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Jan 2010  |  By Julie Chernoff  |  Comments (0)

Love 3 Ways

Tips for getting lucky this Valentine's Day.

Actually, we can’t promise you that, but we do have some helpful suggestions to increase the possibility. Dine out, eat in or paradise by the dashboard light? You decide what will light your fire.

Romantic North Shore restaurants:
If your idea of a romantic night is flowers, mood-setting ambiance, great wine and food that you didn’t prepare, served on a table that you didn’t set—then you need to dine somewhere special. Here are some options:

Gabriel’s
Highwood

This culinary gem, run by the effervescent Gabe Viti, never disappoints. an Italian-accented four-course degustation (with each for you and your sweetie.

la Tasca
25 W. Davis St., Arlington Heights
847-398-2400

What could be more romantic than sharing Spanish tapas and sangria with your love? Anything tastes better when it’s fed to you. Croquetas de Pollo, mi amor?

Oceanique
Evanston

Chef Mark Grosz knows his way around fish and seafood. Let him have his way with your palate, too. a six-course menu with choices for $95 per person is available, with three different wine pairings at various pricing options.

Quince
Evanston

Valet parking… check. romantic, cozy atmosphere… check. five-course “aphrodisiac Menu” featuring oysters, lobster, foie gras and chocolate? Check please! Chef andy Motto creates the magic while wine director Scott Quint has some fabulous wines to pair for that perfect prelude to a kiss.

Bringing the love home:

Forgot to make a reservation? Can’t face going out with the throngs on what is possibly the busiest restaurant night of the year? Create your own romance and order in. A how to: Line up a babysitter or farm the kids out. Get them a pizza and a video and lock them upstairs. Whatever. Pay babysitter in advance, you’ll be busy.

Order a romantic meal for two from Burhop’s (1515 Sheridan Road, Wilmette, 847-256-6400) with fish en papillote, a bottle of wine, a loaf of bread, and thou. Set a beautiful table, light candles, use good china, toss a quick salad, buy a decadent dessert— maybe the tiramisu from Three Tarts Bakery. Pour the wine, gaze soulfully into each other’s eyes, and tune out the world. Mission: Possible.

Reliving those precious high school moments:

Romance sounds like a faraway dream. One kid has ballet, the other basketball practice. What to do? Drop the kids off at their respective activities, pick up a to-go order at Pita Inn, crack open some (imported!) beers, quickly feed each other falafel and chicken shwarma, then hop in the back seat.

Remember to pack a blanket and crack the windows. Be careful where you park, and don’t forget to pick up the kids.