cold Pressed Olive Oil

Kim Crawford, Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, New Zealand, 2015

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Petit Filet Mignon

Salsify, Oyster Mushrooms, Truffle Jus

DAOU, Cabernet Sauvignon, Paso Robles, 2015

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Chocolate Caramel Mousse Pave

Burnt Orange Reduction

Fiest 10 Year Tawny Port

Before sitting down to dinner, guests can also stop by the cocktail bar to enjoy a cocktail created with love in mind, thanks to Head Mixologist Kent Westmoreland.

Romantic refreshments include:

Miss Clint’s Beau:

Named after the late husband of one of Windsor Court’s regular guests, this cocktail was created after Miss Clint visited Cocktail Bar on the anniversary of her husband’s death and asked for a drink inspired by their relationship.

Ilsa’s Blue Dress:

This cocktail is "as sweet as the love affair of Ilsa and Rick in Casablanca," I'm told.

To make reservations or view the entire Valentine’s Day menu, call (504) 522-1992 or visit https://www.grillroomneworleans.com/menus. Windsor Court is located at 300 Gravier Street.

### About Windsor Court: The 23-story, 30-year-old hotel is located in the heart of the Central Business District, steps from the French Quarter, features 316 oversized guestrooms and suites, the Grill Room Restaurant, the storied Polo Club Lounge, Le Salon for afternoon tea, Café Anglais, and an extensive art collection with mostly works of British origin. The hotel’s recent $22 million restoration included the addition of the lobby Cocktail Bar and Spa at Windsor Court. Photo: The author in the lobby of Windsor Court, with the hotel's staple 144 fresh pink roses in the background.