Obligations be damned, you know you want to go out tonight. And if you do, it will probably involve eating out. You say you could cook for your date. Let me dispel this idea from your head. Home-cooked may say \I care,"" but chefs are trained, and having one cook for the two of you says, ""I care enough not to subject you to a hackneyed shrimp scampi.""
But, you say, your kitchen is more romantic? You totally saved that cool looking wine bottle for a candle holder? Get off it. Use the candle later. Restaurants have candles, too.
Fortunately, if you haven't made reservations yet, there is still somewhere you can go that will be up to the task: Porta Bella is seating first come, first serve. I wanted to find out who claims to host the best Valentine's dinner. I called all the places that I am too poor to go to, and they told me what sets them apart from the crowd.
25 N. Pinckney St.
L'??toile dubbed itself ""the most romantic spot in town. Wonderful ambience, wonderful food."" Tr??s concise. Seriously, this place is heavy. Many awards have been given. You may be lucky enough to sit by the window and have a beautiful view of the capitol. They are not doing anything special for V-day, but that's just because the menu is normally spectacular. Today they feature beef tenderloin, leg of lamb, duck comfit and Alaskan king salmon. They have been booked for about two weeks'for good reason.
305 State St.
I called the always popular Tutto to ask the question of the day. I came up with the somewhat redundant response of ""it's less expensive. We have good food for a cheaper price."" He was refering to cheaper than L'??toile and Magnus, etc. They were not booked up when I called last night, so you may still have a chance if you leave class now and run to a phone. The food is not anything to make you melt, but it is good. According to the man I talked with, ""If you're looking for authentic Italian, this is a good place to go."" They do have candles and wine.
425 N. Frances St.
I was genuinely surprised when I called Porta Bella and heard they are seating first come first serve. This may lead to some awkwardness when you and your date wait for an hour for a table, but romance is the highlight for Porta Bella. You have to walk through an arch, right? The person I talked to didn't have too much to say. He didn't have to. He just pointed out that Porta Bella has been voted Madison's most romantic restaurant 10 years running, most likely by the Isthmus. The special is some mean surf and turf: an 8 oz. top sirloin and shrimp stuffed with crab.
101 N. Hamilton St.
Blue Marlin is the seafood place, right? Yes, it is. Oysters are known aphrodisiacs, aren't they? Yes, they are. Blue Marlin touts its intimate setting, its small size and its variety of wines. So I'm starting to see now, intimate setting is good. Note taken. Surf and turf will be served. It appears that surf and turf is the official dish of Valentine's Day. The Blue Marlin has been booked for about a week, so don't even think about it.
120 E. Wilson St.
Restaurant Magnus plays a different game from every one else. Magnus ""has an edge as far as being what people don't expect."" First, they will have a live jazz band. They also are serving the regular menu, which is a three-course meal. You get a fully realized meal for less than the same item would add up to in a normal restaurant. This is South American cuisine. I asked what set Magnus apart from other three-course type places and here is the answer: ""Tapas and a bar."" Good answer. Unfortunately, they are all booked up.
805 Williamson St.
I've got a soft spot for Bon App??tit. I agree with the chef when he says, ""We're probably the most intimate restaurant in Madison."" When I was there for brunch one time, I had the distinct feeling that the bathroom was even making me horny. It was the art deco lamp against the homey art. I dunno. The tables are incredibly small and everyone is into their own thing. A three course meal is being served. Entree choices include chicken mole, spanish grilled steak with dried fruit sauce and horseradish-encrusted halibut.
666 Wisconsin Ave.
Ballers, shot callers, etc., this is where to go. I called and asked the question and got a formal answer: ""The most formal service in town, waiters in tuxedos, European style service, the largest wine list in Madison and table side custard flambe."" I hear they also add fire to the Irish Coffee. Waterfront view, waiters in tuxedos, fire, it all adds up to serious dining. Once again, this restaurant is booked up. Damn.
So why did I taunt you all with the places that most of you probably can't go? That is what Valentine's Day is about, isn't it?
