Should I stay or should I go... out on Valentine's Day?

by Nicole Weston, Posted Feb 7th 2006 @ 7:00AM

romantic table setting On Valentine's Day, more than 30% of all Americans will eat at a restaurant, making it the second most popular holiday for dining out, after Mother's Day. When numbers are broken down by age, it is not surprising to see that for people between the ages of 25 and 34, the numbers are much higher, with 41% of people dining at a restaurant on February 14. The highest numbers are among the 18-24 year olds, with 47% percent heading out to eat. Those who dine out will spend an average of $62 dollars on dinner, while possibly spending more on gifts such as chocolates and flowers. OpenTable.com is a great way to check for reservations are some of your favorite restaurants across the country and the world.

Though dining out can be fun and romantic, for some lovebirds there is nothing as romantic as a home-cooked meal shared across a table for two. Cooking together or cooking for a loved one can be a more romantic and thoughtful gift than a box of chocolates, for those who enjoy cooking.

There is a divergence of opinion as to which is the best way to go. A restaurant can be too formal, too stuffy, or simply too expensive. Cooking can be too difficult or too stressful, for some. The home might be too casual for a special dinner, or perhaps you want a night away from the kids. The best way to celebrate the holiday is whatever you find to be the most relaxing. When you are relaxed, you are free to spend the evening enjoying the company of the one you love, instead of worrying about the check or burning the cake. Choose intuitively: this holiday is about the heart.

And for those who can't make up their minds, take-out is always an option. Just remember to use the good plates, not the paper ones.

Filed Under: Trends, Did you know?, Chefs & Restaurants, Restaurants
Tags: america, candlelit, candles, casual restaurant, celebrate, couple, couples, dates, dating, did you know, dining out, dinner, eating out, fancy restaurant, february, february 14, holiday, love, lovebirds, lover, out to eat, restaurant, romance, v day, valentine, valentine's day, Valentine'sDay, valentines day

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Reader comments (Page 1 of 1)

2-07-2006 @10:59AM alps said... The problem is, in my opinion, that the head chef usually isn't at the restaurant because it is v-day and said chef is usually celebrating. So the meal is never as good as when you go on a normal day. And, the above is true, a good home cooked meal is far more intimate and romantic. besides then you dont have to sit through the drive home for th rest of the intamacy.
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