A Romantic Spot » Joey Rosario

The River Cafe – Fine Dining with a Manhattan Twist

Joey Rosario — Mon, 04 May 2009 09:33:44 +0000

Tucked away at the foot of the Brooklyn Bridge, this establishment combines romance and fine dining under one roof. It is a perfect spot for a romantic evening for two; offering a nice and quiet ambiance along with a breathtaking view of Manhattan skyline.

The restaurant has three main dining areas. The main dining room offers the best view in house. Its unobstructed view through the glass window adds an extra dimension to the dining experience. The deck and the terrace room are located right next to each other away from the dining room. Private parties and special events are often hosted here.

The food doesn’t come cheap here but you can expect a top class dining experience at The River Cafe. To say the food is excellent is a gross understatement. Many world class chefs have worked in its kitchen at one time or another. The River Cafe is in a rare company of establishments which can offer menu that matches its view.

Its wine selection is excellent; winning the prestigious Diamond Wine List Award from the International Restaurant and Hospitality Bureau in 2001.

Jacket is required for gentlemen. Although there is no official dress code for the female counterpart, it’s best to dress up to avoid feeling out of place. Reservation is highly encouraged.

Contact:
The River Cafe, One Water Street, Brooklyn, NY
+1 (718) 522-5200

Entrance to The River Cafe

(image from Yelp)

The Deck

(image from Yelp)

The Brooklyn Bridge

(image from Yelp)

The view of Manhattan

(image from The River Cafe)

The Dining Room

(image from The River Cafe)

The Deck and The Terrace Room

(image from The River Cafe)

Wentzl – Old Town Romance

Joey Rosario — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 23:40:55 +0000

Wentzl, named after its founder Jan Wentzl, is located in the southwest end of Krakow Old Town Main Square (Rynek Glowny). In 1792, Jan Wentzl opened a restaurant bearing his name and in 2000 a hotel with the same name was opened.

Hotel Wentzl offers 18 rooms, 6 on each floor, with each room offers a distinct and unique design. The hotel offers the front-row seat to one of the best view in town; Krakow Old Town Main Square, St. Mary’s Church, the Clock Tower and the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) right outside your window.

Rooms on the 2nd floor are more classic; with exposed bricks and wooden ceiling. The marble-floor bathroom are modern that includes modern amenities like hair-dryer, cosmetic mirrors, tubs, etc. Rooms on the 4th floor are more modern. No two rooms (or experience for that matter) at this hotel are the same. The service is excellent. Friendly and helpful staff will make you feel right at home with their attentive care.

Contact:
Hotel Wentzl, Rynek Glowny 19, Krakow, Poland
+48 (012) 430-2664

Night View during Christmas

(Image from TripAdvisor)

View from Wentzl towards St. Mary's Church in the winter

(Image from TripAdvisor)

St. Mary's Church

(Image from TripAdvisor)

Room 21 Wentzl

(image from Wentzl)

Room 26

(image from Wentzl)

Room 35

(image from Wentzl)

Room 41

(image from Wentzl)

Da Flora – North Beach Hidden Gem

Joey Rosario — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 01:20:55 +0000

In my 6 years living in San Francisco, I never heard of this place. I discovered it by accident when walking through the neighborhood a couple of weeks ago; and what a discovery it was. In the land of Italian restaurants in almost every corner, you would think every restaurant is created equal. Most locals will tell you that you can’t just stumble into any restaurants in the neighborhood and expect a wonderful dining experience. You find a 1-star quality restaurant just as easy as you do a 5-star one.

The restaurant is small, cozy, intimate, charming and romantic. The burgundy red interior dominate almost the entire wall with a crystal chandeliers hanging down from the ceiling. The menu is handwritten and it changes from time to time. I consider the sweet potato gnocchi the signature dish of the restaurant. It is simply amazing. The creamy sauce complement the dish very well. The wine list is predominantly Italian wine. Let them recommend the wine and be amazed.

I have read many complains about the service at this place. Although it can be subjective, every one has their own idea of what a good service should be. I am not defending the establishment, but I do think some customers can be intolerable sometimes. This restaurant is not a known tourist spot and that’s part of the charm. Restaurant staff have characters and if you recognize them and work them to your advantage, your visit will be a memorable dining experience indeed.

Considering how small the place is, reservation is encouraged especially on the weekend.

