Cupid, Bring Me a Reservation

Feb. 10, 2007 — -- No matter what gift you give your sweetheart for Valentine's Day, the celebration is not quite complete without that perfect Valentine's dinner. But what if you forgot to make reservations? We called in the experts, and they say don't despair.

If you are without a reservation this close to Valentine's Day, the first thing to do is get on the phone, Tiffany Barbalato of Zagat said. Even though it's a long shot, some restaurants may still have openings, or last-minute cancellations.

If that fails, Barbalato suggests trying something new for Feb. 14. Forget French or fancy Italian.

"Try going for something off the beaten path. Go out for Thai. Try that great new sushi place in your neighborhood," she said. "A place doesn't have to have that traditional prix fixe Valentine's extravaganza to be romantic."

If you're determined to dine in style and you're willing to take a chance, you can try to score a seat at the bar.

"A lot of restaurants hold tables for walk-ins only," Barbalato said. "Let the hostess know you'll be at the bar for an hour having drinks and [ask her] to let you know if anything opens up."

Another option is to keep the romance at home and make dinner for you and your valentine.

"Doing something at home that is creative and unique and homemade is more romantic than going out and sharing your evening with 60 other people," Barbalato said.

Food & Wine executive food editor Tina Ujlaki agreed, and not just because staying in can be cozier.

"The ante is up, the $60 menu becomes a $125 menu, and it's not a day to get great service or a great deal," she said. "Depending on how ambitious you are … you can have an amazing restaurant-quality meal for half the price or less."

If you're going to make your own meal, Ujlaki advises Valentine's Day cooks not to spend too much time on appetizers and to try main courses that are as simple and quick as they are tasty.

"This is the last time in the world you want to set up a challenge for yourself that you're not sure you can handle," Ujlaki said. "Stay away from anything incredibly labor intensive. Valentine's is about celebrating affections for somebody else, not getting frustrated."