Category: Romantic

This great brunch date spot surpasses the rest with its Swedish delicacies. Named after units of Danish currency, (“three kroners”) this simple white wood restaurant sits near a Scandinavian import store, far out on Foster Street, not too near the delis and breakfast spots of traditionally Swedish Andersonville. However, the authenticity and prices of Tre Kronor make it well worth the trip.

You can bring a date here for breakfast, lunch or dinner, but my favorite is the Swedish brunch. Order the thin, fruity lingonberry pankoeken and smoky Swedish sausage or branch out with tuna salad with grapes and almonds or lox cured in Aquavit, a favorite Norsk liquor transported north across the Equator. Pick the healthy muesli with yogurt and dried fruits and nuts or the Belgian waffle with blueberries and strawberries floating on a whipped cream cloud. Small fresh quiches and flaky pastries are baked here daily.

My hazelnut vanilla pastry combined slivered nuts and delicate cream in a buttery crust. The ioksoppa - baked onion soup - combines onions and thin sliced brown bread and Jarlsberg cheese (a great deal at $4). My date had a spinach and cheese omelet with sausage and brown bread. Omelet selections change daily with plenty of vegetable and meat and fish options. Unique salads include the Swedish Caesar Salad with romaine, Swedish anchovy, Jarlsberg and croutons, Ostallad with mixed greens, goat cheese and bacon and Melonsallad of Bibb lettuce, melon and blue cheese. European-sized portions here are filling but will not overstuff you. The pickles, potato salad, and two kinds of herring are house-made.

If you and your date need coffee to wake up, Tre Kronor will serve you a better cup than many coffee shops. My cappucinno was fluffy and sprinkled with cinnamon (only $2.75). Fresh-squeezed juice and teas are also good complements to the fresh fruit and cheese dishes.

The wood dining room with a fireplace has an Old World coziness, but, like any well-loved brunch spot, it can fill up fast. If you can, sit in the dining room upstairs, a smaller space for quiet conversation by the sunny windows. In summer, try the outdoor seating.

After a fresh, healthy yet fun breakfast at Tre Kronor you’ll feel ready to walk on the beach, peruse the nearby shops or go wherever the day takes you.

Do you wish that you could take your sweetheart to exotic foreign places? Do you dream about sharing coffee and cake in Vienna, Russian tea in St. Petersburg or Thai iced tea in Bangkok? Then, do you wake up and realize that you can’t afford to leave the city?

Yeah, me too.

At times like this, I take my date to Kopi Cafe, on Clark Street and Berwyn in Andersonville. Billing itself as “a café for travelers,” Kopi brews a wider selection of tea and coffee than any café I’ve encountered. The affordable, tasty menu spans several continents and breakfast, lunch, dinner and dessert. Clocks on the wall tell you the time in Katmandu and Tokyo as Jalan Jalan Boutique sells clothes, jewelry, bags, incense and travel books in the back of the shop. Stop in for a cup of tea or coffee or enjoy a full meal, most for less than $10 per person.

Taking its name from an Indonesian word for “coffee”, Kopi Café serves up coffee in all its forms - from simple espresso to fluffy Viennese coffee, Thai iced coffee and frozen espresso treats. Traditional and trendy teas abound here: Darjeeling, red roobios, gunpowder green, anti-oxidant rich white tea, and many healing herbals like Women’s Libertea with dong quai and licorice root. My favorites are white teas with blueberry, strong black Russian tea with sour cherry preserves and yerba mate, a naturally caffeinated South American herb tea. The ultimate shippable indulgence here is Thick.Hot.Sipping,Chocolate, a melted dark chocolate indulgence like a French chocolate pot or the cioccolata I lived on as a student in Florence.

Brunch gets crowded and noisy at Kopi, but with good reason. Brunch items range from old-fashioned croissants, scones, eggs and lox to experimental dishes like Breakfast Pizza of the Future, topped with scrambled eggs, vegetarian sausage and cheese. Crepes and healthy fruit smoothies, including the lychee mangosteen start your day off right or help you recharge after a late night out. No matter how busy brunch gets, servers stay friendly and keep the tables and floor spotless.

The lunch and dinner menu features Greek, Italian, French, Mexican and American inspired soups, salads and sandwiches, making Kopi a good pick if you and your date each want a different cuisine. If you like cheese, split a cheese platter or enjoy the Chevre Chaud salad with crisp goat cheese baguette toasts on a big bed of mixed greens and tomatoes. A unique Greek salad includes a block of feta and tomato pesto with olives and greens. Sandwiches range from Black Forest ham and smoked salmon to Tofurkey sausage and black bean burgers. Panini selections include Caprese Pesto and The Elvis, a fried peanut butter and bananas sandwich.

