In addition to Valentine’s specials, the Grand Marlin offers a great selection of fresh oysters (above), entree’s (right) and desserts and cocktails. Photos by Scott Page/Splash! For many of us, Valentine's Day is the one day of the year when we allow ourselves to slow the fast pace of life to express our love and appreciation – to spend time with the one we love and to share or revisit our hopes and dreams. And more often than not, we choose a "perfect" spot together for a really exceptional meal.

The Grand Marlin, nestled on the edge of the Santa Rosa Sound on Pensacola Beach, offers a wonderful, intimate setting for just such a date. The roomy interior has the perfect balance of openness and intimacy, and the subdued lighting enhances a quiet, unrushed dining experience.

"It's not just the great food, or the perfect setting that brings us back again and again to the Grand Marlin," praises Gary Michaels, Levin-Rinke Resort Realty Realtor.

Michaels frequents the restaurant, and loves introducing new residents to the restaurant. "It's like a home away from home – the food is truly delicious and always so beautifully presented. The service is excellent. And the setting is unmatched in our area."

Don't skip the appetizers, as the scrumptious Oysters Rockefeller with creamy hollandaise sauce and BBQ shrimp will kick your taste buds into action. Grand Marlin's signature North Drop beer is specially brewed in Atlanta, and specialty drinks are as delightful as they are varied.

Grand Marlin Executive Chef Gregg McCarthy has planned special menu items for Valentine's Day including Lobster and Wild Mushroom cannelloni with local arugula, lemon butter, herbs; Surf & Turf comprised of red wine braised beef short rib, served with pan seared Georges Bank scallops, turnip gratin and glazed carrots; Grilled Gulf Red Snapper and Porcini mushrooms, port wine ham hock jus crab meat zucchini fritters.

A specialty desert has been added to the Valentine's Day menu as well – Dark Chocolate Bombe with Brandied cherries and hazelnut nougatine.

It may be hard to choose between the Bombe and regular dessert menu favorites like the buttery bread pudding served with a white chocolate sauce, crème anglaise and brulee bananas or the Praline Basket – a crispy praline basket of vanilla bean ice cream and seasonal fresh berries topped with caramel and chocolate sauces!

Regular menu items will be available, and if the weather is chilly on Feb. 14, Splash! recommends the "Cracklin" Pork Shank – a slow-roasted, Grand Marnier glazed delicacy served atop balsamic braised red cabbage and spicy apple sauce.

Slow down and enjoy a long, slow special meal together.

The Grand Marlin offers waterfront dining outside under a covered open porch overlooking the sound or dining in a comfortable water-view setting inside. Both offer the perfect "getaway" atmosphere and romantic dining experience for you and your valentine.

You can make reservations for the evening at 850-677- 9153, or visit www.thegrandmarlin.com. The Grand Marlin is open daily at 11, and serving Sunday Brunch 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at 400 Pensacola Beach Blvd.

Sunday's brunch includes an array of signature dishes, and Mimosas and Bloody Mary's are $2. There is live entertainment on occasion, and updated on the website where you can book the private dining room for rehearsal dinners, receptions and banquets.

Come by boat or car to experience an unforgettable dining experience at the Grand Marlin.