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."

Valentine's at Home

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."

Toward that end, Ujlaki has put together a list of Valentine's Day dinner ideas, including main courses that can be made in less than 30 minutes and virtually effortless desserts. Here are a few of her favorite recipes.

Chile-Steamed Mussels with Green Olive Crostini

Total Time: 25 minutes

Serves: 8

Ingredients:

1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

6 garlic cloves, thinly sliced

1 medium red onion, finely chopped

1 red bell pepper, finely chopped

2 jalapeños, seeded and thinly sliced

1 habanero, seeded and thinly sliced

2 cups dry white wine

1 cup tomato sauce

Salt and freshly ground pepper

4 pounds black mussels, scrubbed and debearded

4 scallions, thinly sliced

Green olive crostini, for serving

Directions:

In a large pot, heat the olive oil. Add the garlic, onion, bell pepper, jalapeños and habanero. Cook over moderately high heat, stirring occasionally, until the onion is golden, about 5 minutes. Add the wine and boil over high heat for 1 minute. Add the tomato sauce, season with salt and pepper and bring to a boil. Add the mussels, cover and cook, shaking the pot a few times until the mussels open, about 5 minutes; discard any that don't open. Divide the mussels and broth among 8 bowls; sprinkle with scallions and serve. Serve with green olive crostini.

Recipe by Mario Batali.

Toasted Bread and Bittersweet Chocolate

Total Time: 10 minutes

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

16 thin baguette slices

One 4-ounce bar of bittersweet chocolate, cut into 16 pieces

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

Coarse sea salt for sprinkling

Directions:

Preheat the broiler and position a rack 8 inches from the heat. Spread the baguette slices on a baking sheet and broil until toasted, about 30 seconds. Turn the slices over and set a square of chocolate on each one. Broil just until the bread is golden and the chocolate is beginning to melt (about 30 seconds). Transfer the chocolate toasts to plates and drizzle with the olive oil. Lightly sprinkle sea salt on the chocolate and serve right away.

Recipe by Ferran Adria.

For more of Tina Ujlaki's favorite Valentine's Day dinner ideas and recipes, go to www.foodandwine.com.