Arts & Entertainment

French, Italian cuisine is romantic V-Day treat 

Leslie Smith
The Daily Cougar

 It is once again that time of year when boyfriends are expected to put their long-dormant romantic skills to the test. Valentine's Day is here, at (dreaded) last, and depending on how Romeo has planned to prove his dying devotion to his Juliet will make the difference between a kiss and a fight. 

 So what are the clueless guys without one romantic bone in their body supposed to do when their girlfriend pulls the typical, "You shouldn't have to ask me what I want, you should just know" response? Do not fret fellow cupid challenged friends, help is here. 

 Among typical gifts such as roses, jewelry and spa certificates, girls really just want to feel that their beaus took the time to plan something special; that they were thought about before the ninth hour. The perfect way to achieve this is the dinner reservation. 

 Nothing says "I love you" better than a romantic atmosphere and good food. Wondering where to go?  Never fear, comprised below are some of Houston's most romantic, and most delectable places of fine dining and feet swooping success. 

 Who knows love better than the French? This is why it might be nice to go out on a limb and try something different on this special day. 

 Laurier is a classic French bistro that serves creative, hand prepared dishes. The atmosphere is cozy and relaxed with great service. 

 Reservations are recommended and the hours of operation for dinner on Friday and Saturday are 5pm to 11pm. Price range per person with wine, appetizer, salad, entrée and dessert range from $50-$60. For more information and a menu, visit their website at www.lauriercafe.com.

 For a more upscale approach, visit the five star restaurant, La Tour d'Argent. Boys, it doesn't get much classier than this. The Zagat survey rated this "Houston's Most Romantic and Historic Restaurant," not to mention its award of one of The Top 200 Most Romantic Restaurants in the Country. 

 The Cavatore Coat of Arms is over 800 years old and comes from Northern Italy, but yes, this is French cuisine.  With high ceilings, marble fire places, and a cozy wine loft, love is just waiting to blossom amidst the soft and inviting atmosphere. 

 Do not be fooled, La Tour does not rest on its ambiance alone. With a wide cuisine of French favorites, there is nothing on the menu that isn't heaven in your mouth. From foie gras appetizers to roast duck entrees and chocolate desserts, the only dilemma would be which delight to choose. 

 Reservations are a must and the hours of operation for dinner on Friday and Saturday are 6pm to 11pm. Price per person with all courses ranges from $100-$150. r more information and a menu, visit their website at www.restaurant.com/latourdargent.

 If French is not the favored style and amore is, some classy Italian restaurantes to check out are listed below. 

 Ninos is a cozy, romantic restaurant that offers Italian cuisine with its own little signature flair. They have a courtyard for outside sitting and an impressive wood fire for rotisserie. 
 Taking classic dishes and offering a twist to make them a bit more interesting, Ninos does a sensational job with blending taste and something refreshingly not expected. 

 Reservations are suggested and the hours of operation for Friday and Saturday dinner are 5:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. Price per person with all course range from $50-$60. For more information and a menu, visit their website at www.ninos-vincents.com.

 Last but certainly not least is the stylish and new Piatto's, located on Post Oak and West Alabama. Outside is a big yellow sign and inside is a world of great food and warm, personable surroundings.  The wait staff is inviting and treats everyone as family while providing sensational food that and service.  On the walls are hand painted murals and the food is served on large colorful plates, which is only one thing that makes this place interesting. With classic Italian cuisine, it can be hard to make a unique splash, but Piatto's does this with ease while it beckons you with savory smells of Linguine Pescatore and the Mezzaluna. They do a great job of blending art, romance and taste all into one. 

 The hours of operation for dinner on Friday and Saturday are 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. Price per person with all courses range from $30-50. For more information call 713-871-9722.

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