Valentine's Day Dining

Men have a bit of a dilemma when it comes to finding the right gift for Valentine's Day. Sure, every woman (almost) loves the flowers and sweet card. But that is the "old stand-by." It doesn't take a great deal of thought. A trip to the supermarket to pick out a picked over card and a bunch of roses seems to seal the deal for the year. If you really want to impress your lady love think outside the box - of chocolates! Treat her to a lovely meal at a new fine dining restaurant.

The experience can be romantic as well as filling. When you select an upscale dining venue you know that the ambiance will be above reproach. There will be white table cloths, sparkling crystal and impeccable service. She will be given the royal treatment from the moment she walks in the front door. Do not be surprised if a staffer beats you to the punch on holding her chair for her.

You want to pick a fine dining restaurant where the menu will astound her with all the gourmet choices. Certainly they will serve prime steaks such as filet mignon and may have chateaubriand for two since it is a special day. It will have more upscale ocean favorites than your average seafood restaurant. Maybe poached wild salmon is her favorite or a scrumptious serving of lobster tails.

Expect some variations of traditional fare with exquisite sounding and tasting dishes. Looking at suggestions like Wine-Braised Brisket with Tart Cherries and Rosemary-Crumb Beef Tenderloin with Pancetta-Roasted Tomatoes will make her mouth begin to water. If she is more of a fowl lover she may want Fennel-Dusted Chicken with Brown Butter and Capers or Roasted Mustard Tarragon Chicken. For the 'other white meat' she could try Peppercorn Roasted Pork with Vermouth Pan Sauce or Pork Cutlets with Smothered Parmesan Green Beans.

Fish is never plain and boring. She will be delighted with dishes like Roasted Black Sea Bass with Tomato and Olive Salad, Cilantro-Chipotle Tilapia or Horseradish-Crusted Whitefish with Rémoulade. Whichever she chooses you can be sure that the award-winning chef will make each plate look like a masterpiece in presentation.

As you would expect from a fine dining restaurant, there will be a sommelier on hand ready and willing to make a suggestion for the perfect wine to accompany your dinner. This is a true benefit to have an expert suggest the wine. It may become one of your favorites. Just know that for high-end dining, the wine cellar will be well-stocked with superior choices.

On Valentine's Day, forget the standard box of chocolates and let her indulge in a gourmet dessert. She may select something simple like brandied pears or cherries jubilee. Then again she may be adventurous and go for Vanilla Crème Brûlée or Apricot-Almond Clafouti.

If you treat her to a fine dining restaurant on Valentine's Day - or any special occasion - she will think you are the most thoughtful person in the world. She will love it!