Table for Two

For some people, the most romantic thing they do is take someone out to dinner. That is a kind gesture, especially if the person you are taking out does most of the cooking and washing up afterwards.

I don’t consider eating an ordinary meal at your average restaurant particularly romantic. Just because you take someone to a fancy or expensive restaurant, that doesn’t make it romantic either. However, I do believe that dining at a restaurant (even your average chain variety) can be truly romantic with a little advanced preparation.

What makes dining out romantic are the elements of surprise, atmosphere and thoughtfulness. Below are some suggestions on how to make your next dining experience really romantic.

- Bring flowers to the restaurant in advance and have the waiter deliver them after (or with) dessert.
- Arrange to have the musicians play “our song.”
- Pretend to go to the restroom and give the waiter some jewelry or other present to be hidden in the dinner rolls.
- Go to the restaurant where you went on your first date (or proposed to her).
- Have the host slip a special note or card in the menu.
- Work with the chef in advance to prepare her favorite dishes (not all restaurants will do this).
- Create a fake menu that includes made-up dishes that have some sort of inside meaning or funny story.
- Arrange to have the waiter bring a small gift or card with every course.