If you have room for dessert, check the glass cake cases for flourless chocolate cake, carrot cake, fresh cookies and brownies, and puffy yellow Lemon Blossom cookies. You can start or end a date pleasantly at Kopi, which stays open late, or relax in the afternoon on the cushions by the low tables in the front. Peruse the travel books from Jalan Jalan and imagine your next trip to Australia, Brazil, Belgium or Vietnam. Even if you’re on a budget, maybe saving up for your next journey, Kopi encourages you to try new flavors and dream big.

Whether you met online, through a personals ad or got set up through a mutual acquaintance, a blind date is still a blind date. In these situations, it’s always best to meet in some open, public place and depart from there as well. It is also a good idea to select a location you like but don’t frequent and is not near your home. You never know if things will work out or not, and well… you might not want to take a chance on bumping into this person again. And don’t forget, before you leave, be sure to let someone know where you’re going. It also might not be such a bad idea to have that someone call you at a specified time, just in case you feel the need to pack it in early.

With that in mind, I have a few restaurant ideas for places that are slightly outside the regular stomping grounds and offer just the right amount of privacy, they’re light hearted and fun and, since you might be splitting the check, are not too pricey.

The Sphinx Café: I’ve yet to meet a person who doesn’t like falafel or kabobs, and for vegetarians and meat eaters alike, Mediterranean food is always a great choice! This place is an especially good choice, because belly dancing is just plain fun! And, if the night seems to be going well, feel free to stick around for when the place transforms into a night club!

Tandoor Fine Indian Cuisine: If Indian food is on your mind but you want to take it up a notch, as well as guarantee finding a parking spot, be sure to hit this place up! The food is terrific, the $10 buffet on Friday and Saturday nights is really good, and the overall décor is quaint yet has a touch of class. Be sure to grab a mango lassi!

Addis Abeba: Ethiopian food at its most delicious and fun! It’s a great place to experiment something new while getting a sampling of something familiar at the same time. And communal, sans silverware eating is sure to strike up a conversation or two!

Al’s Char-House: If you like it big and beefy and ain’t shy about asking for a takeout box, then this is the place to go! And, there’s always the bonus of getting a great steak without breaking the bank!

Horan’s Snug: When Irish comfort food and casual dining is what you’re craving but you want to steer clear of the commercial and tacky, then be sure to give this place a try. And if you both also happen to be Karaoke lovers, then you’ll find yourselves in absolute heaven on Saturday night!

Just because you didn’t get paid this week, don’t think you can’t afford to take someone out on a date. You may have to venture outside the confines of the city, but it’s definitely possible. Just hop on the blue line and take it to the very last stop: Forest Park. It’s here that you can find a few destinations that are not only fabulously romantic, they’re cheap, too.

The other day I met up with my date and we headed over to Todd and Holland Tea Merchants, a one-of-a-kind store located in Forest Park’s famed Madison Street area. I’d been in there once before, and the aroma walking in was enough for me to fall in love. Every kind of tea imaginable can be found here, as well as lesser known flavors that will have you longing for more. Right away, the store’s owner approached and offered us a tea sample. Poured into a small glass, this “Waikiki Beach” Japanese green tea was a unique take on an old favorite. Even without adding sugar, the tea had a sweet taste and an even sweeter aroma, thanks to a bit of pineapple. This lightly flavored delight really did conjure up images of breakfast with fresh fruit on a far-off Hawaiian beach.

My date and I slipped into a calming, tea-induced trance. The owner invited us to open small sample jars of tea and smell them, giving us a better idea of the flavors behind the clever names. Quietly, we perused the spotless, carefully arranged shelves full of high-end merchandise and both wished we had brought our credit cards. But the experience that the store provides (which is free) left us both feeling relaxed and comfortable, and ready for a good meal.

Across the street and down a little ways was our next destination: a charming, lesser-known pub-style restaurant called Skrine Chops. I’d passed this place before and took a look at their menu. Shockingly, this place features a pork chop dinner for $8.00! That in itself caught my eye, and on this night, I was determined to find out what it was all about.

Stepping in, it’s hard to tell if the restaurant’s name fits the atmosphere. With tarnished wood tables, stuffed remnants of hunted deer and other animals, and a miniature train set that runs the entire length of the restaurant, it definitely shouts “rustic cabin,” not-so-much “chophouse.” Right away a waiter came by and gave us menus—consisting of only a page—and in only a few minutes we had chosen from this modest list.

