A Romantic Spot » dinner

Capische? – A Breathtaking Maui Sunset

Wailin Liao — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:30:11 +0000

I suppose it has to fit into the prototype of everyone to be “romantic” for people to come for honeymoon – cheesy artificial spots where entrepreneurs charges astronomical prices for something which mainlanders (Americans from non-isles) did not thought of they can make money of.

This impression was almost set in stone in my head when I heard from the zip-line instructors about how the sugar cane field is operating – they first cleared the field of rainforest, then plant sugar cane trees – THEN burnt them down for easy harvest of the cane. What else can human do to make it even more industrial? Can people be impressed by nature itself without thinking of conquering it?

May be the view at Capische? will make a difference – when you have someone telling you what you are looking at (other then it is a beautiful sunset on the ocean right between the palm trees): a crater created during the explosion that could almost destroy the island but instead making it even more gorgeous to visit due to the coral formation; a sea port built by sweat and blood of local and foreigner searching for a better life – there are more than just fresh caught seafood, yummy cocktail, and down to earth homemade pasta.

Artificial, it can be (it is an artificial establishment after all) – the elevated view, the trees, the open space – but if you add the elements of what inspiration the view can provide, together with the friendly service and fabulous food, it is an excellent romantic spot – majestic yet mysterious, heart-warming and awe-inspiring, this is a good place to dine, and perhaps, a true romantic spot between you and you company, and the nature.

Contact:
Capische?, 555 Kaukahi Road, Wailea, Maui, HI
+1 (808) 879-2224

View from Capische?

(Image from Flickr)

View from Capische?

(Image from Flickr)

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)

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)

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

Segarra – Beach and the City

Joey Rosario — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 06:24:32 +0000

Segarra is the Jakarta version of Ku De Ta. Its alluring beach-front location and the breathtaking view of sunset make this establishment a popular choice to spend an evening. The highlight is the mini-cabana sitting area they setup on the beach. Its unconventional seating allows you to be close to each other, and its direct view to the ocean will make the moment you won’t soon forget.

Food are reasonably priced; comparable to other established restaurants in the area. As are most places in Jakarta, Segarra might not be the place to be on the weekend if you want to spend a nice quiet evening. Weekend crowds come in bunches and are normally loud.

Contact:
Segarra, Pantai Carnaval – Ancol Bay City, Jalan Lodan Timur No. 7, Jakarta
+62 (021) 920377

The mini-cabanas on the beach

(image from Multiply)

The deck seating area

(image from Multiply)

Sunset at Segarra Jakarta

(image from Multiply)

Another sunset shot at Segarra Jakarta

(image from Multiply)

Citizen Smith – Sexy Hollywood Vibe

Wailin Liao — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 21:54:35 +0000

Ah, the infamous A-list where the velvet rope and the men with the little earpiece decide if you are “it” or not.

Well, not in this restaurant - Weather you want to take someone, special or not, for dinner, in the stars or in a secluded booth, the place offer various “shades” of romance.

My impression when I first walked in was: “Beautiful people everywhere… and we are one of them”. The bar area in the front facing N. Cahuenga Blvd offers a more open view to the street of Hollywood, it would ideal if the two of you enjoy people watching on a Friday night. As you walk towards the back of the restaurant, the booth seats allow you and your friend to sink in and disappear from the sight of the rest of the restaurant traffic.

On a warm night (which it was on the 4th of July in LA), the back patio is just al dante for me – open space, a little bit of the street, a little bit of the sky, and a little bit of the music from the restaurant, it was a great place to talk without biting ears but at the same time be intimate.

As twilight approaches, the candle lit, the mood of the whole patio shifts – the flickering fire keep me guessing the mind of the person seating across from me. The senses tighten as darkness falls which draw people close together, weather just sharing of the relatively large portion of food earier or just for the sake of being closer – who cares?

One of the best part of this restaurant is that it’s on a street where everything goes – a diner close by with big windows, several concert areas with back alley entrance – a couple more clubs down the street (that is to say if you are not to stay at the Citizen Smith which eventually turns into a lounge/club at night).

Contact:
Citizen Smith, 1600 N. Cahuenga Blvd, Hollywood, CA
+1 (323) 461-5001

Dining Area

Dining Area during the day

Dining Area

View of the restaurant