When the gentleman decided to propose at Ruth's Chris Steak House, he asked the maitre d'hotel to present the diamond engagement ring in a slice of chocolate cake. His beloved discovered it and accepted with delight, while waiters delivered champagne and prepared bananas foster for two at tableside.
Ah, romance. It's amazing how often love involves food (especially chocolate). Even a burger and fries at a McDonald's can be a sensual experience when you're in love. But this Feb. 14 most couples will be looking for places more traditionally conducive to sweet sighs, long looks and intimate conversation.
Lovers regularly celebrate Valentine's, that most romantic day of the year, by going out to eat. After all, there's nothing sexy about staying home and doing the dishes.
Fortunately the Baltimore area has any number of restaurants where you can have an intimate dinner and hold hands discreetly under the table -- even if you're not quite ready to propose.
Everyone has a different idea of what makes a restaurant romantic, but surely Hampton's in the Harbor Court Hotel would be on most people's list. It's a sensual dining room, with lush furnishings, beautiful flower arrangements, well-spaced tables and absolutely superb service. On Valentine's Day, Hampton's will have a special prix fixe dinner for two as well as the usual menu.
People regularly get engaged at Hampton's. The most dramatic proposal? A couple of years ago a customer had the staff arrive at the table with a big bouquet of flowers, the ring on a silver tray and two desserts. One had "yes" written in chocolate on it, the other had "no." He got down on his knees and proposed; her answer was to send back one dessert. (You'll be glad to know she kept the "yes.")
Not everyone accepts: "People do say no," says food and beverage director Yves Behrens, who's seen his share of proposals at Hampton's. "Nothing dramatic happens afterward; NTC they just try to get through the meal."
For those who want something less elaborately opulent but every bit as luxurious, Citronelle's airy rooftop dining room offers a sense of privacy and a beautiful view. It's a pretty room, with a California feeling to it. Valentine's week (Saturday to Saturday), Citronelle will have a four-course dinner with wines for $65 a person, and a hotel package ($239 for two).
Maitre d' Patrick Priest has seen 50 or so proposals while he's worked there. He favors the ring on a domed plate approach rather than the popular putting-it-in-a-dessert method. "One gentleman had us bury the ring in a mango mascarpone mousse, and it was a mess getting it on her finger."
If your idea of romantic is a country inn lighted by candles and firelight, then dinner at the Milton Inn in Sparks is a must this Valentine's. The lovely 250-year-old stone inn has five working fireplaces, handsomely appointed dining rooms, excellent food and restrained but polished service. The special dinner- for-two menu will have various sensual dishes, including heart-shaped desserts and probably three dessert samplers: chocolate, fruit and cheesecake.
Make your reservations early here (and at the other restaurants mentioned): The entire five-day period around Valentine's Day, Friday through Wednesday, is a busy one.
If these don't suit your mood or pocketbook, here are some other suggestions for a romantic dinner out:
L Brass Elephant, 924 N. Charles St., (410) 547-8480. $$$
The high-ceilinged, turn-of-the-century dining rooms glitter with crystal and gilt. Tall, gold-framed mirrors, a marble fireplace, chandeliers and brass sconces add to the ambience. Chef Matthew Niessner will have ice sculptures of hearts and doves as well as a special menu of northern Italian food.
M. Gettier, 505 S. Broadway, (410) 732-1151. $$ 1/2
This intimate French country dining room with mahogany paneling, crystal chandeliers, candles and fresh flowers is the setting for artistic French food. Each woman customer will get a long-stemmed rose on Valentine's Day.
Tersiguel's, 8293 Main St., Ellicott City. (410) 465-4004. $$$
The charming three-story white clapboard house has small, cozy rooms; fireplaces; lace curtains; and comfortably spaced tables. Owner Fernand Tersiguel is planning a special, shorter menu to make sure the kitchen can handle the crowds efficiently. Guests will get handmade chocolate hearts.
Prime Rib, 1101 N. Calvert St., (410) 539-1804. $$$$
The setting would be the most romantic in town, with its dimly lighted dining rooms, sleek black and gold decor, live piano music and intimate banquettes -- if the Prime Rib weren't usually noisy and jam-packed crowded. Ah, well. You won't be overheard as you whisper sweet nothings into your beloved's ear.
Ruth's Chris Steak House, 600 Water St., (410) 783-0033. $$$$
These are beautiful dining rooms, with cozy booths, romantic lighting, marvelous woodwork, an antique staircase, fine chandeliers. The pampering service adds a special note of luxury. The food isn't really romantic -- beef just isn't -- but you can get a porterhouse for two, and desserts like cherries jubilee and bananas foster are cooked tableside.
Foster's Restaurant and Wine Bar, (410) 606 S. Broadway, (410) 558-3600. $$ 1/2
This pretty little restaurant has a Colonial-style dining room with a flickering fire in the fireplace; candlelight casts a soft glow over tables set with white linen and handsome crystal. A new chef is turning out fresh and imaginative food (I'd call it new American cuisine) that lives up to the surroundings.
Helmand, 806 N. Charles St., (410) 752-0311. $$
I can hear you now: An Afghan restaurant? Romantic? But who says French food is the only food of love -- you haven't tasted the Helmand's charcoaled rack of lamb yet. The serene dining room is clean-lined, fresh-looking and almost elegant in candlelight. The staff is thoughtful and professional. It's my kind of romantic: quiet and intimate.
Martick's, 214 W. Mulberry St., (410) 752-5155. $$
For those of you who think the suggestions above are a bit, shall we say, stodgy -- here's a small, dark, intimate dining room that's the height of shabby chic. Funky doesn't begin to describe the snakeskin-patterned wallpaper, riveted metal walls, pressed-tin ceiling and large folk art statue; but it has loads of off-beat charm. And the French-inspired food can be very enticing.
The big three
Citronelle, Latham Hotel, 612 Cathedral St., (410) 837-3150. $$$$
Hampton's, Harbor Court Hotel, 550 Light St., (410) 234-0550. $$$$
Milton Inn, 14833 York Road, Sparks, (410) 771-4366. $$$$
HEART RATE
Romantic
Seductive surroundings
Be still, my heart
A sensual delight
*
$ Inexpensive
$$ Moderate
$$$ Expensive
# $$$$ Very expensive