3 Romantic Valentine’s Day Dates in San Francisco
February is the Hallmark-mandated month for love, and whether you’re wining-and-dining on the big 14th or keeping it low key with a random date night, finding the perfect place to cozy up to an intimate meal may be in the cards – no easy feat in a city that has inspired heartfelt ballads and where […]
February is the Hallmark-mandated month for love, and whether you’re wining-and-dining on the big 14th or keeping it low key with a random date night, finding the perfect place to cozy up to an intimate meal may be in the cards – no easy feat in a city that has inspired heartfelt ballads and where the romance quotient almost equals the notorious food scene. While there is no shortage of big-ticket destinations to choose from, here are my three picks for romantic yet funky spots to try that turn up the heat and serve up fantastic flavors to savor with your honey.
1) French Affair: The French know their romance, and the adorable Cafe Jacqueline definitely fits the bill – the quiet North Beach place, touted as one of the city’s top spots for lovers since 1979, is as starry-eyed-romantic as it gets. The quaint cafe is as much of an institution as its owner, Jacqueline Margulis, who, astonishingly, still whips up every single soufflé by hand, a legendary figure standing at the walk-through kitchen counter over her giant copper bowl of eggs. The interior is exquisitely simple and quintessentially French – a compact room with wood floors, pastel blue walls, white linens, tables touched with candles and fresh roses. The menu is just as modest and well-executed: a few classic starters like onion soup and spinach salad satisfy while leaving the spotlight for the true star – the feather-light, fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth goodness that is the soufflé. The colossal soufflés, made to share, come in both entree and dessert varieties; in keeping with French decadence, Gruyere and lobster figure prominently, as well as mushrooms, seasonal vegetables, and of course, the essential chocolate or Grand Marnier for dessert. Cafe Jacqueline, 1454 Grant Ave.
2) Movie Night: While dinner and a movie may sound like a somewhat uninspired option, roll both into one – and suddenly it’s anything but. Throw in a cool, cozy vibe and a top-notch Cali-Mediterranean menu, and you have Foreign Cinema. The funky Mission spot offers lovers a seat under the twinkling lights in their garden courtyard, where black-and-white foreign movies are screened onto a brick wall (that means sexy foreign actors). Start off with the infamous aphrodisiac, the oyster, from the impressive shellfish and oyster bar, and move on to daily-changing specials like local swordfish or a mixed grill of quail, duck breast and lamb; a bottle of old-world Burgundy or Montepulciano alongside is the perfect accompaniment to the magic of European cinema. Finish off with a vanilla crème caramel or chocolate tart with cognac ice cream. Foreign Cinema, 2534 Mission St.
3) Classy Act: Sweet as it is, sometimes, the whole lovey-dovey-eye-gazing-intimate thing just isn’t gonna cut it. When what you really want is the glitz, cocktail-attire, see-and-be-seen (or show off your gorgeous date) scene, head to Top of the Mark, crowning the Mark Hopkins hotel amidst the poshness of Nob Hill. A landmark since 1939 and famous for hosting servicemen during World War II, the rooftop lounge is pure old-Hollywood-glam – think Audrey Hepburn circa Breakfast at Tiffany’s which, of course, instantly ramps up the romance quotient in my book. The food is predictably luxe with classics like caviar on blinis, steak tartare, and filet mignon. But the real draw here is the jaw-dropping 360-degree panorama of the San Francisco skyline, Golden Gate Bridge, and sunsets over the Bay, along with a signature list of shaken-not-stirred perfection for even the pickiest martini afficionado. Feed each other playful smore fondue to wrap up the evening, and join your date on the dance floor surrounded by the city’s lights. Top of the Mark, 999 California St.
Kate Missine is a domestic diva, shopping addict, and worshiper of all things delicious. When she’s not chasing after her toddler son, Kate can be found stirring things up in the kitchen, scouring grocery aisles for strange ingredients, or indulging in much-needed retail therapy. She holds a B.A. in Communications and Publishing and accepts pastries and shoes as currency.
By Kate Missine
