Make your Valentines Day plans now. Whether you are a couple that couldnt give a fig for candy hearts or sappy cards or your relationship echoes Valentines Day every day, heres where to take your honey for a delicious date. If youre single, celebrate your independence, grab a friend and try one of these local eateries.
by Devon Green, photos by Mark Hancock and Garett Fisbeck
Gabriellas Italian Grill & Pizzeria
1226 NE 63rd St.
gabriellasokc.com478-4955
The dim lighting and funky atmosphere are perfect for any kind of get-together, from a first date to a rare evening without the kids. On the appetizer menu, try the Mussels Italiano, prepared with butter, bacon, garlic and white wine. After dinner, order and share zeppole, Italian donuts. They are fantastic on their own, and they come with Nutella and strawberry compote for dipping.

Pizzeria Gusto
2415 N. Walker Ave.
pizzeria-gusto.com
437-4992
While Pizzeria Gustos pride is its Neapolitan pizza, it has lots to choose from. The small plates are a great place to start. We recommend the fried artichoke hearts or the marinated olives served with warm flatbread. For dinner, split a pie and pair it with Caesar salads. The seasonal cocktail list includes the Roman Holiday with Campari, lemon juice, white wine and rosemary syrup.

Uptown Candy
5840 N. Classen Blvd. Suite 3
facebook.com/Uptowncandyokc418-8881
If its sweets you seek for your sweetie, pop into Uptown Candy for a wide selection of treats and confections. The candy shop is attached to Uptown Kids, a stylish childrens clothing boutique. It is an ideal stop for goodies that will show your other half just how special they really are to you. This month, the shop offers custom orders of chocolate-covered strawberries.

Guernsey Park
2418 N. Guernsey Ave.
guernseypark.com605-5272
Guernsey Park is situated off NW 23rd St. and has a cool, urban vibe. The kitchens creations are beautifully plated with subtle presentations. The menu features primarily Asian cuisine with European influence. Get started with an appetizer of oxtail ravioli, and then savor an entree of pork chops or curry salmon.
The Mantel Wine Bar & Bistro
201 E. Sheridan Ave.
themantelokc.com236-8040
The Mantel combines a leisurely atmosphere with fine-dining cuisine. The menu is meant to wow with an abundance of choices including soups, chicken and pasta. The freshly made lobster ravioli is covered in a white wine sauce. If youre in the mood for a steak, we recommend the House Delmonico (a rib-eye loin) or the New York strip seared with a whiskey mushroom demi-glace.

Slaughters Hall
221 N. Central Ave.
facebook.com/slaughtershall606-6063
This new eatery is in the Deep Deuce District. The menu features abundant choices, including a daily entree special and several appetizers including deviled eggs, fried pickles and fried chicken bites. Everything is made by hand, including the condiments. The colorful and vegetarian Santorini is pretty and tasty with Greek dressing, red onions, cucumbers and goat cheese.

La Baguette Bistro
7408 N. May Ave.
labaguettebistro.com840-3047
What could be more romantic than a quick trip to France? If you cant get away for an international trip, you can spend the evening under the Eiffel Tower. La Baguette brings authentic European tastes and hospitality to Oklahoma City. The menu is full of delights, including the quiche Florentine with spinach, tomato and cheese and classic French beef bourguignon in a red wine sauce over fettuccine.
This article appears in Feb 11-17, 2015.


