An amorous atmosphere is often as important as the food and service when choosing that perfect spot to treat your adored one. Thankfully, there are some choice establishments that will cater to those starry-eyed couples next week.
“We’re the place to come because we have the intimate setting, roses on the table, crimson color scheme and secluded seating,” said Rhiannon Wyrick, executive chef at Rococo, 2824 N. Pennsylvania. Frank Sinatra was crooning seductively on the sound system as we spoke.
“We also have an out-of-the-way nook with a fireplace,” Wyrick said. “There’s even a Love Salad for two ($11.25) that arrives at your table in a vintage wooden bowl and comes with our red wine vinaigrette.”
She added that ladies love the lighter seafood entrées and can’t resist a dark chocolate soufflé for dessert.
right, Cafe do Brasil’s Romeo and Juliet dish
Paseo Grill, 2909 Paseo, sweeps you into an enchanted haven of undisturbed dining. “We’re known for our private booths,” co-owner Lesley Rawlinson said. “Each has curtains that create really intimate spaces. Our goal is to create a quiet atmosphere where you can have a conversation and enjoy a romantic dinner.”
White tablecloths, linen napkins and flowers on each table add to the allure. “We’ll have a special dinner for two,” she said. “It will probably be a pair of filets and possibly crab legs or lobster tail with a dessert.” Understated sophistication gives this place a very attractive ambience.
Asian food in Oklahoma may not come to mind for a romantic supper, but let Saii Asian Bistro and Sushi Bar, 6900 N. May, banish that notion. It’s a gracefully minimalist room that’s at once comfortable and tempting to the eye. Teak slats divide the tables so they’re open only to the server.
“We have low lighting and an excellent wine list,” proprietor Britnie Trieu said. “It’s a perfect place for couples to have a romantic dinner.” The sushi list includes “Sexy Lady,” “Sex on the Beach” and “Sexy Salmon Skin,” which makes it possibly the most erotic menu in the metro.
Cafe do Brasil, 440 N.W. 11th, has an exotic, tropical-themed dining room. Sensual samba music will lure your sweetheart into its warm confines of vibrant yellow and lime-green colors and delicate mauve table cloths.
“On Valentine’s Day, each table will have a red rose that our patrons are encouraged to take away,” manager Jasmin Rivera said. “We have a dish called ‘Romeo and Juliet’ that’s a pork loin wrapped in phyllo dough, stuffed with guava and Havarti cheese, resting on Brazilian spinach, Parmesan and coconut milk risotto.” The meal starts with an avocado salad dressed with cilantro and lime; and concludes with a dessert of marachaco, half passion fruit and half chocolate mousse.
Nonna’s Euro-American Ristorante, 1 Mickey Mantle Drive in Bricktown, exudes Old World elegance. Italian opera plays in the background and chandeliers cast a shimmering glow over its many small and large dining areas. Fine china, crisp linen and fresh flowers adorn every table.
In addition to the regular menu, Nonna’s chef Joel Carlson will prepare a Valentine’s Day special of beef tenderloin medallions topped with a fried egg and crispy onion strips.
The dark purple passion of an Argentine Malbec is a suggested wine accompaniment. Indulge in its luscious Neapolitan pot de crème for dessert, which mingles raspberry and white chocolate ganache.
Wherever you end up, you’re sure to enjoy a passionate evening. That’s amore.
Photo by Shannon Cornman
This article appears in Feb 1-7, 2012.