Contact:
Da Flora – A Venetian Ostaria, 701 Columbus Ave, San Francisco, CA
+1 (415) 981-4664

Da Flora - A Venetian Ostaria interior

(images from flickr)

Sweet Potato Gnocchi

(images from flickr)

Convivium Osteria – Mediterranean All-Star

Joey Rosario — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 23:14:46 +0000

Convivium Osteria is a neigborhood restaurant located in Park Slope. It’s one of those restaurants that could easily been missed. The exterior is so unassuming and it is partially covered by a big tree in front of it. But once you walk in, you will think you were taken into a different world. The atmosphere and the ambiance feels so soothing you would not want to leave once you came in.

The restaurant is divided into three dining areas: the main dining room, the wine cellar, and the covered patio. The restaurant is dimly lit, candle on the table and dim light on the wall. The rustic Mediterranean style dominates the main dining area decor.

Couples who wants to make the experience more fun can choose to sit at the long communal table in the wine cellar. This allows you to mingle with other patrons. After all, convivium, which derived from Latin word con and vivo, means living together. It is definitely an experience you will savor for a long time to come.

The Mediterranean menu combines the culinary of old world Italy, Spain, and Portugal. The menu offers a variety of seafood dishes. You might be tempted to order a few of its small-plate appetizers, but save some room for the entrees. If you have a big appetite, try the huge 48oz roasted ribeye steak for two.

The restaurant also offers one of the most extensive wine selection around; winning an Award of Excellence honor from Wine Spectator in 2005 for having one of the most outstanding restaurant wine lists in the world.

The restaurant does get busy during the dinner time especially on the weekend so reservation is highly recommended. If you don’t have an American Express card, do carry ton of cash as the restaurant only accepts cash and American Express.

Contact:
Convivium Osteria, 68 5th Ave, Brooklyn, NY (between Bergen and St. Marks)
+1 (718) 857-1833

Main Dining Room

(image from NYMag.com)

Covered Patio

(image from NYMag.com)

Carmen – Cozy North End Trattoria

Joey Rosario — Sat, 07 Feb 2009 23:11:40 +0000

A small restaurant in Boston’s North End, Carmen prides itself in serving traditional Italian cuisine. The restaurant seats about 30 people. Only 9 tables (excluding the bar seating) are available. Its candle-lit interior feels cozy and intimate; perfect for a romantic evening with your loved one.

The menu comprises of small plate, first course, pasta, and entrees. You will find the menu is pretty comprehensive in its offering. The Slow Roasted Rack of Pork with Tuscan Style sauce is delicious. If you enjoy seafood pasta, you can’t go wrong with the Linguine and Clams with Roasted garlic. A large selection of Italian red and white wines and to a small degree sparkling and champagne are offered.

Unlike most restaurants, Carmen does not serve coffee nor dessert. So to all you sugar and caffeine lovers, you might need to find another establishment in the neighborhood for your dessert need.

As in many small restaurants, getting an ideal seat is a hit-and-miss so leave the attitude at the door and walk in with the desire to have a wonderful evening of good foods, good wine, and good company. Making reservation is highly recommended and do request the non-bar seating if you make one.

Contact:
Carmen, 33 North Square, Boston, MA
+1 (617) 742-6421

The Entrance

The dining area

(images from Carmen)

Geja’s Cafe – A Fun Fondue Fiesta

Joey Rosario — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 00:35:07 +0000

Voted as one the most romantic restaurant in Chicago, Geja’s Cafe offers a unique fondue dining experience. They offer anything from meat to poultry to seafood fondue. Prince Geja’s Combination is the best option if you want to sample everything on the menu. The main dish comes with 8 different dipping sauce. The chocolate fondue for dessert is a must have so pace yourself during entree.

The room is very dark. It adds the mystic to the already intimate dining experience. There is a live Flamenco music. For a first date, the whole cook-your-own-food experience allows you to interact with your companion in a more casual and relaxing way, taking away the awkwardness. Remember, since you have to cook your own food, you want to keep track on how long the food has been cooking.

It’s a little pricey but you can’t beat the atmosphere, the ambiance, the food, the wine, the service and most importantly the experience. For a more intimate spot, request for the booth sitting.

