Loading ...Chic or Cheesy: Restaurant Proposals?
Posted by Kirsten Henri on January 23rd, 2009
Gourmet magazine has an entertaining feature in February’s issue about marriage proposals in restaurants: what can go right (an engagement ring cleverly presented in dessert) and what can go so very wrong (the guest accidentally swallowing said ring).
If you’ve ever worked in a restaurant, especially an ‘occasion’ or romantic restaurant, you undoubtedly have witnessed one of these events. I once waited on a couple who got engaged at the end of a seven course tasting menu and the guy was so nervous he couldn’t enjoy any of the six very expensive courses before dessert. I presented the dessert that had the ring tucked into it and then had to run away from the table while he got down on one knee, since I felt like a third wheel. The lady, who was slightly drunk and had a spectacular pair of fake breasts on display, cried and jumped up and down and everyone in the restaurant clapped. I found it to be cute and gross at the same time and then spent the rest of the night hoping they’d remember who really made the magic happen that night and leave her a big fat tip.
Most of the working industry folk I know are kind of horrified by these public proposals, although owners seem to think they’re good for business. For me, it’s a very intimate moment being made very public in front of a bunch of people you don’t know and will never see again, which is not really my cup of tea. Everyone’s idea of romance is different (see: “The Bachelor”).
Thoughts? Opinions? Has anyone proposed in a restaurant or is thinking of doing it? Would you even do it on Valentine’s Day? Which restaurant would be the best for a proposal?
Lovin’ Spoonfuls [Gourmet]
Related Tags: Opinions, Valentines-Day
January 23rd, 2009 at 11:23 am
I witnessed a proposal at the Llanerch Diner on City Ave. Somehow this after midnight proposal was successful. My friends and I briefly put down our scrapple and omelets to applaud. It was arguably the least romantic proposal in human history.
January 23rd, 2009 at 11:43 am
It’s cheesy. A proposal should be private, in my opinion. Plus, what guy would trust a stranger with the engagement ring? Whether it’s in a glass of wine or in a dessert, that could go terribly wrong. Non-steee to this for me!
January 23rd, 2009 at 11:55 am
I have heard of people dropping a ring in a glass of champagne in a restaurant and honestly, it sounds horrific to me. Especially the thought of putting metal in a glass of perfectly good champange. Attention suitors: leave my drink alone.
January 23rd, 2009 at 12:20 pm
I think this engagement a guy did last week via quizzo answers was kinda cool: http://WWW.johnnygoodtimes.com/archives/005270.shtml
January 23rd, 2009 at 6:02 pm
i personally would be horrified by a restaurant proposal! or any public event. i don’t need the rest of philadelphia witnessing my personal/love life, ya know?
January 24th, 2009 at 5:41 pm
I don’t know, what if she declines your proposal. Than you’re both out of a good restaurant, the guy who got shut down and the girl…. Well you get the idea.
It should be a special intimate experience.