Sometimes, no matter how hard one tries to rebel against conventionality, a person can find themselves in a position where eating out on “amateur night” becomes a necessity (i.e. at the very beginning of a relationship, perhaps with a European au pair). In this case, the solution is simple. Go small. Use it as an excuse to finally check out the tiny 20 seat little nook around the corner. I’m not quite sure why today’s posts are filled with disgruntled foodies who know full well what February 14th holds in store for them at their favorite hotspots. As I have said, which I’m quite aware is not a revelation, securing a reservation at a cozy spot with a decent menu is absolutely the way to go. Its far more romantic than any of the biggies, and will be much less likely to alter the menu or change their prices. As far as service goes, you can be assured that you will get the same dedicated, but super slow service you can find any other night. Let the public have one night and you just enjoy the rest of the year, and just revel in the fact that they’re getting screwed.