Second Helpings: Party of Two?

If you're going to hit anything with that bow and arrow, you'd better make your reservations early this year. Here are some editors' picks from The Austin Chronicle Restaurant Guide.

BC Tavern Upscale comfort food in a romantic setting is what's up in Bee Cave this Valentine's Day. To mark the occasion, a special four-course menu with two choices per course will be rolled out for you and yours. The core menu will also be available from 5 to 10pm. $45 per person; $65 with wine and ale pairings. 11715 Bee Caves Rd., Bee Cave, 512/477-6535.

Bistrot Mirabelle Enjoy the spirit of southern France without having to travel across the globe. Chef Clinton Bertrand has put together a three-course prix fixe dinner, including a complimentary glass of champagne. The regular dinner menu, including the daily special, will also be available. Seating continues 5:30-9pm. $37.95 per person. 8127 Mesa Ste. A-100, 346-7900.

Braise claims to be Cupid's destination, so the offering includes a four-course, prix fixe menu with items such as pecan-crusted Peekytoe crab cake and Cin­der­ella Pumpkin Bisque from 6 to 10pm. $49.95 per person; $99.95 per couple. 2121 E. Sixth, 478-8700.

Carmelo's Located in the historic Depot Hotel building, this place is romance on the spot. It will lovingly serve the famous à la carte celebration menu from 5 to 10pm for you and your intended. Or your mother. 504 E. Fifth, 477-7497.

Corazon at Castle Hill will be offering a three-course menu priced from $35.95 to $41.95 per person with a choice of appetizer, entrée, and dessert, with seating from 5 to 9:30pm in both the main room and in the elegant upstairs dining room. 1101 W. Fifth, 476-0728.

European Bistro From Saturday, Feb. 11, through Tuesday, Feb. 14, kick back with Ron Valentino's jazz and enjoy a special menu with selections such as steak au poivre and roasted quail. Seatings are from 2 to 5pm and from 6 to 11pm. $75 per person. 111 E. Main St., Pflugerville, 512/835-1919.

Green Pastures On the Sunday before Valentine's, take this opportunity to get your ardor on all week by taking everyone to the Sweetheart Brunch Buffet with seating from 11am to 1:45pm. If you miss the Sweet­heart Brunch, you're still in luck: Austin's special-occasion grande dame is also serving a special prix fixe menu for Valentine's Day from 5 to 9pm that evening. Brunch, $44 per person; dinner, $80 per person. 811 W. Live Oak, 444-4747.

Hudson's on the Bend This preticketed event features a special five-course prix fixe menu that's full of promise, starting with a lobster shooter kissed with Sherry. Seating from 5 to 9:30pm. $100 per person. 3509 RR 620 N., 266-1369.

Jezebel Dining Fall in love over a romantic four-course meal that will have you wishing every day was Valentine's Day. Seating begins at 7:30pm in chef Parind Vora's private dining room in East Austin. $120 per person. Address disclosed upon payment online at www.jezebeldining.com.

Mansion at Judges' Hill invites you to enjoy three courses of stuffed quail and filet mignon as well as the rest of this special prix fixe menu from 4 to 10pm. $49.50 per person. 1900 Rio Grande, 495-1857.

Max's Underground On Sunday, Feb. 12, the lounge underneath Max's Wine Dive will be transformed into Belle Epoque at the Moulin Rouge, a romantic pop-up restaurant, for an early Valentine's night of frivolity and feasting on fried escargot with pickled apple, braised rabbit leg, and chocolate galette. $199 for two. Max's Wine Dive, 207 San Jacinto, 904-0111.

Manuel's is pleased to present a special three-course "amor menu" for Valentine's Day available Friday, Feb. 10, through Tuesday, Feb. 14. Try to look romantic while noshing on blue crab enchiladas topped with broiled suiza or verde sauce. $35 per person. 310 Congress, 472-7555; 10201 Jollyville Rd., 345-1042.

Paggi House invites you to celebrate romance this Valentine's with a "decadent dinner," so loosen your corset early here. Guests can choose from a selection including butternut squash risotto with black truffles, fresh snapper with broccolini and lump crab and blood-orange beurre blanc that will evoke adoration. A limited menu of standard items will also be available, as well as wine pairings for any dish. $85 per person. 200 Lee Barton Dr., 473-3700.

Sagra Chef Gabriel Pellegrini crafts a collection of options sure to inspire any romantic, so linger with the one you adore over a traditional four-course Italian dinner. Wine parings for each dish are available. $45 per person. 1610 San Antonio, 535-5988.

Sullivan's Steakhouse In addition to the regular menu, the three-course Valentine's menu ranges from lighter fare to heartier dishes; it's available Feb. 11-14. $89 for two. 300 Colorado, 495-6504.

Trace offers two separate menus to accommodate couples with vegetarian leanings as well as those with more carnivorous appetites. Both three-course menus are available for $65 per person or for $90 with wine pairings. Seatings from 5:30 to 10pm. 200 Lavaca, 542-3660.

Vivo offers Love at First Bite until 10pm, an elevated Tex-Mex menu of five courses featuring specialties such as lobster sopapillas and a main course of petit tenderloin served with chipotle mashed potatoes and Cabernet butter. Wine pairings are available. $65 per person. 12233 RR 620 #105, 331-4660.

Zed's invites you and your sweetie to enjoy a special prix fixe menu, which includes a Champagne toast and a fresh cut flower. $40 per person or $70 per couple. 501 W. Canyon Ridge, 339-9337.