Ask George: Any advice for those of us dining out on Valentine’s Day? Roman C. St. Louis, Mo
Like New Year’s Eve, a big anniversary or or birthday, and the day your last child graduates from college, Valentine’s Day is generally celebrated in a favorite or fine dining restaurant.
Some relish the day, while some regard it as a conspiratorial money grab by the chocolate, greeting card, and restaurant community. Whatever and no matter, there are several things to consider before heading out on Valentine's evening.
- Alternate Day Options – This may sound blasphemous, but consider an alternate day to celebrate. Day-before or day-after reservations are easier to get, plus the dining experience is often more civilized (read:smoother) on these nights, since many inexperienced and infrequent diners eat out on big dining holidays (which places more demands on a restaurant’s staff).
- Menu Options - Almost all restaurants engage in some sort of prix fixe “lover’s special” on this night. Beware, as some are a great value and others are a total ripoff. Many (if not most) restaurants have also begun to offer their standard menus on this night, too, so don’t feel obligated to buy into something that doesn’t fit either mood or budget.
- Table Options - Many diners don’t realize that front of house personnel, if asked, will reserve a specific table. Either do some recon ahead of time or consult the article I wrote a while back that mentions some of the most romantic tables in town. A good table comes to those who ask—especially if the asker knows the exact table number.
- Pre-Ordering – It’s always a nice touch to have a half bottle of champagne on the table prior to arrival. And/or flowers, And/or consider pre-ordering an appetizer to be served immediately after being seated. Best advice is to live on the edge and order the entire meal in advance, guaranteeing less server interruption--and more time for schmoopie.
- Final Impression - Conclude the meal by offering the last bite of your dessert to your partner.
- And there's always the one, fail-safe, attention-getter: Propose… or make an offer to renew one's vows.
