Valentine’s Day can take a rapid turn for the worse if things don’t go as planned. Some friends of mine had their day of love ruined when they neglected to make restaurant reservations. Around five in the evening last February 14, the happy couple went out with hopes of sharing a romantic meal together.
Every restaurant was booked. They even tried the standard chains like Applebee’s or Fridays, where the food blows, but waits close to two hours deterred them. Individually-owned eateries had lines extending out their doors. After driving all over the strip mall hell of Amherst for hours, they called it quits and settled for beef and cheddar sandwiches at Arby’s. On a typical day both would say Arby’s is their favorite fast food, but this was no typical day.
To say they were upset would be a bold understatement. I’d say the girl involved was downright irate. She was expecting to enjoy some fine wine and conversation with her man, but instead they were forced to suffer through a silent, tension- filled meal of shitty fast food.
“I told you we needed reservations some-
where.”
“Shut up. I’m starving, what do you want?”
“I’m not going to eat any of this shit.”
“You need to eat something, why are you being such a bitch?”
“We’re at Arby’s.”
[silence]
“Fine, get me some curly fries.”
Lovely way to spend an evening that could have been filled with copious ugly bumping—I think not. Why is there an innate need to sit in a crowded restaurant and spend way too much money on a so-so dish of veal parmesan? Maybe it’s because instead of a celebration, Valentine’s Day has turned into an obligation. According to About.com, the average 18-24-year-old spends $81.89 on their mate. What!? I’ll be lucky if I get a macaroni card and a Hershey bar from my boyfriend. But you know what, maybe that’s okay.
My friends could have turned their meal at Arby’s into a great experience. Who cares if it only cost eight dollars? White Castle, home of the tiny square burgers, has fun with the fact they are a less than ideal destination for couples on Valentine’s Day. They offer candlelight dining, hostess seating, and waiter service. Perhaps bringing a bottle of wine and a tablecloth to your local Mighty Taco might be a fun alternative to struggling to find a “nice” place to go.
Or, instead of fist fighting with a hostess in order to get a seat at a swanky place, why don’t you cook your lover a meal at home. Believe me, it’s not as hard as you might think. Websites like Foodtv.com and Epicurious.com have created convenient love-themed menus for every level of cook. Don’t forget to complement the meal with some good wine. A ten-buck bottle from On the Rox is probably going to be better than whatever crappy white zinfandel you would get at six dollars a glass while out. Or even better, order in, even if it’s only Chinese food. Everything tastes better naked.
The fixation on dining out might actually be sabotaging a potentially great day. Forget pricey appetizers, chaotic waiting lines, and overly attentive waiters and put personal touches on your evening meal.
Even if you slave over the stove and end up burning the steak, or the takeout you ordered isn’t up to par, the heartfelt effort will impress even the most stubborn of Valentines. Whether you spend a lot or a little, its that je ne sais quoi that makes the night truly special.