My date and I sipped frothy beers in big mugs and watched families and couples wander in. The crowd was boisterous and cheery, and we didn’t feel we had to speak softly. Minutes later, two hot plates arrived: mine with a sizzling pork chop and a huge helping of mashed potatoes and my date’s oversized grilled chicken sandwich dripping with barbecue sauce. This sandwich has a twist: the mashed potatoes are spread on top of the meat! It seems strange, but it tastes great.

My chop was tender and juicy and everything you’d want from an indulgent chunk of meat. The mashed potatoes were creamy, hot and irresistible. Tangy barbecue sauce finished off the combination perfectly, and before I knew it, I was full.

When the bill came, I wasn’t worried. Even with both of our meals and both of our drinks, the tab was only $25! And I honestly felt that my meal alone would have cost $25 in any other establishment. In no hurry, my date and I sipped the last of our beers and took advantage of the cozy atmosphere.

It’s nice to have money, but don’t let a lack of it hold you back. There’s lots to do in both the suburbs and the city that are fun and romantic and won’t leave you broke. Check out Skrine Chops next time you’re hurting for cash.

There’s nothing like old world charm hidden away in a modern metropolis. I went out for a night on the town a few weeks back, and I found a little place that warmed me from head to toe—with both the hot tea and the inviting atmosphere.

It couldn’t have been a more romantic night. It started out with Mozart’s Mass in C Minor at a performance by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Up in the dizzying gallery, I could see the tops of all the musicians’ heads and the glimmer of the brass instruments. Surprisingly, there were tons of young couples there, dressed their best, sipping cocktails at intermission.

All told, it was a great show, and the perfect place to go on a date. But the best came next, when we skipped over to Russian Tea Time, a nearby after-concert hangout that drew us in from the cold with its cozy charm. Walking in, the place is decked out in lavish burgundy fabric and overly ornate chandeliers. Dark wood accents provided a nice complement to the neat, white tablecloths on the cramped tables. Truly, I felt like I was back in “the old country” (if I could claim a country other than this one).

Right after nabbing a seat a friendly waiter came over. “Russian tea?” And that’s when the evening really started. The waiter brought out a tea cup and saucer, along with sugar cubes and lemon, and then filled the cup to the brim. It wasn’t until I had a cup of that steaming, robust black tea that I knew that my night out was going to last until the early hours of the morning. Russian Tea Time describes their “Russian Caravan” tea by saying that the “unique aroma and taste is reminiscent of the campfires of traders as they made the camel-ridden long journey over the Silk Road.”

The tea really does take you to another place and time. Every time I would put my cup down after downing a huge gulp, the waiter would return and fill it back up with more hot, black liquid. All in all, I probably had four or five cups, and each sip was as hot as the last.

The menu there was amazing. Not only do they serve every kind of liquor imaginable, they boast a large wine selection, a sizable martini list, and of course, beer. On this particular night, though, I was sticking with the tea. If I’d had the chance to really peruse the menu first, I might have gone for their “Full Tea Service” deal: for $22.95 per person, you get a pot of tea, scones, “savories” (appetizers) and sweets.

Instead we ordered borscht and the pumpkin vereniky, which was served with a dark onion bread. I dropped a dollop of sour cream into the borscht, a soup made of beets and cabbage and spiced to perfection. The pumpkin vereniky—small, delicate dumplings—was a refreshing surprise. We spread the butter thick on the soft, dark bread, and after even more tea, realized we were full. And once our feast was over, we found ourselves conveniently nestled in the most romantic environment, full of deep colors, soothing music, and the sounds of gentle whispers as couples enjoyed their desserts from a decadent menu of blintzes, tortes, strudels and ice cream. We held hands on the table and I glanced down and caught a glimpse of one of the tea quotes printed on the menu:

“As long as it’s hot and wet and goes down the right way, that’s all that matters.”
–Duchess of York

Around midnight we left Tea Time and caught a cab over to Greektown. We were ready to paint the town red, and we ended up at a little neighborhood bar called “Spectrum Bar and Grill.” On this particular night, there was a live blues band, being enjoyed by an older crowd. We headed for the high tables and chairs in the back by the darts, and cuddled and talked until the band started to play. Pendant lighting created eerie shadows on people’s faces, and here and there was a creepy guy lurking.

But later, almost as if by clockwork, the crowd changed. Younger couples and groups poured in and immediately started with lively discussions, changing the atmosphere completely. By then, me and my date had downed a few drinks and were ready to come out of hiding. As the night went on, the place got livelier, until our eyelids were droopy and our tab was high and we decided to call it a night. But not before exchanging hugs and kisses to end one of the most romantic dates I’ve ever been on.

