When you want a romantic dinner...

Valentine’s Day is all but upon us. Do husbands and wives have the same ideas about what constitutes the ideal celebration? Sometimes yes, sometimes no. And what fun to learn different definitions of “small” and “intimate!” Multiple mentions go to Ophelia’s, Beach Bistro — and staying home. And sometimes, folks just have other plans or stories to tell.

HE SAYS: “Euphemia Haye for the food and atmosphere, particularly the piano bar upstairs.”
SHE SAYS: “I would stay at home, make a very romantic dinner and not answer my phone at all.”
— Jack and Susie Steenbarger

HE SAYS: “Beach Bistro. Very quaint, great service, always great food and a beautiful drive to get there.”
SHE SAYS: “Beach Bistro for the unforgettable food and service and the amazing ability to make us feel like we are the only table.”
— Ryan and Ashley Carson

HE SAYS: “I’d go to my boat for a picnic cruise on the bay. Champagne, caviar, crudités …”
SHE SAYS: “If the kids were not there, dinner at home. Otherwise, Ophelia on the Bay by boat. Ask Albert. He’s great at coming up with romantic things.”
— Albert and Pauline Joerger

SHE SAYS: “Dennis is a fabulous cook. I would stay at our house — we call it the Coach House because I was formerly associated with Coach Leatherware.” (Editor’s note: Coach House was also the late Leon Lianides’ legendary Greenwich Village restaurant.)
HE SAYS: “I don’t know what I’ll prepare; I never decide until the day I’m cooking.”
­— Felice Schulaner and Dennis Rees

HE SAYS: “Owen’s Fish Camp – small and intimate with a great casual ambience.”
SHE SAYS: “Mozaic … I love that it’s small and intimate. Beautiful presentation, knowledgeable staff and fabulous food all the time.”
— Kyle Snyder and Victoria Baga

HE SAYS: “Ophelia’s is a runaway favorite.”
SHE SAYS: “Ophelia’s outdoor patio overlooking Little Sarasota Bay is the perfect spot to see dolphins and watch the sky change colors as the sun sets. Ophelia’s food never disappoints.”
— Scott and Kelly Collins

“Café L’Europe. We have celebrated many romantic anniversaries at this elegant restaurant.”
— Father Jim and Nikki Nilon

“We will be in the Galapagos, and for us, as newlyweds, every day is Valentine’s Day.”
— Bob and Andi Munzer

READER PICKS
Beach Bistro
6600 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach
778-6444

Café L’Europe
431 St. Armands Circle
388-4415

Mozaic
1377 Main Street
951-6272

Ophelia’s On the Bay
9105 Midnight Pass
Road, Siesta Key
349-2212

Owen’s Fish Camp
516 Burns Lane
951-6936

Euphemia Haye
5540 Gulf of Mexico Drive
383-3633