Contact:
Geja’s Cafe, 340 W Armitage Ave, Chicago, IL
+1 (773) 281-9101

Geja's Cafe Signage

(Image from Flickr)

Flaming Marshmellows

(Image from Flickr)

Dinner Entree with 8 dipping sauce

(Image from Flickr)

Trattoria Acqua – A Cliff and a Cove

Joey Rosario — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 03:36:04 +0000

Trattoria Acqua is located in one of La Jolla’s premier spot, on a cliff overlooking the cove and the Pacific ocean. The interior is really cute and adorable. You can almost confuse it for a neighborhood trattoria in Italy. The service is great. Wait staff is very friendly and welcoming. It fits with the whole homey feeling of the restaurant. The ambiance is very romantic, especially if you get a window’s table. If you enjoy outdoor dining, you can request the patio seating.

The fine and fresh Italian food is served with Mediterranean flair with emphasis given to seafood. The lobster ravioli is a house favorite. The crab cake is also one of the best I have had. The serving is big so save some room for their delicious dessert like creme-brulee and tiramisu.

Contact:
Trattoria Acqua, 1298 Prospect Street, La Jolla, CA
+1 (858) 454-0709

Trattoria Acqua Interior (picture from Trattoria Acqua)

Trattoria Acqua Window's Table

Trattoria Acqua Patio

View from Trattoria Acqua

(Images from Trattoria Acqua)

Oceanic Cafe – A Picture Perfect Evening

Joey Rosario — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 22:28:05 +0000

In a typical hot and muggy Jakarta weather, a cool evening breeze at Oceanic Cafe is an ideal place to wind down the evening away. Located in Pantai Mutiara, Oceanic Cafe offers a soothing and relaxing environment for couple who wants to indulge in a quiet and peaceful moment away from the crazy Jakarta life with an unobstructive waterfront view of the ocean and the iconic Regatta Residential.

The cafe has 3 sections, the inside dining area by the stage, the swimming pool area and the wooden pier. The inside dining area is pretty empty most of the time. The pool area is decorated with plants that go around the pool. It is less windy because of the high wall that separates it from the pier. The wooden pier is more windy because of its proximity to the ocean. The view from the pier during sunset is breathtaking.

The menu is simple yet extensive, offering local delicacies and western cuisines alike. While the food is nothing to rave about, the relaxing atmosphere and the amazing view keep me coming back for more.

Contact:
Oceanic Cafe, Pantai Mutiara Sports Club, Jakarta, Indonesia
+62 (021) 6696722 or +62 (021) 6697146

The view from Oceanic Cafe

The Evening Sky

Oceanic Cafe Wooden Pier

The Night Sky

Cafe Jet Ski & Regatta Residential

The Pier at Oceanic Cafe

Altitude – 36 Level High

Joey Rosario — Sun, 07 Sep 2008 08:33:14 +0000

Located high above Sydney sky on level 36 of Shangri-La hotel, Altitude offers a unique dining experience with a service to make you come back for me. The dining area has high floor-to-ceiling glass windows; offering one of the most breathtaking view of Sydney Harbour.

Chef Steven Krasicki created a modern Australian menu with European influence. Epi-curious menu, showcasing the finest selection of seasonal produce, is available upon request. This menu is available with wine-pairing. A 4-course menu is available on the weekend. Wine selection is one of the most extensive one you will ever find in Australia.

Make your reservation ahead of time, even as early as 2 weeks ahead as this establishment gets filled up quickly especially on the weekend. Secure a window seat when you make the reservation as it offers the best view.

Contact:
Altitude Restaurant, Level 36 Shangri-la Hotel, 76 Cumberland St, The Rocks, Sydney
+61 (02) 9250.6123

Dining Area

The view of Sydney Opera House from the dining area

Evening Ambiance

Praline Creperie – Classic French Cafe

Joey Rosario — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 16:54:20 +0000

A romantic little parlor that serves delicious “buckwheat” crepes, both savory and sweet, and ice cream to die for. The interior features a textured red wallpaper with black-and-white photographs with a classic French finish. You can almost confuse the place for a little cafe in Paris.

The seating arrangement is cozy with a wall-length bench seating. The corner seating has drapes that can be drawn to make it somewhat semi-private, separating it from the general seating area. The ambiance is nice and romantic although it can be loud at times when the place gets crowded. The place is very casual and non-intimidating, makes it a nice spot for a first date.

Contact:
Praline Creperie Kemang, Jl. Kemang Raya No. 2, Jakarta
+62 (021) 7192320

The view from the restaurant

(image from Multiply)

The red wallpaper with wall photographs

(image from Multiply)

The bar area

(image from Multiply)

Seating area

(image from Multiply)

Sweet Crepe with ice cream

(image from Multiply)