Take it from me; start with tea and see where the night goes.

No longer relegated to the thing parishioners do after church on Sundays, brunch has taken on a whole new meaning for couples who want to spend some time together but also want to keep it a little more casual than a formal evening meal. Many restaurants around the city have added brunch to their menus, and they have also gotten pretty creative with them, too! Check out some of these locations for great alternatives to the standard fare anytime of the year!

Cafe 28: Take a pass on the usual Bloody Mary and go with the minty freshness that is Mojito! The perfect mix of authentic Cuban and Mexican fare, right alongside the Americana favorites gets a huge thumbs up from every patron.

Jane’s Restaurant: For folks who want to add a little simple elegance to their experience but don’t want to take out a loan to do so, Jane’s serves up some fantastic and healthy alternatives to what you might be used to. The menu changes along with the seasons, but certain favorites stick around even in the dead of winter.

The Signature Room: There is probably no better view of the city when dining than from the top of the Hancock, and when you want to really want to have a romantic experience along with your meal and don’t mind dropping a little more cash, then this is the place to go! With a place like this available, who said question popping needs to be reserved for dinner only?

Lula Cafe: This is probably one of the most popular brunch spots on the north side, and for good reason! Just be sure to get down there earlier in the day, because it tends to get rather crowded as brunch time wears on.

Twisted Spoke: Burgers for breakfast? No, not quite, but the fixins here are darned good eatin’! And hey, these guys got inventive enough to mix a Bloody Mary right in the pan, so no need for a celery stick!

The Chicago Diner:A new twist to old favorites, the guys down at the Diner offer the Vegan Brunch starting at $5.95, and I swear you’ll never miss the grease! So many delicious options to choose from, and what’s more, you can get this special any day of the week! Be sure to try one of their shakes!!!

If you are really trying to make a good first impression or want to celebrate a mile stone, this is the ultimate place to take that special someone. Fondue is fun, communal and slow paced – a great way to get to really know and spend time with each other! With the very dark setting, soft candle lighting and gentle guitar strumming, it really sets up the night for all that is romance. And yes, there is just something so sexy and seductive about watching your date slowly ease a hot and decadent morsel of food off a skewer with his or her mouth, perhaps dripping a bit of melted cheese onto the corner and licking it ever so gently.

Now when I say dark, I mean it! In fact, I suggest going later in the evening so that your eyes will be better suited for adjusting when coming in from the outside. And while the food is certainly not for the health conscious, since anything this sinful usually carries extra calories along for the ride, there is no mistaking its absolute deliciousness. And for those who don't quite have their fancy table etiquette down pat, this formal dining style takes all the worry out of the bag. It's little wonder why fondue is making such a big come back!

To make the most out of the overall experience, go with one of their premier fondue dinners. The salad is pretty slim but fresh, but everything else brought out to you is very well deserving of its price tag. That, and all those wonderful dipping sauces for the high grade meats and seafood are simply superb! Appetizers and dessert are included, so it helps to take the stress out of what to order as well. The only thing left to choose is from their ample wine list, of which the servers are more than helpful and knowledgeable on.

Geja's is so popular and sought after with couples that they begin booking Valentine's Day a month ahead. However, I suggest going on a week night, since the place really books up on weekends and seating can be a little tight. Also, parking in the area is notoriously painful, so it's a good idea to take them up on their $8 valet service offer. Mondays offer half bottle wine specials, which is good for couples who choose to load up on the food instead of the alcohol, and it's also the easiest night to score a secluded booth.

For hundreds of years, men have swooned women from their lofty abodes with poetry and literature. Even in today’s society, serving up a good book as the main course of your Valentine gift giving is a classic that us ladies still very much enjoy! (Just remember to steer clear of anything revolving around dieting!)

First off, avoid shopping at the Big Box stores if at all possible. There are so many wonderful Mom and Pop stores that will take the time to find just the one your partner will truly enjoy, and will ensure your gift has that uniqueness to it that says you really care. Transitions over by the North Avenue Whole Foods has a wide variety of spiritual, meditative and uplifting books and gifts that should prove to make your choices more clear. Of course, if you want something even more on the Crafty side, Alchemy Arts will certainly do the trick, with each page heavy with the scent of incense to boot! Of course, those who want to stir some real passion may want to (re)discover Early To Bed for a myriad of sexy and romantic topics. (And perhaps pick up a new toy or two!) And of course, art lovers would be thrilled to receive something special from Art Effects, too!

