Birches in Canton is really nice, but you don't have to dress up and make a big deal about it!

I would suggest the Lebanese Taverna. The space is very nicely turned out, but more importantly I think that the menu lends itself to romantic sharing of unusual dishes. Add that it is also very tasty, and for what more could you for?

Having said that, I must say that after 37 years of marriage ( I was a child bride...lol), and many of the rushed herd meals you discribed, we do not go out on Valentines day.

Having recently dined at Cinghiale for the first time, I wouldn't describe it as "romantic" unless one's version of romantic includes "noisy as all get-out".

How about a Korean reestaurant? It's the least cliche and probably the least crowded. Make a memory over some myserious sea creature stew.

Before my girlfriend and I broke up a few months ago, leaving me a broken wreck of a man with no motivation to do anything but post blog comments all day, we had an understanding. We celebrated VDay together at home, then went out the weekend after. No crowds, no mess and it actually was romantic. Although apparently not enough.

Remember Robert (the Single One)'s rule for eating out on a Hallmark Holiday (Vday & Mother's Day being the primary offenders): transfer to another date. If the relationship can't take that, look for a different 'other.'

Chef's Expressions is offering two romantic Valentine's Dinners (February 14 and 15) with a "Heart of Italy" theme.. Tuscan wines paired with classic Italian dishes..at the beautiful Gramercy Mansion..I know these dinners fill up every year..call 410.561.CHEF for reservations..my husband and I went the past two years..the food is fabulous and the evening is always beautiful. You are seated at gorgeous tables and served a four or five course amazing dinner..with memorable wines.
No waiting in lines..no poor service...just a perfect eve.

Jon Parker-

Don't despair. At least you've had a girlfriend on Valentine's.

For some reason, my relationships always end before Valentine's and begin after Valentine's. It's a a mystery.

But I calculate that I've saved hundreds, if not thousands, over my lifetime!

I had a less-than-thrilling experience at Birches about three years ago where the staff was rude and that rudeness was backed up by the management. We left and will never return again.

Thanks, Diane. I called and made reservation per your suggestion.

Fiore's Winery in Whiteford does dinners. I think they may still do Valentine's Day. It might be romantic dining among the kegs in wine in the cellar.

Our wedding anniversary falls a few days after Vday, making the whole dining out thing more complicated. That said, we had a wonderful romantic dinner at The Bicycle last year.

Jon Parker- HYSTERICAL

Woodberry? With a pic? Really? After the way they treated Owl Meat?

It's OK, LJ. This was originally posted before they dissed our Elizabeth and OMG.

Cinghiale has great food - but not romantic. WAY too noisy.

We are trying Trattoria Alberto this year for Valentine's Day. It's always halfway-romantic in that silly, kitschy way; and the food is awesome.

Of course everyone is avoiding the obvious: Charleston. Really, seriously, the best food in Baltimore, no question. Impeccable service as well. Beautiful setting. What's not to like (other than the price tag)?

As for the poster who suggested Lebanese Taverna...that food is spectacular, but as for romance, unless you find eating in a stadium romantic, I'd say no for LT for romance.

What about some small, out-of-the-way neighborhood dark little bar with food? We have to have a lot of nominees for those!

Good suggestion. I hope you'll post your nominations under tomorrow's Top Ten. Charleston as of today has reservations only at 5:30 p.m., according to Open Table.