Alright, y'all. There are two very special castles throwing Valentine's Day dinners this year. Some may say comparing these two is like comparing apples to oranges, but we think they're both Beyonce's. As you know by now, both White Castle and Hogwarts (yes, that Hogwarts), are throwing a Valentine's Day dinner for you and your honey-bun. If you're anything like us, deciding between the two is nearly impossible. The real question is, why didn't the two castles collab so we could eat Sliders while sipping Butterbeer? Whatevs, we'll campaign for that next year. Moving forward, we compared the menus and experiences of both places so we can all decide which place is best for our refined tastes. Hopefully, you can make your choice before both venues sell out. Even if you are too late, don't have a White Castle in your area, or can't afford a flight to Hogwarts in England, you still have to see the crazy shiz these joints are rolling out for that special day. Couldn't hurt to plan ahead for next year?
1. The Hogwarts Experience. Woah, baby. Similar to the Christmas Dinner party they threw last year, this one looks like it will be nothing short of extravagant. According to the Warner Brother Studio Tour, home to the Hogwarts castle, guests will be seated in the Great Hall at tables for two. Candles and flowers will adorn those tables and guests will dine off of a lavish menu. It appears, after the dinner, guests will get "exclusive after-hours access to the Studio Tour with the chance to see sets such as the Gryffindor common room, Dumbledore's office, the Weasley kitchen at The Burrow and the Malfoy Manor dining table, before enjoying a drink on Platform 9 3/4." Faints. The site says you'll finish off your night moseying Diagon Alley, drinking Butterbeer and having tea and treats by the Hogwarts model castle. Bonus? You get to choose your own freaking wand to take home as a souvenir. What's good, White Castle?
2. The Hogwarts Menu. We would take that experience even if it didn't include a special dinner —but it does (Smiling devil emoji). The menu is insane, just like the foodie 'gram above from last year's Christmas dinner. Valentine's Day boasts such goodies as "Smoked salmon mousse crowned with home-cured gravlax," for a starter. Next course? "Hertfordshire lamb rack and confit shoulder with rosemary and garlic potato fondant, grilled asparagus and red wine jus." We don't even know what those words mean, but we still want to eat all the things. Vegetarian guests will not be left out. "Grilled artichoke hearts, beetroot carpaccio and Grand Marnier sabayon," will be your starter, and "Croxton Manor goats cheese and potato gnocchi, baked celeriac, squash, salsify and pumpkin seed oil," looks to be your main course. As if they'd forget dessert! Guests can indulge in a "classic lemon tart, Champagne and strawberry panacotta, Valrhona chocolate pavé with pistachio nut crumb and mango crème Chantilly." Mango crème, WHO?! BAI.
3. The White Castle Experience. Deep breaths. We know what you're thinking. How, after that rundown, can a fast food joint even compare to Valentine's Day at freakin' Hogwarts!? Trust us, White Castle's Valentine's Day is a legendary tradition that can hold its own. Let us tell you a little bit about what they have to offer, as someone who has experienced it firsthand. The lights are dim, and a hostess walks you to your table. The restaurant is decked in candles, tablecloths, and festive decor. Against the wall is a Valentine's Day backdrop where you and your boo can werk the camera. After the celebration, you bet your best slider you can find your snap on White Castle's website as a take-home souvenir. You thought that was all? White Castle skips the traditional order-at-the-counter shtick in favor of tableside service. Those who are lucky enough to experience said greatness are "encouraged," according to the company press release, to post their pics with the hashtag #WhiteCastle to remember the moment forever. How many heart-eye'd emojis does it take to express our love for this night?
4. The White Castle Menu. It takes a very special soul to appreciate the White Castle menu. Fans of the Slider will be stoked to know that the night's food offerings center around their staple. However, an array of decadent offerings like Sriracha or Classic Shrimp Nibblers will be offered, as well as "other noteworthy menu items," the press release notes. Could it be Chicken Rings? We can only hope. The company adds, dessert is strawberry and cream waffles with sprinkles in the shape of hearts! Aww! The price of this dinner compared to Hogwarts only adds to its charming feel. Today.com notes the Harry Potter-style love feast will cost you a whopping $713 while White Castle says couples can "choose from four Share A Meals® for just $9.95 each." To each his own, we suppose! What's the bonus here? While you may not be able to take home a wizardly wand, you might get married! That's right, the company notes they have couples who will get hitched inside of their restaurants in the coming year. We still can't decide between the two love castles. Somebody make this choice for us!
Which spot would you choose for your Valentine's Day dinner? Tell us in the comments!
Kristin Cavallari talks Valentine's Day plans!