Now the trick to giving a book on the most romantic of holidays is to include it in a gift basket. Depending on the intimacy level your relationship is at, you will want to theme the basket accordingly. For example, Transitions shoppers may include a little Buddha statue and tiny gong, while the folks who went to Art Effects would add a variety of supplies based on his or her favorite medium. Of course, those who want to add a little magic to their lives would enjoy hand made candles and soaps from there! And oh my yes, those who found themselves at Early to Bed will have no problem finding the perfect side dishes for spicing up the evening!

All that’s left then is having a basket to put it all in. Believe me, it’s not hard at all! Just find some quality Easter basket basics at just about any store and fill it up with the goodies! Then, “wrap” it in a appropriately sized gift bag with tissue paper to cover the top. Viola! The perfect gift your partner will cherish for years to come!

So tomorrow is the big day, with Valentine's Day falling on a Thursday. If you can spare it, and you two really want to fan the flames, why not schedule Friday off and stretch out the holiday as a three day weekend! I’ve got some fantastic last minute ideas for you that won’t break the budget, nor will it cause you to drive all that far!

Besides heading down to Millennium Park for some ice skating and checking out the beautifully colored ice, or perhaps hopping on a horse drawn carriage through Lincoln Park, there are other wonderful ways to embrace the peak of winter!

Head up north just beyond the border to get in some skiing or snow boarding! Wilmot Mountain is one of Chicagoans’ best kept secrets for folks who want to squeeze in a little more powder time. Thanks to all the snow we’ve had lately and a prediction for a little more, along with doable temperatures, it is just so worth the hour drive! And if you don’t have any gear, relax, because they rent just about everything you need. Hopefully, they’ll one day get around to extending the Metra train so folks can ditch the car altogether.

And hey, while you’re in the area anyway, why not get in some cross country skiing at the nearby Chain O’ Lakes State Park. The various trails are ideal places to explore, as the winter forest is just so majestic and enchanting. Those wanting to cruise about on their snowmobiles are welcome to do so from various frozen lake water access points, but not on in the park itself. However, the frozen Fox River serves up as a pretty awesome snowmobile highway! And if you get a little too chilly, feel free to warm up in the park office.

Those of you wanting to drive just a little further may choose to head into Lake Geneva just over the border. The town is just so picturesque with wonderful places to shop, eat and play year round. Needless to say, there is a plethora of bed and breakfasts in the area to accommodate all tastes and budgets. In fact, there is even one that is just for vegetarians called Inn Serendipity!

Of course, nothing beats snuggling in front of a fireplace in a cabin out in the wilderness and letting the flames lick your face. If you can score a reservation this late in the game and don’t mind splurging a little, Starved Rock Lodge is your best bet! The surrounding state park is natural beauty defined, making it the absolute perfect setting for popping the question.

I've been reading on my personal blog lately that some of my single friends are starting to feel really left out, now that Valentine's Day is rolling around again. (No thanks to the Burgundy Box or the "Teddies By Phone" commercials.) I've been there myself, so I completely understand. No matter what you try to say to yourself, being alone on a holiday that is all but designed for couples can feel rather lonely. This is when you whip out the phone book and start making some calls! After all, isn't that what friends are for?

Here's a quick list of places to get together with some friends and spread that love! All around! All around! Woot! Woot!

Diversey Rock N' Bowl - This bowling alley is just so much fun to hang out at! You can grab a beer, order up some munchies, get a little active and a whole lot chatty! And besides, there's no predisposition here about having to be accompanied by a significant other.

Thousand Waves Spa - Ladies! Go ahead and love yourselves unconditionally! There is just no better place to kick back and relax with your girlfriends than here. I love this place, because there is no prerequisite about only girlie girls being permitted, so the intimidation level is way low. Soak, pamper, rinse and repeat.
(Oh and guys - I hear the Division St. Russian and Turkish Baths in Wicker Park is your perfect un-foux foux equivalent! Bring your own shower slippers!)

Quenchers - This is one bar I highly recommend, as the bar trolls are kept on the low down and the atmosphere is just plain fun! The bartenders are very nice, the prices are reasonable, and I'll say it again, tots just plain rock! And hey - the bands playing that night sound rather interesting (Sexfist and Swampcandy, anyone?)

The Exit - If it's Thursday night, it must be Bondage A Go Go! And if it's V. Day, you just know the performance is going to be something Special! Get dressed up in your funkiest and be prepared to party hard! There is simply no better place to go people watching than here, or to simply admire the rockin' atmosphere! And hey, the drink specials ain't half bad, neither!

Of course, you can always have a little get together at your house and rent up a couple good action or comedy movies on DVD. Keep it festive and fun, and don't forget to not overdo it - you still have to work the next day!