Valentine’s Day is loaded with pressure and potential pitfalls. How will your relationship fare? Will you and your significant other take your romance to new heights, or will an awkward or lackluster V-Day become D-Day for your partnership? While I cannot tell you the perfect gift to give your sweetie this February 14th, I can help you out on the fine dining front if you decide that going out is preferable to staying in!
If upscale is your game, then head to Venezia Restaurant near the Midland Community Theater. This warm, luxurious Italian restaurant, located at 2101 W. Wadley, is a favorite special occasion spot for my family. The interior of the restaurant is warm, cozy, and full of pleasant aroma. Service is always top-notch.
If you and your significant other want to dress up and don’t mind spending some cash, make sure Venezia’s is at the top of your reservation list. If you’re a serious romantic, there is a fireplace by which you can request to be seated…perhaps a spot to pop an important question on a chilly February night?
If you want classy but not overly luxurious, take a gander at The Garlic Press, also located near the Midland Community Theater (but on the other side of Wadley). At 2200 W. Wadley, this classy eaters offers great service and cuisine with less formality than its Italian cousin across the street. Interesting interior decor, including impressive collages of wine corks, keep your eyes interested and conversation a bit lighter.
For those who want to enjoy local cuisine, Abuelo’s has great Mexican food in a semi-formal/semi-casual atmosphere. Large and spacious, this location at 4610 North Garfield can seat big groups or families who want to enjoy a Valentine’s Day dinner before splitting up for evening festivities. With more moderate pricing and an informal atmosphere, patrons can enjoy a beginning to their romantic evening without breaking the bank. The decor is surprisingly upscale and the fountains add a nice touch of old-school romance. Beware: Though reservations certainly aren’t required, the venue is popular and there’s often a line.
Budget-conscious couples should not fret: Pizzeria Venti at 3303 N. Midkiff, near the HEB supermarket, offers pizza by the slice, and good salads, for a rather low price. The restaurant is far from upscale and impressive, but it feels cozy and rather romantic. The lighting and table spacing works well to make a late dinner at this location seem quaint and intimate. No reservation needed!
Happy Valentine’s Day!