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Volume CXXXII, Number 15 |
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Valentine's date dining destinations
KARA OPPENHEIM
COLUMNIST
Aaaah, Valentine's Day. The only day of the year that requires people to go on a date…such a great holiday. And really, there is no excuse whatsoever to preclude you from going out in honor of the Day of Love. I don't care if you have a sports season starting at midnight or a paper due on Monday; I don't care if you are single, in a relationship, or have a boyfriend or girlfriend who goes to Stanford. This year the holiday even falls on a weekend-no ifs, ands, or buts about it: you're going to dinner with someone this Friday.
Valentine's Day is the only day I can think of with no religious or patriotic obligations; it's a full day devoted to making people feel loved and happy. That said, claiming not to know where to go is also unacceptable. That is why this week (with much help) I have compiled, for your dating pleasure, a list of BOWDOIN DATE PLACES to be used this Valentine's Day and ever after.
The Dining Hall: The most obvious, unoriginal, and most economical, but if need be, an intimate dinner in a Moulton booth or at a back table at Thorne can actually be sort of romantic. However, you absolutely must not talk to anyone else during your meal or get up to check your email under any circumstances. If you really have to go this route, you'd better do something to make it at least a little special.
Scarlet Begonias: A great restaurant, but really only acceptable as a date place if neither you nor your date knows anyone with a car. The walking-distance factor requires you to show no effort (not a good thing when you're trying to make a good impression), and the tiny dining room with few tables in close proximity make intimacy difficult, especially as you're wedged between your econ professor and your freshman year roommate. Plus, the BYOB thing can be awkward.
Pedro O'Hara's: Fun, low-key, perfect date spot for a new relationship or if you don't want to seem like you're trying too hard. Or you could just try to make it to Happy Hour for the $2 margaritas.
Macmillan's: Gross. You might as well go to McDonald's. J.R. Maxwell's, the Bath branch, is equally offensive.
China Rose: You must be kidding.
Big Top or Wild Oats: Underused. Very good for a lunch date (which by the way is absolutely acceptable and not done often enough).
Thai Dish: Nice atmosphere, surprisingly good food.
Benzoni's: Decent restaurant, but not particularly 'date-y.' Better for sports teams or groups of friends.
The Kitchen: See Benzoni's.
Starfish Grill: The go-to "I want to impress you" Bowdoin date place. Very nice, very good food, very iffy service. Makes a good impression-it can get pricey-but extremely unoriginal. Be prepared run into at least three other Bowdoin dates while you're there.
Kristina's in Bath: Really nice, with great food and much better service than Starfish. You may only run into one other Bowdoin date.
Royal River Grill in Yarmouth: A little more unexpected. Cute and cozy.
The Harraseeket Inn Dining Room in Freeport: Another ideal "nice" date place; just watch out for Bowdoin students dining with their parents. For less expensive fare, try the inn's Broad Arrow Tavern.
Robin Hood Meetinghouse in Georgetown: World-famous chef with the dishes and prices to match. About as close as Portland but so much more original!
Fore Street in Portland: If you're in a serious relationship or if you want to turn something into one. Fabulous food, gorgeous setting with a view. Be prepared to spend a little more and drive a bit, but fully worth it.
Street & Co. in Portland: Same ownership as Fore Street. Slightly less expensive, smaller restaurant, smaller menu but still extremely good.
Walter's in Portland: Laid back, not a scene like Fore Street but equally amazing food.
Perfetto's in Portland: Sweet and intimate. If you're in the mood for Italian and are thinking of Benzoni's go here instead.
The Bake House in Portland: A "hidden treasure," says a friend. Also Italian, with out-of-this-world baked goods.
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