*Best Place for a First Date. When you think he or she might be The One, why not have your first date in one of the most beautiful settings in Baltimore? If you aren't sure, you might want to go to an edgy hotspot or a fun ethnic place. With The One, start with where you can return for your 25th anniversary. That would be the Brass Elephant in Mount Vernon.

*Best Place to Propose. Antrim 1844 in Taneytown is lovely, but the Smokehouse dining room itself isn't romantic enough to qualify. The Oregon Grille in Cockeysville doesn't have enough history yet. I suggest the Milton Inn in Sparks, Baltimore's favorite destination restaurant. The menu has broad appeal, the service is amiable, and the wine list approachable. She (or he) will say yes.

*Best Private Dining. Andy reminded me that Aldo's in Little Italy has a wine cellar dining room with one table. It will seat four, but how much nicer if there are only two. The restaurant's other dining rooms are good-looking, and tables are well-spaced, but I like the idea of your own dining room.

*Most Romantic When Price Is No Object. Linwoods in Owings Mills. The handsome dining room with its dark wood, swooping curves, white table linens and candlelight is formal but not staid. Fabric everywhere creates a pleasing hush. The elegant but comforting food and excellent service are there when you can stop looking into your beloved's eyes long enough to pay attention.

*Most Romantic, Budget Edition. b Bistro in Bolton Hill. Like other urban bistros, it can be crowded and noisy. But if price is a consideration, I can't think of another moderately priced restaurant that has the white tablecloth polish and candlelit appeal of b. And there's plenty to love in the lower end of the entree price range.

*Most Romantic Outdoor Setting. The rooftop dining room of the Metropolitan in Annapolis. Built-in benches, covered with white cushions and fat white throw pillows, line the walls. The tables are set with white linen and candles. And, of course, Annapolis is spread out below. Like romantic love, though, its season is short -- catch it before it gets cold.

*Most Romantic Ethnic. Ambassador Dining Room in Homewood. The Tudor-style dining room with its high-backed chairs has what's been described as Old World elegance. As the days get cooler the garden patio becomes an enclosed porch, with fireplaces on either end. It's a bit more expensive than other Indian restaurants, but the romantic setting is worth it.

*Most Romantic for Carnivores. Jordan's Steakhouse in Ellicott City. Of course you know that the Prime Rib will be elegant and fun. But it's the obvious choice, and it can get busy and loud. Jordan's has the let's-fall-in-love thing going, eschewing the men's-club look of many steakhouses for a softer, more romantic ambiance.

*Most Romantic for Vegetarians. Most of the area's vegetarian restaurants seem like just the right place to wear your Tevas. Great Sage in Clarksville has white tablecloths, soft lighting, organic wines, and a reasonably sophisticated way of presenting vegetarian and vegan food.

*Best Place to Snuggle and Coo. With its dim lighting and small, intimate nooks and booths for two, the Melting Pot is a surprise entry in this Top Ten. Thanks to Mary for the suggestion. As she pointed out, sharing fondue can be an intimate experience. Just don't splash hot oil on your loved one.