FOOD: Date Night Dining
Next to honesty and communication, date night is considered an essential tenet of a healthy marriage. I’m not complaining. I love the idea of nurturing my relationship over a fabulous steak or bowl of pasta that I didn’t have to prepare and don’t have to clean. High five to the experts who came up with this tasty relationship therapy.
It’s no wonder food and romance go hand-in-hand. Turns out, when you actually get to sit down for a whole meal together, ignore your phones for an hour and have complete conversations, you rediscover all the fun things that made you a couple in the first place. As you celebrate this month of love, enjoy some choice local restaurants where mood and menu are all the romance you need.
Boulevard Steakhouse & Martini Lounge
One of Edmond’s tried-and-true tastemakers, Boulevard Steakhouse, blends posh style and local charisma, creating a romance all its own. Just ask General Manager Britton Stewart who sometimes has the pleasure of helping guests orchestrate special dinners such as marriage proposals. He recalls that once, a gentleman reserved and decorated a private area of the restaurant, pre-ordered the dinner courses and gave him a special CD to be played on cue when he proposed. Unable to wait until the end of the meal, the gentleman cued the CD just as the entrées were arriving at the table. As he nervously fumbled for the ring, he also realized he’d given Stewart the wrong CD. Amid a blaring hard rock song, rather than “It Had to be You,” the proposal was accepted. Stewart says, “When they finally sat down to their cold meal and the girlfriend realized what was going on, it was a funny moment for all. And of course, we took back their entrées to re-plate them.”
In addition to excellent customer service, Boulevard boasts the finest selection of fresh seafood, chicken and prime and house dry-aged, hand-cut steaks, along with an extensive wine list and handcrafted cocktails. Guests also enjoy monthly wine and cocktail dinners and a monthly dinner club with a guest vintner. The Martini Lounge is like a swanky club from the Rat Pack era—sexy, sophisticated and fun. Handcrafted cocktails, a premier wine selection, decadent food and talented local musicians create an exciting vibe in the plush getaway.
www.boulevardsteakhouse.com | 505 South Boulevard, Edmond
Rococo Restaurant
With two metro locations at 28th & Penn and Northpark Mall, Rococo is quiet, cozy and warmly appointed with fireplaces for intimate dining. An extensive wine list, chef-driven menu and daily entrée specials create an exciting culinary adventure for all the senses. As Chef Bustamante says, “It’s all about the love, and we mean it. Our Love Salad is made for two so you can share it with your date. Rococo is also known for the freshest seafood in OKC, including lobster, mussels, clams and scallops—all aphrodisiacs for those in the know.” Along with steak and pasta entrées, this fashionable eatery also offers exotic dishes like duck, escargot and Hawaiian poke tuna. To complete a special evening, pair a cocktail with one of their sinful desserts—date night success!
Rococo Northpark also has a chef’s table right in the kitchen. Talk about a special culinary experience! It accommodates two to six people and can feature menu items, a custom-made chef menu or you can let the chef experiment as you go, based on available fresh items or ingredients you like. The experience gets even better when the Rococo bar staff pairs wine or cocktails with each course. Who wouldn’t love the attention and such a unique experience?
www.rococo-restaurant.com | 12252 N May Ave, OKC | 2824 N Pennsylvania Ave, OKC
Kobe Sushi & Hibachi Steak House
New to Edmond in the last seven months, Kobe Sushi & Hibachi Steak House is not only a great lunch, dinner and late night choice, it’s a fantastic date night destination. Though it’s conveniently nestled in the strip mall at Santa Fe and Danforth, its cosmopolitan flair gives it a stand-alone feel. Sleek décor and glamorous lighting set the tone, along with a lively hibachi grill expertly manned by an entertaining chef from New York with 15 years of experience. Fire and showmanship culminate with an exquisite custom meal prepared uniquely for each customer. Manager Thang Nguyen notes that the interactive dining experience is perfect for first dates or those craving a little excitement.
A diverse menu of sushi, hibachi entrées, kitchen dinners, lunch boxes, appetizers and more treat guests to a range of tastes throughout the week. A Valentine’s special dinner for two will be offered February 12-14, featuring a choice of sushi or kitchen dinner packages, including appetizer, entrée, drinks and dessert for just $69.
Whether Valentine’s Day finds you out on the town with the love of your life or lounging by the fire and giggling over an old movie you’ve both seen a hundred times, enjoy the romance. Enjoy the moment.
www.kobesushiok.com | 1333 N Santa Fe Ave, Edmond